US3261098A

US3261098A - Drafting device

Info

Publication number: US3261098A
Application number: US304287A
Authority: US
Inventors: Jr Worth N Twist
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1963-08-23
Filing date: 1963-08-23
Publication date: 1966-07-19
Anticipated expiration: 1983-07-19

Description

y 9, 1966 w. N. TWIST, JR 3,261,098

DRAFTING DEVIC E Filed Aug. 23, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 I NVENTOR WORTH 1v. TW/$7',JR.

A 4 ORNEYS July 19, 1966 w, N, Twls'r, JR 3,261,098

DRAFTING DEVICE Filed Aug. 23, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheep 2 INVENTOR WORTH N. TWl$T,J/?.

United States Patent 3,261,08 DRAFTING DEVICE Worth N. Twist, J12, 1136 York St., Apt. 304, Denver, Colo. Filed Aug. 23, 1963, Ser. No. 304,287 4 Claims. (CI. 33-18) The invention herein described and claimed may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of royalties thereon or therefor.

This invention relates to a drafting instrument, and is more particularly concerned with an inking device for drawing extended lengths of relatively closely spaced, parallel lines in the nature of those used on maps or the like, to represent roads or railroads. Drafting devices previously applied for this purpose have been made with such conventional writing structures as ruling pens, or as shown in Patent No. 2,394,452, issued to C. R. Howard on February 5, 1946, pens comprising ordinary pen points. Those employing such pens are familiar with the drawbacks inherent in their use, among which are a short ink supply, and a need for cleaning after nearly each stroke, as well as sharpening after relatively brief intervals of use. In improving over the prior art, the device of the instant invention has for its writing structure a manipulatable support element in which a pair of Rapidograph or similarly constructed pens are maintained in positions which adapt them to the task of drawing parallel lines of uniform thickness whereby they produce road representations of high quality. Characteristic of Rapidograph or similarly constructed pens are their relatively large, free flowing ink supplies, and the ease with which they can be maintained for immediate use. A description of an early form of this sort of pen can be found in Patent No. 1,409,037, issued to R. P. Starkey et al. on March 7, 1922. As disclosed by the patent, the pen comprises an ink fount or reservoir through whose center passes a spring loaded plunger having a reduced part extending by way of an ink duct in the lower end of the reservoir, slightly beyond and outside the latter. The exposed end of the extended part acts as a stylus or writing tip, and a further part thereof in the ink duct allows the plunger to act as a valve which functions to permit a controlled flow of ink from the reservoir to the writing tip only when the latter is lightly depressed against the spring load on the plunger. Since such pens remain operable without frequent interruptions for cleaning and filling, they are very effective for drawing extended lengths of double lines used in forming road representations.

However, important advantages obtained by the utilization of the drafting device according to the present invention follow from the facile adjustments of its Rapidograph or similarly constructed pens in respect to their support structures, made possible by the unique adapter means built into this device. Hereinafter described are several forms of such adapter means which obtain an adjustability for the device that allows it to be set for drawing parallel lines following any predetermined curvature, and whose interlinear distance is selectable from within a relatively wide range of line spacings.

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide an adjustable and convertible drafting instrument which is especially useful for producing road indicating parallel lines of consistent weight and quality upon maps and other similar drawings.

This and other objects and advantages of the invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention considered together with the accompanying drawing wherein:

3261,98 Patented July 19, 1%86 ice FIGS. 1 and 2 are respectively front and side elevational views of a complete drafting device according to the invention;

FIG. 3, is a front elevational view, partly in section, representing a modification of an adapter structure comprising the invention;

FIG. 4 is a partial side elevational view of a modification of the structure shown in FIG. 3, and

