Leveling staff

Abstract

A leveling staff is provided. An end cap of a leveling staff has a body comprising a bottom wall and a front wall perpendicular to the bottom wall. The outer surface of the bottom wall is substantially planar. A projection extends outwardly from the front wall. The bottom surface of the protrusion is substantially planar and substantially aligned with the outer surface of the bottom wall. In a particular embodiment, an end cap is attached to an end of the leveling staff. For reference measurement of an end of a concave surface, such as a tube, an end cap body is attached to a lower end of a leveling staff. Then, the leveling staff is positioned perpendicular to the ground at the open end of the concave surface such that the bottom surface of the protrusion rests on the inner portion of the concave surface.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 236,553, filed on August 24, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] The utility model generally relates to the field of measuring equipment and particularly relates to a leveling staff or similar device having an end cap, the end cap having a protrusion configured to abut against an inner portion of a concave surface (such as a tube). Utility Model Content

[0004] One embodiment of the utility model relates to a leveling rod. The leveling rod has a body, an upper end and a lower end. The leveling rod includes an end cap connected to the lower end of the leveling rod. The end cap includes a body and a protrusion. The body includes a bottom wall and a front wall substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall. The protrusion extends outward away from the front wall of the end cap. In a specific embodiment, the bottom wall has a substantially planar outer surface. The protrusion includes a bottom surface substantially aligned with the outer surface of the bottom wall. The protrusion extends from the front wall along the front wall by a distance shorter than the length of the outer surface of the bottom wall.

[0005] In a specific embodiment, the protrusion includes a top surface. At least a first end point of the top surface is positioned closer to the bottom surface than a second end point of the top surface. In one embodiment, the top surface is planar. In another embodiment, the top surface is formed into an L-shape.

[0006] In a specific embodiment, the end cap further comprises a bottom attached to the bottom wall. In one embodiment, the bottom is made of a polymer material or a rubber material. In certain embodiments, the bottom is attached to the bottom wall with screws.

[0007] In a specific embodiment, the body of the end cap includes a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and two opposing side walls. The front wall, the rear wall, and the side walls are each positioned substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall. The bottom wall has a substantially planar outer surface. The rear wall and the opposing side walls of the end cap are attached to the lower end of the leveling rod. The protrusion of the end cap extends outwardly from a portion of the front wall and includes a bottom surface that is coplanar with the outer surface of the bottom wall. The protrusion extends along the front wall a distance shorter than the length of the bottom wall.

[0008] Another specific embodiment relates to a method of using a leveling rod with an end cap attached. The leveling rod includes an upper end and a lower end. The leveling rod further includes a front surface. The front surface is marked with a scale indication. The end cap is attached to the lower end of the leveling rod. The end cap includes a front wall. The end cap is attached to the leveling rod so that the front wall is aligned with the front surface of the leveling rod. The protrusion extends from the front wall in a direction away from the leveling rod. In order to use the leveling rod with the end cap attached, the leveling rod is continuously positioned perpendicular to the ground surface near the opening of the concave surface. The lower end of the leveling rod is positioned closer to the ground surface than the upper end of the leveling rod. The protrusion is positioned toward the opening of the concave surface. The leveling rod is moved toward the opening of the concave surface until the protrusion is at least partially positioned within the concave surface. Then, the bottom surface of the protrusion is placed on the lower inner portion of the concave surface.

[0009] Another specific embodiment relates to a leveling rod configured to make a reference measurement of an end of a concave surface. The leveling rod includes an elongated rod segment having an upper end, a lower end, and a scale indication spaced between the upper end and the lower end. An end cap is coupled to the lower end of the elongated rod segment. The end cap has a front wall, a bottom wall extending inwardly from the front wall, and a protrusion extending outwardly from the front wall such that the protrusion extends away from the lower end of the elongated rod segment. The protrusion is configured to be positioned within an opening defined by the concave surface.

[0010] Another specific embodiment is directed to a leveling staff having a telescoping body. The telescoping body has a longitudinal axis, an upper end, a lower end spaced from the upper end along the longitudinal axis, and a scale indication spaced between the upper end and the lower end. The telescoping body is configured to telescope along the longitudinal axis. A projection is coupled to the lower end of the telescoping body. The projection includes a lower support surface extending away from the telescoping body perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the telescoping body.

