Patent Abstract:
A level is selectively coupled to a work piece and includes a housing, an adjustable clamping mechanism configured to selectively couple the housing to the work piece, a first bubble vial coupled to the housing and operable to indicate a first levelness of the work piece, and a second bubble vial rotatably coupled to the housing about a first axis. The second bubble vial is operable to indicate a second levelness of the work piece.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/027,543, filed Jul. 22, 2014, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/167,044, filed May 27, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/184,629, filed Jun. 25, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to hand tools used to level a work piece, and more particularly to hand tools couplable to a work piece to level the work piece. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a level is selectively coupled to a work piece and includes a housing, an adjustable clamping mechanism configured to selectively couple the housing to the work piece, a first bubble vial coupled to the housing and operable to indicate a first levelness of the work piece, and a second bubble vial rotatably coupled to the housing about a first axis. The second bubble vial is operable to indicate a second levelness of the work piece. 
     In another embodiment, a level is selectively coupled to a work piece and includes a housing having a first side surface and a second side surface. Each of the first side surface and the second side surface defining a plane. The level also includes an adjustable clamping mechanism coupled to the housing and configured to selectively couple the housing to the work piece. The level further includes a bubble vial coupled to the housing and rotatable about a first axis. The bubble vial is operable to indicate a levelness of the work piece. The bubble vial is visible from a line of sight coplanar with one of the planes defined by the first side surface and the second side surface. 
     In yet another embodiment, a level is selectively coupled to a tool and indicating a levelness of the tool. The level includes a housing having a first planar surface opposite a second planar surface and a first face surface opposite a second face surface. The first planar surface and the second planar surface are perpendicular to the first face surface and the second face surface. The housing defines a longitudinal axis. The level also includes a recess extending into the second face surface adjacent the first planar surface. The recess is configured to receive a portion of the tool. The second face surface and a side of the tool are substantially coplanar when the recess engages the tool. 
     Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a level in a first orientation according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the level of  FIG. 1  in a second orientation. 
         FIG. 3  is a front exploded view of the level of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a rear exploded view of the level of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5A  is a side view of a housing portion of the level of  FIG. 1  including grooves extending 360 degrees around an opening of the housing portion. 
         FIG. 5B  is another embodiment of the housing portion of  FIG. 5A  including the grooves extending 180 degrees around the opening. 
         FIG. 6A  is a side view of a front cover of the level of  FIG. 1  including a plurality of resilient members. 
         FIG. 6B  is another embodiment of the front cover of  FIG. 6A  including a single resilient member. 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of the level of  FIG. 1  with a bubble vial partially extending from a side surface of the housing portion illustrated in  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a level according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the level of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of the level of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a level according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a front exploded view of the level of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a rear exploded view of the level of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a level according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a front exploded view of the level of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  is a rear exploded view of the level of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a level including a bubble vial in a first orientation according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the level of  FIG. 17  including the bubble vial in a second orientation. 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a level according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a level according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 21  is a front exploded view of the level of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 22  is a rear exploded view of the level of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a level according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 24  is a front exploded view of the level of  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 25  is a rear exploded view of the level of  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of a level according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 27  is an exploded view of the level of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of a level according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 29  is an exploded view of the level of  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of a level coupled to a ruler according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 31  is a side view of the level coupled to the ruler of  FIG. 30 . 
     
    
    
     Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a level  10 , similar to a no-dog level. The level  10  may be used in bending a work piece  12 , such as a pipe, a conduit, flat bar stock, etc. The level  10  may have features similar to the features described and illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,000, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     The illustrated level  10  includes a housing  14  having a base housing portion  14   a  with side surfaces  18   a  and a body housing portion  14   b  with side surfaces  18   b . Each of the side surfaces  18  defines a side plane of the level  10 . The base portion  14   b  is rotatable about the body portion  14   b  about a first axis A ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ). A first leg  22  and a second leg  26  extend from the base portion  14   a  with a retaining member  30  extending through the second leg  26 . In the illustrated embodiment, the legs  22 ,  26  are integral with the base portion  14   a , and the illustrated first leg  22  includes a curved surface  34  configured to abut the work piece  12 , e.g., an inner diameter of a conduit. The illustrated retaining member  30  is a threaded set screw oriented perpendicular to the second leg  26 , e.g., orientated substantially parallel to the side surfaces  18 . The retaining member  30  is also configured to abut the work piece  12 , e.g., an outer diameter of a conduit. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing  14  is made of opaque material (e.g., metallic or plastic material), but in other embodiments, the housing  14  may be made of transparent or semi-transparent material. 
