Abstract:
Siding having an integrated measuring system that can be concealed from sight upon completion of a project. The siding includes an exterior surface, a first distal end, a second distal end, and a first measuring initial printed on the exterior surface by a printing process during fabrication of the siding. The first indicia extends from the first distal end to the second distal end and divides the siding into measuring units. A user can measure and cut the siding material without using a separate measuring device.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/277,121, filed Oct. 21, 2002, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/332,291, filed 13 Nov. 2001, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to construction materials and, more specifically, to construction materials having an integrated measurement system, marked upon various types of products that require a specified cut in length. For example, the material to be measured can be any extrusion or roll formed product to which a measuring device in accordance with the present invention is applied such as siding (aluminum, steel or vinyl), trim accessories used in conjunction with the siding, pipe lengths (plastic, PVC, steel or the like) or similar devices.  
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART  
       [0003]     Numerous types of measuring system have been provided in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,245,133; 2,270,419; 2,449,265; 3,407,507; 4,149,320; 4,351,113; 4,858,402; 4,927,696; 5,632,095; 5,632,095; 5,673,489; 5,924,213 and 6,269,595 are all illustrative of such prior art. While these units may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described.  
         [0000]     U.S. Pat. No. 2,245,133  
         [0004]     Inventor: Thomas Hopkins; Issued: Jun. 10, 1941; The invention relates to metal bars for reinforcing concrete, and has for its principle object the provisions of a linear scale whereby uniform divisions of the entire length of the bar are visually indicated in feet, inches and fractions of an inch.  
         [0000]     U.S. Pat. No. 2,270,419  
         [0005]     Inventor: Henry Debo; Issued: Jan. 20, 1942; This invention relates to wallboards having indicia for positioning the means of fastening the wallboards to a building frame or support.  
         [0000]     U.S. Pat. No. 2,449,265  
         [0006]     Inventor: Glenn Williams; Issued: Sep. 14, 1948; This invention relates to a conduit for use between an automobile engine system and a radiator and more particularly to conduit made of standard length and shape that may be cut to be fitted to a number of different automobiles according to a chart associated with the conduit.  
         [0000]     U.S. Pat. No. 3,407,507  
         [0007]     Inventor: Reginald Brubaker; Issued: Oct. 29, 1968; This invention relates generally to measuring instruments for measuring circumferential distances about a work member in a plane nonnal to its axis.  
         [0000]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,149,320  
         [0008]     Inventor: Daniel Troyer et al.; Issued: Apr. 17, 1979; Disclosed is a measuring tape and a method for its use that eliminates the necessity for manual measurement in the construction of buildings. The measuring tape comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape having a minimum stretchability, which is adapted to be permanently secured onto a suitable base, and which has imprinted thereon at least one numerical scale and a plurality of a spaced series of coded indicia for use as templates to position particular structural members.  
         [0000]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,351,113  
         [0009]     Inventor: Claire Eggertsen et al.; Issued: Sep. 28, 1982; A pressure sensitive adhesively backed disposable measuring tape which has desirable properties that increase its utility. The tape has a combination of tensile strength, adhesion strength, elasticity and markability which make it desirable for use in common measuring applications. The tape is manufactured by passing a creped paper adhesively backed tape over a printing drum which has a rubber matte around its periphery. The rubber matte is embossed with a set of false indicia so that as a result of the normal method of mounting on the outer surface of the drum the outer surface of the matte indicates and prints a correct set of indicia on a creped paper tape.  
         [0000]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,858,402  
         [0010]     Inventor: Helmar Putz; Issued: Aug. 22, 1989; In order to facilitate the placing of gypsum plasterboards, the boards are provided on their surface with a marking, which comprises length scales extending along regularly spaced apart lines which are parallel to the edges of the board. The marking may preferably be applied in the form of paints which fade under the action of light.  
         [0000]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,927,696  
         [0011]     Inventor: Louis Berg; Issued: May 22, 1990; Material for use in fabrication having reference markings spaced uniformly such that the markings can be used for measurement.  
         [0000]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,095  
         [0012]     Inventor: James Day; Issued: May 27, 1997; A lumber product for use in the cutting and assembling of lumber for the framing of a building, having a first and second end, and a face and back surface and opposite edges; and a plurality of visible markings lines stamped or imprinted on at least one surface of the lumber piece, extending generally the length of the lumber and placed at selected intervals for framework measuring, cutting or assembly.  
