Patent Abstract:
A hands-free measuring instrument is disclosed. The disclosed instrument includes an upright member extending perpendicularly from a base member. At least one magnet is affixed to the instrument to facilitate the mounting thereof on a ferrous workpiece. The disclosed instrument includes at least one bubble level disposed thereupon. Graduations may be provided on the instrument to facilitate measurement of linear distances. Embodiments are provided wherein a spring-loaded spike is disposed within the instrument that is adapted to secure the measuring instrument to a workpiece which may be non-ferrous. The spike assembly may be configured to work with commonly used building materials, e.g., wood, drywall, masonry, and sheet metal surfaces.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/112,903 entitled “PLATFORM RULER”, filed Nov. 10, 2008 by Louis A. Norelli, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    The present disclosure relates to measuring instruments, and more particularly, to an instrument for assisting in the process of plumbing, leveling, or making straight any individual or interconnected objects of any shape for use by builders, carpenters, iron workers, masons, and other tradespersons. 
         [0004]    2. Background of Related Art 
         [0005]    The ruler, extension ruler, and tape measure are among the most commonly used measuring devices in the construction field. These measuring devices can also act as a guide or a gauge when building to plumb, level or straight is required. When undertaking a construction project, these qualities are essential to providing a professional and accurate product. This demand for accuracy creates challenges for a builder. 
         [0006]    Different methods may be used by a builder to achieve plumb, level, and straight. When building to plumb or level, a builder can use a bubble level to fulfill these requirements. A bubble level&#39;s accuracy may be diminished by the length of the level relative to the length or size of the project being built. When a long horizontal span is required, the builder may use a dry line or laser to achieve better accuracy. For a vertical application, a plumb bob line or laser may used for better accuracy. 
         [0007]    A useful skill in building to these requirements is the ability to fasten or secure material precisely and consistently. When setting up material to be fastened or secured, adjustments often need to be made to the material. However, when adjusting the material, a builder may often place the measuring device back in a tool belt, or otherwise put the measuring device aside, so that one or both hands can be used to adjust the building material. Occasionally, one hand can adjust material while the other hand holds the measuring device. When the desired dimension is found, both hands again may need to be freed to perform the fastening process. Consequently, a carpenter may be unable to assess or monitor the corresponding measurement until after the material is fastened or secured. Once the material is fastened or secured, the measurement will be checked again to ensure that the material did not move while fastening or securing the material. If the material moved during the fastening process, the fastening must be undone and the process repeated. This same procedure is needed not only for vertical applications, but for horizontal, levels and straights as well. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    The present disclosure is directed to a measuring instrument adapted to facilitate hands-free measuring in one or more (e.g., upright, horizontal or upsidedown) orientations. In one envisioned embodiment, the disclosed instrument includes a base, and a body projecting orthogonally therefrom. The instrument may include ruler graduations, one or more bubble level vials, one or more notches adapted to operably engage a line (e.g., string) and/or one or more pilot holes. In an embodiment, the disclosed instrument includes one or more magnets to facilitate the mounting thereof on ferrous material. A spring-loaded spike assembly may be included in the instrument to facilitate the mounting thereof on wooden material, on gypsum-based materials (e.g., wallboard such as Sheetrock®, manufactured by USG Corporation of Chicago, Ill., United States), on composite materials (e.g., polymer-based materials such as Trex®, manufactured by Trex Company of Winchester, Va., United States), and the like. 
         [0009]    The disclosed instrument may provide utility for many different purposes, including without limitation, measuring, leveling, and squaring material. It is contemplated that an instrument in accordance with the present disclosure may be fixed in place temporarily, which may enable a builder to adjust material to its desired position, distance, and/or orientation, and fasten the material at the same time in a “hands-free” manner. It may remain in place to confirm that the fastening process was accurate. 
         [0010]    The base may be adapted for particular purposes. For example and without limitation, the base may be magnetized which may be useful when a builder is framing metal studs or metal door frames. The disclosed device may enable a carpenter to take vertical readings without manually holding the measuring device. The disclosed device may be positioned vertically for horizontal reading, either right side up or upside down, as is typically required when constructing fascias, soffits, or free standing walls. Metal track (e.g., suspended ceilings) can be lowered or raised to the corresponding dimensions established by the builder, with the use of a dry line or a laser line. 
