Abstract: A pillow template system having at least one pillow template which is preferably made of a transparent or semi-transparent material which can be overlaid onto a piece of fabric and can quickly and easily be aligned on the fabric such that any patterns on the fabric are aligned in a desirable way. The template is a frame having an inner edge and an outer edge, with the width of the frame between the inner and outer edges providing a preferable seam allowance. In a preferred embodiment the frame can be nested into a stack with one or more additional frames. The size and shape of the pillow can vary based upon a selected one of the nested frames.

Abstract: Assemblies and methods for applying painter's tape to a wall for painting stripes thereon wherein the assembly has a first elongated body with a first straight outer edge, a second elongated body having a second straight outer edge with a substantially transparent body and having a tape width guide marking substantially along the elongated body with a plurality of elongated markings parallel to the second straight outer edge, two or more arms each having ends rotatably coupled to the first and second elongated bodies respectively, each of the arms being spaced apart of another and coupled at different positions of the elongated bodies, and a coupling mechanism rotatably coupling an arm to one of the elongated bodies and having a locking feature selectively fixing the angular position of the coupling mechanism and preventing rotation of the rotatably coupled arm relative to the coupled elongated body.

Abstract: A tile installation tool comprising a base defining substantially opposed base first and second end edges and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween; and a screeding element including a central portion and first and second screeding protrusions extending therefrom away from the central portion along respectively first and second directions that are angled relative to each other, the first and second screeding protrusions having different dimensions perpendicularly to the first and second directions.

Abstract: Assemblies and methods for applying painter's tape to a wall for painting stripes thereon wherein the assembly has a first elongated body with a first straight outer edge, a second elongated body having a second straight outer edge with a substantially transparent body and having a tape width guide marking substantially along the elongated body with a plurality of elongated markings parallel to the second straight outer edge, two or more arms each having ends rotatably coupled to the first and second elongated bodies respectively, each of the arms being spaced apart of another and coupled at different positions of the elongated bodies, and a coupling mechanism rotatably coupling an arm to one of the elongated bodies and having a locking feature selectively fixing the angular position of the coupling mechanism and preventing rotation of the rotatably coupled arm relative to the coupled elongated body.

Abstract: A drawing tool is provided for assisting artists in transcribing images onto a blank medium. The device is a drawing frame of geometrical shape and has a plurality of notches disposed along the outer perimeter length. These notches are channels cut out of the edge, forming protruding segments between any two notches. Protruding segments are used as anchor sites for a series of elastic threads. A portion of the threads is wound around protruding segments disposed on opposing dies of the frame body, thereby stretching the elastic thread across the front surface of the frame body. A first grouping of the threads is secured in parallel lateral alignment, while a second group is secured in a parallel longitudinal alignment. This configuration presents a grid pattern that can be laid over an image or blank piece of paper to serve as a guide for transcription.

Abstract: Assemblies and methods for applying painter's tape to a wall for painting stripes and patterns on the wall wherein the assembly has a first elongated body defining a first straight outer edge and a first inner edge and having a first body length and a second elongated body defining a second straight outer edge and a second inner edge and having a second body length. The assembly also includes at least one arm having a first end rotatably coupled to the first elongated body and a second end rotatably coupled to the second elongated body, each of the arms having an arm length and configured to space the first elongated body apart from the second elongated body such that the first straight outer edge is a taping distance from the second straight outer edge.

Abstract: A trunk width measuring unit including a first contact portion attached movably in the vertical direction relative to a unit main body, the first contact portion to be brought into contact with an upper surface of a trunk of a subject, second and third contact portions attached movably in the horizontal direction relative to the unit main body, a vertical width detection encoder for detecting a lowering distance of the first contact portion from an original position on the upper side of the trunk of the user to a contact point with the upper surface of the trunk, and a horizontal width detection encoder attached movably in the horizontal direction relative to the unit main body by the same distance as a moving distance of the second contact portion, the horizontal width detection encoder detecting a moving distance of the third contact portion relative to the second contact portion.

Abstract: A multi-scaled instructional apparatus is provided in which a plurality of measurement scales are disposed on a base medium. Each of the measurements scales are longitudinally aligned such that equal units of measure are commonly aligned among all of the measurement scales. A first measurement scale is provided in which a plurality of uniquely color-coded base units of measurement are periodically disposed on the base medium. A second measurement scale, uniformly aligned and adjacent to the first measurement scale includes a plurality of color-coded subunits of measurement periodically disposed on the base medium. Each set of subunits equaling one half of each base unit and color-coded in a color shade corresponding to the color of the base unit. An elongated element is provided to receive the base medium.

Abstract: An anchor bolt positioning system is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, an anchor bolt holder is present and is configured for holding an anchor bolt. The anchor bolt holder may be selectively positioned along a first rail and may be selectively positioned along a second rail.

