MEASUREMENT DEVICES WITH INTEGRAL ANGLE FINDER, SPIRIT LEVELS, AND CASTOR DEVICE PAIR FOR USE WITH LADDERS

Measurement devices (50) for measuring and marking purposes and including an integral angle finder (71) for enabling two modes of use: placing either major body surface (66, 67) on a flat surface or setting a base (51) on an inclined surface for indicating its inclination. Spirit levels (100A) for setting a spaced apart pair of adjacent upright studs of more than one standard stud width at a standard stud separation between the midpoints of spaced apart pair or upright studs. Caster device pair (220) for use with a ladder (200) having a stabilizer (206) for enabling wheeling the ladder (200) while being held generally horizontal by a user for assisting moving the ladder (200) without having to lift its entire weight.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to measurement devices for measuring and marking purposes, spirit levels for setting a spaced apart pair of adjacent upright studs and assist devices for use with ladders.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Measurement devices for measuring and marking purposes include inter alia speed squares, combination squares, right angle squares, and the like. Some measurement devices have a base and an upright planar body when placing the base on a generally horizontal flat surface. The body has two parallel major body surfaces which can be equally placed on a flat surface for measuring and marking purposes. The body surfaces can have the same or different measurement markings. Some measurement devices include a bubble vial for indicating an inclination of the generally horizontal flat surface.

U.S. Pat. No. D805,928 to Ben Josef et al. shows a spirit level for setting a spaced apart pair of adjacent upright studs at either a first standard stud separation or a second standard stud separation measured between their midpoints. First and second standard stud separations are either 400 mm and 600 mm, respectively, or 417 mm and 625 mm, respectively. Upright studs can be made from steel or wood. Upright studs have one of three standard stud widths: 40 mm, 50 mm and 60 mm. The spirit level is designed for use with one standard stud width only and includes a main body having a leveling surface to be set on a generally horizontal surface and a bubble vial for providing a visual indication of an inclination of the generally horizontal surface with respect to the horizontal. The main body includes a left stud slot and a central stud slot spaced apart from the left stud slot at their midpoints at the first standard stud separation and a right stud slot spaced apart from the left stud slot at their midpoints at the second standard stud separation. The stud slots can be provided with magnets for hands free setting a spaced apart pair of adjacent upright metal studs.

Israel Standard 1847/EN 131 Part 1 entitled Ladders: Terms, types, functional sizes published November 2015 sets standards for a wide range of ladders from step ladders to extension ladders having a top reach of several meters, leaning ladders for leaning against a support in upright use, two-legged self-standing ladders, etc. Ladders include a pair of parallel stiles having rungs extending therebetween and means permanently attached to the bottoms of their parallel stiles for preventing slippage on a flat surface during upright use. Some ladders include stabilizers permanently attached to the bottoms of their parallel stiles for preventing slippage on a flat surface during upright use and also for stabilizing purposes. Some ladders have casters permanently attached to their parallel stiles for wheeling a generally horizontal ladder for assisting moving a ladder without having to lift its entire weight.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The first aspect of the present invention is directed towards measurement devices for measuring and marking purposes and including an integral angle finder for enabling two modes of use: placing either major body surface on a flat surface or setting a base on an inclined surface for indicating its inclination. The measurement devices are intended to provide additional angle finding capability in a convenient and compact manner without detracting from conventional use. The measurement devices can be formed from suitable metal and/or plastic materials.

The second aspect of the present invention is directed towards spirit levels for setting a spaced apart pair of adjacent upright studs of more than one standard stud width at a standard stud separation between the midpoints of spaced apart pair or upright studs. The spirit levels include stud slots having the longest 60 mm standard stud width and a stud slot reduction arrangement for reversibly shortening the longest 60 mm standard stud slot width to a shorter standard stud width. The spirit levels preferably store a stud slot reduction arrangement when not deployed for shortening stud slot widths. The stud slot reduction arrangements preferably include a set of stud slot reducers which are slidingly inserted into stud slots for reducing their stud slot width and slidingly removed therefrom for restoring their stud slot width to their non-shortened stud slot width. Spirit levels can be configured for setting a single spaced apart pair of upright studs or multiple spaced apart pairs of upright studs.

