Abstract:
An apparatus for measuring, leveling, securing and plumbing. The apparatus contains a slide element slidably mounted to a body element. The body element is fixed to a base element. The slide element defines a viewing channel for viewing a side level fixed to the body element. The slide element has a pair of longitudinal trapezoidal rails fixed to the back of the slide element and running its length. The body element has a pair of longitudinal trapezoidal channels along the front of the body element. The channels within the body element receive the rails of the slide element to slidably fix the slide element to the body element. The slide element may be moved along the body element to a set position, the apparatus aligned, and the slide element locked into place for measuring or plumbing.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to precision measuring devices and, more particularly, to a device for accurately providing a plumb line, measurements, leveling, and a straight edge. 
         [0002]    The process of plumbing involves projecting a straight line between two points. In the fields of construction, woodworking, and other similar activities, it is often necessary to perform a plumbing function. One technique that is prevalent in the field of construction is the use of a plumb bob. A plumb bob consists of a string with a weight, such as a lead bob, tied to one end. In operation, the end of the string without the weight is held against an upper surface in such a way that the weight is suspended just above a lower surface. By moving the weight directly over a particular point on the lower surface, the point on the upper surface directly above the point on the lower surface can be determined. One problem associated with a standard string plumb bob is that it can be awkward to use and control. For instance, it may require two people to accurately use and control a string plumb bob especially from substantial heights. One person is required to be on a ladder while the other person steadies the weight and takes an accurate reading. 
         [0003]    What is needed is an apparatus for accurately making a plumb line by an individual without the need for any assistance. In addition, a device is needed to make a plumb line that is easy to use. An apparatus is also needed that allows the accurate measurement of heights by an individual. 
         [0004]    Furthermore, in today&#39;s world people are showing an inclination to multifunctional gadgets. As evidence of such, just take a look at the latest cellular telephones that are packed with a pocket computer, an email processor, highly graphics oriented games, calendars, cameras, music player and, oh yes, a telephone also. The construction industry is not immune to such an inclination of the consumer. The more functionality that can be packed into a device, the less equipment that a carpenter has to haul around. From a carpenter&#39;s perspective, two of the most important attributes are measurements and levels or angles. Thus, there is a need in the art for a device that helps to obtain accurate measurements and leveling indicators. For anyone that has ever done any home improvement work, they are quite well aware of the fact that often times, two hands just are not enough. In fact, there are times when any handy man working at home may have had the thought of “while He was at it, why didn&#39;t God just tack another arm onto us?” Well, it probably had to do with the fact that He encourages fellowship with others and depending on someone else for a helping hand but, that is a whole different topic. Regardless, if you have ever found yourself in that one hand too short scenario, it is certain that you wished you had that extra hand. Thus, there is a need in the art for a tool that can also serve as another helping hand, especially when working on overhead projects. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention is drawn to a multi-purpose apparatus for plumbing, drawing, scoring, leveling, supporting and measuring. A slide element with a top is slidably mounted to a body element. The body element is attached to a base unit. Both the slide element and the body element have measuring striations. Multiple leveling indicators are mounted in various positions and at varying viewing angles onto the slide element and/or the top and/or the body element and/or the base unit. For instance, in one embodiment a side level and a top level may be mounted on the apparatus. In practice, the base of the apparatus is positioned against a corner, surface or floor. The slide element is slid upwards until contact is made with either the ceiling, joist or another opposing surface. Viewing the side and top levels, the apparatus is leveled and/or plumbed. The slide is then pushed slightly harder to assure stability and locked into place. The locking mechanism is such that a significant amount of force can be applied to the apparatus without the slide element sliding along the base. The apparatus will now be fixed in place allowing measurements and markings to be performed. In addition, if a sheet of plywood, particle board, lumber, molding, etc. is positioned on top of the slide element, that item can be held in place. Notice that placement, securing, measuring and marking can all be performed by a single individual using a single apparatus. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  is a drawing illustrating the front view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is a drawing illustrating the front view of the slide element of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0008]      FIGS. 3A ,  3 B and  3 C illustrate three possible techniques for slideably mounting the slide element. 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is a drawing illustrating the rear view of the slide element of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  is a the front view, of the body element of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of the top of the body element of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of a fragmentary portion of the bottom of the body element of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a perspective drawing illustrating the slide element and the body element of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view illustrating one means of attaching the base to the bottom of the body element. 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is a perspective drawing illustrating the bottom portion of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is a fragmentary elevation illustrating the measuring feature of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  is a drawing illustrating the operation of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 10A  illustrates an exemplary embodiment in the closed position. 