         [0011]    The base of the disclosed instrument may include a screw or other threaded means for attaching to wood, and/or may include a suction device (e.g., a suction cup) for attaching the base to glass or non-magnetic metals (e.g., aluminum). The base may provide a balanced and sturdy mounting that is well-adapted to the leveling of concrete (“mud”) floors, subfloors and raised flooring, e.g., computer room floors. 
         [0012]    In an embodiment, the disclosed hands-free measuring instrument includes a base member having a top surface and a bottom surface. An upright member is coupled to the top surface base and extends orthogonally (e.g., at a right angle) therefrom. A first magnet may be disposed on a bottom surface of the base member to enable the instrument to be magnetically secured to a ferrous workpiece. A second magnet may additionally or alternatively be disposed on a vertical edge of the upright member. The instrument includes at least one bubble level vial disposed on the instrument, and may include one bubble level disposed horizontally on the base member, and/or one bubble level disposed vertically on the upright member. 
         [0013]    In embodiments, a spike assembly may be disposed within the instrument that is adapted to mechanically secure the measuring instrument to a workpiece. The spike assembly may include a shaft slidably disposed within the upright member. A top end of the shaft may extend upwardly beyond a top surface of the upright member. The bottom end of the shaft may include a spike tip coupled thereto. The shaft includes at least one stop member configured to limit upward and/or downward travel of the shaft. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1A  shows a top-left perspective view of an embodiment of a hands-free measuring instrument in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0016]      FIG. 1B  shows a bottom-right perspective view of an embodiment of a hands-free measuring instrument in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0017]      FIG. 1C  shows a left-rear perspective view of an embodiment of a hands-free measuring instrument in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0018]      FIG. 1D  shows a right-rear perspective view of an embodiment of a hands-free measuring instrument in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2A  is a rear plan view of an embodiment of a hands-free measuring instrument in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2B  is a side plan view of an embodiment of a hands-free measuring instrument in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2C  is a front plan view of an embodiment of a hands-free measuring instrument in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2D  is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of a hands-free measuring instrument in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2E  is a top plan view of an embodiment of a hands-free measuring instrument in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3A  shows a top-left perspective view of another embodiment of a hands-free measuring instrument in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3B  shows a bottom-right perspective view of another embodiment of a hands-free measuring instrument in accordance with the present disclosure; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  shows a side, cutaway view of another embodiment of a hands-free measuring instrument in accordance with the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Well-known and/or repetitive functions and constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary or redundant detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. 
         [0028]    As used herein, terms referencing orientation, e.g., “top”, “bottom”, “up”, “down”, “left”, “right” and the like are used for illustrative purposes with reference to the figures and corresponding axes shown therein. However, it is to be understood that an instrument in accordance with the present disclosure may be utilized in any orientation without limitation. 
         [0029]    With reference to  FIGS. 1A-1D  and  2 A- 2 E, an embodiment of a hands-free measuring instrument  100  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. The disclosed instrument  100  includes a base  116  having an upright  110  extending orthogonally therefrom. Base  116  and upright  110  may be integrally formed, and/or may be formed in whole or in part from subassemblies. In an embodiment, base  116  and upright  110  may be formed by injection molding, as described hereinbelow. As best shown in  FIGS. 2D  and/or  2 E, base  116  has a substantially flattened (e.g., squat) cube shape, however, it is contemplated that base  116  may have any suitable shape, including without limitation, a squat cylindrical shape, a squat prism-shape (triangular), extruded oval shape, extruded polygonal shape, and the like. A cutout  123  is defined in base  116  and is configured to retain a first bubble level vial  122  that is mounted therein in alignment with a horizontal axis (“X”) of the base. In an embodiment, first bubble level vial  122  may be retained by at least one circular recess (not explicitly shown) defined in either end of cutout  123  that is dimensioned to receive an end of first bubble level vial  122 . It should be understood that any suitable manner of retention of bubble level vial  122  may be employed, including without limitation, adhesive, plastic welding, clip, threaded fastener, and/or interference fit. 
