WO1999046561A1

WO1999046561A1 - Bubble level

Info

Publication number: WO1999046561A1
Application number: PCT/EP1999/001371
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wolfgang Ott
Original assignee: Wolfgang Ott
Priority date: 1998-03-12
Filing date: 1999-03-03
Publication date: 1999-09-16
Also published as: DE19810716A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a bubble level with a longish body (12) which has at least one straight edge (14) running in a longitudinal direction, and at least one spirit level (32; 34). The bubble level is characterized in that a means (30, 42, 43, 44, 46) which extends parallel in relation to the edge is provided for guiding a functional element (50) which can be displaced in a longitudinal direction. The invention also relates to a functional element (50) for the inventive bubble level, whereby the functional element comprises a first section (52) which has a guiding part (72) that interacts with the guiding means (30, 42, 43, 44, 46), and a second section (54). Said second section is mounted on the first section (52) such that it can pivot, whereby the pivotal axis (58) runs parallel in relation to the edge (14).

Description

Spirit level

The invention relates to a spirit level with an elongated body, which has at least one straight edge running in the longitudinal direction, and at least one spirit level. The invention further relates to a functional element for a spirit level.

A spirit level of the aforementioned type is known, for example, from the publication US Pat. No. 5,279,041. From the publication DE 94 03 772 Ul a stop bracket is known which comprises a dimension leg and a stop leg, both of which are arranged at an angle of 90 ° to one another. The dimension leg is slidably arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction of the stop leg. The stop leg includes a spirit level so that it can also be used as a spirit level.

In principle, there are spirit levels in a wide variety of designs, and they are usually rectangular in cross section. Some well-known spirit levels have an imprint with a millimeter and centimeter graduation on the front. To hang up a picture with two attachment points, for example, it was previously necessary to first measure the distance between these two attachment points and then tear open this dimension on the wall, the two points on the wall lying on a horizontal line. Although this procedure is not intrinsically complicated, it is still in need of improvement.

Against this background, the object of the invention is to provide a spirit level which enables easier handling, especially for such handles.

The object underlying the invention is achieved by a spirit level of the type mentioned in that it has a means extending parallel to the edge for guiding a longitudinally displaceable functional element.

This functional element can be used to mark / mark a point on the wall. For hanging an image with two attachment points it is then possible, for example, to move and determine two functional elements according to the distance between the two fastening points on the spirit level. In this case, the user no longer has to remember the distance, but it is sufficient to place the spirit level on the wall at the desired height and to mark the points with the help of the functional elements, the spirit level having been leveled beforehand with the help of the vials.

The multifunctional spirit level can be designed in any commercially available length or as desired.

By means of a preferably provided milling in the spirit level, various functional elements can be inserted or inserted depending on the length of the spirit level and as necessary, which brings additional relief.

In a preferred development of the invention, the guide means is designed as a groove which is provided in the body. The groove preferably has an undercut running in the longitudinal direction.

This has the advantage that the guiding means is designed in a structurally simple manner without the guiding property suffering. Furthermore, the functional element can be secured very easily against falling out.

In a preferred development, the body has a front side and an adjoining top side, and the guide means is provided on the top side of the body, and the back side is designed to rest on a flat surface. A measuring scale extending in the longitudinal direction is preferably arranged on the top of the body in the region of the edge. It is further preferred if the between Back and top included angles is less than 90 °.

In this preferred development, the upper side thus runs obliquely to the rear side, so that the upper side is visible from the front at a correspondingly selected angle, for example 45 °, with a spirit level placed on a wall. Since the top carries a measuring scale, a measure can be easily marked on the wall.

In a preferred development, a recess is provided on a front of the body which rotatably receives the dragonfly. A further dragonfly is preferably provided, which is rotatably received in a further recess in the front of the body.

This has the advantage that a very flexibly usable spirit level can be achieved with little design effort. In particular, oblique lines can also be drawn, the recess for the dragonfly preferably comprising an angle scale.

In a preferred development, the body is designed as a hollow profile. The body is preferably triangular, rectangular or trapezoidal in cross section. Preferably, a longitudinally extending recess is provided which receives the measuring scale. The body is preferably made of metal or plastic.

