GB2514579A

GB2514579A - Spirit level bolt on combination tool

Info

Publication number: GB2514579A
Application number: GB1309588.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Perry
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-05-29
Filing date: 2013-05-29
Publication date: 2014-12-03
Also published as: GB201309588D0

Abstract

A tool head 20 is provided with an angled bracket 10 with a hole 12 so that it can be bolted to spirit level 22 instead of having a traditional handle. The bracket may be L shaped or U shaped to fit to the generally rectilinear cross section of a spirit level. The tool could have the form of a trowel, spade, rake, hook, hoe, scraper, poker, or hammer. The angle bracket could attach to a brace 11 to encircle the spirit level. There could be a rubber block, sleeve, or boot 38 provided to clamp between the bracket and the spirit level to pack out any gap and make the connection more secure. This resilient packer could adhere to the bracket or level; and retain or encapsulate a separate tool attachment. Metals and/or plastics could be used to make the tools components.

Description

SPIRIT LEVEL BOLT-ON COMBINATION TOOL

This invention relates to a Spirit Level Bolt-On Combination Tool.

Spirit Levels are widely known instruments used to determine if a surface is horizontally or vertically level in relation to ground position and the earth's natural true alignment. Spirit levels are used mainly in construction and DTY projects and come in many different body shapes and thicknesses, most of which are generally rectangular and elongated. Spirit leveb usually have a strong main body which can he either hollow or solid and have one or more holes for lightness or for hooking the body onto a storage book. All spirit levels have an enclosed sealed area partly filled with liquid where an air bubble is used to move and rest between two marks %vhen the spirit level is displaced truly horizontally which informs the user that their surface is level to ground position.

We use spirit levels in construction for a variety of tasks such as making sure walls we are building are level, or ensuring fence posts we install are true and vertically level, for several reasons such as structural strength and the aesthetic look of the completed constructed building or fence. We also use other tools to help us build and complete our construction tasks such as spades, trowels, rakes, scraping and prodding implements and hammers etc which are all used alongside spirit levels and all form part of a tradesman's kit.

This invention relates mainly to the use of the sprit level in conjunction with installing fence posts and building walls. When I am building a walt I often have to put down the trowel I am using to pick up a spirit level to ensure the wall is level and then I often have to quickly interchange the two tools. It would be a lot easier if I could have a mini trowel attached to the spirit level so that lean use just one tool which would save me a lot of time. When I'm building a fence I construct it using a plurality of fence posts spaced apart which hold either fcncc panels or fence rails between them. The fence posts have to he installed so that they arc vertically level for structural strength and to take up or overhang as little of the boundary as possible and plus a nice straight in line fence looks good which makes us all happy.

The way the fence post is installed is: a hole is dug, t.he fence post is placed in the hole, a concrete mix is poured in the hole around the post and the post is then held by hand and, using a spirit level placed flat against the post, the post is then levelled up' until it is vertically level and true. The post is then left to set as the thick concrete mix is usually stiff enough to support the post so that it can stand alone, or sometimes the post may be propped up by a piece of timber to hold it until it is set. During the part of this process where the post is being levelled up there is a problem: When one is working alone (as I always try to do), when I am holding the post in the hole in the concrete mix with the left hand, I am simultaneously holding the spirit level in the right hand against the post and, gently moving the two together as one unit I find the true vertical level position of the post within the hole and mix, at which point I drop the spirit level and with the same hand that was holding the level I prop the post 2.

