GB2336672A

GB2336672A - Level

Info

Publication number: GB2336672A
Application number: GB9808173A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rufus Calvert Mcclelland
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-04-18
Filing date: 1998-04-18
Publication date: 1999-10-27
Anticipated expiration: 2018-04-18
Also published as: GB2336672B; GB9808173D0

Abstract

A level comprises an elongate body 10 which is arranged to receive, and to be secured to a length of timber. Thus a surface of the level which is to be placed against a member, to check the level of that member, may be effectively extended. As shown the elongate body 10 is of inverted U-Shape and is provided with clamping bolts 24,26 for clamping the timber within the body 10.

Description

2336672 Level The present invention relates to a level.

Levels are very commonly a necessary instrument for carpenters, plumbers and other skilled tradesmen. Some levels are short in length and therefore easy to carry in a toolbag or the like: some are much longer in length but are then more cumbersome to carry. Often the longer level is needed, in order to span a greater distance and enable a level to be checked or established more easily or effectively.

I have now devised a level which may be of relatively short length but which can be extended in length in an easy manner.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a level which comprises an elongate body which is arranged to receive, and secure to that body, a length of timber which thereby effectively extends a surface of the device f or placing against a member level of which is to be checked.

Preferably the elongate body of the device is of inverted-U shape, defining an elongate saddle: preferably this elongate saddle has a rectangular cross-section which is of uniform size throughout its length. The elongate body is accordingly able to receive a length of timber of rectangular cross-section. Preferably the elongate body of the device is provided with clamping means for security the length of timber to it: these clamping means may comprise clamping bolts screwthreaded through one or both of the opposite side flanges of the elongate saddle of the device body.

Preferably the device is formed with graduations enabling the length of timber to be secured to the device body at a selected angle: in this manner, the device can be used to check that a member against which it is placed is oriented at a corresponding angle to the horizontal (or to the vertical).

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

2 1 FIGURE 1 is an isometric view of a spirit level in accordance with the present invention; and FIGURE 2 is a front elevation of the spirit level shown in Figure 1.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a spirit level which comprises an elongate body 10 of inverted U-shape, forming an elongate saddle having a rectangular-section channel 12 which is of uniform size throughout the length of the level. A generally flat spine 14 extends lengthwise of the body 10, projecting from the upperside thereof: the spine 14 is formed with a longitudinal window 16, so forming a handgrip for the device, halfway between its opposite ends.

The upperside of the body 10 is provided with a levelling bubble 18, halfway between its opposite ends, for indicating when the body is oriented horizontally. The device is also provided with a second levelling bubble 20, mounted in the spine 14 adjacent one end thereof, arranged to indicate when the body 10 is oriented vertically. The device is furthermore provided with a third levelling bubble 22, mounted in the spine 14 adjacent its opposite end, and arranged for use, when the device is inverted (for example when positioned against the underside of a beam or the like) to indicate when the body 10 is oriented horizontally.

It will be appreciated that, in the device which has been described, the elongate channel 12 of the saddle portion is able to receive a length of rectangul ar- section timber: the example shown is arranged to receive a length of timber 4 inches by 2 inches in section, but it may be arranged to receive lengths of timber of any other desired cross-sectional size. one of the opposite side flanges of the saddle portion of the body 10 is provided, adjacent its opposite ends, with two clamping bolts 24,26 which pass through holes in that flange: these bolts are provided with wing nuts enabling them to be tightened by hand and so clamp a length of timber in position, when received within the elongate channel 12 of the body 10 of the device.

Usually a length of timber substantially longer than the level device will be selected and clamped in position within the channel 12 of the body 10 of the device, the length 3 of timber projecting from both ends of the device. In this manner, the effective length of the level device is substantially and advantageously increased.

The side flanges of the saddle portion of the device are marked with a series of graduations 28 along their longitudinal edges and also with a series of graduation 30 along their end edges: the latter graduations enable the length of timber to be clamped within the channel 12 of the device body 10 at a predetermined angle: the device can then be laid against a sloping surface and, if the angle of inclination of this surface is equal to the angle of inclination of the length of timber to the device body 10, then the levelling bubble 18 (or the levelling bubble 22) will provide an indication of this condition.

It will also be appreciated that the device can be used, when desired, without the above-mentioned length of timber clamped to it. The saddle-shape suits the device for being placed against a pipe, the transversely-spaced longitudinal edges of the opposite flanges of the saddle portion sitting in stable manner either side of the centre line of the pipe.

4

Claims

1) A level comprising an elongate body arranged to receive, and to be secured to, a length of timber which thereby effectively extends a surface of the level for placing against a member, the level of which is to be checked.

2) A level as claimed in claim 1, wherein said elongate body is of inverted-U shape, defining an elongate saddle.

3) A level as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said elongate saddle has a rectangular cross-section which is of uniform size throughout its length.

4) A level as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said elongate body is provided with clamping means for securing said length of timber to it.

5) A level as claimed in Claim 4 appended to Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein said clamping means comprises clamping bolts screw- threaded through one or both of the opposite side flanges of said elongate saddle.

6) A level as claimed in any preceding claim, formed with graduations enabling said length of timber to be secured to said elongate body at a selected angle.

7) A level substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings