CN116209876A

CN116209876A - Alignment tool for laser level

Info

Publication number: CN116209876A
Application number: CN202180066342.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 本杰明·T·琼斯
Original assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp
Current assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp
Priority date: 2020-11-02
Filing date: 2021-11-01
Publication date: 2023-06-02
Also published as: EP4237794A1; US20220136829A1

Abstract

A laser level alignment tool is shown. The laser level alignment tool includes a magnetic mount positioned along the perimeter of the body. The laser level is coupled to the body eccentrically from a center point of the laser level alignment tool. The magnetic mount may be height adjustable relative to the body.

Description

Alignment tool for laser level

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. provisional application No. 63/108,546 filed on 11/2 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Background

The present invention relates generally to the field of laser levels. The present invention relates in particular to an alignment tool for supporting a laser level to allow alignment of the laser level according to the needs of a user.

Disclosure of Invention

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a laser level alignment tool. The laser level alignment tool includes a body or plate having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a sidewall extending between the upper surface and the lower surface. The side walls define the outer perimeter of the plate. The laser level alignment tool includes an alignment feature that is slidable along the plate from a position adjacent the center point of the plate to a second position spaced apart from the center point of the plate. The laser level is coupled to the plate such that the center of gravity of the laser level is offset from the center of gravity of the plate. The laser level is coupled to the plate such that the laser beam is projected perpendicular to the lower surface of the plate at a location intersecting the center point of the plate, and a downward portion of the laser beam may be aligned with the reference mark. The laser level alignment tool further includes a plurality of magnetic mounts coupled to the outer periphery of the plate.

In various embodiments, the magnetic mounts are height adjustable such that they translate in a direction perpendicular to the plate. In various embodiments, the magnetic mount includes a plurality of horizontal ribs that snap-fit to the plate such that a plurality of preselected magnetic mount heights are provided relative to the upper surface of the plate. In various embodiments, the alignment features may slide within channels formed in the plate. In some such embodiments, the alignment feature is separate from the magnetic mount, and in particular embodiments, the alignment feature does not include a magnet for attachment.

Another embodiment relates to a laser level alignment tool that includes a plate. The plate has a surface defined by an outer perimeter. A frame configured to suspend the laser level on the plate is coupled to the plate. The first and second alignment features are adjustably coupled to a surface of the plate. Further, a plurality of magnetic mounts are coupled to the outer perimeter of the plate.

Another embodiment relates to a laser level alignment tool that includes a body configured to support a laser level. The body includes: an upper surface; a lower surface opposite the upper surface; and a sidewall extending at least partially between the upper surface and the lower surface. The sidewall defines an outer periphery of the body. A frame is coupled to the body and configured to support the laser level at least partially below the lower surface. First and second magnetic mounting structures spaced apart from each other are each adjustably coupled to an exterior of the side wall for translation in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface.

Another embodiment relates to a laser level alignment tool that includes a plate. The plate has a plate center of gravity and a plate center point. The plate includes an upper surface, a lower surface, and a sidewall extending between the upper surface and the lower surface. The frame is coupled to the lower surface. The frame is configured to support a laser level having a laser level center of gravity. The frame is configured to support the laser level in a position such that the laser level center of gravity is offset from the plate center of gravity. A plurality of adjustable alignment features are coupled to at least an upper surface of the plate. Further, a plurality of magnetic mounts are coupled to the side walls of the plate.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description and claims hereof, as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operations of the various embodiments.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of a laser level alignment tool according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the laser level alignment tool of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the laser level alignment tool of FIG. 2 with the magnet mount and alignment element in an extended position, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the laser level alignment tool of FIG. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 5 and 6 illustrate illumination locations and use of the laser level alignment tool of fig. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.

Detailed Description

Referring generally to the drawings, various embodiments of a laser level alignment tool are shown. As will be generally understood, there are various construction or construction steps in which a worker performs a relative alignment (e.g., with a plan view, blueprint, reference point, etc.) to position/locate a workpiece, tool, fixture, etc. to perform a task at a desired location. As will be discussed in more detail below, applicants have developed a laser level alignment tool for supporting a laser level in a manner that aligns the center point of the laser level alignment tool with one or more projected laser lines (which in turn may be aligned with a desired reference point) while providing stable and eccentric support for the laser level.

