Square And Sliding Nonpivotal Straightedge(s) Patents (Class 33/427)
  • 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: 5471760
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for removable support from a framed member to be hung and with the hanging wire of the framed member being upwardly deflected and tightened as though supporting the weight of the framed member. The apparatus includes an upstanding channel incorporating a single outstanding and upwardly opening hook adjacent its lower end for engaging the longitudinal mid-portion of a picture frame hanging wire and the upper portion of the channel includes a slide adjustably positionable along the channel and defining a downwardly facing, plane abutment surface normal to the longitudinal extent of the channel for downwardly abutting the upper margin of the frame from which the hanging wire is supported. The single hook may be substituted for by a pair of oppositely laterally offset hooks for use in determining the desired location of a pair of frame hanging hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventor: David R. Farris
  • Patent number: 5459937
    Abstract: A mat board cutting guide for use in cutting mat board for flamed pictures, for example, is disclosed. The cutting guide includes an elongated straight edge having a top and a bottom surface, a first and a second end, and a first and a second edge. The first and the second edge are parallel to each other and extending along the entire length of the straight edge. The cutting guide also includes a squaring head having a thickness substantially equal to the thickness of a standard single mat board, approximately 1/16 of an inch. The squaring edge is attached to the bottom surface of the straight edge at the first end of the straight edge. The squaring head includes a squaring edge adapted to engage a first edge of a piece of mat board when the bottom surface of the straight edge is placed on the piece of mat board. The squaring head is attached to the straight edge such that the squaring edge of the squaring head is perpendicular to the first and second edge of the straight edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventors: Stephen D. Albin, Michael T. Albin
  • Patent number: 5410816
    Abstract: A body, having a straight-edged rule fixed thereto, and transverse thereto, slidably receives a pair of blocks which also have straight-edged rules fixed thereto. All the rules are parallel, and one thereof is used to engage a proximate wall surface, while the other two are adjustably set to take the measure across a last-laid tile. Then, the first, which engages the wall surface is fully retracted, while the adjustably-set other two rules are advanced, with the body, to the wall surface. The outermost rule, then, along its straight edge, defines whereat a next tile is to be cut to fit an undersized space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Inventor: Joseph Ruggiero
  • Patent number: 5361508
    Abstract: A body, having a straight-edged rule fixed thereto, and transverse thereto, slidably receives a pair of blocks which also have straight-edged rules fixed thereto. All the rules are parallel, and one thereof is used to engage a proximate wall surface, while the other two are adjustably set to take the measure across a last-laid tile. Then, the first, which engages the wall surface is fully retracted, while the adjustably-set other two rules are advanced, with the body, to the wall surface. The outermost rule, then, along its straight edge, defines whereat a next tile is to be cut to fit an undersized space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventor: Joseph Ruggiero
  • Patent number: 5339530
    Abstract: A hand tool usable as a combination square having a precalibrated angle measuring vial and enhanced tensile strength, comprising a composite metal and plastic body, wherein a frame, including the working surfaces of the tool, is made from metal for precision and long-term durability, and the remainder of the body, including critical interactive portions of the tool, is made from an injection molded plastic matrix and the method of manufacture. The molded matrix is retained by frame elements providing blade support in cooperation with the frame, structure for a blade retaining means and structure for vial mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Inventor: Randall J. Wright
  • Patent number: 5325899
    Abstract: The present invention relates to router fixture having a base with a base aperture and a pair of slidably adjustable horizontal guides. The router fixture is designed to receive a precut template which defines the area of movement for a router used on the router fixture. The template fits into the guides and defines the area of separation between the guides and also provides an indication as to the area of a workpiece which is to be cut out on the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Inventor: Edmund Kochling
  • Patent number: 5276973
    Abstract: This is a height/width gage element for use with an adjustable square; the square has a head portion which is slidable engaged to a base and the base is a straight edge having a side surface with a first engagement slot formed on the side surface extending longitudinally thereon, the height/width gage element has a lower side with a front side edge and a first angle side extending from the back side edge, when the head portion and the height/width gage element are slid together along the base portion, the first angle side and lower side of the height/width gage element abut the angle side and the bottom side of the head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: C & K Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Vitie Rakauskas