up with a piece of timber or rock etc, whilst still holding the post in the left hand. When the post is supported and stable I let go completely and leave the post to set. Now, the problem arises at the point where I am levelling the post using the spirit level and both hands: due to the fact that the post is rarely put in the hole precisely level first time, th.e post needs to he moved around in the hole within the mix and due to the different types of concrete mixes available all using different types and sizes of aggregates to make them up, the post is pushing against the thickness and texture of the aggregates within the mix as it moves around in the hole, which therefore moves the mix around. What then happens is the particles of stone or aggregates within the mix often become either jammed between the wall of the hole and the post where there is too great a concentration of mix or, usually there is not enough volume or strength of mix in pai-ticular areas strong enough to stabilize the post all round, so one has to move the mix within the hole around the post, until the mix around the post is even and the post is supported. So the question is: if one is working alone, how does one move the mix around the post to even it out, if one hand is holding the post and other hand is holding the spirit level and one can't let go of either to attend and stir the mix? The answer is: there are two ways of doing it: the first method is to prop the post up first before the mix is poured in which is difficult and time consuming when working alone, because the post has to be absolutely rigid, upright and stable and can't budge a fraction whilst the mix is being poured or the post will set out of true and, due to the weight and force of the pouring, the post is often still knocked around anyway. The second option is that one has to try to put the spirit level down and pick up a spade or trowel or prodding device to move the mix around with one hand whilst keeping the post vertically true and upright with the other hand whilst one's body is stretched trying to locate other tools with the other free hand and, by this time the post has moved out of true anyway and it then has to be levelled all over again.

This is what I do: Whilst I'm holding the post and spirit level together with both hands I find the true vertical point for the post in the hole. Whilst the post is held firmly I remove the spirit level from against the post and use the bottom of it to prod the mix and move the mix around. This way by using the level as the prodder or spade I don't need to put the level down to pick up a separate spade or trowel etc and I don't need a third hand and, if I do this carefully enough I can hold the post firmly perfectly level whilst the mix is settling and every time the mix is swashed around for the optimum concentration of mix evenly spread around the post, I can simply re-position the spirit level against the post to cheek it is still true and accurate. When I'm finished moving the mix around and it is holding the post firmly without my help, I can let go completely. the hidden problem and only known to one who has done tins, is that the spirit level is then covered in concrete mix which then cakes up the bubble gauges and sticks to the surfaces of the spirit level, winch then puts alt the measurements out on future tasks, as the smallest grains of concrete stuck between the spirit level and the surface the spirit level is measuring, severely effects the position of the spirit level from one end to the other, which means the post isn't level on the next post or fence section unless I then go and wash the spirit level which wastes more time -I may as well then go and have a cup of tea or read the newspaper -see what I mean? What is needed is a tool or range of basic mandatory tools widely used by tradesmen and DIY'ers such as a spade, trowel, rake, scraper, hammer etc that releasably attach or bo1t-on' to the end of the spiiit level which may be via the use of a clamping device formed of one or morc parts that clamps the tool to the body of the spirit level and which may be adjustable and!or have a means to be adaptable to different sizes and shapes of spirit level bodies which turns the spirit level into a combination tool, that can be used to carry out several tasks simultaneously without having to pick up different tooTs and change tools around or needing a third person to help do it; therefore saving time by quickening the building process and saving money on extra labour and, preserving or protecting the spirit level from concrete acids and hardened concrete stuck to it; thereby prolonging its life whilst also making the job faster and easier, The bolt on tool would have to be detachable so that when the job is finished and the tradesman wants to use the spirit level again just as a spirit level only (and not a combination tool), he can do so and he can keep the spirit level clean and free of muck and concrete when it is being used as a tool being prodded in and out of concrete and mortar mixes -he woutd then just clean all the bolt on tools as and when required which are not as important to keep as clean as a measuring instrument, which needs to be clean at all times to be able to be accurate at all times.