     The base portion  14   a  includes a cavity  38  and a central aperture  42  extending from the legs  22 ,  26  to a rib  46  ( FIG. 4 ) located away from the legs  22 ,  26 . The central aperture  42  defines a counterbore with a smaller diameter located adjacent the rib  46  and a larger diameter located adjacent the cavity  38 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a dog bubble vial  50  is supported within the cavity  38  and extends parallel to the side walls  18   a . In one embodiment, the dog bubble vial  50  contains a first fluid and a second fluid generally immiscible in the first fluid. In another embodiment, the first fluid and/or the second fluid are a gas. The second fluid is configured to be located at a predetermined location in the dog bubble vial  50  indicating a first levelness of the level  10  relative to the direction of gravity. In other words, a levelness of the level  10  is an orientation (i.e., an angle) of the level  10  within a single plane relative to the direction of gravity. 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate the body portion  14   b  including a first slot  62   a  perpendicular to a second slot  62   b , and the slots  62   a ,  62   b  are sized to engage the rib  46 . In other embodiments, the base portion  14   a  may include the slots  62   a ,  62   b , and the body portion  14   b  may include the rib  46 . A protrusion  66  is located at an intersection between the slots  62   a ,  62   b  and is received within the central aperture  42 . A stop  70  is attached to an end of the protrusion  66  and is sized to be received within the larger diameter of the central aperture  42 , but not the smaller diameter of the central aperture  42 . Therefore, the stop  70  limits axial movement between the base portion  14   a  and the body portion  14   b  along the first axis A. In the illustrated embodiment, a spring member  74 , e.g., a compression coil spring, is positioned within the larger diameter of the central aperture  42  and is concentric with the protrusion  66  to bias the stop  70 , and ultimately the body portion  14   b , towards the base portion  14   a.    
     With reference to  FIG. 5A , the body portion  14   b  also includes grooves  58   a  radially positioned 360 degrees within an opening  54  of the body portion  14   b . In the illustrated embodiment, each groove  58   a  is radially spaced 15 degrees from an adjacent groove, e.g., the body portion  14   b  includes twenty-four grooves. In other embodiments, the grooves  58   a  may be spaced at a different degree (e.g., five, ten, etc. degrees) from each other. In another embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 5B , grooves  58   b  extend 180 degrees within the opening  54 . In other words, an open region  59  defines a half of the opening  54 , and the grooves  58   b  define the other half of the opening  54 . Likewise to the grooves  58   a , the grooves  58   b  are spaced 15 degrees apart, but the body portion  14   b  now includes twelve grooves. In other embodiments, the grooves  58   b  may be spaced at a different degree from each other. In further embodiments, the grooves  58  define two oppositely located quarter portions of the opening  54  with the open region  59  positioned between the two quarter portions. In other words, the opening  54  sequentially defines a first groove portion, a first open region, a second groove portion, and a second open region. In addition, indicia  60  align with the grooves  58  and are positioned on at least one side surface  18   b  of the body portion  14   b . In the illustrated embodiment, the indicia  60  correspond to a desired tilt angle of the work piece  12 , as discussed in detail below. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , an annular housing  78  includes a front cover  82  and a rear cover  86  rotationally supported in an opening  54  of the housing  14  about the second axis B. The illustrated front cover  82  includes a central opening, e.g., a rectangular aperture, having guide recesses  90  oriented parallel to the second axis B. An indicator member  92  is positioned on an exterior surface of the front cover  82  and aligns with at least one of the guide recesses  90 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 6A , resilient members  94   a  (e.g., resilient fingers) are located on a rear portion of the front cover  82  and are biased radially outward from the central opening away from the second axis B. The resilient members  94   a  include a projection  98   a  that is sized to engage one of the grooves  58   a  ( FIG. 5A ). In the illustrated embodiment, the front cover  82  includes two resilient members  94   a ; however, in other embodiments, the front cover  82  may include more or less than two resilient members. For example,  FIG. 6B  illustrates another embodiment of the front cover  82  including one resilient member  94   b  having a projection  98   b  that is sized to engage one of the grooves  58   b  ( FIG. 5B ). In other embodiments, the resilient member  94   a ,  94   b  may be located on the body portion  14   b , and the grooves  58   a ,  58   b  may be located on the front cover  82 . 
