U.S. patent application number 17/307370 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 | 20210325163 17/307370 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005556823 |
Filed Date | 2021-10-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210325163 |
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 |
Strongsville |
OH |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Woodpeckers, LLC
Strongsville
OH
|
Family ID: |
1000005556823 |
Appl. No.: |
17/307370 |
Filed: |
May 4, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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17112422 |
Dec 4, 2020 |
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17307370 |
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16849720 |
Apr 15, 2020 |
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17112422 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01B 3/04 20130101; G01B
3/006 20130101; G01B 3/566 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01B 3/56 20060101
G01B003/56; G01B 3/04 20060101 G01B003/04; G01B 3/00 20060101
G01B003/00 |
Claims
1. An adjustable square comprising: a blade; 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 and
retained within the body for releasably securing the blade at at
least one specific location.
2. The adjustable square of claim 1, wherein the body is formed
with a bore, and the indexing member is carried within the
bore.
3. The adjustable square of claim 2, wherein the indexed member is
not slidable within the indexed bore between an engaged position
and a disengaged position.
4. The adjustable square of claim 3, wherein the indexing member
moves within the bore in an axial manner.
5. The adjustable square of claim 4, wherein the indexing member is
retained within the bore in both the engaged position and the
disengaged position.
6. The adjustable square of claim 4, wherein the indexing member
further comprise: a spring cap located at a first end of the
indexed bore and; and a spring operative to control axial movement
of the indexing member within the indexed bore.
7. The adjustable square of claim 6, wherein the indexing member
includes a first end and second end and a tapered region at the
second end with a first diameter closer to the first end and a
second diameter closer to the second end and the second diameter is
less than the first diameter.
8. The adjustable square of claim 6, further comprising: a larger
diameter region of the indexing member below a spring cap operative
to retain the indexing member within the indexed bore through
interfacing of the larger diameter region with the spring cap.
9. The adjustable square of claim 1, further comprising: a first
position of the indexing member when the indexing member is
disengaged with the blade; and a second position of the indexing
member when the indexing member is engaged with the blade; and
wherein the indexing member is a pin.
10. The adjustable square of claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of indexing apertures are evenly spaced along a length of
the blade.
11. The adjustable square of claim 10, wherein the indexing member
passes over at least a portion of one of the plurality of indexing
apertures; and wherein the indexing member operably engages the
blade.
12. The adjustable square of claim 1, further comprising: a spring
operative to move the indexing member along an axis.
13. The adjustable square of claim 12, wherein the spring is
operative to move the indexing member into engagement with the
blade when depressed.
14. The adjustable square of claim 1, wherein the body comprises: a
front region; a rear region; a first side region at a right angle
to the front region and rear region; and a second side region at an
acute angle with respect to front region and an obtuse angle with
respect to the rear region.
15. The adjustable square of claim 1, further comprising: a sliding
tab.
16. The adjustable square of claim 15, wherein the sliding tab
further comprises: a sliding tab body; a locking pin; and a
restrictor; wherein the sliding tab is operative to move within a
channel within the body and the sliding tab body is adapted to
support the adjustable square when retained on a workpiece.
17. 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;
aligning one of a plurality of indexing apertures formed in the
blade with an indexed bore formed in the body; operably engaging a
portion of the blade with a portion of an indexing member to fix
the body at the desired position; and indexing with the indexing
member of the adjustable square the body of the adjustable square
at the precise known position.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: wherein positioning
further includes: disengaging a locking mechanism from a locked
position to an unlocked position; disconnecting a clamping member
from the blade; and moving the body with respect to the blade or
the blade with respect to the body.
19. The method of claim 17, further comprising: reengaging a
locking mechanism to a locked position from an unlocked position;
and preventing movement of the body with respect to the blade or
the blade with respect to the body.
20. The method of claim 17, further comprising: depressing the
indexing member in an axial manner to engage with a single aperture
of the blade.
