Patent Publication Number: US-2006000099-A1

Title: Line-marking device with positioning devices and trigger activator

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application claims priority of application Ser. No. 10/421,553, titled Line-Marking Device with Positioning Devices and Trigger Activator, which was filed on Apr. 23, 2003, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention relates to a hand-held device for marking a chalk line for use in construction, home improvement and the like.  
      Conventional chalk line-marking devices employ a chalk line that is wound up around a spool within a case. During use, the chalk line is extended and held taut near the surface to be marked. Typically, this requires two workers—one to hold the end of the chalk line and one to hold the case. The line is then grasped and released by one of the workers so that it snaps back toward the surface, thereby depositing a chalk line. Or, one worker may devise a way to secure one end of the line using a weight or the like. In any event, the procedure is inconvenient. A handle is attached to the spool to allow the line to be wound back into the case after use.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 5,699,622, issued Dec. 23, 1997 to Gerald G. Umbro, entitled “Line Marking Device,” describes a device usable by one person that includes a marking filament loaded with marking powder that is snapped from one end of the device. The disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 5,699,622 is incorporated herein by reference.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      A line-marking device according to embodiments of the invention allows the worker (or user) to easily and accurately position and mark a line in a desired location on a wall, floor or other surface, for example, with respect to a reference such as a line or point, etc., located spaced from the location at which the desired line is to be marked, and/or at an angle with respect to the vertical, horizontal or a reference, and/or at a desired distance from a reference, etc. The invention also provides, a trigger mechanism for snapping a marking filament of the marking device against the surface to be marked. The device is particularly useful for amateur and professional carpenters, kitchen cabinet installers, tile setters and so forth.  
      The line-marking device comprises an elongated frame and a filament or a cord held taut in and/or by the frame which can be activated, e.g., snapped, to apply a line to a surface adjacent the filament at a desired location. In the preferred embodiments, the marking device also includes one or more devices which can be used to position the marking device and/or the filament in a given relationship with a reference (line or point). Such devices include: a laser or other optical sighting device which can be used in the positioning of the marking device and/or the filament in a given relationship to a reference that is displaced from the location at which the line is to be applied; a level which can be used in the angular positioning of the marking device and/or filament with respect to a reference; a protractor which can be used in the angular positioning of the marking device and/or filament with respect to a reference; a distance measuring device such as a mechanical or electronic tape measure or self-supporting strip which can be used in the positioning of the marking device and/or filament at a given distance from a reference; a guide bar that can be locked in one or more angular positions with respect to the filament preferably by a stop or detent mechanism. In some embodiments, these devices are removable. For example, a marking device may be provided with a holder for a tape measure, rather than the tape measure itself, which may be provided independently of the marking device to be placed in the holder when use thereof is desired. Similarly, structure may be provided for mounting a removable protractor or level.  
      In one embodiment, a self-supporting member or strip with distance notation thereon may be mounted to the device to be displaceable relative thereto to be used in the positioning of the marking device and/or filament at a given distance from a reference. In this embodiment, use of the device with one hand is facilitated because, unlike a tape which is prone to sagging and bending, the self-supporting member can be maintained in a straight position. Also, the self-supporting member may be fixed and used for repetitive measurements without having to retract and extend it. As an aid to this use, a tab is appended flush with the end of the self-supporting member so that when such member rests against the surface being measured, the tab abuts an end of such surface.  
      In a preferred embodiment, the marking device is provided with a trigger mechanism which, when activated in response to a trigger-like pull or squeeze, snaps the filament to apply a line.  
      In one embodiment, the line-marking device includes a rotatable level device which can be used to position the line-marking device at a desired angle, set by rotating a level forming part of the rotatable level device, with respect to a reference. The level is relatively rotatably mounted with respect to the elongated frame. At least one pointer or mark is provided in a fixed relationship with the level, and at least one mark or scale is provided in a fixed relationship with the elongated frame positioned to cooperate with the pointer and mark or scale fixed relative to the frame to indicate an angular position of the marking filament, e.g., when the level is in an equilibrium state. The level device can be permanently or removably attached to the line-marking device. In another embodiment, the rotatable level device is provided on a member (e.g., a ruler, triangle, square, tool, etc., having a linear edge) for use independently of a line-marking device to mark a desired angle with respect to a reference, or to be used as an angle finder, e.g., to replicate an angle. In embodiments where the member is a tool other than the line-marking device (e.g., a power tool such as a power saw, sander, router, etc., or a hand tool such as a triangle, tape or other distance measuring device, laser sighting device, etc.), the rotatable level device can be used to set the tool to work at the set angle, to work to the set angle, or to set or reference an angle. A power tool can be set to work at a selected angle or positioned to work to a set angle.  
      In another embodiment, the line-marking device includes at least one laser device to emit at least one laser beam in a predetermined relationship with the marking filament (e.g., parallel and aligned with the filament). In accordance with this embodiment of the invention, the laser device is located at the point of marking, i.e., at the location at which a line is to be applied, from which the emitted laser beam can be sighted on a reference displaced from the location at which a line is to be applied by the marking device in a given relationship with the reference. This is in contrast to positioning devices, e.g., levels, squares, triangles, which are used at the point of reference to emit a laser beam to the point at which a positioning mark is to be made or at which an object is to be affixed. In various embodiments, a laser device may be provided comprising one or a plurality of lasers in a fixed and/or adjustable arrangement to emit a beam or beams in various directions in relation to the filament e.g., in mutually perpendicular directions in one, two or three dimensions. The laser device can be permanently or removably attached to the line-marking device.  
      In another embodiment, a guide bar is provided for the marking device and pivotally secured to the elongated frame. At least one of the guide bar and elongated frame include markings which indicate an angular setting of the guide bar relative to the elongated frame (and the filament), and the guide bar is secured, at least in part, below the elongated frame so that when the elongated frame rests against the substantially planar surface, the guide bar abuts an edge of the substantially planar surface to hold the elongated frame in a position relative to the edge according to the angular setting. This structure provides a stop or stops for the guide bar at which the guide bar can be readjustably fixed or locked in one or more predetermined angular positions relative to the frame. In a preferred embodiment, a detent mechanism provides the stops.  
