Geometrical instruments – Scriber – Curved line
Utility Patent
1998-08-27
2001-01-02
Gutierrez, Diego (Department: 2859)
Geometrical instruments
Scriber
Curved line
C033S027020, C033S042000, C033S042000
Utility Patent
active
06167628
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention is directed to woodworking measuring devices and, more particularly, to a gauge for marking workpieces.
2. Background
Accuracy is often critical in woodworking. Even small measuring errors may compound themselves during construction. For larger projects, such errors may not be noticeable. For example, 1% inaccuracy during the construction of a home might be considered acceptable. For small furniture, however, a 1% error in measurement would probably lead to visible defects in the final product. While such defects might be repaired using common woodworking techniques, an extra minute spent ensuring proper measurements might have prevented several hours of frustration. As a well-known woodworking adage states: “Measure twice, cut once.”
Accurate measurement requires proper technique and precise measurement devices. Among the most common measurement devices are squares, rules, compasses, and marking gauges. Squares are steel or aluminum bars with tongues extending from their ends at precise 90° angles. Squares are used to ensure perpendicular arrangements in workpieces and machinery. Rules are wood or metal bars marked with etched markings at predetermined distances. Usually, the rule is graduated in one of the four most commonly used fractions of an inch (8ths, 16ths, 32nds, or 64ths). A combination square combines the rule and the square into a single device that includes an etched rule attached to a movable face perpendicular to the rule.
A compass is used for drawing circles or arcs on a workpiece. The compass includes a fixed point that acts as pivot, and a marking point that marks the workpiece. The marking point may be a pencil or other marking device. The fixed point and a holder for the marking point are attached at their upper ends and may be separated by various angular distances. The compass is operated by placing the fixed point in the workpiece at the desired center of the circle or arc and rotating the marking point about the fixed point.
The marking gauge is used for marking straight lines on a workpiece relative to one edge of the workpiece. The marking gauge includes a handle that extends through a hole in a reference face. The handle includes a fixed pin at one end near the reference face. The reference face includes a screw that allows the face to be moved along the length of the handle. To use the marking gauge, the distance between the reference face and the pin is adjusted to achieve the desired distance between the marking line and the edge of the workpiece. The user then places the reference face flush against a surface of the workpiece and drags the pin along the workpiece using the handle.
Both the compass and the marking gauge have certain drawbacks. First, the desired distances on both devices can be very difficult to measure. Compasses usually don't include markings that indicate the distance between the fixed pin and the marking pin. Instead, the user must usually measure this distance with a rule. Alternatively, the user may calculate the exact distance by measuring the angle formed by the upper ends of the point. This process can be very time-consuming and frustrating. Similarly, marking gauges usually do not feature distance markings. Therefore, the user must measure the distance between the pin and the reference face using a rule or by visual measurement.
Another drawback to both devices is their lack of portability. Both devices are small enough to fit into a carpenter's belt. A folded compass might even fit into a pants pocket. The sharp point on both devices, however, prevents the device from being carried around casually. Indeed, care must be taken when handling these devices to prevent injury to the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The carpenter's gauge described in this application combines many features of a direct-reading compass with those of a marking gauge. The gauge includes etched markings to indicate the desired distance for circle radii or edge markings. A pin holder safely holds a pivot pin to prevent injury to the user.
More particularly, the carpenter's gauge includes a bar with etched markings formed along a surface. The bar includes a groove or slot formed along its interior that allows a rotatable pin carrier to slide along the bar. A marking instrument holder is attached to one end of the bar. The rotatable pin carrier includes a reference surface and a pin aligned with the reference surface. A knob in the pin carrier allows the carrier to be locked in place along the bar. When the knob is released, the pin carrier may be rotated into at least two positions. In one position, the reference face of the carrier lies perpendicular to the bar. In a second position, the reference face of the carrier lies substantially parallel to the bar. In either position, the pin carrier may be moved along the bar to a desired measurement. The marking instrument holder includes protrusions that hold a marking instrument, such as a pencil.
The carpenter's gauge may function as a direct reading compass or a marking gauge. When the reference surface is turned perpendicular to the bar, the carrier may be locked into place at a desired distance. Markings on the bar indicate the radius or diameter of a desired circle or arc. The reference surface may be aligned to a marking on the bar to determine the proper distance. The user inserts the pin into the workpiece and rotates the marking instrument around the pin.
When used as a marking gauge, the marking instrument is inserted in an opposite direction in the holder. The user places the reference surface flush against the workpiece and moves the gauge along the workpiece. Marking instruments other than a pencil may be used to mark the surface of the workpiece.
When the gauge is not in use, the pin carrier may be loosened and rotated to a position where its reference surface lies parallel to the bar. The user may then move the carrier towards the marking instrument holder. A nest formed in an end of the marking instrument holder holds the pin. The carrier may then be locked in place to prevent injury to the user. In addition, the entire gauge may be placed in a shirt or pants pocket for quick access to compass or marking gauge functions.
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a measuring device that may be used as a compass or as a marking gauge.
It is an additional object of this invention to provide a measuring device that includes measurements for a radius and a diameter of a drawn circle.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide a measuring device that includes measurements for a line drawn along a surface of a workpiece.
It is another object of this invention to provide a measurement device that may accommodate different types of marking devices.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a portable measurement device.
It is an additional object of this invention to provide a measurement device that may be carried safely by a user.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will be obvious from the description or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
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patent: 267740 (192
Jones Steve K.
Summers Mark
Guadalupe Yaritza
Gutierrez Diego
Kilpatrick & Stockton LLP
Lee Valley Tools Ltd.
Pratt John S.
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