Technical Field

Embodiments of the invention generally relate to spirit level devices.

Background

Spirit levels are known as instruments designed to indicate whether a surface is horizontal (level) or vertical (plumb). Spirit level devices typically have a structure in which liquids such as water and bubble are sealed inside a thin and long receptacle. Spirit levels are also referred to as bubble levels or simply levels. Different types of spirit levels are typically used by carpenters, stonemasons, bricklayers, other building trades workers, surveyors, millwrights and other metalworkers. A problem with known devices is that, when used by a single user, it is often difficult for the user to hold the level stably against a vertical wall for example. Furthermore, surfaces such as walls often include dips or raises in the surface, being uneven, which increases the difficulty in handling the spirit level. Further still, positioning the sprit levels against a wall sometimes results in unwanted marks on the wall. It is to these problems, amongst others, that embodiments according to the invention attempt to offer solutions. Summary

In a broad, independent aspect, there is provided a spirit level comprising a body and a component for receiving a handle moveable between a first position, wherein the handle is located within the body, and a second position for user grip.

The component for receiving the handle may be a compartment, typically formed within the body of the spirit level device. Preferably, the handle is entirely located within the compartment in the body (so it does not protrude when not in use). The handle may be deployable between the first and second positions, for example, by pivoting between the two positions.

The moveable handle may thus be referred to as a fold out handle. In the retracted, first, position the handle is located within the body and thus it is integral to the body of the device. In the second position, the handle may be folded either side of the spirit level, for example, to be perpendicular to the spirit level, either side of the body. The fold out handle integrated into the body of the spirit level device advantageously enables easy use and more stability when using the level device. The integration does not restrict the traditional use and level features. Preferably, the handle folds either side of the device so the spirit level device can be used universally.

Preferably, the device further comprises at least one gripping element (more preferably at two gripping elements) for engaging with a wall. The gripping element may be moveable between a first position wherein the gripping element is located with the body and a second position wherein at least one portion of the gripping elements protrudes out of the body for engagement with the wall. Preferably, in the first position, the gripping element is entirely located within the body. For example, the gripping element is retained within a channel of the body and may be pushed in and out of the channel to allow grip use and non-grip use. For example, the at least one gripping element is moveable between a first position wherein the at least one gripping element is located within the body and a second position wherein at least one portion of the at least one gripping element protrudes out of the body for engagement with the wall.

Preferably, in the first position, the gripping element is entirely located within the body. For example, the gripping element is frictionally retained within a channel of the body and may be pushed in and out of the channel to allow grip use and non-grip use. For example, the at least one gripping element is moveable between a first position wherein the at least one gripping element is located with the body and a second position wherein at least one portion of the at least one gripping element protrudes out of the body for engagement with the wall.

When engaging with an uneven wall for example, the level is in contact with only two points (two gripping elements) which advantageously 'bridge' over dips or raises in the surface allowing for more stable use. Further, in combination with the handle, in use, this increases stability of the spirit level in use.

Preferably, the gripping element comprises a first portion for engaging with the wall, having a higher frictional coefficient than a second portion of the gripping element received within the channel. For example, the first portion comprises rubber or silicone and wherein the second portion comprises a hard plastics material.

In some embodiments, the handle is attached to the body by an extendable attachment element, for extending the handle when in the second position. This allows for flexible configuration of the handle, to enable different sized handles.

In some embodiments, the spirit level device further comprises a storage compartment within the body. Advantageously, this allows for storing other tools for example within the spirit level device. The storage compartment may be located close to the compartment for receiving the handle. In some embodiments, spirit level device comprises the least one rotatable end cap, the end cap comprising a gripping surface. This solution also enables the spirit level device to 'stick' to a wall in use. Preferably, the spirit level device comprises a body and a component for receiving a handle moveable between a first position, wherein the handle is located parallel to the body, and a second position for user grip.

In a second, broad, independent aspect, there is provided a spirit level device spirit level device comprising a body and at least one gripping element for engagement with a wall. Preferably, two gripping elements are provided at each end of the spirit level device. The gripping elements are as described above.

Preferably, the gripping element is moveable between a first position wherein the gripping element is located with the body and a second position wherein at least one portion of the at least one gripping element protrudes out of the body for engagement with the wall. This enables the gripping element to be pushed out of the body by a user and helps to hold (stick) the spirit level against a wall when using it, otherwise it can slip easily. The at least one gripping element may moveable between the first and second positions along a first direction perpendicular to the body, that is from front to back of the spirit level body, to stick to a wall behind the spirit level for example.