21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: overcoming a spring
biasing force applied by a spring located in the indexed bore and
in operative contact with the indexing member in order to depress
the indexing member in an axial manner.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and is a Continuation
application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/112,422 filed on
Dec. 4, 2020, which is a Continuation-in-Part application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 16/849,720 filed on Apr. 15, 2020; the
disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] 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
[0003] 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.
[0004] The adjustable square comes in various sizes and
configurations, however, each size and configuration typically
includes a 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
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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
[0013] 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.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a front, top, right side isometric view of a first
embodiment of an adjustable square;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a top plan elevation view of the adjustable square
of FIG. 1;
[0016] 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;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a cross-section view taken along line 3-3 of FIG.
2;
[0018] 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;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a cross-section view taken along line 4-4 of FIG.
2;
[0020] FIG. 5A is an operational view of the first embodiment of
the adjustable square of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 5B is an operational view of the first embodiment of
the adjustable square of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 5C is an operational view of the first embodiment of
the adjustable square of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 5D is an operational view of the first embodiment of
the adjustable square of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 6 is an operational view of the first embodiment of the
adjustable square of FIG. 1 scribing a line on a workpiece;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a cross-section view taken along line 7-7 of FIG.
6;
[0026] FIG. 8 is a front, top, right side isometric view of a
second embodiment of an adjustable square;
[0027] FIG. 9 is a flow chart depicting an exemplary method in
accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 10 is a front, top, right side isometric view of a
third embodiment of an adjustable square;
[0029] FIG. 11 is a front, top, right side isometric partially
exploded view of the third embodiment of the adjustable square;
[0030] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the adjustable square of FIG.
10;
[0031] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a body of the
adjustable square along line 13-13 of FIG. 12;
[0032] FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of the adjustable square
along line 14-14 of FIG. 13.
[0033] FIG. 15 is an operational view of the third embodiment of
the adjustable square;
[0034] FIG. 16 is an operational view of an indexing mechanism on
the third embodiment of the adjustable square;
[0035] FIG. 17 is an operational view of the third embodiment of
the adjustable square of FIG. 10;
[0036] FIG. 18 is a further operational view of the third
embodiment of the adjustable square of FIG. 10;
[0037] FIG. 19 is a further operational view of third embodiment of
the adjustable square along the highlighted region in FIG. 18;
[0038] FIG. 20 is a further operational view of the third
embodiment of the adjustable square of FIG. 10;
[0039] FIG. 21 is a further operational view of the third
embodiment of the adjustable square of FIG. 10;
[0040] FIG. 22 is a further operational view of the third
embodiment of the adjustable square along line 22-22 of FIG.
21;
[0041] FIG. 23 is a further operational view of the third
embodiment of the adjustable square of FIG. 10; and
[0042] FIG. 24 is a further operational view of the third
embodiment of the adjustable square of FIG. 10;
[0043] Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the
drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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.
[0047] 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.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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.
[0050] 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.
[0051] 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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.
[0056] 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.
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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.
[0061] 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.
[0062] 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.
[0063] 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.
[0064] 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.
[0065] 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.
[0066] 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.
[0067] 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.
[0068] 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.
[0069] 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.
[0070] 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.
[0071] 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.
[0072] 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.
[0073] 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.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 10-FIG. 24, there is shown a third
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 210.
The combination square 210 includes a blade 212, a body 214, which
may also be referred to as a head, a locking mechanism 16, an
indexing member 218, and a sliding tab 220.
[0075] The indexing member 218 is utilized for indexing the body
214 precisely at known locations or positions along the blade 212.
Since the body 214 is indexed precisely at known locations or
positions along the blade 212, distances from the body 214 to
points along the blade 212 are accurately known and can be used
while utilizing the combination square 210. For example, the blade
212 may include measurement markings extending along a length of
the blade 212, and the body 214 may be indexable at certain points
along the blade 212 where the distance between the measurement
markings and the indexable points are accurately known. If a user
(not shown) of the combination square 210 desires to move the body
214 from one position to another position along the blade 212, the
user can index the body 214 at the known location or position and
the distance from the body 214 to the measurement markings is
accurately known. This allows for greater precision when working
with the combination square 210 of the present disclosure.