FIGS. 5 and 6 are respectively front and side elevational views, partly in section, of an adapter structure which features a further modification.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the improved drafting instrument herein is basically a combination of a conventional carriage structure 10, of the type disclosed in Patent No. 2,178,755, issued to O. M. Johnson on November 7, 1939, and a manipulatable pen support assembly 20. Forming the carriage structure in this case is a pedestal generally indicated by the numeral 11, comprising three similar foot elements 12, spacially arranged as integral parts of a frame 13, from which rises a forwardly disposed gooseneck extension 14. Support assembly 20 comprises a bent rod connector 21, which joins a pen adapter structure 25 to a swivel sleeve 26. A clamp-like bracket 30, embracing the swivel sleeve 26, is fastened to an enlarged upper end of the carriage extension 14, with rivets or screws. Swivel sleeve 26 is thereby held vertically disposed in respect to a plane defined by the under surfaces of the carriage foot elements 12. Rod element 21 is fixed within sleeve 26 and is angularly displaceable therewith relative to bracket 30 which retains the parts placed therein by reason of a friction fit between the sleeve and bracket. A thumb screw cap 31, fitted to a threaded portion at the upper end of rod 21, facilitates control of the angular displacement of pen adapter 25, through its connection with the rod and sleeve.

Pen adapter 25 is fashioned from a rigid sheet material so as to define

opposing wing members

32 and 33, branching out of a cylindrical hanger portion 34. As best seen in FIG. 1, the wing members are symmetrically arranged about the hanger portion 34 whereby they are situated downwardly inclined at equal angles from a horizontal plane. Through a suitable opening in wing 32 is received a Rapidograph-type pen 35 whose ink reservoir is attached to a stub part having a threaded section which extends from a slightly thicker portion 38 of the pen proper and above the wing opening. Pen portion 38 is drawn up against the underside of wing 32 by means of a serrated ferrule 39 screwed down on the threaded section of the pen stub and into contact with the top side of the wing. In this manner pen 35 is secured to the inclined wing 32 whereby it is maintained perpendicular thereto. Wing 33 is likewise provided with an opening in which a second pen 36 is secured in the same manner as that described in connection with pen 35. It is evident therefore that because of the symmetrical arrangement of

wings

32 and 33, the pens are held in positions such that their longitudinal axes are directed to intersect below their writing plane, and whereby their writing tips are spaced apart as required, in this writing plane.

Attachment of the lower end of rod 21 to the adapter 25 is facilitated by a central opening in the cylindrical hanger 34 of the adapter, in which the rod is received and secured by means of an ordinary set screw 41. As is evident from the view in FIGURE 2, this lower end of rod 21 is inclined upward at a slight angle of approximately 3 degrees above the horizontal. Consequently, the hanger connection to rod 21 is effective to maintain the adapter and the pens fastened thereto, properly oriented in respect to the base plane of carriage 10. A thumb screw means 42 operable in the wall of bracket 30, can be set to engage swivel sleeve 26 whereby support assem- 3 bly 20 is fixed facing any predetermined direction to which it can be displaced.

An angle A shown in FIG. 1 as subtended between the longitudinal axes of

pens

35 and 36, which as hereinbefore noted intersect below the writing plane, can be.

considered indicative of the spacing between the writing tips of the pens. Since the vertical dispositions of the pens shown in FIG. 1 are substantially fixed relative to the adapter structure, the spacing between the writing tips of the pens can be varied only by changing the spread between the

wing members

32 and 33. Angle A which varies inversely with the wing spread of adapter 25, is therefore a measure of the space between the lines producible by the pens. Any number of adapters can be made to constitute a set in which each adapter has a different wing spread wherein the pens subtend a different angle A. However, the hanger portion of each adapter must be alike to allow it to replace any other one of the set that at any time might be in use on the drafting instrument. This interchangeability is easily accomplished by reason of the simplified set screw connection 41, between the rod 21 and the adapter structure. In an exemplary structural embodiment of the present invention, a line spacing varying from to of an inch was achieved wherein angle A ranged between 30 degrees and 16 degrees.

FIG. 3 illustrates a modified embodiment of the adapter structure wherein the longitudinal disposition of pens 35 and 36' in respect to the wing members can be varied in such manner as to change the spacing between the writing tips ofthe pens. Since the wing members are angularly disposed downward, and the pens are maintained perpendicular to these members, any axial displacement of the pens will cause the aforementioned change in spacing etween the writing tips. T o facilitate making such displacements, the instant embodiment is provided with a pair of retainer sleeves 46 and 47 in which are fastened

pens

35 and 36, respectively. By referring to the sectional view in FIG. 3, where sleeve 46 is shown as an externally threaded tubular element having an internally threaded collar 48 at one end thereof, it can be seen that a threaded engagement in collar 48 fastens pen 35 thereto, such that the pens ink reservoir extends upwardly through the sleeves tubular element. An opening in wing member 54), which is preferably threaded to accommodate the ex-' ternal threads of sleeve 46, maintains the latter whereby it can be axially displaced merely by a rotational adjustment thereof in the wing member. A pair of lock nuts 52 and 53 may also be provided to secure the sleeve in its adjusted position. Pen 36 is similarly fastened in a collar 54 of the sleeve 4-7, whereby this pen is correspondingly adjustable relative to wing member 51. Rotation of the sleeves in the wnig members is aided by serrations on

collars

48 and 54. In order to return the writing tips to the writing plane following any axial adjustment of the pens, it is necessary to make an appropriate axial adjustment of the swivel sleeve 26, relative to bracket 30.

FIG. 4 illustrates a further modification of the adapter structure wherein a straight rod 56 extending through sleeve 26, is joined to an adapter comprising only substantially flat surfaces. To the rear of this adapter is a horizontally disposed tab 58, provided with a threaded hole in which threads on the end of rod 56 are engageable. Like the adapters hereinbefore described, the adapter of FIGURE 4 is forwardly inclined slightly upward, and comprises two wing members, one of which is indicated in the figure by the numeral 60. When using this construction, line spacing can be varied as required, by either interchanging adapters of differing wing spreads as explained in connection with the showing in FIGS. 1 and 2, or by adjusting displaceable retainer sleeves, as indicated in the showing of FIG. 4.

The still further modification of the adapter structure shown in FIGS. and 6, allows a selective variation of the line spacing in the nature of that obtained by the interchangeable wing spread feature hereinbefore explained in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2. In the case of the instant structure the spread adjustment is accomplished by means of a screw drive in which half the length of a flexible rod-like shaft 65 is provided with a right hand thread, and the other half is provided with a left hand thread. This drive shaft is operatively supported in a central portion of the adapter structure, which is seen in FIG. 6 is in a relatively narrow part located to the rear of the adapter. In particular, this part comprises left and right body halves 66 and 67 separated by a relatively deep, vertically disposed, open slot 68. Passing completely through body halves 66 and 67, are substantially rectangular slots 69 and 76 respectively, providing aligned openings through the sides of the body halves. A set of rod-like pivot pins 71 and 72 are friction fitted within aligned parallel openings in wall sections of the body halves defined by the

slots

69 and 70, respectively, wherein the pivot pins are adapted to rotate slightly. Reversely threaded holes passing transversely through corresponding central portions of the cylindrical surfaces of the respective pivot pins, receive therethrough the matching oppositely threaded parts of the drive shaft 65 A serrated thumb wheel 73 is fastened about the middle of drive shaft 65, by means of set screws or pins, whereby the wheel is situated in the middle of slot 68 so that finger gripping surfaces thereof protrude on both sides of the slot. Extending outwardly from the adapter halves and forming integral parts thereof are

wing members

74 and 75. As is evident from the construction described, wheel 73 can be turned one way or the other, to cause the oppositely sloped threads to spread or retract the adapter halves 66 and 67 about flexible portions of the adapter structure adjacent the upper end of slot 68. In this manner the wing spread is changed, and hence the spacing between the writing tips of the attached pens is altered accordingly.

Because of the inherent simplicity of applying and adjusting the present invention for the performance of drafting work ordinarily considered difiicult, inexperienced draftsmen employing it are enabled to achieve high quality drawings with lines of uniform weight and widths.