In some embodiments, the at least one gripping element is further moveable relative to the body in a second direction perpendicular to the body and perpendicular to the first direction. For example, the at least one gripping element is comprised in a gripping device moveable in the second direction, wherein the gripping device is a shim. The shim is said to be extendable because it allows the gripping element/gripping device to move not only front and back relative to the body, but also up and down. This provides a precision advantage by allowing the spirit level to be offset (higher/lower) at one end, according to the angle of a gradient (e.g. when used in an angled patio for water drainage).

Further advantageous features are defined in the set of dependent claims. Brief Description of the Figures

Embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the Figures, in which: Figure 1 is a frontal view of a spirit level according to an embodiment;

Figure 2 shows the inner components of the spirit level of Figure 1;

Figures 3A and 3B respectively show side views of an integrated fold out handle, in a retracted and extended position, respectively;

Figure 4A shows an aerial view of the handle extending either side of the spirit level device; Figure 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the handle compartment;

Figures 5A, 5B and 5C show the extension of the handle using extendable handle screws; Figures 6 to 8 shows views of an integrated removeable storage compartment of the spirit level;

Figures 9A, 9B and 9C show rotatable end caps;

Figures 10 to 12 shows further view of the spirit level device;

Figure 13 shows aerial views of the spirit level device with the handle extending either side of the device.

Figures 14A to 14C show views of a spirit level according to a preferred embodiment, with gripping elements;

Figures 14D to 14F show views of a spirit level according to a preferred embodiment, with gripping elements and extendable shims;

Figures 15A and 15B show front and back views of the spirit level shown in Figures 14A to 14C;

Figures 16A to 16D show gripping elements: 'push engaged' grips or feet of the spirit level device;

Figures 16E to 16G show partial, front views of the spirit level device with gripping elements and extendable shims (corresponding to Figures 14A to 14C);

Figures 17 A to 17C show partial, close up, views of spirit level devices with push engage grips (corresponding to Figures 14A to 14C);

Figures 17D to 17F show partial, close up, views of spirit level devices with gripping elements and extendable shims (corresponding to Figures 14D to 14F).

Figures 18A to 18E show views of a spirit level according to an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein both the handle and associated housing are attached to one side of the spirit level device. Figures 19A to 19C show perspective views of a spirit level according to an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein both the handle and associated housing are attached to one side of the spirit level device. Detailed Description

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, a spirit level device 1 comprises a fold out handle compartment 2, a removable storage compartment 5 and rotatable end caps 7. In alternative, preferred, embodiments, the rotatable end caps are replaced with a 'push engaged' grips or feet, as will be described with reference to Figures 14A to 17C.

In alternative embodiments the body of the spirit level device 1 comprises two or more handles, which in use facilitate the manual handling of a substantially long spirit level device

1. In a further alternative embodiment, the body of the spirit level device 1 comprises an integrated storage compartment, which in use is not removable from the body of the level device 1.

The fold out handle compartment 2 is located between spirit level's walls 12, 12'. The compartment 2 has a flat base wall 19 and an outer curved aperture wall 15. The fold out handle compartment 2 comprises a fold out handle 3 which is arranged in a cavity ('void') 14, which is formed by the distal ends of the curved aperture wall 15 joining the flat base wall 19. The handle 3 comprises a cross bar 18, which is arranged parallel to flat base wall 19 and an arcuate portion which cooperate with the arcuate configuration of the curved wall 15, thereby providing a close and/or abutting fit to the inner surface of the curved aperture wall 15. This enables the handle 3 to be contained within the handle compartment

2, whereby no portion of the handle protrudes from the spirit level's side walls 12, 12,' when the handle is not in use.

The handle is moveable to a first position, which is vertical relative to the flat base wall 19 when not in use. Furthermore, the handle is moveable to a second position, which extends from either wall 12, 12' of the level device, when in use. The void 14, enables the user to pass their fingers through the spirit level device 1 and thereby facilitates a better grip of the handle 3 from either side 12, 12' of the spirit level device 1, when in use. Furthermore, the handle 3 may also be attached to the handle compartment via a ratchet or a bearing means.