  • Patent number: 5133135
    Abstract: This invention relates to a gauge device which may be used by a toolmaker or machinist to determine the squareness of surfaces on a workpiece. The device has a handle having a gauge mounted adjacent an end of the arm opposite the handle and an intermediate contact point such that the inner surface of the handle and the intermediate contact point define the planes of the surfaces of the workpiece to be measured. The device is easily used, easily transported, and capable of use with work-pieces having chamfered or otherwise altered corners, holes, slots or other imperfections that make determination of squareness difficult.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: Susan M. Durfee
    Inventor: David L. Durfee, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5131164
    Abstract: An indexing apparatus aligns cutouts to be formed in a panel with objects which are located on a structure. The indexing apparatus includes a holder having first and second guides. The first and second guides each have a front and rear face and include an elongate slot which slidably engages a spacer having a length. The slot on the first guide holds the length of the spacer normal to the length of the spacer in the slot on the second guide. A tapered portion located on the first and second guides adjacent the slot frictionally engage the spacer as the spacer slides through the slot to hold the spacer in a plurality of selected positions relative to the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Inventor: Robert E. Miller
  • Patent number: 5062213
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved construction square which is both durable, simple to manufacture and use, and inexpensive, and that provides the ability to quickly tighten diverse blade configurations into proper position for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Inventor: Eugene H. Kolesky
  • Patent number: 5052454
    Abstract: A portable routering apparatus for use with a hand-held router to rout figures, designs, alphanumeric characters and the like without the requirement of a template for each figure, design, or character, wherein the apparatus is adjustable to accommodate workpieces of variable width and thickness and unlimited length. The apparatus consisting of a base, an adjustable workpiece clamp, a router guide fence, a plurality of indexing scales, and a plurality of guide blocks, wherein a workpiece is positioned on the base and secured with the clamp, and the movement of a hand-held router thereon is guided by the guide fence and blocks and positioned using the indexing scales.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Inventor: Gregory J. Meinhardt
  • Patent number: 4967482
    Abstract: A support bracket has a base member adapted for attachment to a particular measuring tool and a vertical member extends from the base member and it has a horizontal slot within its top edge which mounts a tape rule by way of the tape rule spring clip. The tape rule is oriented on the support bracket such that measurements may be made along a common baseline with reference to the measuring tool and a workpiece to be measured while, at the same time, measurements may also be made along a ruler edge of the measuring tool which is positioned at an angle with respect to the common baseline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: Future Line Incorporated
    Inventors: Donald L. Hoover, Ronald J. Rengle
  • Patent number: 4936176
    Abstract: A tool is used simultaneously align and square a conventional mat cutter. The tool is an elongated member (such as a rectangular block) with a bottom surface and at least two perpendicular lateral edges, together with a channel extending across its bottom surface parallel to one of the lateral edges of the tool. The vertical cross-section of the channel is contoured to seat firmly against the guide rail assembly of the mat cutter. Using the guide rail assembly as a fixed point of reference, the perpendicular arms of the mat cutter can be aligned and squared against the lateral edges of the tool. In addition, the tool can be used to ensure correct placement of measuring rulers on the perpendicular arms of the mat cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Inventor: David W. Silverman
  • Patent number: 4914825
    Abstract: A squaring tool comprising a pair of squaring members with two blades, each of the two blades integrally joined together oriented at 45.degree. with respect to each other; a frame assembly defining a passage therethrough having a cross-sectional shape and size such that one of the blades of both of the squaring members are slidably receivable through the passage; and a locking and alignment mechanism for locking the squaring members in the frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Inventor: Johnny V. Howard
  • Patent number: 4882846
    Abstract: A stair building template comprises a plurality of rectangular-shaped horizontal members and a plurality of rectangular-shaped vertical members. Connectors are provided which each hold a horizontal member in a right-angled relationship with a vertical member and each vertical and horizontal member is associated with at least one connector. The horizontal and vertical members slide along their mutual connector when the connector is loosened, but are held fixed with respect to each other when the connector is tightened. Manipulation of the connectors permits the framing of the horizontal and vertical members into a configuration with the desired dimensions for the proposed staircase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Inventor: Philip Reed
