WO1997035159A1

WO1997035159A1 - Measuring device

Info

Publication number: WO1997035159A1
Application number: PCT/NZ1997/000031
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andy Tak Wing Pang; Sylvania Sau Fun Pang
Original assignee: Andy Tak Wing Pang; Sylvania Sau Fun Pang
Priority date: 1996-03-18
Filing date: 1997-03-18
Publication date: 1997-09-25
Also published as: AU2181897A; NZ286195A

Abstract

An apparatus for assisting in the measurement of angles and, in one particular form, for the calculation and measurement of angled cuts and lengths of structural components required in the construction of roofs. The apparatus essentially consists of a flat body (4) which resembles a protractor. The body has two straight rule edges (2, 3) at 90° to each other. A movable bar (5) is included which is pivotally attached to the corner formed by the two straight rule edges (2, 3). The movable bar (5) is movable between positions parallel to each of the straight rule edges (2, 3). At least one scale is included on the flat body of the apparatus. The or each scale has divisions representing an angle or line of cut for a rafter or other building member, measured between the movable bar (5) and one of the straight edges (2, 3).

Description

MEASURING DEVICE

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to an apparatus for assisting in the measurement of angles and, in one particular form, for the calculation and measurement of angled cuts and lengths of structural components required in the construction of roofs.

There are many circumstances in which it may be necessary to measure the angle of a fixed structure or component in relation to the horizontal, for example in determining the pitch of an existing roof structure. This can be done using a conventional level and a protractor. However, it is not always convenient or simple to use the combination of two such implements, nor to fix or mark the angle on the protractor for quick and easy reference against the angles of other structures or components.

In the construction of buildings, and in particular the roof construction, there is a requirement to cut structural components, for example, rafters, hips and purlins, at precise and complex angles, and particular lengths. In the construction of, for example, a hip roof it may be necessary to measure and cut hip plumb cuts, hip seat cuts, rafter seat cuts, purlin top and side cuts, hip and jack rafter top edge cuts, as well as calculating the length of rafters and hips according to the angle of pitch of the roof and run length.

One method by which required angles are measured and cut is by employing specially designed work benches which incorporate a mitre. Required angles are calculated using a standard book of tables. Considerable time can be required in calculating the various angles. Moreover, such work benches can be expensive, require a certain amount of space and are designed to be used in one particular position rather than being hand held and easily transportable.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which reduces or overcomes at least some of the abovementioned problems, or which at least provides the public with a useful alternative.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a measuring device adapted for use in the calculation and/or measurement of angles, said device comprising:

a first rule edge, a second rule edge perpendicular to said first rule edge and connected thereto, a body portion interconnecting at least a part of said first and second rule edges, a moveable bar pivotable about a point adjacent the connection between the first and second rule edges, from a position parallel to said first rule edge to a position parallel to said second rule edge, said moveable bar having a measuring edge corresponding with an angle of 0° when parallel to the first rule edge and corresponding with an angle of 90° when parallel to the second rule edge, and a trailing edge parallel to said measuring edge, said moveable bar protruding from the plane of the first and second rule edges to be abuttable against an edge of something on which an angle is required to be marked, and at least one scale on the body portion, measurable from the measuring edge of the moveable bar.

Other aspects of the present invention may become apparent from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 :

Shows a plan view from above of a measuring device of the present invention in one preferred form; Figure 2:

Shows a plan view from below of the measuring device of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3A:

Shows a front end view of a device of the present invention;

Figure 3B:

Shows a rear end view of a measuring device of the present invention; and

Figure 4:

Shows a plan view from above of a measuring device of the present invention in an alternative preferred form.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A measuring device 1 of the present invention may comprise a first rule edge 2, a second rule edge 3, body portion 4 and moveable bar 5.

Rule edges 2, 3 are positioned perpendicular to one another, such that ends 6, 7 form a right angle. They may be integrally formed. Body portion 4 interconnects the rule edges 2,3, or at least parts thereof, and may be integrally formed with them or affixed to them. The outer edge 8 of the body portion 4 forms an arc, and this arc may be marked in the manner of a protractor from 0° , corresponding with the position of a measuring edge 9a of the moveable bar 5 when parallel to the first rule edge 2, to 90° when the marking edge 9a is parallel to the second rule edge 3. Each of the rule edges 2, 3 may be marked in the form of rulers, one side may have metric measurements (see Figure 1 ) and the other imperial measurements (see Figure 2).

The moveable bar 5 may essentially be an elongate U-shape, such that the body portion 4 is sandwiched between an upper arm 1 0 and lower arm 1 1 of the bar 5, and the closed end 1 2 is positioned adjacent the outer edge 8 of the body portion 4. Each arm 10, 1 1 of the bar 5 then protrudes from the plain of the body portion 4. The open ends 1 3 of the moveable bar 5 are interconnected by a pivot pin 14, pivotally connecting the moveable bar 5 about a fixed point adjacent the right angle formed between the rule edges 2, 3.