     The illustrated rear cover  86  also includes a central opening that aligns with the central opening of the front cover  82 . Guide members  102  extend along the second axis B and are sized to be received within the guide recesses  90 . Engagement between the guide members  102  and the guide recesses  90  enables co-rotation between the covers  82 ,  86 . 
     A rotatable bubble vial  106  is affixed to the annular housing  78  for rotational movement therewith. In particular, the bubble vial  106  is held in position within the guide recesses  90  by the guide members  102  once the rear cover  86  is attached to the front cover  82  (via fasteners). 
     In operation, the level  10  is connected to the work piece  12  to be bent by positioning the work piece  12  between the legs  22 ,  26 . By rotating the retaining member  30 , the work piece  12  is secured between the curved surface  34  and the retaining member  30 . 
     The base portion  14   a  and the body portion  14   b  may be oriented perpendicular ( FIG. 1 ) or parallel ( FIG. 2 ) to each other. Generally, the level  10  in the parallel orientation is suitable for storage and transportation, and the level  10  in the perpendicular orientation is used to bend the work piece  12  at a desired angle. To change the level  10  from the perpendicular orientation to the parallel orientation, the portions  14   a ,  14   b  are separated away from each other along the first axis A, which disengages the rib  46  from the first slot  62   a . Simultaneously, the stop  70  moves towards the rib  46  and compresses the spring member  74 . The body portion  14   b  is rotated relative to the base portion  14   a  such that the rib  46  now aligns with the second slot  62   b . The body portion  14   b  is biased towards the base portion  14   a  for engagement between the rib  46  and the second slot  62   b.    
     When the front cover  82  including the resilient members  94   a  is coupled to the body portion  14   b  including the grooves  58   a  ( FIGS. 5A and 6A ), the front cover  82  rotates relative to the body portion  14   b  such that the projections  98   a  selectively engage one of the grooves  58   a  to orientate the bubble vial  106  in a discrete angular position represented by alignment between the indicator member  92  and an indicium  60 . Alternatively, when the front cover  82  including the resilient members  94   b  is coupled to the body portion  14   b  including the grooves  58   b  ( FIGS. 5 b    and  6 B), the bubble vial  106  can be positioned in a discrete angular position or the bubble vial  106  can be positioned in an angular position not provided by the grooves  58   b . As the projection  98   b  engages one of the grooves  58   b , the bubble vial  106  is positioned in a discrete angular position similar to the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 5A and 6A . However, when the resilient member  94   b  is rotated into the open region  59 , the bubble vial  106  can be positioned at any angle, e.g., between 0 degrees and 180 degrees. Because the resilient member  94   b  is biased outwardly, the projection  98   b  is biased into contact with the open region  59  to temporarily hold the bubble vial  106  in a desired position. 
     The dog bubble level  50  is operable to indicate whether a dog is occurring in the work piece  12 . When the work piece  12  is being bent at a desired angle in a bending plane, the dog bubble vial  50  is oriented to indicate whether the bend is dogging or skewing out of the bending plane. In other words, the dog bubble level  50  is oriented perpendicular to the bending plane as the work piece  12  is being bent. 
     The desired angular position (e.g., tilt or bend angle) of work piece  12  is indicated by the rotatable bubble vial  106 . As such, the bubble vial  106  is oriented parallel to the bending plane. To set a desired bend angle, the annular housing  78  is adjusted relative to the body portion  14   b  to align the indictor member  92 , and ultimately the rotatable bubble vial  160 , with the corresponding indicia  60 . The work piece  12  is bent until the bubble level  106  is level indicating that the desired bend angle has been achieved. While bending, the dog bubble vial  50  is maintained level to ensure that the bend is not dogging or skewing out of the bending plane. 
     Furthermore, the bubble vials  50 ,  106  are both viewable as the work piece  12  is being bent. With reference to  FIG. 7 , the rotatable bubble vial  106  partially extends beyond the side surface  18   b  such that the rotatable bubble vial  106  is offset from the body portion  14   b  and viewable in a line of sight parallel to one of the side planes defined by the side surfaces  18   b . The dog bubble vial  50  is also viewable from the line of sight parallel to the side surfaces  18   b  when the housing portions  14   a ,  14   b  are in the perpendicular orientation. 
