Additional device for spirit level

Abstract

The invention relates to an add-on device for a spirit level, which is formed as a marking tool for marking the positions of drill holes for mounting an object on a wall and as a marking aid indicating the positions of drill holes, which add-on device is removably attached to the spirit level and is arranged slidably along the longitudinal axis of the spirit level. The problem of the invention is to design the add-on device in this respect in such a way that the spirit level with the add-on device rests on the entire surface of the associated wall during alignment and the elements of the add-on device required for marking are only temporarily in operative contact with the wall. This problem is solved in that the add-on device comprises a pin head (2), a double U-shaped central part (3) and a mounting part (4) for connection with the spirit level (1), whereby specific embodiments are envisaged for each of these component groups.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The invention relates to an add-on device for a spirit level, which is configured as a marking instrument for marking the positions of drill holes for mounting an object on a wall and as a marking aid indicating the positions of drill holes, the add-on device being removably attached to the spirit level and arranged slidably along the longitudinal axis of the spirit level. [Background technology]

[0002] Regardless of the specific embodiment of the spirit levels, the spirit levels comprise a cuboid-shaped base body with two narrow sides, two wide sides and two front sides. At least one narrow side is formed as a flat abutment surface. At least one wide side and at least one front side are equipped with a horizontal or vertical measuring module, for which so-called bubble tubes are usually used. Thus, horizontal and vertical alignment of different types of objects is possible in an advantageous manner.

[0003] A nearly unmanageable number of varieties of common spirit levels are known, usually equipped with additional aids for specific objects or measuring tasks. For example, US Pat. No. 5,399,433 describes a spirit level with a marking template for aligning plugs and similar component groups. US Pat. No. 5,399,433 relates to a spirit level with a template for mounting a urinal.

[0004] In the case of the spirit level according to DE 10 200 06 133 A1, the base is provided with an opening through which a wall can be marked. Marking drill holes or the like for mounting objects on a wall is a basic use of a spirit level. Further proposed solutions to this are known, for example, from DE 10 200 06 134 A1, DE 10 200 06 134 A1 and DE 10 200 06 134 A1.

[0005] Despite the large number of known structures, there is still a need for development. This applies in particular to applications where the user must apply at least two markings spaced apart from one another in one plane to a wall. Such tasks are necessary, for example, for mounting cupboards and shelves or for hanging large wall paintings. In this case, the tasks of the marking aid (to indicate the position like a template) and the marking instrument (to mark or inscribe the position) must first be fulfilled for the correct subsequent mounting position.

[0006] US Pat. No. 5,399,633 describes a marking system for a spirit level with two penholders, each of which is provided with a spring unit that presses a pen-shaped object against a stop formed in the penholder and fixes it. Both penholders are slidable independently of each other and are equipped with elements of a spirit level.

[0007] US Patent No. 5,399,633 discloses a spirit level having an elongated channel in which a rail is mounted, the rail slidably carrying a number of sleeves, each having a marking device disposed therein.

[0008] The subject of the patent application DE 10 02 04 063 A1 is a spirit level comprising a carriage having a holder for accommodating a writing instrument, the carriage being connected to a transport means which can be driven by an electric motor.

[0009] Finally, in the patent application WO 2005 / 023363, a marking tool for various marking tasks is described. In a basic variant, the tool does not comprise a cuboid-shaped base, but rather two separate legs that are connected to each other at a center of rotation and can be positioned at different angles to each other. In one embodiment, the basic variant is modified in such a way that a spirit level module is attached to one leg. Furthermore, two marking tips are implemented on the legs as additional devices, each of which is clamped and fixed by a spring and can be released by compressing the spring and slid on the leg. The user holds the two marking tips, and thus the whole tool, in his hands, and can align them while observing the spirit level module. Then, by pressing these marking tips with the hand placed on the marking tips, the respective position is marked on the relevant wall. In this case, it is envisaged as an embodiment that the marking tips are pressed into the ink pad before they abut the wall. Thus, a clear colored imprint is made on the wall, which later marks the position of the drill hole.

