WO2006097912A2

WO2006097912A2 - Level

Info

Publication number: WO2006097912A2
Application number: PCT/IL2005/001138
Authority: WO
Inventors: Zion Nayim
Original assignee: Zion Nayim
Priority date: 2005-03-12
Filing date: 2005-10-31
Publication date: 2006-09-21
Also published as: GB0505116D0; WO2006097912A3

Abstract

A level comprises at least one rounded tube (2) filled with a liquid and with a floating ampoule (23). More than 90 degrees of the tube are exposed in one or more directions, on the tube there is a scale (21) with are relevant signs and/or marks and/or numbers for measuring the angle of the surface on which the level is placed. The scale is two-sided and there are also relevant signs and/or marks and/or numbers at the top of the scale, for measuring the surface by looking at the tube and the scale from any one of several directions. The level includes means for concurrently measuring the angle in two planes, using a rounded sphere filled with a liquid with an air bubble floating within.

Description

Level

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

The present application is related to, and claims priority from, the patent application No. GB 0505116.4 filed by the present applicant on March 12, 2005 in Great Britain and entitled "Level".

Technical Field

The invention relates to a level for measuring the inclination of a plane, and in particular to a more precise and easy to use level .

Background Art

Today, it is accepted practice to verify that a surface is horizontal by using a bubble level, including a bubble of gas in a liquid.

The bubble level has various disadvantages, for example:

1. It cannot provide to the surveyor a specific number indicating the slope of a surface .

This is important, for example if the surveyor wishes to determine what is the slope of an inclined surface, or what is the degree of slope error in a presumably horizontal plane.

2. The level in use today cannot measure a surface concurrently from different angles or directions.

3. Moreover, the existing level cannot display the angle or slope of a surface in several planes at the same time. Prior art patents include, for example:

Koch, U.S. Patent No. 6,029,360 - Multi-angle pocket level

Ruther, U.S. Patent No. 6,430,827 - Spirit level

Liao, U.S. Patent No. 6,782,628 - Level having roatable vial support device

Lim, U.S. Patent Application No. 2004/0187330 - Level capable to measure minute inclination

Japan Patent Application No. 11120336 - Level

PCT Patent Application No. PCT/EP99/04594 - Spirit level with angle indicator European Patent No. EP 1122 512 - Angle measuring spirit level

The purpose of the current invention is, among others, to offer solutions to these limitations, providing an improved level.

Disclosure of the Invention

According to the current invention, the level comprises a long rounded tube, which allows measuring the slope of a surface, to ensure it is horizontal.

The level includes marks, which allow reading the slope of the surface. These marks allow measuring the level of the surface and are visible from several directions .

According to another embodiment of the invention, the level comprises a rounded tube with an ampoule, which allows accurate measurements of the slope of a surface.

The new structure may also be used to concurrently measure the surface in two dimensions .

In another embodiment of this invention, the means for measuring the slope of the surface or to what degree it is not horizontal, is based on a solid weight with an index or pointer, rather than the gas bubble. A novel structure makes the level display visible from several directions.

In another embodiment of this invention, the expected/desired angle of a surface can be preset, to allow the level to measure deviations of a surface from that angle.

In another embodiment of this invention, the angle of a surface can be measured by the level in two planes.

In another embodiment of this invention, the value of the required slope of a surface can be preset and deviations therefrom be displayed.

Further purposes and benefits of the current invention will become apparent upon reading the present disclosure .

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 illustrates a front view of the level with an air bubble.

Fig. 2 details a side view of the level.

Fig. 3 details a front view of the level.

Fig. k details the rounded tube with the ampoule.

Fig. 5 details a top view of the level with marks.

Fig. 6 details a side view of marks.

Fig. 7 details the measuring ampoule of the level.

Fig. 8 details a level with an index.

Fig. 9 details a front view of the level's tube with an index. Fig. 10 details a top view of the level's tube.

Fig. 11 details a side view of the level's tube.

Fig. 12 details a level with a moving scale.

Fig. 13 details a level with means for measuring inclination in two planes.

Fig. Ih details a side view of the level's number marks.

Fig. 15 details a top view of the level's angle and slope marks.

Fig. 16 details a level with changeable angles and marks.

Fig. 17 details another embodiment of a level with means for measuring inclination in two planes.

Fig. 18 details a bi-dimensional display for the level.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The current invention will be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Six embodiments of the invention will now be detailed.

In a first embodiment, the level includes a rounded tube 2, filled with a liquid, for example water or oil. On the level there are marks and numbers 21. Using a large scale as illustrated, a more precise angle indication may be achieved, over a large angle range. Fig. 1 details a front view of the level 1 with an air bubble. These marks and numbers 21 are presented on two-sided scales . The marks and numbers 21 are present at the top too, so they can be seen from above as well. Thus, the scale can be read from several directions, for flexibility and ease of use .

