Patent Publication Number: US-7913408-B2

Title: Chalk line device, hook therefor, and method

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to chalk line devices and to chalk line hooks. 
     Chalk line devices are widely employed, in building construction and carpentry projects, to mark straight lines along a work piece or work place. Generally, the chalk line device includes a housing or casing, which defines a reservoir for storing chalk and stores an extendable line about a spool that is driven by a crank outside of the housing. The chalk line devices use a finely powdered chalk which is applied to the chalk line within the housing. The powdered chalk is usually colored brightly so as to allow the user to distinguish a mark line from a surface color of the work piece. The chalk line typically terminates in a clip or a hook. The clip or hook facilitates securing the chalk line to a work piece, and may also act as a stop against a wall of the housing to prevent the end of the chalk line from entering inside the housing during rewinding of the chalk line. The present invention provides improvements over the prior art chalk line devices, hooks, and methods. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One aspect of the invention relates to a chalk line hook. The chalk line hook is constructed and arranged to connect with an identical chalk line hook to provide a chalk line having a length of two chalk lines. The chalk line hook comprises a connector portion, an anchor portion, and a lock portion. The connector portion is constructed and arranged to connect with a free end of the chalk line. The anchor portion is operatively joined with the connector portion for anchoring the hook. The lock portion is constructed and arranged to lockingly engage with a captured portion of the identical chalk line hook. 
     Another aspect of the invention related to a chalk line device. The chalk line device comprises a housing, a chalk line support, a chalk line, and a chalk line hook. The housing comprises a reservoir for storing chalk and the chalk line support is placed within the housing. The chalk line is constructed and arranged to be secured to the chalk line support at one end. The chalk line hook is connected to the chalk line at a free end of the line. The chalk line hook is constructed and arranged to connect with an identical chalk line hook to provide a chalk line having a length of two chalk lines. The hook comprises a connector portion, an anchor portion, and a lock portion. The connector portion is constructed and arranged to connect with the free end of the chalk line. The anchor portion is operatively joined with the connector portion for anchoring the hook. The lock portion is constructed and arranged to lockingly engage with a captured portion of the identical chalk line hook. 
     Another aspect of the invention relates to a chalk line hook. The chalk line hook comprises a connector portion, an anchor portion, and a neck portion. The connector portion is constructed and arranged to connect with a free end of a chalk line. The anchor portion comprises a pair of spaced prongs. The neck portion is shaped and dimensioned to fit between and be retained between spaced prongs of an identically configured chalk line hook. 
     These and other aspects of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As used in the specification and in the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a chalk line hook in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of two identical chalk line hooks, each connected to a chalk line in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of two identical chalk line hooks brought into close proximity of each other in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the two identical chalk line hooks being engaged with each other but before being locked together in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   a  is a front view of the two identical chalk line hooks being engaged with each other but before being locked together in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the two identical chalk line hooks being engaged with each other, wherein the captured portion of the identical chalk line hook rides over the bumps on the chalk line hook in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5   a  is a front view of the two identical chalk line hooks being engaged with each other, wherein the captured portion of the identical chalk line hook rides over the bumps on the chalk line hook in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the two identical chalk line hooks locked with each other in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6   a  is a front view of the two identical chalk line hooks locked with each other in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the two chalk line devices connected to each other using two identical chalk line hooks in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the chalk line being stretched from a chalk line device, which is connected with another chalk line device using two identical chalk line hooks in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the chalk line released after being stretched from a chalk line device, which is connected to the identical chalk line device using two identical chalk line hooks in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the chalk line device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  shows a chalk line hook  10  that is constructed and arranged to connect with an identical chalk line hook  20  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) to provide a chalk line having a length of the chalk lines of two chalk line devices (e.g., See  FIG. 7 ). Also, when the chalk line hook  10  and the identical chalk line hook  20  are connected together, the hooks provide a chalk line of only a single line length that can be rechalked easily without the need for a user to walk to the chalk line hook  10  to disconnect the hooks so that the chalk line can be wound into the reel to receive chalk. In other words, when two users are operating the two connected chalk line devices, they may choose to keep one of the lines fully or mostly retracted, and the other line fully or partially extended. In this manner, when the extended line is depleted of chalk, it can then be retracted as the retracted line is extended for use. This method of operation can be sequentially repeated. This method of use allows faster operation, since it enables one line to be re-chalked while the other is being used. There is no need to conduct both a retract and then re-extend a single line each time there is a desire to rechalk a line; only a single operation is required. The chalk line hook  10  includes a connector portion  12 , an anchor portion  14 , and a lock portion  16 . The connector portion  12  is constructed and arranged to connect with a free end  18  of a chalk line  28  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) as will be appreciated from the discussions later. The anchor portion  14  is operatively joined with the connector portion  12  for anchoring the hook  10  to a work piece. The lock portion  16  is constructed and arranged to lockingly engage with a captured portion  22  of the identical chalk line hook  20 . 
     In one embodiment, the chalk line hook  10  has a base portion  24  with the connector portion  12  on one end thereof and the anchor portion  14  extending outwardly from the other end thereof. The base portion  24  defines a base plane as shown by ABCD. 
     The connector portion  12  includes a dovetail shaped portion with an opening  26  located centrally therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening  26  includes an oblong shaped opening. In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the chalk line  28  is tied around the opening  26  to connect the chalk line  28  with the chalk line hook  10 . In this method of assembly, the free end  18  is passed through the opening  26  provided in the connector portion  12 . The free end  18  can then be spliced or connected back onto itself for connecting the chalk line  28  with the chalk line hook  10  as shown in  FIG. 2 . In other embodiments, however, the opening  26  may have any shape or configuration as long as the opening  26  aids in connecting the free end  18  of a chalk line  28  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) to the chalk line hook  10 . In one embodiment, the chalk line  28  may be looped on itself to connect the free end  18  of the chalk line  28  to the chalk line hook  10 . In this embodiment, the connector portion  12  may not include the opening  26 , but instead may include a wedge or other similar attachment shape for holding a looped chalk line device in place. In other embodiment, the connector portion  12  may have tabs to connect the free end  18  of a chalk line  28  to the chalk line hook  10 . 
     The anchor portion  14  includes a pair of prongs  32  that are spaced apart from each other. Towards the base portion  24 , the space is a rather large opening  30 . Each prong  32  is integrally formed (e.g., stamped from metal) with the base portion  24 . In other embodiment, each prong  32  includes a first portion  33  extending from base portion  24 , generally in the same plane as base portion  24 , a second portion  34  that extends perpendicularly to the first portion  33 , and a third portion  36  that extends perpendicularly to the second portion  34  and in spaced, parallel relation to the first portion  33 . The third portion  36  is constructed and arranged to anchor the chalk line hook  10  to a work piece. In other embodiment, the chalk line hook  10  may include only one prong instead of the pair of prongs. 
     The second portion  34  extends generally in a first plane EFGH that makes a first angle with the base plane ABCD of the base portion  24 . As noted above, in one embodiment, the first plane EFGH is substantially perpendicular to the base plane ABCD. The third portion  36  extends at a second angle from the first plane EFGH of the second portion  34 . As noted above, in one embodiment, the third portion  36  generally lies in a second plane IJKL substantially parallel to the base plane ABCD of the base portion  24  and the first portion  33 . In the illustrated embodiment, the third portion  36  includes an end  38 , which is opposite to the second portion  34 , constructed and arranged to anchor the chalk line hook  10  along with the chalk line to a work piece. In the illustrated embodiment, the third portion  36  includes a triangular shaped portion to form the pointed end  38 . It should be appreciated however that the third portion  36  may have any shape or configuration to enable the third portion  36  to anchor the chalk line to a work piece. In one embodiment, the third portion  36  may include a sharp edge, instead of a pointed end, to pierce the chalk line hook into the work piece. Alternatively, a blunt configuration can be used to simply allow the hook to form fittingly engage a work piece. 
     A slot  44  is defined in a narrowed slot region or space  40  located between the pair of prongs  32 . The slot  44  is constructed and arranged to spread to accommodate the captured portion  22  of the identical chalk line hook  20  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) so as to connect the two chalk line hooks. In other embodiment, the prongs  32  may not define the narrowed slot  44 , but may remain widely spaced throughout. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the lock portion  16  includes a pair of bumps  42  that receive the captured portion  22  of the identical chalk line hook  20  therebetween. Each bump  42  is provided on each prong  32  respectively. The prongs  32  are slightly flexible apart to enable separation therebetween to enable the captured portion  22  of the identical chalk line hook  20  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) to ride over the bumps  42 , and then enable the bumps  42  to return to their original positions to secure the captured portion  22  therebehind. It should be appreciated, however, that this embodiment is one but an example of the different types of shapes, configurations and/or constructions that can be provided for the lock portion  16 . In one embodiment, bumps are provided on the captured portion  22  of the identical chalk line hook  20  that are constructed and arranged to engage with recesses provided on prongs  32  of the chalk line hook  10 . 
