Abstract:
An adjustable construction square is provided that comprising an elongated blade and an elongated cross member coupled to the blade. The elongated blade has a longitudinal axis and linear measurement indicia on one of its surfaces. The elongated cross member also has a longitudinal axis, and has top and bottom surfaces with measurement indicia on its top surface. An end of the blade member is coupled to an end of the cross member. The end of the blade member that is coupled to an end of the cross member has a contour, and the end of the cross member that is coupled to the blade member has a contour. This arrangement and contoured ends allow accurate measurements in certain construction applications. The adjustable construction square includes a clamping jig that enables the construction square to be quickly secured into a desired angular position. The clamping jig includes a clamping device, a wedge device, and an arm that work in combination to secure the adjustable construction square in a desired position. The clamping jig prevents the construction square from moving once an angular measurement has been made during construction projects.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable 
       FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       SEQUENCE LISTING 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention relates to adjustable construction squares having an elongated blades and an elongated cross members. The cross members can be secured to the blades at various positions along the length of the blade. Also the cross members can be secured to the blade at various angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the blades. The adjustable construction squares are useful as a tool for the construction industry. Adjustable construction squares are especially useful for measuring and marking for cutting drywall wall panels. Other applications for adjustable construction squares include measuring and marking for cutting other items such as metal roofing panels. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    An adjustable construction square is very useful in remodeling and new construction work especially for measuring and cutting drywall wall panels. Typically past adjustable construction square have been in the form of a T-square. The adjustable construction T-square has a blade and cross member with the cross member being adjustable to various angular positions and various positions along the longitudinal axis of the blade. This adjustable feature enables angular measurements and cuts in the drywall panels. This adjustable feature also enables measurements and cuts in the drywall panels for doors and windows and electrical devices such as electrical sockets and switches, etc. 
         [0006]    Richard Patterson developed and got a patent on a construction adjustable T-square. His adjustable T-square allows the longitudinal and angular positions of the blade and cross member to be easily adjusted. His U.S. Pat. No. 4,525,933 device was successful in the marketplace and was widely utilized in the construction industry. 
         [0007]    The Patterson U.S. Pat. No. 4,525,933 adjustable T-square however has some drawbacks. Also, the Patterson U.S. Pat. No. 4,525,933 adjustable T-square cannot be utilized for measurements in certain situations. 
         [0008]    One of the drawbacks of the Patterson U.S. Pat. No. 4,525,933 adjustable T-square is that is cannot be utilized to measure angles in certain situations. An example is the top of a ceiling in a room of a building. This will be explained with example drawings. 
         [0009]    Another drawback of the Patterson U.S. Pat. No. 4,525,933 adjustable T-square is that when an angular measurement is taken with the adjustable T-square, the adjustable T-square cannot be tightened properly to keep the adjustable T-square in the measured angular position. Any little bump of the adjustable T-square moves adjustable T-square away from the measured angular position. 
       SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    An adjustable construction square is provided that comprising an elongated blade and an elongated cross member coupled to the blade. The elongated blade has a longitudinal axis and linear measurement indicia on one of its surfaces. The elongated cross member also has a longitudinal axis, and has top and bottom surfaces with measurement indicia on its top surface. An end of the blade member is coupled to an end of the cross member. The end of the blade member that is coupled to an end of the cross member has a contour, and the end of the cross member that is coupled to the blade member has a contour. This arrangement and contoured ends allow accurate measurements in certain construction applications. The adjustable construction square includes a clamping jig that enables the construction square to be quickly secured into a desired angular position. The clamping jig includes a clamping device, a wedge device, and an arm that work in combination to secure the adjustable construction square in a desired position. The clamping jig prevents the construction square from moving once an angular measurement has been made during construction projects. 
         [0011]    Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable construction square that overcomes the drawbacks of the Patterson U.S. Pat. No. 4,525,933 adjustable T-square. 
         [0012]    It is an object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable construction square that can be utilized to measure angles in many more situations than the Patterson U.S. Pat. No. 4,525,933 adjustable T-square. 
         [0013]    It is an object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable construction square that can be utilized to measure angles in the top of a ceiling in a room of a building. 
         [0014]    It is an another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable construction square that can be tightened properly to keep the adjustable construction square in the measured angular position. Bumping adjustable construction square will not move adjustable construction square away from the measured angular position. 
         [0015]    Another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable construction square that is generally inexpensive to manufacture. 
         [0016]    Another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable construction square that is generally rugged and will be suitable for the construction industry. 
