Abstract:
Devices for commercial, industrial, professional and household use are described in offset levels. In one embodiment, the offset level may comprise at least two parallel but offset portions such that an individual may use the offset level to lay a level line even if here is an object in the way which would prevent use of an conventional straight level. In one embodiment, the offset level comprises at least three portions, two of which are co-axial and a third which is not co-axial with the other two and which is therefore offset.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to geometric devices which can be used by an individual to determine levelness and orthogonality. The devices relates more specifically to offset levels which allow a user to lay a level line even if there is an obstruction in the line. The devices can be used by craftspersons and laypersons alike. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Craftspersons including tile installers, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, painters, artists, laborers, masons, contractors, construction personnel and others often have need to various tools in performance of various tasks such as levels, squares, straight edges, and rulers. Often times a craftsperson will use a plurality of tools in order to perform a given task. For example, in order for a tile installer to install tile in a bathroom stall, the installer must lay out a level horizontal line which he can then use to install the tile. Utilizing prior art devices for laying out such a line, a craftsperson would typically utilize a conventional straight level which the craftsperson could simply place against the wall, adjust the angle of the level such that the levelness indicator therein indicated that the level was horizontal (or vertical or at a given angle as the application required), and then to make a marking on the wall along an edge of the level with a writing or other marking utensil. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention is directed to novel offset leveling devices which allow an individual or user to utilize the devices to lay out lines around an object. The devices may be constructed to various dimensions and configurations to be used in a multitude of locations. 
         [0004]    According to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises a frame having a first portion having a first surface, a second surface, a front surface, a back surface a first end surface and a distal end surface, a second portion having a first surface, a second surface, a front surface, a back surface a first end surface and a distal end surface, and a third portion having a first surface, a second surface, a front surface, a back surface a first end surface and a distal end surface, wherein said top surface of said first portion and said top surface of said second portion are co-planar and said top surface of said third portion is not co-planar with either of said top surfaces of said first or second portions. 
         [0005]    In another exemplary embodiment, the device comprises a first portion having a first surface, a second surface, a front surface, a back surface a first end surface and a distal end surface, a second portion having a first surface, a second surface, a front surface, a back surface a first end surface and a distal end surface, and a third portion having a first surface, a second surface, a front surface, a back surface a first end surface and a distal end surface, a longitudinal axis located midway between said first and second surfaces of said first portion, a longitudinal axis located midway between said first and second surfaces of said second portion a longitudinal axis located midway between said first and second surfaces of said third portion wherein said longitudinal axis of said first portion is not co-axial with said longitudinal axis of said third portion. 
         [0006]    Another embodiment comprises an offset level for use by one person on a surface with one or more surface obstructions which prevent a user from laying a line on both sides of said obstruction, the offset level comprising: (a) a frame having a first portion having a first surface, a second surface, a front surface, a back surface a first end surface and a distal end surface, a second portion having a first surface, a second surface, a front surface, a back surface a first end surface and a distal end surface, and a third portion having a first surface, a second surface, a front surface, a back surface a first end surface and a distal end surface, wherein said top surface of said first portion and said top surface of said second portion are co-planar and said top surface of said third portion is not co-planar with either of said top surfaces of said first or second portions; and (b) at least one levelness indicator which is capable of indicating whether said level is in at least one of a horizontal condition, a vertical condition or a 45 degree angle between said vertical condition and said horizontal condition. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  illustrates a front exploded view of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  illustrates a front exploded view of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  illustrates a front view of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  illustrates a front view of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary level in use in a shower/tub setting; 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  illustrates an exploded view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3  in which several members have been rotated so that the device is in a second orientation; 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 7  in a position/condition for use; 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 7  in a position/condition for use; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 10A  illustrates an alternate embodiment exemplary level; 
           [0017]      FIG. 10B  illustrates an alternate embodiment exemplary level; 
           [0018]      FIG. 10C  illustrates an alternate embodiment exemplary level; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10D  illustrates an alternate embodiment exemplary level; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 10E  illustrates an alternate embodiment exemplary level. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0021]    To promote an understanding of the principles of the present invention, descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention follow and specific language is used to describe the specific embodiments. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is intended by the use of specific language. Alterations, further modifications, and such further applications of the principles of the present invention discussed are contemplated as would normally occur to one ordinarily skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. In the figures, like reference numerals designate like elements throughout. 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2  illustrates a front exploded view of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 3  illustrates a front exploded view of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 4  illustrates a front view of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 5  illustrates a front view of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary level in use in a shower/tub setting.  FIG. 7  illustrates an exploded view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3  in which several members have been rotated so that the device is in a second orientation.  FIG. 8  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 7  in a position/condition for use.  FIG. 9  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 7  in a position/condition for use.  FIG. 10A  illustrates an alternate embodiment exemplary level.  FIG. 10B  illustrates an alternate embodiment exemplary level.  FIG. 10C  illustrates an alternate embodiment exemplary level.  FIG. 10D  illustrates an alternate embodiment exemplary level.  FIG. 10E  illustrates an alternate embodiment exemplary level. 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary embodiment offset level  10 . In this embodiment, offset level  10  may be comprised of a variety components such as by a frame which may include a first portion  12 , second portion  14 , third portion  16 , fourth portion  18  and fifth portion  20 . 
