GB2481809A

GB2481809A - Vertically suspended laser marking device

Info

Publication number: GB2481809A
Application number: GB1011347.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Kane
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-07-06
Filing date: 2010-07-06
Publication date: 2012-01-11
Also published as: GB201011347D0; GB201111570D0; GB2481913A

Abstract

A laser marking apparatus is provided comprising: an internally threaded member 4 for attachment, in use, to an externally threaded component of a radiator or towel rail; a housing 3 within which a laser generator 1 is contained for the downward transmission of a laser beam 5; and a flexible member 6 such as a cord, cable, or chain, for suspending the housing 3 from the internally threaded member 4 in such manner as to enable the user of the apparatus to ensure that the laser beam 5 is generated vertically downwardly. The apparatus may be powered by a battery 2 whereby the laser generator 1 may be turned on and off by twisting a part of the apparatus relative to the housing 3.

Description

MARKING APPARATUS AND METHOD

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a marking apparatus and method.

When a plumber wishes to connect a water supply pipe to a radiator or to a towel rail, it is often necessary for him to drill a hole in a floor board and it is important that the hole in the floor board should be accurately aligned with the associated fitting on the radiator or towel rail so as to avoid the possibility of unsightly, mis-aligned pipework.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an improved form of apparatus for use in such circumstances.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide an improved method of obtaining accurate alignment of the pipework.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for use in marking comprising an internally threaded member for attachment, in use, to an externally threaded component, a housing within which a laser generator is contained for the downward transmission of a laser beam and means for suspending the housing from the internally threaded member in such manner as to enable the user of the apparatus to ensure that the laser beam is generated vertically downwardly.

The means for suspending the housing from the internally threaded member is preferably a flexible cord or cable and the housing is preferably symmetrical about a vertical axis so that its centre of gravity is on its vertical axis and is vertically aligned with the point at which the flexible cord or cable is attached to the housing.

The arrangement is thus such that, if the axis of the externally threaded component, e.g. the body of a radiator valve, is not inclined precisely vertically, the laser beam that is generated will be vertically oriented.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of marking that includes the use of the apparatus defined above.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of the present invention.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The apparatus shown in Figure 1 includes a cylindrical laser generator I powered by a disc-shaped battery 2 and contained within a cylindrical main body or housing 3. The housing 3 contains a cylindrical chamber within which a combined battery cover and operating mechanism 7 is located. The battery 2 is urged upwardly by a spring and the wall of the chamber is internally threaded for threaded engagement with the mechanism 7 such that, upon rotation of the mechanism 7 relative to the housing 3, the battery 2 is moved against the actioh of the spring so as to switch on the laser generator 3.

The laser generator 1, the battery 2, the housing 3 and the mechanism 4 are all symmetrically disposed about the vertical axis of the housing 3 so that the centre of gravity of the device lies on its vertical axis thus ensuring that, when the housing 3 is suspended, it will be aligned with the vertical and, when the laser generator 1 is switched on, the beam 5 that is produced will be directed accurately vertically, downwardly.

The housing 3 is disposed vertically beneath an internally threaded generally cylindrical cap 4 by means of a flexible connection, such as a chain 6. The thread formation of the cap 4 is such that it can have threaded engagement with an externally threaded formation of a radiator or a towel rail.

Thus, when it is desired to connect a water supply pipe to a radiator or a towel rail (not shown), the cap 4 is engaged with the appropriate formation on the radiator or towel rail so that the housing 3 is suspended from the radiator or towel rail with its central axis accurately aligned with the vertical. When, therefore, the laser generator I is switched on and the laser beam 5 is emitted from the housing 3 so as to be visible on the floor beneath the radiator or towel rail, the plumber will make a marking on the floor to indicator the centre of the beam confidently knowing that the point which he has marked accurately indicates the position at which a hole is to be drilled in the floor in vertical alignment with the radiator or towel rail fitting. When, therefore, the required pipework is installed, it will be in the correct, fully aligned position.

Figure 2 shows a modification of the device shown in Figure 1, which is used in the same way as the device of Figure 1. It again includes an internally threaded cap 4 that can be attached to the fitting on the radiator or towel rail, and the housing 3 is suspended from the cap 4 by a flexible member 6. The laser generator 1 is acted on by a spring and is movable against the action of the spring by rotating a cover 7, which acts as a twist on/off mechanism, so as to switch on the laser generator 1 and produce an accurate vertically downwardly directed beam 5. The device shown in Figure 2 is used in the manner described above with reference to Figure 1.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus for use in marking comprising an internally threaded member for attachment, in use, to an externally threaded component, a housing within which a laser generator is contained for the downward transmission of a laser beam and means for suspending the housing from the internally threaded member in such manner as to enable the user of the apparatus to ensure that the laser beam is generated vertically downwardly.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the means for suspending the housing from the internally threaded member is a flexible member.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the flexible member is a cord, cable or chain.
4. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the housing is (0 symmetrical about a vertical axis.
5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4, in which the centre of gravity of the housing lies on its central longitudinal axis and is vertically aligned with the means for suspending the housing from the internally threaded member.
6. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the apparatus is battery powered.
7. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the laser generator is turned on and off by twisting a part of the apparatus relative to the housing.
8. An apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.