Abstract: A hanger for hanging an object on a vertical surface includes a plate with a front face and a back face. The back face is to abut a vertical surface onto which the object is to be hung. The hanger includes a first hook and a second hook protruding outward from the front face and an integrated bubble level fixably coupled to the front face and calibrated to indicate a horizontal orientation of the first hook relative to the second hook. A plurality of wall contacts protrudes outward from the front face. Each wall contact includes an opening through which an attachment mechanism traverses to attach the plate to the vertical surface. The hanger does not require the object to have a specifically shaped counterpart in order to interface with the hanger. The hanger removes the need for elaborate and/or time-consuming measuring, thus saving the user time and frustration.

Abstract: A penmanship device is provided to assist students learning to write consistently and evenly. The device comprises a body with a handle portion and an operational portion. The operational portion has at least two windows. A first window is used for alignment and a second window is used to write. A user writes a first letter of a first word within the confines of the second window. To write the next letter, the device is shifted so that an edge of the previous letter is aligned with a left lateral edge of the second window. This is repeated until the word is completed. To write the next word, the device is shifted so that an edge of a last letter of the previous word is aligned with a right lateral edge of the first window. In another embodiment, the device has three windows providing left-handed and right-handed support.

Abstract: A deck construction device for assisting with laying decking. The device as a body which has a handle and a substantially planar face from which at least two spacers extend. At least one screw hole is defined through the body, the at least two spacers are arranged to span a width of a decking plank. The length of a first spacer corresponds to the thickness of a decking plank; and the length of a second spacer extends beyond the thickness of the decking.

Abstract: Turned edge fabric appliqués are produced using a first template whose perimeter corresponds to a desired shape of a finished appliqué of certain size, and a second template having a corresponding opening so that the perimeter of the first template fits in the opening with a determined gap between the templates. The perimeter of the second template corresponds to an appliqué of the desired shape but a size larger than said certain size, and the second template fits in a corresponding opening in a third template to obtain the appliqué of larger size. A fabric piece is placed by the first template into the opening in the second template, and an exposed edge of the piece projects through the gap above the first template to define a seam allowance which is ironed atop the first template. The template is then withdrawn from the opening and from the ironed seam allowance.

Abstract: A penmanship device is provided to assist students learning to write consistently and evenly. The device comprises a body with a handle portion and an operational portion. The operational portion has at least two windows. A first window is used for alignment and a second window is used to write. A user writes a first letter of a first word within the confines of the second window. To write the next letter, the device is shifted so that an edge of the previous letter is aligned with a left lateral edge of the second window. This is repeated until the word is completed. To write the next word, the device is shifted so that an edge of a last letter of the previous word is aligned with a right lateral edge of the first window. In another embodiment, the device has three windows providing left-handed and right-handed support.

Abstract: An educational ruler is a protractor, where the protractor can draw and measure angles. The educational ruler includes a planar disk having a semicircular circumference and labeled in scales along the semicircular circumference; a straight line edge connecting two edges of the semicircular circumference; a through hole on the planar disk; a first edge and a second edge extending from the through hole to the straight line edge; a third edge and a fourth edge extending from the semicircular circumference to the straight line edge. The first edge of the through hole of the educational ruler and the second edge of the through hole of the educational ruler intersect at 90 degrees scale of the planar disk to form the first right angle, and the included angle of the first edge of the through hole of the educational ruler and the straight line edge of the educational ruler is 45 degrees.

Abstract: The tool for detecting the verticality between an axle hole and a milling plane comprises a base provided with a horizontal plane and a vertical plane which are vertically intersected, a vertical through hole is provided, a locating plate is vertically arranged and located in the middle of the vertical through hole, the locating plate is fixed with the vertical plane, a horizontal through hole is provided on the locating plate, two vertical pin rods are arranged at a position of the base away from the vertical through hole, the vertical pin rods are symmetric with respect to the axis of the horizontal through hole, a detection rod can be inserted into the horizontal through hole.

