MULTIPURPOSE TOOL FOR MARKING A SUBSTRATE

Abstract

Described herein is a multipurpose tool used for marking a substrate. The tool includes at least first and second generally planar layers. The first layer includes first and second edges for guiding a marking device, and third and fourth edges for abutting a first surface of the substrate. The second layer may be formed on a major surface of the first layer, the second layer having fifth and sixth edges for abutting a second surface of the substrate. The first and second edges may extend beyond the fifth and sixth edges by a first predetermined lateral distance. In addition, the first and second edges may form a curved corner, while the fifth and sixth edges may form a corresponding curved corner.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/300,452, filed Feb. 2, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to tools for construction, and more particularly, a multipurpose tool for marking a substrate.

BACKGROUND

Construction work commonly involves the installation of openings within which components, such as windows, doors and fireplaces, are mounted. Before such components are mounted, a frame is typically installed in the building structure to maintain the opening and provide structural integrity. The frame extends between the interior surface of the building structure and an exterior surface. The exterior surface may be part of, for example, a window or door jamb. Although not necessarily required, the jamb provides structural rigidity and is often provided as part of a pre-fabricated window or door. For the purposes of this disclosure, a jamb will be understood to refer to any structural piece that maintains spacing and provides structural rigidity to an opening (e.g., door, window or fireplace opening).

The jamb may be attached to the frame by applying caulking and other insulation materials to enhance energy efficiency. However, due to tolerances and other factors, the gap between the frame and the jamb may be very uneven, and the resulting appearance can be quite unsightly. It is common practice to improve the appearance of the opening by concealing the gap and insulation by finishing the opening with a casing. The casing includes trim pieces (or moldings) that provide an aesthetically pleasing finished appearance around the opening.

To install the trim (or casing), it is common practice to set back an inner edge of the trim from an inner edge of the corresponding jamb. A “reveal” or “set-back” is the portion of the jamb that is visible. Accordingly, a reveal width is the distance from the interior edge of the jamb to the interior surface of the trim. A uniform reveal (or set-back) around the opening is often desirable because it provides a highly finished and professional appearance, and allows for clearance of, for example, the pin and barrel of a door hinge.

The revealing process commonly involves using a measuring ruler and pencil or pen to measure and mark the reveal width on each side of each door jamb. Some of these marks are often difficult to reach, thereby requiring the craftsperson to climb up and down a step-stool or ladder, while making sure the marks are accurately measured and marked. After the reveal widths are marked, the craftsperson typically positions the trim (or casing) such that the interior surface of the casing is aligned with the reveal marks and the interior points of mitered edges are aligned with corners. The trim is then permanently attached to the jamb using finishing nails or glue. This process is typically repeated for at least three or four jambs of the opening. Once the attachment of the trim to the jamb is completed, the craftsperson typically measures the reveal width of the jambs at multiple points, especially around the corners, to make sure the reveal width is consistent and according to the planned measurement.

However, the process of reveal marking is very labor intensive and prone to human errors, such as measurement inconsistencies or parallax errors. A significant amount of time is required for measuring and marking the reveal width on the jambs. Even more time is required for openings with semi-circular or curved corners. The difficulties associated with reveal marking are compounded by the need for carrying around different types of tools (e.g., measuring tape, ruler, tri-square measure, etc.) for particular corners and requirements to accommodate different jobs.

Accordingly, there is a need for a convenient tool that will assist the craftsperson in reducing the time required for measuring and marking predetermined widths on substrates, such as door or window jambs.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a multipurpose tool used for marking a substrate. The tool includes at least first and second generally planar layers. The first layer includes first and second edges for guiding a marking device, and third and fourth edges for abutting a first surface of the substrate. The second layer may be formed on a major surface of the first layer, the second layer having fifth and sixth edges for abutting a second surface of the substrate. The first and second edges may extend beyond the fifth and sixth edges by a first predetermined lateral distance. In addition, the first and second edges may form a curved corner, while the fifth and sixth edges may form a corresponding curved corner.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the following detailed description. It is not intended to identify features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended that it be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the present disclosure and many of the attendant aspects thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like elements and features.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the top side of an exemplary multipurpose tool;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bottom side of an exemplary multipurpose tool;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a housing cover;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the top side of an exemplary multipurpose tool;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the bottom side of an exemplary multipurpose tool;

FIGS. 6a-b are side views of an exemplary multipurpose tool;

FIG. 7 is another side view of an exemplary multipurpose tool; and

FIG. 8 is an environmental, perspective view of an exemplary multipurpose tool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, methods, etc., in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that these specific details need not be employed to practice embodiments of the present invention. In other instances, well-known materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring embodiments of the present invention. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

The following description sets forth one or more implementations of a multipurpose tool for marking predetermined widths on a substrate (e.g., door or window jamb). An exemplary marking tool may be used in finish carpentry to accurately and conveniently maintain consistent reveal widths on jambs, particularly for positioning trims (or casing) around windows, doors, fireplaces, etc. One major advantage of the multipurpose marking tool is that it avoids the parallax errors and inconsistencies that result from using a ruler for marking predetermined widths. Additionally, the multipurpose marking tool may be used not only for marking right-angled (or square) corners, but also for marking curved (or semi-circular) corners.

