AU2017100238A4 - Improved t-square - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an improved T-square for use to cut a board, the including, a first part, and a second part substantially perpendicular to the first part and connected thereto. The improved T-square also including at least one guard means, associated with the second part. During use the improved T-square is held by a first hand and used with a cutting tool held in the second hand and the at least one guard means substantially prevents injury to the first hand while cutting the board along the second part with the cutting tool held in the second hand. The invention also relates to variants thereof, and a method of use. specPA2038617

Description

2017100238 28 Feb 2017 1 PATENTS ACT 1990 Section 29 Innovation Patent Applicant: Spence Hartman Address: 37 Kokoda Street Idalia Queensland 4811 Australia Inventor: Spence Hartman Address: 37 Kokoda Street Idalia Queensland 4811 Australia

Priority claimed:

Australian Provisional Patent App. No. 2016900725 filed 29 February 2016 Title of Invention: IMPROVED T-SQUARE

The applicant applies for the grant of a patent for the invention described in the accompanying complete patent specification:

The following is a full description of the invention including the best method of performing the invention, known to us: specPA2038617 2 2017100238 28 Feb 2017

IMPROVED T-SQUARE

[0001] The present invention relates to an improved T-square.

[0002] Plasterboard is used around the world, fitted to stud walls and battens to form walls and ceilings within rooms. Sold under various trade marks, all conventional plasterboards are formed of a sheet of gypsum plaster between two sheets of strong paper. Use of plasterboard is a very economic and relatively simple way to create the internal walls and ceiling of a structure. After installation plaster is applied to the plasterboard to create the finished room.

[0003] Plasterboards are fixed to an underlying stud wall or ceiling structure formed of battens to which the boards are secured, as is well known in the art. During installation plasterboard sheets are cut to size to fit together to cover the surface. To do so a T-square and pencil are used to square the edges, measure the desired length and width and mark the positions to cut. It is very important during plasterboard installation that the measurements are accurate and that the plasterboards are properly measured. If the plasterboards are not accurately measured they will not fit to cover the area, or there may be gaps or overhangs, which is clearly undesirable.

[0004] A serious problem for people installing plasterboard is the serious risk of cutting themselves during the next step, cutting the board to size. Often an exceedingly sharp knife will be used to score and snap through the plasterboard. The usual technique is to hold the T-square in place, squared to one edge to define a perpendicular line. As the T-square is held in place with one hand the other hand swiftly draws the sharp knife along the edge of the T-square to cut the plasterboard. A strong force needs to be applied to cleanly score the plasterboard. If the plasterboard is not cut strongly and cleanly it is likely that the paper covering or plasterboard will be damaged. specPA2038617 3 2017100238 28 Feb 2017 [0005] More seriously, as significant force and speed is used to wield the knife the knife may easily slip, and cut the other hand, holding the T-Square. A cut with the knife can be extremely serious, requiring urgent medical attention or a trip to the hospital.

[0006] The inventor has developed a very clever tool, that will immediately remove the risk of accidental cutting when cutting the plasterboard without inhibiting the task. The serious problem of the prior art has been considered by trades people in the industry for many, many years as the plasterboards and method of installation has remained the same in all that time. There has been no innovation, change or improvement in the area for years- until now. The inventor has solved a problem in a unique way, which once known about is likely to replace all conventional T-squares.

[0007] The invention is applicable to installing any boards or other items where it is useful to measure and use the square to cut and position. Further, the invention may be used for any form of plasterboard for use in domestic, commercial, and industrial applications or in any situation where it may be desired to install plasterboard. The following description gives an illustrative example of use for plasterboard for internal rooms, and with the example of installation of a ceiling. It is not intended that the application of the invention be limited in any way to use of plasterboard, or for internal rooms.

[0008] Further, the following describes a non-limiting example of the invention being used with reference to plasterboard installation on a ceiling and plastering. The improved T-square has numerous applications, too many to list, but is particularly useful in plasterboard installation. However, it is not in any way intended that the invention be limited to use for that purpose. specPA2038617 4 2017100238 28 Feb 2017 [0009] For clarity, any prior art referred to herein, does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge, in Australia or elsewhere.

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved T-square that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art.

[0011] Accordingly, the present invention provides an improved T-square for use to cut a board, the improved T-square including: a first part; a second part substantially perpendicular to the first part and connected thereto; and at least one guard means, associated with the second part, wherein, the improved T-square is held by a first hand and used with a cutting tool held in the second hand and the at least one guard means substantially prevents injury to the first hand while cutting the board along the second part with the cutting tool held in the second hand.

