Abstract:
A method and device for locating layout points on a work surface using a laser level located away from the work surface to project one or more visible laser lines onto the work surface and one or more portable devices removably attached to the work surface along the level laser lines projected onto the work surface.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part and claims priority to co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 14/602,430 filed Jan. 22, 2015, which application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to then co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Applications, Ser. No. 61/930,645, filed Jan. 23, 2014, and Ser. No. 62/049,241, filed Sep. 11, 2014, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. This application is also a continuation-in-part and claims priority to co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 15/204,292 filed Jul. 7, 2016. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a method and device for laying out projects on a work surface using a laser level positioned away from a work surface and a portable device that may be attached to the work surface along the laser lines projected onto the work surface. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    There are various tools on the market that utilize lasers. However, such tools are generally limited to providing reference laser lines and require the user to move the tool and interrupt the reference lines in order to complete complex layouts. What is needed is a device to facilitate leveling, layout, and installation of objects and fixtures, such as shelving, home décor, and tile without moving or interrupting the laser level continuously. Further what is needed is a device that accommodates measuring tools to allow the user to make measurements along the laser lines to facilitate the layouts. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0004]    The following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the present invention. The present invention is not intended to be limited by this summary. 
         [0005]    The present invention relates to a method and device to facilitate leveling and installation of objects and fixtures, such as shelving and home décor on a wall or other work surface. In a preferred embodiment, the method of this invention uses a standard laser level placed away from the work surface, with the standard laser level projecting level laser lines onto the work surface. The level laser lines may be projected horizontally, vertically, or at other predetermined angles, and may include a combination of horizontal and vertical laser lines or laser lines at varying angles. One or more portable devices is removably located over a reference point on a wall or other work surface (a datum point) along the level laser lines projected onto the work surface. Each portable device will have a bull&#39;s eye or other opening at the center of the device to allow the device to be centered on a mark on the work surface. Each such device also will include one or more notches, protrusions, or other means for removably attaching an end of a tape measurer or other measuring device at or near the center of the portable device to allow the user to measure distances from the center of the portable device along the laser lines projected onto the work surface. In one embodiment, the notches, protrusions, or other means for attaching the tape measurer are offset from the center of the portable device so that the zero point on the tape measurer is centered on the portable device. 
         [0006]    In an alternative embodiment, the portable device has one or more distance measuring lasers mounted at or near the center of the portable device to allow the user to measure distances along the projected laser lines using the distance measuring lasers. The inclusion of distance measuring lasers on the portable device allows the user to measure distances from the center of said base without the use of a tape measurer or other distance measuring device. 
         [0007]    Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications, patents and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions will control. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The accompanying figures are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification for the present invention and further illustrate the present invention: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a laser level placed away from a work surface with a portable device removably attached to the work surface. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the portable device with notches for attaching the end of a tape measure. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the portable device. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the portable device with distance measuring lasers and handheld display. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a top view of the portable device with distance measuring lasers and a smartphone as the handheld display. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION 
       [0014]    The present invention is best understood by reference to the drawings and description set forth herein. Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the drawings. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to the drawings is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond the limited embodiments described. For example, in light of the teachings of the present invention, those skilled in the art will recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, numerous modifications and variations of the invention may exist that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive. 
         [0015]    The present invention should not be limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. The terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” may be a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. 
         [0016]    All conjunctions used herein are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, a group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0017]    Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) are to be given their ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art, and are not to be limited to a special or customized meaning unless expressly so defined herein. 
         [0018]    Terms and phrases used in this application, and variations thereof, especially in the appended claims, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing, the term “including” should be read to mean “including, without limitation,” “including but not limited to,” or the like; the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least”; the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to”; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; and use of terms like “preferably,” “preferred,” “desired,” “desirable,” or “exemplary” and words of similar meaning should not be understood as implying that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the invention, but instead as merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the invention. 
         [0019]    Those skilled in the art will also understand that if a specific number for a claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of claim recitations is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to at least one of A, B, and C″ is used, in general, such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). 
         [0020]    All numbers expressing dimensions, quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about” unless expressly stated otherwise. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth herein are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained. 
         [0021]    Throughout this disclosure, examples will be provided for using the laser leveling device. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate additional applications for the laser leveling device. Uses of the present invention may relate to, for example, hanging shelving, pictures, collages, art work, closet shelving, decorative shelving, curtain rods, towel bars, fixed hang holes, tile work, cabinets, built-in cabinets/shelving, kitchen cabinets, door hardware, wall mounted lighting fixtures, flat screen TV mounts, and other installations. 
         [0022]    The invention provides a laser leveling device characterized by the use of a standard laser level placed away from the work surface and projecting level laser lines onto the work surface. Said level laser lines may be projected horizontally, vertically, or at other predetermined angles, and may include a combination of horizontal and vertical laser lines or laser lines at varying angles. One or more portable devices is removably located over a datum point on a wall or other work surface along the level laser lines projected onto the work surface. Each portable device has a bull&#39;s eye or other opening at the center of the device to allow the device to be centered on a mark on the work surface. Each such portable device will include one or more notches, protrusions, or other means for removably attaching an end of a tape measurer or other measuring device at or near the center of the portable device to allow the user to measure distances from the center of the portable device along a laser line projected on the work surface. 
         [0023]    In an alternative embodiment, the portable device has one or more distance measuring lasers mounted at or near the center of the portable device to allow the user to measure distances along the projected laser lines using the distance measuring lasers. The inclusion of distance measuring lasers on the portable device allows the user to measure distances from the center of said base without the use of a tape measurer or other distance measuring device. 
