Laser level meter alignment tool

Abstract

The invention relates to a laser level alignment tool. The laser level alignment tool comprises a body, a frame, a first magnetic mounting structure and a second magnetic mounting structure. A laser level meter includes a body configured to support a laser level meter, the body including an upper surface, a lower surface opposite the upper surface, and a sidewall extending at least partially between the upper surface and the lower surface, the sidewall defining an outer perimeter of the body. And a frame coupled to the body, the frame configured to support a laser level at least partially below the lower surface. A first magnetic mounting structure is adjustably coupled to an exterior of the sidewall to translate in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface. The second magnetic mounting structure is adjustably coupled to an exterior of the sidewall to translate in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface, the second magnetic mounting structure being spaced apart from the first magnetic mounting structure.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on November 1, 2021, with application number 202180066342.1 (PCT / US2021 / 057583) and entitled "Laser Level Alignment Tool". Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 108,546, filed November 2, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention generally relates to the field of laser levels. More specifically, it relates to an alignment tool for supporting a laser level to allow it to be aligned as needed by the user. Background Technology

[0004] As is generally understood, there are various construction or building processes in which workers perform relative alignment (e.g., with respect to floor plans, blueprints, reference points, etc.) to position / place workpieces, tools, fixtures, etc., to perform tasks in the desired locations. This is typically achieved using a laser level; however, there is still room for improvement in the tools currently used to support laser levels. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a laser level alignment tool. The laser level alignment tool includes a body or plate having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a sidewall extending between the upper and lower surfaces. The sidewall defines an outer perimeter of the plate. The laser level alignment tool includes an alignment feature slidable along the plate from a position adjacent to the center point of the plate to a second position spaced apart from the center point of the plate. The laser level is coupled to the plate such that the center of gravity of the laser level is offset from the center of gravity of the plate. The laser level is coupled to the plate such that a laser beam is projected perpendicularly to the lower surface of the plate at a position intersecting the center point of the plate, and the downward portion of the laser beam is alignable with a reference mark. The laser level alignment tool further includes a plurality of magnetic mounting elements coupled to the outer perimeter of the plate.

[0006] In various embodiments, the magnetic mounts are height-adjustable, allowing them to translate in a direction perpendicular to the plate. In various embodiments, the magnetic mounts include a plurality of horizontal ribs that snap-fit ​​into the plate, thereby providing a plurality of pre-selected magnetic mount heights relative to the upper surface of the plate. In various embodiments, alignment features are slidable within channels formed within the plate. In some such embodiments, the alignment features are separate from the magnetic mounts, and in certain embodiments, the alignment features do not include magnets for attachment.

[0007] Another embodiment relates to a laser level alignment tool comprising a plate. The plate has a surface defined by an outer perimeter. A frame configured to suspend a laser level on the plate is attached to the plate. A first pair of alignment features and a second pair of alignment features are adjustably attached to the surface of the plate. Further, a plurality of magnetic mounting elements are attached to the outer perimeter of the plate.

[0008] Another embodiment relates to a laser level alignment tool including a body configured to support a laser level. The body includes: an upper surface; a lower surface opposite to the upper surface; and a sidewall extending at least partially between the upper and lower surfaces. The sidewall defines an outer perimeter of the body. A frame is coupled to the body and configured to support the laser level at least partially below the lower surface. A first magnetic mounting structure and a second magnetic mounting structure, spaced apart from each other, are each adjustablely coupled to the exterior of the sidewall for translation in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface.

[0009] Another embodiment relates to a laser level alignment tool comprising a plate. The plate has a plate center of gravity and a plate center point. The plate includes an upper surface, a lower surface, and sidewalls extending between the upper and lower surfaces. A frame is coupled to the lower surface. The frame is configured to support a laser level having a laser level center of gravity. The frame is configured to support the laser level at a position such that the laser level center of gravity is offset from the plate center of gravity. A plurality of adjustable alignment features are coupled to at least the upper surface of the plate. Further, a plurality of magnetic mounting elements are coupled to the sidewalls of the plate.

[0010] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the following detailed description, and some of these additional features and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or through practice of the embodiments as described in the written description, its claims, and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.

[0011] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operation of the various embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a bottom-view perspective view of a laser level alignment tool according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 A top-down 3D view of the laser level alignment tool.

[0014] Figure 3 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 A top-view perspective of the laser level alignment tool, with the magnet mount and alignment element in the extended position.

