Height adjustable, platform leveling multi-pod
View Patent ↗An apparatus including a platform having a surface secured to at least one leg, and leveling apparatus secured to the platform providing an indication of level about at least two axes. A method of positioning the apparatus includes the steps of positioning an end point of a first leg on a fiduciary point; setting a height of a mounting platform by extending said first leg; positioning an end point of a second leg to engage a surface; leveling the mounting platform on a first axis; positioning an end point of a third leg to engage said surface; leveling the mounting platform on a second axis; and re-positioning said first leg so that said end point is in a desired position.
1. A method of positioning a multi-pod apparatus, comprising:
(a) extending a first leg of said multi-pod;
(b) positioning and extending a second leg of said multi-pod;
(c) leveling a mounting platform on a first axis using a first level indicator on the platform;
(d) positioning and extending a third leg of said multi-pod;
(e) leveling the mounting platform on a second axis using a second level indicator on the platform;
(f) rocking said tripod on said second and third legs to lift said first leg, and
(g) re-positioning said first leg of said multi-pod; and
(h) simultaneously leveling the mounting platform on a third axis.
2. The method of claim 1 further including the step, prior to said step (a) of positioning an end point of said first leg of said multi-pod on a fiduciary point.
3. The method of claim 1 further including the step, prior to said step (a) of setting a height of mounting platform.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein said step of setting comprises extending one of said legs to a desired height measured by a scale on said one of said legs.
5. The method of claim 1 further including the steps, prior to said step (a), of:
positioning an end point of a first leg of said multi-pod on a fiduciary point;
setting a height of a mounting platform.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein said steps of positioning comprise:
lengthening said leg and rotating said leg about an axis away from a centerline extending through a mounting region on the platform.
7. An apparatus, comprising:
a mounting platform including a three axis leveling apparatus;
a first leg including a first end rotatably coupled to the mounting platform and a second end having a centering base point provided thereon;
a second leg and a third leg, each having a first end rotatably coupled to the mounting platform and a second end with a base point;
first, second and third bubble vials, said first, second and third bubble vials being positioned on said mounting platform at a position over said respective first, second and third legs;
wherein said first bubble vial is oriented at 90 degrees with respect to said second bubble vial;
wherein said first and third bubble vials are oriented along a line of rotation formed by rotation of said first and third leg relative to the mounting platform;
wherein said first leg includes a leg coupling attachment securing said base points of said second and third legs to said first leg.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said first leg includes a height scale.
9. The apparatus of claim 7 further including a leg guide positioned on at least one of said legs, intersecting two adjacent legs.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein each leg includes a leg guide positioned between the first end and the second end thereof, each guide securing said legs in a perpendicular relationship with respect to the mounting platform when each said guide abuts adjacent legs.