Abstract:
A laser level is adapted to direct a laser path against a working surface. The level comprises a base, the base comprising at least one pair of opposing edges, the base adapted to be positioned relative to the working surface such that each of the opposing edges is adjacent to the working surface. The level comprises an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer being situated on the base so as to removably affix the base on the working surface without damaging the working surface. The level comprising an activating switch, the switch being located on the level at a location offset from the laser path.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to laser leveling instruments, and more particularly to a wall mountable laser level. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Alignment of surfaces is a concern in a variety of fields, ranging from construction to interior decorating. Alignment is necessary for walls that should be perpendicular to a floor, or otherwise plumb. Vertical or horizontal alignment is especially important for pictures and other wall ornamentation. 
   Many mechanical alignment devices are available. Some of these alignment products are cumbersome, others are impractical. Chalk reels, for instance, are readily portable and create reliable alignment markings. However, chalk lines leave imprints on walls and produce chalk dust, both of which are undesirable in a finished room. Plumb bobs are also readily portable, but require anchoring of a string and the bob must come to rest before being relied upon for alignment purposes. 
   The problems with mechanical alignment devices have been addressed with the advent of portable laser levels. One example of a portable laser level is U.S. Publication No. 20020178596 to Malard, titled “Laser Line Generating Device,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The Malard device has several problems. A first problem concerns the way the laser is activated. To activate the laser, a cover must be pivoted away from the laser projector. During the process, the finger used for pivoting the cover is radiated by the laser source. However, in the manufactured form of the Malard device, embodied in the Laser Level by Strait-Line Corporation, an advisory located adjacent to the same cover reads “DANGER, Avoid Direct Exposure to the Beam.” 
   A second problem with the Malard device concerns the method in which the laser apparatus connects to a solid surface. The Malard apparatus requires the use of retractable pins. In use, the pin damages the surface being connected to the apparatus. 
   In the manufactured version of the Malard device, the problem with the retractable pins has been addressed. The Malard apparatus uses Command Strips manufactured by 3M Corporation for positioning the apparatus on a surface. The Command Strips enable the Malard apparatus to adhere to a surface without damaging the surface. However, the Command Strips contain deficiencies. 
   The Command Strips consist of a plurality of small porous openings that act as suction-cups when placed against a smooth surface. Accordingly, the Command Strips have problems inherent with suction-cups. If the receiving surface contains any irregularities, the porous opening will fail to grip and the Malard apparatus will fail to adhere to the surface. However, such irregularities are common to surfaces on which the laser is be applied, such as with textured paint or various forms of wall board or wall paper. 
   Another problem exists when applying the Command Strips against the base of the Malard device. The strips displace the base of the Malard device from the working surface by the thickness of the strips. The displaced device is caused to wobble against the surface due to the compressibility of the strips. The wobbling is incurable because edges of the base are incapable of contacting the working surface due to the strips. 
   In light of the deficiencies of the prior art, a portable laser level is needed that is capable of being activated without the placement of a finger in the path of the laser. The apparatus should be capable of placement against a textured surface using a reusable adhesive. The base of the device should also be capable of entirely contacting a working surface during the application of the adhesive. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   According to a first aspect of the invention, a laser level is adapted to direct a laser path against a working surface. The level comprises a base, the base comprising at least one pair of opposing edges, the base adapted to be positioned relative to the working surface such that each of the opposing edges is adjacent to the working surface. The level comprises an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer being situated on the base so as to removably affix the base on the working surface without damaging the working surface. The level comprising an activating switch, the switch being located on the level at a location offset from the laser path. 
   According to a further aspect of the invention, the base comprises a recess and wherein the adhesive layer is situated substantially within the recess. 
   According to a further aspect of the invention, the level has a front surface and a pair of side surfaces, the laser projecting from the front surface and the switch being positioned on one of the side surfaces. 
   According to a further aspect of the invention, one of each of the opposing edges is contiguous with a different one of each of the side surface. 
   According to a further aspect of the invention, one of the side surfaces is adapted to be gripped by the fingers of the user and the other of the side surfaces is adapted to be gripped by the thumb of the user, wherein the switch is located such that it can also be engaged by the thumb of the user. 