According to the present invention there is provided a Spirit Level Bolt On Combination fool comprising a main body with one or more sides formed in a flat shape preferably square, rectangular or semi-circular, an L shape when having two or more sides or half box type of U shape having at least three sides, all of which have an open top and an open bottom to slot around, affix to or encapsulate one or more sides of the body of a spirit level said main body of the invention having at least one hole or aperture for the purpose of receiving and/or housing a means of fixing the main body to the body of a spirit level such as with a nut and bolt or screw or other means and/or to receive and clamp a separate secondary body piece extension to the main body, therefore adapting the main body to act as a combination unit main body of two halves which is adjustable to fit all widths and follow the contour body profile of all spirit levels, and may be used in conjunction with an inner packing out' strip, boot or sleeve that maybe made of flexible and/or compressible materials separate to the main body of the invention for the purpose of receiving or housing a separate tool body said main body may be extended and adapted to incorporate or further attach the body of a tool implement such as a trowel, spade, rake, hook, hoe, scraping or prodding device or hammer to the main body even via the separate boot or sleeve to the body of the spirit level so that the body of the spirit level acts as a handle tbr a range of different tools and allowing it to become miiltifiinctional to do two or more jobs simultaneously i.e: providing a means to level and survey whilst being used as a tool in a construction task replacing the need to have to constantly interchange tools which therefore saves money and time and use of a third hand.

The invention will now be described herein and with reference to the following drawings in which: Figure 1 on page 1/11 shows the basic invention and how it would fit to a spirit level.

Figures 1 A and lB on page 1/1 I show how two or more sides can be added to the body for improved clamping strength to the body of the spirit level.

Figures 2 and 3 on page 2/11 illustrates two alternative options of a separate secondary body piece used in conjunction with the main body and alternative shapes of the cross section of two spirit levels.

Figure 4 on page 3/il shows a modified version of the main invention incorporating top flanges and lower channels to receive and house a separate secondary extension body piece wherein the body pieces are adjustably held together through the use of the flanges and channels and a bolt and washer.

Figure 5 on page 4/11 shows the invention with use of the separate secondary extension body piece fitted to a spirit level.

Figure 6 on page 5/il illustrates how two hands are needed to hold the post and use the spirit level as a combination tool.

Figure 7 on page 5/11 ilLustrates how the trowel bolt on attachment is used in brickwork.

Figures 8A-B and 9 on page 6/11 illustrate how the invention needs to be very tight and thin against the post for accuracy of measurement and working space around the post and how the body of the tool needs to be spaced away from die body of the spirit level.

Figure 10 A-B on page 7/11 illustrates how the additional separate packing out sirip piece compensates the difference between thicknesses of spirit levels.

Figure 11 A-B on page 7/11 shows the packing out strip piece and the same with an adhesive area within its periphery.

Figure 12 on page 8/11 shows the invention from the rear and how the trowel shape is formed out of (lie rear side or backplate' of the invention and how the separate packing out piece fits between the body of the invention and the body of the spirit level.

Figure 13 on page 9/11 shows how a modified insert known as a boot can sit within the main body over the end of the spirit level and incorporate or mould around the body of a tool a Itaclunent.

Figures 14, 15 and 16 on page 10/11 show different tool shaped attachments.

Figure l6A on page 10/11 shows the two sided version having a fixing hole in the backplate'. 5.

Figures 17 and 18 on page lI/li illustrate how the separate packing out strip may be a seamless hollow hoop or a long strip wrapped around and joined.

Figure 19 on page 11/11 demonstrates how the boot sits within the main body and the tool attachment fits up underneath and into the boot.

Figure 20 on page 11/11 shows the body having one backplate and one side piece and attached to the spirit level.

Figure 1 on page 1/1 1 shows the invention from a font side perspective having a main body comprising onc flat side 78 in this instance fomied in a rectangle but which may be rornied in other shapes such as a square or semi-circle and incorporating at least one hole 12 for the purpose of receiving a nut and bolt or screw 5 to releasably attach the body to the body of the spirit level 22. The lower portion of the body below the perforated line is extended to form and be shaped into a tool 20.

Figure IA on page Ill I shows the main body of the invention being made up of two or more pieces: one backplate 77 and one side piece 78 and is attached to the corner of a spirit level 22 said backplate and main body having at least one hole 12 to receive a nut and bolt or screw to attach the body 10 to the body of the spirit level 22. Again the lower portions of both the backplate and the side are now extended and shaped to form the body of a tool 20.

