AU2019101039A4 - Marking jig - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A marking jig for use in carpentry and joinery for repetitively marking equidistantly spaced locations at which studs are to be joined to such timber, is made up of an elongate body having a straight elongate edge, and a ruler member connected to the body. The ruler member has a flat major surface extending orthogonally beyond the edge pf the body, subtending a right angle where they join. The body and ruler member are locatable along a length of timber so that the major flat surface abuts a major face of the timber length and the body abuts an intersecting second major face, the ruler member having parallel ruler edges for placing against the timber, the edges being separated by a distance equal to a specified distance of separation required between adjacent studs when fixed to the timber, plus the width of one of the studs. 16 22 ~ 32 .18 --------------------- (b)

Description

A marking jig for use in carpentry and joinery for repetitively marking equidistantly spaced locations at which studs are to be joined to such timber, is made up of an elongate body having a straight elongate edge, and a ruler member connected to the body. The ruler member has a flat major surface extending orthogonally beyond the edge pf the body, subtending a right angle where they join. The body and ruler member are locatable along a length of timber so that the major flat surface abuts a major face of the timber length and the body abuts an intersecting second major face, the ruler member having parallel ruler edges for placing against the timber, the edges being separated by a distance equal to a specified distance of separation required between adjacent studs when fixed to the timber, plus the width of one of the studs.

SHEET 1 /3

2019101039 11 Sep 2019

FIGURE 1

2019101039 11 Sep 2019

MARKING JIG

Field of invention [01] This invention relates to carpentry and joinery apparatus for and a method of marking on a length of timber locations at which other work pieces are to be joined. Specifically it relates to the provision of a marking jig for repetitively marking equidistantly spaced locations at which studs are to be joined at one end to such timber.

Background to the invention [02] A jig is a tool having as its primary purpose that of providing repeatability, accuracy and interchangeability in manufacture or construction. A significant cost borne by carpenters and joiners may arise from inaccurate measurements and marking of timber. Inaccuracies lead to tasks needing to be corrected or reworked. This often results in materials going to waste, apart from the time spent in redoing parts of a job. Time and budget overruns usually impact negatively on the reputation of the person performing the task incorrectly and lead to far-reaching collateral damage.

[03] When it comes to marking locations on lengths of timber at which other pieces are to be joined, the inaccurate marking of just one location invariably affects the accuracy and correctness of other locations, affecting the resulting structure.

[04] Although templates of various kinds are known for use in repetitive tasks such as locating positions for drilling, there is perceived to be a need in the joinery industry for a tool that enables swift marking in a repetitive manner of equidistant locations for the joining of studs or similar pieces to a main piece of timber, such as a horizontal beam.

[05] By regulation in Australia, adjacent studs are subject to a maximum spacing limit. There is therefore a need for a jig that facilitates marking of a length of timber while reducing the risk that the limit will be exceeded.

Objects of the invention [06] It is an object of this invention to address the shortcomings of the prior art and, in doing so, to provide a marking jig that alleviates at least some of the negative effects of the abovementioned issues.

2019101039 11 Sep 2019 [07] The preceding discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere as at the priority date of the present application.

[08] Further, and unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words ‘comprise’, ‘comprising’, and the like are to be construed in the inclusive sense of “including, but not being limited to” - as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense meaning “including this and nothing else”.

Summary of invention [09] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a marking jig for use in carpentry and joinery for marking, on a length of timber, spaced locations at which respective studs should be joined to the timber, the jig comprising

a. an elongate body having a straight elongate edge,

b. a ruler member connected to the body and having a flat major surface extending orthogonally beyond the edge, subtending a right angle where the ruler member joins the body, so that the body and ruler member are locatable along a length of timber so that the major flat surface abuts a first major face of the timber length and the body abuts an intersecting second major surface of the timber,

c. the ruler member having side faces defining parallel ruler edges for location against the first major face,

d. the edges being separated by a distance equal to a specified distance of separation between adjacent studs when fixed to a length of timber plus the width of one of the studs.

