Abstract:
Laser alignment methods and apparatus are disclosed whereby pipe and similar materials may be aligned. The methods and apparatus are adapted to be utilized on the end of pipe or other material and thereby using as a reference point that pipe or other material with the reference beam generated by the laser providing a center reference point from the pipe on which the laser is mounted. In a preferred embodiment, the laser apparatus mounting is threaded so as to be used in mating relationship with the ends of complementarily threaded pipes. A preferred embodiment has a mounting adaptor for the laser that either has tapered steps or is shaped like a tapered cone so that a single adaptor can be friction fitted into pipes of different diameters.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/326,424, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,286,219 B1, entitled “LASER ALIGNMENT METHOD AND APPARATUS” filed on Jun. 4, 1999, by Charles E. Palumbo, II, which disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to apparatus and methods used regarding alignment of pipe and other materials. More particularly, it relates to laser apparatus and methods used in the alignment of pipe and other materials. 
   The use of lasers in the alignment of pipe and other materials is of course known in the art. One method is to use a reference beam of light generated by a laser in combination with a reference marker or target in order to provide a straight line along which to establish the desired paths of the pipe. This ensures alignment along the laser beam or at the target&#39;s reference point remote from the laser because of the straight line accuracy of the laser beam. The use of the target, however, is in many cases less than convenient, especially where only a single worker is operating the system, as may be the case when laying sprinkler pipe or other pipe in indoor construction. Moreover, the laser used in this method is a gas laser. Gas lasers are themselves unwieldy, requiring high levels of power, which makes use difficult in handheld operations. 
   What has been lacking to date are simple and inexpensive apparatus and methods for the alignment of pipe and other material. This lack is especially acute in pipe alignment in internal construction, for example, such as in sprinkler pipe systems for warehouses. These pipe systems, usually comprised of branch lines running outwardly from a main or mains, are often laid in a grid pattern or at right angles. 
   The powerful beam of a gas laser is misplaced in such construction, and the need for reference targets in methods known in the art makes those methods unwieldy and cumbersome. Therefore, and typically in such a job, sprinkler pipe grids are laid using a method of hand measurement from a fixed reference point or points. This method rapidly becomes tedious, because it requires constant measurements as the pipe is laid in a grid arrangement over the entire ceiling area. It is also slow and inefficient, because of the need for constant measurement and remeasurement—the job progresses slowly and inefficiently. 
   A similar situation is seen in modular construction. In modular construction, there is often a need to go through multiple walls with a single pipe run. For example, a strip mall may require pipe, such as sewer pipe, to be laid through the fire walls separating each store. The pipe run is determined by measuring to a point on each fire wall as it is successively penetrated. This again is tedious work, requiring frequent stops and starts as each section of pipe is laid, with attendant inefficiency and increased costs. 
   Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide simple and easy to use laser apparatus and methods for the alignment of pipe and other materials. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide lightweight and low power laser apparatus and methods for the alignment of pipe and other materials. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention comprises laser alignment apparatus and methods, adapted to be utilized on the end of pipe or other material and thereby using as a reference point that pipe or other material. In a preferred embodiment, the laser apparatus mounting is threaded so as to be used in mating relationship with the ends of complementarily threaded pipes. Another preferred embodiment utilizes caps of various sizes, adapted to be placed on a pipe end, with mounting means for the laser. 
   In yet other embodiments, the laser body may be mounted to the end of a pipe or other material through a tapered mounting means, as well as an internal stabilizing means. Alternatively, embodiments may be retained upon on the external surface of a pipe or other material, or, alternatively, on a floor or other surface. Preferred embodiments may also alter the beam, such as by a splitter or other methods, so that the beam may proceed along more than one path from the laser. 
   The laser in various embodiments generally use the pipe or other materials as the reference point for the reference beam emitted by the laser. These embodiments have the laser mounting apparatus centered on the pipe end, so that the reference beam generated by the laser provides a center reference point from the pipe or other material on which the laser is mounted. Other embodiments may have bubble and/or other levels to ensure desired leveling. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic top view of a typical sprinkler installation. 
       FIG. 2  is a top sectional view taken along line  2 — 2  of FIG.  1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a side sectional view taken along line  3 — 3  of FIG.  2 . 
       FIG. 4  is another side sectional view taken along line  4 — 4  of FIG.  2 . 
