Patent Abstract:
An adjustable stencil for painting parking lots. The adjustable stencil enables parking lot painters adjust the stencil for painting lines, stripes, boxes, and arrows on parking lots.

Full Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/788,175 filed 15 Mar. 2013, titled “ADJUSTABLE STENCIL FOR PAINTING PARKING LOTS,” which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates in general to the field of stencils for parking lot markings. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     The making of a stencil has long been the preferred method of marking a surface by using the projected cut out idea, transferred onto a thin sheet of material, be it paper, plastic, metal etc. Users can then place the stencil on any number of surfaces and create the desired design by applying some sort of pigment. This method has undergone a variety of changes from simple transference of tribal signs to that of more elaborate family crest. The distinguishing of men on the battlefield was often done by stenciling the sign of the kingdom to shields and clothing, because of its ease of transference. But as the science of stenciling developed, so too did its forms and importance. Stencils have played some very important roles in the development of our shared history. The story is told of the young Johann Gutenberg, who entered the shop of his father and by accident, dropped a carved wooden letter into a bucket of pigmented liquid. He quickly retrieved it from the liquid and placed it on a surface to dry. Later when he moved the letter he noticed the impression left, and thus a stencil was marked in the mind of the man who would bring the world out of the age of the quill to the science of immoveable type. During the great wars in Europe, the training of airplane pilots to be accurate in bomb dropping was marked on the pretended field of battle by a large stenciled X, thus giving the pilot a viewable target from above. This type of stenciling is more in line with the application being presented, i.e., on the ground. Not simply the marking of personal items, but rather the stenciling of shared space. With the rise and expansion of cities, and thus the need for directional development, an ever increasing system of surface applications has become necessary. If one can mark a field, one then directs an ever expanding mass of transit by applying necessary information to the varied surfaces upon which they transverse. Thus parking lot striping allows the public to maintain order and share common spaces with safety. It has become necessary in the course of development to stencil certain spaces for those among us who suffer with some type of disability. Their preferred parking places have become the universal symbol for safety and preference. The need has also arisen for the shared space of transit to be marked with certain directional arrows, allowing for the ease of flow and the lessening of accidents and congestion. And with the rise of the modern fast food restaurant such pavement markings have taken on a life of their own. Entire packages of logos and local or regional fixed stencils exist to give the driver a since of local shared identity. Thus we see an every widening array of products filling the market to meet the needs of our ever changing transit experience. 
     There is a certain sense of excitement as a new business moves into a neighborhood. The new architecture, and clean curb appeal make for the ever increasing value of that neighborhood. However certain problems do exist for the owners of such business. One being that which this application addresses. Sadly the pavement marking industry, which has no problem in creating accurate zoned new construction fixed markings, stumbles in the later maintenance and care for such directional&#39;s. Here is the problem. Suppose an initial striper enters the parking lot striping industry. The initial striper then must make certain choices as to the font and sizes of lettering for such things as DRIVE THRU, ENTER, EXIT, ONLY, LOADING ZONE, ETC. The initial striper must also decide on a size of arrow for giving direction to the initial striper&#39;s customers. Such arrows vary from as little as 6″ to the ever sprawling 92″. Also the handicap marking for such business must be done in compliance with the ADA, usually requiring the initial striper to stencil a large blue box overlaid with a white wheelchair symbol. Finally, the initial striper completes the striping of the parking lot, and move on to the next job. The problem arises when the new striper follows the initial striper and tries to perform general maintenance in re-striping the parking lot. If the new striper has not chosen the same size of fixed stencils, arrows or, boxes, the new striper must make certain adjustments to the initial striper preexisting sizes. Thus over years of parking lot maintenance restriping various users have seen something that looked so easy, become an ever sprawling metamorphosis of dysfunction. Stripers have not always had the same font style or stencil size as the initial striper before them, and so users have only one option afforded to them in the course of performing their maintenance tasks. Paint a box over the existing stenciling and then apply a larger size stencil using another color. It&#39;s a common practice. This then becomes the pattern for those who follow the new striper, except they never are able to cover the new striper&#39;s square or arrow cleanly and accurately. It continues to get ever larger and larger. Or in the case of the arrows, they simply get a paint over, which leaves the old arrow, peering and poking out from under the new one. Most use a makeshift elaboration of boards, tape, paint paddles, etc. to try and maintain the size of the box or arrow, as the ability to mimic the same size is elusive. Thus the need to have an adjustable stencil for arrows, boxes, parking bumps, and lighting poles has led to the creation of just such a product. 
     While there are many stencils for painting parkings lot well known in the art, considerable room for improvement remains. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1A  is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of an adjustable stencil for painting parking lots according to the present application; 
         FIG. 1B  is a partial cross-sectional view of the adjustable stencil for painting parking lots of  FIG. 1A  taken at IB-IB in  FIG. 1A  according to the present application; 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of an adjustable stencil for painting parking lots according to the present application; 
         FIG. 3A  is a partial plan view of a preferred embodiment of an assembled adjustable stencil for painting parking lots according to the present application; 
         FIG. 3B  is a partial cross-sectional view of the assembled adjustable stencil for painting parking lots of  FIG. 3A  taken at IIIB-IIIB in  FIG. 3A  according to the present application; 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a triangular assembled adjustable stencil for painting parking lots according to the present application; 
         FIG. 4B  is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a triangular assembled adjustable stencil for painting parking lots according to the present application; 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a square shaped assembled adjustable stencil for painting parking lots according to the present application; 
         FIG. 5B  is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a square shaped assembled adjustable stencil for painting parking lots according to the present application; 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a rectangular assembled adjustable stencil for painting parking lots according to the present application; 
         FIG. 6B  is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a rectangular assembled adjustable stencil for painting parking lots according to the present application; 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a circular assembled adjustable stencil for painting parking lots according to the present application; and 
         FIG. 7B  is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a circular assembled adjustable stencil for painting parking lots according to the present application. 
     
    
    
     While the assembly and method of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Illustrative embodiments of the adjustable stencil assembly and method are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer&#39;s specific goals, such as compliance with assembly-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     The assembly is comprised of a series of stencils that allow the parking lot striper the ability to save time and resources by adjusting the arrow, box, bump, or pole application as needed, thus mimicking the size and stopping the sprawl. The fixed stencil industry is in need of a device that is both functional and efficient. With the creation of an adjustable stencil, a user can go as small or as large as needed, but keeping the original template intact. 
     The ability to adjust to the maintenance application needed is fast and easy with just the twist of a few T-knobs and the positioning of the adjustable paddles. The fixed stencil industry has not been relegated and as such has been found inefficient and wooden in its approach to directional stencil signage. With this device a user can remedy the frustration of the owner, community, and striper by keeping the original context as close to its original application as possible. 
     The adjustable Arrow, Square, and Bump stencils all consist of an elongated trunk which is mated with an elongated paddle. It is fixed with a handle in the middle separating the two routed or slotted vents. These are then screwed together. They affix together in a basic shape, such as an Arrow, Square or Rectangle, with Carriage bolts, washers and T-knobs. The Circle, follows the same trunk affixed to the paddle but is cut into two equal halves. It is also screwed together at the base, from the bottom into the top trunk. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1A , a plan view of a preferred embodiment of an adjustable stencil for painting parking lots according to the present application is illustrated. The stencil is assembled from a series of trunks  101  or members. Trunk  101  is typically fabricated from a non-porous material such as high density plastic. Because the trunk  101  is exposed to various paints and chemicals it needs to be non-reactive. Trunk  101  is made from a single piece and includes a series of slotted vents  111  and  113  parallel to the length of the trunk  101 . Slotted vents  111  and  113  are designed to allow users to interconnect a plurality of trunks together to shape a stencil. While it is shown that there are two slotted vents in the trunk, it should be apparent that a single slotted vent or alternatively more slotted vents are possible. Along an edge of the trunk is a fastening means for securing a paddle (not shown). Typically the fastening means are a series of evenly spaced screws  121 . Screws  121  are designed to be recessed into the trunk  101  so that the top of the trunk  101  is flush or uniform without screw heads protruding from the upper surface of the trunk  101 . 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 1B , a partial cross-sectional view of the adjustable stencil for painting parking lots of  FIG. 1A  taken at IB-IB in  FIG. 1A  according to the present application is illustrated. Trunk  101  includes an upper surface  101   a , a lower surface  101   b , an outboard surface  101   c , and inboard surfaces  101   d - 101   h . Inboard surfaces  101   d - 101   h  are typically made from cutting a slot  115  and a corner  117  into the length of the trunk  101 . Slot  115  allows a paddle (not shown) to mechanically couple to the trunk  101 . It should be apparent that the slot  115  could be grooved to provide greater mechanical coupling strength to reduce the chance the paddle (not shown) can be inadvertently removed. 
