GB2306647A

GB2306647A - Level measuring device

Info

Publication number: GB2306647A
Application number: GB9521862A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Roger James May
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1995-10-25
Filing date: 1995-10-25
Publication date: 1997-05-07
Also published as: GB9521862D0

Abstract

The level has a tubular body 1 with a conventional level bubble 2 set such that when the body is on a level surface, the bubble is central. At one end the body is equipped with a raising leg 3, a raising knob 4 and a scale 5 stamped onto the leg. The scale is graduated with gradients, typically 1:20, 1:30, 1:40, 1:60, 1:80, 1:100, 1:120, 1:140. When the leg is set in accordance with the scale, the leg extends below the body by an amount in ratio with the length of the level equivalent to the scale reading. Thus the gradient of the pipe P, or another surface, on which the level is placed can be read by adjusting the leg until the bubble is central.

Description

LEVEL MEASURING DEVICE The present invention relates to a level measuring device.

A spirit level is a well known craftsman's tool, for checking that a surface is level. It is known to incorporate a second bubble in a level, to check whether a surface is plumb. Further it is known to incorporate an adjustable bubble for checking random angles of the surface.

In the case of pipe runs, where shallow angles are required, adjustable angle levels are not able to be adjusted sufficiently accurately for precise gradient measurements.

The object of my invention is to improve a spirit level to adapt it for measuring pipe gradients.

In accordance with my invention, I provide a spirit level having a level bubble in an elongate body, the bubble being arranged to be central when the bottom of the body is level, the body being equipped at one end with means for raising the end by a pre-determined amount.

Where a pipe is to be laid at a gradient of 1:40 for instance, and the raising means raises the end of the level by one fortieth of the length of the level, the pipe will be at the correct gradient when the level is placed-on it and the bubble is central.

Preferably the raising means is adjustable for different gradients. Conveniently, a scale is incorporated which is graduated according to different gradients.

To help understanding of my invention, I will now describe a specific embodiment of it by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a level of my invention in use, Figure 2 is an end view of the level in use, and Figure 3 is a partially sectioned side view of the raisable end of the level on a larger scale.

The level in accordance with my invention as shown in the drawings has a tubular body 1 with a conventional level bubble 2 set such that when the body is on a level surface, the bubble is central.

At one end the body is equipped with a raising leg 3, a raising knob 4 and a scale 5 stamped onto the leg. The scale is graduated with gradients, typically 1:20, 1:30, 1:40, 1:60, 1:80, 1:100, 1:120, 1:140. (The markings are omitted from Figure 2, since they are too small to be read in that view). When the leg is set in accordance with the scale, the leg extends below the body by an amount in ratio with the length of the level equivalent to the scale reading. Thus the gradient of the pipe P, or another surface, on which the level is placed can be read by adjusting the leg until the bubble is central.

Alternatively in laying of the pipe, the leg is extended in accordance with the required gradient and the pipe bedded until the bubble is central.

Turning now to Figure 3, the leg 3 can be seen to be connected to a block 10 fixed, as by screwing, riveting or adhesive bonding, in the end of the tubular body. The top flange 11 of the tube has a bore 12 and the bottom flange 13 has a rectangular cut-out 14 for the leg 3. The block 4 has an end groove 15 with a guide 16 set towards the bottom.

The guide is for a threaded rod 17, which extends through the bore 12 from a head incorporating the knob 4. The head is held axially by a circlip 18 engaged on the rod underneath the top flange 11. A shouldered washer 19 spaces the head from the top flange.

The leg 3 is accommodated transversely within the end of the body 1, in line with the cut-out 14. The leg has a threaded lug 20, which extends into the groove 15 and is threadedly engaged on the rod 17. Adjustment of the knob raises or lowers the leg on the thread.

An end plug 21 closes the body outside the leg 3. It has a window 22 for viewing the scale and providing by its bottom edge 23 a datum for the scale.

To enable the level to be used conventionally, the leg is of a length such that it can be drawn fully into the body.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A spirit level having a level bubble in an elongate body, the bubble being arranged to be central when the bottom of the body is level, the body being equipped at one end with means for raising the end by a pre-determined amount, whereby the spirit level is adapted for measuring a pre-determined gradient.

2. A spirit level as claimed in claim 1, wherein the raising means is adjustable for different gradients.

3. A spirit level as claimed in claim 2, wherein the raising means includes a scale graduated according to different gradients.

4. A spirit level as claimed in claim 3, wherein the raising means comprises a screw means mounted in the body, a leg connected to the screw means for adjustable extension of the leg from the body, a scale on the leg and a datum on the body for setting the degree of extension of the leg with reference to the scale.

5. A spirit level substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.