One stud slot reduction arrangement includes a set of discrete stud slot reducers configured for preferably downward sliding insertion into stud slots in a front elevation view of a spirit level for shortening their stud slot widths. The stud slot widths are preferably shortened by the insertion of a pair of stud slot reducers as opposed to a single stud slot reducer. A spirit level preferably includes a stud slot reducer storage magazine configured for storing its set of discrete stud slot reducers when not in use. Another stud slot reduction arrangement includes a set of screw-operated stud slot reduction mechanisms each having a stud slot reducer configured for repeatedly selectively deployable between a storage position and a stud slot reduction position. The stud slot reducers preferably undergo a linear displacement between their storage position and their stud slot reduction position.

The third aspect of the present invention is directed towards a caster device pair for use with a ladder having a stabilizer for enabling wheeling the ladder while being held generally horizontal by a user for assisting moving the ladder without having to lift its entire weight. The caster device pair can also assist in loading and unloading a ladder onto a vehicle for transportation purposes. The caster device pair is designed to be securely assembled on a stabilizer in such a manner that the caster device pair does not interfere with upright use of a ladder. The caster device pair is universal insofar that it can be readily assembled on a wide range of leaning and self-standing ladders. The leaning and self-standing ladders can have single extensions or multiple extensions. The ladders can be made from wood, aluminum, etc.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present description is divided into three sections as follows:Section 1: Measurement devices with integral angle finderSection 2: Spirit levels for setting a spaced apart pair of adjacent upright studsSection 3: Castor device pair for use with ladders
Section 1: Measurement Devices with Integral Angle Finder

FIG.1andFIG.2show a conventional speed square10including a base11and a generally triangular planar body12. The base11has a base setting surface13for placing on a generally horizontal flat surface, a base top surface14opposite the base setting surface13, a base front surface16, a base rear surface17opposite the base front surface16, a base left end surface18and a base right end surface19opposite the base left end surface18. The base top surface14has a central longitudinal centerline21. The base11has the following dimensions: length L, thickness T1, and height H1. The base11includes a bubble vial22for indicating an inclination of a generally horizontal flat surface on placing the base setting surface13thereon.

The body12includes a first edge23, a second edge24and a hypotenuse edge26. The body12has a thickness T2where T1>T2. The first edge23is mounted on the central longitudinal centerline21such that the body12stands upright on the base11placed on a generally horizontal flat surface. The body12has a first major body surface27and a second major body surface28. The body12includes one or more throughgoing apertures29between the first major body surface27and the second major body surface28and measurement markings31adjacent the throughgoing apertures29and along the second edge24and the hypotenuse edge26.

FIG.3toFIG.5show a measurement device50configured as a speed square including a base51and a generally triangular planar body52. The base51has a base setting surface53for placing on a generally horizontal flat surface, a base top surface54opposite the base setting surface53, a base front surface56, a base rear surface57opposite the base front surface56, a base left end surface58and a base right end surface59opposite the base left end surface58. The base51has the same length L and thickness T1as the base11but has a lower height H2affording a more compact design. The base top surface54has a central longitudinal centerline61.

The body52includes a first edge62, a second edge63and a hypotenuse edge64and has the same thickness T2as the body12. The first edge62is mounted on the central longitudinal centerline61such that the body52stands upright on the base51placed on a generally horizontal flat surface. The body52has a first major body surface66and a second major body surface67. The body52includes one or more throughgoing apertures68and measurement markings69adjacent the throughgoing apertures68and along the second edge63and the hypotenuse edge64.

The speed square50includes an integral angle finder71slidingly mounted therein in a transverse direction with respect to the central longitudinal centerline61. The angle finder71includes an angle finder housing72mounted in the measurement device50and a bubble vial73rotatably mounted therein. The angle finder housing72includes a first angle finder housing component74and a second angle finder housing component76for snap fitting on the first angle finder housing component74for entrapping the bubble vial73therebetween. The angle finder housing72has a first major angle finder housing surface77parallel with the first major body surface66and a second major angle finder housing surface78parallel with the second major body surface67. The first major angle finder housing surface77and the second major angle finder housing surface78have angular markings79for indicating an angle of the bubble vial73with respect to the base setting surface53. The angle finder housing72has a thickness T3in a side elevation view of the measurement device50facing either the second edge63or the hypotenuse edge64where T1>T3>T2.

