level

Abstract

A level comprising: a body having a first end and an opposite second end; at least one level indicator associated with the body; and a clamping mechanism for releasably mounting the level to a structure, the clamping mechanism comprising a jaw that is movable between: a retracted configuration in which the jaw is substantially flush with the second end of the body; and an extended configuration in which the jaw is spaced from the second end of the body such that the structure is clampable between the jaw and the second end of the body.

Description

[0001] LEVEL

[0002] The disclosure of the complete specification of Australian provisional patent application no. 2024901922 as originally filed is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The subject matter of the present specification relates to a level. In particular, there is disclosed a level for indicating whether a measured surface is angled relative to a reference plane.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Levels, also known as spirit levels, bubble levels and the like, are tools that are used to indicate whether a surface is horizontal (level) and / or vertical (plumb). The bottom of certain existing levels may be provided with magnetic means to facilitate removable engagement of the level with a magnetic surface during measurement.

[0007] However, during use, many surfaces are not magnetic and thus existing levels must be manually held in place while measurements are made. Additionally, certain applications, including the installation of air conditioning units and wall-mounted brackets, may fail to utilise the magnetic engagement means of prior art levels.

[0008] The inability to secure prior art levels in place during use can be quite fiddly and prone to error, particularly if the level is precariously balanced on a structure or if a user must use one hand to hold the level in place while using the other hand to grab tools, equipment, make markings etc. This can be particularly cumbersome and possibly even dangerous if, for example, the user is also in an awkward position, perched atop a ladder etc.

[0009] There is a need to address the above, and / or at least provide a useful alternative.

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a level comprising: a body having a first end and an opposite second end;at least one level indicator associated with the body; and a clamping mechanism for releasably mounting the level to a structure, the clamping mechanism comprising a jaw that is movable between: a retracted configuration in which the jaw is substantially flush with the second end of the body; and an extended configuration in which the jaw is spaced from the second end of the body such that the structure is clampable between the jaw and the second end of the body.

[0012] In at least some embodiments, when the jaw is in the retracted configuration, the jaw may be adjacent to or engaged against the second end of the body. Alternatively, the jaw may be at least partially recessed behind a plane defined by the second end of the body.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the level further comprises at least one biasing means for biasing the jaw to return to the retracted configuration from the extended configuration, which bias acts to clamp the structure between the jaw and the second end of the body. For example, the biasing means may comprise one or more springs such that the clamping mechanism may be spring-biased to return to the retracted configuration.

[0014] It is envisaged that a manual force required to urge the clamping mechanism away from the retracted configuration is distributed across the or each biasing means. For example, the level may comprise two or more springs disposed in a linear but vertically offset manner such that a force required to urge the clamping mechanism away from the retracted configuration is generally distributed (equally or otherwise) across the springs.

[0015] In certain examples, the clamping mechanism retracts towards and / or into the body of the level. For example, any externally accessible surface of the clamping mechanism, when retracted, may be flush or recessed into the body of the level so that the retracted clamping mechanism does not interfere with the ability to arrange any side of the level against a planar surface. In at least one embodiment, the clamping mechanism comprises a telescopic assembly configured to extend out from and retract into the body.

[0016] It is envisaged that clamping surfaces of the jaw and / or body may be padded so as to provide a cushioned surface for receiving the structure to be clamped. In certain embodiments, the body further comprises a front side, a rear side, and opposite lateral sides. In at least one such embodiment, level may further comprise a rear magnet associated with the rear side of the body for engagement thereof with a magnetic surface. For example, the rear magnet may be substantially flush with or recessed in the rear side of the body.

[0017] It is envisaged that the front and rear sides of the body define surface areas that are larger than those of the ends or lateral sides of the body. In at least one embodiment, the body of the level is substantially rectangular in shape, wherein the front and rear sides of the body generally define the rectangular shape of the level.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a level comprising: a body having a first end, an opposite second end, a front side, a rear side, and opposite lateral sides; at least one level indicator associated with the body; and a rear magnet associated with the rear side of the body for engagement thereof with a magnetic surface.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the rear magnet may be flush with the rear side of the body. Of course, the rear magnet may instead be recessed in the rear side of the body.