This has the advantage that a very stable, yet light and therefore inexpensive body can be produced by using a hollow profile. Because the measuring scale in a recess If there is space, different measuring scales, for example inches, centimeters or inches, can be easily inserted without having to change the body itself. This leads to cost advantages, particularly in the case of mass production. Of course, the measuring scale can also be applied by another method, for example by screen printing or by laser.

The functional element comprises a first section which has a guide part which interacts with the guide means, and a second section which is pivotably attached to the first section, the pivot axis running parallel to the edge. The first section preferably extends to the edge.

In a preferred embodiment, the second section has a marking opening, preferably in the form of a cross.

Such a design of a functional element has the advantage that it is structurally simple and can thus be manufactured inexpensively. Because the second section is pivotably arranged on the first section, this second section can be folded away on the one hand so that it releases the edge and on the other hand adapts to the inclination of the surface to be marked.

In a preferred development, the guide part has a bore which is designed to receive a screw in order to be able to fix the functional element to the guide means. This has the advantage that the guide element can be fixed very easily on the spirit level. With just a few simple steps, any dimensions can be transferred and, in particular, duplicated identically.

In a preferred development, the second section is designed as an angular quick drawing head. The angular quick-drawing head preferably has two basic angular elements which are at an angle of 90 ° to one another and are each provided with millimeter and centimeter divisions. The two basic angle elements are preferably designed to be rotatable as a unit.

This has the advantage that the flexibility of the spirit level and thus also its area of use can be increased.

Further advantages and refinements of the invention result from the description and the accompanying drawing.

It goes without saying that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the combination indicated in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The invention will now be explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawing. Show:

Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view of a spirit level according to the invention; FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional illustration of the spirit level shown in FIG. 1;

3 shows a schematic view of a functional element;

Fig. 4 is a schematic sectional view of the functional element; and

Fig. 5 shows a functional element with an angular quick drawing head.

A spirit level is identified in FIG. 1 by reference number 10. The spirit level 10 has an elongated body 12, the length of which may vary depending on the area of application. The elongated body 12 is preferably made from a hollow profile, the cross section of which can be seen in FIG. 2. The body 12 is formed by a rear side 18, a front side 20 running parallel thereto, a lower side 22 and an upper side 24. Back 18, front 20, bottom 22 and top 24 are interconnected so that a closed cavity 26 is formed. In contrast to the usual profiles with a rectangular cross section, the upper side 24 forms an angle α with the rear side 18 which is less than 90 °, preferably 45 °. The four sides 18, 20, 22 and 24 thus form a trapezoid in cross section.

The connection between the back 18 and the top 24 forms a tapered longitudinal edge 14 which extends straight in the longitudinal direction, so that straight lines can be drawn. A measuring scale 16 is provided on the upper side 24 adjacent to the longitudinal edge 14 and has, for example, a centimeter division. Of course, other divisions are also conceivable. In order to make it easy to replace the measuring scale 16, the measuring scale 16 is provided in a recess 28 on the upper side 24. This recess 28 is in the form of a groove which extends over the entire length of the body 12. This recess 28 is preferably designed to be open at the edge on at least one side, so that the measuring scale 16 can be pushed in and out.

Adjacent to the measuring scale 16 is a slot 30 which extends in the longitudinal direction and whose width is designated by S. The slot 30 penetrates the top 24 completely, so that a connection to the cavity 26 is created. The slot 30 is formed open to the edges at both longitudinal ends 11, 13 of the body 12.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the front 20 carries two dragonflies 32, 34. The dragonfly 32 is provided in the central longitudinal region of the body 12 and is firmly connected to the front 20. The level 32 is used for the horizontal alignment of the longitudinal edge 14.