[010] In a preferred form of the invention, the ruler member comprises first and second legs connected to the body in spaced relationship, the legs being spaced by said distance of stud separation.

[011] Preferably, the legs each define a pair of parallel ruler edges, each pair being spaced by a distance equal to the width of a stud to be connected to the timber.

[012]

In an embodiment of the invention, the spacing between the legs is adjustable.

2019101039 11 Sep 2019 [013] In an alternative embodiment, the ruler member is adjustable in width.

[014] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of marking, on a length of timber, equidistantly spaced locations at which studs are to be joined to said timber, the method comprising steps of:

a. providing a marking jig having an elongate body with a straight elongate edge and a ruler member connected to the body and having a flat major surface extending orthogonally beyond the edge, subtending a right angle where the ruler member joins the body, so that the body and ruler member are locatable along a length of timber so that the major flat surface abuts a first major face of the timber length and the body abuts an intersecting second major surface of the timber, the ruler member having side faces defining first and second parallel ruler edges for location against the first major face, the parallel edges being separated by a distance equal to a specified distance of separation between adjacent studs when fixed to a length of timber plus the width of one of the studs,

b. placing the jig on the timber length with the straight edge running parallel to an elongate edge and the member extending from said elongate edge across a face of the timber to be marked;

c. marking the face with first and second marks ruled along each of the respective first and second parallel ruler edges;

d. repositioning the jig along the timber length so that the second parallel edge of the member is aligned with the first ruled marks and marking the face with further ruled marks coinciding with the position of the repositioned first parallel edge.

[015] The method of the invention preferably includes repeating step d above until a required number of locations have been equidistantly identified on the timber at which to connect studs.

2019101039 11 Sep 2019 [016] In a preferred form of the invention, the method includes the step of providing the member in the form of first and second parallel legs having an intervening spacing equal to the distance by which adjacent studs are to be spaced, each leg defining an inner and an outer edge relative to the spacing.

Brief description of drawings [017] In order that the invention may be readily understood, and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying figures. Thus:

Figure 1 shows in (a) a perspective view and in (b) an end view of a preferred embodiment of the jig of the invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the jig of Figure 1 in use in marking locations for joining studs to a length of timber.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a jig of an alternative embodiment in use.

Detailed description of an embodiment ofthe invention [018] The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the presently disclosed embodiments. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure are not necessarily references to the same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one.

[019] Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances ofthe phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.

[020] Referring to Figure 1, in a preferred embodiment of this invention, the jig is generally denoted by the number 10 and shown in front perspective view in (a) end-on in (b) and rear elevation in (c). Jig 10 has an elongate body 12 having a flat lower surface

2019101039 11 Sep 2019 running lengthwise from end to end. Connected to body 12 and extending orthogonally from it are first and second legs 16, 18. The legs are connected to the body by known fastening means such as rivets 20.

[021] Legs 16, 18 have pairs of parallel elongate straight edges 22, 24 and 32, 34 respectively. These are orthogonal to a straight edge 26 on body 12 and are substantially co-planar. As is apparent in Figure 1(b), vertical edge 22 and surface 14 of body 12 subtend a right angle 30, which is placed against an elongate edge of a timber having a major elongate face to be marked with stud-fixing locations.

[022] Between legs 16, 18 is a gap marked by arrow G in Figure 1(a). The size of this gap corresponds to the spacing distance that is required between successive studs.

[023] In this embodiment, the jig is used as will be described with reference to Figure 2, where a length of timber 40 is shown with a major face 42 that is to be marked with locations at which studs (not shown) are to be fixed. Face 42 intersects with adjoining major face 44 at edge 46. Jig 10 is placed with its edge 26 aligned with edge 46, so that edge 46 nests into angle 30. Outer vertical edge 34 of leg 18 is aligned here with the end 48 of timber length 40, which defines an edge 50 where face 42 meets end 48.

