Geometrical instruments – Indicator of direction of force traversing natural media – Combined
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-15
2001-06-05
Hirshfeld, Andrew H. (Department: 2859)
Geometrical instruments
Indicator of direction of force traversing natural media
Combined
C033S451000, C033S533000, C007S105000, C007S164000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06240650
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to level edge tools exhibiting a smooth edged surfaces for use in the application of wallpaper and, more particularly, to a combination wallpaper leveling and trimming tool which incorporates a non-slip surface to enable a user to maintain a grip on the tool even when it become wet with wallpaper paste and water.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Leveling tools are very well known in the art for use in the application, fixing and trimming of wallpaper. Traditionally, a major problem when installing wallpaper is the need for having to constantly switch back and forth between a leveling tool and a straight-edged tool during the application and fixing in place of the wallpaper. This is particularly difficult to accomplish when the user is standing on a ladder or when a handy rest surface for the utensil not being utilized is not readily available.
Also, prior art leveling and straight edge devices tend to exhibit excessive thickness both in the body and straight edged portions to allow for easy, accurate trimming of the wallpaper. It has also been found that wallpaper leveling devices which attach to a vertical side of the wallpaper are both inconvenient and awkward to use.
A further example of the prior art is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,922,621, issued to Maier, and which discloses an improved guide apparatus for replicating angles, particularly for use in the marking angle lines on building frame members which are waiting to be cut. The guide apparatus of Maier includes a main member with a straight edge, a bubble-type leveling device incorporated into the main member, and an angle arm pivotably attached to the main member by means of a slot in an end of the main member and a bolt with tightening wing nut which extends through the main member. In use, a distal straight edge of the angled arm is held against an angled structure with the wing nut loosened to facilitate angle adjustment. The main member is then raised or lowered until the bubble leveling device indicates that the main member is level. The wing nut is then tightened to establish the angle.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention is a combination leveling and edge trimming tool for use during the application of a wallpaper material to a wall surface and which is an improvement over prior art wallpaper tools and utensils. The tool includes a substantially thin and elongate planar shaped body having a first face and a second face and a first end and a second end. A bottom face of the body extends between the first and second faces and the first and second ends. A first level indication means is provided by a horizontally oriented fluid leveling bubble and is incorporated within the body and operable about a first rotating plane. A second level indication means likewise includes a pair of vertically oriented leveling bubbles likewise incorporated within the body and operable about a second rotating plane.
A non-slip gripping means projects along at least one of the first and second faces of the tool body in proximity to the bottom face and, in the preferred embodiment, includes an elongate strip of heavy duty rubberized material which exhibits and outwardly sloping taper to facilitate secure engagement against the wall surface. An elongate and substantially rigid blade edge is mounted to the body in relation to the bottom face. In a further embodiment, an angling attachment is provided which includes first and second elongate members hingedly secured together. A first of the elongate members includes a slit or pocket defined therein which engages over the rigid blade and so that the second of the members is pivotally actuable about the hinged axis to abut a contiguous angled corner edge of the wall surface and to line up a succeeding sheet of wallpaper. In a further embodiment, an elongate channel is formed in the bottom face of the tool body and facilitates axial inserting of an associated edge of the elongate blade in a fixedly secured manner. The blade edge of the tool is capable of being translated along the wall surface to adhere and level the wallpaper material and the tool may further be gripped by a user in a secure and non-slip manner at a specified angle such that the rubberized gripping strip engages the wall surface and prior to trimming of an unwanted section of the wallpaper material.
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patent: 4745688 (1988-05-01), Jewers
patent: 4922621 (1990-05-01), Maier
patent: 4989335 (1991-02-01), Day
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patent: 5279041 (1994-01-01), Wright
patent: 5351357 (1994-10-01), Liberman
patent: 1509831 (1969-06-01), None
patent: 3304-237-A (1984-08-01), None
Gifford, Krass, Groh Sprinkle, Anderson & Citkowski, P.C.
Hirshfeld Andrew H.
Smith R. Alexander
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