The handle 3 has an outer edge 13 and the handle is formed so that it fits inside the compartment 2, the outer edge 13 adjacent the outer curved wall 15. The handle 3 has screws 4, 4' at handle arm ends 16, 16' for pivoting the handle between fold in and fold out positions and is held in closed contact fit against outer curved wall 15. In an alternative embodiment, the handle 3 is pivotally attached to the level device 1 via a threaded fastener, such as, a screw or bolt, a pin, a rod or any other attachments means. To fold out the handle 3, the user pulls, or pushes the handle 3 out of the compartment 2 towards the side (12 or 12') of the device they wish to deploy the handle to. Advantageously, the handle 3 folds out both sides of the device 1. Furthermore, the handle 3 may also comprise one or more ergo dynamic features, such as, a contour, a high friction component, such as rubber or silicone, which in use facilitates an improved grip of the handle 3 by the level device 1 user.

Therefore, the spirit level 1 comprises a body and a component such as the compartment 2 for receiving a handle moveable between a first position, wherein the handle is located parallel to the body, and a second position for user grip.

The fold out handle 3 integrated into the body of the level device 1 advantageously enables easy use and more stability when using the level device. The integration does not restrict the traditional use and level features. Advantageously, the handle 3 folds both ways so the level can be used universally.

The handle 3 pivots out of the compartment 2 about the handle screws 4, 4'. The handle screws 4, 4' fasten the handle 3 by extending outside of compartment 2 using nuts 17, 17'. The handle 3 is extendable in height, when unfolded, to accommodate for users with larger hands, as shown in more detail in Figures 5A, 5B, 5C. The handle 3, once unfolded out of the compartment 5, can be extended by pulling the handle cross bar 18 away from the device 1. This action slides the handle cross bar 18 along handle extension screws 11 away from the handle arm ends 16, 16'. The handle extension screws can have a ribbed, rough, or smooth handle interior contact surface. A ribbed or rough surface can be used to extend the handle 3 to pre-set extension lengths, dependent on the location of grooves along the surface. A smooth exterior can provide a smoother extension, so as to extend the handle from a compressed first position, to a second fully extended position.

The removable storage compartment 5 is housed within storage compartment aperture 6 of the device 1. The removable storage compartment 5 has a storage compartment tub 20 and a storage compartment lid 21, as may be seen in Figure 7. The storage compartment tub 20 is constructed so that the outer walls of the tub 20 form a contact fit within the storage compartment aperture 6 of the device 1 to maintain the storage compartment 5 in place within the aperture 6 in use. The outer walls of the tub 20 are constructed so as to form a rough, or tacky, exterior surface which results in increasing the friction between the tub 20 and the walls of the compartment aperture. The compartment 5 can comprise one sole cavity, or feature walls for organising items within the compartment 5. The contact tight fit ensures that the compartment 5 remains within the device 1 when in use. Advantageously, the compartment 5 may receive loose items. Levels devices are generally hollow so the integrated storage compartment 5 allows storage or measurement items and small tools making use of the unused space. The removable storage compartment allows for storage of lightweight items for example when using the level device. The storage compartment lid 21 is constructed to extend beyond each of the walls of the compartment tub 20. The lid is preferably constructed to extend no more than 2mm from the wall of the device 1. This ensures the compartment lid 21 doesn't catch on objects and withdraw the compartment 20 from within the storage compartment aperture 6 within use. A rotatable end cap 7 comprises a rotatable face 22, insertion base 23, end cap screw 10 and end cap bolt 24.

The rotatable face 22, may be made of rubber, or other suitable tacky material. The rotatable face 22 has a grip side 9 and a smooth side 8. The rotatable face 22 can be rotated 360 degrees about the axis of an end cap screw 10. The grip side 9 of the end cap consists of a tacky material, such as rubber, or other rough material. The grip side 9 can have a number of grooves. Preferably, the end caps 7 are identical, e.g. formed of the same mould or cutter dimensions. The smooth side 8 of the end cap 7 is preferably made of a plastic, or smooth rubber composition.

In an alternative embodiment, the rotatable end cap 7 is removably attached to the spirit level device by a ferrule fitting swivel.

Figure 1 is an external side view of the spirit level device 1, wherein the handle 3 is in its unfolded position. The removable storage compartment 5 is in place within the spirit level device 1, extending beyond the aperture 6 specifically designed to receive the tub 20 of the storage compartment 5.

