With Special Scale Markings Patents (Class 33/476)
  • Patent number: 11858291
    Abstract: A carpenter square including a triangular plate and a base. The base has a corner at an intersection of a first side and first end. The corner extends into a pivot notch defined in a first side edge of the plate. During use, the base's corner may be placed on a side wall of a workpiece and the plate is pivoted about a pivot axis extending along the base's corner. An angular measurement may be marked on the workpiece's surface when a selected angle on the plate aligns with an edge of the workpiece that extends along an intersection of the workpiece's surface and side wall. First and second regions of the plate extend outwardly beyond opposite ends of the base. Each of the first and second regions includes a distance measurement scale and the first region further includes one or more angular measurement scales.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: WOODPECKERS, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory L. Skillicorn
  • Patent number: 11573070
    Abstract: An electrical color chart tape measure apparatus for viewing a color code chart while measuring conduit includes a tape having a housing front side with a blade aperture extending therethrough adjacent the housing bottom side. A tape blade is coupled within the tape housing and is slidably extendable and retractable through the blade aperture. The tape blade has a blade top side with a plurality of hash markings and a plurality of corresponding numerical inch measurement markings. A claw is coupled to a distal end of the tape blade. A plurality of color indicators is coupled to the tape blade between the plurality of numerical inch measurement markings. A color chart is coupled to the tape housing and has a low voltage color key and a high voltage color key corresponding with the plurality of color indicators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Inventors: Shawn Blair, Aaron Conway
  • Patent number: 11230138
    Abstract: A device to be used as tool creating a straightedge for scoring or cutting VCT (vinyl composition tile) or vinyl floor tile, comprising of a triangular plate that has flat and smooth side surface edges to be used as a straightedge guide to draw a utility knife or other apparatus along the edge. On one of the right angle sides of said triangular plate and face, is an elongated bar fence that extends at ninety-degree angle outwardly from said triangular plate and face. An optional T-bar fence constructed as an integral part of the Floor Tile Cutting—Guide extends only a minimal distance and only far enough from the bottom edge in order that the device can lay flat on a floor tile when it is abutted to the edge or laying off to the side of a floor tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Inventor: Gregory Lee Meahl
  • Patent number: 10300735
    Abstract: A framing tool includes a pair of slotted beams that are affixed together at each end using an end spacer of a thickness selected to maintain the two slotted beams at a separation that allows a framing square to slide easily but snugly therebetween. Then, a user can cause the slotted beams to clamp down on the framing square using two sliding clamps so as to trap the framing square between the two slotted beams. The first sliding clamp is slidable along a slot of the pair of slotted beams, and the second sliding clamp is slidable along a slot of the pair of slotted beams. The framing tool also includes: a pair of end-fixed spacer assemblies, a first end-fixed spacer assembly configured to squeeze together the first ends against an end spacer, and a second end-fixed spacer assembly configured to squeeze together the second ends against an end spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Inventor: Earl Anthony Mullins
  • Patent number: 8307564
    Abstract: A deck building assist tool includes a panel that has a top side, a bottom side, a first edge, a second edge, and a third edge. A first line is coextensive with the first edge and a second line is coextensive with the second edge. The first and second lines intersect each other and are orientated perpendicular with respect to each other. A spacing plate extends downwardly from the bottom side. A plane of the spacing plate is orientated parallel to the second line and is positionable between adjacent planks to indicate correct spacing between the adjacent planks. The panel has a pair of openings therein. The spacing plate has a front edge directed forward and spaced from the first edge. The front edge is spaced from the first edge to correctly position the openings over a joist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Danny A. Heaton
  • Patent number: 7958645
    Abstract: The Chappell Universal Square™ solves the problems associated with standard framing squares and provides a dynamic framing square bearing novel indicia and a novel arrangement of same for direct application to framing members during construction of complicated framing systems of equal and/or unequal pitched members. Typically, squares are limited to use with a single base unit of measurement, e.g. inches or millimeters, and provide limited tabulated information for use in calculating lengths, distances, and angles at which to cut framing members. The present invention is a tool that provides universal applicability for use in building both simple and complex structures according to metric and standard/imperial measurement systems. The present invention provides tabulated calculations aligned with indicia that enable construction of equal and complex unequal pitch framing members without necessitating the execution of complex trigonometric calculations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Chappell Universal Square & Rule Co. LLC.
