Patent Publication Number: US-6981330-B2

Title: Multi-axis installable and adjustable level

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to indicating devices for displaying a level line or plane, and more specifically to a leveling device which is permanently installed and adjusted on or in a movable structure, whereupon the structure may be accurately leveled by means of the present leveling device. The present level includes a two way adjustable base and an infinitesimally adjustable “bull&#39;s eye” type bubble level vial, whereby the device may be finely adjusted after installation to provide a level reference whenever the structure to which it is secured is moved. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     There are innumerable portable structures which require at least a close approximation of a level attitude when they are relocated periodically. Examples of such are motor homes, house trailers, and camper type vehicles. Oftentimes, a craftsman must erect a work table or the like, which requires a level attitude for accurate work. The conventional technique nearly universally used for leveling such structures is to place a level (e.g., linear or bull&#39;s eye level, electronic leveling device, etc.) temporarily on or across a surface of the structure desired to be leveled, adjust the structure until it is level according to the level instrument, and remove the instrument from the structure. 
     The problem with this technique is that the portable level must be repositioned on or in the structure, each time it is necessary to level the structure. In those cases where a linear level is used, the level must be repositioned at least once, normal to its initial alignment, in order to establish a level orientation for the structure. Usually, such a linear level must be repositioned back and forth a number of times along the two axes being leveled, as the adjustment along one axis will throw off a previous adjustment along the other normal axis. While such fine adjustment may not be necessary for leveling a recreational vehicle for a relatively short period of time, it may be critical for a work table or the like, where extreme precision is required. 
     In some instances, people have secured conventional level instruments to the structure in order to avoid the need to position and reposition a level or levels temporarily on the structure, each time it must be leveled. However, conventional levels have no adjustability built into them, as their bases are immovably fixed relative to the level indicator (bubble, etc.) display. This results in a great deal of difficulty in accurately positioning such a conventional level in a permanent attachment. While such levels can be shimmed and otherwise adjusted before being permanently secured in place, the very act of securing them (e.g., driving screws, applying adhesives, etc.) is often sufficient to induce some slight variance between true level and the level indicator. The user of the structure must thereafter always compensate for the error induced. 
     The present invention provides a solution to the above problem, by means of a level instrument which is configured for permanent attachment to a movable or portable structure, and which provides for multiple axis adjustment to fine tune the device after installation. This assures that once the structure has been leveled, that the present level indicator can also be precisely leveled along or across multiple axes, with the present level device always providing a true indication of level (or deviation therefrom) for the structure to which it has been permanently secured. 
     A discussion of the related art of which the present inventor is aware, and its differences and distinctions from the present invention, is provided below. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,829,676 issued on May 16, 1989 to David C. Waldron, titled “Hands-Free Level Indicating Device,” describes a conventional linear bubble or spirit level which has been modified with a slot at each end thereof, with a generally U-shaped clamp being placed in each slot. This configuration allows the level to be temporarily clamped to a wide number of different elongate objects (pipes, joists, etc.). Waldron does not provide any means of permanently attaching the level to a structure to be leveled, nor does the level include any means for adjusting its attitude after installation or attachment to another article or object. Moreover, the Waldron level cannot be used to provide an omnidirectional display of the level of a surface, as can the bull&#39;s eye level used with the present multiple axis installable and adjustable level. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,163,229 issued on Nov. 17, 1992 to Giovanni F. Cantone, titled “Plumb And Horizontal Locating Device,” describes a pendulum type leveling instrument having a light beam therein to project a vertical or horizontal beam of light, depending upon the embodiment. Cantone does not disclose any means of permanently attaching his level to another object or structure, nor for adjusting the level of the base relative to the structure upon which it is place or attached. Moreover, the configuration of the Cantone level would require that the plumb bob be removed whenever the structure is moved. Precise replacement of the plumb bob would not be possible, due to minor variations in position while placing the plumb bob on its two mutually normal support rods. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,174,034 issued on Dec. 29, 1992 to Richard L. Swanda, titled “All-Purpose Level,” describes a level which extends normal to a pair of hinge leaves. The device is adapted for use in determining the verticality of corners and the like, wherein the two leaves are extended along each side of the corner and the level is read to determine if the leaves, and therefore the sides which define the corner, are perpendicular. While the Swanda device uses hinge leaves, the leaves have no holes therethrough to permit the permanent attachment of the device to a structure; it must be held in place. Moreover, Swanda does not provide any form of adjustment for his level. In the event that it were to be attached to a non-vertical surface (or non-horizontal, in some embodiments), the level could not be adjusted to indicate level for the remainder of the structure. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,402,579 issued on Apr. 4, 1995 to Robert K. Smith, titled “C-Clamps With Integral Bubble Levels,” describes a linear bubble type level permanently and immovably affixed to the back or spine of the C-clamp; no adjustment is possible. The Smith level and C-clamp combination can only be temporarily secured to a relatively thin and substantially vertical panel, to check the verticality of the panel. Smith provides no means for permanently securing a level to one side or surface of a panel, or for adjusting the level indicator after installation to match it to a true horizontal reference, which features are parts of the present invention. Moreover, the Smith device cannot utilize a bull&#39;s eye type level, as the leveling of the C-clamp about its clamping axis is arbitrary. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,406,713 issued on Apr. 18, 1995 to Robert Oman et al., titled “Apparatus For Maintaining A Scientific And Measuring Instrument Or The Like In A Level Plane,” describes a tripod with a central column normal to the plane of the legs. A pendulum type device is disposed within the column, and determines the verticality of the column (and hence the horizontal attitude of the legs) by contact with contacts disposed upon the inner walls of the column when the column is not vertical. Contact results in the operation of one or more motors at the feet of the device in order to level the device automatically. The Oman device cannot be permanently installed upon a surface that is other than very close to horizontal, and no adjustment for the level means relative to the remainder of the tripod structure is provided. No visual level indication is provided. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,421,094 issued on Jun. 6, 1995 to David W. McCord, titled “Adjustable Level,” describes an angle having a bull&#39;s eye type level secured to a plane normal to both arms of the angle. The device is primarily adapted for temporary placement along a pipe or column, to check the verticality of the pipe; no permanent attachment means is provided. While the plate upon which the bubble level is mounted can be turned to allow the device to check angles other than vertical, the bubble level adjustment is only in a single plane, and only for a relative few angles. McCord does not provide infinitesimal adjustment of his bubble level in two mutually perpendicular dimensions relative to the body of his device, whereas such infinitesimal, bidimensional adjustment is a part of the present invention. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,521 issued on May 13, 1997 to Robert H. Schneider et al., titled “Manually Operated Vehicle Leveling System,” describes the installation of a series of hydraulic jacks in a recreational vehicle or the like. Schneider et al. recognize the desirability of leveling such vehicles when parked and used as living quarters, but only disclose the actual physical leveling system. The only means of measuring or checking the level of the vehicle mentioned by Schneider et al., is the use of a conventional, temporarily placed, portable bubble level (column 6, lines 10 and 11). Schneider et al. do not disclose any form of permanently mounted level indicator which is adjustable to match the level indicator with the true level of the structure after installation, as provided by the present invention. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,200 issued on Nov. 24, 1998 to Dominic Decesare, titled “Multi-Function Horizontal And Vertical Alignment Tool,” describes a temporarily installable (no permanent mounting means are provided) bull&#39;s eye level, wherein the level is mounted upon an arcuately adjustable bracket secured to the elongate level body. The adjustment is only in a single plane, rather than being bi-directional, as in the case of the present level device. Moreover, Decesare provides only five different positions for his level adjustments relative to the level body. In contrast, the present level device is infinitesimally adjustable in any direction(s) defining a leveling plane, and in addition includes coarser initial adjustments which may be performed during the installation to permit the device to be permanently secured to virtually any surface, regardless of its angle or slope. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,298 issued on Oct. 17, 2000 to William McKinney et al., titled “Self-Supporting Level Measurement Device,” describes an otherwise conventional multi-tube bubble level having a spring clamp removably secured to each end thereof. The clamps are used to temporarily secure the level to another structure, e.g., a framing stud, etc., to check the verticality thereof during construction. The clamps secure to the level body by means of square retaining studs in the manner used to secure a socket to the drive of a ratchet wrench. No means for permanently mounting the device to a surface, or for precisely adjusting the level vials relative to the body of the device after such installation, are disclosed by McKinney et al. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,332,277 issued on Dec. 25, 2001 to Greg J. Owoc et al., titled “Level With Securing Apparatus,” describes an otherwise conventional level with a number of embodiments of devices for securing the level temporarily to another structure (framing stud, pipe, etc.). The various temporary securing means comprise clamps, straps, surrounding bands, etc. None of the securing means provides for the permanent attachment of the device to a generally planar surface, as does the present level indicator invention. Owoc et al. do not provide any means of adjusting the angles of the level vials within the conventional level body of their device. The Owoc et al. level is felt to resemble the level of the &#39;298 U.S. Patent to McKinney et al. more closely than it does the present invention. 