         [0000]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,489  
         [0013]     Inventor: Glenn Robell; Issued: Oct. 7, 1997; A means of girded measurement for the cuing of construction materials which comprises the imprinting of commonly used measurement markings upon the surfaces of construction materials during the manufacturing process to save time and improve the accuracy of cutting the construction materials on a job site. Unit markings may be numbered for quick dimensional reference and fractional markings may also be used. The lines for commonly used markings may also be highlighted, darkened, doubled, tripled, dashed or dotted, and color enhanced for easy recognition. Applications may include, but are not limited to, use on wallboard, shower board, insulation, gypsum board, plywood, and any other material which must be cut to exact measurements on a construction job site. Angled cuts may be easily made by cutting along the opposite corners of a predetermined number of grids counted in both horizontal and vertical directions.  
         [0000]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,924,213  
         [0014]     Inventor: Baek Woo Lee; Issued: Jul. 20, 1999; The numerical measurement indicia is placed along the width and length of a sheet of material like plywood or drywall to aid in cutting and nailing to the frame. The linear construction material also contains numerical measurement indicia in a lengthwise direction to assist in cutting and affixing to other structures.  
         [0000]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,269,595  
         [0015]     Inventor: David Blubaugh et at.; Issued: Aug. 7, 2001; A wallboard or drywall system with two types of measuring indicia on one side of the wall board or drywall, and on integral, transparent vapor barrier is applied to the back side of the wallboard or drywall. In addition, the system contains adhesive coated plastic tape which can be used to seal adjacent, mating edges of wallboard or drywall panels.  
       SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION  
       [0016]     The present invention relates generally to measuring markings and, more specifically, to a method of providing a measurement system, marked upon various types of products that require a specified cut in length. For example, the material to be measured can be any extrusion or roll formed product to which a measuring device in accordance with the present invention is applied such as siding (aluminum, steel or vinyl), trim accessories used in conjunction with the siding, pipe lengths (plastic, PVC, steel or the like) or similar devices.  
         [0017]     A primary object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for measuring various types of products that require a specified cut in length which will overcome the shortcoming of prior art measuring systems.  
         [0018]     Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for measuring extrusion or roll formed products for application to materials such as siding (aluminum, steel or vinyl), and trim accessories used in conjunction with the siding. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method of and system for measuring, for application to materials products such as pipe lengths (plastic, PVC, steel or the like) or similar devices.  
         [0019]     Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for measuring, including units of measurement marked on a material extending along an edge of the material from one distal end toward the second distal end and alternate units of measurement extending along an opposing edge of the material from the second distal end toward the first.  
         [0020]     An even further object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for measuring wherein the units of measurement can be any suitable units such as inches, feet, centimeters, yards, meters and a combination thereof.  
         [0021]     Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds. The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a method and system for measuring various types of products that are required to be cut to a specified length. For example, the material to be measured can be any extrusion or roll formed product intended to be cut to fit a job site per applications such as siding (aluminum, steel or vinyl), trim accessories used in conjunction with the siding, pipe lengths (plastic, PVC, steel or the like) or similar products. The measuring system of the present invention is applied to the surface of the product to be measured. The measurement system includes a unit of measurement extending along an edge of the measuring material from one distal end toward the second distal end and a unit of measurement extending along an opposite edge from the second distal end toward the first. The units of measurement can be any suitable units such as inches, feet, centimeters, yards, meters and a combination thereof The measuring material may be applied by any of; stamping with hot, cold or thermal press, roll press, notching, tabs, label/decal, pneumatic, laser, printing or etching.  
         [0022]     To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES  
       [0023]     Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views.  
         [0024]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a user using the measurement system of the present invention at a job site;  
         [0025]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged perspective view of the measurement system of the present invention taken in the direction of an arrow labeled with the reference numeral  2  in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0026]      FIG. 3  is a front view of the measuring system of the present invention attached to a piece of siding by the manufacturer thereof so that upon completion of the final product the measuring system will be concealed from sight;  
         [0027]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the measuring system of the present invention attached to piping;  
         [0028]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the measuring system of the present invention attached to a roll of pliable material;  
         [0029]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the measuring system of the present invention attached to a gutter;  
         [0030]      FIG. 7  is an illustrative view of a user illuminating material including the measurement system of the present invention printed upon the material in invisible ink;  
         [0031]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram indicating alternative methods for application of the measuring system of the present invention; and  
         [0032]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the measuring system of the present invention. 
     
    
       [0033]     The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawing, which forms a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views.  
       DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCED NUMERALS  
       [0034]     Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the Figures illustrate the method of providing a measurement markings of the present invention. With regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the various drawing figures.  
         [0035]      10 —method of providing a measuring system of the present invention;  12 —worker;  14 —siding;  15 —overlap line of the siding;  16 —writing utensil;  17 —hole;  18 —piping;  20 —roll of pliable material;  22 —gutter;  24 —wall paper;  26 —black light;  28 —tape;  30 —perforation;  32 —adhesive layer;  34 —peel off layer.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0036]     Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views,  FIGS. 1 through 9  illustrate the measurement system of the present invention indicated generally by the numeral  10 .  
