US Patent 7073270 Impact-absorbing end caps for levels

An impact-absorbing level is disclosed. The level comprises a body including a level face for measuring a surface, a vial mounted in the body at a predetermined angular relationship to the level face, and a first end cap fixed with respect to the first end, the first end cap comprising an outer layer and an intermediate layer, the intermediate layer fixed to the outer layer and having lower density than the outer layer, the intermediate layer positioned between the outer layer and the body, such that the first end cap absorbs impacts to the outer layer to prevent damage to the body. Also disclosed is a method of providing impact-absorption to a level in which a dual-density end cap is adhered to each end of the level.