Preferably, the scale 21 indicates the angle with a one degree precision (one of 360 degrees in a circle). Throughout the present disclosure, in a preferred embodiment a scale resolution of 1 degree or less may be used. As the size of scale 21 is increased, the angle resolution may be improved. In one embodiment, the diameter of scale 21 is about 5 to 6 centimeters (cm).

The scale is preferably so construed as to be capable of measuring more than 90 degrees of inclination in each direction, thus allowing to measure a wide range of slopes and to display their angle.

An air bubble 23 moves within the tube to its topmost position, to indicate the angle of the surface on which the level is placed.

The level may include (not shown) two rounded tubes as detailed above, with the tubes being normal to each other, for concurrently measuring an inclination in two dimensions.

Fig. 2 details a side view of the level 1. Upon the level's tube 2, there are marks and numbers 21 , allowing to measure while looking at the marks and numbers from the side.

In a second embodiment, the air bubble is replaced with a solid ampoule 3 to better indicate the angle. Fig. 3 details a front view of the level 1. The level's tube 2 circular, with relevant marks and numbers 21, where most of the scale is seen. It can measure more than 90 degrees in each direction. Within the tube 2, an ampoule 3 slides while floating on the liquid therein, to indicate an angle corresponding to the slope of the surface on which the level is placed. In the middle of the ampoule , there is a line 31 , designating on the scale of tube 2 the slope of the measured surface.

Such a line is more precise in indicating the angle, with respect to the gas bubble used in prior art.

Preferably, the specific weight of the ampoule is just slightly smaller than that of the liquid, so it will not exert too large a force on the upper part of the tube 2 as it floats on the liquid. Such a force may cause a reading error due to friction. There may be an optimal trade-off in the specific weight of the ampoule vs. that of the liquid and the overall size and shape of the ampoule, to minimise the angle measuring error.

Fig. 4 details the rounded tube 2 with the ampoule 3.

The overall specific weight of the ampoule 3 is smaller than that of the liquid within the tube, so that it would always float to the upper part of the tube. The liquid within the tube preferably allows for minimal friction of the ampoule against the tube, to allow it to move smoothly and prevent or minimize errors due to friction.

Fig. 5 details a top view of the level with marks.

In this embodiment the ampoule 3, can be easily seen from the top, along with its line, allowing easy measurement while looking at the level from its top. Several lines may be marked on the ampoule rather than only one line, to further improve the angle reading precision (Nonius).

Fig. 6 details a side view of the marks. Measurement can be performed from several directions and from atop, to allow easier use/reading of the level . Fig. 7 details the measuring ampoule 3 of the level. The ampoule is rounded at its front and rear ends, allowing it to slide in the liquid along the tube.

In a third embodiment, the level includes an index 4. Fig. 8 details a level 1 with an index 4. The index is displaying the angle of the slope and pointing to the scale of the tube 2.

The index 4 held at vertical using a counterweight as illustrated. Thus, the index 4 will always point up, for displaying the angle of the slope.

Optionally, it is possible to also include a rounded tube filled with a liquid and a solid ampoule floating on the liquid and with a mark across its center for indicating an angle, as detailed above. Such a structure may be used to implement a dual sensor level .

Fig. 9 details a front view of the level's tube 2 with an index 41. On the rounded tube 2 there are marks and numbers 21. The ampoule 3 moves within the level's tube 2.

In the middle of the tube there is an index 41, connected to the level with a hinge 43. The index displays the slope of tested surface. At the bottom of the index there is a weight 42, causing the index 41 to position upwards , thus pointing to the middle of the ampoule 3.

A dual indication can be achieved, using both the ampoule and the index to indicate the level's orientation. This dual indication can increase the reliability of the measurement and/or improve its precision.

Fig. 10 details a top view of the level's tube, with the ampoule 3 moving in the tube 2, and the "I" sign which is the edge of the index pointing upwards and displaying the angle of the surface. Fig. 11 details a side view of the level's tube 2, with the ampoule 3 displaying the angle.

In a fourth embodiment, the level can be preset to a predefined inclination value. Fig. 12 details a level 1 with a moving scale 53.

In this embodiment, a handle 51 allows rotating wheel 52, which would move the scale 53, relatively to a window 54.

There may be marks and numbers on the moving scale 532, which allow to determine an angle, according to the scale's contents 541 which is shown in the window 5k .

Within the wheel 52, there is a level 6 with a bubble 62 of air or of other gas.

Using this approach, it is possible to set the device for a desired angle using the handle 51, and then to measure the surface with the level to ensure the plane is indeed at that angle.

As the size of the wheel 52 is increased, and the scale 53 is more precise - a more accurate measurement and setting of the angle may be achieved .

In a fifth embodiment, the level includes means for measuring an inclination in two planes. Fig. 13 details a level with means for concurrently measuring a plane's inclination in two planes.

In this isometric view, a ball 7 is connected to a device with two arms 61 and 62, connected to each other with a hinge 63.

The ball 7 allows measuring the angle in two planes. The arms are adjustable and may be moved relatively to each other. When the two arms are attached together the device may be locked using a clasp βh. Within the ball 7, there is a liquid with a bubble of air, indicating the angle of the surface in two planes.

