Layout tool with grips

A layout tool is provided for use in marking a work piece to be cut. The layout tool includes a generally flat body having an even surface, a linear edge, locating indicia adjacent the linear edge, and a gripper attached to the flat body. The gripper is movable from an initial position. In the initial position, the gripper is generally aligned with the even surface of the flat body. The gripper can be moved toward the work piece from the initial position to engage the work piece when the flat body overlies the work piece.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a layout tool for a work piece and more particularly to a layout tool with grips.

BACKGROUND

Layout tools, such as rulers and squares (e.g., L-shaped squares, triangle squares, etc.), are commonly used as a measuring, cutting and/or drawing tool as a reference and markup guide for marking up a work piece.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a layout tool for use in marking a work piece to be cut comprises a generally flat body having an even surface, a linear edge and locating indicia adjacent the linear edge. A gripper is attached to the flat body. The gripper is movable from an initial position. In the initial position, the gripper is generally aligned with the even surface of the flat body. The gripper is configured to be moved toward the work piece from the initial position to engage the work piece when the flat body overlies the work piece.

In another aspect, a layout tool for use in marking a work piece to be cut comprises a flat body having a linear edge and locating indicia adjacent the linear edge. The flat body has opposite first and second surfaces. The flat body has a first grip on the first surface and a second grip on the second surface. The first grip begins at the first surface and extends into the flat body. The second grip begins at the second surface and extends into the flat body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The layout tools disclosed herein assist a user in marking up a work piece (not shown). The work piece may include a piece of lumber, a board, a panel, a plate or any other suitable item a user may want to mark up. For example, the layout tools disclosed herein may be used to place a cut marking on a piece of lumber indicating where a cut is to be made. The layout tools of the present disclosure include rulers, triangle squares and L-shaped square, although other types of layout tools (e.g., measurement tools) are within the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, it is understood the teachings set forth herein can also be applied to other types of tools.

Referring toFIGS.1and2, a layout tool according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is generally indicated by reference numeral100. In this embodiment, the layout tool100comprises a ruler. The layout tool100includes a generally flat or planar body115. The flat body115is elongate. In the illustrated embodiment, the flat body115has a generally rectangular shape. The flat body115includes at least one linear edge120(e.g., side edge). In the illustrated embodiment, the flat body115includes opposite first and second linear edges120. The two linear edges120are generally parallel to one another. Each linear edge120extends between opposite ends of the flat body115. The flat body115has a first (e.g., upper) surface130and a second (e.g., bottom) surface132opposite the first surface130. The first and second surfaces130,132are generally flat and planar (broadly, “even”). The first and second surfaces130,132extend between the first and second linear edges120. The layout tool100includes locating indicia125adjacent each linear edge120. Preferably, the locating indicia125comprises a measurement scale such as an English (e.g., inch) measurement scale or a metric (e.g., cm) measurement scale, although other types of locating indicia are within the scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the locating indicia125is an inch measurement scale. Preferably, locating indicia125is included on both the first surface130and the second surface132. In the illustrated embodiment, the layout tool100includes four locating indicia125, two on the first surface130adjacent each linear edge120and two on the second surface132adjacent each linear edge120. In one embodiment, the locating indicia125is formed on the flat body115by removing material from the flat body115. For example, the locating indicia125may be formed by laser-etching, although other ways of forming the locating indicia are within the scope of the present disclosure.

The flat body115includes a first grip140on the first surface130and a second grip145on the second surface132(broadly, at least one grip). In other embodiments, the flat body115may only include a grip on only one of the first or second surface130,132. As shown, the first and second grips140,145are each spaced apart from (e.g., disposed between) the locating indicia125on the respective first and second surfaces130,132. In the illustrate embodiment, the first and second grips140,145are directly opposite one another. As a result, one grip140,145is generally pushed into engagement with the work piece when the user engages the other grip. Preferably, the first and second grips140,145are identical. Each grip140,145is generally elongate and extends generally parallel to the length of the flat body115. Each grip140,145begins at its respective surface130,132(e.g., respective first or second surface) and extends into the flat body115(e.g., toward the other surface). Accordingly, each grip140,145is generally co-planar or even with its corresponding surface130,132. Thus, each grip140,145is not disposed outward or exterior of the flat body115so that the grip does not cause any the layout tool100to be raised off the surface of the work piece. Preferably, each grip140,145is formed on the flat body115by removing material from the flat body115. For example, each grip140,145may be formed by laser-etching, although other ways of forming each grip140,145are within the scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, each grip140,145comprises an etched surface such as cross-hatched, laser-etched surface that begins at the respective surface130,132and extends into the flat body115. Each etched surface comprises a set of intersecting grooves formed into the flat body115from the corresponding first or second surface130,132of the flat body.

