U.S. patent application number 10/785580 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-25 for chalk line with selectively adjustable tip.
This patent application is currently assigned to Irwin Industrial Tool Company. Invention is credited to Scarborough, Dane.
Application Number | 20050183277 10/785580 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34838844 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050183277 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Scarborough, Dane |
August 25, 2005 |
CHALK LINE WITH SELECTIVELY ADJUSTABLE TIP
Abstract
An improved chalk line tip for a chalk-line. The tip having a
string attachment portion, having a first end configured to receive
a pivot pin therein and extending in a generally arcuately shaped
configuration toward a second end, which is also configured to
receive a pivot pin therein. The string connection body defining an
aperture dimensioned to allow passage of a portion of the
attachment portion therethrough. A surface attachment portion
having various devices for attaching the surface attachment portion
to a surface to be marked. The tip is configured to allow various
configurations of the attachment device to be presented and
attached to a surface to be marked thus allowing for increased
applicability and utility upon a variety of surfaces.
Inventors: |
Scarborough, Dane; (Hailey,
ID) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STEPHEN M. NIPPER
DYKAS, SHAVER & NIPPER, LLP
PO BOX 877
BOISE
ID
83701-0877
US
|
Assignee: |
Irwin Industrial Tool
Company
Huntersville
NC
|
Family ID: |
34838844 |
Appl. No.: |
10/785580 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
33/414 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B44D 3/38 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
033/414 |
International
Class: |
G01D 021/00 |
Claims
1. A chalk-line for marking lines comprising: a string having a
first end connected to a reel and a second end connected to an
attachment device, said reel configured to wind and unwind said
string; said attachment device comprising a string connection
portion pivotally connected to a surface attachment portion, said
surface attachment portion having at least two variable connection
devices fixed relative to one another, each variable connection
device configured to connect said attachment device to a
surface.
2. (canceled)
3. The chalk-line of claim 1, wherein at least one of said variable
connection devices comprise a clip configured to grasp an edge of a
surface.
4. The chalk-line of claim 1, wherein at least one of said variable
connection devices comprise a body defining an aperture, said
aperture configured to engage a portion of a surface
projection.
5. The chalk-line of claim 1, wherein at least one of said variable
connection devices comprise a projection, said projection
configured to puncture a surface and to hold said attachment device
in engagement with said surface.
6. The chalk-line of claim 5, wherein said projection is threaded
and configured to be screwed into said surface.
7. The chalk-line of claim 1, wherein said string connection
portion has a string connection portion body, said string
connection portion body being generally arcuately shaped having a
first end extending to a second end, said first end and said second
end configured to receive a pivot pin therein, said string
connection body defining an aperture dimensioned to allow passage
of a portion of said surface attachment portion therein.
8. The chalk-line of claim 1, wherein said attachment portion
comprises an attachment portion body, said attachment portion body
comprising a first end configured to form a clip, said clip
configured to grasp an edge of a surface, said attachment portion
body defining an aperture, said aperture configured to receive a
portion of a surface projection therein; said attachment portion
body further defining a passageway configured to allow passage of a
pivot pin therethrough, said attachment portion body extending to a
second end, said second end configured to form a threaded
projection said threaded projection configured to allow insertion
of said threaded projection within a surface.
9. The chalk-line of claim 8, wherein said attachment portion is
pivotally connected to said string connection portion.
10. A adjustable chalk-line hook comprising: a selectable surface
attachment portion, said selectable surface attachment portion
configured to provide at least three means for connecting said
surface attachment portion to a surface, wherein said surface
attachment portion comprises a threaded projection said projection
configured to be inserted and held within a surface and to hold
said attachment device to said surface; and a string attachment
portion configured to connect said string to said surface
attachment portion said string attachment device configured to
connect said string attachment portion to said surface attachment
portion.
11. The hook of claim 10, wherein said string attachment portion is
pivotingly connected to said surface attachment portion.
