U.S. patent application number 10/542596 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-25 for marking tape measure.
Invention is credited to Gary Pritchard.
Application Number | 20060107546 10/542596 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32927708 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060107546 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pritchard; Gary |
May 25, 2006 |
Marking tape measure
Abstract
A marking device for making layout marks an surfaces such as
boards, panels, or walls including a tape measure with a plurality
of holes disposed along its length is disclosed. The device also
contains a reel for dispensing a chalk line wherein the chalk line
is positioned over the tape measure. The chalk line may be
tensioned and snapped to transfer chalk through the holes, thereby
providing marks at predetermined intervals.
Inventors: |
Pritchard; Gary; (Fort
Collins, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KRAJEC PATENT OFFICES, LLC
820 WELCH AVENUE
BERTHOUD
CO
80513
US
|
Family ID: |
32927708 |
Appl. No.: |
10/542596 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
February 27, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US04/05928 |
371 Date: |
July 12, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
33/760 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01B 3/1043 20200101;
G01B 3/1089 20200101; G01B 3/1056 20130101; B44D 3/38 20130101;
G01B 2003/1012 20130101; G01B 3/1084 20130101; G01B 2003/1025
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
033/760 |
International
Class: |
G01B 3/10 20060101
G01B003/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 27, 2003 |
US |
60451359 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2-36. (canceled)
37. A device comprising: a first compartment having a first
aperture; a retractable tape measure housed in said first
compartment, at least a portion of said retractable tape measure
comprising a first coil located in said first compartment wound in
a first direction, said tape measure having a top side comprising
indicia; a second compartment having a second aperture and a third
aperture; a string adapted to be extended through said second
aperture, said string being retained within said second compartment
in a second coil; a movable door across said third aperture;
wherein said second compartment is adapted to disperse a marking
medium on said string, said marking medium being able to be added
through said third aperture; wherein said first direction of said
first coil and said second direction of said second coil are
parallel; wherein said second aperture is located proximal to said
first aperture such that said second aperture directs said string
to extend above said indicia of said retractable tape.
38. The device of claim 37 wherein said first compartment is
removably connected to said second compartment.
39. The device of claim 37 further comprising: a hand crank adapted
to turn said second coil.
40. The device of claim 37 further comprising: a locking mechanism
adapted to lock said tape measure.
41. The device of claim 37 further comprising: a spring retraction
mechanism adapted to retract said tape measure into said first
compartment.
42. The device of claim 37 wherein said marking medium comprises
chalk.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application 60/451,359 entitled "Marking Tape Measure" by
Gary Pritchard filed Feb. 27, 2003, the entire content of which is
hereby incorporated by reference herein for all it discloses and
teaches.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention pertains to measuring devices and
specifically to measuring devices capable of making markings.
[0004] 2. Description of the Background
[0005] Framers and construction workers typically have to measure
and mark boards and panels during the layout and construction of
buildings. Typically, the markings for building studs may occur
every sixteen or twenty-four inches. The markings are routinely
laid out by extending a tape measure and marking at periodic
intervals with a pencil. The task of marking boards and panels is
time consuming, as it requires traversing the entire length of a
board to make the required marks.
[0006] For example, in the case where the top of an unfinished wall
is to be marked, the framer may have to move a ladder every three
or four feet along the wall in order to make the required layout
marks to attach roofing trusses or the like. Every few feet, the
framer may have to set up a ladder, climb the ladder, make the few
marks that are within arm's reach, descend the ladder, move the
ladder, and repeat the process.
[0007] It would therefore be advantageous to provide a system and
method for creating markings on surfaces, such as boards, panels,
or walls at specific intervals in a fast and efficient manner. It
would further be advantageous if the system and method were
compact, portable, and easy to use in difficult places.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention overcomes the disadvantages and
limitations of the prior art by providing a system and method for
placing marks on surfaces including boards, panels, or walls in
specific intervals in a single operation. A tape measure and chalk
line dispenser allows the simultaneous extension of a measuring
tape and chalk line. The measuring tape has a plurality of holes
disposed along the tape at the specific intervals for marking. The
chalk line is disposed above the tape and is tightened and snapped
to create chalk marks through the holes and onto the board or
panel. The tape and chalk line may then be rewound.
