U.S. patent application number 16/849720 was filed with the patent office on 2021-10-21 for adjustable square.
This patent application is currently assigned to Woodpeckers, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Woodpeckers, LLC. Invention is credited to Paul E. Turley.
Application Number | 20210325161 16/849720 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004782216 |
Filed Date | 2021-10-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210325161 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Turley; Paul E. |
October 21, 2021 |
ADJUSTABLE SQUARE
Abstract
An adjustable square has a blade including a scale, a body, a
slot formed in the body for movably receiving the blade, a locking
mechanism operably engaged with the body for releasably securing
the blade within the slot, and an indexing member operably engaged
with the body and operably engaged with the blade. The indexing
member indexes the body at precise locations along the blade. A
method for indexing an adjustable square is also provided. The
method includes positioning a body of the adjustable square at a
precise known position and indexing, with an indexing member of the
adjustable square, the body of the adjustable square at the precise
known position.
Inventors: |
Turley; Paul E.; (Amherst,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Woodpeckers, LLC |
Strongville |
OH |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Woodpeckers, LLC
Strongsville
OH
|
Family ID: |
1000004782216 |
Appl. No.: |
16/849720 |
Filed: |
April 15, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B43L 7/007 20130101;
G01B 3/566 20130101; G01B 3/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01B 3/56 20060101
G01B003/56; G01B 3/04 20060101 G01B003/04 |
Claims
1. An adjustable square comprising: a blade including a scale; a
body; a slot formed in the body for movably receiving the blade; a
locking mechanism operably engaged with the body for releasably
securing the blade within the slot; and an indexing member operably
engaged with the body and operably engaged with the blade; wherein
the indexing member indexes the body precisely at a known position
along the scale of the blade.
2. The adjustable square of claim 1, further comprising: a
plurality of indexing apertures formed in the blade.
3. The adjustable square of claim 2, wherein the plurality of
indexing apertures is evenly spaced along a length of the
blade.
4. The adjustable square of claim 2, wherein the indexing member
passes through one of the plurality of indexing apertures; and
wherein the indexing member operably engages the blade.
5. The adjustable square of claim 2, further comprising: a
longitudinal axis of the blade; wherein the plurality of indexing
apertures is positioned along the longitudinal axis.
6. The adjustable square of claim 2, further comprising: a
plurality of graduations of the scale provided on the blade;
wherein each of the plurality of indexing apertures is aligned with
one of the plurality of graduations of the scale.
7. The adjustable square of claim 1, further comprising: a
plurality of graduations of the scale provided on the blade.
8. The adjustable square of claim 7, further comprising: a first
series of notches formed in the blade; wherein the first series of
notches are aligned with the plurality of graduations of the
scale.
9. The adjustable square of claim 8, further comprising: a second
series of notches formed in the blade; wherein the second series of
notches are aligned with the plurality of graduations of the
scale.
10. The adjustable square of claim 9, further comprising: a
longitudinal axis of the blade; wherein the first series of notches
and the second series of notches are provided on opposite sides of
the longitudinal axis.
11. The adjustable square of claim 2, wherein a portion of the
indexing member extends below the blade.
12. The adjustable square of claim 2, further comprising: an
indexed bore formed in the body for releasably receiving the
indexing member; wherein the indexed bore is aligned with one of
the plurality of indexing apertures.
13. The adjustable square of claim 12, further comprising: a minor
axis of each of the plurality of indexing apertures; a length of
each minor axis of each of the plurality of indexing apertures; a
cylindrical section of the indexing member; and a diameter of the
cylindrical section of the indexing member; wherein the length and
the diameter are approximately a same distance.
14. The adjustable square of claim 12, further comprising: a
storage bore formed in the body for releasably receiving the
indexing member; a stored position of the indexing member; and an
indexed position of the indexing member; wherein when the indexing
member is releasably received within the storage bore, the indexing
member is in the stored position; and wherein when the indexing
member is releasably received within the indexed bore, the indexing
member is in the indexed position.
15. The adjustable square of claim 1, further comprising: a first
side surface of the body; wherein the first side surface is
oriented at a ninety degree angle relative to the blade.
16. The adjustable square of claim 15, further comprising: a second
side surface of the body; wherein the second side surface is
oriented at a forty-five degree angle relative to the blade.
17. The adjustable square of claim 15, further comprising: a second
side surface of the body; wherein the second side surface is
oriented at a ninety degree angle relative to the blade.