      In another embodiment, the line-marking device includes a protractor which includes first and second arms pivotably mounted to one another, where the first arm has angle markings on an edge thereof that are swept, at least in part, by an edge of the second arm when the second arm is pivoted with respect to the first arm, and an angle between the first and second arms is indicated according to a relative position of the edge of the second arm to the angle markings on the first arm. This embodiment defines a unique protractor that may also be used independently of any line-marking function, or in positioning the line-marking device to apply a line at an angle with a particular reference. This unique protractor may be permanently or removably attached to the line-marking device. The unique protractor may also be provided as a separate unit that does not attach to the line-marking device, and may be used completely independently of the line-marking device or a line-marking function.  
      In another embodiment, the line-marking device includes a retractable tape measure, or a holder for a retractable tape measure that can be mounted to and removed from the line-marking device. Extension of a tape from the retractable tape measure attached to or held in the holder in a predetermined relationship to the elongated frame (and the filament), e.g., parallel or perpendicular to the filament, can be used to determine a desired distance of the filament from a reference, and thereby to enable the marking of a line at such desired distance.  
      In another embodiment, the line-marking device includes a manually operable or actuatable trigger mechanism used to snap the filament in response to a trigger pull or squeeze action. In a preferred embodiment, the trigger mechanism comprises a manually operable trigger movable from a nominal (e.g., a rest, or home or stowed) position to a release position to pull at least a portion of the marking filament away from a nominal position thereof and release the marking filament to snap back to its nominal position when the trigger reaches its release position. In a preferred embodiment, means are provided for coupling a manually actuatable trigger of the trigger mechanism to the marking filament so that movement of the manually actuatable trigger pulls at least a portion of the marking filament away from the nominal position thereof until the trigger reaches its release position where the marking filament is released and snaps back to its nominal position to apply a line. In a preferred embodiment, the marking device includes a shuttle containing a marking substance, e.g., chalk, through which the marking filament extends, with the coupling means coupling the shuttle to the trigger so that the manually operable trigger pulls the shuttle, and with it at least a portion of the marking filament away from the nominal position of the filament, and releases the shuttle, and with it the marking filament to snap the marking filament back to its nominal position when the trigger reaches its release position.  
      In another embodiment, the line-marking device includes a guide bar pivotably secured to the elongated frame, and a protractor with angular markings thereon associated with the guide bar. In one embodiment, means are provided for removably securing the protractor in a fixed relationship to the guide bar to indicate an angular setting of the guide bar relative to the elongated frame. In another embodiment, the protractor is part of or integral (e.g., unitary) with the guide bar, e.g., engraved, embossed, printed, etc., on the guide bar.  
      The guide bar may be configured to cooperate with structure on the line-marking device to provide an angle finder that can replicate an angle in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the guide bar is mounted to the line-marking device so that it may be re-positioned from a line-marking position (as discussed above) to an angle finding position rotated 180 degrees and positioned at the end of the handle facing away from the filament, and still pivotable relative to the handle. Either the filament or a mark (indicia, etc.) on the handle aligned with the filament may be used to position the line marking device in a reference position along one edge of the angle to be found (replicated). The guide bar is then or simultaneously pivoted to extend along the other leg of the angle and the guide bar locked in this position. The guide bar in the locked position is then repositioned back to the line-marking position where it either forms the angle to be found or the complement thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the guide bar is mounted under pressure of a spring load, so that the formed angle is maintained until a holding knob can be tightened to secure the positions of the guide bar and the handle relative to each other.  
      The invention also provides a method for marking a line on a surface relative to a reference, comprising aiming, at the reference, a laser beam emitted from a laser device that is positioned in a predetermined relationship with a marking filament that is held taut on an elongated frame and that carries a marking substance, while holding the elongated frame against a surface and aligning the marking filament using a level that is positioned in a predetermined relationship with the marking filament, and snapping the marking filament against the surface to apply a mark thereon. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  illustrates a worker aligning a line-marking device, including a laser device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, relative to a reference;  
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the line-marking device depicted in  FIG. 1 , which includes an adjustable, rotatable level in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;  
       FIG. 3  is an enlarged plan top view of the level portion of the line-marking device depicted in  FIG. 2 ;  
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the level portion of the line-marking device depicted in  FIG. 2  taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 ;  
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a line-marking device and attached guide bar in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;  
       FIG. 6  is a top view of a portion of a line-making device similar to the one depicted in  FIG. 5 , which also includes angle markings on the frame of the line-marking device and markings fixed relative to the frame which cooperate for use as protractor in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;  
       FIG. 7  is a bottom plan view of a portion of a line-marking device similar to the one depicted in  FIG. 6 , which also includes a detent mechanism for securing the guide bar in predetermined angular positions relative to the frame;  
       FIG. 8  is a top view of a portion of a line-marking device similar to the one depicted in  FIG. 5 , which includes a removable protractor in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;  
       FIG. 9  is a partial exploded perspective view of the protractor portion of the line-marking device depicted in  FIG. 8 ;  
       FIG. 10  is a top view of a portion of a line-marking device similar to the one depicted in  FIG. 5 , which includes a protractor as part of the marking device&#39;s guide bar in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;  
       FIG. 11  is a partial exploded perspective view of the portion of the line-marking device depicted in  FIG. 10 ;  
       FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the handle portion of the line-marking device depicted in  FIG. 5  taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 5 , showing a trigger device in accordance with another embodiment of the invention for snapping the marking filament of the marking device with the filament and parts of the trigger device in their nominal rest or home positions;  
       FIGS. 13 and 14  are cross-sectional views similar to that of  FIG. 12  showing the positions of the filament and elements of the trigger device during a trigger actuation to snap the filament;  
       FIG. 15  is a partial cross-sectional view of the trigger device and handle of  FIG. 5  taken along lines  15 - 15  of  FIG. 14 ;  
       FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the trigger device depicted in  FIG. 5  in a release position thereof;  
       FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the trigger device depicted in  FIG. 11  showing movement of a shuttle containing a marking substance to apply the marking substance to the filament;  
       FIG. 18  is a top view of a portion of a line-marking device with a retractable tape measure in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; and  
       FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the end portion of a line-marking device similar to the line-marking device depicted in  FIG. 1  in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, showing multiple laser devices attached to the end of the line-marking device. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of a line-marking device, shown generally at  100 , that includes a laser device  125  in accordance with the invention. The line-marking device  100  may be used to apply a line on interior and exterior surfaces of construction such as drywall, panelling, plywood, concrete and the like, and on surfaces of paper, cloth, metal, plastic etc., of various items for artistic purposes and other non-technical purposes, as well as for technical and architectural purposes.  
