Reflecting lighted level

A reflecting lighted level (10) for facilitating leveling of an object, the reflecting lighted level (10) broadly comprising a generally frustoconically-shaped vial (12) having first and second exterior surfaces (22,24) and an internal angled reflecting surface (26); a light source (14) for emitting light; a light tube (16) for focusing or concentrating the emitted light towards the vial (12); a base (18) for supporting the vial (12); and a power source (20) for powering the light source (14). The internal angled reflecting surface (26) within the vial (12) is positioned at a generally 45° angle for reflecting light. The light source (14), a light emitting diode (“LED”), is centrally positioned relative to the vial (12). The light tube (16) is positioned proximate to the first exterior surface (22) of the vial (12), such that the light tube (16) is positioned between the light source (14) and the vial (12). The light source (14) is then partially positioned within the light tube (14). The light emitted by the light source (14) is transmitted through the light tube (16) and exits the light tube (16) in a concentrated beam. The beam of light is then incident on the first exterior surface (22) of the vial (12). If the level (10) is level, the beam of light reflects off of the internal angled reflecting surface (26) at a generally 90° angle and exits the second exterior surface (24) of the vial (12) in a generally concentrated beam so that a user of the level (10) may determine from a distance whether the level (10) is level. If the level (10) is unlevel, the concentrated beam of light incident on the first exterior surface (22) of the vial (12) is diffused throughout the vial (12), and the user sees little or no light, thus recognizing that the level (10) is unlevel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to levels. More particularly, the invention relates to a lighted level operable to reflect emitted light when the level is level and to diffuse the emitted light when the level is unlevel so that a user of the level can easily determine when an object is level.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Levels are commonly used to ensure than an object, such as a beam, stud, or other building material, is level. One problem with conventional levels, however, is that an air bubble contained within the vial is difficult to see in dim light or in the dark. Additionally, a user of the level must be very close to the level so that the user may determine the location of the air bubble within the level.

Lighted or illuminated levels have been developed to solve the above-described problems. Prior art lighted levels function by providing a general light source that illuminates a vial of the level so that a user of the level can observe center markings on the vial and the air bubble contained within the vial, even in the dark. Unfortunately, merely illuminating the level suffers from several limitations. First, it still requires the user to be close to the vial in order to see the center markings. Additionally, the light provided by the light source is diffused throughout the vial and thus, provides no light concentration. Furthermore, the user is required to observe the vial from an angle that is approximately 90° to the center of the vial, since viewing from other angles creates error in leveling due to parallax, an apparent difference in the position or direction of the bubble when it is viewed from two different points. Further yet, if the level is used, for example, to level a trailer pulled by a vehicle, then a first user must drive the vehicle while a second user monitors whether the level reads level.

To remedy some of these limitations, later prior art level designs construct a cumbersome and rather expensive device that uses at least four apertures through which light is shined to determine whether an object is level. An example of such a design is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,484,393 (the '393 patent) to LaFreniere. The '393 patent discloses a traditional level, including a housing and a vial filled with a liquid to form an air bubble that marks center. A rear of the housing is provided with two slots or apertures through which a light source emits light, such that two light paths are directed through the vial. A front of the housing is also provided with two apertures. When the air bubble is centered, each light path does not interfere with the air bubble and proceeds through the vial and the two apertures in the front of the housing. However, when the air bubble is not centered, a particular light path refracts through the air bubble such that the light path does not proceed through the aperture in the housing and is thus diffused.

Unfortunately, the level disclosed in the '393 patent still suffers from several limitations. First, due to the angle at which the path of light refracts through the air bubble when it is not centered, varying amounts of light may be diffused, thus requiring a user of the level to distinguish between varying degrees of brightness. Additionally, even when the air bubble is not centered, at least one path of light will still shine through, as illustrated in FIG. 2 of the '393 patent. Therefore, not only must a user determine how bright the path of light is that is diffused, due to refraction through the air bubble, but the user must also compare the brightness of the second path of light which proceeds through one of the apertures in the front of the housing. Furthermore, the design of the '393 patent is complex and expensive to construct in that is requires a specially aligned housing, encasing a majority of the vial, to accommodate the apertures, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Further yet, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the '393 patent's design does not provide the user the option of viewing the degree to which an object may be unlevel.