The speed square50includes a generally arch shaped angle finder aperture81between the first major body surface66and the second major body surface67and an angle finder channel82between the base front surface56and the base rear surface57. The angle finder aperture81is continuous with the angle finder channel82such that the angle finder71is slidingly mounted in both the base51and the body52.

FIG.6toFIG.8show use of the speed square50as follows:FIG.6andFIG.7show that the angle finder71enables equal use of the first major body surface66and the second major body surface67for measuring and marking purposes.

FIG.6shows for using the first major body surface66for measuring and marking purposes on a flat surface, a user urges the downward protruding length of the base51to abut against the flat surface's edge and depresses the second major body surface67on the flat surface causing the second major angle finder housing surface78to be flush with the second major body surface67and the first major angle finder housing surface77to protrude from the first major body surface66. The angle finder71's thickness T3is preferably dimensioned such that the first major angle finder surface77is flush with the base front surface56.

FIG.7shows for using the second major body surface67for measuring and marking purposes on a flat surface, a user urges the downward protruding length of the base51to abut against the flat surface's edge and depresses the first major body surface66on the flat surface causing the first major angle finder housing surface77to be flush with the first major body surface66and the second major angle finder housing surface78to protrude from the second major body surface67. The angle finder71's thickness T3is dimensioned such that second major angle finder surface78is flush with the base rear surface57.

FIG.8shows use of the speed square50for measuring an inclination of an inclined surface.

FIG.9andFIG.10show a measurement device50configured as a combination square including an integral angle finder71. The combination square50can be placed on either its major body surfaces on a flat surface for measuring and marking purposes or its base setting surface on an inclined surface for indicating its inclination.

FIG.11andFIG.12show a measurement device50configured as a right-angle square including an integral angle finder71. The right-angle square50can be placed on either its major body surfaces on a flat surface for measuring and marking purposes or its base setting surface on an inclined surface for indicating its inclination.

Section 2: Spirit Levels for Setting a Spaced Apart Pair of Adjacent Upright Studs

FIG.13toFIG.15show a spirit level100A for setting a spaced apart pair of adjacent upright studs US of one of the three standard stud widths: W=40 mm or W=50 mm or W=60 mm at either a first standard stud separation S1or a second standard stud separation S2measured between their midpoints. The standard stud separations S1and S2are 400 mm and 600 mm, respectively, or 417 mm and 625 mm, respectively. The upright studs US can be made from steel or wood.

The spirit level100A has a longitudinal level centerline101and includes a box cross section main body102having a leveling surface103to be set on a horizontal surface, an uppermost surface104opposite the leveling surface103, a front major surface106and a rear major surface107opposite the front major surface106.

The spirit level100A has a bubble vial108for providing a visual indication of an inclination of a generally horizontal surface with respect to the horizontal and a bubble vial109for providing a visual indication of an inclination of a generally vertical surface with respect to the vertical.

The main body102includes a left stud slot111A, a central stud slot111B and a right stud slot111C spaced apart therealong. The stud slots111A-111C have an internal stud slot width W of one of the three standard stud widths, namely, the shortest 40 mm standard stud slot width, the middle length 50 mm standard stud slot width and the longest 60 mm standard stud slot width.

The stud slot111B is spaced apart from the stud slot111A at their midpoints at the standard stud separation S1. The stud slot111C is spaced apart from the stud slot111A at their midpoints at the standard stud separation S2.

The stud slots111A-111C are provided with magnets for hands free setting a spaced apart pair of adjacent upright metal studs.

Use of a spirit level100A includes selecting a spirit level100A such its stud slots111are sized for snugly accommodating selected uprights studs, namely, a spirit level100A with 40 mm wide stud slots111is selected for setting 40 mm wide upright studs, a spirit level100A with 50 mm wide stud slots111is selected for setting 50 mm wide upright studs US, and a spirit level100A with 60 mm wide stud slots111is selected for setting 60 mm wide upright studs.

