US2695949A - Illuminated spirit level - Google Patents

Illuminated spirit level Download PDF

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Publication number
US2695949A
US2695949A US266847A US26684752A US2695949A US 2695949 A US2695949 A US 2695949A US 266847 A US266847 A US 266847A US 26684752 A US26684752 A US 26684752A US 2695949 A US2695949 A US 2695949A
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United States
Prior art keywords
bracket
spirit level
battery
lamp
illuminated
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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US266847A
Inventor
James H Ashwill
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
JAMES L CUNINGHAM
Original Assignee
JAMES L CUNINGHAM
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
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Publication date
Application filed by JAMES L CUNINGHAM filed Critical JAMES L CUNINGHAM
Priority to US266847A priority Critical patent/US2695949A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US2695949A publication Critical patent/US2695949A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01CMEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
    • G01C9/00Measuring inclination, e.g. by clinometers, by levels
    • G01C9/18Measuring inclination, e.g. by clinometers, by levels by using liquids
    • G01C9/24Measuring inclination, e.g. by clinometers, by levels by using liquids in closed containers partially filled with liquid so as to leave a gas bubble
    • G01C9/26Details
    • G01C9/32Means for facilitating the observation of the position of the bubble, e.g. illuminating means
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10STECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S33/00Geometrical instruments
    • Y10S33/01Magnetic

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to new and useful improvements in spirit levels and has for its primary object to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, an instrument of this character comprising means for magnetically securing the device in position on a metallic support when in use.
  • Another very important object of the invention is to provide a spirit level of the aforementioned character which embodies means for automatically illuminating the bubble tubes when the instrument is applied to a metallic support.
  • Figure l is a perspective view of a spirit level constructed in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a view in vertical longitudinal section through the instrument
  • Figure 3 is an elevational view, looking at the inner side of the removable access plate with the illuminating means thereon;
  • Figure 4 is a horizontal sectional view, taken substantially on the line 4-4 of Figure 2;
  • Figure 5 is a view in transverse section, taken substantially on the line 5-5 of Figure 2;
  • Figure 6 is a view in transverse section taken substantially on the line 6-6 of Figure 2.
  • the embodiment of the invention which has been illustrated comprises a bar or beam 10 of suitable plastic, which bar or beam may be of any desired dimensions.
  • the beam 10 includes a vertical end 11 and an inclined end 12. Extending longitudinally in the beam 10 is a chamber 13. Openings 14 in the upper and end portions of the beam 10 communicate with the chamber 13. Bubble tubes 15 are mounted in the openings 14.
  • the beam 10 further includes a removable plate 16 which permits access to the chamber 13.
  • the access plate 16, which is recessed into the beam 10, is secured in position by countersunk screws 17. Finger notches or recesses 18 are provided in the access plate 16.
  • Brackets 19 and 20 are mounted on the inner face of the access plate 16.
  • the bracket 19 includes an upturned inner end portion 21 which is apertured to threadedly receive an electric lamp 22. At its outer end, the bracket 19 terminates in a tapered downwardly curved contact finger 23.
  • a dry cell battery 24 is mounted on the bracket 20 with its positive pole in engagement with the positive contact United States Patent 0 of the lamp 22.
  • the bracket 20 terminates in an upturned inner end portion 25 constituting a stop for the battery 24.
  • Struck upwardly from the outer portion of the bracket 20 is a resilient finger or contact 26 which is engaged with the negative pole of the battery 24 and which, in conjunction with the element 25, secures said battery in position on said bracket.
  • the bracket 20 terminates in a tapered, downwardly curved contact 27.
  • the magnets 29 include upstanding lugs 30 which are engaged by the contacts 23 and 27 for electrically connecting the lamp 22 and the battery 24 to said magnets. Openings 31 in the base or bottom portion 28 of the beam 10 accommodate the lugs 30.
  • the manner in which the device is used will be readily apparent from a consideration of the foregoing. Briefly, when the instrument is applied to a metallic object or member it is firmly secured in any desired position thereon by the magnets 29. When the instrument is thus applied to a metallic support an electric circuit is completed through the battery 24, the lamp 22, the elements 19 and 23, said support, and the elements 27 and 26, thus energizing said lamp for illuminating the bubble tubes 15. As best seen in Figure 5 of the drawing, the permanent side wall of the beam 10 has formed therein finger recesses or windows 32.
  • a spirit level comprising, in combination, a beam having a chamber therein and further having openings in its end portions communicating with the chamber, permanent magnets on the beam engageable with a metallic support for mounting said beam thereon, lugs on the magnets engaged in the openings, bubble tubes on the beam, an access plate for the chamber removably mounted on the beam, elongated brackets on the access plate, an electric lamp on one of the brackets electrically connected thereto, a battery on the other bracket electrically connected thereto and electrically connected with the lamp, a resilient finger struck from one end portion of said other bracket and engaged with the negative pole of the battery for electrically connecting same to said other bracket and for biasing the positive terminal of said battery into contact with one terminal of the lamp, .1 stop member on the other end of said other bracket engageable with the battery and cooperable with said finger for removably securing the battery in position on said other bracket, and resilient contacts on the brackets engaged with the lugs when the access plate is mounted in position on the beam.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)