         [0017]    Other objects, advantages and salient features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0018]    As used in this application, the terms “top”, “bottom” and “side” are intended to facilitate the description of the adjustable construction square. Thus, such terms are merely illustrative of the adjustable construction square and are not intended to limit the adjustable construction square to any specific orientation. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    Referring to the drawings which form a part of this original disclosure: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a, top plan view of the prior art Patterson U.S. Pat. No. 4,525,933 adjustable T-square with the with the cross member located at a right angle relative to the blade. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a, top plan view of the prior art Patterson U.S. Pat. No. 4,525,933 adjustable T-square with the with the cross member at an angle relative to the blade. The prior art Patterson U.S. Pat. No. 4,525,933 adjustable T-square is shown near the peak of a building wall and ceiling. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the adjustable construction square of the present invention with the with the cross member at an angle relative to the blade. The adjustable construction square is shown near the peak of a building wall and ceiling. The clamping jig of the present invention is shown also. 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a partial perspective view of the adjustable construction square of the present invention. Also shown is the clamping jig of the present invention. The components are not assembled. 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a bottom plan view of the adjustable construction square of the present invention with the with the cross member at an angle relative to the blade. The clamping jig of the present invention is shown also. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5A  is a cross sectional view of the blade of the adjustable construction square of the present invention. The view is of section  5 A of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a close up bottom plan view of the adjustable construction square of the present invention. This view partially shows the clamping jig of the present invention also. 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is a cross sectional view of the blade of the adjustable construction square of the present invention. Also shown is a partial view of clamping jig. The view is of section  7  of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 8A  is a top perspective view of the adjustable construction square of the present invention. The adjustable construction square is set at an angle. This view has the clamping jig attached. 
           [0029]      FIG. 8B  is a close up top perspective view of the adjustable construction square of the present invention. The adjustable construction square is set at an angle. This view has the clamping jig attached. 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  is a close up top view of the cross member part of adjustable construction square of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  is a cross sectional view of the blade of the adjustable construction square of the present invention. Also shown is a partial cross sectional view of clamping jig. The clamping jig is not tightened. 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  is a cross sectional view of the blade of the adjustable construction square, of the present invention. Also shown is a partial cross sectional view of clamping jig. The clamping jig is tightened. 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  is a cross sectional view of the cross member of the adjustable construction square of the present invention. Also shown is a partial cross sectional view of clamping jig arm. The clamping jig arm is tightened onto the cross member. 
           [0034]      FIG. 13  is a partial close up top view of the blade member part of adjustable construction square of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 14  is a cross sectional view of the blade and the cross member of the adjustable construction square of the present invention. The blade and the cross member are tightened together by a knob. 
           [0036]      FIG. 15  is a top plan view of the adjustable construction square of the present invention with the component parts arranged differently than the previous drawings. The clamping jig of the present invention is shown also. 
           [0037]      FIG. 16  is a top plan view of the adjustable construction square of the present invention. The clamping jig of the present invention is shown also. The adjustable construction square is in a folded up for acute angle settings and for storage. 
       
    
    
     PRIOR ART 
       [0038]    Shown generally at  5  in  FIG. 1  is the adjustable T-square  20  of the prior art invention. The invention comprises an elongated blade  22  and an elongated cross member  24 . Blade  22  has linear measurement indicia  26  along its top side edges  28 ,  30 . Cross member  24  has both linear measurement indicia  32  and angle measurement indicia  34  on its top surface  36 . 
         [0039]    Shown generally at  5 A in  FIG. 1  is the adjustable T-square  20  of the prior art invention. The invention comprises an elongated blade  22  and an elongated cross member  24 . Blade  22  has linear measurement indicia  26  along its top side edges  28 ,  30 . Cross member  24  has both linear measurement indicia  32  and angle measurement indicia  34  on its top surface  36 . Cross member  24  is set at an angle. As can be seen in  FIG. 2  when attempting to measure an angle between a building ceiling  6  and a building wall  7  the adjustable T-square  20  of the prior art invention cannot be placed into the corner  8  of the building. Therefore an accurate angle measurement cannot be made by the adjustable T-square  20  of the prior art invention. 
         [0040]    The objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent when the drawings are studied in conjunction with reading the following description and the claims. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0041]    In keeping with the requirements of Patent Laws there is described herein below the best mode of the invention that is currently known to the applicant. For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. 
         [0042]    With reference now to the drawings, and in particular, to  FIGS. 3-16  thereof, the preferred embodiment of the new of adjustable construction square of the present invention. embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference number  10  will be described. 