    Inventor: Steve K. Chappell
  • Patent number: 7954249
    Abstract: A template guide which performs and simplifies the task of layout for stair stringers. This accomplishment has previously been made by the use of multiple tools including the framing square, multipurpose square, and speed square as well as others. The said template of the present invention features an adjustable riser that can be secured for the exact dimension of any rise calculated to be between 6? and 7¾?. The said template of the present invention also features an adjustable tread that can be secured for the exact dimension of any tread length, calculated to be between 9¼? and 11??. The said template is configured as such to accommodate the unskilled craftsman as well as the experienced tradesman.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: E-Z Riser, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Raymond Perkey
  • Publication number: 20110078913
    Abstract: A collection of couplers and a corresponding coupling method that removably connect existing forensic scales to create a coupled scale, wherein a ruler arm of each scale is slidingly engaged in a track of the coupler that provides and maintains arm-to-arm angular accuracy for scales coupled in a fixed angle, co-planar joint, and measurement accuracy of scale markings across the joint. The track includes a lower surface; two laterally opposed parallel edge walls extending up from the lower surface and spaced apart by a dimension suitable for slidingly engaging a ruler arm width; holding tabs that extend laterally inward from both edge walls spaced above the lower surface by a dimension suitable for slidingly engaging a ruler arm thickness; an open end; and preferably a longitudinally distal registration stop. Two coupler tracks are joined with co-planar lower surfaces; and an edge wall of each joined at a fixed angle vertex.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: James C. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20100077625
    Abstract: An all-in-one combination layout tool is provided for marking center lines for spacing studs, marking rip lines, marking cut lines for roof rafters and staircase stringers, and other purposes. The tool comprises a rectangular base plate, an elongate locator bar with a rounded pivot corner, and two connectors to connect the locator bar to the base plate in a variety of configurations. The base plate includes multiple “pivot” points for pivotally connecting the locator bar, two strategically-placed arcuate slots for marking or making angle cuts, and two strategically placed parallel slots for configuring the tool to mark or make rip cuts. Angle markings are provided on two adjacent edges of the base plate, and 1/16-inch markings are provided on the opposite adjacent edges. The base plate is planar and has no enlarged flange or lip that would hinder its use in laying out staircase stringers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Jonathan Mark O'Morrow, SR.
  • Patent number: 7627955
    Abstract: A template guide which performs and simplifies the task of layout for stair stringers. This accomplishment has previously been made by the use of multiple tools including the framing square, multipurpose square, and speed square as well as others. The said template of the present invention features an adjustable riser that can be secured for the exact dimension of any rise calculated to be between 6? and 7¾?. The said template is configured as such to accommodate the unskilled craftsman as well as the experienced tradesman.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas Raymond Perkey
  • Patent number: 7481143
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: A & W In-Oh-Vations, Inc.