Description

ILLUMINATED SPIRIT LEVEL James H. Ashwill, Compton, Calif., assignor of fifty per cent to James L. Cunningham, Norwalk, Calif.
Application January 17, 1952, Serial No. 266,847
1 Claim. (Cl. 240--6.44)
The present invention relates to new and useful improvements in spirit levels and has for its primary object to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, an instrument of this character comprising means for magnetically securing the device in position on a metallic support when in use.
Another very important object of the invention is to provide a spirit level of the aforementioned character which embodies means for automatically illuminating the bubble tubes when the instrument is applied to a metallic support.
Other objects of the invention are to provide a magnetic, illuminated level of the character described which will be comparatively simple in construction, strong, durable, highly efiicient and reliable in use, compact, light in weight and which may be manufactured at low cost.
All of the foregoing and still further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a study of the following specification, taken in connection with the accompanying drawing wherein like characters of reference designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, and wherein:
Figure l is a perspective view of a spirit level constructed in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 is a view in vertical longitudinal section through the instrument;
Figure 3 is an elevational view, looking at the inner side of the removable access plate with the illuminating means thereon;
Figure 4 is a horizontal sectional view, taken substantially on the line 4-4 of Figure 2;
Figure 5 is a view in transverse section, taken substantially on the line 5-5 of Figure 2;
Figure 6 is a view in transverse section taken substantially on the line 6-6 of Figure 2.
Referring now to the drawing in detail, it will be seen that the embodiment of the invention which has been illustrated comprises a bar or beam 10 of suitable plastic, which bar or beam may be of any desired dimensions. The beam 10 includes a vertical end 11 and an inclined end 12. Extending longitudinally in the beam 10 is a chamber 13. Openings 14 in the upper and end portions of the beam 10 communicate with the chamber 13. Bubble tubes 15 are mounted in the openings 14.
The beam 10 further includes a removable plate 16 which permits access to the chamber 13. The access plate 16, which is recessed into the beam 10, is secured in position by countersunk screws 17. Finger notches or recesses 18 are provided in the access plate 16.
Metallic brackets 19 and 20 are mounted on the inner face of the access plate 16. The bracket 19 includes an upturned inner end portion 21 which is apertured to threadedly receive an electric lamp 22. At its outer end, the bracket 19 terminates in a tapered downwardly curved contact finger 23.
A dry cell battery 24 is mounted on the bracket 20 with its positive pole in engagement with the positive contact United States Patent 0 of the lamp 22. The bracket 20 terminates in an upturned inner end portion 25 constituting a stop for the battery 24. Struck upwardly from the outer portion of the bracket 20 is a resilient finger or contact 26 which is engaged with the negative pole of the battery 24 and which, in conjunction with the element 25, secures said battery in position on said bracket. The bracket 20 terminates in a tapered, downwardly curved contact 27.
