Abstract: A chalk line apparatus comprising a holder for powdered chalk containing a rotatable reel, a flexible line wound on said reel, an exit opening for the line at one end of the holder, and an adjustable calibrated line-tensioning device in the holder between the reel and the exit opening for the line. The line has evenly spaced short segments of one diameter between the long segments of a different diameter. When the line is snapped, the chalk-covered short segments leave evenly spaced chalk marks which are visibly distinct from those left by the long segments of the line.

Abstract: A dispenser for pre-inked disposable striking lines consisting of an open-topped plastic case, an air-tight cover sealing the open top of said case, an axle within said case for rotatable support of a continuous spool of pre-inked line, an annular gasket mounted on said cover surrounding the line as it exits from said case, a knife-edged cutter mounted on the cover for cutting off a desired length of inked line, the cover having a clear plastic window for viewing the remaining amount of line on the spool, and a lid hingedly mounted on the top of the case.

Abstract: A chalk line reel structure which includes a housing, a reel carrying a chalk line disposed within the housing which has an opening through which the chalk line extends, a spring and enclosure therefor carried by said housing with one end of the spring affixed effectively to the reel and the other end to the enclosure and a releasable ratchet coupled effectively to the housing and the spring enclosure for adjustment of spring tension. The housing may also include a second opening for the introduction of powdered chalk and a separate compartment enclosing the reel and having openings aligned with the housing openings.

Abstract: Automatically retractable chalk line assembly, including a housing having a pair of compartments, one of the compartments containing a spool having wound thereon a chalk line, and further containing a quantity of powdered chalk bathing the spool and line. The line passes outwardly of the compartment through a wiping member which removes excess chalk from the line. The other compartment houses a gear arrangement one side of which is connectable with a spur gear mounted on the spool and the other side connectable to a retractable assembly which includes a helical spring for applying rotational movement to the spool. The other end of the spool is connectable to a brake drum which immobilizes the spool from retracting until it is released by the brake drum upon actuation of a lever. The retractable assembly is provided with means for preventing the overwinding of the helical spring in the event that an abnormal amount of line is withdrawn from the chalk line assembly.

Abstract: A pipe assembly has arm members pivoted to the opposite ends thereof, guide wheels are rotatably mounted on each of the arm members, a spirit level, reels and a handle are mounted on the pipe assembly, an ink pad assembly is mounted on one of the arm members, a line marking string is anchored to the opposite ends to the reels to be payed out of one of the reels and wound about the other reel under tension whereby the string is struck against an object on which a line is to be marked. Angle members are secured to the opposite ends of the pipe assembly and a weighted string is suspended vertically from one of the angle members for marking a line on an object orientated vertically.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a plumb-indicating and marking tool whereby marking a plumb line on a wall or other structure is a simple one-handed operation, so that the user, who may be in an otherwise precarious position on a ladder, may have one hand free at all times to assure his own personal safety. A casing encloses a reeled chalk line as well as a plumb bob connected to the chalk line, and the reel may be releasably locked for the retracted or for any desired line pay-out condition. Provision is made for fastening the casing to the user's belt, in upside-down condition, whereby selection of payout length is readily accomplished and chalk-dusting of the line is automatic.

Abstract: The tool incorporates a housing for opposed tape and chalkline reels. The housing has sufficient height to act as, and in conjunction with, an attached abutment, to make the tool useable as a cutting guide square. The abutment surface has the triple function of aligning the device square to the edge of a piece of lumber edge while providing mounting bosses for a scribe element, and, with the scribe element, acting as a hanger for removably attaching the device to the user's belt.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for marking points and lines during building construction, includes a layout tool having a plurality of elongate members adjustably secured together for axial extension relative to one another to different lengths, the members defining a tubular body in which a pendulum or plumb rod is suspended for indicating when the tool is vertical in a first plane, and having a level thereon for indicating when the tool is vertical in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane, and pointers at the top and bottom ends of the tool, for alignment of one of the pointers with an existing line or point, whereby another line or point may be marked at the other pointer after the tool has been made vertical in both planes, the plumb rod being enclosed within the tubular body and thus being unaffected by wind. Chalk line holders are included for marking a line after the points have been determined. The method of marking points and lines using the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A chalk line dispenser comprising a drive casing and a replacable reel casing, which are joined to form a complete assembly. The drive casing includes a shaft and a coil spring-powered drive therefor, with a thumb-operated lever for releasing a clutch to enable spring reeling of the line. The shaft extends from the drive casing in square cross-section and is engaged by a complementary opening in the reel. The reel casing carries the reel and powdered chalk, and includes a ledge over which the chalkline passes when being reeled into the casing. A squeegee carried on the thumb operator of the clutch release presses the chalkline against the ledge to squeeze any moisture from it, causing same to drop into a moisture sump carried below the ledge. A desiccant may be carried in the moisture sump and/or may be mixed with the powdered chalk itself.

Abstract: Automatically retractable chalk and plumb line assembly including a housing having two compartments, one of the compartments being formed with a closable first opening through which chalk is receivable in the one compartment, the other of the compartments being sealed against penetration by chalk from the one compartment, a reel disposed in the one compartment, a line wound on said reel and unwindable so as to extend out of the housing through a second opening formed in the one compartment and means disposed in the other compartment for rewinding the line on the reel.

Abstract: A chalk line protracting tool comprising a housing defining a compartment for holding chalk and line; a chalk line guide; and a level. A chalk line is fed from a manually operated reel, through an aperture between the compartment and the exterior of the housing, in a straight line to the guide and is protracted in a continued straight line for a desired distance where the line may be snapped against a surface for marking. The level is in a known angular relationship with the aperture guide axis whereby a protracted chalk line along the axis may provide a marking of desired length and at a known angle relative to level.