WO2001065208A1

WO2001065208A1 - Multipurpose universal laser adapter

Info

Publication number: WO2001065208A1
Application number: PCT/CA2000/000228
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard Arel
Original assignee: Richard Arel
Priority date: 2000-03-03
Filing date: 2000-03-03
Publication date: 2001-09-07
Also published as: AU3265800A; CA2370689A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a multipurpose universal laser adapter, comprising a laser device and a liquid gauge, capable of being horizontally or vertically fixed and adapted to all dimensions and types of carpenter's levels, such that said device is useful for tracing reference points on the vertical or horizontal plane, without ever changing the initial carpenter's level position, and all the levels provided with said device can be automatically used and comparable to a dedicated laser level. A battery of any other power source is used to supply a laser module projecting a light beam which is used as reference point when a reference surface is being aligned or adjusted.

Description

UNIVERSAL MULTIFUNCTIONAL LASER ADAPTER

DESCRIPTION:

1) Technical area:

The present invention generally relates to a universal multifunction laser adapter, provided with a liquid gauge and with a laser module which projects a reference point, which is fixed at a carpenter's level generally used in the field of construction. More specifically, this multifunctional universal adapter is fixed and adapts to all types and sizes of carpenter's levels, so that any level fitted with this device becomes a laser level that can align horizontal or vertical reference surfaces.

2) Prior art

There are currently various laser level models that are used in the construction industry, used to align objects, draw lines or level surfaces. Generally, these devices are very complex and dedicated to a single use and very expensive.

More specifically, there is a laser level model identical to the carpenter's level, in which a laser module has been integrated inside the level structure. One can cite as an example the American patent number 5,604,987, in which one of the main components of the invention is a level of carpenter integrating a device projecting a laser beam. This laser level model is also very expensive. In addition, it requires its user who usually already has a conventional level of carpenter to obtain another level that incorporates a laser module to be able to use this technology.

In addition, there are several kinds of carpenter's levels on the market, the length of which can vary from 8 to 60 inches and even more. Each of these models is very useful either because it is portable, small in size for working in tight spaces, or very large in scope for leveling a large area or distant objects. But when a carpenter's level, the laser module of which is already integrated inside, is used, the user is forced to work with its length. For example, if the level incorporating a laser module is 30 inches long, and one has to work in a confined space and that a level of 12 to 18 inches would be easier to handle, the laser level of 30 inches becomes therefore useless. The same is true if one would like to work with a more far reaching level.

Also, there are laser levels on the market that project horizontal or vertical reference points using laser diodes that are integrated vertically or horizontally into the structure of a level. However, no supplier offers a portable laser tool, which can be fixed to all types and lengths of conventional carpenter's level and allows horizontal or vertical alignment without ever changing the initial basic position of the carpenter's level. Finally, Canadian patent application # 2050969 describes a universal laser mount for carpenter's level. However, this last reference relates to a non-versatile frame which cannot be adjusted.

The present invention relates to a universal multifunction laser adapter which can be fixed horizontally or vertically on all kinds of carpenter's levels. This invention overcomes all the difficulties mentioned above, because the user can fix at his level of carpenter that he already has, this device which will allow him to obtain a laser level that can combine vertical and horizontal alignment, and this at little expense. The universal multifunction laser adapter can be attached and dismantled in seconds, and can therefore be transferred from one level to another, regardless of its length or width.

3) Statement of the invention:

According to the main aspect of the invention, the universal multifunction laser adapter comprises a laser module placed in parallel with its base and a liquid gauge allowing the simultaneous positioning of the horizontal or vertical axis when the laser module points perpendicularly to the level carpenter. The laser module is powered by an electric battery or by an electric cord, or any other suitable energy source. The universal adapter attaches and adapts horizontally or vertically to all kinds of levels carpenter that includes at least one tube filled with a liquid that contains an air bubble allowing the user to determine if the surface is level.

Preferably, the universal multifunction adapter is fixed to a carpenter's level by nuts or any other device which can hold it there.

4) Brief description of the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the universal multifunction laser adapter made in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a carpenter's level to which a universal laser adapter according to the present invention has been attached.

Figure 3 is a view demonstrating the present invention when horizontally attached to a carpenter's level.

Figure 4 is a view demonstrating the present invention when vertically attached to a carpenter's level.

Figure 5 is an assembly view of the component parts of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a view of the component parts of the laser module included in the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view showing that the laser diode is perfectly centered in the front part of the structure of the present invention.

Figure 8 shows the impact of the laser beam on a reference surface when adjusting the beam level. Figure 9 shows the projection of a laser beam when the universal multifunction adapter rests on its lower or upper part.

FIG. 10 is a view showing the projection of a laser beam when the universal multifunction adapter rests on its right or left side part.

Figure 11 is a view of a circular level gauge for horizontal and vertical positioning.

Figure 12 is a view of a combination of tubular level gauges used simultaneously for horizontal and vertical positioning.

5) Best way to realize the invention

Considering the level itself of FIG. 2, the structure (12) is preferably made of aluminum or plastic or polymer or any other suitable material. The upper part is parallel to the lower part. Preferably, the sides are flat and parallel to each and are at right angles to the lower and upper part, which allow them to serve as a reference surface. Inside the level structure (12), there are gauges (16), (16a) and (16b) which are advantageously pre-assembled and placed in a precision opening on the side of the structure. The gauges (16), (16a) and (16b) are usually made of a saddled tube of liquid (13) which includes an air bubble (14), which rises at the highest level of the tube (13 ) to provide a conventional level indication. When the level (12) is placed on a reference surface which is horizontal, the bubble (14) inside the gauge (16a) is found between the 2 reference marks (15) and (15a). If the reference surface is not horizontal, the bubble (14) will move away from the center towards the upper part of the tube (16a). Preferably lines are found on the tube to serve as reference marks. The bubble (14) found on the gauge (16) is placed between similar marks when the reference surface is oblique. The gauges (16), (16a) and (16b) are conventional and are used conventionally. They could therefore be replaced by other types of mechanisms having vertical and horizontal gauges. Some gauges that are found on the market are called, inclinometer.