[0020] The second aspect of the invention may of course include any one or more features previously described in respect of the first aspect of the invention.

[0021] It is envisaged that in at least certain embodiments, the or each level indicator may be removably securable to the body. For example, if a level indicator is damaged or ill-fitting, it may simply be replaced with another level indicator.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the body of the level may comprise two or more magnets lying in planes that are perpendicular to one another so that the body can be magnetically engaged with a magnetic surface in at least two different orientations. For example, at least one magnet may lie substantially in or adjacent to a plane defined by or corresponding to a bottom of the level. In this way, the bottom of the level may be magnetically secured to a magnetic surface. Additionally and / or alternatively, at least one magnet may lie substantially in or adjacent to a plane defined by or corresponding to a lateral side of the body of the level. In this way, said lateral side of the level may be magnetically secured to a magnetic surface. Additionally and / or alternatively, at least one magnet may lie substantially in or adjacent to a plane defined by a rear side of the body of the level. In this way, said rear side of the level may be magnetically secured to a magnetic surface.

[0023] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assessing whether a surface to be measured is level relative to a reference plane, comprising: providing a level according to a first aspect of the invention; clamping the level to a structure associated with the surface to be measured via the clamping mechanism; and assessing the or each level indicator of the level.

[0024] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assessing whether a surface to be measured is level relative to a reference plane, comprising: providing a level according to a second aspect of the present invention; magnetically engaging the rear magnet of the level to a magnetic surface associated with the surface to be measured; and assessing the or each level indicator of the level.

[0025] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Embodiments of the presently disclosed invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0027] Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a level according to the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0028] Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of the level of Fig. 1 ;

[0029] Fig. 3 is another rear perspective view of the level of Fig. 1 , a clamping mechanism of the level shown in an extended configuration;

[0030] Fig. 4A is a front perspective view of a body of the level of Fig. 1 ;

[0031] Fig. 4B is a side perspective view of a clamping mechanism of the level of Fig. 1 ;

[0032] Figs. 5A and 5B are rear perspective views of the clamping mechanism of Fig. 4B in retracted and extended configurations, respectively;

[0033] Figs. 5C and 5D are front perspective views of the clamping mechanism of, respectively, Figs. 5A and 5B;

[0034] Fig. 6 is a rear perspective view of the clamping mechanism of Fig. 5A with a first retractable member thereof omitted; Fig. 7A is a rear view of the level of Fig. 1 ;

[0035] Fig. 7B is a rear view of the level of Fig. 3;

[0036] Fig. 8A is a cross-sectional view of the level of Fig. 7A taken along the line A-A;

[0037] Fig. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the level of Fig. 7B taken along the line B-B; and

[0038] Fig. 9 is a rear perspective view of a level according to another embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0039] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The present specification discloses a level used to indicate whether a surface is level and / or plumb. The level comprises a body and at least one level indicator associated with the body. The or each level indicator may be used to indicate whether the surface to be measured is angled relative to a reference plane. In other words, the at least one level indicator may indicate to the user whether the measured surface is level and / or plumb. In the depicted embodiment, each level indicator is depicted as a bubble vial. Of course, other types of level indicators are within the scope of the present specification. Henceforth, references to “bubble vials” may be used, though it is to be understood that the corresponding teachings are similarly applicable to level indicators more generally.

[0041] In certain embodiments, the level comprises a clamping mechanism that is operable from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration for releasably securing the level to a structure so that the level is supported therefrom. In this way, the level can be clamped to a structure during use, thereby enabling readings, markings etc. derived from the spirit level to be made in a less encumbered hands-free manner. For example, in applications where the level cannot be magnetically engaged with a convenient support surface, the level can instead be releasably clamped to a proximate structure. In this way, the level provides users with the ability to use the level in a relatively hands-free manner when magnetic methods for securing the level in position are not available or sufficient. As will be discussed, the clamping mechanism is configured such that clamping of the level to a structure does not result in the structure obscuring one’s ability to assess the level i nd icator(s) of the presently disclosed level. In other words, the clamping mechanism is configured such that when clamped, the structure is disposed to one end or side of the body of the level rather than in front of the body or some significant portion thereof, thereby allowing a user to readily visually assess the or each level indicator of the level.