           [0019]      FIG. 10B  illustrates an exemplary embodiment in the open position. 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is an elevated view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the present invention being used as a plumbing device and a measuring device between a ceiling and a floor. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11A  is a perspective view of a fragmentary portion of the bottom portion of the device of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 11B  is a perspective view of a fragmentary portion of the device of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is an exploded elevated view, partially sectioned, of the components of an exemplary embodiment of the locking means for an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the present invention including the exemplary locking means. 
           [0025]      FIGS. 14-25  are various views of mechanical drawings and specifications of an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIGS. 26  is a perspective view of embodiments of the present invention including support legs and fingers. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0027]    The present invention is directed towards providing a tool to perform the functions of plumbing between two surfaces, measuring the distance between two surfaces, leveling objects, creating level lines, providing straight lines, and securing objects in place as an extra hand. Embodiments of the present invention can be used in place of a standard string plumb bob, tape measures, levels, clamps, or other similar devices. In addition, the present invention can be used as a measuring device, a level, and a straight edge. Thus, embodiments of the present invention are functional in obtaining accurate, reliable, and precise measurements and plumbing functions. The present invention can conveniently be embodied with materials, such as steel, aluminum, composites or plastics, so that the various embodiments are strong and durable. In general, the present invention is constructed similar to a standard slide rule having two interconnected elongated members that are slideably mounted to each other. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  is a drawing illustrating the front view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a slide element  100 , a body element  110 , a base element  120 , a side level  130 , and a viewing channel  140 . The slide element  100  is substantially a rectangular shape and extends substantially five feet in a first direction and substantially 2½ inches in a second direction. The body element  110  is substantially a rectangular shape with substantially the same dimensions as the slide element  100 . The slide element  100  is slideably mounted to the body element  110 . The slide element  100  has a top  210 , a bottom  220 , an inner surface  230  and an outer surface  240 . The body element  110  has a top surface  530 , bottom surface  540 , front surface  550 , and back surface  560 . 
         [0029]    The slide element  100  can be slid from a fully retracted position to a fully extended position, or positioned anywhere between these two positions. In the fully retracted position, as is illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the top  210  of the slide element  100  is positionally related to the top surface  530  of the body element  110 . Similarly, in the retracted position, the bottom  220  of the slide element  100  is positionally related to the bottom surface  540  of the body element  110 . 
         [0030]    The slide element  100  defines a substantially rectangular shaped viewing channel  140  extending from near the bottom of the slide element  100  to near the top of the slide element  100 . Thus, the slide element  100  defines a border around the viewing channel  140 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the front surface of the body element  110  can be viewed through the viewing channel  140  when the slide element  100  is in the retracted position. The body element  110  includes a side level  130  that is fixedly mounted in such a way that it can be viewed through the viewing channel  140  of the slide element  100  when the slide element  100  is in the retracted position or in a partially retracted position. The bottom of the body element  110  is attached to the base  120 . While this exemplary embodiment shows the side level  130  mounted on the base  110 , those skilled in the art will understand that the side level  130  could also be mounted on the slide  100 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 2  is a drawing illustrating a front view of the slide element  100  of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Measuring striations  200  extending the length of the slide element  100  are included on at least one of the elongated edges of the slide element  100 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the slide element  100  is 4′ 11⅞″. As best shown in  FIG. 1 , when the slide element is fully retracted, the distance from the top of the slide element  100  to the bottom of the base  120  is 5′ or 60″. It is anticipated that other embodiments can be constructed of either greater or lesser lengths depending on the specific applications or intended uses of the various embodiments. 
