WO2007013057A2 - Spirit levels and spirit level accessories - Google Patents
Spirit levels and spirit level accessories Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2007013057A2 WO2007013057A2 PCT/IL2006/000826 IL2006000826W WO2007013057A2 WO 2007013057 A2 WO2007013057 A2 WO 2007013057A2 IL 2006000826 W IL2006000826 W IL 2006000826W WO 2007013057 A2 WO2007013057 A2 WO 2007013057A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- spirit level
- longitudinal axis
- major side
- bubble vial
- pair
- Prior art date
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
- G01C9/00—Measuring inclination, e.g. by clinometers, by levels
- G01C9/18—Measuring inclination, e.g. by clinometers, by levels by using liquids
- G01C9/24—Measuring inclination, e.g. by clinometers, by levels by using liquids in closed containers partially filled with liquid so as to leave a gas bubble
- G01C9/26—Details
- G01C9/32—Means for facilitating the observation of the position of the bubble, e.g. illuminating means
Definitions
- the invention is in the field of spirit levels and spirit level accessories.
- spirit levels with a centrally disposed horizontal bubble vial viewable from above and both major side surfaces for indicating the inclination of a generally horizontal surface with respect to the horizontal, and a pair of laterally disposed vertical bubble vials viewable from both major side surfaces for indicating the inclination of a generally upright surface with respect to the vertical.
- the spirit levels also include optical transfer means for providing an image of at least the central portion of one of the vertical bubble vials at a viewing plane generally parallel to an upright surface being set.
- WO98/26251's Figure 8 shows a spirit level with an externally mounted optical transfer element with a reflective surface, such as a mirror or a prism, for reflecting an image of at least a central portion of a vertical bubble vial along a line of sight substantially parallel to and laterally offset from its longitudinal axis in an upright position of the spirit level.
- the reflective surface is preferably detachable from the spirit level and may be hinged thereto (see WO98/26251's page 5, lines 8-17).
- the present invention is for facilitating the viewing of a spirit level's vertical bubble vial along a line of sight parallel to and laterally offset from the vertical bubble vial's longitudinal axis in an upright position of the spirit level in a similar manner as WO98/2625 l 's Figure 8.
- Preferred embodiments of the present invention are implemented as spirit level accessories for use with conventional spirit levels thereby precluding the need to purchase a replacement spirit level.
- the spirit level accessories also have the advantage that they can be deployed on either side of a spirit level in an upright position depending on a user's preference.
- the spirit level accessories can be employed for facilitating the viewing of other bubble vials including an angle finder, a 45° bubble vial, and even a horizontal bubble vial in the case that a view of same from above is obstructed.
- Preferred embodiments of the spirit level accessories include inter alia a universal clamp-on spirit level accessory for clamping onto a conventional box section or I-beam spirit level, a universal key-on spirit level accessory for keying onto a box section or I-beam spirit level with suitable keyways, a universal magnetic arrangement for attaching a spirit level accessory onto a box section or I-beam spirit level, and a clip-on spirit level accessory for clipping onto a conventional I-beam spirit level.
- the spirit level accessories are formed from a suitable rigid material and include reflective surfaces in the form of a mirror or prism.
- Another preferred embodiment includes a glue-on spirit level accessory for typically permanent attachment to an exterior surface of a conventional box section spirit level with a hingedly mounted mirror slidingly reciprocal between a stowed away inoperative position not obstructing a clear view of its vertical bubble view and an operative position obliquely disposed relative to its vertical bubble vial for reflecting an image of at least the vertical bubble vial's central portion along a line of sight parallel to and laterally offset from the vertical bubble vial's longitudinal axis in an upright position of the spirit level.
- Yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a box section spirit level with an integrally formed hingedly mounted mirror slidingly reciprocal between a stowed away inoperative position not obstructing a direct view of a vertical bubble view from its major side surfaces and an operative position obliquely disposed relative to the vertical bubble vial for reflecting an image of at least the vertical bubble vial's central portion along a line of sight parallel to and laterally offset from the vertical bubble vial's longitudinal axis in an upright position of the spirit level.