A locking nut 1 5 may be positioned at the closed end 1 2 of the moveable bar 5. This locking nut 1 5 may include a screw (not shown) which passes through the closed end 1 2 and may be tightened onto the outer edge 8 of the body portion 4 to secure the moveable bar 5 at any required position in relation to the body portion 4.

Referring to figures 1 and 2, the body portion 4 may extend from the outer edge 8 in towards the pivot pin 14. Upper 1 6 and lower 1 7 sides of the body portion 4 may be divided by midlines 1 8, at a 45 ° angle, into sections 1 9, 20, 21 , 22. In the example of the measuring device shown in the figures, each section has scales to perform at least three separate functions, in addition to the protractor markings. Referring to Figure 1 the first section 1 9 may have first scale 23 from which can be marked angles for hip plumb cuts, second scale 24 from which can be marked angles for rafter plumb cuts and third scale 25 from which can be marked angles for backing bevel cuts. The first scale 27 on second section 20 may be for marking hip seat cuts, second scale 28 may be for rafter seat cuts and third scale 29 for hip top edge cuts.

On the reverse side 1 7 of the body part 4, and referring to Figure 2, the third and fourth sections 21 , 22 may have first scale 31 measuring tangent and rise in metres per metre of run and second scale 32 measuring rise in inches per foot of run. Third section 21 may aiso have a third scale 33 from which can be marked jack rafter top edge cuts. Fourth section 22 may have a third scale 34 from which can be marked purlin top cuts and a fourth scale 35 for purlin side cuts.

Each scale is measured in relation to either the first or second rule edge 2, 3 according to the arrows indicated adjacent each scale title. In use, the relevant rule edge 2, 3 is used for marking the required angle of cut.

It will be appreciated that the particular order or position of some scales on the body portion 4 may be altered or interchanged. Further, scales may be omitted or additional scales may be added to incorporate alternative functions.

Each scaie marked on the body portion 4 is calculated from, and therefore read from, the measuring edge 9a of the moveable bar 5, which is parallel to the opposite, trailing edge 9b of the bar 5. In the preferred form of the measuring device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3, the device can be used to measure the following different angles or measurements required in the building trade:

(1 ) degrees, on the protractor,

(2) hip plumb cuts 23,

(3) hip seat cuts 27,

(4) rafter plumb cuts 24,

(5) rafter seat cuts 28,

(6) backing bevel cuts 25,

(7) hip top edge cuts 29,

(8) Metric measurement, side 10 of rule edges 2,3,

(9) tangents 31 ,

(10) rise in metres per metre of run 31 ,

( 1 1 ) rise in inches per foot of run 32,

(1 2) jack rafter top edge cuts 33,

( 1 3) purlin top cuts 34,

(14) purlin side cuts 35, and,

(15) imperial measurement, side 1 1 of rule edges 2,3.

The manner in which a measuring device 1 of the present invention may be used in calculating the lengths of rafters and measuring the angles at which timber must be cut in the construction of a roof, will now be described.

Firstly, for any particular pitch of roof of a particular rafter run length, the rise in metres or feet per metre or foot of run can be determined from first and second scales 31 , 32 of third and fourth sections 21 , 22, and from this rafter and hip lengths can be calculated. For example, for a roof of pitch 30° , positioning measuring edge 9a of moveable bar 5 on the "30" mark of the rafter seat cut scale 28, and then inverting the measuring device 1 , shows a rise for the rafter of approximately 0.55 metres per metre of run. Moving the moveable bar to the "30" position on the hip seat cuts scale 27 shows a corresponding rise, for the hip, of approximately 0.4 metres per metre of run.

For a required roof pitch of 30° the moveable bar 5 of the measuring device 1 is rotated to the number "30" on the relevant scale for each cut to be made. For example, for a hip seat and plumb cut, the measuring edge 9a of the moveable bar 5 is moved to the number "30" on the hip seat cut scale 27. The locking nut 1 5 of the moveable bar 5 is then tightened to secure the moveable bar 5 in that position. By positioning the measuring edge 9a of the lower arm 1 1 of the moveable bar 5 along the edge of the piece of timber to be cut, the second rule edge 3 forms the required angle for a hip plumb cut. Inverting the measuring device 1 and positioning the trailing edge 9b of the upper arm 10 of the moveable bar 5 along the timber edge results in the required hip seat cut along first rule edge 2.

A similar process may then be repeated with the moveable bar 5 adjusted to the numeral "30" on the rafter scales 24, 28 to produce a rafter plumb cut line via second rule edge 3 and a rafter seat cut line via first rule edge 2.

