Patent ID: 7739804
Filing Date: 2010-06-22
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 comprising: two support arms each having a proximal end and extending to a free distal end to which an end member is secured, the proximal ends being pivotably secured to the frame about spaced-apart proximal pivot axes each intersecting the side-faces such that the distal ends and end members are movable between storage positions along one of the side-faces and use positions beyond the reference surface and stud; a coordinating arm substantially parallel to the main reference surface and pivotably secured to each of the support arms at positions offset from the proximal axes for synchronous movement of the support arms; and each end member extending from a respective one of the distal ends crosswise with respect to the mainwidth and terminating in a stud-engaging portion which extends in a direction intersecting the plane of the reference surface, whereby when the reference surface is against a stud surface the stud-engaging portions engage the opposite side of the stud for hands-free holding of the level thereagainst.