[024] Since leg 18 is made to the same width as that of the studs to be fixed to the length of timber, the user may rule a line on face 42 along inner edge 32, using edge 32 as a ruler. The line may be ruled or marked using any known means, for example a lead pencil, and is denoted by the number 62 in Figure 2(b), where jig 10 has been lifted. The area between extreme edge 50 of timber 40 and line 62 ruled along edge 32 will then mark the location on face 42 where the stud is to be fixed. This location is marked 60.

[025] Similarly, by ruling parallel lines along edges 22 and 24 of leg 16 when the jig is in position, lines 64 and 66 are generated, marking area 68 for the location for the fixing of a second stud to timber 40. To mark further equidistantly spaced areas along timber 40, jig 10 is stepped along edge 46 in the direction of dark arrow A until Ieg18 is located so that it covers area 68, as shown in Figure 2(c). Leg 16 then covers a new location area, 78, which is defined when further lines are ruled either side of leg 16.

[026] The stepping and ruling process is repeated as suggested by arrows B and C (in stippled lines), with jig 10 taking up a new positions on timber 40 until a required number of stud locations has been marked out. The next of these positions is indicated with jig 10 represented in stippled lines with its more advanced leg at 80. So the process continues

2019101039 11 Sep 2019 with the rear leg (in the direction of stepping travel) occupying the position last marked along the more advanced leg until the end of the timber is reached or the requisite number of locations has been identified and marked.

[027] Figure 2(d) shows timber 40 with jig 10 removed and with the marking of stud fixing positions on face 42 complete at locations 60, 68, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86 and 88.

[028] The requirement each time the jig is advanced to place the less advanced leg of the jig over the location marked about the previous position of the more advanced leg helps to maximise accuracy of placement because the dual parallel lines of the already marked position provide twin lines of reference to the user of the jig doing the positioning. This helps eliminate error in positioning.

[029] A jig that has only the edges that correspond to edges 22 and 34 is shown in Figure 3, designated 110. Where appropriate, like numbering is used for labelling features encountered in Figures 1 and 2. Using the jig of this alternative embodiment, only one line is drawn for marking where the stud is to be fixed to the timber beam 40. If the jig is being advanced from right to left, as in the discussion of Figure 2, starting as indicated by direction arrows ‘Lhs’ and ‘Rhs,’ with its right hand edge 134 aligned with right hand end 48 of timber 40, the first line to be drawn against edge 122 as ruler will be line 66. Line 66 is spaced from end 48 of the timber by a distance equal to the required spacing between adjacent studs plus the width of one of the studs. This distance corresponds to the distance shown by bracket L in Figure 1.

[030] The studs will be connected immediately to the left of end 48 and line 66 at zones 60 and 68 respectively.

[031] When jig 110 is stepped to the left, edge 34 will be positioned immediately to the left of line 66. The next line to be drawn will be line 178, to the left of which zone 178 is thereby defined, for receiving the next adjacent stud to be fixed. In like fashion, further stud-receiving zones 80, 82, 84, 86, 88 may be defined at distances corresponding to L in Figure 1.

[032] It will be appreciated that the marking may proceed from the left hand side of timber 40, with successive marking steps being made to the right, with left edge 122 of jig 110 being aligned in turn with the lines drawn using the left edge 134. The zones for fixing are then defined immediately to the right of each line drawn using edge 134 of jig 110.

2019101039 11 Sep 2019 [033] The jig discussed above is shown as being made of separate body and ruler components that are connected together. They may of course be made in a single piece, for example by a moulding or casting method and using materials known and used in the manufacture of tools. Aluminium is particularly favoured for its robust properties suitable for a worksite environment. However, suitable hard-wearing plastics may also be used. The tool may also be made of wood, or from composite materials.

[034] Although different sized jigs are easily manufactured for the most common timber and stud sizes, it is also envisaged that the spacing of the ruler edges may be adjustable, preferably within the permitted regulatory limits. To accomplish adjustment, one of the legs in the embodiment of Figure 1 may be mounted to the body on sliding rail, with position being set by means of a fixing screw, such as a grub screw of similar known mechanism.

