Abstract:
A level device in the present invention is described as having an elongated rigid frame with an X-shaped profile. The level device has modularly attachable levels, which include levels that can be rotated about the lengthwise axis of the level device, rotatable levels attached to the frame, circular surface levels attached to the frame, and levels guided by visual laser beams. Mechanical structures within the level device allow level modules to be swapped in and out based on user requirements. The level device has slide-able attachments which extend the footprint and measuring capabilities of the level.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a non-provisional application claiming the benefit of U.S. Application No. 61/848,563, with a priority date of Jan. 7, 2013. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present technology relates to a system and method for assuring that various elements or portions of building construction are in correct relation to one another, or to the ground upon which they are being constructed, or to related buildings. 
         [0005]    A level is a device of measurement commonly used to assure that portions or elements of building structures, such as foundations, walls, flooring and framing, are aligned in a desired way with respect to other portions of a structure. In one aspect, a level can be used to ensure that some portion or element of a building or other structure, such as a bridge, is perpendicular to the force of gravity. Such portions include the structure&#39;s flooring, vertical walls and other load-bearing elements. 
         [0006]    A variety of means and methods such as by the human eye, plumb measurement via stretched or weighted lengths of string, or simply gravitated water surfaces, were used to achieve a desired result. Over time and use, more technologically designed models have evolved from these simple devices in the fundamental need for truer horizontal and vertical measurement. In examples of prior art, there are examples that depict level devices with flat sides, level devices that are square, notched on one end, and level devices notched on&#39;one or two sides. Several patents, such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,918,187 to Schaefer, U.S Patent Number D397,946, U.S. Patent Number D238,153, and U.S. Patent Number 582,517 are evolutionary examples of alternative level device designs and methods directed toward obtaining more accurate and reliable determinations of true horizontal, true vertical, and any angle in between. 
         [0007]    Unlike the invention shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,918,187 to Schaefer, the present invention provides numerous embodiments with respect to the many interchangeable laser, digital, and other types of modules that are part of the invention. Examples of the distinctions between the present invention and level devices of the prior art are significant. Among them are the X-frame, or modified X-frame, when combined with the many interchangeable modules, slide plates, rails and bases, includes concavities (or channels) on two or more sides with adaptations to encompass triangulated bars (or rails) nest-able or insert-able (in a slide-able manner) into one or more of those channels. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    A key objective of a reference level device of the invention is to provide the user with a multi-functional, accurate and adaptable measuring device directed toward handling many aspects of leveling, measuring and marking. 
         [0009]    Another object of the invention is to provide practical alternatives to both complex and expensive methods and devices, as well as to provide level devices which are adaptable to many functions and many surfaces, while being embodied in a hand-held device. 
         [0010]    Another object of the invention is to provide a basic frame of a level device with modular capability, allowing the user to choose supplemental modules best suited for his purposes. 
