Speed square with additional markings

Abstract

A speed square may include a triangular flat plate which may include first measurement markings indicated on at least one face, and a T bar extending along a first side of the triangular flat plate. The triangular flat plate and the T bar may both be substantially planar. The T bar may be substantially perpendicularly operably coupled to the triangular flat plate at the first side. The T bar may include a first surface in contact with the triangular flat plate and a second surface disposed on an opposite side of the T bar from, and substantially parallel to, the first surface. The T bar may be permanently affixed to the triangular flat plate along a longitudinal axis of the T bar at the first surface. The T bar may further include second measurement markings indicated on the second surface of the T bar.

Description

[0001] SPEED SQUARE WITH ADDITIONAL MARKINGS

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] Example embodiments generally relate to hand tools and, in particular, relate to a speed square with additional markings.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Square tools are used throughout construction industries and come in many different varieties such as speed squares, combination squares, framing squares, drywall squares, try squares and many more. Speed squares may often include a metal plate in the shape of a right triangle with a T bar on one side of the plate. The plate may be embossed or otherwise marked with one or more measurement markings, such as length, angles, and the like, such that a craftsman may set the square at a position on a working material and use the measurement markings to quickly measure and mark angles, lines, or the like. The measurements and angle markings may be used for cutting the material in the desired shape and size. Speed squares are manufactured in a variety of materials and sizes to accommodate the breadth of environments and uses in which speed squares are utilized.

[0006] Speed squares may be used in a wide variety of scenarios which may require the users to view the squares from a wide variety of angles. In some cases, craftsmen may have to stop their progress and move or change the orientation of the speed square in order to mark measurements on the work material, which may slow progress or be tedious for the craftsmen. Thus, it may be desirable to provide additional measurement markings on the speed square to reduce the need for moving and re-orienting the speed square during use and to increase the usability of the speed square.

[0007] BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLES

[0008] Some example embodiments may provide for a speed square. The speed square may include a triangular flat plate which may include first measurement markings indicated on at least one face, and a T bar extending along a first side of the triangular flat plate. The triangular flat plate and the T bar may both be substantially planar. The T bar may be substantially perpendicularly operably coupled to the triangular flat plate at the first side. The T bar may include a first surface in contact with the triangular flat plate and a second surface disposed on an opposite side of the T bar from, and substantially parallel to, the first surface. The T bar may be permanently affixed to the triangular flat plate along a longitudinal axis of the T bar at thefirst surface. The T bar may further include second measurement markings indicated on the second surface of the T bar.

[0009] Some example embodiments may provide for method of producing a speed square. The method may include the steps of forming a triangular flat plate, forming a T bar along a first side of the triangular flat plate, forming first measurement markings on the triangular flat plate, and forming second measurement markings on the T bar. The triangular flat plate and the T bar may both be substantially planar. The T bar may be substantially perpendicularly operably coupled to the triangular flat plate at the first side. The T bar may be permanently affixed to the triangular flat plate along a longitudinal axis of the T bar.

[0010] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) Having thus described the tool in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a speed square in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a left side view of the speed square in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the speed square in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the speed square in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the speed square in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the speed square in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates a section view of the speed square in accordance with an example embodiment; and

[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart of a method of producing the speed square in accordance with an example embodiment

[0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTIONSome example embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all example embodiments are shown. Indeed, the examples described and pictured herein should not be construed as being limiting as to the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure.

[0020] Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “or” is to be interpreted as a logical operator that results in true whenever one or more of its operands are true. As used herein, operable coupling should be understood to relate to direct or indirect connection that, in either case, enables functional interconnection of components that are operably coupled to each other.

