Abstract
Through its unique trapezoidal shape and strategically placed vials, the combination level and right angle measuring tool requires only one user to not only quickly verify if a long object is horizontal or vertical but also to easily determine if the angle of the intersection of two long objects is 90 degrees. To obtain the right angle measurement, the combination level and right angle measuring tool employs the 3-4-5 rule (an application of the Pythagorean Theorem, where a.sup.2+b.sup.2=c.sup.2) in its design, eliminating the need for lasers or movable parts.
Claims
1. A trapezoid-shaped combination level and right angle measuring tool, comprising: a. one or more vials; b. parallel, unequal in length top and bottom edges; c. oblique, unequal in length first and second edges on opposite ends of the top and bottom edges; and d. wherein a first angle of the trapezoid equals a first acute angle of a 3-4-5 ratio Pythagorean triangle and a second angle of the trapezoid equals a second acute angle of the 3-4-5 ratio Pythagorean triangle; whereby the unique trapezoid shape of said combination level and right angle measure tool provides an efficient means for measuring a right angle.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
(1) The following list is a brief description of the drawings:
(2) FIGS. 1 and 2 are isometric views of the combination measuring tool, indicating its first and second sides, respectively; its top and bottom edges; and its first and second edges, respectively.
(3) FIGS. 3 and 4 are side views of the combination measuring tool, indicating its first and second sides, respectively; its top and bottom edges; and its first and second edges, respectively.
(4) FIG. 5 is a partial view of the first side of the combination measuring tool, indicating its height.
(5) FIG. 6 is a view of the first side of the combination measuring tool, indicating the lengths of its top and bottom edges and its first and second edges.
(6) FIG. 7 is an isometric partial view of the combination measuring tool, indicating the width of its top and bottom edges.
(7) FIG. 8 is a geometric representation of the first edge of the combination measuring tool, indicating its angular measurements.
(8) FIG. 9 is a geometric representation of the second edge of the combination measuring tool, indicating it angular measurements.
(9) FIGS. 10 and 11 are views of the first edge of the combination measuring tool, as seen from its first and second sides, respectively.
(10) FIGS. 12 and 13 are views of the second edge of the combination measuring tool, as seen from its first and second sides, respectively.
(11) FIGS. 14 and 15 show the numbered markings and directional arrows on the first and second sides, respectively, of the combination measuring tool.
(12) FIG. 16 shows how to perform a 3-foot measurement with a combination measuring tool in a horizontal layout.
(13) FIG. 17 shows how to perform a 4-foot measurement with a combination measuring tool in a horizontal layout.
(14) FIG. 18 shows how to confirm a right angle with a combination measuring tool in a horizontal layout.
(15) FIG. 19 shows how to perform a 3-foot measurement with a combination measuring tool in a joint horizontal and vertical layout.
(16) FIG. 20 shows how to perform a 4-foot measurement with a combination measuring tool in a joint horizontal and vertical layout.
(17) FIG. 21 shows how to confirm a right angle with a combination measuring tool in a joint horizontal and vertical layout.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
(18) Design
(19) As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the combination measuring tool has a first side 101 and a second side 102. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the second side 102 duplicates the first side 101.
(20) As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the combination measuring tool resembles an elongated trapezoid: The top 103 and bottom 104 edges are parallel and unequal in length, and the two (first 105 and second 106) edges are oblique and unequal in length.
(21) As shown in FIG. 5, the combination measuring tool is 3 inches high 501 from the bottom edge 104 to the top edge 103. As shown in FIG. 6, the top edge 103 is 53¾ inches long 601 and the bottom edge 104 is 5 feet (60 inches) long 602. As shown in FIG. 6, the first edge 105 is 5 inches long 603 and the second edge 106 is 3¾ inches long 604. As shown in FIG. 7, the top 103 and bottom 104 edges are inches wide 701.
(22) As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the combination measuring tool has tapered first 105 and second 106 edges. FIGS. 8 and 9 show the angles of the first 105 and second 106 edges, respectively. FIG. 8 shows a tapered edge (acute angle) measuring 36.87 degrees (angle a) 801; angle b (obtuse angle) 802 is supplementary to angle a 801 and measures 143.13 degrees. FIG. 9 shows a tapered edge (acute angle) measuring 53.13 degrees (angle c) 901; angle d (obtuse angle) 902 is supplementary to angle c 901 and measures 126.87 degrees.