Since the apertures in the front of the housing are positioned on either side of center of the vial (see FIGS. 1 and 2) and since the apertures are positioned outside a viewing window of the vial, then the user cannot view the whole air bubble unless it is exactly centered.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved level that overcomes the limitations of the prior art. More particularly, there is a need for a reflecting lighted level that illuminates a vial, yet does not require a user to be near to the level to determine whether an object is center. Additionally, there is a need for a reflecting lighted level that concentrates the light when the level is level as opposed to merely diffusing the light irrespective of whether the level is level or unlevel. Further, there is a need for a reflecting lighted level that does not distort the perception of an air bubble within the vial due to parallax so that the user of the level may accurately view the air bubble from any angle. Furthermore, there is a need for a reflecting lighted level that concentrates light and does not require a user of the level to determine when an object is level by distinguishing between varying degrees of brightness. There is also a need for a lighted level that is small and inexpensive to construct and that provides a user the option of viewing the level in a traditional manner using center markings or viewing the level from a distance using the emitted light to guide center.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves the above-described problems and provides a distinct advance in the art of levels. More particularly, the present invention provides a reflecting lighted level that emits a concentrated beam of light when the level is level and that diffuses light so that no concentrated beam of light is emitted when the level is unlevel.

The reflecting lighted level of the present invention broadly includes a generally frustoconically-shaped vial having first and second exterior surfaces and an internal angled reflecting surface; a light source for emitting light; a light tube for focusing or concentrating the emitted light towards the vial; a base for supporting the vial; and a power source for powering the light source. The angled surface within the vial is preferably positioned at a generally 45° angle for reflecting light. The light source, preferably a light emitting diode (“LED”), is preferably centrally positioned relative to the vial. The light tube is preferably positioned proximate to the first exterior surface of the vial and between the light source and the vial. The LED is then preferably partially positioned within the light tube. The light emitted by the LED is transmitted through the light tube and exits the light tube in a concentrated beam. The beam of light is then incident on the first exterior surface of the vial. If the level is level, the beam of light reflects off of the angled surface at a generally 90° angle and exits the second exterior surface of the vial in a generally concentrated beam so that a user of the level may determine from a distance whether the level is level. If the level is unlevel, the concentrated beam of light incident on the first exterior surface of the vial is diffused throughout the vial, and the user sees little or no light, thus recognizing that the level is unlevel.

By constructing a reflecting lighted level as described herein, numerous advantages are realized. For example, a user of the level may easily determine from a distance whether an object the user is leveling is level by simply viewing whether the concentrated beam of light is shining from the vial. Additionally, the user is provided with the option of viewing the vial closely and from any angle, without perceiving a distorted image of the air bubble. If the user chooses to view the vial from a distance, the reflecting lighted level of the present invention is informative of whether the object is center without requiring the user to distinguish between varying degrees of brightness of a concentrated beam of light. Furthermore, the reflecting lighted level of the present invention is small and inexpensive to construct.

These and other important aspects of the present invention are described more fully in the detailed description below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to the drawing figures, and particularlyFIGS. 1 and 2, a reflecting lighted level10constructed in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The reflecting lighted level10is operable to reflect a concentrated, illuminated beam of light when the level10is level and to diffuse the light when the level10is unlevel. The reflecting lighted level10broadly includes a vial12; a light source for emitting light14; a light tube16for focusing or concentrating the emitted light towards the vial12; a base18for supporting the vial12; and a power source20for powering the light source14.