Abstract: To provide a parallel ruler device with which it is easy to obtain a plate material of a constant width having parallel sides. Also, to make it possible to easily carry out a precision adjustment of an amount of parallel movement of a ruler face by means of a visual observation. Also, to enable a precision adjustment of a desired dimension in both a positive direction and a negative direction with a position fixed once as a base point.

Abstract: Apparatus having four pivotably interconnected sides of slidably adjustable length is provided for conforming to the size and configuration of quadrilateral shapes to permit replication of the shapes upon a flat surface or within an aperture. Threaded bolts equipped with wing nuts permit adjustments in the lengths and angular relationships of the sides.

Abstract: To provide a parallel ruler device with which it is easy to obtain a plate material of a constant width having parallel sides. Also, to make it possible to easily carry out a precision adjustment of an amount of parallel movement of a ruler face by means of a visual observation. Also, to enable a precision adjustment of a desired dimension in both a positive direction and a negative direction with a position fixed once as a base point.

Abstract: Crafting and graphics instrument including a base plate, a movable rod, a control mechanism for controlling movement of the rod relative to the base plate such that movement of the rod in only one direction is allowed while movement of the rod in an opposite direction is prevented, and an actuating arm assembly movable to different angular positions relative to the base plate. The actuating arm assembly includes at least one shaped surface enabling formation of a line or cut by drawing a writing implement or a cutting implement along it. As the rod moves, the actuating arm assembly also moves so that the shaped surface is laterally displaced across a substrate on which the instrument is placed. This enables the formation of a series of parallel lines or cuts in or on the substrate. A table-mounted version is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus 10 discloses a handle 32 for manipulating the device and an extending rule portion 18 having a series of markings or measurements 26 embossed along its edge serving as a base of spacing measurement for a pivotally mounted swing arm 22 and a slide arm 24 perpendicularly attached thereto that may be adjusted to a desired distance. After a desired distance is set the swing arm 22 serves to maintain spacing and parallelism by having a bubble level 36 fabricated into each of its ends to test if the materials held flush are level. After correct measurements are made the apparatus 10 may then be used as a gauging tool for the quick and ready spacing and setting of materials afterwards.

Abstract: An adjustable cutting template includes a plurality of leg members selectively engageable with each other for defining a cutting perimeter on a substantially solid surface. Each plurality of leg members includes a first portion and a second portion attached thereto and a plurality of holes formed therein and spaced along a length thereof. Select ones of the first and second portions define a plurality of male and female portions, respectively. The plurality of female portions include a plurality of lip portions integral therewith for receiving the plurality of male portions thereon so that same can be slidably positioned within the plurality of female portions. The template further includes a plurality of stop members attached to the plurality of leg members for defining a maximum distance that the plurality of leg members can be slidably engaged with each other.

Abstract: A parallel rule is disclosed having two component rules (4, 6) each providing one of two opposed parallel straight edges. A linkage (10) allows relative movement of the rules in a direction orthogonal to the straight edges but prohibits relative movement in a direction parallel to the straight edges. At least one component rule has at least one through hole (12)suitable to receive the point of a pencil.

Abstract: A device for use in plotting equal spacings over a distance includes a frame comprising opposed first and second pairs of frame members with each frame member having opposed ends and pivotal connecting means for pivotally connecting adjacent frame members at respective ends thereof. Each of the first pair of frame members includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart apertures disposed along its respective length. The device further includes a flexible linear member placed continuously through the apertures of said first pair of frame members to provide a plurality of parallel equally spaced apart linear elements which are disposed in substantially parallel relation with each other and with the second pair of frame members, and a marker element being slidably attached to each of the plurality of linear elements.

Abstract: A tool for cutting the ends of conveyor belts square includes a T square having a cross leg standing transverse to the belt when the tool is used and a primary leg extending longitudinally along the belt. A pair of end links are adapted to engage opposite sides of the belt when the tool is used. The end links are pivotally connected to each of three cross links, which are pivotally connected to the primary leg of the T square at the midpoints of the cross legs. Accordingly, the primary leg lies along the center line of the conveyor belt when the end links are brought into engagement with the sides of the conveyor belt. By cutting along the cross leg, the belt is cut square to the center line of the belt.

Abstract: A gauge device for spacing railing spindles or other parallel building elements used in construction. The gauge device is a generally rectangular assembly having two long edges that are spaced a predetermined distance apart. An adjustment mechanism is embodied within the rectangular assembly for selectively varying the predetermined distance between the two long edges across a range of distances. An indicator is coupled to the adjustment mechanism for indicating the predetermined distance between the two long edges maintained by the adjustment mechanism. Optional level bubbles are provided within the device to provide an indication as to when the long side edges were in a true vertical orientation. The gauge device is used by placing the gauge device between parallel building elements during construction, The gauge device ensures that the building elements are properly spaced and are aligned in the vertical.