Fig. Ik details a side view of the level's number marks, as may appear on the ball 7.

Fig. 15 details a top view of the level's angle and slope marks, as may appear on the ball 7.

In a sixth embodiment, the level is preset to an expected inclination using another structure. Fig. 16 details a level with a changeable angle. Within a level 1, there is an inner level 6 with indicator marks 62.

A handle 55 can rotate, using a wire or other means 56, the level 6, so that it could measure a desired angle of the surface.

An index 57 will show the angle of the level 6, and it too is connected to the wire or other means 56. The index is moving along a scale 58, representing the angle of the level 6. By using a level 6 with its marks, it can be verified that the surface matches the required angle.

Fig. 17 details another embodiment of a level with means for measuring inclination in two planes. It includes two arms 613 and 623 rotatably connected by means of an axis 63. The level may be closed by bringing the two arms 613, 623 close to each other. In this state, the level may be used for one-dimensional inclination measurements.

To measure bi-dimensional inclination, the arms 613, 623 are opened as illustrated in Fig. 17. A scale 635 may be used to measure the angle between the arms 613 , 623. Holding means on the scale 635 may be used to fix the arms 613, 623 at a desired angle to each other, for example at 90 arc degrees. The bi-dimensional level may be used with a bi-dimensional display 7 mounted on one of the arms 613, 623 (arm 613 in this embodiment). The structure of the display 7 is further detailed with reference to Fig. 18.

The scale means 635 may further include means for locking the level when the two arms 613, 623 are brought close to each other.

It is possible to set the two arms 613, 623 at a h5 arc degrees therebetween. In this case , the bidimensional display displays an average inclination of the two arms 613, 623.

Fig. 18 details a bi-dimensional display 7 for the level. The display may include a transparent hemisphere with a bi-dimensional scale printed or engraved thereon. The hemisphere may include a liquid with an air bubble therein, in such a structure as to allow the air bubble to indicate, on the bi-dimensional scale, the bi-dimensional inclination to be measured.

The air bubble may be replaced with other indicating means, as detailed elsewhere in the present disclosure.

It will be recognized that the foregoing is but one example of an apparatus and method within the scope of the present invention and that various modifications will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the disclosure set forth hereinbefore.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A level comprising a rounded tube filled with a liquid and a gas bubble for indicating an angle , wherein more than 90' degrees of the tube are exposed in one or two directions from horizontal, on the tube there is a scale with a scale with relevant signs marks and/or numbers for measuring the angle of a surface on which the level is placed.

2. The level according to claim 1, wherein the scale indicates the angle in about one degrees of angle resolution.

3. The level according to claim 1 , wherein the rounded tube is about 5 to 6 cm in diameter.

4. The level according to claim 1 , including two rounded tubes normal to each other for concurrently measuring an inclination in two dimensions .

5. A level comprising a rounded tube filled with a liquid and a solid ampoule floating on the liquid and with a mark across its center for indicating an angle, wherein more than 90 degrees of the tube are exposed in one or two directions from horizontal, on the tube there is a scale with relevant signs marks and/or numbers for measuring the angle of a surface on which the level is placed.

6. The level according to claim 5 , wherein the specific weight of the ampoule is just slightly smaller than that of the liquid, so it will not exert too large a force on the upper part of the tube as it floats on the liquid therein.

7. The level according to claim 5, wherein the specific weight of the ampoule, and the overall size and shape of the ampoule are so devised as to minimise the angle measuring error.

8. A level comprising a an index held at vertical with a counterweight, for displaying the angle of the slope.

9. The level according to claim 8, further including a rounded tube filled with a liquid and a solid ampoule floating on the liquid and with a mark across its center for indicating an angle, to implement a dual sensor level.

10. A level comprising a horizontal indicating means and preset inclination means for measuring deviations from a preset angle value, wherein the preset inclination means include a moving scale means adjustable by a user, wherein adjusting the scale concurrently rotates the horizontal indicating means.

11. The level according to claim 10, further including movement reducing means for achieving a fine angle adjustment capability.

12. A level comprising a horizontal indicating means and preset inclination means for measuring deviations from a preset angle value, wherein the preset inclination means include a moving index means adjustable by a user, wherein moving the index along the scale concurrently rotates the horizontal indicating means.

13. The level according to claim 12, further including movement reducing means for achieving a fine angle adjustment capability.

14. A level for a concurrent measurement of inclination in two dimensions, comprising two arms extending in two directions and a transparent ball filled with a liquid with a bubble of gas for indicating the angle in two dimensions on a scale on the surface of the ball .

15. The level according to claim Ik, wherein one or both of the two arms are foldable.

16. The level according to claim 15 , further including scale means for measuring an angle formed between the two arms.

17. The level according to claim 16, wherein the scale means further include means for locking the level when the two arms are brought close to each other.

18. The level according to claim 15 , wherein the bidimensional display displays an average inclination when the two arms are at a U5 arc degrees therebetween.