Buckles – buttons – clasps – etc. – Article holder attachable to apparel or body – Article held by clip
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-01
2001-05-22
Brittain, James R. (Department: 3626)
Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
Article holder attachable to apparel or body
Article held by clip
C224S269000, C224S272000, C224S668000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06233789
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to square tools for measuring a right-angle, and tape measures for measuring distance.
2. Prior Art
A square tool is a triangular device for measuring a right-angle. It includes a right-angled corner and two acute-angled corners. A tape measure is a device with a roll of flexible measuring tape extendable from a compact housing. My U.S. patent Des. 349,462 shows a tape measure built into a square tool. A bubble level is arranged within a window, and guide rails extend along opposite sides of one edge. In a second embodiment, it includes a slot extending between the sides for holding a pencil. However, the pencil is completely recessed in the deep slot, which makes it difficult to remove. There is no way to lock the tape in an extended position. The edges of the tool are all flat, and due to its triangular shape, it is difficult to pick up when it is lying flat on a supporting surface. The flat edges are also structurally weak, and may distort during the molding process. The sides of the tool cannot be written on because they are glassy smooth. It cannot be used to draw a circle. There is also no way to clip it handily to the clothing of a user. My U.S. patent Des. 332,413 shows a similar square tool with tape measure, but without the bubble level or the pencil holder. In a second embodiment, it includes a groove extending partially along one edge, and a hole in the groove for receiving one end of a pencil. The other edges are flat, so that they may still slip from the hand. It suffers from much of the same disadvantages as the previous device.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, objects of the present square tool with tape measure are:
to measure a right-angle and at least one other angle;
to indicate the horizontal position;
to ensure alignment along at least one edge with a work piece;
to measure distances;
to enable the measuring tape to be locked in any extended position;
to hold a pencil;
to allow easy removal of the pencil;
to sharpen the pencil;
to be easily grasped and lifted when it is lying flat on a supporting surface;
to provide improved structural strength;
to resist distortion during its molding;
to be usable for drawing a very large circle;
to provide a surface for writing erasable notes;
to provide a retractable belt clip so that it can be laid flat on either side on a work surface; and
to be attachable to the clothing of a user.
Further objects of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A square tool with tape measure includes a triangular housing with flat opposite sides and three edges forming a right-angled corner and two acute-angled corners. A groove is arranged along an entire length of each of the edges to enable the tool to be easily grasped and lifted. A measuring tape arranged within the housing is retractable flush into one of the corners. The tape is lockable in any extended position with a locking tab recessed into one of the edges. A bubble level is arranged within a window on the housing for indicating the horizontal position. A pencil holder is attached to one of the edges for holding a pencil. A pencil sharpener is provided for sharpening the pencil. A pair of guide rails arranged along opposite sides of one of the edges can be used for aligning the tool with a work piece. The tool may be clipped to a user's clothing with a belt clip attached to a side of the housing. In alternative embodiments, the belt clip is retractable and extendable. The sides of the housing each include a textured surface on which erasable notes can be written with the pencil. The tool may be used for drawing a very large circle by extending the measuring tape, positioning a pencil at the end of the tape, and pivoting it about a nail positioned through a hole in one of the corners and into a work piece.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1720471 (1929-07-01), Fritsch
patent: 2583142 (1952-01-01), Frentzel
patent: 3101075 (1963-08-01), Johmann
patent: 3882572 (1975-05-01), Hocq
patent: 4111343 (1978-09-01), Selinko
patent: 4584250 (1986-04-01), Hooke et al.
patent: 4717275 (1988-01-01), Burkhardt, Jr.
patent: 4790678 (1988-12-01), Araki
patent: 4310602 (1994-05-01), None
patent: 2213522 (1989-08-01), None
Brittain James R.
Lo Jack
LandOfFree
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