Patent Publication Number: US-2009229136-A1

Title: Hands free level

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/037,142, filed on Mar. 17, 2008, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to levels, and in particular to levels for indicating the orientation of a reference surface. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Typically, a level includes at least one bubble vial and at least one reference surface. The bubble vial indicates the orientation of the reference surface, where the bubble vial may include a slightly curved tube that is not completely filled with a fluid. Because the tube is not completely filled with fluid, a bubble is formed. Gravity will cause the bubble to rest at a midpoint of the tube when the reference surface is level to the earth. 
     The level may be utilized in a variety of applications, and in one instance a user may employ a level when attempting to perform a home improvement project. For example, a user may employ a level when assembling a flat-pack type of home furnishing, such as a shelving unit, a table, or the like. When assembling the home furnishing, one obstacle a user may encounter is mounting or assembling the product horizontally or vertically. 
     In one approach, the home furnishing may be mounted to a wall. The user may align the home furnishing to the wall and place a mark on the wall to indicate where at least one fixing point should be located. However, this process may be difficult and cumbersome for a user because of several reasons. In one example, the user may have to hold the home furnishing, a marking device and the level all at the same time in order to indicate the position of the fixing point on the wall. Holding the home furnishing, the marking device and the level all at the same time may prove to be difficult for at least some users. Moreover, holding all three objects at the same time increases the likelihood that the user may accidentally drop one of the objects. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a level that may be directly affixed to the object to be leveled, while still allowing the level to be attached to the object with minimal effort. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Referring now to the drawings, illustrative embodiments are shown in detail. Although the drawings represent some embodiments, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated, removed, or partially sectioned to better illustrate and explain the present invention. Further, the embodiments set forth herein are exemplary and are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limit or restrict the claims to the precise forms and configurations shown in the drawings and disclosed in the following detailed description. 
         FIG. 1  is a first perspective view of a first embodiment of a level; 
         FIG. 2  is a second perspective view of the level of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a first perspective view of a second embodiment of a level; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the use of the level of  FIG. 3  to level a shelf; 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of the level of  FIG. 3  attached to a shelf; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the use of the level of  FIG. 3  to level a book case; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the use of the level of  FIG. 3  to level a curtain rod; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the level of  FIG. 3  attached to a door; 
         FIG. 8A  is a second perspective view of the level of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 8B  is a first side elevational view of the level of  FIG. 3  on a surface to be leveled; 
         FIG. 8C  is a second side elevational view of the level of  FIG. 3  on a surface to be leveled; 
         FIG. 9A  is front elevational view of the level of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 9B  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 9C  is a detailed view of the ratcheting mechanism of the level of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a level; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a level; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a level; 
         FIG. 13  is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a sliding arm and projection for a level; 
         FIG. 14  is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of a sliding arm and projection for a level; and 
         FIG. 15  is a flow chart depicting a method of using a level. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the discussion that follows and also to the drawings, illustrative approaches to the disclosed systems and methods are shown in detail. Although the drawings represent some possible approaches, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated, removed, or partially sectioned to better illustrate and explain the present disclosure. Further, the descriptions set forth herein are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limit or restrict the claims to the precise forms and configurations shown in the drawings and disclosed in the following detailed description. 
     Moreover, there are a number of constants introduced in the discussion that follows. In some cases illustrative values of the constants are provided. In other cases, no specific values are given. The values of the constants will depend on characteristics of the associated hardware and the interrelationship of such characteristics with one another as well as environmental conditions and the operational conditions associated with the disclosed system. 
     According to various exemplary illustrations described herein, a level is provided. The level includes a main body, at least one reference surface, at least one bubble vial and an arm. The main body includes the at least one reference surface, a first clamping surface and at least one aperture formed through the main body. The bubble vial is attached to the main body for indicating the orientation of the at least one reference surface. The arm projects through and is slidable within the at least one aperture of the main body. The arm also includes a second clamping surface. An adjustable clamping distance is included, and is measured between the first clamping surface of the main body and the second clamping surface of the arm. The arm is slidable within the at least one aperture for adjusting the adjustable clamping distance. The arm may also include a plurality of index locations for adjusting the adjustable clamping distance in predetermined increments. The arm may also further include a stop surface that is located generally opposite to the second clamping surface. The adjustable clamping distance may be measured along an axis, where the arm is slidable within the at least one aperture along the axis for adjusting the adjustable clamping distance. 