   According to a further aspect of the invention, the level further comprises a pair of liquid levels, the liquid levels being substantially perpendicular to each other, the levels being adapted to indicate a planar position of the level on the working surface over a range of three hundred and sixty degrees. 
   According to a further aspect of the invention, the level further comprises an extension surface having a front and rear edge, the rear edge being connected to the base, the extension surface extending planar to the base and perpendicular to the front surface. 
   According to a further aspect of the invention, the level comprises an orientation notch, the notch extending from the front edge of the extension surface. 
   According to a second aspect of the invention, a laser level is adapted to direct a laser path against a working surface. The level comprises a base, the base comprises at least one pair of opposing edges, and adapted to be positioned adjacent to the working surface such that the opposing edges each engage the working surface. The level comprises a tack for piercing a surface to provide orientation control to the level and an activating switch, the switch being situated at a location offset from the laser path during. 
   According to a further aspect of the invention, the base comprises a recess and wherein the tack is adapted to be stored in the recess. 
   According to a further aspect of the invention the level comprises a front surface and a pair of side surfaces, the laser projecting from the front surface and the switch being located on one of the side surfaces. 
   According to a further aspect of the invention, each of the opposing edges is substantially contiguous with a different one of the side surfaces. 
   According to a further aspect of the invention, one of the side surfaces is adapted to be gripped by the fingers of the user and the other of the side surfaces is adapted to be gripped by the thumb of the user, wherein the switch is located such that it can also be engaged by the thumb of the user. 
   According to a further aspect of the invention, the laser level comprises a pair of liquid levels, the liquid levels being substantially perpendicular relative to each other, the levels being adapted to indicate a planar position of the level on the working surface over a range of three hundred and sixty degrees. 
   According to a further aspect of the invention, the level further comprises an extension surface having a front and rear edge, the rear edges being connected to the base, the extension surface extending in the plane of the base and substantially perpendicular to the front surface. 
   According to a further aspect of the invention, the level further comprises an orientation notch, the notch extending from the front edge of the extension surface. 
   According to a further aspect of the invention, the level further comprising a pin and a rear extension surface, the surface having an extrusion adapted to be engaged by the pin for providing orientation control to the level. 
   According to a further aspect of the invention, the level further comprises an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer being adjacent to the base for removably attaching the base to the working surface without damaging the working surface. 
   According to a further aspect of the invention, the base comprising a recess and wherein the adhesive capable of being positioned substantially within the recess. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In order that the manner in which the above recited objectives are realized, a particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that the drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the laser level according to an aspect of the invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a another perspective view of the laser level; 
       FIG. 3  is a front view of the laser level being applied to a working surface; 
       FIG. 4  is a front view of the laser level being removed from the working surface; 
       FIG. 5  is another front view of the laser level being removed from a working surface; 
       FIG. 6  is a side view of the laser level being applied to a working surface; 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the laser level as applied to a working surface; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the components of the laser level; and 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the laser level illustrating the tack storage area and lid. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   A laser level is disclosed that utilizes an adhesive for adhering to a working surface. The level has recessed base for placement of the adhesive, and where edges of the recess are capable of maintaining contact with the working surface during the use of the adhesive. The level provides a comfortable gripping surface that helps to prevent the user from pinching fingers against the working surface. The level is capable of being operated without exposing the user&#39;s fingers to the laser beam. 
   Turning to the  FIG. 1 , to better understand the invention, there is disclosed a laser level  1  having body segments for storing the internal components. The body segments include a base  2 , sides  3  and  4  ( FIG. 7 ) perpendicular to the base, and back  5  ( FIG. 6 ) and front  6 , both being perpendicular to sides  3  and  4 . The level  1  also has surfaces  7  and  8  which join surfaces  3  and  4  to front  6 . The level  1  has adhesive tape  9  for connecting the level to a working surface  10  ( FIG. 3 ). The level has an activation switch  11  ( FIG. 7 ) that is removed from direct exposure from the laser. 
   Turning to  FIG. 2 , the following disclosure illustrates the level  1  having a recessed base for placement of the adhesive, and where edges of the recess are capable of maintaining contact with the working surface during the use of the adhesive. 