Spirit Level with Discrete Stud Slot Reducers

FIG.16toFIG.21show a spirit level100B for setting a spaced apart pair of adjacent upright studs of any standard stud width of the 40 mm, 50 mm and 60 mm standard stud widths at either the standard stud separation S1=400 mm or 417 mm or the standard stud separation S2=600 mm or 625 mm. The spirit level100B has a similar construction as the spirit level100A and therefore similar parts are likewise numbered. The spirit level100B includes stud slots121A-121C corresponding to the stud slots111A-111C. The stud slots121are each provided with a magnet122for hands free use of the spirit level100B for setting metal upright studs. The spirit level100B is provided with a handgrip123for facilitating handling.

The spirit level100B has a stud slot reduction arrangement124including an opposite pair of stud slot reducer supports126fitted in each stud slot121. The opposite pair of stud slot reducer supports126have an opposite pair of transverse stud slot reducer support surfaces127limiting a stud slot width W1=60 mm for enabling the spirit level100B to be used for setting a spaced apart pair of adjacent 60 mm wide upright studs at either the standard stud separation S1or the standard stud separation S2. The opposite pair of stud slot reducer supports126each include a T-shaped slot128facing towards one another in a top plan view of the spirit level100B.

The stud slot reduction arrangement124includes a first set of three pairs of discrete stud slot reducers131A-131F for shortening the stud slots121A-121C for use with 50 mm wide upright studs. The discrete stud slot reducers131A-131F are intended for downward sliding insertion into their respective stud slots121and upward sliding removal therefrom in a front elevation view of the spirit level100B. Each discrete stud slot reducer131includes a trailing discrete stud slot reducer section132for insertion in a T-shaped slot128and a leading discrete stud slot reducer section133for protruding from the T-shaped slot128. The leading discrete stud slot reducer section133has a thickness THK1=5 mm and a transverse leading stud slot reducer surface134such that the stud slots121each have a stud slot width W2=50 mm on sliding insertion of stud slot reducer pairs131A and131B,131C and131D, and131E and131F thereinto, respectively.

The stud slot reduction arrangement124includes a second set of three pairs of discrete stud slot reducers136A-136F for shortening the stud slots121A-121C for use with 40 mm wide upright studs. Each discrete stud slot reducer136includes a trailing discrete stud slot reducer section137for insertion in a T-shaped slot128and a leading discrete stud slot reducer section138for protruding from the T-shaped slot128. The leading discrete stud slot reducer section138has a thickness THK2=10 mm and a transverse leading stud slot reducer surface139such that the stud slots121A-121C each have a stud slot width W3=40 mm on sliding insertion of discrete stud slot reducer pairs136A and136B,136C and136D, and136E and136F thereinto, respectively.

The main body102includes a stud slot reducer storage magazine141for storing the first set of three pairs of discrete stud slot reducers131A-131F and the second set of three pairs of discrete stud slot reducers136A-136F when not in use. The stud slot reducer storage magazine141is configured with an upper row of three inverted T-shaped slots142A,142B and142C and a lower row of three T-shaped slots143A,143B and143C. The upper row of three inverted T-shaped slots142A,142B and142C and the lower row of three T-shaped slots143A,143B and143C meet to form continuous throughgoing apertures. The upper row of three inverted T-shaped slots142A,142B and142C and the lower row of three T-shaped slots143A,143B and143C extend widthwise through the main body102.

Each T-shaped slot142is configured for sidewise sliding insertion thereinto and sliding removal therefrom of a discrete stud slot reducer pair131in an end elevation view of the spirit level100B, namely, the T-shaped slot142A is intended for use with a discrete stud slot reducer pair131A and131B, the T-shaped slot142B is intended for use with a discrete stud slot reducer pair131C and131D, and the T-shaped slot142C is intended for use with a discrete stud slot reducer pair131E and131F.

Each T-shaped slot143is configured for sidewise sliding insertion thereinto and sliding removal therefrom of a discrete stud slot reducer pair136in an end elevation view of the spirit level100B, namely, the T-shaped slot143A is intended for use with a discrete stud slot reducer pair136A and136B, the T-shaped slot143B is intended for use with a discrete stud slot reducer pair136C and136D, and the T-shaped slot143C is intended for use with a discrete stud slot reducer pair136E and136F.

The use of the spirit level100B is now described:

FIG.22andFIG.23show the use of the spirit level100B for setting a spaced apart pair of adjacent 60 mm wide upright studs US at the standard stud separation S1and standard stud separation S2, respectively. The T-shaped slots142A-142C store the set of discrete stud slot reducers131A-131F and the T-shaped slots143A-143C store the set of discrete stud slot reducers136A-136F which are not in use.

