Geometrical instruments – Gauge – Flooring – floor or wall covering – or molding
Patent
1993-03-05
1996-01-16
Wirthlin, Alvin
Geometrical instruments
Gauge
Flooring, floor or wall covering, or molding
33DIG20, 125 2302, G01B 514, B28D 132
Patent
active
054837499
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to apparatus for measuring and for cutting tiles and the like to an size.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for cutting tiles or similar items to size, comprising a measuring device having first and second measuring members which are movable towards and away from each other to set a required size to which a tile is to be cut, a cutting device comprising a base, a cutter, and guide means for guiding movement of the cutter along a defined path across the base, and a formation on the base to receive the first measuring member of the measuring device and to position the same in alignment with said defined path, whereby a tile placed in edge contact with the second measuring member of the measuring device is automatically positioned for cutting substantially to the required size by the cutter.
Preferably, the formation comprises a recess in the base. When received in the recess, an upper surface of the first measuring member desirably lies substantially flush with an upper surface of the base.
In one embodiment, each measuring member comprises an arm member having at least one lug depending therefrom in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of relative movement between the measuring members. In another embodiment, each measuring member comprises a finger element which extends in a direction generally in the plane of the relative movement between the measuring members.
The first measuring member can include a projection which locks into a recess in the base of the cutting device, to prevent the measuring device from tipping relative to the base when the first measuring member is received by said formation.
The measuring device can include locking means operable to lock the measuring members against relative movement, the locking means including a manually operable locking member which is movable between a lock position and a release position. Desirably, the locking member is pivotable between said lock and release positions, preferably about an axis generally parallel to the plane of relative movement between the measuring members.
Advantageously, the locking means is in the form of a clamp, and clamps the measuring members together when the locking member is in its lock position, preferably by means of a cam surface on the locking member.
Conveniently, one of the measuring members includes a slot or recess in which the other measuring member is slidably received, and said other measuring member is urged against a wall of the slot or recess when the locking member is in its lock position. For example, said one of the members can include a pair of opposed recesses which receive respective edge portions of said other member.
Desirably, the cam surface comprises a generally cylindrical element having a flat portion thereon.
In an alternative arrangement, the measuring members of the measuring device are movable both rectilinearly and angularly relative to one another. In this case, the measuring device preferably takes the form as defined below.
Conveniently, the cutter serves to score a parting line on the tile, the cutting device also includes jaw means for parting the tile along said parting line, and said second measuring member of the measuring device has at least one upstanding projection thereon with which a side edge of the tile can be engaged during the parting operation. Advantageously, each projection is formed by a lug which is mounted on the second measuring member for pivotal movement between a first position wherein it upstands from the measuring member and a second position wherein it lies generally flat against (and preferably flush with) the measuring member.
Desirably, the lug is formed by the longer leg of a generally L-shaped component, and a shorter leg of said component forms a further lug which upstands from the opposite side of the measuring member when the first-mentioned lug is in its second position, the further lug lying generally flat against (and pre
REFERENCES:
patent: 1995741 (1935-03-01), Granite
patent: 2490989 (1949-12-01), Williams
patent: 2619173 (1952-11-01), Crain
patent: 2770043 (1956-11-01), Kwiecinski
patent: 3718980 (1973-03-01), Poulos
patent: 4860723 (1989-08-01), Fortin
patent: 5188013 (1993-02-01), Cardinale
Plasplugs Limited
Wirthlin Alvin
LandOfFree
Measuring and cutting apparatus does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Measuring and cutting apparatus, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Measuring and cutting apparatus will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-301332