Abstract:
The present invention relates to a multi-function electrician level. In one embodiment, the body has a first face enabling the tool to level either a switch or a dual three-prong outlet. A second face can be used to level a rectangular outlet, such as a GFCI outlet. In this regard, the second face can have depressions providing clearance to reset buttons. Both faces have walls that mate with the respective type of outlet. The tool can also be used as a traditional level. Levels are provided on two perpendicular surfaces, and are observable through both faces. A laser projector can be provided for fanning a leveling line outward from the tool. A light such as a LED light can also be provided for use as a flashlight. The light can also illuminate the levels.

Description:
This United States utility patent application claims priority on and the benefit of provisional application 61/361,471 filed Jul. 5, 2010, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a multi-function electrician level and in particular to a tool having opposed functional faces used to mate with electrical outlets and switches to achieve a level mounting of the electrical outlet and switches, respectively. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Electric outlets come in many shapes and sizes. However, some are more common than others. For example, in a home environment, the most common types of electric outlets are double three prong outlets, light switches, and rectangular outlets. The rectangular outlets commonly have depressible buttons, such as those in GFCI outlets. 
     It is customary to attempt to level electrical outlets during installation. In the most basic sense, the outlet level is approximated without the use of tools. While easy, this method yields unsatisfactory results. In this regard, many tools have been developed over the years aiming to achieve quick and easy leveling of electric outlets. Some examples include: 
     U.S. Pat. No. (hereafter “USPN”) 7,032,297 to Cahill et al. titled Apparatus for Installing an Electrical Wall Switch Fixture. This patent shows an apparatus used for installation of wall-mounted electrical switches having a multi-function tool. The tool is provided, in the form of an insulated handle that is detachably engaged with a wall switch. The wall switch device is temporarily attached to a switch fixture using one or more magnets. The tool further includes built-in electrical wire measuring, stripping and bending structures. While perhaps useful for its intended purposes, this patent does not appear to be practical with a wide variety of outlet types. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,818,824 to Marcou et al. is titled Wiring Device Ganging Tool. This patent shows a ganging tool for adjusting the position of a pair of ganged wiring devices such as duplex receptacles, toggle, and decorator type switches on a mounting, e.g., an electrical box. The ganging tool has a frame having a pair of apertures for receiving different kinds of wiring devices and holding them in place while the ganging tool adjusts the position of the wiring devices. The ganging tool also has rotatable toggle adaptors that allow the ganging tool to be used to position both toggle type wiring devices and non-toggle type wiring devices. The ganging tool further has a leveling means for determining the level of the wiring devices. Also, tool cutouts on the frame of the ganging tool allow the ganging tool to be used with power tools in conjunction with positioning and affixing wiring devices on a mounting. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,234 to Seibert is titled Receptacle Level. This patent teaches a receptacle level that simulates a male electrical plug and also contains a liquid bubble level such that when the device is plugged into an electrical wall outlet, proper orientation of the wall outlet can be obtained by reading the bubble level. The receptacle level includes tapered male plugs and fits within coverplate clearances as are typically used with the electrical wall outlet to be leveled. This device simplifies the leveling of electrical wall outlets during installation. One drawback with the approach used in this patent is that there can be a large degree of play between the male plug and the outlet, which can yield unsatisfactory results. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,831,130 to MacDowell is titled Electrical Gem Box Leveling Template. As the name suggest the invention described is a template that is abutable against a wall and is utilized for marking a position on the wall at which a gem box is to be mounted in the wall that is between studs in the wall. The template includes a plate, a first spirit level, and a second spirit level. The first spirit level is disposed on the plate and assures horizontal leveling of the electrical gem box leveling template. And, the second spirit level is disposed on the plate and assures vertical leveling of the electrical gem box leveling template. While useful for its intended purpose, this patent does not address the problems with leveling the outlets themselves. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,505,001 to Schaver, Jr. is titled Switch Level. The patent shows a tool for aiding in the leveling of electrical switches. This tool rests on the top portion of the rim around the toggle of single, and three and four-way switches that have a metal mounting bracket. This tool holds itself to the switch so that the user has use of both hands for adjusting and fastening purposes. This patent may be useful for its intended purposes, but it is not useful for a variety of different outlet types. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,279,080 to Stepshinski is titled Gang Outlet Template. This patent appears to be limited to gang or multiple outlet devices. 
     None of these devices have opposed functional faces used for leveling different types of electric outlets. 
     None of these devices have opposed faces that have perimeter walls that accurately engage electric outlets to provide reliable and easy results. 
     None of these devices have levels that are readable from three different surfaces. 
