Abstract:
An apparatus for measuring step height or depth against another surface with a measuring arm mounted horizontally beside the scale which has a beveled end allowing precise readings regardless if the apparatus is being held perpendicular, the apparatus has exchangeable measuring arms with various reaching capabilities, and a handle mounted to the top of the scale allowing the apparatus to be operated with one hand. A preferred embodiment includes the apparatus at four to five inches in length whereas an operator is able to measure height and depth in difficult to reach places. In one embodiment, the measuring arm is stainless steel and has longer measuring arms, the handle is made of any resilient material which allows the apparatus to be carried securely in one hand, pocket and or stored easily due to its small size, the apparatus disassembles for cleaning.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     Not Applicable  
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002]     Not Applicable  
       DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED APPENDIX  
       [0003]     Not Applicable  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     This invention relates generally to the field of measuring tools and more specifically to an apparatus for measuring surface (step) height or depth against another surface. Measuring tools are vital in the industrial work place. Engineers, machinists, and technicians rely on a variety of measuring tools to complete jobs. These workers need multiple tools to complete a complex or even simple measurement. Such daily tasks require many measurements, thus creating a lengthy and cumbersome process. This process is unwieldy but has become an accepted norm for each profession to carry out their jobs successfully. Measuring tools have advanced over time and professionals rely on specific tools to give them accurate readings when completing jobs. There are two well known measuring tools for measuring step height or depth against another surface that are necessary in the work place. To measure the height of an object a user must use a height gauge. To measure the depth of a channel, the user must use a depth micrometer. Another widely acceptable method is the use of two scales: one laid across the surface as a straight edge and one held perpendicular to the straight edge. Each of these tools or methods are fundamental to the professionals who measure step heights or depth on a daily basis.  
         [0005]     The prior technology is deficient because these tools cannot measure both the height and depth of a surface. The height gauge measures only the height of an object and is recommended to be used on a surface plate. The depth micrometer only measures depth. In all prior technology, the user must use both hands to successfully use these measuring tools. The tools are too large to be carried in a user&#39;s pocket and too unsteady to be used with one hand due to their awkward shape and large size.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     An apparatus that accurately measures the difference in the height or depth of two adjacent surfaces. The apparatus has a compact size and can be held in one hand. The apparatus is portable, lightweight and can be carried in a user&#39;s pocket. The measuring apparatus enables a user to quickly and efficiently measure the difference in the height and the depth of two adjacent surfaces. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed an apparatus for measuring a surface height or depth against another surface comprising: a measuring arm mounted to a backing plate and positioned horizontally to a scale which has a beveled end allowing precise readings of surface heights and depths regardless of whether or not the apparatus is held perpendicular to the surface being measured. Replaceable measuring arms with various reaching capabilities are provided for attaching to the backing plate, and a handle mounted to one end of the scale allows the apparatus to be operated easily with one hand.  
         [0007]     The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring height differences between a first and second surface comprising a scale having opposed ends, a display unit assembly configured to have a sensor and slide along the scale between the ends, a measuring arm mounted horizontal to the scale; and a handle connected to one end of the scale enabling one handed operation.  
         [0008]     The apparatus has a measuring arm, which has a beveled end. In one embodiment, the scale has a beveled end opposite the handle. The handle has an upper portion with a slot with a circular lower portion to allow for easier handling. The scale is mounted in the slot in the upper portion of the handle. The present invention also relates to a method of measuring the difference in height between a first and second surface which comprises the steps of: providing an apparatus including a scale having opposed ends, a display unit assembly configured to slide along the scale between the ends and having a sensor, a measuring arm horizontal to the scale, and a handle at one end of the scale enabling one handed operation, positioning the end of the scale opposite the handle on the first surface, moving the display unit assembly along the scale until the measuring arm contacts the first surface, zeroing out the display unit assembly, positioning the end of the scale opposite the handle on the first surface adjacent the second surface so that the measuring arm is positioned adjacent the second surface, and moving the measuring arm toward the second surface until the tip of the measuring arm contacts the second surface. The measuring arm is easily removable to allow replacement with a different measuring arm having different capabilities. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]     The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.  
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the step gauge  10  shown after taking a measurement of a step D in a block X.  
         [0011]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the step gauge  10  showing it held by a middle finger M against the palm of the user&#39;s hand H.  