Figure lB on page 1/1 I shows the invention from a front side perspective having a main body comprising three pieces: one backplate 77 and tsvo sides 78 having one or more holes/apertures 12 for the purpose of receiving a nut and bolt 7 means of fastening the main body 10 to the body of the spirit level 22 which may be via via the hole in the spirit level 3 whcn thc body of the spirit level 22 is fitted into the main body 10 of the invention or it may he that the body is screwed to the body of the spirit level 22. The main body 10 has been extended downwards past its usual periphery marked by the perforated line on the drawing to form an extended portion 19 that acts as a means of spacing or distancing the further modified main body which becomes or is formed into the shape of a spade 20 or trowel, rake, hook, scraper, prodding implement or hammer etc not shown therefore creating a detachable spirit level bolt on combination tool. The main body 10 is shown having one backplate and two sides in this illustration to illustrate how the main body would encapsulate the body of the spirit level 22 for a firm tight fit to prevent the two being detached or separated when in use as a combination tool. The thrce sided version has a greater dewee of clamp strength to the spirit level 22 due to the main body 10 encapsulating three sides of the body of the spirit level 22 so that the main body 10 has less chance of bending or pulling away from thc body of the spirit level 22 wider pressure and force from the two in use as a combination tool.

Due to there being many different widths and thicknesses of spirit level the basic version having one main body piece can be made to fit all spirit levels and the two or three pieced main body can be made to fit most spirit levels as different inner sizes of the main body backplate 77 can be manufactured and there is no width limit due to the fourth side of the 6.

spirit level not having any limit within the main body as the main body is only two or three sided and not fully enclosed or constructed as a tülly surrounding unit. Ibis is great tbr mini or short spirit levels used in very light work and where only mini versions of the tool attachments are needed such as re-pointing and Light brick or tile work.

[he backplate 77 is generally the portion of tile main body 10 that is extended downwards 19 and then formed into the shape of the desircd tool as shown in Figure 16A on page 10/11 In Figure lB on page 1/11 the spade shape 20 is used but this extended portion may be formed in different tool shapes as shown on Page 10/11 Figures 14 -16 to provide interchangeable tools. This would mean each tool has to be made and sold separately as separate bolt-on units (which is great for introducing a range of products and is well within the scope of this invention) unless another separate body piece is used to sit within the main body such as a boot or sleeve which is then formed into the tool shape or made to house different tool shape attachments, as illustrated in Figure 13 on page 9/11 and Figure 19 on page 11/11 both options are part of this invention so that the invention is more universal.

On the contrary, with larger spirit levels having larger body dimensions and tools used iii more heavy duty constrLtetion tasks where the bolt 011 unit needs to be more robust and must clamp much more tightly to the body of the spirit level, a further secondary separate extension body piece can be used in conjunction with the main body and is a piece that releasably slides into and fastens to the main body which then encapsulates all sides of the body of the spirit level when the two pieces are conjoined or interlocking whilst remaining adjustable to adjust to different widths of spirit level bodies. As shown in Figure 2 on page 2/11 this piece is generally U shaped having at least one hole/aperture on any one side 78 and again has a backplate 77 and one or more sides 78 to effectively form an adjustable box around the body of the spirit level when joined together with the main body 10 of the invention -a box without a lid or bottom purely to grip the body of the spirit level when fastened. Figure 3 on page 2/11 illustrates how one or more sides 78 of this extension piece can be shaped to follow the contour or periphery shape of alternative designs of spirit level bodies said bodies as shown in the mini cross section or end views of the bodies marked A' in each Figure 2 and 3 on page 2/11. The sides of the extension piece have to try to follow the contour of the body of the spirit level for the strongest clamping capability as this allows the main body of the invention 10 to just be formed with straight regular sides as the two pieces clamp one another together around die body of the spirit level. this means only one main body shape needs to he manuracturcd for savings in tooling and costs but the main body could also be formed in a shape to follow the contours of the periphery of the body of a spirit level but is unnecessary.