Abstract: A mechanical spacing apparatus for placement between a vertical dry wall member and a horizontal flooring panel. The flooring panel and the dry-wall member meet at right angles. The spacing apparatus comprises a horizontal front projecting element for placement on the top surface of the flooring panel joined to a vertical upwards projecting element for abutting adjacent to the vertical dry-wall member. The spacing apparatus comprises horizontal and vertical elements at right angles. Projecting vertically downwards from the right angle join between the horizontal and vertical elements is a spacing element having a predetermined thickness for creating a suitable spacing distance between the inward edge of the flooring panel and the bottom of the vertical dry-wall member thereby accommodating a suitable expansion distance for the flooring installation. The apparatus is easily installed and removed by hand by a flooring installer.

Abstract: There is provided a grid system (10) containing a set of stakes (40), a grid (20) and a key (3) that can be transported to a crime scene to create a working area in which evidence can be accurately catalogued as to its precise location at the time of its discovery. The grid strings (21) are secured to the grid rings (22, 23, 24) to form a grid (20). The grid rings (22, 23, 24) attach to the stakes (40). The key (30), which also attaches to the stakes (40) ensures that the grid (2) is square. The preferred embodiment features a key (30) comprising two key rings (32) and a key string (31). The key (30), when fully extended to opposite corners of the grid (20), forms the shared hypotenuse to the right triangles on either side of the key (30) formed by the grid (20), thereby forming a grid system (10) The stakes (40) can be ribbed in a way to enable the grid rings (22, 23, 24, 32) to remain at a distinct position along the stake (40).

Abstract: A template tool is provided for locating sites for fixing to walls hardware for mounting a wire shelf. The tool has two legs perpendicular to each other along a bend locatable along a corner of two walls in which the legs each extend along one of two walls from the corner to enable hole(s) or opening(s) along each of the legs to align over locations of sites for fixing shelf support hardware to the walls to horizontally install a shelf. One leg has a horizontal bubble level and is adjustable or non-adjustable in length in accordance with shelf depth. An aperture along one leg is preset a distance from one end thereof for use in successively locating sites along the back wall. Sites are thus locatable along each of two corners formed by two opposite side walls and a common back wall, and along the back wall between such corners.

Abstract: The invention relates in part to templates used to aid in cutting, marking, or otherwise guiding a tool along two edges that intersect in an inside corner. The edges are extended past the point of intersection with channels so that the cutting, marking, or other operation may proceed fully up to the point of intersection or past the point of intersection if desired.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed, along with methods and constituent devices, for generating omnidirectional planar projections for an exemplary laser application to provide visual references for the construction field. The preferred embodiment utilizes a convex cone lens, the lateral surface of which provides for total internal reflection, to disperse the incident beam. The curvatures of the interior and exterior surfaces of a toroidal ring lens normalize and athermalize the dispersed beam such that the resulting projection is orthogonal to the incident beam throughout an operable temperature range. Alternate optical embodiments are also disclosed which utilize various means of dispersal and normalization such as a conical reflector, concave cone lens, double-prism ring and well-adapted spherical lenses.

Abstract: The kit described herein may include a first measurement element capable of measuring in at least the x and y planes without substantially moving the element. The kit may further include a second measurement element capable of measuring in at least the x and y planes without substantially moving the second element. In one embodiment, the measuring element is substantially rectangular, has an internal opening and it includes at least a first axis along the x-axis and a second axis along the y-axis. In another embodiment, the measuring element comprises an “L” shape having a first axis along the x-axis and a second axis along the y-axis, wherein each axis has a length of more than 150 cm.

Abstract: Described herein is an improved tool and method for installing undermount drawer slides in a cabinet. The undermount drawer slides are of the type commonly used to conceal the drawer slide from a user for improved aesthetics. The tool is designed so that the drawer slide fits snugly and securely to the tool and the drawer slide may be adjusted horizontally or vertically without moving or becoming displaced easily. The method of using the tool provides a means for securely attaching the drawer slide within the cabinet without variation, thereby ensuring that drawers open and close smoothly and securely.

Abstract: A hand-held level and plumb tool that includes a homogeneous, L-shaped body, a first level indicating device, and a second level indicating device. The L-shaped body has first and second legs arranged at a 90° angle. The first leg defines an interior side, an exterior side, a central panel extending between the sides, and a length in extension of the first leg from the second leg to a free end. A slot is formed through a thickness of the central panel and extends along at least a majority of the length. The first level indicating device is assembled to the central panel of the first leg at a location spaced from the slot. The second level indicating device is assembled to the second leg. One or both of the legs can include measurement-related indicia selected in accordance with staircase construction standard dimensions.

