U.S. patent number RE38,032 [Application Number 09/727,353] was granted by the patent office on 2003-03-18 for layout tool for laying out perpendicular lines.
Invention is credited to Robert S. Butwin.
United States Patent |
RE38,032 |
Butwin |
March 18, 2003 |
Layout tool for laying out perpendicular lines
Abstract
The layout instrument or tool of this invention includes a pair
of members arranged together to form an "L" at a right angle. The
unique feature of this arrangement is that the two opposing ends of
the "L" are also affixed to another member changing the shape from
an "L" to the shape of a 3-4-5 triangle. All members of the
instrument are permanently attached, therefore, misalignment is
avoided and accuracy is assured and maintained. The two members are
configured to slide with respect to one another at the pivot point
of the "L" and simply pivot at their opposite ends about their
pivot points connecting the third member and creating an enclosed
triangle. A spring loaded rivet mounted in one of the "L" members
slides in a skewed slot in the adjacent member to open the triangle
from a closed position where the three sides or members of the
triangle are substantially parallel to one another. The rivet locks
in a semi-circular aperture which maintains the tool in a proper
locking position even if the rear portion of the semi-circle
becomes distorted from the repeated use.
Inventors: |
Butwin; Robert S. (Allendale,
NJ) |
Family
ID: |
27368772 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/727,353 |
Filed: |
November 30, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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847329 |
Apr 23, 1997 |
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055109 |
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937320 |
Aug 13, 1997 |
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Reissue of: |
055109 |
Apr 3, 1998 |
05974677 |
Nov 2, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
33/463; 33/460;
33/464 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B43L
7/10 (20130101); G01B 3/566 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B43L
7/00 (20060101); B43L 7/10 (20060101); G01B
3/56 (20060101); B43L 007/10 () |
Field of
Search: |
;33/463,456,460,452,453,459,464 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Fulton; Christopher W.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Kenyon & Kenyon
Parent Case Text
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This application is .Iadd.a reissue application of U.S. Pat. No.
5,974,677, issuing from application Ser. No. 09/055,109, filed Apr.
3, 1998, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.
08/847,329, filed Apr. 23, 1997, now abandoned and .Iaddend.a
continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/937,320 filed Aug.
13, 1997 now abandoned.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A triangular layout device for right angles comprising: a first
elongated member having a substantially rectangular shape, a first
end and a second end each having an aperture extending
therethrough, and a slot extending from the first end aperture
along the first member in a skewed direction with respect to the
axis of the member; a second elongated member having a
substantially rectangular shape, a first end and a second end each
having an aperture extending therethrough; a third elongated member
having a substantially rectangular shape, a first end and a second
end each having an aperture extending therethrough; a first pivot
pin engaging the apertures in the first end of the second and third
elongated members, a second pivot pin engaging the apertures in the
second end of the first and the second end of the third elongated
members and a third spacing loaded pin engaging the apertures in
the first end of the first member and the second end of the second
member, said spring loaded pin being slidable along the slot to
collapse the triangular device into a configuration with the
members lying in substantially the same vertical plane; and,
wherein the first, second, and third elongated members have a
length relationship ratio of 3:4:5.
2. A triangular layout device for right angles in accordance with
claim 1 wherein: the third member includes a notch along the
interior side thereof to engage the spring loaded pin limiting the
pivotal movement of the first member when the device is
collapsed.
3. A triangular layout device for right angles in accordance with
claim 2 wherein: the slot includes a semi-circular aperture at one
end in the first member to be engaged by the spring loaded pin
locking the device in an open position.
4. A triangular layout device for right angles in accordance with
claim 2 wherein: the spring loaded pin comprises a locking
mechanism wherein the pin includes a push button head at one end,
an elongated shank and a coiled spring wrapped thereabout engaging
the first member, and a washer at the other end having an elongated
shank with an axial recess mounted over the first shank wherein the
push button head lock the washer in the central aperture.
5. A triangular layout device for right angles in accordance with
claim 4 wherein: the pin further includes a washer having a head
with an enlarged outer portion and a smaller inner portion which
engages the semi-circular aperture to lock the pin therein under
spring pressure.
6. A triangular layout device for right angles in accordance with
claim 2 wherein: the first, second and third members are
respectively 3, 4 and 5 feet in length.
7. A triangular layout device for right angles in accordance with
claim 1 wherein: the first, second and third pivot pins comprise
rivets.