         [0032]    The width of the viewing channel  140  is approximately ¾″ of an inch wide and the length of the viewing channel  140  approximately extends the length of the slide element  100  less a border on the top end and the bottom end of the slide element  100 . 
         [0033]      FIGS. 3A ,  3 B and  3 C illustrates three possible techniques for slideably mounting the slide element  100  to the body element  110 . In  FIG. 3A , the slide element  100  is substantially C shaped with two protruding fingers  300  and  310  extending into the concave portion of the C shape. Each side of the body element  110  includes an indentation for receiving the protruding fingers  300  or  310  of the slide element  100 , The protruding fingers  300  and  310  are slid into the respective indentations of the body element  110 , thereby slideably mounting the slide element  100  to the body element  110 . 
         [0034]    In  FIG. 3B , the slide element  100  is substantially C shaped. However, in this configuration protruding fingers  320  and  330  extend behind the back of the body element  110  and hold the slide element  100  to the body element  110 . 
         [0035]    In  FIG. 3C , the underside surface of the slide element  100  includes two parallel trapezoidal shaped rails  340  and  350  running the length of the slide element  100 . The narrow end of the trapezoidal shaped rails  340  and  350  are mounted to the underside of the slide element with the wide end of the trapezoidal shaped rails  340  and  350  extending away from the underside surface. The body element  110  includes two trapezoidal shaped channels  360  and  370  for receiving the trapezoidal shaped rails  340  and  350  of the slide element. The front surface of the body element  110  coinciding with the narrow portion of the trapezoidal shaped channel  360  and  370  with the wide end of the trapezoidal shaped channel  360  and  370  extending below the surface of the body element  110 . The wide portion of the trapezoidal rails  340  and  350  extend into the trapezoidal shaped channel  360  and  370  of the body element  110  thereby slideably mounting the slide element  100  to the body element  110 . While trapezoidal shaped rails are shown in the exemplary embodiment of view  3  of  FIG. 3 , it should be noted that rails of various geometric shapes could be used provided that these shapes taper our cut inward from the far side of the shape to the fixed portion of the tape. 
         [0036]    These shapes include, but are not limited to, L shapes, T shapes, hook shapes, circular shapes, elliptical shapes, hex shapes, etc. In addition, any number of rail/channel configurations could be used, i.e., a single rail and a single channel, three rails and three channels. In the remaining figures, the exemplary embodiment will be shown as including the configuration depicted in view  3  of  FIG. 3 , however, those skilled in the art will understand that any of the disclosed techniques, or other techniques could also be used. 
         [0037]      FIG. 4  is a drawing illustrating the rear view of the slide element  100  of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The trapezoidal shaped rails  360  and  370  or runners are shown in relationship to the slide element  100  and the viewing channel  140 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 5  is a drawing illustrating the front view of the body element  110  of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As previously described, the body element  110  is rectangular shaped and extends substantially 5′ in a first direction and 2½″ in a second direction. At least one of the elongated edges of the body element  110  includes a series of measuring striations  200  extending substantially the length of the body element  110 . A portion of the body element  110  near the top end is always covered by at least a portion of the slide element  100 . Therefore, it is not necessary for the measuring striations  200  of the body element  110  to extend all the way to the top. 