   The base  2  has a front edge  12 , and first and second edges  13  and  14 . Front edge  12  has the same length as back  5  and is perpendicular to edges  13  and  14 . Side edges  13  and  14  are parallel to each other and have the same length as respective sides  3  and  4 . Side edges  13 ,  14  and front edge  12  forms a plane that is perpendicular with the side surfaces  3  and  4 , and perpendicular to back and front surfaces  5  and  6 . 
   At the front end of each edge  13  and  14  are tapered edges  15  and  16 . The edges  15  and  16  are planar with the base as defined by respective edges  13  and  14 . The edges  15  and  16  are also planar with each respective surface  21  and  20 . 
   The rear of the laser  1 , extending from the bottom of back surface  5 , is a rear extension surface  22 . The rear extension surface  22  has a front end  23  and tapers to a rear tip  24 . The distance between the front end  23  and the rear tip  24  is equivalent to half of the distance between each side edge  13  and  14 . 
   The rear extension  23  serves as a rear orientation surface. The tip  24  is capable of being placed against a working surface followed by the base  2  of the laser  1 . By first pivoting the body of the laser  1  about the rear tip  24 , the rear extension  23  increases the accuracy of the placement of the laser  1 . 
   The rear extension  23  has edges  25  and  26 . The edges  25  and  26  are planar with base as defined by edges  13  and  14 . The edges  25  and  26  have the same thickness as edges  13  and  14 . 
   Remaining with  FIG. 2 , the base  2  has a recessed surface  27 . The recessed surface is planar and parallel with the plan defined by edges  13  and  14 . The surface  27  extends between side edges  13 ,  14 , front edge  12  and rear edges  25  and  26 . The surface  27  is recessed enough to seat and substantially conceal removable tape  9 . The recess  27  has a depth that is less than the thickness of the tape  9  when the tape is uncompressed. For example, the depth of the recess  27  is equivalent to the thickness of each edge  13  and  14 , or substantially an eighth of an inch. 
   The laser  1  includes a predetermined amount of the reusable adhesive  9 . The adhesive is preferably a reusable mastic that provides adhesion to all forms of surfaces, including glass, textured paint and wallboard, and wallpaper. An example of the preferred adhesive is Blu-Tack™ from Bostik. 
   Referencing  FIG. 1 , the adhesive  9  has a rectangular surface area, having side edges  28  and  29 . The side edges  28  and  29  are separated by a distance that is less than or equal to the internal distance between edges  13  and  14 . The edges  28  and  29  are substantially as long as edges  13  and  14 . The similar geometry between the adhesive edges  28  and  29 , and the base edges  13  and  14 , provides the adhesive  9  with the maximum allowable surface area when placed within the recess  27 . The maximum surface area correlates to the maximum adhesion by the adhesive  9  against the working surface  10 . The adhesive  9  has an uncompressed thickness of approximately a sixteenth of an inch greater than the dept of the recess  27 . 
   The adhesive  9  has front and rear substantially parallel edges  30  and  31 . The edges are substantially perpendicular to edges  28  and  29 . The edges  28  and  29  are separated by a distance that is less than or equal to the distance between rear edge  23  and front edge  12 . The maximum surface area for the adhesive  9  is when edges  28  and  29  meet edges  23  and  12 , and when edges  28  and  29  meet edges  13  and  14 . 
   The surface area of the adhesive  9  is smaller than the surface area of the recess  27  because the laser  1  extends beyond the adhesive edges  30  and  31 . The difference in the surface areas allows the adhesive  9  to compress and spread when the laser  1  is pressed against the working surface  5 . 
   In use, the adhesive  9  is applied against the laser  1  within the recess  27 , as disclosed in  FIGS. 3 and 6 . The laser  1  is then positioned against the working surface  10 . While being positioned, the orientation tip  24  is pivoted against the working surface  5 , assisting in determining the appropriate orientation of the laser  1 . 
   Once the orientation of the laser  1  is chosen, the base  1  of the laser  1  is pressed against the working surface  10 . The adhesive  9  is compressed to fit within the recess  27  so that the edges  13  and  14  rest against the working surface  10 . The laser  1  rests firmly against the working surface  10  allowing the laser to maintain an adhered position. 
   Once the laser is removed from the working surface, the adhesive  9  is removed from the laser recess  27 . As indicated, surface are of the recess  27 , in front and back of the laser base  2  are free from adhesive. These regions are capable of being utilized for prying the adhesive  9  from the recess  27 . Turning to  FIG. 8 , the adhesive is capable of being stored with the deactivated laser  1  for future use. 