In particular, the laser level alignment tool discussed herein includes a plate having a center point. The laser level is coupled to the plate such that one or more laser beams (e.g., projected lines, projected laser planes, etc.) are projected to intersect a center point of the plate. In use, the laser level alignment tool is positioned such that opposite ends of the projected laser beam intersect a desired reference point, thereby allowing a user to align the center point of the plate with the reference point. Applicants' laser level alignment tool discussed herein includes a magnet mounting structure designed to provide a variety of improved functions.

To provide for the use of a variety of laser level devices, including planar laser level devices, the laser level alignment tool discussed herein mounts the laser level in a position such that the center of gravity of the laser level is offset from the center of the laser level alignment tool. To accommodate and support such eccentric positioning, applicants have devised a laser level alignment tool having mounting magnets positioned around the perimeter of the alignment tool. Applicant has found that the peripheral location of the mounting magnets provides a firm support even for eccentric positioning of relatively heavy laser levels, as compared to other mounting arrangements. Further, applicant's magnet mounting structure is separate from the internal alignment feature and is also highly adjustable, which applicant has found to provide for easier use at the job site.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, a laser level alignment tool, such as a laser fixture 10, is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The laser fixture 10 includes a body, shown as a plate 20, having an outer sidewall surface 22 that defines the outer periphery of the plate 20. As shown in fig. 2, a series of horizontal ribs 23 are formed in the sidewall surface 22. Laser fixture 10 includes a pair of central channels shown as channels 24 and 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the channels 24 and 26 are formed perpendicular to each other in the upper and lower surfaces 38 and 40 of the plate 20 and intersect at the center point 16.

The laser level, shown as a multi-planar laser level 12, is coupled to and supported by the laser fixture 10 via a frame 14. In the embodiment shown here, the bottom wall 13 of the frame 14 supports the planar laser level 12, and opposite side walls 15 extend from the bottom wall and are connected to the lower surface 40. In this manner, the frame 14 suspends the laser level 12 from the laser fixture 10. As shown in fig. 1, the mounting position of the planar laser level 12 is off-centered with respect to the laser fixture 10 such that the center of gravity of the laser level 12 is off-centered from the center point 16 and/or off-centered from the center of gravity of the laser fixture 10.

The laser fixture 10 includes: a first alignment feature 28 adjustably coupled to a surface of the plate 20 and in particular slidably coupled to the channel 24; and a second alignment feature 30 coupled to a surface of the plate 20 and in particular slidably coupled to the channel 26. As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the alignment features 28 and 30 are located in a first position adjacent the center point 16. As shown, for example, in fig. 3 and 4, the alignment features 28 and 30 may be adjusted within the channels 24 and 26 to a plurality of alternative positions away from the center point 16 and closer to the outer sidewall surface 22.

As will be discussed in more detail below, such repositioning of the alignment features 28 and 30 allows the laser fixture 10 to be centered within the aperture, in use, by engagement of the alignment features 28 and 30 with an edge of the aperture (e.g., an illuminated can).

The laser fixture 10 includes a plurality of magnetic mounting structures, shown as magnet mounts 32, that are generally positioned and configured to allow the laser fixture 10 to be attached to a magnetic workpiece. Each magnet mount 32 includes a housing 34 and one or more magnets 36 coupled to the housing. In this embodiment, each of the one or more magnets 36 is positioned within at least a portion of the housing 34. The magnet mount 32 is coupled to the plate 20 at the sidewall surface 22 such that the magnet mount 32 is positioned around the perimeter of the plate 20. In this embodiment, the magnet mount 32 is specifically coupled to the exterior of the sidewall surface 22. In this embodiment, the magnetic mounts 32 are positioned around the perimeter at a plurality of locations, specifically, certain magnetic mounts 32 are diametrically opposed to each other. As noted above, applicants have found that this peripheral position of the magnet mount 32 allows for firm support of the laser fixture 10 even with the laser level 12 positioned off-center.

In this design, the magnet mount 32 is separate from the alignment features 28 and 30. The present design allows for separate operation of the magnet mount 32 and alignment features 28 and 30, as compared to designs that incorporate magnets into the alignment features 28 and 30. This allows the alignment features 28 and 30 to be used to align non-magnetic workpieces while allowing the laser fixture 10 to be supported by magnetic structures adjacent the workpiece. In this embodiment, the alignment features 28 and 30 are non-magnetic.

As shown in fig. 2, the magnet mount 32 is configured such that the magnet 36 extends away from a first or upper surface 38 of the plate 20. In this arrangement, laser level 12 extends from a second or lower surface 40 of plate 20 opposite upper surface 38. In this way, the laser fixture 10 is attached to the workpiece from one side by the magnet mount 32 and the laser level 12 extends from the other side of the laser fixture 10, allowing the laser to project unobstructed downward for alignment purposes.

