GB2362214A - Bowls measure - Google Patents

Abstract

The bowls measure comprises a body 1, enclosing an adjustable threaded bar 2, which is rotated by an adjusting knob 4. Feeler legs 9 and 10 extend from the body. Feeler leg 9 is capable of vertical movement and is brought into slight contact with eg a bowl, feeler leg 10 is capable of both vertical and lateral movement, the lateral movement being provided by rotation of the threaded bar. This allows feeler leg 10 to travel along the body of the bowls measure and make slight contact with eg the jack, so comparing or measuring the distance between. The feeler legs are capable of accessing very small gaps, where the bowl and jack are in very close proximity.

Description

2362214 BOWLS MEASURE This invention relates to a device for comparing and

measuring distances. Although not exclusively so, it may be used in the game of bowls for comparing the relative distances between two woods and the jack. It is particularly suitable in situations where a bowl andjack are in very close proximity to each other.

Bowls measures, of the type normally employed, are unable to access the small gaps that often occur between the Jack and bowl. The usual method of measuring, in this situation, is to use a caliper. This method is cumbersome, repetative and time consuming. As the caliper is held in the hand, with nothing to steady it, there is a great risk that the bowl or jack will be disturbed. The caliper must be removed from between the bowl and jack each time adjustment is required. This invention overcomes the problem.

According to the present invention there, is provided a device for comparing distances or measuring lengths. The device comprises a body, suitably manufactured as to provide stability whilst in use on a flat surface, feeler legs which extend from the body, means whereby one of the legs may swivel or slide apart, or together, in relation to the other, the device thus being capable of measuring distances, as desired.

As With a caliper, this measure is held in the hand. However, the measure also rests on the ground. This forms a firm base which steadies the measure, so obviating any shake or tilting movement. The main body of the measure may extend over a considerable area, further reducing the problem of 'shake'.

Thus, this measuring device may be placed in a position adjacent to the bowl andjack and adjusted in that one position, whilst, at the same time, being capable of accessing small gaps between a bowl and jack.

A specific embodiment of the invention will be described by way of example With reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- Figure I shows a front elevation of the bowls measure, including the cover.

Figure 2 shows a front elevation of the bowls measure with the cover removed.

Figure 3 shows a plan view of the bowls measure, jack and bowl.

Figure 4 illustrates a plan view of the bowls measure and plug in extension piece.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 shows the bowls measure comprising a body 1 enclosing an adjustable threaded bar 2, which is secured by a spring clip 3) and rotated by an adjusting knob 4.

Figure 2 illustrates a crosspiece 5 incorporating a threaded oriface 6 in which the threaded bar 2 is engaged. When the adjusting knob 4 is rotated this enables the crosspiece 5 to travel along the body of the bowls measure. Additionally, two oriflaces 7 guide the crosspiece 5 along the stabilising bars 8. These provide smooth and accurate operation of the bowls measure.

As shown in Figure -3), a stationary feeler leg 9 and adjustable feeler leg 10 may be releasably secured to tapered onfaces 11 incorporated in the body 1 and crosspiece 5, respectively.

The body of the bowls measure may be placed adjacent to the bowl 12 and jack 13, so offering the stationary feeler leg 9 to the part of the bowl 12 nearest to the jack 13. By rotating the adjusting knob 4, the adjustable feeler leg 10 traverses to touch the jack 1 -3).

As the bowl 12 and jack 13 are different sizes, the widest part of each differing in height, it may be desirable that a vertically moveable joint 14 be incorporated in one or both feeler legs- This is illustrated in Figures 3, 4 & 5.

Furthermore, it may be desirable that an extension leg 15 may be releasably secured to one or both of the feeler legs 9 & 10, as shown in figure 4.

In another embodiment of the present invention Figure 5 shows the feeler legs 9 & 10 and knob 4 incorporated near the top of the bowls measure. This enables the feeler legs 9 & 10 to fold or swing vertically, against or within the body 1, when not in use. This also provides for height adjustment to suit the bowl 12 and jack 1 3.Although desirable, this embodiment excludes the crosspiece 5 and stabilising bars 8, the body 1 providing support for the feeler leg 10.

Althou h Figures 1 to 5 illustrate feeler legs operated by means of a knob g 1 and screw action, any suitable means of operation may be employed.

The bowls measure may be manufactured from materials such as plastic and metal, but any suitable material may be utilized.

Claims (1)

1. A device for comparing distances or measuring lengths, the device comprises a body suitably manufactured as to provide stability whilst in use on a flat surface, feeler legs which extend from the body, means whereby one of the legs may swivel or slide apart, or together, in relation to the other, the device thus being capable of measuring distances, as desired.

   A device according to claim 1, where the device is placed adjacent to a gap between two items, and where the device may be adjusted in that one position without disturbing the said items.

   A device according to claims 1 & 2, where the body is placed adjacent to the items to be measured, the body being unable to access the gap between the said items, which are in close proximity to each other, yet the feeler legs being capable of accessing the same gap.

   A device according to claims 1 to 3, in which one leg is capable of vertical movement, the other capable of both vertical and lateral movement.

   A device according to any preceding claim, where a mechanism is fitted inside the body and controlled by rotating a knob on the outside of the body.

   A device according to any preceding claim where a mechanism is fitted inside the body and controlled by any suitable means.

   A device according to any preceding claim wherein the feeler legs are capable of retracting into the body, when not in use.

   A device according to any preceding claim wherein the feeler legs are capable of being releasably secured to the body.

   A device according to any preceding claim where an extension leg is releasably secured to one or both of the feeler legs.

   A device according to any preceding claim where a vertically movable joint is incorporated in one or both feeler legs.

   A device for comparing distances or measuring lengths, the device being substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.