The vial12is preferably generally frustoconically-shaped in horizontal cross-section, as best illustrated in FIG.2. The vial12includes first and second exterior surfaces22,24and an internal angled reflecting surface26, as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2. The first and second exterior surfaces22,24are positioned at a generally right angle to each other. However, since the vial12is preferably frustoconically-shaped, the angle between the first and second exterior surfaces22,24is not exactly 90°. The first and second exterior surfaces22,24and the angled surface26form a hollowed generally triangularly-shaped area28.

As is well-known in the art, the vial12is preferably injected during manufacturing with a liquid, such as mineral spirits, in a sufficient quantity to form an air or gas bubble30. The vial12is then sonic welded so that the liquid may not escape. With regard to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the formed air bubble30resides in the hollowed triangularly-shaped area28. The vial12also preferably includes two marks32inscribed on either side of a center of the vial12. As is also well-known, when the level10is level, the air bubble30is centered between the two marks32so that a user may more easily determine whether an object is level. The vial12is preferably constructed of a substantially transparent acrylic but may have a slight hue. In addition, other vial shapes may be used, such as a generally rectangularly-shaped or triangularly-shaped vial12.

The first exterior surface22or input surface22of the vial12is preferably generally flat, where the input surface22is defined as the surface22of the vial on which the emitted light is incident. When the input surface22is generally flat, any light refracted through the input surface22does not change direction or changes direction to a negligible extent. Alternatively, the input surface22may include a convexity34, as illustrated inFIG. 2, wherein the convexity34converges the light so as to further focus the light, along with the light tube16, as discussed in more detail below. The convexity34may range in size or radius of curvature, depending on the size of the vial12, the width of the concentrated beam of light, and/or the angle at which the light is to be reflected. An even further alterative for the input surface22may include one or more lenses (not shown) whose aggregation of optical properties converges the light incident upon the input surface22of the vial12.

The internal angled reflecting surface26is preferably angled at a generally 45° angle, but the angle measurement may range between 5° and 85°, depending on the size and shape of the vial12and the preferred positioning of the reflected light. The angled surface26is preferably highly polished acrylic such that the surface26is substantially transparent to facilitate the light reflecting off of the surface26, as discussed in more detail below. Other alternative angled reflecting surfaces26may be used, such as a mirrored surface.

The light source14is preferably a light emitting diode (“LED”)14, although any suitable light source14may be used, such as an incandescent bulb. For the first preferred embodiment, the LED14is preferably colored red and has a diameter of 5 mm. Other colors and differently sized LEDs14may be used depending on the manufacturer's preference, the size of the level10, or the intended use of the level10. The light source14is preferably centrally positioned relative to the vial12, as discussed in more detail below.

The light tube16is preferably formed to the vial12, as best illustrated in FIG.2. Alternatively, the light tube16may be formed to the base18or other suitable locations such that the light tube16is proximate to the vial12. The light tube16is generally circularly-shaped and is spaced approximately 3.5 mm from the vial, although the light tube16may be spaced between 0 mm and 8 mm from the vial12. The light tube16is preferably formed of an opaque plastic or other suitable material. Any light transmitted through the light tube16, as described below, preferably does not refract through the light tube16, although minute amounts of refracted light do not detract from the operability of the present invention. The light tube's16primary purpose, which is of importance to the present invention, is to focus or concentrate light transmitted through the light tube16, as described below, such that the light incident upon the vial12is formed in a substantially concentrated beam. The light tube16is preferably centrally positioned relative to the vial12, as is described in more detail below.

The light source14is preferably partially positioned within the light tube16, as illustrated inFIG. 2, such that the light tube16is positioned between the light source14and the vial12. Alternatively, the light tube16may completely surround the light source14. In this alternative, the light tube16may be formed elsewhere, such as to the base18, as noted above. In operation, the light emitted by the light source14is transmitted through the light tube16and is incident on the first exterior surface22of the vial12, as described in more detail below.