         [0024]    In this embodiment, first portion  12  has a first or top surface  30 , second surface or bottom surface  32 , front surface  34 , back surface  36 , first end surface  38 , and distal end surface  40 . First portion  12  has a length L 1  (i.e., in the “x” direction as indicated in  FIG. 1 ) which is a distance measured along second surface  32  from its intersection/edge with first end  38  to its intersection/edge with distal end  40 , a height H 1  (i.e., in the “y” direction as indicated in  FIG. 1 ) measured along front surface  34  from its intersection/edge with first surface  30  to its intersection/edge with second surface  32 , and a width W 1  (i.e., in the “z” direction as indicated in  FIG. 1 ) measured along first end surface  38  from its intersection/edge with front surface  34  to its intersection/edge with back surface  36 . 
         [0025]    Second portion  14  has a first surface  50 , second surface  52 , front surface  54 , back surface  56 , first end surface  58 , and distal end surface  60 . Similarly with first portion  12 , second portion  14  has a height H 2 , width W 2  and length L 2 . 
         [0026]    Third portion  16  has a first surface  70 , second surface  72 , front surface  74 , back surface  76 , first end surface  78 , and distal end surface  80 . Third portion  16  has a height H 3 , width W 3  and length L 3 . 
         [0027]    Fourth portion  18  has a first surface  90 , second surface  92 , front surface  94 , back surface  96 , first end surface  98  (shown below), and distal end surface  100  (shown below). Fourth portion  18  has a height H 4 , width W 4  and length L 4 . 
         [0028]    Fifth portion  20  has a first surface  110 , second surface  112 , front surface  114 , back surface  116 , first end surface  118  (shown below), and distal end surface  120  (shown below). Fifth portion  20  has a height H 5 , width W 5  and length L 5 . 
         [0029]    The illustrated embodiment illustrates a first levelness indicator  22 , second levelness indicator  24 , and third levelness indicator  26  although other embodiments may have any number of levelness indicators. Each levelness indicator may comprise any suitable indicator of grade including, but not limited to, a bubble level indicator (as illustrated in  FIG. 1 ), a laser level indicator, string, and chalk. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1 , levelness indicator  22  comprises a cylindrical shape  130  which extends from front surface  34  to back surface  36  and has therein a tube  132  which has therein a fluid and a certain amount of gas (note that it is not necessary for the levelness indicator to extend completely through the level, it may extend only partly through the level, or even be attached to an exterior to the level and may be either permanently attached or removable). Tube  132  has a certain curvature and a plurality of marks thereon 
         [0030]    The device and/or one or more portions of it such as the frame may be of unitary construction or of multiple components and may be comprised of various materials including, but not limited to, plastic, metal, aluminum, steel, ceramic, and wood. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the frame is comprised of multiple members or components such that the various components are welded to various other members. Various means may be utilized to secure the various components together such as, but not limited to, screws, gluing, bonding, bolting, welding, and snap fit. 
         [0031]    Devices of the present invention may further comprise measure demarcations (such as English including, but not limited to, inches and multiples or fractions thereof or metric including, but not limited to, centimeters and multiples or fractions thereof). Such demarcations may be on any of the surfaces of the various portions or frame of the various embodiments.  FIG. 1  illustrates one set of exemplary demarcations in which major demarcations  27  may indicate inches whereas minor demarcations  29  may indicate fifths of inches. 
         [0032]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary exploded view of various components of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, one can see first portion  12 , second portion  14 , third portion  16 , fourth portion  18  and fifth portion  20 . First portion  12  has a first surface  30 , second surface  32 , front surface  34 , back surface  36 , first end surface  38 , distal end surface  40 , and a longitudinal axis L 1  which is parallel to first surface  30  and second surface  32  and is positioned midway between them. In this embodiment, first surface  32  meet with is distal end surface  40  at a ninety degree (90°) angle although such angle is variable in other embodiments. First portion  12  also has a longitudinal axis L 1  which is parallel to first surface  30  and second surface  32  and is positioned midway between them. 
         [0033]    Second portion  14  has a first surface  50 , second surface  52 , front surface  54 , back surface  56 , first end surface  58 , distal end surface  60 , and a longitudinal axis L 2  which is parallel to first surface  50  and second surface  52  and is positioned midway between them. 
