Angle meter and spirit level
AssigneeBellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
InventorsPaul Rivers, Frederick Diggle
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The angle meter and spirit level apparatus can be affixed to a ladder and used to determine the angle at which the ladder is placed. The apparatus is also self-verifying in that it provides a way to know that the apparatus is operating properly. The apparatus also allows for a ladder or other similar device to be used as a carpenter's level or mason's level to determine true horizontal and also to determine the slope from the horizontal.
Claims17
An apparatus for indicating the inclination of ladders, comprising:
- a base;
- a gravitationally influenced pivot member having a pointer;
- a fastener connecting the pivot member to the base;
- and
- a spirit level affixed to the pivot member.
An apparatus for indicating the inclination of a ladder, comprising:
- means for securing the apparatus to the ladder;
- means for determining true vertical;
- means for indicating angle of inclination using true vertical as a reference point;
- means for indicating that said angle of inclination is accurate;
- and
- means for affixing the true vertical determination means to the securing means.
A method for determining the safe inclination of a ladder where an angle meter and spirit level apparatus is affixed to the side of the ladder, comprising the steps of:
- leaning the ladder against a substantially vertical service such that the distance from the base of a vertical surface to the lower end of the ladder is approximately one-fourth the length of the ladder;
- verifying that the angle of inclination as shown on the angle meter and spirit level is approximately 75°;
- if the angle of inclination is less than 75°, then adjusting the base of the ladder toward the base of the vertical surface, and if the angle of inclination is greater than 75°, then adjusting the base of the ladder away from the base of the vertical surface;
- and
- repeating the verifying step and the adjusting step as necessary until the angle of inclination is approximately 75°.
A method for determining whether a ladder is at true horizontal where an angle meter and spirit level apparatus is affixed to the side of the ladder, comprising the steps of:
- laying the ladder in a substantially horizontal position;
- and
- confirming that an air bubble is between the markings on a fixed spirit level of the apparatus.
A method for determining the slope of a ladder where an angle meter and spirit level apparatus is affixed to the side of the ladder, comprising the steps of:
- laying the ladder in a substantially horizontal position;
- and
- reading the slope angle as shown by the pointer on the angle meter and spirit level.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.