     The slotted vent  111  located in trunk  101  includes three regions. First slot  111   a  is located near the upper surface of the trunk  101  and only goes to a certain depth in the trunk  101 . Second slot  111   b  is located near the lower surface of the trunk  101  and only goes to a certain height in the trunk  101 . The third slot  111   c  connects the first slot  111   a  and the second slot  111   b  and provides an opening though the trunk  101 . Slots  111   a  and  111   b  allow the fasteners between different paddles to remain flush. 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 2 , a plan view of an alternative embodiment of an adjustable stencil for painting parking lots according to the present application is illustrated. Trunk  201  is very similar to trunk  101 , however the screws  221  are shifted more inboard so that the screws  221  go through the paddle (not shown) into the trunk  201 . Moving the screws  221  provides a smoother upper or top surface of the trunk  201 . 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 3A , a partial plan view of a preferred embodiment of an assembled adjustable stencil for painting parking lots according to the present application is illustrated. Coupled to trunk  301  is paddle  303 . Paddle  303  is made of plastic or rubber and is designed to provide flexibility to the stencil, thereby allowing the stencil to adjust to the surface irregularities of the parking lot. Users of the stencil can remove the paddle  303  from the trunk  301  and replace it as it becomes brittle with age or is too coated with paint to flex. Coupled to trunk  311  is paddle  313 . Trunk  301  is mechanically coupled to trunk  311  to form an acute angle. The mechanical coupling is accomplished by use of a carriage bolt, a series of washers, and a t-nut. An alternative embodiment uses a handle with a nut located inside the handle for tool less tightening and loosening of the nut. The t-nut allows a user to quickly adjust the friction between trunk  301  and trunk  311 . Therefore, the user can adjust the angle between the two trunks and prevent relative motion between the two trunks. 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 3B , a partial cross-sectional view of the assembled adjustable stencil for painting parking lots of  FIG. 3A  taken at IIIB-IIIB in  FIG. 3A  according to the present application is illustrated. Carriage bolt  321  is located in the slotted vents of trunk  301  and trunk  311 . While a carriage bolt is shown, it should be apparent that other types of fasteners may be used to mechanically couple trunk  301  to trunk  311 . A t-nut  327  is used to secure the carriage bolt  321  to the trunks. It should be apparent that other types of fasteners are useable in place of the t-nut  327  or a t-knob. The use of a t-nut  327  provides the user with a tool less option to adjust the angle between the trunks without having to use a tool like a wrench. Another alternative to the t-nut  327  is a handle with an embedded nut. Washers  331  are used between the carriage bolt  321  and the trunk  311  along with between the t-nut  327 . Furthermore, it should be apparent that the washers  331  could have a locking function to increase friction and reduce the chance that the trunks loosen up. 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 4A , a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a triangular assembled adjustable stencil for painting parking lots according to the present application is illustrated. The any arrow or triangular shaped stencil  400  is formed by combining three trunks  401 ,  411 , and  421 . Trunk  401  includes a paddle  403  and a handle  405 . Paddle  403  or mask in alternative embodiments is disposable so that the user can readily replace the paddle as it is covered in paint and becomes too inflexible or irregularly shaped to mask a straight line. Handle  405  is shown above the stencil; however other embodiments have a recessed handle to facilitate sliding one trunk over anther trunk to adjust the shape. Trunk  411  includes a paddle  413  and a handle  415 . Trunk  421  includes a paddle  423  and a handle  425 . It should be apparent that handle  425  is attached to trunk  421  by fasteners and allows the user to adjust and control the trunk  421 . While the mechanical couplings have not been shown for clarity purposes, the trunks are attached by using carriage bolts, t-nuts, and washers. 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 4B , a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a triangular assembled adjustable stencil for painting parking lots according to the present application is illustrated. Trunks  401 ,  411 , and  421  are arranged by the user to create a triangular region  451 . Paddle  423  overlaps paddle  403  and paddle  413 . The user then applies paint in the triangular region  451  to paint a triangle. While the mechanical couplings have not been shown for clarity purposes, the trunks are attached by using carriage bolts, t-nuts, and washers. 