[0010] However, this technical solution has a fundamental drawback: the marking tip constantly protrudes beyond the contour of the spirit level module, which therefore rests against the wall only at these elements during alignment, and not against the entire substrate. This can result in the wall being damaged if the tool is slid over the wall when aligning with the marking tip. In addition, the resting state achieved in this way at only two points does not guarantee a positionally stable support state against the wall. Another drawback is that an additional ink pad is required for marking. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 2744055 [Patent Document 2] German Utility Model No. 202010000689 [Patent Document 3] DE 10219936 A1 [Patent Document 4] DE 10749026 A1 [Patent Document 5] DE 19810716 A1 [Patent Document 6] DE 102010044225 A1 [Patent Document 7] German Utility Model No. 202007007119 [Patent Document 8] DE 19501383 A1 [Patent Document 9] U.S. Patent No. 7,513,056 [Patent Document 10] German Utility Model No. 20004419 [Patent Document 11] DE 10154574 A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide an add-on device for a spirit level, which is suitable as a marking aid and as a marking instrument, in which the spirit level equipped with such an add-on device must rest on the entire surface of the assigned wall during alignment, and the elements of the add-on device required for marking must only be in operative contact with the wall temporarily. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] This object is achieved in that the additional device comprises a pin head, a double U-shaped central part and a mounting part for connection to a spirit level. The pin head comprises a cuboid-shaped base body, in the longitudinal direction of which a continuous recess for receiving a marking element is arranged. A spring is arranged in this recess in such a way that the marking element is subjected to a spring force acting in the direction away from the wall to be marked and a part of the marking element protrudes from the pin head closed by a cover at its end opposite the wall. The side of the base body comprises a longitudinal gap in which a web profile formed on or attached to the marking element is guided so that the path of the marking element is restricted. Rectangular recesses are arranged on two opposite side of the base body, in which sections of a locking bolt are carried, each with the same profile. The respective rectangular section of each locking bolt merges into a cylindrical section. These sections are journalled in a corresponding manner in the recesses of one of the legs at the front end of one of the fork-shaped recesses of the double U-shaped central section, such that the pin head is pivotally supported in the double U-shaped central section. A mounting part is carried in the other fork-shaped recess of the double U-shaped central section so that it can slide in the longitudinal direction. For this purpose, the mounting part is provided with two outer surfaces extending in the longitudinal direction of the double U-shaped central section, each of which is provided with a recess, in which an identical contour surface of the fork-shaped recess is guided. Moreover, the mounting part is provided with a bore extending in the longitudinal direction of the double U-shaped central section, in which a threaded bolt is guided, the threaded bolt engaging with a threaded contour which corresponds to the threaded contour in the central section adjacent to one of the fork-shaped recesses of the double U-shaped central section.

[0014] An advantageous embodiment is that the longitudinally extending recess in the pin head is formed cylindrically in order to accommodate a pin-shaped marking element having a circular cross section.

[0015] A further advantageous embodiment is that the spring arranged in the recess of the pin head is supported on the web contour below the marking element and exerts a spring force on the obliquely extending or web-like extending contour of the marking element, thus achieving a positionally stable arrangement and simple handling of the marking element.

[0016] Another embodiment is that the web contour formed or attached to the marking element as a path limit is formed by a ring arranged on the marking element and a pusher guided in the gap, thus achieving a positionally fixed path limit for the marking element.

[0017] Another embodiment is that the square recesses of the pin heads are respectively arranged with springs which apply spring force to the end faces of the locking bolts aligned with the pin bodies, thus achieving good position fixing and easy handling when the position of the pin heads is changed.

[0018] The above-mentioned technical features provide an additional device for a spirit level, suitable as a marking aid and as a marking instrument. The actual marking process is similar to "stamping" by marking against the wall with two movable pins, functionally like a stamp. In this case, these elements necessary for marking are only temporarily in operative contact with the wall. Thus, in comparison with the known prior art, two new approaches are particularly implemented, which are described below under "A" and "B".

[0019] A) A pin having a rotatable and lockable pin head for attachment to a spirit level, according to the following structure and function sequence:

[0020] A square recess that matches the square bottom of the locking bolt is arranged on the inside of the legs of the central part and on the pivotable pin head. In addition, a round recess that matches the round top of the locking bolt is arranged on the outside of the legs of the central part. The locking bolt is spring-loaded and is therefore pressed into the square recess of the central part and held in both a straight and a 90° rotated position. By pushing the locking bolt in the opposite direction, the square bottom of the locking bolt is completely pressed into the recess of the pin head. In addition, the movable pen core is pushed forward. The pin head can thus be rotated 90° until the locking bolt locks again in the square recess of the central part. On the other side of the central part there are two smaller web contours that are designed as guides for the attachment parts. The attachment parts are attached to the central part by a screw connection with a threaded bolt. If the pin head is oriented straight, the marking element can be used as a normal pen. By rotating the pin head by 90°, the marking element can be attached to the spirit level by means of the mounting part and threaded bolt.