    Inventor: Wendel Reed Hiland, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090007448
    Abstract: A tool for qualitatively measuring a feature of a skate blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: James McKenna
  • Publication number: 20080301964
    Abstract: A measuring gauge constructed of a transparent “L” shaped body having an elongated first arm and a second shorter arm disposed at 90 degrees to the first arm and defining a notch therein which forms a triangle with the first leg of the triangle angularly disposed with respect to the outer edge of the second arm. A plurality of indicia are carried by the two legs of the gauge. The indicia each include a center band sandwiched between outer bands with the inner and outer bands being of contrasting colors. The side edges of the gauge are inserted between the flaps and back panels of the envelope into engagement with a gum line and a depth of penetration is observed by determining the intersection of an edge of the envelope with the indicium along a side edge of the gauge thereby determining whether or not the envelope is in or out of specification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Paul G. Jordan, Kristen Matthew Getty, Warren Safran, Ryan Carl Weiss, John Schlich, Robert Elliot, Patrick Brown
  • Publication number: 20080115398
    Abstract: A hunting aid assists hunters in judging the size of animals they intend to harvest. The device is mounted to a support structure such as the leg of an animal feeder, a fence post, or a tree trunk. The invention is oriented such that it faces the anticipated location for viewing and hunting animals, such as a deer blind or stand. The antler width of animals that come to the feeder and device may be readily gauged by using brightly colored zones on the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Konrad Besch
  • Patent number: 7124668
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: Wendel Reed Hiland, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7096592
    Abstract: A stairway can be constructed by using movable tread/riser supports placed along a stairway stringer and the supports can be moved as a group or individually to accommodate a stairway slope of any desired degree. It is desirable to mark a stringer for the uniform equal spacing of the location for the tread/risers and to establish the pivot positions for mounting the supports on the stringer. The present invention is an apparatus that will permit a user to locate the desired pivot holes equally spaced and aligned along a stringer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Richard Truckner
  • Patent number: 7073240
    Abstract: A layout tool and a means for using the tool to fabricate multi-segment elbows and offset joints from rectangular cross-section fibrous air ductboard material. The tool has a triangular main body having at least one structural feature that defines a plane. At least one flange is connected to the main body, is oriented substantially perpendicular to the main body plane, and forms the first side of the triangle. The main body includes a first outer straight edge extending at an angle of 67.50 degrees from the flange forming the second side of the triangle. A second outer straight edge extending at an angle of 78.75 degrees from the flange forms the third side of the triangle. An inner structure of the main body forms a straight edge perpendicular to the plane of the flange. The outer angled and interior straight edges enable 22.5- and 45-degree miter joints to be easily marked and cut in pre-formed fibrous air duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Inventor: Dwayne K. Eberly
  • Patent number: 6920735
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventors: Vester L. Lambert, Helene D. Lambert
  • Patent number: 6868616
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a builder's measuring and marking tool is provided. The tool comprises a planar member having a right triangle configuration, including a first side edge, a second side edge extending normal to the first side edge, and a third side edge intersecting the first and second side edges to form a hypotenuse of the right triangle configuration. The tool also comprises an elongated aperture spaced apart inwardly from the third side edge and bounded by at least one straight edge parallel to the third side edge, and first hip and valley marking indicia formed along the at least one straight edge of the elongated aperture. In addition, the tool comprises an aperture having a first inner side edge parallel to the at least one straight edge of the elongated aperture and second hip and valley marking indicia formed along the first inner side edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventor: James S. Allemand
  • Patent number: 6839977
    Abstract: A stariway can be constructed by using movable tread/riser supports placed along a stairway stringer and the supports can be moved as a group or individually to accomodate a stairway slope of any desired degree. It is desirable to mark a stringer for the uniform equal spacing of the location for the tread/risers and to establish the pivot positions for mounting the supports on the stringer. The present invention is an apparatus that will permit a user to locate the desired pivot holes equally spaced and aligned along a stringer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: E Z Stairs, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Truckner
  • Patent number: 6758016