[0076] With continued reference to FIG. 10-FIG. 24, the blade 212
is an elongated rectangular-shaped metal plate and is configured to
be operably engaged with the body 214 as more fully described
below. The blade 212 includes a first end 212A, a second end 212B,
a first side 212C, a second side 212D, a top 212E, and a bottom
212F. When the blade 212 is operably engaged with the body 214, the
first end 212A and the second end 212B define a longitudinal
direction therebetween, the first side 212C and the second side
212D define a transverse direction therebetween, and the top 212E
and the bottom 212F define a vertical direction therebetween. The
blade 212 further includes a central longitudinal axis X1 extending
between the first end 212A and the second end 212B of the blade
212. Although the blade 212 has been described as being an
elongated rectangular-shaped metal plate, it is to be understood
that the blade 212 may be any suitable shape and be made of any
suitable material.
[0077] The blade 212 includes a scale indicia 222, a groove 224
formed in a portion of the blade 12, a plurality of indexing
apertures 226 formed in the blade 212, a series of notches 228
formed in the blade 212. The scale 222 includes graduations 222A
arranged longitudinally along the blade 212. The graduations 222A
include one-inch markings divided into one-sixteenth inch segments
provided adjacent the first side 212C of the blade 212, and
one-inch markings divided into one-thirty second inch segments
provided adjacent the second side 212D of the blade 212. Although
the graduations 222A have been described as utilizing U.S.
customary units of measurement, the graduations 222A may utilize
any suitable units of measurement. Further, although the scale 222
has been described as graduations 222A, it is to be understood that
the scale 222 may utilize any suitable identifying indicia.
[0078] The groove 224 extends longitudinally from the first end
212A of the blade 212 to the second end 212B of the blade 212. The
groove 224 includes a first chamfered surface 224A, a second
chamfered surface 224B, and a flat surface 224C, each of which
extend longitudinally from the first end 212A of the blade 212 to
the second end 212B of the blade 212. The first chamfered surface
224A is provided between the first side 212C of the blade 212 and
the central longitudinal axis X1 of the blade 212. The second
chamfered surface 224B is provided between the second side 212D of
the blade 212 and the central longitudinal axis X1 of the blade
212. The flat surface 224C is provided generally along the central
longitudinal axis X1 of the blade 212 and between the first
chamfered surface 224A and the second chamfered surface 224B.
[0079] Each of the plurality of indexing apertures 226 are
substantially similar in construction and, as such, only one of the
plurality of indexing apertures 226 will be described herein and
will be designated as 226A. For example, the indexing aperture 226A
is substantially tear drop in shape with an oval shaped bottom
proximate the second side 212D and a point at a top side proximate
the first side 212C. The indexing aperture 226A is provided at each
inch marking and extends between the top 212E and bottom 212F of
the blade 212 and through the first chamfered surface 224A, second
chamfered surface 2246, and the flat surface 224C of the groove
224. Stated otherwise, the plurality of indexing apertures 226 are
evenly spaced along a length of the blade 212. Although the
plurality of indexing apertures 226 have been described as being
teardrop in shape, it is to be understood that the plurality of
indexing apertures 226 may be any suitable shape. Further, although
the plurality of indexing apertures 226 have been described as
being positioned at each one inch marking along the blade 212, it
is to be understood that the indexing apertures 226 may be placed
in any suitable position.
[0080] The series of notches 228 are substantially offset
diamond-shaped cutouts formed between the top 212E of the blade 212
and the bottom 212F of the blade 212. The first series of notches
228 extend longitudinally along the blade 212 and are provided
between the first side 212C of the blade 212 and the central
longitudinal axis X1 of the blade 212. The series of notches 228
are positioned such that one notch of the series of notches 228 is
positioned at each sixteenth-inch marking, with each odd numbered
sixteenth facing toward the first side 212C and each even numbered
sixteenth facing towards the second side 212D.
