Laser leveler

• US 6,532,676 B2
• Filed: 03/08/2001
• Issued: 03/18/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 03/09/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Christopher L. Cunningham
• Original Assignee: Christopher L. Cunningham
• Inventors: Cunningham, Christopher L.
• Primary Examiner(s): BENNETT, GEORGE B
• Application Number:
  US09/800,517
• Publication Number:
  US 20010034944A1
• Time in Patent Office: 740 Days
• Field of Search: 332/27, 332/75.R, 332/86, 333/47, 333/70, 333/71, 33D/IG.1, 33D/IG.21
• US Class Current: 33/286
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 15/008 combined with inclination sensor
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 33/21 with laser

Abstract

A laser tool is designed to indicate and align measurements, preferably holes to be drilled for hangers that support plumbing and electrical piping, without the need for the use of a tape measure. The laser tool contains an angled base with magnets that allow the tool to remain steady on a pipe. Also included in the base is a bubble level, indicating and allowing the user to balance the tool in relation to the pipe. The laser of the tool is connected to the base by means of a swivel device, so that the user is capable of moving the laser at an angle to obtain additional measurements that are level and aligned with the original measurement for a hole.

Claims

1. A pocket-sized laser leveler tool, said tool used to align and locate points for attachment of hangers or supports of pipes or conduits comprising:

a magnetic base for attachment to a metalized surface, said magnetic base comprising a single piece molded structure, magnets and a level retained within said base,

a laser pointer, said laser pointer emitting a laser beam;

a rotating sleeve, said rotating sleeve encapsulating said laser pointer and connected to said base by a swivel connector, said swivel connector received and secured laterally by press fit and vertically by pin in a swivel receiving channel within said molded structure and wherein said sleeve is adjustable from a vertical axis substantially 0-90 degrees as limited by a physical stop of said swivel with an upper and lower limit of said swivel receiving channel.

2. A pocket-sized laser leveler tool, said tool used to align and locate points for attachment of hangers or supports of pipes or conduits, as per claim 1, wherein said base is made of ABS injection molded plastic.

3. A pocket-sized laser leveler tool, said tool used to align and locate points for attachment of hangers or supports of pipes or conduits, as per claim 1, wherein said sleeve further comprises an indicator for indicating an on/off status.

4. A pocket-sized laser leveler tool, said tool used to align and locate points for attachment of hangers or supports of pipes or conduits, as per claim 1, wherein said laser pointer sleeve is made of ABS injection molded plastic.

5. A pocket-sized laser leveler tool, said tool used to align and locate points for attachment of hangers or supports of pipes or conduits, as per claim 1, wherein said laser pointer sleeve is rotatable around said pointer to turn said laser beam on or off.

6. A pocket-sized laser leveler tool, said tool used to align and locate points for attachment of hangers or supports of pipes or conduits, as per claim 1, wherein said base contains a medium behind the location of the bubble level that illuminates said bubble level.

7. A pocket-sized laser leveler tool, said tool used to align and locate points for attachment of hangers or supports of pipes or conduits, as per claim 1, wherein said base contains scale indicators for indicating the degree at which said laser pointer is angled relative to the vertical axis.

8. A pocket-sized laser leveler tool, said tool used to align and locate points for attachment of hangers or supports of pipes or conduits, as per claim 1, wherein said tool is less than 6 inches in length.

9. A pocket-sized laser leveler tool, said tool used to align and locate points for attachment of hangers or supports of pipes or conduits, as per claim 1, wherein said tool weighs less than 6 ounces.

10. A pocket-sized laser leveler tool, said tool, as per claim 1, wherein said laser is centered by one or more set screws.

11. A miniature laser pointer tool used to align and locate points for attachment of hangers or supports of pipes or conduits, said tool comprising:

a single-piece molded ABS plastic base with angled feet, said base retaining a laser assembly comprising;

laser, encapsulating sleeve and connector attached to said sleeve, said connector retained laterally by press fit and vertically by pin in an external vertical receiving channel located within said single-piece molded ABS plastic base;

level and magnets retained within said base, and

said miniature laser pointer tool small enough to be received within a pocket.

12. A miniature laser pointer tool used to align and locate points for attachment of hangers or supports of pipes or conduits, as per claim 11, wherein said tool is less than 6 inches in length.

13. A miniature laser pointer tool used to align and locate points for attachment of hangers or supports of pipes or conduits, as per claim 11, wherein said tool weighs less than 6 ounces.