8. A triangular layout device for right angles comprising: a first
elongated member having a substantially rectangular shape, a first
end and a second end each having an aperture extending
therethrough, and a slot extending from the first end aperture
along the first member in a skewed direction with respect to the
axis of the member; a second elongated member having a
substantially rectangular shape, a first end and a second end each
having an aperture extending therethrough; a third elongated member
having a substantially rectangular shape, a first end and a second
end each having an aperture extending therethrough; a first pivot
pin engaging the apertures in the first end of the second and third
elongated members, a second pivot pin engaging the apertures in the
second end of the first and the second end of the third elongated
members and a third spring loaded pin engaging the apertures in the
first end of the first member and the second end of the second
member, said spring loaded pin being slidable along the slot to
collapse the triangular device into a configuration with the
members lying in substantially the same vertical plane; and
wherein, the first and second elongated members are equal in length
forming, an isosceles triangle with the third elongated member.
.Iadd.
9. A triangular layout device, comprising: a first elongated member
having a first end and a second end, each having an aperture
extending there through; a second elongated member having a first
end and a second end, each having an aperture extending there
through; a third elongated member having a first end and a second
end, each having an aperture extending there through; a first pivot
pin engaging the apertures of the first end of the first elongated
member and the second end of the third elongated member; a second
pivot pin engaging the apertures of the first end of the second
elongated member and the second end of the first elongated member;
a third pivot pin engaging the apertures of the first end of the
third elongated member and the second end of the second elongated
member; wherein the device is selectively arranged in an open
configuration and a folded configuration while maintaining the
engagement of each of the pivot pins with the respective elongated
members, the device in the folded configuration having each of the
elongated members lying in substantially the same vertical plane;
and wherein the device is capable of moving from the folded
configuration to the open configuration to form a triangular layout
device wherein the device locks such that two of the elongated
members automatically form a 90 degree angle..Iaddend..Iadd.
10. The triangular layout device in accordance with claim 9,
wherein the first, second and third elongated members have a length
relationship of 3:4:5..Iaddend..Iadd.
11. The triangular layout device in accordance with claim 9,
wherein the lengths of two of the first, second and third elongated
members are substantially equal..Iaddend..Iadd.
12. A layout device, comprising: a plurality of elongated members,
each having a respective first end and a second end, each elongated
member being engaged to an adjacent elongated member, wherein the
device is selectively arranged in an open configuration and a
folded configuration while maintaining the engagement of each of
the elongated members, the device in the folded configuration
having the members lying in substantially the same vertical plane,
and wherein the device is capable of moving from the folded
configuration to the open configuration to form a triangular layout
device wherein the device locks such that two of the elongated
members automatically form a 90 degree angle..Iaddend..Iadd.
13. The layout device according to claim 12, wherein device in the
open configuration comprises a 3-4-5 triangle..Iaddend..Iadd.
14. The layout device according to claim 12, wherein the length of
two of the elongated members is substantially
equal..Iaddend..Iadd.
15. A layout device, comprising: a plurality of elongated members,
each having a respective first end and a second end, each first end
of each elongated member being engaged to the second end of an
adjacent elongated member, wherein the device is selectively
arranged in an open configuration defining a triangular structure
and a folded configuration with the members lying substantially
parallel in a linear direction while maintaining the engagement of
each of the elongated members, and wherein the device is capable of
moving from the folded configuration to the open configuration to
form a triangular layout device wherein the device locks such that
two of the elongated members automatically form a 90 degree
angle..Iaddend..Iadd.
16. The layout device according to claim 15, wherein the device in
the open configuration comprises a 3-4-5
triangle..Iaddend..Iadd.
17. The layout device according to claim 15, wherein the length of
two of the elongated members is substantially
equal..Iaddend..Iadd.
18. A triangular layout device, comprising: a first elongated
member having a first end and a second end; a second elongated
member having a first end and a second end, the first end of the
second elongated member being engaged to the second end of the
first elongated member; a third elongated member having a first end
and a second end, the first end of the third elongated member being
engaged to the second end of the second elongated member, the
second end of the third elongated member being engaged to the first
end of the first elongated member; wherein the device is
selectively arranged in an open configuration and a folded
configuration while maintaining the engagement of each of the
elongated members, the device in the folded configuration having
the first, second and third elongated members lying in
substantially the same vertical plane, and wherein the device is
capable of moving from the folded configuration to the open
configuration to form a triangular layout device wherein the device
locks such that two of the elongated members automatically form a
90 degree angle..Iaddend..Iadd.
19. The triangular layout device according to claim 18, wherein the
first, second and third elongated members have a length
relationship of 3:4:5..Iaddend..Iadd.
20. The layout device according to claim 18, wherein the length of
two of the elongated members is substantially
equal..Iaddend..Iadd.