(23) The combination measuring tool contains 15 vials (vials A to O). Vial A 107, shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, is visible on the top edge 103 and the first 101 and second 102 sides. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, vial A 107 is centered on the top edge 103 and is parallel to the top 103 and bottom 104 edges. Vial B 1001, shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, and vial C 1201, shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, are visible on the first 101 and second 102 sides. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, vial B 1001 is located near the first edge 105 and is perpendicular to the top 103 and bottom 104 edges. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, vial C 1201 is located near the second edge 106 and is perpendicular to the top 103 and bottom 104 edges.
(24) As shown in FIG. 10, vials D 1002 and E 1003 are visible on the first side 101 of the combination measuring tool. As shown in FIG. 10, vial D 1002 is parallel to the first edge 105 and vial E 1003 is adjacent and perpendicular to vial D 1002. As shown in FIG. 11, vials F 1101 and G 1102 are opposite vials D 1002 and E 1003, respectively, and are visible on the second side 102. Vial F 1101 is parallel to the first edge 105, and vial G 1102 is adjacent and perpendicular to vial F 1101.
(25) As shown in FIG. 12, vials H 1202 and I 1203 are visible on the first side 101 of the combination measuring tool. As shown in FIG. 12, vial I 1203 is parallel to the second edge 106 and vial H 1202 is adjacent and perpendicular to vial I 1203. As shown in FIG. 13, vials J 1301 and K 1302 are opposite vials H 1202 and I 1203, respectively, and are visible on the second side 102. Vial K 1302 is parallel to the second edge 106, and vial J 1301 is adjacent and perpendicular to vial K 1302.
(26) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, vials L 108 and M 109 are visible on the top edge 103 of the combination measuring tool. Vials L 108 and M 109 are perpendicular to the length 601 of the top edge 103. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, vials N 110 and O 111 are visible on the bottom edge 104 opposite vials L 108 and M 109, respectively. Vials N 110 and O 111 are perpendicular to the length 602 of the bottom edge 104.
(27) As shown in FIG. 14, to provide quick measurement points on the first side 101 of the combination measuring tool the numeral “3” and a 3-foot mark 1401 and the numeral “4” and a 4-foot mark 1402, as measured from the intersection of the first edge 105 (not shown) and the bottom edge 104 (vertex of angle a 801 [not shown]), are imprinted contiguous and perpendicular to the bottom edge 104.
(28) As shown in FIG. 15, to provide quick measurement points on the second side 102 of the combination measuring tool the numeral “3” and a 3-foot mark 1501 and the numeral “4” and a 4-foot mark 1502, as measured from the intersection of the first edge 105 (not shown) and the bottom edge 104 (vertex of angle a 801 [not shown]), are imprinted contiguous and perpendicular to the bottom edge 104.
(29) As shown in FIG. 14, an arrow 1403 is imprinted on the first side 101 of the combination measuring tool parallel to the top 103 and bottom 104 edges and pointing toward the second edge 106 (not shown) to quickly indicate the direction of measurement for the 3- and 4-foot lengths.
(30) As shown in FIG. 15, an arrow 1503 is imprinted on the second side 102 of the combination measuring tool parallel to the top 103 and bottom 104 edges and pointing toward the second edge 106 (not shown) to quickly indicate the direction of measurement for the 3- and 4-foot lengths.
(31) As shown in FIG. 10, to quickly identify the 4-foot measurement edge in performing the right angle measurements shown later in FIGS. 18 and 21, the numeral “4” 1004 is imprinted obliquely on the first side 101 of the combination measuring tool adjacent and perpendicular to the first edge 105. As shown in FIG. 11, the numeral “4” 1103 is imprinted obliquely on the second side 102 adjacent and perpendicular to the first edge 105 opposite the other numeral “4” 1004.
(32) As shown in FIG. 12, to quickly identify the 3-foot measurement edge in performing the right angle measurements shown later in FIGS. 18 and 21, the numeral “3” 1204 is imprinted obliquely on the first side 101 of the combination measuring tool adjacent and perpendicular to the second edge 106. As shown in FIG. 13, the numeral “3” 1303 is imprinted obliquely on the second side 102 adjacent and perpendicular to the second edge 106 opposite the other numeral “3” 1204.
(33) The combination measuring tool can be built of materials including wood, metal, or plastic.
(34) Operation
(35) Measuring for Horizontalness and Verticalness
(36) As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, 6, and 10 to 13, the combination measuring tool contains the basic components of a spirit level and can be used to measure long objects, i.e., 5 feet or longer for horizontalness and verticalness. Vial A 107 measures for horizontalness; vials B 1001 and C 1201 measure for verticalness.
