GB2403807A

GB2403807A - Architrave gauge

Info

Publication number: GB2403807A
Application number: GB0315264A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Richard Douglas Parmenter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-06-30
Filing date: 2003-06-30
Publication date: 2005-01-12
Also published as: GB0315264D0

Abstract

A hand-held device for measuring architrave depths including a graduated measuring member 3 slideably extending from within a base member 2. Included are means in the form of a screw threaded knob 6 for releasably securing the measuring member of a desired extension, or for securing the member within the base member 2 whilst not in use.

Description

An Architrave GauEe This invention relates to an architrave gauge for

measuring and locating a desired position for doorway architraving. The device could though, in practice, be used for other applications.

A doorway generally comprises a cavity in a wall that is bounded by two upright sections and a cross-supporting lintel section. These sections are usually constructed from wood and delimit the area to be closed-offby a door.

The boundary line between the surrounding wall structure, and the lintel and upright sections, is commonly covered by a shaped, decorative wooden frame known as an architrave; the architrave is set-back from the door cavity edges by a distance that it predetermined so as to allow the door to operate effectively, and to enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the doorway.

Conventionally, the distance to which the architrave is set-back from the door cavity edge has been judged and measured by the eye of the joiner affixing the architrave in place.

This procedure often leads to the misalignment of doorway architraves.

A known device often used to mark out dimensions and depths in woodwork and joinery is a mortise gauge. This tool consists of a shoulder portion that also functions as a user's holding section, and an extending beam extending outward from the shoulder portion

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that includes a scribe-awl at one end pointing downwards in an orthogonal direction to the beam. This device is both cumbersome and restricted in that it leaves a mark in the wood surface after use. Furthermore, the device cannot be easily carried in a pocket or a pouch.

The present invention arose in an attempt to provide an improved and accurate method of affixing architrave to a doorway.

According to the present invention there is provided a measuring device including a base member and a graduated measuring member, wherein the measuring member is adapted to extend from the base member to a desired extent, and to be locked in place at the extended position so as to define an overhang length between an end of the measuring member and an end face of the base member.

Preferably, the measuring device is palm-sized.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a measuring device according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a front elevation view of the measuring device of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side elevation view of the measuring device shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a top plan view of the measuring device of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a bottom plan view of the measuring device; and - 3 Figure 6 is a perspective view ofthe measuring device in use with doorway architrave.

With reference to Figures 1 to 5, the measuring device 1 comprises a substantially palm-sized base member 2 that includes a longitudinal channel 11 defined by raised shoulder sections 12.

Located between the shoulder sections 12, and slideable within the intervening channel 11, is a measuring member 3 that includes a graduated scale 4. The measuring member includes a slot 5 adapted to accommodate a screw-threaded knob 6 for releasable securing the measuring member at a desired extension, or for securing the measuring member within the base member 2 whilst not in use.

Typically, the length L ofthe measuring device will be ofthe order of lOcm, but preferably it will be less than or equal to lOcm. Likewise, the height H will preferably be in a range of between 1 to 3 cm, but will more preferably be less than or equal to 2.5cm.

Such dimensions allow the measuring device to be held within the hand of a typical user, and to be of a size that the device can be easily accommodated in a pocket, pouch, tool belt or bag, or the like.

In operation, as shown schematically in Figure 6, the measuring device is placed against the underside 10 of a doorway lentil section 9. The lentil section will typically be constructed from a single length of wood that spans the doorway cavity between doorway upright sections 15.

The front face 13 of the base member 2 is abutted against the underside 10 of the lentil section 9. The measuring member is then extended to a desired depth D. The depth D is defined by the distance between an end edge 14 of the measuring member, and the front face 13 of the base member 2.

At the desired depth, in this example it is shown as 3cm (depths are much less in practice), the measuring member is locked in place by tightening of the screw-threaded knob 6. The user is now free to move the measuring device along the lentil section 9, or along the corresponding upright sections 15, marking-off the distance D. Alternatively, the user may wish to affix the architrave section 8 directly in place whilst it rests on the edge 14 of the device 1 as shown in Figure 6.

As can be seen from the Figures, the profile ofthe device is such that the upper surface 3' of the measuring member is flush with the upper surface 12' of the shoulder sections 12, and in an unextended state, the measuring member is completely housed within the confines of the base member channel 11.

The measuring device may also be used to measure rebate or mortice depths, or any other such similar joinery or woodworking dimension.

The measuring device may be manufactured from metal, wood, plastics or similar - s - material, or from a combination of some or all of the aforementioned materials. The choice of material may depend on such factors as cost, weight and/or the environmental conditions in which the device will be used.

Claims

Claims 1. An architrave gauge including a base member and a graduated

measunug member, wherein the measuring member is adapted to extend from the base member to a desired extent, and to be locked in place at the extended position so as to define an overhang length between an end of the measuring member and an end face of the base member.
2. A gauge as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the base member includes a channel for slideably receiving the measuring member.
3. A gauge as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the measuring member includes a slot adapted to releasably engage with a locking member.
4. A gauge as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the locking member is a screwthreaded knob.
5. A gauge as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the length of the device is less than or equal to loom.
6. A gauge as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the height of the device is less than or equal to 2.5cm.
7. A gauge as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the channel is delimited by shoulder - 7 sections.
8. A gauge as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the upper surface of the measuring member is flush with the upper surface of the shoulder sections. s
9. A gauge as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the measuring member is completely housed within the confines of the channel when in a non-extended position.
10. A gauge as claimed in any previous claim, wherein the device is palmsized.
11. A gauge as herein before described with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.