Pipe and conduit alignment system and method
OwnerDaniel F. Gamoninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A laser alignment device for use with rigid tubing of varying diameters, such as electrical conduit or plumbing piping. An embodiment of the laser alignment device includes a slide mechanism with a number of measurement indicator markings on at least one face. The slide mechanism allows the laser position to be adjusted depending on the diameter of the tubing. The primary function of the alignment device is to produce a laser beam at or near the dead-center of the tubing as it is being installed. This allows the installer to quickly ensure that existing or new sections of tubing are installed correctly and in-line. A plurality of mirror attachments may be used to alter the direction of the laser beam for turns or bends in the run of the length of tubing.
Claims13
A laser alignment apparatus comprising:
- a laser housing including a laser connected, a power source connected to said laser, and a switch operable to turn said laser on and off;
- a laser housing mount affixed to said laser housing;
- a slide including a top end and a bottom end, wherein said laser housing mount is affixed to said slide top end;
- a slide housing capable of receiving said slide, and wherein said slide is capable of sliding vertically;
- a slide lock configured to lock and release said slide within said slide housing;
- and
- a primary housing adapted to conform to the outer surface of a rigid tube, wherein said primary housing is rigidly affixed to said slide housing.
A laser alignment apparatus comprising:
- a laser housing including a laser connected, a power source connected to said laser, and a switch operable to turn said laser on and off;
- a laser housing mount affixed to said laser housing;
- a slide including a top end and a bottom end, wherein said laser housing mount is affixed to said slide top end;
- a slide housing capable of receiving said slide, and wherein said slide is capable of sliding vertically;
- a slide lock configured to lock and release said slide within said slide housing;
- a primary housing including at least one bubble level indicator, a top edge, a bottom edge, a front edge, and a rear edge, wherein said primary housing top edge is adapted to conform to the outer surface of a rigid tube, and wherein said primary housing rear edge is rigidly affixed to said slide housing;
- and
- a plurality of indicator markings located on a face of said slide, wherein said indicator markings relate to the diameter of said rigid tube in imperial units.
A method of installing rigid tubing, the method comprising the steps:
- providing a laser alignment device including a laser, a slide, and a housing, wherein said laser is affixed to said slide and said slide is operable to slide vertically through said housing;
- providing a first and a second length of rigid tubing;
- adjusting said slide according to the diameter of said rigid tubing, such that said laser is located at the center of said tubing;
- powering said laser;
- temporarily affixing said laser to said tubing;
- noting the path of a beam produced by said laser;
- and
- placing said second length of rigid tubing in line with said beam, such that said first and second lengths of rigid tubing are in alignment.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.