[0081] The series of notches 228 are utilized for marking purposes
as more fully described below. Although the series of notches 228
have been described as being offset diamond-shaped cutouts, it is
to be understood that the series of notches 228 may be any suitable
shape. Further, although the series of notches 228 have been
described as being positioned at the one-sixteenth inch marking,
along the blade 212, it is to be understood that the series of
notches 228 may be placed in any suitable position.
[0082] The body 214 includes a front region 214A, a rear region
214B, a first side region 214C, and a second side region 214D. The
body 214 further includes a first slot 214E, a second slot 214F, a
region 214G, an oval channel 214H, a top surface 214J, a bottom
surface 214K, and an indexed bore 214L.
[0083] The first slot 214E is formed in the body 214 proximate the
front region 214A, the first side region 214C, and the second side
region 214D of the body 214 and extends transversely from the front
region 214A towards the rear region 214B of the body 214. The
second slot 214F is formed in the body 214 proximate the rear
region 214B, the first side region 214C, and the second side region
214D of the body 214 and extends transversely from the front region
214A towards the rear region 214B of the body 214. A region 214G is
formed between a top surface 214J and a bottom surface 214K.
[0084] The oval channel 214H is located on a top surface 214L of
the body and is generally oval in shape. The oval channel 214H and
the second slot 214F permit the sliding tab 220 to move within the
body 214. Referring specifically to FIG. 11, a partially exploded
view of the sliding tab 220 is shown. The sliding tab 220 comprises
three parts, a body 220A, a locking pin 220B and a restrictor 220C.
The body 220A generally has a bulbous portion 220D, a recess 220E
and a through hole 220F. The bulbous portion 220D is generally
semicircular and is operative to be grasped by a user during
operation as will be discussed later. The recess 220E is operative
to fit the restrictor 220C within it while the through hole is
operative to accept the locking pin 220B. The locking pin 220B is
generally cylindrical in shape while the restrictor is shown as an
X shape. While the body 220A, locking pin 220B and restrictor 220C
have been described as being separate components, it is to be
understood that they may be different shapes to effectuate the same
result. Further, while the body 220A, locking pin 220B and
restrictor 220C have been described as separate pieces, they may be
operatively connected and may be otherwise integrally formed with
the body 214.
[0085] Referring specifically to FIG. 13, a cross-sectional view of
the body 214 of the adjustable square 210 along line 13-13 of FIG.
12 is shown. Specifically, this view shows the second recess 212J
accepting the restrictor 220C and a portion of the body 220A so as
to prevent the body 220A from plunging deeper into the body 214.
Simultaneously, this allows the locking pin 220B to freely move as
a result of moving the body 220A in a longitudinal manner.
[0086] With primary reference to FIG. 10 and FIG. 12, the locking
mechanism is identical to the locking mechanism 16 of the first
embodiment. This may be seen in FIG. 3 of the first embodiment most
completely. Further included with the locking mechanism is 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 214C and the second side region 214D of the
body 214. The first beveled surface 34A, the second beveled surface
34B, and the flat surface 34C are complementary in shape to the
first chamfered surface 224A, the second chamfered surface 224B,
and the flat surface 224C of the groove 224 of the blade 212.
[0087] The locking mechanism 16 is configurable between an unlocked
position 38 and a locked position 40. A channel within the body 214
(not shown in this embodiment but substantially identical to 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 an aperture of the body 214, and
the threaded post 32 extends transversely through the channel,
while the clamping member 34 is positioned within the channel
proximate the slot 214E. 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.
[0088] The blade 212 is configured to be releasably secured within
the slot 214E 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 224B of the
groove 224 of the blade 212. 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 224B of the groove 224 allowing the blade 212 to move
through the slot 214E 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 224B of the groove 224 and the blade
212 is no longer movable within the slot 214E.
[0089] Further shown on the adjustable square 210 is an angle
.alpha.. The angle .alpha. is the complementary angle to the angle
between the front region 214A and the second side region 214D. As
will be discussed with respect to operation the adjustable square
210 is operable to layout dovetail joints (or simply "dovetails").