21. A triangular layout device, comprising: a first triangle leg
having a first end and a second end; a second triangle leg having a
first end and a second end, the first end of the second leg being
pivotably engaged to the second end of the first leg; a third
triangle leg having a first end and a second end, the first end of
the third leg being engaged to the second end of the second leg,
the second end of the third leg being engaged to the first end of
the first leg; wherein the device is selectively arranged in a
fully open configuration and a folded configuration while
maintaining the engagement of each of the legs, the device in the
folded configuration having the first, second and third legs lying
in substantially the same vertical plane, and wherein the device is
capable of moving from the folded configuration to the fully open
configuration to form a triangular layout device wherein the device
locks such that two of the legs automatically form a 90 degree
angle when the device is in the fully open
configuration..Iaddend..Iadd.
22. The layout device as specified in claim 21 wherein the first
and second legs are joined by a first pivot pin to form the 90
degree angle in the fully open configuration, wherein the second
leg first end includes a slot extending to a midsection of the
second leg..Iaddend..Iadd.
23. The layout device as specified in claim 22 wherein the third
leg includes a locking mechanism cooperating with the first pivot
pin in the folded configuration..Iaddend.
Description
The proposed invention referred to herein as A SQUARE.TM., was
conceived during many years of applying the theory of a 3-4-5
triangle during the practice of laying out perpendicular lines in
the construction industry. Creating a perpendicular line, which is
any substantial length (approximately 4' or greater) requires
greater accuracy than a framing square can provide due to its size.
It is this need for accuracy that dictates the use of a 3-4-5
triangle using the present invention.
Typical application of the 3-4-5 triangle, prior to this,
invention, comprised using two tape measures simultaneously, which
required two people to perform the operation with any efficiency. A
SQUARE.TM. is a tool which creates 3-4-5 rigid triangle.
Advantageously, the tool folds to a compact state with the sides of
the triangle aligned to allow it to be portable and storable. The
invention has a wide range of uses in the construction industry for
many types of lay out, i.e., framing lay out, masonry lay out,
concrete form work, finish carpentry, cabinet installation,
construction supervision, ceramic tile layout, VCT tile lay out,
etc. Furthermore, the design of A SQUARE.TM. gives it the ability
to function as a proficient sheet rock square by resting the three
foot leg on the ground rather than the traditional sheet rock
square which hangs from the board. The invention may also be
produced in a variety of sizes and configurations for example, an
isosceles triangle.
Among the prior art patents of general interest are U.S. Pat. Nos.
.[.124,22.]. .Iadd.124,222 .Iaddend.; 778,659; 1,394,088;
2,667,697; 3,345,750 and 4,955,141. The prior art patents are not
directly .[.in.]. .Iadd.on .Iaddend.point and fail to provide an
anticipation of the features which have made this invention a great
success.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to layout tools and particularly to tools
providing a right angle for laying out perpendicular lines of any
substantial length. The invention comprises three legs or members,
all of which are permanently attached at pivot points. Two of the
three points are precisely located pivot points. The third point is
a precisely located resilient locking stud or rivet which slides in
a skewed slot and permits the adjoining two members to slide into a
parallel plane to one another in a compact folded position when not
in use and then into a locked open position creating a perfect
3-4-5 triangle for layout purposes when in use. Critical to the
design is the fact that the manner in which the members are
connected and aligned guarantees a perfect and not distorted 3-4-5
triangle. This is crucial to maintain the accuracy of the tool.
Accordingly, an object of this invention is to provide a new and
improved layout tool which provides a right angle.
Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved
layout tool which includes a 3-4-5 triangle to provide an accurate
90.degree. angle for layout purposes.
A further object of this invention is to provide a new and improved
layout tool involving a relatively large 3-4-5 triangle which
readily slides into a compact form with the legs of the triangle in
a substantially parallel plane.
A more specific object of this invention is to provide a triangular
right angle layout tool for laying out perpendicular lines wherein
the legs are pivotally mounted to one another at their ends and one
end includes a spring-loaded rivet which slides in a skewed slot in
an adjacent leg to collapse the triangle into linearly parallel
legs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and other objects and advantages of this invention may be
more clearly seen when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is an elevation side-view with the invention in a closed
position depicting the stacking arrangement of the members or
triangle legs and the pivot point mountings;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the invention in an .[.unlocked.].
.Iadd.open .Iaddend.position depicting the overall footprint of the
layout tool in an unfolded triangular arrangement;
FIG. 3a is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the rivet locking
mechanism in an open position and FIG. 3b shows the rivet mechanism
in a locked position; and,
FIG. 4a shows the washer portion of the rivet and FIG. 4b shows the
internal portion of the rivet with the push button head.
