Abstract:
The present invention provides a measurement apparatus particularly suited for layout work. More specifically, the present invention is useful for taking a single measurement of a span or object, dividing the measured length into a desired number of equal segments, and providing indicators for marking those points.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    This invention relates to measuring instruments for layout work. More specifically, the device quickly and accurately measures the length of a span or object and provides reference measurements and/or indicators transferable to the workpiece for dividing the workpiece into a desired number of equal segments.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Craftsmen and hobbyists alike often need to divide an object or span into equal segments. These tasks are generally performed using measuring devices such as tape measures or coilable rules for determining the length of a given distance. Thereafter, the user typically utilizes mathematics to divide the total measured length into the number of desired equal segments and individually marks each of these divisions. While providing satisfactory results, generating the equal divisions requires time-consuming mathematical calculations that are prone to error. These calculations may be further complicated by unit conversions or odd length measurements.  
           [0003]    Accordingly, what is lacking in the art is a layout device for quickly and accurately measuring the length of a span or object and providing reference measurements and/or indicators transferable to the workpiece for dividing the workpiece into a desired number of equal segments.  
         DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART  
         [0004]    A number of prior art measuring devices exist for facilitating the equal division of an object or span.  
           [0005]    U.S. Patent Application No. 2002/0088133, to McMillan discloses a spacing device having a length of uniformly stretchable elastic cord pre-marked with equally spaced marks. The cord is stretched between a given span such that the distance between each of the marks on the cord are evenly spaced, thereby providing a quick reference of one or more evenly spaced points along the span. The cord is typically stored on a reel and may be housed in any suitable casing. The elastic cord is unwound from the reel and stretched as necessary across the span to be divided until a mark on the cord is positioned over a point of the span to be divided. From the marks on the cord, the user is able to determine the location of one or more points that divide the span. While this device is capable of providing indicators for multiple segments it is incapable of the precision required for many projects.  
           [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,240,753, to Bouchard, et al. discloses a measuring device useful for internal and external measurement of objects. The device consists of a casing having a pair of coiled complementary scales mounted therein. Mounted transversely in the center portion of the casing in a parallel closely spaced arrangement are a pair of rotary drums, each having radially projecting sprockets or teeth. The teeth on the drums are adapted to intermesh with each other and with a linear array of apertures that extend along the centerline of both scales. While this device is capable of extending a second scale to the same degree as the first, the device is incapable of providing any indicators for more than two divisions of the object without using mathematics to determine a segment length.  
           [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,212,108, to Jackson discloses a layout tool particularly designed for laying out the location of wall framing studs. The tool includes at least one straight elongated bar having a plurality of pivoting bar segments attached to its top surface. The bar segments are constructed to pivot between a position parallel to the elongated bar for space saving storage and a position perpendicular to the elongated bar for laying out the position of wall studs. The bar segments are positioned such that when the segments are perpendicular to the elongated bar, the distance between the segments corresponds to the distance between the framing studs. In operation, the carpenter pivots the bar segments into the perpendicular position, lays the bar along the baseboard and uses a pencil to mark a line along each side of the bar segments, marking the position of the studs.  
           [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,241,510, to Radecki discloses a device for aiding in the hanging of a picture or similar wall supported member. The device is constructed in the shape of an inverted T having cross arms and a neck part. Each arm carries a slide member upon which the hanging wire can be fitted. The slide members are moved along the arms to predetermined points so that the wire will not extend above the top of the frame when the picture is hung. The neck of the T is used to mark the top of the picture. The device also carries a level to facilitate proper orientation of the picture.  
           [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,506,446, to Mitchell discloses a linear tape type measuring device with two tapes adapted for measuring the linear distance between two points and registering the distance between the distal ends of the tapes on a counter. When either tape is extended, the total distance between the ends of the tape are registered on a counter mounted in the housing. This allows a desired measurement to be taken anywhere between the two end points. The invention also allows two measurements to be taken simultaneously. For example, one tape can measure the rise of a step while the other measures the run, the total of both the rise and the run are then summed on the counter.  
           [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,367,783, to Nygren discloses a layout tool useful for marking the position of building materials such as studs, joists, rafters, trusses and rough door opening trimmer studs. The device includes an elongated extruded member having a plurality of indicia markings indicating standard door sizes and the like. Templates having the same width as the building materials are constructed and arranged to interlock with the extruded member to maintain a perpendicular relationship. The templates are positioned along the extruded member and held in position with a suitable fastener.  