12. The hook of claim 10, wherein said surface attachment portion
comprises a clip configured to grasp an edge of a surface.
13. The hook of claim 10, wherein said surface attachment portion
comprises a body defining an aperture, said aperture configured to
engage a portion of a projection connected to a surface.
14. (canceled)
15. (canceled)
16. The hook of claim 10, wherein said string attachment portion
has a string connection portion body, said string connection
portion body having a first end configured to receive a pivot pin
therein and extending in a generally arcuately shaped configuration
toward a second end said second end also configured to receive a
pivot pin therein, said string connection body defining an aperture
dimensioned to receive a portion of said attachment portion
therein.
17. The hook of claim 10, wherein said attachment portion comprises
an attachment portion body, said attachment portion body comprising
a first end configured to form a clip, said clip having a plurality
of teeth and configured to grasp an edge of a surface, said
attachment portion body defining an aperture, said aperture
configured to receive a portion of a surface projection therein;
said attachment portion body further defining a passageway
configured to allow passage of a pivot pin there through, said
attachment portion body extending to a second end, said second end
configured to form a threaded projection said threaded projection
configured to allow insertion of said threaded projection within a
surface.
18. The hook of claim 17, wherein said surface attachment portion
is pivotally connected to said string connection portion.
19. An attachment device for a chalk-line comprising: a string
attachment portion, said string connection portion having a string
connection portion body, said string connection portion body having
a first end configured to receive a pivot pin therein and extending
in a generally arcuately shaped configuration toward a second end,
said second end also configured to receive a pivot pin therein,
said string connection body defining an aperture dimensioned to
allow passage of a portion of said attachment portion therethrough;
a surface attachment portion, said surface attachment portion
having a body comprising a first end configured to form a clip,
said clip having a plurality of teeth and configured to grasp an
edge of a surface, said attachment portion body defining an
aperture, said aperture configured to receive a portion of a
surface projection therein; said attachment portion body further
defining a passageway configured to allow passage of a pivot pin
there through, said attachment portion body extending to a second
end, said second end configured to form a threaded projection said
threaded projection configured to allow insertion of said threaded
projection within a surface; and said pivot pin configured for
insertion within portions of said string attachment portion body
and said surface attachment portion body said pivot pin configured
to allow rotational movement of said string attachment portion and
said surface attachment portions around said pivot pin.
20. A chalk-line for marking lines comprising: a string having a
first end connected to a reel and a second end connected to an
attachment device, said reel configured to wind and unwind said
string; and an attachment device comprising a string connection
portion and a surface attachment portion, said surface attachment
portion having at least two variable connection devices, each
variable connection device configured to connect said attachment
device to a surface, wherein at least one of said variable
connection devices comprises a threaded projection configured to be
screwed into said surface thereby holding said attachment device in
engagement with said surface.
21. A chalk-line for marking lines comprising: a string having a
first end connected to a reel and a second end connected to an
attachment device, said reel configured to wind and unwind said
string; and an attachment device comprising a string connection
portion and a surface attachment portion, said surface attachment
portion having at least two variable connection devices, each
variable connection device configured to connect said attachment
device to a surface; wherein said surface attachment portion
comprises an attachment portion body, said attachment portion body
comprising a first end configured to form a clip, said clip
configured to grasp an edge of a surface, said attachment portion
body defining an aperture, said aperture configured to receive a
portion of a surface projection therein, said attachment portion
body further defining a passageway configured to allow passage of a
pivot pin there through, said attachment portion body extending to
a second end, said second end configured to form a threaded
projection said threaded projection configured to allow insertion
of said threaded projection within a surface.
22. The chalk-line of claim 21, wherein said surface attachment
portion is pivotally connected to said string connection
portion.