The vial12is preferably mounted to the base18. The base18may be secured to a surface using at least one screw36, but preferably two screws36, as illustrated in FIG.1. Alternatively, the base18may be secured to a surface using adhesive or any other suitable securing means, such as VELCRO. The base18is preferably formed of a rigid plastic, but other suitable materials may be used.

The base18preferably includes a housing portion38in which the light source14and the power source20are fully or partially contained. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the light source14is partially housed within the housing38and extends beyond the housing38such that a tip of the light source14is positioned within the light tube16, as described above. The housing38preferably houses a control switch40for activating/deactivating power to the light source14. As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, the control switch40is a mechanical twist switch40having a spring42for activating/deactivating the light source14, although the control switch40may be any suitable switch, such as a slide switch or mercury switch.

The power source20is preferably two coin cell batteries20, which are housed within the housing38. Other suitable power sources20may be used, such as an electrically wired power source or a solar power source. For example, if the level10was to be used for leveling recreational vehicles (“RVs”), the level10could be secured to an outside of the RV and wired to a control switch40that is within easy access of a driver of the RV.

The level10is designed to reflect light when the level10is level and to diffuse light so that little or no light is concentrated when the level10is unlevel. A user of the level10can then determine whether an object is level even when viewing the level10at a distance. To reflect the light so that it can easily be seen by the user, the level10focuses the light emitted by the light source14using the light tube16. The light incident on the first exterior surface22of the vial12is then controlled in width so as to form a concentrated beam of light. If the level10is level, the beam of light refracts through the air bubble30, since the air bubble30is centered within the vial12, and reflects off of the internal angled reflecting surface26at a generally 90° angle. The light then exits the second exterior surface24of the vial12as a still concentrated beam of light. If the level10is unlevel, the concentrated beam of light refracts through the mineral spirits and reflects off of the internal angled reflecting surface26. Since the mineral spirits has a different refractive index than the air bubble30, the light diffuses through the vial12when the level10is unlevel and the light is refracted though the mineral spirits. Thus, when the level10is unlevel, the user of the level10does not see a concentrated beam of light exiting the second exterior surface24of the vial12. Instead, the user merely sees the light diffused or dispersed throughout the vial12, and thus, the user knows the object is not level.

In a second preferred embodiment, a level210is substantially similar to the level10of the first preferred embodiment, except for a base218and a housing portion238. As illustrated inFIG. 3, the base218is preferably generally semi-circularly shaped. The base218may be secured to a surface using at least one screw236, but preferably two screws236. The base218is preferably formed of rigid plastic, although other suitable materials may be used.

A vial212substantially similar to the vial12of the first preferred embodiment is preferably positioned at a lower end of the base218. A power source220is fully or partially contained within the housing238. Similar to the first preferred embodiment, a light source214is partially housed within the housing238and extends beyond the housing238, such that a tip of the light source214is positioned within a light tube216. A control switch240is preferably housed within the housing238. Unlike the first preferred embodiment, the control switch240is preferably an electrical push-button switch240having a timer (not shown) for activating the power source220for a predetermined length of time. The electrical control switch240then automatically deactivates the power source220after the specified time has elapsed.

In a third preferred embodiment, a level310is substantially similar to the level210of the second preferred embodiment, except it includes first, second, third, fourth, and fifth light sources344,346,348,350,352and first, second, third, fourth, and fifth light tubes354,356,358,360,362, as illustrated in FIG.4. Similar to the second preferred embodiment, each light tube354,356,358,360,362is positioned proximate to a first exterior surface322of a vial312, with the first light tube354being positioned at a first end364of the vial312, the second light tube356being positioned next to the first light tube354and opposite the first end364of the vial312, the third light tube358being positioned generally center of the vial312and next to the second light tube356, the fourth light tube360being positioned next to the third light tube358and opposite the second light tube356, and the fifth light tube362being positioned next to the fourth light tube360and at a second end366of the vial312. Similar to the first preferred embodiment, the first through fifth light sources344,346,348,350,352are partially positioned within the first through fifth light tubes354,356,358,360,362. The first light source344corresponds with the first light tube354. Similarly, the second light source346corresponds to the second light tube354, the third light source348corresponds to the third light tube358, etc. The first and fifth light sources344,352are preferably red in color, the purpose of which is described below. The second and fourth light sources346,350are preferably yellow in color, and the third and center light source348is preferably green in color.