[0015] Figure 4 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3 A side view of the laser level alignment tool.

[0016] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The lighting position and according to an exemplary embodiment are shown. Figure 1 The use of laser level alignment tools. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, various embodiments of the laser level alignment tool are shown. As will be discussed in more detail below, the applicant has developed a laser level alignment tool for supporting a laser level in such a way that the center point of the laser level alignment tool is aligned with one or more projected laser lines (which can then be aligned with a desired reference point), while providing stable and eccentric support for the laser level.

[0018] Specifically, the laser level alignment tool discussed herein includes a plate with a center point. The laser level is attached to the plate such that one or more projected laser beams (e.g., projected lines, projected laser planes, etc.) are projected to intersect the center point of the plate. In use, the laser level alignment tool is positioned such that the opposite ends of the projected laser beams intersect a desired reference point, thereby allowing the user to align the center point of the plate with the reference point. The applicant's laser level alignment tool discussed herein includes a magnet mounting structure designed to provide a variety of improved features.

[0019] To facilitate the use of various laser level devices, including planar laser level devices, the laser level alignment tool discussed herein mounts the laser level at a position that offsets the center of gravity of the laser level from the center of the alignment tool. To accommodate and support this off-center positioning, the applicant designed a laser level alignment tool with mounting magnets positioned around its periphery. The applicant has found that the peripheral positioning of the mounting magnets provides robust support even for the off-center positioning of relatively heavy laser levels, compared to other mounting arrangements. Furthermore, the applicant's magnet mounting structure is separate from the internal alignment features and is also highly adjustable, which the applicant has found to provide easier use in the workplace.

[0020] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2An exemplary embodiment illustrates a laser level alignment tool, such as a laser clamp 10. The laser clamp 10 includes a body, shown as a plate 20, having an outer sidewall surface 22 that defines the outer perimeter of the plate 20. Figure 2 As shown, a series of horizontal ribs 23 are formed in the sidewall surface 22. The laser fixture 10 includes a pair of central channels, shown as channels 24 and 26. In the illustrated embodiment, channels 24 and 26 are formed perpendicularly to each other in the upper surface 38 and lower surface 40 of the plate 20 and intersect at a center point 16.

[0021] The laser level 12, shown as a multi-planar planar laser level, is connected to and supported by a laser fixture 10 via a frame 14. In the embodiment shown here, the bottom wall 13 of the frame 14 supports the planar laser level 12, and two opposite side walls 15 extend from the bottom wall and connect to the lower surface 40. In this way, the frame 14 suspends the laser level 12 on the laser fixture 10. Figure 1 As shown, the installation position of the planar laser level 12 is off-center relative to the laser fixture 10, causing the center of gravity of the laser level 12 to deviate from the center point 16 and / or from the center of gravity of the laser fixture 10.

[0022] The laser fixture 10 includes: a first pair of alignment features 28, which are adjustably coupled to the surface of the plate 20 and specifically slidably coupled to the channel 24; and a second pair of alignment features 30, which are coupled to the surface of the plate 20 and specifically slidably coupled to the channel 26. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, alignment features 28 and 30 are located at the first position adjacent to the center point 16. For example... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, alignment features 28 and 30 can be adjusted within channels 24 and 26 to multiple selectable positions away from the center point 16 and closer to the outer wall surface 22.

[0023] As will be discussed in more detail below, in use, this repositioning of alignment features 28 and 30 allows the laser fixture 10 to be centered within the hole by engaging alignment features 28 and 30 with the edge of the hole (e.g., a lighting can).

[0024] The laser fixture 10 includes a plurality of magnetic mounting structures, shown as magnet mounts 32, which are generally positioned and configured to allow the laser fixture 10 to be attached to a magnetic workpiece. Each magnet mount 32 includes a housing 34 and one or more magnets 36 coupled to the housing. In this embodiment, each of the one or more magnets 36 is positioned within at least a portion of the housing 34. The magnet mounts 32 are coupled to the plate 20 at a sidewall surface 22 such that the magnet mounts 32 are positioned around the periphery of the plate 20. In this embodiment, the magnet mounts 32 are specifically coupled to the exterior of the sidewall surface 22. In this embodiment, the magnet mounts 32 are positioned at multiple locations around the periphery, specifically, some magnet mounts 32 are diametrically opposed to each other. As described above, the applicant has found that even with the laser level 12 eccentrically positioned, this peripheral positioning of the magnet mounts 32 allows for stable support of the laser fixture 10.

