Geometrical instruments – Straightedge type – Plural straightedges – relatively moveable
Reexamination Certificate
2003-01-17
2004-09-21
Gutierrez, Diego (Department: 2859)
Geometrical instruments
Straightedge type
Plural straightedges, relatively moveable
C033S465000, C033S417000, C033S538000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06792687
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to measuring devices, and in particular, to a tool for identifying measured cutting lines on workpieces.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are a number of existing devices that have been separately used by carpenters to assist in marking and cutting various dimensions, such as pitch angles of rafters. However, these devices do not provide for ease of use. For instance, when using a triangular rafter square, the base typically must be aligned with a rafter edge before the square is pivoted about the rafter square pivot to allow the user to align the rafter edge with a measurement indicia on the square. The square typically must then be held in place while the user marks the cutting line along the hypotenuse of the square. Then the square is removed and a cut is made along the marked line. This process may need to be repeated for numerous rafters and is inefficient.
In addition to being inefficient, such squares typically must sacrifice ease of use for the ability to mark or cut long distances, or vice versa. For instance, a typical seven inch rafter square has a hypotenuse of less than ten inches. For cuts longer than ten inches, the user must mark the cutting line and then remove the square from its initial position and place a straight-edge along the cutting line to provide for further markings beyond ten inches. While it is possible to use rafter squares having much longer hypotenuses, such squares are awkward in use due to the required leg lengths and are difficult to carry at the job site.
There remains a need for a simple, durable, inexpensive, multi-purpose device which is capable of accurately preparing cutting lines for roof rafters, allows for ease of use and provides for long cuts without being difficult to store or carry. Such a device should be compact, portable, easy and rapid to use and not require the use of any additional or supplemental instruments. An improved tool and method of use thereof which addresses these needs would be an important advance in the art.
The adjustable tool of the current invention provides a means for repeatedly identifying desired cutting lines without requiring re-measuring steps. The adjustable tool of the current invention also provides for the identification of several different desired cuts during construction of rafters by a single device that fits easily into the carpenter's tool pouch. Furthermore, the tool allows for the elimination of marking steps since it provides for cutting along its straight-edge while engaging the workpiece. The tool also satisfies the other noted needs in the field.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide an improved tool for cutting workpieces.
Another object of the invention is to provide an adjustable tool which has a movable pin which can be adjusted and secured to provide for identical repeated cuts on successive workpieces
Another object of the invention is to provide an adjustable tool which allows for accurate cutting of workpieces without requiring the marking of the workpieces before cutting.
Another object of the invention is to provide an adjustable tool which is easily stored and transported in a carpenter's tool pouch.
Another object of the invention is to provide a tool which has a post and pin which separately engage a single workpiece border to provide a cutting line across the surface of the workpiece.
Another object of the invention is to provide a tool which has a post and pin which is movable independent of the post to provide the ability to engage a single workpiece border at to provide a cutting lines at various angles across the surface of the workpiece.
Another object of the invention is to provide a tool which identifies a desired cutting line on a workpiece and includes a handle to grip during cutting.
Another object of the invention is to provide a “b”-shaped tool which allows identification of cutting lines on a workpiece.
Another object of the invention is to provide a tool which engages a workpiece during cutting and provides fixed cutting lines at any angle between 0° and 90°.
Another object of the invention is to provide a method of use of the improved adjustable tool which allows users to efficiently cut along desired cut lines of successive workpieces without requiring any re-measurement.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a method of use which provides for cutting of a workpiece without removing the line-identifying tool from the workpiece surface.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a method of producing common-rafter, hip-rafter and seat cuts using a tool having a fixed post and an adjustable pin which engage the border of the workpiece being cut.
How these and other objects are accomplished will become apparent from the following descriptions and the drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention is an adjustable tool for use in cutting workpieces, such as rafters, which have faces extending between first and second opposite borders. The invention represents a significant advance over the state of the art by providing novel elements which can be utilized in a novel method to efficiently cut workpieces along desired cutting lines.
The adjustable cutting tool includes an elongate guide member, a post fixed to the guide member, an arm extending from the guide member and defining a slot, and a movable pin positioned in the slot and adapted to be secured at a desired location corresponding to a desired measurement indicium. The arm defines first and second external edges while the slot defines first and second internal edges. Each of these four edges may have measurement indicia marked thereon, including common-rafter, hip-rafter, seat cut and/or angle degree measurement indicia. The arm and slot are both preferably curvilinear.
The guide member has a proximal and distal end, a top and bottom surface and a primary and secondary side. The primary side includes a straight-edge which preferably has indicium indicating English or metric length units. The arm and a handle preferably extend from the secondary side and connect to form a void with the handle being adapted to be gripped by a user during cutting of a workpiece. It is preferred that the guide member, arm and handle be integrally formed.
The post is preferably fixed to the proximal end and is perpendicular to the guide member. In certain preferred embodiments, the post is formed integrally with the guide member. The post preferably extends beyond the bottom and/or top surface. The pin is preferably a bolt or of similar construction and also extends beyond the bottom and/or top surface. In certain embodiments, the pin is adapted to be secured at a location in the slot corresponding to a desired measurement indicium by using a tightening mechanism, e.g., by tightening a nut on the pin. When the pin is secured at a desired location, the post and pin are adapted to simultaneously contact the first border of the workpiece so that the straight-edge identifies a desired cutting line corresponding to the desired measurement indicium.
In certain embodiments, the tool includes a notched groove for providing the ability to insert a marking instrument therein and by sliding the tool along the workpiece while the post and pin engage the first border to scribe the workpiece.
In certain embodiments, the tool includes at least one level mounted within the tool normal to the straight-edge and parallel to the bottom surface. In other embodiments the tool includes at least one level mounted within the tool parallel to the straight-edge and to the bottom surface.
The invention can also be described as a tool which includes: 1) an elongate guide member having a midpoint equidistant from a proximal and distal end, a bottom surface and a primary side, the primary side including a straight-edge; 2) a post fixed at the proximal end; 3) an arm connected to the guide member between the proximal end and the midpoint, the arm having measurement indicia marked thereon and first and second external edges with a slot
Arent Richard
Wordell Dennis
Guadalupe Yaritza
Jansson, Shupe & Munger LTD
LandOfFree
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