Patent Publication Number: US-8533966-B2

Title: Chalk line holding device

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a nonprovisional of and claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application 61/326,713, filed Apr. 22, 2010, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein and made a part hereof by this reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to chalk lines, and, more particularly, to a device for holding and aligning a free end of a chalk line. 
     BACKGROUND 
     As is well known to tradesmen, a chalk line is an indispensible tool for marking long, straight lines on relatively flat surfaces, with endpoints spaced much farther apart than is practical with a straightedge. The tool typically comprises a refillable metal or plastic case containing powdered chalk and a spool of string (e.g., typically about 18- to 50-feet of line). A hook ring on the outside of the case attaches to the free the end of the string. A rewind crank connected to the spool is located on the side of the tool for winding the line into the case when the mark is made. The case typically has one pointed end so that it can double as a plumb bob. 
     A user marks straight lines by snapping the taut string coated and/or impregnated with dyed chalk. In use, the tool may be shaken to distribute chalk evenly inside the case. Next, the chalked string is laid across the surface to be marked and pulled tight. If possible, this entails connecting the hook ring to a stationary object at one endpoint of the line and pulling the case away from that endpoint towards the opposite endpoint of the line. As the case is pulled away, chalked line is withdrawn from the case. When the second endpoint is reached, the line is pulled taut. The string is then plucked or snapped sharply to cause the string to strike the surface, leaving a straight line of chalk residue. 
     To function properly, the ends of the string must be pulled in opposite directions until the desired length and tension are achieved. Because the length of string frequently exceeds a person&#39;s arm span, and because the taut string must be plucked, one individual alone typically cannot use a chalk line, unless the free end can be secured to something. In some situations, a nail may be driven into a surface to secure the hook ring at the free end to an endpoint. However, in other situations nailing may be impractical, because, for example, the surfaces may be finished or comprised of a material (e.g., a non-wood material) that is not suitable for receiving a nail. By way of example and not limitation, a nail cannot easily be driven into masonry or tile. 
     What is needed is an easy to use, portable, reliable, cost effective tool for securing the free end of a chalk line flush with various surfaces, without damaging the chalk line or the surface to be marked, and while centering the line at the desired end point. 
     The invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems and solving one or more of the needs as set forth above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     To solve one or more of the problems set forth above, in an exemplary implementation of the invention, a chalk line holding device for holding an end of a chalk line is provided. The chalk line includes a cord with a hook ring at the end. The hook ring includes a hook portion and a ring portion. The chalk line holding device includes a body, which is a three-dimensional structure, a hook retainer coupled to the body and a cord holder coupled to the body. The hook retainer engages the hook ring of the chalk line. The cord holder includes a base portion coupled to the body and a leading edge with a leading edge groove configured to engage a portion of the cord. The body may be comprised of a dense material, such solid steel (e.g., 8 to 216 cubic inches of solid steel), or a hollow container fillable with a dense material such as concrete, aggregate or sand, or a planar surface on which a heavy object may be placed. 
     The cord holder may be an L-shaped member, including the base portion and a holding portion generally perpendicular to the base portion. The leading edge of the cord holder defines a free end of the holding portion. The leading edge groove is at the bottom of the leading edge. The leading edge may include a pair of spaced apart feet, with the leading edge groove being a groove space between the feet. The bottom of the cord holder may include a cord space. A vertical groove is provided in the holding portion in alignment with the hook retainer. 
     A handle (e.g., an L-shaped handle) may be coupled to the body. The handle may be fixed or adjustable (e.g., adjustable in height and/or angular position). A coupler (referred to herein as a bushing) may be attached to the body. Components, such as the cord holder, hook retainer and/or handle may be attachable to the coupler. This facilitates manufacture, especially if the body is a heavy piece of steel. 
     The hook retainer may project outward from the body and include a head and threaded shank. The diameter of the threaded shank is smaller than the minor diameter of the ring portion and the diameter of the head may be larger than at least a portion of the minor diameter of the ring portion. The ring portion may have an opening with a uniform or varying diameter. In the latter case a major diameter may allow the ring portion to slide over the head. Then the minor diameter may be retained by the head. A sleeve may cover a portion of the threaded shank. 