Abstract: Embodiments of a stairway or walkway handrail construction tool are shown and described, each embodiment comprising a frame of four outer members. The members are pivotally joined at or near each end and can thus be moved to form a square or rectangle and variously-angled parallelograms. Whether used on sloping stairs or flat floors, the top and bottom members of the tool will be parallel to each other and to the corresponding stair slope or floor. Thus, the invention may be placed temporarily in the subject location, it may be adjusted up or down according to taste or other criteria to chose a particular configuration for the prospective rail, and then the inventive device may be used to mark, align, plan, and/or visualize the layout of the railing or other feature for its construction. The preferred tool may be fully collapsed to a nearly-flat configuration, to make it very portable and amenable to transport within a case such as a carpenter's level case.

Abstract: A center finding device for locating the geometric center of a workpiece having substantially parallel side surfaces including a pair of crossed arm members pivotally secured to each other by a tubular member with a marking pin received therein and secured at one end and in slidable-pivotal relation to a longitudinal slot in each of a pair of side guide arms whereby when the guide arms are moved into engaging relation with the parallel side surfaces of the workpiece, the crossed arm members are automatically slidable into a position with the tubular member being in a geometrically centered position with respect to the workpiece. In addition, the center finding device can be used in conjunction with an accessory for locating the geometric center of a workpiece having substantially non-parallel side surfaces.

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.

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.

Abstract: A pair of members (8) and (9) are joined by a pair of parallelograms (11) and (13) and when the members (8) and (9) are semi-circular in shape, they provide an apparatus and method whereby they may be positioned adjacent each other to form a circular member (C) and then stepwise moved toward and away from each other for use as a navigational aid. The members (8) and (9) may be in other shapes and may also be used to relocate various markings or designations on a map, chart and the like.

Abstract: A parallel rule which includes a gripper body cover and a rule body, with a gripper body base positioned between them. A plurality of float-contact rollers are installed through respective openings in the rule body and gripper body base. The parallel rule is movable across the paper with only the float-contact rollers contacting the paper, thus minimizing any smearing of drawing ink and the leaving of traces upon the drawing paper. The gripper body cover and an associated end body covers are easily attached and removed from the gripper body base, thus allowing for ease of maintenance.

Abstract: An apparatus for ensuring parallel measuring, alignment and minimum spacing of two objects, particularly for setting a rip fence in connection with a table saw or drill press, having a first rectangular end plate provided with at least two rods perpendicularly extending from one side thereof, a second plate moveably mouted on the rods, parallel to the first end plate and capable of meeting flush therewith, the second plate is capable of being secured in position to the rods. At least one measuring scale is provided on the rods. The first plate has ribs located thereon for preventing the first plate from slipping into a miter slot, and the second plate has slots for receiving the ribs of the first plate.

Abstract: A spacer device for use in placing contour lines between known points of elevation when plotting stadia, in spacing of architectural units, and in making perspective drawings, includes a parallelogramic frame comprising a plurality of frame elements pivotally connected together at their respective ends. A single elongate filament is threaded through openings in an opposed pair of frame elements to arrange the filament in parallel equally spaced apart spacer elements. The spacing between adjacent spacer elements may be readily selectively varied by adjusting the parallelogramic frame to thereby facilitate interpolation when using the spacer device to make topographical contour maps, and the like.

Abstract: A drawing apparatus includes a base member of rectangular form with front, rear and opposite side margins and an upper surface with a compass rose plate for affixing a drawing sheet thereon and pivotally mounted to the base member upper surface. A carriage frame is positioned generally on the upper surface of the base member and has spaced guide members slidably mounted to the base member side margins and interconnected by a crossbar for coordinated translatory movement. A parallel rule structure is supported by the carriage frame and has first and second drawing bars and first and second links forming an expansible and contractible parallelogram generally positioned atop the compass rose plate. The links are respectively mounted to the spaced guide members of the carriage frame for sliding movement therewith over the compass rose plate and for positioning the parallelogram rule structure at selected locations thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus that facilitates the manufacture of wooden stairs of the type having treads and risers extending between and affixed to side housings or stringers. The apparatus provides multiple, parallel guides for the router used to cut the grooves in the stringers into which are fitted the treads and risers. By using a parallelogram construction for the multiple guides, the apparatus can be quickly adjusted and set to produce almost any size of stairs. An index bar used with the apparatus allows the apparatus to be quickly set for the particular stairs desired so that the grooves for both the treads and risers can be cut quickly and accurately in the stringers. The router is moved along each of the parallel guides to cut the grooves for all of the treads, and then the apparatus is quickly and easily reset and locked into position to set the guides for cutting of the grooves for the risers.