Figure 4 on page 3/1 1 shows and illustrates the invention where the separate secondary extension body piece 11 is used in conjunction with the main body 10 and how they fasten together: the main body 10 may be modified as shown to incorporate at least one flange 14 extending from the upper portion or top of the main body 10 bent out of alignment with the main body 10 to overhang or forni an inverted recessed channel to receive and releasably 7.

house the upper side 78 of the secondary separate extension body piece 11 and one lower flange 16 cut from within the confines of the main body 10 and again bent out of alignment with the main body 10 and shaped to form a second channel to receive and relcasably house the lower part of the secondary separate extension body piece II. This piece 11 slides into these channels and is fastened to the main body 10 via the holes/apertures in the main body and extension piece 11 via the use of a nut 7 and bolt 13 mechanism so that the two pieces adjustably slide and form a fully enclosed four sided clamp mechanism around the four sides of the spirit level. Any width of spirit level can now be accommodated as neither the main body nor the separate secondary extension body piece is limited in dimension and Figure 5 on page 4/11 shows the invention with both body pieces 10 and 11 rclcasably and adjustably clamped around the end of the spirit level 22 using the upper flange 14 and the lower flange 16 to keep the separate secondary extension body piece II in horizontal alignment with the main body 10.

Figure 6 A-B on page 5/11 shows how the spirit level bolt on combination tool is used when installing a fence post 30 into a hole 32 filled with a concrete mix 33. One of the person's hands 24 is holding the post 30 and the other hand 24 is holding the spirit level 22. This demonstrates how difficult it is to use a third tool such as a spade not shown to move the mix around in the hole whilst holding the spirit level and the post and demonstrates how the bolt-on combination tool 10 with spade hody shape 20 allows the spirit level 22 to become a spade therefore eliminating the need for the user to change tools therefore making the job easier.

The hole 32 in drawing A shows the mix 33 having widely sporadically spread particles that need to he moved around by the spade 20 to frilly surround the post 30 as evenly as possible and as tightly as possible for the post 30 to be supported and stabilized as much as possible when set in the mix 33 for the strongest, longest lasting structural strength of the completed fence. Shown in Figure 6 drawing B the particles and mix 33 tightly surround and support the post 30 as the spade has spread the mix 33 around hi the hole 32 and evened the mix out.

Figure 7 on page 5/1 1 shows how a mini spirit level 22 may have a mini bolt-on 20 for light work. This example shows seine brickwork 87 in prowess and a mini trowel attachment 20 to the spirit level 22, The mini trowel is used to point or joint the mortar between the brickwork 90.

There are two other important issues with the design of the bolton combination tool. Issue 1: the thickness of the main body of the invention is of great importance: Due to spirit levels being instruments made for accuracy, the edge of the spirit level has to be placed upon the object it is measuring and kept tightly clamped against it, usually by hand or just left to rest under its own weight, for an accurate measurement and, any dirt or concrete stuck to the spirit level on its clamp face and that gets between the spirit level clamp face and the object being measured, can greatly throw off the measurement and accuracy of the spirit level. As the spirit level is generally elongated and a level measurement taken over a distance from one end of the spirit level to the other, if one cnd of the spirit level is slightly higher than the other, the bubble in the liquid housed within the spirit level that is used to take the 8.

