GB2293457A - Device for setting out and measuring angles - Google Patents

Abstract

A rectlinear body bears series of marks indicating angular values. In these series a marks displacement from its initiating mark equals the length of its series multiplied by the tangent of an angle having an integral value in the range 0 - 45 DEG . A series initiating mark emanates from a corner point or it lies colinear with another mark, preferably another initiating mark. Thus in figure 1 the initiating mark 12, the mark 15, and the terminal mark 17 suffice to set out the adjacent and opposite sides of two similar right triangles whose hypolheni and ajacent sides subtend the angles which are indicated at the mark 15 in the two mutually perpendicular directions the device is sucessively directed along to set out those angles 30 DEG and 60 DEG . Such series dont exceed 1/ 2ROOT 2times the devices length and they can be accomodated on many tools, such as rules, scale rules, level indicators, levels and tape measures. <IMAGE>

Description

DEVICE FOR INDICATING AND MEASURING ANGLES This invention relates to a device for setting out angles.,and it can be used in various forms such as a ruler or with a level indicating device.

According to the present invention, a device for setting out angles comprises a rectangular body, having a first and a second open end. Between said ends, a pair of coplanar marks on four successive surfaces indicate the devices first end. Between the first end and the second open end, there are forty four pairs of coplanar marks on four successive surfaces, lying parallel to the devices first end and its open ends. Four marks extend from the corners of the second open end onto the two surfaces containing the free ends of the series of coplanar marks. Each free end of all the said marks indicate directly or implicitly a pair of angular values.

On this device, the distances along an edge in contact with a surface, from the first end to the second open end, and from the first end to a mark, can be used to set out on the said surface, a pair of similar right angled triangles located in one quadrant of a circle. That marks free end, on the devices upturned surface will indicate the angles subtended by thesEtriangles hypotenuse and their adjacent sides, or for angles in the range 900 - 2700, their adjacent sides produced from the first end to the first open end.

All other devices to be described can be used in the same way to set out angles.

On this device and on all others to be described, the displacement of any mark relating to angles from the first end is equal to the product of the distance between the devices first end and its second open end, and the tangent of same angle with an integral value in the range Oo - 450 inclusive.

On this device and on all others to be described the orientation of angular values at a, marks open ends, in conjunction with the prescribed convention for measuring angles, will indicate the directions in which the device must be orientated, and the order in which it is so orientated to set out these angles.

On this device, marks are numbered for the measurement of angles in an anticlockwise direction with respect to a horizontal axis that proceeds from left to right. When this device lies along a horizontal axis with its first end located to the left of its second open end marks along the lower side of the upturned surface are numbered from 00 i 450 from left to right and from 450 o 900 in the opposite direction. The free ends of these marks on the downturned surface are numbered from 2700 315 from left to right and from 3150 to 3600 in the opposite direction. The free ends of marks along the upper edge of the upturned surface are numbered from 900 o 1350 from left to right and from 1350 i 1800 in the opposite direction.The free ends of these marks on the downturned surface are numbered from 1800 4 2250 from left to right and from 2250 j 2700 in the opposite direction.

In another embodiment of this invention a rectangular body is identically marked to the device described above. The free ends of its marks are numbered for the measurement of angles in a clockwise direction with respect to a vertical axis that proceeds upwards from its first end to its second open end. When the device is orientated along a vertical axis with its first end below its second open end, marks along the left side of the upturned surface are numbered from 0O J 450 from the first end, and they are numbered from 450 t 900 from the second open end. On its downturned surface these marks are numbered from 900 i 1350 from the first end, and from 1350 i 1800 from the second open end.The marks on the right hand side of the upturned surface are numbered from 00 3 -450 from the first end and from -450 + -900 from the second open end. On the devices down turned surface these marks are numbered from -900 t -1350 from the first end and from -1350 i -1800 from the second open end.

These devices are intended for setting out angles on plain surfaces. They can be made of transparent plastics or from wood and metals.

In another construction this invention is combined with a ruler and three level indicators.

This device comprises a rectangular body which bears a pair of coplanar marks on four successive surfaces between its open ends to indicate the devices first end. Between this first end and the second open end three successive surfaces bear a series of forty four coplanar marks. Two marks extend from two corner points of the second open end onto the surfaces containing the free ends of the coplanar marks. The free ends of all these marks on one surface indicate angles from 0O + 450 from the first end, and angles from 450 i 900 from the second open end. On the other surface their free ends indicate angles from 900 j 1350 from the first end and angles from 1350 t 1800 from the second open end.

This device is so numbered for setting out angles in an anticlockwise direction from a horizontal axis.