[0021] Additionally, as used herein, terminology such as “about,” “approximately” and “substantially,” when used to refer to variability of parameters, should be understood to be definite approximations that account for variations in measurements that cannot be, or as one of skill in the art would appreciate, normally are not, measured precisely. Thus, for example, a parameter that is “about,” “approximately” or “substantially” a given value or a given characteristic should be understood to be sufficiently close to the given value or given characteristic such that performance of the object or product to which the parameter applies, from the perspective of one with ordinary skill in the art, is the same as though the object or product had precisely the given value or characteristic.

[0022] As indicated above, some example embodiments may relate to the provision of a speed square with a second set of measurement markings for added versatility. The second set of measurement markings may be in addition to a first set of measurement markings disposed at the flat plate. The second set may be disposed at a bottom surface of the T bar of the speed square. The second set of measurement markings may be particularly useful in instances in which a craftsman may need to measure a different side of the work material, such that measurements and markings may be made without switching speed squares, changing the orientation of the speed square, or using an additional measuring tool with the speed square.

[0023] An example embodiment of the speed square will now be described in reference to FIGS. 1-7. FIGS. 1-7 illustrate a speed square 100 in various views according to an example embodiment. The speed square 100 may include a generally flat plate 110, and a T bar 120. The flat plate 110 may be formed in the shape of a right triangle, and as such, the flat plate 110 may also be referred to as the triangular flat plate 110 in some cases. In some example embodiments, the flat plate 110 may be formed from aluminum, steel, plastic, or the like. In an example embodiment, the flat plate 110 may include a first face 112 and a second face 114disposed on opposing sides of a central plane 130 from each other. In this regard, the first face 112 and the second face 114 may each be substantially planar and parallel to each other. The central plane 130 may bisect the speed square 100 by extending along a center of both the triangular flat plate 110 and the T bar 120. In some cases, the first face 112 and the second face 114 may include measurement markings as part of the first measurement markings 140. The first measurement markings 140 may include markings indicating details such as length relative to a corner of the flat plate 110, angle marks relative to a corner of the flat plate 110, or the like. The first measurement markings 140 may be printed, embossed, inscribed, or otherwise indicated on at least one of the first and second faces (112, 114) of the flat plate 110. In some cases, the features and components of the square 100 mentioned herein may be discussed in reference to a speed square 100, however any type of triangular square tool, including but not limited to a combination square, framing square, rafter square, or the like, may be similarly modified to include any of the features or components discussed below.

[0024] The speed square 100 may also include the T bar 120. The T bar 120 may be affixed to, and extend along, the length of a first side 111 of the flat plate 110. The T bar 120 may extend past both the first and second faces (112, 114) of the flat plate 110, such that a portion of the T bar 120 may extend over the edge of a working material when either of the first or second faces (112, 114) of the flat plate 110 is placed on the working material. The T bar 120 may be placed flush to straight surfaces of a working material for marking and measuring of the working material using the first measurement markings 140 of the flat plate 110.

[0025] In some cases, the triangular flat plate 110 and the T bar 120 may both be substantially planar, and the T bar 120 may be substantially perpendicularly operably coupled to the triangular flat plate 110 at the first side 111. In this regard, when viewed from the front (i.e. FIG. 3) or back of the speed square 100, the T bar 120 may form an upside down T shape with the triangular flat plate 110, where the T bar 120 may form the horizontal part of the T and the triangular flat plate 110 may form the vertical / longitudinal part of the T. Thus, the angle formed between the first face 112 and the T bar 120 may be substantially equal to the angle formed between the second face 114 and the T bar 120. In an example embodiment, both angles may be approximately 90°. In some cases, the T bar 120 may be substantially equal in length to the first side 111 of the triangular flat plate 110.

[0026] The T bar 120 may include a first surface 122 which may be in contact with the triangular flat plate 110 and a second surface 124 which may be disposed on an opposite side of the T bar 120 from, and substantially parallel to, the first surface 122. In an example embodiment, the T bar 120 may be permanently affixed to the triangular flat plate 110 along alongitudinal axis 125 of the T bar 120 at the first surface 122. In other words, the triangular flat plate 110 may be permanently affixed to the T bar 120 along a centerline (i.e. the longitudinal axis 125) of the T bar 120. In this regard, the central plane 130 may include the longitudinal axis 125. As such, an equal amount of the first surface 122 of the T bar 120 may extend perpendicular to each of the first and second faces (112, 114) of the triangular square plate 110.

