Device for Use with a Reference Tool

• US 20170211919A1
• Filed: 01/25/2016
• Published: 07/27/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 01/25/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Achieve Manufacturing Inc.
• Original Assignee: Achieve Manufacturing Inc.
• Inventors: Babich, Paul
• Granted Patent: US 10,234,257 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: B43L 7/00 Straightedges guides; curve rulers or templets B43L13/20; straightedges characterised by the provision of indicia or the like for measuring, e.g. rulers or tapes with measuring scales or marks for direct reading, G01B
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 21/047 Accessories, e.g. for positioning, for tool-setting, for measuring probes
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 3/563 Protractors for use in geodesy G01C1/00; protractor heads for drawing machines B43L13/08
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 3/566 Squares

Abstract

A device is provided for use with a reference tool during the construction of metal structures. The device comprises a body having a groove formed therein for receiving a portion of a straight side of the reference tool. The body further comprises a base surface for co-operating with the surface of a metal workpiece. The base surface is configured whereby, when a portion of the straight side is received within the groove, the base surface is parallel to the straight side of the reference tool. A retention assembly is mounted on the body for retaining the portion of the straight side of the reference tool, when provided, within the groove. At least one magnet is mounted on the base surface for temporarily holding the device to the metal workpiece, thereby holding the reference tool in position.

Claims

1. A device for use with a reference tool comprising a straight side, the device comprising:

a body having a width, a length, and a groove formed in the body along the length, the groove dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the straight side, the body also having a base surface for engaging a metal workpiece surface, and the base surface further being configured so that when the at least a portion of the straight side is received within the groove the base surface is parallel to the straight side;

a retention assembly mounted to the body, the retention assembly for co-operating with the reference tool, when provided, and disengagably securing the body to the reference tool and retain the at least a portion of the straight side within the slot; and

at least one magnet mounted to the base surface of the body for temporarily securing the base surface to the workpiece surface.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the width is shorter than the length.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the body is the shape of a rectangular block.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the width is equal to the length.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the retention assembly comprises one or more threaded thumbscrews that extend through corresponding one or more threaded apertures formed on the body and into the groove so that, when tightened, the one or more thumbscrews urge the reference tool, when provided, tightly against the slot.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the base surface is flat.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one permanent magnet comprises three permanent magnets.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the base surface forms a u-shaped groove.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the base surface forms a v-shaped groove.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the one or more permanent magnets includes one or more pairs of permanent magnets that are positioned to oppose each other on the v-shaped groove.

11. The device of claim 1, further comprising an adjustable dial level mounted on the body.

12. The device of claim 1, further comprising a channel formed through the body for securing the device to a second reference tool or workpiece in engagement with the base surface.

13. A kit comprising a plurality of devices as defined in claim 1.

14. The kit of claim 13, wherein the plurality of devices have at least two different lengths.

15. The kit of claim 14 further comprising a carpenter'"'"'s protractor comprising two arms compatible with the plurality of devices.

16. The kit of claim 14 further comprising a carpenter square compatible with the plurality of devices.

17. The kit of claim 14 further comprising a straight edge compatible with the plurality of devices.

18. The kit of claim 14 further comprising an attachment means for removably attaching the plurality of devices together.

19. A method of holding a reference tool in a position adjacent to a metal workpiece, the reference tool comprising a straight side, the steps of the method comprising:

inserting at least a portion of the straight side into a groove formed in a body;

adjusting a retention assembly mounted on the body to retain the at least a portion of the straight side within the groove using the retention assembly, whereby when the at least a portion of the straight side is retained within the groove the straight side is parallel to a base surface formed on the body, and the reference tool is attached to the body; and

temporarily securing the base surface to the workpiece using one or more magnets mounted on the base surface, the base surface being in a location on the workpiece whereby the reference tool is also held in the position.

20. A method of extending the distance of measurement of a first reference tool comprising a straight side, the steps of the method comprising:

inserting at least a portion of the straight side into a first and a second groove, the first and second groove being formed in a first and second body, respectively;

adjusting a first and a second retention assembly mounted on the first and second bodies, respectively, to retain the at least a portion of the straight side within the first and second grooves using the first and second retention assemblies, whereby when the at least a portion of the straight side is retained within the two grooves the straight side is parallel to both a first and a second base surface formed on the first and second body, respectively;

attaching a second reference tool, the second reference tool being longer than the first reference tool, to the first and second base surfaces whereby the second reference tool extends away from the first reference tool parallel to the straight side.