Tool for transferring positions of measurement references
11097413 · 2021-08-24
Inventors
Cpc classification
B25H7/04
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
International classification
Abstract
The invention relates to a tool for transferring positions of a measuring reference from a construction frame (not shown) to a surface of a tile or a number of adjacent tiles (31) for making cut-outs in said tile or tiles (31), said tool (1) comprising a frame-like structure (3) and a grid structure (6) having openings in a raster pattern or a grid pattern made up by laser beams, said grid structure or pattern (6) extending between elements of the frame-like structure (3). The tool is distinctive in that the tool (1) further comprises at least one leg arrangement (2) with an end portion (7), said end portion (7) having spacer element (7b) having a width equal to normal spacing between two adjacently mounted tiles (31) or between a mounted tile and a construction element, such that when measuring the position (34) for the cut-out to be transferred, when transferring the cut out positions to the tile (31) or tiles (31) to be mounted, said end portion (7b) is adapted to rest against a mounted tile (31) or an end construction element at the opposite side of the spacer element (7b).
Claims
1. A tool for transferring positions of a measuring reference from a construction frame to a surface of a tile or a number of adjacent tiles for making cut-outs in the tile or tiles, the tool comprising a frame-like structure and a grid structure having openings in a raster pattern or a grid pattern made up by laser beams, the grid structure, or pattern extending between elements of the frame-like structure, wherein the tool further comprises at least one leg arrangement with an end portion, the end portion having a spacer element having a width equal to normal spacing between two adjacently mounted tiles or between a mounted tile and a construction element, such that when measuring the position for the cut-out to be transferred, when transferring the cut out positions to the tile or tiles to be mounted, the end portion is adapted to rest against a mounted tile or an end construction element at the opposite side of the spacer element.
2. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the leg arrangement further comprises a first leg part and a second leg part telescopically coupled to each other, the first leg is arranged within the second leg and adapted to move within the first leg.
3. The tool according to claim 2, wherein the second leg part (9) is biased outwardly from the first leg part.
4. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the second leg part and the first leg part are coupled to each other through a resilient member, such as a spring.
5. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the tool having four leg arrangements extending from each of the corners of the tool, the leg arrangements are adapted to extend or retract within the frame like structure independently of each other.
6. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the at least one leg arrangement having replaceable profiles with different widths of the spacer element.
7. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the leg arrangement is attached to the frame by internal screw-thread.
8. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the leg arrangement is attached to the frame by a snap coupling.
9. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the at least one leg arrangement is slidably arranged within a rail, the rail being attached to the frame.
10. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the tool comprising a handle arranged at the opposite side of the frame like structure from the leg arrangement.
11. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the tool further comprising at least a pair of oppositely arranged positioning device for additional measurement of the position of the tool, the positioning devices are arranged at the outside of at least two opposite sides of the frame like structure, the at least one positioning device (32) is slidingly connected to the sides.
12. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the grid structure or pattern is transparent.
13. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the tool further comprises at least one bar slidingly attached to the frame.
14. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the tool further comprises an alignment part movable attached to the side of the frame for aligning the tool against uneven tiles.
15. A system for measuring cut out positions for tiles comprising a tool according to claim 1, and a magnet template for attaching to the grid structure.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The attached drawings show, by way of example, preferred embodiments of the tool according to the invention.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(18) In the foregoing description and hereinafter are used general terms that are to be understood as follows:
(19) Construction frame/element: A vertical, horizontal or inclined construction frame, such as building framework forming parts of a wall, ceiling or floor structure or bulkheads in ships or similar, onto which a tile is to be attached.
(20) Tile: an element to be mounted on a construction element that normally have a defined spacing between two adjacent elements.
(21) Measuring reference: Any objects that needs to be marked and cut out for in said surface lining, or to just define its position in a reference surface defined by said construction frame, such as electrical junction boxes, water supply/sewage points, windows, doors, openings, wall hung toilets/basins, etc.
(22) When examples falling within the definition of any of the above terms are used, these should be understood to encompass all possible embodiments within the above terms.
