Abstract: A method includes fixing an axis between a first arm with a lengthwise slide for a first vertex pivot and a second arm comprising an angle indicia proximal a first end and also a lengthwise slide for a second vertex pivot. The axis is configured to interlock the two arms proximal respective first ends in a fixed angular relation based on the angle indicia. A first half of an elliptical arch is scribbed on an elliptical template blank via a scribbing point proximal the axis by sliding the first arm along the lengthwise slide on the first vertex pivot and sliding the second arm along the lengthwise slide on a co-vertex pivot. A second half of the elliptical arch is scribbed by sliding the first arm along the lengthwise slide on the co-vertex pivot and sliding the second arm along the lengthwise slide on the second vertex pivot.

Abstract: Workpiece-holding tools and techniques are described. Workpiece-holding tools and techniques are usable to ensure consistent and durable alignment of various workpieces while providing access for performing attachment techniques thereon. In one example, the workpiece-holding tool is configured to allow objects to be held or removably affixed to an alignment surface. Holding objects with the workpiece-holding tool ensures that the alignment of objects with an alignment surface does not change while a user is operating upon a workpiece, e.g., as by joining aligned objects together, without interfering or obstructing access to the objects. The ability to hold objects is enhanced by the inclusion of cutouts that provide increased access to interior surfaces of the workpiece-holding tool, such as to increase the area available for use of clamps or other fastening devices.

Abstract: A jig for finishing a workpiece with a handheld router or other handheld motor-driven rotational tool assembly is provided. The jig includes a baseplate that is precisely aligned and attached to a router. Guides, including a main guide and a support guide, are provided. The main guide is configured to precisely align with and fasten to the base plate in several different jig configurations. Right-angle adaptors attach to the guides and precisely align with and attach to the guides and the base plate to form several different jig configurations. Side plates secure the workpiece therebetween and provide a surface along which the main guide may slide to facilitate finishing operations on the workpiece.

Abstract: A tool shaped in a U-shape for accepting a standard U strut. The tool has opening for marking the strut for cutting purposes and hole openings for marking the center of standard struts.

Abstract: The right angle steel worker's layout tool is a tool with a pair of adjustable marking slides that are each used for determining the location of welds and holes on steel beams. Each of the pair of adjustable marking slides is comprised of a lower lock plate, an upper lock plate, a lock knob, and a screw member. The lower lock plate is able to slide along a track groove provided on the tool. The lock knob is used to secure the upper lock plate and the lower lock plate at a designated location along the track groove. The track groove includes a plurality of markings used to designate different dimensions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a folding rule (G) which comprises at least four sections (1, 2, 3, 4) that are hinged together, at least the fourth section (4) having two scales (SK1, SK2) for angle measurement and the first section (1) having at least one reading mark (M). The first scale (SK1) for angle measurement and the reading mark (M) are located on the respective section (4, 1) such that the reading mark (M) points to the value of the first scale (SK1), which corresponds to the angle (?) to be measured between the sides (O1, O2) that rest on the second section (2) or on the fourth section (4) when the first section (1) and the fourth section (4) are aligned in parallel and a first lateral edge (1.1) or a second lateral edge (1.2) of the first section (1) rests on a first lateral edge (4.1) of the fourth section (4).

Abstract: An attachment tool for framing squares. The tool is made of a pair of straight members that are fastened together with a space therebetween. Each of the members has a pair of horizontal grooves that are aligned. A fasteners is positioned within each of the grooves to lock a framing square in place once the desired setting have been determined. The tool has markings on each face that are used to establish angles for desired cuts. Using pivot points that are placed on the tool, the framing square can be set at one point and the pivoted to the desired angle using the markings on the tool without having to calculate anything. In this way, many different types of building members including: rafters, trusses and stairs can be laid out, marked and cut with minimal error and optimal efficiency.

Abstract: A pivoting construction square is provided for measuring angles between adjacent planes, for drafting arcs or circles, and for quickly comparing measured angles to a roof pitch. The device comprises a first and second arm member pivotably attached to one another, wherein the outer ends thereof include apertures for accepting a writing utensil therein. A cross member is connected therebetween, one end thereof being pivotably fixed and the other being slidably disposed within an elongated rail. A locking pin member is adapted to lock the slidable end. Measurement indicia are provided along one arm to correspond to angles, while a quick reference guide comparing angles to roof pitch is also provided. Both arms include a bubble level, while one arm further includes a plurality of aligned apertures to receive a writing utensil. In this way, the device functions as a construction square, a compass, a ruler, and a protractor.