         [0037]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a worker  12  using the measurement system  10  of the present invention at a job site. The measurement system  10  includes predetermined markings indicating a length and is attached to various types of products that are required to be cut to a specified length. When the measuring system is attached to a product, a worker  12  is able to manipulate the product to determine precisely and quickly the proper orientation and size required for the particular job being performed by making measurements with the markings placed on the particular product by the measurement system  10  of the present invention. For example, the material used can be any extrusion or roll formed product intended to be cut to fit a job site per applications such as siding  14  (aluminum, steel or vinyl), trim accessories used in conjunction with the siding  14 , pipe lengths (plastic, PVC, steel or the like) or similar devices. The measuring system  10  of the present invention is attached to the surface of the product in a format conspicuous to a worker at a job site. The measurement system  10  may be attached during fabrication of the particular material to be measured or positioned on a fabricated product by a worker  12  for a quick assessment of a required length of material to be used. The measurement system  10  includes a first unit of measurement extending along an edge thereof from one distal end toward the second distal end and a second unit of measurement extending along an edge of the system opposite the first unit forms the second distal end toward the first. The first and second units of measurement can be any suitable units such as inches, feet, centimeters, yards, meters or any combination thereof Use of such a measuring system  10  allows for precise measurements to be made quickly in addition to providing a clear indication of the length of a given material so as not to confuse closely sized items.  
         [0038]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged perspective view taken in the direction of the arrow labeled with the of reference numeral  2  in  FIG. 1  of a user measuring a piece of siding  14  with the measurement system  10  of the present invention. The area marked with the measurement system  10  is capable of being scored with a writing instrument  16 . Thus, the worker  12  may selectively adjust the size of the material or determine locations for securing the material in place by insertion of a securing device in accordance with markings made by the worker  12  on the measuring system  10 . The measurement system  10  allows the worker  12  to make precise measurements without the use of additional tools such as a tape measure or a ruler. The measuring system  10  may be positioned on the surface of the siding  14  (aluminum, steel, or vinyl) by a worker  12  at a job site or may be attached to a product upon manufacture. The measurement system  10  includes a first unit of measurement extending along one edge thereof from one distal end toward the second distal end and a second unit of measurement extending along an opposite edge from the first units thereof from the second distal end toward the first end. The first and second units of measurement can be any suitable units such as but not limited to inches, feet, centimeters, yards, meters and a combination thereof including fraction or decimal portions thereof.  
         [0039]     Measurement markings  10  may include visual indicators such as lines drawn at predetermined distances corresponding to a selected unit of measurement or bumps, symbols, or holes placed in a similar fashion along the length and/or with of a product. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the measurement system embodies lines placed at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal axis of a piece of aluminum siding. The worker  12  is shown marking the siding with a writing instrument  16  at a desired point using the measurement system  10 . The worker  12  is able to use these markings to adjust the size or secure the siding in place with tacks or the like.  
         [0040]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the measuring system  10  of the present invention attached along an edge of a piece of siding  14  by the manufacturer. Application of the measurement system  10  in this position allows for the measuring system  10  to be concealed from sight upon completion of the final product. By producing the siding  14  with the measurement system  10  thereon, the siding  14  may be selectively cut, bent, creased, or alternatively manipulated at determined locations corresponding to indicia on the measurement system  10 . Shown is a measurement system  10  placed along an edge of the surface of siding  14  between holes  17  used for attaching the siding and a line  15  indicative of the point at which a subsequent piece of siding will overlap. Such placement ensures the concealment of the measurement system  10  beneath an adjacent piece of siding, thus preventing the measurement system  10  from being visible upon completion of the finished product. The measuring system  10  of the present invention is applied to the surface of the siding  14  in a format that is easily understandable by a worker  12  at a job site. The measurement system  10  includes markings corresponding to a first unit of measurement extending along an edge thereof from one distal end toward the second distal end and markings corresponding to a second unit of measurement extending along an opposing edge from the second distal end toward the first. The first and second units of measurement can be any suitable units such as but not limited to inches, feet, centimeters, yards, meters and a combination thereof.  
         [0041]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the measuring system  10  of the present invention attached to piping  18 . The measuring system may be attached by the manufacturer upon production or positioned thereon by a user prior to use. The measuring system  10  is applied to the surface of a pipe  18  in a format easily readable by a worker at a job site. The measurement system  10  includes markings indicative of a linear scale extending along a length of the pipe  18  from one end towards an opposing end thereof and a second set of markings representing a linear scale extending along the length of the pipe in an opposite direction. The first and second linear scales may correlate with any suitable units unit of measurement such as, but not limited to inches, feet, centimeters, yards, meters and any combination thereof.  
