Surveying And Leveling Device

Abstract

A surveying and measuring device and method of using the same is provided. The device, which is particularly suited for determining or measuring a rotational position of an object, comprises an elongate rigid member extending radially away from a known center of an object. Distal ends of the rigid member downwardly project points which may be compared to, for example, survey markers or known points.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for measuring and adjusting the position of an object comprising:
 a frame member for mounting on an upper portion of said object, said frame member comprising at least one downwardly projecting female socket member for receiving at least one upwardly projecting portion of said object and temporarily securing said frame member and said object to each other, and the frame member comprising at least one upwardly projecting member for receiving a horizontally extending member;   said horizontally extending member comprising an elongate substantially rigid member having a first end and a second end, said first end and said second end comprising vertically downward extending members for indicating a rotational position of said frame member about a vertical axis;   said frame member comprising a first level for indicating the position of said frame member relative to a first horizontal axis, and a second level for indicating the position of said frame member relative to a second horizontal axis;   indicia provided on said horizontally extending member for aligning a midpoint of said horizontally extending member with a center of said object; and   wherein said device is selectively detachable with said object and adapted to indicate a preferred translational and rotational position of said object.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said vertically downward extending members comprise plumb bobs. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said vertically downward extending members comprise self-leveling lasers. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said object is a lighting element. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said first level and said second level comprise bubble levels. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the length of said elongate substantially rigid member is a telescoping member. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said indicia provided on said horizontally extending member for aligning a midpoint of said horizontally extending member with a center of said object comprises an aperture provided in a portion of said frame member. 
     
     
         8 . A device for measuring and adjusting the position of an object comprising:
 a frame member for mounting to said object, said frame member comprising a first level for indicating the position of the frame member and the object with respect to a first axis of rotation and a second level for indicating the position of the frame member and the object with respect to a second axis of rotation;   an elongate substantially rigid member having a first end and a second end, said first end and said second end comprising indicia for alignment with a predetermined point, said indicia facilitating alignment of the object about a third axis of rotation.   
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein said indicia comprises a plumb bob. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein said indicia comprises a self-leveling laser. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein said frame member comprises a plurality of female socket members for securing said frame member to said object. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein said frame member comprises a plurality of receiving members for receiving said elongate substantially rigid member. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein said object is at least one of a light canister, a concrete forming tube, a caisson, a sign post, a precast pillar, and a light standard. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the length of said elongate substantially rigid member is adjustable in a lengthwise direction. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein the receiving members comprise point projections for slidably engaging said elongate substantially rigid member. 
     
     
         16 . A method of aligning an object comprising the steps of:
 determining a first point and a second point, said first point and said second point related to a desired rotational position of said object;   placing said object generally between said first point and said second point;   providing an elongate substantially rigid member having a first end and a second end, said first end and said second end comprising means for vertically projecting a point, at least one level corresponding to a horizontal plane in communication with said rigid member, and means for indicating the midpoint between said first end and said second end;   placing said rigid member in communication with said object;   determining, based on said means for vertically projecting a point, whether or not the rotational position of the object corresponds to said desired rotational position;   based on said determining step indicating that the rotational position of the object does not correspond to said desired rotational position, repositioning said object; and   based on said determining step indicating that the rotational position of the object does correspond to said desired rotational position, securing said object.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said object comprises at least one of a light canister, a concrete forming tube, a caisson, a sign post, a precast pillar, and a light standard. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said desired rotational position is predetermined by surveying operations. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said means for vertically projecting a point comprises at least one of a plumb bob and a self-leveling laser. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the length of said rigid member is adjusted to a desired length prior to determining whether or not the rotational position of the object corresponds to said desired rotational position.