         [0030]    Base  116  may additionally or alternatively include at least one pilot hole  118  defined therein. As shown pilot hole  118  is oriented along a vertical axis (“Y”) of instrument  110 , and may be oriented along a horizontal axis (“X” or “Z”) and/or an angle thereto (e.g., at a 30°, 45°, 60°, or other desired angle thereto). During use, a carpenter may utilize the at least one pilot hole  118  to scribe a mark onto a targeted material or surface thereof. Additionally or alternatively, a carpenter may pass a fastener (nail, screw, bolt, etc.) through a pilot hole  118  to affix instrument  100  to a workpiece. 
         [0031]    As seen in  FIG. 1B , base  116  includes a first magnet  144  joined to a bottom surface  135  thereof. First magnet  144  may include a permanent magnet formed from, e.g., alnico, ceramic, ferrite, neodymium, and/or samarium cobalt material. Additionally or alternatively, first magnet  144  may include an electromagnet which may be selectively activated by an actuator, such as without limitation, a pushbutton or slide switch configured to energize or de-energize an electromagnetic coil (not explicitly shown) included within instrument  100  and/or first magnet  144 . A bottom surface of first magnet  144  may be substantially aligned with a bottom surface  135  of base  116  to facilitate sturdy placement of instrument  110  on a desired surface. As shown, first magnet  144  may be substantially disc-shaped, however it is envisioned that first magnet  144  may encompass any suitable shape. 
         [0032]    Base  116  and/or upright  110  may be formed by any suitable manner of manufacture, including without limitation, injection-molding. In an embodiment, one or more reinforcing struts  129  may be included within base  116  and/or housing  110 . At least one semicircular strut  134  may be formed within base  116  to form a cavity (not explicitly shown) that is dimensioned to retain magnet  144  by any suitable manner of retention, including without limitation, adhesive, plastic welding, clip, threaded fastener, and/or interference fit. Magnet  144  may be formed by injection molding, and may be formed in situ by direct injection of magnetic material into a cavity formed by at least one semicircular strut  134 . 
         [0033]    As described hereinabove, an upright  110  extends perpendicularly from base  116 . Upright  110  has a generally elongate cuboid shape having a top surface  124 , a first side surface  112  (e.g., a left side), a second side surface  114  (e.g., a right side), a front edge  130 , and a rear edge  131 . Side surfaces  112  and  114  may include a curved surface, which may have a convex contour, as best seen in, e.g.,  FIG. 1A . In an embodiment, a front edge  130  of upright  110  is substantially aligned with a front edge  132  of base  116 , and/or a rear edge  131  of upright  110  is substantially aligned with a rear edge  133  of base  116 . During use, the right angle arrangement of upright  100  and base  116  enables a side of upright  110  and/or base  116  to be positioned against a workpiece to establish a square reference mark, as will be readily appreciated. 
         [0034]    A cutout  121  is defined in upright  110  that is configured to retain a second bubble level vial  122  that is mounted therein in alignment with a vertical axis (“Y”) of the instrument. In an embodiment, second bubble level vial  120  may be retained by at least one circular recess (not explicitly shown) defined in either end of cutout  121  that is dimensioned to receive an end of second bubble level vial  122 . It should be understood that any suitable manner of retention of bubble level vial  120  may be employed, as described hereinabove. 
         [0035]    Upright  110  may include at least one notch  126  defined in a front edge  130  or a rear edge  131  thereof. The at least one notch  126  has a width that is dimensioned to accept a dry line, e.g., a width in a range of about 1/32″ to about 3/32″. In an embodiment, the at least one notch  126  is positioned at an easily-remembered distance from a bottom surface of base  116 , for example without limitation, ½″ or 1 cm. In an embodiment, upright  110  and/or base  116  may include at least one laser diode (not explicitly shown) that is adapted to selectively emit visible laser light, e.g., having a wavelength of about 650 nm, and having a beam direction that is aligned with an axis (e.g., “X”, “Y”, and/or “Z” axis) of instrument  110 . In such an embodiment, instrument  100  may be used as a laser leveling device. The at least one laser diode may be adapted to cooperate with an active target that senses laser light impinging thereon to provide audio and/or visual feedback to a user. In yet another embodiment, upright  110  and/or base  116  may include at least one electromagnetic and/or electroacoustic measuring device, e.g., a laser-based or ultrasound-based rangefinder, to enable the measurement of distances greater than the dimension of upright  110  and/or base  116 . 