     A method of leveling an object is also disclosed. The method generally includes providing a level having a main body and an arm. The main body has at least one bubble vial and a first clamping surface, and the arm has a second clamping surface. The first clamping surface and the second clamping surface define an adjustable clamping distance between the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface. The method further includes grasping the main body with a single hand. The arm is urged through the main body with the single hand while continuing to grasp the main body to thereby adjust the adjustable clamping distance to accommodate the object. The object is interposed between the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface. The object is engaged with the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface. The orientation of the object is determined based on the position of a bubble in the bubble vial. 
     Turning now to the drawings and in particular to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary level  20  is disclosed. The level  20  includes a main body  22  and an arm  24 , where the arm  24  projects through and is slidable within at least one aperture  30  that is included in the main body  22 .  FIG. 1  illustrates the arm  24  positioned generally perpendicular to the main body  22 . The main body  22  includes at least one reference surface and at least one bubble vial, which are respectively illustrated as a first reference surface  32  (seen in  FIG. 2 ) and a first bubble vial  34 . The first bubble vial  34  indicates orientation of the first reference surface  32  with respect to the earth. More specifically, the bubble vial  34  includes a bubble  44 , where gravity will cause the bubble  44  to rest at about midpoint M of the bubble vial  34  when the first reference surface  32  is level. 
     In the illustration as shown in  FIG. 2 , the main body  22  also includes a second reference surface  40 .  FIGS. 1-2  illustrate a second bubble vial  42 , where the second bubble vial  42  indicates orientation of the second reference surface  40  with respect to the earth. The second reference surface  40  may be oriented generally perpendicular to the first reference surface  32 . The main body  22  and the arm  24  may be constructed from a lightweight, low cost material such as, but not limited to, wood, plastic or metal. Moreover, the main body  22  and the arm may be constructed from a light-colored material to enhance visibility of the first and second bubble vials  34  and  42 . 
     The arm  24  includes a second clamping surface  52 , and as best seen in  FIG. 2 , the main body  22  includes a first clamping surface  50 . As seen in  FIGS. 1-2 , the first clamping surface  50  and the second clamping surface  52  define an adjustable clamping distance  54 , where the adjustable clamping distance  54  is measured between the first clamping surface  50  and the second clamping surface  52 . The arm  24  is slidable within the aperture  30  for varying the adjustable clamping distance  54 . More specifically, the adjustable clamping distance  54  is measured along an axis A-A, where the arm  24  is slidable within the aperture  30  along the axis A-A. Movement of the arm  24  along the axis A-A varies the adjustable clamping distance  54 . As discussed in greater detail below, the first clamping surface  50  of the main body  22  and the second clamping surface  52  of the arm  24  cooperate together to form a clamping jaw  62  (not separately shown in the figures). 
       FIG. 1  illustrates the second clamping surface  52  included along a first projection  56  of the arm  24 , where the first projection  56  limits sliding of the arm  24  in the aperture  30 . That is, the arm  24  is retained in the aperture  30  when the arm  24  is urged in a direction R, towards the first clamping surface  50 . Moreover, the first projection  56  may be lined with a compressible pad  58  that aids in retaining an object between the first clamping surface  50  and the second clamping surface  52 . The compressible pad  58  may be constructed from any resilient material, such as, but not limited to, foam, rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer. The first and second clamping surfaces  50  and  52  are configured for attaching to a variety of different types of surfaces. In one example, the first and second clamping surfaces  50  and  52  are attachable to a variety of flat surfaces, including without limitation, those that are porous, non-porous, smooth, rough, magnetic or non-magnetic. In another example, the first and second clamping surfaces  50  and  52  may be non-magnetic. That is, the first and second clamping surfaces  50  and  52  are a mechanical interface, and therefore the clamping jaw  62  is configured to receive both magnetic and non-magnetic materials. 
     As discussed in greater detail below, the arm  24  may include a plurality of index locations that are for adjusting the adjustable clamping distance  54  measured between the first clamping surface  50  to the second clamping surface  52  at predetermined increments. The arm  24  also includes a stopper  66 , and a stop surface  68  that is located generally opposite to and faces the main body  22  and the second clamping surface  52 . The adjustable clamping distance  54  may be varied by advancing or retracting the stop surface  68  from the main body  22  in predetermined increments. The stopper  66  limits sliding of the arm  24  in the aperture  30 . More specifically, the arm  24  is limited in movement by the stopper  66  when urged in a direction D. 
     As seen in  FIG. 2 , the first clamping surface  50  may include a tube groove  38 . The tube groove  38  is located opposite the second clamping surface  52 , and allows for the clamping jaw  62  to be secured to a circular cross section, or a curved surface. For example, as discussed below,  FIG. 6  illustrates an alternative illustration of the level  20  being clamped to a curtain rod with a circular cross section. 