     For assembling the “Any Arrow” the user should do the following. First lay the three elongated trunk pieces side by side. Next place them in the shape desired, a triangle for an arrow. Then make sure the paddle sides are facing inward toward each other. Make sure the handle is facing upward. Then place the top of one on the top of the other, connecting them at the top most parts. Next take the carriage bolt and washer and place them in the aligned slotted vent. As the bolt protrudes through both trunks, place the second washer on the threaded extended portion and secure it with the supplied T-knob. This should have given the user the appearance of an inverted V. Next place the elongated trunk piece on the top, but at the bottom of the piece to the user&#39;s right. Make sure the paddle sides are facing inward toward each other. Make sure the handle is facing upward. Take the carriage bolt and washer and place them in the aligned slotted vent. As the bolt protrudes through both trunks, place the second washer on the threaded extended portion and secure it with the supplied T-knob. Next place the remaining unconnected pieces together. It is important to make sure the remaining trunk pieces just fastened are placed under the first trunk piece on the left. Make sure the paddle sides are facing inward toward each other. Make sure the handle is facing upward. Take the carriage bolt and washer and place them in the aligned slotted vent. As the bolt protrudes through both trunks, place the second washer on the threaded extended portion and secure it with the supplied T-knob. This should give the appearance of a triangle. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5A , a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a square shaped assembled adjustable stencil for painting parking lots according to the present application is illustrated. The “any square” or square shaped stencil  500  is formed by combining four trunks  501 ,  511 ,  521 , and  531 . First trunk  501  includes a flexible rubber paddle  503  along with a handle  505 . Second trunk  511  includes a flexible rubber paddle  513  along with a handle  515 . Third trunk  521  includes a flexible rubber paddle  523  along with a handle  525 . Forth trunk  531  includes a flexible rubber paddle  533  along with a handle  535 . While the mechanical couplings have not been shown for clarity purposes, the trunks are attached by using carriage bolts, t-nuts, and washers. Trunk  501  includes a graduated scale  507  located on paddle  503 . Graduated scale  507  as illustrated is a series of evenly spaced indicators. The indicators could be grooves, lines, ridges, with and without numerical references. The graduated scale  507  allows users to keep the trunks parallel or square without having to resort to measure the distance or angle between the paddles. While it is shown that only one trunk  501  of “Any Square” stencil  500  has the graduated scale  507  it should be apparent that any of the trunks described here could feature embedded references to assist the painters. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5B , a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a square shaped assembled adjustable stencil for painting parking lots according to the present application is illustrated. Trunks  501 ,  511 ,  521 , and  531  are arranged by the user to create a square region  551 . The user then applies paint in the square region  551  to paint a square. While the mechanical couplings have not been shown for clarity purposes, the trunks are attached by using carriage bolts, t-nuts, and washers. 
     For assembling the “Any Square” the user should do the following. First lay the four elongated trunk pieces side by side. Then make sure the paddle sides are facing inward toward each other. Make sure the handle is facing upward. Then place the top of one on the top of the other, connecting them at the top most parts. Next take the carriage bolt and washer and place them in the aligned slotted vent. As the bolt protrudes through both trunks, place the second washer on the threaded extended portion and secure it with the supplied T-knob. This should have given the user the appearance of an inverted V. Next place the elongated trunk piece on the top, but at the bottom of the piece to the user&#39;s right. Make sure the paddle sides are facing inward toward each other. Make sure the handle is facing upward. Take the carriage bolt and washer and place them in the aligned slotted vent. As the bolt protrudes through both trunks, place the second washer on the threaded extended portion and secure it with the supplied T-knob. Next place the remaining unconnected pieces together. It is important to make sure the remaining trunk pieces just fastened are placed under the first trunk piece on the left. Make sure the paddle sides are facing inward toward each other. Make sure the handle is facing upward. Take the carriage bolt and washer and place them in the aligned slotted vent. As the bolt protrudes through both trunks, place the second washer on the threaded extended portion and secure it with the supplied T-knob. Since the user is making the square repeat the process one more time, making sure the right trunk piece is on top of the last one fastened, but underneath the remaining unsecured trunk. Make sure the paddle sides are facing inward toward each other. Make sure the handle is facing upward. This should give the appearance of a square. 