The second dragonfly 34 is provided in a circular recess 36 in a lateral longitudinal region of the body 12. The level 34 can be rotated in the recess 36 about an axis 38 which is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. At the edge of the recess 36 there are schematically indicated markings 40 which represent angle markings. Dragonfly 34 leaves thus set in a certain angular position relative to the longitudinal edge 14.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the slot 30 opens into a space 42 which is delimited by the upper side 24, a surface 43 and two side surfaces 44 and 46. The two side surfaces 44 and 46 run at right angles to the upper side 24, while the surface 43 runs parallel to the upper side 24. Both the surface 43 and the two side surfaces 44 and 46 extend over the entire length of the body 12. The two side surfaces 44 and 46 are arranged at a distance from one another which exceeds the width S of the slot 30. The space 42 thus forms an undercut with respect to the slot 30. Like the slot 30, the space 42 is open to both longitudinal ends 11, 13 of the body 12. The space 42, together with the surfaces 43, 44, 46 and the slot 30, serves as guiding means for guiding a functional element 50 which is still to be explained and which can be moved parallel to the longitudinal edge 14 over the entire length of the body 12.

The functional element 50, as shown in FIG. 3, has a first functional part 52 and a second functional part 54. Both functional parts 52, 54 are connected to one another by a schematically indicated hinge 56, the hinge 56 allowing a functional part 52, 54 to be pivoted about an axis 58. The hinge 56 is preferably designed as a spring hinge 57, which forces the two functional parts 52, 54 into a predetermined position. 10

The functional part 52 has an opening 60 in its central region, into which a tip 62 projects. The tip 62 is aligned with respect to a longitudinal axis 64.

The functional part 54 has a cross-shaped opening 66, which is symmetrical to the longitudinal axis 64. The opening 66 has a width that is sufficient to insert a pencil tip and thus to mark an area behind the functional part 54.

As can be seen from the sectional view in FIG. 4, the functional part 52 is connected to a guide element 70. The guide element 70 is designed such that it essentially completely fills the space 42 (viewed in cross section). One leg 72 of the T-shaped guide element 70 has a length that corresponds at least to the thickness of the upper side 24. With one in the guide means, i.e. in the space 42, inserted guide element 70, the leg 72 passes through the slot 30 such that the first functional part 52 is parallel to the top 24 beyond the cavity 26. The length of the functional part 52 is chosen so that the hinge 56 lies in the region of the longitudinal edge 14.

As can further be seen from FIG. 4, the guide element 70 has a bore 74 which completely penetrates the guide element 70 or the leg 72 in the longitudinal direction and is provided with an internal thread. A knurled screw 76 can be screwed into this bore 74, the tip of the knurled screw 76 protruding from the underside of the guide element 70 in the screwed-in state. The knurled screw 76 is used 11

to fix the guide element 70 within the space 42 and thus to fix the functional element 50.

Both the body 12 and the functional element 50 can be made of any material, for example plastic, but preferably a metal or a light metal, such as aluminum.

The functional elements 50 are suitable for being displaced in the longitudinal direction of the body 12, the surfaces 43, 44, 46 together with the slot 30 taking over the guidance of the functional element 50. The tip 62 of the first functional part 52 is designed so that it points to a mark on the measuring scale 16. The hinge 56 and the second functional part 54 are arranged such that the second functional part 54 can form a plane with the rear side 18, as is indicated in FIG. 2. By turning the knurled screw 76, the functional element 50 can be fixed with respect to the body 12 at a specific marking on the measuring scale 16. Furthermore, a functional element 50 can be removed from the slot 30 or the space 42 by longitudinal displacement to one of the two longitudinal ends 11, 13. Conversely, further functional elements 50 can also be pushed onto the body 12 in this way.

5 shows a further example of a functional element 50 '. The functional element 50 'in turn comprises a functional part 52' which can be accommodated in the space 42 so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction by means of a guide element 70 (not shown). Depending on the design, the opening 60 and the tip 62 can also be provided in the functional part 52 '. For reasons of clarity, breakthrough 60 and tip 62 are not shown. 12

provides. The second functional part 54 ″ is in turn pivotally attached to the first functional part 52 by means of a hinge 56.

The second functional part 54 'comprises a quick drawing head 80 which comprises a first ruler 82 and a second ruler 84. Both rulers 82, 84 are connected to one another at an angle of 90 °. Both rulers 82, 84 each have a measuring scale on their longitudinal edges, which has, for example, centimeter markings. In the connection area of the two rulers 82, 84, a circular arc segment 86 is provided, which bears angle markings.

The quick-drawing head 80 is rotatably attached to a carrier element 92 by means of a schematically indicated rotating mechanism 90. The carrier element 92 is connected to the first functional part 52 ′ via the hinge 56.