Abstract: The Chappell Universal Square™ solves the problems associated with standard framing squares and provides a dynamic framing square bearing novel indicia and a novel arrangement of same for direct application to framing members during construction of complicated framing systems of equal and/or unequal pitched members. Typically, squares are limited to use with a single base unit of measurement, e.g. inches or millimeters, and provide limited tabulated information for use in calculating lengths, distances, and angles at which to cut framing members. The present invention is a tool that provides universal applicability for use in building both simple and complex structures according to metric and standard/imperial measurement systems. The present invention provides tabulated calculations aligned with indicia that enable construction of equal and complex unequal pitch framing members without necessitating the execution of complex trigonometric calculations.

Abstract: A collection of couplers and a corresponding coupling method that removably connect existing forensic scales to create a coupled scale, wherein a ruler arm of each scale is slidingly engaged in a track of the coupler that provides and maintains arm-to-arm angular accuracy for scales coupled in a fixed angle, co-planar joint, and measurement accuracy of scale markings across the joint. The track includes a lower surface; two laterally opposed parallel edge walls extending up from the lower surface and spaced apart by a dimension suitable for slidingly engaging a ruler arm width; holding tabs that extend laterally inward from both edge walls spaced above the lower surface by a dimension suitable for slidingly engaging a ruler arm thickness; an open end; and preferably a longitudinally distal registration stop. Two coupler tracks are joined with co-planar lower surfaces; and an edge wall of each joined at a fixed angle vertex.

Abstract: A square and leveling tool for measuring exterior and interior corners along buildings, corner posts, rafters, etc. The tool generally includes a first arm having measuring indicia disposed and a second arm having measuring indicia, wherein the second arm is angularly disposed from the first arm to form an approximate 90 degree angle with one another. An exterior corner section is pivotally connected to the first arm and the second arm along adjoining exterior edges, wherein the exterior corner section pivots to define an exterior notch adapted to flushly receive an interior corner for measuring and/or leveling. An interior corner notch is formed within adjoining interior edges of the first arm and the second arm to flushly receive an exterior corner post for measuring and/or leveling adjacent sides along the corner post. The tool may also include a plurality of levels for leveling the tool horizontally, vertically, etc.

Abstract: The framing square apparatus provides immediate visual confirmation of a square relationship between two spaced apart surfaces or points. A user need only visually reference the position of the line between squares of the apparatus to determine such. The apparatus is provided with two squares, three squares, or four squares. The number of squares determines the number of points that can be established in square relationship. The line is selectively tied or knotted through the orifice of each square, as desired. The apparatus saves considerable time in determining square between two points, surfaces, corners, or the like. And, using more than two squares provides reference of additional points.

Abstract: A tool for qualitatively measuring a feature of a skate blade.

Abstract: A dadoing system that can be set up to cut multiple dados in a workpiece. The dadoing system uses a sliding channel clamp to keep the workpiece from moving in a transverse direction, while the dados are being cut into the workpiece. The sliding guide rails are used to put downward pressure on a workpiece while guiding a router across the workpiece during the dadoing process. Once the system is set up to cut the dados in the desired locations on the workpiece, the sliding guide rail stops can be secured into place. The stops will insure that the sliding guide rails are set up in the same place thus allowing multiple workpieces to have matching dados that line up properly during assembly.

Abstract: The kit described herein may include a first measurement element capable of measuring in at least the x and y planes without substantially moving the element. The kit may further include a second measurement element capable of measuring in at least the x and y planes without substantially moving the second element. In one embodiment, the measuring element is substantially rectangular, has an internal opening and it includes at least a first axis along the x-axis and a second axis along the y-axis. In another embodiment, the measuring element comprises an “L” shape having a first axis along the x-axis and a second axis along the y-axis, wherein each axis has a length of more than 150 cm.

Abstract: A finger guard for use with a T-square having a head and a blade includes an elongated body, two finger-shielding surfaces extending along a longitudinal axis of said body for accommodating an installer's thumb, a lower edge on the body that is attachable to the blade of the T-square, and a peak edge opposite the lower edge and separating upper ends of the surfaces.