It is evident that reasonable variations and modifications of the embodiments illustrated are possible within the scope of the foregoing disclosure and the appended claims to the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A drafting device operable upon a plane drawing surface for producing uniformly spaced double lines on said drawing surface including in combination with a carriage structure displacea'ble over said drawing surface a manipulatable mean-s maintaining two line drawing means in predetermined operative positions, said m anipuIat-able means comprising an element having two parts respectively constituting surfaces in planes equally and oppositely inclined to said drawing surface, said parts being adapted thereby to receive therethrough said drawing means, and hold them in said predetermined operative positions, and a shaft means, angularly displaceable about a longitudinal axis thereof disposed perpendicular to said drawing surface, operatively connecting said element to said carriage structure, said element further including an extension angularly inclined with respect to said drawing sunface and centrai'ly arranged between aid parts of said element, an opening in said extension having detaohaibly fastened therein an extension of said shaft, whereby said element maintains said drawing means directed toward each other and away from said shaft in said predetermined operative positions.

2. The drafting device of claim 1 wherein each said drawing means comprises a pen having an enclosed ink reservoir, and said holding par-ts each have an opening in which said pens are fastened perpendicular to the said planes in which the holding parts reside.

3. The drafting device of claim 2 wherein the opening formed in each said holding part contains a sleeve displaceably secured therein, said sleeves having integrally formed at one end thereof an enlarged section, said draiwing means being retained in said sleeves by means of a connection therewith in said enlarged sections of said sleeves.

4. The drafting device of claim 1 wherein the centrally arranged extension of said element comprises a yoke-like member having two spaced apart arms each of which extends from a flexible juncture at an intermediate portion of said member integrally formed with said arms, a hole passing through each of said arms, said holes being aligned with each other and individually provided with a pivotal element, a further hole passing transversely through each element, the respective ones of said further holes having formed therein left and right hand threads, a flexible shaft having left and right halves thereof correspondingly threaded whereby it is adapted to be operable in said traverse holes to angularly displace said arms in respect to each other, a drive means centrally mounted and fiastened on said flexible shaft whereby said drive means is located in said space between said arms, said intermediate portion having said opening in which is fastened said connecting shaft means extension.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 339,817 4/1'886 Smitten 334-1 1,181,921 5/1916 Padd-ack 33-41 1,409,037 3/ 1922 Starkey et al 120- 48 X 2,178,755 11/1'939 Johnson 120-107 2,332,511 10/1943 Glassrnan et al 331 8 2,394,4-52 2/1946 Howard 120109.5 2,465,869 3/1949 Halstead 33-41 2,557,699 6/1951 Silver 3318 FOREIGN PATENTS 890,714 9/1953 Germany.

LEONARD FORMAN, Primary Examiner.

20 ISAAC LISANN, ROBERT B. HULL, Examiners.

WILLIAM D. MARTIN, Assistant Examiner.

Claims

1. A DRAFTING DEVICE OPERABLE UPON A PLANE DRAWING SURFACE FOR PRODUCING UNIFORMLY SPACED DOUBLE LINES ON SAID DRAWING SURFACE INCLUDING IN COMBINATION WITH A CARRIAGE STRUCTURE DISPLACEABLE OVER SAID DRAWING SURFACE A MANIPULATABLE MEANS MAINTAINING TWO LINE DRAWING MEANS IN PREDETERMINED OPERATIVE POSITIONS, SAID MANIPULATABLE MEANS COMPRISING AN ELEMENT HAVING TWO PART RESPECTIVELY CONSTITUTING SURFACES IN PLANES EQUALLRT OPPOSITELY INCLINED TO SAID DRAWING SURFACE, SAID PARTS BEING ADAPTED THEREBY TO RECEIVE THERETHROUGH SAID DRAWING MEANS, AND HOLD THEM IN SAID PREDETERMINED OPERATIVE POSITIONS, AND A SHAFT MEANS, ANGULARLY DISPLACEABLE ABOUT A LONGITUDINAL AXIS THEREOF DISPOSED PERPENDICULAR TO SAID DRAWING SURFACE, OPERATIVELY CONNECTING SAID ELEMENT TO SAID CARRIAGE STRUCTURE, SAID ELEMENT FURTHER INCLUDING AN EXTENSION ANGULARLY INCLINED WITH RESPECT TO SAID DRAWING SURFACE AND CENTRALLY ARRANGED BETWEEN SAID PARTS OF SAID ELEMENTS, AN OPEN-