18. A method for indexing an adjustable square comprising:
positioning a body of the adjustable square at a precise known
position along a scale of a blade of the adjustable square; and
indexing, with an indexing member of the adjustable square, the
body of the adjustable square at the precise known position.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: aligning one of a
plurality of indexing apertures formed in the blade with an indexed
bore formed in the body; inserting the indexing member into the
indexed bore; passing the indexing member through the one of the
plurality of indexing apertures; and operably engaging a portion of
the blade with the indexing member to fix the body at the desired
position.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: indexing, with the
indexing member, the body relative to a series of notches formed in
the blade and aligned with graduations of the scale.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a multipurpose
tool. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an
adjustable square. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to
an adjustable square including a body and an indexing member for
indexing body of the adjustable square at precise known
locations.
BACKGROUND
Background Information
[0002] An adjustable square is a multipurpose tool utilized in
woodworking, metalworking, and other industries. Some typical uses
of the adjustable square, among others, include measuring angles,
scribing lines, serving as a depth gauge, and ensuring machinery is
at a proper angle. For example, the adjustable square is typically
used to measure ninety degree angles and/or forty-five degree
angles, scribe perpendicular and parallel lines, determine depth
measurements of workpieces and/or cutting mechanisms, and
determining whether to make adjustments to machinery.
[0003] The adjustable square comes in various sizes and
configurations, however, each size and configuration typically
includes blade, a body, and an engaging mechanism. The blade
usually has a scale printed, embossed, or etched therein, and the
body is typically movable along a length of the blade. The body is
fixed at particular positions along the scale of the blade via the
engaging mechanism. However, one drawback associated with having a
movable body is that it is sometimes difficult to quickly and
precisely position the body at various points along the blade.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure may provide an adjustable square comprising a blade
including a scale, a body, a slot formed in the body for movably
receiving the blade, a locking mechanism operably engaged with the
body for releasably securing the blade within the slot, and an
indexing member operably engaged with the body and operably engaged
with the blade; wherein the indexing member indexes the body
precisely at a known position along the scale of the blade. The
adjustable square further includes a plurality of indexing
apertures formed in the blade. The plurality of indexing apertures
may be evenly spaced along a length of the blade and may be
positioned along a longitudinal axis of the blade. The indexing
member may pass through one of the plurality of indexing apertures
and the indexing member may operably engage the blade.
[0005] The scale may include a plurality of graduations provided on
the blade. Each of the plurality of indexing apertures may be
aligned with one of the plurality of graduations and the indexing
member may index the body relative to one of the plurality of
graduations.
[0006] The adjustable square further includes a first series of
notches and a second series of notches formed in the blade. The
indexing member may index the body relative to the first series of
notches and/or the second series of notches. The first series of
notches and the second series of notches may be provided on
opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the blade. A portion of
the indexing member may extend below the blade.
[0007] The adjustable square further includes an indexed bore
formed in the body for releasably receiving the indexing member.
The indexed bore may be aligned with one of the plurality of
indexing apertures. Each of the plurality of indexing apertures
includes may include a minor axis having a length and the indexing
member may include a cylindrical section having a diameter. In one
example, the length of the minor axis and the diameter of the
cylindrical section are approximately a same distance. The
adjustable square further includes a storage bore formed in the
body for releasably receiving the indexing member. The indexing
member may be configurable between a stored position and an indexed
position. When the indexing member is releasably received within
the storage bore, the indexing member is in the stored position.
When the indexing member is releasably received within the indexed
bore, the indexing member is in the indexed position.
[0008] The adjustable square further includes a first side surface
of the body oriented at a ninety degree angle relative to the
blade. In one example, the adjustable square further includes a
second side surface of the body oriented at a forty-five degree
angle relative to the blade. In another example, the adjustable
square further includes a second side surface of the body oriented
at a ninety degree angle relative to the blade.
[0009] In another aspect, an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure may provide a method for indexing an adjustable square
including positioning a body of the adjustable square at a precise
known position along a scale of a blade of the adjustable square,
and indexing, with an indexing member of the adjustable square, the
body of the adjustable square at the precise known position.
[0010] The method further includes aligning one of a plurality of
indexing apertures formed in the blade with an indexed bore formed
in the body, inserting the indexing member into the indexed bore,
passing the indexing member through the one of the plurality of
indexing apertures, and operably engaging a portion of the blade
with the indexing member to fix the body at the desired position.
The method further includes indexing, with the indexing member, the
body relative to a series of notches formed in the blade and
aligned with graduations of the scale.