       FIGS. 8-10  illustrate a level  110  according to another embodiment. The level  110  is similar to the level  10 ; therefore, similar components have been given similar reference numbers, plus 100. Only differences between the levels  10 ,  110  will be discussed in detail. In addition, components or features described with respect to only one or some of the embodiments described herein are equally applicable to any other embodiments described herein. 
     The illustrated level  110  includes an integral housing  114  with side surfaces  118 . The housing  114  includes a first leg  122  having a curved surface  134 , a second leg  126 , and a retaining member  130 . The housing  114  also includes a cavity  138  that receives a dog bubble vial  150 . The housing  114  further includes windows or openings  116  located between the side surfaces  118  and extending around an opening  154  of the housing  114 . In the illustrated embodiment, the level  110  includes three windows  116  configured to allow visual access to the interior of the housing  114 , e.g., within the opening  154 . In other embodiments, there may be more or less than three windows  116 . 
     The housing  114  receives an annular housing  178  with indicia  160  positioned around the opening  154  of the housing  114 . The annular housing  178  includes a front cover  182  and a rear cover  186  rotationally supported in the opening  154  of the housing  114  about the second axis B. The illustrated covers  182 ,  186  may be transparent or opaque. In other embodiments, one of the covers may be transparent as the other cover may be opaque. The illustrated front cover  182  includes a central opening, e.g., a rectangular aperture, with guide arms  120  defining guide recesses  190  oriented parallel to the second axis B. The guide arms  120  and the guide recesses  190  protrude inwardly, e.g., towards the rear cover  186 , from a front face of the front cover  182 . Tabs  124  are positioned on the guide arms  120  away from the front face of the front cover  182 . In addition, an indicator member  192  is positioned on an exterior surface of the front cover  182  and aligns with at least one of the guide recesses  190 . In other embodiments, the indicator member  192  may be positioned anywhere on the exterior surface of the front cover  182 . 
     The illustrated rear cover  186  includes a central opening that aligns with the central opening of the front cover  182 . The tabs  124  of the front cover  182  are sized to engage the central opening of the rear cover  186 . A rotatable bubble vial  206  is affixed within the guide recesses  190 . In the illustrated embodiment, the bubble vial  206  includes a transparent protective casing  125  that is substantially flush or coextensive with an exterior surface of the covers  182 ,  186 . 
     In operation, the annular housing  178  is rotated relative to the housing  114  to reach a desired tilt angle of the bubble vial  206 . The bubble vial  206  temporarily remains at the desired tilt angle by interference between the guide arms  120  and a middle portion of the housing between the side surfaces  118 . Stated another way, a frictional fit is provide between the housing  114  and the annular housing  178  such that the annular housing  178  is able to rotate relative to the housing  114  until a desired tilt angle is reached, thereby temporarily holding the annular housing  178  in position. 
     With reference to  FIG. 10 , the bubble vial  206  is viewable in a plane parallel to the side surfaces  118  through windows  116 . The windows  116  may be positioned around the housing  114  such that the bubble vial  206  is viewable in other orientations, e.g., from a bottom of the level, a side of the level, etc. 
       FIGS. 11-13  illustrate a level  210  according to another embodiment. The level  210  is similar to the level  10 ; therefore, similar components have been given similar reference numbers, plus 200. Only differences between the levels  10 ,  210  will be discussed in detail. In addition, components or features described with respect to only one or some of the embodiments described herein are equally applicable to any other embodiments described herein. 
     The illustrated level  210  includes a housing  214  with side surfaces  218 . The housing  214  includes a first leg  222  having a curved surface  234 , a second leg  226 , and a retaining member  230 . The housing  214  also includes a cavity  238  that receives a dog bubble vial  250 . The housing  214  further includes grooves  258  radially positioned within an opening  254  of the housing  214  and a detent aperture  228  extending through the housing  214  into the opening  254 . Located within the detent aperture  228  is a resilient detent assembly  294 . The illustrated resilient detent assembly  294  includes a detent housing  236  and a detent ball  240 . The detent ball  240  is partially located outside of the detent housing  236 , and the detent housing  236  biases the detent ball  240  towards the second axis B. In other embodiments, a spring may be located within the detent housing  236  to bias the detent ball  240  towards the second axis B. In further embodiments, the housing  214  may include more than one detent aperture  228  and resilient detent assembly  294 . 
