Multi-functional carpentry tool

Geometrical instruments – Straightedge type – Square and pivoted straightedge

Reexamination Certificate

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Details

C033S425000, C033S451000, C033S473000, C033S484000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06260283

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a multi-functional carpentry tool. The carpentry tool allows its user to quickly and conveniently lay out angles such as those used in cutting hip rafters, valley rafters, common rafters, and other supports for various roof types. The invention is further applicable for laying out other angles needed, for example, in forming miter cuts and heel cuts.
The prior art includes a variety of tools and measurement devices that enable a user to perform the various functions mentioned above. However, no single tool is capable of performing each such function with the ease and convenience of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a multi-functional carpentry tool which is capable of performing a variety of measurements in a quick and convenient manner.
It is another object of the invention to provide a carpentry tool which is applicable for laying out cuts for common, hip, and valley rafters.
It is another object of the invention to provide a carpentry tool which is applicable for laying out cuts for step stringers.
It is another object of the invention to provide a carpentry tool which is for measuring and marking notches.
It is another object of the invention to provide a carpentry tool which is applicable for measuring and marking angles and their opposing angles.
It is another object of the invention to provide a carpentry tool which is applicable for use as a saw guide.
It is another object of the invention to provide a carpentry tool which is applicable for marking and scribing different lengths on wood boards, sheet rock panels, and other surfaces.
It is another object of the invention to provide a carpentry tool which is applicable for measuring the pitch of an existing roof.
It is another object of the invention to provide a carpentry tool which is applicable for laying out degree cuts.
It is another object of the invention to provide a carpentry tool which is applicable for simultaneously measuring different lengths.
It is another object of the invention to provide a carpentry tool which is applicable for laying out cuts for stairway balusters.
It is another object of the invention to provide a carpentry tool which is applicable for laying out cuts for stairway skirting.
It is another object of the invention to provide a carpentry tool which is applicable for use as a level.
It is another object of the invention to provide a carpentry tool which includes a splinter guard.
These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in the preferred embodiments disclosed below by providing a multi-functional carpentry tool. The tool includes a base plate having opposed front and back major surfaces, and at least one side edge bearing surface perpendicular to the front and back surfaces. A pivot ruler is secured to the base plate and extends across the front major surface and outwardly from the base plate. The pivot ruler includes an elongated marking member having opposing, straight, longitudinal side edges. A longitudinal slot is formed in the marking member parallel to and between the side edges of the marking member. Pivot attachment means is received through the slot of the marking member and into the base plate for pivotably attaching the marking member to the base plate. The marking member is slidable across the front major surface of the base plate a distance equal to the length of the slot.
According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, a level is formed with the base plate and is adapted for being viewed by a user from the front major surface of the base plate.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the marking member includes a window formed between the opposed side edges of the marking member. The window is adapted for being aligned with the level to allow unobstructed viewing of the level by a user.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the pivot attachment means includes a friction knob adapted for being hand-tightened to frictionally hold the marking member in a desired set position against the front major surface of the base plate.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the friction knob has a threaded end which extends into a complementary-threaded opening formed in the base plate.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a rotatable mounting disk resides within an annular recess formed in the base plate adjacent the threaded opening. The mounting disk has a central through-bore for receiving the threaded end of the friction knob to the base plate.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the mounting disk includes an integrally-formed surface extension received within the slot of the marking member such that the mounting disk rotates within the recess of the base plate upon pivoting movement of the marking member relative to the base plate.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the mounting disk has a beveled outside edge adapted to fit against a complementary beveled side wall of the recess formed in the base plate.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the base plate has an enlarged heel formed along the side edge bearing surface. The heel extends perpendicularly outwardly from the back major surface of the base plate to define a splinter guard for protecting the hand of a user.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, angle-determining indicia are provided on the front major surface of the base plate for indicating the angle of the measurement arm relative to the bearing surface of the base plate.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, distance-determining indicia are provided adjacent the side edges of said marking member.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the pivot ruler includes a second marking member fixed perpendicular to an end of the first marking member.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the second marking member is fixed perpendicular to the first marking member.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, removable attachment means are provided for removably attaching the second marking member to the first marking member.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the second marking member has opposed, laterally-spaced, straight side edges.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, distance-determining indicia are provided adjacent the side edges of the second marking member.


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