Abstract:
The present invention is a construction level system having interconnectable level sections and attachments that can be stored in a carrying bag. Each level section has a construction level and a pair of locking mechanisms that enable interconnections to other level sections or attachments. The locking mechanisms have mating profiles and a locking lever that enable a user to securely mate the locking mechanisms of different level sections together. The carrying bag has pockets sized to the level sections. The bag further comprises a carrying strap and a plurality of compartments for retaining small objects such as pencils and tools.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     There are currently no applications co-pending with the present application. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The presently disclosed subject matter is directed towards spirit (bubble) construction levels and leveling systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to construction levels that can be selectively interconnected to form a longer level or a level having special capabilities. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The spirit construction level is one (1) of the most widely used and essential construction tools in existence. It can be used to level walls, floors, stairs, shelves, pictures, cameras, machinery and when properly configured can determine vertical alignment. The spirit construction level dates from around 1620, with a major improvement made in about 1920 that resulted in simplified operation. Modern spirit construction levels are simple in operation, low in cost, capable of very high accuracy, and flexible in application. The spirit construction level has been used successfully for generations around the world. 
     Construction levels usually include a rigid body comprised of a tough, lightweight material with has flat top and bottom surfaces to enable marking straight lines. A typical sprit construction level has two (2) or three (3) glass or clear plastic vials that are almost filled with a liquid, usually an alcohol. Each vial has a couple of accurately positioned marks. “Almost filled” is important because not completely filling a vial with the liquid results in a bubble. When a vial is properly installed in the body if the vial bubble rests between the marks the vial is horizontal (or vertical, depending on the orientation of the vial). If the vial is not level the bubble “floats” away from the space between the marks. 
     By locating and positioning the vials correctly both horizontal level and vertical level (plumb) can be determined Furthermore, it is possible to locate the bubble in a round vial and provide indicia marks around the bubble. The bubble can then be used to determine angles. By placing multiple vials in a single body a plurality of pre-selected angles can be found (such as 0°, 30°, 45°, and 90°). 
     While spirit construction levels have been extremely successful for generations, they are not without problems. One (1) particular problem is selecting the length of a spirit construction level. Shorter levels are easier to use than longer ones, but they are less accurate. Furthermore, longer levels can provide easier alignments and line markings. So, choosing the correct length is a problem. Another problem with prior art spirit construction levels is that their own success requires users to often carry multiple levels. Some might be longer, some shorter, some more accurate, and some might allow angle measurements. Using a multitude of construction spirit levels can be expensive and makes storage and carrying difficult. 
     Therefore, a construction sprit level system that can be configured as a short level and as a long level would be beneficial. Even more beneficial would be a construction sprit level system that can expand short levels into long levels. Beneficially such a construction spirit level system would enable angle measurements, vertical determination, and horizontal level. A construction sprit level useable with various attachments would also be useful. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The principles of the present invention provide for sprit construction level systems that can be configured as both short and long levels. Those principles further provide for construction sprit level systems having angle measurements, vertical determination, horizontal level and use with various attachments. 
     Those principles are incorporated in a construction level system having an elongated level body with two (2) ends and at least one (1) vial opening. A bubble vial is retained inside the vial opening. On one (1) end of the level body are a “T”-shaped male extension and an upper enclosure having a slide track. A slide is retained in the slide track. On the other end of the level body are a female “T” slot and a slide slot that opens into a latch. The female “T” slot and the “T”-shaped male extension are dimensioned to fit together such that the slide aligns with the slide slot. 
     By dimensioning the female “T” slot and the “T”-shaped male extension as described above multiple levels can be fit together to configure a construction level of a desired length. Preferably, the level body includes at least one (1) handle opening, while the slot includes a lip that snap fits into the latch, slot ears to assist sliding along the slide track, and a gripping surface. The vial can be fixed in place or made removable. If removable, the vial beneficially snaps into position within the vial opening. Preferably, at least the male end includes slots for receiving straps. A clamp can be used to clamp the construction level to an object. 
