AU2015203031B2

AU2015203031B2 - Surveying Tool

Info

Publication number: AU2015203031B2
Application number: AU2015203031A
Authority: AU
Inventors: David Emil Simcic
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-06-12
Filing date: 2015-06-09
Publication date: 2020-03-05
Anticipated expiration: 2035-06-09
Also published as: AU2015203031A1

Abstract

The invention is directed to a surveying tool for measuring a spatial location of a hole or depression in a survey site. The tool includes a substantially spherical body configured to be positioned over the hole or depression so as to be at least partially visible on said hole or depression. The substantially spherical body comprises a base member having an internal cavity formed therein for securely receiving an insert member for facilitating attachment of a measuring device thereto, and when the insert member is detached from said cavity, the cavity is configured to directly receive a measuring device therein. Figure 1

Description

SURVEYING TOOL

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a tool for use in surveying, and in particular, to a surveying tool that is adapted to improve the accuracy of positional measurement of bolt holes and similar such apertures in a surveying procedure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The discipline of surveying generally refers to the science of accurately determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points in space. Typically the points are points on a surface of a man-made structure or terrain and the science of surveying is typically employed to create accurate maps and records of that structure or terrain to identify the exact location of the points therein.

The techniques used by surveyors to accurately position a point of interest within a structure or area of interest may vary. One common technique employed is referred to as triangulation whereby distances elevations and directions between points of interest can be measured to calculate the horizontal distance between any two points within the area of interest as well as the elevation difference between those points.

Fundamental to the application of methods such as triangulation is the use of equipment and tools to aid in measuring and calculating the various distances between points in an area of interest. Typically, such equipment includes a device such as a surveyor’s total station (an electrical/optical instrument that integrates an electronic theodolite with an electronic distance meter (EDM) to read distances from the instrument to a particular point) and a survey pole having a survey prism located thereon to reflect light emitted from the total station. Typically, to survey an area the surveyor places the total station on a position of known location and elevation and then positions the survey pole and prism on the point of interest. As the surveyor knows the height of the pole and prism arrangement, the surveyor is able to take measurements of distances and angles between points of interest and to use these measurements with the triangulation method to obtain a map of the area that contains precise locations of the various points of interest within.

With the introduction of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and various other laser technologies, the tools employed by a surveyor have developed as the technology develops. However, fundamental to any technological development has still been the requirement of a surveyor, or surveyor’s assistant, to correctly position a surveying pole, or similar tool, on a point of interest to capture the precise location of that point.

For many construction sites, the point of interest that requires capturing may be a hole for receiving bolts and the like for securing aspects of a structure in position. Such bolt holes may be located on a wall surface or a ground surface, such as a concrete slab or the like. In many instances, the location of a bolt hole may be partially or completely obscured making it difficult to obtain a line-of-sight reading to assist in triangulation calculations. In such instances, the ability to use a traditional pole or similar device to extend into the line-of-sight of the measuring device is necessary in order to correctly capture the true location of the bolt hole.

Therefore, there is a need to provide a tool dedicated to the precise positioning and capture of bolt holes and similar type recesses within a surveyed structure that is simple to use and which adaptable for use with a variety of surveying equipment.

The above references to and descriptions of prior proposals or products are not intended to be, and are not to be construed as, statements or admissions of common general knowledge in the art. In particular, the above prior art discussion does not relate to what is commonly or well known by the person skilled in the art, but assists in the understanding of the inventive step of the present invention of which the identification of pertinent prior art proposals is but one part.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

The invention according to one or more aspects is as defined in the independent claims. Some optional and/or preferred features of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a surveying tool for measuring a spatial location of a hole or depression in a survey site, the tool including a substantially spherical body configured to be positioned over the hole or depression so as to be at least partially visible on said hole or depression, wherein the substantially spherical body comprises a base member having an internal cavity formed therein for securely receiving an insert member for facilitating attachment of a measuring device thereto, and wherein when said insert member is detached from said cavity, the cavity is configured to directly receive a measuring device therein.

In an embodiment of the invention, an outer surface of both the base member and the insert member form the substantially spherical body when the insert member is received within the cavity of the base member.

The insert member may have a recess formed therein for facilitating attachment of a measuring device thereto. The recess may define a threaded cavity for facilitating attachment of the measuring device. The measuring device may comprise a prism and/or surveyor’s pole for use with an optical measurement system, such as a total station.

The insert member may be received at least partially within the base member to form the spherical body.

The insert member may have a substantially frustoconically shaped body having a stem portion that removably engages with the base member. The substantially frustoconically shaped body may have an outer surface that is curved to form the spherical body when assembled.