         [0039]      FIG. 5A  also illustrates the top view of the body element  110  of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The top view includes a top level  500  that is fixedly mounted to the top of the body element  110 .  FIG. 5B  also illustrates a bottom view of the body element  110  of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The bottom of the body element  110  includes a means for attaching the body element  110  to the base  120 . In one embodiment screw holes  510  are provided for receiving screws that operate to fixedly attach the body element  110  to the base  120 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 6  is a perspective drawing illustrating the slide element  100  and the body element  110  of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 6 , the slide element  100  is shown as being partially extended. On the back side of the body element  110  a locking means  600  is illustrated for locking the slide  100  in place. In operation, the slide element  100  can be extended to a desired position and then locked in place by the locking means  600 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view one means of attaching the base  120  to the bottom of the body element  110 . In this embodiment two mounting screws  700  are used to extend through the base  120  and into screw holes  510  provided on the bottom of the body element  110 . The holes in the base  120  are counter sunk to allow screw heads to be flush with the bottom of the base  120 . Those skilled in the art will understand that other methods may also be employed for attaching the base to the body element  110  including, but not limited to, clamps, adhesives, or the like. 
         [0042]      FIG. 8  is a perspective drawing illustrating the bottom portion of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The slide element  100  is shown as being in a partially extended position in relationship to the body element  110 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 9  is a drawing illustrating the measuring feature of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In operation, the base  120  of the exemplary embodiment is placed on a first surface (i.e., the ground or the floor). The slide element  100  is then extended upwards until the top of the slide element  100  contacts a second surface (i.e., the ceiling or a joist). The side level  130  and the top level  500  are viewed and the position of the exemplary embodiment is adjusted until the levels indicate that the exemplary embodiment is level or plumb. At this point, additional pressure is applied to the slide element  100  to ensure stability from the top of the slide element  100  to the bottom of the base  120 . The locking means  600  is then actuated to secure the relative position of the slide element  100  to the body element  110 . 
         [0044]    By viewing the measuring striations on the body element, the distance between the bottom of the base  120  and the top of the slide element  100  can be determined. This determination is made by adding the 5′ or 60″ included in the length of the slide element  100  and the base  120  to the value indicated by the measuring striations  520  of the body element  110  just below the bottom of the slide element  100 . In  FIG. 9  the slide element  100  is shown being extracted in position c. In position c, the distance from the top of the slide element  100  (not shown in  FIG. 9 ) to the bottom of the base  120  is shown as being 5′½″ or 62½″. This measurement is determined by adding the 50″ for the slide element  100  and the base  120  to the 2½″ indicated by the measuring striations  520  of the body  110  at position c. Similarly, at position b, the distance from the top of the slide element  100  to the bottom of the base  120  is 62 inches and at position a is 61″. In one embodiment the slide element  100  can extend so that the total length that can be measured is 9′; however, those skilled in the art will realize that this invention can be constructed of even longer lengths. 
         [0045]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  are drawings illustrating the operation of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 10A , the exemplary embodiment is shown in the closed or the fully retracted position. In  FIG. 10B , the exemplary embodiment is shown in a partially extended position or opened. As shown in  FIG. 10B , the base  120  protrudes approximately ⅛ of an inch past the front surface of the body  110  to allow for flush accurate readings from point A at the bottom of the base to point B at the top of the slide. This configuration advantageously allows the outer side portion of the slide element  100  and the edge of the base  120  that shares the same plane as the outer side of the slide element  100  to fit flush against a single surface. 
         [0046]      FIG. 11  is a drawing illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the present invention being used as a plumbing device and a measuring device between a ceiling and a floor. The outside corner of the base plate  1100  is shown as being placed into a corner formed by the wall and the floor. The slide element  100  of the exemplary embodiment  1110  is extended so as to be flush with the ceiling. 
         [0047]      FIG. 11A  is a fragmentary perspective view of the bottom portion of this configuration. 
         [0048]      FIG. 12  is a drawing illustrating the components of an exemplary embodiment of the locking means for an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The exemplary lock  600  is shown as including a swivel  1220 , a sleeve  1200 , and a bolt  1210 . Those skilled in the art will realize that other locks, such as clamps, keys, latches, springs or bolts, may be used in place of the exemplary lock. 