measurement, is out of true, and one ends tip moving an object which was Levelled in the first place out of true due to the incolTeet measurement being taken through the fault of debris being stuck to the level, which is why spirit levels have to be kept clean. The issue therefore is that any invention such as this one that is designed to wrap around the body of a spirit level has to ensure that the body of the invention (or at least the portion that covers the clamp face of the spirit level) has to be extremely thin so as not to throw out the level measurement as demonstrated in Figure 8 drawing A on page 6/i 1, where the spirit level 22 is hush against the post 30 at the top but pushed away from the post 30 at the bottom of the post by the body of the bolt-on tool as marked by X' on the drawing -X' shows there is a gap between the body of the spirit level 22 and the post 30 caused by the thickness of the body of the invention 10. Thc thickness of the body 10 throws out the measurement and the post 30 is moved around (marked Y' at the top of the drawing) without ever being able to find an accurate true vertical measurement. The other part of Issue 1 is that the body of the invention has to be thick and strong enough to tightly grip the spirit level and provide resistance force for the tool when in use without it bi-eaking easily. How is this overcome? The answer to Issue I is in the separate secondary extension body piece. The main body can be made of 3mm steel which provides tremendous strength and is more than adequate for such tools and their respective uses as mentioned. 3mm thickness of the main body if filly encapsulating the spirit Level and covering its clamp face would clearly throw off any measurement of any object. The key to resolve this problem is to make the invention or main body as two separate pieces with the separate secondary extension body piece made in very thin 0.5mm steel as it will be clamped and held taught and tightly to the spirit level by the fastening strength between itself and the main body when tightened and held by the nut and bolt and held within the flanges within the main thicker body. 0.5mm steel or even 1mm steel will riot greatly affect the level measurement of the fence post for the purpose of building regulations and acceptable tolerances. In fact the fence post is more likely to be blow around by the wind more than 1 mm as it sets! The spirit level 22 can then be more or less flush to the post 30 with only a minor gap between the body of the post and body of the spirit level 22 as shown in Figure 8 B on page 6/11.

The second issue is that due to the reasonably narrow widths of the spirit level (generally being only 2-4 inches), any tool being strapped to the end of the spirit level has to be kept clear of impeding or overhanging the clamp thee of the spirit level, otherwise the spirit level cannot be rested or clamped flush to the object it is measuring as it is blocked by the tool attachment, as illustrated in Figure 9 on page 6/Il. The tool body 20 which is incorporated into the main body of the invention 10 that is releasably secured to the body of the spirit level 22 that is flush against the fence post 30 is kept clear of the body of the post 30 by having the tool body 20 (in this case the spade shape) only incorporated and positioned to one side of the alignment of the edge of the spirit level 22 opposite the clamp face of the spirit level in this case to the left. The gap between the body of the invention and surface of the fence post, marked X', is maintained, as the tool body 20 is offset and not set in the middle of the body 9.

of the spirit level and therefore doesn't overhang or impede the clamp face of the spirit level and therefore measurements are still accurate -genius! Any tool body shape formed out of or incorporated into the backplate of the main body as described earlier does not have to protrude or extend away from the main body precisely perpendicularly and can also be slightly bent inwards towards the clamp edge of the spirit level or in other directions as long as it doesn't overhang the clamp face of the spirit level.

This allows for known used angles to be built into the extended portion of the main body that acts as a handle for the different shapes of tool body for improved ergononhic design and improved uscfiilness of the bolt-on tool.

