Sliding Patents (Class 33/464)
  • Patent number: 6546634
    Abstract: A compass cutter has a main body fastened with an extension rod which is connected with a slidable seat slidable along the extension rod. The main body is further provided with a locating block, a protective cover, a blade, a fixation block, and an insertion pin. The slidable seat is provided with a locating block, a connection rod, a locating pin, and a shield. The compass cutter can be expanded, through the movement of the extension rod. The locating pin and the blade are covered by the shield to protect the user of the compass cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: Chen Shan Ming
  • Patent number: 6536125
    Abstract: A device for generating angles has a ruler-shaped basic rail having a first guide extending in a longitudinal direction of the basic rail. A stop rail is arranged in the first guide of the basic rail and is rotatable and slidable into different positions relative to the basic rail and securable in the different positions. The stop rail has an underside provided with depressions positioned at an acute angle to one another and forming a star-shaped arrangement. The basic rail has a projection that engages the depressions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Leo Klapperich
  • Publication number: 20020170189
    Abstract: An apparatus used to align door jambs and like structures. A base member comprises a substantially longitudinal section through which a channel is formed in the top surface thereof, one end extending into a first jamb spreader. A first extension member is slidably coupled within the channel of the base member, the extended end of the extension member depending into a second jamb spreader. A second extension member is slidably coupled within the channel of the base member opposite the first extension member, the end opposing the second jamb spreader depending into a third jamb spreader. The jamb spreader of the first and second extension members include horizontal and vertical leveling members. By positioning the opposed jamb spreaders against the opposed door jambs or surfaces, the alignment of the door jambs and door frame may be determined to be in square and plumb alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas E. Cheatham
  • Patent number: 6421927
    Abstract: A measuring tool for measuring in two directions orientated perpendicular to each other such that obstructions may be accurately measured. The measuring tool includes an elongated member having a first end, a second end, a top side, a bottom side, a front side, and a back side. The front side has an elongated slot therein. The slot extends between the first and second ends. The bottom side has a channel therein extending between the first and second ends. The front side has length measuring indicia thereon. The length measuring indicia extends between the first and second ends. Each of a pair of arms is movably positioned on the elongated member and each extends below the bottom side of the elongated member. Each of the arms are movably coupled to the slot and the channel. The arms each have measuring indicia thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventors: Michael L. Bach, James L. Slayton
  • Patent number: 6412185
    Abstract: A tile laying gauge and leveling assembly for preparing a recipient surface for the laying of tiles and for properly positioning the tiles on the recipient surface includes a plurality of elongated side members and a leveling assembly. Each of the side members has a first flange and a second flange whereby each side member has a generally L-shaped cross section. The leveling assembly has a substantially planar central panel and extension arms. The extension arms extend outward from opposite sides of the central panel and are designed to rest on the second flanges of the side members when the side members are positioned generally parallel with respect to each other. The central panel has a first longitudinal side that has a straight edge for determining if a plurality of tile has been properly positioned. In addition, the central panel has a second longitudinal side that has a plurality of notches designed for facilitating preparation of a recipient surface and for properly positioning tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventors: Oscar Mills, Mary Mills
  • Patent number: 6374504
    Abstract: A rafter tool and method for laying out rafters includes a first support bracket attached to a speed square with graduated markings, a second support bracket, and a string extendable therebetween. A guide member may be integrally formed with the first support bracket or may be a separate piece. The first support bracket has graduated markings and a notched arm. The first support bracket is positioned on a lower portion of the building, the second support bracket is positioned on an upper portion of the building and the string is extended therebetween. The extended string is secured to the notched arm, the angle that the string aligns with on the speed square is noted, and the rafter tool is moved from the building to a rafter board The guide member is used to pivot the first support bracket to align the string with the noted angle to lay out the rafter board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Randal L. Graham