  • Patent number: 4854049
    Abstract: A photographic cropper comprises a pair of opposable right-angle portions, each of which contains alternating transversely spaced strips of oppositely magnetized material extending parallel to edges of that portion. The right-angle portions are continuously adjustable relative to each other in the direction of the strips and are relatively adjustable in a direction perpendicular to the strips in equally spaced steps corresponding to the spacing between similarly magnetized strips of each portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Inventor: John N. Kuhtik
  • Patent number: 4831739
    Abstract: An adjustable template device for positioning over a sheet material for use in framing and cutting the sheet material to a selected shape comprising a plurality of slidably interconnected frame members forming a closed polygon. Each frame member comprises a guide edge for guiding a cutting blade and a socket adjacent one end of the guide edge for slidably receiving a portion of an adjacent frame member so that the guide edges of adjacent frame members form the sides and one corner of the polygon formed by the device. Each of the guide means has a plurality of detents which are engageable by a pin associated with each socket to retard relative sliding of adjacent frame members. The guide edges are preferably provided with a plurality of slots for receiving a cutting blade so that a cutting blade can extend in the slots to fully cut the corners formed by the frame members. At least some of these slots are positioned relative to the detents to ensure alignment with the adjacent cutting edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Inventor: James A. Davidson
  • Patent number: 4761890
    Abstract: A measuring tool for use particularly in carpentry combines the features of a square, a level and a bevel tool into a single device. The measuring tool includes a clevis-like handle which supports a slide rule at one end, and a pitch slide which can be adjustably positioned within the handle for limiting pivotal movement of the slide rule with respect to the handle. The angular orientation of the slide rule can be fixed with respect to the handle when the slide rule is engaged by the pitch slide, and a carriage bolt is tightened to squeeze the slide rule between a pair of handle bracket members. Several linear and angular measurement scales are provided the slide rule, and a level vial is attached to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: Dan Claffey
    Inventor: Michael F. Morrell
  • Patent number: 4744152
    Abstract: A protractor quadrant tool accessory is provided and consists of two arms attached pivotally together at one end, degree calibrations so that the angle between the arms is readily read and a locking device whereby the angle between the arms can be maintained fixed so that the protractor quadrant tool accessory can be used by a machinest and carpenter to measure angles on various articles. In a modification stud guides attached to outer parallel straight edges of the arms can stabilize the tool accessory when measuring the stairways stud angles and the like, used as an isometric center finder and making equal and opposite converse lines upon a stud. In still another modification an adjustable trimitre is slideably locked upon one arm so as to stabilize the tool accessory when measuring the stud angles and the like to be cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Inventors: Daniel Roach, George Spector
  • Patent number: 4702012
    Abstract: A marking and measuring tool has a set of channels in which a bar may be slid. The channels extend from a flat side face adapted to be placed flush against a side of a work piece with one side of each channel extending towards a common line located in the plane of the side face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Inventor: Dana K. Miller
  • Patent number: 4697351
    Abstract: An adjustable square assembly has a framing square with orthogonal limbs, slide fittings for mounting on the respective limbs with an adjustable angle blade therebetween and a tri-square blade and body for adjustable mounting on one of the limbs so that the tri-square blade is in parallel with the other limb of the framing square. One limb of the framing square has a single groove which cooperates with one of the slide carriers as a means whereby the carrier can be adjustably clamped in place through a locking screw on the carrier. The other limb is wider and has a pair of grooves so that the other limb can take the slide carrier in one of the grooves and the framing square body in the other groove. All the parts are reversible so that the slide carriers can be mounted on either limb of the framing square and can operate either along the inner and outer edges of the respective limbs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Inventor: David M. Hopfer
  • Patent number: 4641435