Recessed into the end portions of the bottom or base 28 of the beam 10 is a pair of permanent magnets 29. In the embodiment shown, the magnets 29 include upstanding lugs 30 which are engaged by the contacts 23 and 27 for electrically connecting the lamp 22 and the battery 24 to said magnets. Openings 31 in the base or bottom portion 28 of the beam 10 accommodate the lugs 30.
It is thought that the manner in which the device is used will be readily apparent from a consideration of the foregoing. Briefly, when the instrument is applied to a metallic object or member it is firmly secured in any desired position thereon by the magnets 29. When the instrument is thus applied to a metallic support an electric circuit is completed through the battery 24, the lamp 22, the elements 19 and 23, said support, and the elements 27 and 26, thus energizing said lamp for illuminating the bubble tubes 15. As best seen in Figure 5 of the drawing, the permanent side wall of the beam 10 has formed therein finger recesses or windows 32.
It is believed that the many advantages of a spirit level constructed in accordance with the present invention will be readily understood and although a preferred embodiment of the instrument is as illustrated and described, it is to be understood that changes in the details of construction and in the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to which will fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.
Having described the invention, what is claimed as new is:
A spirit level comprising, in combination, a beam having a chamber therein and further having openings in its end portions communicating with the chamber, permanent magnets on the beam engageable with a metallic support for mounting said beam thereon, lugs on the magnets engaged in the openings, bubble tubes on the beam, an access plate for the chamber removably mounted on the beam, elongated brackets on the access plate, an electric lamp on one of the brackets electrically connected thereto, a battery on the other bracket electrically connected thereto and electrically connected with the lamp, a resilient finger struck from one end portion of said other bracket and engaged with the negative pole of the battery for electrically connecting same to said other bracket and for biasing the positive terminal of said battery into contact with one terminal of the lamp, .1 stop member on the other end of said other bracket engageable with the battery and cooperable with said finger for removably securing the battery in position on said other bracket, and resilient contacts on the brackets engaged with the lugs when the access plate is mounted in position on the beam.
References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,617,937 Boucher et a1. Feb. 15, 1927 2,109,976 Pierce Mar. 1, 1938 2,198,945 Morris Apr. 30, 1940 2,234,982 Ross Mar. 18, 1941 2,481,736 Foerster Sept. 13, 1949 2,526,206 Dolan Oct. 17, 1950
US266847A 1952-01-17 1952-01-17 Illuminated spirit level Expired - Lifetime US2695949A (en)