           [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,509,207, to Harms discloses a speed layout stick comprised of an oblong bar having a handle secured to its midpoint. The oblong bar has four pairs of apertures spaced at sixteen inch intervals. A lead stick is positioned in each of the apertures and held in position by lead holders positioned adjacent to the apertures. In operation, the carpenter would position the oblong bar and use the handle to pull the bar across the object to be marked thereby leaving eight parallel marks.  
           [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,293,028, to Sylvia discloses a construction tool for laying out stud marks on a residential house with a pitched roof. The tool includes an elongated measuring member to which adjustable stud-marking members are spaced transversely along the length. The stud-marking members are positioned for a specific roof pitch using conversion indicia on one or more of the marking members. The tool is thereafter placed along the board or rafter and a mark is made along each of the marking members for stud placement.  
           [0013]    Typically these devices have very limited and specific uses and therefore have difficulties associated with combining efficiency and precision to facilitate changing from one type of project to another. The devices that can be changed quickly from one size object and/or span to another generally lack precision, while the devices capable of high precision require a significant amount of time to set-up. Nothing in the prior art teaches or suggests a device which operates using slidable scales and a center hub for measuring and dividing the measured length into a desired number of equal segments with a high degree of precision, for which the device provides indicators for marking those points. Furthermore the prior art fails to teach or suggest an electronic digital device having a main beam and a slider capable of measuring and dividing the measured length into a desired number of equal segments for which the device provides indicators along an LED or LCD screen for marking said segments.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0014]    The present invention provides both an electronic and a mechanical device for quickly and accurately measuring the length of a span or object and providing reference measurements and/or indicators transferable to the workpiece for dividing the workpiece into a predetermined number of equal segments.  
           [0015]    The mechanical embodiment generally includes a telescoping body capable of expanding or contracting to the length of a span or object, a center hub for indicating the central point and segment reference points for the object, and a traversing means in mechanical engagement with the telescoping body and the center hub to maintain the center hub equidistant from the distal ends of the telescoping body as it is adjusted to the size of the workpiece. The preferred mechanical embodiment of the device includes four U-shaped inner slide members and four U-shaped outer slide members in a telescoping arrangement. The telescoping members are arranged, generally parallel, in two pairs with the open portion of the U-shapes facing inward forming a generally rectangular shape. Two of the inner slides and two of the outer slides attach to a first end cap in a diagonal arrangement at the first end, and the opposite two inner and two outer slide members attach to the second end cap at a second end in an opposite diagonal fashion. This arrangement allows four slides to be attached to each end cap while allowing the opposite slides to have free movement through the end caps as the body is telescoped inwardly or outwardly. The bottom section of each U-shaped inner slide includes a linear gear rack which cooperates with gears located inside the center hub to cause the hub to remain equidistant from the ends of the slides as the slides are telescoped inward or outward. The outer slides are constructed with various scale indicia which are proportionate to the full scale indicia to indicate a predetermined quantity of equal divisions. In operation, the device is placed on the surface to be divided with the scale indicia corresponding to the desired quantity of divisions closest to the work surface. The slides are telescoped inwardly or outwardly to the desired length of the project. The full scale indicia number that aligns with the hub center mark on the top of the device is noted and marked on the workpiece adjacent to the scale indicia closest to the workpiece. The scale adjacent to the workpiece is generally proportional to the full scale thereby resulting in the desired number of division. For an even number of divisions, e.g. 2, 4, 6, etc. the center point is also marked. For odd numbered divisions, e.g. 3, 5, 7, etc., the center point is not marked.  
           [0016]    An electronic embodiment of the device includes a cooperating beam and a movable slide. The cooperating beam and slide include an electronic processing means well known in the art capable of measuring the movement of the slide, and software constructed and arranged for calculating the length of the segments based on operator input, and displaying segment indicators. The beam includes at least one and preferably two digital readout means, e.g. LED, LCD or the like, in communication with the processing means and extending along the length of the beam to display the measurement and segment indicators. In operation, the electronic device is placed against the object or span to be divided and the slide extended to the desired length. The movement of the slide along the beam generates a signal to the electronic processing means which registers the length of the object to be divided. The operator inputs the desired number of divisions and the processing means converts the total length into the required segment lengths and displays the indicator points along the beam on the digital readout means.  