[0011] In another aspect, and exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure may provide an adjustable square having a blade
including a scale, a body, a slot formed in the body for movably
receiving the blade, a locking mechanism operably engaged with the
body for releasably securing the blade within the slot, and an
indexing member operably engaged with the body and operably engaged
with the blade. The indexing member indexes the body relative to
the scale. A method for indexing an adjustable square is also
provided. The method includes positioning the adjustable square at
a desired position and indexing, with an indexing member of the
adjustable square, a body of the adjustable square relative to a
scale provided on a blade of the adjustable square.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] A sample embodiment of the disclosure is set forth in the
following description, is shown in the drawings and is particularly
and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.
The accompanying drawings, which are fully incorporated herein and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate various
examples, methods, and other example embodiments of various aspects
of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that the illustrated
element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes)
in the figures represent one example of the boundaries. One of
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in some examples one
element may be designed as multiple elements or that multiple
elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, an
element shown as an internal component of another element may be
implemented as an external component and vice versa. Furthermore,
elements may not be drawn to scale.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a front, top, right side isometric view of a first
embodiment of an adjustable square;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a top plan elevation view of the adjustable square
of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 2A is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of the
adjustable square highlighted by the dashed box labeled SEE FIG. 2A
of FIG. 2;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross-section view taken along line 3-3 of FIG.
2;
[0017] FIG. 3A is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of the
adjustable square highlighted by the dashed box labeled SEE FIG. 3A
of FIG. 3;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a cross-section view taken along line 4-4 of FIG.
2;
[0019] FIG. 5A is an operational view of the first embodiment of
the adjustable square of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 5B is an operational view of the first embodiment of
the adjustable square of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 5C is an operational view of the first embodiment of
the adjustable square of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 5D is an operational view of the first embodiment of
the adjustable square of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 6 is an operational view of the first embodiment of the
adjustable square of FIG. 1 scribing a line on a workpiece;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a cross-section view taken along line 7-7 of FIG.
6;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a front, top, right side isometric view of a
second embodiment of an adjustable square; and
[0026] FIG. 9 is a flow chart depicting an exemplary method in
accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure.
[0027] Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the
drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Referring to FIG. 1-FIG. 7, there is shown a first
embodiment of an adjustable square in accordance with one aspect of
the present disclosure. The adjustable square, which may also be
referred to as a combination square, is generally indicated at 10.
The combination square 10 includes a blade 12, a body 14, which may
also be referred to as a head, a locking mechanism 16, and an
indexing member 18.
[0029] The indexing member 18 is utilized for indexing the body 14
precisely at known locations or positions along the blade 12. Since
the body 14 is indexed precisely at known locations or positions
along the blade 12, distances from the body 14 to points along the
blade 12 are accurately known and can be used while utilizing the
combination square 10. For example, the blade 12 may include
measurement markings extending along a length of the blade 12, and
the body 14 may be indexable at certain points along the blade 12
where the distance between the measurement markings and the
indexable points are accurately known. If a user (not shown) of the
combination square 10 desires to move the body 14 from one position
to another position along the blade 12, the user can index the body
14 at the known location or position and the distance from the body
14 to the measurement markings is accurately known. This allows for
greater precision when working with the combination square 10 of
the present disclosure.
[0030] With continued reference to FIG. 1-FIG. 7, the blade 12 is
an elongated rectangular-shaped metal plate and is configured to be
operably engaged with the body 14 as more fully described below.
The blade 12 includes a first end 12A, a second end 12B, a first
side 12C, a second side 12D, a top 12E, and a bottom 12F. When the
blade 12 is operably engaged with the body 14, the first end 12A
and the second end 12B define a longitudinal direction
therebetween, the first side 12C and the second side 12D define a
transverse direction therebetween, and the top 12E and the bottom
12F define a vertical direction therebetween. The blade 12 further
includes a central longitudinal axis X1 extending between the first
end 12A and the second end 12B of the blade 12. Although the blade
12 has been described as being an elongated rectangular-shaped
metal plate, it is to be understood that the blade 12 may be any
suitable shape and be made of any suitable material.
[0031] The blade 12 includes a scale 20, a groove 22 formed in a
portion of the blade 12, a plurality of indexing apertures 24
formed in the blade 12, a first series of notches 26 formed in the
blade 12, and a second series of notches 28 formed in the blade
12.