Abstract: An adjustable carpenter square for measuring and marking a work product is provided. The adjustable carpenter square includes a solid body frame, solid body frame base attached to solid body frame, an angle gauging arm pivotally attached to solid body frame, a base rod, a one or more spacing fingers pivotally connected at the base rod and thus allows pivotal movement of the spacing fingers and resting on the solid body frame. The adjustable carpenter square performs multiple functions such as squaring, gauging, gapping, and angle measurement.

Abstract: A measuring tool which has a first arm and a second arm where at least one of the arms is able to pivot so that the arms can be set at a variety of angles with respect to one another. The tool also has an angle scale and a pointer. The angle scale runs along the first arm and the pointer is able to pivot so that it can point to a variety of positions along the angle scale to give the angle between the arms, the pointer being arranged such that it can be swung away from and clear of the angle scale.

Abstract: A guide rail for a hand-held power tool includes at least two rail elements, which are to be joined together to form a common rail and which are held on one another by means of a releasable connecting device. The connecting device includes a joint device, by means of which the individual rails can be pivoted between a folded-together non-functioning position and a functioning position that lies in a common plane.

Abstract: A squareness testing instrument (1, 100, 200) has one or more pairs of arms (2,3, 122,123), such as a one or more pairs of slats or rods, pivotally interconnected using suitable fasteners (4). The one or more pairs of arms are shaped such that they can fit substantially squarely into a corresponding imaginary rectangle (6A, 6B, 106, 206) with at least some arm ends (8, 108, 128, 208) in contact with sides thereof irrespective of the relative pivotal positioning of the arms. The instrument is positionable inside a frame type structure (14, 114) and pivotable apart to try and bring at least some of the arm ends in contact with sides (18, 19, 118, 119) of the structure to test at least one of the squareness and parallelism thereof.

Abstract: A folding framing square, comprising a substantially right triangular shaped framing square having a flange attached substantially perpendicular thereto and forming a substantially “T” shaped section therewith, a substantially right-angled trapezium shaped framing square hingedly attached to the flange; and optionally having a ring hingedly attached to the flange, the ring adapted to allow a user to removably insert a finger therethrough and facilitate the user to hold the folding framing square. The substantially right-angled trapezium shaped framing square and the ring may each be independently folded from an open to a closed position and vice versa. An alternate embodiment comprises a substantially right triangular shaped framing square having a flange attached substantially perpendicular thereto, a substantially right-angled trapezium shaped framing square hingedly attached to a clamp, the clamp adapted to be removably and releasably attached to the flange.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a hinged measuring and marking device is disclosed herein. The device utilizes a first member, containing a flat surface with a straightedge for marking or measuring, coupled to a second member, also containing a flat surface with a straightedge for measuring or marking wherein the first member is coupled to the second member in a direction perpendicular to the straightedge of the first member. The straightedges of the first and second members are coplanar for marking an approximately contiguous line on a single plane or on two intersecting planes. The first member and the second member can be rotated between 0 and 180 degrees with respect to each other to accommodate marking a line on the two intersecting planes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a hinged measuring and marking device is disclosed herein. The device utilizes a first member, containing a flat surface with a straightedge for marking or measuring, coupled to a second member, also containing a flat surface with a straightedge for measuring or marking wherein the first member is coupled to the second member in a direction perpendicular to the straightedge of the first member. The straightedges of the first and second members are coplanar for marking an approximately contiguous line on a single plane or on two intersecting planes. The first member and the second member can be rotated between 0 and 180 degrees with respect to each other to accommodate marking a line on the two intersecting planes.

Abstract: Apparatus using two hinged L-shaped squares to determine perpendicular with respect to a plane. Placing the apparatus against a plane with the squares offset angularly with respect to each other and placing an object to be secured to a plane adjacent to the hinge within fins parallel to the hinge permits securing the object perpendicular to the plane with one hand while holding the apparatus and object with the other hand.

