Abstract:
Provided are examples of a hands-free level to quickly, accurately, and efficiency level and plumb a wide range of objects regardless of shape. The level includes a stationary component, an adjustable component, a level device attached to the stationary component/adjustable component, and a cord. The cord includes a J-shaped terminus that abuts the adjustable component. Advancing the cord urges the adjustable component towards the stationary component. Complementary locking teeth on the cord and stationary component lock the adjustable component in place and clamps the hands-free level to an object. This lets a user use two hands to hold and move the object while simultaneously checking the object for plumb and/or level.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/870,701, filed on Aug. 27, 2013, and entitled, “Clamping Bubble Level,” the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     A spirit level or bubble level is an instrument designed to indicate whether a surface is horizontal (level) or vertical (plumb). Different types of spirit level maybe use by carpenters, stonemasons, bricklayers, and other building workers, surveyors, millwrights, and other metalworkers, and some photographic and videographic work. Instrument used for plumbing and leveling often require one or two hands to use. As can be seen, there is a need for a hands-free level. 
     SUMMARY 
     Described herein are examples of a hands-free level that address the foregoing shortcomings and others as well. In one aspect, at least one example of the hands-free level includes a stationary component including a set of stationary locking teeth formed on a surface of the stationary component, an adjustable component, at least one level device attached to at least one of the stationary component and the adjustable component, and an cord comprising an elongated body terminating in a J-shaped terminus. The cord further includes a set of cord locking teeth formed along a partial length of the elongated body and having an arrangement complementary to the set of stationary locking teeth, such that the set of cord locking teeth and the set of stationary locking teeth engage in a releaseable interlock engagement. The J-shaped terminus of the cord abuts the adjustable component and urges the adjustable component towards the stationary component in response to advancing the cord along the surface of the stationary component. 
     In other examples, the hands-free level may further include one or more of the following, alone or in any combination. In some examples, the stationary component includes a first clamping surface extending from the surface at a 90° angle and the adjustable component defines a second clamping surface opposed to the first clamping surface. The first clamping surface and second clamping surface may be parallel to each other or at an angle to each other. In other examples, at least of one of the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface is textured. In some examples, at least of one of the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface defines a V-notch. 
     In some examples of the hands-free level, the stationary component and the adjustable component join together to form a cylindrical oval. 
     In other examples, the stationary component includes an alignment slot defined by the surface of the stationary component. The adjustable component includes an alignment tab. The alignment tab is slidably received in the alignment slot to align the adjustable component with respect to the stationary component. One example of the alignment tab further includes an eyelet to guide the elongated body of the cord. 
     In some examples of the hands-free level, the stationary component further includes a second set of stationary locking teeth formed on the surface of the stationary component. The second set of stationary locking teeth is spaced apart from and aligned with the set of stationary locking teeth. 
     In other examples of the hands-free level, the stationary component includes a cord passageway extending from the surface of the stationary component. The elongated body of the cord is routed through the cord passageway. 
     In some examples of the hands-free level, the stationary component includes a ring formed circumferential on the surface. The ring includes a notch defined by a discontinuity in the ring. The notch is configured to hold an end of a string line. 
     In other examples of the hands-free level, the adjustable component includes a retaining slot defined by two edges spaced apart. The J-shaped terminus includes a barrel. The barrel is captured by the two edges and rides along the two edges. 
     In some examples of the hands-free level, the level device is any one of bubble level, electronic level, and a combination thereof. In other examples, the level device includes two level devices fixed to the surface of the stationary component at a 90° angle to each other. 
     In other examples of the hands-free level, the level device includes at least one level device fixed to any one of the stationary component adjacent to the first clamping surface, adjustable component adjacent to the second clamping surface, and a combination thereof. 
     In some examples of the hands-free level, the cord further includes a barb formed at an end of the cord opposite the J-shaped terminus. The barb and the set of cord locking teeth are formed on opposed planer surfaces of the body. 
     In other examples of the hands-free level, the J-shaped terminus includes a hinge member and a tail end integrally formed with the hinge member. In response to advancement of the cord, the tail end contacts the adjustable component and travels in a direction at angle to the advancement. Some examples of the hinge member include webbing to limit the angle at which the tail end travels. 
     Other examples of the hands-free level further include at least one laser mounted to the surface of the stationary component. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate examples of the present disclosure and together with the written description serve to explain the principles, characteristics, and features of the disclosure. In the drawings: 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  are illustrations of an example of the hands-free level in a disassembled state and in an assembled state and clamped onto a post. 
         FIGS. 2A-2D  are views of examples of a stationary component of the hands-free level. 