(23) The following describes a preferred embodiment of the present invention and some relevant prior art which are purely exemplary for the sake of understanding the invention and non limiting.
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(25) The tool 1 comprises a measuring part 3 and at least one leg arrangement 2.
(26) The measuring part 3 comprises a frame 4 or a frame like structure 4. The frame 4 preferably has a width and length corresponding to the size of a large tile or the size of a number of smaller tiles, but the tool could also have other designs or sizes.
(27) The frame 3 preferably has four longitudinal elements 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b. The longitudinal elements 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b that constitutes the four sides of the frame 1. Within the frame 1 there is arranged a marking grid 6 that can be realized in different forms as exemplified in some of the embodiments of the present invention in the further description.
(28) The grid structure or pattern 6 is shown as a net made up of squares with sides that are parallel with the sides of the frame 3. The grid structure or pattern 6 could also be made of a net in diamond pattern as illustrated in
(29) The marking grid could have different embodiments that could be realized in all embodiments of the frame, for example:
(30) A net attached to the frame. The net has warp and weft threads with a surface upon which it is possible to make removable markings with a felt pen, stamp, ink spray or the likes (as shown in
(31) A plurality of lasers emitter attached to the elements of the frame. The lasers emitters are arranged such that they emit laser beams preferably intersecting each other at a right angle such that the intersection of two laser beams marks a position of a measuring reference. In another embodiment, the laser beams may be of different colours to distinguish separate measuring references. In yet another embodiment, the frame also comprises a series or an array of sensors arranged along the periphery of the frame for detecting a position of a surface reference. The sensors are further functionally coupled to an electronic unit. In this embodiment, the user or tradesman may use a pointing device to mark the position of the surface reference. Said pointing device is further functionally connected to said electronic unit. The functional connection between the pointing device and the electronic unit may be a wired connection, or a wireless connection, or even an optical link, or any other communications medium. In one embodiment, when the user places the pointing device at a certain position located within the plane of width and height of the frame, and then presses a button on the pointing device, the array of sensors registers the position as pointed by the pointing device. The frame then projects the intersecting laser beams at said position to mark the position as registered by the sensors. The electronic unit also comprises a memory unit to save the registered positions. The electronic unit is also capable of registering a plurality of positions, and is able to project multiple laser beams to mark different positions of marked references on the same surface. The electronic unit is further capable of storing positions for different surfaces, for example as different file-names, with a capability to recall each of said different settings when needed. The user is also able to sort, edit, rename, or delete said settings for different surfaces. In yet another embodiment, the electronic unit is contained within the frame, also comprises a portable power unit such as a battery.
(32) The embodiments of the grid 6 will be further explained below with specific examples.
(33) The thread material should have at least some resistant to sharp objects to avoid accidental damaged. Nevertheless, the net should preferably be flexible enough to be rolled up if it is detached from the frame.
(34) Instead of a net made up of weft and warp threads, it can also be made of a sheet material, such as a plastic sheet, with punched out holes in a raster pattern.
(35) In an alternative embodiment, the net is made of a magnetic metal or made of any of the above-mentioned materials and also comprising a magnetic material, for example, coated with a magnetic paint. Such paints are readily available on the market. Alternatively, the net is made of a magnetic material such as iron wires, and said wires are coated with any of the above-mentioned materials.
(36) All embodiments of the net ie grid structure or grid pattern as disclosed in the previous application 20160926 filed by the same applicant is possible embodiments of the grid 6 of the tool according to the invention.
(37) Furthermore, as shown in
(38) The frame 3 could be made in one piece, for instance by casting. The material of the frame 3 could for instance be made aluminium or plastic. The frame 3 could be made of other materials and also be made of parts assembled together in one piece.
(39) The mounting of the grid structure 6 to the frame 3 could also be performed in an easy manner. An angle hinge (not shown) could be mounted to the outer edge of the frame 3 so that the grid structure 6 is fastened between the frame 3 and the angle hinge (not shown). The grid structure 6 or net could be attached to the frame 3 in other ways also. The grid structure 6 can be attachable and detachable by hand from said frame like structure and rolled up as disclosed in the PCT/EP2017/063123 filed by the same applicant. The grid structure 6 could however be fixedly connected to the frame like structure. These being optionally feature of the invention.