  • Patent number: 6293028
    Abstract: A construction tool and method for its use in laying out stud marks. The tool is adjustable and is especially suited for laying out stud marks on a rafter of a pitched roof so as to be aligned with the corresponding stud marks on a sill beneath the rafter. The tool includes an elongated measuring member; stud-marking members attached to the measuring member in spaced, transverse relation therealong, at least one of the marking members being adjustable along the measuring member; measurement indicia on the measuring member that enables the spacing between the marking members to be set; and conversion indicia on one or more of the members that sets forth the relationship among various roof rises and stud spacings on sills and rafters. The method involves laying out markings on the sill and rafter boards with the tool including the steps of placing the layout tool along a first of the boards, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Lance Sylvia
  • Patent number: 6237237
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring and plumbing. The apparatus contains a slide element slidably mounted to a body element. The body element is fixed to a base element. The slide element defines a viewing channel for viewing a side level fixed to the body element. The slide element has a pair of longitudinal trapezoidal rails fixed to the back of the slide element and running its length. The body element has a pair of longitudinal trapezoidal channels along the front of the body element. The channels within the body element receive the rails of the slide element to slidably fix the slide element to the body element. The slide element may be moved along the body element to a set position, the apparatus aligned, and the slide element locked into place for measuring or plumbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventors: James M. McKenna, John T. O'Keefe
  • Patent number: 6134797
    Abstract: A device for laying out an angle to form a borderpiece for a roof from a standard workpiece. The device includes first and second members, contact elements extending from each member. The contact elements contact opposing edges when the device is disposed on the workpiece. An edge of each first and second element defines the angle at which the workpiece is to be cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Timothy C. Boyce
  • Patent number: 6128824
    Abstract: A horse measuring ruler structure including a vernier main body, a fixing stopper block, two resilient slide blocks, a locating ruler, a locating device, an inner ruler, an outer ruler, a, protective frame and a locking device. The vernier main body is composed of a trapezoid board and two panels rightward extending respectively from middle sections of front and rear sides of the trapezoid board. The upper and lower sections of the right side of the trapezoid board are respectively formed with two T-shaped sockets. The left end of the locating ruler is fitted into the space between the right sections of the panels of the vernier main body and pivotally located by the locating device. The locking device is fitted into the circular receiving chamber of lower end of the inner ruler. The protective frame is fitted onto upper end of the outer ruler and the inner ruler is fitted into the outer ruler. The resilient slide blocks are fitted into the T-shaped cavities of the trapezoid board of the vernier main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Master Cheng Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hong-Yu Yang
  • Patent number: 6105267
    Abstract: A tool (10,10',10") for forming and applying an adjustable, selected angle to one or more pieces (8) of building material such as sheet rock, plywood, paneling or the like is shown comprising a first leg (12,12',12") having a longitudinally extending slot (34,54) pivotably attached to a second leg (20) with a connecting link (30) pivotably attached to the second leg and slidably and lockably attached in the slot (34,54) of the first leg (12,12',12")
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Glenn T. Hathaway
  • Patent number: 6105266
    Abstract: A carpenter's "square" has a first member with a spirit level so it can be held horizontal with one end elevated above a pitched roof, while the opposite end rests on the roof exactly 12 inches from the inside edge of a vertically movable member supported in the first member, and clamped to it by a thumb screw. This inside edge is graduated inches to read out roof pitch directly in "inches per foot".