         [0036]    Upright  110  may additionally or alternatively include a series of graduations  129  disposed on a first side  112  and/or a second side  114  of upright  110 , adjacent to and substantially following a front edge  130  and/or a rear edge  131  thereof. Graduations  129  may form a ruler demarcated with any suitable unit(s) of measurement, including without limitation, Imperial units (inches and/or fractions thereof), metric units (cm, mm, etc.), and/or a combination thereof. The origin (e.g., zero point) of graduations  129  may coincide with a plane described by a top surface  124  of the upright  110 , a top surface  136  of the base  116 , and/or a bottom surface  135  of the base  116 . Advantageously, by indexing the origin of graduations  129  with, e.g., a bottom or top surface of instrument  100 , measurements of material may be easily and accurately achieved in a hands-free manner. By way of example only, during use, a carpenter may affix instrument  100  to a workpiece (using magnetic or mechanical attachment) and align the workpiece to a line using graduations  129  as a reference. When the workpiece is properly aligned to the line, the carpenter may then fasten the workpiece in place. In this manner, a user may use both hands to position and fasten the workpiece, rather than attempt to hold a conventional ruler and/or level in place while both positioning and fastening the work. Significant improvements in efficiencies and precision may thus be realized by use of an instrument  100  as disclosed herein. 
         [0037]    A second magnet  148  may be disposed on a front edge  130  and/or a rear edge  131  of upright  110 . Second magnet  148  may be formed from any suitable magnetic material, and may be formed from thin sheet magnetic material, such as without limitation, a thermoplastic permanent magnetic extrusion formed from a polymer-bonded strontium ferrite powder. Second magnet  148  may be joined to front edge  130  and/or rear edge  131  of upright  100  by any suitable manner of attachment, e.g., pressure-sensitive adhesive. As shown, second magnet  148  has an elongate rectangular shape, however, it is contemplated that second magnet  148  may include any suitable shape, and/or may additionally or alternatively include a plurality of magnetic elements disposed on a front edge  130  and/or a rear edge  131  of upright  110 . 
         [0038]    As described hereinabove, instrument  100  may be formed from injection molded components. In an embodiment, instrument  100  may be formed from two “clamshell” halves  100 A,  100 B, each having a base half portion and an upright half portion integrally formed therewith. Instrument halves  100 A and  100 B may be formed any material suitable for injection molding, such as without limitation, polymeric materials including acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), polypropylene (PP), fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP), and the like. Instrument halves  100 A and  100 B may be injection-molded as described, and/or may be formed by any other suitable manner of manufacture, e.g., machining, forging, and the like, and may be formed from metallic materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, brass, etc., and/or may be formed from wood or any other material with sufficient strength and dimensional stability for use in a measuring instrument. The instrument  100  may include a grip-enhancing coating (not explicitly shown), such as a silicone-based or rubberized coating, disposed on at least a part of an outer surface thereof. 
         [0039]    Turning now to  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B, and  4 , another embodiment of a measuring instrument  200  having a spike  230  in accordance with the present disclosure is described in detail. The disclosed instrument  200  includes a base  216  having an upright  210  extending orthogonally therefrom. Base  216  and upright  210  may be integrally formed, and/or may be formed in whole or in part from subassemblies as previously described herein. A cutout  223  is defined in base  216  and is configured to retain a first bubble level vial  222  that is mounted therein in alignment with a horizontal axis (“X”) of the base. In an embodiment, first bubble level vial  222  may be retained by at least one circular recess (not explicitly shown) defined in either end of cutout  223  that is dimensioned to receive an end of first bubble level vial  222 . Additionally or alternatively, any suitable manner of retention of bubble level vial  222  may be employed, as previously described hereinabove. Base  216  may additionally or alternatively include at least one pilot hole  218  disposed therein as discussed above. 