23. A adjustable chalk-line hook comprising: a selectable surface
attachment portion, said selectable surface attachment portion
configured to provide at least three variable connection devices
for connecting said surface attachment portion to a surface; and a
string attachment portion configured to connect said string to said
surface attachment portion, said string attachment device
configured to connect said string attachment portion to said
surface attachment portion; wherein said surface attachment portion
comprises an attachment portion body, said attachment portion body
comprising a first end configured to form a clip, said clip having
a plurality of teeth and configured to grasp an edge of a surface,
said attachment portion body defining an aperture, said aperture
configured to receive a portion of a surface projection therein;
said attachment portion body further defining a passageway
configured to allow passage of a pivot pin there through, said
attachment portion body extending to a second end, said second end
configured to form a threaded projection said threaded projection
configured to allow insertion of said threaded projection within a
surface.
24. The hook of claim 23, wherein said attachment portion is
pivotally connected to said string connection portion.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention generally relates to the field of
carpentry and construction trades, and more particularly relates to
a chalk line marking devices, which enable a skilled tradesman such
as a carpenter to simply, easily, and effectively mark straight
work lines quickly and accurately upon a variety of surfaces.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] In the building construction industry, it is often necessary
to provide a straight line as a guide for performing tasks such as
cutting large pieces of material like sheetrock or plywood, nailing
down flooring over floor joists, placing shingles upon a roof or
laying flooring over a surface. One of the most common ways in
which a straight line is marked in these situations is with a
chalkline.
[0005] A chalk line is typically a string connected to a reel,
which is held within a housing. This reel winds the string and is
typically configured to allow the string to be pulled off of the
reel and then rewound back on to the reel. The string is coated
with chalk dust that is usually poured into the housing and applied
to the string as the string is pulled out of and then retracted
back into the housing upon the reel.
[0006] To use a chalk line to mark a line for a desired purpose,
the line is unwound from within the reel and stretched between two
marked points. A part of the chalk line somewhere between the two
points is then raised and released quickly. This action called
snapping. When the chalk line is snapped, the chalk from the line
is deposited upon the surface. The string can then be rewound and a
temporary line remains upon the surface. This line can then be
utilized as a guide in performing the desired actions.
[0007] In order for the chalk line to mark an appropriate line, the
two ends of the line must be fixed in their respective locations so
as to anchor the line while tension is applied. If one of the
anchor ends is not firmly positioned, the chalk will not deposit
upon a straight line and a number of undesirable consequences may
result. This includes smearing of the chalk upon the device, errant
lines, and other problems. While a variety of features for these
devices have been created, devices for chalk lines have been
created. The major draw backs of these inventions is that depending
upon the circumstances a carpenter may not be able to appropriately
anchor a distant end of the chalk line. As a result, he cannot
always hold the chalk line in the desired position, stretch the
chalk line, and snap the chalk line.
[0008] A chalk line is a tool that may be used in a variety of
circumstances. Therefore, the matter of anchoring the chalk line
may not always be the same for all circumstances. For example, in
some instances, such as rough carpentry, a nail can be driven at
one point and the chalk line then tied or otherwise fastened to the
nail, the string can then be stretched and snapped. However, in
other instances the placement of a nail is not always desired. In
such an instance, a grasping device may be desired to simply grasp
the edge of the surface upon which the mark is to be made. One way
that seems to work in nearly all situations is to simply call
another individual over to hold the distant end of the chalk line
at the desired position. This method however, is time consuming,
inefficient and in instances where a carpenter or framer is working
alone, simply impossible.
[0009] There does not exist, to the knowledge of the applicant, an
anchor for a chalk line device that will allow the user to
variously select different types of attachment means to anchor a
distant end of a chalk line. Accordingly, it is an object of the
present invention to provide an anchor for a chalk line with
provides various means of anchoring the chalk line to a surface to
be marked. Furthermore, an additional object of the invention is to
provide an anchor for a chalk line that can be selectively utilized
to vary the position or the type of attachment device to be used,
according to the needs of the user. Another object of the present
invention is to provide a chalk line with a novel anchoring device,
which can be used on a variety of different types of surfaces
according to the necessities and needs of a user. Various
embodiments of the present invention satisfy these and other
needs.