FIG.24andFIG.25show the use of the spirit level100B for setting a spaced apart pair of adjacent 50 mm wide upright studs at the standard stud separation S1and standard stud separation S2, respectively. InFIG.24, the spirit level100B employs the discrete stud slot reducers131A-131D inserted in the stud slot121A and the stud slot121B. InFIG.25, the spirit level100B employs the discrete stud slot reducers131A and131B in the stud slot121A and the discrete stud slot reducers131E and131F in the stud slot121C. The T-shaped slots143A-143C store the set of discrete stud slot reducers136A-136F which are not in use.

FIG.26andFIG.27show the use of the spirit level100B for setting a spaced apart pair of adjacent 40 mm wide upright studs at the standard stud separation S1and standard stud separation S2, respectively. InFIG.26, the spirit level100B employs the discrete stud slot reducers136A-136D in the stud slot121A and the stud slot121B. InFIG.27, the spirit level100B employs the discrete stud slot reducers136A and136B in the stud slot121A and the discrete stud slot reducers136E and136F in the stud slot121C. The T-shaped slots142A-142C store the set of stud slot reducers131A-131F which are not in use.

FIG.28shows a spirit level100C with a stud slot reduction arrangement124for setting a single spaced apart pair of adjacent upright studs at the standard stud separation S1only.

FIG.29shows a spirit level100D with a stud slot reduction arrangement124for setting multiple spaced apart pairs of adjacent upright studs at the standard stud separation S1only.

FIG.30shows a spirit level100E with a stud slot reduction arrangement124for setting a single spaced apart pair of adjacent upright studs at the standard stud separation only S2.

FIG.31shows a spirit level100F with a stud slot reduction arrangement124for setting multiple spaced apart pair of adjacent upright studs at the standard stud separation S2only.

Spirit Level with a Set of Screw-Operated Stud Slot Reduction Mechanisms

FIG.32toFIG.35show a spirit level100G for setting a spaced apart pair of adjacent upright studs of the longest 60 mm standard stud width and either the 40 mm standard stud width or the 50 mm standard stud width at either the standard stud separation S1=400 mm or 417 mm or the standard stud separation S2=600 mm or 625 mm. The spirit level100G has a similar construction as the spirit level100B and therefore similar parts are likewise numbered. The spirit level100G has a stud slot reduction arrangement150including a set of screw operated stud slot reduction mechanisms151A-151C correspondingly fitted in the stud slots121A-121C. In the present instance, the stud slot reduction mechanisms151A-151C selectively reduce the stud slots121A-121C's 60 mm standard stud slot width to the middle length 50 mm standard stud slot width.

Each screw-operated stud slot reduction mechanism151includes a stud slot reduction mechanism support152rigidly mounted in the main body102. The stud slot reduction mechanism support152includes a horizontal stud slot reduction mechanism base153parallel to the leveling surface103and an opposite external pair of upright stud slot reduction mechanism side walls154. The opposite external pair of upright stud slot reduction mechanism side walls154include an opposite internal pair of upright stud slot reduction mechanism side walls156spaced apart at the longest 60 mm standard stud slot width. The opposite internal pair of upright stud slot reduction mechanism side walls156support a horizontal stud slot reduction mechanism plate157bearing the magnet122. The stud slot reduction mechanism plate157includes an opposite pair of stud slot reduction mechanism slots158adjacent the opposite internal pair of upright stud slot reduction mechanism side walls156.

Each screw-operated stud slot reduction mechanism151includes a U-shaped stud slot reducer159deployed between the stud slot reduction mechanism base153and the stud slot reduction mechanism plate157. The stud slot reducer159includes an opposite pair of stud slot reducer legs161aligned with the opposite pair of stud slot reduction mechanism slots158. Each stud slot reducer leg161has a thickness THK3=5 mm such the opposite pair of stud slot reducer legs161reduce a stud slot width by 10 mm.

