Geometrical instruments – Distance measuring – By flexible tape
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-30
2001-05-08
Bennett, G. Bradley (Department: 2859)
Geometrical instruments
Distance measuring
By flexible tape
C033S758000, C033S770000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06226885
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to measuring devices. Stated more particularly, the invention disclosed herein relates to a measuring jig for retaining a distal end of a measuring means adjacent to a reference point on a work piece to enable a measuring of a length of the work piece.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
One will realize that measuring operations are relevant and useful in a wide variety of arts. However, one particular area that demands accurate, consistent, and expeditious measuring is in the field of carpentry. Indeed, doing so may fairly be considered integral to the proper completion of a given task.
When completing a measurement, it is standard practice in carpentry to employ a measuring means such as a tape measure to measure from a distal end of a work piece to a length along the work piece to which one seeks to cut the work piece. When the appropriate length measurement is reached, one normally will apply a mark of some kind to indicate the desired cutting location.
Unfortunately, as any person who has tried to measure a work piece of any substantial length will attest, as the length of a work piece to be measured increases so does the proportional difficulty in accurately, consistently, and rapidly measuring a cutting length. With a very long length to be measured, the distal end of the work piece and the measuring means must of necessity be significantly distant from the proximal end of the work piece, the main housing of the tape measure, and, of course, the person seeking to measure the work piece.
Consequently, retaining the distal end of the measuring means adjacent to a reference point at the distal end of the work piece can prove difficult and frustrating. With the distal end of the measuring means beyond his or her reach, a person seeking to measure a work piece can find himself or herself helpless to prevent the end of the measuring means from slipping from the reference point on the work piece. Furthermore, the measuring person can be plagued with uncertainty as to whether the distal end of the measuring means is truly aligned with the desired reference point. Consequently, the length to which a work piece is actually measured and cut can differ markedly the intended length. In some cases, such a result can render the work piece unusable scrap. In every case, however, the time spent in measuring and cutting the work piece is wasted and the user experiences at least some level of frustration.
Furthermore, even where a user is able to measure a work piece to a desired cutting length, it is commonly difficult to apply a cutting line to the work piece simultaneously with the measuring operation. For example, a user often is compelled to employ an additional tool for applying a cutting line to the work piece. This commonly is the case where a miter cut is to be made to a work piece. In such situations, a user often must employ a separate angular template to apply a cutting line to the work piece with, for example, a pencil.
With the foregoing in mind, it becomes clear that a device presenting a solution to one or more of the aforementioned difficulties commonly experienced by those seeking to apply an accurately measured cutting line to a work piece would be useful. However, it is still more clear that a device presenting a solution to each and every one of the aforementioned needs while providing a number of heretofore unrealized advantages would represent a marked advance in the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Advantageously, the present invention has a principal object of providing a measuring jig that retains the end of a measuring means adjacent to a distal end of a work piece to be measured whereby a single user can accurately and consistently measure a length to which a work piece is to be cut.
In preferred embodiments, it is a more particular objective of the present invention to provide a measuring jig that retains the end of a measuring means adjacent to the proximal end of an angled end face of a work piece to be measured whereby a user can measure a length to which a mitered work piece is to be cut.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide such a measuring jig that adapts to work pieces of different widths and miter angles.
Preferred embodiments of the invention have the still further object of providing a jig that presents symmetrical opposed sides whereby the measuring jig can be employed in both first and second measuring directions.
It is another object of the invention to provide such a measuring jig that is simple and economical in manufacture and use.
An equally important object of the present invention is to provide such a measuring jig that is readily portable for ease of transportation. One skilled in the art will realize that such a quality is particularly important to the typical carpenter who performs most work, not at a shop or the like, but instead at a given work sight. As a result, all tools and materials must be transported to the work site, and portability is essential.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a measuring jig that enables a user to apply a cutting line to a work piece simultaneously with a measuring operation.
These and still further objects of the invention will be obvious both to one who reviews the present specification and drawings and to one who has an opportunity to make use of an embodiment of the present invention for a measuring jig.
In accomplishing the aforementioned objects, one embodiment of the present invention essentially comprises a measuring jig for measuring a work piece. The measuring jig is intended for use with a means for measuring a length of a work piece that includes a distal end and a body portion. For example, the measuring means may comprise a coilable tape measure with an extensible body portion, a distal measuring end, and indicia for indicating length measurements.
The measuring jig itself essentially comprises an end engaging member with a means for engaging a distal end of a work piece to be measured and a means for retaining the distal end of the measuring means adjacent to a reference point at a distal end of a work piece. As such, the measuring jig is readily portable and permits a measuring of a length of a work piece by a retaining of the measuring end of the measuring means adjacent to the reference point on the work piece and a measuring of a desired length by reference to the indicia on the body portion of the measuring means.
The means for engaging a distal end of a work piece may comprise an end face engaging surface and a rear longitudinal face engaging surface. Together, the end face engaging surface and the rear longitudinal face engaging surface define an alcove for receiving and engaging a distal end of a work piece. The end face engaging surface and the rear longitudinal face engaging surface may be mutually attached to a base member.
The end face engaging surface may be fixed at an acute angle relative to the rear longitudinal face engaging surface whereby the two surfaces define a V-shaped angular alcove and whereby the work piece end engaging member can be disposed in contact with a mitered end of a work piece to be measured with the end face engaging surface engaging a mitered end face of a work piece to be measured and the rear longitudinal face engaging surface engaging a rear longitudinal face of a work piece to be measured.
Alternatively, the end face engaging surface may have a first end pivotally coupled to the base member adjacent to the rear longitudinal face engaging surface. With this, the angle of the end face engaging surface relative to the rear longitudinal face engaging surface can be adjusted to define V-shaped angular alcoves of selectively adjustable angles to allow engagement of work pieces with end faces disposed at differing angles relative to a rear longitudinal face of a work piece. In such a case, the invention may include a means for fixing the end face engaging surface at a given angle such as a means for clamping the end face engaging surface into restrictive engagement with
Bennett G. Bradley
O'Connell Law Firm
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