     Typically, the user would find an existing painted square on a parking lot needing repainting. The user would take four trunks and position them so the paddles are facing inwards. The user would position or locate the paddles to just outside the existing painted square. The user would then start securing the first trunk to the second adjacent trunk through the use of fasteners and washers. The user would then continue securing further trunks to the assembly until all the trunks surrounding the existing painted square are secured. The user might have to reposition the paddles to insure proper placement as the stencil is assembled around the existing painted square. The user then can apply paint inside the paddles to repaint the existing painted square. Additionally, it should be apparent that the number of trunks to be used can be adjusted to match the number of sides of the shape to be painted. For example, if a six sided shape was desired, then six different trunks with paddles are used. 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 6A , a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a rectangular assembled adjustable stencil for painting parking lots according to the present application, as well as, to  FIG. 6B  a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a rectangular assembled adjustable stencil for painting parking lots according to the present application are illustrated. The rectangular stencil  600  or “Any Bump” is suitable for painting rectangles, quadrilaterals, and rectangular shaped objects such as speed bumps in parking lots. The stencil  600  includes an elongated first trunk  601 , an elongated second trunk  611 , a third trunk  621 , and a fourth trunk  631 . First trunk  601  includes a flexible rubber paddle  603  along with a handle  605 . Second trunk  611  includes a flexible rubber paddle  613  along with a handle  615 . While the assembly is shown without paddles and handles on the third and fourth trunks it should be apparent that they could be added to the stencil. While the mechanical couplings have not been shown for clarity purposes, the trunks are attached by using carriage bolts, t-nuts, and washers. 
     Assembling the “Any Bump” is as follows. First lay the two elongated trunk pieces along with the smaller trunk pieces in a row. Take the two longer trunk pieces and place them parallel horizontal to each other. Make sure the paddle side is facing inward. Make sure the handle side is up. Next place the smaller trunk piece under the right side of the top trunk piece toward the farthest right part. Make sure the paddle is facing inward. Take the carriage bolt and washer and place them in the aligned slotted vent. As the bolt protrudes through both trunks, place the second washer on the threaded extended portion and secure it with the supplied T-knob. This should give the appearance of a horizontal L. Next place the smaller trunk piece under the left side of the top longer top trunk piece. Make sure the paddle is facing inward. Take the carriage bolt and washer and place them in the aligned slotted vent. As the bolt protrudes through both trunks, place the second washer on the threaded extended portion and secure it with the supplied T-knob. Repeat this process on the remaining bottom left top trunk laying on the smaller trunk piece. This should give the appearance of an L. Make sure the paddle is facing inward. Take the carriage bolt and washer and place them in the aligned slotted vent. As the bolt protrudes through both trunks, place the second washer on the threaded extended portion and secure it with the supplied T-knob. Next repeat the process on the bottom right bottom trunk laying on the smaller trunk piece. Make sure the paddle is facing inward. Take the carriage bolt and washer and place them in the aligned slotted vent. As the bolt protrudes through both trunks, place the second washer on the threaded extended portion and secure it with the supplied T-knob. 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 7A , a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a circular assembled adjustable stencil for painting parking lots according to the present application is illustrated. The “Any Pole” or circular stencil  700  is designed for masking out a circle, such as around a light pole base. Trunk  701  in combination with trunk  711  is designed to paint circular shaped areas of parking lots such as around a concrete base for a lamp. Paddle  703  is attached to trunk  701  through use of fasteners attached to the trunk  701  from the underside of the stencil. Additionally, trunk  701  includes a handle  705  to ease adjustment of the paddle relative to the other half of the stencil and to the parking lot. Paddle  713  is attached to trunk  711  through use of fasteners attached to the trunk  711  from the underside of the stencil. Additionally, trunk  711  includes a handle  715  to ease adjustment of the paddle relative to the other half of the stencil and to the parking lot. 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 7B , a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a circular assembled adjustable stencil for painting parking lots according to the present application is illustrated. Because the diameter of the stencil is not readily adjustable, a user would have a variety of various “Any Pole” stencils to be able to paint around a variety of poles and circular concrete mounts. 
     The “Any Pole” comes assembled. The circular stencil is able to fit the pole base by simply aligning the two pieces together. Make sure the paddle portions are facing inward. If adjustment is needed on the pole this can be achieved by rotation of the stencil. Making sure that the inmost surface of the circle is touching the pole base. 
     It is apparent that an assembly and method with significant advantages has been described and illustrated. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1