     As noted two (2) or more construction levels can be attached together to form one construction level. The attached construction levels can be made at right angles to form a carpenter level. To that end a cubic attachment having connected “T” slots can be used. A construction level in the form of a degree attachment with degree indicia can be one of the interconnected construction levels. Alternatively, the second construction level can be a pitch level or an extension level. A storage bag having multiple pockets can be used to store the construction level system and its attachments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like elements are identified with like symbols and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a construction level that is in accord with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an opposing perspective view of the construction level illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3   a  is a close-up perspective view of a male end of the construction level illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 3   b  is another close-up perspective view of the male end illustrated in  FIG. 3   a;    
         FIG. 4  is a close-up perspective view of a female end of the construction level illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of a pair of construction levels; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of the pair of construction level illustrated in  FIG. 5  after they are interconnected; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a removable center vial used in the construction level; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a right angle attachment used in the construction level; 
         FIG. 9  is another perspective view of the right angle attachment illustrated in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a clamp used in the construction level; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an attachable pad accessory used in the construction level; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the construction level illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  and which depicts attachment straps; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a degree attachment used in the construction level; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a pitch level used in the construction level; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an extension level used in the construction level; and, 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a storage bag suitable for use with embodiments of the present invention. 
       DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
         10  construction level system 
         20  level body 
         21  fixed vial 
         22  vial opening 
         23  handle opening 
         24  handle grip 
         25  removable vial 
         26  side panels 
         27  line opening 
         28  upper panel 
         29  upper panel locking feature 
         30  male end 
         31  male extension 
         32  tee 
         33  upper enclosure 
         34  slide 
         35  slide gripping surface 
         36  lip 
         37  slide ear 
         38  slide track 
         39  male end slot 
         40  female end 
         41  female extension 
         42  latch 
         43  tee-slot 
         44  tee-slot bottom surface 
         45  slide slot 
         46  female end slot 
         47  vial opening 
         48  locking feature opening 
         50  storage bag 
         51  exterior surface 
         52  upper opening 
         53  upper interior surface 
         54  upper lid 
         55  zipper 
         56  lower opening 
         57  lower interior surface 
         58  lower lid 
         59  length adjustable bag handle 
         60  pockets 
         61  flap 
         62  pocket opening 
         63  fasteners 
         70  right angle attachment 
         71  first slot 
         72  right angle second slot 
         75  clamp 
         76  first extension 
         77  second extension 
         78  adjustable knob 
         80  articulating pad 
         81  rectangular pad 
         82  “U”-shaped bracket 
         83  axle 
         84  pivoting brace 
         85  brace slot 
         92  strap 
         94  fastener 
         95  degree 
         96  degree center vial 
         97  degree indicia 
         98  bubble 
         99  pitch member 
         100  pitch level 
         102  pitch level vials 
         105  extension level 
         106  center vial 
         107  end vials 
         108  movable member 
         110  container 
         111  container lid 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 16 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The principles of the present invention provide for an interconnectable construction level system  10  that has enhanced and expandable features. As with prior art spirit construction levels the levels used in the construction level system  10  indicate to a user whether a surface or object is level or plumb. However, the construction level system  10  can provide the accuracy of prior art long construction levels and the compactness and ease of use of prior art short construction levels. The construction level system  10  also enables that use of various accessories that enable certain tasks to be preformed. 
     Refer now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , which are perspective views of different sides of a construction level system  10  that is in accord with the principles of the present invention. The construction level system  10  is preferably purchased in multiples (at least pairs) to enable a user to implement a construction spirit level having a desired length. The construction level system  10  includes an elongated and generally rectangular level body  20  having two (2) ends. The level body  20  is beneficially about thirty (30) inches in length, two-and-seven-sixteenths (2 7/16) inches in height, and one-and-three-eighths (1⅜) of an inch in width. The level body  20  is beneficially primarily fabricated from materials such as, but not limited to: aluminum, steel, wood, plastic, or the like. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , looking from either the front or back the level body  20  can be seen to retain a plurality of fixed vials  21  and a removable vial  25  ( FIG. 7  shows the removable vial  25  in more detail). The level body  20  further includes a pair of handle openings  23 . The vials  21 ,  25  enable a user to determine if the construction level system  10  is level or plumb while the handle openings  23  enable easy carrying and/or positioning. The fixed vials  21  are preferably positioned near opposing ends of the construction level system  10  while the removable vial  25  is preferably positioned at the middle of the construction level system  10 . Ideally a user can view the vials  21 ,  25  from either the front or back of the level body  20 . 