[0011] Yet another specific embodiment relates to a method for making a reference measurement of an end of a concave surface supported by a ground surface. The method includes providing a leveling rod having an elongated shape. The leveling rod has an upper end, a lower end, and a protrusion extending outward from the lower end of the leveling rod in a direction away from the leveling rod. The method further includes orienting the leveling rod substantially perpendicular to the ground surface so that the lower end of the leveling rod is positioned closer to the ground surface than the upper end of the leveling rod. Additionally, the method includes positioning the protrusion within an opening defined by the concave surface while the leveling rod remains oriented substantially perpendicular to the ground surface. Further, the method includes resting the protrusion on an inner portion of the concave surface so that when the protrusion is within the opening, the leveling rod is oriented substantially perpendicular to the ground surface.

[0012] Alternative exemplary embodiments involve other features and combinations of features that may be generally recited. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The present application will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and in which:

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a telescoping leveling staff with end caps attached according to an exemplary embodiment. The end caps are positioned near the end portion of the schematic tube. For illustration purposes, schematic graduations are shown on the leveling staff.

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged perspective view of the end cap, schematic tube, and portion of the leveling staff are shown.

[0016] Figure 3 is positioned within the schematic tube Figure 1 A side view of the end cap is shown.

[0017] Figure 4 is positioned within the schematic tube Figure 1 Front view of the end cap shown.

[0018] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A top perspective view of the end cap is shown.

[0019] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A bottom perspective view of the end cap is shown.

[0020] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Bottom view of the end cap shown.

[0021] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A side view of the end cap is shown.

[0022] Fig. 9 is a top perspective view of another leveling staff end cap according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0023] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 A bottom perspective view of the end cap is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Referring generally to the drawings, a number of different embodiments of end caps are shown. The end caps are used with a leveling staff or rod, or another form of measuring staff or rod for referencing the endpoints of a concave surface, such as a pipe supported by the ground surface.

[0025] Currently, if a user needs to make a reference measurement of the end of a concave surface, such as a buried pipe, with a surveying instrument, such as a level rod, the user typically holds the end of the level rod in place adjacent to or above the end of the pipe. In order to obtain better accuracy of the reference measurement reading, the level rod is suspended at the end of the pipe to maintain a substantially perpendicular orientation to the ground. This can be tiring for the user, and if the user is unable to hold the level rod still in this manner, the user can tilt the level rod so that the lower end of the level rod rests on the inside of the pipe, thereby relieving tension in the user's arm. However, in this configuration, the level rod is no longer substantially perpendicular to the ground surface below, resulting in a reduced accuracy of the readings obtained from the level rod.

[0026] Applicants have designed an end cap that can be attached to the end of a level rod. The end cap includes a protrusion that is sized to at least partially fit within the opening of a concave surface (such as a tube) while allowing the level rod to remain oriented perpendicular to the ground surface directly below the tube. Therefore, when a user makes a reference measurement of the endpoint of the tube, the user can rest the end cap protrusion on the lower interior surface of the tube and still maintain the accuracy of the readings taken from the level rod. In this arrangement, the user does not have to laboriously keep the level rod stationary and suspended to maintain the quality of the level rod readings. Further, as discussed in more detail below, Applicants have designed a specific end cap with a support protrusion that is easy to use, durable, and includes other features suitable for use in a construction environment.

[0027] With reference to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 A leveling rod (shown as a telescopic leveling rod 10) is shown. In this embodiment, the leveling rod 10 includes a plurality of telescopic segments 14, 16, 18, 20. Specifically, the leveling rod 10 has a telescopic body. In other embodiments, the leveling rod may include a different number of telescopic segments, or the leveling rod may include a plurality of non-telescopic segments or a single rod segment that does not include a telescopic function. Each rod segment 14, 16, 18, 20 of the leveling rod 10 includes a front surface 22, 24, 26, 28 having a scale indication 30 marked thereon. In a specific embodiment, the leveling rod 10 has an elongated shape including a lower end 32 and an upper end 33, and the scale indication 30 is spaced between the lower end 32 and the upper end 33. Additionally, the leveling rod 10 has a longitudinal axis along which the lower end 32 is spaced from the upper end 33. Likewise, each telescoping segment 14, 16, 18, 20 is an elongate rod segment that telescopes longitudinally relative to one another, i.e. along the longitudinal axis of the leveling staff 10. Further, the leveling staff 10 includes an end cap 34 attached to the lower end 32 of the leveling staff 10 and, in use, positioned adjacent an end portion of an illustrative tube 36.