         [0040]    Base  216  includes a first magnet  244  joined to a bottom surface  265  thereof. First magnet  244  may include a permanent magnet formed from suitable magnetic materials heretofore discussed, and first magnet  244  may include an electromagnet which may be selectively activated by an actuator (not explicitly shown). A bottom surface of first magnet  244  may be substantially aligned with a bottom surface  265  of base  216  to facilitate sturdy placement of instrument  110  on a desired surface. An opening  239  is defined within first magnet  244  that is dimensioned to accommodate the longitudinal movement of spike tip  234  therethrough. As shown, first magnet  244  may be generally disc-shaped, however it is envisioned that first magnet  244  may encompass any suitable shape. 
         [0041]    Base  216  and/or upright  210  may be formed by any suitable manner of manufacture as described herein, including without limitation, injection-molding. One or more reinforcing struts  229  may be included within base  216 . One or more reinforcing struts  240 ,  242  may be included within housing  210 . At least one semicircular strut  233  may be formed within base  216  to form a cavity (not explicitly shown) that is dimensioned to retain magnet  244  by any suitable manner of retention, including without limitation, adhesive, plastic welding, clip, threaded fastener, and/or interference fit. Magnet  244  may be formed by injection molding, as described previously herein. As shown, second magnet  248  has an elongate rectangular shape, however, it is contemplated that second magnet  248  may additionally or alternatively include any suitable shape, and/or may include a plurality of magnetic elements disposed on a front edge  230  and/or a rear edge  231  of upright  210 . 
         [0042]    As described hereinabove, an upright member  210  extends perpendicularly from base member  216 . Upright member  210  has a generally elongate cuboid shape having a top surface  224 , a first side surface  212  (e.g., a left side), a second side surface  214  (e.g., a right side), a front edge  230 , and a rear edge  231 . Side surfaces  212  and  214  may include a curved surface, which may have a convex contour, as best seen in, e.g.,  FIG. 3A . In an embodiment, a front edge  230  of upright  210  is substantially aligned with a front edge  232  of base  216 , and/or a rear edge  231  of upright  210  is substantially aligned with a rear edge  233  of base  216 . 
         [0043]    A cutout  221  is defined in upright  210  that is configured to retain a second bubble level vial  222  that is mounted therein in alignment with a vertical axis (“Y”) of the instrument. In an embodiment, second bubble level vial  220  may be retained by at least one circular recess (not explicitly shown) defined in either end of cutout  221  that is dimensioned to receive an end of second bubble level vial  222 . It should be understood that any suitable manner of retention of bubble level vial  220  may be employed, as described herein. Upright  210  may include at least one notch  226  defined in a front edge  251  or a rear edge  252  thereof. The at least one notch  226  has a width that is dimensioned to accept a dry line. In an embodiment, the at least one notch  226  is positioned at an easily-remembered distance from a bottom surface of base  216 , for example without limitation, ½″ or 1 cm. In an embodiment, upright  210  and/or base  216  may include at least one laser diode (not explicitly shown) that is adapted to selectively emit visible laser light of about the 650 nm wavelength, having a beam direction that is aligned with an axis (e.g., “X”, “Y”, and/or “Z” axis) of instrument  210 , to enable instrument  200  to be used as a laser leveling device. The at least one laser diode may be adapted to cooperate with an active target that senses laser light impinging thereon to provide audio and/or visual feedback to a user. In yet another embodiment, upright  210  and/or base  216  may include at least one electromagnetic and/or electroacoustic measuring device, e.g., a laser-based or ultrasound-based rangefinder, to enable the measurement of distances greater than the dimension of upright  210  and/or base  216 . 
         [0044]    Upright  210  may additionally or alternatively include a series of graduations  229  disposed on a first side  212  and/or a second side  214  of upright  210 , adjacent to and substantially following a front edge  251  and/or a rear edge  252  thereof. Graduations  229  may form a ruler demarcated with any suitable unit(s) of measurement, and may have an origin that may coincide with a plane described by a top surface  224  of the upright  210 , a top surface  236  of the base  216 , and/or a bottom surface  237  of base  216 . 
         [0045]    A second magnet  248  may be disposed on a front edge  251  and/or a rear edge  252  of upright  210 . Second magnet  248  may be formed from any suitable magnetic material, as previously described, and may be joined to front edge  251  and/or rear edge  252  of upright  200  by any suitable manner of attachment. 