   Referencing  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  7 , the following disclosure illustrates the level providing a comfortable gripping surface that helps to prevent the user from pinching fingers against a working surface. 
   Each side surface  3  and  4  has an intermediate edge  32  and  33 . Each intermediate edge  32  and  33  is separated from the base  2  by the same distance. The purpose of the intermediate edges  32  and  33  is to define a safety zone for gripping by a user. Specifically, the laser  1  is designed to be gripped above intermediate edges  32  and  33 . Gripping the laser  1  above the intermediate edges  32  and  33  assures that fingers will not be pinched against a working surface  10 . In the illustration, the distance between the bottom edges  32  and  33  and the base  2  is approximately half of an inch. 
   Each side surface  32  and  33  has a front edge  34  and  35 . The front edge  34  and  35  is separated from the laser by a distance that assures that fingers of a user will not engage the beam radiated by the laser diode. In the illustration the distance between each front edge  34  and  35  and the laser  36  is the same distance that separates the bottom side edges  32  and  33  from the bottom base  2 . 
   Each side  3  and  4  further has a back edge  37  and  38 . The back edges  37  and  38  are separated from the respective front edges  34  and  35  by a distance that allows for the storage and operation of the internal components of the laser  1 . The distance between these edges also allows for the comfortable placement of fingers on one side  3  and a thumb on the other side  4 . In the illustration, the distance between the edges  37  and  38 , and edges  34  and  35  is three and a quarter inches. 
   Surfaces  3  and  4  each have a top edge  39  and  40 . The top edges  39  and  40  are mutually parallel and separated from respective edges  32  and  33  by a distance that allows the placement and operation of internal laser components. The distance also allows a comfortable grip by a user. In the illustration, the edges  39  and  40  are separated from respective edges  32  and  33  by approximately an inch an a half, or three times the distance between the bottom edges  32  and  33  and the base  2 . 
   Each top edge  39  and  40  tapers towards the back surface  5 . The purpose of the taper is to substantially mirror a taper on front surfaces  7  and  8 , providing a more comfortable grip and weight balance to the laser  1 . 
   Surfaces  3  and  4  are distanced from each other for allowing for the storage and operation of internal components of the laser  1 . The separation distance also assists in providing a comfortable grip. The distance between surfaces  3  and  4  is substantially half of the length of the surfaces  2  and  4  as defined by the length of edges  32  and  33 . In the illustration, the distance between surfaces  3  and  4  is an inch and a half. 
   The laser  1  has a top surface  41 . The top surface  41  defines a semi-circle for the purposes of eliminating sharp edges which could injure a user. The radius of the semi-circle is substantially consistent with the separation between edges  39  and  40  along the length of surfaces  3  and  4 . 
   The laser  1  has a texture  42  that is capable of being gripped. The texture  42  is located above the intermediate edges  32  and  33 , and serves as a guide for a user to grip when operating the laser  1 . If gripped on the texture  42 , the users are unlikely to injure themselves by pinching a hand against a surface or becoming exposed to the laser beam. 
   The texture  42  consists of impressions. Alternatively, the texture  42  consists of a color variation in the skin of the laser. Alternatively, the texture  42  consists of a combination of impressions and color variations. 
   In use, the laser  1  provides the user with various physical indicators of where to safely grip the laser  1 . Turning to  FIGS. 3 through 6 , the user grips the user above the intermediate edges and within the gripping texture  42 . If the user follows the indicators, the user is protected from pinching a finger against a working surface  5 . 
   Referencing  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the following disclosure illustrates the level  1  capable of being operated without exposing the user&#39;s fingers to the laser beam. 
   The actuating button  11  is located on the gripping surface  42  on the side surface  4 . The location of the button  11  allows for a comfortable actuation by the thumb of a user. For example the button  11  is located in substantially the center of the surface, between top and intermediate edges  40  and  32 , and front and back edges  35  and  38 . The size of the button enables comfortable use by a person. 
   Forward of the side surfaces  3  and  4 , the laser  1  tapers inwardly on surfaces  7  and  8 . The taper of the surfaces provides a visual and physical indicator to the user that fingers placed beyond that point are close to the laser beam. The front edge of surfaces  7  and  8  are tapered to sixty percent of the rear edges of surfaces  7  and  8 , or approximately one inch. 
