U.S. patent application number 11/544324 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-08 for pocket-sized leveling tool.
Invention is credited to David A. Brown.
Application Number | 20070028472 11/544324 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35730539 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070028472 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brown; David A. |
February 8, 2007 |
Pocket-sized leveling tool
Abstract
A leveling tool having: a body, including a first face and an
opposite second face, the first and second faces defining a
thickness between them, the body defining a first side surface, a
second side surface opposite said first side surface, a first end
surface, and a second end surface substantially opposite said first
end surface; at least one level indicator disposed within the
thickness; and a clip removably attachable to each of the first and
second faces.
Inventors: |
Brown; David A.;
(Logansport, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Keith Swedo
Suite 3500
One Indiana Square
Indianapolis
IN
46204
US
|
Family ID: |
35730539 |
Appl. No.: |
11/544324 |
Filed: |
October 6, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10900236 |
Jul 27, 2004 |
7117606 |
|
|
11544324 |
Oct 6, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
33/365 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10S 33/01 20130101;
G01C 9/28 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
033/365 |
International
Class: |
G01C 9/10 20060101
G01C009/10 |
Claims
1. A leveling tool comprising: a substantially trapezoidal body
including a first face and an opposite second face, said first and
second faces defining a thickness therebetween, said thickness
bordered by a first side surface, a second side surface opposite
said first side surface, a first end surface, and a second end
surface substantially opposite said first end surface, said first
side surface having a first length greater than a second length of
said second side surface, said first length being less than seven
inches, said first and second side surfaces arranged parallel to
one another, said first and second end surfaces arranged in
non-parallel relationship to one another and extending contiguously
between said first and second side surfaces, said first end surface
defining a non-perpendicular first angle relative to said first
side surface and a second non-perpendicular angle relative to said
second side surface, said first length of said first side surface
being between two and four times greater than a third length of
said second end surface; and at least one level vial disposed
within said thickness and visible from said first and second faces,
wherein said at least one level vial includes a first level vial
arranged parallel to said first end surface.
2. The leveling tool of claim 1 wherein said first angle measures
about 45 degrees relative to said first side surface, and said
second angle measures about 135 degrees relative to said second
side surface.
3. The leveling tool of claim 1 wherein said first side surface
defines a v-shaped cross section, wherein a vertex of said v-shaped
cross section extends inward into said thickness.
4. The leveling tool of claim 1 further including at least one
magnet disposed in said thickness and operably exposed within at
least one of said first and second faces.
5. The leveling tool of claim 1 wherein said at least one level
vial includes a second level vial arranged parallel to said first
and second side surfaces.
6. The leveling tool of claim 5 wherein said second end surface
defines a perpendicular angle relative to said first and second
side surfaces, and said at least one level vial includes a third
level vial arranged parallel to said second end surface.
7. The leveling tool of claim 1 wherein said body includes a
rounded corner at a junction between said first side surface and
said first end surface.
8. The leveling tool of claim 7 wherein said rounded corner has a
radius of at least one-eighth inch.
9. A leveling tool comprising: a substantially trapezoidal body
including a first face and an opposite second face, said first and
second faces defining a thickness therebetween, said thickness
bordered by a first side surface, a second side surface opposite
said first side surface, a first end surface, and a second end
surface substantially opposite said first end surface, said first
side surface having a first length greater than a second length of
said second side surface, said first length being less than seven
inches, said first and second side surfaces arranged parallel to
one another, said first and second end surfaces arranged in
non-parallel relationship to one another and extending contiguously
between said first and second side surfaces, said first end surface
defining a non-perpendicular first angle relative to said first
side surface and a second non-perpendicular angle relative to said
second side surface said first length of said first side surface
being between two and four times greater than a third length of
said second end surface; at least one level vial disposed within
said thickness and visible from said first and second faces,
wherein said at least one level vial includes a first level vial
arranged parallel to said first end surface; and at least one
magnet disposed in said thickness, said at least one magnet
operably exposed on at least one of said first side surface, said
second side surface, said first end surface, and said second end
surface.
10. The leveling tool of claim 9 wherein said at least one magnet
includes a plurality of magnets operably exposed on said first side
surface.
11. The leveling tool of claim 9 wherein said at least one magnet
includes a plurality of magnets disposed in said thickness, a first
of said magnets being operably exposed on said first side surface,
a second of said magnets being operably exposed on said second side
surface, a third of said magnets being operably exposed on said
first end surface, and a fourth of said magnets being operably
exposed on said second end surface.