     U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2001/25,426 published on Oct. 4, 2001, titled “Leveling Instrument-Clamping Device,” describes a specialized attachment mechanism for temporarily securing a surveyor&#39;s precision level to the top of a tripod. As such, the mechanism cannot be permanently secured to a generally planar surface, as provided by the present invention. Moreover, the level device disclosed in the 426 publication is not a component of the mechanism for which a patent is sought. Rather, the level adjustment mechanism merely provides an interface between an existing, conventional surveyor&#39;s level or the like, and the conventional tripod to which such levels are conventionally mounted for temporary use in the field. 
     U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2002/174,553 published on Nov. 28, 2002, titled “Adjustable Level,” describes a three way tubular bubble level permanently and immovably attached to a pipe clamp type mechanism. The level body cannot be adjusted relative to the clamp mechanism, and no means is provided for permanently attaching the device to a generally planar structure, as provided by the present level. 
     U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2003/93,909 published on May 22, 2003, titled “Level Having A Detachable And Quick Release Structure,” describes an insert for removable installation in a conventional level frame, for holding a small line level in the level frame. No means for permanently mounting the level to another surface, or for adjusting the level relative to the level frame, are provided. 
     Finally, Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-292,865 published on Nov. 7, 1995, titled “Base Piece With Circular Level,” describes (according to the drawings and English abstract) a bracket for permanently imbedding within a concrete slab or the like. The bracket includes a U-shaped upper portion, to which a bull&#39;s eye level may be secured. No means for mechanically fastening the device to a generally planar panel, or for bidirectionally adjusting the level of the bubble level, is apparent. 
     None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus a multi-axis installable and adjustable level solving the aforementioned problems is desired. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present multi-axis installable and adjustable level provides an easily installed and inexpensive device for precisely leveling a structure periodically. Recreational vehicles and other mobile vehicles generally include some means of adjusting the chassis to provide a level orientation to compensate for any slope of the underlying terrain for the comfort of persons living therein. The present level device is particularly well-suited for permanent installation in such vehicles used as temporary living quarters from time to time. It is also useful for leveling work tables and the like when installed thereon. 
     The present level includes a pair of leaves or shells which are pivotally secured together by hinges along a common edge. One of the leaves includes a series of fastener holes, enabling the device to be permanently secured to any suitable, generally planar surface. Coarse adjustment is provided by means of slots for the fastener holes. The other leaf includes a circular, bull&#39;s eye type level therein. Coarse adjustment between the two leaves is provided by a series of mating, radially disposed teeth formed in the mating faces of the hinge lugs. Once the hinge bolt is tightened, the leaves are locked together due to the engagement of the mating teeth. The structure is initially leveled using conventional measurement procedures. The present level device is then permanently installed upon any suitable surface, with the coarse adjustments noted above being made to provide an approximate indication of level for the bull&#39;s eye level. 
     The bull&#39;s eye level includes fine adjustment means securing it to its underlying leaf, with the fine adjustment means providing infinitesimal adjustment of the bull&#39;s eye level relative to its leaf. This enables the bull&#39;s eye level to be adjusted precisely to match the previously leveled structure. Once the present level has been adjusted, no further adjustment, maintenance, or other work is required to use the device. Whenever the structure must be leveled, the user need only consult the previously installed and adjusted level of the present invention and adjust the level of the structure accordingly in order to precisely level the structure. Other embodiments provide for the folding of the two leaves, and means for precisely opening and aligning the folded leaf to its proper position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental, perspective view of the present multi-axis installable and adjustable level, showing its installation in a recreational vehicle. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the present level device, showing its various components. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the present level, showing its configuration for installing upon a generally level surface. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the present level in a configuration for installing upon an undercut sloped surface. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the present level in a configuration for installing upon a surface sloped oppositely to that shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present adjustable level, disclosing an adjustable mechanical stop for consistently opening the level. 