         [0034]    Third portion  16  has a first surface  70 , second surface  72 , front surface  74 , back surface  76 , first end surface  78 , and distal end surface  80 , and a longitudinal axis L 3  which is parallel to first surface  70  and second surface  72  and is positioned midway between them. 
         [0035]    Fourth portion  18  has a first surface  90 , second surface  92 , front surface  94 , back surface  96 , first end surface  98 , and distal end surface  100 , and a longitudinal axis L 4  which is parallel to first surface  90  and second surface  92  and is positioned midway between them. 
         [0036]    Fifth portion  20  has a first surface  110 , second surface  112 , front surface  114 , back surface  116 , first end surface  118 , and distal end surface  120 , and a longitudinal axis L 5  which is parallel to first surface  110  and second surface  112  and is positioned midway between them. 
         [0037]    In this embodiment, first portion  12  and second portion  14  may be connected or adjoined to each other by any suitable means including, but not limited to, bonding, welding, gluing, and screwing. Such connection may be either temporary or permanent and may be such that the portions may rotate or pivot relative to each other. In other embodiments, the various portions may be unitarily constructed such that one or more of them may be pivotally or rotationally free to move or they may be fixed relative to one or more of the other portions. 
         [0038]    A distance D 1  is measured between longitudinal axis L 1  and longitudinal axis L 3 . Similarly a distance D 2  can be measured between longitudinal axis L 1  and longitudinal axis L 2 . Similarly a distance D 3  can be measured between longitudinal axis L 4  and longitudinal axis L 5 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 3  illustrates another embodiment in which the various portions have an alternate geometry from that in  FIG. 2 . In this embodiment, an angle Θ between first portion  12 &#39;s first surface  30  and distal end surface  40  is approximately one hundred thirty-five degrees (135°) and an angle Φ between third portion  16 &#39;s first surface  70  of and distal end surface  80  is approximately one hundred thirty-five degrees (135°). 
         [0040]    In some embodiments, first portion  12  may be connected to fourth portion  18  such that a surface of first portion  12  is adjoined to a surface of fourth portion  18 . In some embodiments, such as that illustrated in  FIGS. 3-5 , first portion  12  may be pivotably connected to fourth portion  18  such that the portions may rotate relative to each other. For example, in one embodiment pins may extend perpendicularly between the portions. In another embodiment, one or more ball bearing systems may allow one portion to pivot relative to an adjoining portion. 
         [0041]      FIG. 4  illustrates another exemplary embodiment in which first portion  12 &#39;s first surface is in substantially the same plane as third portion  16 &#39;s second surface. 
         [0042]      FIG. 5  illustrates another exemplary embodiment in which offset level  10  has a plurality of levelness indicators. In such an embodiment, the devices may be used in a multitude of orientations to provide a user with the ability to use the level to lay a line around objects which may protrude from a wall (for example) such as a shower head, faucet, electrical fixture, etc. 
         [0043]      FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary offset level in use in an exemplary installation shower/tub setting. In this illustration, a plurality of levels  10  are shown in a variety of configurations. In this illustration, note that level  10  may be oriented in various positions relative to the various walls. For example, in one illustration, axes L 4 , L 5  of portions  18 ,  20  respectively are orthogonal with the plane of wall WP 1 . In another illustrated orientation, axes L 4 , l 5  of portions  18 ,  20  may be parallel to the plane of wall WP 1 . Also shown are a variety of lines  170  which may be layed out around various objects such as shower head  150  and faucet  160 . Also illustrated are various tiles  190 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 7  illustrates the alternate embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3  in which fourth portion  18  and fifth portion  20  have been rotated such that what was a back surface is now a front surface. Due to the angles Θ and Φ being functions or multiples of 45°, the portions may be rotated such that the device may be reconfigured to the orientation illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 8  illustrates the present invention in an alternate configuration. 
         [0046]      FIG. 9  illustrates a exemplary embodiment level in which a levelness indicator  22  is positioned such that the level may be used such that the longitudinal axes L 4  of fourth portion  18  is perpendicular to wall plane WP 1 . For consistency, a representative coordinate plane system is illustrated by arrows x, y, z which is consistent with the coordinate plane system from  FIG. 1 . Thus, in this use, device  10  may be oriented such that wall plane WP 1  is in the xz plane and longitudinal axis L 4  (and in this embodiment longitudinal axis L 5 ) are in the yz plane. 