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: David C. Cote
  • Patent number: 6049990
    Abstract: A Multifunction Layout Tool capable of performing the functions of an adjustable square, adjustable T-square, try square, combination square, protractor, angle duplicator, depth gauge, rip gauge, rafter-stair layout tool, and compass is disclosed. The tool comprises a generally T-shaped squaring base, mounting an elongated sliding rule. The base is comprised of a body defining a central flared channel to receive the rule and a pair of squaring arms extending from the body, defining a squaring edge along an end of the base, perpendicular to the channel. The rule is disposed in and extends out of the channel, between the squaring arms. The rule is a blade having a rounded end, a square end, and a central longitudinal slot. A fastener anchored to the base, extending through the rule slot, maintains the rule within the channel. Protractor indicia disposed within the channel and corresponding vernier indicia on the rounded end of the rule measure disposition angles of the rule when the rule is fully extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Lewis G. Holland
  • Patent number: 6044573
    Abstract: A measuring device including a gage having a dial, a pointer associated with the dial, and an actuator stem operatively coupled to the pointer; and a coupling mechanism having a connector portion detachably secured to the actuator stem; and a receiver portion defining a recess having first and second longitudinally extending, transversely spaced apart and parallel support surfaces. Also included is a probe pin disposed in the recess, the probe pin being longitudinally aligned with and supported by the first and second support surfaces; and a retainer mechanism exerting on the probe pin a force directed toward the first and second support surfaces. The coupling mechanism permits use of the gage with diametric gage pins selected from commercially available sets of such pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Huston G. Cockrill
  • Patent number: 5974677
    Abstract: The layout instrument or tool of this invention includes a pair of members arranged together to form an "L" at a right angle. The unique feature of this arrangement is that the two opposing ends of the "L" are also affixed to another member changing the shape from an "L" to the shape of a 3-4-5 triangle. All members of the instrument are permanently attached, therefore, misalignment is avoided and accuracy is assured and maintained. The two members are configured to slide with respect to one another at the pivot point of the "L" and simply pivot at their opposite ends about their pivot points connecting the third member and creating an enclosed triangle. A spring loaded rivet mounted in one of "L" members slides in a skewed slot in the adjacent member to open the triangle from a closed position where the three sides or members of the triangle are substantially parallel to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Robert S. Butwin
  • Patent number: 5875827
    Abstract: The router table push shoe 10 of the present invention has an upwardly extending handle 11 which is angled slightly towards the operator and away from the router table fence 55. The push shoe of the present invention comes with an adjustable bottom guard 20 removably attached to the base 40, and an adjustable side guard 12 which can be removed and used as a bit height measuring tool. Both the bottom guard 20 and the side guard 12 are adjustable to enable the push shoe 10 to hold thin and narrow stock. The push shoe 10 also comes equipped with a miter bar 30. The horizontally adjustable bottom guard 20 is removably attached to the base 40 via a three wing knob 22. The push shoe also has formed in the front right corner a dovetail gauge 17 for making both male and female joints for sliding dovetail joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Vermont American Corporation
    Inventors: David T. Brutscher, John P. Spiegelhalter
  • Patent number: 5832618
    Abstract: A combination level and T-square comprising an elongate level sensing section and an elongate T-bar section which can be alternately removed from or rigidly connected to the level sensing section in three locations to form three different configurations, a T-shape, a left-hand L-shape and a right-hand L-shape. The invention has two engagement hand screws; one for securing a sliding tongue into the level sensing section and the other for securing the T-bar to the tongue in one of the three desired configurations. The T-bar may be positioned further or closer to the level sensing section by sliding the tongue telescopically within the level sensing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Dane Scarborough
  • Patent number: 5771767
    Abstract: A miter attachment capable of use on radial saws, table saws, drill presses, router tables, and the like, comprises three legs of a triangle. The longest leg constitutes an elongated base member. This base member is pivotally attached at one end to a fence member. The base member has a track in it for engagement by a slider, which is capable of movement along at least a portion of the length of the base member. The slider is pivotally attached to one end of a coupler arm, the other end of which is pivotally attached to the fence member at a point spaced from the end pivotally attached to the base member. As the slider is moved to different relative positions along the length of the base member, the coupler arm causes the angle between the fence and the base member to change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Steven D. Itami
  • Patent number: 5745074