       FIG. 3  depicts an alternate embodiment of a level. Portions of the depicted level which correspond to the components of level  20  of  FIG. 1  are identified using the same reference numerals as are used for  FIG. 1  with a preceding “ 1 .” Thus, the level of  FIG. 2  is level  120 . A similar convention is used with respect to other level embodiments  220 ,  320 , and  420 , as will be described in greater detail below. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , level  120  has an arm  124  with a structure that provides indexed movement with respect to main body  122 . The arm  124  may also include a different length, thickness or strength, depending on the type of object that is to be leveled. In one example, the arm  124  may include a different length than the arm  24 , but may still be utilized within the same main body  22  as seen in  FIGS. 1-2 . In the illustration as shown in  FIG. 3 , the arm  124  includes a series of index locations  164  that have predetermined increments  170  spaced apart along the length of arm  124 . 
       FIG. 3  also illustrates a third bubble vial  172  as well, where the third bubble vial  172  is another indicator of both of the first reference surface  132  and the second reference surface  140 . That is, because three bubble vials are included with the level  120 , if one of the first and second bubble vials  134  and  142  are not within easy viewing distance, the third bubble vial  172  may be used instead. In the illustration as shown in  FIG. 3 , the second reference surface  140  may be oriented generally perpendicular to the first reference surface  132 . 
     As best seen in  FIG. 2 , the first reference surface  32  and the second reference surface  40  include an overall depth, where the depth of the first reference surface  32  is less than the depth of the corresponding second reference surface  40 . More specifically, as seen in  FIG. 2 , the first reference surface  32  includes a first depth D 1 , and the second reference surface includes a second depth D 2 . As illustrated, the first depth D 1  is less than the second depth D 2 . Thus, because the second depth D 2  is greater than the first depth D 1 , the first depth D 2  provides a more accurate indication of leveling when the level  20  is clamped to an object. This is because the second reference surface  40  can be attached to a thicker surface. As discussed in greater detail below, because the second depth D 2  is greater than the first depth D 1 , the first reference surface  32  may be used to attach to an object with a shallower surface. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a user mounting the level  120  to an object, illustrated as a shelf  190 . As seen in  FIGS. 4 ,  4 A,  5 ,  6  and  7 , the level  120  of  FIG. 3  is configured to attach directly to the object that is to be leveled. This is advantageous because if a user desires to change the location of the object to be leveled, the level  120  need not be adjusted. It should be noted that while  FIGS. 4 and 4A  illustrate a shelf, the level may be mounted to any object that can be hung on a wall or that needs leveling, such as, but not limited to, a picture frame, a bookcase or a table. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 4A , the shelf  190  includes a shelving surface  192  and a side surface  194 . The side surface  194  is thinner and shallower than the shelving surface  192 . The first reference surface  132  is configured for indicating the orientation of the shelf  190 , and is done by aligning the first reference surface  132  located along the main body  122  with the side surface  194 . Indeed, the first reference surface  132  includes a smaller depth than the second reference surface  140  (as illustrated in  FIG. 2 ), and therefore can be more readily attached to a shallower surface, such as the shelving surface  192 . 
     The second reference surface  140  is aligned with the shelving surface  192 . The shelving surface  192  includes a depth that is greater than the side surface  194 . In the illustration as seen in  FIG. 4A , the third bubble vial  172  does not indicate the orientation of either the first and second reference surfaces  132  and  140 , and instead the bubble floats to the top of the vial and can not be seen. Instead, the first and second bubble vials  134  and  142  indicate the orientation of the shelf  190 . When any of the first second or third bubble vials  132 ,  140  or  172  are upright, the bubble inside floats to the top portion of the vial and does not indicate orientation. It should be noted that the level  120  may be used to level a variety of different objects, and may be also clamped to the objects in a variety of different orientations. For example, as seen in  FIG. 5 , the level  120  is clamped to a shelving unit  196 . Moreover, the level  120  is clamped to the shelving unit  196  in an orientation that is opposite to the orientation as seen in  FIGS. 4 and 4A . 
     It should be noted that the level  120  is also capable of clamping to a curved surface. For example, as seen in  FIG. 6 , the level  120  is clamped to a curtain rod  198 . The curtain rod  198  includes a curved outer surface  200 . As discussed above, the tube groove  138  (not illustrated in  FIG. 6 ) allows for the clamping jaw  162  to be secured to a circular cross section. The level  120  is clamped to the curved outer surface  200  of the curtain rod  198 . Because the level  120  includes the adjustable arm  124 , the level  120  may be clamped to a variety of objects and surfaces that vary in thickness. Indeed, in another example as seen in  FIG. 7 , the level  120  may be clamped to a door  202 . 