    Abstract: A straight edge stock is lockable at any desired location along the length of a steel rule with the stock and rule forming perpendicular straight edges. The stock includes an integral protractor triangle projecting from a thicker barrel of the stock and having a hypotenuse edge extending generally from the bottom of the stock barrel angularly toward the rule. The margin of the protractor triangle adjacent to its hypotenuse edge has a scale of angle calibration markings indicating the angle of a line connecting each individual marking and the top of the leading edge of the thicker stock barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1987
    Inventor: Victor K. Brown
  • Patent number: 4625414
    Abstract: A welding gauge for an insert ring on the end of a pipe with a first slide member defining a pipe engaging gauging surface and with a second slide member slidably mounted on a first slide member along a path perpendicular to the path of the gauging surface. The second slide member has a ring engaging recess which projects out over the gauging surface to hold the welding ring in place on the end of a pipe. The slide members can be locked together in any position for adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1986
    Inventor: Johnny Van Howard
  • Patent number: 4574492
    Abstract: A combination device including a layout tool having a rectangular plate and a rectangular endpiece; and a square adaptor having an attachment plate and a ruler assembly. The layout tool is provided with a number of slots and apertures which allow a construction worker to make quick, standard measurements. The square adaptor includes a pivotable ruler which can be aligned parallel to or perpendicular to the longitudinal edges of the layout tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Inventor: Tony Miller
  • Patent number: 4513510
    Abstract: A measuring tool including a flat member having the shape of a right triangle and having upper and lower surfaces and a first side and second side which form a right angle at their intersection, a tee affixed along the edge of the first side which is perpendicular to the flat member and extends from both the upper and lower surfaces of the flat member, a first slot extending along the first side and running approximately parallel to the first side, a first stop bolt slidably affixable in the first slot, a second slot extending along the second side and running approximately parallel to the second side; a layout bar having a thickness equal to that of the extension of the tee from the surface of the flat member, the layout bar having a fastening slot perpendicular to the second slot and being alignable with the second slot; the layout bar having a recessed channel running along its length, and a second stop bolt slidably affixable in the recessed channel so that the tee and the layout bar when affixed to the f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1985
    Inventor: Ronald C. Swanson
  • Patent number: 4509398
    Abstract: A device for cutting blocks including a flat plate having an upward extending saw guide at one end and a fixed flange at the other with the distance between the saw guide and the flange being the length of a standard block, the device also including an adapter with a flange that is positionable between the first flange and the saw quide a distance preset for cutting another standard size block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1985
    Inventor: Preston A. Mason
  • Patent number: 4497119
    Abstract: A pipefitter's protractor has a pair of body members each of which is capable of supporting a welder's square. The body members are relatively rotatable about an axis so as to enable the squares to occupy any selected position of angular adjustment. The squares are supported on opposite sides of their respective body members to prevent interference between the squares during rotation of the body members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1985
    Inventor: Timothy C. Dearman
  • Patent number: 4388765
    Abstract: A pipefitter's square holder comprises a body having adjacent its side edges a plurality of ledges each of which is capable of supporting one leg of a square. Inwardly of each side edge is an abutment. A pair of clamp members is mounted on the body for movements relative to the latter and to one another between positions adjacent selected ones of the ledges, such clamp members being capable of removably clamping a square against the abutment associated with each of such ledges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1983
    Inventor: Timothy C. Dearman
  • Patent number: 4380872
    Abstract: An adjustable instrument, capable of several functions, is provided for use by a pipe fitter. The primary use of the instrument is for positioning pipe sections and pipe fittings for joining, and it may also be employed to locate certain points on the exterior surface of a pipe length or fitting in preparation for a joining operation. The instrument is intended particularly for onsite use in accurately positioning tubular pipes and connections which are joined by application of annular weld beads. The instrument comprises a rigid squaring tool having a slidable carriage means movable on its major bar portion, and a rigid adjustable leg projecting from the carriage means in parallel relation to the fix leg of the squaring tool. The carriage means is provided with a releasable locking means to permit selective readjustment of its position along the major bar portion on which it is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1983
    Inventor: Claude D. Moran
  • Patent number: 4290205