         [0046]    Instrument  200  may include a spike  230  that is adapted to enable a user to fasten instrument  200  to a workpiece, such as without limitation, a workpiece formed from wood-based materials, masonry, concrete, drywall, composite materials, and the like. Spike assembly  230  includes a shaft  232  slidably disposed along the vertical (“Y”) axis and, more particularly, shaft  232  is disposed through the general center vertical axis of upright  210 . Shaft  232  may be slidably disposed within a series of guide openings  241 ,  243 , and  247  that are defined within upright  210  and which are dimensioned to permit the free movement of shaft  232  therethrough. Opening  247  may be defined within a top surface  224  of upright  210 . Openings  241  and  243  may be defined in internal support members  240  and  242 , respectively. 
         [0047]    A biasing member  236  provides a biasing force to bias spike  230  in an upward direction, such that, at rest, spike tip  234  is retracted to a position above (e.g., not protruding downwardly beyond) bottom surface  265  of base  216 . In this manner, instrument  200  may be used without the risk of spike tip  234  being inadvertently exposed. As shown, biasing member  236  may be a coil spring, however, the use of any suitable resilient biasing member is envisioned, such as, without limitation, a leaf spring, an elastomeric polymer biasing member, and the like. As seen in  FIG. 4 , biasing member  236  is disposed between internal support member  240  and a retention clip  235  provided on shaft  232  of spike  230 , however other additional or alternative arrangements of biasing member  236  and spike  230  are contemplated with departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0048]    Spike tip  234  is disposed at a bottom end of shaft  232 . In one embodiment, spike tip  234  and shaft  232  may be integrally formed. In another embodiment, spike tip  234  and shaft  232  may be detachably coupled by any suitable manner of coupling, e.g., threaded fastener, bayonet mount, and the like, to enable a user to selectively change spike tip  234 . The ability to change spike tips may be useful, for example, when a tip becomes worn, or, to select a tip more particularly suited to a specific material. In embodiments, instrument  200  may be provided in a kit which includes several tips, e.g., a tip that is well-suited for use in wooden materials, a tip that is well-suited for use in masonry (such tip may be formed from hardened steel or carbide), a threaded tip (not explicitly shown), and so forth. A shoulder  245  may be provided at a bottom end of shaft  232  which cooperates with a positive stop  246  that is included in base  216  to prevent over-extension of spike tip  234  in a downward direction. A stop clip  248  fixed to shaft  232  cooperates with a top support  249  of upright  210  to retain spike  230  within instrument  200 . In an embodiment, instrument  200  may be formed from two “clamshell” halves having one or more alignment nubs  238  provided along a mating edge  250  thereof that are dimensioned to engage with corresponding alignment recesses defined along an opposing edge (not explicitly shown). 
         [0049]    Various methods may be utilized to employ spike  230  to attach instrument  200  to a workpiece. Instrument  200  may be positioned on a workpiece. Force, such as a hammer blow or finger pressure, may be applied downwardly to head  231  of spike  230  to drive spike tip  234  into the workpiece, thereby attaching instrument  200  to a workpiece for use. In another variation, where a threaded tip  234  is fitted, a user may position instrument  200  on a workpiece, and apply a downward turning motion to head  231 , which in turn, screws threaded tip  234  into the workpiece thereby attaching instrument  200  to the workpiece for use. Head  231  may include at least one indentation defined in a top surface thereof to accommodate a driving tool, such as without limitation, a flat-blade screwdriver, a Philips screwdriver, a Torx, or other screw drive types as will be familiar to the skilled artisan. Head  231  may additionally or alternatively include a hex shape to accommodate, e.g., a six- or twelve- point socket and/or a square shape to accommodate, e.g., an open-end wrench or pliers. It is also envisioned that head  231  may include knurling or other grip-enhancing features to facilitate the manipulation thereof by a user. After use, spike  230  may be withdrawn from the workpiece to free instrument  200  therefrom by e.g., applying upward force to spike  230  and/or head  231 , and/or unscrewing same when a threaded tip  234  is employed. 
         [0050]    The described embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and are not intended to represent every embodiment of the present disclosure. Further variations of the above-disclosed embodiments and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be made or desirably combined into many other different systems or applications without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims both literally and in equivalents recognized in law.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8