     The housing  214  receives an annular housing  278  with indicia  260  positioned around the opening  254  of the housing  214 . The annular housing  278  includes a front cover  282  and a rear cover  286  rotationally supported in the opening  254  of the housing  214  about the second axis B. The illustrated front cover  282  includes an indicator member  292  and a central opening, e.g., a rectangular aperture, having stops  232  located adjacent an opening of the rectangular aperture. A circumference of the front cover  282  also includes grooves  258  and a detent aperture  228 . Located within the detent aperture  228  is another resilient detent assembly  294 . In other embodiments, one of the housing  214  and the annular housing  278  includes the resilient detent assembly  294  and the other includes the grooves  258 . In further embodiments, the annular housing  278  may include more than one detent aperture  228  and resilient detent assembly  294 . 
     The illustrated rear cover  286  includes a central opening that aligns with the central opening of the front cover  282 . In particular, the rear cover  286  is recessed into the front cover  282  such a portion of the front cover  282  is flush or coextensive with the rear cover  286 . A rotatable bubble vial  306  is affixed within the opening of the front cover  282 . In the illustrated embodiment, the bubble vial  306  includes a protective casing  225  having channels  248  that are sized to engage the stops  232 . As such, the protective casing  225 , and ultimately the bubble vial  306 , are slidable along the second axis B relative to annular housing  278  so that the bubble vial  306  is viewable in a plane parallel to the side surfaces  218 . The engagement between the stops  232  and the channels  248  inhibit removal of the protective casing  225  from the annular housing  278 . 
     As the annular housing  278  rotates about the second axis B, the detent balls  240  selectively engage a corresponding groove  258 . As such, the annular housing  278 , and ultimately the bubble vial  306 , is located within a discrete angular position relative to the housing  214 . Because the detent balls  240  are biased by the detent housing  236  out of the detent apertures  228 , the annular housing  278  can be positionable relative to the housing  214  in an orientation not defined by the grooves  258 . 
       FIGS. 14-16  illustrate a level  310  according to another embodiment. The level  310  is similar to the level  10 ; therefore, similar components have been given similar reference numbers, plus 300. Only differences between the levels  10 ,  310  will be discussed in detail. In addition, components or features described with respect to only one or some of the embodiments described herein are equally applicable to any other embodiments described herein. 
     The illustrated level  310  includes a housing  314  with side surfaces  318 . The housing  314  includes a first leg  322  having a curved surface  334 , a second leg  326 , and a retaining member  330 . The housing  314  also includes a cavity  338  that receives a dog bubble vial  350 . A curved protrusion  352  extends from the housing  314  opposite the legs  322 ,  326  and defines channels  356 . In other words, the curved protrusion  352  is T-shaped in cross section. 
     An annular housing  378  includes a front cover  382  and a rear cover  386  rotationally supported on the curved protrusion  352  about the second axis B. An edge  364  of the covers  382 ,  386  are received within a respective channel  356  facilitating rotation of the annular housing  378 . The illustrated front cover  382  includes a central opening, e.g., a rectangular aperture, having guide recesses  390  and tabs  324  extending towards the rear cover  386 . 
     The illustrated rear cover  386  includes a central opening that aligns with the central opening of the front cover  382 . The tabs  324  of the front cover  382  are sized to engage the central opening of the rear cover  386 . A rotatable bubble vial  406  is affixed within the guide recesses  390 . In the illustrated embodiment, the bubble vial  406  is encapsulated within a transparent protective casing  325 . In one embodiment, the protective casing  325  may slide relative to the annular housing  378 , similar to the level  210 . In other embodiments, the protective casing  325  may be fixed in position partially extending beyond one of the side surfaces  318 . 
       FIGS. 17 and 18  illustrate a level  410  according to another embodiment. The level  410  is similar to the level  10 ; therefore, similar components have been given similar reference numbers, plus 400. Only differences between the levels  10 ,  410  will be discussed in detail. In addition, components or features described with respect to only one or some of the embodiments described herein are equally applicable to any other embodiments described herein. 