[0009] The tape may have a series of offset holes near the end of
the tape that may allow a carpenter to offset the tape and thus the
markings by a specific interval. Such offsets may be helpful in
certain situations.
[0010] An embodiment of the present invention comprises a device
for making at least one mark comprising: a length of tape having at
least one hole disposed along the length at a predetermined
location; a line disposed along the length such that at least a
portion of the line spans the at least one hole; and a marking
medium attached to the line.
[0011] Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a
device for marking a plurality of marks comprising: means for
masking having a plurality of holes disposed along the length of
the means for masking at predetermined intervals; and means for
dispensing a marking medium disposed along the length of the means
for masking and further positioned such that at least a portion of
the marking medium passes through the plurality of the holes.
[0012] Yet another embodiment of the present invention comprises a
method for making at least one mark on a surface comprising:
extending a tape having at least one hole over the surface;
spanning the at least one hole with a marking line having a marking
medium; withdrawing the marking line from the tape; allowing the
marking line to snap onto the tape such that at least some of the
marking medium passes through the at least one hole onto the
surface.
[0013] The advantages of the present invention are that markings at
specific intervals may be made with one motion. Further, the
markings may be made from one end of the board without requiring
traversing the length of the board to make a mark at every
interval.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] In the drawings,
[0015] FIG. 1 is a partial cut away side view illustration of an
embodiment of the present invention of a marking apparatus.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a partial cut away front view illustration of the
embodiment of a marking apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present
invention of a marking apparatus.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the
present invention of a marking apparatus shown in FIG. 3.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present
invention of a marking apparatus showing the marking
components.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present
invention of a marking apparatus having detachable components.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a cut away side view of an embodiment 100
of a marking apparatus. The body 102 contains a tape spool 104 and
a chalk line spool 106. As the free end tip 108 is pulled away from
the body 102, the tape 110 and chalk line 112 are extended with the
chalk line 112 being located over or spanning the tape 110. The
tape 110 has a series of marking holes 114 at predetermined
intervals. The tape 110 and chalk line 112 can be simultaneously
retracted into the body 102 by the rewind crank 116. The chalk line
112 travels through holes in stanchions 118 and 120 and tensioner
112.
[0022] In operation, one places the tip 108 of the device over the
edge of a surface to be marked, then extends the tape 110 and chalk
line 112 simultaneously along the length to be marked. When the
tape in the marking apparatus 100 is extended over the length to be
marked, the body 102 may be placed on top of the surface such that
the lower arm 124 of the tensioner 112 is pressed against the
surface. The tensioner 112 forces the chalk line 112 against the
tape with the tensioning arm 126. The exposed chalk line 112 is
stretched between stanchions 118 and 120 with one hand and the
chalk line 112 is lifted and quickly released against the tape 110
with the other hand, allowing the chalk line to return to its
normal position in a process known as `snapping the line.` The
chalk dust that is supported on the chalk line 112 transfers
through the marking holes 114 and make marks on the board at those
intervals.
[0023] The tape 110 may be a standard metal measuring tape that has
markings typical to commercially available measuring tapes. The
tape 110 may be constructed of steel or other metal, or may be
constructed of plastic or other suitable material.
[0024] The marking holes 114 may be placed at periodic intervals
that may be useful to those of the building trades. For example, it
is common to mark studs and other building components on sixteen or
twenty four inch intervals. Thus, the marking holes 114 may be
placed at those intervals. In addition, it is often necessary to
offset those intervals by a standard amount, such as one half of
the width of a stud. Additional offset holes may be provided near
the tip 108 to offset the marking holes 114. A nail may be placed
in the board and one of the offset holes may be placed over the
nail to offset the markings a particular distance. For example, an
offset of three-quarters of an inch may be desirable for laying out
stud placement. A nail may be placed in the end of the board and an
offset hole that is three-quarters of an inch from the tip 108 may
be placed over the nail. Thus, for the entire length of the tape,
all of the markings can be offset by three quarters of an inch.