           [0017]    The construction of both layout device embodiments allows quick and precise division of objects or spans into equal segments. The construction of the layout devices also provides versatility by allowing the quantity of segments and/or length of measurement to vary from one workpiece to another without changing a set-up, thereby improving efficiency as compared to the prior art.  
           [0018]    Accordingly, a primary objective of the instant invention is to teach a mechanical layout apparatus for dividing a span or object into a predetermined quantity of equal segments.  
           [0019]    Another objective of the instant invention is to teach an electronic layout apparatus for dividing a span or object into a predetermined number of equal segments.  
           [0020]    A further objective of the instant invention is to teach an adjustable layout apparatus for measuring and providing layout points for equal division of the measured span or object.  
           [0021]    Yet another objective of the instant invention is to teach an adjustable layout apparatus for laying out equal divisions of a span or object that is durable in construction, dependable to use and economical to manufacture.  
           [0022]    Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0023]    [0023]FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the preferred mechanical embodiment of the instant invention;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 partially in section illustrating the hub gears in cooperation with the inner slide members;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 3 illustrates the four scale surfaces of the device shown in FIG. 1 illustrating various scale means utilized on the instant invention;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 4 a perspective view illustrating the operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 5 is an perspective view illustrating an electronic embodiment of the instant invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0028]    Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 3, illustrated is the apparatus, designated generally as the preferred mechanical embodiment of the Equisect Span Divider  10 . The Equisect device quickly and accurately telescopes to the length of a span or object and provides reference measurements and/or indicators transferable to the workpiece for dividing the workpiece into a predetermined number of equal segments. The mechanical embodiment  12  of the Equisect  10  generally includes a telescoping body  14  capable of expanding or contracting to the length of a span or object, a center hub  20  for indicating the central point and segment reference points for the object, and a traversing means  22  in mechanical engagement with the telescoping body and the center hub to maintain the center hub an equidistance from the distal ends of the telescoping body as it is elongated or shortened.  
         [0029]    The preferred telescoping body  14  is comprised of four telescoping members illustrated herein in a non-limiting embodiment as interfitting outer and inner U-shaped slide members  24  and  38 . The outer slide members  24  having a first end  16 , a second end  18 , an outer surface  35 , and an inner surface  36  (FIG. 4). The U-shaped inner slide members  38  include a first end  16 , a second end  18 , an inner surface  32  and an outer surface  34 . The outer surface  34  of the inner slide member  38  is constructed and arranged to slidingly cooperate with the inner surface  36  of the outer slide member  24  to allow the inner and outer slide members to extend or retract in a telescoping fashion. The telescoping members are arranged, generally parallel, in two pairs with the open portion of the U-shapes facing inward forming a generally rectangular shape. Two of the inner slides  38  and two of the outer slides  24  attach to a first end cap  40  in a diagonal arrangement at the first end  16  and the opposite two inner and two outer slide members attach to the second end cap  42  at the second end  18  in an opposite diagonal fashion. This arrangement allows four slides to be attached to the first end cap while allowing four slides to also be attached to the second end cap. The first end cap is constructed and arranged to allow the slides attached to the second end cap to move freely therethrough as the body is telescoped inwardly or outwardly, and the second end cap is constructed and arranged to allow the slides attached to the first end cap to pass freely therethrough as the body is telescoped inwardly or outwardly. It should be noted that other shapes and/or quantities of telescoping members constructed and arranged to provide an even number of diametrically opposed surfaces and operatively linked to the central hub may be utilized in place of the U-shaped members illustrated herein.  
         [0030]    The center hub  20  is generally a tubular member constructed and arranged to fit around the telescoping body  14  in a manner that allows the slide members  24  and  38  to freely telescope inwardly and outwardly. The hub is preferably constructed of a clear material such as plastic and includes a center indicator mark  44  used in conjunction with the first scale means for indicating the center point and half of the overall length between the first end  16  and the second end  18  of the Equisect device.  
         [0031]    The preferred traversing means includes a linear gear rack  72  secured to the inner surface  32  of each inner slide  38 . In a most preferred embodiment the gear racks and the inner slides are molded as a single piece. The gear racks are arranged to cooperate with at least one gear  22  and preferably two gears rotatably mounted within the center hub  20  to cause the inner slides  38  to move generally equal amounts inwardly or outwardly while the center hub remains equidistant from the ends of the telescoping body  14 . It should also be appreciated that other traversing means well known in the art capable of causing the slide members to extend or retract about an equal amount while maintaining the hub at about the center point which may include but should not be limited to, cable and/or belt and pulley arrangements, may also be utilized.  