     The illustrated level  410  includes a housing  414  with side surfaces  418 . The housing  414  includes a first leg  422  having a curved surface  434 , a second leg  426 , and a retaining member  430 . The housing  414  also includes a cavity  438  that receives a dog bubble vial  450 . The dog bubble vial  450  is pivotally coupled to the housing about a third axis C. As such, the dog bubble vial  450  can be oriented parallel to the side surfaces  418  ( FIG. 17 ) and perpendicular to the side surfaces  418  ( FIG. 18 ). 
     An annular housing  478  includes a front cover  482  and a rear cover  486  rotationally supported in an opening  454  of the housing  414  about the second axis B. The annular housing  478  is similar to the annular housing  78 . In one embodiment, the level  410  may include indicia and an indicator member, similar to the previous embodiments described above. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates a level  510  according to another embodiment. The level  510  is similar to the level  10 ; therefore, similar components have been given similar reference numbers, plus 500. Only differences between the levels  10 ,  510  will be discussed in detail. In addition, components or features described with respect to only one or some of the embodiments described herein are equally applicable to any other embodiments described herein. 
     The illustrated level  510  includes a housing  514  with side surfaces  518 . The housing  514  includes a first leg  522 , a second leg  526 , and a retaining member  530 . The housing  514  also includes a cavity  538  that receives a dog bubble vial  550 . Magnets  568  are attached to the housing  514  on a surface between the side surfaces  518 . The magnets  568  are configured to attach the level  510  to a metallic work piece. In one embodiment, the level  510  includes three magnets; however, in other embodiments, level  510  may include more or less than three magnets. In further embodiments, the magnets  568  may be located at different locations on the housing  514 . 
     An annular housing  578  is rotationally supported in an opening  554  of the housing  514  about the second axis B. The annular housing  578  supports a rotatable bubble vial  606 . As the bubble vial  606  rotates relative to the housing  514 , indicator member  592  selectively aligns with indicia  560 . 
       FIGS. 20-22  illustrate a level  610  according to another embodiment. The level  610  is similar to the level  10 ; therefore, similar components have been given similar reference numbers, plus 600. Only differences between the levels  10 ,  610  will be discussed in detail. In addition, components or features described with respect to only one or some of the embodiments described herein are equally applicable to any other embodiments described herein. 
     The illustrated level  610  includes a housing  614  having a base housing portion  614   a  with side surfaces  618   a  and a body housing portion  614   b  with side surfaces  618   b . The base portion  614   b  is rotatable about the body portion  614   b  about the first axis A. A fixed leg  622  and a moveable leg  626  extend from the base portion  614   a . The moveable leg  626  moves relative to the fixed leg  622  against a biasing force of a spring  676  by an actuator  672 . The actuator  672  abuts a portion of the moveable leg  626  located within the base portion  614   a.    
     The base portion  614   a  also includes a cavity  638  and a central aperture  642  extending from the legs  622 ,  626  to a rib  646 . The central aperture  642  defines a uniform diameter bore with a first magnet  680   a  received therein. A dog bubble vial  650  is supported within the cavity  638 . In addition, the base portion  614   a  includes magnets  668 , similar to the magnets  568  ( FIG. 19 ). 
     The body portion  614   b  includes grooves  658 , similar to the grooves  58   a  illustrated in  FIG. 5A . In other embodiments, the body portion  614   b  may include grooves similar to the grooves  58   b  ( FIG. 5B ). In addition, indicia  660  align with the grooves  658 . The body portion  14   b  further includes a first slot  662   a  perpendicular to a second slot  662   b , and the slots  662   a ,  662   b  are sized to engage the rib  646 . A second magnet  680   b  is received within an aperture located at the intersection between the slots  662   a ,  662   b . The second magnet  680   b  is attracted to the first magnet  680   a  such that the magnets  680  enable engagement between the base portion  614   a  and the body portion  614   b  between a perpendicular orientation ( FIG. 20 ) and a parallel orientation (similar to  FIG. 2 ). In addition, the body portion  614   b  includes magnets  668 . 
     An annular housing  678  includes a front cover  682  and a rear cover  686  rotationally supported in an opening  654  of the body portion  614   b  about the second axis B. The illustrated front cover  682  includes resilient members  694  each having a projection  698  and an indicator member  692  and is similar to the front cover  82 , and the illustrated rear cover  686  is similar to the rear cover  86 . The rear cover  686  further includes a knob  684  located opposite from guide members  702 . The knob  684  is operable to rotate the annular housing  678  relative to the housing  614 . A rotatable bubble vial  706  is secured within guide recesses  690  by the guide members  702 . 
       FIGS. 23-25  illustrate a level  710  according to another embodiment. The level  710  is similar to the level  10 ; therefore, similar components have been given similar reference numbers, plus 700. Only differences between the levels  10 ,  710  will be discussed in detail. In addition, components or features described with respect to only one or some of the embodiments described herein are equally applicable to any other embodiments described herein. 
     The illustrated level  710  includes a housing  714  having a base housing portion  714   a  with side surfaces  718   a  and a body housing portion  714   b  with side surfaces  718   b . The base portion  714   b  is rotatable about the body portion  714   b  about the first axis A. The portions  714   a ,  714   b  define a channel  788  that locates magnets  768 —similar to magnets  568 . The channel  788  is configured to abut a portion of the work piece  12 , e.g., an outer diameter of a conduit. A fixed leg  722  and a moveable leg  726  extend from the base portion  714   a . The moveable leg  726  moves relative to the fix leg  722  by an actuator  772 . The actuator  772  abuts a portion of the moveable leg  726  against a biasing force of a spring  776 . 
     The base portion  714   a  also includes a cavity  738  and a central aperture  742  extending from the legs  722 ,  726  to a rib  746 . The central aperture  742  defines a uniform diameter bore with a first magnet  780   a  received therein. A dog bubble vial  750  is supported within the cavity  738 . 
     The body portion  714   b  includes grooves  758  oriented parallel to the side surfaces  718   b  and directed towards the second axis B. The body portion  714   b  further includes a first slot  762   a  perpendicular to a second slot  762   b , and the slots  762   a ,  762   b  are sized to engage the rib  746 . A second magnet  780   b  is received within an aperture located at the intersection between the slots  762   a ,  762   b . The second magnet  780   b  is attracted to the first magnet  780   a.    
     An annular housing  778  includes a front cover  782  having guide recesses  790  and a rear cover  786  having guide members  802  rotationally supported in an opening  754  of the body portion  714   b  about the second axis B by a plug  800 . The illustrated rear cover  786  also includes grooves  796  located on a rear surface opposite from the guide members  802  that are sized to engage the grooves  758 . The illustrated plug  800  extends through central apertures of the body portion  714   b  and the rear cover  786  such that a washer  804  and a leaf spring  808  are positioned between a head of the plug  800  and the rear cover  786 . The leaf spring  808  is configured to bias the grooves  796  of the rear cover  786  towards the grooves  758  of the body portion  714   b . A rotatable bubble vial  806  is secured within guide recesses  790  by the guide members  802 . 
       FIGS. 26 and 27  illustrate a level  810  according to another embodiment. The level  810  is similar to the level  10 ; therefore, similar components have been given similar reference numbers, plus 800. Only differences between the levels  10 ,  810  will be discussed in detail. In addition, components or features described with respect to only one or some of the embodiments described herein are equally applicable to any other embodiments described herein. 
     The illustrated level  810  includes a housing  814  having a base housing portion  814   a  with side surfaces  818   a  and a body housing portion  814   b  with side surfaces  818   b . The base portion  814   b  is rotatable about the body portion  814   b  about a fourth axis D defined by a pin. The portions  814   a ,  814   b  define a channel  888  that locates magnets  868 —similar to the magnets  568 . A fixed leg  822  and a moveable leg  826  extend from the base portion  814   a . The moveable leg  826  moves relative to the fix leg  822  by an actuator  872 . The actuator  872  abuts a portion of the moveable leg  826  against a biasing force of a spring  876 . 
     The base portion  814   a  also includes a cavity  838  supporting a dog bubble vial  850 . The dog bubble vial  850  is parallel to the fourth axis D. Indicator members  892  are located on the base portion  814   a  and align with the fourth axis D. The body portion  814   b  includes indicia  860  and supports a second bubble vial  906 . 
       FIGS. 28 and 29  illustrate a level  910  according to another embodiment. The level  910  is similar to the level  10 ; therefore, similar components have been given similar reference numbers, plus 900. Only differences between the levels  10 ,  910  will be discussed in detail. In addition, components or features described with respect to only one or some of the embodiments described herein are equally applicable to any other embodiments described herein. 