When laying out dovetails, it is optimal to know lay out the
dovetails with a specific ratio. Common ratios are 1:6, 1:7 and
1:8. In this instance, the ratios correspond to one unit horizontal
to six, seven or eight units, respectively, drawn horizontal. While
an exemplary embodiment of the 1:8 is shown, any such layout is
possible. In the exemplary embodiment of 1:8, a has a value of
about 7 degrees. In the exemplary embodiment of 1:7, a has a value
of about 8 degrees. While in an alternative embodiment of 1:6, a
has a value of about 9.5 degrees.
[0090] Continuing to FIG. 14, a cross-sectional view of the body
214 of the adjustable square 210 along line 14-14 of FIG. 12 is
shown. The indexed bore 214L includes the indexing member 218. The
indexing member 218 includes a first end 218A and a second end
218B. Proximate where the indexing member 218 meets the indexed
bore 214L is a spring cap 218C. Further there is a tapered region
218D proximate the second end 218B that has a diameter D7. The
diameter D7 is slightly smaller than a first diameter D8 of the
indexed bore 214L. Laterally above the tapered region 218D is an
intermediate diameter D9 region 218E, a poppet region 218F with a
diameter D10 along with a spring 218G. The indexed bore 214L has a
second diameter D11 that is larger than the first diameter D8 but
slightly larger than the diameter D10. Generally speaking, the
indexed bore 214L is formed in the body 214 proximate the front
region 214A of the body 214. Further, there is a distance when the
spring 218G is not depressed shown as D12.
[0091] As will be discussed further with respect to operation, the
indexing member 218 at its second end 218B at the tapered region
218D is operative to nest and hold within the indexing apertures
226 (FIG. 18). The tapered region 218D will engage the indexing
aperture 226 and is operative to retain the precise location of the
indexing aperture 226 chosen and when the locking mechanism 16 is
engaged as will be discussed with respect to operation. The tapered
region 218D will not interface with the blade 212 to prevent
movement of the body 214 when sliding along the groove 224 of the
blade 212. The tapered region 218D will instead slide along the top
212E of the blade 212 until it is depressed and makes contact with
at least a portion of the indexing aperture 226. When the tapered
region 218D is in contact with at least a portion of the indexing
aperture 226, movement of the body 214 with respect to the blade
212 may cease. In this figure the indexing aperture 226 is not
engaged with the tapered region 218D as the indexing aperture 226
is not aligned at the moment and instead the aligned with the
groove 224 of the blade 214 alone.
[0092] Having described the structure of the combination square 210
and its associated components, reference is now made to FIG. 15
through FIG. 24 to depict one exemplary use and operation of the
combination square 210. As stated above, the indexing member 218 is
configured to index the body 214 at particular positions along the
blade 212, such as, for example, at every full inch along the
length of the blade 212. This further allows the series of notches
28 to be properly indexed to the body 214.
[0093] With primary reference to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, the locking
mechanism 16 is shown to be loosened 38 or otherwise not engaged.
The indexing member 218 is shown in an unengaged position and may
be depressed in the direction of arrow H in order to attempt to
engage the indexing member 218 within the indexing aperture 226. In
order to depress the indexing member 218 spring bias must be
overcome. If there is no indexing aperture 226 at the precise
location, the body 214 is free to move. Specifically, the body 214
is then able to be slid along the blade 212 in the direction of
arrow J. Referring to FIG. 16 specifically, the tapered region 218D
will not interface in order to prevent movement when engaged with
the groove 224 and may slide freely in the direction of arrow J.
The tapered region 218D will slide along the top 212E of the blade
214 until it is depressed and makes contact with an indexing
aperture 226, as seen later with respect to FIG. 18. While shown
herein as the indexing member 218 being depressed in a vertical
manner to engage or attempt to engage with the indexing aperture
226, alternative embodiments allow for an axial depression
depending on the desired implementation of the combination square
210.
[0094] Referring specifically to FIG. 17, FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, a
further operational view is shown. The indexing member 218
is/depressed in the direction of arrow K in prevent the body 214 to
move relative to the blade 212. The body 214 is then no longer
moved as the blade 212 is held in engagement with the body 214. The
tapered region 218D interfaces in order to prevent movement when
engaged with the indexing aperture 226 and prevent free movement.