In one implementation, various components are integrated in a single compact tool, thereby eliminating the need to swap between various tools to perform various tasks. For example, the multipurpose tool may provide a plurality of measuring holes with differing predetermined sizes to measure, for example, the thickness of a nail, screw, door knob or lock component. In addition, the tool may also provide an integrated measuring tape (e.g., 12 feet) and/or a measuring scale on one or more sides to facilitate quick measurements and to accommodate non-standard sizes. The multipurpose tool may be sufficiently compact and lightweight, easily held in the palm of the user or readily clipped to the user's attire (e.g., belt or pocket) while not in use.

FIGS. 1-8 depict a multipurpose tool 100 in accordance to some exemplary embodiments. In one implementation, the multipurpose tool 100 includes a first layer 102, a second layer 104 and a third layer 106. The first layer 102 is sandwiched between the second and third layers (104 and 106). Additional fourth and fifth layers (108 and 110) may be provided, as will be described later. The layers may be formed separately and then assembled together, or they may be formed as a unitary assembly. In addition, the layers may be formed using a light-weight material such as plastic (e.g., Acrylic, Lucit, polycarbonate, etc.). Other materials, such as metal or wood, may also be used. The size of the multipurpose tool 100 may be designed according to the particular application, and preferably designed to be small enough to be hand-held. For example, the dimensions of the tool 100 may be smaller than about 3.6 inches wide, 5.9 inches long and 1.3 inches thick. It is understood that other dimensions are also useful.

In one implementation, the first layer 102 is generally planar with at least one curved (or semi-circular) corner 103 formed from its edges 121 and 125. Similarly, the second and third layers (104 and 106) may each be generally planar and have at least one curved corner (160 or 169) formed from its respective edges (151, 155 or 157, 158). The curved corners advantageously accommodate, for example, door or window openings with curved corners. Providing more than one curved corner (e.g., 2 or 3) in each layer is also useful. In addition, each layer may also include one or more approximately right-angled corners to accommodate openings with square corners. For example, the first layer 102 may include a curved corner 103 and 3 right-angled corners 105. It should be understood that other types of angular or curved corners, including custom-shaped corners or edges, may also be provided.

In addition, the first layer 102 is designed to extend beyond the second and third layers (104 and 106). More particularly, an edge 121 of the first layer 102 may extend beyond a corresponding parallel edge 151 of the second layer 104 by a predetermined lateral distance W1, while edges 123, 124 and 125 may extend from respectively parallel edges 153, 154 and 155 by predetermined lateral distances W2, W3 and W4. Similarly, the edges 121, 123, 124 and 125 of the first layer 102 may extend beyond respectively parallel edges 156, 157, 158 and 159 of the third layer 106 by predetermined widths W5, W6, W7 and W8. The edges 121, 123, 124 and 125 of the first layer may be used to guide a marking device (e.g., pen or pencil) for marking the predetermined widths W1-W8 on a substrate (e.g., door or window jamb). Edges 161, 163, 165 and 167 of the first layer are provided to abut a first surface of the substrate, while edges 151, 153, 154 and 155 of the second layer 104 (or edges 156, 157, 158 and 159 of the third layer 106) may be used to abut a second surface of the substrate when the tool 100 is positioned on the substrate. The predetermined distances W1-W8 may correspond to commonly used offsets, such as standard reveal (or set-back) widths ¼, ½ and ⅜ inches. In addition, differing predetermined widths W1-W8 may be provided. For example, predetermined widths W5, W7 and W8 may be ⅜ inch while width W6 is ½ inch, such as shown in FIG. 5. It is understood that other widths may also be provided.

In one implementation, a measuring scale 114 is provided along at least one edge 123 of the first layer 102. The measuring scale 114 may also be provided along two or more sides of the first layer 102. In addition, the measuring scale 114 may be provided along any of the edges of the other layers (104, 106, 108, 110). It provides a quick and convenient measuring means and enables the user to measure any reveal widths that are non-standard without having to rely on another tool.