Figure 2 is a cross sectional side view of the spirit level device 1. Handle screws 4, 4' extend through the handle arm ends 16. The removable storage compartment 5 has been removed, to reveal the storage compartment aperture 6. Rotatable end cap screws 10 extend through the end cap face 22, end cap base 23 and into the end cap nut 24.

Figures 3A and 3B show the handle 3 in the folded and unfolded positions respectively. The handle 3 is shown in Figure 3B to pivot about the axis of the handle screws 4 which results in the handle extending out from the side of the device 1.

Figures 4A and 4B show aerial and end cross sectional views of the handle compartment 2 without the device 1. Figure 4A shows the handle 3 folded out to the side of the fold out handle compartment 2. The handle 3 can be pivoted about the axis of the handle screws 4 and fastened nuts 17, either side of the device 1.

Figures 5A, 5B and 5C show the handle operation about the extendable handle screws 1 1 from cross-sectional aerial and end views, respectively. Figure 5A shows the handle 3 before extension, within the handle arm ends 16. Figure 5B shows the handle 3 extended to the full extension range point of the handle extension screws 1 1. When extended, the screws 1 1 are visible to the user. Figure 5C is a cross-sectional end view of the handle 3 folded out of the handle compartment 2, and extended to its full extension point. Figure 6 is an aerial cross-sectional view of the removable storage compartment 5, which shows the storage compartment lid 21 extending beyond the perimeter of the storage compartment tub 20. Furthermore, the storage compartment lid 21 may be attached to the storage compartment 5, via a pilotable attachment means, such as a hinge, a magnetic attachment means or a push-fit attachment means.

Figure 7 is a side view of the storage compartment 5, showing the lid 21 closed, in contact with the tub 20. Figure 8 displays the lid 21 in a partially opened position above the tub 20.

Figures 9A, 9B and 9C show rotatable end caps in use. Figure 9A shows a rotatable end cap in its normal position. Figure 9B shows a rotatable end cap in anti-clockwise rotation about the end cap screw 10. As shown in Figure 9C the rotatable end cap, is rotatable clockwise about the end cap screw 10. The end cap screw 10 allows the end cap 7 to be rotated 360 degrees by the user.

Advantageously, the rotating end caps allow for both grip or non-grip use of the level device. One side of the cap has grip (i.e. rubber) and in contact with surface the other side is set back from edge of level so that is not in contact with the surface to allow non-grip movement.

In a further alternative embodiment, the end cap screw 10 comprises a spring. The spring is located at the end cap base 23 end of the end cap screw 10. The spring maintains the end cap face 22 in position at the end of the spirit level device 1, wherein to overcome the spring, an operator is required to draw the end cap face 22 away from the spirit level device 1 to initiate rotation. The spring draws the end cap down into position when lined up with the side walls of the end of the spirit level device 1. Furthermore, the spring may be in form of a helical spring, leaf spring or any other form resilient component which absorbs energy when it can be deformed elastically, and then subsequently release the absorbed energy upon unloading. Figure 10 displays the spirit level device 1 from the opposing side to that shown in Figure 1. The handle 3 is displayed clearly, as this is deployable from both sides of the device 1. The walls of the device 1 extend behind the storage compartment aperture 6, forming the rear wall of the aperture, to prevent the removable storage compartment 5 from being pushed through the other side of the device 1.

Figure 11 shows the spirit level device 1 with handle 3 folded. The handle cross bar 18 is visible from the side view of the device, with the remainder of the handle compartment 2 clear. The handle compartment can be used as a grip point when the handle 3 is folded out of the compartment 2.

Figure 12 shows the reverse view of Figure 11, where the handle 3 is folded flat, having been pivoted about the handle screws 4. Figure 13 shows aerial views of the spirit level device 1 with handle 3 extending either side of the device.

An alternative, preferred, embodiment is now described with reference to Figures 14A to 17C, wherein the rotatable end caps 7 described above are replaced with 'push engaged' grips or feet (gripping elements) 72. These embodiments also include an integrated foldable handle 3 as described above, as well as optional features as described above, which are not repeated here for brevity.

Figure 14A is a frontal view of a preferred spirit level device embodiment. Figures 14B and 14C respectively show perspective frontal and back views of the spirit level of Figure 14A. Figures 15A and 15B are areal frontal and back views of the same spirit level. The spirit level devices have gripping devices 70 attached either side of the spirit level and having the same width and height as the body of the spirit level. The gripping devices 70 may be fixedly attached to the body in this example.