[0021] B) A movable pen tip that allows the user to mark when pressed down with a finger according to the following structure and function sequence:

[0022] The lead is movably carried in the pinhead. Approximately in the middle of the axial extension of the lead there is a ring with a pusher that allows the lead to be moved in the penhead. The lead is held in the pinhead by the ring and cannot fall out. The pinhead is guided through a round recess in the top lid and in the bottom, through which only the lead can penetrate. In addition there is a spring between the ring and the lower part. When the pinhead is in a position rotated by 90° the lead is pushed back by the spring until the lead is completely inserted into the contour of the pinhead. This prevents the protruding lead from soiling the wall or ceiling when aligning the spirit level. By pressing the lead down with a finger the lead is guided out of the pinhead and a marking can be made. The main advantage here is that the user can always hold the spirit level with both hands, since the marking can be performed with only one finger. In addition there is a round recess for the lead in the central part. When the pinhead is oriented straight, the pen tip is forced into this recess by a spring, providing additional stability.

[0023] From the embodiments shown in the drawings, the structure of the additional device according to the invention can be seen, by means of which the above-mentioned functional effects can be achieved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows the basic structure in a perspective view. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows the basic structure in an exploded view. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows the arrangement of two additional devices relative to the spirit level. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] The apparatus shown in the drawings is preferably designed for marking the positions of drill holes for mounting objects on a wall. For this purpose, it is designed as an additional device which is removably attached to the spirit level 1 and is arranged slidably along the longitudinal axis of said spirit level 1.

[0026] This additional device comprises a pin head 2, a double U-shaped central part 3 and a mounting part 4 for connection to the spirit level 1. The pin head 2 has a cuboid-shaped base 21, in the longitudinal direction of which a continuous recess 22 for accommodating the marking elements 5 is arranged. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the recess 22 is made cylindrical, so that here a pin-shaped marking element 5 with a circular cross section can be used.

[0027] A spring 6 is arranged in the recess 22 so that the marking element 5 is subjected to a spring force in the direction away from a wall (not shown) to be marked. For this purpose, the spring 6 is supported, for example by its end, on the lower web contour of the marking element 5 and applies a spring force to the obliquely extending or web-like extending contour of the marking element 5. At its end face opposite the wall, part of the marking element 5 protrudes from the pin head 2, which is closed by a cover 23.

[0028] The side of the base body 21 is provided with a longitudinal gap 24, in which a web contour 51 formed or attached to the marker element 5 is guided in such a way that the path of the marking element 5 is restricted. The web contour 51 can be formed in various ways, for example by a ring arranged on the marking element 5 with a pusher guided in the longitudinal gap 24. Preferably, the longitudinal gap 24 is formed on the side of the base body 21 which is aligned towards the interior of one of the fork-shaped recesses 31 of the double U-shaped central part 3. The movement of the web contour 51 for restricting the path of the marking element 5 thus takes place in a free construction space without the risk of collision with other components.

[0029] On two opposite sides of the base body 21, rectangular recesses 25 are arranged, in which sections of the locking bolts 7 are respectively supported, each having the same contour. The rectangular portions of each locking bolt 7 merge into cylindrical portions, which are journalled in coincident relation in the recesses of one of the legs of the front end portion of one of the fork-shaped recesses 31 of the double U-shaped central part 3, in such a way that the pin head 2 is pivotally supported in the double U-shaped central part 3. In the rectangular recesses 25 of the pin head 2, springs 8 are respectively arranged, which apply a spring force to the end faces of the locking bolts 7 aligned with the pin body 2.

[0030] The mounting part 4 is supported in the other fork-shaped recess 32 of the double U-shaped central part 3 so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the mounting part 4 is provided with recesses 41 on each of the two outer faces extending in the longitudinal direction of the double U-shaped central part 3, in which the surface parts of the fork-shaped recesses 32 having the same contour are guided.