[0025] In this design, the magnet mount 32 is separate from the alignment features 28 and 30. Compared to designs that integrate the magnet into the alignment features 28 and 30, this invention allows for the independent operation of the magnet mount 32 and the alignment features 28 and 30. This allows the alignment features 28 and 30 to be used for aligning non-magnetic workpieces, while allowing the laser fixture 10 to be supported by the magnetic structure of adjacent workpieces. In this embodiment, the alignment features 28 and 30 are non-magnetic.

[0026] like Figure 2 As shown, the magnet mount 32 is configured such that the magnet 36 extends away from the first surface or upper surface 38 of the plate 20. In this arrangement, the laser level 12 extends from the second surface or lower surface 40 of the plate 20 opposite to the upper surface 38. In this way, the laser clamp 10 is attached to the workpiece from one side via the magnet mount 32, and the laser level 12 extends from the other side of the laser clamp 10, thereby allowing the laser to be projected downwards unobstructed for alignment purposes.

[0027] To further facilitate the placement of the laser fixture 10 in various arrangements, the magnet mount 32 is height-adjustable relative to the plate 20. Specifically, the magnet mount 32 is coupled to the plate 20 to translate in a direction perpendicular to surfaces 38 and 40 of the plate 20. Figure 2 The magnet mount 32 is shown in a first position or a lower height position relative to the plate 20, and Figure 3 and Figure 4 The magnet mount 32 is shown in a second position or extended position, in which the magnet mount 32 is translated away from the upper surface 38 by a distance D1.

[0028] like Figure 4As best shown, each magnet mount 32 includes a side surface having a plurality of horizontal ribs 42 that engage with the plate 20. In this embodiment, the horizontal ribs 42 specifically engage with horizontal ribs 23 formed in the sidewall surface 22 of the plate 20. This allows the magnet mounts to be selectively adjusted in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface. Here, the horizontal ribs 42 provide a snap-fit ​​placement of the magnet mounts 32 at a predetermined preselected height level, which helps to position all magnet mounts 32 at the same height as each other. In other embodiments, the ribs 23 and 42 need not be horizontal and may take the form of other snap-fit ​​structures that are complementary to each other to provide selectively adjustable snap-fit ​​connections (as described above).

[0029] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The use of the laser fixture 10 is explained in conjunction with an exemplary workpiece shown at illumination position 100. (See reference...) Figure 5 The lamp position 100 includes a hole 102 formed in the surface 104. The lighting position 100 is typically converted from the desired positioning of the building from a floor plan or blueprint to a mark made on the floor below the desired placement of the lamp on the ceiling.

[0030] Alignment features 28 and 30 move outward along channels 24 and 26 such that they engage with the edges of the periphery defining the aperture 102, and magnet mount 32 is positioned to attach laser fixture 10 to the ceiling, while alignment features 28 and 30 engage with aperture 102. Although Figure 5 The hole 102 shown is generally circular, but the paired alignment features 28 and 30 can be adjusted to engage holes of other shapes, such as square, rectangular, or oval. For example, if the alignment features are fitted to an oval hole, the alignment features 28 can each be adjusted a first distance from the center point 16 to engage points of the oval hole that are closer to each other, and the alignment features 30 can each be adjusted a second distance from the center point 16 to engage points of the oval hole that are further apart than the points engaged by the alignment features 28. Thus, the first pair of alignment features 28 and the second pair of alignment features 30 are independently adjustable. The laser level 12 is activated, thereby projecting a downward laser beam (e.g., a downward dot, a cross-shaped planar beam, etc.) onto the floor and an upward laser beam (e.g., an upward dot, a cross-shaped planar beam, etc.) upward through the center point 16. The lighting position 100 and the laser fixture 10 are then repositioned along the ceiling as needed, such that the projected downward laser beam is aligned with a reference mark on the floor. This sets the position of the lighting position 100 in the appropriate location illustrated in the blueprint. Once aligned, the illumination position 100 is secured / attached (e.g., by screws, nails, etc.) to the appropriate location on the ceiling according to the architectural floor plan. In this way, the laser fixture 10 provides a quick and efficient positioning that aligns the workpiece with the reference mark.