The internal cavity of the base member may define one or more stepped regions. The one or more stepped regions may be configured to receive the insert member or the measuring device.

The one or more stepped regions may include a threaded recess for threaded engagement with a portion of the insert member or a measuring device.

The insert member may include an attachment portion for attachment with the measuring device.

The insert member may have a curved outer surface so as to allow positioning of the insert member relative to the hole or depression via the curved outer surface without the base member.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a surveying tool assembly including a surveying tool as described above, a surveyor’s pole configured for removable attachment to the surveying tool, and a measuring device configured for removable attachment to the surveyor’s pole or the base member of the surveying tool.

The measuring device may include a prism. Typically, the measuring device includes one or more attachment portions for selective attachment to any one or more of the surveyor’s pole, the base member of the surveying tool, and the insert member of the surveying tool.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be better understood from the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments, in which:

Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of a surveying tool in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the surveying tool of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of an insert member of the surveying tool of the present invention;

Fig. 4A and 4B show bottom and top views respectively of the insert member of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a base member of the surveying tool of the present invention;

Fig. 6A and 6B show bottom and top views respectively of the base member of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the base member of Figs 5, 6A and 6B in use in alternative embodiment in accordance with the present invention; and

Fig. 8 is a side view of the surveying tool of Fig. 1 in use in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred features of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that the features illustrated in and described with reference to the drawings are not to be construed as limiting on the scope of the invention.

The device of the present invention will be described below in relation to its application in surveying a structure such as a concrete slab or foundation arrangement in a construction environment. However, it will be appreciated that the device of the present invention could be equally applied to a variety of different applications where there is a requirement to capture a position of a bolt hole within the structure as part of a surveying exercise.

Referring to Fig. 1, there is depicted a device 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The device 10 generally comprises a spherical body that is made from a structurally consistent and robust material, such as a metal. The device 10 is shaped so as to be received within a bolt hole 5 in a structure such that the device 10 is supported in the indentation provided by the bolt hole 5 such that it is centred therein. Due to the spherical nature of the device 10, when the device 10 is positioned within a bolt hole 5 it will be centred therein thereby capturing the central location of the hole 5.

In the embodiment of the device 10 as depicted in Fig. 1, a threaded recess 11 is provided in the device 10 as depicted. The threaded recess 11 is shaped such that when the device 10 is located in the bolt hole 5 as depicted, a pole 6 is able to be inserted into the threaded recess 11 to support a prism 8 thereon to enable the position of the hole 5 to be measured by an appropriate surveying instrument, such as a surveyor’s total station. This arrangement is depicted in Fig. 8, where two poles 6 and two prisms 8 are attached to facilitate recordal of the hole 5 location.

In a preferred embodiment of the device 10 of the present invention, the device 10 comprises an insert member 12 and a base member 16 which co-operate together to form the spherical body depicted in Fig. 1. Whilst not shown, both the insert member 12 and the base member 16 have a threaded recess formed therein, as will become more apparent below. As is shown in Fig. 2, the insert member 12 is threadingly received within the base member 16 to form a combine spherical body.

The insert member 12 is shown in isolation in Figs. 3, 4A and 4B. The insert member comprises a substantially frustoconically shaped body member 13 that has an outer upper surface 13a that is curved to continue the spherical shape of the base member 16 when fully inserted therein. The threaded recess 11 is formed in the central upper surface of the body member 13 and a stem portion 14 projects from a lower portion of the body member 13 that includes an external thread 14a on a lower portion thereof. As will be described in more detail below, the external thread 14a provided on the lower region of the stem portion 14 engages with an internal thread of the base member 16 when the device is assembled, to form the combined spherical body of Fig. 1.

The base member 16 is shown in isolation in Figs. 5, 6A and 6B. The base member 16 generally resembles a hemispherical having an outer surface 17 that assumes a spherical arc such that when the base member 16 is combined with the insert member 12, the two elements form a spherical body as depicted in Fig. 1.

Within the hemispherical body of the base member 16, there is a lip 16a that tapers inwards towards a central cavity 18. The lip 16a is in the form of an angled wall against which the angled walls of the frustoconically shaped body member are received when the insert member 12 is inserted into the base member as shown in Fig. 2. The central cavity 18 is therefore recessed below the lip 16a and defines an open space having a pair of stepped regions 18a, 18b formed in the base thereof. The purpose of the stepped regions 18a, 18b will be discussed in more detail below.