When the level310is substantially unlevel and tilted towards the first end364of the vial312, an air bubble330formed within the vial312is consequently positioned at the first end364of the vial312. Alternatively, the level310may still be substantially unlevel and tilted towards the second end366of the vial312. The air bubble330is then consequently positioned at the second end366of the vial312. Similar to the first preferred embodiment, when the red concentrated beam of light emitted by the first light source344shines through the air bubble330at the first end364of the vial312(or at the second end366, depending to which end364,366an object is angled), the red concentrated beam of light is reflected off of an internal angled reflecting surface326at a generally 90° angle so that the user sees a red light. The colors emitted by the second, third, fourth, and fifth light sources346,348,350,352are diffused through the mineral spirits contained within the vial312. If the level310is moderately unlevel, then the yellow light emitted by the second light source346shines through the air bubble330, thus reflecting the yellow light. The remaining colored light is diffused through the mineral spirits contained within the vial312. If the level310is level, then the air bubble330is positioned at center of the vial312, and green light shines through the vial312. Therefore, a user can easily determine whether the object being leveled is substantially unlevel, moderately unlevel, or level.

The angle at which the level310is substantially unlevel, as the term is used above, may be defined as any angle between 2° and 90°. The angle at which the level310is moderately unlevel, as the term is used above, may be defined as any angle between 0° and 10°, wherein the ranges for substantially unlevel and moderately unlevel may overlap. The angle at which the level310is level may be defined as any angle of approximately 0°. As can be understood by those skilled in the art, minute amounts of angle displacement may still correspond to a level310that is substantially level and thus, a level310that transmits a generally concentrated green beam of light.

Alternatively, substantially unlevel and moderately unlevel may be defined with reference to a region in which the air bubble330is positioned. In the second preferred embodiment, a length of the vial312may divided into first, second, third, fourth, and fifth regions368,370,372,374,376, as illustrated in FIG.4. Although each region368,370,372,374,376is not an actual physical characteristic of the vial312, the regions368,370,372,374,376are helpful in defining the delineation between substantially unlevel, moderately unlevel, and level. The first region368corresponds to the first light source344, the second region370corresponds to the second light source346, etc. If the level310is substantially unlevel, then the level310is positioned at an angle which positions substantially all of the air bubble330in either the first region368or the fifth region376of the vial312or proximate to the first light source344or the fifth light source352. Similarly, if the level310is moderately unlevel, then the level310is positioned at an angle which positions substantially all of the air bubble330in either the second region370or the fourth region374of the vial312or proximate to the second light source346or the fourth light source350.

The third preferred embodiment may include more or less than the first through the fifth light sources344,346,348,350,352. For example, the level310may have first, second, and third light sources (not shown), corresponding to three distinct regions (not shown). The first and third light sources may be positioned proximate to the vial312and on either side of center of the vial312. The second light source may then be positioned at substantially center of the vial312. The first and third light sources may emit red light, and the second light source may emit green light so that when the level310is unlevel, a red beam of light transmits through a second exterior surface324of the vial312, and when the level310is level, a green beam of light transmits through the second exterior surface324of the vial312. Alternatively, the level310of the third preferred embodiment may include more than the five light sources344,346.348,350,352corresponding to more than the five regions368,370,372,374,376of the vial312.