FIG. .[.5.]. .Iadd.6 .Iaddend.is a top plan view of an alternative
embodiment of the invention in an .[.unlocked.]. .Iadd.open
.Iaddend.position depicting the overall footprint of the layout
tool in an unfolded isosceles triangular arrangement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings, the invention comprises three rigid
elongated members of flat stock 7, 8 and 9 made of light weight
material such as aluminum, fiberglass, plastic, composite material,
etc forming a lay out tool 50. The members or legs 7, 8 and 9 are
permanently fastened together at pivots 10a and 10b in such a
manner which allows them to be folded with all three members 7, 8
and 9 parallel to each other as shown in FIG. 1. The long edges 21,
22 and 23 are aligned in a stacked formation, forming the profile
of a single member in a top view. This facilitates carrying and
storage of the tool 50.
When folded, the tool 50 of the invention comprises three members
7, 8 and 9 stacked together with the thin edges 21, 22 and 23 of
the rectangular profiles aligned. In the folded position, the tool
50 will be held closed by means of tension generated by the locking
mechanism 4 which includes pin 11 and spring 16 with the spring
loaded push button head 13 and the enlarged washer 15 affixed to
the other end of the pin or rivet 11. The tool 50 is thus kept in
this position and prevented from falling open on its own.
Approximately six pounds of pressure is required to disengage the
lock and compress the spring 16. The intermediate portion 11 of the
locking mechanism 4 engages the notch 30 in the leg 9 to limit the
movement of leg 7 during folding.
In the open position shown in FIG. 2, the tool 50 will form a right
angle at the intersection of two of the members legs 7 and 8, and
the other two ends will be joined by a diagonal leg 9. In the
preferred embodiment, the dimensions of the legs will be three
feet-leg 7, four-feet leg 8 and five feet-leg 9.
The tool 50 creates and guarantees a perfect right angle by design,
employing the mathematic ratio of a 3-4-5 triangle. By design, the
tool 50 will retain its accuracy due to the fact that each of the
three members 7, 8 and 9 are continuously attached to one another.
This maintains the integrity of the tool 50. Two of the attachment
points are precisely located rivet pivot points 10a and 10b. The
third point is a pin or rivet 11 with a push button head 13 at one
end and an enlarged washer 15 affixed to the other end engaging the
surface of leg 7 which rides in a skewed slot 12. The pin 11, as
thus described functions as a spring loaded positive position lock
4 keeping the tool 50 in the open position. Pressure on the push
button 13 releases the spring lock 4 enabling the tool 50 to close
to its folded or closed position shown in FIG. 1. Friction/tension
is maintained constantly by spring 16 to provide a controlled
motion of the members 7, 8 and 9 to prevent them from free
falling.
The pin 11 which rides in the slot 12 is a two piece internal rivet
with a push button head 13 at one end and a washer 15 affixed to
the other end. The washer 15 has downwardly extending walls 26 with
a central recess 27 within which the cylindrical walls 28 of the
push-button rivet 29 are mounted. The washer head 16 includes an
enlarged circular top 40 joined to an intermediate portion 31 of
lesser diameter which engages the semi-circular aperture .[.50.].
.Iadd.30.Iaddend.. The member 7 includes a notch 16 which the pin
11 engages preventing the tool 50 from over closing or opening in
the wrong direction. The slot 12 in the member 7 is skewed at an
angle relative to the edges of the member 7. At the end of the slot
12, the spring 16 pulls the post pin 11 into a semicircular hole
thereby creating a positive lock such as shown in FIG. 3b. The pin
11 is shown in an open position in FIG. 3a.
As a further advantage, the hole .[.5.]. .Iadd.30
.Iaddend.maintains the tool 50 in a proper locked position even if
the forward portion of the hole .[.5.]. .Iadd.30 .Iaddend.becomes
distorted due to repeated usage.
In the preferred embodiment the members 7, 8 and 9 are of elongated
rectangular bar stock approximately 1/8 inch thick by 2 inches
wide. As mentioned often the legs 7, 8 and 9 are 3, 4 and 5 feet
long respectively which creates a right angle in the open position
in order to layout perpendicular lines.
It is within the scope of the invention to make an assortment of
sizes and models of this tool 50, all of which retain the ratio of
3-4-5 triangle. It is also possible to use the teachings of this
invention with an isosceles triangle .Iadd.60 .Iaddend.which has
two 45.degree. angles and a 90.degree. angle.Iadd., such as shown
in FIG. 6.Iaddend..
While the invention has been explained by a detailed description of
certain specific embodiments, it is understood that various
modifications and substitutions can be made in any of them within
the scope of the appended claims which are intended also to include
equivalents of such embodiments.
* * * * *