     The level  120  may also be used as a stand alone leveling device that is not clamped to any object. That is, as seen in each of  FIGS. 8A ,  8 B and  8 C, the level may also include a stand alone surface  178 . The level  120  is not clamped to any object or surface.  FIG. 8B  illustrates the first bubble vial  134  indicating the orientation of the surface  204 , and the stand alone surface  178  lying across the surface  204 . It should be noted that when the level  120  is used as a stand alone device, the stopper  166  and the stop surface  168  are recessed from the stand alone surface  178  so that the surface of stopper  166  opposite stop surface  168  and stand alone surface  178  are substantially coplanar. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 3 , the main body  122  includes a ratchet bar catch  182 . The ratchet bar catch  182  is configured for engagement with the index locations  164  that are located along the arm  124 . As best seen in  FIGS. 9B and 9C , the ratchet bar catch  182  is configured to engage with the index locations  164  to retain and secure the arm  124  in a desired location.  FIG. 9A  is a frontal view of the level  120 , where the level  120  is sectioned along line A-A.  FIG. 9B  illustrates a cross sectional view of the arm  124  as well as the ratchet bar catch  182 .  FIG. 9C  is an enlarged, detailed view of  FIG. 9B . 
     As best seen in  FIG. 9C , the ratchet bar catch  182  includes an index point  184 . An outer profile  186  of the index point  184  is configured to mate with an outer profile  188  of the index locations  164 . Thus, as may be seen, the outer profile  186  of the index point  184  engages and secures the outer profile  188  of one of the index locations  164 , thereby securing the arm  124  in place. Engagement of the outer profile  186  of the index point  184  and the outer profile  188  of the index locations  164  will lock the arm  124  into position. The index point  184  and the index location  164  may be disengaged when a user lifts the index point  184 , thereby causing the outer profile  186  of the index point to lift away from the index location  164 . 
     In one alternative illustration as seen in  FIG. 10 , the arm  224  includes two lateral sections  274  that are received by two apertures  230  that are included in the main body  222 . In yet another illustration as seen in  FIG. 11 , the arm  324  may be spring loaded by a tensioning belt  348  that is in communication with a series of posts. The main body  322  includes a pair of posts  358  that retain the tensioning belt  348  at the main body  322 , and the arm  324  also includes at least one post  376  that retains the tensioning belt  348  at the arm  324 . As the arm  324  is advanced away from the body  322  and in the direction D, the tensioning belt  348  exerts a force F that urges the first projection  356  of the arm  324  towards the first clamping surface  350 . Thus, the clamping jaw  362  exerts the force F on an object when the level  320  is used to clamp an object. It should be noted that while the level  320  does not include index points, the tensioning belt  348  is adjustable, and can retain the first projection  356  of the arm  324  at a predetermined, desired location instead. Thus, the index points may be omitted from this illustration if desired. 
     In another illustration as seen in  FIG. 12 , the arm  424  may include a threaded screw portion  448  that is the series of index locations  464  adjusting the second clamping surface  452  at predetermined increments  470 . The arm  424  is rotated about the axis A-A to advance the arm  424  in the direction R towards the first clamping surface  450 . Alternatively, the arm  424  may be rotated in the opposite direction D, and away from the first clamping surface  450  to release an object that is engaged with the clamping jaw  462 . 
     In yet another alternative illustration, the first projection  556  may be a spring-loaded device. More specifically, as seen in  FIG. 13 , the arm may include a hinged end  548 , where the hinged end  548  is spring loaded for securing an object in the clamping jaw (not shown in  FIG. 13 ). In the illustration as shown, the hinged end  548  includes a torsion spring  576  for exerting a clamping force CF along the axis A-A, and in the direction D. In the alternative illustration of  FIG. 14 , the hinged end  648  may not include the torsion spring  576 , and instead the hinged end  648  is biased for exerting the clamping force CF in the direction D. 
     An exemplary method of using level  20  will now be described. Although the method is illustrated with level  20 , the other types of levels described herein may also be used with the method. One advantage of the level  20  is that the level  20  may be grasped with only one hand of a user to actuate the clamping jaw  62 . Being able to grasp the level with only one hand is advantageous, because the user is able to use the other hand for performing another task. Use of the level  20  is illustrated as process  700 , a method of leveling an object, and is illustrated generally in  FIG. 15 . In step  702 , the level  20  is provided, having the main body  22  and the arm  24 . As discussed above, the main body  22  has at least one bubble vial, such as the first bubble vial  34  and a first clamping surface  50 . The arm  24  has the second clamping surface  52 , and the first clamping surface  50  and the second clamping surface  52  define the adjustable clamping distance  54 . The adjustable clamping distance  54  is measured between the first clamping surface  50  and the second clamping surface  52 . 
