GB2550370A

GB2550370A - Level indicating device

Info

Publication number: GB2550370A
Application number: GB1608659.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: King Thomas
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-05-17
Filing date: 2016-05-17
Publication date: 2017-11-22
Also published as: GB201608659D0

Abstract

A level indicating device, 30, (e.g. spirit level or bubble level) comprising a planar base, 31, for resting on a surface, a controller, an electronic level sensor for determining orientation of the base, and at least one visual and/or audible alert system wherein the controller is configured to respond to a detection of a change from a non-level condition (e.g. angled) to a level condition (e.g. flat, horizontal or vertical) to produce a visible and/or audio indication from the alert system and to disable the indication when returning to the non-level condition. The alarm system may comprise a speaker or buzzer, 33 and a light emitter, 35 (e.g. LED). The visual indicator may flash. The device may also comprise a plurality of laser sources, 37, 38, located on opposite end faces of the level and configured to produce a beam of light in opposite directions and respond visually when the device changes between a tilted and a level condition. There may also be a proximity detector to determine the range with respect to a remote tag and to enable the audio and/or visual alert systems when a user moves out of range of the level.

Description

Level Indicating Device

Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to level indicating devices, and particularly to level indicating devices which emit a beam of visible light, e.g. from a laser.

Background of the Invention

Level indicating devices are commonplace for indicating whether a surface on which the device rests is horizontal Qevel) or vertical (plumb). The most common device is perhaps the spirit level, also known as a bubble level, which comprises an elongate body with a flat lower surface, and one or more cylindrical vials of liquid, usually spirit e.g. alcohol. Spirit levels have been known for many years. The liquid incompletely fills the vial so that a bubble remains. The shape of the vial ensures that the bubble will naturally rest in the centre, i.e. at the highest point. Even slight inclinations away from the horizontal will be indicated by the bubble moving sideways. The vial is usually marked either side of the centre point to allow visible recognition of the spirit level being level or not.

It is known for some modern spirit levels also to comprise a laser diode which, when switched on, produces a coherent beam of coloured light that emerges from the spirit level body through a slit that results in a narrow beam of light that allows marking of the surface on which the level rests. A known spirit level l is shown in Figure 1. It comprises an elongate body 3 having a flat base wall 5, a top wall 7, opposed lateral walls 9 and opposed end walls 11. End recess portions 13, either side of a central region, allow easy gripping. A first vial 15 as mentioned above is located within the top wall 7 and is surrounded by a glass or other transparent cover which allows the bubble 16 to be viewed from above and either side of the spirit level 1. A second vial 17 is also provided, in this case oriented transverse to the first vial 15 so as to indicate the plumb condition, as will be understood.

In certain applications, particularly when erecting scaffolding, existing spirit levels have disadvantages. For safety reasons, it is essential that the scaffold structure is as close to possible level, even in the presence of uneven ground. Careful adjustment and level measurement is therefore performed iteratively as the scaffold is erected. Figure 2 shows basic components of a scaffold in side view when located on uneven ground. The scaffold comprises two upright poles (standards) 20. Running transverse to the standards 20 is a ledger 21, connected at each end to the standards by a coupler 22. The scaffold fitter uses the spirit level 1 to check that the ledger 21 is level; however, given the length of the ledger 21, the fitter has to move back and forth along it to check the level condition at each end. Usually, two fitters are used, which is inefficient.

Summary of the Invention A first aspect of the invention provides a level indicating device, comprising a substantially planar base for resting in use on a surface whose level is to be determined, the device further comprising a controller, an electronic level sensor for determining orientation of the base, and at least one visual and/or audio alert system provided on the body, wherein the controller is configured responsive to the level sensor detecting a change from a non-level condition to a level condition to produce a visual and/or audio indication from the at least one alert system and to disable said indication responsive to returning to a non-level condition.

The alert system may comprise one or more of a speaker/buzzer and a light emitter.

Both a speaker/buzzer and light emitter maybe provided.

In preferred embodiments, a light emitter is provided on the top surface of the device, opposite the base.

The visual indicator maybe configured to flash when in the level condition.

The device may further comprise a plurality of light emitters, each located on opposite end faces of the device, transverse to the base, and configured when enabled to produce a beam of light in opposite directions, the controller being configured also to enable said light emitters responsive to a level condition and to disable said light emitters responsive to returning to a non-level condition.

Said opposed light emitters are preferably laser emitters.

Said opposed light emitters maybe arranged in use to project respective opposite beams of light along the same general axis, parallel with, and above the base.