         FIGS. 3A-3C  are views of examples of an adjustable component of the hands-free level. 
         FIGS. 4A-C  are views of an example of a cord of the hands-free level. 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration of an example of the hands-free level used in an alternative way. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description of the illustrated examples, reference is made to accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof, and within which are shown by way of illustration, specific examples, by which the subject matter can be practiced. It is to be understood that other examples can be utilized and structural changes can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the examples only and are presented in the case of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the disclosure. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the subject matter in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the disclosure, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in that how the several forms of the present disclosure can be embodied in practice. Further, like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  shows a hands-free level  10  including a stationary component  20 , an adjustable component  30 , and a cord  40 . To use the hands-free level  10 , for example, to plumb a post set into the ground, a user clamps the hands-free level  10  to the post. The user feeds a first end of the cord  40  through the adjustable component  30  until a second end of the cord  40  buts up against the adjustable component  30 . The user holds the stationary component  20  against a face of the post with one hand. With the other hand, the user brings the adjustable component  30  with the cord  40  up to the opposing face of the post. The user then pushes the second end of the cord  40  against the adjustable component  30  in a direction towards the stationary component  20 , defined herein as the clamping direction (shown as arrow labeled “C”). Locking teeth of the stationary component  20  and the adjustable component  30  hold the adjustable component  30  position. The hands-free level  10  is now clamped to the post, as shown in  FIG. 1B . The user can increase the clamping force exerted by the hands-free level  10  by advancing the cord  40  further along the clamping direction. 
     With the hands-free level  10  clamped to the post, the user can now use two hands to move the post around while checking for plumb using one of more level devices  50  fixed to the hands-free level  10 . The level devices  50  include but are not limited to spirit levels (bubble levels), electronic levels, and combinations thereof. To unclamp the hands-free level  10  from the post, the user lifts the first end of the cord  40  up to release the locking teeth. 
     Examples of the hands-free level  10  may lock onto building material that needs to be plumbed or leveled. For example, the hands-free level may lock onto building materials from about 1 inch to about 5.25 inches wide and having a multitude of shapes. Examples of the hands-free level  10  may allow an installer to use one tool to plumb, to level, and/or to add string/laser lines. 
       FIGS. 2A-D  show examples of the stationary component  20 . The stationary component  20  includes a surface  22  that is planar. As shown, the surface  22  is generally circular in shape but other shapes are contemplated, such as triangle, square, and other regular polygons. A convenient example includes two bubble levels  50   a ,  50   b  fixed to the surface  22  at a 90° angle—to each other. 
     A set of stationary locking teeth  24  is formed on the surface  22 . Best shown in  FIG. 2B , the stationary locking teeth  24  define a central axis (labeled as “C.A.”) of the hands-free level  10 . Best shown in  FIG. 2C , a stationary clamping surface  26  extends from the surface  22  at a 90° angle. For the purpose of describing this and other examples of the hands-free level  10 , the surface  22  defines a horizontal dimension (plane) of the hands-free level  10  and the stationary clamping surface  26  defines a vertical dimension (plane) of the hands-free level  10 . 
     Best shown in  FIGS. 2C and 2D , in a convenient example, a supporting wall  28  opposite the stationary clamping surface  26  extends between vertical ends  27   a ,  27   b  of the stationary clamping surface  26 . As shown, the example includes two bubble levels  50   c ,  50   d  one on each side of the central axis of the hands-free level  10 . Having multiple level devices in different locations on the hands-free level  10  makes it easier to see at least one of the level devices in any given situation. For example, a level device located so that it can been seen from below the hands-free level  10  is useful when the hands-free level  10  is clamped around an object that is above user eyelevel. Conversely, a level device located so that it can been seen from above the hands-free level  10  is useful when the hands-free level is clamped around an object that is below user eyelevel. 
       FIGS. 3A-3C  show examples of the adjustable component  30 . The adjustable component  30  includes an adjustable clamping surface  32  and a bracing wall  34  opposite the adjustable clamping surface  32  (best shown in  FIG. 3B ) extending between the ends  33   a , 33   b  of the adjustable clamping surface  32  (best shown in  FIG. 3A ). The adjustable clamping surface  32  and the stationary clamping surface  26  (of  FIG. 2 ) match in the vertical dimension, i.e., the surfaces are about the same height. In a convenient example of the hands-free level  10 , the stationary clamping surface  26  and the adjustable clamping surface  32  are parallel to each other. In another example, the stationary clamping surface  26  and the adjustable clamping surface  32  are at an angle to each other. Such an example is a particularly well-suited for clamping irregular objects. 