[0027] The square 100 may also include a right angle corner 105 formed between the first and second sides (111, 113) of the triangular flat plate 110. At the vertex of the right angle corner 105 between the first and second sides (111, 113) of the triangular flat plate 110, and proximate to the first surface 122 of the T bar 120, the square 100 may include a pivot point 150. The pivot point 150 may be the point about which the square 100 may be rotated when marking or reading an angle using the first measurement markings 140. The pivot point 150 may comprise a small notch or groove made into the square 100 right at the vertex of the right angle corner 105 between the first and second sides (111, 113) of the triangular flat plate 110 and proximate to the first surface 122 of the T bar 120.

[0028] As shown specifically in FIGS. 4 and 5, the T bar 120 of some example embodiments may further include second measurement markings 160 disposed at the second surface 124 of the T bar 120. Like the first measurement markings 140, the second measurement markings 160 may also include markings indicating details such as length relative to a comer of the flat plate 110. In particular, the second measurement markings 160 may indicate length from the vertex of the right angle corner 105 measured along the T bar 120. In this regard, the second measurement markings 160 may be equidistantly disposed along the second surface 124, and in particular, the second measurement markings 160 may be disposed along parallel edges of the second surface 124, on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis 125, and may extend perpendicularly to the parallel edges of the second surface 124.

[0029] In an example embodiment, the second measurement markings 160 may include inch lines 162, half inch lines 164, quarter inch lines 166, and eighth inch lines 168. However, in some other cases, the second measurement markings 160 may include metric system units as well. In such cases, the second measurement markings 160 may include millimeter lines and centimeter lines. In an example embodiment, the second measurement markings 160 may include both imperial and metric unit lines. In such cases, the imperial unit lines may be disposed along one of the parallel edges of the second surface 124, and the metric unit lines may be disposed along the other of the parallel edges of the second surface 124. In some cases, the square 100 may be produced in a range of sizes corresponding to the maximum length of the T bar 120 indicated by the second measurement markings 160. In this regard, for example,the square 100 may be produced in 12 inch, 7 inch and 4 inch configurations, meaning that the second measurement markings 160 may measure up to 12 inches, 7 inches and 4 inches away from the right angle corner 105, respectively. In some other cases, other sizes of the square 100 may be possible as well and the examples provided above should not be considered to be limiting in this regard.

[0030] In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5, the second measurement markings 160 may further include a respective indicator 169 which may be disposed proximate to each of the inch lines 162. The indicator 169 may include a number which may correspond to a distance from a respective inch line 162 to the right angle corner 105 of the speed square 100. In an example embodiment, a height of the indicator 169 may be less than approximately 50% of a width (Wl) of the second surface 124, the width (Wl) being measured perpendicularly between the parallel edges of the second surface 124. In some other cases, the height of the indicator 169 may be approximately equal to 50% of the width (Wl) of the second surface 124. Similarly, the half inch lines 164, quarter inch lines 166 and eighth inch lines 168 may each extend for less than approximately 50% of the width (Wl) of the second surface 124 in length, whereas on the other hand, the inch lines 162 may each be approximately equal to the width (Wl) of the second surface 124 in length.