         [0043]    Shown generally at  10  in  FIG. 3 , the adjustable construction square  120  of the present invention has an elongated blade  122  and an elongated cross member  124 . Blade  122  has linear measurement indicia  126  along its opposite longitudinal top side edges  128 ,  130 . Cross member  124  has both linear measurement indicia  132  and angle measurement indicia  134  on its top surface  136 . Linear indicia  132  is located along one of the longitudinal side edges of cross member  124 . 
         [0044]    Blade member has a top surface  137 , a bottom surface  138  (not seen) and side walls  140 . Linear indicia  126  is located on blade top surface  137 . An elongated through slot  142  extends from top surface  137  to bottom surface  138 . One end  144  of slot  142  terminates adjacent end  146  of blade  122 . The side walls of slot  142  are parallel to side walls  140  of the blade. 
         [0045]    Clamping jig  200  has clamping arm  201  that has a first end  202  and a second end  204 . Knob stud device  215  fastens clamping arm end  202  to cross member  124 . Clamping device  220  is clamped onto blade  122 . Clamping jig has stud  216  and sing nut  214 . 
         [0046]    As can be seen in  FIG. 3  when attempting to measure an angle between a building ceiling  6  and a building wall  7  the adjustable construction square  120  invention can be placed into the corner  8  of the building. Therefore an accurate angle measurement can be made by the adjustable construction square  120 . 
         [0047]    Shown generally at  15  in  FIG. 4 , the adjustable construction square  120  of the present invention showing parts disassembled. Construction square  120  has an elongated blade  122  and an elongated cross member  124 . Blade  122  has rounded end  146 . Blade  122  has linear measurement indicia  126  along its opposite longitudinal top side edges  128 . Blade member has a top surface  137 , a bottom surface  138  (not seen) and side walls  140  Linear indicia  126  is located on blade top surface  137 . An elongated through slot  142  extends from top surface  137  to bottom surface  138 . One end  144  of slot  142  terminates adjacent end  146  of blade. The side walls of slot  142  are parallel to side walls  140  of the blade. Slot  142  has recess  142  A and notch  142 B. 
         [0048]    Cross member  124  has both linear measurement indicia  132  and angle measurement indicia  134  on its top surface  136 . Linear indicia  132  is located along one of the longitudinal side edges of cross member  124 . Cross member  124  has rounded end  124 A. 
         [0049]    Knob  168  has threaded stud  146  that passes through slot  142  of blade  122  and connects into threads  169 A of cross member  124  when parts are assembled. 
         [0050]    Clamping jig  200  has clamping arm  201  that has a first end  202  and a second end  204 . Clamping arm  201  has a hole  202 A near first end  202  and a hole  204 A near second end  204 . Clamping arm  201  has bend  206  and bend  208 . 
         [0051]    Knob stud device  215  has threaded stud  216  that passes through hole  202 A of clamping arm  201  and connects into threads  216 A of cross member  124  and fastens clamping arm end  202  to cross member  124  when the parts are assembled. 
         [0052]    Clamping device  220  has a first end  222  and a second end  224 . Clamping device  220  has a clamping device top surface  226  and a clamping device bottom surface  228 . Clamping device  220  has an elongated hole that extends between clamping device top surface  226  and clamping device bottom surface  228 . Clamping device has clamping device recess and a clamping device notch. Clamping device  220  has an clamping device angled wall  232 . 
         [0053]    Clamping wedge device  240  has angled side wall  142  and threaded stud  213 . Wing nut  214  connects onto stud  213  when the parts are assembled. 
         [0054]    Shown generally at  20  in  FIG. 5  is a bottom plan view of the adjustable construction square  120  of the present invention having an elongated blade  122  and an elongated cross member  124 . 
         [0055]    Blade member has bottom surface  138 . An elongated through slot  142  extends from top surface  137  to bottom surface  138 . One end  144  of slot  142  terminates adjacent end  146  of blade  122 . The side walls of slot  142  are parallel to side walls  140  of the blade. Blade bottom surface has recess  150 . 
         [0056]    Cross member  124  has rounded end  124 A. Knob  168  (not seen) has threaded stud  146  that passes through hole  202 A of clamping jig  200  connects into threads  169 A of cross member  124  when parts are assembled. Knob  168  has threaded stud  146  that passes through hole  202 A pf clamping jig  200  connects into threads  169 A of cross member  124  when parts are assembled. 