[0042] In other embodiments, a rear side of the body of the level may comprise a magnet configured for magnetic engagement with a magnetic surface. The provision of a magnet on the rear side of the body may provide particular advantages in applications where a user wishes to magnetically engage the level with a metallic structure or component that is itself to be mounted or positioned relative to another surface. For example, installation of an air conditioning unit often involves mounting a wall mount to a wall. Using prior art levels, users are known to either manually hold the level in place or balance it on the wall mount as they positioned it in place. With the presently disclosed level having a magnet on a rear side thereof, a user can simply magnetically engage the rear side of the level to the wall mount so that their hands are free to position and affix the wall mount (and of course, other suitable components or structures) in place. The presently disclosed subject matter will now be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 9.

[0043] The level 2 depicted in Figs. 1 to 8 comprises a relatively rigid body 4. The body 4 has a front side 6, a rear side 8, a first end (also referred to herein as the top 10), an opposite second end (also referred to herein as the bottom 12), and opposite lateral sides 14a, 14b (wherein “14” herein collectively refers to both lateral sides 14a and 14b). In the depicted embodiment, the body 4 has a substantially rectangular footprint having an outer perimeter that corresponds with that of a general purpose outlet (GPO). In this way, the body 4 of the level 2 can be used as a template for users to outline a desired location of a GPO to be installed. Of course, the depicted body 4 is an example only and other body shapes, sizes, materials etc. are indeed within the scope of the present specification. For example, Fig. 9 shows a torpedo level 102 in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter, the torpedo level 102 having a wider and narrower body 104 with magnets 116 disposed along a rear side 108 thereof. Referring back to Figs. 1 to 8, the depicted level 2 comprises two level indicators in the form of elongate bubble vials 20a, 20b. With reference to Fig. 1 , there is provided a first vial 20a extending along a first longitudinal axis, and a second vial 20b extending along a second longitudinal axis that is perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. In use, and depending on how the level 2 is oriented, either vial 20a, 20b can be used to indicate whether a measured surface is level or plumb. For example, in the orientation shown in Fig. 1 , the first vial 20a extends in a generally horizontal direction and may thus be used to indicate whether a surface is level, while the second vial 20b extends in a generally vertical direction and thus may be used to indicate whether a surface is plumb. As can be seen, each vial 20a, 20b can be visually inspected through respective windows 22a, 22b formed in the body 4 to increase the visibility of each vial 20a, 20b from various orientations and placements of the level 2 during use.

[0044] While the depicted embodiment shows two level indicators 20a, 20b, each oriented perpendicular to the other, it will be appreciated that the presently disclosed level 2 may comprise more or less level indicators, the indicators need not be of the same type as one another, and the or each indicator need not be positioned relative to the body as shown in the Figures. For example, certain embodiments of the presently disclosed level may also comprise a bullseye-type vial. In certain embodiments, the or each level indicator is removably securable to the body via known engagement means, thereby allowing for replacement or recalibration of individual indicators as required.

[0045] Referring to Fig. 2, a generally planar bottom or second end 12 of the rectangular body 4 is provided with a pair of laterally spaced apart magnets 18. Additionally, the rear side 8 of the level 2 is provided with a rear magnet 16. In this way, the rear side 8 and / or bottom end 12 of the body 4 of the level 2 can be magnetically secured to a magnetic surface during use, thereby offering a range of different orientations via which the level 2 can be magnetically engaged with a magnetic surface to facilitate hands-free usage of the level 2.