[0032] The scale 20 includes graduations 20A arranged
longitudinally along the blade 12. The graduations 20A include
twelve one-inch markings divided into one-sixteenth inch segments
provided adjacent the first side 12C of the blade 12, and twelve
one-inch markings divided into one-sixteenth inch segments provided
adjacent the second side 12C of the blade 12. Although the
graduations 20A have been described as utilizing U.S. customary
units of measurement, the graduations 20A may utilize any suitable
units of measurement. Further, although the scale 20 has been
described as graduations 20A, it is to be understood that the scale
20 may utilize any suitable indicia.
[0033] The groove 22 extends longitudinally from the first end 12A
of the blade 12 to the second end 12B of the blade 12. As shown in
FIG. 3 and FIG. 3A, the groove 22 includes a first chamfered
surface 22A, a second chamfered surface 22B, and a flat surface
22C, each of which extend longitudinally from the first end 12A of
the blade 12 to the second end 12B of the blade 12. The first
chamfered surface 22A is provided between the first side 12C of the
blade 12 and the central longitudinal axis X1 of the blade 12. The
second chamfered surface 22B is provided between the second side
12D of the blade 12 and the central longitudinal axis X1 of the
blade 12. The flat surface 22C is provided generally along the
central longitudinal axis X1 of the blade 12 and between the first
chamfered surface 22A and the second chamfered surface 22B.
[0034] With primary reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 2A, the plurality
of indexing apertures 24 will now be described. Each of the
plurality of indexing members 24 are substantially similar in
construction and, as such, only one of the plurality of indexing
apertures 24 will be described herein and will be designated as
24A. For example, the indexing aperture 24A is substantially
elliptical in shape and includes a major axis X2 having a length L1
and a minor axis X3 having a length L2. A distance of length L1 is
greater than a distance of length L2. The indexing aperture 24A is
provided at the one inch marking and extends between the top 12E
and bottom 12F of the blade 12 and through the first chamfered
surface 22A, second chamfered surface 22B, and the flat surface 22C
of the groove 22. More particularly, the major axis X2 of the
indexing aperture 24A aligns transversely with the first one inch
marking, and the minor axis X3 aligns with the central longitudinal
axis X1. The plurality of indexing apertures 24 are provided
longitudinally along the blade 12 such that one of the plurality of
indexing apertures 24 is provided at each one inch marking along
the blade 12. Stated otherwise, the plurality of indexing apertures
24 is evenly spaced along a length of the blade 12. Although the
plurality of indexing apertures 24 has been described as being
elliptical in shape, it is to be understood that the plurality of
indexing apertures 24 may be any suitable shape. Further, although
the plurality of indexing apertures 24 have been described as being
positioned at each one inch marking along the blade 12, it is to be
understood that the indexing apertures 24 may be placed in any
suitable position.
[0035] With primary reference to FIG. 2, the first series of
notches 26 formed in the blade 12 will now be described. The first
series of notches 26 are substantially diamond-shaped cutouts
formed between the top 12E of the blade 12 and the bottom 12F of
the blade 12. The first series of notches 26 extend longitudinally
along the blade 12 and are provided between the first side 12C of
the blade 12 and the central longitudinal axis X1 of the blade 12.
The first series of notches 26 are positioned such that one notch
of the series of notches 26 is positioned at each eighth-inch
marking.
[0036] With primary reference to FIG. 2, the second series of
notches 28 formed in the blade 12 will now be described. The second
series of notches 28 are substantially diamond-shaped cutouts
formed between the top 12E of the blade 12 and the bottom 12F of
the blade 12. The second series of notches 26 extend longitudinally
along the blade 12 and are provided between the second side 12C of
the blade 12 and the central longitudinal axis X1 of the blade 12.
The second series of notches 26 are positioned such that one notch
of the series of notches 26 is positioned at each odd-numbered
one-sixteenth marking.
[0037] The first series of notches 26 and the second series of
notches 28 are utilized for marking purposes as more fully
described below. Although the first series of notches 26 and the
second series of notches 28 have been described as being
diamond-shaped cutouts, it is to be understood that the first
series of notches 26 and the second series of notches 28 may be any
suitable shape. Further, although the first series of notches 26
and the second series of notches 28 have been described as being
positioned at each one-eighth inch marking and one-sixteenth inch
marking, respectively, along the blade 12, it is to be understood
that the first series of notches 26 and the second series of
notches 28 may be placed in any suitable position.