- Fig. 1 is a pictorial view of a box section spirit level corresponding to WO98/26251's Figure 8;
- Fig. 2 is a pictorial view of a universal clamp-on spirit level accessory and a conventional box section spirit level in an upright position
- Fig. 3 is a pictorial view showing Figure 2's spirit level accessory clamped onto Figure 2's spirit level for reflecting an image of Figure 2's spirit level's vertical bubble vial along a line of sight substantially parallel to and laterally offset from the vertical bubble vial's longitudinal axis;
- Fig. 4 is a pictorial view of a universal key-on spirit level accessory and a conventional box section spirit level in an upright position;
- Fig. 5 is a pictorial view showing Figure 4's spirit level accessory clamped onto Figure 4's spirit level for reflecting an image of Figure 4's spirit level's vertical bubble vial along a line of sight substantially parallel to and laterally offset from the vertical bubble vial's longitudinal axis;
- Fig. 6 is a pictorial view of a universal magnetic spirit level accessory and a conventional box section spirit level in an upright position;
- Fig. 7 is a pictorial view showing Figure 6's spirit level accessory clamped onto Figure 6's spirit level for reflecting an image of Figure 6's spirit level's vertical bubble vial along a line of sight substantially parallel to and laterally offset from the vertical bubble vial's longitudinal axis;
- Fig. 8 is a pictorial view of a clip-on spirit level accessory and a conventional I-beam spirit level in an upright position;
- Fig. 9 is a pictorial view showing Figure 8's spirit level accessory clamped onto Figure 8's spirit level for reflecting an image of Figure 8's spirit level's vertical bubble vial along a line of sight substantially parallel to and laterally offset from the vertical bubble vial's longitudinal axis;
- Fig. 10 is a pictorial view of a glue-on spirit level accessory and a conventional box section spirit level in an upright position
- Fig. 11 is a pictorial view showing Figure lO's spirit level accessory for selectively reflecting an image of Figure lO's spirit level's vertical bubble vial along a line of sight substantially parallel to and laterally offset from the vertical bubble vial's longitudinal axis;
- Fig. 12 is a pictorial view of a box section spirit level in an upright position, and having a vertical bubble vial and an integrally formed hinged mirror;
- Fig. 13 is a pictorial view of Figure 12's box section spirit level with its mirror in an operative position for reflecting an image of its vertical bubble vial along a line of sight substantially parallel to and laterally offset from the vertical bubble vial's longitudinal axis .
- Figures 2 and 3 show a conventional box section spirit level 10 having an elongated body 11 with a longitudinal axis 12 and a pair of parallel and opposite major side surfaces 13A and 13B, a pair of parallel and opposite minor side surfaces 14A and 14B including a leveling surface 16 for placing on a surface, and a pair of end caps 17.
- the spirit level 10 includes a centrally disposed horizontal bubble vial 18 viewable from both major side surfaces 13 and the minor side surface 14B for indicating the inclination of a generally horizontal surface with respect to the horizontal.
- the spirit level 10 includes a laterally disposed vertical bubble vial 19 viewable from both major side surfaces 13 for indicating the inclination of a generally upright surface with respect to the vertical.
- the vertical bubble vial 19 has a longitudinal axis 21 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 12, and a central portion 22 with a pair of reference markings.23.
- Figures 2 and 3 also show a universal clamp-on spirit level accessory 31 including a U-shaped attachment member 32 with a cross member 33, a pair of spaced apart flex members 34 resiliently flexibly attached to the cross member 33, and a hood-like member 36 also resiliently flexibly attached to the cross member 33.
- the hood-like member 36 includes a pair of parallel and opposite triangular shaped side walls 37 and an inclined rear wall 38 with a reflective surface 39.
- the inside surfaces of the flex members 34 and the side walls 37 contacting the major side surfaces 13 may be provided with foam friction pads to avoid marring the spirit level 10.
- FIG. 3 shows the clamp-on spirit level accessory 31 clamped onto the spirit level 10 for reflecting an image of the vertical bubble vial's central portion 22 along a line of sight parallel to and laterally offset from the longitudinal axis 21 in an upright position of the spirit level 10.
- the clamp-on spirit level accessory 31 advantageously tends to immediately detach from a spirit level in the event the spirit level is inadvertently dropped.
- Figures 4 and 5 show a box section spirit level 41 similar to the spirit level 10 and a keying arrangement 42 for manually removably securing a key-on spirit level accessory 43 thereon.