12. The leveling tool of claim 11 wherein a fifth of said magnets
is operably exposed on said first side surface, a sixth of said
magnets is operably exposed on said second side surface, a seventh
of said magnets is operably exposed on said first end surface, and
an eighth of said magnets is operably exposed on said second end
surface.
13. A leveling tool comprising: a body including a first face and
an opposite second face, said first and second faces defining a
thickness therebetween, said body defining a first side surface, a
second side surface opposite said first side surface, a first end
surface, and a second end surface substantially opposite said first
end surface, said first and second side surfaces arranged parallel
to one another, said first and second end surfaces arranged in a
non-parallel relationship to one another and extending contiguously
between said first and second side surfaces, said first end surface
defining a non-perpendicular first angle relative to said first
side surface and a second non-perpendicular angle relative to said
second side surface; at least one level indicator disposed within
said thickness and visible from said first and second faces; and a
clip attached to one of said first or second faces such that a
distal end of said clip is closer than a proximal end of said clip
to said first end surface.
14. The leveling tool of claim 13 wherein said first side surface
includes a magnet disposed in said thickness and partially defining
said first side surface.
15. The leveling tool of claim 13 wherein at least one of said
first and second faces includes a magnet disposed in said
thickness, operably exposed within said at least one of said first
and second faces, and positioned substantially flush with said
corresponding one of said first and second faces.
16. The leveling tool of claim 13 wherein said first side surface
defines a cross-sectional v-shape extending inward into said
thickness.
17. The leveling tool of claim 13 wherein said first angle measures
about 45 degrees relative to said first side surface, and said
second angle measures about 135 degrees relative to said second
side surface.
18. The leveling tool of claim 13 wherein said at least one level
indicator includes a first level vial arranged parallel to said
first end surface.
19. The leveling tool of claim 13 wherein said first side surface
is longer than said second side surface, said body including a
rounded corner at a junction between said first side surface and
said first end surface, said clip being elongate and substantially
aligned with said rounded corner.
20. The leveling tool of claim 19 wherein said elongate clip is
substantially parallel to and adjacent to said first side surface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/900,236,
filed Jul. 27, 2004.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The field of the present invention relates to measuring
tools and devices, and more particularly compact leveling
tools.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Leveling tools are commonly used in a variety of industrial
fields. In their most basic form, they allow the user to determine
whether a surface is level. Leveling tools typically consist of a
transparent sealed vial that is mounted in a frame. The vial
contains some liquid, typically a non-polar liquid such as alcohol
or ether, but is not entirely filled. This allows a small bubble of
gas to remain in the vial. Since the vial is sealed, the position
of the gas bubble within the tube indicates whether the vial is
level. The frame includes a long flat side surface often oriented
parallel to the vial. The flat side surface may be placed on a flat
surface to quickly and accurately determine whether the flat
surface is level.
[0006] The spirit level, used by many workers in building
construction, has two or more level vials positioned at right
angles with respect to each other. This allows the leveling tool to
register vertical as well as horizontal positions. Such spirit
levels have been in common use for hundreds of years. Typical
levels are often several feet in length.
[0007] One particular type of spirit level is the "torpedo" (or
canoe) level, so named for its shape. "Torpedo" levels are
typically small (often as small as 2 or 3 inches) and have tapered
ends. The body of such levels generally contains two or three level
vials. The "torpedo" level is useful for making measurements in
small spaces and may be carried in a toolbox or pocket.
[0008] Several attempts have been made to improve levels including:
adding magnets to the face or side surface of the leveling tool to
allow it to be temporarily fixed to metal surfaces, providing
additional level vials at different angles to allow leveling at
multiple angles/orientations, indenting the side surface of the
body to allow it to more easily rest upon cylindrical surfaces, and
adding movable parts that allow for adjusting relative positions of
the level vials with respect to the body of the level. Despite
these improvements, a need remains for an improved leveling tool
that simply and effectively levels at multiple angles, that can be
inserted into confined work spaces, and that is easily transported
and carried on a job site.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is directed to a leveling tool that
may be easily carried by the user, that is useable within confined
spaces of various geometries, and that may be used to level at
multiple angles. A leveling tool according to one embodiment of the
present invention includes a substantially trapezoidal body and at
least one level vial. The substantially trapezoidal body includes a
first face and an opposite second face. The first and second faces
define a thickness between them. The thickness is bordered by a
first side surface, a second side surface opposite the first side
surface, a first end surface, and a second end surface
substantially opposite the first end surface. The first and second
side surfaces are arranged parallel to one another. The first and
second end surfaces are arranged in non-parallel relationship to
one another and extend contiguously between the first and second
side surfaces. The first end surface defines a non-perpendicular
first angle relative to the first side surface and a second
non-perpendicular angle relative to the second side surface. At
least one level vial is disposed within the thickness and is
visible from the first and second faces. The at least one level
vial includes a first level vial arranged parallel to the first end
surface.
