Tracing instrument
The tracing instrument design addresses assembly complexity and stability issues by incorporating a handle with aligned locking feet, a handle receptacle, and an elastic skate system, resulting in a more efficient and stable tracing instrument.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2022012692
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-12-02
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-28
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-12-02
AI Technical Summary
Existing tracing instruments face challenges such as complex and time-consuming assembly processes, instability due to rigid blocking structures, and issues with cornering and pitching during use.
A tracing instrument design featuring a handle with aligned locking feet, a handle receptacle for receiving blocking feet and structures, and a tracing structure with a mobile handle that transitions between locking and release positions, incorporating elastic skates for improved stability and assembly efficiency.
The solution simplifies the assembly process, enhances stability by reducing cornering and pitching issues, and ensures secure blocking on supports, resulting in a more user-friendly and efficient tracing instrument.
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Tracing instrument
[0001] The invention relates to the field of tracing instruments such as rulers, set squares, or protractors. These instruments make it possible to trace or cut certain materials on a support.
[0002] The inventor has proposed tracing instruments, in particular in patent application WO2021009419A1.
[0003] The previously proposed tracing instrument comprises a handle for locking a rule to stabilize the rule in use. More specifically, the proposed instrument comprised fingers / feet to be housed in holes for sliding, and a non-slip locking means B wider than the holes, to be fixed under the fingers / feet with reference to [Fig.l]. This represented a long and tedious assembly process, because for the variants with several feet, the feet were introduced into the bores and the locking structures were then fixed to the lower end of the feet. The variants with a longitudinal locking foot were not satisfactory as regards the support on the locking structures along the entire length of the rule.
[0004] Furthermore, the instrument of the prior art having several feet PB and cylindrical springs RI coaxial with the feet PB, showed problems of buttressing due to an aggregation of the sliding and return functions around the same axis, involving jamming of the mechanism.
[0005] Finally, the locking foot PB was rigid and this caused play on the instrument supposed to be locked in the locking position, which resulted in pitching problems around an axis in a plane parallel to a main axis of the rule so that maintaining the locked rule thus became unstable, which hindered its use because it distorted the line.
[0006] Thus, one objective of the invention is to remedy the defects of the prior art, and in particular to propose a tracing instrument that is simpler to produce and quicker to assemble, and preferably significantly limiting problems of buttressing and jamming, having good retention when locked.
[0007] To achieve this objective, the invention proposes a tracing instrument, such as a ruler, set square or protractor comprising: - a handle in a longitudinal axis, which comprises a handle body carrying locking feet aligned in the longitudinal axis, each locking foot being equipped with a locking structure for locking the tracing instrument on a support; - a handle receptacle configured to receive the locking feet and locking structures, - a tracing structure attached to the handle receptacle or in one piece therewith, the tracing structure comprising at least one tracing rim, the handle being movable in rectilinear translation between a locking position in which the handle is inserted into the handle receptacle so as to allow locking of the tracing instrument on the support by means of the locking structures; and a release position in which the handle is retracted so as to unlock the tracing instrument, the tracing instrument comprising at least one means for returning the handle to the release position
[0008] Advantageously, the invention proposes an assembly making it possible to limit the problems of the prior art.
[0009] According to a variant, the tracing instrument is configured so that the handle abuts the handle receptacle or the tracing structure in the locking position, preferably on an upper edge of the handle receptacle, in order to press the tracing structure onto the tracing support in the locking position. Specific stops are provided for this purpose. This allows good maintenance of the tracing structure, avoids the play of the prior art, and ensures overall stability of the tracing instrument in use.
[0010] According to a variant, the handle receptacle and / or the tracing structure each comprise foot bores receiving the locking feet and the sliding locking structures. In other words, the foot bores receive the locking feet and the locking structures so that they can slide in the corresponding bore.
[0011] This makes it possible to couple the balancing of the support on the blocking structures by several feet, and to facilitate assembly because the blocking structures are assembled with the feet in a single step.
[0012] According to a variant, the handle receptacle comprises at least two foot bores, and at least two return structures, and the foot bores are separated from, and alternated with, the recall structures along said longitudinal axis.