[0028] Reference Figures 2 to 4 , a portion of a rod segment 14 of a leveling staff 10 is shown. The segment 14 of the leveling staff 10 includes a front surface 22 and a rear surface 38 opposite the front surface, a first side surface 40, and an opposite second side surface 42. In this embodiment, the first side surface 40 is connected to the rear surface 38 by a curved first connecting surface 44, and the second side surface is connected to the rear surface 38 by a curved second connecting surface (not shown) that is a mirror image of the first connecting surface 44.

[0029] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, end cap 34 is attached to lower end 32 of leveling staff 10. End cap 34 includes body 46 and protrusion 48. Generally, protrusion 48 is coupled to body 46 (specifically, integral with body) and extends away from leveling staff 10 to provide a structure that is easily supported from a concave surface (such as tube 36) while keeping leveling staff 10 perpendicular to the tube, the ground, etc.

[0030] The body 46 includes a bottom wall 50. A front wall 52 extends from the bottom wall 50 substantially perpendicularly thereto. In a particular embodiment, the bottom wall 50 is coupled to the front wall 52 such that the bottom wall 50 extends inwardly therefrom. A rear wall 54 extends from the bottom wall 50 substantially perpendicularly thereto and opposite the front wall 52. Opposing side walls 56, 58 extend from the bottom wall 50 substantially perpendicularly thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, when the end cap 34 is attached to the lower end 32 of the leveling staff 10, the side walls 56, 58 are connected to the first side surface 40 and the second side surface 42, respectively, and the rear wall 54 is connected to the rear surface 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the above connections are formed by fasteners (shown as screws 60). In other embodiments, the above connections may be formed by other mechanical fasteners or by an applied adhesive.

[0031] The projection 48 extends outwardly from the front wall 52 in a direction away from the leveling staff 10. Figures 6 to 8 , the bottom wall 50 of the end cap body 46 has a substantially planar outer surface 62. The protrusion 48 includes a bottom surface 64 that serves as a lower support surface. In a specific embodiment, the bottom surface 64 is substantially aligned with the outer surface 62 of the bottom wall 50. In some specific embodiments, the bottom surface 64 is a substantially planar surface. Further, in some specific embodiments, the bottom surface 64 is coplanar with the outer surface 62.

[0032] Return to reference Figures 1 to 4 During the operation of making a reference measurement of the end of a concave surface supported by a ground surface, a leveling rod, such as the leveling rod 10, is provided. The leveling rod 10 is aligned with a ground surface 37 (see FIG. 1 ) supporting the end of a concave surface such as a tube 36. Figure 3) is oriented substantially vertically. The lower end 32 of the leveling staff 10 is positioned closer to the tube 36 and the ground surface 37 supporting the tube 36 than the upper end 33, so that the end cap 34 is positioned adjacent to the tube 36. The front wall 52 of the end cap body 46 is aligned with the front surface 22 of the first rod segment 14. When the leveling staff 10 is positioned to take a reading to reference the end of the measuring tube 36, the protrusion 48 of the end cap 34 is at least partially positioned within the tube 36, specifically within the opening defined by the tube 36, so that the bottom surface 64 of the protrusion 48 rests on the interior surface 66 of the tube 36. When the protrusion 48 rests within the tube 36, the leveling staff 10 remains substantially perpendicular to the ground surface 37.

