WO2016058033A1

WO2016058033A1 - A measuring apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2016058033A1
Application number: PCT/AU2015/000621
Authority: WO
Inventors: Aristidis KERPELIS
Original assignee: KERPELIS, Lina
Priority date: 2014-10-17
Filing date: 2015-10-16
Publication date: 2016-04-21

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a measuring apparatus. In one form, the measuring apparatus comprises at least first and second longitudinal parts, wherein the first and second parts are so operatively associated as to be movable longitudinally relative to each other so that the apparatus is extensible, and wherein the first part comprises a first scale, and the second part comprises a second scale which is a continuation of the first scale, where this second scale increases in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first scale increases.

Description

A MEASURING APPARATUS

PRIORITY DOCUMENTS

[0001 ] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No.

2014904165 titled "A MEASURING APPARATUS" and filed on 17 October 2014, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a measuring apparatus. In a particular form the present disclosure relates to a linear measuring apparatus for measuring a linear distance between two points.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Rulers are well known and have long been made of many materials and in a wide range of sizes. A length of 12 inches or 30 cm in length is useful for a standard desk ruler, but longer rulers, eg, 18 inches (45 cm) plus are necessary in some cases, and these may be made portable by folding (eg a carpenter's folding rule) or retracting into a coil (eg a metal tape measure) when not in use.

[ 0004] A problem with all of the longer of the above mentioned measuring apparatus' in particular, is that the distance reading must be taken at one of the points between which the distance is being measured, and this is not always practical, safe or even possible (such as when measuring a distance to a hazard, such as an edge of a drop, or a space in which one cannot position their head to take a reading).

[0005] It is against this background and the problems and difficulties associated therewith that the present invention has been developed.

10006] Certain objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

SUMMARY

[0007] According to a first aspect, there is provided a measuring apparatus comprising at least first and second longitudinal parts so operatively associated as to be movable longitudinally relative to each other so that the apparatus is extensible, and wherein the first part comprises a first scale, and the second part comprises a second scale which is a continuation of the first scale, where this second scale continues from an end of the second part which, in use, is distal to the first part and which increases in the direction of the first part.

[0008] In one form, each part of the apparatus is substantially identical in overall length. [0009] In one form, for each part the scale extends the entire length of that part.

[0010] In one form, the second and any successive parts are retractable within the length of the first part of the apparatus.

[001 1 ] In one form, each of the second and any successive parts carries a scale which is a continuation of the scale of the preceding part, but continues from an end of the part which is distal to the preceding part and which increases in the direction of the preceding part.

[0012] In one form, the measuring apparatus comprises a third part carrying a third scale which is a continuation of the second scale of the second part, but continues from an end of the third part which is distal to the second part and which increases in the direction of the second part.

[0013] In one form, the measuring apparatus comprises a fourth part carrying a fourth scale which is a continuation of the third scale of the third part, but continues from an end of the fourth part which is distal to the third part and which increases in the direction of the third part.

[0014] In one form, a third and any successive parts cannot be extended until the preceding part is fully extended.

[0015] In one form, each part which comprises a substantially aligned or parallel axis of elongation, and any sliding movement thereof is along this axis.

[0016] In one form, the first and second parts are flat, and the first part slides over the second part. The second part will slide over the third part in turn, and so on.

[0017] In one form, in an alternative, the second part telescopes with respect to the first part.

[001 8] In one form, a third part telescopes with respect to the second part.

[001 ] In one form, a fourth part telescopes with respect to the third part, and so on.

[0020] In one form, each part has a circular cross-sectional shape. Where parts are circular, the second and subsequent parts may be extended by rotating these. [0021 ] In one form, the measuring apparatus comprises an end cap secured with respect to each opposing distal end of the apparatus.

[0022] In one form, the end caps are substantially flat.

[ 0023] In one form, in an alternative, the end caps are pointed.

[0024] In one form, where parts of the apparatus comprise a circular cross-sectional shape, and the apparatus comprises end caps, each end cap comprises a conical form.

[0025] In one form, in an alternative, each part has one of matching triangular, rectilinear, pentagonal, hexagonal and so on, cross-sectional shapes.

[0026] In one form, where parts of the apparatus comprise a rectilinear cross-sectional shape, and the apparatus comprises end caps, each end cap comprises a wedge like form.

[0027] In one form, where parts of the apparatus comprise a rectilinear cross-sectional shape, and the apparatus comprises end caps, each end cap comprises a pyramid like form.

[0028] In one form, where parts of the apparatus comprise a triangular cross-sectional shape, and the apparatus comprises end caps, each end cap comprises a pyramid like form.