[0013] This makes it possible to limit the problems of buttressing by separating the sliding functions from the recall functions. In addition, this makes it possible to distribute and standardize along the rule, the blocking, the sliding, and the recall.
[0014] According to a variant, the locking feet and the foot bores are quadrilateral in shape.
[0015] This makes it easier to manufacture the feet and bores.
[0016] According to one variant, the handle receptacle is removably attached to the tracing structure. In particular, the tracing instrument may comprise at least two different tracing structures that can be alternatively attached to the same handle receptacle.
[0017] This makes it easier to produce different scribing instruments and / or instruments of different sizes with a standard handle receptacle and a standard handle. Tracing structures from one supplier can be used without significantly changing their manufacturing process, which increases the manufacturing efficiency of the different scribing instruments.
[0018] According to a variant, the locking structures each comprise a pad receptacle equipped with a pad, preferably elastic.
[0019] This makes it possible to separate the rigidity of fixing said structure to said foot on the receptacle, and the attachment to the tracing support by a specific pad, for example a rubber eraser. An elasticity of the pad makes it possible to compensate for any vertical play on some of the feet for better locking. In particular, the thickness of the pad is greater than minimum sufficient for the pad to be crushed in the locking position to compensate for the vertical play.
[0020] According to a variant, the locking feet are in one piece with the locking structure, the handle body, and preferably the pad.
[0021] This makes it easier to assemble the tracing instrument by limiting the number of parts to be assembled. A one-piece pad with the locking structure can be made from a two-material composite, for example plastic.
[0022] According to a variant, the skate receptacle is movable relative to the locking foot, in particular in translation upwards or downwards, with a downward return means; and / or in rotation around a skate axis in a plane parallel to the tracing structure.
[0023] The mobility and elasticity of the return means make it possible to compensate for any vertical play on some of the feet for better locking. The skate can also be elastic.
[0024] Another object of the invention relates to a tracing kit comprising a first tracing instrument according to the invention, and at least one second tracing instrument coupled to the first tracing instrument.
[0025] The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing a tracing instrument according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a step of producing the handle comprising the locking feet equipped with the locking structures, and a step of assembling the handle with the handle receptacle and the tracing structure.
[0026] According to a variant, the step of assembling the handle with the handle receptacle and the tracing structure comprises a sub-step of assembling the tracing structure with the handle receptacle, and a sub-step of assembling the handle with the handle receptacle assembly and tracing structure.
[0027] This makes it possible to limit the number of steps in the manufacture of the tracing instrument.
[0028] The invention will be further detailed by the description of non-limiting embodiments, and on the basis of the appended figures illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention, in which: - [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a view in space of a tracing instrument according to the prior art; - [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a view in space of a tracing instrument according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention; - [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a close-up view of the assembly of different parts of the tracing instrument of [Fig.2], in different positions depending on whether or not the handle is pressed; - [Fig.4] schematically illustrates an elevation view of the tracing instrument of [Fig.3]; - [Fig.5] schematically illustrates a view in space of a removable blocking structure; - [Fig.6] schematically illustrates a bottom view of the handle receptacle; - [Fig.7] schematically illustrates tracing instruments equipped with blocking structures which can move in translation or rotation; - [Fig.8] schematically illustrates details of a blocking structure which is mobile in translation and / or rotation; - [Fig.9] schematically illustrates a kit comprising a tracing instrument according to the invention coupled with another tracing instrument.
[0029] The invention relates in particular to a tracing instrument which may be, for example, a ruler, a set square, a protractor or the like. This type of instrument can assist in tracing or cutting.
[0030] The instrument comprises a handle P, defined in a longitudinal axis AL. The handle P comprises a handle body CP which carries locking feet PB. The locking feet PB are aligned in the longitudinal axis AL. Each locking foot PB is equipped with a locking structure B for locking the tracing instrument on a support during tracing or cutting, and for preventing movements from distorting the tracing or cutting.
[0031] In one embodiment, the locking structures B each comprise a RPP pad receptacle equipped with a PP pad, preferably elastic. In a preferred variant, the PP pads have at least one rounded and elastic contact structure. The RPP pad receptacle is preferably movable relative to the locking foot PB, in particular in translation upwards or downwards, with a means of downward return. Alternatively or in combination, the skate receptacle is rotatable, for example laterally, relative to at least one skate axis A2 in a plane parallel to a longitudinal direction of the handle P, to the tracing structure T1, T2 described below, and to the support.