       FIG. 2  shows two identical chalk line hooks. As explained in the discussions above, the free end  18  of the chalk line  28  is connected to the connector portion  12  of the chalk line hook  10 . Similarly, a free end  46  of a chalk line  48  is connected to a connector portion  50  of the identical chalk line hook  20 . In one embodiment, the captured portion  22  of the identical chalk line hook  20  includes a narrow diameter portion  23  located between the connector portion  50  and a base portion  74 . The captured portion  22  of the identical chalk line hook  20  is constructed and arranged to fit in the space  40  between a pair of the prongs  32  of the chalk line hook  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the identical chalk line hook  20  is placed such that third portion  52  of anchor portion  54  of the identical chalk line hook  20  is facing the third portion  36  of the anchor portion  14  of the chalk line hook  10  when the two identical chalk line hooks are being connected with each other. 
       FIGS. 4 and 4   a  show the two identical chalk line hooks being engaged with each other but before being locked in place. As explained in the discussions earlier, when connecting the two identical chalk line hooks together, the captured portion  22  of the identical chalk line hook  20  is accommodated in the space  40  located between the second portions of the pair of prongs  32 . Similarly, captured portion  56  of the chalk line hook  10  is accommodated in space  58  located between the second portions of a pair of prongs  60  of the identical chalk line hook  20 . 
     When connecting the chalk lines hooks  10  and  20  with each other, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 4   a , the captured portion  22  of the identical chalk line hook  20  moves into the space  40  located between the pair of prongs  32  until further movement of the captured portion  22  is prevented by the bumps  42  provided on prongs  32 . At this point, a force is applied on the connector portion  50  causing the prongs  32  to flex outwards, thus, enabling the captured portion  22  to ride over the bumps  42 . 
       FIGS. 5 and 5   a  show a step in connecting the two identical chalk line hooks with each other where the captured portion  22  is riding over the bumps  42  and the prongs  32  are in a flexed position. The flexible prongs  32  enable separation therebetween to enable the captured portion  22  of the identical chalk line hook  20  ride over the pair of bumps  42  of the anchor portion  14  of the chalk line hook  10 . Similarly, the flexible prongs  60  of the identical chalk line hook  20  enable separation therebetween to enable captured portion  56  of the chalk line hook  10  ride over a pair of bumps  62  (as shown in  FIG. 6 ). 
       FIGS. 6 and 6   a  show the two identical chalk line hooks being locked with each other. The flexible prongs  32  return back to their original position after the captured portion  22  of the identical chalk line hook  20  rides over the pair of the bumps  42 , thus securing the captured portion  22  behind the bumps  42 . Similarly, the flexible prongs  60  of the identical chalk line hook  20  return back to their original position after the captured portion  56  of the identical chalk line hook  10  rides over the pair of the bumps  62 , thus securing the captured portion  56  behind the bumps  62 . 
       FIG. 7  shows two chalk line devices connected to each other using two identical chalk line hooks. The shape and configuration of the chalk line hooks, as described in the present invention, allows the chalk line hooks to be locked with each other thus providing a chalk line having a length of two chalk lines from two chalk line devices. In detail, the free end  46  of the chalk line  48  from the chalk line device  200  is connected to connector portion  50  of the chalk line hook  20  and the free end  18  of the chalk line  28  from the chalk line device  202  is connected to the connector portion  12  of the chalk line hook  10 . As explained in the previous embodiments, the anchor portion  14  of the chalk line hook  10  engages with the captured portion  22  of the chalk line hook  20  and the anchor portion  54  of the chalk line hook  20  engages with the captured portion  56  of the chalk line hook  10  to lock the two identical chalk line hooks together. 
     In one embodiment, after the chalk line hooks  10  and  20  are locked together, the chalk line is pulled from the chalk line devices  200  and  202  to obtain chalk line of desired length (up to twice the length of one of lines as shown in  FIG. 7 ). As shown in  FIG. 8 , in one method, the connected hooks are disposed adjacent to (or even contacting) one of the chalk line devices  200 , within which the line  48  is substantially contained, and the line  28  of the other device  202  is substantially extended. In this method, the chalk lines  28  and  48  are snapped by pulling the chalk line  28  upwardly in the direction of the arrow A. With the lines  28 ,  48  tensioned, they are then released in the direction of the arrow B as shown in  FIG. 9 . This snapping action will deposit or discharge chalk on the lines  28 ,  48  onto the surface therebeneath. 