     Alternatively, the hook retainer may be a slot in the body. The slot may be configured to receive the hook portion of the hook ring. 
     Optionally one or more laser emitters may be coupled to the body. The laser emitters emit a visible laser beam. They may be used for alignment and squaring. The laser emitters may be fixedly attached or removably attached. 
     A channel extends along the bottom from the front to the rear of the body. The channel provides a passageway for the cord. The bottom may include a non-slip pad, with the channel being defined in the non-slip pad. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of the invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, where: 
         FIG. 1  is a top front perspective view of an exemplary chalk line holding device according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 2  is a top front perspective view of an exemplary chalk line holding device with a chalk line extending forward according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 3  is a top front perspective view of an exemplary chalk line holding device with a chalk line extending rearward according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 4  is a top back perspective view of an exemplary chalk line holding device according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom back perspective view of an exemplary chalk line holding device according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of an exemplary chalk line holding device according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary chalk line holding device according to principles of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an exemplary cord holder of an exemplary chalk line holding device according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of an exemplary bushing of an exemplary chalk line holding device according to principles of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a plan view of an exemplary pair of pads for an exemplary chalk line holding device  100  according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 11  is a top back perspective view of an exemplary chalk line holding device with lasers according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 12  provides perspective views of various alternative embodiments of an exemplary chalk line holding device according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 13  is a top perspective view with alternative hook views for an exemplary alternative chalk line holding device according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 14  is a top perspective view of a portion of an exemplary alternative chalk line holding device according to principles of the invention. 
     
    
    
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures are not intended to be drawn to any particular scale; nor are the figures intended to illustrate every embodiment of the invention. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments depicted in the figures or the configuration, shapes, relative sizes, ornamental aspects or proportions of the components and assemblies shown in the figures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a top front perspective view of an exemplary chalk line holding device  100  according to principles of the invention is shown. The device generally comprises a hook retainer  165  and cord holder  120  coupled to a body  105  with a bottom, such as bottom pad  190 , defining a bottom channel  195  through which a line may be extended rearward. 
     The hook retainer  165  projects forward from the body  105 . The hook retainer  165  includes a feature for securing a hook ring at the free end of a chalk line, while the line extending from the hook ring is secured by the cord holder  120 . A bushing  155  couples the hook retainer  165  to the body  105 . The hook retainer  165  includes a neck  175  and a head  170 . The neck  175  has a smaller diameter than the opening in the hook ring. The head  170  has a larger diameter than the neck  175 . In an exemplary embodiment, the head  170  and neck  175  comprise a screw. Thus, the screw may be removed to slip the neck through the opening in the hook ring and threaded into a threaded opening of the hook retainer, thereby securing the hook ring to the hook retainer  165 . Alternatively, the head  170  of the screw may be sufficiently small to fit through the opening in the hook ring. Notably, the neck  175  of the hook retainer  165  is positioned above the slot  125  of the cord holder  120 . 