Next problem: thicknesses of the body of a wide range of spirit levels. As aforementioned there are many different manufacturers all making spirit levels each with their own designs and relevant thicknesses of spirit levels. This invention is designed to accommodate all of them if possible or at least a high portion of them. The main body 10 of the invention incorporates a backplate 77 as shown in Figure lOA on page 7/11 that sits parallel with and flush to the narrower edge or the depth of the body of the spirit level 22. This edge is marked on both drawings A and B within Figure 10. The backplate 77 within the scope of this invention is non-adjustable. The average thickness or depth of a spirit level body today is between 20mm -30mm and so the main body of the invention when having one backplate and two or more sides would be manufactured slightly bigger than 30mm say for example 35mm so that the invention call accommodate nearly all spirit levels. this brings another problem: without an adjustable baekplate, if the backplate is manufactured 35mm wide any spirit level thinner than this would simply fall through the body of the invention and/or the clamp fit or seal between the body of the invention and the body of the spirit level would be loose which is no good due to the rigorous uses of the bolt-on tool. Therefore we introduce a third member known as a separate packing out' member shown as 38 in Figure lOB. The packing out' member does exactly as it says and is designed to pack out' the gap between the inside of the main body 10 and the outer periphery of the body of the spirit level 22 in the instance where the thickness body of the spirit level marked cx' is thinner than the inside width of the backplate 77. The packing out' piece 38 is made from a compressible generally flexible material such as rubber and is provided in strip form as shown in Figure 11 A on page 7/11. The user can wrap the strip around the spirit level and then clamp the invention 10 around the packing out' piece 38 and then tighten it for a sold grip of the body of the spirit level. The packing out' strip may also have one or more sides having an adhesive portion 39 shown in Figure 1 lB (which may be contained by a peel-able covering non-stick label until ready for use when the label is peeled off, not shown) within its periphery, so that the user can stick the strip to the spirit level on one or more sides depending on what gap needs to be taken up, so the strip would be sold as a separately or as an add-on piece within the bolt-on tool product's packaging. Figure 12 on page 8/11 shows how one or more packing out' pieces 38 are in situ sandwiched between the main body 10 and adjoined extension piece 11 and the body of the spirit level 22 encapsulating it and binding all firmly together as one unit.

This Figure 12 also shows how the shape of the tool body 20 is formed out of or incorporated 10.

into the backplate 77 spaced away from the main bodylO by the backplate 77 or main body extension portion 19. The perforated line also demonstrates how the side 78 that makes up the main body 10 may also be extended to help fonu a portion of the tool shape body 20 to provide greater strength to the overall unt when in action.

Figure 13 on page 9/11 shows front a side perspective how the packing out' piece can be formed as a boot' 41 that sits within the main body 10 and encapsulates the whole end of the spirit level body 22 not shown where said boot extends directly downwards when suspended perpendicularly and is formed to either receive and house a portion of the body of the tool 40, which then becomes a separate attachment and therefore also interchangeable with other tool types, or it can he moulded over a tool body 40 as one unit so the boot and tool are one and also act as a packing out' piece. The boot would have to be made of very thin rubber to avoid overhanging the clamp face of the spirit level, Figures 14, 15 and 16 on page 10/11 show different types of tool attachments or tool body shapes. Figure 14 shows a hook 44. Figure 15 shows a take 45. Figure 16 shows a scraper 46.

Figure 1 6A on page 10/11 shows how the backplate 77 of the main body 10 may be extended to fonn the tool body 20.

Figure 17 on page 11/11 shows how the packing out' piece may be formed as a sleeve 52 and Figure 18 on page 11/11 shows how it may be wrapped around and both ends joined to fully encapsulate the spirit level not shown.

Figure 19 on page 11/11 illustrates how the boot 41 fits into the main body 10 and receives the body of the tool 20 if all three were separate members.