    Abstract: A support for steps, having the shape of a triangular corner plate to be installed one after the other along a stringer. The sides of this support are reinforced, horizontally and vertically by a 90 degree fold, to fix the steps and risers. The ends are wider and possess a number of fixing holes to provide more stability when fixed against a stringer. The horizontal side is ended by a projecting horizontal rule. The wide part of the vertical side is flanked by vertical graduations. The horizontal rule is set against a stringer at a desired step run and the vertical graduations are set against the stringer at a desired step rise. The horizontal rule overlaps the vertical graduations of the preceding support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Eric Gobeil
  • Patent number: 6725559
    Abstract: The tool for locating a center mark for embroidery on articles such as garments includes a planar body having orthogonally-related legs with respective exterior and interior edges. Index markings are provided on the legs along the linear edges. The index markings include indicia identifying a plurality of corresponding preestablished garment sizes along the linear extending edges, respectively. By aligning common selected sizes along the edges with the vertical centerline of a folded garment and a shoulder portion of the garment, respectively, the location of the embroiderer's center mark on the garment is identified at the intersection of the linear edges. The interior edges of the tool may also used to form marking lines where conventional hoop grids are not available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Robert S. Burt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6708417
    Abstract: A framing square for marking transverse, gable, hip/valley cut lines on a large standard sheathing panel includes an elongated rectangular scale with a transverse T-bar handle of equal width having transverse guide surfaces terminating a pivot point at the lateral ends thereof. The scale includes a first set of pitch angle lines for establishing gable cuts extending across the width of the panel and a second set of pitch angle lines for establishing hip/valley cuts. A series of holes are formed in the scale for attaching the scale to the panel at a select radius from a marker carried by the handle for establishing circular cuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Neal Wilkins
  • Patent number: 6691422
    Abstract: A novel photographic cropping method and device, which may eliminate the need to cut or mark photos being cropped, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Guy Aroch
  • Patent number: 6688014
    Abstract: A measurement or marking tool such as a roofer's square having a right triangular configuration'including a first straight edge having an abutment ledge therealong'a second straight edge extending at a right angle to the first straight edge, and a third straight edge forming the hypotenuse extending between the first and second straight edges'a linear measurement scale along the second straight edge and a diamond shaped aperture adjacent to the second straight edge located at a distance of three and a half inches from the intersection of the first and second straight edges'having a configuration and dimension to snugly receive the elongated lead point of a carpenter's pencil in such diamond shaped aperture to mark on a work piece such as a piece of lumber on which the tool or roofer's square is placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Swanson Tool Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Allemand
  • Patent number: 6578278
    Abstract: An angle measuring tool for us in combination with a standard framing square. A saddle protractor having a plurality of alignment tabs is engaged with a standard framing square by placing the saddle protractor in fact to face contact with the framing square and in alignment with the alignment tabs. Various incremental indicia on both sides of the saddle protractor depict angular measurements as measured from a pivot point on the saddle protractor. Other alignment tabs and pivot points on the saddle protractor also allow the saddle protractor to be used as a miter layout device to scribe various cutting angles on material having angular cuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Vernon Ray Siefert Revocable Trust
    Inventor: Vernon Ray Siefert
  • Publication number: 20030056383
    Abstract: An angle measuring tool for us in combination with a standard framing square. A saddle protractor having a plurality of alignment tabs is engaged with a standard framing square by placing the saddle protractor in fact to face contact with the framing square and in alignment with the alignment tabs. Various incremental indicia on both sides of the saddle protractor depict angular measurements as measured from a pivot point on the saddle protractor. Other alignment tabs and pivot points on the saddle protractor also allow the saddle protractor to be used as a miter layout device to scribe various cutting angles on material having angular cuts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Vernon Ray Siefert
  • Patent number: 6470582
    Abstract: A measure to use to draw a line perpendicular to a reference line. The measure comprises a top surface with opposite first and second ends and opposite first and second edges that extend between the first and second ends. The top surface has a first set of indicia that represent a first scale and a second set of indicia that represent a second scale. The first and second scales are distance scales and have a common zero point. The second scale is a multiple of the first scale. The first and second scales are used to construct the two sides and the hypotenuse of a right triangle with one of the two sides being on the reference line so that a line perpendicular to the reference line can be constructed with little or no calculations required by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Rencon
    Inventor: Mark L. Renko
  • Patent number: 6415520