- the key-on spirit level accessory 43 includes an attachment member 44 in the form of a pair of opposite and parallel flanges 46 with keys 47 for insertion in a pair of keyways 48 punched in the spirit level's major side surface 13 A during manufacture or alternatively by a user in a conventional box section spirit level 41.
- the spirit level 41 may be provided with plastic inserts for securing the key-on spirit level accessory 43 thereon.
- the keying action may be rectilinear or rotational.
- the key-on spirit level accessory 43 also includes a hood-like member 49 similar to the hood-like member 36.
- Figure 5 shows the key-on spirit level accessory 43 keyed onto the spirit level 41 for reflecting an image of the vertical bubble vial's central portion 22 along a line of sight parallel to and laterally offset from its longitudinal axis 21 in an upright position of the spirit level 41.
- the key-on spirit level accessory 43 can be attached to an I-beam spirit level with suitably formed keyways, for example, in plastic housings fitted with its bubble vials.
- Figures 6 and 7 show a box section spirit level 51 similar to the spirit level 10, and a magnetic arrangement 52 for manually removably securing a magnetic spirit level accessory 53 thereon.
- the magnetic spirit level accessory 53 is similar in design to the key-on spirit level accessory 43 except that it includes magnets 54 for magnetic attraction to magnets 56 on either side of the vertical bubble vial 19.
- the magnets 56 can be mounted on the underside of the spirit level's major side surface 13A or embedded therein so as to externally visible.
- Figure 7 shows the magnetic spirit level accessory 53 mounted on the spirit level 51 for reflecting an image of the vertical bubble vial's central portion 22 along a line of sight parallel to and laterally offset from its longitudinal axis 21 in an upright position of the spirit level 51.
- the magnetic spirit level accessory 53 advantageously tends to immediately detach from a spirit level in the event the spirit level is inadvertently dropped.
- the magnetic spirit level accessory 53 can be attached to an I-beam spirit level with suitably mounted magnets, for example, in plastic housings fitted with its bubble vials.
- Figures 8 and 9 show a conventional I-beam spirit level 60 having an elongated body 61 with a longitudinal axis 62 and a pair of opposite major side surfaces 63A and 63B, a pair of parallel and opposite minor side surfaces 64A and 64B including a leveling surface 66 for placing on a surface, and a pair of end caps 67.
- the major side surface 63A includes a pair of opposite and parallel longitudinally directed grooves 68A and 68B and the major side surface 63B includes a pair of opposite and parallel longitudinally directed grooves 69A and 69B (not shown).
- the spirit level 60 includes a centrally disposed horizontal bubble vial 71 viewable from both major side surfaces 63 and the minor side surface 64B for indicating the inclination of a generally horizontal surface with respect to the horizontal.
- the spirit level 60 includes a laterally disposed vertical bubble vial 72 viewable from both major side surfaces 63 for indicating the inclination of a generally upright surface with respect to the vertical.
- the vertical bubble vial 72 has a longitudinal axis 73 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 62 and a central portion 74 with a pair of reference markings 76.
- Figures 8 and 9 also show a clip-on spirit level accessory 81 includes a planar attachment member 82 with two pairs of parallel and opposite tabs 83 at its opposite ends for clipping into the longitudinally directed grooves 68 or the longitudinally directed grooves 69.
- the clip-on spirit level accessory 81 includes a hood-like member 84 rigidly attached to the attachment member 82 and having a pair of parallel and opposite side walls 86 and an inclined rear wall 87 with a reflective surface 88.
- Figure 9 shows the clip-on spirit level accessory 81 clipped onto the spirit level 60 for reflecting an image of the vertical bubble vial's central portion 74 along a line of sight parallel to and laterally offset from the longitudinal axis 73 in an upright position of the spirit level 60.
- Figures 10 and 11 show the box section spirit level 10 and a glue-on spirit level accessory 91 with a rectangular surround 92 (constituting an attachment member) for adhering to the major side surface 13 A and a hingedly mounted mirror 93 with a handle 94.
- the surround 92 has a pair of parallel and opposite grooves 96A and 96B for enabling the mirror 93 to be slidingly reciprocable between a stowed away inoperative position overlying the major side surface 13 A and an operative position for reflecting an image of the vertical bubble vial's the central portion 22 along a line of sight substantially parallel to and laterally offset from its longitudinal axis 21 in an upright position of the spirit level 10.
