Geometrical instruments – Gauge – Proportional line segmenter
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-22
2001-11-27
Hirshfeld, Andrew H. (Department: 2859)
Geometrical instruments
Gauge
Proportional line segmenter
C033S454000, C033S0010DD, C033S0010DD
Reexamination Certificate
active
06321459
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a device for assisting a user to draw a topographical contour map, more particularly to devices for use in indicating equal spacings between two terminal points of a line or distance so that a topographical contour map may be accurately drawn therefrom.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
When using the stadia method (the plotting of points) of making a topographical contour map, engineers and surveyors have experienced difficulty in precisely drawing the lines or contours necessary to provide an accurate display of the topography of a finite parcel of land. In particular, the topographical lines are drawn based on a series of points plotted in generally a minimum of three directions. The plotted points each represent a certain elevational unit or elevation (e.g. 1 foot). Interpolation is necessary to precisely position the contour lines, especially when the total elevation requires a fraction of a unit. Although certain devices have been developed for the purpose of addressing the problem, the prior art devices are generally expensive, bulky, and difficult to use.
It would be of significant advance in the art of producing topographical contour maps to develop a device having a durable, compact construction and design which facilitates the positioning of points to enable the drawing of accurate, low-cost topographical contour maps.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is generally directed to a device for assisting a user in drawing a topographical contour map through the plotting of multipoints in multiple directions comprised of a frame including opposed first and second pairs of frame members where each of the frame members has ends that are pivotally connected to the ends of adjacent frame members so that the frame be readily moved to assume a variety of parallelogram shapes, and a plurality of equally spaced-apart linear elements extending between the first pair of frame members wherein the distance between the spaced apart elements changes as the shape of the parallelogram changes. The shape of the frame and therefore the distance between the linear elements may be adjusted to plot points for the formation of contour lines on a topographical contour map regardless of the steepness of the grade of elevation. The device enables the points to be plotted in a manner which is visually easy to read. The device is also portable with a durable construction.
In one aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for assisting in the formation of a topographical contour map which comprises:
a frame including opposed first and second pairs of frame members with each frame member having opposed ends;
pivotal connecting means for pivotally connecting adjacent frame members at respective ends thereof; and
a plurality of equally spaced-apart linear elements extending between the first pair of frame members with alternate linear elements being distinguishable from adjacent linear elements.
In another aspect of the present invention, the device comprises:
a frame including opposed first and second pairs of frame members with each frame member having opposed ends;
pivotal connecting means for pivotally connecting adjacent frame members at respective ends thereof;
a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart apertures disposed along the length of each of the first pair of frame members;
a single linear member being continuously placed through the apertures to provide a plurality of parallel equally spaced apart linear elements which are disposed in substantially parallel relation with each other and with the second pair of frame members; and
a marker element being slidably attached to each of the plurality of linear elements.
REFERENCES:
patent: 235225 (1880-12-01), Fulton
patent: 344014 (1886-06-01), Stevenson
patent: 663053 (1900-12-01), Wangler
patent: 785756 (1905-03-01), Nutz
patent: 2325231 (1943-07-01), Curtis
patent: 2589525 (1952-03-01), Absher
patent: 3427722 (1969-02-01), Ingram
patent: 4601108 (1986-07-01), Swanson
patent: 5331919 (1994-07-01), Root et al.
patent: 345507 (1921-12-01), None
Hirshfeld Andrew H.
Watov & Kipnes P.C.
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