In one embodiment, the layout tool100(e.g., flat body115) is a single, unitary piece of material. For example, the layout tool100can be made from a single piece of sheet metal or extruded aluminum. In another embodiment, the layout tool100can be formed from multiple pieces secured together.

In operation, the user lays the layout tool100onto a work piece. The layout tool100is laid onto the work piece on either the first surface130or the second surface132of the flat body115. The user exerts force onto the flat body115to engage either the first grip140or the second grip145with the work piece. For example, the fingers of the user can exert force on the first grip140, thereby pushing the second grip145into engagement with the work piece. The user utilizes the locating indicia125adjacent one of the linear edges120to mark the work piece appropriately and in the desired manner. For example, the user may mark the work piece at the location the user intends to cut.

Referring toFIGS.3and4, another embodiment of a layout tool according to the present disclosure is generally indicated by reference numeral200. Layout tool200is generally analogous to layout tool100and, thus, for ease of description, where similar, analogous or identical parts are used, reference numerals “100” units higher are employed. Accordingly, unless clearly stated or indicated otherwise, the above descriptions regarding layout tool100also apply to layout tool200.

In this embodiment, the layout tool200comprises an L-shaped square. The layout tool200includes an arm250extending perpendicularly from one end of the flat body215. The flat body215forms one leg of the L-shaped square and the arm250forms the other leg of the L-shaped square. In the illustrated embodiment, the arm250is secured or fixed to the flat body215with one or more fasteners252(e.g., screws, bolts, etc.). Accordingly, in this embodiment, the layout tool200is made from multiple pieces connected together, although the flat body215is still a single, unitary piece of material. The arm250is thicker than the flat body215and therefore extends outward from the first surface230and the second surface232. The arm250has a linear edge254that extends at a 90 degree angle relative to (e.g., from) one of the linear edges220of the flat body215. Other angles are within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the linear edge254of the arm250may extend at a 45 degree angle relative to a linear edge220of the flat body215.

In operation, the user lays layout tool200onto a work piece. The layout tool200is laid onto the work piece on either the first surface230or the second surface232. The linear edge254of the arm250may be abutted against the side or edge of the work piece to ensure the flat body215extends perpendicularly across the work piece relative to the edge of the work piece. The user exerts force onto the flat body215to engage either the first grip240or the second grip245with the work piece depending upon which one faces the work piece. The user utilizes the locating indicia225adjacent the linear edge220to mark the work piece appropriately.

Referring toFIG.5, another embodiment of a layout tool according to the present disclosure is generally indicated by reference numeral300. Layout tool300is generally analogous to layout tool100and, thus, for ease of description, where similar, analogous or identical parts are used, reference numerals “200” units higher are employed. Accordingly, unless clearly stated or indicated otherwise, the above descriptions regarding layout tool100also apply to layout tool300.

In this embodiment, the layout tool300comprises a triangle square. The flat body315has a triangle shape. The flat body315has two linear edges320A,320B that extend at a 90 degree angle relative to one another. These two linear edges320A,320B have locating indicia325adjacent to them. The flat body315also includes a third linear edge320C extending at an angle to and between ends of the first two linear edges320A,320C, forming the hypotenuse of the triangle. There are no indicia adjacent the linear edge320C. In one embodiment, the third linear edge320C extends at a 45 degree angle to the other two linear edges320A,320B. Other configurations of the triangle shape are within the scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the flat body315defines a central opening317.

The layout tool300also includes four grips (e.g., four first grips, four second grips)340,345on each side of the flat body315(the four second grips345are not shown but have essentially the same configuration). Each grip340is spaced apart and has a generally triangle shape. The grips340on each side of the flat body315are disposed or arranged to facilitate user hand/finger placement. Two grips340are spaced apart along and disposed next to the first linear edge320A to position the user's hand/fingers along the first linear edge320A when the user uses the first linear edge320A for marking. Likewise, two grips340are spaced apart along and disposed next to the second linear edge320B to position the user's hand/fingers along the second linear edge320B when the user uses the second linear edge320B for marking. Positioning the user's hand/fingers along the linear edge320A,320B the user wishes to use for marking makes it easier to position, hold and control the layout tool300on the work piece. Such positioning also helps keep the user's hand holding the layout tool300out of the way while the user is marking the work piece.

