GB2424071A

GB2424071A - Laser level measuring tool

Info

Publication number: GB2424071A
Application number: GB0504720A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Fred Bentham
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-03-08
Filing date: 2005-03-08
Publication date: 2006-09-13
Also published as: GB0504720D0

Abstract

A Laser Levelling Tool used to measure the distance between two points on a surface by projecting two adjustable laser beams, one on either side of the tool, each an equal distance apart. The distance between the images 2,9; 3,10 can be varied, moving the projected images nearer together or further apart by adjusting the angle of the lens 8, with a rotary or digital switch, microprocessor and LED. At the point the laser images are projected, the laser beam passes through a weighted lens or microprocessor controlled electronic spirit level that splits the light in two ensuring that the resulting images are a true level when they meet the surface being measured. The tool also projects a third image downward 14 and the angle of projection can be varied to set an accurate height measurement.

Description

I

Laser Level Measuring Tool The invention relates to a tool that is used to measure the distance between two points on a surface or object. This includes setting the tool to project an actual distance in millimetres (or any unit of measurement) and also using the tool to measure the distance between two points on the surface of an object and replicating this measurement on another surface. In both these cases the resulting measurements are projected onto the surface as a true level.

When attempting to fix an object to a vertical surface, measurements need to be taken and alignment checked to ensure that the object is fixed true and level. This activity usually involves a spirit level and tape measure, however the potential for error when marking out the correct position for fixing the object is high.

An object of this invention is to provide a tool that removes the need for using the traditional spirit level and tape measure approach and simplifies and speeds up the process of accurately measuring, aligning, levelling and fixing objects to a surface.

Accordingly, this invention provides a tool the features of which include the ability to preset a measurement and project this onto a surface and the ability to ascertain the distance between two fixed points on a surface or object and to replicate and project this measurement onto subsequent surfaces.

The tool utilises a line laser and assembly and emits two laser beams that are projected at identical angles on either side of the tool. This angle can be varied to increase or decrease the distance measured. Also incorporated are an electronic spirit level, microprocessor and LED. The tool is made of a combination of plastic and metal.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 Shows a view from above the tool when in use and in position on a vertical surface, the drawing does not reflect the fmal appearance of the tool, but illustrates it's major features.

As shown in figure 1, a line laser source 1 is used to project two pinpoint images 2, 3 onto a surface 4, one on either side of the tool itself an equal distance apart 5. The distance between the two images can be adjusted, moving the images nearer together or further apart. At the point the tool projects the image 6, 7 it passes through a weighted lens 8 that splits the light in two and ensures that the resulting images are a true level when they meet the surface 9, 10. By changing the angle of the lens with a rotary 11 or digital switch and LED 15 an exact measurement between the two points can be set 9, 10. The tool has an arm 12 that folds down into the tool base 13 when not in use and is snapped into a vertical position to provide the correct angle to project the light source. The tool also projects a third image downward 14 and the angle of projection can again be varied to set an accurate height measurement.

The tool can also be used to fmd the exact centre of surfaces, for example to find the centre of a surface such as a wall, the tool is placed approximately in the centre, the two projected images are then adjusted and the tool moved until the images touch the edges of the wall, once this is achieved then the tool is at the exact centre of the wall.

An example of use is when fitting objects such as shelves or cabinets to a wall. The tool removes the need for using a spirit level and tape measure to mark the correct locations for fitting. Set the required measurement using the rotary switch or digital interface and place the tool on the wall. The two images projected on to the wall surface will now show the correct measurement and be perfectly level to allow the object to be fixed to the wall.

The tool can also be used to mark positions for fixing objects without specifying actual measurements. For example when fixing a cabinet to a wall where the cabinet has pre-drilled holes to allow screws to be used for fixing. Place the tool on the cabinet and align the projected dots with the pre-drilled holes. Now place the tool on the wall surface and the correct level distance between the projected dots will show exactly where to drill the holes in the wall to fix the cabinet.

Claims

Claims 1. A Laser Levelling Tool used to measure the distance between two

points on a surface or object by setting the tool to project an exact measurement using a pair of adjustable laser beams on each side of the tool.
2. A Laser Levelling Tool according to claim 1, in which the distance to be measured is set on the tool using either the rotary or digital switch controlling a microprocessor.
3. A Laser Levelling Tool according to claim 1, in which the tool can be used to determine the distance between two points on one surface or object and then used to replicate this measurement on a subsequent surface.
4. A Laser Levelling Tool according to claim 1, in which the laser beams are projected onto the surface being measured the correct distance apart and as a true level.
5. A Laser Levelling Tool according to claim 1, in which the exact centre of an object or surface can be found by adjusting the angle of the projected beams and moving the tool until the beams touch the edges of the surface or object being measured.
6. A Laser Levelling Tool according to claim 1, in which a third laser image is projected downward and the angle of projection adjusted and varied to set an accurate height measurement.