         [0042]      FIG. 5  is a view of the measuring system  10  applied to a roll of pliable material  20  representative measurements thereof The measurement system  10  may be temporarily applied to a product as a label/decal if a weak adhesive is used on the measuring system. Thus, the measurement markings are removable after the desired measurements are made. Alternatively, the measuring system may be attached to the desired material with a strong adhesive. Thus able to withstand extreme conditions and remain on the product it is affixed to. The indicia may be roll pressed, laser printed, etched, or stamped onto the desired material. Both a flexible material and/or a rigid material may be used for positioning the indicia. The indicia are provided in various colors for achieving optimal visibility dependant on the color of the background material. Additionally, the markings may be provided in a color which is most discrete when contrasted to the background color of the material. Such examples are photosensitive chemicals, which are only visible when illuminated by a black light, or thermal sensitive chemicals that provide visible color of markings when exposed to a predetermined temperature. In addition to ink type markings, the markings may be of indiscrete notches, grooves, or bumps only apparent to the touch or an extremely close look.  
         [0043]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the measuring system  10  of the present invention. Illustrated is a perspective view of the measuring system  10  of the present invention applied to a roll of tape  28 . The measurement system  10  is printed on one side of the tape and an adhesive covers the opposite side. A peel off layer  32  covers the adhesive side  34 . When attached, the peel off layer  32  allows for easy alignment of the measurement tape  28  in a desired position. Removing the peel off layer  32  exposes the adhesive on the adhesive side  34  of the tape  28 . Perforations  30  may be applied to the tape at predetermined intervals for easy detachment of a section of tape  28  from the entire role. The selected section of adhesive tape  28  is positioned upon the object to be measured with the adhesive side  34  facing the object to be measured.  
         [0044]     The tape  28  may be printed in a solid color for contrasting the color of the markings representative of a linear scale thereon. Additionally, the tape  28  may be transparent for indiscreetly blending with an object to which it is applied. The markings of the linear scale of the measurement system  10  may be made in photosensitive ink as described in  FIG. 7  or alternatively as thermosensitive ink which is apparent only when placed at a predetermined temperature.  
         [0045]     In operation, the measurement system may be attached to a product in a permanent fashion by use of a strong adhesive. The indicia may be positioned thereon by stamping, pressing, printing, etching, or notching the markings of a linear scale to the surface of the measurement system by a manufacturer thereof. Additionally, a worker through the use of an adhesive tape can position the measurement system on the surface of a product.  
         [0046]     Alternatively, the manufacturer may place the markings of the measurement system in a conspicuous location on the product for easy observance by a worker upon production. The linear scale may be of any denomination suitable to the size of the product and the precision to which it is customarily manipulated. The markings for the measurement system may by in a color which contrasts with the color of the applied product when products such as piping or sheetrock, which are often concealed by paint or enclosures, are used.  
         [0047]     In circumstances that the finished product will not be concealed by further operations to the product by a consumer or worker, the markings may be applied with photosensitive ink that is only visible to the eye when illuminated with a black light. Additionally, the use of thermosensitive ink, which is visible when put at a desired temperature, may be used to produce the markings. Thermosensitive ink may be made visible by rubbing an area in which the ink is used, the heat caused by the friction of the rubbing causes the ink to become visible and contrast with its background until cooling. Another example of benefits conferred from thermosensitive ink is for monitoring products known to expand and contract due to heat fluctuations. Further, a weak adhesive may be used for application in conspicuous areas so that the measurement system may be easily removed once the required measurement is made.  
         [0048]     Providing the measuring system as an adhesive tape allows for a worker to make quick measurements of products to which the measurement system of the present invention is not attached during the manufacturing process. The measurement system is printed on one side of the tape and an adhesive covers an opposite side thereof A peel off layer covers the adhesive side. When attached, the peel off layer allows for easy alignment of the measurement tape in a desired position. Removing the peel off layer exposes the adhesive on the adhesive side of the tape. Perforations are applied to the tape at predetermined intervals for easy detachment of a section of tape from the entire role. The selected section of adhesive tape is positioned upon the object to be measured with the adhesive side facing the object to be measured.  
         [0049]     The tape may be printed in a solid color for contrasting the color of the markings representative of a linear scale thereon. Additionally, the tape may be transparent for indiscreetly blending with an object to which it is applied. The markings of the linear scale of the measurement system may be made in photosensitive ink as described in  FIG. 7  or alternatively as thermo sensitive ink which is apparent only when placed at a predetermined temperature.  
         [0050]     It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above.  
         [0051]     While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.  
         [0052]     Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.