[0010] In another form, the leveling tool according to the present
invention includes a body, at least one level vial, and a clip. The
body includes a first face and an opposite second face. The first
and second faces define a thickness between them. The body defines
a first side surface, a second side surface opposite the first side
surface, a first end surface, and a second end surface
substantially opposite the first end. The first and second side
surfaces are arranged parallel to one another. The first and second
end surfaces are arranged in a non-parallel relationship to one
another and extend contiguously between the first and second side
surfaces. The first end surface defines a non-perpendicular first
angle relative to the first side surface and a second
non-perpendicular angle relative to the second side surface. The at
least one level vial is disposed within the thickness and is
visible from the first and second faces. The clip is selectively
attachable to one of the first or second faces such that a distal
end of the clip is closer than a proximal end of the clip to the
first end surface.
[0011] In yet another form, the leveling tool includes a body, at
least one level indicator, and a clip. The body includes a first
face and an opposite second face. The first and second faces define
a thickness between them. The body defines a first side surface, a
second side surface opposite the first side surface, a first end
surface, and a second end surface substantially opposite the first
end surface. The at least one level vial is disposed within the
thickness. The clip is removably attachable to each of the first
and second faces.
[0012] An advantage of the present invention is that the size and
shape of the leveling tool enables the tool to be inserted into
small spaces to check the leveling of surrounding objects.
[0013] Another advantage is that a V-groove along the longest side
of the tool allows the tool to be seated with a high level of
stability on a cylindrical structure to be leveled.
[0014] Yet another advantage is that the tool includes a number of
magnets that enable the tool to be securely retained on a metal
structure when leveling is being performed such that the user's
hands are free for other purposes.
[0015] A further advantage is that a clip may be selectively
attached to either face of the tool such that the tool can be
configured for either a right-handed user or a left-handed
user.
[0016] A still further advantage is that one end of the body of the
tool is wedge-shaped such that the user can easily guide the tool
into a pocket with the clip hanging on a lip of the pocket.
[0017] Still another advantage is that the wedge-shaped end
provides the two opposite faces of the tool with different shapes
such that one of the two faces may be better suited for the
particular geometry of a surface to be leveled.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The above-mentioned and other features and objects of this
invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more
apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by
reference to the following description of embodiments of the
invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
where:
[0019] FIG. 1 shows a first face perspective view of a leveling
tool according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 shows a first face view of the tool of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 3 shows a second-face perspective view of the leveling
tool of FIG. 1 arranged in another configuration;
[0022] FIG. 4 shows a second end surface view of the tool of FIG.
3;
[0023] FIG. 5 shows a second side surface view of the tool of FIG.
2; and
[0024] FIG. 6 shows a first face view of the leveling tool of FIG.
1 mounted on a pipe to be leveled.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] The embodiments hereinafter disclosed are not intended to be
exhaustive or limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in
the following description. Rather the embodiments are chosen and
described so that others skilled in the art may utilize its
teachings.
[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1 AND 2, a leveling tool 10 having
features of the present invention comprises a trapezoidal body 12,
a plurality of level indicators in the form of level vials 26, 28,
30, and a clip assembly 32. The body 12 has a first face 14 and an
opposite second face 16, which define a thickness between them. The
thickness of body 12 is bordered by a first side surface 18 and a
second side surface 20, which may be arranged parallel to one
another. The thickness of body 12 may also be bordered by a first
end surface 22 and a second end surface 24, which may be arranged
in a non-parallel relationship and extend contiguously between the
first side surface 18 and the second side surface 20. Each of faces
14, 16 and surfaces 16, 18, 20, 22 may have a sufficient degree of
flatness that any one may be used for leveling. Body 12 may be
formed from a durable material. Suitable materials include
aluminum, steel, and plastic; however any durable material with
sufficient hardness may be used.