Referring toFIGS.6-9, another embodiment of a layout tool according to the present disclosure is generally indicated by reference numeral400. Layout tool400is generally analogous to layout tool100and, thus, for ease of description, where similar, analogous or identical parts are used, reference numerals “300” units higher are employed. Accordingly, unless clearly stated or indicated otherwise, the above descriptions regarding layout tool100also apply to layout tool400.

In this embodiment, the layout tool400comprises a ruler. In this embodiment, the layout tool400further includes at least one gripper460configured to facilitate the gripping of the work piece. In the illustrated embodiment, the layout tool400includes two grippers460, although more or fewer grippers are within the scope of the present disclosure. The grippers460are generally identical (e.g., mirror images of one another) and thus one gripper will now be described with the understanding that the other gripper has essentially the same construction. The gripper460is attached to the flat body415. The gripper460comprises a tab or flange462. The tab462has one end attached to the flat body415. The tab462includes opposite first and second surfaces. The gripper460may include a grip440. In the illustrated embodiment, the gripper460includes a first grip440on the first surface of the tab462. The second surface of the tab462is free of a grip and is generally flat and smooth (FIG.7). In one embodiment (not shown), the gripper460may not include a grip such that both the first and second surfaces of the tab462are generally flat and smooth. In another embodiment (not shown), the gripper460may include a first grip440on the first surface of the tab462and a second grip (not shown but having a similar configuration to the first grip440) on the second surface of the tab462. As is readily apparent and previously indicated, the grip440(and any second grip) are analogous to the grips described above.

The gripper460is movable from an initial position, shown inFIGS.6and7. In the initial position, the gripper460is generally aligned with the first and/or second surface(s)430,432(e.g., even surface) of the flat body415. Specifically, the gripper460is generally coplanar with the flat body415in the initial position (e.g., the first surface of the tab462is generally coplanar with the first surface430of the flat body415and the second surface of the tab462is generally coplanar with the second surface432of the flat body415). In other words, in the initial position, the gripper460is not disposed exterior or outward of the first and second surfaces430,432of the flat body415. The gripper460is configured to be moved toward the work piece from the initial position to engage the work piece when the flat body415overlies the work piece. More specifically, the gripper460is movable to a gripping position, as shown inFIGS.8and9, when the gripper460is moved from the initial position toward the work piece. The gripper460is movable in a first direction (in a direction extending from the second surface432toward the first surface430) from the initial position into the gripping position (e.g., a first gripping position). When the gripper460is moved in the first direction, the first grip440moves toward and into engagement with the work piece to grip the work piece. In the illustrated embodiment, the gripper460is also movable in a second direction (in a direction extending from the first surface430toward the second surface432), which is generally opposite the first direction, from the initial position into the gripping position (e.g., a second gripping position). In the illustrated embodiment, when the gripper460is moved in the second direction, the second surface of the tab462moves toward and into engagement with the work piece to help grip the work piece. However, it is understood a grip, as described herein, is better at gripping the work piece than the smooth surface of the tab462. If the gripper460includes the second grip, the second grip moves toward and into engagement with the work piece to grip the work piece when the gripper is moved in the second direction. As shown, the gripper460is out of alignment with the surfaces430,432of the flat body415when in the gripping position (e.g., in either the first or second gripping position). At least a portion of the gripper460(e.g., a portion of the grip440or tab462surface) is disposed exterior or outward of one of the first surface430or the second surface432of the flat body415when the gripper is in the gripping position.

The movement of the gripper460out of alignment with the surface (430or432) is very small. The movement is enough to increase the friction force of the roughened grip440on the work piece, but not so much as to appreciably lift the layout tool400off of the work piece. Keeping the surface (430or432) against the work piece reduces or eliminates any parallax effect when viewing the indicia425against the work piece so that the mark made on the work piece is accurately placed. Preferably, the gripper460is resiliently deflectable toward the gripping position (e.g., resiliently deflectable in both the first and second directions). In this manner, after the user disengages the gripper460, the gripper returns to the initial position from the gripping position. In the illustrated embodiment, the layout tool400includes two relief apertures464on either side of the end of the tab462connected to the flat body415to minimize the bending experienced by the flat body415when the gripper460is deflected into the gripping position by the user. In the embodiments described herein having grippers, the operation and function is the same as described for gripper460.