Abstract: A hoof pick measure tool that includes a hoof pick and a measuring body. The hoof pick may be used to remove foreign material from a horse's hoof. Additionally, the hoof pick measure tool further includes the measuring body. The measuring body includes at least one set of indicia linear measurement lines that allows a user to evaluate changes in dimensions of areas in the horse's hoof.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to products and methods for leveling, plumbing, squaring and a frame to a structure during its attachment.

Abstract: An alignment device including a body having an alignment edge configured to guide a cutting device, an extension portion pivotal relative to the alignment edge, and at least one cutting-line indicator configured to be selectively positioned on the extension portion and configured to indicate a cutting line for the cutting device. In some embodiments, the alignment device may include a plurality of pitch selectors configured to indicate a plurality of different angles, including a first pitch selector indicating a first angle. The body further may include a level indicator configured to identify whether a plank is at first angle when the first pitch selector is selected and the body is positioned in a pitch measurement position on the plank.

Abstract: A hand-held level and plumb tool that includes a homogeneous, L-shaped body, a first level indicating device, and a second level indicating device. The L-shaped body has first and second legs arranged at a 90° angle. The first leg defines an interior side, an exterior side, a central panel extending between the sides, and a length in extension of the first leg from the second leg to a free end. A slot is formed through a thickness of the central panel and extends along at least a majority of the length. The first level indicating device is assembled to the central panel of the first leg at a location spaced from the slot. The second level indicating device is assembled to the second leg. One or both of the legs can include measurement-related indicia selected in accordance with staircase construction standard dimensions.

Abstract: A tool for qualitatively measuring a feature of a skate blade.

Abstract: A tool for qualitatively measuring a feature of a skate blade.

Abstract: Easy Stairs is an L-shaped device having a diagonal sliding rod attached to the two sides. Connectors with locking devices allow the diagonal rod to firmly affix to the sides at various locations. To use Easy Stairs, a user adjusts the diagonal rod along the edge of a stringer. When it is in the correct position for the proper size stair, the lock lever is activated. A line can then be drawn on the inside edge of the device on both sides, forming the shape of the stair. The same stair size is then repeated as many times as is necessary to make a staircase of appropriate size.

Abstract: Slide mounting tools are disclosed, including a magnetic slide mounting tool having at least one magnet for mounting a slide to a surface. In one embodiment, a first section of a slide can be magnetically coupled to the slide mounting tool and installed on a stationary component. In one embodiment, at least one magnet is oriented substantially vertically on the slide mounting tool for magnetic coupling with the first section of the slide during installation of the section on edge against a vertical surface. The magnetic mounting tool thus allows, for the first time, a user to not only magnetically couple a stationary component section of virtually any type of slide to a stationary component, but provides a design that allows an extension slide to be extended while clamped to the stationary component, thus allowing a single user to align, clamp, extend and install a stationary component section of a slide without any outside assistance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combination tool for use by an individual workman, without resorting to assistance by another workman, for laying out horizontal and plumb lines in a confined space, such as that found in a shower stall, bathtub enclosure, or fireplace. The invention has a body in the shape of an isosceles triangle. Centrally positioned referencing levels align with the centerlines of each leg of the triangle. The referencing levels are duplicated in order to provide better accuracy of measurement. The tool is of sufficient thickness to allow the removable attachment of a chalk line clip to one of two blunted ends of the tool so that a single workman can extend and snap chalk lines on a surface of interest. A tiler may use the tool of the present invention to practice an inventive technique of laying tile in an efficient and aesthetically pleasing manner.

Abstract: An alignment device including a body having an alignment edge configured to guide a cutting device, an extension portion pivotal relative to the alignment edge, and at least one cutting-line indicator configured to be selectively positioned on the extension portion and configured to indicate a cutting line for the cutting device. In some embodiments, the alignment device may include a plurality of pitch selectors configured to indicate a plurality of different angles, including a first pitch selector indicating a first angle. The body further may include a level indicator configured to identify whether a plank is at first angle when the first pitch selector is selected and the body is positioned in a pitch measurement position on the plank.

