GB2571966A - Device and method for marking a line on a surface - Google Patents

Abstract

A device 3 for marking a line on a surface comprises a housing that includes a substantially flat base for engagement with a surface upon which the line is to be marked and a hand grip 35 for manipulation of the housing by a user, a marker 27 securable in the housing to extend out through the substantially flat base, a clamp 5 configured to secure the device to a free end of a tape measure 1 and a seat mounted on the clamp for releasably securing the housing thereto. The marker 27 is preferably adjustable such that a projection of a tip of the marker through the substantially flat base may be varied. A second marker different to the marker may be provided. The tape measure 1 with which the device is to be used may include a pivoting locator or guide (63, fig 2). The device 3 is preferably used to mark a line on plasterboard, gypsum or wallboard. A method of marking a line is also disclosed.

Description

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MARKING A LINE ON A SURFACE

The present invention relates generally to a device for marking a line on a surface and a method of marking a line on a surface and finds particular, although not exclusive, utility in cutting plasterboard.

Plasterboard, also known as drywall board, wallboard, gypsum panel, sheet rock or gypsum board, needs to be cut to specific sizes in order for use in building projects and construction; however, it is difficult to cut the board in a straight line without the use of some form of guide. Conventional use of knives can be dangerous, particularly when used in combination with rulers which may cause a knife to ‘skip’ out of the board, and it is nevertheless still difficult to cut a straight line in such board.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for marking a line on a surface, the device comprising: a housing comprising: a substantially flat base for engagement with a surface upon which the line is to be marked; and a hand grip for manipulation of the housing by a user; a marker securable in the housing to extend out through the substantially flat base; a clamp configured to secure the device to a free end of a tape measure; and a seat mounted on the clamp for releasably securing the housing thereto.

In this way, a line may be marked at a set distance from an end of the tape measure opposite the free end.

The line may comprise a groove, cut, score, depression, indentation and/or ink, paint, graphite, lead and/or similar material.

The surface may comprise wood, plasterboard, paper, glass, ceramics, carding, boards, insulation, leather and/or other similar sheet material. The surface may be substantially planar.

The housing may be substantially hollow; that is, the housing may comprise a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the marker within.

The substantially flat base may comprise a relatively low-friction surface for relatively smooth running over the surface to be marked. The base may be configured to lie flat against the surface upon which the line is to be marked.

The hand grip may be shaped to provide a user with a robust grip. The hand grip may comprise a resilient material.

The marker may comprise a tip. The tip may comprise a blade. In alternative arrangements the tip may comprise a nib, pencil, chalk, ink, paint and/or any other material for deposition on the surface.

The marker may be releasably secured in the housing. The marker may be secured partially or entirely in the housing. The marker may project from the base.

The clamp may grip the free end of the tape measure. The clamp may comprise opposing jaws arranged to hold the free end of the tape measure therebetween.

The seat may comprise a substantially flat platform configured to receive the substantially flat base thereon.

The marker may be adjustable such that a projection of a tip of the marker through the substantially flat base may be varied.

In this way, the depth of a cut made by the tip may be varied.

The marker may comprise an adjustable tip, such that the amount of projection of the tip from the remainder of the marker may be adjusted. Alternatively or additionally, the housing may be configured to adjust a position of the marker within, such that the projection of the tip through the base may be varied.

The marker may comprise a tip and a grip. In this way, marker may be grasped by the grip instead of by the tip.

The device may further comprise a second marker different to the marker, the second marker securable in the housing to extend out through the substantially flat base.

The second marker may be used instead of the marker. In this way, different markers may be used for different purposes, such as cutting, scoring, inking, etc.

The second marker may be used in addition to the marker. In this way, two marks be made at the same time, for instance parallel and/or colinear with each other. In the case where the marks are colinear, the second marker may comprise a pre-cutter to cut the surface to a first depth, and the marker may comprise a blade to cut the surface to a second depth greater than the first depth.

The device may further comprise a tape measure having a free end to which the clamp is secured.

The tape measure may comprise a locator at an end of the tape measure opposite the free end.

The locator may comprise a guide. In this way, the end of the tape measure opposite the free end may be moved along an edge of the surface using the guide at the same time as the marker is moved across the surface such that a line is marked substantially parallel to the edge of the surface.

In particular the guide may be configured to project away from the end of the tape measure opposite the free end.

The locator may comprise a pivot. In this way, the end of the tape measure opposite the free end may be held stationary at the pivot, and a circular arc may be marked with the marker at the free end thereof.

The pivot may comprise a pin or other form of pointed projection.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of marking a line on a surface, the method comprising the steps of: providing the device according to the first aspect; securing the device to a free end of a tape measure with the clamp; securing the housing to the clamp with the seat; engaging the substantially flat base with a surface upon which the line is to be marked; and manipulating the housing using the hand grip.