      As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the line-marking device  100  allows a worker to easily apply a line relative to a reference such as the bottom of a cabinet. The line-marking device  100  includes an elongated frame  170 , a marking filament  200  ( FIG. 2 ) that is held taut by the frame  170 , and a handle  110  that is secured to the frame  170  to operate the line-marking device  100 . Some of these components may be seen to be similar to those in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,699,622. A laser device (referenced generally by  125  in  FIGS. 1 and 19 ) and a level device  115  may also be provided on the line-marking device  100 . The worker grips the handle  110  of the line-marking device  100  to hold it against the surface  150 , and a laser beam  130  that is emitted from the laser device  125  at the tip  120  of the device is aimed at a reference mark  145 . Unlike hand tools that include a laser device which are positioned at a reference location to project a laser beam to a marking location displaced from the reference location, it is the line-marking device  100  that is positioned at the marking location while a laser beam is projected to a reference location point displaced from the marking location.  
      The worker makes adjustments to the position of the line-marking device  100  to aim the laser beam while also referring to the level device  115  to align the marking filament  200 , e.g., horizontally or at some other orientation. In this example, the reference mark  145  is at the bottom of a wall-mounted cabinet  140 . Once the device  100  has been positioned such that the laser beam is aimed at the reference mark  145 , and the level device  115  indicates a level orientation, the worker operates a trigger device at the handle  110  that causes a the marking filament to be tensioned away from its nominal position and released, i.e., snapped. When the filament is released, it snaps back to its nominal position and releases a marking substance such as chalk on the surface  150 .  
      Referring to  FIGS. 2-4 , the level device  115  includes a rotatable level  117 . Rotation of the level  117  to a desired angle relative, e.g., to the horizontal position facilitates applying a line at the desired angle. In the position of the marking device and level depicted in  FIG. 1 , the level is at a home or horizontal position, and the marked line will be horizontal and at the same elevation as the reference mark  145 . The line-marking device thus allows a single worker to easily and accurately mark lines on surfaces such as walls or floors. For example, lines can be marked for hanging kitchen cabinets, pictures or other wall hangings and so forth. Also, the line-marking device can translate a reference mark to different walls in a room. For instance, if the cabinet  140  was located on wall  155  but not touching the wall  150 , the line-marking device can be held against the wall  155  near the corner and positioned so that the laser beam is aimed at the reference mark of the cabinet, e.g., to the left of the corner. The line can then be marked on the wall  155  near the corner. Next, the worker positions the line-marking device against the wall  150  as shown in  FIG. 1  and aims the laser beam  30  at the line that was marked on wall  155 , near the corner, to make a mark on wall  150 . The process can be repeated to obtain constant-elevation marks on all four walls of a room. An analogous procedure can be followed to translate a reference mark vertically. For example, the line-marking device  100  can be held against the wall  150  with the laser beam  130  aimed vertically at the reference mark on a ceiling or floor. Laser devices can be provided at either or both ends of the line-marking device  100  to provide greater flexibility in marking a line in tight spaces such as corners, or laser devices may be provided to emit beams in more than one direction, as discussed below.  
      In an embodiment in which a laser beam may be projected in a direction other than parallel and aligned with the filament  200 , e.g., perpendicular to the filament  200 , the line-marking device  100  may be positioned relative to an opposing wall or the ceiling in a room, for example. In this example, a reference mark at a given height on a first wall can be translated directly to an opposite second wall or onto the ceiling or floor. The device is held flush against the second wall and its height is adjusted until the laser beam, which travels perpendicular to the second wall, is aimed at the reference mark.  
      The laser device  125  may include a laser diode of the type that is readily available from various vendors. One example is Quarton, Inc., Taipei Hsien, Taiwan. Such laser diodes emit a beam that is visible over long distances. The laser device  125  may be mounted at the tip  120  of the line-marking device or other location using any known technique. Batteries for the laser device  125  may be mounted at the tip  120  or other location, along with an on-off switch. For example, the batteries may be carried in the handle  110  and electrically coupled to the laser device  125  at the tip  120  via wires that are carried within the elongated frame  170  of the device  100 . The laser device  25  is positioned so that one or more laser beams are emitted in a predetermined relationship with the marking filament, e.g., collinear, parallel or perpendicular to the marking filament. For example, the laser device  125  may project a beam that is collinear with the marking filament  200 , or at least parallel to the filament and positioned directly above it.  