         [0049]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view an exemplary embodiment of the present invention including the exemplary lock  600 . The sleeve  1200  is installed in a narrow channel extending from the front edge to the back edge of the body element  110 . The sleeve  1200  is internally threaded and is able to receive the bolt  1210 . The bolt  1210  extends from the backside of the body element  110  and through the sleeve  1200  to approximately the front surface of the body element  110 . The swivel  1220  is placed at the end of the bolt  1210 . In operation, the bolt  1210  can be rotated in a first direction to force the swivel  1220  against the underside of the slide element  100 . This operates to frictionally fix the slide element  100  in position in relationship to the body element  110 . Rotating the bolt  1210  in a second direction retracts the swivel  1220  and allows the slide element  100  to freely move in relationship to the body element  110 . 
         [0050]      FIGS. 14-25  illustrate mechanical drawings of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0051]    In another embodiment illustrated in the additional figures, the slide element and the body element can be constructed without a viewing channel. In this embodiment, the measuring striations can be located on the side edges of the slide element and the body element. In the fully retracted position, the striations on the body element measure a first distance. As the slide element is extended, the striations on the side of the slide element add dimension elements to the first distance. In the fully extended position, the combination of the slide element and the body element fully measure a second distance. The striations are organized such that the highest measurement for the first distance (e.g., 60 inches) is at or near eye level with the apparatus is being extended upwards. As the slide element is extended, the striations and the distance measurement for the current distance of extension remain at that position. For instance, if the distance from the floor to a ceiling is 8 feet, the measurement can be read from the end of the body element which is at or near eye level. Further, in this embodiment, additional leveling measuring devices can be located along the face of the slide element and the body element. In addition, the leveling devices can be placed into a window that extends through the body of the slide element and the body element such that the level bubbles can be viewed from either side. The leveling devices can be positioned at various angles to facilitate different leveling requirements. 
         [0052]    The present invention is also able to operate as a second hand. When the slide element is extended, the position can be secured by tightening a securing element. In the illustrated embodiment clearly shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , a thumb screw can be used to secure the slide element and the body element. By tightening the thumb screw, the slide element can support the weight of various objects that may be held in place by the apparatus. In addition, it will be appreciated that by adding additional thumb screws or other securing elements, such a mounted clamps, gripping friction teeth, or other pressure clamps, the amount of weight supported by the apparatus can be greatly increased. Thus, the apparatus can be constructed to actually support the weight of a piece of plywood, particle board, joist or beam, sheet rock panel or the like. Advantageously, this aspect of the present invention enables a single person to not only fix the height of such an object overhead, but to also secure the object in place. It will also be appreciated that an embodiment of the present invention may include retractable or slidable support legs that can be extended out from the body element to further secure the apparatus in place as illustrated in  FIG. 26 . For instance, a telescopic leg can be pivotally embedded into the surface or onto the surface of the body element. When desired, the leg can be pivoted out, extended to contact the surface, such as the floor and the secured in place similar to an extendable shower curtain rod or closet rod, or some other mechanism such as thumb screws, embedded screws or the like can be used to secure the telescopic legs. Advantageously, this embodiment of the invention allows the apparatus to freely stand to support the weight of an overhead object. 
         [0053]    Similarly, telescopic projection support legs can be included on the slide element. Such support legs can be extended to further provide support to an object being held up by the apparatus. It should be appreciated that other support structures other than telescopic legs can be utilized for either the base element and/or the slide element. For instance, a pivotal leg attached near the bottom of the base element and the top of the slide element can be pivoted out to create extended fingers that can be locked into place to support the upper or lower surface. Although the illustrated embodiments only show two such legs, it should be appreciated that three or four legs on each end could also be used to secure the apparatus in place. In addition, it will be appreciated that a protrusion on either end of the apparatus, similar to a nail shape could be used to penetrate a surface or further secure the apparatus in place. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the technology for such telescopic legs and pivoting arms as well as other securing mechanisms may also be employed in the present invention. 
         [0054]    Although the present invention has been described in various embodiments having various measurements and shapes, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to any particular shape or size. On the contrary, the use of two slideably mounted measuring devices and a leveling means to ensure that the measuring devices are level is all that is necessary for an embodiment of the present invention.