A required backing bevel cut for the 30° roof pitch is produced by moving the moveabie bar to the numeral "30" on the backing bevel cut scale 25 and marking the required angle from the first rule edge 2. A similar process is carried out to determine the hip top edge cuts, jack rafter top edge cuts and purlin top cuts and side cuts.

It will be appreciated that a measuring device 1 of the present invention in the form shown in Figures 1 to 3 enables a builder to determine lengths of timber and to mark up the required cuts on timber used in roof construction quickly and conveniently without the need to refer to a calculator or standard building tables.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention (see for example Figure 4) a spirit level 36 may be incorporated into the moveable bar 5. The spirit level 36 may be positioned to be level when measuring edge 9a of the moveable bar 5 is parallel to the first rule edge 2 and at 0° on the protractor markings. As well as enabling a measuring device 1 of the present invention to function as a conventional level, this additional feature enables the device 1 to be employed for:

(a) the simple and convenient measurement and recordal of an angle from the horizontal; and

(b) rapid calculation and marking of angles of components for engaging with existing angled structures.

For example, by positing a rule edge 2, 3 along a rafter of a roof structure and adjusting the moveable bar 5 until the level shows it to be horizontal, the pitch of that roof is measured and recorded. With the moveable bar 5 secured in that position with the locking nut 1 5, a measuring device of the present invention, with the scales of the device of figures 1 to 3 can be used immediately, without reference to tables or calculators, to make up rafter and hip plumb and seat cuts for that roof.

It will be appreciated that in embodiments of the invention incorporating a level there is a "window" 37 in the body portion 4, to enable the level 36 - positioned between upper 10 and lower 1 1 arms of the moveable bar 5 - to pivot with the moveable bar 5. The size of the "window" 37 may be variable depending on the number of scales to be included on the body portion 4. For example, in the simplest form of the invention the body portion 4 may be a narrow arc including a degree scale only.

A measuring device 1 of the present invention may be made of metal, for example, aluminium or alloy, or alternatively of a hardened plastics material.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to specific components and integers of the invention having known equivalents then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

Although the invention has been described by way of example, and with particular reference to the preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made thereto, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1 . A measuring device adapted for use in the calculation and/or measurement of angles, said device comprising:

- a first rule edge,

- a second rule edge perpendicular to said first rule edge, and connected thereto,

- a body portion interconnecting at least a part of said first and second rule edges,

- a moveable bar pivotable about a point adjacent the connection between the first and second rule edges, from a position parallel to said first rule edge to a position parallel to said second rule edge, said moveable bar having a measuring edge corresponding with an angle of 0° when parallel to the first rule edge and corresponding with an angle of 90° when parallel with said second rule edge, and a trailing edge parallel to said measuring edge, said moveable bar protruding from the plane of the first and second rule edges to be abuttable against an edge of something on which an angle is required to be marked, and

- at least one scale on the body portion, measurable from the measuring edge of the moveable bar. 2. A measuring device according to claim 1 wherein the first rule edge, the second rule edge and the body portion are integrally formed.

3. A measuring device according to either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the moveable bar protrudes from both sides of the plane of the first and second rule edges.

5. A measuring device according to claim 4 wherein the moveable bar further comprises a securing means adapted to secure the moveable bar in a particular position in relation to the body portion.

6. A measuring device according to claim 5 wherein the securing means comprises a finger-tightenable locking nut in an end of the moveable bar, adapted to be tightenable against an outer edge of the body portion.

7. A measuring device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the body portion has at least one said scale on each side.

8. A measuring device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the or one of the scales on the body portion measures angle in degrees. 9. A measuring device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one of the scales is adapted to calculate and/or measure a specified cut line on an angle formed between the moveable bar and the first rule edge or the second rule edge.

10. A measuring device according to claim 9 wherein a plurality of scales are provided on the body portion to respectively measure cut lines for at least hip seat cuts, hip plumb cuts, rafter seat cuts and rafter plumb cuts.

1 1 . A measuring device according to claim 9 wherein a plurality of scales are provided on the body portion to respectively measure cut lines for at least hip seat cuts, hip plumb cuts, rafter seat cuts , rafter plumb cuts, backing bevel cuts, hip top edge cuts, jack rafter top edge cuts, purlin top cuts and purlin side cuts.

1 2. A measuring device according to any one of the preceding claims further adapted for use in the calculation of lengths of material, and further comprising at least one measuring scale on the body portion provided to measure tangents and unit measurements of rise per unit measurement of run for any given angle. 1 3. A measuring device according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a level positioned on or in said moveable bar and pivotable therewith.

14. A measuring device according to claim 1 3 wherein the level is adapted to measure the level of the measuring edge of the moveable bar.

1 5. A measuring device according to either claim 1 3 or claim 14 wherein the level is readable from either side of the measuring device.

6. A measuring device substantially as herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.