         [0024]    To illustrate embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to the drawings.  FIG. 1  provides a prospective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention using a standard laser leveling device  100  positioned away from a work surface  101  and projecting laser lines  102  onto the work surface. A portable device  103  is removably attached to the work surface  101  at a datum point along the projected laser lines  102 . The portable device  103  has a bull&#39;s eye opening  104  at the center to allow the portable device  103  to be centered on a datum point on the work surface  101 . The portable device  103  also includes notches  105  at or near the center of portable device  103  for removably attaching an end of a tape measurer or other measuring device at or near the center of the portable device  103  to allow the user to measure distances from the center of the portable device  103  along a laser line  102  projected on the work surface  101 . Alternative embodiments may include protrusions or other means for removably attaching an end of a tape measurer or other measuring device at or near the center of the portable device  103  to allow the user to measure distances from the center of the portable device  103  along laser lines  102  projected on the work surface  101 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 2  provides a top view of a portable device  103  with four notches  105  near the center of the device  103  to allow the user to measure distances from the center of the portable device  103  along a laser line  102  projected on the work surface  101 .  FIG. 2  also includes a bull&#39;s eye opening  104  at the center to allow the portable device  103  to be centered on a datum point on the work surface  101 . 
         [0026]      FIG. 3  is a bottom view of a preferred embodiment of a portable device  103  of the present invention showing the notches  105  for temporarily hooking the end of a tape measure or other measuring device and a bull&#39;s eye-type opening  104  at the center of a base  101 .  FIG. 3  also shows two stand-offs  106 . The stand-offs  106  are spring loaded and will compress when pressed against a wall or other work surface. The stand-offs  106  allow the user to align and position the portable device  103  into a desired location on a work surface before temporarily adhering the portable device  103  to a work surface, using adhesive tabs, screws, other fasteners, other adhesive materials, or other means known in the art for removably affixing the portable device  103  to a work surface. The stand offs  106  ensure that the adhesive tabs do not adhere to a work surface until the user levels the portable device  103  and presses it onto a work surface. 
         [0027]    An alternative embodiment of the portable device  103  is provided in  FIG. 4 , which shows a top view of the portable device  103  of the present invention with a plurality of distance measuring lasers  107  located at or near the center of the portable device  103 .  FIG. 4  also shows a bull&#39;s eye opening  104  at the center of the portable device  103  for positioning the device  103  over a datum point on a work surface  101 .  FIG. 4  also shows a handheld display  109  for taking distance readings from the center of the portable device  103  using the distance measuring lasers  107 . 
         [0028]    Using a computer processor connected to the distance measuring lasers  107 , each of the distance measuring lasers  107  is calibrated to provide distance measurements from the center of the portable device  103 . When the portable device  103  is centered over a datum point, the distance from the datum point is measured. Included with the distance measuring lasers  107  on the portable device  103  are electronics (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) known to one skilled in the art such as batteries or other sources of power for the distance measuring lasers  107 , a power switch  108 , a circuit board or other computer processor, and a means for wirelessly communicating with the handheld display  109 . Distances are measured from the center of the portable device  103  located over a datum point on the work surface by powering on the plurality of distance measuring lasers  107 , selecting the desired direction for measuring distance from the center of the portable device  103  and interrupting the laser beam  110  emitted from the distance measuring laser  107  pointed in said direction. The laser beam  110  emitted from the distance measuring laser  107  is interrupted using a handheld display  109 . 
         [0029]    In a preferred embodiment, the handheld display  109  has a LCD screen or other similar screen, electronic components known in the art, and communicates with the distance measuring lasers  107  located on the portable device  103  using Bluetooth or other means of wireless communication. When the handheld display  109  interrupts the selected distance measuring laser  107  the distance from the center of the portable device  103  is calculated and displayed on the LCD screen of the handheld display  109 . When the handheld display  109  is moved along the emitted laser beam  110  for the selected distance measuring laser  107  the distance from the center of the portable device  103  will be displayed continuously and in real-time on the handheld display. 
         [0030]    In an alternative embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the handheld display  109  is a smartphone or other mobile device  111  that communicates by Blue Tooth or other wireless means with the distance measuring lasers  107  and includes a software application  112  that allows the smartphone  111  to calibrate and display distances from the center of the portable device  103  when the emitted laser beam  110  is interrupted. In such embodiment, a user may attach a side rail or an adjustable cradle  113  to the smartphone  111  to facilitate interruption of the laser beam  110  from one of the distance measuring lasers  107  and assist in placing marks on the work surface. 
         [0031]    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the beams emitted from the distance measuring lasers  107  are not projected onto the work surface and are not generally visible to the user. In such preferred embodiment, the distance measuring lasers  107  are installed in one or more portable devices  103  and are rotatably or movably aligned to the same axes as the lasers  102  being projected onto the work surface. In this preferred embodiment, the user is able to measure distances along the projected laser  102  lines on the work surface by moving the handheld display  109  along the projected laser  102  lines thereby interrupting the beam  110  from the distance measuring lasers  107  that are aligned on the same axes as the projected lasers  102 . 
         [0032]    In an alternative embodiment, a single distance measuring laser  107  is rotatably installed at or near the center of a portable device  103 , allowing a user to rotate the distance measuring laser  107  to different angles and measure the distance from the center of the portable device  103  at such different angles. In a further alternative embodiment, the handheld display  109  includes a stud finder to allow a user to identify studs in the work surface and measure the distance from the center of a portable device  103 . 
         [0033]    It is to be understood that the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims.