GB2416843A

GB2416843A - Laser line generating device with graduated base

Info

Publication number: GB2416843A
Application number: GB0516077A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jeffrey L Spanski; John C Smith; Derek J Nash; Mike Williams; Leslie Daily Gist; Steven R Levine
Original assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Co
Current assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Co
Priority date: 2004-08-06
Filing date: 2005-08-05
Publication date: 2006-02-08
Also published as: GB2416843A8; GB0516077D0; FR2874083A1; AU2005203472A1

Abstract

The laser line generating system comprises a laser generating device 102 mounted to a base 104. The device includes spirit levels 120 and 118 and a laser and lens arranged to produce a fan-shaped, asymmetric intensity laser beam. The device and base have complementary convex and concave surfaces which enable the device to rotate and tilt relative to the base. The base comprises a top ring 154, having a pointer 178, and an indexing ring 156 which is marked with angles in degrees. The device is attached to a surface by pressure sensitive adhesive strips and may further be supported by pins which can be inserted through the openings of flanges 160, 162.

Description

24 1 6843

LASER LINE GENERATING DEVICE WITH GRADUATE D BASE

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. ≈119(e) to the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/291 135, filed May 15, 2001; this application is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/819 543, filed on April 7, 2004, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. ≈119(e) to the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/291 135 filed May 15, 2001, and which is both a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/141 392, filed on May 7, 2002, pending, and a continuation application of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/612 035, filed July 1, 2003, which is a continuation application of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/456 534, filed June 18, 2003; the entire contents of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[00021 The technical field of the application is that of alignment devices, and in particular an alignment device and an attachment that allows the alignment device to be releasably attached from a surface on which alignment is desired.

Discussion of Related Art [0003] Alignment of surfaces is a perennial problem in a variety of fields, ranging trom construction to interior decorating. Alignment is necessary for valis that should be perpendicular to a floor. or otherwise plumb Masonry and brick la, ing Practitioners are Cell aware of the imr, ortance of plumbed..nl.rli ned

J

surfaces and chalk lines. A home interior decorated with pictures and other wall ornamentation makes a much better appearance when the ornamentation is aligned, especially with respect to vertical or horizontal alignment. Many mechanical and electrical alignment devices are available, and some laser devices are available. Some of these products are cumbersome, others are not suitable for certain uses. Chalk lines, for instance, are sometimes undesirable for use in finished, interior areas.

[00041 One aspect of alignment-product performance, and in particular of laser-alignment products, that could be improved is the ability to rotationally adjust the laser line.

[00051 Another disadvantage of laser-alignment products is that do not use allow the laser generating device to be attached to a variety of surfaces, including vertical walls, while allowing for flexibility in changing the rotational orientation of the laser line.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

t0006] One aspect of the present invention regards a light generating system including a base comprising a bottom surface comprising a nonmechanical attachment structure and a light generating device rotatably mounted to the base about an axis.

7] second aspect of the present invention regards A light generating system including a base having a reference rnari<ing. a plurality of graduations and a stationary kottorn portion, wherein the plur zloty of graduations room relative to Itie reference malting and the ii.iiony Lotte portion. .N Iiglr generating device is rotatably mounted to the base about an axis, wherein the reference marking rotatably moves with the light generating device about the axis.

[00081 Each of the above aspects of the present invention provides the advantage of improving the ability to rotationally adjust the laser line.

tOOO91 In addition, the first aspect of the present invention provides the advantage of allowing the laser generating device to be attached to a variety of surfaces, including vertical walls, while allowing for flexibility in changing the rotational orientation of the laser line.

[00101 The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in combination with the detailed description of specific embodiments presented herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ME DRAWINGS

[00111 FIG. l is a led perspective view of an embodiment of a light generating system in accordance with the present invention; [0012] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the light generating system of FIG. 1; [0013] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of an embodiment of a light generating device to be used with the light generating system of FIG. l in accordance with the present invention; [0014] FIG. is an exploded view of an embodiment of a light support to be used with the light generathg system of FIG. l in accordance \ ith the present invention; [0015] FIG. 5 is a partially exploded view of the light generating system of FIG. 1; [00161 FIG. 6 is a left perspective view of the light generating system of FIG. 1 wherein the graduations on the index ring are shown; [00171 FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the light generating system of FIG. 1; and [0018] FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C depict the light generating system of FIG. 1 projecting a laser beam in a narrow beam or fan and aligning objects on a wall.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PRIED EMBODIES

[00191 The present invention is better understood by reference to the figures and description below. In particular, FIG. 1 shows a light generating system 100 that includes a light generating device 102 and a base 104. As shown in FIGS. 2- 4, the light generating device 102 includes a housing 106 made of a left housing shell 108 and a right housing shell 110. The shells 108 and 110 are made of a durable material, such as plastic, and are attached to one another via a snap fit and screws (not shown).