[0031] Also depicted in the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, the second surface 124 may be substantially planar, and the second measurement markings 160 may be recessed relative to the second surface 124. In this regard, in one example embodiment, the second measurement markings 160 may be etched, cut, embossed, engraved, imprinted, stamped or otherwise formed into the second surface 124 of the T bar 120 after the speed square 100 is cast or molded. In another example embodiment, the second measurement markings 160 may be formed into the second surface 124 of the T bar 120 while the speed square 100 is cast or molded. As discussed above, the square 100 may be formed from aluminum, steel, plastic, or the like. In this regard, the select material may be inserted into a mold or cast while in liquid form and then cooled and solidified into the shape of the square 100 before being removed from the mold or cast. In some cases, the mold in which the square 100 is formed may include protrusions in the shape of the second measurement markings 160 at the second surface 124 of the T bar 120 and thus the second measurement markings 160 may be formed simultaneously while the square 100 as a whole is formed.

[0032] In some other cases, the second measurement markings 160 may not be recessed relative to the second surface 124 of the T bar 120, and instead the second measurement markings 160 may simply be disposed onto the second surface 124. As such, the secondmeasurement markings 160 may be printed, painted, drawn, adhesively applied, or otherwise disposed onto the second surface 124 of the T bar 120 after the speed square 100 is cast or molded. In an example embodiment, the second measurement markings 160 may be both recessed and painted onto the T bar 120. In this regard, forming the second measurement markings 160 may include applying ink to the second measurement markings 160 after they are casted or molded into the square 100 as well.

[0033] Having the second measurement markings 160 disposed at the second surface 124 of the T bar 120 may be critical to improving the versatility of the square 100. For instance, the second measurement markings 160 on the second surface 124 may enable the user of the square 100 to make different measurements on the work material that may have previously not been possible to do with preexisting squares 100 that lack the second measurement markings 160 at the T bar 120. Previously, to measure the work material along the T bar 120, the user would either have to move the square 100 to a position in which the first measurement markings 140 could be used to measure the work material, or use a separate tool, such as a measuring tape. In some cases, moving the square 100 or acquiring a separate tool may not be feasible if the user of the square 100 were to have their hands full or if the user were to be otherwise occupied with the task at hand. Accordingly, the second measurement markings 160 being disposed at the second surface 124 of the T bar 120 may be critical to the performance of the speed square 100.

[0034] The process / method of producing the square 100 in accordance with an example embodiment may be shown in the flow chart depicted in FIG. 8. In this regard, as mentioned above, the square 100 may be formed from aluminum, steel, plastic, or the like. Forming the square 100 from aluminum or steel may include inserting molten material into a cast. The aluminum or steel material may then be allowed to cool and harden before the square 100 is removed from the cast. After the square 100 has been removed, it may be treated, cleaned and prepped for sale. Similarly, forming the square 100 from plastic may include using an injection molding process to inject molten plastic material into a mold. The plastic material may then be allowed to cool and harden before the square 100 is removed from the mold. After the square 100 has been removed, it may be treated, cleaned and prepped for sale. In some cases, the second measurement markings 160 may be casted or molded into the T bar 120 while the square 100 is casted or molded. After the second measurement markings 160 are casted or molded into the square 100, an ink may be applied to the second measurement markings 160 which may further increase the visibility of the second measurement markings 160.Accordingly, FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart of a method of producing the speed square 100 in accordance with an example embodiment. The method may include forming the triangular flat plate 110 at operation 800, and forming the T bar 120 along the first side 111 of the triangular flat plate 110 at operation 810. Additionally, the method may include forming the first measurement markings 140 on the triangular flat plate 110 at operation 820 and forming the second measurement markings 160 on the T bar 120 at operation 830. The steps of forming the triangular flat plate 110 and forming the T bar 120 may include any of the materials and processes mentioned above, in addition to others not listed herein. In addition, the steps of forming the triangular flat plate 110 and forming the T bar 120 may occur simultaneously in some cases, or perhaps sequentially in other cases. Forming the first measurement markings 140 may include printing or painting the first measurement markings 140 on the triangular flat plate 110 in some cases, or it may include etching or engraving the first measurement markings 140 on the triangular flat plate 110 in other cases. Similarly, forming the second measurement markings 160 may include printing or painting the second measurement markings 160 on the triangular flat plate 110 in some cases, or it may include etching or engraving the second measurement markings 160 on the triangular flat plate 110 in other cases. Additionally, forming the first and / or second measurement markings (140, 160) may include casting or molding the first and / or second measurement markings (140, 160) on the triangular flat plate 110 and / or on the T bar 120, respectively, while the speed square 100 is cast or molded.

