Level including a slot for receiving a straight edge

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2016138917-A1
Application number	US-201514940250-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Nov 13, 2015
Priority date	Nov 13, 2014
Publication date	May 19, 2016
Grant date	—

Abstract

A level including a first plate defining a top surface of the tool, and a second plate defining a bottom surface of the tool. The bottom plate extends generally parallel to the first plate. The level also includes a center plate having two opposing side surfaces extending generally perpendicular to the first plate and the second plate. The center plate connects the first plate and the second plate. The level further includes a plurality of apertures extending through the center plate, and a plurality of tubular vials disposed within the plurality of apertures. Each tubular vial contains fluid and air. The level also includes a slot extending along the first plate from a first end of the tool to a second end of the tool. The slot is configured to receive a straight edge.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1 . A level, comprising:
a first plate defining a top surface of the level; a second plate defining a bottom surface of the level, the second plate extending generally parallel to the first plate; a center plate having two opposing side surfaces extending generally perpendicular to the first plate and the second plate, the center plate connecting the first plate and the second plate; a plurality of apertures extending through the center plate; a plurality of tubular vials disposed within the plurality of apertures, each tubular vial containing fluid and air; and a slot extending along the first plate from a first end of the level to a second end of the level, the slot configured to receive a straight edge.

2 . The level of claim 1 , wherein the slot includes two walls recessed into the first plate and a shelf connecting the two walls.

3 . The level of claim 2 , wherein each wall is oriented at an angle less than 90 degrees relative to the shelf.

4 . The level of claim 3 , further comprising a second slot extending along a length of the first plate or the second plate.

5 . The level of claim 1 , wherein the slot is configured to removably receive the straight edge such that the first plate supports the straight edge.

6 . The level of claim 1 , wherein the slot extends continuously from the first end to the second end of the level.

7 . The level of claim 1 , wherein the slot extends longitudinally through a central portion of the first plate.

8 . The level of claim 1 , wherein the slot is configured to support the straight edge at an oblique angle relative to the top surface of the level.

9 . The level of claim 1 , wherein one of the plurality of tubular vial is disposed within each of the plurality of apertures.

10 . The level of claim 1 , further comprising a window formed in the first plate, wherein the window facilitates viewing of at least one of the plurality of tubular vials, and wherein the slot extends through the window.

11 . A level, comprising:
a body having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface extending parallel to the bottom surface; a plurality of apertures disposed along a length of the body between the top surface and the bottom surface; a plurality of tubular vials coupled to the body, one of the plurality of tubular vials positioned within each aperture, each tubular vial including fluid and an air bubble; and a slot extending along a length of the top surface between a first end and a second end of the level, the slot configured to support a straight edge.

12 . The level of claim 11 , wherein the slot is recessed in the top surface and includes two side walls and a shelf connected to the two side walls.

13 . The level of claim 11 , wherein the slot is dovetail-shaped when viewed from the first end.

14 . The level of claim 11 , wherein the slot extends continuously from the first end of the level to the second end of the level.

15 . The level of claim 11 , wherein the slot extends longitudinally through a central portion of the top surface.

16 . The level of claim 11 , wherein the slot is configured to support the straight edge at an oblique angle relative to the top surface of the body.

17 . A leveling system, comprising:
a level including
a body having a first end, a second end, a top plate extending from the first end to the second end and defining a top surface, and a bottom plate extending from the first end to the second end and defining a bottom surface,
a plurality of apertures disposed along the body between the top plate and the bottom plate,
a plurality of tubular vials disposed within the plurality of apertures, each tubular vial containing fluid and an air bubble, and
a slot recessed within the top plate; and
a straight edge removably received within the slot.

18 . The leveling system of claim 17 , wherein the slot includes two side walls and a shelf connecting the two side walls, and wherein each side wall is oriented at an angle less than 90 degrees relative to the shelf.

19 . The leveling system of claim 17 , wherein the straight edge rests on the shelf and is captured between the two side walls of the slot.

20 . The leveling system of claim 17 , wherein the slot extends continuously from the first end of the body to the second end of the body.

Assignees

• Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp

Inventors

• Schwoegler Ryan D
• Neitzell Roger D

Classifications

• G01C9/34 Primary

  of the tubular type, i.e. for indicating the level in one direction only · CPC title

• G01C9/28

  Mountings · CPC title