         [0011]    In a significant aspect, embodiments for a wider range of level applications in the present invention meet and exceed these objectives, especially with respect to general construction and all around leveling purposes. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    A clear understanding of the key features of the invention summarized above may be had by reference to the appended drawings, which illustrate the method and system of the invention, although it will be understood that such drawings depict preferred embodiments of the invention and, therefore, are not to be considered as limiting its scope with regard to other embodiments which the invention is capable of contemplating. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a frontal horizontal perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the Level Device in accordance with the present invention comprising, among other elements, removable magnet bars (rails), one or more interchangeably mountable elements and modules, such as leveling vials, through holes for handling, mounting and manipulation, and one or more rotational vials for various incremental measuring and comparison systems. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a laser beam mechanism that can be attached modularly to the Level Device. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is aside horizontal perspective length view of a preferred embodiment of the Level Device showing an X-Frame suitable for holding leveling instrumentation such as rotating bubble vials mounted on different axes. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a similar view to that in  FIG. 2 , and shows an Interchangeable Rotational Laser Mechanism mounted in a slot or receiver provided in the X-Frame. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a left side rear top perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a right side rear top perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3  and  4  with a bulls-eye liquid leveling vial. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a side frontal sectional (and close-up) view of the Level Device attached to an Interchangeable Rotational Laser Mechanism. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a close-up top rear perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , with an Interchangeable Rotational Laser Mechanism rotated to one of many possible open configurations, and emitting laser projects, as well as a centrally located digital readout  740 , and a tubular bubble vial and its base mount. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a straight-on profile-from-the-front view of an embodiment having a Bubble Vial Module, and showing the many possible angular extensions of the Bubble Vial Rotational Mechanism. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a variation of the view of  FIG. 1 , but with the Bar Rail shown attached to the X-Frame and slide-ably adjusted to the left, and with Skid Plate  101  shown attached to X-Frame and slide-ably adjusted to the right. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the Level Device of the invention showing 
           [0024]    Receiver Slot, which is adapted and arranged for receiving and reversibly holding, one or more modules of the invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an embodiment of Receiver Slot constructed within a portion of the X-Frame, wherein measurement marks are placed upon portions of the X-Frame. 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  is a bottom perspective view of a preferred embodiment of Level Device of the invention, showing certain measurement marks in metric and English units. 
           [0027]      FIG. 13  is a side oblique view of a portion of a hollowed X-Frame component of the invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 14  is a frontal oblique view of a Flat-Bottomed X-Shaped Hollow Frame embodiment of the invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 15  shows a Digital Electronic Virtual Bubble Vial to be placed in the center portion of the X-Frame. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0030]    Although specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, it should be understood that such embodiments are by way example only merely illustrative of but a small number of the many possible specific embodiments which can represent applications of the present invention. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art the present invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the present invention. 
         [0031]      FIG. 1  illustrates an frontal horizontal perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a Channeled Level Device  100  of the invention showing certain key permutations of many elements, portions, and parts of the present invention. X-Frame  107  is a channeled frame having channels formed by frame elements which approximate a letter X, wherein the X-shape has a central elongated section or beam. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the structure of X-Frame  107  resembles two Y sections connected via the stem of the Y. The length, as referring to the length of X-Frame shall herein be defined as a measurement of length of the axis defined by the center point of a series of X shapes formed from the profile of the device. 
         [0032]    Skid Plate  101  is adapted and arranged to be reversibly mountable to the bottom or top of an X-Frame  107  of the invention. Skid Plate  101  can be made of any suitable material, but preferably of industrial plastic, and shall be particularly suitable for slide-ably interfacing the invention with concrete, bricks, and rough surfaces. In the preferred embodiment shown, Skid Plate  101  is provided with Grooves  516  which are configured for intimate and slide-able attachment to of the Bottom Contact Edges  720 A and  720 B of X-Frame  107 , forming V-Channel  709  when attached. V-Channel  709  is formed by planar walls of the structures of X-Frame  107  and Skid Plate  101 . 
         [0033]    Skid Plate  101  is provided with Front Edge  103  and Rear Edge  105 . Grooves  516  and X-Frame  107  preferably mate with one another such that Skid Plate  101  and Frame  107  can slide with respect to one another in use in applications where X-Frame  107  is desired to move with respect to Plate  101 . Skid Plate  101  is configurable such that it broadens the width or length of the footprint of the combined X-Frame  107  and Skid Plate  101 , while also providing a variable length to the present invention for use, by way of example, on masonry, concrete walkways, bricks, cinder blocks, and building frame elements. Preferably, Bottom Surface  130  of Skid Plate  101  is in parallel planar relation with the plane defined by Bottom Contact Edges  720 A and  720 B of X-Frame  107 . A user of the present invention may thus rely on X-Frame  107 &#39;s accuracy with respect to the parallelism between it and Bottom Surface  130 . 