     Referring to the exemplary level  120  of  FIG. 3 , in one illustrative method, the user adjusts the adjustable clamping distance  154  to accommodate the item (e.g., door, bookcase, shelf, etc.) to which level  120  will be clamped. The user then grips level  120  in one hand by resting the thumb of one hand on level surface  178  ( FIG. 8A ) and the fingers of the same hand on the side of first projection  156  that is opposite the second clamping surface  152 . The level  120  is then positioned with the item to be clamped disposed between the first clamping surface  150  and second clamping surface  152  while keeping the hand in place. The second clamping surface  152  is then adjusted toward the first clamping surface  150  by squeezing the surfaces together with the same hand until the level  120  is securely clamped to the item. The engagement of ratchet bar catch  182  and index locations  164  retains level  120  in place. After the item is leveled, ratchet bar catch  182  is manipulated to remove the engaged index point  184  from the index locations  164 . The adjustable clamping distance  154  is then increased sufficient to remove level  120  from the clamped item. 
     In step  704 , the main body  22  is grasped with a single hand. As discussed above, one advantage of the level  22  is that a user able to grasp the level  22  with only one hand, allowing the user to use the other hand for performing another task. 
     In step  706 , the arm  22  is urged though the main body  22  with the single hand. At the same time, the single hand continues to grasp the main body  22  to thereby adjust the adjustable clamping distance  54  to accommodate the object. As discussed above, the object may be any structure that a user desires to level, such as the shelf  190 . The clamping distance  54  is adjusted to be large enough to accommodate the object to which the level  20  is attached. 
     In step  708 , the object is interposed between the first clamping surface  50  and the second clamping surface  52 . For example, as discussed above, the object could be a variety of structures, such as, but not limited to, a shelf, a curtain rod, or a shelf. Indeed, the object may be any structure that a user desires to level. 
     In step  710 , the object is engaged with the first clamping surface  50  and the second clamping surface  52 . For example, as discussed above, the object could be any structure that a user desires to level, such as the shelf  190 , that includes the shelving surface  192  and the side surface  194 . 
     In step  712 , the object is oriented by determining the position of a bubble in the bubble vial, such as the bubble vial  34 . For example, as discussed above, gravity will cause the bubble  44  to rest at the midpoint M of the bubble vial  34  when the first reference surface  32  is level to the earth. 
     In certain illustrative methods, level  120  is configured for indexed adjustment of the arm  124  with respect to the main body  122 . In these methods, illustrated as step  714 , the index point  184  located along the main body  122  is engaged with the index location  164  located along the arm  124  (as seen in  FIGS. 9A and 9B ). Engagement of the main body  122  with the arm  124  locks the arm  124  into place when the object is interposed between the first clamping surface  150  and the second clamping surface  152 . For example, as discussed above, the main body  122  includes the ratchet bar catch  182 . The ratchet bar catch  182  is configured for engagement with the arm  124 . More specifically, the ratchet bar catch  182  is configured to engage with the index locations  164  and secure the arm  124  in a desired location. 
     In step  716 , the object that is interposed between the first clamping surface  50  and the second clamping surface  52  is released. The object is released by urging the arm  24  towards the main body  22 , and increasing the adjustable clamping distance  54 . In the illustration as shown in  FIGS. 9A ,  9 B and  9 C, the level  120  includes the ratchet bar catch  182 . As discussed above, the index point  184  and the index location  164  may be disengaged when a user lifts the index point  184 , thereby causing the outer profile  186  of the index point to lift away from the index location  164 . After the ratchet bar catch  182  is lifted, the arm  124  may be urged towards the main body  122 . The object may be any object that can be hung on a wall or that needs leveling, such as, but not limited to, a shelf, a shelving unit, a curtain rod, a door, a picture frame or a table. The level  20  may be grasped with only one hand in order to release the object. Process  700  may then terminate. 
     The present disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to the foregoing illustrations, which are merely illustrative of the best modes for carrying out the disclosure. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various alternatives to the illustrations of the disclosure described herein may be employed in practicing the disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined in the following claims. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the disclosure and that the method and apparatus within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby. This description of the disclosure should be understood to include all novel and non-obvious combinations of elements described herein, and claims may be presented in this or a later application to any novel and non-obvious combination of these elements. Moreover, the foregoing illustrations are illustrative, and no single feature or element is essential to all possible combinations that may be claimed in this or a later application.