10020] Prior to attachment of the shells 108 and 110 to one anotherr several components are positioned within the interior of the housing 106. For example, a laser chassis 112 made of zinc is attached to the right housing shell 110 via a screw 114 that is inserted through opening 116 of the laser chassis 112 and threadedly engages a threaded opening formed in the right housing shell 110. Of course, as an alternative the left housing shell 108 and the right housing shell 110 can be adapted so that the laser chassis 112 is attached to the left housing shell 108 instead of the ri At houshg shell 11() Such attachment could bc similar to that -s - described above with respect to the attachment of the right housing shell 110. In addition, the left housing shell 108 and the right housing shell 110 can be adapted so that the laser chassis 112 is attached to both via a screw attachment similar to that described previously with respect to the right housing shell 110.

1] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the laser chassis 112 supports two bubble vials 118, 120 that are arranged at right angles to one another. The bubble vials 118, 120 are attached to the laser chassis 112 by a mechanical attachment, such as a snap fit, or via an adhesive. Of course other attachments are possible. Besides the bubble vials 118, 120, a laser holder 122 is attached to the laser chassis 112 via a screw 124 that is inserted through opening 125 of the laser chassis 112 and engages a threaded opening (not shown) located at the bottom of the laser holder 122. The laser holder 122 defines a central cylindrical chamber into which a laser module 126 is inserted so that its exit window 128 is pointed toward an end 130 of the laser holder 122. The laser module 126 preferably contains a 635 rim light emitting laser diode. The end 130 includes an exit opening (not shown) and a frame to support a lens 132 inserted therein. The lens 132 is preferably similar to the lens described in U.S. Patent No. 6,735,879, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The lens 132 receives laser light emitted by the laser diode and that passes through the exit opening of the laser module 126. The effect of the lens 132 is to shape the laser light passing through it into a planar, fan-shaped "comet beam" or fan shape. Thc intensity of the light and the shape of the beans Nay be as: mmetric, in hich onc side of the ' comet" may be larger and brighter then the other side. I has. in [lte cinbolhlicUt shown in FIGS 8B and -6 FIG. 8C, the intensity of the laser light will be greater at outer edge 212 than at the inner edge 214 where the fan-shaped beam intersects the wall 194 while the beam is used to align object 908, such as a picture frame. FIG. 8C schematically depicts the comet effect or asymmetry of the planar fan, the Intensity of light being greater in the portion of the beam that is further away from the wall or plane of interest.

2] The fan shaped beam is then routed so that the less bright side of the fan-shaped beam is nearest the wall of interest, and the brighter side is away from the wall. In this orientation, the fan-shaped beam of light will propagate a long distance from its origin, and the laser light will be usable a long distance away from the laser line generating device.

[00231 The laser light generated by the laser line generator preferably exits from the top, curved corner of the lens. When the beam or fan of light exits the lens, it forms a thin plane in the length-wise direction of the device. Because the light is now a plane, rather than a pinpoint, it is able to project over and beyond obstacles, allowing a user to align several objects without having to move them.

4] As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 106 contains a pair of batteries 134 that are confined between corresponding positive and negative terminals 136, 138 in a well known manner. The current fro in the batteries 134 is directed to the laser module 126, via a wire (not shown). The current is controlled by a switch 140 in a Bell known manner by moving the so itch 140 from an "on" position to an ' off' position. The switch 140 is attached to the rear portion of the housing 106.

[t))251 As shod n hi E;IC. 3. a tilt nut 142 is positioned at the bottoin Ulterior portion of the housin g 1(:16 so that its threaded ocniilg 1= is exposed in the bottom centrally located rectangular opening (not shown in FIG. 3) defined by the housing 106. The tilt nut 142 is larger in area than the rectangular opening and is able to slide along the bottom interior surface 148 of the housing 106.

10026] Once the housing 106 is assembled, a laser housing cover 150 is attached to the central top portion of the housing 106 as shown in FIG. 2.

Similarly, a battery door 152 is removably attached to a rear portion of the housing 106 so as to enclose the batteries 134 within the housing 106. The assembled light generating device 102 is then positioned upon base 104.

[00271 The base 104 includes three components: 1) a top ring 154, 2) an index ring 156 and 3) a bottom support 158. As shown in FIG. 2, the bottom support 158 has a circular-like shape with flanges 160, 162 positioned opposite one another. The flanges 16O, 162 each include an opening to receive a corresponding pin 164 as shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the flanges 160, 162 are integrally attached to a bottom annular-like portion 166 that defines a top annular shelf 1G8 upon which lies the index ring 156. The index ring 156 is unattached to the bottom support 158 so that the index ring 156 can be rotated freely upon the shelf 168. As shown in FIG. 6, the index ring 156 includes equally spaced graduations or markings 170 formed on its exterior side wall 172. There are preferably 72 graduations 170 formed on the wall 17? so that the index ring 156 acts as a protractor by defining angular positions every 5 dcgrecs, fro,n zero degrees to 360 degrees. Note that numerical indicia, such as the sequence 0, 45, ted, 135. 180, 7?5, ?7(), 315. 360 or the sequence 0. 45 ')O. 45. (). 45 ')(). 45 f I'll. 6) C.;.1 lye p, iced on itc h,.lex tHl2, 156 so at, to denote t,he.Lngul'ar c '',itiO,l.S represented by one or more of the graduations. Note that other numbers of graduations are possible, such as 360 wherein the separation between adjoining graduations represents one degree of rotation.

8] The top ring 154 couples the light generating device 102 to the base 104. In particular, the top ring 154 includes a plurality of downwardly extending flanges 174 that are inserted within a vertical channel 176 formed in the bottom support 158. The top ring 154 defines a top annular- like surface 177 that is slanted downward and inward toward the center of the base 104. The top surface 177 also includes a vertical index marker 178 that is inserted into an index slot (not shown) formed in the housing 106 of the light generating device so that the top ring 154 engages with and rotates with the housing 106. Note that additional protrusions 180 can be formed on the top surface 177 so that they engage corresponding slots formed in the bottom surface of the laser housing 106. The index marker 178 points in the same lateral direction that the laser beam leaves the housing 106.

00291 When assembled, the left housing shell 108 and the right housing shell define a concave bottom surface 182 that lies upon a concave-like receptor surface 184 of the base 104 that includes a plurality of concave ribs 186 that are spaced apart from one another and extend radially from a center portion of the concave-like receptor surface 184. The outer portion 185 of the bottom surface 189 also lies upon the top anuul.lr-like surface 176 The bottom surface 189 preferably has a radius of curs ature that substantially matches the radius of curs ature c,; the reccptQr surface 184.incl the top aurrlar- ii!:c spurt Ice Iffy Once the bottom surface 182 is supported on the base 104, it is slidingly attached thereto by having a screw pass 187 through the center hole 186 of the base 104 (see FIG. 5), the bottom rectangular opening (not shown) of the housing 106 and threadingly engage with the threaded opening 144 formed in the tilt nut 142. With this attachment, the housing 106 is rotatable and pivotable with respect to the base 104 so as to create a full 360O swiveling and orienting capability. The amount of swivel with respect to a plane that that is intersected at right angles by an axis A defined by the hole 186 is approximately 4 . Note that the receptor surface 184 may be solid instead of being ribbed.

tO030] As shown in FIG. 7, one or more adhesive strips 188 are adhesively mountable in a recess 189 formed in the bottom surface 190 of the base 104, and portions thereof of release tab 192 for strip 188 may protrude from the side of the attachment. For additional support, pins 164 can be inserted into the openings of the flanges 160, 162 so that their tips penetrate the support surface as shown in FIG. 1.

1] In an alternative embodiment, the adhesive strip 188 can be attached to a moving plate that can be pressed to be activated.