     Thus there exists a need for a multi-function electrician level that solves these and other problems. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a multi-function electrician level and in particular to a tool having opposed functional faces used to mate with electrical outlets and switches to achieve a level mounting of the electrical outlets and switches, respectively. In one embodiment, the body has a first face enabling the tool to level either a switch or a dual three-prong outlet. A second face can be used to level a rectangular outlet, such as a GFCI outlet. In this regard, the second face can have depressions providing clearance to reset buttons. Both faces have walls that mate with the respective type of outlet. The tool can also be used as a traditional level. Levels are provided on two perpendicular surfaces, and are observable through both faces. A laser projector can be provided for fanning a leveling line outward from the tool. A light such as a LED light can also be provided for use as a flashlight. The light can also illuminate the levels. 
     According to one advantage of the present invention, the body has opposed faces that each respectively used with outlets of different types. 
     According to another advantage of the present invention, the tool is compact. This allows to tool to be used without interference from drywall or other wall surfaces. 
     According to a further advantage of the present invention, the tool can perform at least six functions, namely alignment of outlets, switches, rectangular outlets, traditional side leveling, laser projecting and illuminations. This allows the user to accurately align many types of outlets with a single tool, and hence reduce the number of tools transported to each site. 
     According to still further advantage of the present invention, each face has a sidewall that engages the outlet. This allows the user to quickly and accurately align the outlet. 
     According to a still further advantage yet of the present invention, the structure of the tool is robust and does not have moving parts which are susceptible to damage and premature failure. 
     According to a still further advantage yet of the present invention, the tool face designed for rectangular outlets has depressions which provide clearance for typical reset buttons. 
     According to another advantage of the present invention, the tool can have flat sides and a flat bottom which enable the tool to be used as a traditional level. 
     According to a still further advantage yet of the present invention, the tool has a light. The light can be used in one embodiment as a flashlight to illuminate the workspace. In a second embodiment, the light can illuminate the levels, and in particular to allow the user to locate the air bubble within the fluid. 
     According to a still further advantage yet of the present invention, the levels are viewable from both faces, as well as from the top or side of the tool. This allows the user to quickly and easily determine the level of the tool regardless of viewing angle. 
     According to a still further advantage of the present invention, tabs can be provided along the perimeter of depressions in the faces to accommodate a wider tolerance of outlet types and also to facilitate connection to and removal from the outlets. 
     According to a still further advantage yet of the present invention, the body can be formed of two pieces to facilitate manufacturing. The pieces can each have ribs that are perpendicular to the faces to facilitate using the sides of the tool for side leveling purposes. 
     According to a still further advantage yet of the present invention, one of the sides can have a channel therein which can be useful for pipe leveling. 
     Other advantages, benefits, and features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the invention and studying the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a first face of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a second face of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is an alternative perspective view showing the second face of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a view showing the first face of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a view showing the second face of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  is side view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is an opposed side view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view showing the first face of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view showing the second face of the alternative embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a second perspective view showing the second face of the alternative embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view showing the second face of a further alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a top view of the alternative embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 13 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     While the invention will be described in connection with several preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     Looking briefly at  FIGS. 1-9 , it is seen that a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The tool  5  is seen to have a body  10  with a top  11 , a bottom  12 , sides  13  and  14  and opposed faces  15  and  16 . The top  11 , bottom  12  and sides  13  and  14  generally define a rectangular perimeter shape, with the surface of the top  11  being preferably parallel with the surface of the bottom  12 , and the surface of side  13  being preferably parallel with the surface of bottom  14 . Faces  15  and  16  each lie in planes that are preferably parallel to each other and perpendicular to the top  11 , bottom  12 , side  13  and side  14 . The tool  5  can be made of many materials. However, plastics are a preferred material due to weight, durability and ease of manufacture concerns. It is appreciated that the tool  5  can have an exterior shape that is different than the illustrated shape without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. 
     Looking now specifically at  FIGS. 1-3  and  8 , it is seen that a level  20  is provided. A preferred level as used with the present invention is a vial containing an air bubble immersed in a liquid. However, it is appreciated that other types of levels could be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The level  20  is preferably recessed within the top  11  of the body  10 . Level  20  has an air bubble that is centrally located when the body  11  is vertically leveled. The level  20  is preferably observable or viewable from the front face  15  and rear face  16 , as well as from the top  11  of the body  10 . The level can be permanently connected to the body  10  with any type of suitable adhesive or mechanical fastener. 
     Looking now specifically at  FIGS. 1-3  and  6 , it is seen that a level  25  is provided. The level  25  is preferably recessed within the side  13  of the body  10 . Level  25  has an air bubble that is centrally located when the body  11  is horizontally leveled. The level  25  is preferably observable or viewable from the front face  15  and rear face  16 , as well as from the side  13  of the body  10 . The level can be permanently connected to the body  10  with any type of suitable adhesive or mechanical fastener. 