[0046] The rear magnet 16 may be substantially flush with the rear side 8 of the body 4, though in alternative embodiments the rear magnet 16 may be recessed in the rear side 8 of the body 4. Similarly, the bottom magnets 18 may be flush with or slightly recessed within the bottom side 12 of the body 4 of the level 2. In this way, the magnets 16, 18 do not protrude out from their respective sides 8, 12 so that they do not physically interfere or compromise the flushness with which those sides of the body 4 of the level 2 can be engaged with a desired surface during use. It can thus be said that the bottom magnets 18 substantially lie on or are adjacent to a bottom plane defined by the bottom end 12 of the body 4 of the level 2. It can also be said that the rear magnet 16 substantially lies on or is adjacent to a rear plane defined by the rear side 8 of the body 4 of the level 2. Additionally, the aforementioned planes are substantially perpendicular to one another. In this way, the rear and / or bottom ends 8, 12 of the level 2 can be magnetically secured to a magnetic surface during use, thereby offering a range of different orientations via which the level 2 can be magnetically engaged with a magnetic surface to facilitate hands-free usage of the level 2. It can thus be said that the body comprises two or more magnets (such as magnets 16 and 18) which lie in planes that are generally perpendicular to one another so that the body 4 can be magnetically engaged with a magnetic surface in at least two different orientations. Of course, magnets may also be provided at additional or alternative sides of the level 2 as desired. For example, the level 2 can of course include one or more magnets provided at one or both lateral sides 14a, 14b, the top end 10 and / or the front side 6.

[0047] The provision of the rear magnet 16 on the rear side 8 of the level 2 enables the level 2 to be magnetically secured to metallic structures or components that may themselves need to be positioned and / or mounted. For example, when installing metallic brackets, frames, conduits, or other fixtures, the rear magnet 16 allows the rear side 8 of the level 2 to be attached directly to such fixtures being positioned, thereby providing hands-free operation while the fixture is moved into the desired position. For example, the level 2 can be magnetised in place to a fixture wherein a side or end of the level 2 (e.g. , a top end 10 or bottom end 12) is abutted against an existing lip or edge of the fixture, thereby aligning the level 2 with a particular orientation of the fixture. The fixture can then be positioned and fixed in place — using the magnetised level 2 as a visual guide — without the user needing to manually handle or balance the level 2. The present level 2 also comprises a clamping mechanism 24 for releasably securing the level 2 to a structure so that the level 2 is supported therefrom. This may be useful when, for example, there are no suitable magnetic surfaces to which the level 2 can be magnetically mounted; in such cases, the clamping mechanism 24 of the level 2 provides an additional and alternative mounting method via which the level 2 may still be secured to a structure to permit hands free operation.

[0048] In certain embodiments, the clamping mechanism 24 is movable from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration in which the level 2 can be clamped to a structure so as to be supported thereby. Figs. 1 and 2 show the clamping mechanism 24 in a retracted configuration, wherein the clamping mechanism 24 is substantially retracted into and forms a part of the front side 6 and bottom end 12 of the body 4 of the level 2. Fig. 3 shows the clamping mechanism 24 in an extended configuration wherein it has been manually drawn away from the body 4. In the depicted embodiment, the clamping mechanism 24 is drawn away from the bottom end 12 of the body 4, so it can be said that the clamping mechanism 24 is drawn downwardly. That said, it is worth noting that such descriptions of direction and orientation are relative and thus it may simply be considered that the clamping mechanism 24 is drawn away from the body 4. Of course, it is envisaged that the clamping mechanism 24 can be associated with other sides of the level 2; for example, it is indeed within the scope of the present specification to have the clamping mechanism 24 be extendable from any other side of the body 4 of the level 2. Moreover, the level 2 can of course comprise two or more such clamping mechanisms; for example, one clamping mechanism may extend from and retract toward the bottom of the level while the other clamping mechanism may extend from and retract toward the top side. Additionally or alternatively, a clamping mechanism may extend from and retract toward a lateral side of the body.