2] A method of practicing the invention includes providing a surface, such as a wall. wherein orientation with a line is desired, and also providing the laser generator. A user mounts the light generating system 100 by attaching the bottom surface 190 of lisle base 104 onto the wall and orients the laser generator in one or more planes Attachment is accomplished by removing a lir,t release liner 191 from ore side of a s rip 1S3 so ah; t an Sliest e 1')3 is exposed. The e spored adhesive 193 is then placed so that it adhesively engages the surface on which objects are to be aligned, such as wall 194 of FIGS. 8A-8C. If removable pressuresensitive adhesives are used, the swivel base may be removed without damaging the surface on which the objects were aligned. While many such adhesives may be used, "Command Strips," Mom the 3M Company, Minneapolis, MN, are preferred. These adhesives are actually two adhesives interlocked in the center. These adhesives may be purchased, separable and aligned, for single use in adhering the base 104 to a wall or other surface. A pack of six strips may be adhered to the bottom surface of the base 104. Note that if the base 104 is attached to a vertical-like structure, there is sufficient friction present in the light generating system 100 that prevents the light generating device 102 from freely rotating relative to the base 104. Note that a similar adhesive attachment scheme is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/819,543, the entire contents of which fire incorporated herein by reference.

[00331 After the base 104 is attached to the surface, a reference level, such as bubble level 118, is then used to orient and true the light generating device 102 in one plane, for instance, the vertical plane, using the swiveling light generating device 102 as described above. The second bubble level 120 T nay be used if the user \ ishes to orient the laser generating den ice 102 in a horizontal plane. When the user is satisfied that the light generating device 109 has established a reference either being level, PIUTnb or lined up ith some external feature of the surface, the user turns on the laser gencratin levicc 109 via Tnoving' so itch to the 'on C,Siti'.. IS csctii,Ll its T!.. Ott at No /5.S i'), to.Ttirc contcits of,]iCT are incorporated herein by reference, the output of the laser generating device 102 is a fan-shaped beam 200. The fan-shaped beam 200 propagates along the surface of the wall in the direction of propagation. Because the plane of the beam runs perpendicular to the wall 194 along the length of the beam, the line of intersection between the beam and the wall forms a visible line of alignment. It is also noteworthy that the axis of alignment, such as the alignment of pictures on a wall, is substantially parallel to the direction of propagation of the laser light. With the instant laser line marking device, a user projects a fan-shaped beam in a propagation direction 202 that is substantially parallel, rather than perpendicular, to the surface on which alignment is desired, the fan-shaped dimension of the beam being perpendicular to the wall. With a fan-shaped beam, the laser light is able to project over and beyond obstacles, such as moldings placed in a doorway, picture frames in the way of those being aligned on one horizontal line, or other obstacles, such as a wavy or stuccoed surface on an interior wall.

4] In the particular example shown in FIGS. 8A-B, the fan-shaped beam is able to align a first picture frame 204 on wall 194. The beam 200 is able to overcome obstacles such as door moldings 206 with its fan shape and extend above the molding with sufficient clarity to align another object, such as picture frame 208. While the direction of propagation 202 is in the direction from the light generating system lOO to the objects on which alignmcut is desired, such as picture frames 201, IDS, the idth of the fan is perpendicular to the wall 194. {he fan-shaped beam 201) intersects the \ all 194 and the light is visible on the IN all at the inicrsecti, In If) of the r m-shaped c.nn ()() '.\ ilh the \.11 194 [0035] Once the beam is generated it establishes a reference position or direction. From this reference position, the angular position of the beam can be altered in a precise manner. For example, the graduation on the index ring corresponding to the reference position is first recorded and the light generating device 102 and marker 178 are rotated while index ring 156 remains stationary, until the beam travels a desired angular position relative to the graduation corresponding to the reference position. For example, if the reference position corresponds to the 20 graduation and it is desired to move the beam 40 from the reference position, the light generating device 102 is rotated so that the marker 178 is aligned with either the 60 or the 340 graduation, depending on the desired direction of the beam.

[00361 In an alternative aligning procedure, once the beam is generated and establishes a reference position or direction in the manner described above, the index ring 156 is rotated until a reference graduation, such as the 0 graduation, is aligned with the beam and the marker 178. In the case of the 0 graduation being the reference graduation, if it is desired to move the beam cr degrees from the reference position, the light generating device 102 is rotated until the marker 178 is aligned with either the a degree graduation or the (360 - a ) graduation, depending on the desired direction of the beam. When the 0 graduation is the reference graduation there obviously is less neei for calculating the graduation to which the light generating device 102 is rotated.