     The cord holder  120  comprises an L-shaped structure. One leg of the L includes a free end secured by the bushing  155 . The other leg of the L includes a leading edge  135 , a leading edge groove  130  at the bottom of the leading edge  135  defined between a pair of hoof-like feet  145 , a cord space  150  beneath the cord holder  120 , a vertical groove  125  beneath and approximately aligned with the neck  175  of the hook retainer  165 . The leading edge  135  is an inclined plane  135  with a central longitudinal guide line  140 . The inclined plane of the leading edge  135  enhances visibility of the guide line  140 . The guide line  140  may be painted, printed, embossed, engraved or otherwise visibly formed on the leading edge  135 . The guide line  140  facilitates alignment with a pencil mark  102  or other reference indicia. The cord space  150  allows passage of a line beneath the cord holder  120 . The vertical groove  125  beneath and approximately aligned with the neck  175  of the hook retainer  165  allows the hook retainer  165  to engage a hook ring  205 , while the line  200  extends downwardly through the vertical groove  125  and then either forward through the cord space  150  and through the groove  130 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , or rearward through the bottom channel  195  beneath the body  105 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In each case, the vertical groove  125  is configured (i.e., has sufficient depth) to allow the line to extend along the midline of the cord holder  120 . Cord holders having shapes other than an L, and cord holders secured to the bushing or body using other fastening means may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     A handle  110  projects upwardly from the body  105 . The handle  110  facilitates carrying, placement and orientation of the device  100 . The exemplary handle  110  is generally L-shaped with one segment  115  extending into a channel of the bushing  155 . A threaded shank of the knob  180  threads into the bushing  155  and secures the segment  115  of the handle  110  to the bushing  155 . The other segment  112  of the handle  110  is generally perpendicular to the segment  115  engaged by the bushing  155 . The handle  110  may swivel by loosening the knob  180 . Swiveling allows a convenient orientation and avoidance of nearby obstacles. Handles having shapes other than an L, and handles secured to the bushing or body using other fastening means may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     The bushing  155  couples various components to the body  105 . In an exemplary embodiment, the bushing  155  couples the handle  110 , cord holder  120  and hook retainer  165  to the body  105 . In the exemplary embodiment, a pair of screws  160  secures the bushing  155  to the body. Secured ends of the handle  110 , cord holder  120  and hook retainer  165  are received in female channels provided in the bushing  155 . Screws, such as the handle knob  180  and hook retainer  165  secure the ends of handle  110  and cord holder  120  in their respective channels. Bushings having shapes other than cubic, and embodiments without a bushing or a bushing secured to the body using other fastening means may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     The body  105  has sufficient mass or inertia to hold a retained chalk line in place while the line  200  is plucked. In a preferred embodiment, the body comprises solid metal (e.g., steel), such as a block of steel having dimensions of 2 to 6 inches in width, by 2 to 6 inches in height, by 2 to 6 inches in depth. However, bodies comprised of other materials and having other dimensions and shapes may be used within the spirit and scope of the invention. By way of example and not limitation, an alternative body may comprise a hollow body that includes a compartment that may be filled with a dense material (e.g., concrete, sand or aggregate), or a body equipped with suction cups to secure the body in place on smooth non-porous (e.g., the or glass) surfaces, or a planar body upon which a heavy object may be placed. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a top front perspective view of an exemplary chalk line holding device  100  with a chalk line  200  extending forward according to principles of the invention is conceptually illustrated. A hook ring  205  is retained behind the head  170  on the neck  175  of the hook retainer  165 . A line  200  extends from the hook ring  205  down through the vertical groove  125 . The line  200  then bends and extends forward in the cord space  150  and through the leading edge groove  130  at the bottom of the leading edge  135  defined between the pair of hoof-like feet  145 . In this implementation, the rear of the body  105  may abut a surface such as a wall or floor. The handle  110  does not interfere with a wall or floor because the horizontal segment  110  does not extend past the rear of the body  105 . Additionally, the handle  110  may be swiveled to avoid interference with a structure such as a floor or wall. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a top front perspective view of an exemplary chalk line holding device  100  with a chalk line  200  extending rearward according to principles of the invention is conceptually shown. A hook ring  205  is retained behind the head  170  on the neck  175  of the hook retainer  165 . A line  200  extends forwardly from the retained hook ring  205  down through the leading edge groove  130 . The line  200  then bends and extends rearward in the cord space  150  and through the channel  195  between the portions of the bottom pad  190 . In this implementation, the free end of the leading edge may abut a surface such as a wall. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a chalk line holding device  100  according to principles of the invention is quite versatile. A line  200  may extend forward or rearward. The body  105  or leading edge  135  may be positioned flush against a structure. 