- the spirit level accessory 91 can be affixed to the major side surface 13 A by other means, for example, screws, rivets, and the like.
- Figures 12 and 13 show a box section spirit level 97 similar to the box section spirit level 10 with similar parts likewise numbered and differing therefrom insofar that its major side surface 13A has an integrally formed hingedly mounted mirror 98 slidingly reciprocable on its inside by means of a handle 99 between a stowed away inoperative and an operative position for reflecting an image of the vertical bubble vial's the central portion 22 along a line of sight substantially parallel to and laterally offset from its longitudinal axis 21 in an upright position of the spirit level 97.
- the operative position is preferably more lateral than the inoperative position.
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Abstract
Spirit level (10) and spirit level accessories (31) for facilitating the viewing of a spirit level's vertical bubble vial (22) along a line of sight parallel to and laterally offset from the vertical bubble vial's longitudinal axis in an upright position of the spirit level in a similar manner as WO98/26251's Figure 8.
Description
SPIRIT LEVELS AND SPIRIT LEVEL ACCESSORIES
Field of the Invention
The invention is in the field of spirit levels and spirit level accessories.
Background of the Invention PCT International Publication No. WO98/26251 entitled Spirit Level illustrates and describes spirit levels with a centrally disposed horizontal bubble vial viewable from above and both major side surfaces for indicating the inclination of a generally horizontal surface with respect to the horizontal, and a pair of laterally disposed vertical bubble vials viewable from both major side surfaces for indicating the inclination of a generally upright surface with respect to the vertical. The spirit levels also include optical transfer means for providing an image of at least the central portion of one of the vertical bubble vials at a viewing plane generally parallel to an upright surface being set. WO98/26251's Figure 8 shows a spirit level with an externally mounted optical transfer element with a reflective surface, such as a mirror or a prism, for reflecting an image of at least a central portion of a vertical bubble vial along a line of sight substantially parallel to and laterally offset from its longitudinal axis in an upright position of the spirit level. The reflective surface is preferably detachable from the spirit level and may be hinged thereto (see WO98/26251's page 5, lines 8-17).
Summary of the Invention
Generally speaking, the present invention is for facilitating the viewing of a spirit level's vertical bubble vial along a line of sight parallel to and laterally offset from the vertical bubble vial's longitudinal axis in an upright position of the spirit level in a similar manner as WO98/2625 l 's Figure 8. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are implemented as spirit level accessories for use with conventional spirit levels thereby precluding the need to purchase a replacement spirit level. The spirit level accessories also have the advantage that
they can be deployed on either side of a spirit level in an upright position depending on a user's preference. Additionally, the spirit level accessories can be employed for facilitating the viewing of other bubble vials including an angle finder, a 45° bubble vial, and even a horizontal bubble vial in the case that a view of same from above is obstructed.
Preferred embodiments of the spirit level accessories include inter alia a universal clamp-on spirit level accessory for clamping onto a conventional box section or I-beam spirit level, a universal key-on spirit level accessory for keying onto a box section or I-beam spirit level with suitable keyways, a universal magnetic arrangement for attaching a spirit level accessory onto a box section or I-beam spirit level, and a clip-on spirit level accessory for clipping onto a conventional I-beam spirit level. The spirit level accessories are formed from a suitable rigid material and include reflective surfaces in the form of a mirror or prism. Another preferred embodiment includes a glue-on spirit level accessory for typically permanent attachment to an exterior surface of a conventional box section spirit level with a hingedly mounted mirror slidingly reciprocal between a stowed away inoperative position not obstructing a clear view of its vertical bubble view and an operative position obliquely disposed relative to its vertical bubble vial for reflecting an image of at least the vertical bubble vial's central portion along a line of sight parallel to and laterally offset from the vertical bubble vial's longitudinal axis in an upright position of the spirit level.
Yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a box section spirit level with an integrally formed hingedly mounted mirror slidingly reciprocal between a stowed away inoperative position not obstructing a direct view of a vertical bubble view from its major side surfaces and an operative position obliquely disposed relative to the vertical bubble vial for reflecting an image of at least the vertical bubble vial's central portion along a line of sight parallel to and laterally offset from the vertical bubble vial's longitudinal axis in an upright position of the spirit level.