         [0012]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the step gauge  10 .  
         [0013]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the display unit assembly  12 .  
         [0014]      FIG. 5  is a front plan view of the step gauge  10 .  
         [0015]      FIG. 6  is a side plan view of the step gauge  10 .  
         [0016]      FIG. 7  is a back plan view of the step gauge  10 .  
         [0017]      FIG. 8  is a plan view of the step gauge  10  showing a second embodiment of a measuring arm  50 A.  
         [0018]      FIG. 9  is a plan view of the step gauge  10  showing a third embodiment of a measuring arm  60 A.  
         [0019]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the step gauge  10  showing use of the measuring arm  50 A.  
         [0020]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the step gauge  10  shown after taking a measurement of a panel P in relationship to a checking fixture gauge G. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0021]     Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.  
         [0022]     The step gauge  10  is a bidirectional linear measuring apparatus that allows for measuring the difference in heights between two adjacent surfaces. The step gauge  10  can be positioned on either surface  101  or  102  to measure the height or depth of the adjacent surface  101  or  102  with respect to the other surface. In one embodiment, the first and second surfaces  101  or  102  are formed in a united piece ( FIG. 1 ). In another embodiment, the first and second surfaces  106  and  105  are two separate pieces ( FIG. 11 ).  
         [0023]     The step gauge  10  includes a display unit assembly  12 : which is similar in appearance to, and functions the same as those found on conventional digital read out calipers, a measuring arm  26 A, a scale  25 A and a handle  23 A.  
         [0024]     Turning now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of the step gauge  10  of this invention after a step height measuring or reading of the adjacent surfaces  101  and  102  of the block X. By way of illustration, the step gauge  10  is shown being held and operated by the user with only one hand. In one embodiment, the scale  25 A is approximately 4.5″ (114 mm) in length. The length of the scale  25 A allows the step gauge  10  to be operated with one hand.  
         [0025]      FIG. 2  shows how the step gauge  10  and more specifically, the handle  23 A of the step gauge  10  is held with one hand. To hold and use the step gauge  10  properly, the middle finger M is wrapped around the handle  23 A as the index finger F and the thumb T slide the display unit assembly  12  along the scale  25 A.  
         [0026]     In accordance with the present invention,  FIG. 3  shows an exploded view of the step gauge  10 . The step gauge  10  includes a display unit assembly  12 , which includes a back plate  31 A having a center groove  31 B with a gib slider  30  inserted on one side of a groove  31 B. The display unit assembly  12  also includes a display unit face  20 A having a linear sensor strip  20 B on the backside, which is connected to a digital, read out  20 C. A battery  21  powers the linear sensor strip  20 B and the digital read out  20 C. The battery  21  is mounted in a slot on the front side of the display unit face  20 A and is covered by a battery cover plate  22 . Using back plate screws  29 A- 29 D the display unit face  20 A is mounted on the back plate  31 A so that the backside of the display unit face  20 A and the groove  31 B of the backplate  31 A form an opening through the display unit assembly  12 . The linear sensor strip  20 B is located in the opening. The scale  25 A has an essentially rectangular shape with opposed ends  25 C and  25 E with a scale sensor strip  25 D located on a top surface of the scale  25 A between the ends  25 C and  25 E. The scale  25 A has a longitudinal axis A-A formed by the ends  25 C and  25 E of the scale  25 A ( FIG. 3 ). With the gib slider  30  in position, the display unit assembly  12  is mounted on the scale  25 A so that the scale  26 A extends through the opening in the display unit assembly  12  such that the scale sensor strip  25 D located on the top surface of the scale  25 A is adjacent to the linear sensor strip  20 B in the display unit face  20 A. The handle  23 A is positioned at one of the ends  25 E of the scale  25 A. The handle  23 A has a circular lower portion and a semi-circular upper portion. The upper portion has a slot  23 B. The scale  25 A is mounted into the handle slot  23 B in the upper portion so that when the back plate  31 A is moved along the scale  25 A, the back plate  31 A is spaced apart from the lower portion of the handle  23 A. The handle  23 A is secured to the scale  25 A by setscrews  24 A- 24 B. The scale  25 A extends outward from the front of the handle  23 A parallel and spaced apart from the lower portion of the handle  23 A. The back of the handle  23 A, opposite the scale  25 A, has a smooth and curved outer surface to allow for easier handling. The handle  23 A is durable, ergonomically correct and lightweight. In one embodiment, the handle weighs less than one ounce for easy handling. In  FIG. 6 , the clearance between the handle  23 A and the scale  25 A allows the step gauge  10  to be hung or clipped onto a pocket or a pocket protector. The step gauge  10  can be carried in the user&#39;s hand. The compact size and shape of the handle  23 A allows for a secure grip while using the step gauge  10  for measuring awkward or difficult to reach places. For the purpose of handling the step gauge  10  with one hand, the back of the handle  23 A, shown in  FIG. 7 , has a circular shape allowing for a comfortable and sturdy grip in the user&#39;s hand.  