       FIG. 4  is a top back perspective view of an exemplary chalk line holding device  100  according to principles of the invention. The channel  195  between the pad portions  185 ,  190  is clearly visible. Optionally, a gauge  197  may be provided above the channel  195  to clearly identify the center of the channel  195 . The gauge  197  may comprise one or more indicia, such as a visible line denoting the center of the channel. The visible line of the gauge  197  may be painted, printed, embossed, engraved or otherwise visibly formed. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a bottom back perspective view of an exemplary chalk line holding device  100  according to principles of the invention is conceptually shown. Again, the channel  195  between the pad portions  185 ,  190  is clearly visible. The exemplary channel tapers in width, with a narrower width at the front and a wider width at the back. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a side view of an exemplary chalk line holding device  100  according to principles of the invention is conceptually illustrated. The chalk line  200  extends forward and then upward. A hook ring  205  is retained behind the head  170  on the neck  175  of the hook retainer  165 . The line  200  extends from the hook ring  205  down through the vertical groove  125 . The line  200  then bends and extends forward in the cord space  150  and through the leading edge groove  130  at the bottom of the leading edge  135  defined between the pair of hoof-like feet  145 . The line  200  then bends and extends upward. In this implementation, the leading edge  135  may urge the line  200  at the leading edge  135  against a corner formed by a wall and floor. This implementation enables forming a chalk line on a vertical surface such as a wall. 
       FIG. 7  provides an exploded perspective view of an exemplary chalk line holding device  100  according to principles of the invention. The exemplary bushing  155  includes a pair of holes  220  (e.g., unthreaded holes) aligned with threaded holes  215  in the body  105 . Screws  210  extend through the holes  220 ,  221  in the bushing  155  and thread into the holes  215  in the body  105  to secure the bushing  155  to the body  105 . A knob  180  (i.e., thumbscrew) with a threaded shaft extends into a threaded hole  225  to secure the handle to the bushing. A screw having a head  170  and threaded shank  175  secures the hook retainer  165  to another threaded hole  225  in the bushing  155 . The screw also fastens the cord holder  226  to the bushing. 
       FIG. 8  is a magnified perspective view of the tip of an exemplary cord holder  120  of an exemplary chalk line holding device  100  according to principles of the invention. Hidden lines are dotted in  FIG. 8 . The tip includes a leading edge  135 , a leading edge groove  130  at the bottom of the leading edge  135  defined between a pair of hoof-like feet  145 , a cord space  150  beneath the cord holder  120 , a vertical groove  125  beneath and approximately aligned with the neck  175  of the hook retainer  165 . The leading edge  135  is an inclined plane  135  with a central longitudinal guide line  140 . The inclined plane of the leading edge  135  enhances visibility of the guide line  140 . The guide line  140  may be painted, printed, embossed, engraved or otherwise visibly formed on the leading edge  135 . The guide line  140  facilitates alignment with a pencil mark  102  or other reference indicia. The leading edge groove  130  allows passage of the cord  200  below the leading edge  135 . The cord space  150  allows passage of a line beneath the cord holder  120 . The vertical groove  125  beneath and approximately aligned with the neck  175  of the hook retainer  165  allows the hook retainer  165  to engage a hook ring  205 , while the line extends downwardly through the vertical groove  125  and then either forward through the cord space  150  and through the groove  130  or rearward through the bottom channel  195  beneath the body  105 . 
       FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of an exemplary bushing  155  of an exemplary chalk line holding device  100  according to principles of the invention. The bushing  155  includes a pair of holes  220 ,  221  (e.g., unthreaded holes) aligned with threaded holes  215  in the body  105 . Screws  210  extend through the holes  200  in the bushing  155  and thread into the holes  215  in the body  105  to secure the bushing  155  to the body  105 . The upper threaded hole  225  is in communication with (i.e., extends to) the top channel  230 . A knob  180  (i.e., thumbscrew with a threaded shaft) extends into the upper threaded hole  225  to secure the handle  110  to the bushing  155 . An end of the vertical leg  115  of the handle  110  is received in the top channel  230 . A screw having a head  170  and shank  175  secures the hook retainer  165  to the lower threaded hole  226  in the bushing  155 . The lower threaded hole  226  is in communication with (i.e., extends to) the bottom channel  240 . The screw also fastens the cord holder  120  to the bushing  155 . An end of the cord holder  120  is received in the bottom channel  240 . 