       FIG. 5  is a view of a preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 6  is another view of the embodiment of FIG.  5 . 
       FIG. 7  is a view of another preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 8  is a view of an embodiment in use. 
       FIG. 9  is a view of an embodiment in use. 
       FIG. 10  is a view of an embodiment in use. 
       FIG. 11  is a view of an embodiment in use. 
       FIG. 11   a  is a side sectional view taken along line XIa—XIa of FIG.  11 . 
       FIG. 12  is a view taken along line XII—XII of FIG.  11 . 
       FIG. 13  is a partial view of an embodiment. 
       FIG. 14  is a view of an embodiment in use. 
       FIG. 15  is a view of an embodiment in use. 
       FIG. 15   a  is a view taken along line XVa—XVa of FIG.  15 . 
       FIG. 16  is a partial view of an embodiment. 
       FIG. 17  is a view of an embodiment in use. 
       FIG. 18  is a partial view of an embodiment. 
       FIG. 19  is a view of an embodiment in use. 
       FIG. 20  is a partial sectional view of an embodiment taken along line XX—XX of FIG.  15 . 
       FIG. 21  is a view of an embodiment. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1  shows generally a schematic view of a typical sprinkler installation. The view is from the top, looking downward, and is of an installation as might be seen in a warehouse or the like. The walls, shown generally at A, surround the installation. Two mains  1  and  2  run along the length of two opposing walls. The sprinkler pipes, shown generally at B, extend between the mains and form the grid pattern. The sprinkler heads are shown generally at C. 
   Turning now to  FIG. 2 , which is a top sectional view along line  2 — 2  of  FIG. 1 , mains  1  and  2  are shown in more detail. Sprinkler pipes, shown generally at B in  FIG. 1 , are here identified as  3 ,  4  and  5  extending between the mains. This figure illustrates a dry installation, that is, one that is not constantly filled with water under pressure. The latter may be known as a wet pressure system. Main  1  is, in this dry installation, the primary water carrier or feed main. When in use, that is when the water floods the system, the water will be fed first into feed main  1 , and then through the branch lines or sprinkler pipes B, or in this figure, pipes  3 ,  4  and  5 . The water will travel down through those pipes, and turning for a minute to  FIG. 3 , may pass through the pennants and sprinkler heads extending downwardly from the sprinkler pipes. Some water may travel through to dummy main  2 , where it may be returned to the system or discharged. Some systems lack a second main such as  2 , and excess water may stand in the sprinkler pipes or possibly be flushed through the sprinklers after use. 
   As is seen in  FIG. 3 , which is a side sectional view taken through line  3 — 3  of  FIG. 2 , the pennants and sprinkler heads, shown generally at D, depend from pipe  3  extending between the mains. Also seen in  FIG. 3  are the hangers  20  through  25  which hold the sprinkler pipe  3  up between the mains and are used, as is explained in more detail below, in the course of installation of the system. The sections of sprinkler pipe  31 - 36  each have a sprinkler depending therefrom, and each section is tied to the next section by way of couplings  26 - 30  respectively. Riser nipples  11  and  12  and elbow joints  13  and  14  connect mains  1  and  2  and sprinkler pipe  3 . The construction of this sprinkler pipe and connections are the same for each pipe in this system, for example, for all those seen generally at B in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 4  is another side sectional view taken through line  4 — 4  of FIG.  2 . Hangers  6  and  7  hold the main to the ceiling or rafters in much the same manner as the hangers on the sprinkler pipes described above, and via hanger rings  8  and  9  respectively. Shown in cutaway are sprinkler pipes  3  and  4 , connected to main  1  by way of riser nipples  10  and  11  and elbow joints (not shown here.) Also not shown in this figure are the sectional couplings of the main pipe. 
   The branch lines extending off the main, for example  3 ,  4 , and  5  in  FIG. 2  are assembled from sections, typically 21 feet in length, and coupled together. Turning back for a moment to  FIG. 3 , the various couplings are shown at  26 - 30 . Sprinkler head spacing within the branch lines usually varies depending upon the nature of the materials to be held within the building below. More hazardous materials, for example, would have more sprinklers. 