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US2695949A true US2695949A (en) 1954-11-30

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Cited By (31)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2782524A (en) * 1955-12-07 1957-02-26 Theodore B H Vogt Magnetized spot levels
US2790069A (en) * 1954-11-22 1957-04-23 George G Alexander Illuminated spirit level
US2820302A (en) * 1956-06-21 1958-01-21 Jhon D Mitchell Multiple spirit level
US2886664A (en) * 1957-02-11 1959-05-12 Union Carbide Corp Flashlight and switch therefor
US3046672A (en) * 1959-01-19 1962-07-31 Harry S Lace Level
US3112889A (en) * 1961-10-04 1963-12-03 Michael L Marmo Wrist supported flashlight
US3186099A (en) * 1961-07-24 1965-06-01 Jr Nicholas Florko Level with magnetic holding means
US5199177A (en) * 1992-05-14 1993-04-06 Stanley Tools, A Division Of The Stanley Works Level
US5531031A (en) * 1995-01-20 1996-07-02 Green; Kevin D. Laser level and square
US6029360A (en) * 1996-11-13 2000-02-29 Koch; Robert E. Multi-angle pocket level
US6173502B1 (en) 1999-01-11 2001-01-16 Dane Scarborough Magnetically engagable level sensing apparatus and standoff
US6360446B1 (en) 1998-08-14 2002-03-26 The Stanley Works Level having a laser beam source
US6532676B2 (en) * 2000-03-09 2003-03-18 Christopher L. Cunningham Laser leveler
US6568095B2 (en) 2001-07-03 2003-05-27 David H. Snyder Magnetic torpedo level
US6675490B1 (en) 2000-06-28 2004-01-13 The Stanley Works Level
US20040118001A1 (en) * 2002-12-20 2004-06-24 Turpin Larry Wayne Combined laser level tape for fence construction
US20060021239A1 (en) * 2004-07-27 2006-02-02 Brown David A Pocket-sized leveling tool
US20080072440A1 (en) * 2006-09-27 2008-03-27 Bob Armitstead Illuminated level
US20110005091A1 (en) * 2009-06-29 2011-01-13 Pedersen Dale A Level lite
US20110119941A1 (en) * 2009-10-27 2011-05-26 Steele Michael S Level
US20110265340A1 (en) * 2010-04-29 2011-11-03 Stabila Messgerate Gustav Ullrich Gmbh Spirit level
US8910390B2 (en) 2010-10-26 2014-12-16 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Level
US20150096182A1 (en) * 2013-10-03 2015-04-09 Mark L. Silberberg Welder's Work Piece Positioning and Leveling Tool
US9228832B2 (en) 2009-10-27 2016-01-05 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Level
US9909870B2 (en) 2014-11-13 2018-03-06 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Level including removable end caps
US10845193B2 (en) 2016-12-21 2020-11-24 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Level with removable end cap
US10962365B2 (en) 2018-04-12 2021-03-30 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Magnet mounting and retention system for tool
US11085762B2 (en) 2018-04-27 2021-08-10 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Level with removable end cap with wall grip
US20230092753A1 (en) * 2021-09-23 2023-03-23 Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation Aerodynamic magnetically attached light for a towed vehicle
US20230184549A1 (en) * 2021-12-12 2023-06-15 Thomas Costello Instrument for determining level or plumb orientations
US11982543B2 (en) 2016-12-21 2024-05-14 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Level with removable end cap

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1617937A (en) * 1925-03-30 1927-02-15 George F Boucher Illuminated level
US2109976A (en) * 1936-11-23 1938-03-01 Jr Winslow S Pierce Center finding device
US2198945A (en) * 1939-07-10 1940-04-30 John P Jones Illuminated level
US2234982A (en) * 1939-04-07 1941-03-18 Donald S Ross Flush floor electric outlet
US2481736A (en) * 1946-02-11 1949-09-13 Gerald D Carter Illuminated level
US2526206A (en) * 1948-10-16 1950-10-17 James P Dolan Magnetic connection

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1617937A (en) * 1925-03-30 1927-02-15 George F Boucher Illuminated level
US2109976A (en) * 1936-11-23 1938-03-01 Jr Winslow S Pierce Center finding device
US2234982A (en) * 1939-04-07 1941-03-18 Donald S Ross Flush floor electric outlet
US2198945A (en) * 1939-07-10 1940-04-30 John P Jones Illuminated level
US2481736A (en) * 1946-02-11 1949-09-13 Gerald D Carter Illuminated level
US2526206A (en) * 1948-10-16 1950-10-17 James P Dolan Magnetic connection