    Abstract: A method of staking out a point on the ground using a satellite positioning system comprises the following steps: two reference points near a target point are marked on the ground and the positioning system antenna is located on each of the two points to determine their coordinates, the position of the target point relative to the two reference points is determined from these coordinates, the point corresponding to this relative position is marked on the ground, and the staking out is done at this point. The device for implementing the method includes arrangements for marking the two reference points and the target point on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Dassault Sercel Navigation-Positionnement
    Inventor: Benoit-Marie Laude
  • Patent number: 5737844
    Abstract: A trim gauge for aiding in the installation and trimming of building windows and doors includes an elongated first member and an elongated second member. Both the first member and the second member each have first and second ends, and are equal in length to each other. The first member and second member are parallel and are fixed to each other in a longitudinally offset position to define a longitudinal gauge length and are laterally offset to define a lateral gauge width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Philip T. Brumley
  • Patent number: 5652506
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring an a.c. current flowing in an electric cable comprises a pair of jaws for receiving the cable and which are movable towards one another to engage the opposite sides of the cable. A potentiometer generates a signal ("cable size signal") corresponding to the relative positions of the jaws. A set of coils is provided adjacent the jaws to detect the magnetic field generated by current flowing in the cable. A circuit in the housing is responsive to the cable size signal and the voltage induced in the coil for determining the amplitude of the current flowing in the cable and displaying the same on a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventors: Thomas Sorenson, Michael McCormack, Francis Keane, Eugene O'Doherty
  • Patent number: 5603164
    Abstract: An angle guide device is disclosed which includes a slotted base member pivoted at one end to one end of an angle guide member, an adjustment member pivoted at one end to the angle guide and carrying a slider element at the other end. The slider element is slidable in the slot but may be locked in any adjusted position. Numeric indicia indicate the angle between the base member and angle guide members in each position of the slides along the track. The base member is clamped to a workpiece by dual action clamps separately clamping to the workpiece and to the base member. Extension pieces may be attached to increase the length of the guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: Paul A. Haddix
  • Patent number: 5551160
    Abstract: A crop, measure and scale system and a measure and scale system are provided for use in preparing an original image for processing. The crop, measure, and scale system includes first and second corner members which define an infinitely adjustable image frame. Each corner member includes a pair of diverging arms, one arm being characterized as an abscissa arm and the other as an ordinate arm, each of which includes an internally facing edge. A calculating measure is mounted on one of the corner members, such calculating measure including a slide rule with a ruler which extends between opposite edges of the cropped image, and a slide which provides for calculation of a reduction/enlargement percentage based on a predetermined desired dimensional change. The measure and scale system includes the calculating measure described above joined to an elongate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Inventors: Byron S. Ferris, Loren T. Weeks
  • Patent number: 5479719
    Abstract: The present rolling ruler includes a ruler body having a through hole, a shall having two ends and sleeving thereon the ruler body, and two rollers respectively mounted on the two ends for translating the ruler body. One characteristic of present invention is that different scales are provided on edges of a ruler body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventor: Bao-Shen Liu
  • Patent number: 5446969
    Abstract: A combination square and multi-purpose hand tool can be utilized as a large number of hand tools including a square, bevel square, stud and ceiling strapping spacer, clamp, caliper, string tender, and scribe. A first L shaped member includes a blade portion and a handle portion. A second member is pivotably and slidably coupled to the blade portion of the first member. Individual member dimensions such as the overall length of the first member, the maximum extended length of the second member along the first member, and the width of the blade portion of the first member are pre-established at selected lengths and widths, to provide predetermined functions for the present multi-purpose hand tool such as a stud spacer, ceiling strapping spacer and string tender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Inventor: Robert Terenzoni
  • Patent number: 5440818
