Laser line generating device

Abstract

A self-contained line generating device uses a laser diode and a lens to project a fan-shaped beam of visible light. The lens is useful for receiving light and transmitting light in an asymmetrical planar beam. The light is useful for aligning object in a vertical or a horizontal line. The generator also includes a substantially flat face and leveling devices for leveling and orienting the generator onto a flat surface. Retractable pins enable a user to easily mount the line generator onto a wall and align objects.

1 . A line generating device, comprising: 
 a housing;    a light source mounted within the housing;    a power supply connected to the light source;    a projection lens that receives light and projects the light in the shape of a fan;    at least one reference level on an outside of the housing; and    a pin that is movable from a first position, wherein the pin is incapable of contacting a surface exterior of the line generating device, to a second position wherein the pin is capable of contacting the surface.    
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the light source generates a laser beams.  
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the laser beam has an asymmetric intensity pattern.  
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a support face that substantially extends along a first planar surface and the fan substantially lies within a second planar surface that intersects the first plane surface at an angle.  
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the angle is about 90°.  
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the light projects a line in a direction generally parallel to the first planar surface, the line extending in a direction of propagation of the light.  
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the power supply is a battery mounted within the housing and switchably connected to the light source.  
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one reference level comprises a bubble level.  
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one reference level comprises two bubble levels oriented at right angle to each other.  
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising an aperture in the housing.  
   
   
       11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein a corner of the lens has a radius of about 0.030 inches to about 0.060 inches.  
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the corner of the lens has a radius of about 0.047 inches.  
   
   
       13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the light in the shape of a fan is projectable as a visible line extending at least about 5 lengths of the housing from the housing.  
   
   
       14 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a collimating optics that receives light from the light source and focuses the light into an ovate shape for the projections lens.  
   
   
       15 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the projection lens is made from glass or plastic.  
   
   
       16 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising an aperture in the housing, the aperture providing an exit for the light and a lens cover switchably connected to the power supply, wherein when the lens cover moves to a first lens cover position the light source is connected to the power supply and the lens cover does not substantially block the exit and when the lens cover moves to a second lens cover position the light source is not connected to the power supply and the lens cover substantially blocks the exit.  
   
   
       17 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the housing defines an opening through which the pin extends through when moving from the first position to the second position.  
   
   
       18 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a lever for pushing and holding the pin into the surface.  
   
   
       19 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the pin is mounted to the housing.  
   
   
       20 - 84 . (canceled)