Other offsets may be accomplished by providing offset holes at
predetermined locations along the tape. In another embodiment, the
tape 110 may have a series of offset holes through which a nail may
be inserted. The nail may then be placed over the edge of a board
to offset the markings made by the embodiment 100. In still other
embodiments, the tip 108 may be movable such that it may be
adjusted to different positions along the axis of the tape 110 in
order to offset the marks made by the embodiment 100.
[0025] The chalk line 112 may be a common string that is stored on
a chalk line spool 106. The chalk line spool 106 may be enclosed by
a chalk compartment in which chalk is stored and by which chalk may
become entrained by the string. In other embodiments, the string
may be replaced by a woven band with a width greater than its
thickness that may be able to produce marks wider than would be
possible with a string.
[0026] The marking holes 114 may be small circular holes or may be
a specially shaped hole that may produce a specially shaped mark.
Such shapes may include numerical shapes that may mark the location
with a numerical designation. In other embodiments, the marking
holes 114 may include a mark for the edge of a stud or other
building member and a second mark or designation for the side to
which the stud is to be placed. It is common for a carpenter to
mark a location with a line or crow's foot mark and then place an
`X` to designate the appropriate side of the line for the stud.
Such marks may be placed by an embodiment of the present invention
having an `X` shaped hole.
[0027] The tensioner 112 operates by rotating about the hinge point
128. As the body 102 is placed upon a surface, the lower arm 124
causes the tensioner 122 to rotate and slightly stretch the chalk
line 112 with the tensioning arm 126. In some embodiments, the
amount of tension applied by the tensioning arm 126 may be
sufficient to snap the chalk line 112 and effectively place marks
along the board. In other embodiments, the carpenter may push the
body 102 against the board and pull the chalk line 112 taught by
pulling on the chalk line 112 in the area between the stanchions
118 and 120.
[0028] The rewind crank 116 may be used to retract the tape 110 and
chalk line 112 into the body 102. The rewind crank 116 may be
connected to the tape spool 104 and chalk line spool 106 by various
gears, pulleys, or other mechanisms such that the tape 110 and
chalk line 112 may be retracted substantially simultaneously. In
other embodiments, a return spring may be used in place of the
rewind crank 116. In such embodiments, the tape spool 104 and chalk
line spool 106 may be connected by a mechanism that allows for the
simultaneous retraction of the tape 110 and chalk line 112.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a partial cut away front view of the embodiment
100 of a marking apparatus. The body 202 has a tape housing 204 and
a chalk line housing 206. The return crank 208 is mounted so that
it can retract the chalk line and tape into the body 202. The chalk
line 210 is fed through stanchions 214 and 216 to the tip 212. The
wall 218 separates the chalk line housing 206 from the tape housing
204. The chalk line housing 206 may have a door into which may
poured a quantity of chalk dust. The chalk dust may then become
entrained on the chalk line 210.
[0030] Various embodiments may have different mechanisms for
handling the chalk dust. For example, wipers and mechanisms of
various sorts may be employed to remove excess chalk dust from the
tape or chalk line. Such mechanisms regulate the amount of chalk
that is entrained on the chalk line and to clean the tape during
rewind to prohibit chalk dust from collecting inside the tape
housing 204.
[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment 300
of the present invention of a marking apparatus. The body 302
contains a tape spool 304 and a string spool 306. A tape locking
lever 308 allows the tape to be locked in a particular position. A
chalk filling door 310 may be opened to receive powdered chalk that
can be carried on the string 314. The free end of the tape 312 may
be hooked over the edge of a piece of wood or other article to be
measured or marked. The string end clip 316 may be engaged on the
post 317 when the device is used as a marking instrument.
[0032] The embodiment 300 may be used as a separate tape measure
and string line. For example, to use the embodiment 300 as a tape
measure, the string end clip 316 may be disengaged from the tape
end clip 312 and stored in the string end clip holder 318. The tape
may be extended from the tape spool 304 by pulling on the tape end
clip 312. The tape may be an elongated sheet of metal or plastic
and may have graduations, marks, or other indicia for measuring or
otherwise indicating distance. Similarly, the tape may be kept in
the retracted position and the string may be extended to mark or
indicate a straight line.