The tapered region 218D will make contact with indexing aperture
226A while the spring is depressed to a distance of D13 as shown in
FIG. 18. The tapered region 218D allows the indexing member to be
held in engagement with the indexing aperture 226. The indexing
member 218 is in a first position when the indexing member 218 is
disengaged with the blade 212 and a second position when the
indexing member 218 is engaged with the blade 212.
[0095] Then, the user rotates the adjustment mechanism 30 of the
locking mechanism 16 in a direction indicated by arrow F (FIG. 17).
This causes the threaded post 32 to move in a transverse direction
toward the rear region 214B of the body 214, which, in turn, causes
the second beveled surface 234B of the clamping member 234 to move
toward the second chamfered surface 224B of the groove 224 such
that the second beveled surface 34B of the clamping member 34 comes
into contact with the second chamfered surface 224B. This fixes the
body 214 at the desired position relative to the blade 212. The
user may then move the sliding tab 220 to a neutral position via
arrow L so as to be flush with the first side region 214C of the
body 214.
[0096] Referring to FIG. 20, a further operational view is shown. A
saw blade 48 or other such similarly situated device when the
device is engaged at the one inch marking may act as a square in
order to move the blade 48 to be a perfect 90 degree edge. The saw
blade 48 may then be squared up and adjusted to a proper depth via
arrow M.
[0097] Continuing to FIG. 21, FIG. 22, FIG. 23 and FIG. 24, further
operational views are shown. Specifically, the user may desire to
make dovetail joints or other similarly situated joining devices
out of wood. First, the user may draw a starting line with the
pencil or similarly situated marking device 50 on the edge 46B of a
work piece 46 along direction of arrow N. A series of the lines
will be made on the edge 46B. These lines will be easy to keep
straight by moving the sliding tab 220 in the direction of arrow P
to move the body 220A of the sliding tab 220 in engagement with the
edge 46B of the work piece 46. This may be further evidenced by
FIG. 22 showing line 22-22 of FIG. 21 with the body 220A of the
sliding tab 220 firmly against the work piece 46.
[0098] Continuing on to FIG. 23, a baseline 52 has been marked or
otherwise struck. Then, the second side region 214D is abutted to
be flat against the board with the rear region 214B facing a left
side 46C of the work piece 46. A series of lines may then be drawn
as the left facing angles may then be marked via arrow Q as shown
as lines 54. Further, the user may then move the sliding tab 220
via arrow R in order to further brace the square 210 against the
work piece 46.
[0099] Then, when the right side 46D is reached, the tool 210 may
be flipped over so that the rear region 214B faces the right side
46D. A corresponding number of right facing angles may then be
marked in a similar fashion. The resultant shape would be the two
angled lines forming that of a dovetail joint and would be able to
be removed with a chisel or other known cutting device.
[0100] With primary reference to FIG. 24, the combination square
210 is shown being used with a workpiece 46 having a top surface
46A and an edge 46B, and the marking instrument 50 having the tip
50A. In this example, the user utilizes the combination square 210
and the marking instrument 50 to scribe a line parallel to, and a
quarter inch from, the edge 46B of the workpiece 46.
[0101] To accomplish this, the user positions the first side
surface 214C of the body 214 against the edge 46B of the workpiece
46. Since the body 214 has been indexed to the scale 222 at the
four inch marking, the first side surface 214C of the body 214 is
at the three inch marking of the scale 222 and one of the notches
228 is positioned at each full inch marking of the scale 222. The
user places the tip 50A of the marking instrument 50 into one of
the series of notches 228 at the two and three quarters inch
marking on the scale 222. The user scribes a line by simultaneously
moving the combination square 210 and the marking instrument 50 in
a direction indicated by arrow G.
[0102] 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.
[0103] 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.
[0104] 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.
[0105] 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.
[0106] 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.
[0107] 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.
[0108] 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.
[0109] 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.
[0110] 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.
[0111] 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.
[0112] 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.
[0113] 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.
[0114] 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.
[0115] 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.
[0116] 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.
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