[0035] Some example embodiments may provide for a speed square. The speed square may include a triangular flat plate which may include first measurement markings indicated on at least one face, and a T bar extending along a first side of the triangular flat plate. The triangular flat plate and the T bar may both be substantially planar. The T bar may be substantially perpendicularly operably coupled to the triangular flat plate at the first side. The T bar may include a first surface in contact with the triangular flat plate and a second surface disposed on an opposite side of the T bar from, and substantially parallel to, the first surface. The T bar may be permanently affixed to the triangular flat plate along a longitudinal axis of the T bar at the first surface. The T bar may further include second measurement markings indicated on the second surface of the T bar.

[0036] The speed square of some embodiments may include additional features, modifications, augmentations and / or the like to achieve further objectives or enhance performance of the tool. The additional features, modifications, augmentations and / or the like may be added in any combination with each other. Below is a list of various additionalfeatures, modifications, and augmentations that can each be added individually or in any combination with each other. For example, the T bar may be substantially equal in length to the first side of the triangular flat plate. In some cases, the second measurement markings may be equidistantly disposed along the second surface. In an example embodiment, the second measurement markings may be disposed along parallel edges of the second surface on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis and extend perpendicularly to the parallel edges of the second surface. In some cases, the second measurement markings may include inch lines, half inch lines, quarter inch lines, and eighth inch lines. In an example embodiment, the second measurement markings may further include a respective indicator disposed proximate to each of the inch lines. In some cases, the indicator may include a number corresponding to a distance from a respective inch line to a right angle corner of the speed square. In an example embodiment, a height of the indicator may be less than approximately 50% of a width of the second surface. In some cases, the half inch lines, quarter inch lines and eighth inch lines may each extend less than approximately 50% of a width of the second surface in length. In an example embodiment, the inch lines may each be equal to the width of the second surface in length. In some cases, the second surface may be substantially planar and the second measurement markings may be recessed relative to the second surface. In an example embodiment, the second measurement markings may be etched into the second surface of the T bar after the speed square may be cast or molded. In some cases, the second measurement markings may be formed into the second surface of the T bar while the speed square may be cast or molded. In an example embodiment, the second measurement markings may be printed onto the second surface of the T bar after the speed square may be cast or molded. In some cases, the second measurement markings may be painted onto the second surface of the T bar after the speed square may be cast or molded. In an example embodiment, ink may be applied to the second measurement markings after they are casted or molded into the T bar.

[0037] Some example embodiments may provide for method of producing a speed square. The method may include the steps of forming a triangular flat plate, forming a T bar along a first side of the triangular flat plate, forming first measurement markings on the triangular flat plate, and forming second measurement markings on the T bar. The triangular flat plate and the T bar may both be substantially planar. The T bar may be substantially perpendicularly operably coupled to the triangular flat plate at the first side. The T bar may be permanently affixed to the triangular flat plate along a longitudinal axis of the T bar.

[0038] The method of some embodiments may include additional features, modifications, augmentations and / or the like to achieve further objectives or enhance performance of themethod. The additional features, modifications, augmentations and / or the like may be added in any combination with each other. Below is a list of various additional features, modifications, and augmentations that can each be added individually or in any combination with each other. For example, forming the first measurement markings may include printing or painting the first measurement markings on the triangular flat plate. In some cases, forming the second measurement markings may include printing or painting the second measurement markings on the T bar. In an example embodiment, forming the first measurement markings may include etching or engraving the first measurement markings on the triangular flat plate. In some cases, forming the second measurement markings may include etching or engraving the second measurement markings on the T bar. In an example embodiment, forming the second measurement markings may include casting or molding the second measurement markings on the T bar while the speed square may be cast or molded. In some cases, forming the second measurement markings may further include applying ink to the second measurement markings after they are casted or molded.