[0031] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments in detail, and that this application is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the description or shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology is for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0032] In view of this description, further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this description is to be construed as illustrative only. The constructions and arrangements shown in the various exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. While only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportions, parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed from multiple parts or elements, the positions of elements may be reversed or otherwise altered, and the nature or number or position of discrete elements may be changed or altered. According to alternative embodiments, the order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be changed or reordered. Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may also be made to the design, operating conditions, and arrangements of several different embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0033] Unless otherwise expressly stated, no method described herein is intended to be construed as requiring its steps to be performed in a specified order. Accordingly, the absence of a specific order in which the method claims do not explicitly list the order in which the steps should be followed, or where the claims or description do not specifically state that the steps should be limited to a particular order, shall not imply any particular order can be inferred. Furthermore, the article “a” used herein is intended to include one or more parts or elements, and is not intended to be construed as referring to only one. As used herein, “rigid connection” means two parts connected in a manner such that these parts move together in a fixed positional relationship when subjected to force.

[0034] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to any combination of any features therein, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this application or a future application. Any feature, element, or component of any exemplary embodiment discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any feature, element, or component of any other embodiment discussed above.

Claims

1. A laser level alignment tool, comprising: Body, configured to support a laser level, includes: upper surface, The lower surface, which is opposite to the upper surface, and A sidewall that extends at least partially between the upper surface and the lower surface, the sidewall defining the outer periphery of the body; A frame, which is connected to the body, is configured to support the laser level at least partially below the lower surface; A first magnetic mounting structure, adjustablely connected to the exterior of the sidewall for translation in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface; and A second magnetic mounting structure is adjustablely connected to the outside of the sidewall to translate in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface, and the second magnetic mounting structure is spaced apart from the first magnetic mounting structure.

2. The laser level alignment tool as described in claim 1, wherein, The first magnetic mounting structure further includes: a first housing having a side surface that engages with the outside of the sidewall; and a first magnet positioned within the first housing.

3. The laser level alignment tool as described in claim 2, wherein, The first magnetic mounting structure further includes a second magnet positioned within the first housing, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are coupled to the first housing.

4. The laser level alignment tool as described in claim 1, wherein, Multiple horizontal sidewall ribs are formed along the exterior of the sidewall, wherein the first magnetic mounting structure includes a side surface that engages with the exterior of the sidewall, wherein the side surface includes multiple horizontal side surface ribs that engage with the multiple horizontal sidewall ribs.

5. The laser level alignment tool as described in claim 4, wherein, These horizontal side surface ribs are configured to engage the plurality of horizontal side wall ribs in a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the first magnetic mounting structure extends above the upper surface by a first distance, and in the second position the first magnetic mounting structure extends above the upper surface by a second distance, wherein the second distance is different from the first distance.

6. The laser level alignment tool as described in claim 1, wherein, The first magnetic mounting structure is attached to the outside of the sidewall at a position opposite in diameter to that where the second magnetic mounting structure is attached to the outside of the sidewall.

7. A laser level alignment tool, the laser level alignment tool comprising: A board having a center of gravity and a center point, the board comprising: upper surface, The lower surface, and A sidewall that extends between the upper surface and the lower surface; A frame, which is attached to the lower surface, is configured to support a laser level having a center of gravity at a position that deviates the center of gravity of the laser level from the center of gravity of the plate. Multiple adjustable alignment features, the multiple adjustable alignment features being coupled to at least the upper surface; and Multiple magnetic mounting elements are attached to the sidewall.

8. The laser level alignment tool as described in claim 7, wherein, The multiple adjustable alignment features extend upward from the upper surface and downward from the lower surface.

9. The laser level alignment tool as described in claim 7, wherein, The plurality of adjustable alignment features include a first adjustable alignment feature that is adjustable along the upper surface from a first position adjacent to the center point of the plate to a second position spaced apart from the center point of the plate.

10. The laser level alignment tool as described in claim 9, wherein, The plurality of adjustable alignment features include a second adjustable alignment feature that is adjustable at least along the upper surface from a third position adjacent to the center point of the plate to a fourth position spaced apart from the center point of the plate and from the second position.

11. The laser level alignment tool as described in claim 7, wherein, The frame is further configured to support the laser level in a position such that the laser beam generated by the laser level can be aligned with a reference mark positioned below the lower surface of the plate.

12. The laser level alignment tool as described in claim 7, wherein, The frame includes: a bottom wall configured to support a laser level; and a pair of opposite sidewalls extending from the bottom wall and connected to the lower surface.

13. The laser level alignment tool as described in claim 7, wherein, The plurality of magnetic mounting elements are selectively adjustable relative to the sidewall in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface.

Images