         [0027]     The measuring arm  26 A is mounted on the back plate  31 A horizontal to the scale  25 A. In one embodiment the measuring arm  26 A is mounted on the backplate  31 A using a measuring arm screw  28  and measuring arm dowel  27  ( FIG. 3 ). In one embodiment, ( FIG. 6 ) the measuring arm  26 A has a beveled end  26 B and the scale  25 A has a beveled end  25 B. The tips  26 C and  25 C of the beveled ends  26 B and  25 B enable the user to obtain precise height and depth readings regardless of whether or not the step gauge  10  is perpendicular to the surface on which the scale  26 A is positioned during measuring.  
         [0028]     It is a feature of the step gauge  10  that the measuring arm  26 A is exchangeable.  FIGS. 8 and 9  show two variations of exchangeable measuring arms  50 A and  60 A that can be used. The exchangeable measuring arms  50 A and  60 A have a first end and a second end with a first portion adjacent the first end and a second portion adjacent the second end. The first portion is essentially perpendicular to the second portion. The exchangeable measuring arms  60 A and  60 A are mounted at the first end to the display unit assembly  12 . The first portion of the exchangeable measuring arms  60 A and  60 A extend outward from the display unit assembly  12  essentially perpendicular to the display unit assembly  12 . The second portion of the exchangeable measuring arms  50 A and  60 A extend outward from the first portion in a direction away from the handle  23 A. However, there are several measuring arms that can be exchanged and attached. The exchangeable measuring arms,  50 A and  60 A, have a range in lengths between the ends  60 B and  50 D and  60 B and  60 D and a range of clearances between the scale  26 A and the inside of the arm  50 C and  60 C. These exchangeable measuring arms  60 A and  60 A have multiple reaching capabilities for different spacing or obstructions between the surfaces.  FIG. 10  shows one embodiment of the step gauge  10  with the exchangeable measuring arm  50 A after having just taken a measurement over obstruction  203  to obtain the height differences of surfaces  202  and  201  of block Y.  FIG. 11  illustrates the step gauge  10  after measuring the height difference of the surface  105  of an automotive panel P and the surface  106  of a checking fixture gauge G.  FIG. 11  shows that the step gauge  10  can measure adjacent surface height differences where the surfaces are spaced apart and not connected such that the height of one surface is not dependent on the height of the adjacent surface.  
         [0029]     In use  
         [0030]     To measure height as seen in  FIG. 1 , place the tip of the scale  25 C on the first surface  102  and move the display unit assembly  12  toward the first surface  102  until the tip of the measuring arm  26 C touches the first surface  102 . Then, zero out the display unit assembly  12 . Next, position the tip of the scale  25 C beside the step D being measured so that the measuring arm  26 A extends beyond the first surface  102  and is above the second surface  101 . Move the display unit assembly  12  toward the second surface  101  until the tip of the measuring arm  26 C contacts the second surface  101 . As the display unit assembly  12  moves along the scale  25 A, the linear sensor strip  20 B calculates the distance the display unit assembly  12  travels along the scale sensor strip  25 D. The digital readout  20 C will then read the correct height of the second surface  101  with reference to the first surface  102 . To measure height differences around an obstruction as seen in  FIG. 10 , replace the measuring arm  26 A with a greater reaching arm  60 A and repeat the previously explained steps. Measuring the height difference between two spaced apart and disconnected surfaces ( FIG. 11 ) would be similar to that described above for measuring the height differences of two surfaces that are part of a unitary piece ( FIG. 1  and  FIG. 10 ). While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.