[0027] In one embodiment, the thickness of body 12 is approximately
0.63 inch. However, the thickness may vary. In one embodiment, the
length of first side surface 18 is approximately 5.0 inches, the
length of second side surface 20 is approximately 3.5 inches, the
length of first end surface 22 is approximately 2.3 inches, and the
length of second end surface 24 is approximately 1.8 inches. In one
embodiment, the four corners of body 12 at the opposite ends of
surfaces 18, 20, 22, 24 each have a radius of approximately 0.25
inch. In one embodiment, surfaces 18, 20, 22, 24 each have chamfers
of approximately 0.13 inch along each of their side edges.
[0028] Vials 26, 28, and 30 are disposed in vial frame passages 31,
33 within the thickness of the body 12. The first level vial 26 is
arranged parallel to the first end surface 22. The second level
vial 28 is arranged parallel to the first and second side surfaces
18, 20. The third level vial 30 is arranged parallel the second end
surface 24. Any or all of vials 26, 28, 30 may be parallel to both
first face 14 and second face 16. Further, vials 26, 28, 30 may be
co-planar with each other. The level vials 26, 28, 30 may be
partially filled with a colored fluid and sealed such that a bubble
of air remains in the sealed vial. The level vials 26, 28, 30 maybe
formed of transparent plastic material that allows the user to
easily see bubbles within the vials. Additionally, the level vial
may have a slightly larger diameter at the center, this allowing
the air bubble to be centrally justified when the level is
horizontal. In one embodiment, vials 26, 28, 30 have diameters of
approximately 0.4 inch and lengths of 1.4 inch, with only about 1.0
inch of the length being visible through vial frame passages 31,
33. In one embodiment, passages 31, 33 have chamfers of
approximately 0.06 inch along their perimeters. The vials 26, 28,
30 indicate a level position when the air bubble contained within
the vial is positioned within the line markings, which indicate the
center of the vial. Such markings allow for easy reading of the
level vials to visually determine whether they are level.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the leveling tool 10 of FIG. 1 allows
the measuring of 45 degree and 135 degree angles. The first end
surface 22 defines a first angle .alpha..sub.1 relative to the
first side surface 18. The first angle .alpha..sub.1 measures
approximately 45 degrees. The first end surface 22 defines a second
angle .alpha..sub.2 relative to the second side surface 20. The
second angle .alpha..sub.2 measures approximately 135 degrees.
[0030] Attached to the first face 14 of the body 12 is a clip
assembly 32. The clip assembly 32 includes a clip 34 and a
plurality of attachment members 36, which may be in the form of
threaded screws. The clip assembly 32 is removably and selectively
attached to the first face 14 by that plurality of attachment
members 36. Attachment members 36 extend through throughholes (not
shown) in clip 34 and engage a mating portion 37 including mating
openings 38 (FIGS. 4 and 5) defined in body 12. Mating openings 38
may be in the form of threaded screw holes. Both first face 14 and
second face 16 of body may include a mating portion 37 having
openings 38. Thus, clip 34 may be attached to either first face 14
or second face 16 depending on the preference of the user and
whether one of faces 14, 16 is required for performing
leveling.
[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates another configuration of leveling tool 10
wherein removable clip assembly 32 is attached to the second face
16 of body 12 by use of the plurality of attachment members 36.
FIG. 4 illustrates that removable clip 34 can be attached to either
the first face 14 or the second face 16 of the embodiment of FIG. 3
by securing the attachments members 36 to the body 12.
Specifically, the attachment members 36 are attached to the mating
portion 37 of the first face 14 or to the mating portion 37 of the
second face 16. The mating portions 37 in this embodiment are each
a series of three holes 38 which are made into the thickness of the
body 12. The holes 38 of the mating portions 37 are positioned to
correspond to the relative positions of the attachment members 36
of the clip assembly 32. Regardless of whether clip 34 is attached
to face 14 or to face 16, a distal end 39 of clip 34 may be closer
than a proximal end 41 of clip 34 to first end surface 22
[0032] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, first side surface 18 of
the leveling tool may include a V-shaped groove 46 having a
V-shaped cross section having a vertex 48 extending inward into the
thickness. This V-shaped groove 46 allows the leveling tool 10 to
be properly balanced and seated on a rounded, cylindrical or curved
surface. For example, as is shown in FIG. 4, V-shaped groove 46
allows the leveling tool 10 to be seated with a high level of
stability on a cylindrical pipe 50. In this view, it can be seen
that the two sides of the V-shaped groove 46 define a third angle
.alpha..sub.3. This angle .alpha..sub.3 is sized to allow the two
sides of the V-shaped groove 46 to rest upon any curved surface
having a radius 52 that is within a desired range.