[0032] In another embodiment, the locking feet PB are in one piece with the locking structure B, the handle body CP, and the pad PP. Thus the handle P is manufactured in a single piece forming a single block, illustrated in [Fig.3]. A two-material composite plastic can be provided for this purpose.
[0033] The tracing instrument further comprises a handle receptacle RP configured to receive the locking feet PB and the locking structures B.
[0034] The tracing instrument further comprises at least one tracing structure T1, T2 attached to the handle receptacle RP. The tracing structure T1, T2 comprises at least one tracing rim.
[0035] In a variant not shown, the tracing structure and the handle receptacle may be a single piece. In particular, a two-step production, using a two-material composite, for example plastic, hot-fixes the handle receptacle to the tracing structure. This makes it easier to assemble the tracing instrument by limiting the number of pieces to be assembled.
[0036] Preferably, the handle receptacle RP is removably attached to the scribing structure T1, T2. Fastening structures F1, such as screws, are used with holes F3 in the scribing structure T1, T2. Preferably, the scribing instrument comprises at least three different scribing structures T1, T2, T3 that can be alternatively attached to the same handle receptacle RP. The different scribing structures may differ in length, material and / or type of instrument, i.e., a ruler base, set square, protractor, etc. In the illustrations, these are three sizes of rulers.
[0037] The handle P is movable in rectilinear translation between a locking position and a release position.
[0038] In the locking position, the handle P is inserted into the handle receptacle RP so as to allow locking of the tracing instrument on the support by means of the locking structures B passing through the handle receptacle RP and the tracing structure T1, T2.
[0039] In the release position, the handle P is retracted so as to unlock the tracing instrument. Then, the instrument can be freely moved on the support.
[0040] The transitions between these positions involve sliding in a vertical direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the instrument. The upward sliding is limited by at least one stop in the handle receptacle RP. Snap-in structures E are provided around the feet PB to secure the handle P in the RP handle receptacle.
[0041] Furthermore, the tracing instrument comprises at least one means for returning the handle to the release position, in particular springs RI, R2. In particular, the return means RI or R2 is coupled to a finger of the handle P, more particularly to a lower face of the handle body CP. A support structure is provided in the handle receptacle RPP (in the case of a two-block structure RPP-T1 / T2), or optionally in the tracing structure T1, T2 (in the case of a single-block structure RPP-T1 / T2).
[0042] The handle P allows the locking structures B to be slid towards the support or to release the locking structures B.
[0043] Unlike the prior art proposing a handle having an assembly of five elements, the invention proposes a handle assembled on the basis of two to three elements.
[0044] Depending on the variant considered, the advantages include: greater safety, the elimination of small elements, such as pads, a reduction in manufacturing costs and the number of molds required.
[0045] In the preferred variant, the handle receptacle RP comprises foot bores AP which may be square or rectangular, which receive both the locking feet PB and the sliding locking structures B.
[0046] The foot bores AP are separated from, and alternate with, the return structures RI, R2 along the longitudinal axis AL.
[0047] Grooves are used to create a corresponding structural clipping of the handle P. One or two lateral tabs can be added to the handle receptacle RP to facilitate gripping of the tracing instrument.
[0048] The instrument as described above can be coupled with at least one other tracing instrument as illustrated in [Fig.7]. The other tracing instrument can be for example a ruler, a set square, a protractor or others.
[0049] The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing a tracing instrument as described above. The method comprises a step of producing the handle P comprising the locking feet PB, and a step of assembling the handle P with the handle receptacle RP and the tracing structure ST, preferably pre-assembled with the handle receptacle RP.
[0050] Preferably, the handle receptacle RP and the tracing structure T1, T2 comprise fixing means F1, F3. In addition, the handle receptacle RP may comprise positioning guides G in the form of pins, at the level of the fixing zone to the tracing structure T1, T2. This makes it possible to perfectly align the foot bores AP of the receptacle RP and the foot bores AP of the tracing structure T1, T2, and to avoid friction. The handle receptacle RP comprises preference for internal guides to insert the handle without offset during assembly.