The above and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. This description is given for the sake of example only, without limiting the scope of the invention. The reference figures quoted below refer to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 is a view of a first system of components for marking a line, including a first marking device.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional exploded view of the tape measure of figure 1.

Figure 3 is an exploded view of a clamping system for use with a tape measure.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a second marking device.

Figure 5 is a plan view of a third marking device.

Figure 6 shows a fourth marking device.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth marking device.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a sixth marking device with a selection of alternative blade configurations.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a seventh marking device.

Figure 10 shows an eighth marking device.

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a ninth marking device.

The present invention will be described with respect to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. Each drawing may not include all of the features of the invention and therefore should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.

It is to be noticed that the term “comprising”, used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It is thus to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression “a device comprising means A and B” should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B.

Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term “connected”, used in the description, should not be interpreted as being restricted to direct connections only. “Connected” may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “an aspect” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or aspect is included in at least one embodiment or aspect of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in an aspect” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or aspect, but may refer to different embodiments or aspects. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics of any embodiment or aspect of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments or aspects.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the description various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Moreover, the description of any individual drawing or aspect should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in fewer than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form yet further embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practised without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

In the discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of said values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of said alternatives, is itself preferred to said less preferred value and also to each value lying between said less preferred value and said intermediate value.

The use of the term “at least one” may mean only one in certain circumstances. The use of the term “any” may mean “all” and/or “each” in certain circumstances.

The principles of the invention will now be described by a detailed description of at least one drawing relating to exemplary features. It is clear that other arrangements can be configured according to the knowledge of persons skilled in the art without departing from the underlying concept or technical teaching, the invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

Figure 1 is a view of a first system of components for marking a line, including a tape measure 1, a marking device 3, a clamp 5 attached to the tape measure 1 upon which the marking device 3 may sit, and a marker 7.

The tape measure 1 includes a housing 9 for holding a real of tape 11 that extends out of aperture 10, with a handle 13 on the top thereof. Into the bottom of the housing 9 may be inserted a pivot base 15 for lying on a flat surface, and may be configured such that the housing 9 is pivotable thereon about a vertical axis. The underside of the pivot base 15 may include a relatively high friction surface to minimise sliding on the flat surface, and/or may include a relatively low friction surface to maximise sliding on the flat surface. An optional pin 17 may be inserted on the underside of the pivot base 15. In this way, the pin may allow secure engagement with a flat surface to prevent slippage and/or to allow pivoting of the housing 9 about a vertical axis.

Integrated with the clamp 5 on a free end of the tape measure 1 is a flat plate 19, with a central hole 21 through which the marker 7 may project. In particular, the hole 21 may comprise a circular shape, to allow a pencil, pen, chalk etc. to be inserted therethrough, and/or a slot to allow a blade to be inserted therethrough. Around a perimeter of the hole 21 is optionally provided a coupling 23 to secure the marker 7 thereto. Additionally, further couplings 25 are provided to provide a secure connection for the marking device 3.

The marker 7 comprises a blade 27 held within a body 29 in which concave depressions 31 are provided to allow gripping thereof with opposing digits on a hand of a user. The marker 7 optionally includes corresponding connectors 33 to engage with the coupling 23 of the clamp 5.

The device 3 comprises a housing for holding the marker 7 therein. The device 3 comprise a handle 35 on an upper portion thereof similar to the handle 13 on the top of the tape measure 1. A hole 37 in the handle 35 is sized to allow a pencil to be inserted therethrough to pass through the hole 21 in the clamp 5, in situations when the marker 7 is not within the housing. The device 3 also includes optional rebates 39 to accept a securing clip thereto. A button/switch 41 is provided on the device 3 to selectively disengage clips from the couplings 25 on the clamp5.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional exploded view of the tape measure 1 of figure 1. A power supply 43 (e.g. a AA or AAA battery) is provided to supply power to a light (e.g. LED) 45 for illuminating the tape 11. The tape 11 is wrapped around and secured to a tape reel 47 having a toothed outer edge 49 and mounted on a central post 51 with a coiling spring for automatically withdrawing the tape 11 onto the reel 47. A pivotallymounted tape locking lever 55 has corresponding teeth for engagement with those 49 on the reel 47.

On a lower side of the tape measure 1 is an aperture 57 for receiving the pivot base 15 and pin 17 shown in figure 1. On a front of the tape measure 1 is an optional clip 59 that may be attached with a screw 61, the clip 59 is configured to couple with one of the rebates 39 to hold the device 3 adjacent to the tape measure 1 when not in use.

A cutting guide 63 has runners on a face thereof, similar to runners on the underside of the housing 9, and is pivotally coupled thereto by axle 65. A cam action lock/release lever 67 is provided to hold the cutting guide 63 at a chosen orientation, for example vertically.

Figure 3 is an exploded view of an alternative clamping system to that of figure 1 for use with a tape measure. In some embodiments, a tape 11 may have an end upstanding portion 69 removed via pin 71; however, in the arrangement of figure 3, these elements are retained. The clamp comprises a lower portion 73 into which the tape end 69 sits (on centring element 74) and over the top of which is secured top portion 75 via screws 77, with shaped potion 79 engaging with the tape 11.