Considering the universal multifunction laser adapter itself of FIGS. 1 and 2, its structure (1) can be made of aluminum, or of polymer or of another suitable material, which can be molded or machined so as to be able to receive and hold a laser device (2) inside its structure (1), therefore the light beam (6) will be in parallel and centered with the base of the structure. The base is parallel with the beam of the laser module (2) and the reference surface, ie the upper part of a carpenter's level.

Considering Figures 5.6 and 7, the laser diode (7) is positioned so as to project a light beam (6) parallel to the lower, upper and side parts of the structure (1) of the universal adapter.

Preferably, the laser diode (7) is incorporated in the structure (1) of the universal adapter or in a tube serving as a structure for this device as seen in FIG. 6. The laser module (2) is integrated so as to be parallel to the base of the structure (1). The laser diode (7) is preferably 5mW, it is designed to be powered by standard batteries. The batteries (10) are housed in the structure or in any other device which could be inserted in the structure (1). The batteries (10) are placed generally opposite the laser diode (7). The batteries (10) are retained by friction to be easily changed and are held in place by springs (9). The energy source of the laser module (2) could be any other energy sources that can adequately power the laser module. The switch (11) is provided with a push button (11a) which is easily accessible to the user's finger to start or close the laser module (2).

With reference to FIG. 5, inside the structure of the universal adapter (1), there are one or more liquid gauges which are advantageously pre-assembled and placed in a precision opening on the rear part of the structure. The circular gauge (5) is usually made of a saddled tube of liquid which includes an air bubble (5a), which rises to the highest level of the tube (5) to provide a conventional level indication on a horizontal and vertical axis. When the universal adapter (1) is placed vertically on a horizontal reference surface, the bubble (5a) inside the gauge (5) is found in the center of the reference line (5b). If the reference surface is not horizontal, the bubble (5a) will move away from the center towards the upper part of the circular gauge (5). Preferably lines are found on the gauge (5) to serve as reference marks (5b). The gauge (5) is conventional and is used conventionally. It could therefore be replaced by other types of mechanisms or other combinations of gauges (fig. 12) that can level the horizontal and vertical axis simultaneously.

Referring to Figure 5, this drawing shows the assembly position and the interaction between the component parts of the present invention are: the structure (1), the laser module (2), the clamping nuts (3), the adjustment screw (4) of the laser module and the liquid gauge (5).

With reference to FIG. 6, this drawing shows the assembly position and the interaction between the component parts of the laser module (2) either: a laser diode (7), an integrated circuit (8), tension springs ( 9), an energy source (10), a start switch button (11) and a laser beam (6).

Referring to Figure 7, we see that the laser diode (7) is placed in the center of the structure (1) of the universal adapter. The structure (1) is advantageously designed in a square shape. The laser diode (7) is centered in the structure so that its beam (6) is adjusted parallel to the four plane face of the structure (1).

Figure 9 demonstrates the principle of adjusting the laser beam. The beam path is represented by the impact points A, B and C; "B" being located at equal distance from A and C. To check if the beam is in parallel with the upper and lower part of the structure (1), place the universal adapter on a flat surface (17) and returns to the opposite side. If the point of impact for both sides is identical "B", the laser is so level on the horizontal plane. If the impact points are different "A or C", the laser beam is not level. The adjustment screws (4) allow the laser beam to be positioned towards the central point "B". The source of the laser beam (6) being at the center of the structure (1) this gives a mirror effect in order to calibrate the laser beam (6).

Figure 10 shows us the principle of adjustment of the laser beam for the lateral part. The beam path is represented by the impact points D, B and E; "B" being located at equal distance from D and E. To check if the beam is in parallel with the right side and left side of the structure, place the universal adapter on a flat surface (17) and turn it over on the opposite side. If the point of impact for both sides is identical "B", the laser is therefore level on the vertical plane. If the impact points are different "D or E", the laser beam (6) is not level. The adjustment screws (4) allow the laser beam to be positioned towards the central point "B". The source of the laser beam being at the center of the structure, this gives a mirror effect in order to calibrate the laser beam.

Considering Figures 7,8,9 and 10, a laser beam (6) perfectly calibrated and parallel to the structure (1) will always have the same point of impact regardless of the side chosen (point B according to fig. 8) , since the laser diode is found in the center of a structure so the front part is a perfect square (fig. 7).

Claims

Claims:

1. According to the main aspect of the invention, a universal multifunction laser adapter, incorporates a liquid gauge and a laser module which is placed in parallel with its base and which is powered by an electric battery or any other form of energy. , attach and fit horizontally or vertically to any size and kind of carpenter's level that includes at least one tube filled with a liquid that contains an air bubble or other device that allows the user to determine whether the surface is vertical or horizontal, so that this device can be used to draw reference points on the vertical or horizontal plane, without ever changing the initial position of the carpenter's level.

2. A universal multifunction adapter as defined in claim 1, in which the laser diode is placed in the center of the structure of the universal adapter designed in a square shape.

3. The universal adapter as defined in claim 1, in which a laser module is fixed to the center of the square-shaped structure by adjustment screws so as to allow the user to calibrate the laser beam parallel to the upper and lower and side parts of the adapter structure.

4. The universal adapter as defined in claim 1, is fixed to the carpenter's level by nuts or any other device which can hold it therein.