[0051] The CP handle body may have a dome shape to transfer force to the sides when pressing in the center.
[0052] Preferably, at least two PP pads make contact with the support if the left half or the right half of the handle is pressed. This ensures stability, in order to prevent the ruler from rotating on itself.
Claims
Claims
1. A tracing instrument, such as a ruler, set square or protractor, comprising: - a handle (P) in a longitudinal axis (A1), which comprises a handle body (CP) carrying locking feet (PB) aligned in the longitudinal axis, each locking foot (PB) being equipped with a locking structure (B) for locking the tracing instrument on a support; - a handle receptacle (RP) configured to receive the locking feet (PB) and the locking structures (B), - a tracing structure (T1, T2) fixed to the handle receptacle (RP) or in one piece with it, the tracing structure comprising at least one tracing rim, the handle (P) being movable in rectilinear translation between a locking position in which the handle (P) is plugged into the handle receptacle (RP) so as to allow locking of the tracing instrument on the support by means of the locking structures (B);and a release position in which the handle (P) is retracted so as to unlock the tracing instrument, the tracing instrument comprising at least one means for returning the handle to the release position, characterized in that the handle receptacle (RP) and / or the tracing structure (T1, T2) each comprise foot bores (AP) receiving the locking feet (PB) and the sliding locking structures (B), so that the locking feet (PB) and the locking structures (B) can slide in the corresponding bore (AP).;
2. Tracing instrument according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it is configured so that the handle (P) abuts against the handle receptacle (RP) or the tracing structure (Tl, T2) in the locking position, preferably on an upper edge of the handle receptacle (RP), in order to press the tracing structure (Tl, T2) onto the tracing support in the locking position.
3. Tracing instrument according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the handle receptacle (RP) comprises at least two foot bores (AP), and at least two return structures (RI, R2), characterized in that the foot bores (AP) are separated from, and alternate with the return structures (RI, R2) along said longitudinal axis (Al).
4. Tracing instrument according to one of claims 3 to 4, characterized in that the locking feet (PB) and the foot bores (AP) are quadrilateral in shape.
5. Tracing instrument according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle receptacle (RP) is removably attached to the tracing structure (T1, T2).
6. Tracing instrument according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises at least two different tracing structures (T1, T2) which can be fixed alternately on the same handle receptacle (RP).
7. Tracing instrument according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking structures (B) each comprise a pad receptacle (RPP) equipped with a pad (PP), preferably elastic.
8. A tracing instrument according to the preceding claim, wherein the locking feet (PB) are in one piece with the locking structure (B), the handle body (CP), and preferably the pad (PP).
9. Tracing instrument according to claim 8, characterized in that the pad receptacle (RPP) is movable relative to the locking foot (PB), in particular in translation upwards or downwards, with a downward return means; and / or in rotation about a pad axis (A2) in a plane parallel to the tracing structure.
10. Tracing instrument according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle receptacle (RP) comprises one or two lateral tabs to facilitate gripping of the tracing instrument.
11. A tracing instrument according to one of the preceding claims, comprising snap-on structures (E) around the locking feet (PB) and preferably grooves serving to create a clipping of corresponding structures of the handle P.
12. A tracing instrument according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle body (CP) has a dome shape to transfer force to the sides when pressing in the center, and at least two pads (PP) make contact with the support if the left half or the right half of the handle is pressed.
13. A tracing kit comprising a first tracing instrument according to one of the preceding claims, and at least one second tracing instrument coupled to the first tracing instrument.
14. A method of manufacturing a tracing instrument according to one of the claims- indications 1 to 10, comprising a step of producing the handle (P) comprising the locking feet (PB) equipped with the locking structures (B), and a step of assembling the handle (P) with the handle receptacle (RP) and the tracing structure.
15. Manufacturing method according to the preceding claim, wherein the step of assembling the handle (P) with the handle receptacle (C) and the tracing structure (Tl, T2) comprises a sub-step of assembling the tracing structure (Tl, T2) with the handle receptacle (C), and a sub-step of assembling the handle (P) with the handle receptacle and tracing structure assembly (Tl, T2).