    Abstract: A tool for facilitating accurate placement and installation of crown molding at an intersection of a ceiling and wall, the crown molding having a wall-engaging portion and a ceiling-engaging portion. The tool includes first and second extension arms, each extension arm having respective inner and outer major surfaces and respective proximal and distal ends. The first and second extension arms are connected together at their respective proximal ends such that their respective inner major surfaces face each other at right angles for receiving and orienting a sample section of the crown molding. The sample section includes a first longitudinal side edge representing the wall-engaging portion of the crown molding for residing adjacent the first extension arm and a opposing second longitudinal side edge representing the ceiling-engaging portion of the crown molding for residing adjacent the second extension arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas Locklear
  • Publication number: 20020078581
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining scale in captured images is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rectangular and generally flat frame device for determining scale in captured image. The frame has measurement indicia located along the inside edges and alignment markers located along the outside edges. The preferred embodiment has one measurement scale on two sides of the frame with an origin located at the corner between them and a different scale on the remaining two sides with an origin located at the opposite interior angle of the frame. A method of using the frame in conjunction with a digital camera and a computer is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Reza Nejad-Sattari
  • Patent number: 6408529
    Abstract: A multi-purpose framing square for 2× dimensional lumber includes an elongate rectangular body with a width of 2× dimensional lumber and an L-shaped crossbar centrally attached at one end. The inner edge of the crossbar establishes a pivot point for rotating the body relative to the lumber. The outer edges of the body include longitudinal scales. The inner edges include radial lines referenced to the pivot points for establishing conventional pitches. A table is provided on the faces for establishing the rafter lengths for various roof pitches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Sammie Rayfield Hodges
  • Patent number: 6336274
    Abstract: A right angle graphing template useful for teaching students of various grade levels mathematical concepts, including concepts related to algebra and calculus. The template has first and second elongated ruler portions oriented perpendicular to one another and connected at an end to form a right angle. Each ruler portion has an inside scribing edge and a parallel outside scribing edge. A linear marking is placed within each ruler portion between and parallel to the inside and outside scribing edges. A vertex port is then placed at the point of intersection of the two linear markings. Finally, each ruler portion has a series of cross-markings perpendicular to the respective linear markings. The right angle graphing template allows the math student to quickly and accurately identify corresponding values in the domain and range of a function. This, in turn, assists students in learning mathematical principles such as rate-of-change which are demonstrated graphically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Inventor: Sandra L. Ness Webster
  • Patent number: 6308699
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel template which allows an installer to easily and quickly form accurate markings on a concrete brick so that the brick can be cut in a precise manner to be used in a driveway pattern, a sidewalk pattern, or the like. The template includes a frame and a planar plate. The plate has a plurality of slots formed therethrough. The template is positioned on a brick such that the plate sits on the top of the brick and the frame abuts against the sides of the brick. The installer then uses a marking tool to mark the desired cut or cuts by running the tool along the length of one slot or the slots. The template is then removed and the brick is cut accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Mark R. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 6092297
    Abstract: A videocassette time measurement device (10) comprising a structure (12) for housing a videocassette (14), so that the videocassette (14) can be freely inserted thereinto and taken out therefrom. A facility (16) is on the housing structure (12), for indicating the amount of time available and used on the tape (18) within the videocassette (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Paul E. Simon
  • Patent number: 5901445
    Abstract: A method for making a builder's tool such as a rafter square includes severing a segment from an elongate strip of material, forming a plurality of holes in the segment and marking the segment with dimensional indicia. The segment is then divided into two semi-finished components which are finish-machined to make two of the tools. In more specific aspects of the method, the forming step includes forming, in sequence, first and second sets of holes. The second set of holes includes a tool-receiving hole and the dividing step includes moving a cutting tool along the tool-receiving hole. Most preferably, the method is carried out using a press having a bed with first, second and third work stations, a movable platen carrying first and second hole-punching tools above the first and second work stations, respectively, and a marking tool above the third work station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Empire Level Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Richard S. Woods, Randall J. Wright
  • Patent number: 5875557