In the illustrated embodiment, the gripper460is integral with the flat body415. In one method of manufacture, the gripper460is formed from the flat body415by cutting a slot in the flat body415to define and form the gripper. In another embodiment, the gripper460may be separate from and attached to the flat body415.

In operation, the user lays the layout tool400onto a work piece with the first surface430of the flat body415on the work piece. To move the gripper460toward the work piece from the initial position to the gripping position, the user exerts a force on the gripper by pressing down on the smooth, second surface of the tab462. The force exerted by the user moves the gripper460toward the work piece (e.g., into the gripping position). As the gripper460is moved in the first direction, the first grip440on the gripper engages and grips the work piece. After the layout tool400is positioned relative to the work piece, the user utilizes the locating indicia425adjacent the linear edge420to mark the work piece. After the marking is complete, the user releases the gripper460, thereby allowing the gripper to return to the initial position.

In an alternative operation of the illustrated embodiment, the user lays the layout tool400onto a work piece on the second surface432of the flat body415. To move the gripper460toward the work piece from the initial position to the gripping position, the user exerts a force on the gripper by pressing down on the grip440. The force exerted by the user moves the gripper460toward the work piece (e.g., into the gripping position). As the gripper460is moved in the second direction, the second surface of the tab462engages and grips the work piece. In this arrangement, the grip440helps prevent the user's fingers from slipping off the gripper460. After the layout tool400is positioned, the user utilizes the locating indicia425adjacent the linear edge420to mark the work piece. After the marking is complete, the user releases the gripper460, thereby allowing the gripper to return to the initial position.

Referring toFIGS.10and11, another embodiment of a layout tool according to the present disclosure is generally indicated by reference numeral500. Layout tool500is generally analogous to layout tool200and, thus, for ease of description, where similar, analogous or identical parts are used, reference numerals “300” units higher are employed. Moreover, layout tool500has some structural features similar to those of layout tool400and, thus, for ease of description, where similar, analogous or identical parts are used, reference numerals “100” units higher are employed. Accordingly, unless clearly stated or indicated otherwise, the above descriptions regarding layout tool200and layout tool400also apply to layout tool500. In this embodiment, the layout tool500comprises an L-shaped square, like layout tool200, except that the layout tool500includes at least one gripper560, like layout tool400. Furthermore, the grippers560of layout tool500includes first and second grips540,545on the first and second sides, respectively of the tab562.

Referring toFIGS.12and13, another embodiment of a layout tool according to the present disclosure is generally indicated by reference numeral600. Layout tool600is generally analogous to the layout tool300and, thus, for ease of description, where similar, analogous or identical parts are used, reference numerals “300” units higher are employed. Moreover, layout tool600has some structural features corresponding to those of layout tool400and, thus, for ease of description, where similar, analogous or identical parts are used, reference numerals “200” units higher are employed. Accordingly, unless clearly stated or indicated otherwise, the above descriptions regarding layout tool300and layout tool400also apply to layout tool600.

In this embodiment, the layout tool600comprises a triangle square, like layout tool300, except that the layout tool600includes at least one gripper660, like layout tool400. In the embodiment, the layout tool600includes four grippers660, each having a grip640on one side. The grippers660are disposed or arranged to facilitate user hand/finger placement during use. Two grippers660are spaced apart along and disposed next to the first linear edge620A to position the user's hand/fingers along the first linear edge when the user uses the first linear edge for marking. Likewise, two grippers660are spaced apart along and disposed next to the second linear edge620B to position the user's hand/fingers along the second linear edge when the user uses the second linear edge for marking. Positioning the user's hand/fingers along the linear edge620A,620B the user wishes to use for marking makes it easier to position, hold and control the layout tool600on the work piece. Such positioning also helps keep the user's hand holding the layout tool600out of the way while the user is marking the work piece.

While particular elements, embodiments, and applications of the present disclosure have been shown and described, it is understood that the disclosure is not limited thereto because modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teaching. It is therefore contemplated by the appended claims to cover such modifications and incorporate those features which come within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Having described the disclosure in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure defined in the appended claims.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the disclosure are achieved and other advantageous results attained.