[0031] Furthermore, the mounting part 4 comprises a bore 42 extending in the longitudinal direction of the double U-shaped central part 3 and in which the threaded bolt 9 is guided. The thread profile of the threaded bolt 9 engages with a matching thread profile in the central section 33 adjacent to the fork-shaped recess 32 of the double U-shaped central part 3.

[0032] When a suitably configured additional device is used, for example, for hanging a shelf with two screws on a wall, the center of the shelf is grasped, for example. Starting from the center of the shelf, two additional devices are mounted symmetrically to this point on the base of the spirit level 1, so that a functional template is created. This work step is preferably carried out not against a wall, but on a solid base, so that it is possible to very accurately determine the desired spacing of the subsequent drill holes. The spirit level 1 equipped with the two additional devices is then held against the wall and aligned while observing the bubble tube. The drill holes are then marked by pressing down the marking element 5 in each additional device with a finger. [Explanation of symbols]

[0033] 1 Spirit Level 2 Pinhead 21 Rectangular parallelepiped base 22 Continuous recesses 23 Pinhead Lid 24 Longitudinal gap 25 Square recess 3. The center section of the double U-shape 31 Fork-shaped recess 32 Fork-shaped recess 33 Central part 4 Mounting part 41 Recess 42 Perforation part 5 Marker Elements 51 Web contour / path limit 6 Spring in the pin head 7 Locking bolt 8 Spring for locking bolt 9 Threaded Bolts 10 Lid

Claims

1. 1. An add-on device for a spirit level, which is formed as a marking tool for marking the positions of drill holes for mounting an object on a wall and as a marking aid for indicating the positions of drill holes, the additional device is removably attached to the spirit level and slidably disposed along a longitudinal axis of the spirit level; In the additional device for the spirit level, The additional device comprises a pin head (2), a double U-shaped central portion (3) and a mounting portion (4) for connecting with the spirit level (1); The pin head (2) comprises a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped base (21), and a continuous recess (22) for receiving a marker element (5) is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the rectangular parallelepiped-shaped base (21); a spring (6) is arranged in the recess (22) so that the marking element (5) is subjected to a spring force in a direction away from the wall to be marked, and a portion consisting of the pin head (2) closed by a cover (23) protrudes from the end face opposite the wall; The side of the base (21) is provided with a longitudinal gap (24); In this longitudinal gap (24), a web contour (51) formed or attached to the marker element (5) is guided in such a way that the path of the marking element (5) is restricted, On two opposite sides of the base body (21) are arranged rectangular recesses (25), each of which carries a portion of a locking bolt (7) having the same contour, Each of the locking bolts (7) has a rectangular section that transitions into a cylindrical section, The cylindrical portion is journalled in a corresponding recess of one leg of the front end portion of one of the fork-shaped recesses (31) of the double U-shaped central portion (3) so that the pin head (2) is pivotally supported on the double U-shaped central portion (3); The other fork-shaped recess (32) of the double U-shaped central portion (3) carries the mounting portion (4) in a longitudinally slidable manner, The mounting part (4) has two outer surfaces extending in the longitudinal direction of the double U-shaped central part (3) each having a recess (41) in which a surface portion of a fork-shaped recess (32) having the same contour is guided; the mounting part (4) comprises a bore (42) extending in the longitudinal direction of the double U-shaped central part (3), in which a threaded bolt (9) is guided, the thread profile of which engages with a thread profile which matches the thread profile of the threaded bolt (9) in a central section adjacent to one fork-shaped recess of the double U-shaped central part; 13. An add-on device for a spirit level, comprising:

2. a recess (22) extending longitudinally in the pin head (2) is formed with a cylindrical shape to accommodate a pin-shaped marking element (5) having a circular cross section; An additional device for a spirit level according to claim 1.

3. A spring (6) arranged in a recess (22) of the pin head (2) is supported on a web contour below the marking element (5), - applying a spring force to the inclined or web-like contour of the marking element (5); An additional device for a spirit level according to claim 1.

4. a web contour (51) formed on or attached to the marking element (5) as a path limit, formed by a ring arranged on the marking element (5) and a pusher guided in a longitudinal gap (24) of the base body (21) of the pin head (2); An additional device for a spirit level according to claim 1.

5. A spring (8) is disposed in each of the rectangular recesses (25) of the pin head (2) to apply a spring force to an end face of the locking bolt (7) aligned toward the pin body (2). An additional device for a spirit level according to claim 1.

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