Figure 14D is a frontal view of another preferred spirit level device embodiment, wherein gripping devices 700 are attached to the body by extendable shims (as will be described in more detail below). Figures 14E and 14F respectively show perspective frontal and back views of the spirit level of Figure 14D. The extendable shims allow either of gripping devices to slide relative to the body so that the spirit level may be used on a gradient, for example when lying a patio at an angle.

Figures 16A and 16B show side views of a gripping device 70 with 'push engage feet' 72. The gripping device has a housing 70 attached to the main body of the device with a cavity or channel 71 extending through the housing. Preferably, the housing is made of the same material as the main body of the spirit level device, e.g. metal. The channel of the gripping device receives gripping elements 72, comprising a high friction material such as rubber or silicone for example, for engaging with the wall. The gripping elements 72 are frictionally received by the channel and can be pushed either side of the channel by the user, to engage with the wall. The gripping elements 72 may be pushed out of the body by a user and they help to hold (stick) the spirit level against a wall when using it, otherwise it can slip easily.

Accordingly, the cross section of the channel matches the cross section of the gripping elements. In this example, the cross section is oval (as shown in Figure 16C), although it will be appreciated that any shape, such as a circle, rectangle etc may be used.

In a non-grip position, the gripping element 72 fits perfectly within the channel 71. As shown in Figure 16B, gripping elements 72 may be pushed in an out of the channel, either side of the housing 70 to engage with a wall, or retract within the channel 71.

With reference to Figure 16D, in a preferred embodiment the gripping element comprises wall engaging portions 72 made of a gripping material 72A such as rubber and a middle portion 72B made of a more rigid material such as hard plastics. The middle portion has a frictional coefficient less than that of the wall engaging portions, to enable the gripping elements 72 to be pushed in and out of the housing 70.

Figures 16E to 16G show partial, front views of the spirit level device with gripping elements 700 and extendable shims (corresponding to Figures 14A to 14C). The gripping elements are as described above, however, instead of being fixedly attached to the body of the spirit level, they are connected to the body by shims 75 which allow them to slide relative to the body. As shown in Figures 16F and 16G, the gripping devices 700 may be gripped by a user at the top and bottom (directions indicated by the arrows) and moved relative to the ends of the spirit level body, It will be appreciated that any suitable connecting element and/or attachment such as a slider which allows either of the gripping element to be offset to the body is envisaged. This provides a precision advantage over current practices in gradient surfaces wherein a pencil is slid under the spirit level for example to offset it according to the angle of the gradient (e.g. in an angled patio for water drainage). Therefore, the gripping element functions as a shim.

Figures 17 A to 17C show partial views of spirit level devices with push engage grips. The housing of the gripping devices 70 is integral with or forms part of the body of the spirit level or of housings accommodating the spirit level bubble structures. Spirit level bubble structures are well known and can be included at various locations within the spirit level device. Figures 17D to 17F show partial views of spirit level devices with gripping devices 700 having push engage grips and extendable shims. The housing of the gripping devices 700 is attached to and moveable relative to the body of the spirit level, or of housings accommodating the spirit level bubble structures, for example by extendable shims attachments.

Figure 18A is an alternative embodiment which shows the handle 3 being pivotally attached to a housing 800 that is attached to one side of the level device 1. The handle 3 is positioned in a vertical position relative to the housing 800 and level device 1, which is adjacent to one side of the level device 1

Figure 18B shows a second side of the level device which is opposite the handle 3 shown in Figure 18A.

Figure 18C shows the handle 3 shown in Figure 18A wherein the handle 3 is positioned in a horizontal position relative to the housing 800 and the level device 1, which is perpendicular to one side of the level device 1.

Figure 18D shows a top view of the handle 3 positioned in a horizontal position as shown in in Figure 18C. Figure 18E shows an end view of the handle 3 positioned in a horizontal position as shown in Figure 18C.

Figure 19A shows a side perspective view of the handle positioned in a vertical position as shown in Figure 18A.

Figure 19B shows an upper side perspective view of the handle positioned in a horizontal position as shown in Figures 18C to 18E. Figure 19C shows an upper side perspective view of a second side which is opposite the handle as shown in Figure 18B.