         [0057]    Clamping jig  200  has clamping arm  201  and clamping device  220 . Knob stud device  215  fastens clamping arm end  202  to cross member  124 . Clamping device  220  is clamped onto blade  122 . Clamping jig has stud  216  and wing nut  214 . 
         [0058]    Shown generally at  22  in  FIG. 5A  is a cross sectional view of the blade  122  of the adjustable construction square  120  of the present invention. The view is of section  5 A of  FIG. 5 . Blade  122  has recess  142 A and notch  142  B. 
         [0059]    Shown generally at  FIG. 6  is a close up bottom plan view of the adjustable construction square  120  of the present invention. This view partially shows the clamping jig  200  of the present invention also. Clamping jig  220  connects onto blade  122 . Threaded stud  213  passes through elongated hole  230  of clamping jig  220 . 
         [0060]    Shown generally at  24  in  FIG. 7  is a cross sectional view of the blade  122  of the adjustable construction square  120  of the present invention. Also shown is a partial view of clamping jig  220 . The view is of section  7  of  FIG. 6 . Blade  122  has recess  142 A and notch  142  B. Clamping jig  200  has clamping arm  201  that has a first end  202  (not shown) and a second end  204 . 
         [0061]    Clamping device  220  has a first end  222  and a second end  224 . Clamping device  220  has a clamping device top surface  226  and a clamping device bottom surface  228 . Clamping device  220  has an elongated hole that extends between clamping device top surface  226  and clamping device bottom surface  228 . Clamping device has clamping device recess  234  and a clamping device notch  236 . Clamping device  220  has an clamping device angled wall  232 . 
         [0062]    Clamping wedge device  240  has angled side wall  242  and threaded stud  213 . Wing nut  214  connects onto stud  213 . When wing nut  214  is tightened, clamping device notch  236  mates with blade recess  142 A. 
         [0063]    Shown generally at  30  in  FIG. 8A  is a top perspective view of the adjustable construction square  120  of the present invention. The adjustable construction square  120  is set at an angle. 
         [0064]    An elongated blade  122  and an elongated cross member  124 . Blade  122  has linear measurement indicia  126  along its opposite longitudinal top side edges  128 ,  130 . Cross member  124  has both linear measurement indicia  132  and angle measurement indicia  134  on its top surface  136 . Linear indicia  132  is located along one of the longitudinal side edges of cross member  124 . 
         [0065]    Blade member has a top surface  137 , a bottom surface  138  (not seen) and side walls  140 . Linear indicia  126  is located on blade top surface  137 . An elongated through slot  142  extends from top surface  137  to bottom surface  138 . One end  144  of slot  142  terminates adjacent end  146  of blade  122 . The side walls of slot  142  are parallel to side walls  140  of the blade. 
         [0066]    Clamping jig  200  has clamping arm  201 . Knob stud device  215  fastens clamping arm end  202  to cross member  124 . Clamping device  220  is clamped onto blade  122 . Clamping wedge device  240  has threaded stud  213 . Wing nut  214  connects onto stud  213 . Shown generally at  35  in  FIG. 8B  is a close up top perspective view of the adjustable construction square  120  of the present invention. The adjustable construction square  120  is set at an angle. 
         [0067]    An elongated blade  122  and an elongated cross member  124 . Blade  122  has linear measurement indicia  126  along its opposite longitudinal top side edges  128 ,  130 . Cross member  124  has both linear measurement indicia  132  and angle measurement indicia  134  on its top surface  136 . Linear indicia  132  is located along one of the longitudinal side edges of cross member  124 . 
         [0068]    Blade member has a top surface  137 , a bottom surface  138  (not seen) and side walls  140 . Linear indicia  126  is located on blade top surface  137 . An elongated through slot  142  extends from top surface  137  to bottom surface  138 . The side walls of slot  142  are parallel to side walls  140  of the blade. 
         [0069]    Clamping jig  200  has clamping arm  201 . Knob stud device  215  fastens clamping arm end  202  to cross member  124 . Clamping device  220  is clamped onto blade  122 . Clamping device  222  has first end  220  and a second end  224 . Clamping device  222  has top surface  226  and a bottom surface  228 . Clamping wedge device  240  has threaded stud  213 . Wing nut  214  connects onto stud  213 . 
         [0070]    Shown generally at  45  in  FIG. 9  is a close up top view of the cross member  124  of adjustable construction square  120  of the present invention. Cross member  124  has threaded hole  216 A thereon. 