(40) The net or grid structure 6 could have warp and weft threads with a surface upon which it is possible to make removable markings with a felt pen, stamp, ink spray or the likes as described above.
(41) The net or grid structure 6 has warp and weft threads extending in right angles to each other. The spacing between the threads may vary, but could preferably be in the order of 1-10 mm, most conveniently 5-10 mm. The thickness of the threads should be in the order of 0.3-1 mm. This provides an optimal sizing with respect to both putting markings on the threads and transferring the markings to the board, as will be described in detail below. However other spacings and thickness are also possible.
(42) The net or grid structure 6 can be made of a variety of materials, such as metal wire, plastic, Kevlar®, carbon fibre, glass fibre and natural fibres. The threads should preferably have a smooth surface. The threads may be covered with a coating, such as paint or plastic, e.g. polyurethane. When using a pen, ink stamp or similar devices for marking the surface of the net, the colour should be bright enough so that such markings are visible, but dark enough so that wiped out markings remaining do not stand out and easily are mistaken for valid markings. It has been found that a grey colour is suitable. More generally, the colour of the thread surface should have good contrast with respect to the ink of the pen or other such instrument, which is being used to make the markings. Also, the thread surface should be such that the ink or other marking medium may be removed without leaving visible traces when needed.
(43) The thread material should have at least some resistant to sharp objects to avoid accidental damaged. Nevertheless, the net or grid structure should preferably be flexible enough to be rolled up if it is detached from the frame 3.
(44) In an alternative embodiment, the net or grid structure 6 is made of a magnetic metal or made of any of the above-mentioned materials and also comprising a magnetic material, for example, coated with a magnetic paint. Such paints are readily available on the market. Alternatively, the net or grid structure is made of a magnetic material such as iron wires, and said wires are coated with any of the above-mentioned materials. The functioning of a magnetic net will be explained below.
(45) A net or grid structure 6 attached to the frame could also be made of a magnetic fibre material, magnetic metal, magnetic threads, wires or their likes, or be covered by a magnetic paint. In this embodiment, templates 20, 21 that are magnetic may be used to mark positions. In yet another embodiment the magnetic fibres, wires, or such may be coated with or encapsulated within a second material such as plastic or rubber. The second material may then aid the attachment of the templates on the surface of the net. In another embodiment, the second material is such that it aids the attachment of also non-magnetic templates 20, 21 on the net. Some examples for materials aiding the attachment of non-magnetic templates are, Velcro®, sticky materials such as removable glue, soft rubber or silicone, or a combination of different materials that can attach or stick to each other. In yet another embodiment, the second materiel is of such nature that it also allows the use of markings such as ink spray, pen, stamp and their likes. By said nature, it is meant that the surface of the second material is preferable light in colour such that marking made by a pen, stamp or such is easily visible, and that the surface is preferably glossy such that ink based markings may be easily removed without trace when needed.
(46) A sheet with holes punched there through may also be used instead of a net with warp and weft threads. The sheet could for instance be a plastic sheet with punched out holes in a raster pattern.
(47) The tool further comprises a leg arrangement 2. The leg arrangement being an extension element. In the
(48) On embodiment of the leg arrangement 2 is disclosed in detail in
(49) The spring 12 makes it possible for the first leg part 8 to move within the second leg part 9. The first leg part 8 could have several positions in the second leg part 9. The first leg part 8 could be fully retracted in the second leg part 9 as shown in
(50) The second positioning of the first leg part 8 is where the first leg part 8 is fully extended. In this position the first leg part 8 is protruding out from the second leg part 9 to an end point. In this position, there is minimal tensioning of the spring 12.
(51) The first leg part 8 have this position when the tool is not in use or the tool is lifted away from the transfer surface.
(52) The first leg part 8 could have positioning in a range between these end positions.
