Multiplane Patents (Class 33/481)
  • Patent number: 11878407
    Abstract: Calibrated layout tools with calibrated offset surfaces to provide for the collinear marking of a workpiece or multiple workpieces are disclosed. The calibrated layout tools allow for accurate marking of work pieces such as the precise layout and marking of dovetail joints for example. The calibrated layout tools provide a new and efficient approach to laying out and marking joinery without common and frequently occurring measurement errors. The calibrated layout tools accommodate various joint geometries, including size, spacing and angle for use in a variety of applications ranging from small decorative objects like jewel boxes to large-scale traditional construction methods like timber framing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Multistitch Photographic Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Joseph Winiarski
  • Patent number: 11465437
    Abstract: A speed square is provided including a triangular flat plate having measurement markings indicated on at least one face, a T bar affixed to, and extending along, the length of a first side of the triangular flat plate, and an extension element hingedly connected to an end of second side of the triangular flat plate opposite the T bar. The extension element having measurement markings indicated on at least one face, such that the measurement markings of the triangular flat face continue on the extension element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Apex Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Brendan Michael Walsh, Timothy T. McKenzie
  • Patent number: 11045943
    Abstract: A layout and measurement tool for measuring and marking the edge of a piece of stock may have a first arm extending from a central portion in a horizontal plane and a second arm extending from the central portion in a vertical plane allowing for simultaneous measurement and marking of the top face of the stock piece and the side of the stock piece without the need to move or reposition the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: WOODPECKERS, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Charles Cross, Richard M. Hummel
  • Patent number: 9791255
    Abstract: A gutter marking template set includes a right-handed gutter marking template and a left-handed gutter marking template, each including a template frame having a first template frame surface and a second template frame surface. The template frame may include a main frame member having a first main frame member end and a second main frame member end. A first frame member may be carried by the main frame member and may have a first frame member surface extending between and at a cut angle with respect to the first template frame surface and the second template frame surface. A second frame member may be carried by the main frame member in spaced-apart relationship to the first frame member. The second frame member may have a second frame member surface extending between and at the cut angle with respect to the first template frame surface and the second template frame surface and parallel to the first frame member surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Inventor: Danny J. Mills
  • Patent number: 9212886
    Abstract: A device for marking an indicator on a face of a golf club head in order to facilitate alignment of a golf club and body position of a golfer with a target line. The device includes a graduation element configured to measure the length of a groove on the face of the golf club head in order to find a midpoint of the groove, a tab component protruding from a surface of the device configured to be inserted into a groove of the face of the golf club head, and a marking component defined by an aperture extending through the device used to mark an indicator being formed vertically through the midpoint on the face of the golf club head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Inventor: Christopher J Butirro
  • Patent number: 8661699
    Abstract: A framing tool, namely framing square, is provided with an offset at the proximal ends of the two blades, so that the blades lie in parallel planes. This tool facilitates measuring and marking tubular beams, i.e., beams of generally square or rectangular cross section, but which may have rounded or radiused edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: John Vadala
  • Publication number: 20130219727
    Abstract: The invention provides squaring tool comprising at least two members operatively associated with one another to form at least a 90 degree angle, wherein each member comprises at least three arms such that the arms of each member define at least two channels along each member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Paul Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8307564
    Abstract: A deck building assist tool includes a panel that has a top side, a bottom side, a first edge, a second edge, and a third edge. A first line is coextensive with the first edge and a second line is coextensive with the second edge. The first and second lines intersect each other and are orientated perpendicular with respect to each other. A spacing plate extends downwardly from the bottom side. A plane of the spacing plate is orientated parallel to the second line and is positionable between adjacent planks to indicate correct spacing between the adjacent planks. The panel has a pair of openings therein. The spacing plate has a front edge directed forward and spaced from the first edge. The front edge is spaced from the first edge to correctly position the openings over a joist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Danny A. Heaton
  • Patent number: 8256125
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a sliding square that can be slipped over a standard retractable tape measure that is extendable perpendicularly to abutment wall allowing 0-90 degrees angle lines to be scribed at measured distances from the end of a work piece. Sliding Square also may include a depth gage, bubble levels on the x and y planes, a protractor scale along with linear dimensions along its right angle straight edge side and standard rafter pitch angles to be defined. Abutment wall t's into base 32 extending equally above and below base so that it functions right side up from the left side of a work piece or flipped over from the right side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: Clifford J. Jarzynka, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7979998
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventor: Neil Ziegmann
  • Patent number: 7748420
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Steven Palmer Young
  • Patent number: 7698828
    Abstract: A safety rule includes a rule body, which has a stop flange protruded from and extending along one long side thereof, a protective plate, which has one long side pivotally coupled to the rule body so that the protective plate can be set in a collapsed position and closely attached to the top surface of the rule body when the safety rule is not in use or lifted from the rule body to a lifted position for protecting the user's hand to avoid accidental hand injury when the safety rule is used to guide a cutter in cutting a sheet member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Shao-Tsung Wei
  • Patent number: 7591076
    Abstract: A universal squaring jig which may be used when welding various workpieces in perpendicular orientation. The squaring jig has two workpiece holders attached together by one or more support members. Each holder has three mating surfaces. The first and second mating surfaces together form a perpendicular interior corner. The first and third mating surfaces form a perpendicular exterior corner. Magnets are placed on both the first and third mating surfaces to hold workpieces in mating contact with the surfaces of the squaring jig during welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventor: William Frank Varnedoe
  • Patent number: 7281338
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: NPZ Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Ziegmann, Jeff Ziegmann
  • Patent number: 7114264
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventors: Harold J. Hurley, Rebbecca K. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 7096592
    Abstract: A stairway can be constructed by using movable tread/riser supports placed along a stairway stringer and the supports can be moved as a group or individually to accommodate a stairway slope of any desired degree. It is desirable to mark a stringer for the uniform equal spacing of the location for the tread/risers and to establish the pivot positions for mounting the supports on the stringer. The present invention is an apparatus that will permit a user to locate the desired pivot holes equally spaced and aligned along a stringer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Richard Truckner
  • Patent number: 6996911
    Abstract: A square that includes two rigid, channeled members having an interior and an exterior, with the two members being joined at a ninety-degree angle to form a one-piece L-shaped tool having an elbow and a notch disposed on an exterior corner opposite the elbow. The invention also features a bubble level attached to the exterior of each member and a releasable adhesive member disposed upon the interior of each member, such as magnets, tapes, or adhesive plastic materials. Methods for pipe-fitting and for holding pipes or joints in place with the invention are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Michael J. Dinius
  • Patent number: 6918187
    Abstract: A multi plane plumb level includes an elongated rigid frame having an X shaped cross section having four walls that are rigidly joined along an elongated central portion of the X shaped cross section and extend outward from the elongated central portion of the X shaped cross section and six level indicating bubble vials that are mounted on front and back sides of the frame in opposing pairs. A pair of flip out transversely oriented bubble vials rotates from secured positions within the front and back sides to extended positions, forming extensions of frame walls to facilitate the leveling of posts, pipes and edges. The remaining two pairs of bubble vials provide level measurements in the longitudinal direction and at a 45 degree angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventor: Brent Schaefer
  • Patent number: 6886268
    Abstract: A siding installation tool is provided comprising a main body portion including a spacing flange. The spacing flange includes a hook member disposed to hang the tool from a top edge of a first siding panel and a seat member disposed to receive the bottom edge of a second siding panel, wherein the flange portion is sized to provide a partial overlap of the first siding panel by the second siding panel when the tool is attached to the first siding panel by the hook member and the second siding panel is seated in the seat. The tool also includes measuring means located on the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Certainteed Corporation
    Inventor: Rick James Morse
  • Patent number: 6868616
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventor: James S. Allemand
  • Patent number: 6839977
    Abstract: A stariway can be constructed by using movable tread/riser supports placed along a stairway stringer and the supports can be moved as a group or individually to accomodate a stairway slope of any desired degree. It is desirable to mark a stringer for the uniform equal spacing of the location for the tread/risers and to establish the pivot positions for mounting the supports on the stringer. The present invention is an apparatus that will permit a user to locate the desired pivot holes equally spaced and aligned along a stringer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: E Z Stairs, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Truckner
  • Patent number: 6757983
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: George L. Moon
  • Patent number: 6729033
    Abstract: A generally L-shaped workpiece positioning tool is provided having a base and sidewalls, said base and sidewalls having unobstructed ends and the sidewalls having a void therebetween to space apart the sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Eugene Jevons, Sharon Dian Lee
  • Patent number: 6622395
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas B. Hickey
  • Publication number: 20030140512
    Abstract: A generally L-shaped workpiece positioning tool is provided having a base and sidewalls, said base and sidewalls having unobstructed ends and the sidewalls having a void therebetween to space apart the sidewalls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Robert Eugene Jevons, Sharon Dian Lee
  • Patent number: 6591511
    Abstract: An improved framing square having integral features for automating the marking and cutting of angles. The square contains two sliding carriages—one in the body and one in the blade. Each carriage has a deployable pin. In order to set an angle, the user first deploys the pins in each sliding carriage so that they protrude downward from the square. Next, the user sets the sliding carriage in the body to the desired position and locks it in place. The user then sets the sliding carriage in the blade to the desired position and locks it in place. The two pins protruding from the sliding carriages are then butted against the board to be cut. Once they are in place, the blade of the square will form the correct cutting angle across the board. Since many common cuts employ a twelve inch base leg, the invention includes another feature: Rather than set the sliding carriage within the body to twelve inches, the user may opt instead to deploy a fixed pin located in the body at the twelve inch position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Trinvent, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy B. Carroll, John Wiley Horton, Stephen M. Marshall
  • Patent number: 6578279
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: George L. Moon
  • Patent number: 6494015
    Abstract: A tool used to install pickets on the railing of a deck. The railing of a deck comprises two horizontal support members and a plurality of pickets. The device has a rearward surface that is adapted to engage a picket or support post. There are two indicating locations on the tool that correspond to the correct location of a second picket to be installed. Indicating marks are made on a horizontal support member and the second picket is placed in between the indicating marks and attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventor: Bill S. Critchlow
  • Publication number: 20020166250
    Abstract: A guiding device wherein an illustrated embodiment of the guiding device includes an elongated finger-resting surface, an elongated upstanding section, and an elongated first scale-supporting section. The upstanding section is positioned between the first scale-supporting section and the finger-resting section. The first scale is an elongated, narrow strip having a first scale surface rigidly and unreleasably attached to the first scale-supporting section of the second portion. The first scale has a second scale surface opposite to the first scale surface. The second scale surface has first indicia to indicate predetermined lengths along the first scale. The finger-resting surface permits fingers of a user gripping the guiding device to be positioned on the finger-resting surface while being protected from an implement by the upstanding section during movement of the implement along the guiding device, adjacent the first scale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Eduardo J. Jimenez, Dan Seymour, Terry Prive, Miguel Mistal, John C. Murray
  • Patent number: 6415520
    Abstract: A tool for facilitating accurate placement and installation of crown molding at an intersection of a ceiling and wall, the crown molding having a wall-engaging portion and a ceiling-engaging portion. The tool includes first and second extension arms, each extension arm having respective inner and outer major surfaces and respective proximal and distal ends. The first and second extension arms are connected together at their respective proximal ends such that their respective inner major surfaces face each other at right angles for receiving and orienting a sample section of the crown molding. The sample section includes a first longitudinal side edge representing the wall-engaging portion of the crown molding for residing adjacent the first extension arm and a opposing second longitudinal side edge representing the ceiling-engaging portion of the crown molding for residing adjacent the second extension arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas Locklear
  • Patent number: 6349479
    Abstract: A ruler that guides a blade and provides shielding protection from the blade for the hand of a user not holding the blade, not only when the blade is drawn along the ruler and cuts a sheet of material, but also if the blade should be lifted and accidentally dropped during use. The ruler includes a base a shield, and successive numerical indicia. The base has an uppermost surface with a first recess therein that extends a substantial amount thereof and which is completely filled with a first pad of anti-skip material that provides cushioned comfort for, and prevents the hand of the user not holding the blade from skipping along the base when stabilizing and holding the ruler down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Philip M. Bottega
  • Patent number: 6314652
    Abstract: A multi-purpose, multi-function tool of compact design made up of a plurality of components having levels thereon which interact together to provide a single tool which can perform a number of various functions or purposes within the design or construction industry. The tool having a support of predetermined thickness and being of a substantially triangular-shaped configuration defining a pair of legs and a hypotenuse. An edge member is situated on one of the legs of said support structure, the edge member being of a predetermined thickness greater than the predetermined thickness of the support structure for supporting the support structure on a surface. A rotatable member is pivotally mounted on the support structure for selective rotational movement with respect thereto and a curved extension protruding from the rotatable member having degree and rise markings thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Versa Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John T. English
  • Patent number: 6308699
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel template which allows an installer to easily and quickly form accurate markings on a concrete brick so that the brick can be cut in a precise manner to be used in a driveway pattern, a sidewalk pattern, or the like. The template includes a frame and a planar plate. The plate has a plurality of slots formed therethrough. The template is positioned on a brick such that the plate sits on the top of the brick and the frame abuts against the sides of the brick. The installer then uses a marking tool to mark the desired cut or cuts by running the tool along the length of one slot or the slots. The template is then removed and the brick is cut accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Mark R. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 6272758
    Abstract: The present invention is a steelworker's layout tool for use in laying out the bolt and weld patterns used to connect steel structural members and in fitting up these members. Preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise parallel arms which are spaced apart at distances which correspond to standard bolt spacing distances and which can be used to measure around the protruding flanges on steel members with channel shapes, I shapes or other cross-sectional variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Gene R. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6098302
    Abstract: A template system for rafters for roof construction includes a plurality of individual templates, each dedicated to a single roof pitch. Each template is formed from a plastic material to have a base and a flange attached to the base by a living hinge formed in the plastic material. The flange allows convenience in positioning the template on a rafter stock in a position best suited to the user's own position. The edges of the template are oriented relative to the hinge to provide marking guides for various cuts for common, valley, hip, and jack rafters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Edgar T. Gilliam
  • Bat
    Patent number: 5802730
    Abstract: A new Bat for measuring and facilitating marking the interior surfaces of an angled work piece, such as angle iron, which cannot be measured or marked by a conventional square because of arcuate corners and formed edges. The inventive device includes a first plate having a slanted edge, a first member secured to the first plate, a second member secured to the first member forming a syncline shape or V-shape which receives the arcuate corners and formed edges, and a second plate secured to said second member where the second plate is orthogonally aligned with respect to the first plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Robert A. Gomes
  • Patent number: 5797192
    Abstract: A guide device for securing carpet to a floor incorporates an elongated main body having an aligning edge portion for positionally aligning with a Z-bar secured to a floor to be carpeted, and an elongated vertical edge element operatively secured to a top surface of the main body and extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the main body. The vertical edge element is positioned a predetermined distance from the aligning edge portion along an entire length of the main body. In operation, the aligning edge portion of the guide device is positionally aligned with a bend portion of a Z-bar secured to a floor to be carpeted. A carpet to be secured with the Z-bar is laid on top of the Z-bar and the guide device. The carpet is then cut along the vertical edge element of the guide device, wherein a remaining portion of the carpet extends approximately the predetermined distance beyond the bend portion of the Z-bar. Finally, the remaining portion of the carpet is secured underneath the Z-bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: Michael Curtis
  • Patent number: 5787599
    Abstract: A layout and guide tool in which a coilable tape measure is disposed on a base to serve as a template for marking a workpiece or fashioning the workpiece with a tool. The layout tool has a guide to align the tool with the workpiece so that the integral template is in known orientation to the workpiece, and witness marks from which to read a direct numerical measurement of the distance from the end of the workpiece to the relevant work point or layout point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Norman L. Clifton
  • Patent number: 5768791
    Abstract: A ruler assembly comprises a transparent overlay, an L-shaped flange having transverse and parallel legs, and fasteners for attaching the overlay to the flange. The overlay is attached to the parallel leg of the flange such that the edge of the overlay along its length is adjacent to the transverse leg of the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: The Fastalign Ruler Company
    Inventor: Jay Clark V
  • Patent number: 5727325
    Abstract: A multipurpose square (20A) (20B) which performs and simplifies many of the tasks previously accomplished by the use of multiple tools including the framing square, try square, combination square, layout square, and protractor. The square includes indicia in calibrated scales for rafter, angle, and linear measurements. The square has a profile which facilitates the rapid marking of layouts for various standard dimensional construction materials as well as marking cuts for stair stringers and bond timbers. The square is configured to allow it to be "holstered" or carried in the pockets of standard tool aprons so as to be readily accessible to the tradesman.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Barry D. Mussell
  • Patent number: 5497558
    Abstract: A drafting instrument is disclosed that functions as a protractor, compass, T-square and ruler. The instrument is especially adaptable for use on dry erase boards, chalkboards and tables Apertures disposed in the ruler portion of the instrument accommodate pen tips and facilitate the drawing of arcs, circles and parallel lines. The preferred embodiment of the instrument is two-piece with a uni-body instrument and a suction cup pivotally attached to the underside thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Sanford Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Wagner
  • Patent number: 5491905
    Abstract: A jig for installing spindles has a base member, a jig alignment guide attached to the base member, and a spindle alignment guide secured to the base member. The spindle alignment guide is shaped to align an unsecured spindle in parallel relation to an adjacent spindle at a predetermined distance from the adjacent spindle while simultaneously positioning the unsecured spindle at a desired height in relation to a reference surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Jablonski, Roger A. Dosdall, Mitchell R. Boldt
  • Patent number: 5456015
    Abstract: A multipurpose rectangular layout Ultra-square which incorporates attributes of a triangular shaped-square, Carpenter-square and is designed for use in conjunction with a conventional tape measure. The tape measure is attached in such a way that it forms a right angle to the layout square for measuring distances for a framing layout, enabling a user to mark multiple parallel lines in a perpendicular direction at specified distances measured from the end of the tape. The square has indicia in calibrated scales for rafter, angle and linear measurements. The squares base extends elongated. A guide is attached at a right angle and perpendicular to the base. The base and guide have edges and notches for dimensional marking and indicia placement. Some of these edges are used to significantly reduce the steps required for rafter layout. The square is dimensioned to compliment the size of standard material used in construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Applied Concepts Engineering
    Inventors: Richard L. Butcher, Michael P. Tedsen
  • Patent number: 5396710
    Abstract: A generally U-shaped carpentry building tool is provided, which includes a reference plate member for placement on one or more building members and having an inner edge and outer marking edge; a first marking guide arm connected at 90.degree. to one end of the reference plate member; a second marking guide arm connected at 90.degree. to the other end of the reference plate member to form a generally U-shaped tool; a first lip member connected to one edge of the reference plate member to form a first right angle, corner-engaging member for engaging the corner of the one or more building members to properly position the reference plate member relative to the one or more building members; and a second lip member connected at 90.degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Patrick Battaglia
  • Patent number: 5396707
    Abstract: A tool for use in hanging a door, the tool comprising in combination a border element having a vertical component, a horizontal component, a first surface, a second surface, and a peripheral edge interconnecting the first and second surfaces with the peripheral edge having an inner extent defining the angle between the components and an outer extent formed opposite the inner extent; a plurality of vertical slots formed through the vertical component of the border element; a plurality of horizontal slots formed through the horizontal component of the border element; and a plurality of spacing tabs, the number of spacing tabs corresponding to the total number of horizontal and vertical slots, each tab adapted to be received within one of the horizontal or vertical slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Danny Blase
  • Patent number: 5361510
    Abstract: A picture frame hanging wire applicator tool includes an elongated body member, an end member attached to and projecting transversely from an end of the body member for holding the body member in relation to a top edge of a picture frame, and a series of longitudinally-spaced apart protuberances in the form of pegs carried along a front side of the body member. Each of the pegs carried by the body member provides a means for retaining a picture frame hanging wire at an apex point which is at a known distance from the top edge of the picture frame. Indicia labels can be provided on the back side of the frame for recording the distance between the hanging wire apex point and the top edge of the picture frame for use by the end user or person who later will hang the picture frame at a desired location on a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventor: John W. Cox
  • Patent number: 5349758
    Abstract: A woodworking square having multiple uses. The square may be used to locate long and short points for trimming an opening and may be used to locate pitch line for rafters in a quick, efficient manner. The device also serves as a arc or circle drawing instrument. The device includes ledges so that it may slide against a straight edge and perform a cut or draw a line parallel to the straight edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Inventor: Michael Bear
  • Patent number: 5293694
    Abstract: The devices disclosed herein are designed for the purpose of properly spacing tile from each other to provide the desired width of space between tiles to give the desired grout line. The first device has a length sufficient to span the length or width of at least three tiles and likewise has a lip extending downward from a linear edge thereof. The second device has a lip extending downward from a flat rectangular plate having a length shorter than the length of the individual tiles. Both of these lips have identical thicknesses to give the desired grouting space between individual tiles. In preferred modifications of these first and second devices a second lip extends upwardly at the opposite parallel edge from the edge having the first lip. By having the thickness of this second lip of a different thickness from that of the first lip, the second lip can be converted to a downwardly extending lip by inverting the devices and used to give a different dimension to the width of the grout line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Inventor: James Swindle
  • Patent number: 5203090
    Abstract: A tool and method for making a longitudinal mark on, or cut through, a piece of siding. The tool includes an upper plate portion and a lower plate portion, with a step therebetween, which is adapted to fit onto a piece of siding having an upper panel and a lower panel, with a ridge therebetween. The upper and lower plate portions each have a series of openings in predetermined locations along the length of the tool. The tool is used by engaging the step with the ridge of the piece of siding, such that the upper plate portion of the tool is located against the upper panel of the siding and the lower plate portion of the tool against the bottom panel of the siding. A pencil is placed through a selected one of the openings, and the tool and pencil are then moved along the siding while maintaining the step in engagement with the ridge. The ridge of the siding is thus used as a guide in making a longitudinal mark on the siding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Inventors: Bill R. Bouska, Douglas L. Sevey
  • Patent number: 5199179
    Abstract: The measuring tool includes a pair of measuring sections pivotally hinged one to the other. Each section includes a flat plate mounted for pivotal movement about an axis normal to the hinge axis. Frictional locking means lock each plate in adjusted pivotal positions about its axis. A frictional locking means also locks the pivoted sections one to the other in adjusted positions about the hinge axis. The plates contain measuring indicia and are slidable linearly in a direction parallel to the axis about which the plates are pivoted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Inventor: Stuart K. Baker