# US 2018/0021939 A1 · Alignment tool > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2018/0021939 A1 - Document ID: US20180021939A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 15/542,053 - Filed: 2016-01-05 - Published: 2018-01-25 - Earliest claimed: 2015-01-06 - Inventors: Martin ILLINGWORTH - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20180021939A1 ## CPC - B25H 7/02: Plates having a flat surface - G01C 9/24: in closed containers partially filled with liquid so as to leave a gas bubble - B25H: WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT, e.g. FOR MARKING-OUT WORK; STORAGE MEANS FOR WORKSHOPS (storing or packaging B65) - G01C: MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY (measuring liquid level G01F; radio navigation, determining distance or velocity by use of propagation effects, e.g. Doppler effects, propagation time, of radio waves, analogous arrangements using other waves G01S) ## Abstract An alignment tool 1 for use in marking a surface is disclosed. The tool comprises a handle 6, two pairs of longitudinal arms 2,4 and 3,5 each rotatably mounted in the region of their longitudinal centres to a rotational mechanism provided in or on the handle. The rotational mechanism is arranged such that, in use, movement of one of the pairs in a first rotational direction results in movement of the other pair in the counter direction by substantially the same angle. Each of the arms carries at least one movable marking indicator 50, 53. A user-operable locking mechanism is on or associated with the handle, the locking mechanism being configured selectively to prevent and enable rotation of the arms. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An alignment device for use in marking a surface, the device comprising: first and second longitudinal arms, each rotatably connected to a hub or handle, each arm carrying a scale or an indicator element; and a user-operable locking mechanism configured selectively to prevent and enable rotation of the arms. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) A device according to claim 1, wherein the arms are rotatably connected to a handle and the locking mechanism is on or associated with the handle. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) A device according to claim 1, wherein each arm carries an indicator element or elements movable relative to the arm along at least part of its length. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) A device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second arms are connected to a mechanism configured such that rotational movement of one arm in a first direction is effective to move the other arm by the same amount in the counter direction. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) A device according to claim 4, wherein the mechanism is a linkage mechanism comprised of a pair of linkage arms each connected at one part to a respective one of the longitudinal arms and at another part connected to each other. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) A device according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a screw/clutch plate arrangement selectively movable between a locked position in which it applies a force onto the arms to hinder rotation and an unlocked position to release said force to permit rotation. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) A device according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a lever provided on the handle selectively movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the lever in the locked position being arranged to apply a force onto the arms to hinder their rotation and in the unlocked position to release said force to permit rotation. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) A device according to claim 1, wherein the handle comprises a rear part to which the arms are connected and a front part shaped and dimensioned to provide a hand grip, the lever of the locking mechanism being provided on said hand grip part. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) A device according to claim 8, wherein the lever is located within a recess provided on the hand grip part and mounted so as to be substantially flush with the exterior of the hand grip part when locked. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) A device according to claim 9, wherein the lever is a trigger-type lever provided on or in the front part of the hand grip. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) A device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one spirit level. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) A device according to claim 11, wherein the or each spirit level is on or associated with the handle. ### Claim 13 (depends on 11) A device according to claim 11, comprising first and second spirit levels, one oriented vertical and the other horizontal. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) A device according to claim 1, wherein each arm is formed of first and second portions, the first arm portion being connected to the handle and the second arm portion being telescopically mounted with the first arm portion to enable the arm's length to be extended. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) A device according to claim 14, wherein the first arm portion comprises a slotted sleeve within which the second arm portion is telescopically located. ### Claim 16 (depends on 14) A device according to claim 14, further comprising an extension locking mechanism provided on the second arm portion selectively to prevent and allow telescopic movement between the portions. ### Claim 17 (depends on 14) A device according to claim 14, wherein the indicator element is provided by an aperture formed at or near the free-end of the second arm portion. ### Claim 18 (depends on 14) A device according to claim 14, wherein first and second indicator elements are provided, one on each of the arm portions. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) A device according to claim 18, wherein the indicator element on the first arm portion is a slider, part of which is located within slot on said arm portion. ### Claim 20 (depends on 19) A device according to claim 19, wherein the slider comprises a slider lock configured to selectively lock the position of the slider relative to the arm. ### Claim 21 (depends on 1) A device according to claim 1, comprising two pairs of arms, the arms of each pair being connected and diametrically opposed either side of the handle. ### Claim 22 (depends on 1) A device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second arms are rotatably connected to the hub or handle substantially at the region of their longitudinal centres to form in an X-like arrangement, the hub or handle having an associated rotational mechanism arranged such that, in use, movement of one of the arms in a first rotational direction results in movement of the other arm in the counter direction by substantially the same angle. ### Claim 23 An alignment device for use in marking a surface, the device comprising: a pair of longitudinal arms, each rotatably mounted in the region of their longitudinal centres to a rotational mechanism provided in or on a hub or handle, the rotational mechanism being arranged such that, in use, movement of one of the pairs in a first rotational direction results in movement of the other pair in the counter direction by substantially the same angle, each of the arms carrying a scale or at least one movable marking indicator. ### Claim 24 (canceled) ### Claim 25 (depends on 23) A device according to claim 23, comprising four arms. ### Claim 26 (depends on 25) A device according to claim 25, wherein the four arms comprise two pairs of arms, each pair being formed of two integrally formed or joined arms. ### Claim 27 (depends on 23) A device according to claim 23, wherein each pair of arms carries a scale or movable marking indicator either side of the hub or handle. ### Claim 28 (depends on 23) A device according to claim 23, further comprising a user-operable locking mechanism, the locking mechanism being configured selectively to prevent and enable rotation of the arms.