Brief Description of the Drawings
In order to understand the invention and to see how it can be carried out in practice, preferred embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which similar parts are likewise numbered, and in which:
Fig. 1 is a pictorial view of a box section spirit level corresponding to WO98/26251's Figure 8;
Fig. 2 is a pictorial view of a universal clamp-on spirit level accessory and a conventional box section spirit level in an upright position; Fig. 3 is a pictorial view showing Figure 2's spirit level accessory clamped onto Figure 2's spirit level for reflecting an image of Figure 2's spirit level's vertical bubble vial along a line of sight substantially parallel to and laterally offset from the vertical bubble vial's longitudinal axis;
Fig. 4 is a pictorial view of a universal key-on spirit level accessory and a conventional box section spirit level in an upright position;
Fig. 5 is a pictorial view showing Figure 4's spirit level accessory clamped onto Figure 4's spirit level for reflecting an image of Figure 4's spirit level's vertical bubble vial along a line of sight substantially parallel to and laterally offset from the vertical bubble vial's longitudinal axis; Fig. 6 is a pictorial view of a universal magnetic spirit level accessory and a conventional box section spirit level in an upright position;
Fig. 7 is a pictorial view showing Figure 6's spirit level accessory clamped onto Figure 6's spirit level for reflecting an image of Figure 6's spirit level's vertical bubble vial along a line of sight substantially parallel to and laterally offset from the vertical bubble vial's longitudinal axis;
Fig. 8 is a pictorial view of a clip-on spirit level accessory and a conventional I-beam spirit level in an upright position;
Fig. 9 is a pictorial view showing Figure 8's spirit level accessory clamped onto Figure 8's spirit level for reflecting an image of Figure 8's spirit level's
vertical bubble vial along a line of sight substantially parallel to and laterally offset from the vertical bubble vial's longitudinal axis;
Fig. 10 is a pictorial view of a glue-on spirit level accessory and a conventional box section spirit level in an upright position; Fig. 11 is a pictorial view showing Figure lO's spirit level accessory for selectively reflecting an image of Figure lO's spirit level's vertical bubble vial along a line of sight substantially parallel to and laterally offset from the vertical bubble vial's longitudinal axis;
Fig. 12 is a pictorial view of a box section spirit level in an upright position, and having a vertical bubble vial and an integrally formed hinged mirror; and
Fig. 13 is a pictorial view of Figure 12's box section spirit level with its mirror in an operative position for reflecting an image of its vertical bubble vial along a line of sight substantially parallel to and laterally offset from the vertical bubble vial's longitudinal axis .
Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention
Figures 2 and 3 show a conventional box section spirit level 10 having an elongated body 11 with a longitudinal axis 12 and a pair of parallel and opposite major side surfaces 13A and 13B, a pair of parallel and opposite minor side surfaces 14A and 14B including a leveling surface 16 for placing on a surface, and a pair of end caps 17. The spirit level 10 includes a centrally disposed horizontal bubble vial 18 viewable from both major side surfaces 13 and the minor side surface 14B for indicating the inclination of a generally horizontal surface with respect to the horizontal. The spirit level 10 includes a laterally disposed vertical bubble vial 19 viewable from both major side surfaces 13 for indicating the inclination of a generally upright surface with respect to the vertical. The vertical bubble vial 19 has a longitudinal axis 21 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 12, and a central portion 22 with a pair of reference markings.23.
Figures 2 and 3 also show a universal clamp-on spirit level accessory 31 including a U-shaped attachment member 32 with a cross member 33, a pair of spaced apart flex members 34 resiliently flexibly attached to the cross member 33, and a hood-like member 36 also resiliently flexibly attached to the cross member 33. The hood-like member 36 includes a pair of parallel and opposite triangular shaped side walls 37 and an inclined rear wall 38 with a reflective surface 39. The inside surfaces of the flex members 34 and the side walls 37 contacting the major side surfaces 13 may be provided with foam friction pads to avoid marring the spirit level 10. The flex members 34 are spaced apart for placing on opposite sides of a bubble vial so as not to stop its natural daylight illumination or obstruct a side view. Figure 3 shows the clamp-on spirit level accessory 31 clamped onto the spirit level 10 for reflecting an image of the vertical bubble vial's central portion 22 along a line of sight parallel to and laterally offset from the longitudinal axis 21 in an upright position of the spirit level 10. The clamp-on spirit level accessory 31 advantageously tends to immediately detach from a spirit level in the event the spirit level is inadvertently dropped.