    Abstract: Disclosed is a scale so marked with centimeters and inches that inch-and-foot marks are made on the basis of the correct metric set of marks to be recurrently in alignment with selected metric marks at every spatial period, Thus, the exact linear measurement is permitted according to the metric system, and at the same time, the approximate inch-and-foot linear determination is permitted readily by sight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: Katsumi Ueki
  • Patent number: 5819422
    Abstract: An improved transparent measuring device having composite multicolor image (98) formed thereon using a unique pigment transfer process. The image is formed by first applying a first image 30 having pairs of lines (34,36) that form an uncolored gap (38) on the transparent sheet (76). A second image (52) having solid lines (57,58) is aligned with the first image (30) and applied to the transparent sheet (76) with a contrasting color such that the second image (52) fills in selected gaps 38. An optional third image (68) can be applied over the first and second images (30,52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Randal D. Schafer
  • Patent number: 5778547
    Abstract: An improved electronic combination square (10) comprising an elongate blade (12) constructed of a nonmagnetic material. An elongate conductor strip (14) constructed of a magnetic material is connected longitudinally into a recessed top surface of the blade (12). A head (16) is provided having two ninety degree angle sides (18), (20) and two forty five degree angle sides (22), (24) constructed of a non-magnetic material. A facility (26) is for allowing the head (16) to slide to any position along the blades (12) over the conductor strip (14) from either of the two ninety degree angle sides (18), (20). A structure (28) is for locking the head (16) to the blade (12) from either of the two ninety degree angle sides (18), (20). A component (30) in the head (16) is for actuating a signal magnetically, relative to the position of the head (16) on the conductor strip (14) in the blade (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Kerry D. Wolken
  • Patent number: 5727325
    Abstract: A multipurpose square (20A) (20B) which performs and simplifies many of the tasks previously accomplished by the use of multiple tools including the framing square, try square, combination square, layout square, and protractor. The square includes indicia in calibrated scales for rafter, angle, and linear measurements. The square has a profile which facilitates the rapid marking of layouts for various standard dimensional construction materials as well as marking cuts for stair stringers and bond timbers. The square is configured to allow it to be "holstered" or carried in the pockets of standard tool aprons so as to be readily accessible to the tradesman.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Barry D. Mussell
  • Patent number: 5519943
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to aid a craftsman in producing an eight-sided geometrical object, preferably an octagon, from a square object or rectangular object. The apparatus of the invention comprises a rule with a first edge and a first scale along the first edge, and a second edge and a second scale along the second edge. The second scale is preferably fractionally proportionate to the first scale by a factor of about 29.289322 percent. The first scale may be any standard measuring scale such as inches or centimeters. The method of the invention comprises measuring a length of the square with the first scale, using the second scale for easily measuring and marking a plurality of points on the square, and drawing a plurality of lines between the points for marking portions of the square which are to be cut off in producing an octagon or other geometrical object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventor: James F. Snyder
  • Patent number: 5497558
    Abstract: A drafting instrument is disclosed that functions as a protractor, compass, T-square and ruler. The instrument is especially adaptable for use on dry erase boards, chalkboards and tables Apertures disposed in the ruler portion of the instrument accommodate pen tips and facilitate the drawing of arcs, circles and parallel lines. The preferred embodiment of the instrument is two-piece with a uni-body instrument and a suction cup pivotally attached to the underside thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Sanford Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Wagner
  • Patent number: 5456015
    Abstract: A multipurpose rectangular layout Ultra-square which incorporates attributes of a triangular shaped-square, Carpenter-square and is designed for use in conjunction with a conventional tape measure. The tape measure is attached in such a way that it forms a right angle to the layout square for measuring distances for a framing layout, enabling a user to mark multiple parallel lines in a perpendicular direction at specified distances measured from the end of the tape. The square has indicia in calibrated scales for rafter, angle and linear measurements. The squares base extends elongated. A guide is attached at a right angle and perpendicular to the base. The base and guide have edges and notches for dimensional marking and indicia placement. Some of these edges are used to significantly reduce the steps required for rafter layout. The square is dimensioned to compliment the size of standard material used in construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Applied Concepts Engineering
    Inventors: Richard L. Butcher, Michael P. Tedsen
  • Patent number: 5419054