     Looking now at  FIGS. 1 and 4 , it is seen that a double outlet aligner  30  is provided on face  15 . The double outlet aligner  30  has a top depression  31  and a bottom depression  32 , together defined by a perimeter wall  33 . The aligner  30  mates with a double three prong wall outlet, and can be used to level or align the outlet relative the wall of the building. This is accomplished as the perimeter wall  33  abuts the outer perimeter of the double outlet. The double outlet can hence be aligned vertically or horizontally, depending on the specification of the job requirement. It is appreciated that the tool  5  is useful to align gang outlets as well. 
     Keeping with  FIGS. 1 and 4 , it is seen that a switch aligner  40  is also provided on face  15 . The switch aligner  40  has a perimeter wall  41  that engages the outside rectangular perimeter of a wall switch. The switch aligner  40  preferably extends from face  15  through the body  10  and is open to face  16  to provide clearance for the switch. It is appreciated that the tool  5  is useful for multi-switch electric components as well as single switch components. 
     Now, turning to  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  5  in particular, it is seen that a rectangular outlet aligner  50  is provided. The rectangular outlet aligner  50  has a depression  51  with a perimeter wall  52  adapted to mate with rectangular outlets, such as GFCI type outlets. In this regard, a reset button depression  53  is incorporated providing clearance for the reset buttons on the GFCI type outlets. The depression  53  can be rectangular in shape and is preferably centrally aligned on face  16  around switch aligner  40 . 
     A battery  60  is further provided, and can be recessed within the body  10  of the tool  5 . The battery  60  can provide power to laser projectors  70  and  71 . Laser projector  70  can be embedded within side  13  as seen in  FIG. 6 , and laser projector  71  can be embedded within side  14  as seen in  FIG. 7 . The laser projectors  70  and  71  can project a fanning line upon the wall so that other items can be aligned with the fanning line. One or two actuators  750  can further be provided for selectably turning the laser projectors  70  and  71  on and off. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 9 , it is seen that a light  80  can further be provided. The light  80  is preferably a LED light, and the light can be embedded into and project from the bottom  12  of the body  10 . An actuator  85  can be provided for selectably turning the light  80  on and off. The light  80  (or a different light) can further direct light to project onto the levels  20  and  25  so that the levels can be read in low or no light conditions. This can be accomplished in one embodiment with fiber optic cables. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 10-12 , it is seen that an alternative embodiment is illustrated. The tool  105  is seen to have a body  110  with a top  111 , a bottom  112 , sides  113  and  114  and opposed faces  115  and  116 . The top  111 , bottom  112  and sides  113  and  114  generally define a rectangular perimeter shape, with the surface of the top  111  being opposed with the surface of the bottom  112 , and the surface of side  113  being opposed with the surface of bottom  114 . Faces  115  and  116  each lie in planes that are preferably parallel to each other and are approximately perpendicular to the top  111 , bottom  112 , side  113  and side  114 . The tool  105  can be made of many materials. However, plastics are a preferred material due to weight, durability and ease of manufacture concerns. It is appreciated that the tool  105  can have an exterior shape that is different than the illustrated shape without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. 
     A level  120  is provided. The level  120  is preferably recessed within the top  111  of the body  110 . Level  120  has an air bubble that is centrally located when the body  111  is vertically leveled. The level  120  is preferably observable from the front face  115  and rear face  116 , as well as from the top  111  of the body  110 . The level can be permanently connected to the body  110  with any type of suitable adhesive or mechanical fastener. 
     A second level  125  is further provided. The level  125  is preferably recessed within the side  113  of the body  110 . Level  125  has an air bubble that is centrally located when the body  111  is horizontally leveled. The level  125  is preferably observable from the front face  115  and rear face  116 , as well as from the side  113  of the body  110 . The level can be permanently connected to the body  110  with any type of suitable adhesive or mechanical fastener. 
     A double outlet aligner  130  is provided on face  115 . The double outlet aligner  130  has a top depression  131  and a bottom depression  132 , together defined by a perimeter wall  133 . The perimeter wall has tabs  134  preferably integrated therein which project inward from the perimeter wall  133 . The tabs can be either rigid or flexible. In the preferred embodiment, there are three tabs projecting from the perimeter wall section for each of the double outlet, totaling six tabs. However, it is preferred that more or fewer may be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The aligner  130  mates with a double three prong wall outlet, and can be used to level or align the outlet relative the wall of the building. This is accomplished as the tabs  134  of the perimeter wall  133  abut the outer perimeter of the double outlet. The tabs  134  are useful to facilitate the placing onto and the removal from the outlets. The double outlet can hence be aligned vertically or horizontally, depending on the specification of the job requirement. It is appreciated that the tool  105  is useful to align gang outlets as well. 