Figures 4 and 5 show a box section spirit level 41 similar to the spirit level 10 and a keying arrangement 42 for manually removably securing a key-on spirit level accessory 43 thereon. The key-on spirit level accessory 43 includes an attachment member 44 in the form of a pair of opposite and parallel flanges 46 with keys 47 for insertion in a pair of keyways 48 punched in the spirit level's major side surface 13 A during manufacture or alternatively by a user in a conventional box section spirit level 41. The spirit level 41 may be provided with plastic inserts for securing the key-on spirit level accessory 43 thereon. The keying action may be rectilinear or rotational. The key-on spirit level accessory 43 also includes a hood-like member 49 similar to the hood-like member 36. Figure 5 shows the key-on spirit level accessory 43 keyed onto the spirit level 41 for reflecting an image of the vertical bubble vial's central portion 22 along a line of sight parallel to and laterally offset from its longitudinal axis 21 in an upright
position of the spirit level 41. The key-on spirit level accessory 43 can be attached to an I-beam spirit level with suitably formed keyways, for example, in plastic housings fitted with its bubble vials.
Figures 6 and 7 show a box section spirit level 51 similar to the spirit level 10, and a magnetic arrangement 52 for manually removably securing a magnetic spirit level accessory 53 thereon. The magnetic spirit level accessory 53 is similar in design to the key-on spirit level accessory 43 except that it includes magnets 54 for magnetic attraction to magnets 56 on either side of the vertical bubble vial 19. The magnets 56 can be mounted on the underside of the spirit level's major side surface 13A or embedded therein so as to externally visible. Figure 7 shows the magnetic spirit level accessory 53 mounted on the spirit level 51 for reflecting an image of the vertical bubble vial's central portion 22 along a line of sight parallel to and laterally offset from its longitudinal axis 21 in an upright position of the spirit level 51. The magnetic spirit level accessory 53 advantageously tends to immediately detach from a spirit level in the event the spirit level is inadvertently dropped. The magnetic spirit level accessory 53 can be attached to an I-beam spirit level with suitably mounted magnets, for example, in plastic housings fitted with its bubble vials.
Figures 8 and 9 show a conventional I-beam spirit level 60 having an elongated body 61 with a longitudinal axis 62 and a pair of opposite major side surfaces 63A and 63B, a pair of parallel and opposite minor side surfaces 64A and 64B including a leveling surface 66 for placing on a surface, and a pair of end caps 67. The major side surface 63A includes a pair of opposite and parallel longitudinally directed grooves 68A and 68B and the major side surface 63B includes a pair of opposite and parallel longitudinally directed grooves 69A and 69B (not shown). The spirit level 60 includes a centrally disposed horizontal bubble vial 71 viewable from both major side surfaces 63 and the minor side surface 64B for indicating the inclination of a generally horizontal surface with respect to the horizontal. The spirit level 60 includes a laterally disposed vertical bubble vial 72 viewable from both major side surfaces 63 for indicating the
inclination of a generally upright surface with respect to the vertical. The vertical bubble vial 72 has a longitudinal axis 73 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 62 and a central portion 74 with a pair of reference markings 76.
Figures 8 and 9 also show a clip-on spirit level accessory 81 includes a planar attachment member 82 with two pairs of parallel and opposite tabs 83 at its opposite ends for clipping into the longitudinally directed grooves 68 or the longitudinally directed grooves 69. The clip-on spirit level accessory 81 includes a hood-like member 84 rigidly attached to the attachment member 82 and having a pair of parallel and opposite side walls 86 and an inclined rear wall 87 with a reflective surface 88. Figure 9 shows the clip-on spirit level accessory 81 clipped onto the spirit level 60 for reflecting an image of the vertical bubble vial's central portion 74 along a line of sight parallel to and laterally offset from the longitudinal axis 73 in an upright position of the spirit level 60.