[0029] In one form, the end caps are removable from the apparatus.

[0030] In one form, the apparatus comprises a plurality of end cap pairings, which are interchangeable.

[0031 ] In one from, for each end cap pairing, the apparatus comprises a corresponding scale for use with that end cap pairing.

[0032] In one form, where the parts have multiple sides, different sides may carry different scales.

[ 0033] According to a further aspect, there is provided a measuring apparatus comprising at least first and second longitudinal parts, wherein the first and second parts are so operatively associated as to be movable longitudinally relative to each other so that the apparatus is extensible, and wherein the first part comprises a first scale, and the second part comprises a second scale which is a continuation of the first scale, where this second scale increases in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first scale increases. [0034] According to a further aspect, there is provided a method of measuring the distance between a first point and a second point using the above described measuring apparatus, the method comprising the steps of :

bearing an end of the first part against the first point;

extending the measuring apparatus until an opposing end of a successive part bears against the second point; and

taking a measurement reading from the successive part at a point where the parts overlap.

[0035] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention is provided below along with accompanying figures that illustrate by way of example the principles of the invention. While the invention is described in connection with such embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to any embodiment. On the contrary, the scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims and the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents. For the purpose of example, numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention.

[0036] The present invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention has not been described in detail so that the present invention is not unnecessarily obscured.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0038] Figure L is a plan view of a measuring apparatus wherein a second part is partially extended with respect to a first part;

[0039] Figure 2 is a plan view of the measuring apparatus of Figure 1 , wherein a third part is partially extended with respect to the fully extended second part;

[0040] Figure 3 is a plan view of the measuring apparatus of Figure 1 , wherein the second and third parts are fully retracted;

[0041 ] Figure 4 is an isometric view of a measuring apparatus according to a further embodiment;

[0042] Figure 5 is an end view of a measuring apparatus according to a further embodiment; [0043] Figure 6 is an end view of a measuring apparatus according to yet a further embodiment;

[0044] Figure 7 is an end view of a measuring apparatus according to yet a further embodiment;

[0045] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a measuring apparatus according to yet a further embodiment, wherein a second part is retracted within a first part;

[0046] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the measuring apparatus of Figure 8, wherein the second part is fully extended with respect to the first part;

[0047] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a measuring apparatus according to yet a further embodiment, wherein a second part is fully extended with respect to the first part; and

[00481 Figure 1 1 is an exploded assembly of a measuring apparatus according to yet a further embodiment.

[0049] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0050] Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown a measuring apparatus 1 comprising first, second and third longitudinal parts 2, 4 and 6, which are operatively associated by way of telescoping in this case, so as to be movable by being slidable longitudinally relative to each other so that the apparatus 1 is both extensible and retractable.

[0051 ] Each part 2, 4 and 6 of the apparatus 1 is substantially identical in overall length (300mm in the case of the illustrated embodiment), with the second part 4 being telescopically retractable within the length of the first part 2 of the apparatus 1, and the third part 6 being telescopically retractable within the length of the second part 4 of the apparatus 1.

[0052] The first part 2 of the apparatus 1 comprises a first linear measurement scale 10, which extends the length of the first part 2, and which increases in the direction of an end from which the second part 4 extends. In the case of the illustrated embodiment, this scale extends from 0 to 300mm.

[0053] The second part 4 of the apparatus 1 comprises a second linear measurement scale 12, which extends the length of the second part 4, and which is a continuation of the first scale 10 (i.e. which extends from 300mm to 600mm), but differs from the first scale 10 in that this second scale 12 continues from an end of the second part 4 which, in use, is distal to the first part 2 and which increases in the direction of the first part 2. That is to say, the second scale 12 increases from 300mm to 600mm in a direction opposite to that of the first scale 10. As a result, in use, when a distance can be measured using only the first and second parts 2 and 4, the total length of the measuring apparatus 1 is read at the point A at which the first part 2 overlaps the second part 4 (see Figure 1).

[0054] The third part 6 comprises a third scale 14, which extends the length of the third part 6, and which is a continuation of the second scale 12 (i.e. which extends from 600mm to 900mm), and continues from an end of the third part 6 which, in use, is distal to the second part 4 and which increases in the direction of the second part 4. That is to say, the third scale 14 increases from 600mm to 900mm in a direction opposite to that of the first scale 10 (but in the same direction as the second scale 12). As a result, when second part 4 is fully extended and the third part 6 is in use (see Figure 2), the total length of the measuring apparatus 1 is read at the point B at which the second part 4 overlaps the third part 6.