     When used separately, the anchor portion  14  of the chalk line hook  10  can be used to anchor the chalk line to a work surface or work piece  204 . When the chalk lines  28  and  48  are connected together, once desired length of the chalk line is obtained, the chalk line  28 , the chalk line  48  or both are snapped for depositing chalk markings on surfaces. However, in accordance with one methodology presented herein, only one chalk line may be extended while the other remains retracted in the device housing. For example, the chalk line  28  may be fully extended from the chalk line device  202 , and may be snapped once or several times such that the chalk powder thereon is substantially dissipated therefrom. The chalk line  28  may then be retracted into the chalk line device  202  by user  250  for rechalking. With the chalk line  28  being connected to chalk line  48 , retracting the line  28  will extend (pull) the line  48  out of its housing  200 . The chalk line  48  is then ready for use with powder thereon. In a different embodiment, the line  48  may be paid out of its housing  200  while line  28  is retracted. However, this should not be necessary, as pulling on the line  48  by virtue of pulling action of the line  28  should be sufficient. 
     Similarly, when the chalk line  48  has been snapped once or several times such that the chalk powder thereon is depleted, the user  252  may reel the length of the chalk line  48  into the chalk line device  200 , which pulls the line  28  out from device  202 . The line  28  will emerge out of the chalk line device  202  with a fresh deposit of chalk thereon. 
     In the previously discussed embodiments, the chalk line hook  10  and the identical chalk line hook  20  are connected and locked to each other by engaging the captured portion  22  of the identical chalk line hook  20  with the anchor portion  14  and the lock portion  16  of the chalk line hook  10 , and engaging the captured portion  56  of the chalk line hook  10  with the anchor portion  60  and a lock portion  80  (as shown in  FIG. 6 ) of the chalk line hook  10 . It should be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments the chalk line hook may include a single prong that is constructed and arranged to engage with the opening located in the base portion of a different identical chalk line hook to connect the two identical chalk line hooks. Optionally, the prong and/or the opening may include a lock portions to lock the two identical chalk line hooks. 
       FIG. 10  shows a chalk line device  100  includes a housing  112 , a chalk line support  114 , a chalk line  116 , and a chalk line hook  118 . The housing  112  includes a reservoir  120  to store the chalk. In one embodiment, the housing  112  includes a chalk line port  122  and a chalk port  124 . The chalk reservoir  120  is in communication with the chalk port  124 . The chalk line  116  is spooled around a chalk line support or reel  114 . The chalk line support  114  is rotatably mounted in the interior space in the housing  112 . The chalk line  116  has one end  126  secured to the chalk line support  114  within the housing  112  and another or free end  134  provided with the chalk line hook  118  disposed outside of the housing  112 . The chalk line  116  extends through the chalk line port  122 . As described in previous embodiments, the chalk line hook  118  is constructed and arranged to connect with an identical chalk line hook  130  to provide a chalk line having a length of two chalk lines. The chalk line hook  118  includes a connector portion  132  constructed and arranged to connect with a free end  134  of the chalk line  116 , an anchor portion  138  operatively joined with the connector portion  132  for anchoring the hook  118 , and a lock portion  140  constructed and arranged to lockingly engage with a captured portion  142  of the identical chalk line hook  130 . 
     The chalk line device  100  further includes a retracting mechanism  144  which is mounted to the housing  112 . The retracting mechanism  144  comprises a handle  146 , a crank shaft  148  and an integral hub  150 . The retracting mechanism  144  is connected to the chalk line support  114  via the crank shaft  148  and allows the chalk line  116  to be freely extended from the housing  112  through the chalk line port  122  when the user pulls the hook  118  attached to end  134  of chalk line  116 . The retracting mechanism  144  also allows selective retraction of the chalk line  116  into the housing when the user rewinds the chalk line by rotating the handle  146 . Of course any known retracting and spooling mechanisms could be used. 
     The handle  146  is connected to hub  150  via pivot pin  152 . The handle  146  can easily be moved from a storing position through an arc of about 180 degrees to assume a cranking position as is known. The handle  146  has an end knob  154  rotatably mounted on handle  146  to allow the user to rotate the handle  146  while being able to maintain grip on the knob  154 . This feature facilitates rewinding of the chalk line. In addition, the knob  154  also serves as a rotating-stop for halting the rotation of the hub  150  and crank shaft  148  when the handle  146  is moved to a stored position. In the stored position, the knob  154  is inserted into a groove  156  provided in the exterior surface of housing  112 . In this way, the groove  156  serves as a rotating-stop and also renders the arm  146  more compact with the housing  112  for storage and/or handling. 
     In one embodiment, a movable door is secured to the housing  112  over the chalk port  124  to selectively open and close the chalk port  124 . Any suitable closure mechanism may be used including a hinged door, a sliding door or even a self-sealing access port. 
     Although the chalk line hook  10  is shown in the illustrated embodiments having a certain shape or form, it is also within the scope of the present invention to have various shapes or form as long as the chalk line hook is constructed and arranged to connect with an identical chalk line hook to provide a chalk line having a length of two chalk lines. The chalk line hook can be made from any material, such as but not limited to metal and plastic. 
     Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.