Abstract: A rafter square is provided with a triangular base plate, having a flanged base edge portion, a side edge portion, and a hypotenuse edge portion. An extension arm is selectively movable from a retracted position, closely adjacent the hypotenuse edge, to an extended position that is in-line with, but extends beyond a distal end of the side edge. Various locking mechanisms are provided for selectively locking the extension arm in either or both of its retracted or extended positions.

Abstract: A layout tool and a means for using the tool to fabricate multi-segment elbows and offset joints from rectangular cross-section fibrous air ductboard material. The tool has a triangular main body having at least one structural feature that defines a plane. At least one flange is connected to the main body, is oriented substantially perpendicular to the main body plane, and forms the first side of the triangle. The main body includes a first outer straight edge extending at an angle of 67.50 degrees from the flange forming the second side of the triangle. A second outer straight edge extending at an angle of 78.75 degrees from the flange forms the third side of the triangle. An inner structure of the main body forms a straight edge perpendicular to the plane of the flange. The outer angled and interior straight edges enable 22.5- and 45-degree miter joints to be easily marked and cut in pre-formed fibrous air duct.

Abstract: A drywall square having a straight long arm of at least forty-eight inches. The long arm has a first end and a second end, wherein the long arm is segmented into a plurality of sections between those ends. A straight short arm intersects the long arm. A first hinged joint connects the first end of the long arm to the short arm. The first hinged joint enables the short arm to be oriented at a perpendicular to the long arm or folded in parallel atop the long arm. The sections of the long arm are also connected by hinged joints. This enables the sections of the long arm to be unfolded into a linear configuration or folded together into a neat stack. Connectors are also provided that are used to retain the square either in its fully open configuration or its fully folded configuration.

Abstract: A block positioning tool includes a first elongated member and a second elongated member attached together such that a L-shaped frame is formed. The frame has an upper surface and a bottom surface. The first and second elongated members each have a slot therein extending through the upper and bottom surfaces. Each of the first and second elongated members has an associated attached end and a free end. A plurality of position indicators is attached to and selectively moveable along a length of the slots. A primary anchor is attached to a bottom surface of the attached end. Each of a plurality of secondary anchors is attached to one of the position indicators and positioned adjacent to the bottom surface. Each of the secondary anchors and the primary anchor is removably positionable into depressions extending into an upper surface of pier blocks.

Abstract: A carpenter's layout tool has various measurements thereon, which measurements are used during stud wall construction. The tool has a pair of feet, each with a centrally disposed opening, the feet being joined at a lower surface of each by a connecting bar. The connecting bar has measurements, both left justified and right justified, for joining corner marks, corner marks, and intersecting wall marks, using either 2×4 or 2×6 inch construction. The tool is dimensioned so that the feet provide stud spacing with one of the openings in the respective foot being used for measurement initialization.

Abstract: A picture alignment and hanging device for aiding in the locating and marking of positions for a hook or nail on a wall for placing a picture or mirror thereon including an elongated vertical member having an alignment hole positioned therein and an attachment end located on a bottom end thereof. The vertical member includes a hook member formed on a front portion thereof for receiving and supporting a wire or hanger attached to a picture to be hung. On the back portion of the vertical member there are formed marking element receiving recesses for receiving a marking element such as a thumbtack, push-pin, or specially designed writing implement in a secure, yet removable, fashion for marking a wall on which a picture is to be hung.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a builder's measuring and marking tool is provided. The tool comprises a planar member having a right triangle configuration, including a first side edge, a second side edge extending normal to the first side edge, and a third side edge intersecting the first and second side edges to form a hypotenuse of the right triangle configuration. The tool also comprises an elongated aperture spaced apart inwardly from the third side edge and bounded by at least one straight edge parallel to the third side edge, and first hip and valley marking indicia formed along the at least one straight edge of the elongated aperture. In addition, the tool comprises an aperture having a first inner side edge parallel to the at least one straight edge of the elongated aperture and second hip and valley marking indicia formed along the first inner side edge.

Abstract: An adjustable door jamb setting jig for installing metal door frames in building structures. The adjustable door jamb setting jig includes a base frame being made of wood material; and also includes an extension frame being made of metal material and being extendable from and fastenable to the base frame; and further includes fastening members for fastening the extension frame to the base frame; and further includes magnets being attached to the base frame for holding the base frame to a metal door jamb.

