Abstract: A templating device for preparing beams includes a rod that has opposed ends, each of which is both slidably engageable and fixedly engageable to a first segment of a respective protractor of a pair of protractors, such that the first segment extends linearly from the rod. The first segment is pivotally engaged to a second segment, which is selectively fixably positionable relative to the first segment. The rod and the first segments are positioned between a pair of surfaces, with each second segment positioned flush to a respective surface. A user fixes the second segment relative to the first segment to provide a respective angle measurement and a length measurement between the surfaces, and then templates these measurements onto a beam. The user then can cut the beam to length, with the ends of the beam angled so that the beam fits between the pair of surfaces.

Abstract: A template device including an extendable base having a first part and a second part that are extendable along the device's longitudinal axis. A first swivel is appropriately attached to the first part, and a second swivel is appropriately attached to the second part such that the first swivel and second swivels are disposed on opposite ends of the base. The second part includes a slot having a width sized for frictionally receiving a stud member that extends from the first part, the slot sized and shaped for allowing the stud member to slide along the length of the slot.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the angle between two adjacent objects such as the corner of a wall or the pitch of a roof, and the appropriate angle of a corresponding miter cut. The apparatus includes a base member that is configured in a substantially planar manner. The base member includes a channel for slidably receiving the ends of two support members. The support members are pivotally mounted to opposing angle arms that extend laterally in opposing directions from the base member and function to movably connect the angle arms to the base member and form a pointer thereon. The base member further includes numeric indicia that indicate the angle of the angle arms and the corresponding miter angle cut adjacent to the channel on the base member.

Abstract: A rafter measuring and positioning template and method provides a device and method wherein a telescoping pole has rotatably and swivelably mounted on one end thereof a pad having a slide plate for juxtaposition to a ridge board, and, on the other end, a base angle having a slide clamp for juxtaposition to a wall plate, to measure the angle between the ridge board and the pad and thereby the angle of cut of the top of the rafter to be cut, and the length of the rafter between the ridge board and the wall plate.

Abstract: A square is disclosed which is especially adapted for the marking of angular dimensions on, or the transfer of angular dimensions from, rafters or other building materials and the like in that only one adjustment is needed to vary the angle being marked or measured. The disclosed square has a first elongate arm, a second elongate arm, and an elongate base having a distal and a proximal end, and a first elongate slot extending longitudinally intermediate its distal and proximal ends. The first elongate arm has a proximal end and a distal end which is pivotally attached to the proximal end of the base. The second has a proximal end, a distal end which is pivotally attached to the proximal end of the first elongate arm, and a second elongate slot extending intermediate its distal and proximal ends for intersection with the first slot.

Abstract: An angle determinator comprises four hingedly interconnected links. These links form jointly a parallelogram having its apexes constructed as pivot joints. At one of the apexes of the parallelogram the links are rotatably connected to a bar which is provided with a scale. Along this scale that apex of the parallelogram which is opposite to said one apex is displaceable together with a pointer cooperating with said scale. To make possible quick and handy determination not only of such "concave" or "open" angles as are defined by two planes, e.g. a floor and a wall or a wall and a ceiling, but also of "convex" or "solid" angles, i.e.

Abstract: A length and angle gauge including first and second longitudinally aligned and slidably engaging ruler sections; means for releasably securing the sections; each section having an inner end and an outer end, one of the sections bearing a length scale starting at the outer end and ascending toward the inner end, the other section bearing a continuation of the length scale with the scale value for the minimum retracted length of the gauge starting at the outer end and ascending toward the inner end; a rotatable arm located at the outer end of each section and having a slanted surface; means for rotatably mounting the arm to the outer end; means for releasably securing the arm to the outer end; and retraction means for enabling the arm to be withdrawn within the outer end.