Patent ID: 7908753
Filing Date: 2011-03-22
Classification: G01C

Abstract:
1. In a level for gauging stud orientation, the level including an elongate frame with two side-faces and at least one main reference surface extending therealong and having a mainwidth, a level indicator secured to the frame, and a support arm to facilitate holding of the reference surface against the stud, the improvement wherein: the support arm has a proximal end and extends to a free distal end which includes an end member, the support arm being pivotably secured to the frame about a pivot axis such that the distal end and end member are movable between a storage position along one of the side-faces and a use position beyond the reference surface and stud; a coil spring about the pivot axis biases the distal end and end member to the storage position; the proximal end of the support arm being axially biased toward the side-face of the support-arm storage position and is axially depressible to a support-arm pivot use position; and the end member extends from the distal end and terminates in a stud-engaging portion, whereby when the reference surface is against a stud surface the stud-engaging portion engages the stud for hands-free holding of the level thereagainst.