Abstract: An alignment device including a body having an alignment edge configured to guide a cutting device, an extension portion pivotal relative to the alignment edge, and at least one cutting-line indicator configured to be selectively positioned on the extension portion and configured to indicate a cutting line for the cutting device. In some embodiments, the alignment device may include a plurality of pitch selectors configured to indicate a plurality of different angles, including a first pitch selector indicating a first angle. The body further may include a level indicator configured to identify whether a plank is at first angle when the first pitch selector is selected and the body is positioned in a pitch measurement position on the plank.

Abstract: An adjustable clamp fixture holds overlapping legs of L-shaped carpenter framing squares in aligned relationships in fixed or sliding relationships. Outer perpendicular legs of the squares align in various ways for a variety of measuring, marking, cutting, and jigging functions. Vertical holes in the fixture allow pivotal connection of the fixture to external surfaces and to another fixture for circular and angular functions. Rigid orthogonal interconnection of two fixtures enables rectangular functions.

Abstract: An alignment device including a body having an alignment edge configured to guide a cutting device, an extension portion pivotal relative to the alignment edge, and at least one cutting-line indicator configured to be selectively positioned on the extension portion and configured to indicate a cutting line for the cutting device. In some embodiments, the alignment device may include a plurality of pitch selectors configured to indicate a plurality of different angles, including a first pitch selector indicating a first angle. The body further may include a level indicator configured to identify whether a plank is at first angle when the first pitch selector is selected and the body is positioned in a pitch measurement position on the plank.

Abstract: A block positioning tool includes a first elongated member and a second elongated member attached together such that a L-shaped frame is formed. The frame has an upper surface and a bottom surface. The first and second elongated members each have a slot therein extending through the upper and bottom surfaces. Each of the first and second elongated members has an associated attached end and a free end. A plurality of position indicators is attached to and selectively moveable along a length of the slots. A primary anchor is attached to a bottom surface of the attached end. Each of a plurality of secondary anchors is attached to one of the position indicators and positioned adjacent to the bottom surface. Each of the secondary anchors and the primary anchor is removably positionable into depressions extending into an upper surface of pier blocks.

Abstract: Novel measuring and cutting apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a base member, an elongated member having an attachment end coupled to the base member and at least one straight edge adapted to extend over a workpiece, and a measuring arm. The measuring arm includes a first leg slideably coupled at right angles to the elongated member, and a second leg extending from the first leg and adapted to extend over the workpiece, the measuring arm defining a distance between the straight edge and the second leg. The apparatus allows accurate, repeated measurement when the straightedge is angled, and also allows access to the entire length of the straightedge for drawing or cutting.

Abstract: A combination square comprising a blade; and a head defining a slot in which said blade is at least partially received, said blade extending generally perpendicular to said head; wherein said head is divided into a first portion and a second portion, said first portion defining said slot, wherein said first and second portions are pivotally joined to each other by a pivot assembly, said pivot assembly defining an axis that extends parallel to said blade, whereby said second portion may be rotated about said axis.

Abstract: A laser protractor comprising two laser pointers fixed in a body to point exactly 90° apart in the same plane and a third laser pointer mounted on a movable arm rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the intersection of the first two laser pointers (as extended). The laser protractor includes leveling bubbles and degree scales on the body permitting the protractor to be accurately positioned with both fixed lasers in a horizontal plane, in a vertical plane or in any other plane as required. The laser protractor, because of its simple rugged construction, can be made inexpensively with simple off-the-shelf pointers, each battery powered with inexpensive batteries.

Abstract: An angle guide instrument having particular utility for handrail installation which includes a body portion having an outer arcuate edge and first and second arms which are pivotable with respect to the body and are used in conjunction with levels mounted to the body for determining angles for purposes of cutting sections of handrail. In a preferred embodiment the arms include extensions which are profiled so as to be cooperatively seated with a section of handrail.

Abstract: The invention provides a saw guide for a power saw or router of the type having a blade and a saw housing wider than the blade which directly overlies the blade during cutting. The saw guide includes a guide bar having a straight outer edge for guiding a peripheral guide surface of the saw housing, a gauge bar having a straight outer edge, and a hinge pivotally connecting the gauge bar to the guide bar. The gauge bar can be swung manually from a position in which the gauge bar and guide bar lie parallel on top of a flat workpiece to a position where the hinge and gauge bar are clear of the straight outer edge of the guide bar so that the saw can move without obstruction along the straight outer edge of the guide bar.