[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment 400
of the present invention of a marking apparatus. The body 402
contains a tape spool 404 and a string spool 406. A tape locking
lever 408 may lock the tape in a particular position. A chalk
filling door 410 may be opened to receive powdered chalk or other
marking medium that can be carried on the string 414. The tape end
clip 412 has a post 417 that may receive the string end clip
416.
[0034] The embodiment 400 contains a string retract crank 418 that
may engage the string spool 406 to retract the string 414 into the
body 402. In some embodiments, the crank 418 may engage the string
spool directly or may engage the spool by means of gears.
[0035] In some embodiments, the tape may be retracted by a spring
mechanism. In some embodiments, the string and the tape may be
retracted simultaneously and collectively by a gear mechanism
between the tape spool and the string spool. In other embodiments,
the tape and the spring may be retracted separately and using
separate devices. For example, the tape may be retracted with a
spring powered mechanism while the string is retracted by a hand
crank mechanism. Various retraction mechanisms may be used by those
skilled in the art while keeping within the spirit and intent of
the present invention.
[0036] The string 414 may carry chalk or other marking medium and
may be used to transfer the marking medium to an article to be
marked. In some instances, the string may contain powdered chalk,
powdered ink, liquid ink, or other marking fluid or powder.
[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment 500
of the present invention of a marking apparatus. A measuring tape
502 contains a plurality of apertures 504 at predetermined
intervals or other spacing. The tape clip 506 may be hooked over
the edge of an article to mark. A chalk line 5 10 may be placed
over the tape 502 by engaging the string end clip 512 over the post
508 of the tape end clip 506. The string 510 is placed directly on
top of the tape 502, spanning the apertures 504. When the string
510 is made taught, the chalk line 5 10 may be raised and released
quickly to transfer the marking medium carried by the chalk line
510 through the apertures 504 and onto the item to be marked. This
process is sometimes called `snapping a line` in the trade.
[0038] The apertures 504 may be selected to be of various shapes,
sizes, and spacing to indicate various distances or marks as those
skilled in the art may desire. For example, for framing houses in
the United States, it may be conventional to mark studs at 16
inches apart. In such a case, the apertures 504 may be spaced 16
inches apart. In some cases, the shape of an aperture 504 may have
a special meaning, such as the stud side of a mark.
[0039] In some cases, the measuring tape 502 may have various marks
or indicia for measuring distance or other functions as
desired.
[0040] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment 600 of the
present invention of a marking apparatus. A tape body 602 contains
a tape 604 and a tape locking tab 606. A chalk line body 608
contains a string 610, a string end clip 612, a retraction crank
614, and a chalk filling door 616. The chalk line body 608 may
removably engage the tape body 602 with a locking/locating feature
618.
[0041] The embodiment 600 allows the string line body 608 to be
removed and separately used from the tape body 602, but be
recombined in order to use apertures in the tape 604 to mask the
chalk line 610 to make separate, distinct marks along the length of
the tape 604. For example, the chalk line 610 may be used for
marking a straight line while the tape measure 602 may be used to
measure a certain distance. After such time, the chalk line 610 may
be reattached to the tape measure 602 and used to mark a plurality
of points along a distance.
[0042] Various locating and locking mechanisms 618 may be used by
those skilled in the art while keeping within the spirit and intent
of the present invention. For example, the tape measure 602 and the
chalk line 610 may snap together, may lock together using a
mechanical linkage, may slidingly engage each other, or any other
type of releasable engagement device or mechanism.
[0043] The foregoing description of the invention has been
presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise
form disclosed, and other modifications and variations may be
possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were
chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the
invention and its practical application to thereby enable others
skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various
embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the
particular use contemplated. It is intended that the appended
claims be construed to include other alternative embodiments of the
invention except insofar as limited by the prior art.
* * * * *