The central cavity 18 provides entry into the locating portion 19 that has an internal thread configured to engage with the external thread of the stem portion of the insert member 12, as is shown in Fig. 2. A recess 20 is formed in the central region of the base member 16 that extends through the outer surface 17.

As is shown in Fig. 7, the central cavity 18 of the base member 16 is configured to perform a secondary purpose. The shape of the central cavity 18, including the stepped regions 18a and 18b is configured to securely receive and support therein a conventional prism device 8 as depicted. The prism device 8 is able to be screwed into position within the central cavity 18 such that it is recessed below the lip 16a of the base member 16. In this arrangement, the base member 16 is able to be positioned within a bolt hole 5 and a prism 8 can be positioned within the cavity 18, in place of the insert member 12. Asa result, there is no additional requirement to attach a pole 6 or any other equipment to the device 10 to take the appropriate measurement.

The prism device 8 may also have an internal recess that enables the device 8 to be threaded onto the external thread 14a of the stem portion 14 of the insert member 12. In this arrangement, the insert member may be located within a recess such that the curved outer surface 13a is able to be received within the hole or depression on the surface to be surveyed, without the need to use the base member 16.

It will be appreciated that the device 10 of the present invention provides a tool for a surveyor to take a precise measurement of a bolt hole or depression in a structure, without requiring extrapolation of the point through external alignment means. The spherical nature of the device enables the device to be self-centred within the hole or depression such that any reading taken from the device will accurately determine the location of the hole or depression. Further, the twopiece manner in which the device is structured and the consistent curved surfaces of each piece of the device enables each individual piece to be used for the purpose of determining the location of such a hole or depression.

Throughout the specification and claims the word “comprise” and its derivatives are intended to have an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise. That is, the word “comprise” and its derivatives will be taken to indicate the inclusion of not only the listed components, steps or features that it directly references, but also other components, steps or features not specifically listed, unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise.

Orientational terms used in the specification and claims such as vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, upper and lower are to be interpreted as relational and are based on the premise that the component, item, article, apparatus, device or instrument will usually be considered in a particular orientation, typically with the device uppermost.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made to the methods of the invention described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The invention can be described in terms of provisional claims that can assist the skilled reader in understanding the various aspects and preferments of the invention. However, these provisional claims are not to be construed as defining statements of the invention. It will be appreciated that other forms, aspects and preferred features of the invention and its embodiments described herein may ultimately be included in the claims defining the invention in the specifications of complete, international or national applications (or their subsequent corresponding patent grants) that may claim priority from the provisional application accompanying this specification. In this context, the following nonlimiting claims assist to better describe the invention:

Claims

1. A surveying tool for measuring a spatial location of a hole or depression in a survey site, the tool including a substantially spherical body configured to be positioned over the hole or depression so as to be at least partially visible on said hole or depression, wherein the substantially spherical body comprises a base member having an internal cavity formed therein for securely receiving an insert member for facilitating attachment of a measuring device thereto, and wherein when said insert member is detached from said cavity, the cavity is configured to directly receive a measuring device therein.

2. A surveying tool according to claim 1, wherein an outer surface of both the base member and the insert member form the substantially spherical body when the insert member is received within the cavity of the base member.

3. A surveying tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert member has a recess formed therein for facilitating attachment of a measuring device thereto.

4. A surveying tool according to claim 3, wherein measuring device includes a prism and/or surveyor’s pole for use with an optical measurement system.

5. A surveying tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert member is received at least partially within the base member to form the spherical body.

6. A surveying tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert member comprises a substantially frustoconically shaped body member, and a stem portion configured for removable engagement with the base member.

7. A surveying tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal cavity of the base member defines one or more stepped regions, the one or more stepped regions being configured to receive the insert member or the measuring device.

8. The surveying tool of claim 8, wherein the one or more stepped regions include a threaded recess for threaded engagement with a portion of the insert member or the measuring device.

9. A surveying tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert member includes an attachment portion for attachment with the measuring device.

10. A surveying tool according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert member has a curved outer surface so as to allow positioning of the insert member relative to the hole or depression via the curved outer surface without the base member.

11. A surveying tool assembly including a surveying tool according to any one of the preceding claims, a surveyor’s pole configured for removable attachment to the surveying tool, and a measuring device configured for removable attachment to the surveyor’s pole or the base member of the surveying tool.

12. A surveying tool assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the measuring device includes a prism.

13. A surveying tool assembly as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the measuring device includes one or more attachment portions for selective attachment to any one or more of the surveyor’s pole, the base member of the surveying tool, and the insert member of the surveying tool.