     As shown, the vials  21 ,  25  are positioned within vial openings  22  and are orientated at desired angles relative to the elongation axis of the level body  20 . Such angles are beneficially zero (0°), forty-five (45°), and ninety (90°) degrees as is common in prior art levels. However, other orientations may be used. The vials  21 ,  25  are preferably comprised of glass tubes that are incompletely filled with fluid so as to create bubbles  98  (see, for example,  FIGS. 4 and 7  for bubbles) within the vials  21 ,  25 . A bubble  98  will travel to the center position of its associated vial once that vial is level or plumb. The handle opening  23  enables a user to grasp a handle grip  24  for transporting or positioning purposes. The handle grip  24  beneficially comprises an ergonomic design usable from either the front or back. 
     The construction level system  10  has a male end  30  (also see  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b ) on one end of the level body  20  and a female end  40  (see  FIG. 4 ) on the opposite end of the level body  20 . As is subsequently described the ends  30 ,  40  are configured to enable connecting multiple construction level systems  10  together. By doing so a construction spirit level having a desired length can be obtained. 
     Referring now specifically to  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b , the male end  30  has locking features which are used to engage and to lock with the female end  40  of another construction level system  10 . The male end  30  includes a male extension  31  which is preferably fabricated from rubber and which is attached via an integral molding or similar techniques onto one end of the level body  20 . The end of the male extension  31  includes an integrally molded tee  32  which does not span the full height of the level body  20 , being slightly below the top of the level body  20  and the male extension  31 . The tee  32  is configured to slidably engage and mate with a tee slot  43  (see  FIG. 4  and described below) of a female extension  40 . 
     Still referring primarily to  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b , the male extension  31  includes an upper enclosure  33  having a slide track  38 . The upper enclosure  33  houses and retains a slide  34  which can slide along the slide track  38 .  FIG. 3   b  shows the upper enclosure  33  in partial cut-away for illustrative purposes. The slide  34  has a generally rectangular shape which can be extended past the male extension  31 . The slide  34  has an upwardly curved body with slide ears  37  on opposing edges and ends in a lip  36 . The slide  34  further includes a slide gripping surface  35  which provides the user with a contact surface area to enable moving the slide  34  along the slide track  38 . 
     The slide  34  can be slid out of the upper enclosure such that the lip  36  extends to engage a slide slot  45  (see  FIG. 4 ) of the female end  40  to secure a pair of construction level systems  10  together. The slide  34  is beneficially comprised of a resilient material which enables the slide  34  to be inserted within a slide slot  45  (see  FIG. 4 ) of the female end  40 . The slide track  38  is preferably integral to inner side walls of the upper enclosure  33 . 
     Refer now to  FIG. 4 . On the other end of the level body  20  opposite the male end  30  (see  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b ) is the female end  40 . The female end  40  is configured to connect to a male end  30  of another construction level system  10 . The female end  40  has a female extension  41  which is beneficially fabricated from rubber and is attached as an integral molding or similar techniques to the level body  20 . The female end  40  includes a side slot  45  that extends into a latch  42 . When connecting two construction level systems  10  together the tee  32  of the male end  30  ( FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b ) slides into the tee-slot  43  of the female end  40 . The slide  34  is then slightly depressed and extended into the side slot  45  using the slide gripping surface  35 . Eventually the lip  36  passes into the latch  42 . The slide  34  is then released, the lip  36  engages the latch  42 , and two construction level systems  10  are interconnected together. 
     In practice the tee-slot  43  and the slide slot  45  are positioned slightly below the upper surface of the female extension  41 . The tee-slot  43  beneficially has a tee-slot bottom surface  44  that prohibits the tee  32  of another construction level system  10  from falling through the tee-slot  43 . The tee-slot bottom surface  44  also beneficially aligns the slide slot  45  with the slide  34 . The slide slot  45  is slightly larger than the slide  34  to enable proper sliding engagement. 