     In some other examples of the hands-free level  10 , the stationary clamping surface  26 , the adjustable clamping surface  32  or both include a V-notch. These examples are particularly well-suited for clamping round objects such as pipes and conduits. 
     In other examples of the hands-free level  10 , the stationary clamping surface  26 , the adjustable clamping surface  32  or both are textured. The texture improves the gripping performance of the hands-free level  10 . In still other examples, the stationary clamping surface  26 , the adjustable clamping surface  32  or both are non-marring. 
     In some examples of the hands-free level  10 , the stationary component  20  and adjustable component  30  are aligned with each other using an slot and tab arrangement. With reference to  FIG. 2B , the surface  22  of the stationary component  20  defines an alignment slot  60 . The alignment slot  60  includes two horizontal edges  62   a,b  that are parallel to the central axis. A third edge  63 , which is perpendicular to the central axis, connects the two horizontal edges  62   a,b . With reference to  FIGS. 3B and 3C , an alignment tab  64  extends from a horizontal edge  36  of the adjustable clamping surface  32 . The alignment tab  64  includes two vertical edges  66   a,b  and a face  67  between the edges  66   a,b.    
     The horizontal edges  62   a,b  of the alignment slot  60  and the vertical edges  66   a,b  of the alignment tab  64  act together to limit movement of the adjustable component  30  to either side of the central axis of the hands-free level  10  (lateral movement). Limiting side-to-side movement of the adjustable component  30  and aligning the adjustable clamping surface  32  with the stationary clamping surface  26  improves the clamping performance of the hands-free level  10 . 
     The fit between the alignment slot  60  and alignment tab  64  maybe selected to allow a certain amount of side-to-side movement of the adjustable component  30 , referred to as play. For example, there is a space between the horizontal edges  62   a,b  of the alignment slot  60  and the vertical edges  66   a,b  of the alignment tab  64 . Having play between the stationary component  20  and adjustable component  30  may be preferable when clamping (off-axis) an irregular-shaped object. 
     The face  67  of the alignment tab  64  and the third edge  63  of the alignment slot  60  act together to form a hard stop. The hard stop limits movement of the adjustable component  30  along the central axis of the hands-free level  10  (longitudinal movement) towards the stationary component  20 . In a convenient example, the face  67  is flush with the adjustable clamping surface  32 . As such, the hard stop defines a minimum thickness of an object that can be clamped by the hands-free level  10 . 
     Some examples of the alignment tab  64  include a cord guide  68  (eyelet) formed in the face  67  of the alignment tab  64 . The cord guide  68 , by itself or used with other guiding structures, such as a vertical wall extending from the surface of the stationary component  20 , line the cord  40  up with the central axis of the hands-free level  10  and enhance the usability of the hands-free level  10 . 
       FIG. 4A  shows an example of the cord  40  with an elongated body  42  terminating with a J-shaped terminus  44 . A set of stationary locking teeth  24  are formed along a partial length of the elongated body  42 . The arrangement of the cord locking teeth  46  is complementary to the stationary locking teeth  24  of the stationary component  20 . For example, each cord locking tooth  46   a  includes an incline surface  45   a  and vertical surface  45   b , as shown in  FIG. 4C , similar to incline and vertical surfaces found on a corresponding stationary locking tooth. The cord locking teeth  46  engage with the stationary locking teeth  24  in a releasable interlock engagement. Continuing with the example of the stationary locking teeth  24  and cord locking teeth  46  described above, in a locking state, the vertical surfaces of stationary and cord locking teeth are in mechanical contact with on another. This inhibits the cord  40  from moving in a direction opposite the clamping direction (see  FIG. 1B ). The interlock engagement can be released by lifting the cord  40  up so that the vertical surfaces are in limited contact or not in contact at all. One skilled in the art will readily recognize that other arrangements are possible, such as a ratchet and pawl. 
     Turning now to a description of the J-shaped terminus  44 . The J-shaped terminus  44  butts up against the adjustable component  20 . Moving (advancing) the cord  40  in the clamping direction causes the J-shaped terminus  44  to push (urge) the adjustable component  30  in the clamping direction toward the stationary component  20 . Owing to the interlock engagement described above, the adjustable component  30  resists being moving in a direction opposite the clamping direction (i.e., away from the stationary component  20 ). As the cord  40  advances, the adjustable component  30  continues to move towards the stationary component  20  until the adjustable component  30  contacts the object being clamped. 