         [0034]    X-Frame  107  can be made of any suitable material or combination of materials, such as aluminum, plastic, composite materials, or carbon fiber, as one of ordinary skill in the measuring tool arts will comprehend. X-Frame  107  is provided with a number of key features and aspects which enable its adaptability to many uses. In one significant aspect, X-Frame  107  of Level Device  100  is provided with one or a plurality of High-Strength Magnets  109  (for example, neodymium magnets) which, in some preferred embodiments, are flush-mounted to one or more surfaces of X-Frame  107 , although any mounting method which is adapted and arranged to achieve the purposes of the invention is within the spirit and concept of the invention. 
         [0035]    High-Strength Magnets  109  are preferably positioned so that they can magnetically, and reversibly, affix or mount Level Device  100  to, for example, metallic framing elements of buildings and other structures, round piping and conduit, and ductwork. Magnets  109  can also be positioned such that they interact with other magnets and magnetically susceptible inserts or portions of other devices. As an example, magnets  109  can be positioned so that they interact adherently to other magnets, such as High-Strength Magnets  409  placed within Triangular Bar Rail  127  as described herein. 
         [0036]    Through Apertures  115 ,  413 , and  419  are also provided in X-Frame  107 . Through Apertures  115 ,  413 , and  419  are adapted and arranged such that they can be used as handles for carrying, holding or handling Level Device  100 , or for the mounting and carriage of various types of modules, attachments or devices which can be combined with Frame  101  (such as modules mentioned elsewhere herein, or with any other part or portion of Level Device  100 ). Such apertures are preferably oblong oval in shape and centrally located along the median of the frame, made by way of drilling, molding or punch press manufacturing for use of hand placement to carry and hold device to work surfaces. For some or all apertures, Cushioned Linings  730  can be provided to improve user comfort while handling the device via the apertures. Some preferred embodiments of X-Frame  107  are also provided with Shock-Absorbing Protective End Caps  415 , which can also be of electrically or thermally insulating materials, and made with scratch-resistant materials 
         [0037]    Center Vial Holding Brackets  117 A and  117 B are adapted and arranged to hold Center Vial  207  with respect to Frame  107 , or to hold other elements or modules useful within a level device. Center Vial  207  may preferably comprise a rectangular acrylic block liquid-filled bubble vial. Brackets  117 A and  117 B can be formed into Frame  107 , or added thereto as is needed for the particular embodiment desired. Brackets  117 A and  117 B can also be adapted and arranged to hold digital vials, for example, digital leveling vials adapted and arranged to record measurements that have been taken or observed. Such brackets are preferably made of hard plastic to accurately hold edges of centrally-mounted vials, screens, or indicators. It is within the contemplation of this invention that such brackets may hold a wide variety of instrumentation useful in a level device, such as timekeeping devices, compasses, or devices interacting with mobile phones. 
         [0038]    In some preferred embodiments, the invention can include at least one adjustable, and reversibly mountable, Triangular Bar Rail  127 , which is preferably configured and arranged such that Level Device  100  can be adapted for use with Bar Rail  127 , for example, on polished, smooth or delicate surfaces such as marble countertops, polished metal, glass, and fine carpentry and cabinetry, where scratch-free contact is desired. Bar Rail  127  is adapted and arranged such that it can be slide-ably seated within Top V-Groove  705  of X-Frame  107 . Preferably, Bar Rail  127  is complementary in shape to Top V-Groove  705  such that the two can slide with respect to one another and extend the footprint of the Level Device  100 . If a preferred embodiment of Level Device  100  has a Top V-Groove angled at 90 degrees, Bar Rail  127  will also have surfaces that intersect at 90 degrees to thereby provide mating angles and shapes of the complementary elements. 
         [0039]    Many embodiments of Level Device  100  are possible within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. In some preferred embodiments, Bar Rail  127  is provided with one or a plurality of High-Strength Magnets  409  that are arranged and positioned at or near the surface of the walls of Bar Rail  127  such that the relative positions of Bar Rail  127  with respect to Surfaces  603  can be set as desired. For example, Magnets  409  can be provided at indexed positions along or near the Surfaces  603  such that they attach to one another such that portions of Level Device  100  and Bar Rail  127  overlap, but only to some extent. Bar Rail  127  can also be complementary to V-Channel  709  of X-Frame  107  and may in fact be stored in V-Channel  709  when not in use. 
         [0040]    Both Bar Rail  127  and the inner surfaces of the Top V-Groove  705  can also be provided with one or a plurality of measuring or indexing lines, numerals and related markings. Triangulated Bar Rail  127  is provided with Front and Rear Surfaces  214 . Bar Rail  127  can be formed, machined or molded using any suitable material, such as of plastic, metal or composite materials. Preferably the one or more materials from which X-Frame  107  is made offer sufficient rigidity that the several functions of the device are depend-ably facilitated. In an alternative embodiment, Bar Rail  127  can be manufactured also of inherently magnetic materials, such as ferrous metal, so that it can attach via Magnets  109  to X-Frame  107  onto inner surfaces of the Top V-Groove  705 , without the need for Magnets  409 . 
         [0041]    X-Frame  107  of Level Device  100  may be fitted with one or a plurality of Tubular Liquid-Filled Bubble Vials  205 . One such Vial  205  is shown in  FIG. 1 , wherein Bubble Vial  205  is shown rotate-ably mounted in Base Collar  211  by means of Vial Holder  203 . Bubble Vial  205  is mounted in a way that allows full 360-degree rotation against the frame. Bubble Vial  205  and/or Base Collar  211  may be provided with angle (degree) or other indexing markings. Vial Holder  203  and Base Collar  211  are flush-mounted within the frontal Y-beam section of X-Frame  107 . 
         [0042]    Front mounted, circular rotational tubular Vial Holder  203  is preferably mounted within the 90 degree frontal Y beam section which connects the Top V-Groove  705  and Bottom V-Groove  709 , of the X-Frame  107 , with incremental degree and other indexing markings. 
         [0043]    Also with respect to  FIG. 1 , Bubble Vial Module  119  is adapted for detachably mounting in and out of a Receiver Slot  333  (shown in other figures). Bubble Vial Module  119  is provided with Liquid-Filled Bubble Vials  129 , Rotational Bubble Vial Rotational Mechanism  201 , as well as Tubular Liquid-Filled Bubble Vial  205 , and circular rotational tubular Vial Holder  203 . Such a bubble vial module could be made of an sturdy material and are top and flush-mountable to Slot  333 . 
         [0044]    Liquid-Filled Bubble Vial  129  may be centrally-mounted on a Rotational Mechanism  201  to facilitate vertical and post-level measurement. Rotational Bubble Vial Rotational Mechanism  201  are hinged-secured to Module  119  by way of Rotational Pins  501 . Rotational Pins  501  are designed to provide at least 180 degrees of movement to the rotational mechanisms they are attached to. Rotational Mechanism  201  may be in the form or shape of doors, flags, or hinged protrusions as illustrated. 
         [0045]    Bubble Vial Module  119  is provided with Swivel Base Locking Bolt  301  for rigidly attaching Module  119  to X-Frame  107 , and also with Swivel Base Locking Nut  304  for holding Bolt  301  in place. A combination of Bolt  301  and Nut  304  may attach other modules beyond Bubble Vial Module  119  onto X-Frame  107 , such as Interchangeable Laser Mechanism Module  314  (discussed herein), or other modules within the contemplation of the invention. 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 1A , Rotational Laser Mechanisms  307  are adapted and arranged to be reversibly and interchangeably mounted in Receiver Slot  333  (shown in other figures), and demounted from Receiver Slot  333  which is provided in Frame  107 . Laser Mechanisms  307  are flush-mounted to X-Frame  107  and can swivel  180  degrees from a retracted position by way of Rotational Pins  501 . 
         [0047]    One or more Receiver Slots  333  can be provided at various positions in X-Frame  107 . Although the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  shows Laser Mechanisms  307  in Receiver Slot  333  near the front end of X-Frame  107 , Laser Mechanisms  307  can be located anywhere along X-Frame  107  as can be appreciated by those of skill in the art. 
         [0048]    With respect to  FIG. 1A , interchangeable Laser Mechanism Module  314  is provided with Hard-Mounted liquid Bubble Vials  316  in 90-degree relation to each other are also adapted and arranged to provide level and non-level indications, as well as angular readouts. Bubble Vials  316  provide level readings to the user while employing the laser. Module  314  is also provided with Laser Beam Projection Holes  401 A and  401 B as well as Rotational Pins  501  which are adapted and arranged as rotational axes for holding Rotatable Laser Mechanisms  307 . Module  314  also provides for Bolt  301  and Nut  304  adapted for securely attaching Laser Mechanism Module  314  to the X-Frame  107 . Rotational Pins  501  attach Laser Mechanisms  307  to Module  314 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 2  is an overall side oblique view of a preferred embodiment of Channeled Level Device  100  showing certain permutations of many elements in retracted form. Referring to  FIG. 2 , Bottom Skid Plate  101  and Triangulated Bar Rail  127  are shown to be fitted and attached to X-Frame  107 . Bubble Vial Module  119  is shown attached to X-Frame  107  in a manner as to minimize the Level Device  100  footprint, and Rotational Bubble Vial Mechanisms  201  are shown to be in the retracted position. 
         [0050]      FIG. 3  is an overall side oblique view similar to that shown in  FIG. 2 , showing Laser Mechanism Module  314  attached to X-Frame  107 . Laser Mechanisms  307  is in the retracted position and attached to X-Frame  107 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 4  is an overall side oblique view from the rear of a preferred embodiment of Level Device  100  similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 , where Bubble Vial Module  119  is attached to the X-Frame  107 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 5  is an overall side oblique view from the rear of a preferred embodiment of Level Device  100  similar to that shown in  FIG. 4 , except from the opposite side. A Bull&#39;s-eye Type Liquid Leveling Vial  233  is attached to X-Frame  107  via circular Vial Base  230 . Vial  233  is mounted via Vial Base  230  in a flush-mounted configuration of the opposing Y-Beam section of the X-Frame  107  for use on table tops, decks, floors to measure 360 degrees of horizontal measurement. 
         [0053]      FIG. 6  is a side frontal sectional (and closeup) view of Laser Mechanism Module  314  having Laser Mechanisms  307  adapted and arranged to rotate about Rotational Pins  501 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 7  is a closeup top rear perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , with a Laser Mechanism Module  314  shown with Laser Mechanisms  307  in open configuration, and emitting straight-line visible Laser Projections  701 . A user can take advantage of these projections to orient the Level Device quickly. 
         [0055]    Referring again to  FIG. 7 , a centrally located Digital Readout  740  is attached to the X-Frame  107 .  FIG. 8  is a straight-on profile-from-the-front view of an embodiment having a Bubble Vial Module  119 , and showing several permutations of the many possible angular extensions of the Rotational Bubble Vial Rotational Mechanisms  201  wherein the Bubble Vials are disposed. Although only the approximate angles of 0 (retracted), 45, 90, 135, and 180 (fully extended) are illustrated, the invention encompasses a full range of motion between 0 and 180 degrees for the Rotational Mechanisms  201 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 9  illustrates the versatility of the slide-able elements of the invention. Bar Rail  127  is shown seated in V-Groove  705 , and Skid Plate  101  is shown attached to X-Frame  107  via Grooves  516 . The slide-able elements are both shown partially extended. 
