Geometrical instruments – Distance measuring – By flexible tape
Reexamination Certificate
2001-04-10
2003-02-25
Gutierrez, Diego (Department: 2859)
Geometrical instruments
Distance measuring
By flexible tape
C033S494000, C033S648000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06523275
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to retractable measuring tapes, and more specifically to a roofing layout tape having dedicated indicators thereon and a method for precisely laying out dimensional and conventional shingles on a roof without requiring calculation or excessive manipulations by the user.
2. Description of Related Art
Innumerable devices and scales for linear measurement have been developed in the past, from the earliest standardization of various linear quantities. Most such linear measuring devices generally comprise an elongate ruler or tape, marked off in evenly divided increments for measuring a given length or distance (feet and inches, metric, etc.). More recently, specialized devices have been developed to indicate certain standardized increments in various fields, e.g., a scale having a series of divisions indicating the standard spacing for wall stud construction.
Conventionally, roofing shingle layout work has been accomplished using a conventional steel measuring tape, which requires relatively cumbersome calculation of each incremental course line due to the fractions of inches generally involved. Certain fixtures have been developed in the past, but these devices are physically cumbersome and inconvenient to use.
Accordingly, a need will be seen for a roofing layout tape including a series of increments thereon indicating the proper spacing and bond lines for both conventional and architectural shingles. The present invention eliminates the need for cumbersome calculation heretofore required for such work. A method of using the present invention is also disclosed. A discussion of the related art of which the present inventors are aware, and its differences from the present invention, is provided below.
U.S. Pat. No. 674,756 issued on May 21, 1901 to Joseph B. Casebolt, titled “Shingling Bracket,” describes a device whereby a user may accurately predetermine the length of the portion of a shingle to be exposed to the weather. The Casebolt bracket includes two relatively movable components, which may be adjusted relative to one another to align an upright edge for positioning against the edge of a shingle or the like. The Casebolt device is relatively short and is only usable with a single shingle or the like at a time, and cannot be extended across an entire roof for laying out a complete shingle pattern thereon, as provided by the present tool. Casebolt does not provide any specific indicators thereon for marking a roof for laying out shingles thereon.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,149,320 issued on Apr. 17, 1979 to Daniel Troyer et al., titled “Building Construction Measuring Tape,” describes a single use tape having a pressure sensitive adhesive coating thereon. The Troyer et al. tape is applied to the structure (sole plate, roof ridge, etc.) to which other members (wall studs, rafters, etc.) are to be attached, with the markings of the Troyer et al. tape serving as a template for indicating the location for these components without requiring further measuring or marking of the structure. The disadvantage of the Troyer tape is that it is not reusable, with an inordinate number of such disposable tapes being required to lay out the shingle pattern for a single roof. Moreover, some form of measurement would be required in any event in order to provide accurate alignment parallel and perpendicular to the edges of the roof if the Troyer tape were to be used on a plane surface.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,301,596 issued on Nov. 24, 1981 to Thomas Sedlock, titled “Stud Tape Measure,” describes a tape having conventional inch and foot markings thereon, with sixteen inch spacing for additional markings to indicate the positioning of wall studs on top and bottom plates. Two scales are provided, with the scales being staggered slightly (¾ inch) for use in measuring the location of the edge or the center of the stud array. The Sedlock tape does not provide two different scales thereon for laying out different spacing for differently dimensioned materials (e.g., the length and width of shingles), but rather provides two staggered scales having the same incremental markings thereon.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,679,325 issued on Jul. 14, 1987 to Bobby Sweatman, titled “Chalk Line Marking Device,” describes a retractable tape primarily formed of a slick plastic or other material which does not pick up chalk. The tape may have a series of perforations therethrough, exposing chalk receptive material (cloth, etc.) therein, or spots of chalk receptive material thereon. The case in which the tape is stored contains chalk, with chalk being applied to the chalk receptive areas of the tape as it is pulled from its case. The tape is then used as a chalk line to mark the areas corresponding to the chalked portions of the tape. Only one series of marker spacing may be applied to each side or surface of the tape, as any attempt to include additional series on a single side or surface would result in confusingly marked plural markings being deposited.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,279 issued on May 28, 1991 to Clarence F. Williams, titled “Strip Shingle Alignment Tool,” describes a tool comprising an elongate alignment edge with a pair of spaced apart clamps extending therefrom. The clamps are secured to the lower edges of the uppermost secured course of shingles, with the straightedge defining an abutment for the lower edges of the next higher course of shingles, for positioning those shingles. The clamps of the Williams tool more closely resemble the shingling bracket of the Casebolt '758 U.S. Patent discussed further above, than any aspect of the present invention. Williams does not disclose any form of incrementally marked gauge or measure, as provided by the present roofing layout tape invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,056,234 issued on Oct. 15, 1991 to Curtis Han, titled “Roofing Tile Course Marking Device,” describes a retractable tape for use in laying out courses for the installation of roofing tile of various sizes and compositions produced by various manufacturers. The tape has a plurality of series of coded marks inscribed thereon which can be used in laying out each course of tile produced by a corresponding number of differently dimensioned tiles, as produced by different manufacturers. The layout codes comprise a series of lines disposed transversely across the tape, with each different type of tile being designated by a different color, number, etc. The present roofing layout tape differs in that (a) it includes two parallel scales on opposite edges of one of the tape surfaces, and (b) the two scales provide two different measurements which are critical to the layout of flat shingles, which measurements are not provided by the Han tape.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,158 issued on Jul. 27, 1993 to Edward M. Wall, titled “Measuring Tape,” describes a tape measure having a single true scale and a series of proportional scales therewith. The proportional scales provide measurements to allow for the additional length of sloped common, hip, and valley rafters relative to their horizontal runs, for constructing sloped roofs. The Wall tape is directed only to the linear relationships between various types of rafters and their horizontal runs for a single specific roof slope. No indicators are provided for laying out the spacing and bonding stagger for different types of shingles to be applied to a roof, as accomplished by the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,546,671 issued on Aug. 20, 1996 to Ted P. Kehoe, titled “Multi-Purpose Roofing Tool Kit,” describes a set of cooperating tools to assist a roofer in the tasks involved in covering a roof surface with shingles or tiles, and other chores associated with wall and roof construction, projection, and maintenance. The set includes various tools and equipment that can be synergistically combined to accurately and safely measure, cut and install shingles or tiles while standing on a slanted roof surface under precarious conditions. While at least two linear measurement scales are provided with the Kehoe kit, ne
Medford Cindy
Medford Kevin S.
Guadalupe Yaritza
Gutierrez Diego
Litman Richard C.
LandOfFree
Roofing layout tape and method of use does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Roofing layout tape and method of use, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Roofing layout tape and method of use will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3163759