     A switch aligner  140  is also provided on face  115 . The switch aligner  140  has a perimeter wall  141  that engages the outside rectangular perimeter of a wall switch. The switch aligner  140  preferably extends from face  115  through the body  110  and is open to face  116  to provide clearance for the switch. It is appreciated that the tool  105  is useful for multi-switch electric components as well as single switch components. 
     A rectangular outlet aligner  150  is provided. The rectangular outlet aligner  150  has a depression  151  with a perimeter wall  152 . Tabs  153  are preferably integrated into the perimeter wall  152  and extend inward therefrom. In the preferred embodiment, there are three tabs projecting from the perimeter wall section on each side, and one tab on each end, totaling eight tabs. However, it is preferred that more or fewer may be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. The tabs  153  are adapted to mate with or allow the tool to be placed on rectangular outlets, such as GFCI type outlets. In this regard, a reset button depression  154  is incorporated providing clearance for the reset buttons on the GFCI type outlets. The depression  154  can be rectangular in shape. 
     The body  110  can be formed from two pieces, namely, a first piece  170  and a second piece  180 , which are fastened or fixed together. The first piece  170  has a side wall  171  that is narrower near the face  115  and wider remote from the face. Ribs  172  are provided, and each has a rib has a longitudinal axis  173 . The rib longitudinal axis  173  is preferably perpendicular to the plane of face  115 . The second piece  180  also has a side wall  181  that is narrower near face  116  and wider remote from the face. Ribs  182  are provided, and each rib  182  has a longitudinal axis  183 . The rib longitudinal axis  183  is preferably perpendicular to the plane of face  115 . Longitudinal axis  173  and longitudinal axis  183  are preferably collinear when the first piece  170  and second piece  180  are connected. It is preferred that the ribs  172  of piece  170  align with ribs  182  of piece  180 , wherein the ribs provide a several areas on the top, bottom, and sides of the body  10  that are perpendicular to the first face  115  and second face  116  so that the levels  120  and  125  are accurate when using the tool  105  against a surface. There are preferably five ribs on the sides  113  and  114  of the body  110 , and three tabs on the top  111  and bottom  112  of the body. Yet, it is appreciated that more or fewer ribs can be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. 
     It is appreciated that the first piece  170  and second piece  180  can enclose an interior that can be used to hold electronics and other items such as batteries, lights, lasers and the like. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , it is seen that a further alternative embodiment is illustrated. The tool  205  is seen to have a body  210  with a top  211 , a bottom  212 , sides  213  and  214  and opposed faces  215  and  216 . The top  211 , bottom  112  and sides  213  and  214  generally define a rectangular perimeter shape, with the surface of the top  211  being generally parallel with the surface of the bottom  212 , and the surface of side  213  being generally parallel with the surface of bottom  214 . Faces  215  and  216  each lie in planes that are preferably parallel to each other and are approximately perpendicular to the top  211 , bottom  212 , side  213  and side  214 . The tool  205  can be made of many materials. However, plastics are a preferred material due to weight, durability and ease of manufacture concerns. It is appreciated that the tool  105  can have an exterior shape that is different than the illustrated shape without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. 
     A level  220  is provided. The level  220  is preferably recessed within the top  211  of the body  210 . Level  220  has an air bubble that is centrally located when the body  211  is vertically leveled. The level  220  is preferably observable from the front face  215  and rear face  216 , as well as from the top  211  of the body  210 . The level can be permanently connected to the body  210  with any type of suitable adhesive or mechanical fastener. 
     A second level  225  is further provided. The level  225  is preferably recessed within the side  213  of the body  210 . Level  225  has an air bubble that is centrally located when the body  211  is horizontally leveled. The level  225  is preferably observable from the front face  215  and rear face  216 , as well as from the side  213  of the body  210 . The level can be permanently connected to the body  210  with any type of suitable adhesive or mechanical fastener. 
     Side  214  can contain a channel  230  therein that spans the length of the side  214  between the top  211  and bottom  212  of the tool. The channel  230  can be formed of two intersecting walls  231  and  232 , respectively, and accordingly can have a generally V-shaped profile. An axis  233  is provided along the channel. The axis  233  is preferably parallel to the side  214 . The channel is useful when the tool is to be placed adjacent a pipe or the like so that the level of the pipe can be determined. 
     Thus it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the invention, a multi-function electrician level that fully satisfies the objects, aims and advantages as set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.