A tongue 81 is provided for insertion into a corresponding socket 83 on a flat base 85. The clamp may be secured to the base 85 with screws 87 through holes 80 in the clamp and 91 in the base 85. When not coupled to the tape 11 or clamp, the socket 83 may be covered with a cap (not shown).

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a marking device housing 93 with an integral blade 95, which may be moved in and out of the housing 93 with spring loaded button 97, which may be provided with spaced depth stops.

The housing 93 is coupled via locking barrels 101 to a flat base 99 through which the blade projects 95. A push button release 103 allows the housing 93 to be removed from the base 99.

A light source 105 is powered by a battery 107 operated by a switch 109 formed as part of the handle 111 such that, whenever the marking device is manipulated by means of the handle 111, the light 105 automatically illuminates.

Figure 5 is a plan view of a variant marking device having a housing 93, button 97, release 103, base 99 and locking barrels 101. The configuration of the device is different to that of figure 7, but similar reference numerals have been used to indicate similar features. Figure 5 shows the housing 93 partially removed from the base 99.

Figure 6 shows a plan view and cross-sectional view of a further alternative marking device with a housing 93, button 97 with indexing 115, release 103, base 99, locking barrels 110, switch 109, battery 107 and light source 105. However, this arrangement differs in that it comprises a primary cutting blade 113 and a pre-cutting blade 117. The primary blade 113 is mounted on a mounting unit 121, and an engaging lever 123 for the pre-cutter 117 is connected thereto to synchronise extension of each blade.

As an optional feature, an anti-dust barrier and/or blade cleaner 119 is provided in the openings for the blades; this could be in the form of a brush.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a further alternative marking device similar to previous arrangements, but differs in that the housing 93 is configured to hold the marker 7 shown in figure 1.

Optionally, this arrangement is also provided with a second light source 106 configured to project in an opposite direction.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the marking device 3 of figure 1, showing the pencil through hole 37 and hooks 102 for engagement with the locking barrels 101 on a base. An internal holding arm 135 is provided for holding the marker 7 of figure 1.

This figure also shows various alternative blade shapes that could be incorporated as spare markers similar to the marker 7 for removal and exchange depending on the desired material to be cut and/or the depth of the cut, including a glass cutter 125, an elongate small depth blade 127 for thin materials and composites, an undercutting blade 129 for use with flexible materials, a circular (optionally rolling/pivoting) blade 131 for ceramics, and a groove forming cutter 133 to form vshape grooves.

Each of the markers may be received in a receptacle 137 in a base.

The base may be provided with parallel ridges 139 aligned in the direction of cutting, to space away the base from the surface to be cut to reduce friction and allow dust/shavings to be removed from the cutting region.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of an advanced marker to be used in place of marker 7. This marker has a retractable blade 141 operated by depth button 143 via carriage 145 about pivot 147. The button 143 includes indexing to 149 lock in position, and biasing means (e.g. spring) 151. The housing 153 is shaped with the finger grips of the marker 7, formed in two parts and secured together at fixing points 155.

Figure 10 shows a further alternative advanced marker in plan and end-on view. This differs from the marker in figure 9 by virtue of the blade used having a vertical cutting surface 157 and a cutter base guide 159 that is configured to move on an opposing side of the sheet to be cut.

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a still further marking device in which a marker 7 may be held within and moved up and down with marker holding frame and sliding guide 161. As a further optional feature, the marker may be provided with two blades that may be moved out together, for instance a longer primary blade 163 and a shorter pre-cutter 165.

Claims (10)

1. A device for marking a line on a surface, the device comprising:

a housing comprising:

a substantially flat base for engagement with a surface upon which the line is to be marked; and a hand grip for manipulation of the housing by a user;

a marker securable in the housing to extend out through the substantially flat base;

a clamp configured to secure the device to a free end of a tape measure; and a seat mounted on the clamp for releasably securing the housing thereto.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the marker is adjustable such that a projection of a tip of the marker through the substantially flat base may be varied.

3. The device of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a second marker different to the marker, the second marker securable in the housing to extend out through the substantially flat base.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the second marker may be used instead of the marker.

5. The device of claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the second marker may be used in addition to the marker.

6. The device of any preceding claim, further comprising a tape measure having a free end to which the clamp is secured.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the tape measure comprises a locator at an end of the tape measure opposite the free end.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the locator comprises a guide.

9.

The device of claim 7, wherein locator comprises a pivot.

10. A method of marking a line on a surface, the method comprising the steps of: providing the device according to any one of claims 1 to 5;

5 securing the device to a free end of a tape measure with the clamp;

securing the housing to the clamp with the seat;

engaging the substantially flat base with a surface upon which the line is to be marked; and manipulating the housing using the hand grip.