         [0047]      FIG. 10A  illustrates an alternate embodiment in which level  10  includes a first linear portion  200 , a curved portion  202 , and a second linear portion  204 . In this embodiment, there may be an offset between an axis of each of the respective portions such that a line may be layed out around an object. For example, there may be a distance between axis  206  of first portion  200  and axis  208  of portion  202 . In this embodiment, axis  206  of portion  200  may be co-axial with axis  210  of portion  204 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 10B  illustrates an alternate embodiment in which level  10  includes a first linear portion  300  and a curved portion  302 . In this embodiment, there may be an offset between an axis of each of the respective portions such that a line may be layed out around an object. For example, there may be a distance between axis  304  of first portion  300  and axis  306  of portion  302 . Distance  320  illustrates a minimum distance between a surface of portion  300  and a surface of portion  302 . In some embodiments, distance  320  may be at least two (2) inches. 
         [0049]      FIG. 10C  illustrates an alternate embodiment in which level  10  includes a first linear portion  400 , a curved portion  402 , and a second linear portion  404 . In this embodiment, there may be an offset between an axis of each of the respective portions such that a line may be layed out around an object. For example, there may be a distance between axis  406  of first portion  400  and axis  408  of portion  404 . Distance  420  illustrates a minimum distance between a surface of portion  400  and a surface of portion  404 . In some embodiments, distance  420  may be at least two (2) inches. 
         [0050]      FIG. 10D  illustrates an alternate embodiment in which level  10  includes a first linear portion  500 , a second linear portion  502 , and a third linear portion  504 . In this embodiment, there may be an offset between an axis of each of the respective portions such that a line may be layed out around an object. For example, there may be a distance between axis  506  of first portion  500  and axis  510  of portion  504 . Distance  520  illustrates a minimum distance between a surface of portion  500  and a surface of portion  504 . In some embodiments, distance  520  may be at least two (2) inches. 
         [0051]      FIG. 10E  illustrates an alternate embodiment in which level  10  includes a first linear portion  600 , a second linear portion  602 , a third linear portion  604 , a fourth linear portion  606 , and a fifth linear portion  608 . In this embodiment, there may be an offset between an axis of each of the respective portions such that a line may be layed out around an object. For example, there may be a distance between axis  610  of first portion  600  and axis  614  of portion  604 . In this embodiment, axis  610  of portion  600  may be co-axial with axis  618  of portion  608 . Distance  620  illustrates a minimum distance between a surface of portion  600  and a surface of portion  604 . In some embodiments, distance  620  may be at least two (2) inches. 
       Illustrative Use of an Exemplary Embodiment 
       [0052]    An illustrative manner of using such an exemplary level is now described below. Note that the above description and the use described herein should be considered together to fully illustrate the concept of the present level. 
         [0053]    The embodiment described above with regard to  FIG. 1  is an offset level  10  comprised of a frame which may be comprised of various portions  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20  with one or more levelness indicators  22  and which may also include measuring demarcations. The levelness indicators  22  may be mounted to the frame of the level by various mountings as discussed above or they may be unitary with level  10 . 
         [0054]    The exemplary level may be used by a person in several manners to determine level points around objects which would interfere with use of a conventional straight level in laying a line. The basic principles of using the offset level are similar to conventional levels in this field. A first point is determined that one desires to be the reference point. The offset level  10  is then held by hand or attached in respect to the reference point by hanging the level from one of the mounting holes  25 . The other end of the offset level is then routed around the object which was in the way, and then the user can adjust the level up and down (for a horizontal “level” use) or back and forth (for a vertical “plumb” use) until the levelness indicator  22  aligns itself in the glass of the device and indicates level or plumb condition, respectively. When this condition of level or plumb is achieved, the person can then demark or indicate a second point or line at the edge of the level that is, in fact, in a level (or plumb) condition with respect to the first reference point. 
         [0055]    One possible advantage of having a portion of the frame of the level offset is readily understood by one skilled in the art. The ability to mark a level line around an object or objects such as pieces of pipes, knobs, wallplates, fixtures, lights, etc. are but a few examples. Further examples of uses for the offset level are in marking interior or exterior corner structures to enable a person to efficiently determine a level condition. This condition is helpful for example to hang pictures; to properly place moldings such as chair rails; or to permit one to maintain a level line for a painting or a wall papering design scheme. These uses for indicating a level condition on odd shaped objects and corner structures are merely exemplary and not limiting to the myriad of uses for a tool that is flexible such as the present device. 
         [0056]    The various components and members of the present invention may be comprised wholly or in part of any suitable materials including, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, ceramic, wood, alloys, plastic, rubber, carbon fiber, fiberglass, and stainless steel. The various members and components of levels described herein may have any suitable cross sectional shape including, but not limited to, substantially rectangular, square, round, elliptical, 
         [0057]    While the specification has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, may readily conceive of alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to these embodiments. Also note that the housing and other components may be of any suitable shape depending on the desired application for the device. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be assessed as that of the appended claims and any equivalents thereto.