[0049] In the depicted embodiment, the clamping mechanism 24 is configured such that it is biased to return to the closed or retracted position from the extended configuration. To this end, the presently disclosed level 2 may be provided with one or more biasing means to bias the clamping mechanism to return to the retracted or closed configuration. Moreover, when a structure is received by the extended clamping mechanism 24, the bias thereof urges the structure between the clamping mechanism 24 and the bottom side 12 of the body 4 of the level 2, thereby clamping or squeezing the structure therebetween. For example, the clamping mechanism 24 may be spring-biased to return to the closed or retracted position. In other words, the biasing means of the presently disclosed level may comprise one or more springs. Of course, alternate biasing means are within the scope of the present specification, and may include elastic cords, straps and the like.

[0050] In the depicted embodiment, the clamping mechanism 24 comprises a jaw 26 that is biased to the closed or retracted configuration using two compression springs. In this way, by pulling the jaw 26 downwardly away from the body 4, the compression springs are compressed and thus biased to expand so as to draw the jaw 26 back towards the body 4 to assume the retracted configuration; this biasing of the springs acts to impart a clamping force whereby a structure can be clamped or squeezed between the jaw 26 and the body 4 of the level 2.

[0051] Referring to Fig. 2, it can be seen that in the retracted configuration, the depicted jaw 26 is substantially flush with the bottom end 12 of the body 4 of the level 2. Referring to Fig. 3, it can be seen that in the extended configuration, the jaw 26 is spaced away from the bottom end 12 of the body 4 of the level 2. In this way, the structure to which the level is to be clamped can be received between the jaw 26 and the bottom end 12 of the body 4 of the level 2 so as to be clamped therebetween. Advantageously, since the structure is clamped to one side of the body 4 of the level 2 (i.e. , in the depicted embodiment, the structure would be clamped ‘below; the bottom end 12 of the body 4 of the level 2), then the structure does not visually or physically obstruct one’s ability to read the level indicators 20a, 20b. This contrasts with a configuration in which respective jaws may be at opposite ends of the body, whereby in clamping the body to a structure, the structure necessarily obscures the body. Additionally, by providing the clamping space between the present jaw 26 and the adjacent second end 12 of the body 4, the presently disclosed level 2 can be clamped to even relatively small (narrow) structures. In contrast, a body having jaws at opposed ends thereof could only clamp to structures that are substantially equal to or greater than the distance between those opposed ends. Another advantage of using the second end 12 of the body 4 as one of the clamping surfaces is that the second end 12 functions as a reliable planar surface against which a structure can be engaged. As such, even if the alignment or ‘straightness’ of the jaw 26 were compromised due to wear and tear, clamping the structure against the straight second end 12 of the body overcomes any misalignment or off-centring of the jaw 26.

[0052] The depicted clamping mechanism 24 comprises a first member 28 which is retractably associated with the body 4 of the level 2, and a second member 30 which is retractably associated with the first member 28, the second member 30 comprising, at a lower end thereof, the aforementioned jaw 26 for engaging against the structure received thereby. In this arrangement, the clamping mechanism 24 can be thought of as comprising a two-part or staged extension and retraction mechanism, thereby enabling relatively larger or wider structures to be clamped by the clamping mechanism 24.

[0053] By comparison, a single spring-loaded member that is manually extended from the body 4 of the level 2 may only permit relatively smaller or narrower structures to be clamped by the level 2. In particular, to bite onto larger structures, the spring-loaded member would need to travel further away from the body 4, and this would require a longer compression spring which would become increasingly difficult to compress as the member is drawn increasingly downwardly away from the body 4. Pulling so strongly on the retractable member may be manually quite difficult, and could risk reducing the lifespan and usability of the level 2.

[0054] As such, to provide a clamping mechanism 24 that can clamp over relatively larger structures without requiring the application of excessive manual force, the depicted clamping mechanism 24 comprises two retractable members 28, 30, the first member 28 being retractable toward the body 4 of the level 2 via a first compression spring 32, the second retractable member 30 being retractable toward the first member 28 via a second compression spring 34.