7] .\'hen the user has coinpleted the aligurnent task, the user pulls on the felcse..1', l'). ;-i.rs = the.tt'lcii,e It) i;-, .11 194 or- filler surl.ce. ll e adhesive strip that was used may then be removed from bottom sur&ce 190 of the base 104. The user may then go on to other alignment tasks as desired.

t00381 While this invention has been shown and described in connection with the preferred embodiments, it is apparent that certain changes and modifications, in addition to those mentioned above, may be made from the basic features of this invention. While the laser line generator may be most convenient to use when mounted to a wall, it may also be mounted on a table, floor, or other flat surface, and used to project a line without being mounted on a wall. Many other variations of the invention may also be used without departing from the principles outlined above. For example, multiple laser beams could be generated orthogonally to one another. Accordingly, it is the intention of the applicant to protect all variations and modifications within the valid scope of the present invention. lt is intended that the invention be defined by the following claims, including all equivalents.

Claims

1. A light generating system, comprising: a base comprising a bottom surface comprising a non-mechanical attachment structure; and a light generating device rotatably mounted to the base about an axis.

2. The light generating system of claim 1, wherein said base comprises a concave-like receptor surface upon which a support surface of said light generating device is positioned.

3. The light generating system of claim 2, wherein said concave-like receptor surface comprises a plurality of concave ribs that are spaced apart from one another and extend radially from a center portion of said concave-like receptor surface.

4. The light generating system of claim 2, wherein said support surface is convex-like in shape.

5. The light generating system of claim 3, wherein said support surface is convex-like in shape.

6. The light generating system of claim 1, wherein said base comprises a reference marking and a plurality of graduations.

7. The light generating system of claim 6, wherein said plurality of graduations move relative to said reference marking.

8. The light generating system of claim 7, wherein said plurality of graduations are formed on an annular ring and said reference marking is formed on a top ring that is positioned above said annular ring.

9. The light generating system of claim 8, wherein said annular ring rotates about said axis.

10. The light generating system of claim 8, wherein said top ring is attached to said light generating device so that said top ring rotates with said light generating device about said axis.

11. The light generating system of any of claims 6 to 10, wherein said plurality of graduations are equally spaced from one another.

12. The light generating system of claim 11, wherein there are 360 graduations.

13. The light generating system of any preceding claim, wherein said light generating device tilts about a second axis that is perpendicular to said axis.

14. The light generating system of any preceding claim, wherein the light generating device generates a laser beam.

15. The light generating system of claim 14, wherein the light generating device generates the laser beam with an asymmetric intensity.

16. The light generating system of any preceding claim, wherein the light generating device generates light in the shape of a fan.

17. The light generating system of claim 16, wherein the light generating device comprises a housing with the at least one flat surface extending along a first planar surface and the fan substantially lies within a second plane that intersects the first planar surface at an angle.

18. The light generating system of any preceding claim, wherein the nonmechanical attachment structure is an adhesive.

19. A light generating system, comprising: a base comprising: a reference marking; a plurality of graduations; and a stationary bottom portion, wherein said plurality of graduations move relative to said reference marking and said stationary bottom portion; and a light generating device rotatably mounted to said base about an axis, wherein said reference marking rotatably moves with said light generating device about said axis.

20. The light generating system of claim 19, wherein said plurality of graduations are formed on an annular ring and said reference marking is formed on a top ring that is positioned above said annular ring.

21. The light generating system of claim 20, wherein said annular ring rotates about said axis.

22. The light generating system of claim 20, wherein said top ring is attached to said light generating device so that said top ring rotates with said light generating device about said axis.

23. The light generating system of any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein said plurality of graduations are equally spaced from one another.

24. The light generating system of claim 23, wherein there are 360 graduations.

25. The light generating system of any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein said base comprises a concave-like receptor surface upon which a support surface of said light generating device is positioned.

26. The light generating system of claim 25, wherein said concave-like receptor surface comprises a plurality of concave ribs that are spaced apart from one another and extend radially from a center portion of said concave-like receptor surface.

27. The light generating system of claim 25, wherein said support surface is convex-like in shape.

28. The light generating system of claim 26, wherein said support surface is convex-like in shape.

29. The light generating system of any one of claims 19 to 28, wherein said light generating device tilts about a second axis that is perpendicular to said axis.

30. The light generating system of any one of claims 19 to 29, wherein said light generating device generates a laser beam.

31. The light generating system of claim 30, wherein said light generating device generates said laser beam with an asymmetric intensity.

32. The light generating system of any one of claims 19 to 31, wherein said light generating device generates light in the shape of a fan.

33. The light generating system of claim 32, wherein said light generating device comprises a housing with the at least one flat surface extending along a first planar surface and said fan substantially lies within a second plane that intersects said first planar surface at an angle.

34. A light generating system substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.