   Assembling sprinkler systems can be quite challenging because in many instances the entire system is primarily constructed along right angles. The term “right angle” is used here to include a range of angles on either side of ninety degrees, from 88 to 92 degrees. This range includes those angles commonly achieved in the field in installing sprinkler systems, as well as other pipe and other materials systems. When steel or similar material is used for the pipe, it is important for the system to be assembled along a straight line or lines as well. If PVC pipe is used, straight line assembly is less critical, however, it is still desirable to maintain the right angled arrangement. If the right angles are set in a grid or grid like shape, which is also usually the situation, the grid may rack or slant in diamond-like or other shapes. This racking is most likely to be discovered only as the system is being assembled, and therefore the system must then be disassembled if racking is discovered. Accordingly, the present embodiment is useful in preventing racking because, as discussed below in detail, the laser projects a straight line reference beam from which to assist in the construction of the grid. 
   Therefore, turning to  FIG. 5 , we see an embodiment of an apparatus of the present invention. At  70  is seen a sectional sprinkler pipe, threaded as is often the case. At a is shown generally the embodiment. Cap  40  bears a complementary threading to the pipe  70 , and nut area  41  allows for the use of a wrench to tighten or loosen the embodiment on the pipe  70 . Laser  42  is removably retained within the nut area  41  and cap  40 , although of course in this and other embodiments it may be fixedly retained. The retention area is within the center of the cap so that it retains the laser  42  in order to project the reference beam from the center of the pipe end. The term “center” is used here to include the area within reasonable tolerances about the center of the diameter of the pipe end. 
     FIG. 6  illustrates the same embodiment as  FIG. 5  in side view, and with the laser  42  exploded outwardly. The laser  42  projects the reference beam of light  1  from the center of the pipe end. Therefore, using this embodiment, when the cap is installed on the pipe a constant reference beam, centered about the pipe end, exists so as to simplify the installation of the sectional piping. Of course, the term “pipe end” is defined here to include the end of pipe as well as fittings used on pipe and known in the art. 
     FIG. 7  shows, generally at b, another preferred embodiment. Cap  50  fits over pipe  71 . Flange  51  extends outwardly from cap  50 . Flange  51  contains ridge  52 . Laser  55  contains a recess  56 , which mates with flange  51 . Ridge  52  “snap fits” into corresponding ridge  57 . Embedded in ridge  57  is an on off pressure switch not shown but of a type known in the art which is activated and thus turns laser  55  on when it is snapped onto flange  52 . 
   In  FIG. 8 , the embodiment a is seen mounted on a sprinkler pipe section. It projects a centered reference beam from which to align other mains, dummy or otherwise, and/or subsequent pipe sections. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the sprinkler pipe runs between the two mains. Feed main  1  is put up first. Dummy main  2  must then be aligned, either before or as the sprinkler pipe is placed, with main  1 . If the riser nipples of each do not line up, the sprinkler pipe will not run in the desired grid line fashion, and racking or other misalignment will occur. Using the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , the projected beam provides an alignment point for the pipe installation. The beam  1  seen in  FIG. 8  will enable proper alignment of the riser nipples and elbow joint on the main  2 , and so assist in the assembly of the system along the desired right angle shape. 
     FIG. 9  illustrates the beam  1  projecting outwardly from the mounted embodiment b and the sections  80  and  81  being assembled by use of the reference beam  1 . The hangers usually have a knurled adjustment mechanism, (not shown here) and so can be used to change the elevation of the sections after the desired alignment is obtained. Thus, in addition to two dimensional alignment, embodiments of the present invention can be utilized to assist in three dimensional alignment, that is, assuring consistent elevation of the entire system. 
   Three dimensional alignment can also be necessary when aligning the mains as well as sectional pipe. Currently, measurements are usually made from the floor of the warehouse, thus making vertical alignment dependent upon the slope of the floor. However, the straight line reference point (perhaps when combined with an initial leveling of the pipe) provided by various embodiments of the present invention will assist in ensuring proper vertical alignment without the need for constant measurement and remeasurement. For example, other embodiments use a spirit or other level known in the art in combination with laser alignment apparatus and methods to ensure reference beam alignment in three dimensions. 
     FIG. 10  shows multiple embodiments c and d in use to assemble sectional sprinkler pipe in a view similar to that as seen in FIG.  4 . Here the embodiment provides multiple straight line reference points to assist in installation. 