The device may further comprise a proximity detector adapted to determine its range with respect to a remote tag and to enable one or more of the audio or visual alert systems in the event of an out-of-range condition being determined. A second aspect of the invention provides a level indicating device, comprising an elongate body having substantially planar base for resting in use on a surface whose level is to be determined, an opposite top wall, two lateral side walls, and two opposite end walls, wherein the device comprises (i) a sound emitter, (ii) a light emitter, and (iii) first and second lasers provided on the respective end walls, aligned along generally the same axis, the sound and light emitter and the lasers being arranged responsive to electronic detection of a level condition to enable the sound and light emitters, and to project respective beams of light along said axis.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the Figures, in which:

Figure 1 is a side plan view of a known spirit level;

Figure 2 is a side plan view of a scaffold which is useful for understanding the invention; Figure 3 is a side plan view of a levelling device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 is a side pan view of the Figure 3 levelling device when not level;

Figure 5 is a side plan view of the Figure 3 levelling device when level;

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of hardware components of an electronic system of the Figure 3 levelling device;

Figure 7 is a flow diagram showing processing steps of the electronic system of the Figure 3 levelling device; and

Figure 8 is a schematic view of the Figure 3 levelling device in spaced relation to a locating or proximity tag.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

Embodiments herein relate to a scaffolders levelling device, but can be applied to any form of levelling device. In the following embodiments, a spirit level is advantageously adapted._Referring to Figure 3, the levelling device 30 is shown which is of approximately the same dimensions and profile as that shown in Figure 1, and reference is made to the above description in referring to the various surfaces.

The levelling device 30 further comprises one or more magnets 31, e.g. rare earth magnets, recessed within the base wall 5. This is useful for scaffolding applications as it permits the levelling device 30 to attach to the metal poles by magnetism, the poles tending to be circular in cross-section.

The levelling device 30 further comprises an electronic, e.g. digital, levelling sensor (not shown in the Figure) forming part of an electronic system to be described later on. An audio emitter, e.g. a speaker, alarm or buzzer 33 is provided on or recessed within a wall of the levelling device, here the top wall 7. In addition, a visible indicator, e.g. a light emitting diode (LED) 35 is provided on or recessed within a wall; here, again, the top wall 7 is selected. Each of the audio and visible indicators 33, 35 are connected to the electronic system so that they respectively make an audible sound and visual indication only when a level condition is sensed by the electronic levelling sensor, or substantially so. The visible indicator 35 may flash.

It will be appreciated that this enables the levelling device 30 to be affixed to scaffolding poles which can be adjusted, e.g. by a single fitter, even if they are some distance from the device because the fitter can hear/see when the level condition is achieved.

Additionally, the levelling device 30 comprises two laser diodes 37, 38 respectively on or recessed within the opposite end walls 11. The laser diodes 37, 38 are positioned and oriented so as to produce a coherent and narrow beam 41, 43 of coloured light, e.g. red light, in opposite directions. The laser diodes 37, 38 are connected to the electronic system so that they respectively emit the beams 41, 43 only when a level condition is sensed by the electronic levelling sensor, or substantially so. In some embodiments, the beams 41, 43 may flash as the level condition is approached, with the frequency of flashing increasing as the level condition is further approached, and resulting in a solid, constant beam when the level condition is reached.

In one embodiment, the laser diodes 37, 38 are configured to produce point-like laser beams 41, 43 along the same axis so that the beams will project on each upright standard 20 (see Figure 2) making the level condition immediately visible wherever the fitter is located relative to the levelling device 30. The levelling device 30 may be positioned central on the scaffolding pole as shown.

In other embodiments, the laser diodes 37, 38 are configured to produce linear, bladelike laser beams 41, 43 covering a beam angle a in the region of 90 degrees. This produces beams both on the upright and horizontal poles 20, 21. Again, the level condition is therefore entirely visible.

The levelling device 30 may comprise a selected one or all of the above indicating features, i.e. sound, top light and end-wise laser beams to indicate the level condition.

Furthermore, the levelling device 30 further comprises a proximity sensor 39 either on or within its body 3. The proximity sensor 39 is configured to communicate with, or more simply sense, the proximity of a separate target tag which is carried, e.g. worn, by the owner or user of the levelling device 30. When the proximity sensor 39 detects an out or range condition, the electronic system of the levelling device 30 is further arranged to activate one or more of its sounder 33, LED 35 and/or laser diodes 37, 38. This avoids the common problem of a fitter leaving their levelling device 30 behind, e.g. on a high point of the scaffold, and allows them to see or hear where it is located for easy retrieval.

Figure 4 shows the levelling device 30 in a non-level orientation, with no output generated by the sounder 33, the LED 35 or the laser diodes 37, 38. Figure 5 shows the levelling device 30 is a level condition, with the sounder 33, LED 35 and laser diodes 37, 38 activated.

Figure 6 shows an example schematic diagram of components of the electronic system 50 of the levelling device 30. The electronic system 50 has a controller 51, one or more hardware keys 51, e.g. an on/off switch, a digital level sensor 53, a memory 54 storing software 55, RAM 56, the speaker/buzzer 57, the LED 58, the first and second laser diodes 59, 60, the proximity sensor 61 and a battery 62.