[0033] Reference Figures 5 to 8 , showing details of the structure of the end cap 34, the end cap is not attached to the leveling staff 10. Figure 5 , the protrusion 48 includes a top surface 70. The top surface 70 extends from an upper end point 72 to a lower end point 74 at a downward angle. The upper end point 72 is located closer to the front wall 52 than the lower end point 74. Figure 7 , the outer surface 62 of the bottom wall 50 of the end cap 34 has a length 68. The protrusion 48 extends from the front wall 52 along the front wall 52 (specifically along the length of the front wall 52) a distance 67 that is less than the length 68. In general, the protrusion 48 is sized to at least partially fit within various typical hollow structures / tubes during reference measurement operations. Figure 3 As shown, the projection 48 is partially positioned within the tube 36 such that the lower endpoint 74 is positioned within the tube 36 and the upper endpoint 72 is positioned outside of the tube 36 .

[0034] Reference Figures 9 and 10 , another embodiment of an end cap (shown as end cap 134) for a leveling staff is shown. End cap 134 is substantially identical to end cap 34 except for the differences discussed herein. End cap 134 includes a body 146 and a projection 148. Body 146 includes a bottom wall 150. A rear wall 154 and opposing side walls 156, 158 extend perpendicularly from bottom wall 150 and are configured to be connected to lower end 32 of leveling staff 10 in a similar manner as described above with respect to rear wall 54 and opposing side walls 56, 58. Front wall 152 extends perpendicularly from bottom wall 150, opposite rear wall 154.

[0035] The protrusion 148 extends outward from the front wall 152. The bottom wall 150 of the end cap body 146 has a substantially planar outer surface. In this embodiment, the bottom 176 is connected to the bottom wall 150, and in the embodiment shown, the bottom 176 covers the bottom wall 150. In this embodiment, the bottom 176 is made of a flexible, durable, high-friction polymer material (such as rubber). In other embodiments, the bottom can be made of another flexible material or a high-friction material (such as MBR, TPU or silicone). Here, the bottom 176 is connected to the bottom wall 150 by screws 178. In other embodiments, the bottom 176 can be connected to the bottom wall 150 by alternative forms of mechanical fasteners or by an applied adhesive. In a number of different embodiments, the end cap 34 includes a connection point 77 (see Figure 6 ) is connected to its lower surface at a position close to the concave surface being measured. In the case where the end of the concave surface being measured is close to the ground surface, the bottom surface 180 of the bottom 176 can rest on the ground surface during operation. Additionally, during operation, when the protrusion 148 is at least partially positioned within the tube 36 and rests on the tube interior surface 66, the front surface 182 of the bottom 176 can abut against the tube 36 (such as Figures 1 to 4 shown).

[0036] Refer again Figures 9 and 10 , the protrusion 148 includes a bottom surface 164 that is substantially aligned with the outer surface of the bottom wall 150. In this embodiment, the bottom surface 164 is coplanar with the outer surface 162. The outer surface of the bottom wall 150 has a length 168. The protrusion 148 extends from the front wall 152 along the front wall 152 for a distance shorter than the length 168. In this embodiment, the protrusion 148 includes a top surface 170. The top surface 170 is formed into an L-shaped shape having a vertical surface 171 and a horizontal surface 173 extending perpendicularly from the vertical surface. The top surface 170 includes an upper endpoint 172 located on the vertical surface. The top surface 170 further includes at least one lower endpoint 174 on the horizontal surface. In a specific embodiment, the horizontal surface of the L-shaped shape is parallel to the bottom surface 164. The lower endpoint 174 is positioned below the upper endpoint 172 and is farther from the front wall 152 than the upper endpoint 172. In general, protrusion 48 is sized to at least partially fit within various typical hollow structures / tubes during reference measurement operations.

[0037] It should be understood that the drawings show exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the specification or shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology is for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered as limiting.

[0038] In view of this specification, further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the utility model will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this specification should be interpreted as being only illustrative. The construction and arrangement shown in multiple different exemplary embodiments are only illustrative. Although only several embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications (for example, the size, size, structure, shape and ratio, parameter value, installation arrangement, use of materials, color, orientation, etc. of various elements) can be made without substantially departing from the novel teaching content and advantages of the subject described herein. Some elements shown as being integrally formed can be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of the element can be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or quantity or position of the discrete element can be changed or changed. According to alternative embodiments, the order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm or method steps can be changed or reordered. Without departing from the scope of the utility model, other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions can also be made to the design, operating conditions and arrangement of various exemplary embodiments. In addition, as used herein, the article "one" is intended to include one or more parts or elements, and is not intended to be interpreted as only one.