         FIG. 7  is a side elevation view of the adjustable level embodiment of  FIG. 6 , showing its operation. 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present adjustable level, disclosing adjustable alignment marks for consistently opening the level. 
         FIG. 9  is a side elevation view of the adjustable level embodiment of  FIG. 8 , showing its operation. 
       Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention comprises various embodiments of a multi-axis installable and adjustable level for permanent installation in or on a portable or movable structure (e.g., a recreational vehicle, camper, work table, etc.) which must be moved from time to time and which must be positioned as nearly level as possible at each site where it is located. The present multi-axis level embodiments greatly facilitate the leveling of such structures by assuring that the level remains with the structure at all times, thereby obviating the necessity for the user to locate a portable level and position and reposition the level in various orientations across or-along a surface to be leveled while adjusting the level of the structure. 
       FIG. 1  provides an environmental illustration of the present multi-axis level  10 , showing its attachment to the interior structure S of a recreational vehicle RV. The installation illustrated in  FIG. 1  will be understood to be exemplary, with the present multi-axis level  10  capable of being installed to virtually any surface of any structure which requires leveling from time to time. In the case of recreational vehicles and the like, it is important that the vehicle be leveled when it is parked and used as living quarters for some period of time, in order to provide a level floor, table(s), counter surface(s), etc. for the occupants. The present multi-axis level  10  may be attached to any convenient structure, regardless of its orientation, and adjusted to provide a level indication. 
       FIG. 2  provides an exploded perspective view of the present multi-axis level  10 , showing its various components. The level  10  is essentially formed of a permanent attachment leaf  12  and a level display leaf  14  adjustably attached to one another by a hinge formed of a series of interlocking coarse adjustment hinge lugs  16 , which permit adjustment of the relative angle between the leaves  12  and  14 . An omnidirectional level display  18  is installed atop the level display leaf  14 , for viewing by a person using the present level  10 . The level display  18  is preferably a “bull&#39;s eye” type level, i.e., a circular bubble level providing a simultaneous level indication in any horizontal direction, as opposed to a linear level which provides an indication of level only in the direction in which it is oriented. 
     The permanent attachment leaf  12  includes a series of attachment holes therethrough, as shown in  FIGS. 2 through 5 . A single circular fastener hole  20  may be provided through the lower center of the attachment leaf  12 , with this hole  20  setting the location of the level  10  during installation. Two additional slotted coarse adjustment holes  22  are provided near the corners opposite the single circular hole  20 , with the slotted holes  22  being positioned along an arc C of a fastener circle having its center defined by the circular hole  20 . This arrangement permits the device  10  to be positioned generally when the first fastener  24  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) is driven through the circular hole  20 , with coarse angular adjustment of the attachment leaf  12  provided by the arcuate holes  22  about their fasteners  26  (also shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     The above described attachment hole pattern permits some limited, coarse adjustment of the attachment plate  12  during installation, to adjust for any slight initial error in the positioning of the fastener attachment holes in the structure S. It will be seen that this does nothing to adjust the level of the level display leaf  14  in a plane orthogonal to the plane of the permanent attachment plate  12 , however. Accordingly, the present multi-axis level  10  provides additional means for at least coarsely adjusting the level of the display leaf  14 . The mating faces  28  of the hinge lugs  16  which extend from the attachment edges of each of the leaves  12  and  14  each include a series of radially disposed position locking teeth  30  which engage the teeth of the opposite mating face  28  of each lug  16  when the lugs  16  are compressed together. 
     Preferably, the leaves  12  and  14  are formed of a rigid, inflexible material, such as a hard, durable plastic or metal material. A gap  31  is provided between the two center lugs  16 , with the faces  33  (one of which is shown in  FIG. 2 ) of these two center lugs being smooth. When the locking hinge bolt  32  is loose, the lugs  16  of the attachment leaf  12  and level display leaf  14  may slide axially toward one another along the bolt  32 , due to the central gap  31  between the two center lugs  16 . This results in clearances being developed between the toothed faces  28  of the first and second lug pair and third and fourth lug pair, allowing the lugs  16  to be rotated relative to one another to adjust the relative alignment of the two leaves  12  and  14 . When the bolt  32  is tightened, the toothed faces  28  are forced together and the gap  31  is opened, as shown in  FIGS. 3 through 5 , to lock the two leaves  12  and  14  together. The bolt  32  may be tightened by engaging a conventional compatibly threaded nut (not shown), either separate from the opposite hinge lug  16  or molded or imbedded therein. 