In a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, a level410is substantially similar to the levels210,310of the second and third preferred embodiments, except the level410includes first and second light sources478,480corresponding to first and second light tubes482,484positioned on either side of center of a vial412. The first and second light sources478,480and the first and second light tubes482,484are substantially similar to the light source14and light tube16of the first preferred embodiment. No light source is positioned proximate to center of the vial412. Therefore, when the level410is unlevel and tilted towards a first end464of the vial412, the light transmitted by the first light source478refracts through an air bubble430, reflects off of an internal angled reflecting surface426at a generally 90° angle, and exits a second exterior surface424of the vial412. When the level410is level, the light emitted by the first and second light sources478,480is diffused, and thus, no concentrated beam of light is transmitted through the second exterior surface424of the vial412.

In a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated inFIG. 6, a level510substantially similar to the level210of the second preferred embodiment, further includes a lightpipe586having a plurality of transparent colored inserts588. The lightpipe586is preferably approximately the length of a vial512and is positioned proximate to the vial512. The lightpipe586is preferably substantially opaque and is preferably made of plastic or other suitable material. A plurality of light tubes516corresponding to each colored insert588is preferably positioned between the lightpipe586and the vial512. A light source514of the fifth preferred embodiment is positioned generally center of the vial512and proximate to the lightpipe586, such that the light emitted by the light source514is transmitted through the lightpipe586. Alternatively, the light source514may be positioned elsewhere and still proximate to the lightpipe586, such as at an end of the lightpipe586. As the light from the light source514is transmitted through each colored insert588and corresponding light tube516, the light incident on a first exterior surface522of the vial512is focused and concentrated. Similar to the previous embodiments, if an air bubble530is positioned proximate to the light tube516, then the concentrated beam of light exiting the light tube516reflects off of an internal angled reflecting surface526at a generally 90° angle and exits a second exterior surface524of the vial512in a generally concentrated beam. The light exiting the remainder of the light tubes516is diffused through the mineral spirits. An advantage of the fifth preferred embodiment is that only one light source514need be used while still providing differently colored light.

In a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention, a level610substantially similar to the level210of the second preferred embodiment includes a vial612having a first exterior surface622that is preferably substantially opaque, as illustrated inFIG. 7, except for a portion690of the first exterior surface622, which is transparent or non-opaque. The transparent or non-opaque portion690is preferably positioned generally center of the vial612. If multiple light sources614are used, as in the fourth and fifth embodiments, then multiple transparent portions (not shown) are preferably positioned generally proximal to each light source (not shown). The effect is that any light emitted by the light source614is preferably incapable of being transmitted through the first exterior surface622of the vial612, other than the transparent portion690. In the sixth preferred embodiment, the level610may include a light tube (not shown) substantially similar to the light tube216of the second preferred embodiment, although the light tube need not be used. Use of the light tube, however, does not affect the operability of the level610.

In a seventh preferred embodiment, a level710substantially similar to the level610of the sixth preferred embodiment includes a vial712having a first exterior surface722. A screen, mask, or other type of film792is positioned adjacent or proximate to the first exterior surface722, as illustrated in FIG.8. The screen792is substantially opaque, such that no light is allowed to be transmitted through the screen792. The screen792includes an opening or non-opaque portion794through which light produced by a light source714may be transmitted. Thus, the screen792prevents light produced by the light source714from transmitting through the first exterior surface722, except for through the opening or non-opaque portion794. The screen792may be formed onto the first exterior surface722or secured to the first exterior surface722using suitable securement methods, such as adhesive.

Although the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached drawing figures, it is noted that equivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as recited in the claims. For example, the level10, and consequently the vial12, is not limited in size. Therefore, the level10may include more or less light tubes16and light sources14. The color emitted by the light source14may also differ. Additionally, the levels210,310,410,510,610,710of the second through seventh preferred embodiments may alternatively have a base and a housing portion substantially similar to the base18and housing portion38of the first preferred embodiment.