[0038] With primary reference to FIG. 1-FIG. 4, and FIG. 7, the
body 14 includes a front region 14A, a rear region 14B, a first
side region 14C, and a second side region 14D. The body 14 further
includes a slot 14E (FIG. 3), a channel 14F (FIG. 3), an aperture
14G (FIG. 3), a storage bore 14H (FIG. 4), an indexed bore 14I
(FIG. 7), a first side surface 14J, and a second side surface
14K.
[0039] The slot 14E is formed in the body 14 proximate the front
region 14A, the first side region 14C, and the second side region
14D of the body 14 and extends transversely from the front region
14A towards the rear region 14B of the body 14. The channel 14F is
formed in the body 14 proximate a portion of the slot 14E and
extends transversely from the front region 14A towards the rear
region 14B. The aperture 14F is formed in the body 14 proximate the
first side region 14C and extends through the body 14 in the
vertical direction.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, the storage bore 14H includes an upper
section 15 and a lower threaded section 17. The storage bore 14H is
formed in the body 14 proximate the rear region 14B of the body 14
and extends transversely from the rear region 14B towards the front
region 14A of the body 14. The upper section 15 has a diameter D1
and the lower threaded section 17 a diameter D2. As shown in FIG.
4, the diameter D1 is larger than the diameter D2.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 7, the indexed bore 14I includes an upper
section 19 and a lower threaded section 21. The indexed bore 14I is
formed in the body 14 proximate the front region 14A of the body 14
and extends vertically within the body 14 between the channel 14F
and the second side region 14D of the body 14. The upper section 19
has a diameter D3 and the lower threaded section 21 a diameter D4.
As shown in FIG. 7, the diameter D3 is larger than the diameter
D4.
[0042] The first side surface 14J extends transversely from the
front region 14A towards the rear region 14B and is provided
proximate the first side region 14C of the body 14. The second side
surface 14K extends transversely from the front region 14A towards
the rear region 14B and is provided proximate the second side
region 14D of the body 14. When the blade 12 is operably engaged
with the body 14, the first side surface 14J is oriented at an
angle of ninety degrees relative to the central longitudinal axis
X1 of the blade 12. When the blade 12 is operably engaged with the
body 14, the second side surface 14K is oriented at an angle of
forty-five degrees relative to the central longitudinal axis X1 of
the blade 12.
[0043] With primary reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 3, and FIG. 3A, the
locking mechanism 16 includes a front end 16A, a rear end 16B, an
adjustment mechanism 30, and a threaded post 32. The adjustment
mechanism 30 is operably engaged with the threaded post 32. The
threaded post 32 includes a clamping member 34 proximate the front
end 16A of the locking mechanism 16. The clamping member 34
includes a first beveled surface 34A, a second beveled surface 34B,
and a flat surface 34C, each of which extend longitudinally between
the first side region 14C and the second side region 14D of the
body 14. The first beveled surface 34A, the second beveled surface
34B, and the flat surface 34C are complementary in shape to the
first chamfered surface 22A, the second chamfered surface 22B, and
the flat surface 22C of the groove 22 of the blade 12.
[0044] The locking mechanism 16 is configurable between an unlocked
position 38 (FIG. 5B) and a locked position 40. The channel 14F is
configured to receive the threaded post 32 and the clamping member
34 of the locking mechanism 16 such that the adjustment mechanism
30 is positioned within the aperture 14G, the threaded post 32
extends transversely through the channel 14F, and the clamping
member 34 is positioned within the channel 14F proximate the slot
14E. The adjustment mechanism 30 is configured to move the threaded
post 32 and the clamping member 34 in a transverse direction to
move the locking mechanism 16 between the unlocked position 38 and
the locked position 40 as more fully described below.
[0045] The blade 12 is configured to be releasably secured within
the slot 14E via the locking mechanism 16. More particularly, the
second beveled surface 34B of the clamping member 34 is configured
to releasably contact the second chamfered surface 22B of the
groove 22 of the blade 12. As such, when the locking mechanism 16
is in the unlocked position 38, the second beveled surface 34B of
the clamping member 34 is not in contact with the second chamfered
surface 22B of the groove 22 allowing the blade 12 to move through
the slot 14E in the longitudinal direction. When the locking
mechanism 16 is in the locked position 38, the second beveled
surface 34B of the clamping member 34 is in contact with the second
chamfered surface 22B of the groove 22 and the blade 12 is no
longer movable within the slot 14E.