[0055] The first retractable member comprises a tray-like member 28 which is slidably housed (e.g., slotted) within a correspondingly shaped recess or housing 36 in the front side 6 of the body 4 of the level 2 (see Fig. 4A). The housing 36 also defines a vertically extending recess 38 in which the first compression spring 32 is contained. With reference to Fig. 4B, an upper end of the spring 32 engages against an overhanging projection 40 extending outwardly from the tray-like member 28, and a lower end of the spring 32 is received on a platform which, in the depicted embodiment, comprises a pin 42 extending from the rear side 8 of the body into a lower end of the vertical recess 38 of the housing 36 formed in the front side 6 of the body 4. In the retracted configuration, the compression spring 32 of the tray-like member 28 experiences little-to-no compression and is thus relatively ‘relaxed’. This is shown in Fig. 8A, which shows the compression spring 32 in a relatively uncompressed form wherein the upper and lower ends of the spring 32 are engaged against, respectively, the overhanging projection 40 and the lower pin 42.

[0056] The second retractable member 30 is similarly slidably movable relative to the first tray-like member 28. The second retractable member 30 comprises a vertically extending male portion 44, a lower end of which comprises the aforementioned jaw 26 which projects outwardly therefrom toward the rear side 8 of the body 4. The male portion 44 is configured to slide vertically up and down within a complementarily shaped female slot 46 formed in the first retractable member 28. A vertically extending recess 48 is defined between the tray-like member 28 and the second retractable member 30 in which the second compression spring 34 is contained. An upper end of the spring 34 is received against an overhanging projection 50 extending outwardly from an upper end of the male portion 44 of the second retractable member 30, and a lower end of the compression spring 34 is received on a transversely extending platform 52 which, in the depicted embodiment, is screwed (e.g., see screws 58 in Fig. 6) or otherwise fixed to or forms part of a lower end of the second retractable member 30.

[0057] When the clamping mechanism 24 is in the retracted configuration, the compression spring 34 of the second retractable member 30 experiences little to no compression and is thus relatively ‘relaxed’. This is shown in Fig. 8A, which shows the compression spring 34 in a relatively uncompressed state wherein a length thereof is contained within the vertical recess 48, and the upper and lower ends of the spring 34 are closed by, respectively, the overhanging projection 50 of the second member 30, and the transverse platform 52. Operation of the clamping mechanism 24 can be observed by comparing Figs. 5A and 5B, Figs. 5C and 5D, and Figs. 8A and 8B. In use, a user can draw the second retractable member 30 downwardly, relative to the body 4 of the level 2, thereby compressing the second compression spring 34 between the projection 50 of the male portion 44 of the second retractable member 30 and the bottom platform 52. In pulling the second member 30 downwardly, the tray-like member 28 is also drawn downwardly from the body 4 of the level 2, thereby compressing the first compression spring 32 between the projection 40 of the tray-like member 28 and the pin 42. This extending of the clamping mechanism 24 acts to move the clamping jaw 26 downwardly away from the bottom 12 of the body 4 of the level 2, whereby both of the compressed compression springs 32, 34 are now biased to expand so as to ‘close’ the jaw 26 toward the body 4 of the level 2 and thus return the clamping mechanism 24 to the retracted configuration. The bias of the compression springs 32, 34 imparts a closing or clamping force to the jaw 26, enabling a structure to be clamped between the extended jaw 26 and a bottom 12 of the body 4 of the level 2.

[0058] In this way, the manual pulling force required to operate the clamping mechanism 24 is not overly constrained or limited by one compression spring or the other 32, 34. Instead, the force required to open or extend the clamping mechanism 24 may be relatively evenly distributed across the two compression springs 32, 34. In this way, one can readily open the clamping mechanism 24 to a sufficient width so as to clamp around relatively wide structures, such as conduits, switch enclosures and the like which are often required to be level before they are installed or fixed in place.

[0059] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0060] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. Finally, it is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and / or additions may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention as disclosed herein. For example, the body may be configured in alternative shapes and sizes, including torpedo configurations, miniature pocket sizes, extended lengths for larger construction applications, or curved profiles for specialized applications. Of course, the body may be constructed from various suitable materials such as aluminum, carbon fiber, titanium alloys, impact-resistant polymers, composite materials, or sustainable bio-based plastics.