Figure 20 on page 11/11 shows the main body 10 having only the backplate 77 with one hole and one side piece 78 attached to the corner of the spirit level 22 by the bolt 7 said backplate 77 extended to incorporate the tool spade body 20.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Spirit Level Bolt On Combination Toot comprising a main body having at least one main body piece and one or more sides displaced at right angles to the main body any of said pieces which may be extended downwards and away from or out of alignment to the main body to form the shape of a tool spaced fi-om (lie main body by the extended portion(s) said main body piece and one or more sides funning an L or U shaped main body to attach to one or marc sides of thc body of a spirit level said main body of the invention having at least one slot, hole or aperture for the purpose of receiving and/or housing a means of fixing the main body to the body of a spirit level such as with a nut and bolt or screw or other means and/or to receive and releasably adjustably clamp a separate secondary extension body piece' to the main body, therefore making the main body an adjustable combination unit as chosen by the user to become an alternative main body of two halves to fit and clamp around all various widths of the body ofa spirt level said combined main body unit may be used to house a separate inner packing out' strip boot or sleeve said packing out strip boot or sleeve used for the purpose of further attaching the body of a tool implement such as a trowel, spade, rake, hook, hoe, scraping or prodding device or hammer to the body of the spirit level via the use of the main body of the invention so that the body of the spirit level acts as a handle for a range of different tools and allowing it to become multifunctional to carry out two or more tasks simultaneously.
2. Spirit Level Bolt On Combination Tool as claimed in claim one wherein said main body may bc modified or cxtendcd to incorporate at least one overhanging flange either cut from within the confines of the main body and/or formed into and protruding from the top or upper portion of the main body outwards and away from the inner periphery of the body on at least one side of the main body for the purpose of overhanging, receiving and retaining a portion of a separate extension body piece for extra clamping and retention force.
3. Spirit Level Bolt On Combination Toni as claimed in either of claims one and claim two wherein said main body incorporates at least one bottom flange or channel to receive and house a lower portion of a separate secondary body piece said flange or channel cut from within the confines of the main body andlor formed into the lower edge of the main body and extending outwards from the periphery of the main body.
4. Spirit Level Bolt On Combination Tool as claimed in any of claims one, claim two or claim three where the backplatc and/or at least one side of the main body may be extended or elongated and be formed into the body shape of a tool such as a spade, trowel, rake, hook, hoe, scraper, prodding device or hammer.
5. Spirit Level Bolt On Combination Tool as claimed in any of claims one, claim two, claim three or claim four wherein a separate secondary extension body piece having at least one backplate and one or more sides formed together as an L or U shape and having at least one hole or aperture is attached to the main body via at least one nut and bolt or other fastening means for the purpose of creating an adjustable main body that clamps to at least two sides of the body of a spirit level for the purpose of being releasably adjustable to accommodate many different sizes of spirit levels.
6. Spirit Level Bolt On Combination Tool as claimed in any precedmg claim wherein any side or backplate of the separate secondary extension body piece maybe formed in an L shape, U shape or shape that follows the contours or periphery shape of the body of the spirit level to provide the best possible clamp fix between the separate secondary extension body piece and the body of the spirit level!
7. Spirit Level Bolt On Combination Tool as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a separate packing out' member comprising a strip of rubber or such flexibLe and/or compressible and/or bendable material, is provided to be used with the invention and is displaccd between the main body and the body of the spirit level so that when the main body clamps to or around the body of the spirit level said packing out' member will compress between the two bodies for a flush enhanced tight join and will make up or pack out' the gap between the two bodies and compensate for different thicknesses of bodies of the spirit levels if a spirit level is used that is thinner than any backplate or side of the main body of the invention.
8. Spirit Level Bolt On Combination Tool as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the packing out' member has a portion of, or all of, one or more sides having an adhesive surface to allow the piece to be stuck to either or both the main body and/or the body of the spirit level or when wrapped, stuck to itself to form a complete seamless piece encapsulating the body of the spirit level.
9. Spirit Level Bolt On Combination I'ool as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the packing out member may be formed as a boot that may be wholly or partially, or a combination of, solid and/or flexible and/or compressible material that when fitted to the body of the spirit level fully encapsulates the end of the spirit level said boot which is then further clamped to the spirit level by the fastening of the main body of the invention around the outside of the boot to hold the boot in place between the main body and the body of the spirit level.
10. Spirit Level Bolt On Combination Tool as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the packing out member if formed as a boot may incorporate or house, receive, retain or encapsulate the body or a portion of the body of a separate tool attachment such as a trowel, spade, rake, hook, hoe, scraping or prodding implement or hammer.
II. Spirit Level Bolt On Combination Tool as claimed in any preceding claim that is made of metal or metal materials, plastic or plastics materials, or a combination of any or all such materials.
12. Spirit Level Bolt On Combination Tool as claimed in any preceding claim and as described herein and with reference to the accompanying drawings.