      In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , the laser device  125  comprises a single laser diode positioned to project a beam parallel to and in alignment with the filament  200 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , the laser device  125  comprises a single laser diode positioned to project a beam perpendicular to and in alignment with the filament  200 . In other embodiments, the laser device may comprise multiple laser devices or laser diodes, e.g., two laser devices, one as depicted in  FIG. 1  and one as depicted in  FIG. 2 , positioned to project beams in different directions, or as shown in  FIG. 19 , four laser devices  125 . In another embodiment, the laser device  125  depicted in  FIG. 1  may be adjustable to emit a laser beam in more than one direction. Such a laser device may be of the rotary type currently used by Stabila of Germany in certain of their products. Alternatively, a single laser device  125  mounted at the end of the frame, as shown in  FIG. 1 , may be mounted on a ball joint so it may be rotated 90 degrees to face transversvely of the frame, and also it may be rotated 360 degrees in that plane. Channels or other structure may be provided at given angles, e.g., 0 degree, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, 270 degrees, to act as detents for the rotatable laser device. Any suitable device and/or structure may be used to mount one or more laser devices  125  to the line-marking device  100 . Control circuitry, switches, batteries, etc., may be mounted in any suitable location in the frame  170  and/or the handle  110   
      Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the level device  115 , discussed above with respect to  FIG. 2 , includes a rotatable part  116  in which is mounted a bubble level  117 , and a base part  118  stationarily or longitudinally slidably mounted to the frame  170 . In one embodiment, the base part  118  is slidably attached to the frame  170  ( FIG. 4 ), and a rotatable dial part  116  is rotatably mounted to the base  118 . The base part  118  is ring-shaped having a central opening configured to slidably engage the annular shoulder  172  of the frame  170 , to thereby mount the base part  118  to the frame. The rotatable part  116  is disc-shaped having an outer configuration that engages shoulder  173  of the base part  118 .  
      Various structures may be used to rotatably secure the rotatable dial part  116  to the base part  118 . For example, the rotatable part  116  may be frictionally engaged with the shoulders  173  in the opening in the base part  118 . Alternatively, a plug (not shown) may be stationarily affixed to base part  118  in the opening thereof, and a friction joint may be used to rotatably attach the part  116  to the plug. The base part  118  and the rotatable part  116  may be made of any suitable material, e.g., plastic or metal. An electronic level may be used in place of, or in addition to, the bubble level  117 . An electronic level emits a noise or provides a flashing light or other indication when placed in a specified orientation. In one embodiment, appropriate markings may be made on the base part  118  and the rotatable part  116  to allow the worker to set the level  117  at a desired angle. The markings may be printed, embossed, or engraved, or on a decal affixed to the base part  118 , for instance. For example, the base part  118  may have angle markings similar to a protractor, while the rotatable part  116  has a hash mark. Alternatively, the base part  118  may have a hash mark while the rotatable part  116  has angle markings similar to a protractor.  
      In either embodiment, a user may utilize the combination of the rotatable part  116 , the bubble level  117  and the base part as an angle finder or replicator. The user who wishes to find or determine the angle of a surface (for the purpose, for example, of cutting a piece of wall panelling to match the angle of a non-horizontal ceiling) may press the frame  170  against the surface, and then turn the rotatable part until the bubble shows the level is horizontal. The combination of the hash mark and adjacent markings will indicate the angle of the measured surface, so that a line may be snapped using one of the methods described above/below.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the frame  170  includes two spaced-apart rails  171  and  174  that form a central opening for the marking filament  200 . As discussed above, the base part  118  of the level device  115  can be slidably mounted relative to the frame on shoulders  172  and  173  of the rails  171  and  174 , respectively, to allow the worker to position the level device  115  where it can most easily be viewed. Also, the level device  115  can be moved to the tip  120  of the line-marking device  100  to avoid interfering with a shuttle (discussed below) filled with a marking substance such as chalk when the shuttle is moved on the frame  170  to refresh the marking filament  200 . The level device  115  can also be removably mounted to the frame  170 . The frame may be made of any suitable material, e.g., metal or plastic. In  FIG. 4 , the marking filament  200  is shown in its nominal position in solid lines and in its raised position in broken lines during a marking operation. The underside of the rotatable part  116  has a recess  175  into which the marking filament  200  may move when it is raised during a marking operation, as discussed below in connection with  FIGS. 12-16 .  
      In use, the worker may position the line-marking device at a reference, e.g., the horizontal (indicated by an equilibrium state in the level  117 ). The line-marking device  100  is preferably activated to mark the reference, but need not be where the reference is horizontal. The worker then sets the rotatable part  116  at a desired angle, e.g., 45 degrees, and positions the line-marking device  100  against a wall in a position where the level  117  is again in an equilibrium state (or the noted bubble condition is reproduced where the reference is not horizontal). At this time, the marking filament  200 , which extends in a central opening of the frame  170 , is at the desired angle and the worker can mark a line at the desired angle, which intersects with, or can be extended to intersect with, the reference line. The frame  170  may have ruled markings, such as in inches and centimeters, which extend from the tip of the line-marking device.  
      In another embodiment, the function of the base part  118  is provided in an analogous structure that is part of the frame  170 , e.g., in a raised or recessed region of the frame, rather than as a separate component. In this case, the level device  115  need include only one piece, namely the rotatable part  116 , which can be attached to the frame by a friction joint, or other suitable device. Generally, the level device  115  includes at least one mark, such as a hash mark or angle markings, in a fixed relationship with the level  117 , and at least one mark, such as angle markings or a hash mark, respectively, in a fixed relationship with the frame  170 . The marks are positioned to cooperate to indicate an angular position of the marking filament when the level  117  is in an equilibrium state.  