Each screw-operated stud slot reduction mechanism151includes a screw162traversing through the stud slot reduction mechanism plate157and the stud slot reducer159and stopping against the stud slot reduction mechanism base153. The screw162has a screw head162A exposed in the stud slot reduction mechanism plate157for affording convenient hand tool access for enabling linear displacement of the stud slot reducer159between two operative positions: A storage position in which the stud slot reducer159is deployed adjacent the stud slot reduction mechanism base153whereby the opposite pair of stud slot reducer legs161are flush with the stud slot reduction mechanism plate157for not shortening a stud slot width (seeFIG.33). And a stud slot reduction position in which the stud slot reducer159is deployed adjacent the stud slot reduction mechanism plate157whereby the opposite pair of stud slot reducer legs161protrude through the opposite pair of stud slot reduction mechanism slots158in front of the opposite internal pair of upright stud slot reduction mechanism side walls156for shortening a stud slot width (seeFIG.34).

A spirit level with screw operated stud slot reduction mechanisms151can be constructed similar to the spirit levels100C and100D for setting a single or multiple spaced apart pairs of adjacent upright studs at the standard stud separation S1only. Alternatively, a spirit level with screw operated stud slot reduction mechanisms151can be constructed similar to the spirit levels100E and100F for setting a single or multiple spaced apart pairs of adjacent upright studs at the standard stud separation S2only.

The use of the spirit level100G is now described:

FIG.36andFIG.37show the use of the spirit level100G for setting a spaced apart pair of adjacent 60 mm wide upright studs at the standard stud separation S1and standard stud separation S2, respectively. The set of stud slot reducers159A-159C are in their storage position in the main body102.

FIG.38andFIG.39show the use of the spirit level100G for setting a spaced apart pair of adjacent 50 mm wide upright studs at the standard stud separation S1and standard stud separation S2, respectively. InFIG.38, the stud slot reduction arrangement150is employed to shorten the stud slot121A and the stud slot121B's stud slot widths. InFIG.39, the stud slot reduction arrangement150is employed to shorten the stud slot121A and the stud slot121C's stud slot widths.

Section 3: Castor Device Pair for Use with Ladders

FIG.40shows a conventional leaning ladder200including a pair of parallel stiles201and a plurality of rungs202extending therebetween. The stiles201have a stile bottom203and a stile top204opposite the stile bottom203. The ladder200includes a stabilizer206attached to the stile bottoms203. The stabilizer206has stabilizer ends207outwardly extending widthwise beyond the stile bottoms203. The stabilizer ends207are fitted with anti-slip feet208raising the stabilizer206above a flat surface.FIG.41shows the stabilizer206has a generally rectangular cross section with a major side co-directional with the ladder's length and a minor side transverse to the ladder's length.

FIG.42andFIG.43show a caster device220includes a caster clamp221for securely clamping on a stabilizer end207and a caster wheel222mounted on the caster clamp221. The caster clamp221is preferably dimensioned to extend along a stabilizer end207. The caster clamp221includes a major front plate223, a major back plate224and a hinge226for hinging the major front plate223to the major back plate224. The caster clamp221is shaped and dimensioned such that the hinge226does not interfere with a stabilized ladder resting on its anti-slip feet208in its upright position. The major front plate223and the major back plate224bound an internal cavity227shaped and dimensioned for snugly accommodating a stabilizer end207in a clamped state of the caster device220. The caster clamp221includes a clamping arrangement228for securing same on a stabilizer end. Suitable clamping arrangements228include a screw and nut, and the like. The caster device220is designed such that its caster wheel222is deployed above a stile bottom203on resting the ladder200on its stabilizer206in upright use.

FIG.43toFIG.45show use of the caster device pair220as follows:

FIG.44shows the leaning ladder200resting on the stabilizer206and inclined against an upright wall at an angle α where 65°<α<75° with respect to the horizontal in accordance with the afore-mentioned standard. The caster wheels222are above the stabilizer206and therefore do not interfere with the upright use.

FIG.45shows a user holding the leaning ladder200generally horizontal and resting on the caster wheel pair222for convenient wheeling.

FIG.46shows a self-standing ladder230having two legs231inclined at the same angle α where 65°<α<75° with respect to the horizontal in accordance with the afore-mentioned standard. The self-standing ladder230rests on the stabilizer206with the caster wheels222above the stabilizer206and therefore not interfering with the upright use.

While particular embodiments of the present invention are illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.