[0039] Many modifications and other embodiments of the tool set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the power tools are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and / or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. In cases where advantages, benefits or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be appreciated that such advantages, benefits and / or solutions may be applicable to some example embodiments, but not necessarily all example embodiments. Thus, any advantages, benefits or solutions described herein should not be thought of as being critical, required or essential to all embodiments or to that which is claimed herein. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED:

1. A speed square comprising:a triangular flat plate having first measurement markings indicated on at least one face; anda T bar extending along a first side of the triangular flat plate,wherein the triangular flat plate and the T bar are both substantially planar, wherein the T bar is substantially perpendicularly operably coupled to the triangular flat plate at the first side,wherein the T bar comprises a first surface in contact with the triangular flat plate and a second surface disposed on an opposite side of the T bar from, and substantially parallel to, the first surface,wherein the T bar is permanently affixed to the triangular flat plate along a longitudinal axis of the T bar at the first surface, andwherein the T bar further comprises second measurement markings indicated on the second surface of the T bar.

2. The speed square of claim 1, wherein the T bar is substantially equal in length to the first side of the triangular flat plate.

3. The speed square of claim 1, wherein the second measurement markings are equidistantly disposed along the second surface.

4. The speed square of claim 1, wherein the second measurement markings are disposed along parallel edges of the second surface on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis and extend perpendicularly to the parallel edges of the second surface.

5. The speed square of claim 1, wherein the second measurement markings comprise inch lines, half inch lines, quarter inch lines, and eighth inch lines.

6. The speed square of claim 5, wherein the second measurement markings further comprise a respective indicator disposed proximate to each of the inch lines.

7. The speed square of claim 6, wherein the indicator comprises a number corresponding to a distance from a respective inch line to a right angle corner of the speed square.

8. The speed square of claim 6, wherein a height of the indicator is less than approximately 50% of a width of the second surface.

9. The speed square of claim 5, wherein the half inch lines, quarter inch lines and eighth inch lines each extend less than approximately 50% of a width of the second surface in length, andwherein the inch lines are each equal to the width of the second surface in length.

10. The speed square of claim 1, wherein the second surface is substantially planar and the second measurement markings are recessed relative to the second surface.

11. The speed square of claim 10, wherein the second measurement markings are etched into the second surface of the T bar after the speed square is cast or molded.

12. The speed square of claim 10, wherein the second measurement markings are casted or molded into the second surface of the T bar while the speed square is cast or molded.

13. The speed square of claim 12, wherein ink is applied to the second measurement markings after they are casted or molded into the T bar.

14. The speed square of claim 1, wherein the second measurement markings are printed or painted onto the second surface of the T bar.

15. A method of producing a speed square, the method comprising:forming a triangular flat plate;forming a T bar along a first side of the triangular flat plate;forming first measurement markings on the triangular flat plate; andforming second measurement markings on the T bar,wherein the triangular flat plate and the T bar are both substantially planar,wherein the T bar is substantially perpendicularly operably coupled to the triangular flat plate at the first side, andwherein the T bar is permanently affixed to the triangular flat plate along a longitudinal axis of the T bar.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein forming the first measurement markings comprises printing or painting the first measurement markings on the triangular flat plate, or wherein forming the first measurement markings comprises etching or engraving the first measurement markings on the triangular flat plate.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein forming the second measurement markings comprises printing or painting the second measurement markings on the T bar.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein forming the second measurement markings comprises etching or engraving the second measurement markings on the T bar.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein forming the second measurement markings comprises casting or molding the second measurement markings on the T bar while the speed square is cast or molded.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein forming the second measurement markings further comprises applying ink to the second measurement markings after they are casted or molded.

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