[0010] Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the
invention will be set forth in part in the description which
follows and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the
art upon examination of the following or may be learned by practice
of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may
be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and
combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The preferred embodiment of the present invention is a chalk
line with a variably selectable anchor configured to allow a user
to attach the anchor of the chalkline to a variety of surfaces
utilizing a variety of connection tools. The chalkline itself is
comprised of a string having one end attached to a reel and the
other end attached to a variably selectable anchor. The variably
selectable anchor has a string attachment portion configured to
connect the anchor with a string. The string attachment portion has
a first end configured to receive a pivot pin therein, and extends
in a generally, arcuately, shaped configuration toward a string
attachment portion second end. The string attachment portion second
end is also configured to receive a pivot pin therethrough. The
string connection body defines an aperture dimensioned to allow the
passage of a portion of a surface attachment device therethrough.
The surface attachment portion has a body with a first end,
configured to form a clip. This clip having a plurality of teeth
and also being configured to grasp an edge of a surface. The
surface attachment body portion also defines an aperture. This
aperture is configured to receive a portion of a surface projection
therethrough. The surface attachment body portion further defines
the passageway configured to allow passage of a pivot pin
therethrough. The surface attachment body portion also extends to a
second end. This second end forming a projection configured for
insertion within a surface. A pivot pin holds the string connection
portion and the surface connection portions together in a pivotable
arrangement. This configuration allows these two portions to pivot
about one another and allows the string to be held in a desired
position while varying the surface attachment portion so as to
allow the device to be anchored in a variety of differing positions
upon a variety of differing surfaces.
[0012] Further, the purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable
the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the public
generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and
practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal
terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory
inspection the general nature and essence of the technical
disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to
define the invention of the application, which is measure by the
claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the
invention in any way.
[0013] Still other objects and advantages of the present invention
will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the
following detailed description wherein I have shown and described
only the preferred embodiment of the invention, simply by way of
illustration of the best mode contemplated by carrying out my
invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of
modification in various obvious respects all without departing from
the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description of the
preferred embodiment are to be regarded as illustrative in nature,
and not as restrictive in nature.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of
the invention in a first attachment position.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention in a
second attachment position.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 2.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of
the invention in its third attachment position.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the present invention its
second orientation in use upon a surface.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a view of the present invention in its third
orientation in use upon a surface.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a front plain view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
1.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7
further demonstrating the ability of the string attachment portion
and the surface attachment portion to rotate about one another.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] While the invention is susceptible of various modifications
and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments
thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below
in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no
intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed,
but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications,
alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0023] The present invention is an attachment device that is
configured to anchor one end of a chalk line. The preferred
embodiment of this invention is shown in FIGS. 1-8, and will be
described hereinafter as follows, while a preferred embodiment of
the invention is shown and described it is to be distinctly
understood that the present invention is not limited thereto but
may be variously embodied and described.
[0024] FIG. 1 shows the preferred embodiment of the present
invention 10 in a first orientation. This invention comprises a
surface attachment portion 20 and a string connection portion 30.
The string connection portion comprises a body 32 that extends from
a first end 34 to a second end 36 along a preferably genuinely
arcuately shaped body 32. Other shapes are likewise envisioned. In
this embodiment, the string portion connection first end 34 and the
string connection portion second end 36 are each hollow thus
allowing placement of a pivot pin 40 therethrough. The arcuately
shaped string connection portion body 32 defines a passageway 38
therethrough, which is further configured to allow a portion of the
attachment device 20 to pass therethrough when rotated about the
pivot pin 40.
[0025] The present invention comprises at least one surface
attachment portion. The surface attachment portion 20 in the
preferred embodiment is comprised of a surface attachment portion
body 22, having the first end 24 configured like a clip and a
second end configured as a threaded projection 25 or screw. In this
embodiment, the projection 25 is a threaded projection. However, it
is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto and
that the projection 25 may be any of a variety of types of
projections that are configured to be inserted within a portion of
a surface to be marked, including but not limited to spikes, brads,
nails, bolts, tacks, etc.