Cited By (46)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2790069A (en) * 1954-11-22 1957-04-23 George G Alexander Illuminated spirit level
US2782524A (en) * 1955-12-07 1957-02-26 Theodore B H Vogt Magnetized spot levels
US2820302A (en) * 1956-06-21 1958-01-21 Jhon D Mitchell Multiple spirit level
US2886664A (en) * 1957-02-11 1959-05-12 Union Carbide Corp Flashlight and switch therefor
US3046672A (en) * 1959-01-19 1962-07-31 Harry S Lace Level
US3186099A (en) * 1961-07-24 1965-06-01 Jr Nicholas Florko Level with magnetic holding means
US3112889A (en) * 1961-10-04 1963-12-03 Michael L Marmo Wrist supported flashlight
US5199177A (en) * 1992-05-14 1993-04-06 Stanley Tools, A Division Of The Stanley Works Level
US5531031A (en) * 1995-01-20 1996-07-02 Green; Kevin D. Laser level and square
US6029360A (en) * 1996-11-13 2000-02-29 Koch; Robert E. Multi-angle pocket level
US6360446B1 (en) 1998-08-14 2002-03-26 The Stanley Works Level having a laser beam source
US6173502B1 (en) 1999-01-11 2001-01-16 Dane Scarborough Magnetically engagable level sensing apparatus and standoff
US6532676B2 (en) * 2000-03-09 2003-03-18 Christopher L. Cunningham Laser leveler
US6675490B1 (en) 2000-06-28 2004-01-13 The Stanley Works Level
US20040143981A1 (en) * 2000-06-28 2004-07-29 The Stanley Works Level
US6792686B2 (en) 2000-06-28 2004-09-21 The Stanley Works Level
US6568095B2 (en) 2001-07-03 2003-05-27 David H. Snyder Magnetic torpedo level
US20040118001A1 (en) * 2002-12-20 2004-06-24 Turpin Larry Wayne Combined laser level tape for fence construction
US20060021239A1 (en) * 2004-07-27 2006-02-02 Brown David A Pocket-sized leveling tool
US7117606B2 (en) * 2004-07-27 2006-10-10 Brown David A Pocket-sized leveling tool
US20070028472A1 (en) * 2004-07-27 2007-02-08 Brown David A Pocket-sized leveling tool
US20080072440A1 (en) * 2006-09-27 2008-03-27 Bob Armitstead Illuminated level
US20110005091A1 (en) * 2009-06-29 2011-01-13 Pedersen Dale A Level lite
US8336221B2 (en) * 2009-10-27 2012-12-25 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Level
US8631584B2 (en) 2009-10-27 2014-01-21 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Level
US9228832B2 (en) 2009-10-27 2016-01-05 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Level
US20110119941A1 (en) * 2009-10-27 2011-05-26 Steele Michael S Level
US20110265340A1 (en) * 2010-04-29 2011-11-03 Stabila Messgerate Gustav Ullrich Gmbh Spirit level
US8661698B2 (en) * 2010-04-29 2014-03-04 Stabila Messgerate Gustav Ullrich Gmbh Spirit level
US8910390B2 (en) 2010-10-26 2014-12-16 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Level
US20150096182A1 (en) * 2013-10-03 2015-04-09 Mark L. Silberberg Welder's Work Piece Positioning and Leveling Tool
US11346664B2 (en) 2014-11-13 2022-05-31 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Level including removable end caps
US9909870B2 (en) 2014-11-13 2018-03-06 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Level including removable end caps
US10697770B2 (en) 2014-11-13 2020-06-30 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Level including removable end caps
US11740082B2 (en) 2014-11-13 2023-08-29 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Level including removable end caps
US10845193B2 (en) 2016-12-21 2020-11-24 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Level with removable end cap
US11441898B2 (en) 2016-12-21 2022-09-13 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Level with removable end cap
US11982543B2 (en) 2016-12-21 2024-05-14 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Level with removable end cap
US11598635B2 (en) 2018-04-12 2023-03-07 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Magnet mounting and retention system for tool
US10962365B2 (en) 2018-04-12 2021-03-30 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Magnet mounting and retention system for tool
US11085762B2 (en) 2018-04-27 2021-08-10 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Level with removable end cap with wall grip
US11629956B2 (en) 2018-04-27 2023-04-18 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Level with removable end cap with wall grip
US20230092753A1 (en) * 2021-09-23 2023-03-23 Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation Aerodynamic magnetically attached light for a towed vehicle
US11752928B2 (en) * 2021-09-23 2023-09-12 Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation Aerodynamic magnetically attached light for a towed vehicle
US20230184549A1 (en) * 2021-12-12 2023-06-15 Thomas Costello Instrument for determining level or plumb orientations
US11828595B2 (en) * 2021-12-12 2023-11-28 Thomas Costello Instrument for determining level or plumb orientations

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