Angle measuring device

A measuring device is provided for carpenters, roofers and other tradesmen. The device is made of relatively lightweight plastic and has a variety of uses. The elongated base is rectangular in cross sectional and includes a scale for measuring distances along one side. Pivotally affixed to the base is a level which can be locked against a protractor (also affixed to the base) at any angle between zero and ninety degrees (0°-90°). Roof pitches, gradients and other angles can be determined or set in a simple, easy to learn manner.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention herein pertains to a measuring device for use by carpenters and other tradesmen for measuring and setting angles and pitches.

Tools and devices in recent years have greatly increased in complexity and price. Tools which have multiple purposes are becoming increasingly popular since a tradesman can more easily purchase and transport a single tool instead of two or three tools each having a single purpose. However, many multipurpose tools available today are bulky and inconvenient to handle. Some multipurpose tools provide several particular uses, but certain of these uses are very rarely needed, making them relatively expensive and providing little convenience. Thus, in view of the problems and disadvantages of conventional multipurpose measuring devices and tools, the present invention was conceived and one of its objectives is to provide a measuring device which is compact and will fulfill a variety of measuring requirements for a carpenter or other tradesmen.

It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a multipurpose measuring device which allows the user accuracy and flexibility in measuring angles and linear measurements.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a manual measuring device which includes a level in combination with a protractor to measure or set pitches, gradients and the like.

It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a measuring device which will act as a square for ninety degree (90°) measurements or markings.

It is also another objective of the present invention to provide a measuring device which can be accurately pivoted and locked at any angle between zero and ninety degrees (0°-90°).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention herein pertains to a measuring device, namely a multipurpose hand tool having a base pivotally affixed to a level. The level includes a rearward slot, proximate its pivot point for containing a protractor whereby the level and base can be pivotally adjusted accurately to any variety of degrees from zero to ninety (0-90) and locked thereat. When the level is pivoted to a ninety degree (90°) angle, the measuring device can be used as a carpenter's square or for other purposes. Uses of the measuring device also include, but are not limited to measuring the pitch of a roof, the grade of a road bed or other surfaces. In addition, a ruler along one side of the base allows the user to take measurements as needed. The preferred length of the base of the measuring device is 15 and 31/32 inches, thus allowing the tool to be used in setting wall or deck studs on 16 inch centers by providing approximately 1/32 inch in width for applying a pencil mark.

In the measurement of a particular angle, the level is pivoted from the base, the angle is selected and a threaded locking member allows the base and level to be quickly locked in place. A scale on the protractor permits the desired angle to be measured. When closed, a locking tab on the front of the level engages a catch on the base to maintain the measuring device securely closed. Upon opening or pivoting the level, a storage compartment in the base is exposed for containing pencils or other small items for convenient storage.

For a better understanding of the invention and its operation, turning now to the drawings,FIG. 1demonstrates preferred measuring device10seen in perspective fashion having base11, level12and protractor13. As shown inFIGS. 1,2, and7, slots24,24′ are defined in base11and level12to accommodate protractor13. Protractor13is rigidly mounted within base11such as by frictionally fitting therein or with conventional glues or adhesives. Level12is also mounted to base11by hinge15. Window16within level12is preferably formed from a transparent rigid plastic material such as a clear polycarbonate or polyacrylate and is affixed to level12as seen inFIGS. 1,3, and4. Window16includes aperture17through which threaded locking member18is positioned. Locking member18passes through window aperture17of window16and slot19of protractor13whereby, effectively bolt nut14, as seen inFIG. 2, is used to tighten threaded member18in place. Locking member18can be manually tightened to lock level12in any number of positions along scale30having line gradients31, relative to base11.

Level12as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, contains two (2) level elements22. Level elements22are conventional, rectangular and enclose level tubes23which are filled with a liquid having a movable air bubble for level measuring purposes as is standard. InFIG. 3, one level element22provides vertical level tube23and the other level element22provides a horizontal level tube23′ as with conventional levels. Thus by pivoting level12relative to base11through hinge15and with use of protractor13, level12can be used as an angle or gradient finder to locate the pitch of a roof, or as a square with level12perpendicularly aligned to base11as seen in FIG.4. Hence, measuring tool10can be used by carpenters, roofers, masons and other tradesmen for a variety of needs.

As would be understood, level12can be locked to any desired pitch or gradient by manually tightening locking member18. Similarly, by using scale30on protractor13any such pitch, gradient or the like can be relatively determined.

When used in a closed fashion as shown inFIG. 3, measuring device10can be used like a ruler for spacing wall or other studs on centers during construction phases. As shown inFIG. 3, measuring tool10has a base with indicia37printed or molded thereon in the form of a conventional ruler. Base11in the preferred embodiment is exactly 15 and 31/32 inches in length for marking the position of building studs set on 16 inch centers. The 1/32 inch difference being allowed for a pencil mark on the wood or building material used.

To open measuring device10for measuring angles or the like, tab34as shown inFIGS. 1 and 4is pressed or flexed outwardly by a thumb or finger in the longitudinal direction of base11to thereby free locking tab34from catch35on base11as shown in FIG.1.

As further shown inFIGS. 1 and 9, storage compartment40is contained in base11and is sized to accommodate pencils or other small items. Storage compartment40includes pencil brackets41which will engage the shaft of a conventional wooden pencil to secure it in place for convenient access.