   The embodiment of  FIG. 6  as well as the embodiment of  FIG. 7  as well as other embodiments may use one laser and multiple mounting apparatus. For example, the threaded portion  40  of  FIG. 6  or the cap  50  of  FIG. 7  could be of various sizes in order to fit pipes of various diameters. In use, the appropriate diameter is fit onto the reference pipe and a laser would then be inserted into the recess of the embodiment of  FIG. 6  or snap fit onto the flange of the cap  50 . In the latter embodiment, this would turn the laser on by way of the pressure sensitive on off switch and thereby establish a reference line or lines. Other embodiments may of course use the same or similar apparatus and methods of turning the laser on, including contact switches triggered by contact with the pipe or other materials in order to turn the laser on and establish the reference beam. For example if a threaded section is used, a pressure plunger switch such as is known in the art could be used to turn the laser on when the threaded section contacts the pipe initially or at a predetermined depth or depths. 
   The present invention uses semiconductor laser technology of types known in the art. Semiconductor lasers are generally smaller than gas lasers and generally require a lower level of power. Semiconductors do not generally produce as powerful a beam of light, yet their small size and ability to be powered by a common household batteries gives them the ability to be used in many situations, such as internal construction or other alignment operations. 
   The preferred embodiments are used to correspond with pipe sizes known in the art, both standardized and customized. Often sprinkler pipes have diameters from ½ to 2 inches, but of course various embodiments may be used with both sprinkler and other pipes of greater and lesser dimensions. 
   Turning now to  FIG. 11 , an view of an especially preferred embodiment is seen. Laser body  1  of this embodiment is shown mounted in pipe x and can be seen through a cutaway in pipe x. The tapered mounting means of this embodiment comprises step down  101 . The tapered steps of step down  101  can be seen in sectional view  FIG. 11   a . The embodiment has a taper of about five degrees for each step, although other embodiments may of course use other degrees of tapering or none at all. A rubber covering is also used on the step down, and both the rubber covering and the tapered steps assist the fit of the embodiment through friction on the pipe end. Other tapered means may also be used, such a gradual slope, etc. 
   Step down  101  ranges from one inch in the smallest size to two and one half inch in the largest size in this embodiment, although, of course in other embodiments, other size ranges may be used. Additionally, in other embodiments, adapter means, such as the snap cap  180  seen in  FIG. 21 , may be placed over the step down or other tapered mounting means, in order to use the embodiment on pipes of larger diameter, such as pipe m in FIG.  21 . One range of these snap caps is for pipes from 4 to 12 inches in 2 inch increments, although of course other increments may be used. 
   A stabilizing means is also used in this and other embodiments. In this embodiment, the stabilizing means comprises three equidistant spring loaded pawls are also used in this embodiment, of which two are seen in  FIG. 11 ,  102   a  and  102   b . These pawls help stabilize this embodiment. The spring loading of the pawls assists them in maintaining their default position, which is extending outwardly from the shaft. In order to collapse the pawls, and so insert the embodiment into a pipe, casing  106 , which is fixedly connected to shaft  105 , is pushed toward step down  101 , overcoming the resistance of spring  105   a .  FIG. 20 , which is a view taken along line XX—XX of  FIG. 15 , shows the casing pushed toward the step down and thus the collapsed pawls. This movement slides finger clip  101   a  over the pawl  102   a  thus closing it. Similarly, other finger clips not shown close their respective pawls. Once step down  101  is seated into the pipe end, the casing is released and the pawls extend. As with other preferred embodiments, this embodiment, once installed on the pipe, through its tapered mounting means, operates to attach said laser body about the center of the pipe end and provides a constant reference beam, centered about the pipe end. 
   Loop  103  is used when this embodiment is used as a plumb bob, in a manner to be explained in further detail below. Bull&#39;s eye level  104  is also used in this embodiment&#39;s plumb bob configuration, as will be explained in further detail below. The exterior of level  104  and shaft  105  are made of stainless steel. Step down  101  under its rubber cover, pawls  102   a ,  102   b  and  102   c , casing  106  and knurled surface  107  are made of high density plastic. In other embodiments other materials of sufficient strength and density may be used as is known in the art. 
   Bubble level  108  is used to assist in leveling the embodiments and the laser beam extending therefrom. A laser  110  is shown, is of a type known in the art as is described above. 
   Turning now to  FIG. 12  which is a view taken along line  12 — 12  of  FIG. 11 , laser  110  is again seen. Also seen are levels  111  and  112  which provide additional centering assistance in this embodiment. The laser  110  is turned off and on by turning knurled surface  107 . This off-on switch provides power flowing to the lasers from the batteries retained within casing  106  in a manner known in the art. 