Abstract: A stair stringer layout jig used on a pair of stringers disposed side-by-side adjacent one another comprises a longitudinal base lying along and between the stringers, with spacers for uniformly spacing the stringer sides. A transverse member with two clamps is connected to the base to squeeze the stringers together. A pair of carpenter's squares are disposed symmetrically in mirror relationship on opposite sides of the stringers so as to allow the legs of the squares to pivot. A vernier adjustment serves to simultaneously pivot the carpenter's squares in opposite directions about their pivot points, so as to lay out stair riser and stair tread locations which may be simultaneously and identically varied in mirror relationship on both of said stringers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kind of movable device which varies at any angle to serve as measurement ruler, and more particularly to an improved structure of measurement ruler with multiple functions in use. The ruler's main body is L shaped with engraved number of degrees on both sides, one side with sliding channel and a sliding through installed at the lower end of the sliding channel, which is wider in breadth than the channel, one measurement ruler like a straight stick with engraved numbers in degrees, one end of which is in conical shape and the other end of which at the top there installs a sign index with a conical peeping hole and a set of installation holes, one scale ruler in semi-circular shape with sliding block in consecutive form. Under it, there is sliding column on which there are threaded lines. AT the front end, there in an assembly hole. The semi-circular body is engraved with the degrees in angle.

Abstract: A framing layout tool includes two squares each with two legs or blades 90.degree. apart. The squares are pivotally attached at their vertices by a pivot pin including a knurled locking nut. One of the squares includes a longitudinally aligned electronic plumb and level indicator on one of the legs. The other leg of that square includes indicia on a leg reference edge for indicating rise-over-run integers representative of the angular separation of that other leg and a leg of the other square. Indicia indicating the actual angle between such legs is also contained on an opposite reference edge of that other leg. The layout tool has particular utility for accurately marking the location of a plumb cut, seat cuts and a ridge cut in roof rafters where the blade of the second square is placed on an inclined rafter and oriented with the electronic level in a vertical plumb position. When a visual and auditory indication of exact plumb is obtained the clamping nut is locked.

Abstract: An improved measuring apparatus (10) including male (12) and female (11) measuring instruments equipped with complimentary pairs of male (14) and female (13) sleeve bodies bearing a multiplicity of variably aligned calibrated indicia (50) representative of different drawing scales; wherein, the male (12) and female (11) measuring instruments are adapted to be captively engaged in L and inverted L configurations as well as in an end to end straight line configuration.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus and method having three long sections and one short section joined together so that when opened in the proper position, a square is formed. One long section serves as a target pointer, a second long section serves as the ball pointer, and a third long section serves as a body alignment guide. The sections of the invention are joined together in a rotatable fashion so that the device may be opened or closed easily and transported in a golf bag, if desired. When the device is used, one section is pointed at the target, one section is pointed at the golf ball, and the third section forms a reference for positioning of the golfer's feet. The section of the device pointed at the target has an elongated section that serves as a guide for take away of a golf club in a direction directly opposite from the target, as is desired. The portion of the long section pointed at the golf ball also has an elongated end that serves as a reference point for the alignment of the ball to the golfer's body.

Abstract: The disclosed measuring instrument includes a pair of members arranged together to form a right-angled L and the members having indicia providing linear scales useful in measuring areas in architectural plans and the like. The members are separable at the joint that forms the corner of the L and are further capable of re-connection to each other in end-to-end relationship so as to provide an elongated straight edge. The junction of the members at the corner of the L includes a pivot about which one member may be moved through a 180.degree. range to form an inverted L. In a modification, at least one of the members includes a wing element along one edge and rockable about a separable pivot on an axis parallel to that one edge.

Abstract: An reversible adjustable pivot angle square (10) comprising a a base blade (20) that contains a reversible level and plumb means (62) rotatably connected to a perpendicular travel blade (22) that contains a reversible level and plumb means (64) in an arrangement that forms an adjustable orthogonal position. The travel blade (22) design allows rotation to a 360 (three hundred and sixty) degree range. An angle blade (26) is angularly and rotatably connected to the base blade (20) at approximately mid center of the base blade (20) elongation. The base blade (20) design allows rotation to a 360 (three hundred and sixty) degree range. The travel blade (22) contains a through slot which runs substantially along the travel blade (22) elongation. The through slot serves as a travel blade slot (24) for the angle blade (26). Once the angle blade upper end (38) is slidably and adjustably connected to the travel blade slot (24), the adjustable pivot angle square (10) is completely pivotally and rotatably connected.