    Abstract: An improved versatile measuring device for measuring linear, and angular dimensions and defining relative positional parameters or coordinates between a plurality of lines, points, or surfaces on a plane and for determining and duplicating line lengths and relative angular positions of any number of lines, points or surfaces. The measuring device has protractor members each of which is rotatably and clampably attached to a connecting member which itself is linearly extendible and may also be altered to have a pivoting point about which a main arm and an extendible arm of the connecting member are pivotal and clampable with respect to each other. Each of the protractor ends also has an edge-guide slot substantially parallel to a scribe edge. Slideably mountable onto each of the edge-guide slots is at least one edge-guide pin each of which is positionally adjustable and securable within an edge-guide slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Inventor: Walter L. Mailhot
  • Patent number: 5425405
    Abstract: A router and shaper guide wherein a positioning rib is arranged for reception within a support table guide groove, such that a first guide plate is arranged for abutment with the positioning rib and the second guide plate is arranged for sliding engagement with the first guide plate to provide for a guide surface for positioning of a workpiece or guide fence therealong, such that the first and second guide plates are arranged for engagement along respective guide walls that are oriented at acute angles relative to the positioning rib to permit lateral adjustment spacing of the guide fence relative to the positioning rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Inventor: Ronald R. Brodsky, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5421093
    Abstract: An adjustable square and scoring tool for measuring and scoring a sheet of material comprising an alignment block; a rail slidably extended through the alignment block; a knife blade holding mechanism disposed on the rail and adapted for holding a knife blade; and a securement mechanism for securing the rail at a fixed position relative to the alignment block; whereby when a knife blade is coupled to the knife blade holding mechanism and the alignment block is held against an edge of material with the rail at a fixed position, movement of the alignment block along the edge allows the knife blade to score the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Clifford C. Davidson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5414938
    Abstract: An end of a rectangular scaled straight edge is pivotally connected to an end of a rectangular unscaled straight edge. The scaled straight edge has a longitudinal slot wherein a stem is retained by a compression lock. The stem passes through a hole in one end of a flat connecting bar that is disposed between a bearing of the compression lock and the scaled straight edge. The other end of the connecting bar is pivotally connected to the unscaled straight edge. When the lock is open, the stem is slidable within the slot, thereby providing an adjustable angle between the straight edges. When the lock is closed, the position of the stem is fixed within the slot, thereby sustaining a fixed angle between the straight edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Inventor: Donald G. Meek
  • Patent number: 5412875
    Abstract: An expandable level is provided, which consists of a main frame, at least one leveling vial mounted within the main frame, an extension frame and a mechanism for adjusting the position of the extension frame with respect to the main frame, so that an effective length of the level can be increased and decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Hilderbrandt
  • 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: 5377418
    Abstract: A T-square device with a mechanism for efficient adjustment thereof. The device includes a scale, base, and trigger mechanism. The trigger mechanism is spring-loaded for automatic locking of the base to the scale. Applying a force on the trigger counteracts the spring-induced forces and thereby releases the lock on the base to the scale, thus allowing the base to be slidable along the scale. The base and trigger mechanism is sized proportionally to fit the human hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Inventor: Dean H. Anderson
  • 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: 5353515
    Abstract: In a table saw having a rip fence and a miter slot, a new precision rip fence alignment gauge for quickly positioning the rip fence a precise distance from the saw blade for accurately cutting a workpiece. The precision rip fence alignment gauge comprises first and second symmetrical laterally separable gauge half assemblies. Each gauge half assembly comprises an elongated flat rod with an elongated miter slot engagable locator bar slidably connected transversely thereto such that the elongated flat rod is longitudinally displaceable relative the locator bar. The elongated flat rod is constrained to an accurate 90.degree. angle relative the locator bar with an alignment plate fixedly connected to the locator bar and slidably contacting an edge of the rod. A threaded stud projects upwardly from near an end of the locator bar and extends through a longitudinal slot through the elongated flat rod for slidably holding the edge of the rod in contact with the alignment plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Inventors: Rudd A. Alvis, Paulette J. Alvis
  • 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: 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: 5241756
    Abstract: A measuring device (10) and method for duplicating an irregular shape (200) onto a sheet of material (300) by employing the device (10) in combination with a sheet of paper (100) and a conventional marking implement; to form traced lines (101) on the sheet of paper (100) in response to measurements taken from the irregular shape (200); transferring the sheet of paper (100) to the sheet of material (300); using the traced lines (101) and measuring device (10) to make marks (301) on the sheet of material (300); and, then severing the sheet of material (300) in line segments between adjacent marks (301).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Inventor: Thomas S. King