[0061] The level may comprise multiple clamping mechanisms positioned on opposite sides, at multiple locations, in telescoping arrangements etc. In the depicted embodiment, an external face of the clamping mechanism on the front side of the level is provided with a knurled texture 54 to improve a user’s ability to grip and manually slide the clamping mechanism away from the retracted configuration. Additionally, it will be noted that an upper surface of the jaw 26 of the clamping mechanism 24 in the depicted embodiment is provided with padding 56 for improved grip with surfaces and structures received thereon.

[0062] The clamping mechanism may comprise alternative configurations such as pivoting jaws, scissor-action clamps, rotating clamps, expandable grips, or specialised jaw shapes for pipe clamping, corner engagement, or irregularly shaped structures.

[0063] The biasing means may comprise alternative arrangements including torsion springs, leaf springs, gas springs, elastic bands, magnetic biasing and the like.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A level comprising: a body having a first end and an opposite second end; at least one level indicator associated with the body; and a clamping mechanism for releasably mounting the level to a structure, the clamping mechanism comprising a jaw that is movable between: a retracted configuration in which the jaw is substantially flush with the second end of the body; and an extended configuration in which the jaw is spaced from the second end of the body such that the structure is clampable between the jaw and the second end of the body.

2. The level of claim 1 , further comprising at least one biasing means for biasing the jaw to return to the retracted configuration from the extended configuration, which bias acts to clamp the structure between the jaw and the second end of the body.

3. The level of claim 2, wherein a manual force required to urge the jaw away from the retracted configuration is distributed across the or each biasing means.

4. The level of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping mechanism comprises a telescopic assembly configured to extend out from and retract into the body.

5. The level of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body further comprises a front side, a rear side, and opposite lateral sides, the level further comprising a rear magnet associated with the rear side of the body for engagement thereof with a magnetic surface.

6. The level of claim 5, wherein the rear magnet is substantially flush with or recessed in the rear side of the body.

7. The level of claim 5 or 6, wherein the front and rear sides of the body define surface areas that are larger than those of the ends or lateral sides of the body.

8. A level comprising: a body having a first end, an opposite second end, a front side, a rear side, and opposite lateral sides; at least one level indicator associated with the body; and a rear magnet associated with the rear side of the body for engagement thereof with a magnetic surface.

9. The level of claim 8, wherein the rear magnet is substantially flush with or recessed in the rear side of the body.

10. The level of claim 8 or 9, wherein the front and rear sides of the body define surface areas that are larger than those of the ends or lateral sides of the body.

11. The level of any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising a clamping mechanism having a jaw for releasably mounting the level to a structure.

12. The level of claim 11 , wherein the jaw that is movable between: a retracted configuration; and an extended configuration in which the jaw is spaced from the second end of the body such that the structure is clampable between the jaw and the second end of the body.

13. The level of claim 12, wherein in the retracted configuration, the jaw is substantially flush with the second end of the body.

14. The level of claim 12 or 13, further comprising at least one biasing means for biasing the jaw to return to the retracted configuration from the extendedconfiguration, which bias acts to clamp the structure between the jaw and the second end of the body.

15. The level of claim 14, wherein a manual force required to urge the jaw away from the retracted configuration is distributed across the or each biasing means.

16. The level of any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the clamping mechanism comprises a telescopic assembly configured to extend out from and retract into the body.

17. The level of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each level indicator is removably securable to the body.

18. The level of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body comprises two or more magnets lying in planes that are perpendicular to one another so that the body can be magnetically engaged with a magnetic surface in at least two different orientations.

19. A method of assessing whether a surface to be measured is level relative to a reference plane, comprising: providing a level according to any one of claims 1 to 7; clamping the level to a structure associated with the surface to be measured via the clamping mechanism; and assessing the or each level indicator of the level.

20. A method of assessing whether a surface to be measured is level relative to a reference plane, comprising: providing a level according to any one of claims 5 to 18; magnetically engaging the rear magnet of the level to a magnetic surface associated with the surface to be measured; and assessing the or each level indicator of the level.

Images