(37) Measuring a Right Angle
(38) As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, 6, and 8 to 15, the combination measuring tool has the basic components and dimensions to measure a right angle for two long intersecting objects, i.e., 5 feet or longer individually, both horizontally and vertically. FIGS. 5 and 7 show the height 501 and width 701, respectively, of the combination measuring tool. The added height 501 enhances the accuracy of the combination measuring tool by having a proportional effect on the lengths of the first 105 and second edges 106 (603 and 604, respectively) and, thus, the surface contact areas of the objects being measured. The added width 701 of the combination measuring tool allows ample space to insert levels L to O (108 to 111).
(39) Horizontal Layout
(40) The following example is for two unfastened objects, e.g., 2 by 4s (lumber), in the horizontal plane. If preferred, the 4-foot measurement (step 8) can alternate in sequence with the 3-foot measurement (step 4). 1. As shown in FIG. 16, lay the combination measuring tool on a surface 1601 between the two objects (1602 and 1603) being measured for perpendicularity with the first side 101 facing up and the bottom edge 104 flush against the right edge of the first object 1602 being measured. 2. Touch the intersection of the first edge 105 and the bottom edge 104 of the combination measuring tool to the intersection 1604 of the two objects (1602 and 1603) being measured for perpendicularity. 3. Check vial A 107 to determine if the combination measuring tool is horizontal; if necessary, adjust the first object 1602 being measured. 4. Draw a short line 1605 opposite the 3-foot mark 1401 on the combination measuring tool on the right edge of the first object 1602 being measured. 5. As shown in FIG. 17, lay the combination measuring tool on the surface 1601 with the second side 102 facing up with the bottom edge 104 flush against the left edge of the second object 1603 being measured. 6. Touch the intersection of the first edge 105 and the bottom edge 104 of the combination measuring tool to the intersection 1604 of the two objects (1602 and 1603) being measured for perpendicularity. 7. Check vial A 107 to determine if the combination measuring tool is horizontal; if necessary, adjust the second object 1603 being measured. 8. Draw a short line 1701 opposite the 4-foot mark 1502 on the combination measuring tool on the left edge of the second object 1603 being measured. 9. As shown in FIG. 18, lay the combination measuring tool on the surface 1601 with its second side 102 facing up and place the second edge 106 flush against the right edge of the first object 1602 being measured. 10. Touch the intersection of the second edge 106 (highlighted by the numeral “3” 1303) and the bottom edge 104 of the combination measuring tool to the 3-foot line 1605 on the right edge of the first object 1602 being measured. 11. Ensure the first edge 105 of the combination measuring tool is flush against the left edge of the second object 1603 being measured and the intersection of the first edge 105 (highlighted by the numeral “4” 1103) and the bottom edge 104 of the combination measuring tool is touching the 4-foot line 1701 on the left edge of the second object 1603 being measured. 12. Draw a line 1801 on the surface 1601 from the now confirmed right angle intersection 1604 of the two objects (1602 and 1603) being measured for perpendicularity to the top of the first edge 105 of the combination measuring tool. 13. Draw a line 1802 on the surface 1601 from the right angle intersection 1604 of the two objects (1602 and 1603) being measured for perpendicularity to the top of the second edge 106 of the combination measuring tool. 14. Lift the combination measuring tool from the surface 1601. 15. Fasten the two objects (1602 and 1603) being measured for perpendicularity to the surface 1601. 16. Extend the two lines (1801 and 1802) on the surface 1601 to the desired distances.
Joint Horizontal and Vertical Layout
(41) The following example is for two unfastened objects, one in the horizontal plane and one in the vertical plane. If preferred, the 4-foot measurement (step 8) can alternate in sequence with the 3-foot measurement (step 4).
(42) The combination measuring tool can also measure various other horizontal and vertical configurations using vials D 1002, E 1003, F 1101, H 1202, I 1203, and J 1301, depending on which side (101 or 102) of the combination measuring tool is visible and if the horizontal and vertical measurements are reversed from the following example, i.e., the horizontal measurement is 4 feet and the vertical measurement is 3 feet. 1. As shown in FIG. 19, place the combination measuring tool between the two objects (1901 and 1902) being measured for perpendicularity with the bottom edge 104 (first side 101 orientation) flush against the top edge of the first object 1901 being measured. 2. Touch the intersection of the first edge 105 and the bottom edge 104 of the combination measuring tool to the intersection 1903 of the two objects (1901 and 1902) being measured for perpendicularity. 3. Check vial A 107 to determine if the combination measuring tool is horizontal; if necessary, adjust the first object 1901 being measured. 4. Draw a short line 1904 opposite the 3-foot mark 1401 on the combination measuring tool on the side edge of the first object 1901 being measured. 5. As shown in FIG. 20, place the bottom edge 104 (second side 102 orientation) of the combination measuring tool flush against the right edge of the second object 1902 being measured. 6. Touch the intersection of the first edge 105 and the bottom edge 104 of the combination measuring tool to the intersection 1903 of the two objects (1901 and 1902) being measured for perpendicularity. 7. Check vials B 1001, C 1201, L 108, and M 109 to determine if the combination measuring tool is vertical; if necessary, adjust the second object 1902 being measured. 8. Draw a short line 2001 opposite the 4-foot mark 1502 on the combination measuring tool on the side edge of the second object 1902 being measured. 9. As shown in FIG. 21, place the second edge 106 (second side 102 orientation) of the combination measuring tool flush against the top edge of the first object 1901 being measured. 10. Touch the intersection of the second edge 106 (highlighted by the numeral “3” 1303) and the bottom edge 104 of the combination measuring tool to the 3-foot line 1904 on the side edge of the first object 1901 being measured. 11. Ensure the first edge 105 of the combination measuring tool is flush against the right edge of the second object 1902 being measured and the intersection of the first edge 105 (highlighted by the numeral “4” 1103) and the bottom edge 104 is touching the 4-foot line 2001 on the right edge of the second object 1902 being measured. 12. Check vial K 1302 to determine if the combination measuring tool is horizontal with the top edge of the first object 1901 being measured; if necessary, adjust the first object 1901 being measured. 13. Check vial G 1102 to determine if the combination measuring tool is perpendicular with the right edge of the second object 1902 being measured; if necessary, adjust the second object 1902 being measured. 14. Check vials N 110 and O 111 for horizontalness; if necessary, adjust the second object 1902 being measured. 15. The intersection 1903 of the two objects (1901 and 1902) being measured for perpendicularity is now confirmed to be 90 degrees. 16. Vertically brace the second object 1902 being measured. 17. Fasten the first object 1901 being measured to the surface 1601.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
(43) 101—First Side of Combination Measuring Tool 102—Second Side of Combination Measuring Tool 103—Top Edge of Combination Measuring Tool 104—Bottom Edge of Combination Measuring Tool 105—First Edge of Combination Measuring Tool 106—Second Edge of Combination Measuring Tool 107—Vial A 108—Vial L 109—Vial M 110—Vial N 111—Vial O 501—Height of Combination Measuring Tool 601—Length of Top Edge of Combination Measuring Tool 602—Length of Bottom Edge of Combination Measuring Tool 603—Length of First Edge of Combination Measuring Tool 604—Length of Second Edge of Combination Measuring Tool 701—Width of Top and Bottom Edges of Combination Measuring Tool 801—Angle a 802—Angle b 901—Angle c 902—Angle d 1001—Vial B 1002—Vial D 1003—Vial E 1004—Numeral “4” (First Side) 1101—Vial F 1102—Vial G 1103—Numeral “4” (Second Side) 1201—Vial C 1202—Vial H 1203—Vial I 1204—Numeral “3” (First Side) 1301—Vial J 1302—Vial K 1303—Numeral “3” (Second Side) 1401—3-Foot Numeral and Mark (First Side) 1402—4-Foot Numeral and Mark (First Side) 1403—Arrow (First Side) 1501—3-Foot Numeral and Mark (Second Side) 1502—4-Foot Numeral and Mark (Second Side) 1503—Arrow (Second Side) 1601—Surface 1602—First Object Being Measured (Horizontal Layout) 1603—Second Object Being Measured (Horizontal Layout) 1604—Intersection of Two Objects Being Measured (Horizontal Layout) 1605—3-Foot Line on First Object Being Measured (Horizontal Layout) 1701—4-Foot Line on Second Object Being Measured (Horizontal Layout) 1801—Line Drawn on Surface From Right Angle Intersection to Top of First Edge 1802—Line Drawn on Surface From Right Angle Intersection to Top of Second Edge 1901—First Object Being Measured (Joint Horizontal and Vertical Layout) 1902—Second Object Being Measured (Joint Horizontal and Vertical Layout) 1903—Intersection of Two Objects Being Measured (Joint Horizontal and Vertical Layout) 1904—3-Foot Line on First Object Being Measured (Joint Horizontal and Vertical Layout) 2001—4-Foot Line on Second Object Being Measured (Joint Horizontal and Vertical Layout)