      The invention also provides devices independent of the line-marking device that can be used to locate or measure an angular position with respect to a reference position using a rotatable level device  115 . In one such embodiment, the rotatable level device  115  is attached to a member (e.g., a ruler, triangle, square, tool, etc., having a linear edge). In use, the angle is dialed from a reference location as discussed above, and then the member is pivoted until the level is in equilibrium, with a linear edge or tab or marking on the device to indicate the selected angle. In another such embodiment, two members, each with a linear edge, are pivoted together, e.g., at an end of each, and the level device  115  is attached to one of the members. In use, the two linear edges are pivoted to be parallel and aligned with a reference line. Then the rotatable part  116  is rotated to indicate the desired angle, and the member with the level device  115  pivoted until the level indicator (e.g., the bubble) is in the same configuration as in the reference position, e.g., in equilibrium when starting from a horizontal reference. This device can be used to replicate an angle by setting the rotatable level parallel to the linear edge of the member to which it is mounted, and then proceeding as described in connection with the following variation. In a variation of the device with two members, the level is not rotated in use, and the device can be used to find or replicate an angle. In this embodiment, the level may be mounted fixed and parallel to the linear edge of the member to which it is mounted, or rotatable, as described above, but not rotated in use. In use (if the level is rotatable, it is set parallel to the linear edge of the member to which it is mounted), the two members are pivoted so that they are parallel, and then the two linear edges are set parallel to one leg of the angle to be replicated. Then the member with the level is pivoted until the level indicates the horizontal. In this pivoted position, the member with the level forms the other leg of the angle and the device serves to replicate the angle.  
      As mentioned above, the member (besides the line-marking device) to which the rotatable level  115  can be attached can be a power tool such as a saw, sander, router, etc. For a power saw, the linear edge is the saw blade (or a linear edge parallel to the saw blade). For a power saw, the linear edge is the sanding plane of the sander (or a linear edge parallel thereto). The power saw can be set to saw at a selected angle or to make a selected angular cut, and a sander can be positioned to sand to a set angle. In the case of a power saw, the power saw can be positioned as described above for the line-marking device  100 . Then, instead of snapping a line, the saw can be used to cut at the angle at which the saw is positioned. In the case of a sander, where, e.g., sanding is desired to finish an edge already cut at an angle, or to sand a corner to an angle, etc., the rotatable level is set to the desired angle, and the sander is then positioned on the work piece and worked until the work piece is sanded to the set angle. Use of the rotatable level with other power tools such as a router will be evident to those of skill in the art.  
      The tool to which the rotatable level  115  can be attached can also be a hand tool such as a triangle, square, tape or other distance measuring device, laser sighting device, etc. In the case of a square or triangle, one side of the triangle or square comprises the linear edge. Use of the rotatable level with these and other hand tools will be evident to those of skill in the art.  
       FIGS. 5-12  depict an embodiment of a line-marking device  100  with a guide bar  500  that can be used to position the line-marking device  100  at a desired angle relative to the edge  532  of a surface  530  to be marked.  FIG. 5  shows an embodiment which includes a self-supporting member or strip  1700 , described in more detail below, that can be used as a distance measuring device. The strip  1700  is mounted at the outer side of the front lip  502  of the guide bar  500  in a slot or channel  1702 , shown in  FIG. 12  in this embodiment. Other embodiments do not include the strip  1700  and the channel  1702 , for example, see  FIG. 13 . When the channel  1702  is present, the channel  1702  rather than the front lip  502  of the guide bar contacts the edge of the surface  800  to be measured. See  FIGS. 12 and 13 , which show the line marking device abutting the edge of the surface  800  with and without the channel  1702 , respectively. Only  FIGS. 5 and 12  show the self-supporting strip  1700  and channel  1702 , respectively. The discussion immediately below applies to embodiments that do not include the channel  1702 . The embodiment with the channel  1702  is discussed further below.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 13 , with a front lip or ridge  502  of the guide bar  500  abutting the edge  532  (shown in  FIG. 5  to be 90 degrees and in  FIGS. 6 and 7  to be 45 degrees and 135 degree respectively. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5 , the filament  200  is at 90 degrees relative to the edge  532 . The guide bar  500  is adjustably attached to a support plate  610  ( FIG. 12 ) that is affixed to an underside of the handle  110 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 12 , a spring  512  provides a force on the underside of the guide bar  500  to hold it firmly against the support plate  610 . The spring  512  is held in place on a threaded shaft  511  by a knob  510  threaded onto the shaft  511 . The spring force is adjusted by tightening or loosening the knob  510 . The threaded shaft  511  passes through an aperture  513  in the support structure  610  and engages a threaded nut  514 , which is seated in a nut-shaped recess in the support plate  610  so it cannot rotate. The worker repositions the guide bar  500  by pushing the handle  110  or guide bar  500  against the spring force while rotating the handle  110  or the guide bar  500  to the new desired position, and then releasing the handle or guide bar. However, the spring  512  need not be used, in which case the knob  510  is loosened and re-tightened to allow repositioning of the guide bar  500 .  
      The guide bar  500  can be removed from the handle  110  so that the line-marking device  100  can be held flush against a surface to be marked, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 5-12 , the guide bar  500  is removably fastened to the handle  110  by removably fastening the support plate  610  to the handle  110  by a bolt  112  and knob  520  ( FIG. 12 ). The knob  520  is attached to the threaded shaft of the bolt  112 , which passes through an aperture  113  in the handle  110  and an aperture  114  in the support plate  610 . The head  121  of the bolt  112  is seated in a recess in the support plate  610  so it cannot rotate while seated in the recess. The knob  520  can be rotated in a clockwise direction to tighten the support structure  610  to the handle  110 , and rotated in a counter clockwise direction to release the support plate  610  from the handle  110 . Interlocking or engaging structure may be provided on the top of the plate  610  and the bottom of the handle  110  to further prevent movement of the support plate  610  relative to the handle  110 . Other means, such as quick-release mechanisms, may be used to removably secure the support plate to the handle.  
      In the embodiments depicted in  FIGS. 5-13 , the guide bar  500  is generally elongated with a central planar portion  505  ( FIG. 5 ) having a slot  508  through which the shaft  511  of the knob  510  extends. (In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 12 , the channel  1702  is provided on the outside of the front lip  502  of the guide bar  500 .) Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 7 , detent mechanisms or stop mechanisms may be provided on the support plate  610  and guide bar  500  to hold the guide bar  500  in predetermined angular positions, e.g., in 45 degree or 30 degree increments, relative to the frame  170 . For example, slots  612 ,  613  and  614  may be provided for holding a rear lip  507  of the guide bar  500  in predetermined angular positions. In conjunction with the spring-load adjustment knob  510  for the guide bar  500 , these slots functions as detents. However, other suitable detent or stop structure may be used.  