Along the upper edge of the upturned surface, adjoining surfaces bear a series of coplanar marks between the devices open ends, and these are suitably spaced and numbered to enable said surface to function as a metric ruler.

Along the upper edge of the devices downturned surface, adjoining surfaces bear a series of coplanar marks between its open ends, and they are suitable spaced and numbered to enable said surfaces to function as an imperial ruler.

This devices body is substantial enough to incorporate three level indicators, two of which are conventional spirit levels set at right angles to each other to indicate when the device, along its length,is vertical or horizontal.

The third level indicator has the capacity to indicate the devices angle of inclination to a horizontal plane. This indicator comprises a disk shaped hermetically sealed chamber, which is made of transparent material. This chamber contains a pointer which is substantially semi-circular in shape with an outstanding section projecting at right angles from its diameter, which tapers to a point. This pointer can fully rotate about a pivot that transverses the centre of the chamber. This pointer is composed of two or more different materials of different densities such that its centre of gravity along its axis of symmetry lies close to the pointers circumference. The flat sections of the pointer containing its diameter, and the tip of the projecting section are coloured, in contrast to the chamber and all its other contents, which are transparent.The remaining volume of the chamber is filled with a fluid of lower density than that of the pointer.

The pointer is etched along its circumference to increase the dampening effect of the fluid when the pointer is rotating.

The devices two surfaces surrounding the chamber are marked and numbered to indicate angles in the range Oo e 900 for each quadrant of the circle their perimeters describe. The angle indicated by a mark aligned with the pointers diameter is the angle at which the device is inclined to a horizontal plane. The angle indicated by the mark aligned with the top of the pointers projecting section is the angle at which the device is inclined to a vertical plane.

A similar device to that described above embodying this invention comprises a rectangular body which is marked and numbered from its first open end for use as metric and imperial ruler.

This device incorporates close to its second open end, a body which is comprised of five successive conventional spirit levels.

Each spirit level lies along one of these mutually perpendicular axes. Two or more of these levels can be viewed simultaneously through openings in five surfaces including the second open end.

On this device a pair of coplanar lines on four successive surfaced indicate its first end, which is displaced a distance equal to 1/52 6 times the distance between its open ends from the first open end. On one surface the free ends of marks between the first open end and the first end, relating to angles all numbered from Oo 4 450 from the first end. On the opposing surface they are numbered from 900 t 1350 from the first open end and from 1350 f 1800 from the first end.

Both of these devices incorporating levels and having ruled surfaces are intended for field work, for setting out points and directions in either two or three dimensions. These devices bodywork should be made of a suitably strong rigid material such as hard plastics, hardwoods or metals like aluminium.

It will be appreciated that all the devices described can also be used to evaluate angles already set out by or drawings, or between surfaces.

It will be appreciated that this invention can be accommodated on any device having at least one straight edge, and a surface capable of indicating numbers.

Some embodiments of this invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views of the invention embodied on a rectangular body for use in setting out angles measured in an anticlockwise direction from a horizontal axis.

Figures 3 .. 10 are perspective views of the device shown in figures 1 and 2, as used to set out angles from 0O - 3600.

Figures 11 and 12 are perspective views of the invention embodied on a rectangular body to be used to set out angles measured in a clockwise direction from a vertical axis.

Figures 13 and 14 are perspective views of the invention embodied on a rectangular body that incorporates a set of level indicators and indicates a metric and an imperial ruler.

Figures 15 and 16 are perspective views of the level indicator which can indicate the degree of inclination of the devices body to horizontal and vertical planes.

Figures 17 and 18 are perspective views of the invention embodied on a rectangular body that incorporates a set of five spirit levels, and that indicates a metric and an imperial ruler.

Figure 19 is a perspective view the body comprised of five spirit levels which is fitted into the device of figures 17 & 18.

Figures 1 and 2, the rectangular body 1 has a first open end 2 and a second open end 3. On the surfaces 4, 5 6 and 7 the parallel pair of coplanar marks 12 and 14 indicate the devices first end.

The parallel pair of coplanar marks 15 and 16 are one of forty four pairs between the devices first end and its second open end.

The marks 17, 18, 19 and 20 extend from the corners of the second open end onto the surfaces 4 and 6. Directly or implicitly all the above marks indicate at each of their free ends a pair of angular values such that all angles with an integral value from 00 e 3600 are indicated on this device. In the preferred model of this device the distance between its open ends isJZ times the distance between its first end and its second open end.

In figures 3 ... 10 the referral letters A B C and d indicate points on a surface corresponding to its previous or present contact with the following corner points on the device namely a corner point, of its first open end, of its first end, of its second open end, and of the mark indicating on its upturned surface the value of the angle to be set out.