[0012] Preferably, the perpendicular angle is a precise perpendicular to the first part. If the tool was to be used for angles other than perpendicular this other form of the invention will replace the perpendicular angle with any suitable angle. Preferably, the T-square is made of a suitable rigid material. The T-square may be made of metal, wood, plastic, or composite materials. The T-square may include incremental measurements.

[0013] The invention may be used to install any board. The board may be a panel. The panel may be plasterboard. The panel may be any board it is wished to install. The panel or board may be other objects it is desired to cut, where use of the invention is particularly applicable for safety. specPA2038617 5 2017100238 28 Feb 2017 [0014] Preferably, the first part is shorter than the second part. Preferably, the first part is substantially 500 millimetres in length. Any suitable length of the first part may be used. Preferably, the first part is a substantially rectangular shape. Preferably, the first part is a substantially narrow rectangle shape.

[0015] Preferably, the second part is longer than the first part. Preferably, the second part is substantially 1400 millimetres in length. Any suitable length of the second part may be used. Preferably, the second part is a substantially rectangular shape. Preferably, the second part is a substantially narrow rectangle shape.

[0016] Preferably, the first part and the second part are connected together by rivets, bolts or machine screwed. Preferably, the first part and second part for a T-shape useful to mark, cut and measure perpendicular lines. The connection may be fixed connection. The connection may be a moveable connection between a squared position and a position whereby the first part are aligned, for storage or transportation.

[0017] Preferably, two guards are included one on either long edge of the second part. Preferably, one or more guard is included on the first part. Preferably, a pair of guards are included on the first part. Most preferably, two guards are included one on either long edge of the second part and a pair of guards are included on the first part. Any suitable number of guards may be included on the first and or second part.

[0018] Preferably, the guards are a lip along the long edges of the second part. The lip may run the full length of the edge. The lip may run along part of the edge in another form of the invention. Preferably, a space is defined between a pair of lips along the edges and the user may place their fingers in the space and the guards protect the fingers or the user when a knife is used along the guard. Preferably, a space is defined between a pair of lips along edges of the first part and the second part and the user may place their fingers in the space and the guards protect the fingers or the user when a knife is used along the guard. specPA2038617 6 2017100238 28 Feb 2017 [0019] Preferably, the first part also includes a pair of guards, in the form of lips along the long edges defining a space, in which the fingers of the user can be protected by the guards from cutting with a knife used along the guard. Preferably, the first part can be used to cut short lengths. Preferably, the second part can be used to cut longer lengths.

[0020] Most preferably, the guards of the second part face uppermost and the guards of the first part face downwards. The particular arrangement of guards and the first part can be altered within the scope of the invention. Preferably, a pair of guards of the second part face upwards and a pair of guards of the first part face downwards.

[0021] Accordingly, the present invention provides in another form of the invention an improved tool for use to cut a flat board, the improved tool including: a first part; at least one guard means, associated with the first part, wherein, the at least on guard means protects the hand of the user when a knife is run along the guarded edge.

[0022] Accordingly, the present invention provides in another form of the invention an improved T-square for use to cut a plasterboard, the improved T-square including: a first part; at least one guard means, associated with the first part, wherein, the at least on guard means protects the hand of the user when a knife is run along the guarded edge when cutting plasterboards for installation. specPA2038617 7 2017100238 28 Feb 2017 [0023] Accordingly, the invention provides a method of use of an improved T-square to cut a panel, the improved T-square including a first part, second part and at least one guard means associated with the second part to protect the fingers of the user when using a knife, the method including the following steps:- a) aligning the first part with the vertical side of a panel; b) positioning the connected second part at an appropriate height, where it is desired to cut the panel; c) holding the improved T-square with one hand behind a guard means; and d) using a knife along the outer edge of the guard to score or cut the panel, wherein, the fingers of the person are substantially protected by the use of the guard when cutting the panel.

[0024] The improved T-square of the method may be the improved T-square of the invention in any of its forms or variants.