      As shown in  FIG. 5 , with the rear lip  507  in the slot  613 , the guide bar is at 90 degrees relative to the frame  170 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , with the rear lip  507  in the slot  614 , shown, the guide bar is at 45 degrees relative to the frame  170 . With the rear lip  507  in the detent  613 , (not shown) the guide bar would be at 135 degrees relative to the frame  170 . A front lip  502  of the guide bar  500  extends above the guide bar  500 , but may be extended only below the guide bar, or both above and below the guide bar, or may be eliminated. The rear lip  507  of the guide bar  500  extends above the guide bar  500  to engage the slots  612 - 614 , as discussed above.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 12 - 13 , a shuttle  640  carries a marking material  642  ( FIG. 12 ) such as chalk. The marking filament  200 , e.g., a chalk line, extends through apertures in the shuttle  640  so that when the shuttle is moved back and forth on the frame  170 , it, deposits the marking material on the filament to refresh it. The shuttle  640  is then returned to its nominal (rest) position substantially within the handle  110 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the shuttle  640  includes structure that rides on, and engages the undersides of, shoulders  173  of rails  171 ,  174 , respectively. In one embodiment, the shuttle  640  is provided with arms (not shown in the drawings) on its underside that engage the underside of shoulders  172  and  173 . However, when the shuttle  640  is in its stowed position, it is not engaged by shoulders  172 ,  173  and may be raised during a trigger operation, as discussed below. Also, as discussed above, the level  115  may be moved to the end of the frame  170 , or removed, when the shuttle  640  is to be moved to deposit marking material on the filament  200 . Other suitable structures may be provided to retain the shuttle  640  as it travels back and forth on the frame  170  while also allowing the shuttle  640  to be pulled upward during a trigger operation. Also, in another embodiment, a frame may be provided with only one rail with the filament being carried on one side of the rail, and the shuttle sliding on and being retained by the single rail.  
      The handle  110  ( FIGS. 5 and 12 ) includes a gripping portion  122 , a trigger device or assembly  650  (discussed below), and spirit or bubble levels  690  and  692 , which are provided in addition to, or instead of, the level  115  ( FIG. 1 ). In the preferred embodiment, the handle  110  is aligned in the direction of the elongated frame. However, it is possible for the handle to be aligned perpendicular to the frame  170 , or in some other orientation to facilitate use of the line-marking device in some applications. Such alignments may be executed in conjunction with features provided in other embodiments of the invention, e.g., an attached tape measure.  
      Referring to  FIG. 6 , a line-marking device  100  is provided with a protractor device  175  comprising angle markings  176 ,  177  on the rails  171 ,  174  of the frame  170 . The protractor device  175  facilitates positioning the guide bar  500  at a desired angle relative to the frame  170 . The frame  170  can be set to a desired angle by rotating the frame  170  relative to the guide bar  500  until the guide bar intersects the desired angle marking.  
      An angle can also be determined using the protractor device  175  by placing an edge of the frame  170  against one of the surfaces (or a reference on the surface) and an edge of the guide bar  500  against the other surface, then reading the angle from the particular angle marking  176  or  177  which intersects with the guide bar  500 . The angle markings  176  and  177  may be read based on the position of the lip  502  or a hash mark (not shown) on the guide bar  500 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , the angular setting is 45 degrees. The angle markings  176  and  177  provide a non-linear scale since uniform linear increments on the rails  171  and  174  do not translate to uniform angular movements of the guide bar  500 . The angle marking scale can be laid out using known mathematical relationships, templates or using other means, e.g., determining the angles empirically and calibrating the scale from the empirical angle determinations, that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The angle markings  176  and  177  need only be provided on the portions of the rails  171  and  174  that are swept by the guide bar  500 .  
      Thus, the protractor  175  can be used to set the filament  200  at a given angle with respect to the guide bar  500  or to measure an angle at which the frame is set relative to the guide bar. The protractor device  175  may also be used independently of snapping a line using a line-marking device, or as part of another device, to determine the angle of two joined surfaces, such as the edges of rafters, or to mark a desired angle. When the protractor is used alone, it may have two arms that are pivotably mounted to one another that are analogous to the guide bar  500  and frame  170 . A first arm, e.g., analogous to the frame  170 , has angle markings on an edge thereof that are swept, at least partly, by an edge of a second arm, e.g., analogous to the guide bar  500 , and an angle between the two arms is indicated according to a relative position of the edge of the second arm to the angle markings on the first arm.  
      A rear lip need not be provided for the guide bar  500  in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 6 , since the detents are not used and the rear lip might interfere with positioning of the guide bar  500 . A common guide bar having a lip on one side only can be used in the different embodiments by flipping the guide bar over so that the lip becomes a rear lip for engaging the detents of the support structure when predetermined angular settings are desired, or the lip becomes a front lip when detents are not used, such as the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 6 and 8 .  
      The guide bar  500  ( FIGS. 5 and 13 ) may also be used as part of an angle finder or replicator by reversing the plate  610  on the handle  110 , i.e., rotating the plate by 180 degrees so that the guide bar is now at the opposite end of the handle  110  as compared to the position shown in  FIGS. 4 and 13 . A reference mark is preferably placed on the rear of the handle in alignment with the filament  200  (or a line of sight may be used from the rear of the handle to the filament, which may not be as precise for measuring an angle as reference mark). The reversed-position guide bar  500  and the reference mark on the line-marking device may be used to find and replicate an angle finder as follows. The angle to be replicated is found by aligning the reference mark with one leg of the angle, the guide bar  500  and positioning guide bar  500  in alignment with the other leg of the triangle (by loosening knob  510 , pivoting the guide bar  500  to the aligned position, and then retightening the knob  510 ). Then, the position of the plate  610  is reversed back to the position shown in  FIGS. 4 and 13  without changing the pivoted position of the guide bar. This procedure may provide the complement of the angle to be replicated, as will be evident to tradesman and consumers of the type likely to use the marking device  100 , unless, for example, the marking device  100  is turned over between finding the angle and positioning the marking device  100  to replicate the found angle so a line can be applied by the marking device  10  at the replicated angle. Alternatively, if a protractor is stamped on the pivoting end of the guide bar, then the angle so found can be noted, and then replicated as described above in connection with the protractor device  175 . As discussed above, the guide bar  500  is mounted under pressure of a spring load (spring  512  in  FIG. 13 ), so that the formed angle is maintained until the holding knob  510  ( FIG. 5 ) can be tightened to secure the positions of the guide bar and the handle relative to each other.  
       FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate an embodiment of a line-marking device that includes a protractor  810 . As an alternative to the use of the protractor  175  in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 6 , the protractor  810  may be mounted on the line-marking device to indicate an angular position of the frame  170  relative to the surface to be marked and the guide bar  500 . The protractor  810  has angle markings along its periphery, and is removably secured in a fixed relationship to the guide bar  500 , for example, by a threaded shaft  511  and knob  510 . An angular reading is made based on the relative position of the angle markings on the protractor  810  and hash marks  820  and  822  carried on opposite sides of the handle  110 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the protractor  810  is read at the hash mark  820 , which indicates an angular setting of 45 degrees. The protractor  810  may be made of plastic, metal or other material similar to or different from the material of which the guide bar  500  is made, and may be shaped with a straight edge that abuts the front lip  502  of the guide bar  500  so that the protractor  810  rotates with the guide bar  500 . Other variations are possible, such as having the protractor rotate with the handle  110 , and having hash marks on the guide bar  500 . The protractor  810  is removably positionable between the guide bar  500  and the elongated frame so that it can be easily inserted or removed by detaching the knob  510  and removing the protractor from the shaft  511 .  
      In another embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , a protractor  810   a  may be permanently attached to or provided integral (i.e., unitary) with the guide bar  500 . For example, the protractor  810   a  may be printed, engraved, stamped or otherwise applied to a disc or decal permanently affixed to the guide bar  500 , or printed, engraved, stamped, etc., directly to the guide bar  500 .  
      In another embodiment (not shown), the protractor  810   a  depicted in  FIG. 11  is positioned at an end of the guide bar  500 . To use the protractor in this embodiment, the guide bar  500  is moved until the shaft  513  is at the end of the slot  508 , and therefore at the center of the protractor. Positioning the protractor  810   a  at the end of the guide bar  500  may facilitate use in some applications. In this embodiment, a boss is preferably provided concentric with shaft  511 , and a complementary recess at each end of the slot in the center of the protractor located at the end of the guide bar, to ensure that, in use, the shaft  511  is seated at the center of the protractor.  
      The handle  110  ( FIGS. 5 and 12 ) includes a gripping portion  122  and a trigger device or assembly  650 . As shown in  FIGS. 12-18 , the trigger device  650  includes a manually actuatable trigger device  650  that includes a trigger lever  651 . The trigger lever  651  pivots relative to the handle  110  about a pin  652  and is biased forward (towards the end of frame  170 ) in the handle  110  by a leaf spring  654 . A lifter arm  655  having a bottom portion  670  and opposing sidewalls pivots relative to the handle  110  about a pin  657 . A leaf spring  659  biases the lifter arm  655  downward. A rocker arm  660  is carried by the lifter arm  655  and pivots relative to the lifter arm  655  about a pin  662 . The leaf spring  659  also biases the rocker arm  660  rearward. A tab  656  of the lifter arm  655  projects into a recess or slot  646  of the shuttle  640  when the shuttle  640  is in the stowed position depicted in  FIG. 12 . The marking filament  200  is routed through apertures in the shuttle  640  so that it communicates with the marking substance  642  and terminates at a terminal point  644  in the handle  110 . Preferably, the terminal point  644  can be easily reached so that the marking filament  200  can be replaced when it wears out. The various components of the trigger device may be formed from suitable materials such as plastic or metal, for example. Alternatively, the trigger lever  651  is biased forward, and the trigger actuated backward with an index finger.  
      Operation of the trigger device  650  is the same with and without the guide bar  500  and support plate  610  attached. (In  FIG. 12 , the guide bar  500  is set so that a line can be marked on a surface  800  at a specific angle, e.g., 90 degrees.) Referring to  FIG. 12 , as the trigger lever  651  is moved rearward (counterclockwise in  FIG. 12 ) from the forward wall of slot  119 , which functions as a stop, a tip  658  of the trigger lever  651  engages a shoulder  661  of the rocker arm  660 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , further movement of the trigger lever  651  raises the rocker arm  660 . Since the pin  662  of the rocker arm  660  is carried by the lifter arm  655 , the lifter arm  655  and the tab  656  are also raised. The tab  656  in turn raises still the shuttle  640  via its shoulder  656 . This upward movement of the shuttle  640  pulls the marking filament  200  away from its nominal position in the frame  170 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 14 , as the rocker arm  660  is raised still further by rearward movement of the trigger lever  651 , the sloped cam surface  663  of the rocker arm  660  contacts sloped spaced-apart cam surfaces  131  and  132 . The cam surface  663  of the rocker arm  660  is wider than the trigger lever  650  to allow the trigger component  650  to rotate between the sloping cam surfaces  131  and  132  upon further backward pivoting of the trigger lever  651 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 16 , still further rearward pivoting of the trigger lever  651  causes the rocker arm  660  to be cammed forwardly along the cam surfaces  131 ,  132  and the cam surface  663  of the rocker arm  660  to slide along the spaced-apart cam surfaces  131  and  132  until the tip  658  of the trigger level moves past the shoulder  661 , which is the release position. In the release position, shown in broken lines in  FIG. 12 , the tip  658  of the trigger component  650  disengages from the shoulder  661  of the rocker arm  660 . At this time, the spring energy of the leaf spring  659  causes the rocker arm  660 , lifter arm  655 , lifting tab  656 , shuttle  640  to revert to their nominal home positions and for the marking filament to snap back to its nominal home position. As a result, the marking filament snaps down on the surface to be marked and deposits the marking substance thereon. Thus, the leaf spring  659  is loaded when the trigger component  650  is pulled back from its nominal position toward the release position. When the release position is reached, the spring is unloaded to cause the marking filament  200  to snap back to its nominal position.  