To set out a particular angle in the first and fourth quadrants which is directly or implicitly indicated in an upright direction on the devices upturned surface, when the device lies along a horizontal axis, the points B and d are plotted. Then the device is suitably relocated and reorientated, such that the corner point of the first end used to plot the point B, now coincides with point d, with the device orientated at right angles to the line Bd. Then the point c is plotted. Then the required angle is subtended at B by the line BC measured in an anticlockwise direction with respect to the line Bd.

For angles in the second and third quadrants similarly indicated in an upright direction the same procedure is followed to plot the points A B and d, and after the device has been suitable relocated and reorientated the point c is plotted. Then the required angle is subtended at B by the line BC with respect to BA.

To set out an angle in the first and fourth quadrants which is indicated in a lateral direction on the upturned surface of the device when it lies along a horizontal axis, the points B and C are plotted first. Then the device is suitably relocated and reorientated such that the corner point of the first end used to plot the point B now coincides with the point C, consistent with the device being orientated at right angles to the line BC. The point d is plotted. Then the required angle is subtended at B by the line Bd measured in an anticlockwise direction with respect to BC.

For angles in the second and third quadrants which are similarly indicated in a lateral direction the points A B and C are plotted first and after the device has been suitable relocated and reorientated the point d is plotted. Then the required angle is subtended at B by the line Bd with respect to BA.

In figures 3 ... 10 by way of example the angles indicated at the free ends of the marks 15 and 16 in figures 1 and 2 are set out.

In figure 3 corner points along the edge 11 have been used to plot the points B and C. The device has been relocated such that the corner point used to plot the point B now coincides with the point c. The device has been rotated about the point C such that another corner point of the first end along the edge 10 on the mark 14 lies along the line BC indicating that the device lies at right angles to the line BC. Then 200 is the angle subtended at B by the line Bd measured in an anticlockwise direction from the line BC.

In figure 4 the edge 11 has been used to plot the points B and d and after the device has been suitably relocated and reorientated the point C has been plotted. Then 700 is the angle subtended at B by the line BC with respect to Bd.

In figure 5 the edge 10 has been used to plot the points B and d and after the device has been suitably relocated and reorientated the point C has been plotted. Then 110 is the angle subtended at B by the line BC with respect to BA.

In figure 6 the edge 10 has been used to plot the points A B and C and after the device has been suitably relocated and reorientated the point d has been plotted. Then 1600 is the angle subtended at B by the line Bd with respect to BA.

In figure 7 the edge 9 has been used to plot the points A, B and d; the device has been suitably relocated and reorientated to plot the point C. The angle 2000 is subtended at B by the line BC with respect to BA.

In figure 8, the edge 9 has been used to plot the points A B and d and after the device has been suitably relocated and reorientated the point C has been plotted. Then 2500 is the angle subtended at B by the line BC with respect to BA.

In figure 9 the edge 8 has been used to plot the points B and d; and after the device has been suitably relocated and re-adjusted the point C has been plotted. The angle 2900 is the angle subtended at B by the line BC with respect to Bd.

In figure 10 the edge 8 has been used to plot the points B and C and after the device has been suitably relocated and reorientated the point d has been plotted. Then 3400 is the angle subtended at B by the line Bd with respect to BC.

In figures 11 and 12 the rectangular strip 21 is identically marked to the device shown in figures 1 and 2. These marks are numbered at their free ends on the surfaces 24 and 27 in compliance with the convention of ascribing positive values to angles measured in a clockwise direction with respect to a vertical axis and conversely of ascribing negative values to angles measured in an anticlockwise direction with respect to that vertical axis, which proceeds upwards from the devices first end as indicated by the marks 29 and 30. Thus the mark 31 indicates the values -200 and -700 on the surface 24, and the values - 1100 and -1600 on the surface 27, while its associated mark 32 indicates the values 200 and 700 on the surface 24 and the values 1100 and 1600 on the surface 27.

The procedure used to set out angles with the device shown in figures 1 and 2 can also be used with this device provided the device is initially appropriately, orientated along a vertical axis.

In figures 13 and 14 the rectangular body 37 bears a pair of parallel coplanar marks 45 and 46 on its surfaces 41, 42, 43 and 44 which indicate the devices first end. The mark 47 is one of a series of forty four coplanar marks on the surfaces 41, 42 and 44, that proceed from the devices first end towards its second open end 40. The marks 48 and 49 emanate from two corners of the second open end onto the surfaces 42 and 44. On the surface 42 these marks are numbered at their free ends to indicate angular values in the range 0O i 900 and on the surface 44 they indicate angles in the range 900 i 1800.