     The above described coarse adjustment means, i.e., the arcuate fastener slots  22  and mutually engaging hinge lug teeth  30 , permit the plane of the level display leaf  14  to be adjusted to a reasonably close position along axes perpendicular and parallel to the hinge line of the leaves  12  and  14 . However, the arcuate adjustment of the attachment leaf  12  by means of the fastener slots  22 , and the finite number of teeth  30  of the hinge lugs  16 , permit only an approximate adjustment for the level of the level display leaf  14  with its level display device  18 . 
     Accordingly, the present multi-axis level device  10  provides an infinitesimally fine omnidirectional adjustment mechanism of the level display  18 , relative to its level display leaf  14  to which it is attached. This mechanism is disposed between the level display leaf  14  and its level display  18 , with the components shown in detail in  FIG. 2 . A seat  34  is formed in the level display leaf  14 , with the seat  34  having a series (preferably three evenly spaced) of threaded level display adjustment screw receptacles or bosses  36  therein. An omnidirectional level display mounting plate  38  supports the bubble level display  18 , with the level  18  being adhesively or otherwise secured to the mounting plate  38 . Alternatively, the plate  38  may be formed as an integral, peripherally extending flange of the level  18 . The mounting plate  38  has a periphery with a corresponding series of level adjustment screw holes  40  formed therethrough, with a corresponding series of omnidirectional level display adjustment screws  42  installed through the holes  40  of the level mounting plate  38  and the threaded holes  36  of the level display plate  14 . 
     The above arrangement would allow the level mounting plate  38  to drop downwardly to rest directly within the seat  34  of the level display leaf  14 , regardless of the positions of the screws or fasteners  42 . Accordingly, a compression spring  44  is positioned concentrically between the level display mounting plate  38  and the underlying seat  34 , to hold the position of the level display  18  as desired. The compression spring  44  provides a constant force urging the level display mounting plate  38  away from the underlying seat  34 , against the heads of the level adjusting screws or fasteners  42 . Thus, any portion of the periphery of the mounting plate  38  may be incrementally adjusted upwardly or downwardly by adjusting one or more of the adjusting screws or fasteners  42  inwardly or outwardly, as desired. 
       FIGS. 3 through 5  provide illustrations of exemplary installation orientations for the present multi-axis level  10 . The present multi-axis installable and adjustable level  10  may be secured to a surface having virtually any angle from horizontal to vertical, inclusive. The exemplary installation of  FIG. 1  shows the device  10  installed upon an essentially vertical structure S. This is accomplished by securing the permanent attachment leaf  12  to the vertical structure S, loosening the hinge bolt  32  (if not previously accomplished), adjusting the level display leaf  14  to a substantially horizontal orientation, i.e., on the order of 90° to the attachment leaf  12  (precision is not necessary at this point), and tightening the hinge bolt  32  to lock the mating teeth  30  of the mating hinge lug faces  28  together to prevent relative motion between the leaves. 
     The present multi-axis adjustable level  10  may also be secured to a substantially horizontal surface, if so desired.  FIG. 3  illustrates such a configuration for the device  10 , in which the two leaves  12  and  14  are folded together as closely as possible. The attachment leaf  12  includes a pair of mutually opposed edges  46  extending from the periphery thereof, normal to the plane of the leaf  12 . The level display leaf  14  includes a pair of corresponding peripheral edges  48 , and may include an additional peripheral edge  50  forming a depending wall around all sides of the level display leaf  14 , excepting its hinge edge or side. The opposed edges  46  of the attachment leaf  12  and the corresponding edges  48  of the level display leaf  14  are coplanar with one another, and are in contact with one another when the two leaves  12  and  14  are folded as closely together as possible. This places the level display leaf  14  parallel to the attachment leaf  12 . 