[0046] With primary reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 7, the indexing
member 18 is a metal pin and includes a gripping portion 18A, a
cylindrical section 18B, a tapered section 18C, and a threaded end
section 18D. The cylindrical section 18B has a diameter D5 that is
approximately the same distance as length L2 of the minor axis X3
of the indexing aperture 24. The threaded end section 18D has a
diameter D6 that is less than the diameter D5 of the cylindrical
section 18B. The tapered section 18C has a diameter that tapers
from the diameter D5 of the cylindrical section to the diameter D6
of the threaded end section 18D. The indexing member 18 is
configurable between a stored position 42 (FIG. 4) and an indexed
position 44 (FIG. 7). When the indexing member is in the stored
position 42, the threaded end section 18D is threadingly engaged
with the storage bore 14H. When the indexing member 18 is in the
indexed position 44, the threaded end section 18D is threadingly
engaged with the indexed bore 14I. The indexed bore 14I is provided
at a distance of one inch from the first side surface 14J; however,
the indexed bore 14I may be provided at any suitable distance.
Although the indexing member 18 has been described as being a metal
pin having a threaded shaft 36, it is to be understood that the
indexing member 36 may be any suitable mechanism.
[0047] Having described the structure of the combination square 10
and its associated components, reference is now made to FIG. 5A
through FIG. 7 to depict one exemplary use and operation of the
combination square 10. As stated above, the indexing member 18 is
configured to index the body 14 at particular positions along the
blade 12, such as, for example, at every full inch along the length
of the blade 12. This further allows the first series of notches 26
and the second series of notches 28 to be indexed to the body 14.
In this example, the body 14 of the combination square 10 is shown
being indexed at the seven inch marking of the graduations 20A.
[0048] With primary reference to FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the locking
mechanism 16 is shown being moved from the locked position 40 to
the unlocked position 38, the indexing member 18 is shown being
removed from the stored position 42, and the body 14 is shown being
moved such that the first side surface 14J moves from the seven and
one half inch marking to the six inch marking and the indexed bore
14I is vertically aligned with one of the plurality of indexing
apertures 24 of the blade 12 located at the seven inch marking.
[0049] To accomplish moving the locking mechanism from the locked
position 40 to the unlocked position 38, a user (not shown) of the
combination square 10 rotates the adjustment mechanism 30 of the
locking mechanism 16 in a direction indicated by arrow A. This
causes the threaded post 32 to move in a transverse direction
toward the front region 14A of the body 14, which, in turn, causes
the second beveled surface 34B of the clamping member 34 to move
away from the second chamfered surface 22B of the groove 22 such
that the second beveled surface 34B of the clamping member 34 is no
longer in contact with the second chamfered surface 22B. This
allows the body 14 to move in a longitudinal direction relative to
the blade 12. For example, the body 14 is movable in a direction
indicated by arrow B (FIG. 5B) relative to the blade 12. As stated
above, and in this example, the body 14 is moved such that the
first side surface 14J moves from the seven and one half inch
marking to the six inch marking on the graduations 20A of the scale
20. Although the body 14 was described as moving in the direction
indicated by arrow B, it is to be understood that the body 14 is
also movable in the opposite direction to the direction indicated
by arrow B.
[0050] To accomplish removing the indexing member 18 from the
stored position 42, the user rotates the gripping portion 18A of
the indexing member 18 in a direction indicated by arrow C (FIG.
5A). This rotates the indexing member 18 until the threaded end
section 18D is no longer threadingly engaged with the storage bore
14H. The indexing member 18 is removed from the storage bore 14H
and will be placed in the indexed position 44 as explained
below.
[0051] With primary reference to FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D, the user
moves the indexing member into the indexed position 44. To
accomplish this, the user moves the indexing member 18 in a
direction indicated by arrow D (FIG. 5D) to insert the indexing
member 18 into the indexed bore 14I and through the indexing
aperture 24 at the seven inch marking. The user rotates the
gripping portion 18A in a direction indicated by arrow E (FIG. D),
which, in turn, rotates the cylindrical section 18B, the tapered
section 18C and the threaded end section 18D. As shown in FIG. 7,
the threaded end section 18D is rotated until a portion of the
tapered section 18C contacts a portion of the slot 14E of the body
14. As the diameter D5 of the cylindrical section 18B is
approximately the same distance as length L2 of the minor axis X3
of the indexing aperture 24, the body 14 and the blade 12 are fixed
at the 7 inch marking.
[0052] The user rotates the adjustment mechanism 30 of the locking
mechanism 16 in a direction indicated by arrow F (FIG. 5D). This
causes the threaded post 32 to move in a transverse direction
toward the rear region 14B of the body 14, which, in turn, causes
the second beveled surface 34B of the clamping member 34 to move
toward the second chamfered surface 22B of the groove 22 such that
the second beveled surface 34B of the clamping member 34 comes into
contact with the second chamfered surface 22B. This fixes the body
14 at the desired position relative to the blade 12.