In one implementation, the second layer 104 is formed on a first major surface of the first layer 102, while the third layer 106 is formed on a second major surface of the first layer 102. In addition, a fourth layer 108 may be formed on a major surface 150 of the second layer 104. When the marking tool 100 is in use (e.g., pressed against the substrate for marking or measuring), the major surface 150 abuts the first surface of the substrate (not shown) while the edge 142 of the fourth layer 108 abuts the second surface of the substrate. The edge 124 of the first layer 102 extends from the corresponding parallel edge 142 of the fourth layer 108 by a predetermined lateral distance W9. The predetermined width W9 may be a standard width commonly used in the particular application. For example, in carpentry applications, the predetermined width W9 may be a standard reveal width (e.g., 2½ and 3½ inches) for positioning outer trim pieces along the jamb. It is understood that the width may be varied, depending on the preferences of the tool designer or the particular application.

In one implementation, at least one edge 119 of the fourth layer 108 is aligned with an edge 151 of the second layer 104. More than one edge (e.g., 2 or 3) of the fourth layer 108 may also be aligned with the corresponding edges of second layer 104. For example, the fourth layer 108 may also be the same size as the second layer 104, so that all the corresponding edges are aligned. It is understood that other placements of the fourth layer 108 are also useful. For instance, the fourth layer 108 may be located in the middle of the second layer 104, the second layer 104 extending beyond the fourth layer 108.

One or more measuring holes 112 extend through the fourth layer 108. The depth of the measuring holes 112 may be, for example, ⅜ inches. The measuring holes 112 facilitate the quick measurement of components that may be inserted therein, such as screws, nails, door knob or lock components. In one implementation, the measuring holes 112 are provided in differing standard sizes, such as ½, 13/32, 7/16, 15/32, 5/16, 11/32, ⅜, 3/16, 7/32, ¼, 9/32, 1/16, 3/32, ⅛ or 5/32 inches. It is understood that these sizes may be varied, depending on the particular application. The measuring holes 112 advantageously reduce the number of tools that a user has to carry and swap around, and eliminate the need for reaching out for another measuring tape.

In one implementation, a fifth layer 110 is formed on a major surface of the third layer 106. The fifth layer 110 may be designed such that an edge 124 of the first layer 102 extends from an edge 146 of the fifth layer 110 by a predetermined lateral spacing W10. The predetermined width W10 may be a standard width, such as a standard reveal width (e.g., 2½ and 3½ inches). It should be understood that other predetermined widths may be provided. The major surface 149 of the third layer 106 may be used to abut a first surface of the substrate while the edge 146 abuts a second surface of the substrate. In one implementation, at least one edge 147 of the fifth layer 110 is aligned with an edge 157 of the second layer 104. More than one edge (e.g., 2 or 3) of the fifth layer 110 may also be aligned with the corresponding edges of second layer 104. The fifth layer 110 may also be the same size as the third layer 106, such that all the corresponding edges are aligned. It is understood that other placements of the fifth layer 110 are also useful.

To further aid in making measurements, the fifth layer 110 may house a roll of flexible measuring tape 170, enclosed by housing cover 130. In one implementation, the measuring tape 170 is resiliently coiled around a spindle 132 of the housing cover 130. The measuring tape 170 is extendable from a coiled position to an extended position to measure a desired distance. Once the measurement is made, the tape 170 may be returned to the coiled position by, for example, a spring means. Alternatively, the fifth layer 110 may house the measuring tape 170 with its own separate casing (not shown). The length of the measuring tape 170 is, for example, 12 feet or any other desired length. It provides a convenient and quick means of measurement, while eliminating the need to swap between multiple tools, thereby saving time and space in the tool box. In addition, to facilitate convenient storage and portability of the marking tool 100, an optional belt clip 140 may be attached to the housing cover 130. The belt clip 140 is designed to be secured to a user's belt (e.g., tool belt) or other article of clothing or portion thereof (e.g., pocket), or other support structure.

The efficiency and accuracy of revealing jambs is greatly enhanced with the use of the marking tool 100. It can save, for example, 20 minutes or more of labor work per door (or window or fireplace) with right-angled corners, and even more time when it is used for installing curved (or semi-circular) trim pieces, as illustrated by FIG. 8.

The processing of revealing jambs may begin with the user first selecting an appropriate side (e.g., bottom or top side) and corner (e.g., right-angled or curved) of the tool 100 that corresponds to the corner of the substrate that the user is working on. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the user has selected the top side and the curved corner 103 of the tool 100 which corresponds to the curved corner 182 of the jamb 180. The tool 100 is aligned and pressed against the corner 182 of the jamb 180 by applying a force to the tool 100. The tool 100 may be aligned, for example, such that the first layer 102 overlaps the jamb 180 and the edge 151 of the second layer 104 (not shown in FIG. 8) is pressed against the jamb 180.