   In this especially preferred embodiment, four AA batteries are used to power the semiconductor laser. These batteries are set in an equidistant manner within the casing, so as not affect the balance of the laser alignment device. Of course, other embodiments may activate and power their laser differently. 
   The light emitted from this and other embodiments may be altered by various means.  FIG. 13  shows an example of an alteration means, which is beam splitter  120 . This beam splitter is installed over the laser of the embodiment of  FIG. 11  as is shown in FIG.  14 . When used, the beam splitter permits separate beams at a 90 degree angle, shown here by a′ and b′, to emanate from the laser by use of a prism or mirror system inside the splitter in a manner known in the art. In other embodiments, alteration means may be placed on a swivel mounting so the entire assembly can be swiveled in horizontal, vertical or other planes. Additionally, other alteration means may be used to vary paths, angles and directions, such as 45 degree angles between beams, scribing 360 degree circumference with a beam, using a protractor for angle setting, make a visible laser line, etc. 
   This embodiment and other embodiments may be mounted in other manners as well. For example, this embodiment may also be used as a plumb bob, reverse plumb bob or level. 
     FIG. 15  shows the embodiment being used as a plumb bob through plumb bob means, which in this example is hook  103 . A string connects on hook  103  to a surface in manner not shown but known in the art. Other embodiments may use different plumb bob means, such as a internal connection means, etc. Level  104  can be consulted in this embodiment, as shown in the view of  FIG. 15   a , in order to ensure the bob is accurate. 
     FIG. 16  shows an example of a reverse plumb means. In this example, reverse plumb means sleeve  150  is inserted over the laser body  1  of this embodiment as shown in FIG.  17 . Equidistant leveling screws  151   a ,  151   b  and  151   c  are used to level the reverse bob. Levels  111  and  112  ( FIG. 12 ) may be used to ensure the device is leveled. Of course, various angles and levels may be used in the various embodiments, such as protractors used to adjust the beam to different angles, etc. 
   This and other embodiments may also be used as a level.  FIG. 17  shows an example of a level means. Bracket  170  receives laser body in area  171 . Area  172  may rest upon a pipe or other surface. Alternatively areas  173  and  174  may be used to place bracket  170  on a surface. 
     FIG. 19  shows a laser body within the bracket  170 , and on pipe z. Level  175  in  FIG. 19  also assists leveling. 
     FIG. 20  shows is a partial sectional view of the embodiment of FIG.  11 . Casing  106  is seated within step down  101 . Both casing  106  and step down  101  ride on shaft  115 . Spring  116  on shaft  115  provides resistance to casing  106  being jarred loose from its seat within step down  101 , while also allowing their separation in order to seat the spring loaded pawls. 
   Of course, other methods of use may exist for various embodiments of the present invention. When installing a pipe in a new installation with numerous walls, such as fire walls in sequence such as is encountered in an office setting or strip mall setting, the installation of the pipe in such construction calls for a sequence of holes to be drilled or bored in the successive walls. The drilling or boring point of each hole usually must be measured from the ground with appropriate correction for out of square conditions. Otherwise the pipe run will not be straight, or could not be installed at all. Installation of an embodiment of the present invention such as is shown in  FIG. 6  can be utilized to ensure accurate installation and eliminate the need for the hand measurement process by using the projected beam on the reference wall sites and thereby providing an alignment point for the pipe installation. By using embodiments of the present invention to establish the successive drilling or boring point of each hole, a constant, straight reference point can be established for the path of the pipe run, thus eliminating the possibly inconsistent results heretofore achieved with hand measurement. 
   Indeed, any installation of pipe or other materials sharing the similar characteristics of right angle or straight installation needs, such as long runs of scaffolding, rafters, or other beams could benefit from various embodiments of the present inventions. The term “straight” as used here includes normal variations as are found in construction operations. Nor is use limited to these situations. For example, embodiments may be used in determining the holes in drop ceilings for sprinkler heads and other installations. By using a reference beam cast from a embodiment installed on a pennant, the proper reference can be established for the sprinkler holes in the ceilings. 
   Accordingly, the above description and the views and material depicted by the figures are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to be, and should not be construed as, limitations on the invention. Moreover, certain modifications or alternatives may suggest themselves to those skilled in the art upon reading of this specification, all of which are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the attached claims.