[0033] In the embodiment shown, a V-shaped groove is provided in
only side surface 18, the longest of surfaces 18, 20, 22 and 24.
However, it is possible for any or all of surfaces 18, 20, 22 and
24 to include a V-shaped cutout portion or groove extending into
the thickness of the body 12 to thereby allow tool 10 to more
readily rest upon curved or rounded surfaces, such as the outer
surfaces of pipes. Of course, it is also within the scope of the
invention for none of surfaces 18, 20, 22 and 24 to include a
V-shaped groove. That is, side surface 18 may be planar and
perpendicular to faces 14, 16.
[0034] Referring back to FIG. 3, within the first side surface 18
of the body 12 are a plurality of magnets 40 spaced apart along the
length of the first side surface 18. Regardless of whether first
side surface 18 includes a V-shaped groove as illustrated, magnets
40 may be positioned substantially flush with the first side
surface 18 such that magnets 40 partially define surface 18. Thus,
magnets 40 may themselves be operationally exposed. As in the
illustrated embodiment, magnets 40 may be disposed within the
V-shaped cross section. In this embodiment, magnets 40 are
substantially flush with the exposed sides of the V-shaped groove
46 such that magnets partially define V-shaped groove 46. In one
embodiment, V-shaped groove 46 has a width of approximately 0.25
inch, and magnets 40 have a diameter of approximately 0.25 inch and
a height of approximately 0.13 inch.
[0035] The illustrated embodiment includes a plurality of magnets
40 along first side surface 18. However, it is alternatively
possible for the tool to include a single larger or longer magnet
on first side surface 18.
[0036] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the leveling tool 10 may also
include a plurality of magnets 42 disposed within first and/or
second face 14, 16. In the embodiment shown, magnets 42 are
disposed adjacent opposite ends of first side surface 18. Magnets
42 may be substantially flush with the first and/or second face 14,
16 and may be operationally exposed.
[0037] Any or all of magnets 40, 42 may be high strength magnets
such as rare earth magnets. In addition to or instead of magnets
40, 42, other magnets may be disposed on other surfaces of tool 10
or at other locations on the surfaces. For example, optional
magnets 43, indicated in dashed lines in FIG. 2, may be provided in
any or all of surfaces 20, 22, 24.
[0038] Tool 10 may also have a cutout portion 44 extending into the
body 12 between the second side surface 20 and vial frame passage
31. The cutout portion 44 allows the second level vial 28 to be
seen from second side surface 20. It may also be possible to
provide a similar cutout portion for viewing vial 26. Such a cutout
portion may extend into the body 12 between the first end surface
22 and vial frame passage 33.
[0039] During use, the leveling tool 10 is placed on a surface of a
structure to determine whether the surface is level. If first side
surface 18 is placed in the surface of the structure, the second
level vial 28 may be read to determine the whether the surface is
horizontal, third level vial 30 may be read to determine whether
the pipe is vertical, and the first level vial 26 may be used to
determine whether the surface is at a 45 degree angle or a 135
degree angle relative to the horizontal.
[0040] Surfaces may also be leveled at 45 degree and 135 degree
angles by aligning and/or seating the first end surface 22 on the
surface to be leveled and reading the third level vial 30, as shown
in FIG. 6. Alternatively, second end surface 24 may be aligned
and/or seated on the surface to be leveled such that first end
surface 22 is generally horizontally oriented. Vial 26 can then be
read while leveling the pipe surface at a 45 degree or a 135 degree
angle. The relatively short surfaces 22, 24 allow tool 10 to be
used in leveling a pipe surface that has only a few inches or less
of flat surface available to receive a leveling tool. For example,
pipe P in FIG. 6 may have only three inches or less of surface
between fittings 54 that is straight or linear enough that a
leveling tool may be seated thereon. Moreover, by virtue of the 45
degree and 135 degree angles that first end surface 22 forms with
first side surface 18 and second side surface 20, respectively,
tool 10 extends a shorter distance in a direction 56 perpendicular
to the surface being leveled than would a similar rectangular level
having two side surfaces of the same length as first side surface
18. Thus, because of its dimensions and shape, tool 10 may fit into
smaller spaces in order to level a surface.