[0039] A plurality of different embodiments of the present invention relate to any combination of any features, and any such feature combination may be claimed in this application or in future applications. 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 leveling rod, characterized in that: The leveling staff is configured to make a reference measurement of an end of a concave surface, the leveling staff comprising: an elongated rod segment including an upper end, a lower end, and graduated indicators spaced between the upper end and the lower end; and An end cap is coupled to the lower end of the elongated rod segment, the end cap comprising: front wall, a bottom wall extending inwardly from the front wall, and A protrusion extends outwardly from the front wall such that the protrusion extends away from the lower end of the elongated rod segment, the protrusion being configured to be positioned within the opening defined by the concave surface.

2. The leveling rod according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom wall extends vertically from the front wall.

3. The leveling rod according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bottom wall includes a substantially planar outer surface, and wherein the bottom surface of the projection is coplanar with the substantially planar outer surface of the bottom wall.

4. The leveling staff according to claim 3, characterized in that: The substantially planar outer surface of the bottom wall defines a length, and wherein the projection extends a distance along the length of the front wall that is less than the length of the substantially planar outer surface.

5. The leveling staff according to claim 3, characterized in that: The end cap further includes a rear wall positioned opposite the front wall, the rear wall extending perpendicularly from the bottom wall, and wherein the rear wall is coupled to a lower end of the elongated rod segment.

6. The leveling staff according to claim 5, characterized in that: The end cap further includes a first side wall and a second side wall positioned relative to each other between the front wall and the rear wall, the first side wall and the second side wall each extending vertically from the bottom wall, and wherein the first side wall and the second side wall are each coupled to a lower end of the elongated rod segment.

7. The leveling staff according to claim 3, characterized in that: The projection further includes a top surface extending at a downward angle from an upper endpoint to a lower endpoint, the upper endpoint being positioned closer to the front wall than the lower endpoint.

8. The leveling staff according to claim 3, characterized in that: The protrusion further includes a top surface including a vertical surface and a horizontal surface extending perpendicularly from the vertical surface.

9. The leveling staff according to claim 1, characterized in that: The leveling staff further includes a bottom portion coupled to the bottom wall opposite the elongated rod segment, the bottom portion being configured to rest on a ground surface adjacent the concave surface.

10. The leveling staff according to claim 9, characterized in that: The base includes a flexible material.

11. The leveling staff according to claim 10, characterized in that: The flexible material includes rubber.

12. The leveling staff according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elongated rod segment is a first elongated rod segment, and the leveling staff further includes a second elongated rod segment coupled to an upper end of the first elongated rod segment such that the second elongated rod segment telescopes longitudinally relative to the first elongated rod segment.

13. A leveling rod, characterized in that: The leveling scale includes: a telescoping body comprising a longitudinal axis, an upper end, a lower end spaced from the upper end along the longitudinal axis, and a graduated indication spaced between the upper end and the lower end, the telescoping body being configured to telescope along the longitudinal axis; and A projection is coupled to a lower end of the telescoping body, the projection including a lower support surface extending away from the telescoping body perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the telescoping body.

14. The leveling staff according to claim 13, characterized in that: The protrusion further includes a top surface extending at a downward angle from an upper endpoint to a lower endpoint, the upper endpoint being positioned closer to the telescoping body than the lower endpoint.

15. The leveling staff according to claim 13, characterized in that: The protrusion further includes a top surface including a vertical surface and a horizontal surface extending perpendicularly from the vertical surface.

16. The leveling staff according to claim 15, characterized in that: The top surface includes an upper endpoint located on the vertical surface and a lower endpoint located on the horizontal surface, the upper endpoint being positioned closer to the telescopic body than the lower endpoint.

17. The leveling staff according to claim 13, characterized in that: The lower support surface of the projection is a substantially planar surface.

18. The leveling staff according to claim 17, characterized in that: The leveling staff further includes an end cap body coupled to the lower end of the telescopic body, the end cap body including a bottom wall substantially aligned with the lower support surface of the protrusion and a front wall perpendicular to the bottom wall, the front wall being positioned between the protrusion and the telescopic body.

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