[0053] With primary reference to FIG. 6, the combination square is
shown being used with a workpiece 46 having a top surface 46A and
an edge 46B, and a marking instrument 50 having a tip 50A. In this
example, the workpiece 46 is a piece of wood and the marking
instrument 50 is a pencil; however, the workpiece may be any
suitable workpiece and the marking instrument 50 may be any
suitable marking instrument. In this example, the user utilizes the
combination square 10 and the marking instrument 50 to scribe a
line parallel to, and three inches from, the edge 46B of the
workpiece 46.
[0054] To accomplish this, the user positions the first side
surface 14J of the body 14 against the edge 46B of the workpiece
46. Since the body 14 has been indexed to the scale 20 at the seven
inch marking, the first side surface 14J of the body 14 is at the
six inch marking of the scale 20 and one of the first series of
notches 26 is positioned at each full inch marking of the scale 20.
The user places the tip 50A of the marking instrument 50 into one
of the first series of notches 26 at the three inch marking on the
scale 20. The user scribes a line by simultaneously moving the
combination square 10 and the marking instrument 50 in a direction
indicated by arrow G.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown a second embodiment of
an adjustable square in accordance with one aspect of the present
disclosure. The adjustable square, which may also be referred to as
a double square, is generally indicated at 100. The double square
100 is substantially identical to the combination square 10 in
structure and function except that the body 14 of the double square
100 is different than the body 14 of the combination square 10. As
shown in FIG. 8, the double square 10 includes a second side
surface 140K that is different than the second side surface 14K of
the combination square 10. Particularly, instead of the second side
surface 14K being oriented at an angle of forty-five degrees
relative to the central longitudinal axis X1 of the blade 12, the
second side surface 140K is oriented at an angle of ninety degrees
relative to the central longitudinal axis X1 of the blade 12.
[0056] FIG. 9 depicts a method for indexing an adjustable square
generally at 900. The method 900 includes positioning a body of the
adjustable square at a precise known position along a scale of a
blade of the adjustable square, which is shown generally at 902.
The method 900 includes indexing, with an indexing member of the
adjustable square, the body of the adjustable square at the precise
known position, which is shown generally at 904. The method 900
further includes aligning one of a plurality of indexing apertures
formed in the blade with an indexed bore formed in the body, which
is shown generally at 906. The method 900 further includes
inserting the indexing member into the indexed bore, which is shown
generally at 908. The method 900 further includes passing the
indexing member through the one of the plurality of indexing
apertures, which is shown generally at 910. The method 900 further
includes operably engaging a portion of the blade with the indexing
member to fix the body at the desired position, which is shown
generally at 912. The method 900 further includes indexing, with
the indexing member, the body relative to a series of notches
formed in the blade and aligned with graduations of the scale which
is shown generally at 914.
[0057] The indexing member 18, together with the plurality of
indexing apertures 24, enables the body 14 of the adjustable square
10 to be quickly and precisely placed at desired positions to an
even greater accuracy and precision than that possible with other
types of adjustable squares.
[0058] Various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more
methods, of which an example has been provided. The acts performed
as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way.
Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are
performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include
performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as
sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.
[0059] While various inventive embodiments have been described and
illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily
envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing
the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the
advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or
modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive
embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the
art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions,
materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be
exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials,
and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or
applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those
skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no
more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific
inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be
understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of
example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and
equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced
otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive
embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each
individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method
described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such
features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if
such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods
are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive
scope of the present disclosure.
[0060] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be
understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in
documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of
the defined terms.
[0061] The articles "a" and "an," as used herein in the
specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the
contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one." The phrase
"and/or," as used herein in the specification and in the claims (if
at all), should be understood to mean "either or both" of the
elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively
present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases.
Multiple elements listed with "and/or" should be construed in the
same fashion, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined.
Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements
specifically identified by the "and/or" clause, whether related or
unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a
non-limiting example, a reference to "A and/or B", when used in
conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising" can
refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements
other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally
including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to
both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc. As used
herein in the specification and in the claims, "or" should be
understood to have the same meaning as "and/or" as defined above.