  • Patent number: 5181326
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tool for marking tiles having a predetermined thickness, so that the tiles may be cut precisely to enable them to be placed adjacent each other and spaced apart a predetermined, uniform, distance corresponding to the thickness of a desired grouting thickness. The tool includes a generally flat, elongated, rectilinear bar having a pair of opposed ends, a pair of opposed sides, and generally flat top and bottom opposed faces. A plurality of different sized slide elements are selectively used with the bar depending of the desired thickness of the grouting. Individual ones of the slide elements are adapted to be carried by the bar and movable along the length of the bar between the ends and removed from the bar by sliding off an end. Each of said slide elements have a body member which is supported by the top face and has a pair of opposed arms extending along and bearing against the sides. The arms have a height less than the thickness of the tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Inventor: Joseph Eberline
  • 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: 5099582
    Abstract: A device (10) for use by artists, draftsmen and the like for aid in perspective viewing. The device comprises first (11) and second (12) framework units, which when moved with respect to one another form a variable dimension rectangular aperture to vary the field of view of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Inventor: Hwang N. Chang
  • Patent number: 5083380
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a duct notching template apparatus having slidably positionable and settable end templates and a center template. The end templates have hooked or tabbed edges for engaging the edge of a piece of sheet metal to be scribed for notching. The templates contain windows for viewing the measuring indicia on the longitudinal element on which they are disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Inventor: Larry D. Robertson
  • 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: 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: 4894925
    Abstract: An extendable level consists of two interslidable parts having a track and slide strips in a simple construction, wherein there is always a planar relationship between the level edges. The slidable extension rests within the length of the main body when unextended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Assignee: Jonathan C. Langmaid, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan C. Langmaid
  • 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: 4872267
    Abstract: A measuring device is in the form of a triangle with the three legs and associated angles of the triangle being selectively adjustable. Each leg of the triangle is formed by two elongated strips secured in spaced parallel relation. A slot is formed between the pair of strips and receives one strip of each of the two adjacent triangle leg portions. This allows the length of the legs and angles of the triangle to be rapidly adjusted through relative sliding movement of the three leg portions. Each of the three leg portions is provided with a protractor for measuring the respective angle and a linear measuring scale for determining the length of the leg. The main application of the device is to measure all the angles and the lengths of the sides of the triangle with only one setting. By placing each of the three legs on a corner of a triangle all three angle measurements and all three side lenghts may be simultaneously determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Inventor: Randy Anderton
  • 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: 4833791
    Abstract: A step layout device for giving a visual and physical representation of riser and tread dimensions which have been or are being selected for a stairway, wherein the device has at least one lower and one upper pair of planar members, the members of each pair having cooperating vertical ruled portions and cooperating adjustable connector mechanisms adapted to planarly connect the members of each pair in selected vertically dimensioned riser postures, the pairs having adjacent horizontal edge portions provided with cooperating horizontal ruled portions, and cooperating adjustable connector mechanisms on the pairs adapted to planarly connect the pairs in selected horizontally dimensioned tread postures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Inventor: Stanley D. Campbell
  • Patent number: RE38032
    Abstract: The layout instrument or tool of this invention includes a pair of members arranged together to form an “L” at a right angle. The unique feature of this arrangement is that the two opposing ends of the “L” are also affixed to another member changing the shape from an “L” to the shape of a 3-4-5 triangle. All members of the instrument are permanently attached, therefore, misalignment is avoided and accuracy is assured and maintained. The two members are configured to slide with respect to one another at the pivot point of the “L” and simply pivot at their opposite ends about their pivot points connecting the third member and creating an enclosed triangle. A spring loaded rivet mounted in one of the “L” members slides in a skewed slot in the adjacent member to open the triangle from a closed position where the three sides or members of the triangle are substantially parallel to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventor: Robert S. Butwin