The controller 51 is connected to each of the other components to control operation thereof.

The memory 54 may be a non-volatile memory such as read only memory (ROM) or a solid state drive (SSD). The memory 54 stores the software 55, which controls operation of the levelling device components when run by the controller 51. The RAM 56 is used by the controller 51 for temporary storage of data. The software 55 contains code which, when executed by the controller 51 in conjunction with RAM 56 controls operation of each of the hardware components.

The controller 51 may take any suitable form. For example, if may be a microcontroller, e.g. an ASIC, plural microcontrollers, a processor or plural processors.

The level sensor 53 may be an accelerometer, as conventionally used in for example smartphones, and which can determine orientation and therefore the level condition.

The proximity sensor 61 can use known technology, and may be a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, an RFID sensor, or the like. For example, it maybe configured through an antenna to emit an electromagnetic field which is modified by the target tag as it moves further away; at the point where the modified field indicates a predetermined distance, the out-of-range condition can be detected. In other methods, the proximity sensor 61 may transmit a beacon signal to the tag, and receive a signal in reply. The out-of-range condition can be detected when no reply signal is received. Known proximity, range detection and RFID technologies can be used, and no further explanation required.

Figure 8 shows how the software may control the electronic system of the level sensor 53. In step 7.1 the electronic system 50 is switched on. In step 7.2 the level condition is sensed or measured. In step 7.3 it is determined if a level condition is reached. If so, the buzzer, laser diodes and LED are enabled in steps 7.4, 7.5 and 7.6. If not level, in step 7.7 the buzzer, laser diodes and LED are disabled or kept off. In parallel with the above, in step 7.8 a beacon (in this example) is transmitted to a remote proximity tag. In step 7.9, it is determined if the tag is in range. In step 7.10, the LED (and/or the buzzer and/or laser diodes) are enabled in the event of an out-of-range condition.

Figure 8 shows a proximity tag 70 in relation to the level sensor 53. The proximity tag 70 comprises a battery and means to transmit its presence back to the proximity sensor 61 when in-range. When beyond the nominal distance n no transmission can be made to the proximity sensor 61, and hence the level sensor 53 detects the out-of-range condition. The tag 70 can be of any form, e.g. a disc, that comprises a clip for attachment to a scaffold fitter’s belt, trousers or shirt. Typically, an out-of-range condition occurs beyond 20 feet.

In some embodiments, the proximity tag 70 can be a portable communications terminal, e.g. a smartphone, where an App is configured when operated on the smartphone to ‘pair’ with the levelling device 30 and determine its range.

In some embodiments, an internal slot, compartment or similar recess may be provided on the levelling device 30 for storing and retaining a removable chalk or marker.

Whilst the levelling device 30 shown in the drawings also comprises the conventional bubble vials for close work, these can be omitted for some applications.

It will be appreciated that the above described embodiments are purely illustrative and are not limiting on the scope of the invention. Other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading the present application.

Moreover, the disclosure of the present application should be understood to include any novel features or any novel combination of features either explicitly or implicitly disclosed herein or any generalization thereof and during the prosecution of the present application or of any application derived therefrom, new claims may be formulated to cover any such features and/or combination of such features.

Claims

1. A level indicating device, comprising a substantially planar base for resting in use on a surface whose level is to be determined, the device further comprising a controller, an electronic level sensor for determining orientation of the base, and at least one visual and/or audio alert system provided on the body, wherein the controller is configured responsive to the level sensor detecting a change from a non-level condition to a level condition to produce a visual and/or audio indication from the at least one alert system and to disable said indication responsive to returning to a non-level condition.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the alert system comprises one or more of a speaker/buzzer and a light emitter.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein both a speaker/buzzer and light emitter are provided.

4. The device according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein a light emitter is provided on the top surface of the device, opposite the base.

5. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the visual indicator is configured to flash when in the level condition.

6. The device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a plurality of light emitters, each located on opposite end faces of the device, transverse to the base, and configured when enabled to produce a beam of light in opposite directions, the controller being configured also to enable said light emitters responsive to a level condition and to disable said light emitters responsive to returning to a non-level condition.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein said opposed light emitters are laser emitters.

8. The device according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein said opposed light emitters are arranged in use to project respective opposite beams of light along the same general axis, parallel with, and above the base. 9· The device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a proximity detector adapted to determine its range with respect to a remote tag and to enable one or more of the audio or visual alert systems in the event of an out-of-range condition being determined. io. A level indicating device, comprising an elongate body having substantially planar base for resting in use on a surface whose level is to be determined, an opposite top wall, two lateral side walls, and two opposite end walls, wherein the device comprises (i) a sound emitter, (ii) a light emitter, and (iii) first and second lasers provided on the respective end walls, aligned along generally the same axis, the sound and light emitter and the lasers being arranged responsive to electronic detection of a level condition to enable the sound and light emitters, and to project respective beams of light along said axis.