    Abstract: A flat triangular piece, usually of shatter resistant plastic, is formed with straight edges and is used in connection with a T-square for drawing perpendicular lines and geometric shapes. The outside peripheral corners are rounded for safety purposes and the intermediate portions of the legs are slotted or recessed to permit the utilitarian reproduction of triangular lines and shapes with sharp points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Safe-T Products
    Inventor: J. Bruce Stoneberg
  • Patent number: 5353509
    Abstract: A multi-purpose combination tool for forming an enlarged T-square or, alternately, an elongated carpenter's level to facilitate installation of wall panels, doors, windows, signs and the like. The tool comprises an arm and a cross member rigidly mountable perpendicularly thereon. The arm and the cross member each have a central web portion with parallel flanges at opposite end edges of the web portion and spaced apart level vials secured within cutouts formed in each of the respective web portions. Ruler scales are situated along the end edges so that when the arm is rigidly mounted perpendicularly to the cross member, the scales share a common point of origin. In addition, the cross member, when so attached to the arm, forms a shoulder projecting outwardly therefrom against which the straight edge of a workpiece can be abutted while the arm itself is used as a guide for marking or cutting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Inventor: Daniel C. Black
  • Patent number: 5349758
    Abstract: A woodworking square having multiple uses. The square may be used to locate long and short points for trimming an opening and may be used to locate pitch line for rafters in a quick, efficient manner. The device also serves as a arc or circle drawing instrument. The device includes ledges so that it may slide against a straight edge and perform a cut or draw a line parallel to the straight edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Inventor: Michael Bear
  • Patent number: 5309642
    Abstract: An artwork mat marking and cutting apparatus for use in cutting mat and similar material for picture framing and the like is disclosed. The apparatus includes a combined marking and bevel cutting device and a dual scale conversion ruler for ease of measurement in laying out mat borders. The conversion ruler has a cooperating extension which fits within a grooved guide, the guide having a T square like end for squaring the mat material with the apparatus. The outer borders of the mat material may be cut using a straight cutting device in combination with the above guide. The guide includes a feature allowing the cutter to traverse the entire sheet of material. Both the bevel and straight cutting devices allow the blade to be retracted when not cutting, and have various adjustment and other features. An alternative adaptor provides for the use of the bevel cutting device to make cuts perpendicular to the mat material surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Murray Borod
    Inventor: Michael J. McGinnis
  • Patent number: 5269066
    Abstract: An improved hand tool comprising a generally L-shaped frame having two legs each formed with a pair of channels spaced apart by a central ridge, and having panels of transparent material, such as tempered glass or plastic, mounted in the channels with a quantity of a suitable liquid contained between the panels to define a level-indicating chamber extending substantially the entire length of each leg and having indicia positioned adjacent the ends of each of these chambers to provide information relating to incremental discrepancies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventor: Christopher L. Walters
  • Patent number: 5253426
    Abstract: A layout square having a handle and two legs that extend away from the handle in the same direction, both perpendicular to the handle. The handle includes a level to allow angular measurements against level, as well as for plumbing and leveling purposes. The legs correspond in width to standard dimensions of construction materials to facilitate the measuring and marking of those dimensions on materials. One leg is marked along its edges with linear and angular measurement marks for measuring and marking lines and angles, and has holes disposed selectively along its length for receiving a marker, such as a carpentry pencil. The other leg is marked with angular measurement marks along its edges and has a window with pitch marks along the edges thereof to facilitate the measurement and marking of angles and pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Inventor: Gregory A. Mosbrucker
  • Patent number: 5239762
    Abstract: A layout marking cut guide lines and drill hole locations on timber members during the construction of a timber structure. The layout tool is a quadrilateral planar body with a portion of one of its sides relieved to form a quadrilateral void. The layout tool has a calibrated linear guide slot and a calibrated arcuate guide slot used to measure and mark cut guide lines on rafters corresponding to various roof pitch angles. The layout tool may also have view holes for marking particular angled cut guide lines and drill holes for measuring the drill centers for foundation bolts on 2.times.4 and 2.times.6 timber members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventor: James M. Grizzell
  • Patent number: 5212890
    Abstract: An access area measurement apparatus includes a first elongated arm member of a defined length. A second arm member is fixed to and extends at a right angle from one end of the first arm member, and is shorter than the first arm member. The first arm member has a level to indicate that relative slope of a surface when the apparatus is placed on such a surface. The apparatus first arm member also includes a plurality of indicia for measuring compliance with ANSI and ADA accessibility standards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Inventors: Glen W. White, R. Mark Mathews