The mark 50 is one of a series between the devices open ends 38 and 40 on its surfaces 42 and 43 that are suitably spaced and numbered to enable these surfaces to be used as metric rulers.

The mark 51 is one of a series between the devices open ends 38 and 40 on its surfaces 43 and 44 that are suitably spaced and numbered to enable these surfaces to be used as an imperial ruler.

The devices body is substantial enough to accommodate three level indicators 53, 54 and 55 where the indicators 54 and 55 are conventional spirit levels arranged at right angles to each other.

Figures 15 and 16 show the level indicator 53 which comprises a transparent disk shaped chamber 56, which is hermetically sealed.

This chamber contains a pointer 57 which is substantially semicircular, with a projection 58 located along its diameter 59.

This pointer is hinged on the pivot 60 through the centre of the chamber. The etching 61 is one of a series along the pointers circumference that enhances the damping effect of the fluid that occupies the remaining volume of the chamber. The mark 62 is one of a series on the surface 42 along its perimeter about the chamber and these marks are numbered at intervals to cover angles in the range 0 - 900 for each quadrant of the circle this perimeter describes. The surface 44 is similarly marked and numbered adjacent to its perimeter about the pointer's chamber.

In figures 18 and 19 the rectangular body 63 indicates the parallel pair of coplanar marks 72 and 73 which indicate the devices first end. The coplanar mark 7t on the surfaces 68 69 and 71 is one of a series of forty four marks which with the marks 72 and 73 and the marks 75 and 7t indicate directly or implicitly angles from 0O 5 1800 at their free ends on the surfaces 68 and 71.

The mark 79 is one of a series proceeding from the devices first open end 64 that enables the surfaces 69 and 70 to be used as a metric ruler.

The mark 80 is one of a series proceeding from the devices first open end 64 that enables the surfaces 70 and 71 to be used as an imperial ruler.

The body comprising of five consecutive spirit levels 81,82,83, 84 and 86 can be viewed through the surfaces 68,69,70,71 and the second open end 66.

In figure 19 the body comprised of the spirit levels 81,82,83,84 and 86 is shown and this body can be fitted into the device though the surface 68,70, or the second open end 66, and secured therein by a glue or resin.

Claims (11)

1. An instrument consisting of a rectangular body which bears one or more sreies of marks which are suitably spaced and numbered along an edge or edges of its surfaces for setting out and measuring angles.

2. An instrument as claimed in claim 1 whereon a series of marks relating to angles has a distinctive initiating and terminal mark each of which intersects normally the adjacent edge of the surface indicating it or emanates at an angle from a corner of a free end of this instrument.

3. An instrument as claimed in claims 1 to 2 where the initiating and terminal marks of a series relating to angles lie collinear with other such marks on the surface indicating them or traverse that surface with or without discontinuities or eminate at an angle from corners of this instruments open end.

4. An instrument as claimed in claims 1 to 3 where the ratio of a marks displacement from the initiating mark of a series containing it to the length of that series or that ratio inversed equals the tangennt of an angle having an integral value in the range of 0 to 450.

5. An instrument as claimed in claims 1 to 4 whereon a series of marks relating to angles does not exceed 1/ 2 times the length of the surface indicating it.

6. An instrument as claimed in claims 1 to 5 where a mark relating to angles explicitly or implicitly indicates a pair of angular values at each of its free ends, excepting a free end that terminates on an corner of the instrument.

7. An instrument as claimed in claims 1 to 6 where the said instrument indicates a series of marks along one or more of its surfaces such that this instrument can be used as a conventional rule.

8. An instrument as claimed in claims 1 to 7 where the said instrument contains a rectangular slot along whose edges, additional series of marks are indicated which are suitably spaced and numbered for use as scale rules.

9. An instrument as claimed in claims 1 to 6 and 7, where this instrument incorperates a body consisting a body consisting three independently operating spirit level indicators located at one free end of the instrument and where the said spirit levels are aligned along mutually perpendicular axes.

10. An instrument as claimed in claims 1 to 6 and 7 and 9 which also incorporates an adjustable spirit level indicator for use in indicating the instruments angle of inclination with respect to a horizontal plane.

11. A device as claimed in claims 1 6 & 9 and 10 incorporating a level indicating device comprised of a hermiticaly sealed disk shaped chamber which is surrounded by marks indicating values with reference to which a pivoted body with a projecting pointer indicates this devices inclination to a horizontal axis as it rotates freely under the influence of gravity through a fluid which is itself subject to the effects of damping provided by the grooves along an inner surface or surfaces of the said chamber.