Next, marks are made to indicate the reveal width on the jamb 180 along edges (121 and 125) of the first layer 102 by using, for example, a pencil or pen. This process is repeated for other corners of the jamb. After completing the marking, the user will align the inner surface of the trim pieces (or casing) with the marks on the jambs and permanently fix (or fasten) the trim pieces to the jambs one at a time. Finally, the user may verify the consistency of the reveal width by sliding the marking tool 100 along the sides and into the corners of the jambs.

The invention may be disclosed in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The foregoing disclosures, therefore, are to be considered in all respects illustrative rather than limiting the implementations described herein.

Claims

1. A multipurpose tool for marking a substrate, comprising:

a first layer having first and second edges for guiding a marking device and third and fourth edges for abutting a first surface of the substrate, wherein the first layer is generally planar with at least one curved corner formed from the first and second edges; and

a second layer formed on a first major surface of the first layer, the second layer having a fifth and sixth edges for abutting a second surface of the substrate, wherein the first and second edges extend beyond the fifth and sixth edges by a first predetermined lateral distance, wherein the second layer is generally planar and includes at least one curved corner formed from the fifth and sixth edges.

2. The multipurpose tool of claim 1 further comprising a third layer formed on a second major surface of the first layer, the third layer having seventh and eighth edges for abutting the second surface of the substrate, wherein the first and second edges extend beyond the seventh and eighth edges by a second predetermined lateral distance, wherein the third layer is generally planar and includes at least one curved corner formed from the seventh and eighth edges.

3. The multipurpose tool of claim 2 wherein the first and second predetermined lateral distances correspond to different standard reveal widths.

4. The multipurpose tool of claim 1 wherein the first layer further comprises ninth and tenth edges forming a right-angled corner.

5. The multipurpose tool of claim 1 wherein the first or second layer includes a measuring scale formed thereon.

6. The multipurpose tool of claim 1 further comprises a fourth layer formed on a major surface of the second layer, the fourth layer having an eleventh edge for abutting the second surface of the substrate while the major surface of the second layer abuts the first surface of the substrate.

7. The multipurpose tool of claim 6 wherein the first edge extends beyond the eleventh edge by a third predetermined lateral distance.

8. The multipurpose tool of claim 6 wherein at least one edge of the fourth layer is aligned with at least one edge of the second layer.

9. The multipurpose tool of claim 6 wherein the fourth layer includes one or more measuring holes formed therein.

10. The multipurpose tool of claim 2 further comprises a fifth layer formed on a major surface of the third layer, the fifth layer having a twelfth edge for abutting the second surface of the substrate while the major surface of the third layer abuts the first surface of the substrate.

11. The multipurpose tool of claim 10 wherein at least one edge of the fifth layer is aligned with at least one edge of the third layer.

12. The multipurpose tool of claim 11 wherein the fifth layer and a housing cover enclose a roll of measuring tape.

13. The multipurpose tool of claim 12 wherein the roll of measuring tape is resiliently coiled around a spindle.

14. The multipurpose tool of claim 12 further comprises a belt clip attached to the housing cover.

15. A method for marking a substrate, comprising:

positioning a multipurpose tool in contact with first and second surfaces of a substrate, the multipurpose tool comprising: a first layer having first and second edges for guiding a marking device and third and fourth edges for abutting a first surface of the substrate, wherein the first layer is generally planar with at least one curved corner formed from the first and second edges; and a second layer formed on a first major surface of the first layer, the second layer having a fifth and sixth edges for abutting a second surface of the substrate, wherein the first and second edges extend beyond the fifth and sixth edges by a first predetermined lateral distance, wherein the second layer is generally planar and includes at least one curved corner formed from the fifth and sixth edges; and

marking the first predetermined lateral distance on the substrate with a marking device.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the multipurpose tool further comprises a third layer formed on a second major surface of the first layer, the third layer having seventh and eighth edges for abutting the second surface of the substrate, wherein the first and second edges extend beyond the seventh and eighth edges by a second predetermined lateral distance, wherein the third layer is generally planar and includes at least one curved corner formed from the seventh and eighth edges.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the substrate comprises a door or window jamb, and the first and second predetermined lateral distances correspond to reveal widths.

18. The method of claim 15 wherein the multipurpose tool further comprises a fourth layer formed on a major surface of the second layer, the fourth layer having an eleventh edge for abutting the second surface of the substrate while the major surface of the second layer abuts the first surface of the substrate.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the fourth layer includes one or more measuring holes formed therein.

20. The method of claim 16 wherein the multipurpose tool further comprises a fifth layer formed on a major surface of the third layer, the fifth layer having a twelfth edge for abutting the second surface of the substrate while the major surface of the third layer abuts the first surface of the substrate.