Abstract: There is disclosed a framing T-Square and protractor wherein the head of the T-Square and the elongated rule thereof are connected by means of a ballbearing allowing the rule portion to be free-swinging with respect to the head, which is in the form of a rectangular plate having a protractor scale thereon marked in degrees and auxiliary scales marked with inches of rise per 12 inches of run for common rafters and for hip and valley rafters. A rectangular panel is hingedly attached to the plate on a hinged line normally at right angles to the elongated rule; a friction locking mechanism permits the rule to be locked at any desired angle relative to the plate and panel. The rule, plate, and panel are marked on the back with rafter tables and other data including run lengths and protractor angle settings useful in roof framing and other construction or carpentry work. A vernier scale on the front of the panel facilitates setting of angle measurements to an accuracy of one-tenth of a degree.

Abstract: An under layer of a mortar material such as stucco is first applied to a structural surface such as a wall or floor. Over this under layer a second layer is applied generally of a different color than the first layer. A tool having a guide bar, an elongated strip forming a measuring rod removably attached along one edge of the guide bar, a bubble level mounted thereon and a handle for manipulating the guide bar is used to form a straight edge for a mortar scratcher which is used to groove channels in the top layer of material. The measuring rod is placed in successive channels thus formed to provide a guide for the formation of subsequent such channels. The measuring rod is removably attached to the guide bar and can be selectively positioned in a vertical orientation relative thereto or in predetermined angular orientations so that the guide bar can be utilized in forming channels at right angles or acute angles relative to the channels initially formed.

Abstract: In an arrangement in angle rulers for improving the fixture of an angularly adjustable blade (10) of said rulers to the stock (11) thereof in selected angular positions relative thereto, the stock (11) comprises a rectangular hollow section having a lateral opening (17), the blade (10) being arranged to be partly surrounded by the hollow profile of the stock. A spring-loaded (20), displaceable peg (19) is arranged to extend through at least one (12) of the mutually opposing walls (12,13) of the stock, and through the blade (10). One surface of the blade exhibits grooves or promontories (27) arranged to co-act with corresponding grooves or promontories (26) in the inwardly facing surface of the wall (12), whereat both grooves (27) and promontories (26) concentrically encircle the peg (19), around which peg the blade (10) is arranged to pivot.

Abstract: The invention relates to rotating saw blade adjustment devices in general, and more specifically to a very simple apparatus, comprising two metal brackets, which when used in conjunction with an adjustable triangle and/or framing square, can provide precision adjustments for either a radial arm saw or a table saw.

Abstract: A pipe fitter's square has a plurality of linear edges oriented at selected angles to provide easy and accurate alignment of pipe sections. A first edge of the square is parallel to its longitudinal axis. Second and third edges of the square are positioned at 45.degree. angles to the first edge to provide for 90.degree. pipe section alignment. Fourth and fifth edges of the square are positioned at 22.5.degree. angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the square to allow alignment for a 45.degree. bend. Levels are mounted to the square parallel and adjacent to the respective first, second and third edges to provide references to the horizontal and vertical and to make possible the division of pipe exteriors into equal angular sections. A protractor scale is imprinted on the square and a pivotal protractor arm is mounted on the square to measure specific angles.

Abstract: A drafting instrument comprising a central plate member, and first and second drafting plates, each including two sides having first and second angularly related straight edges forming an angle therebetween and a third hypotenuse edge spanning the first and second edges, and mechanism pivotally coupling the first and second plates to the central plate member for swinging movement relative thereto and relative to each other.

Abstract: A ruler means for dividing a distance into an optional number of parts, e.g., into equal parts. The ruler means comprises a ruler with a number of numbered scales with a zero point. Said ruler is, along said scales, provided with holes for plotting an optional division of an auxiliary distance such the the projection thereof comprises the actual distance to be divided. The holes are equidistantly spaced and tapered toward the rear face of said ruler.