[0026] In this embodiment, the surface attachment portion comprises
three separate surface attachments (a clip portion, a threaded
portion, and an aperture (discussed infra)). It is expressly
envisioned that the surface attachment portion may comprise any
number of surface attachments and that the surface attachments may
be integral to one another or separate and independent of one
another.
[0027] The first end 24 of the surface attachment body portion 22
is configured to clip and/or attach to the edge of a surface or
other surface portion (including but not limited to exposed
fasteners, etc.). This clip 24 preferably having a plurality of
teeth 26 that are configured to assist the clip 24 in grasping the
edge or another portion of the surface to be marked. It is
preferred that this clip be generally U-shaped, however L-shaped
and other shaped clips are also possible.
[0028] The body of the surface attachment portion 22 preferably
also defining an aperture 28 which is configured for placement
around a surface projection. An example of such a projection would
be a nail, screw, fastener, or other feature that extends from the
surface that is to be marked. Other manners of surface projection
attachment are also possible (other than an aperture), including
but not limited to hooks, loops, flanges, etc.
[0029] The surface attachment portion body 22 preferably also
defines a passageway that allows passage of a pivot pin 40 through
the surface attachment connection portion 20 as well as the string
attachment portion 30 of the device. This pivot pin 40 allows the
string connection portion 30 and the surface attachment portion 20
to be variously rotated relative to one another, as is shown in
FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, and specifically in FIG. 8, so as to allow for
the various orientations and configurations shown herein. By
allowing for various orientations and configurations, a user has a
plurality of different options as it relates to the attachment of
the tip/hook/clip of the chalk line to the surface to be
marked.
[0030] FIG. 2 shows the invention of FIG. 1 in a first orientation.
In this first orientation, the string attachment portion 30 has
been rotated about pivot pin 40 so as to provide 90 degrees of
separation between the clip portion 24 and the body 32 of the
string connection portion. In such a configuration, the threaded
projection portion 25 is positioned so as to allow the connection
device 10 to be anchored within a surface. An example of this
configuration is shown in FIG. 5. Typically, the orientations of
FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are generally interchangeable. FIG. 3 is another
view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, with the string connection
rotated 180 degrees.
[0031] FIG. 4 is the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and
3 in a third orientation. In this third orientation, the string
connection portion body 32 lies generally 180 degrees from the
position of the clip 24. In this orientation, the clip portion 24
is configured for placement around an edge of a surface to be
marked as is shown in FIG. 6. In this orientation, the chalk line
string 2, shown in FIG. 6, is anchored and can be used to mark a
surface.
[0032] FIGS. 5 and 6 have been referred to previously and
demonstrate the use of the present invention in its various
embodiments in use, and show attachment of a string 2 to the
device. While the string is shown tied directly to the device,
obviously the string could be alternatively tied, for instance with
a swivel or other attachment, to the device.
[0033] FIG. 7 is the front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 8 shows the rotation of the string connection portion 30 about
the pivot pin 40, thus, varying the orientation between the string
connection portion 30 and the attachment portion 20.
[0034] In use, the present invention being configured for use with
a standard chalk-line, either as a new or replacement chalk-line
tip or as a chalk-line device as a whole. Such a device comprising
a string having a first end connected to a reel and a second end
connected to an attachment device. This reel configured to wind and
unwind the string. The attachment device comprised of a string
connection portion and a surface attachment portion. The surface
attachment portion having at least two variable connection devices
each variable connection device configured to connect the
attachment device to a surface.
[0035] While there is shown and described the present preferred
embodiment of the invention, it is to be distinctly understood that
this invention is not limited thereto but may be variously embodied
to practice within the scope of the following claims. From the
foregoing description, it will be apparent that various changes may
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined by the following claims.
* * * * *