         [0032]    The outer surface of the generally rectangular telescoping body  14  includes a first scale surface  26 , a second scale surface  28 , a third scale surface  29  and a fourth scale surface  30 . Each scale surface generally includes at least one indicia means printed or engraved thereon. It should be noted that while the scale means illustrated herein are in inches, other suitable units well known in the art may be substituted. In a preferred embodiment, the indicia printed on the first scale surface  26  and the third scale surface  29  includes a first scale means of full scale length representative indicia  64  (FIG. 3), a second scale means of half scale length representative indicia  66 , and a third scale means of one-third scale length representative indicia  68 . The first scale means is constructed and arranged to cooperate with the center mark on the center hub to measure the length of the span or object to be divided and provide a center reference number which can be transferred to one of the other scale means to provide equal divisions of the overall length of the span or object. The second scale means is constructed and arranged proportionally to the first scale means to indicate four equal segments of the measured length when the center reference number is transferred thereto. The third scale means is constructed and arranged proportionally to the first scale means to indicate six equal segments of the measured length when the center reference number is transferred thereto.  
         [0033]    The indicia printed on the second scale surface  28  and the fourth scale surface  30  generally includes a first scale means of full scale length representative indicia  64 , a fourth scale means of two fifths scale length indicia  70 , and a fifth scale means of two-third scale length indicia  74 . The fourth scale means is constructed and arranged proportionally to the first scale means to indicate  5  equal segments of the measured length when the center reference number is transferred thereto. The fifth scale means is constructed and arranged proportionally to the first scale means to indicate  3  equal segments of the measured length when the center reference number is transferred thereto. In this manner the reference number indicated below the centerline  44  of the hub  20 , from the first scale means, can be noted and marked on the scale indicia closest to the workpiece to give the operator the desired quantity of equal length segments.  
         [0034]    Referring to FIG. 4 the mechanical embodiment of the Equisect device is illustrated in operation. The Equisect  10  is shown measuring a project  100  for division into 3 about equal segments. The end caps  40  and  42  are lined up with project edges  102  and  104  and the center reference measurement is read from the first scale surface  26  as indicated by center indicator mark  44 . The reference number can then be transferred to the second scale surface  28  and the fourth scale surface  30  which each include a fifth scale means  74 . The reference number can be marked on the project  100  adjacent to the fifth scale means  74  to provide 3 about equal divisions of the project as shown by marks  106  and  108 . Alternatively the reference number can be transferred from one side of the device to another using one or both of the slip rings  46  and  48 . The slip rings  46  and  48  are constructed and arranged to slide along the telescoping members.  
         [0035]    Referring to FIG. 5 the electronic embodiment  50  of the Equisect device is illustrated. The electronic embodiment generally includes an elongated beam member  52 , a slide member  54 , a processing means (not shown), a first display means  56 , a second display means  60 , a first input means  58 , and a second input means  59 .  
         [0036]    The beam member  52  is generally an elongated rectangle having adequate length to span the desired project. The beam member may also include an optional jaw member  62  extending perpendicularly from the first end of the beam member  52 . The slide member  54  is generally constructed and arranged to slide along the beam member and may also include a jaw member  76  extending perpendicular in relation to the beam member. The slide member  54  is constructed and arranged to be in electrical communication with the processing means to measure the movement of the slide member. The electronic processing means (not shown) is capable of measuring the movement of the slide, software cooperates with the electronic processing means to calculate the length of the segments based on operator input and display segment indicators  78  along the beam  60 , and input means  59  is provided to convert between English and Metric units. The beam  52  includes at least one digital display means  56 , e.g. LED, LCD, or the like, in communication with the processing means to display the measurement length  80 , the number of divisions  82  based on operator input, and the number of marks required  84 . The preferred embodiment includes a second display means  60  that extends along the length of the beam  52  for displaying the segment indicators. In operation, the electronic device  50  is placed against the object or span A to be divided into segments and the slide  54  is extended to the desired length. The movement of the slide  54  along the beam  52  generates a signal to the electronic processing means which registers the length of the object to be divided in the first display means  56 . The operator inputs the desired number of divisions using input button  58  and the processing means converts the total length  80  into the required segment lengths and displays the indicator points  78  along the beam  52  on the second digital display means  60 .  
         [0037]    All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.  
         [0038]    It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification.  
         [0039]    One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.