[0041] The plurality of magnets 40 allows the leveling tool 10 to
be temporarily attached to magnetizable surfaces, such as
magnetizable metal surfaces including steel. For example, the
leveling tool 10 may be attached to a vertical steel support beam
or pipe to determine whether the beam or pipe is perpendicular
relative to the ground. In such a case, the third level vial 30,
which is oriented perpendicular to the first side surface 18, may
be observed to determine whether the beam is perpendicular to the
ground.
[0042] Magnets 42 allow the user to temporarily attach the leveling
tool 10 to a magnetizable structure and determine whether the
structure is level while having his hands free. The user can then
use his free hands to adjust the position of the magnetizable
structure while observing the level vial until a level position is
achieved. For example, magnets 42 on face 16, which are shown in
FIG. 3, may be used to secure face 16 to a flange 58 indicated in
dashed lines in FIG. 2. First side surface 18 may be aligned with
the edges of throughholes 60 in flange 58. With magnets 42
retaining tool 10 on flange 58, the user has both hands free to
rotate flange 58 until holes 60 are at the same vertical level,
i.e., until the bubble shown in vial 28 in dashed lines is
positioned between the line markings in the middle of vial 28. The
user may then insert fastening elements (not shown), such as a
bolts, through throughholes 60 to thereby attach flange 58 in a
proper orientation to a pipe, for example.
[0043] The configuration of leveling tool 10 allows the tool 10 to
be used in smaller spaces than traditional leveling tools. In cases
where a surface is very close in proximity to other obstructing
objects, the leveling tool 10 may be used to determine whether a
surface is level. For example, first side surface 18 may be placed
upon the surface, and the view of vial 28 through vial frame
passage 31 may be obstructed by surrounding objects. However, the
user can still check whether the surface is level by viewing vial
28 through cutout portion 44.
[0044] Faces 14, 16 may be placed upon a surface to be leveled, or
upon a surface having elements to be leveled, such as throughholes
60. If such a surface has a geometry that is better suited for or
more easily receives one of faces 14, 16 than the other, clip 34
can be temporarily removed if necessary in order to accommodate the
use of the preferred one of faces 14, 16. Moreover, a surface may
be adjacent one or more obstructing objects that make it more
difficult to place one of faces 14, 16 than the other of faces 14,
16 on the surface. In such a case, the user may use whichever one
of first face 14 and second face 16 that is easier to place upon
the surface. Thus tool 10 may be placed on and used on a surface
wherein the clearance between the surface and other obstructing
objects is very small.
[0045] Another advantage of clip 34 being removable and/or
selectively attachable to faces 14, 16 is that tool 10 may be
configured for either a left-handed user or a right-handed user.
Tool 10 may be placed in a user's pocket such that clip 34 hangs on
the lip of the pocket. For reasons of comfort, a right-handed user
may wish to place tool 10 in his right front pants pocket such that
the tool's longer side, i.e., first side surface 18, is positioned
adjacent an outer edge of the pocket along his hip, and the tool's
shorter side, i.e., second side surface 20, is positioned adjacent
an inner edge of the pocket along his inseam. Thus, a right-handed
user may fasten clip 34 on face 14 as shown in FIGS. 1-2.
Conversely, a left-handed user may wish to place tool 10 in his
left front pants pocket such that the tool's longer side, i.e.,
first side surface 18, is positioned adjacent an outer edge of the
pocket along his hip, and the tool's shorter side, i.e., second
side surface 20, is positioned adjacent an inner edge of the pocket
along his inseam. Thus, a left-handed user may fasten clip 34 on
face 16 as shown in FIG. 3.
[0046] Besides being configurable for the user's comfort, tool 10
is also easier for the user to place in his pocket. More
specifically, a pointed tip 62 of tool 10 provides a wedge that is
easily inserted between the lip of the pocket and the user's body
and tends to push the lip of the pocket away from the user's body
when the tool is being inserted into the pocket. Thus, tip 62
enables the user to easily guide the tool 10 into a pocket.
[0047] Clip 34 has been described herein as being removably
attached to one of faces 14, 16 by clip attachment members in the
form of screws 36. However, it is also possible for the clip to
snap onto or otherwise be directly attachable to the body of the
tool. For example, in one embodiment (not shown), a proximal end of
the clip includes one or more resilient or spring-like members that
removably snap into recesses on the faces of the tool.
[0048] While this invention has been described as having an
exemplary design, the present invention may be further modified
within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is
therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of
the invention using its general principles. Further, this
application is intended to cover such departures from the present
disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to
which this invention pertains.
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