For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and/or"
shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at
least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of
elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms
clearly indicated to the contrary, such as "only one of" or
"exactly one of," or, when used in the claims, "consisting of,"
will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or
list of elements. In general, the term "or" as used herein shall
only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. "one
or the other but not both") when preceded by terms of exclusivity,
such as "either," "one of," "only one of," or "exactly one of."
"Consisting essentially of," when used in the claims, shall have
its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.
[0062] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the
phrase "at least one," in reference to a list of one or more
elements, should be understood to mean at least one element
selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of
elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and
every element specifically listed within the list of elements and
not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements.
This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present
other than the elements specifically identified within the list of
elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related
or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a
non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently,
"at least one of A or B," or, equivalently "at least one of A
and/or B") can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one,
optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and
optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment,
to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A
present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet
another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than
one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B
(and optionally including other elements); etc.
[0063] When a feature or element is herein referred to as being
"on" another feature or element, it can be directly on the other
feature or element or intervening features and/or elements may also
be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to
as being "directly on" another feature or element, there are no
intervening features or elements present. It will also be
understood that, when a feature or element is referred to as being
"connected", "attached" or "coupled" to another feature or element,
it can be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other
feature or element or intervening features or elements may be
present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as
being "directly connected", "directly attached" or "directly
coupled" to another feature or element, there are no intervening
features or elements present. Although described or shown with
respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described
or shown can apply to other embodiments. It will also be
appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a
structure or feature that is disposed "adjacent" another feature
may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent
feature.
[0064] Spatially relative terms, such as "under", "below", "lower",
"over", "upper", "above", "behind", "in front of", and the like,
may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element
or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as
illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the
spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different
orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the
orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in
the figures is inverted, elements described as "under" or "beneath"
other elements or features would then be oriented "over" the other
elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "under" can
encompass both an orientation of over and under. The device may be
otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations)
and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted
accordingly. Similarly, the terms "upwardly", "downwardly",
"vertical", "horizontal", "lateral", "transverse", "longitudinal",
and the like are used herein for the purpose of explanation only
unless specifically indicated otherwise.
[0065] Although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein
to describe various features/elements, these features/elements
should not be limited by these terms, unless the context indicates
otherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish one
feature/element from another feature/element. Thus, a first
feature/element discussed herein could be termed a second
feature/element, and similarly, a second feature/element discussed
herein could be termed a first feature/element without departing
from the teachings of the present invention.
[0066] An embodiment is an implementation or example of the present
disclosure. Reference in the specification to "an embodiment," "one
embodiment," "some embodiments," "one particular embodiment," or
"other embodiments," or the like, means that a particular feature,
structure, or characteristic described in connection with the
embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not
necessarily all embodiments, of the invention. The various
appearances "an embodiment," "one embodiment," "some embodiments,"
"one particular embodiment," or "other embodiments," or the like,
are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments.
[0067] If this specification states a component, feature,
structure, or characteristic "may", "might", or "could" be
included, that particular component, feature, structure, or
characteristic is not required to be included. If the specification
or claim refers to "a" or "an" element, that does not mean there is
only one of the element. If the specification or claims refer to
"an additional" element, that does not preclude there being more
than one of the additional element.
[0068] As used herein in the specification and claims, including as
used in the examples and unless otherwise expressly specified, all
numbers may be read as if prefaced by the word "about" or
"approximately," even if the term does not expressly appear. The
phrase "about" or "approximately" may be used when describing
magnitude and/or position to indicate that the value and/or
position described is within a reasonable expected range of values
and/or positions. For example, a numeric value may have a value
that is +/-0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/-1% of
the stated value (or range of values), +/-2% of the stated value
(or range of values), +/-5% of the stated value (or range of
values), +/-10% of the stated value (or range of values), etc. Any
numerical range recited herein is intended to include all
sub-ranges subsumed therein.
[0069] Additionally, any method of performing the present
disclosure may occur in a sequence different than those described
herein. Accordingly, no sequence of the method should be read as a
limitation unless explicitly stated. It is recognizable that
performing some of the steps of the method in a different order
could achieve a similar result.
[0070] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all
transitional phrases such as "comprising," "including," "carrying,"
"having," "containing," "involving," "holding," "composed of," and
the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean
including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases
"consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" shall be closed or
semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the
United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining
Procedures.
[0071] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clarity, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations
are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art
because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are
intended to be broadly construed.
[0072] Moreover, the description and illustration of various
embodiments of the disclosure are examples and the disclosure is
not limited to the exact details shown or described.
* * * * *