         [0071]    Shown generally at  50  in  FIG. 10  is a cross sectional view of the blade  122  of the adjustable construction square  120  of the present invention. Blade  122  has recess  142 A and notch  142 B. Also shown is a partial cross sectional view of clamping jig  200 . The clamping jig  200  is not tightened. 
         [0072]    Clamping jig  200  has clamping arm  201  that has a first end  202  and a second end  204  (not shown). Clamping arm  201  has a hole  202 A near first end  202 . Clamping arm  201  has bend  206 . 
         [0073]    Clamping device  220  has a first end  222  and a second end  224 . Clamping device  220  has a clamping device top surface  226  and a clamping device bottom surface  228 . Clamping device  220  has an elongated hole  230  that extends between clamping device top surface  226  and clamping device bottom surface  228 . Clamping device has clamping device recess  234  and a clamping device notch  236 . Clamping device  220  has an clamping device angled wall  232 . 
         [0074]    Clamping wedge device  240  has angled side wall  242  and threaded stud  213 . Wing nut  214  connects onto stud  213  when the parts are assembled. 
         [0075]    When wing nut  214  is tightened, angled wall  242  of clamping wedge device  240  slides along angled wall  232  of clamping device. As wing nut  214  is further tightened, angled wall  242  of clamping wedge device  240  slides along angled wall  232  of clamping device and forces clamping device notch  236  into recess  242 A of blade  122 . Elongated hole  230  in clamping device allows stud  213  to move freely in a horizontal direction. 
         [0076]    Shown generally at  55  in  FIG. 11  is a cross sectional view of the blade  122  of the adjustable construction square  120  of the present invention. Also shown is a partial cross sectional view of clamping jig  200 . The clamping jig is tightened. Blade  122  has recess  142 A and notch. The clamping jig  200  is tightened. 
         [0077]    Clamping jig  200  has clamping arm  201  that has a first end  202  and a second end  204  (not shown). Clamping arm  201  has a hole  202 A near first end  202  and a hole  204 A near second end  204 . Clamping arm  201  that has bend  206 . 
         [0078]    Clamping device  220  has a first end  222  and a second end  224 . Clamping device  220  has a clamping device top surface  226  and a clamping device bottom surface  228 . Clamping device  220  has an elongated hole  230  that extends between clamping device top surface  226  and clamping device bottom surface  228 . Clamping device has clamping device recess  234  and a clamping device notch  236 . Clamping device  220  has an clamping device angled wall  232 . 
         [0079]    Clamping wedge device  240  has angled side wall  242  and threaded stud  213 . Wing nut  214  is tightened onto stud  213 . With wing nut  214  tightened, angled wall  242  of clamping wedge device  24  has slid along angled wall  232  of clamping device and forced clamping device notch  236  into recess  242 A of blade  122 . Elongated hole  230  in clamping device has allowed stud  213  to move freely in a horizontal direction. 
         [0080]    With wing nut  214  tightened, the adjustable construction square  120  is secured at the angle desired and will not move to a different setting if bumped accidently. 
         [0081]    Shown generally at  60  in  FIG. 12  is a cross sectional view of the cross member  124  of the adjustable construction square  120  of the present invention. Also shown is a partial cross sectional view of clamping jig arm  201  of clamping jig  200 . The clamping jig arm  201  is tightened onto the cross member  124  when threaded stud  216  is tightened onto cross member  124 . 
         [0082]    Shown generally at  65  in  FIG. 13  is a partial close up top view of the blade member  122  part of adjustable construction square  120  of the present invention. Blade member  122  has rounded end  146  and slot  142 . 
         [0083]    Shown generally at  70  in  FIG. 14  is a cross sectional view of the blade  122  and the cross member  124  of the adjustable construction square  120  of the present invention. The blade  122  and the cross member  124  are tightened together by a knob  168  which has threaded stud  169  attached thereto. 
         [0084]    Shown generally at  75  in  FIG. 15  is a top plan view of the adjustable construction square  120  of the present invention with the component parts arranged differently than the previous drawings. The clamping jig of the present invention is shown also. This arrangement allows alternate angles to be measured during construction work. 
         [0085]    Shown generally at  80  in  FIG. 16  is a top plan view of the adjustable construction square  120  of the present invention. The clamping jig of the present invention is shown also. The adjustable construction square  120  is in a folded up position which is suitable for storage or transport. 
         [0086]    This invention having been described in its presently contemplated best mode, it is clear that it is susceptible to numerous, variations, modifications, modes and embodiments within the ability of those skilled in the art and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts or principles of this invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. It should be understood that the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined by the scope of the following claims.