[0025] The invention will now be described in connection with a non-limiting preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view from above of an improved T-square according to a preferred embodiment of the invention [0027] Figure 2 is a detailed perspective view of the improved T-square of Figure 1; [0028] Figure 3 is a plan view of the improved T-square of Figures 1 and 2 with the guards of the long part upwards; specPA2038617 8 2017100238 28 Feb 2017 [0029] Figure 4 is a plan view of the improved T-square of Figure 3 but with the guards of the cross piece facing down and the guards of the long part facing upwards; [0030] Figure 5 is a side view of the improved T-square of Figure 3; and [0031] Figure 6 is a side view along the channel of the improved T-square showing the protected position of the persons hand behind the guards.

[0032] Referring to Figures 1 to 6, a preferred embodiment of the invention will be described, where improved T-square 1, has long part 10 and cross-piece 12 joined at connection point 14 by screws 16. Screws 16 may be replaced by any other suitable fixing, such as rivets. Connection point 14 between parts 10 and 12 form an accurate square tool so that alignment of one part provides a measuring or cutting edge, exactly perpendicular, as would be readily understood by a person skilled in the art. It is envisaged that other angles, or positions of the two parts could also be used for other forms of the invention. The described invention will relate specifically to a T-square but is not limited thereto, unless limited by a claim.

[0033] Long part 10 can be seen to include guards 18 and 20 defining a base 22. Cross-piece 12 similarly has guard 24 and 26 defining a base 28. It can be seen that the guards of long part 10 face upwards and those of the cross-piece face down. Guards 18, 20, 24 and 26 run along the long edges in the form of a lip. As shown the guards are 10 millimetres in height, sufficient to guard the hand of the user and prevent a knife used along the edge from slipping.

[0034] Guards 18 and 20, and 26 and 28 may take any suitable form to protect the hand of the user. The guards are shown made integrally with their base during manufacture for strength. Use of two guards and on both the long and short parts of the tool enable use by people who are left or right handed and by any combination of hand arrangements. Both short and long measured pieces can be specPA2038617 9 2017100238 28 Feb 2017 cut conveniently as both parts have guards and can be quickly manipulated for use to square, measure and cut the panel.

[003¾ In use, a person aligns cross-piece 12 so as to align with the vertical so that long part 10 lies precisely perpendicular. The user moves the tool to a suitable height where it is desired to cut the panel. The person has hand 30 applied with pressure as shown at 32 on base 22 whereby knife 34 (refer Figure 6) is run along the edge to cut an underlying panel. Significant pressure can be applied both to base 22 using knife 34 with confidence as hand 30 is protected from knife 34 slipping and cutting hand 30. Guards 18 and 20, depending in which manner knife 34 is used, will stop knife 34 from slipping of moving off the straight line being cut or scored. As there is no nervousness with use of knife 34 shielded from the fingers by guards 18 and or 20, knife 34 can be used quickly and firmly to make a precise and accurate cut, another benefit of the invention.

[0036] The whole of improved T-square is illustrated made of stainless steel. Other metals or materials could be used instead, such as wood, plastics or a combination of materials. Measurements can readily be used on any of the parts or surfaces if desired, to assist in measuring, aligning and cutting.

[0037] The invention represents a significant improvement over the art and a safety improvement that is likely to be universally adopted.

[0038] It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiment disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in its various aspects. specPA2038617 10 2017100238 28 Feb 2017 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST: 1 Improved T-square 10 Long part 12 Cross piece 14 Connection point 16 Screws 18 Guard 20 Guard 22 Base 24 Guard 26 Guard 28 Base 30 Hand 32 Pressure applied 34 Knife specPA2038617

Claims (5)

1. The claims defining the invention are as follows:

   1. An improved T-square for use to cut a board, the improved T-square including: a first part; a second part substantially perpendicular to the first part and connected thereto; and at least one guard means, associated with the second part, wherein, the improved T-square is held by a first hand and used with a cutting tool held in the second hand and the at least one guard means substantially prevents injury to the first hand while cutting the board along the second part with the cutting tool held in the second hand.
2. 2. The improved T-square of claim 1, wherein the perpendicular angle is a precise perpendicular to the first part.
3. 3. The improved T-square of claim 1 or 2, wherein two guards are included one on either long edge of the second part, and a pair of guards are also included on the first part.
4. 4. The improved T-square of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a space is defined between a pair of lips along edges of the first part, and of the second part and the user may place their fingers in the space and the lips protect the fingers or the user when a knife is used along the lip.
5. 5. The improved T-square of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a pair of guards of the second part face upwards and a pair of guards of the first part face downwards.