The rotating mechanism 90 comprises a locking device 94 lying on a segment of a circle, which has a plurality of notches 95. These notches 95 are arranged at equal angular intervals from one another. The locking device 94 is firmly connected to the carrier element 92.

A notch 96 can engage in the notches 95 and can be displaced perpendicular to the plane of the drawing by means of a handle 97. The displacement distance and the thickness of the latching device 94 are selected so that the latch 96 can be brought out of the notch 95 by pressing the handle 97. Since the quick-drawing head 80 is attached to the carrier element 92 such that it can be rotated about an axis 98, the quick-action 13

Turn the drawing head and snap it into one of the next notches 95.

The adjustment path of the quick-drawing head 80 can be limited by means of a pin 99, which is attached to the carrier element 92 and engages in an arc-segment-shaped recess 100.

A locking slide 101 is provided for locking the quick drawing head 80 on the carrier element 92.

Of course, other functional assemblies can also be attached to the carrier element 52.

It turns out that the spirit level 10 can be used in a very versatile manner. In addition, it simplifies many work processes, as the spirit level offers additional functions such as a measuring scale and marking aids. Not only the handyman gets a tool with the spirit level according to the invention, which he can use in many ways and which saves him certain previously necessary manipulations.

Claims

14 Patent claims

1. spirit level with an elongated body (12) which has at least one straight edge (14) running in the longitudinal direction, and at least one spirit level (32; 34), characterized by a means (30, 42, 43) extending parallel to the edge 44, 46) for guiding a longitudinally displaceable functional element (50).

2. Spirit level according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide means (30, 42, 43, 44, 46) is designed as a groove or recess (30) which is provided in the body (12).

3. Spirit level according to claim 2, characterized in that the groove (30) has a longitudinal undercut (42).

4. Spirit level according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (12) has a top (24) and a back (18), and that the guide means (30, 42, 43, 44, 46) on the top ( 24) of the body (12) is provided, and that the rear side (18) is designed to rest on a flat surface.

5. Spirit level according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the top (24) of the body 15

pers (12) in the region of the edge (14) a measuring scale (16) extending in the longitudinal direction is arranged.

6. Spirit level according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the angle between the rear side (18) and top side (24) in the region of the edge (14) is less than 90 °.

7. Spirit level according to claim 3, characterized in that the groove (30, 42) is open-ended at at least one end (11; 13).

8. Spirit level according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a recess is provided on the front (20) of the body (12) which receives the dragonfly (32).

9. Spirit level according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a further level (34) is provided, which is rotatably received in a further recess (36) in the front (20) of the body (12).

10. Spirit level according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (12) is designed as a hollow profile.

11. Spirit level according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (12) is triangular, rectangular or trapezoidal in cross section. 16

12. Spirit level according to claim 5, characterized in that a longitudinally extending recess (28) is provided which receives the measuring scale (16).

13. Spirit level according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (12) is made of metal.

14. Functional element (50) for a spirit level according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by a first section (52) having a with the guide means (30, 42, 43, 44, 46) cooperating guide part (72), and a second portion (54) pivotally attached to the first portion (52), the pivot axis (58) being parallel to the edge (14).

15. Functional element according to claim 14, characterized in that the first section (52) extends to the edge.

16. Functional element according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the second section (54) has a marking opening (66), preferably in the form of a cross.

17. Functional element according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the guide part (72) has a bore (74) which is designed to receive a screw (76) to the functional element (50) on the guide means (30, 42, 43, 44, 46). 17

18. Functional element according to one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the first section (52) has an opening (60) through which the measuring scale (16) can be read.

19. Functional element according to one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that the first section (52) and the second section (54) are interconnected via a hinge (56).

20. Functional element according to claim 19, characterized in that the hinge (56) is designed as a spring hinge (57).

21. Functional element according to claim 14, characterized in that the second section (54) is designed as an angular quick-drawing head (80).

22. Functional element according to claim 21, characterized in that the angular quick-drawing head (80) has two basic elements (82, 84) which are at an angle of 90 ° to one another and are each provided with millimeter and centimeter divisions.

23. Functional element according to claim 22, characterized in that the two basic angular elements (82, 84) are rotatable as a unit.