To further facilitate placement of the laser fixture 10 in a variety of arrangements, the magnet mount 32 is height adjustable relative to the plate 20. Specifically, magnet mount 32 is coupled to plate 20 for translation in a direction perpendicular to surfaces 38 and 40 of plate 20. Fig. 2 shows the magnet mount 32 in a first or lower height position relative to the plate 20, and fig. 3 and 4 show the magnet mount 32 in a second or extended position in which the magnet mount 32 translates away from the upper surface 38 by a distance D1.

As best shown in fig. 4, each magnet mount 32 includes a side surface having a plurality of horizontal ribs 42 that engage the plate 20. In this embodiment, the horizontal ribs 42 specifically engage with the horizontal ribs 23 formed in the side wall surface 22 of the plate 20. This allows the magnet mount to be selectively adjustable in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface. Here, the horizontal ribs 42 provide for snap-fitting placement of the magnet mounts 32 at a set pre-selected height level, which facilitates setting all of the magnet mounts 32 to the same height as each other. In other embodiments, the ribs 23 and 42 need not be horizontal and may take the form of other snap-fit structures that complement each other to provide a selectively adjustable snap-fit connection (as described above).

Referring to fig. 5 and 6, the use of the laser fixture 10 is explained in connection with an exemplary workpiece shown as illumination location 100. Referring to fig. 5, the lamp location 100 includes an aperture 102 formed in a surface 104. The desired positioning of the lighting location 100 with the building is typically translated from a plan or blueprint to a marking made on the floor below the desired placement of the lights on the ceiling.

The alignment features 28 and 30 are moved outwardly along the channels 24 and 26 such that they engage with the edges defining the perimeter of the aperture 102 and the magnet mount 32 is positioned to attach the laser fixture 10 to the ceiling while the alignment features 28 and 30 engage with the aperture 102. Although the aperture 102 is shown in fig. 5 as being generally circular, the pair of alignment features 28 and 30 may be adjusted to engage apertures having another shape, such as square, rectangular, oval, or the like. For example, if the alignment features are fitted to the oval holes, the alignment features 28 may each be adjusted a first distance from the center point 16 to engage points of the oval holes that are closer to each other, and the alignment features 30 may each be adjusted a second distance from the center point 16 to engage points of the oval holes that are farther apart than the points with which the alignment features 28 are engaged. Thus, the first alignment feature 28 and the second alignment feature 30 are independently adjustable. Laser level 12 is activated to project a downward laser beam (e.g., downward point, cross-shaped planar beam, etc.) onto the floor and an upward laser beam (e.g., upward point, cross-shaped planar beam, etc.) upward through center point 16. The illumination location 100 and laser fixture 10 are then repositioned along the ceiling as desired so that the projected downward laser beam is aligned with the reference mark on the floor. This positions the illumination location 100 in the appropriate location set forth in the blueprint. Once aligned, the lighting location 100 is fixed/attached (e.g., by screws, nails, etc.) to the ceiling in place according to the architectural plan. In this way, the laser fixture 10 provides for quick and efficient positioning of the workpiece in line with the reference mark.

It is to be understood that the drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments in detail, and it is to be understood that the application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the drawings. It is also to be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, the description is to be construed as illustrative only. The constructions and arrangements shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number or position of discrete elements may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logic algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

It is not intended in any way that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in the order specified, unless expressly stated otherwise. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that any particular order be inferred. Furthermore, the article "a" or "an" as used herein is intended to include one or more components or elements and is not intended to be interpreted as having only one. As used herein, "rigidly coupled" refers to two components being coupled in a manner such that the components move together in a fixed positional relationship when subjected to a force.

Various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any features therein, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or a future application. Any of the features, elements, or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any of the features, elements, or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.

Claims

1. A laser level alignment tool, the laser level alignment tool comprising:

a plate having a surface defined by an outer perimeter;

a frame coupled to the plate, the frame configured to suspend the laser level on the plate;

a first alignment feature adjustably coupled to a surface of the plate;

a second alignment feature adjustably coupled to a surface of the plate, an

A plurality of magnetic mounts coupled to an outer periphery of the plate.

2. The laser level alignment tool of claim 1 wherein the first alignment feature and the second alignment feature are independently adjustable.