[035] In the case of the embodiment of Figure 3, the single leg may include a fixed portion secured to the body and a movable extension panel that is slidably extracted and retracted from a slot in the side of the fixed portion to travel sideways in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the elongate body. It may alternatively be arranged to slide sideways over the fixed portion. The outer edge of the panel provides the ruler edge. Again, a clamping device such as a grub screw may be incorporated into the fixed portion of the leg to bear upon the movable panel and arrest movement when required to be set. Motion limiting means may be incorporated either in the body along a slide rail or in the fixed portion to prevent excessive movement and spacing of the ruler edges that would result in gaps between the locations of adjacent studs being illegally wide.

[036] Throughout this specification, plural instances may implement components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one or more of the individual operations may be performed concurrently, and nothing requires that the operations be performed in the order illustrated. Structures and functionality presented as separate components in example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the subject matter herein.

2019101039 11 Sep 2019 [037] These embodiments merely illustrate particular examples of the apparatus of the invention that provides a measuring jig and a method of using it in marking timber in carpentry. With the insight gained from this disclosure, the person skilled in the art is well placed to discern further embodiments by means of which to put the claimed invention into practice.

2019101039 11 Sep 2019

Claims (8)

1. A carpenter’s measuring jig comprising:

a. an elongate body having a straight elongate edge, and

b. a ruler member connected to the body and having a flat major surface extending orthogonally beyond the edge, subtending a right angle where the ruler member joins the body, so that the body and ruler member are locatable along a length of timber so that the major flat surface abuts a first major face of the timber length and the body abuts an intersecting second major surface of the timber, the ruler member having side faces defining parallel ruler edges for location against the first major face, the edges being separated by a distance equal to a specified distance of separation between adjacent studs when fixed to a length of timber plus the width of one of the studs.

2. The jig of claim 1 wherein the ruler member comprises first and second legs connected to the body in spaced relationship, the legs being spaced by said distance of stud separation.

3. The jig of claim 2 wherein the legs each define a pair of parallel ruler edges, each pair being spaced by a distance equal to the width of a stud to be connected to the timber.

4. The jig of claim 3 wherein the spacing between the legs is adjustable.

5. The jig of claim 1 wherein the ruler member is adjustable in width.

6. A method of marking, on a length of timber, equidistantly spaced locations at which studs are to be joined to said timber, the method comprising steps of:

2019101039 11 Sep 2019

a. providing a marking jig having an elongate body with a straight elongate edge and a ruler member connected to the body and having a flat major surface extending orthogonally beyond the edge, subtending a right angle where the ruler member joins the body, so that the body and ruler member are locatable along a length of timber so that the major flat surface abuts a first major face of the timber length and the body abuts an intersecting second major surface of the timber, the ruler member having side faces defining first and second parallel ruler edges for location against the first major face, the parallel edges being separated by a distance equal to a specified distance of separation between adjacent studs when fixed to a length of timber plus the width of one of the studs,

b. placing the jig on the timber length with the straight edge running parallel to an elongate edge and the member extending from said elongate edge across a face of the timber to be marked;

c. marking the face with first and second marks ruled along each of the respective first and second parallel ruler edges;

d. repositioning the jig along the timber length so that the second parallel edge of the member is aligned with the first ruled marks and marking the face with further ruled marks coinciding with the position of the repositioned first parallel edge.

7. The method of claim 6 which includes repeating step d until a required number of locations have been equidistantly identified on the timber at which to connect studs.

8. The method of claim 6 including the step of providing the member in the form of first and second parallel legs having an intervening spacing equal to the distance by which adjacent studs are to be spaced, each leg defining an inner and an outer edge relative to the spacing.

SHEET 1/3

2019101039 11 Sep 2019 (a)

FIGURE 1

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2019101039 11 Sep 2019 (d)

FIGURE 2