[0055] With reference to Figure 3, when the second and third parts 4 and 6 are fully retracted, a reading can be taken directly from the scale 10 carried by the first part 2.

[0056] Each of the parts 2, 4 and 6 of the apparatus 1 may be an extruded aluminium portion on which a measuring scale is printed, or onto which a measuring scale is adhered or engraved. Metals other than aluminium may be used, but aluminium is preferred for its high specific strength (strength to weight ratio). Non-metallic materials such as engineering plastics may also be used, and offer the advantage of being electrically nonconductive, but the resultant apparatus is unlikely to be as strong as a metal one. Composite materials such as carbon fibre or fibre reinforced plastic may also be used, but may not prove as durable as metals.

[0057] The apparatus 1 may comprise a means which prevents extension of a third or subsequent part until the preceding part is fully extended, thus preventing incorrect readings. This could be effected by way of making successive parts more resistant to extension than preceding parts. That is to say, the third part 6 would be more resistant to extension than the second part 4, thus ensuring the second part 4 is fully extended before the third part 6 begins to extend.

[00581 Each part 2, 4 and 6 of the apparatus 1 may comprise more than one scale, where these different scales are of different measuring denominations. For example, a first scale may be a metric scale, and a second scale an imperial one. Where each part has more than one side, these different scales may be positioned on different (such as opposing) sides to avoid confusion.

[0059] Each second 4 and successive part of the apparatus 1 may also comprise means for releasably locking this in an extended position relative to its preceding part. This may be effected by way of employing spring loaded ball detents or the like. [0060] Apparatus 1 may further comprise other useful features, such as a handle, a pencil holder, a digital display of the measured length along with associated means for taking the measurement and producing the display, and/or a spirit level.

[0061 ] In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus 1 may be flexible such that a distance measurement may be taken along a curved surface. This coul d be achieved by one or more of manufacturing the apparatus from a flexible material, and/or selecting a cross-sectional shape for the apparatus which permits some flexure in at least one plane.

[0062] With reference to Figures 4 through 7, it can be seen how the parts 2, 4 and 6 of the apparatus 1 can be any one of circular (see Figure 4), triangular (see Figure 5), rectilinear (see Figure 6) or flat (see Figure 7).

[00631 Referring now to Figures 8 and 9, where there is shown a measuring apparatus 20 according to a further embodiment, comprising first and second longitudinal parts 2, 4, of circular cross section, which are operatively associated by way of telescoping in this case, so as to be movable by being slidable longitudinally relative to each other so that the apparatus 20 is both extensible and retractable.

[0064] The measuring apparatus 20 comprises conical end caps 21 , which are secured with respect to the distal (non-overlapping) ends of the first and second longitudinal parts 2, 4, such that when the measuring apparatus 20 is being used to measure a distance between two surfaces, the conical end caps 21 can bear against the surfaces. In this case, the scale on the apparatus 20 would account for the presence of the end caps 21. For example, if the end caps 21 were 20mm high, the scale on the first longitudinal part 2 of the apparatus 20 would commence at 20mm.

[0065] The measuring apparatus 20 also features a means for releasably locking the second part 4 with respect to the first part 2, such that it can be locked in a fully retracted position (as shown in Figure 8), a fully extended position (as shown in Figure 9), or anywhere in between said positions. This is achieved through the use of a locking knob 22 which is threadably engaged with the second part 4 and is configured to slide along a slot 23 running longitudinally along the first part 2. The locking knob 22 is movable between a locked position (where the locking knob clamps against the first part 2 by being wound in via the threaded engagement with the second part 4) and an unlocked position (where the locking knob is wound out via the threaded engagement with the second part 4, such that it no longer clamps against the first part 2).

[0066] Referring now to Figure 10, where there is shown a measuring apparatus 30 according to yet a further embodiment, comprising first and second longitudinal parts 2, 4, of rectangular cross section, which are operatively associated by way of telescoping in this case, so as to be movable by being slidable longitudinally relative to each other so that the apparatus 20 is both extensible and retractable.

[0067] The measuring apparatus 30 comprises wedge shaped end caps 3 1 which are secured with respect to the distal (non-overlapping) ends of the first and second longitudinal parts 2, 4, such that when the measuring apparatus 30 is being used to measure a distance between two surfaces, the wedge shaped end caps 31 can bear against the surfaces.