     Thus, if it is desired to attach the attachment leaf  12  to a generally horizontal surface, the user need only fold the level display leaf  14  against the attachment leaf  12  until their respective opposed edges  46  and  48  are in contact with one another, to assure that the level display leaf  14  is also positioned generally horizontally, parallel to the attachment leaf  12 . The hinge bolt  32  may then be tightened to bring the mating hinge lugs  16  into tight contact with one another, locking the relative position of the two leaves  12  and  14  together by means of the locking teeth  30  of the mating faces  28  of the hinge lugs  16 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an installation configuration for the present multi-axis installable and adjustable level  10 , in which it is desired to secure the attachment leaf  12  to a sloped surface in which the surface slopes upwardly and toward the level display  18  of the level display leaf  14 . In this installation, the two leaves  12  and  14  are opened to provide access to the screw or fastener holes  20  and  22  of the attachment leaf  12 , the attachment leaf  12  is secured in place as desired, the level display leaf  14  is adjusted to a position reasonably close to level, and the hinge bolt  32  is tightened to lock the two leaves  12  and  14  immovably together, as described further above. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates yet another installation configuration for the present multi-axis level  10 , in which the attachment structure is sloped upwardly and away from the level display device  18  of the level display leaf  14 . In this example, the two leaves  12  and  14  are opened as required to provide clearance for driving the fasteners  24  and  26  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) through their respective holes  20  and  22  in the attachment leaf  12 . The level display leaf  14  is then folded to a substantially horizontal position (again, precision is not required at this point) and the hinge bolt  32  tightened to lock the two leaves  12  and  14  immovably relative to one another. 
     The above described installations use only the coarse adjustment features of the present multi-axis level  10 , i.e. the slotted fastener holes  22  of the attachment leaf  12  and the mutually engaging teeth  30  of the facing hinge lugs  16 , to position the level display leaf  14  in an approximately level orientation relative to two mutually orthogonal axes. This is not sufficiently accurate for many applications. Accordingly, the infinitesimal and omnidirectional adjustment of the level display device  18  by means of the componentry  34  through  44  illustrated in  FIG. 2 , enables the level display  18  to be adjusted to an extremely precise degree relative to the structure to which the device  10  is attached. 
     The actual installation and leveling process first requires that the portable or movable object to which the present leveling device  10  is to be secured, be accurately leveled. This may be accomplished conventionally, e.g. using a conventional linear spirit level or other level indicator resting upon a surface desired to be in a level orientation when the object or structure is at rest, e.g. floor, table top, counter area, etc. in a recreational vehicle. Alternatively, if a surface intended to be level is available, the present leveling device  10  may be temporarily placed in its folded configuration (as shown in  FIG. 3 ) on the surface to be leveled, and the device  10  may be used to check the progress of the leveling operation. The vehicle (or other object) is then leveled conventionally, using jacks and/or other means to level the structure as accurately as possible, while referring back to the leveling device from time to time. 
     Once the structure has been leveled to the satisfaction of the user, the level indicator  10  may be installed, generally as described above. A suitable place is located, preferably in an unobtrusive position where the level indicator  10  may remain deployed without interference with other objects or persons, and the device  10  is permanently secured to the structure as described further above. This results in the level device  10  providing an indication which is reasonably close to level. However, the finite number of locking teeth  30  between the hinge lugs  16 , and the difficulty in making the miniscule arcuate adjustments of the slotted coarse adjustment holes  22  of the attachment leaf  12 , will nearly always result in the level display leaf  14  being slightly off from precise level relative to the remainder of the structure to which the leveling device  10  is secured. Other factors may also result in some slight deviation from level for the level display  18 , such as any slight flexure of the plastic components as the hinge bolt  32  is tightened. 
     However, the above is of no consequence, as the infinitesimal and omnidirectional adjustment of the level orientation of the level display  18  serves to compensate for any slight misalignment from true level for the rest of the device  10 . Once the device  10  has been permanently attached to the structure at some location as desired, the user of the device  10  need only adjust the level display adjustment screws or fasteners  42  through the level display mounting plate  38  to precisely and accurately level the level display  18  relative to the previously leveled structure or object to which the present adjustable level  10  has been attached. As the structure was previously leveled before the installation of the present device  10 , and the level display is leveled, it will be seen that the present level device  10  will thereafter always indicate a true level whenever the structure to which it is attached is precisely level. 
