Level with quick-disconnect end cap
AssigneeStanley Black & Decker, Inc.
InventorsJarrett J. Guma, Vincent Cook
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A level includes an end cap releasably attached to a level body. The end cap is configured to be inserted in, and withdrawn from, the level body with a sliding fit. Accordingly, the end cap can be withdrawn from the level body simply by squeezing with the fingers of one hand two opposing actuators formed in the end cap against the bias of respective living hinges to release detents from detent apertures formed in opposing side walls of the level body, and then using the same hand to slide the end cap out of the level body without having to touch the level body with either hand.
Claims20
A level, comprising:
- a level body supporting a level vial;
- and
- an end cap releasably connected to the level body;
- wherein the end cap includes an actuator and a detent;
- the detent is operatively associated with the level body to releasably retain the end cap on the level body;
- the level body defines a level volume;
- and
- wherein the actuator is disposed outside the level volume.
A method of removing an end cap from a level including a level body, comprising:
- squeezing with the fingers of one hand two opposing actuators formed in the end cap against the bias of respective living hinges to release detents from the edges of detent apertures formed in opposing side walls of the level body, the level body supporting a level vial, and the end cap being configured so that the actuators are disposed outside of a volume defined by the level body;
- and
- using the same hand to slide the end cap out of the level body without having to touch the level body with either hand.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.