       FIG. 10  is a plan view of an exemplary bottom assembly comprising a pair of pads for an exemplary chalk line holding device  100  according to principles of the invention. The channel  195  between the pad portions  185 ,  190  is clearly visible. The exemplary channel tapers in width, with a narrower width, w 1 , at the front and a wider width, w 2 , at the back. The total width, w 3 , is preferably equal to or about equal to the width of the body  105 . The total length, l, is preferably equal to or about equal to the length of the body  105 . The pad preferably is a rubber or other elastomer that exhibits a high coefficient of friction, to resist sliding motion, on surfaces of construction material on which a line will be formed (e.g., wood, tile, concrete, dry wall, plaster, steel, glass, aluminum, vinyl, etc.). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , a top back perspective view of an exemplary chalk line holding device  100  with laser modules  245 ,  250  according to principles of the invention. The laser modules  245 ,  250  are oriented at a right angle relative to each other. Each laser module  245 ,  250  emits a straight beam of visible laser light, which may be used to determine alignment and orientation. Thus, for example, after a first chalk line has been formed, the laser modules may be used to generate a perpendicular laser line and mark the surface so that a perpendicular chalk line may be formed. 
       FIG. 12  provides perspective views of various alternative embodiments of an exemplary chalk line holding device  100  according to principles of the invention. Embodiment A shows a unit equipped with a pair of laser modules  245 ,  250 . The laser modules  245 ,  250  may be used as discussed above. Embodiment B depicts a unit with a retainer  310  and cord holder  305  that are substantially flush to the body. Embodiment C depicts a unit with a retainer slot  315  in the body  105  for receiving the hook of a hook ring  205  and a cord holder  305  that is substantially flush to the body. Embodiment D depicts a unit with a retainer slot in the body  105  for receiving the hook of a hook ring  205  and a cord extending rearward through a channel in the pads  185 ,  195  at the bottom of the body  105 . Embodiment E depicts a unit with a wide body  150  and a retainer slot  315  in the top rear of the body  105  for receiving the hook of a hook ring  205  and a vertically and angularly adjustable cord holder  320  that is substantially flush to the body. Embodiment F depicts a unit with a retainer slot  315  in the top rear of the body  105  for receiving the hook of a hook ring  205  and an adjustable cord holder  320  that is substantially flush to the body  105 . Embodiment G includes a body that contains powdered chalk  325  and a spool of string  330  with a rewind crank connected to the spool to rewind the line into the body when the mark is made. Embodiment H depicts a unit with a wide body  150  and a retainer slot  315  in the top rear of the body  105  for receiving the hook of a hook ring  205  and a channel between bottom pads  185 ,  195  extending through the bottom of body as a cord guide. Embodiment I depicts a unit with a retainer slot  335  in the bottom rear of the body  105  for receiving the hook of a hook ring  205  and a channel between bottom pads  185 ,  195  extending through the bottom of body as a cord guide. 
       FIG. 13  is a top perspective exploded view of an exemplary alternative chalk line holding device  100  according to principles of the invention. The body  260  comprises a planar surface upon which a mass is placed to resist movement. The weight of the mass is symbolized by the downward arrow  290 . Pads  265 ,  270  are provided on the bottom of the body  260 . A hook  275  to which a hook ring  280  may be attached projects from the channel between the pads  265 ,  270 . The hook  275  may be oriented upward or downward. 
       FIG. 14  is a top perspective view of another exemplary alternative chalk line holding device  100  according to principles of the invention. In this embodiment, the body  295  is hollow, with an interior compartment  305  accessible through a cover  300 . The compartment  305  may be filled with a mass to provide weight to the body. This embodiment facilitates shipping and handling. 
     While an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been described, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum relationships for the components and steps of the invention, including variations in order, form, content, function and manner of operation, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. The above description and drawings are illustrative of modifications that can be made without departing from the present invention, the scope of which is to be limited only by the following claims. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.