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US 10,520,308 B2Granted
Level with metal frame supporting protective outer body
AssigneeMilwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
InventorsJoseph William Burge, Michael John Caelwaerts, Michael Wyatt, Bryant Deakins
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A tool, such as a level, including one or more polymer/plastic body segment, protective cover and/or seal is provided. The covers discussed herein may limit or prevent dirt or construction materials, such as concrete, from entering into the level body. The cover may also be a non-stick material, such as a polymer outer sleeve, that limits the ability of dirt and construction material to adhere to the level. The level may also include scratch resistant vial windows.
Claims12
A level comprising:
- a level frame formed from a metal material, the level frame comprising:
- a planar base surface;
- a vertical wall extending away from the planar base surface;
- a vial opening defined at least in part within the vertical wall;
- and
- a longitudinal axis extending between opposing ends of the level frame;
- a level vial supported by the level frame within the vial opening;
- and
- an outer level body coupled to the level frame, the outer level body comprising:
- a support section formed from a first plastic material, the support section engaging the level frame such that the outer level body is coupled to the level frame;
- a grip section formed from a second plastic material and coupled to an outer surface of the support section, the grip section defining at least a part of an exterior surface of the level;
- wherein the second plastic material has a durometer that is less than a durometer of the first plastic material;
- and
- wherein the level frame includes an upper flange located at an upper end of the vertical wall and base structure located at a lower end of the vertical wall, wherein the outer level body defines an upward facing surface that engages a downward facing surface of the upper flange, wherein the outer level body defines a downward facing surface that engages an upward facing surface of the base structure.
11 more elements
A level comprising:
- a level frame formed from a metal material, the level frame comprising:
- an upper surface;
- a vertical wall extending downward away from the upper surface;
- a base structure comprising:
- a bottom wall defining a planar base surface configured to engage a workpiece;
- a first sidewall extending upward from a first lateral edge of the bottom wall defining a first corner edge;
- a second sidewall extending upward from a second lateral edge of the bottom wall defining a second corner edge;
- a pair of angled sidewalls each extending from one of the first and second sidewalls to a lower end of the vertical wall;
- wherein a radius of curvature of an outer surface of the first corner edge is at least twice the radius of curvature of an outer surface of the second corner edge;
- a vial opening defined at least in part within the vertical wall;
- and
- a longitudinal axis extending between opposing ends of the level frame;
- and
- a level vial supported by the level frame within the vial opening.
11 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.