Figures 10 and 11 show the box section spirit level 10 and a glue-on spirit level accessory 91 with a rectangular surround 92 (constituting an attachment member) for adhering to the major side surface 13 A and a hingedly mounted mirror 93 with a handle 94. The surround 92 has a pair of parallel and opposite grooves 96A and 96B for enabling the mirror 93 to be slidingly reciprocable between a stowed away inoperative position overlying the major side surface 13 A and an operative position for reflecting an image of the vertical bubble vial's the central portion 22 along a line of sight substantially parallel to and laterally offset from its longitudinal axis 21 in an upright position of the spirit level 10. Alternatively, the spirit level accessory 91 can be affixed to the major side surface 13 A by other means, for example, screws, rivets, and the like. Figures 12 and 13 show a box section spirit level 97 similar to the box section spirit level 10 with similar parts likewise numbered and differing therefrom insofar that its major side surface 13A has an integrally formed hingedly mounted mirror 98 slidingly reciprocable on its inside by means of a handle 99 between a stowed away inoperative and an operative position for reflecting an image of the vertical bubble vial's the central portion 22 along a line
of sight substantially parallel to and laterally offset from its longitudinal axis 21 in an upright position of the spirit level 97. The operative position is preferably more lateral than the inoperative position.
"While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications, and other applications of the invention can be made within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A spirit level accessory for manual removable attachment on a spirit level including an elongated body with a longitudinal axis and a pair of opposite major side surfaces, a leveling surface for placing on a surface, a centrally disposed horizontal bubble vial with a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the body's longitudinal axis for indicating the inclination of a generally horizontal surface with respect to the horizontal, and a laterally disposed vertical bubble vial with a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the body's longitudinal axis for indicating the inclination of a generally upright surface with respect to the vertical, the spirit level accessory comprising an attachment member for manual removable attachment to the elongated body, and a reflective surface rigidly attached to said attachment member and obliquely disposed with respect to a major side surface of the spirit level's pair of opposite major side surfaces on attachment of said attachment member onto the spirit level, on attachment of said attachment member adjacent the vertical bubble vial, said reflective surface reflecting an image of at least a central portion of the vertical bubble vial along a line of sight substantially parallel to and laterally offset from the vertical bubble vial's longitudinal axis in an upright position of the spirit level.
2. An accessory according to Claim 1 implemented as a U-shaped clamp having opposing surfaces for contacting the spirit level's pair of opposite major side surfaces.
3. An accessory according to Claim 2 wherein said U-shaped clamp includes a pair of spaced apart flex members for urging against a major side surface of the spirit level's pair of opposite major side surfaces.
4. An accessory according to Claim 1 and further comprising a keying arrangement for keying said attachment member onto a major side surface of the spirit level's pair of opposite major side surfaces.
5. An accessory according to Claim 1 and further comprising a magnetic arrangement for mounting said attachment member on a major side surface of the spirit level's pair of opposite major side surfaces.
6. An accessory according to Claim 1 wherein said attachment member includes at least one pair of opposite and parallel tabs for clipping into a pair of opposite and parallel longitudinally directed grooves formed along a major side surface of a pair of opposite major side surfaces of an I-beam spirit level.
7. An accessory according to any one of Claims 1 to 6 and further comprising a hood-like member mounted on said attachment member and including said reflective surface and a pair of opposite side walls extending between said attachment member and said reflective surface.
8. A spirit level accessory for attachment on a box section spirit level including an elongated body with a longitudinal axis and a pair of parallel and opposite major side surfaces, a leveling surface for placing on a surface, a centrally disposed horizontal bubble vial with a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the body's longitudinal axis for indicating the inclination of a generally horizontal surface with respect to the horizontal, and a laterally disposed vertical bubble vial with a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the body's longitudinal axis for indicating the inclination of a generally upright surface with respect to the vertical, the spirit level accessory comprising an attachment member for attachment to a major side surface of the spirit level's pair of opposite major side surfaces adjacent its vertical bubble vial, and a hingedly mounted mirror slidingly reciprocal along said attachment member between a stowed away inoperative position lateral to the vertical bubble vial, and an operative position obliquely disposed relative to the vertical bubble vial for reflecting an image of at least a central portion of the vertical bubble vial along a line of sight substantially parallel to and laterally offset from the vertical bubble vial's longitudinal axis in an upright position of the spirit level.