     The illustrated level  910  includes a housing  914  with side surfaces  918 . A fixed leg  922  and a moveable leg  926  extend from the housing  914 . The moveable leg  926  moves relative to the fix leg  922  by an actuator  972 . The actuator  972  abuts a portion of the moveable leg  926  against a biasing force of a spring  976 . The housing  914  also includes a dog bubble vial  950  received within a cavity  938  oriented perpendicular to the direction of movement of the leg  926 . In one embodiment, the dog bubble vial  950  may be removable from the cavity  938 . In other embodiments, the dog bubble vial  950  may be fixed relative to the cavity  938 . A detent aperture  928  extends through the housing  914  into an opening  954  of the housing  914 . Located within the detent aperture  928  is a resilient detent assembly  994  including a detent housing  936  and a detent ball  940 , similar to the resilient detent assembly  294 . 
     An annular housing  978  includes a front cover  982  and a rear cover  986  rotationally supported in the opening  954  of the housing  914  about the second axis B. In the illustrated embodiment, the dog bubble vial  950  and the second axis B are parallel. The illustrated front cover  982  includes a central opening, e.g., a rectangular aperture, having guide recesses  990 . Grooves  958  extend 180 degrees around a circumference of the front cover  982 . 
     The illustrated rear cover  986  includes a central opening that aligns with the central opening of the front cover  982 . Guide members  1002  are received within the guide recesses  990  to position a rotatable bubble vial  1006  within the annular housing  978  for co-rotation therewith. 
       FIGS. 30 and 31  illustrate a level  1010  according to another embodiment. The level  1010  is similar to the level  10 ; therefore, similar components have been given similar reference numbers, plus 1000. Only differences between the levels  10 ,  1010  will be discussed in detail. Components or features described with respect to only one or some of the embodiments described herein are equally applicable to any other embodiments described herein. 
     The illustrated level  1010 , such as a torpedo level, includes a housing  1014  having a top planar surface  1013 , a parallel bottom planar surface  1017 , side surfaces  1021  located between the planar surfaces  1013 ,  1017  and perpendicular thereto, and a front surface  1025  opposite from a rear surface  1029 . The illustrated housing  1014  includes a length L that is substantially greater than a height H such that the level  1010  defines a longitudinal axis E. In the illustrated embodiment, a recess  1033  extends the length of the top planar surface  1013  and is sized to receive an edge  1037  of a tool  1043  (e.g., a ruler), wherein the ruler  1043  is substantially longer than the length L of the level  1010 . In other embodiments, the recess  1033  may be located on both planar surfaces  1013 ,  1017 , and/or the recess  1033  may be located on at least one of the side surfaces  1021 . The engagement between the recess  1033  and the ruler  1043  provides a coextensive or coplanar surface between a side  1047  of the ruler  1043  and the rear surface  1029 . In other embodiments, the recess  1033  may be constructed to abut both sides of the ruler  1043  to form a channel around the edge  1037  of the ruler  1043 . 
     The housing  1014  supports a plurality of bubble vials  1050 . In the illustrated embodiment, one bubble vial  1050   a  is oriented perpendicular to the planar surfaces  1013 ,  1017 , one bubble vial  1050   b  is oriented parallel to the planar surfaces  1013 ,  1017 , and one bubble vial  1050   c  is oriented at a 45 degree angle relative to the planar surfaces  1013 ,  1017 . In one embodiment, at least one of the bubble vials  1050  may be fixed relative to the housing  1014 . In another embodiment, at least one of the bubble vials  1050  may rotate relative to the housing  1014 , similar to the rotatable bubble vial  106  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . For example, the bubble vial  1050   c  may be rotated to different angles (e.g., 30 degrees, 60 degrees, etc.) relative to the planar surfaces  1013 ,  1017 . 
     In operation, the level  1010  slides relative to the ruler  1043  parallel to the longitudinal axis E via engagement between the recess  1033  and the edge  1037  of the ruler  1043 . Because the rear surface  1029  and the ruler  1043  are coextensive, the level  1010  and the ruler  1043  are positioned flat on a work piece, e.g., a wall. Therefore, as the level  1010  moves along the ruler  1043 , the levelness of the ruler  1043  is observed via the bubble vials  1050 . 
     As one of ordinary skill will realize, many of the features, components, and methods described herein with respect to one embodiment are equally applicable to other or all of the embodiments. As such, the features, components, or methods described with respect to one embodiment should not be limited to that embodiment alone.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6