   In front of the tapered surfaces  7  and  8  is a nozzle  43 . The nozzle  43  has an internal diameter and length that, when combined, assist in preventing a person from looking directly into the source of the laser beam. The nozzle also prevents the trailing edge of the laser beam  45  from fanning close to the front edge  44 . Forcing the trailing edge of the laser  45  outward helps prevent fingers of a user from exposure from the laser when positioning the laser body. 
   The internal diameter  46  and length  47  of the nozzle  43  are approximately equal in dimension. In the illustration, the diameter  46  of the nozzle is approximately half of an inch. 
   The forward edge  47  of the nozzle  43  is thick enough to withstand normal use. For example, the thickness of the forward edge is substantially a quarter of an inch. 
   The nozzle has an outer surface  48  that tapers outwardly towards tapered surfaces  6  and  7 . The outward taper of surface  48  allows for an essentially continuous surface between the nozzle  43  and the laser  1 . The continuous surface assists in deflecting forces that impinge the nozzle  43  during use. 
   In use, the user maintains the grip of the laser and depresses the button  11  to activate or deactivate the laser beam. The user is capable of seeing and feeling the taper of surfaces  6  and  7  to determine that fingers are being placed too closely to the laser beam. Accordingly, it is improbable that actuating the laser beam will exposes the gripping fingers or thumb of a user to direct contact with the radioactive laser beam. 
   Referencing  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the following disclosure illustrates the level  1  having components for assisting in being orientated against a working surface  5 . 
   The base  2  has a front extension surface  49 . The surface  49  provides extra stability for the laser when placing the laser on a work surface. The surface  49  also provides stability to the laser if storing the laser with the nozzle  43  in a face-downward position. The extension further protrudes from the laser by the same distance as the projection of the nozzle. 
   The extension surface  49  has an orientation notch  50 . The notch  50  provides for an accurate visible assessment of a surface upon which the laser is being placed. The notch  50  forms an approximately sixty degree angle and has an apex  51  that projects towards the laser to about half of the length of the surface  50 . 
   In an alternative embodiment, at least one pin is used for orienting and mounting the laser  1  against a surface  10 . The rear extension  24  has a pin whole  51  capable of receiving the pin from a thumb tack. A second tack is capable of being placed on the innermost edge of the orientation notch  51 . 
   Turning to  FIG. 9 , the laser  1  has a chamber  52  for storing the at least one thumb tack  59 . The chamber  52  is positioned entirely below a battery bank  53 , where the battery bank  53  is positioned below the planar recessed surface  27 , and underneath a cap for the battery bank  61 . The battery bank holds, for example, two AAA batteries  62 . Preferably, the chamber  52  is large enough to hold at least two thumb tacks so that the batteries and tacks remain separated when stored in the laser  1 . The chamber has restraining walls  60  for gripping the needles  63  of the tacks. The restraining walls  60  prevent the needles  63  from accidentally injuring a person that is either changing the batteries  62  or attempting to retrieve the tacks  59 . 
   Returning to  FIG. 1 , forward of the gripping section on the top surface  41 , the laser has a pair of mutually perpendicular liquid levels  53  and  54 . The levels work in a customary manner. For example, when the base  2  is vertically disposed, the liquid levels  53  and  54  enable the positional tracking of the level  1  over a range of 360 degrees. The size of the levels  53  and  54  allows for reliable indications of orientation and allow for manageable placement within the top surface  41  of the laser  1 . For example, each level  53  and  54  has a visible length of substantially an inch and visible diameter of substantially half of an inch. 
   The liquid levels  53  and  54  are surrounded by protective edges  55 ,  56 ,  57  and  58 . The protective edges prevent the damaging of the levels  53  and  54  during use. 
   Accordingly, laser level has been disclosed that utilizes an adhesive for adhering to a working surface. The level has recessed base for placement of the adhesive, and where edges of the recess are capable of maintaining contact with the working surface during the use of the adhesive. The level provides a comfortable gripping surface that helps to prevent the user from pinching fingers against the working surface. The level is capable of being operated without exposing the user&#39;s fingers to the laser beam. 
   The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not as restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims and their combination in whole or in part rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.