Hand-held laser level grade checking device

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The problems associated with conventional sight levels and presently available construction survey equipment outlined above are solved by the laser grade checking device in accordance with the present invention.
That is to say, the present invention provides for a laser grade checking device that is easy to operate, relatively inexpensive to manufacture and durable enough to withstand the rigors of the construction environment.
The laser leveling device of the present invention can be constructed of a strong yet inexpensive and light weight material such as high impact vinyl chloride polymer plastic or carbon fiber-reinforced plastic, or the like, although any number of other materials may also be found to be suitable.
The laser leveling device comprises an elongated, generally tubular shaped housing having a forward end and a rearward end.
The forward end has a compartment suitable for receiving a modular plug.
A daylight visible wavelength semiconductor diode laser module fits tightly within the modular plug.
The modular plug, with the laser diode module, is received by the forward end compartment such that the laser diode will, when activated, emit a beam of visible light out the forward end of the housing.
A front end cap, having a lens to permit the laser beam to pass, attaches to the forward end of the housing to enclose and contain the modular plug and laser diode module combination.
One or more battery cells, preferably located in a battery compartment at or near the rearward end of the housing, powers the laser diode.
The battery cell can be rechargeable to permit its reuse and a recharge port can be provided to allow the battery cell to be recharged while in the housing.
The outside surface of the housing has a centered ridge or other mechanism that is in axial alignment with the beam of light from the laser to allow the gradechecker to align the light beam with a mark on an external measuring device.
In use, the gradechecker holds the laser grade checking device along side an engineer's sticktape or other measuring equipment that rests on the ground near the gradechecker's feet