       FIGS. 6 through 9  provide illustrations of a pair of alternate embodiments of the present adjustable level, having means for precisely repositioning the level display leaf after it has been refolded.  FIGS. 6 and 7  provide illustrations of a multi-axis installable and adjustable level  100  having a mechanical stop to limit the opening of the level display leaf as desired. The level  100  includes a permanent attachment leaf  102  having a level display leaf  104  hingedly secured thereto. Each leaf  102  and  104  includes a series of hinge lugs  106  extending therefrom. A spherical, “bull&#39;s eye” type level  108  is affixed to the level display leaf  104 , using the same adjustable attachment means shown in  FIG. 2  for securing the level  18  to the level display leaf  14  of the level embodiment  10  of  FIGS. 1 through 5 . The permanent attachment leaf  102  includes a single circular attachment hole  110  and a pair of arcuate attachment holes  112  for angular adjustment, functioning in the same manner as that described further above for the attachment holes  20  and  22  of the level  10  embodiment. 
     The hinge lugs  106  engage in the same manner as that described further above for the level embodiment  10  of  FIGS. 1 through 5 , i.e. by means of their mutually facing radially disposed locking teeth  120 . Some axial play is permitted along the hinge bolt  122  to allow the locking teeth  120  to disengage from one another for angular,adjustment of the level display leaf  104  relative to the permanent attachment leaf  102 , just as in the first embodiment level  10  of  FIGS. 1 through 5 . The mating smooth faces  123  of the center lugs permit smooth rotation of the two components  102  and  104  relative to one another when the hinge assembly is loosened. Tightening the bolt  122  urges the locking teeth  120  of the hinge lugs  106  together, thereby engaging the teeth  120  of adjacent lugs  106  with one another to lock the relative angular positions of the two leaves  102  and  104 . A sleeve  125  and bushing  127  may be installed within the hinge lugs  106  for smoother operation, if so desired. 
     The adjustable level  100  of  FIGS. 6 and 7  differs from the level embodiment  10  of  FIGS. 1 through 5 , in that it includes a mechanical stop to limit the angular deployment of the level display leaf  104  relative to the permanent attachment leaf  102 . This permits the level display leaf  104  to be folded against the attachment leaf  102  for storage when leveling of the structure is not required, yet allows the level display leaf  104  to be accurately repositioned without need to perform the initial leveling operation again. 
     The level display leaf  104  includes a stop block  150  extending therefrom, along one edge and adjacent the hinge assembly thereof. A rotationally adjustable mechanical stop ring  152  is installed concentrically with the hinge bolt  122  by means of a bushing  154 , with the stop ring  152  having a stop block engaging tab  156  extending therefrom. A semicircular slot  158  is formed in the stop ring  152 , with a stop ring lock screw  160  passing through the stop ring slot  158  and engaging a mating hole  162  in the outer face of one hinge lug  106  of the permanent attachment leaf  102 . A lock screw bushing  164  may be provided to space the head of the lock screw  160  from the stop ring  152 , for ease of manipulation. 
       FIG. 7  provides a side elevation view of the operation of the adjustable level  100 . The adjustable level  100  of  FIGS. 6 and 7  is installed upon or in a structure in the manner described further above for the level  10  of  FIGS. 1 through 5 , i.e. leveling the structure, securing the device  100  in an approximately level orientation, and then fine tuning the adjustment of the level vial  108  relative to its level display leaf  104 . At this point, the stop ring  152  is rotated to abut the stop tab  156  against the stop block  150 , and the stop ring lock screw  160  is secured tightly to immovably affix the stop ring  152  relative to the outer hinge lug of the permanent attachment leaf  102 . The hinge bolt  122  may then be loosened and the level display leaf  104  folded against the permanent attachment leaf  102  for compact storage. 
     When leveling of the apparatus is again required, all that is necessary is to fold the level display leaf  104  upwardly and outwardly until the stop block  150  of the level display leaf  104  contacts the previously adjusted stop ring tab  156  of the stop ring  152 , thereby preventing further angular extension of the level display leaf  104 . As the level display leaf  104  was perfectly level at the time the stop ring  152  was previously adjusted, the level display leaf  104  will once again be set to indicate the level of the apparatus to which it is attached when the stop block  150  of the level display leaf  104  is in contact with the stop ring tab  156  secured to the permanent attachment leaf  102 . 