      Referring to  FIG. 4 , the marking filament  200  is shown in its nominal position in solid lines and in its raised position, e.g., the release position, in broken lines. After the marking filament  200  snaps back to its nominal position, the worker may release the trigger component  650  to allow it to return to its nominal position under the force of the leaf spring  654 . The trigger component  650  can be actuated repeatedly to make repeated lines.  
       FIG. 17  illustrates the movement of the trigger assembly of the line-marking device  100  which causes the shuttle  640  to move along the elongated frame  170  providing a marking substance, such as chalk, to the marking filament  200  for transfer to a surface when the marking filament  200  is snapped.  
      In practice, the line-marking device can be easily used by novices and professionals, as well as people with different hand strengths and flexibilities, to mark multiple lines of consistent darkness by moving the manually operable trigger lever  651  rearward with a finger or thumb. After one line has been made, the line-marking device can be quickly repositioned to mark another line quickly and effortlessly. Since the marking filament is raised above its nominal position each time to the same height and with the same spring energy, it will snap back with the same force, resulting in consistent, high quality lines. The height and spring energy can be set based on factors such as the weight, length and type of the marking filament and marking substance. For example, a greater height and spring force may be used for a longer or heavier marking filament. While a specific design has been shown, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the functionality described may be achieved using various components. For example, the trigger lever  651  may be fashioned as a push button or like the trigger on a gun. It is also possible to provide electrically actuatable components to provide the functionality described. Also, a trigger device may be developed to raise and release the marking filament directly rather than via the shuttle.  
      Referring to  FIG. 18 , a line-marking device  100  is provided with a retractable tape measure  1500  for measuring variable distances from the marking filament  200  by extending the tape  1605 . The tape measure  1500  may itself be conventional and include means for selectively holding the tape in an extended position. A holder  1610  for the tape measure  1500  may be secured to the handle  110  using an L-shaped bracket  1620 , for example, or integrated into the handle itself, e.g., as part of the molding process for the handle parts. In another embodiment, the tape measure  1500  may be directly attached to the handle. The holder  1610  may be made of plastic or metal, for example, and sized to house a conventional tape measure. The holder  1610  may be basket-shaped with an opening at a corner for the tape to pass through when extended, and configured to allow the tape measure  1500  to be easily inserted and removed. The tape measure  1500  is held so that the tape  1605  can be extended in a predetermined relationship to the frame  170  and marking filament  200 . For example, the tape measure may be held by the holder  1610  so that the extension of the tape  1605  is substantially perpendicular to the marking filament  200 , in which case the tape can be used to measure a distance that is perpendicular to the marking filament  200 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 18 , the tape  1605  extends over the frame  170 . However, the tape  1065  can be extended under the frame  170  through a slot or channel (not shown) therein in a manner that does not interfere with movement of the filament  200  during a marking operation.  
      In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 18 , the end of the tape is at a distance of about 5¼ inches from the filament  200 . The reading on the tape  1605  is taken by viewing the line-marking device from above. A marking device  100  with a tape measure  100  can be used to mark a line a given distance from a reference point such as the end of a wall panel, or when multiple parallel lines need to be marked at a constant or other specified distance from one another using only one hand. Other measuring devices such as a self-supporting, e.g., rigid, member  1700  bearing a distance scale or notation (in English or Metric System) may be removably attached for this purpose, as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 5 and 12 . (As discussed above, this embodiment is illustrated only in  FIGS. 5 and 12 .) In this embodiment, the self-supporting member or strip  1700  may be displaced, i.e., extended, in a channel  1702  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) on the outer surface of the edge  502  of the guide bar  500 . The channel  1702  extends for a substantial distance, e.g., approximately the length of the front lip  502  of the guide bar  500 , so that the line-marking device  100  does not rock or pivot about the channel when the channel is against the edge of the surface  530  to be marked as shown in  FIG. 12 . The channel  1702  is preferably constructed so as, or provided with means, to provide frictional engagement of the self-supporting strip  1700  therein so that the self-supporting strip is maintained in the position to which it has been moved. For example, as shown in  FIG. 12 , a leaf spring  1704  is provided extending, e.g., longitudinally in the channel  1702 , and one or more projections  1706  of suitable shape, e.g., hemispherical, are provided opposite the leaf spring  1704  to frictionally engage the self-supporting strip  1700  therebetween, The self-supporting strip  1700  may be provided with a tab  1708  at one end to abut the edge of the surface  530  to be measured during a measurement, in order to facilitate quick and easy repetitive markings. In another embodiment, the self-supporting strip is mounted to be displaceable parallel to the filament by suitable structure, through which the strip is displaceable, mounted to the side or an end of the frame. The strip  1700  may be made of any suitable material, e.g., metal, plastic, wood.  
      In another embodiment (not shown), the holder  1610  may be positioned so that the tape  1605  extends substantially parallel to the elongated frame  170 . For example, the holder  1610  may be secured alongside the handle  110  using any appropriate fasteners and/or brackets. This may be useful, e.g., in measuring a distance from the guide bar  500 . Structure may also be provided for pivoting the holder  1610  to position it perpendicular or parallel to the frame  170 , or in other relative positions.  
      While the invention has been described and illustrated in connection with preferred embodiments, many variations and modifications as will be evident to those skilled in this art may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and the invention is thus not to be limited to the precise details of methodology or construction set forth above as such variations and modification are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.