[0068] Referring now to Figure 1 1 where there is shown an exploded assembly of a measuring apparatus 40 according to yet a further embodiment, comprising first and second longitudinal parts 2, 4, of rectangular cross section, which are operatively associated by way of telescoping in this case, so as to be movable by being slidable longitudinally relative to each other so that the apparatus 20 is both extensible and retractable.

[ 0069] The measuring apparatus 40 comprises interchangeable pyramid shaped end caps and flat end caps 41 b, which can be changed to suit the intended application.

[ 00701 The measuring apparatus 40 may comprise alternate measuring scales depending on which end caps (i.e. 4 l a or 41 b) are employed. The pyramid end caps 41a have a greater longitudinal length than the flat end caps 41b, therefore the apparatus 40 comprises one measuring scale to be read when using pyramid end caps 41 a, and another measuring scale to be read when using flat end caps 41 b. The different scales may be differentiated by colour coding the corresponding end caps and measuring scales.

[0071 ] The second part 4 comprises a hole 45 through which a threaded rivet 44 is secured, allowing the second part 4 to threadably engage with a locking knob 42.

[0072] As would be appreciated, the end caps employed in the various measuring apparatus may take many geometric forms, where end caps terminating with a tip, such as the conical or pyramid shaped end caps allow a measuring apparatus to be used to measure distances between corners (such as the intersection of three non-parallel planes). Whereas end caps terminating in an edge, such as the wedge shaped end cap allow a measuring apparatus to be used to measure distances between edges (such as the intersection of two non-parallel planes.

[0073] The end caps 21 , 3 1 , 41 a, 41b employed in the various measuring apparatus 20, 30, 40 embodiments may be manufactured from an engineering plastic such as nylon or a fibre reinforced polymer such as nylon 6/6, which have superior abrasion and wear resistance properties than that of aluminium used in the longitudinal parts 2, 4, 6. [0074] It will be apparent from all of the above that the apparatus according to the present invention will provide a useful alternative to known measuring devices, and it will permit a distance reading to be taken at a position away from the points between which the distance is being measured.

[0075] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise" and "include" and variations such as "comprising" and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0076] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0077] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A measuring apparatus comprising at least first and second longitudinal parts, wherein the first and second parts are so operatively associated as to be movable longitudinally relative to each other so that the apparatus is extensible, and wherein the first part comprises a first scale, and the second part comprises a second scale which is a continuation of the first scale, where this second scale increases in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first scale increases.

2. The measuring apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each part of the apparatus is substantially identical in overall length.

3. The measuring apparatus as in either of the preceding claims, wherein for each part the scale extends the entire length of that part.

4. The measuring apparatus as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second and any successive parts are retractable within the length of the first part of the apparatus.

5. The measuring apparatus as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the second and any successive parts carries a scale which is a continuation of the scale of the preceding part, but continues from an end of the part which is distal to the preceding part and which increases in the direction of the preceding part.

6. The measuring apparatus as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring apparatus comprises a third part carrying a third scale which is a continuation of the second scale of the second part, but continues from an end of the third part which is distal to the second part and which increases in the direction of the second part.

7. The measuring apparatus of claim 6, wherein the measuring apparatus comprises a fourth part carrying a fourth scale which is a continuation of the third scale of the third part, but continues from an end of the fourth part which is distal to the third part and which increases in the direction of the third part.

8. The measuring apparatus of either of claim 6 or 7, wherein the third and any successive parts cannot be extended until the preceding part is fully extended.

9. The measuring apparatus as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each part comprises a substantially aligned or parallel axis of elongation, and any sliding movement thereof is along this axis.

10. The measuring apparatus as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring apparatus comprises end caps secured with respect to opposing ends of the apparatus.

1 1 . The measuring apparatus of claim 10, wherein the end caps are substantially flat.

12. The measuring apparatus of claim 10, wherein the end caps are pointed.

13. The measuring apparatus as in any one of claims 10 through 12, wherein the end caps are removable from the apparatus.

14. The measuring apparatus as in any one of claims 10 through 13, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of end cap pairings, which are interchangeable.

15. The measuring apparatus of claim 14, wherein for a given end cap pairing, the apparatus comprises a corresponding scale for use with that end cap pairing.

16. The measuring apparatus as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of sides.

17. The measuring apparatus of claim 16, wherein different sides comprise different scales.

18. The measuring apparatus as in any one of claims 1 through 15, wherein each part has a circular cross-sectional shape.

1 . The measuring apparatus of claim 18, wherein the second and subsequent parts may be extended by rotating these.

20. A method of measuring the distance between a first point and a second point using a measuring apparatus as in any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of :

bearing an end of the first part against the first point;