     The adjustable level assembly  200  of  FIGS. 8 and 9  is quite similar to the level assembly  100  of  FIGS. 6 and 7 , but includes a different means of assuring the repeated alignment of the level display leaf to its proper position after folding. The adjustable level  200  of  FIGS. 8 and 9  includes the various equivalent components and features of the level  100  of  FIGS. 6 and 7 , i.e. permanent attachment and level display leaves  202  and  204  with their mating hinge lugs  206 , a spherical “bull&#39;s eye” level  208  adjustably affixed to the level display leaf  204 , and mounting holes  210  and  212  in the attachment leaf  202 . The lugs  206  include abutting radially toothed faces  220 , which lock together when the hinge bolt  222  is tightened. Axial play in the hinge lugs  206  permit the toothed faces  220  to disengage, with the smooth hinge lug faces  223  allowing relative rotation of the two leaves  202  and  204 . As an alternative construction, the hinge bolt passages through the hinge lugs are substantially the same diameter as the hinge bolt  222 , allowing the elongate sleeve of the embodiment of  FIGS. 6 and 7  to be omitted. A relatively large hinge bolt bushing  227  is provided in lieu of the sleeve. It will be understood that either hinge construction may be used with any of the embodiments of the present invention, as desired. 
     The level display leaf  204  includes a stop or alignment block  250  extending therefrom, in a position equivalent to the stop block  150  of the embodiment  100  of  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The alignment block  250  further includes a fixed alignment mark  251  thereon, extending radially from the hinge axis of the assembly. An alignment ring  252  is adjustably installed concentrically with the hinge bolt  222  by means of a bushing  254 , with the alignment ring  252  having an adjustable alignment mark  256  thereon. A semicircular slot  258  is formed in the alignment ring  252 , with an alignment ring lock screw  260  passing through the alignment ring slot  258  and engaging a mating hole  262  in the outer face of one hinge lug  206  of the permanent attachment leaf  202 . A lock screw bushing  264  may be provided to space the head of the lock screw  260  from the stop ring  252 , for ease of manipulation. 
       FIG. 9  provides a side elevation view of the operation of the adjustable level  200 . The adjustable level  200  of  FIGS. 8 and 9  is installed upon or in a structure in the manner described further above for the level  10  of  FIGS. 1 through 5 , i.e. leveling the structure, securing the device  200  in an approximately level orientation, and then fine tuning the adjustment of the level vial  208  relative to its level display leaf  204 . At this point, the stop ring  252  is rotated to align its adjustable alignment mark  256  with the fixed alignment mark  251  of the alignment block  250  of the level display leaf  204 , and the alignment ring lock screw  260  is secured tightly to immovably affix the alignment ring  252  relative to the outer hinge lug of the permanent attachment leaf  202 . The hinge bolt  222  may then be loosened and the level display leaf  204  folded against the permanent attachment leaf  202  for compact storage. 
     When leveling of the apparatus is again required, all that is necessary is to fold the level display leaf  204  upwardly and outwardly until the fixed alignment mark  251  of the alignment block  250  of the level display leaf  204  is aligned with the previously adjusted alignment mark  256  of the alignment ring  252 . As the level display leaf  204  was perfectly level at the time the alignment ring  252  was previously adjusted, the level display leaf  204  will once again be set to indicate the level of the apparatus to which it is attached when the alignment mark  251  of the alignment block  250  of the level display leaf  204  is in precise alignment with the alignment ring mark  256  of the alignment ring  252  secured to the permanent attachment leaf  102 . 
     In conclusion, the present multi-axis installable and adjustable level in its various embodiments provides a much needed means of quickly and accurately establishing a level attitude for virtually any movable structure which must be leveled for use in its stationary state. The present leveling device is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and may be readily purchased by virtually anyone who has need of such a device. The present leveling device may be used to verify the leveling of an object or structure where any suitable conventional physical leveling means is used to actually adjust the level of the structure. However, the present leveling device is particularly well suited for use with automated leveling devices, where the user may remotely adjust the level of the structure or vehicle by means of an electrohydraulic or other powered system, merely by observing the indication provided by the present leveling device and adjusting the controls accordingly. Regardless of the physical leveling means used, the present leveling device will save considerable time and prove considerably more convenient than earlier devices and leveling methods of the related art. 
     It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.