    Abstract: A gauge for use in a wheel balancing machine for ascertaining the location of the plane of the inner edge of the wheel rim. The gauge includes a flat resiliently flexible plate which has an edge that is graduated in units of distance. Extending from the plate remote from the edge is a support bar and there is means for mounting the support bar for slidable movement along its longitudinal axis to permit positioning of the graduated edge adjacent to the inner edge of the wheel rim so that the position of the rim can be ascertained by comparing its location with that of the graduations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1981
    Assignee: Autotron Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Donald C. Holm
  • Patent number: 4280282
    Abstract: A template for measuring and scribing tread and riser lines for the construction of a stairway, or similar purposes, which comprises: a plate member defining first and second straight edges which, in turn, define a square corner. First and second movable stop means are respectively carried by the first and second straight edges. The second edge is defined by a separate portion of the plate member carried by it and movable along a path of travel parallel to the second edge. Fulcrum arm means are pivotally attached to both the separate portion and the rest of the plate member, so that pivoting of the fulcrum arm means moves the separate portion and second stop means to predetermined positions along the path of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1981
    Assignee: PAJ Corporation
    Inventor: Patrick Wright
  • Patent number: 4237617
    Abstract: A digital drafting machine for measuring and displaying a distance on a drafting surface comprising a first triangle with a vertical straight edge and a second triangle with a horizontal straight edge slidably engaged with the first triangle along the vertical straight edge. A drive in the form of a drive wheel and pulleys with a cable rapped therearound disposed in the first triangle with the cable connected to the second triangle, the drive wheel being rotatable to displace the second triangle with its horizontal straight edge along the vertical straight edge of the first triangle. An optical horizontal displacement measuring device is connected to the first triangle and includes a light sensor for sensing the passing of the drawing surface to measure the linear displacement of the first triangle when it is drawn horizontally across the drawing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1980
    Inventor: Constantine C. Goussios
  • Patent number: 4228592
    Abstract: The present measuring tool facilitates the work of a carpenter, especially panelling work by a direct measuring and reading of the position of cut-outs that are to be made in any type of panel, for example to accommodate utility outlets and other openings. For this purpose a runner or slider is movable along a T-square. A readout window is provided in one face of the runner to directly read the runner position from the scale marking on the T-square. The runner or slider simultaneously has a hole therethrough which forms a template, for example, for standard electrical outlet boxes. Thus, the carpenter may directly work on the panel a hole to be cut into the panel without even memorizing the measurements. A set screw or the like may be used to lock the runner on the leg of the T-square once the runner or slider has been properly positioned on the T-square leg whereby the locked position of the runner acts as a memory for the reading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1980
    Inventor: Harold J. Badger
  • Patent number: 4200984
    Abstract: A detachable tool combining bracket and method for accomplishing the detachable affixment of a combination square and a tape measure such that the respective tools in combination relative one to the other, through employment of the combining bracket and method, thereby enables one to quickly and conveniently measure and mark off along the longitudinal edge of a workpiece equal or varying perpendicular lengths thereof, in either a right or left-hand use configuration of the tools in combination, and after the foregoing use application of the tools in combination enables the quick and convenient detachment of the combining bracket from each of the tools respectively such that each of the tools may thereupon be traditionally employed separately and unimpeded in other use applications when the combined use application thereof by way of the tool combining bracket is not called for.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1980
    Inventor: Ray D. Fink
  • Patent number: RE34374
    Abstract: An adjustable template device for positioning over a sheet material for use in framing and cutting the sheet material to a selected shape comprising a plurality of slidably interconnected frame members forming a closed polygon. Each frame member comprises a guide edge for guiding a cutting blade and a socket adjacent one end of the guide edge for slidably receiving a portion of an adjacent frame member so that the guide edges of adjacent frame members form the sides and one corner of the polygon formed by the device. Each of the guide means has a plurality of detents which are engageable by a pin associated with each socket to retard relative sliding of adjacent frame members. The guide edges are preferably provided with a plurality of slots for receiving a cutting blade so that a cutting blade can extend in the slots to fully cut the corners formed by the frame members. At least some of these slots are positioned relative to the detents to ensure alignment with the adjacent cutting edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Inventor: James A. Davidson