     Refer now to  FIGS. 5 and 6  for depictions of how to attach one (1) construction level system  10  to another construction level system  10 . As shown in  FIG. 5  the male end  30  of one (1) construction level system  10 , specifically the one on the left, is aligned with the female end  40  of the other construction level system  10 , the one on the right. The aligned end  30  and  40  are then mated, resulting in the combined system shown in  FIG. 6 . As the combined construction level systems  10  have an end with a male end  30  and an end with a female end  40  additional construction level systems  10  can be joined together. 
       FIG. 7  presents a perspective view of the removable center vial  25  that enables a user to determine a level line. While the removable vial  25  is preferably intermediately positioned other positions may be used. Opposing ends of the removable vial  25  have integral side panels  26  which enable a line to be hooked onto a pair of line openings  27  to help set the levelness of the vial  25 . The removable vial  25  engages and disengages with a level body vial opening  47  upon a top intermediate portion of the level body  20 . An upper panel  28  sits within the level body vial opening  47  to enable an upper panel locking feature  29  to engage and secure within a locking feature opening  48  upon a top intermediate surface of the level  20 . The upper panel locking feature  29  secures the removable vial  25  into the level  20 . 
       FIG. 8  presents a perspective view of a right angle attachment  70  while  FIG. 9  presents another perspective view of the right angle attachment  70  as used in the construction level systems  10 . The right angle attachment  70  enables transforming a pair of construction level systems  10  into a carpenter square. The right angle attachment  70  is generally cubed shaped and includes a right angle first slot  71  and a right angle second slot  72 . The right angle attachment  70  is beneficially fabricated from materials similar to or compatible with the ends  30  and  40 . Each right angle slot  71 ,  72  has a generally “T”-shaped recess that enables the tee  32  of the male end  30  to be inserted by sliding. The right angle slots  71 ,  72  form a right angle. A pair of construction level systems  10  can be joined together using the right angle attachment  70  and male ends  30  to form a carpenter&#39;s square. 
     The construction level system  10  also includes a clamp  75  as shown in  FIG. 10 . The clamp  75  enables the construction level system  10  to be temporarily attached to a desired structure or surface. The clamp  75  has a first extension  76  and a second extension  77  which are comprised of opposing “L”-shaped members in which the first extension  76  slides within the second extension  77 . An adjustable knob  78  is threaded into the second extension  77  to friction fit against the first extension  76  to fix the first extension  76  at a desired length. The clamp  75  is preferably fabricated from various durable materials and should be available in various lengths. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an articulating pad  80  used in the construction level system  10 . The articulating pad  80  enables a user to attach the construction level system  10  at a desired angle. The articulating pad  80  comprises a rectangular pad  81  that is beneficially fabricated from materials such as, but not limited to: rubber, metal, or the like. At an intermediate location on the rectangular pad  81  is a “U”-shaped bracket  82  that enables attachment of a pivoting brace  84 . At the proximate end of the “U”-shaped bracket  82  is an axle  83  which enables the pivoting brace  84  to pivot. The distal end of the pivoting brace  84  has a brace slot  85  which comprises a generally “T”-shaped recess that mates with the tee  32  of the male end  30 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates the use of straps  92  to attach the level body  20  to another object for leveling, such as a pipe. Each strap  92  is comprised of a durable material such as nylon and further includes a fastener  94  on each end of the strap  92 . Typical fasteners include hook-and-loop fasteners, clips, snaps, and the like. The straps  92  are inserted through a male end slot  39  or a female end slot  46  to enable securing the level body  20  to the desired object. With the straps  92  passed through either end slot  39 ,  46  the straps  92  are wrapped around the desired object and secured with the fastener  94 . 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a degree attachment  95  that enables a user to set the tilt of the construction level system  10  to a desired angle. The degree attachment  95  comprises a degree center vial  96  and a plurality of degree indicia  97  around the degree center vial  96 . The degree center vial  96  is comprised of a circular member that retains a fluid and a bubble  98 . The degree indicia  97  are comprised of various alphanumeric characters which correspond to various angles which the level body  20  may be positioned. The degree attachment  95  also includes a pitch member  99  that depicts the desired angle and a tee-slot  43  that enables attachment to a male end  30 . Opposing the pitch member  99  is a vial  21  that enables the user to see when the construction level system  10  is level and a tee  32  that enables attachment to a female end  40 . 