     In a convenient example of the cord  40  shown in  FIG. 4A , the J-shaped terminus  44  includes a tail end  70 , which butts up against the adjustable component  30 , and a hinge  72 . The hinge  72  permits the tail end  70  to pivot with respect to the elongated body  42 . For example, when the cord  40  is advanced in the clamping direction past the point at which the adjustable component  30  contacts the object, the tail end  70  pivots away from the elongated body  42 . The result is an angle formed between the elongated body  42  and tail end  70  that enhances the clamping performance of the hands-free level  10 . Some examples of the hinge  72  include webbing  74  (thickening of material) that limits the angle 
     Owing to the hinge  72  and the multi-component design of the hands-free level  10 , the hands-free level  10  can be temporarily unclamped from an object without disengaging the cord  40 . This is done by pivoting the adjustable component  30  away from the stationary component  20 . The is particularly useful when repetitive measuring is needed, for example, when leveling floor joists. 
     With reference to  FIG. 4A , another example of the J-shaped terminus includes a barrel  76 . With reference to  FIG. 3C , the adjustable component includes a cord retaining slot  78  opposite the adjustable clamping surface  32 . The cord retaining slot  78  includes two vertical edges  79   a,b  that capture the barrel  76  of the cord  40 . This in turn couples the adjustable component  30  and cord  40  together. This is particularly useful when assembling the hands-free level  10  as described above with reference to  FIG. 1 . With the barrel and slot arrangement, the adjustable component  30  and cord  40  form a subassembly. The subassembly is then be joined with the stationary component  20  to complete the assembly of the hands-free level  10 . 
       FIG. 5  shows an alternative mode for using the hands-free level  10  in which the cord  40  is routed through the stationary component  20 . With reference to  FIG. 2D , one example of the stationary component  20  includes a cord passageway  80  with a closed-end  82 . In passing the cord  40  through the cord passageway  80 , a cord locking tooth engages a stationary locking tooth in a releasable interlock engagement while a planer surface opposite the engaged cord locking tooth contacts the closed end  82 . As shown, in this usage mode, the cord  40  forms an arc that locks the position of the adjustable component  30 . A cord guide, such as the cord guide  68  described with reference to  FIG. 3 , may be employed to assist the user in using the hands-free level in the alternative mode. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , some examples of the cord  40  include a barb  48  at an end opposite the J-shaped terminus  44 . As shown, the cord locking teeth  46  and barb  48  are formed on opposite sides of the elongated body  46 . The barb  48  is sized to fit inside a length of plastic tubing  49  and to retain the tubing  49 . This configuration effectively lengthens the cord  40 . The lengthen cord is then used in conjunction with the cord passageway  80 , as described above and as best shown in  FIG. 4B . 
     While the foregoing examples of are described in the context of using the hands-free level  10  to level and plumb an object, the hands-free level  10  maybe used in other ways for other purposes. For example, the hands-free level  10  can be used to establish a reference point or line. Referring back to  FIG. 2A , a convenient example of the hands-free level  10  includes a ring  90  formed circumferential on the surface  22  of the stationary component  20 . A break (discontinuity) in the ring  90  defines a notch  92  (two are shown but some examples include fewer or more notches). The notch  92  is configured to hold an end of a string line. For example, the notch  92  fixes one end of a mason line used to set a course bricks. In another example, the notch  92  sets an end of a chalk line used to snap a chalk line. 
     Some examples of the hands-free level  10  include one or more lasers (or a rotary laser) fixed to the surface  22  of the stationary component  20 . For example, one of the level devices is replace with a laser. In other example, two lasers are mounted at a 90° angle to each other. The laser projects a point that may be used to as a reference point. 
     Some examples of the hands-free level  10  include other devices instead of or in addition to the level device  50 . For example, in a photographic/videographic example of the hands-free level  10 , the surface  22  of the stationary component  20  is outfitted with a camera mount. As described above, the hands-free level  10  can clamp a variety of objects regardless of shape making it an ideal imaging platform for us in situations where using a traditional tripod is difficult or not possible. 
     Examples of the hands-free level  10  can be made from any number of materials and made according to any number of manufacturing processes. For example, some or all the parts are injection molded plastic. In another example, some or all the parts are cast or machined metal. In yet another example, the hands-free level includes a combination of plastic, metal, and composite parts. 
     The terms comprise, include, and/or plural forms of each are open ended and include the listed parts and can include additional parts that are not listed. And/or is open ended and includes one or more of the listed parts and combinations of the listed parts. The terms about, approximately, substantially, and their equivalents may be understood to include their ordinary and customary meaning. In addition, these terms may be understood to represent values close to, but not equal to, a specified value. For example, 1%, 0.9%, 0.8%, 0.7%, 0.6%, 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.2%, 0.1%, etc., of a specified value. 
     One skilled in the art will realize the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The foregoing embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects illustrative rather than limiting of the invention described herein. Scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.