3. The laser level alignment tool of claim 1 wherein the first alignment feature and the second alignment feature are non-magnetic.

4. The laser level alignment tool of claim 1 wherein the first alignment feature and the second alignment feature are slidably coupled to a surface of the plate.

5. The laser level alignment tool of claim 1, wherein the surface of the plate has a center point, wherein the first alignment feature comprises a first alignment feature and a second alignment feature, wherein the first alignment feature is adjustable between the center point and the outer periphery, and wherein the second alignment feature is adjustable between the center point and the outer periphery.

6. The laser level alignment tool of claim 5 wherein the surface of the plate forms a first channel intersecting a center point of the surface, and wherein the first alignment feature is adjustable along the first channel.

7. The laser level alignment tool of claim 6 wherein the surface of the plate forms a second channel intersecting the first channel at a center point of the surface, and wherein the second alignment feature is adjustable along the second channel.

8. A laser level alignment tool, the laser level alignment tool comprising:

a body configured to support a laser level, the body comprising:

the upper surface of the upper plate is provided with a plurality of grooves,

a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, an

A sidewall extending at least partially between the upper surface and the lower surface, the sidewall defining an outer periphery of the body;

a frame coupled to the body, the frame configured to support a laser level at least partially below the lower surface;

a first magnetic mounting structure adjustably coupled to an exterior of the sidewall for translation in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface; and

a second magnetic mounting structure adjustably coupled to an exterior of the sidewall for translation in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface, the second magnetic mounting structure being spaced apart from the first magnetic mounting structure.

9. The laser level alignment tool of claim 8 wherein the first magnetic mounting structure further comprises: a first housing having a side surface engaged with an exterior of the sidewall; and a first magnet positioned within the first housing.

10. The laser level alignment tool of claim 9 wherein the first magnetic mounting structure further comprises a second magnet positioned within the first housing, and wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are coupled to the first housing.

11. The laser level alignment tool of claim 8 wherein a plurality of horizontal sidewall ribs are formed along an exterior of the sidewall, wherein the first magnetic mounting structure comprises a side surface engaged with the exterior of the sidewall, wherein the side surface comprises a plurality of horizontal side surface ribs engaged with the plurality of horizontal sidewall ribs.

12. The laser level alignment tool of claim 11 wherein the horizontal side surface ribs are configured to engage the plurality of horizontal side wall ribs in a first position in which the first magnetic mounting structure extends a first distance above the upper surface and a second position in which the first magnetic mounting structure extends a second distance above the upper surface, and wherein the second distance is different from the first distance.

13. The laser level alignment tool of claim 8 wherein the first magnetic mounting structure is coupled to the exterior of the sidewall at a location diametrically opposite to a location where the second magnetic mounting structure is coupled to the exterior of the sidewall.

14. A laser level alignment tool, the laser level alignment tool comprising:

a plate having a plate center of gravity and a plate center point, the plate comprising:

the upper surface of the upper plate is provided with a plurality of grooves,

lower surface

A sidewall extending between the upper surface and the lower surface;

a frame coupled to the lower surface, the frame configured to support a laser level having a laser level center of gravity in a position such that the laser level center of gravity is offset from the plate center of gravity;

a plurality of adjustable alignment features coupled to at least the upper surface; and

a plurality of magnetic mounts coupled to the sidewall.

15. The laser level alignment tool of claim 14 wherein the plurality of adjustable alignment features extend upwardly from the upper surface and downwardly from the lower surface.

16. The laser level alignment tool of claim 14, wherein the plurality of adjustable alignment features comprises a first adjustable alignment feature adjustable along the upper surface from a first position adjacent the plate center point to a second position spaced apart from the plate center point.

17. The laser level alignment tool of claim 16, wherein the plurality of adjustable alignment features includes a second adjustable alignment feature adjustable along at least the upper surface from a third position adjacent the plate center point to a fourth position spaced apart from the plate center point and spaced apart from the second position.

18. The laser level alignment tool of claim 14 wherein the frame is further configured to support the laser level in a position that enables alignment of a laser beam produced by the laser level with a reference mark positioned below the lower surface of the plate.

19. The laser level alignment tool of claim 14 wherein the frame comprises: a bottom wall configured to support a laser level; and a pair of opposing side walls extending from the bottom wall and coupled to the lower surface.

20. The laser level alignment tool of claim 14 wherein the plurality of magnetic mounts are selectively adjustable relative to the sidewall in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface.