US20090031577A1 - Adjustable carpenters square with tape measure - Google Patents

Adjustable carpenters square with tape measure Download PDF

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Publication number
US20090031577A1
US20090031577A1 US11/830,526 US83052607A US2009031577A1 US 20090031577 A1 US20090031577 A1 US 20090031577A1 US 83052607 A US83052607 A US 83052607A US 2009031577 A1 US2009031577 A1 US 2009031577A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
tape
holder
adjustable
piece
tape holder
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Granted
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US11/830,526
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US7484313B1 (en
Inventor
James A. Ogilvie
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Individual
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Priority to US11/830,526 priority Critical patent/US7484313B1/en
Priority to US12/141,171 priority patent/US7676950B2/en
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Publication of US7484313B1 publication Critical patent/US7484313B1/en
Publication of US20090031577A1 publication Critical patent/US20090031577A1/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
    • G01B3/00—Measuring instruments characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
    • G01B3/56—Gauges for measuring angles or tapers, e.g. conical calipers
    • G01B3/566—Squares
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25H—WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT, e.g. FOR MARKING-OUT WORK; STORAGE MEANS FOR WORKSHOPS
    • B25H7/00—Marking-out or setting-out work
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43L—ARTICLES FOR WRITING OR DRAWING UPON; WRITING OR DRAWING AIDS; ACCESSORIES FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
    • B43L7/00—Straightedges
    • B43L7/005—Straightedges combined with other drawing aids
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43L—ARTICLES FOR WRITING OR DRAWING UPON; WRITING OR DRAWING AIDS; ACCESSORIES FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
    • B43L7/00—Straightedges
    • B43L7/10—Plural straightedges relatively movable
    • B43L7/12—Square and pivoted straightedges
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
    • G01B3/00—Measuring instruments characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
    • G01B3/10—Measuring tapes
    • G01B3/1084—Tapes combined with arrangements for functions other than measuring lengths
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
    • G01B3/00—Measuring instruments characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
    • G01B3/10—Measuring tapes
    • G01B3/1084—Tapes combined with arrangements for functions other than measuring lengths
    • G01B3/1089—Tapes combined with arrangements for functions other than measuring lengths for marking, drawing or cutting

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to apparatuses for measuring a work piece, providing means for layout markings, combined with a retractable tape measure.
  • a tape measure to measure the piece, a square for making a reliable mark, and a straight edge to draw the mark.
  • a retractable tape measure usually metal, is used to set the marks based on length from one end of the piece.
  • a workman often has three or more instruments or tools to help with these tasks, including a straight edge, a retractable tape, a square and a marker (pencil or pen).
  • the present invention consists of a simple piece of metal stock, aluminum or steel, that has a retractable metal tape holder at one end, a guide channel to guide the tape, a straight edge on its underside, and an adjustable t-square that can be set at a plurality of predetermined angles.
  • the square arms are locked in place with a retractable ball bearing and can be easily moved.
  • the present invention meets the need for a combined hand tool that can perform the indicated functions, can be carried on a belt, is lightweight and durable.
  • the adjustable T-square can be locked firmly at various useful angles and help control the marking function without the use of a protractor.
  • FIG. 1 Perspective view of the invention
  • FIG. 2 Reverse perspective view of the invention
  • FIG. 3 Perspective view of invention underside
  • the invention 100 in its preferred embodiment is comprised of a tape holder 101 , a tape guide 110 , a retractable tape cassette 103 , two square arms 102 , a measuring tape 104 , a straight edge 108 , two square arm pivots 107 , a plurality of guide holes 106 , and two retractable bearings 105 .
  • the tape holder 101 extends the length of the invention 100 and serves as the bottom of a channel formed by the tape holder 101 and the tape guide 110 .
  • the measuring tape 104 is extended from the retractable tape cassette 103 and extends past the edge of the tape holder 101 , able to be pulled further out and used to measure any product to be cut or fastened. The measuring tape 104 will retract and stop such that the bent end of the measuring tape 104 encounters the end of the tape holder.
  • the underside of the invention 100 possesses a straight edge 108 extending the length of the tape holder 101 .
  • This edge can be used to guide a marking implement (pencil or pen) when drawing between marks on the product.
  • the square arms 102 are attached to the tape holder 101 by means of two square arm pivots 107 , and are permitted to rotate easily.
  • the square arms 102 are adjustable in their rotation by means of the preset guide holes 106 .
  • a spring loaded retractable bearing 105 permits the arm to be positioned at each of the available angles, and when an arm 102 is moved forcibly, the retractable bearing 105 is pushed down until the next guide hole 106 is presented, whereupon the bearing pops up to fill it, holding the square arm 102 in place.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Tape Measures (AREA)

Abstract

An adjustable carpenters square is presented, which aids carpenters in marking and measuring work product to be cut or formed. The adjustable square can be set at a variety of angles to enable cut marking. It also possesses an attached measuring tape and a straight edge to combine three useful features in one tool.

Description

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention relates to apparatuses for measuring a work piece, providing means for layout markings, combined with a retractable tape measure.
    • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • To prepare wood or other materials for cutting or routing, the workman uses a tape measure to measure the piece, a square for making a reliable mark, and a straight edge to draw the mark. A retractable tape measure, usually metal, is used to set the marks based on length from one end of the piece. A workman often has three or more instruments or tools to help with these tasks, including a straight edge, a retractable tape, a square and a marker (pencil or pen).
  • Combining a set of these tools into a single item that can be easily carried has been approached in the art, for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,787,599 to Clifton, which teaches a combination square and tape measure, with an embedded protractor to set the square at various angles to help in drawing diagonal lines. Other patents such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,226,885 to Korich and U.S. Pat. No. 5,782,007 to Harris teach similar tool sets, with variations.
  • There is till a need for a combination tool that supports the three functions of measuring, marking, and drawing that is reliable and sturdy.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention consists of a simple piece of metal stock, aluminum or steel, that has a retractable metal tape holder at one end, a guide channel to guide the tape, a straight edge on its underside, and an adjustable t-square that can be set at a plurality of predetermined angles. The square arms are locked in place with a retractable ball bearing and can be easily moved.
  • The present invention meets the need for a combined hand tool that can perform the indicated functions, can be carried on a belt, is lightweight and durable. The adjustable T-square can be locked firmly at various useful angles and help control the marking function without the use of a protractor.
    • OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
  • It is an object of the present invention to provide a measuring and marking tool utilizing a conventional retractable tape measure in combination with a straightedge and a T-square.
  • It is a further object of the invention to provide such a tool made from simple materials requiring the minimum amount of machining and assembly.
  • It is a further object of the invention to provide such a tool capable of marking materials at a variety of preset, useful angles.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
  • FIG. 1. Perspective view of the invention
  • FIG. 2. Reverse perspective view of the invention
  • FIG. 3. Perspective view of invention underside
    •  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3 the invention 100 in its preferred embodiment is comprised of a tape holder 101, a tape guide 110, a retractable tape cassette 103, two square arms 102, a measuring tape 104, a straight edge 108, two square arm pivots 107, a plurality of guide holes 106, and two retractable bearings 105.
  • The tape holder 101 extends the length of the invention 100 and serves as the bottom of a channel formed by the tape holder 101 and the tape guide 110. The measuring tape 104 is extended from the retractable tape cassette 103 and extends past the edge of the tape holder 101, able to be pulled further out and used to measure any product to be cut or fastened. The measuring tape 104 will retract and stop such that the bent end of the measuring tape 104 encounters the end of the tape holder.
  • The underside of the invention 100 possesses a straight edge 108 extending the length of the tape holder 101. This edge can be used to guide a marking implement (pencil or pen) when drawing between marks on the product.
  • The square arms 102 are attached to the tape holder 101 by means of two square arm pivots 107, and are permitted to rotate easily. The square arms 102 are adjustable in their rotation by means of the preset guide holes 106. A spring loaded retractable bearing 105 permits the arm to be positioned at each of the available angles, and when an arm 102 is moved forcibly, the retractable bearing 105 is pushed down until the next guide hole 106 is presented, whereupon the bearing pops up to fill it, holding the square arm 102 in place.
  • Although the invention has been described as a preferred embodiment, equivalent features may be employed and substitutions made within this specification without departing from the scope of the invention as recited in the claims.

Claims (4)

1. an adjustable carpenters square, the carpenters square comprised of a tape holder and a tape cassette, the tape holder possessing an upper side and an under side, the tape holder an elongated rectangular piece of material,
the tape holder upper side possessing a tape cassette holder to which the tape cassette is attached removably, the tape holder upper side also possessing a tape guide which extends the length of the tape holder from the tape cassette holder to the end of the tape holder, the tape guide an angled piece of material open at one side,
the tape cassette possessing a long, flexible measuring tape that can be pulled out of the tape cassette and extended through the tape guide to the end of the tape holder,
the tape holder under side possessing a straight edge raised above the surface of the tape holder under side, extending from one end of the tape holder underside to the other along the longer dimension,
the tape holder under side possessing two adjustable arms, each arm attached at the end of the tape holder underside away from the tape cassette holder, each adjustable arm attached rotatably to the tape holder underside by means of a pivot point, the pivot points place on either side of the straight edge, the adjustable arms each possessing a plurality of guide holes punched through their material in a semi circle, the positioning of the guide holes at regular angular displacements around the pivot point,
the underside of the tape holder possessing two spring-loaded bearings, each spring loaded bearing placed on the tape holder underside such that the bearing will push up through the guide holes when the adjustable arm is positioned at a preselected angle with respect to the pivot point,
the adjustable arms held adjustably and firmly by means of the spring-loaded bearing extending upwards through the guide holes.
2. An adjustable carpenters square as in claim 1 where the material comprising the tape holder is selected from the list of steel, aluminum, or plastic.
3. A method of using an adjustable carpenters square as in claim 1 and claim 2, the method comprised of the steps of
obtaining a piece of material to measure,
extending the flexible measuring tape from the end of the tape cassette through the tape guide past the end of the tape holder to the end of the piece of material,
hooking the end of the tape over the end of the piece of material,
laying the adjustable carpenters square along the piece of material and extend the tape by pulling the adjustable carpenters square away from the end of the piece of material to the other end of the material,
marking the piece of material at an appropriate point along the flexible measuring tape,
allowing the flexible measuring tape to retract until the end of the tape hooks over the end of the tape holder.
4. A method of using an adjustable carpenters square as in claim 1 and claim 2, the method comprised of the steps of
opening up one of the adjustable arms, comprised of the substeps of pulling on the end of the adjustable arm away from the pivot point, positioning the adjustable arm such that the retractible bearing pushes up through one of the guide holes,
placing the adjustable arm alongside an edge of the piece of material to be measured such that the straight edge extends across the piece of material at the desired angle,
drawing a line along the straight edge from one side of the material to the other.
US11/830,526 2007-07-30 2007-07-30 Adjustable carpenters square with tape measure Expired - Fee Related US7484313B1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/830,526 US7484313B1 (en) 2007-07-30 2007-07-30 Adjustable carpenters square with tape measure
US12/141,171 US7676950B2 (en) 2007-07-30 2008-06-18 Carpenters square with tape measure

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/830,526 US7484313B1 (en) 2007-07-30 2007-07-30 Adjustable carpenters square with tape measure

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/141,171 Continuation-In-Part US7676950B2 (en) 2007-07-30 2008-06-18 Carpenters square with tape measure

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US7484313B1 US7484313B1 (en) 2009-02-03
US20090031577A1 true US20090031577A1 (en) 2009-02-05

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Families Citing this family (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7716848B1 (en) * 2006-11-21 2010-05-18 Ryan Calvey Square check tape measure device
US7676950B2 (en) * 2007-07-30 2010-03-16 James A Ogilvie Carpenters square with tape measure
US8256125B2 (en) * 2008-12-19 2012-09-04 Jarzynka Jr Clifford J Sliding square for tape measure
US8141267B2 (en) * 2010-08-17 2012-03-27 Marquez Steven A Contractor soloist measuring aid and methods of use
US8407909B2 (en) * 2010-09-03 2013-04-02 James Scullion Lindsay Tape measure carrier and gauge
US20120204687A1 (en) * 2010-09-27 2012-08-16 Kalambokas Evans Measurement clamp device and measurement method
US8695227B2 (en) 2011-02-04 2014-04-15 Gary Sherman Work piece cutting guide
US9233464B2 (en) * 2011-02-04 2016-01-12 Gary Sherman Selectively calibrated work piece cutting guide
US9163918B2 (en) 2011-11-29 2015-10-20 Paul Ricalde Tape measure apparatus with a rotating and sliding catch
US8590171B2 (en) 2011-11-29 2013-11-26 Paul Ricalde Tape measure apparatus with a rotating and sliding catch
US9470500B2 (en) 2011-11-29 2016-10-18 Paul Ricalde Tape measure apparatus with a rotating and sliding catch
US9259958B2 (en) * 2013-08-15 2016-02-16 Stanley Black & Decker Inc. T-square
US9677867B2 (en) * 2014-01-24 2017-06-13 Andersen Corporation Squaring tape apparatus and kits
US11787078B2 (en) * 2019-10-28 2023-10-17 Kreg Enterprises, Inc. Portable cross cut system

Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2795050A (en) * 1953-12-28 1957-06-11 Rodney S Van Fleet Measuring rules
US5337487A (en) * 1993-03-26 1994-08-16 Mangino Sr Albert R Layout tool
US5390425A (en) * 1992-01-22 1995-02-21 Gilberts; Alexander Saw guide measuring square
US5782007A (en) * 1996-02-26 1998-07-21 Harris; Adam S. Tool guiding tape measure
US5787599A (en) * 1996-01-30 1998-08-04 Clifton; Norman L. Tape measuring square and adjustable tool guide
US5894675A (en) * 1997-02-14 1999-04-20 Cericola; Joseph Combination tool
US6098303A (en) * 1998-10-22 2000-08-08 Vogel; Stanley Variable angle squaring accessory for tape measures
US6226885B1 (en) * 1998-10-30 2001-05-08 George P. Korich Measuring jig
US20040172846A1 (en) * 2003-03-03 2004-09-09 Mcrae Gregory Combination rafter square, tape measure, and level
US20050034320A1 (en) * 2003-08-13 2005-02-17 Connor Michael L. Drywall measuring tape
US20060196072A1 (en) * 2005-03-01 2006-09-07 Lewis Steven W Lay-out tool and assembly
US7281340B2 (en) * 2002-09-10 2007-10-16 Seamus Greally Measuring device

Patent Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2795050A (en) * 1953-12-28 1957-06-11 Rodney S Van Fleet Measuring rules
US5390425A (en) * 1992-01-22 1995-02-21 Gilberts; Alexander Saw guide measuring square
US5337487A (en) * 1993-03-26 1994-08-16 Mangino Sr Albert R Layout tool
US5787599A (en) * 1996-01-30 1998-08-04 Clifton; Norman L. Tape measuring square and adjustable tool guide
US5782007A (en) * 1996-02-26 1998-07-21 Harris; Adam S. Tool guiding tape measure
US5894675A (en) * 1997-02-14 1999-04-20 Cericola; Joseph Combination tool
US6098303A (en) * 1998-10-22 2000-08-08 Vogel; Stanley Variable angle squaring accessory for tape measures
US6226885B1 (en) * 1998-10-30 2001-05-08 George P. Korich Measuring jig
US7281340B2 (en) * 2002-09-10 2007-10-16 Seamus Greally Measuring device
US20040172846A1 (en) * 2003-03-03 2004-09-09 Mcrae Gregory Combination rafter square, tape measure, and level
US20050034320A1 (en) * 2003-08-13 2005-02-17 Connor Michael L. Drywall measuring tape
US20060196072A1 (en) * 2005-03-01 2006-09-07 Lewis Steven W Lay-out tool and assembly
US7219440B2 (en) * 2005-03-01 2007-05-22 Lewis Steven W Lay-out tool and assembly

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