       FIG. 14  presents a perspective view of a pitch level  100  while  FIG. 15  presents a perspective view of an extension level  105  attachments of the construction level system  10 . The pitch level  100  is useful for determining the pitch of a surface using a degree center vial  96  with a bubble  98  and degree indicia  97  as described above. The pitch level  100  beneficially includes a pair of pitch level vials  102  to depict the levelness of the surface. The extension level  105  comprises a center vial  106 , a pair of end vials  107  and a pair of movable members  108 . The movable members are preferably comprised a toothed adjustable system capable of extending from approximately thirty-two (32) inches to forty (40) inches. One (1) end of the pitch level  100  and extension level  105  comprises a tee  32  to attach to a female end  40  of another construction level system  10  while the other end has a tee-slot  43  to attach to the male end  30  of another construction level system  10 . 
       FIG. 16  presents a perspective view of a storage bag  50  of the construction level system  10 . Beneficially a plurality of construction level systems  10  could be stored within a single storage bag  50 . The storage bag  50  has a tubular shape and is fabricated from materials such as, but not limited to: nylon, canvas, or the like. The storage bag  50  preferably measures approximately forty ( 20 ) inches in length. An exterior surface  51  of the storage bag  50  has a length adjustable bag handle  59  that enables a user to carry or suspend the storage bag  50 . The bag handle  59  is fabricated from nylon and preferably comprised a common tri-glide to adjust the length. Intermediate portions of the exterior surface  51  have pockets  60  which each retain a construction level system  10 . The pockets  60  are beneficially fabricated from nylon or canvas and are attached to the exterior surface  51  by common sewing techniques. A construction level system  10  is slid into a pocket opening  62  and secured via a flap  61  and fasteners  63 . The flap  61  shuts the pocket opening  62  and the fasteners  63  are preferably common hook-and-loop devices. 
     The storage bag  50  has an upper opening  52  which provides storage for items such as blueprints. The upper opening  52  has an upper interior surface  53  which retains a center container  110  for storing items such as blueprints. The center container  110  is beneficially fabricated from a plastic material and has a threaded container lid  111  that provide a moisture/and waterproof storage area. The center container  110  is beneficially slightly shorter than the storage bag  50  and has a diameter about five (5) inches in diameter. The upper interior surface  53  is sealed by an upper lid  54 . The upper lid  54  secures to an upper perimeter of the upper opening  52  using a zipper  55 . The storage bag  50  further includes a shallow lower opening  56  that enables storage of devices such as, but not limited to: writing utensils, calculators, and attachments  70 ,  75 ,  80 ,  95  or the like within a lower interior surface  57 . The lower interior surface  57  is sealed by a lower lid  58  which secures to a lower perimeter edge of the lower opening  56  with another zipper  55 . 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the construction level system  10 , it could be attached as indicated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The method of utilizing the construction level system  10  may be performed by the following steps: acquiring a construction level system  10 ; utilizing the handle opening  23  to transport or position the construction level system  10  to a desired location; positioning the construction level system  10  on the desired surface for leveling or plumbing; utilizing the vials  21  to determine the levelness; and, utilizing as desired. 
     The method of interconnecting construction level systems  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring at least a pair of construction level systems  10 ; engaging the male end  30  of one (1) construction level system  10  with the female end  40  of the other construction level system  10  via aligning and sliding the tee  32  into the tee-slot  43 , sliding the slide  34  within the upper opening  33  via the spring  37 , and releasing the slide  34  to engage the lip  36  into the latch  42 ; utilizing as abovementioned; and, disconnecting the construction level system  10  when desired. 
     The method of installing and utilizing the storage bag  50  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the storage bag  50 ; unfastening the flaps  61  to access the pocket openings  62  for storing a construction level system  10  within a desired pocket  60 ; unfastening the upper lid  54  via the zipper  55  to access the upper interior surface  53  and storing items within the center container  110 ; fastening the upper lid  54  with the zipper  55  as desired; unfastening the lower lid  58  via the zipper  55  to access the lower interior surface  57  and storing items within; fastening the lower lid  58  with the zipper  55  as desired; and, transporting or suspending the storage bag  50  via the bag handle  59  as desired. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one (1) particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.