Abstract: The present invention is a tool for scribing a paver. The tool allows for the alignment and scribing of rectangular pavers to be placed in an arc pattern. The tool includes an alignment head having a left end and a right end. A scribe guide extends from said alignment head, said scribed guide including a scribing side. A first guide pin extends from said right end of said alignment head and a second guide pin extends from said left end of said alignment head.

Abstract: A rafter tool and method includes a rafter square portion, a base portion, an extension member, an L-bar and a support bracket. The extension member, such as a string, may be wrapped within the base portion during storage of the rafter tool and can be extended between two points for laying out a rafter board. The square portion may be integrally attached to the base portion and is used for providing angular and distance measurements. The L-bar and support bracket can also be stored within the base portion and are used when laying out rafters. The method includes using a floor surface, a stud wall, or a building to lay out the rafter boards.

Abstract: The tool for locating a center mark for embroidery on articles such as garments includes a planar body having orthogonally-related legs with respective exterior and interior edges. Index markings are provided on the legs along the linear edges. The index markings include indicia identifying a plurality of corresponding preestablished garment sizes along the linear extending edges, respectively. By aligning common selected sizes along the edges with the vertical centerline of a folded garment and a shoulder portion of the garment, respectively, the location of the embroiderer's center mark on the garment is identified at the intersection of the linear edges. The interior edges of the tool may also used to form marking lines where conventional hoop grids are not available.

Abstract: A measurement or marking tool such as a roofer's square having a right triangular configuration'including a first straight edge having an abutment ledge therealong'a second straight edge extending at a right angle to the first straight edge, and a third straight edge forming the hypotenuse extending between the first and second straight edges'a linear measurement scale along the second straight edge and a diamond shaped aperture adjacent to the second straight edge located at a distance of three and a half inches from the intersection of the first and second straight edges'having a configuration and dimension to snugly receive the elongated lead point of a carpenter's pencil in such diamond shaped aperture to mark on a work piece such as a piece of lumber on which the tool or roofer's square is placed.

Abstract: A universal anchor bolt template including a plate member having a square configuration. The plate member has planar upper and lower surfaces. The plate member has a plurality of apertures therethrough arranged in at least one group of four radial aperture lines. The apertures are spaced along each of the aperture lines in the group at corresponding distances, such that the use of corresponding apertures allows the anchoring bolts to be positioned in a square configuration with a selected center-to-center distance. Each of the apertures is surrounded by at least one concentric knock-out for allowing the apertures to be enlarged for the use of larger anchoring bolts than could be accommodated by the apertures.

Abstract: A squaring tool formed of a flat piece of rigid material having a primary “L” configuration, including a first horizontal blade and a first vertical tongue, said first horizontal blade and said first vertical tongue lying in a common plane and intersecting at a perfect 90° right angle. A secondary “L” shaped form is included having a second horizontal blade and a second vertical tongue, with the second horizontal blade and the second vertical tongue also lying in a common plane and also intersecting at a perfect 90° right angle. The second horizontal blade extends from an inside edge of the first vertical tongue such that all blades and tongues lie in a common plane and the second horizontal blade is parallel to and spaced below the first horizontal blade, and the second vertical tongue is parallel to and spaced from the first vertical tongue.

Abstract: A multipurpose tool to facilitate installation of deck construction includes a main body portion having at least one structural feature that defines a plane. At least one flange is coupled to the main body portion and is oriented substantially perpendicular to the plane. The flange may be used to maintain consistent spacing between decking planks during assembly. The tool also may be used to strike lines, space fasteners, maintain baluster spacing, identify distances and angles, and indicate levels.

Abstract: A measuring device is used to orient and place portions of obstacles, such as pipes, conduits or the like and includes a framing square having an alignment bracket mounted thereon. The alignment bracket abuts one of the obstacles and one leg of the framing square is located adjacent to the other obstacle. The framing square then defines the location and path for a coupling element, such as an elbow or the like, used to couple the obstacles together.

Abstract: A device or tool setter has the purpose of setting the position of a support bar, adjustably connected to a grinding machine, in relation to a rotatable grindstone of the machine for obtaining a desired edge angle of a tool supported for grinding by the support bar. The device is provided with discs for defining two contact points with the grindstone and a hole for connection to the support bar.