9. A box section spirit level comprising:
(a) an elongated body with a longitudinal axis and a pair of parallel and opposite major side surfaces, a leveling surface for placing on a surface, a centrally disposed horizontal bubble vial with a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the body's longitudinal axis for indicating the inclination of a generally horizontal surface with respect to the horizontal, and a laterally disposed vertical bubble vial with a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the body's longitudinal axis for indicating the inclination of a generally upright surface with respect to the vertical; and
(b) a hingedly mounted mirror integrally formed with said elongated body and slidingly reciprocal between a stowed away inoperative position lateral to said vertical bubble vial and flush with a major side surface of said pair of parallel and opposite major side surfaces, and an operative position obliquely disposed relative to said vertical bubble vial for reflecting an image of at least its central portion along a line of sight parallel to and laterally offset from said vertical bubble vial's longitudinal axis in an upright position of the spirit level.
10. The level according to Claim 9 wherein said operative position of said mirror is more lateral than said stowed away inoperative position.
11. The level according to either Claim 9 or 10 wherein said mirror is slidingly mounted on the interior of said elongated body.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IL169882 | 2005-07-26 | ||
| IL169882A IL169882A0 (en) | 2005-07-26 | 2005-07-26 | Spirit levels and spirit level accessories |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2007013057A2 true WO2007013057A2 (en) | 2007-02-01 |
| WO2007013057A3 WO2007013057A3 (en) | 2007-08-02 |
Family
ID=37683731
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IL2006/000826 WO2007013057A2 (en) | 2005-07-26 | 2006-07-17 | Spirit levels and spirit level accessories |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| IL (1) | IL169882A0 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2007013057A2 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2014132247A1 (en) * | 2013-02-26 | 2014-09-04 | Kapro Industries Ltd | Spirit level |
| NL2028786B1 (en) * | 2021-07-20 | 2023-01-26 | Bastiaan Dick | Spirit level device and method therefor |
Citations (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US385597A (en) * | 1888-07-03 | Reflector for spirit-levels | ||
| US999573A (en) * | 1910-02-18 | 1911-08-01 | Algot P Lidholm | Level. |
| US3064535A (en) * | 1959-01-13 | 1962-11-20 | Roy N Anderson | Level with mirror |
| US3694090A (en) * | 1969-10-06 | 1972-09-26 | Nippon Kogaku Kk | Instrument for observing colored bubble image |
| US4103430A (en) * | 1977-08-31 | 1978-08-01 | Schrader Joseph F | Viewing device for a bubble level |
| US5416495A (en) * | 1988-07-07 | 1995-05-16 | Sentex Systems, Inc. | Liquid-crystal display unit for electronic directory |
| US6449859B1 (en) * | 1996-12-12 | 2002-09-17 | Kapro Industries Ltd. | Spirit level |
-
2005
- 2005-07-26 IL IL169882A patent/IL169882A0/en unknown
-
2006
- 2006-07-17 WO PCT/IL2006/000826 patent/WO2007013057A2/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US385597A (en) * | 1888-07-03 | Reflector for spirit-levels | ||
| US999573A (en) * | 1910-02-18 | 1911-08-01 | Algot P Lidholm | Level. |
| US3064535A (en) * | 1959-01-13 | 1962-11-20 | Roy N Anderson | Level with mirror |
| US3694090A (en) * | 1969-10-06 | 1972-09-26 | Nippon Kogaku Kk | Instrument for observing colored bubble image |
| US4103430A (en) * | 1977-08-31 | 1978-08-01 | Schrader Joseph F | Viewing device for a bubble level |
| US5416495A (en) * | 1988-07-07 | 1995-05-16 | Sentex Systems, Inc. | Liquid-crystal display unit for electronic directory |
| US6449859B1 (en) * | 1996-12-12 | 2002-09-17 | Kapro Industries Ltd. | Spirit level |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2014132247A1 (en) * | 2013-02-26 | 2014-09-04 | Kapro Industries Ltd | Spirit level |
| US9618339B2 (en) | 2013-02-26 | 2017-04-11 | Kapro Industries Ltd. | Spirit level |
| NL2028786B1 (en) * | 2021-07-20 | 2023-01-26 | Bastiaan Dick | Spirit level device and method therefor |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| IL169882A0 (en) | 2007-07-04 |
| WO2007013057A3 (en) | 2007-08-02 |
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