         [0057]      FIG. 10  is a side view of Level Device  100  of the invention showing Receiver Slot  333 , which is adapted and arranged for receiving and reversibly holding, one or more modules of the invention. Numerous modules can be adapted and arranged to be reversibly mounted in Slot  333 . In the embodiment shown by  FIG. 10 , Slot  333  is a rectangular void disposed within X-Frame  107 . However, Slot  333  can be of any shape, configuration or disposition within X-Frame  107 , so long as it is adapted and arranged to accept and reversibly mount one or more modules of the invention. In another aspect, more than one Slot  333  can be structured in X-Frame  107  as desired or needed. 
         [0058]    It should be clear from one of ordinary skill in the measuring arts that Receiver Slot  333 , Leveling Vial  233 , and Center Vial  207  may be replaced with a limitless combination of instrumentation designed to facilitate a wide variety of uses. For example, such instrumentation, in module or other form, may include laser modules, electronic levels, distance measuring equipment, GPS modules, modules operatively linked to one another via digital means, modules connected to computers and other equipment via digital means, and real-time communications with software programs. 
         [0059]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an embodiment of Receiver Slot  333  constructed within a portion of X-Frame  107 , wherein portions of the X-Frame have graduated markings adapted and arranged for various measuring and marking functions. Shown are painted (or etched) standard English measurement Markings  340 .  FIG. 12  is a bottom perspective view of a preferred embodiment of Level Device  100  of the invention, showing Markings  340 , and of metric measurement Markings  342 . 
         [0060]    In another aspect of the invention, the rigid X-Frame component of the Level Device provides multiple permutations of the invention that can be provided in one or more hollow-containing embodiments of the frame elements in order to allow for various manufacturing processes, such as the extrusion of preferred materials into a frame of the invention. Although the X-Frame can be made of any suitable material or combination of materials, aluminum, plastic, and fiberglass are particularly preferred. Examples of embodiments of the invention comprising a hollowed X-Frame are shown in  FIG. 13 . 
         [0061]    With respect to  FIG. 13 , hollowed cavity, or void  803  can be provided within and through the total length and profile of hollow Frame Body  801 , or within any portion of Body  801 . Thus, while the exterior of the frame is generally X-shaped, the void or hollow within the frame could also be X-shaped, as well as any other shape which would fit within the margins of the frame. A hollow X-Frame of the invention is also advantageous in that the hollow or void provides access to the centers and other internal portions of the device, for example, to position one or more elements such as digital readouts, laser components, leveling vials or components, and any other elements or components useful in facilitating the construction or use of the invention. 
         [0062]    In another embodiment of the invention,  FIG. 14  is a frontal oblique view of Flat-Bottomed X-Shaped Hollow Frame  801  of the invention. Hollow bottom Section  808  is shown contiguous with the other hollow portions of Frame  801  and forms a flat bottom Surface  805 .  FIG. 14  shows also a top V-Channel as well as side channels. The hollow frame in comprising internal hollows illustrate yet additional embodiments of the invention, as well as optional surface configurations to assist in quick measurements of a variety of surface shapes and applications. 
         [0063]      FIG. 15  shows Virtual Bubble Vial  901 . As an additional advantageous aspect of some preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more digitized LED screens can be provided in or attached to an X-Frame of the invention. Such digitized screens can be adapted and arranged to accurately display readouts, such as those of “bull&#39;s-eye” vials in conventional levels. Virtual Bubble Vial  901  may comprise, as examples, one or more internal leveling sensors and related circuitry, adapted and arranged to provide numerous types of readouts, such as vertical and horizontal, as well as any other angle. One or more Vials  901  can be provided with one or more front and back panels, such as Front and Back Panels  903 , and can be configured to fit into an X-Frame of the invention, for example, as a replacement for Center Vial  207  or Bull&#39;s-eye Type Liquid Leveling Vial  233 . 
         [0064]    Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as herein described.