(53) The individual first leg part 8 arranged at the four corners of the frame 3 could move independently of each other so that they could have different positions in second leg part 9. This is for instance advantageous when the surface to be measured is not planar. In this situation the frame 3 could be lowered down the foundation/tile/construction element to be measured as far as possible. The individual first leg parts 8 are retracted as far as possible until a steady position as near the foundation/construction element/tile as possible. This makes the measuring and transferring of the positions to be cut-out more easy and exact.
(54) The opposite side of the first leg part 8 that is extending from the second leg part 9. At this side, there are arranged an end portion 7 having a support element 7b and a spacer element 7a. Said spacer element 7a protruding from the support element 7b away from the tool 1 as shown in the figures. The spacer element 7a has a thickness substantially equal to the normal desired spacing between two tiles 31 that are mounted adjacent. The support element has a substantially planar surface adapted to rest on the surface of the foundation or construction element or tile 31.
(55) This facilitates that the arrangement of the tool 1 being positioned at the exact position of the tiles 31 to be mounted. The tool 1 do not require any other further positioning requirement for transferring positioning of measuring references from a construction frame or element. To compensate for different space or joint spacing between the two adjacent tiles, the end portion 7 or the spacer element 7a could be replaced with profiles having different width. The end portion 7 could for instance have a removeable spacer element 7a. This would result in that the spacer element could be replaced by another spacer element 7a having a different size.
(56) Another embodiment is that the end portion 7 or the whole first leg part 8 could be replaced to obtain the different width of the spacer element 7a.
(57) The second leg part 9 is arranged within an outer sleeve 10. The outer sleeve 10 is connected to the frame 3. In
(58) The outer cylinder 10 having a groove 10a arranged at the top part of the sleeve 9. An U-shaped clamp 11 is adapted to surround a portion of the outer sleeve 10. The clamp 11 has the same dimensions as the groove 10a and is adapted to mate with the groove 10a. The clamp 11 having also a protrusion 11a (shown in
(59) The end portion 7 is adapted to revolve in the plane parallel to the grid structure 6 of the tool 1, such that the spacer element 7a can have different positions in relation to the frame 3. The spacer element 7a could for instance be arranged parallel with any of the side of the frame as shown in the figures. This increases the positions in which the spacer element 7a can be used. As measuring reference.
(60) Another embodiment of the invention is to have a leg arrangement that could be adjusted or aligned in case of uneven tiles. This spacer element could for instance be a replacement profile that could replace the whole leg arrangement or only the end portion 7. The principle function of this embodiment is that the leg arrangement or end portion is adapted to move along a plane that is parallel with a plane extending through the surface of the grid structure 6.
(61) This could be done by arranging a rail (not shown) on the corners of the frame 3 and slidably attaching the leg arrangement 2 within this rail. The leg arrangement 2 could move in a plane parallel with the surface of the grid or pattern 6 to align with the design of the tile or construction element to be measured. Each leg arrangement 2 in each corner could have similar rails so that each leg arrangements 2 are independently adjustable with the tiles or construction.
(62) Another possible embodiment for compensate for uneven tiles are shown in
(63) The leg arrangements disclosed above discloses only an embodiment of the invention. Other leg arrangement is also possible.
(64) Another embodiment could for instance be a leg arrangement made of one part that, such as the first leg part 8 with the end portion having the spacer element 7a. This embodiment of the leg arrangement could for instance be attached to the frame 3 by for instance, internal screw-thread. In this embodiment the leg arrangement could be detached completely from the frame and the distance between the spacer element 7b and the frame 3 could be adjusted by manually rotated the leg arrangement.
(65) Other attachments could be snap coupling, with or without a springbolt to facilitate the positioning of the leg arrangement in the frame 3.
(66) The placement of the leg arrangement or arrangements on the frame 3 could also be different, for instance there could be only one leg arrangement arranged one side of the frame, two or more leg arrangements arranged on various positions on the frame. It is also possible to arrange the leg arrangements remote from the corners.
(67) All the possible arrangements of the leg arrangement could have arrangements with rails for adjusting the position of the leg arrangement according along a plane parallel with the surface of the grid of pattern. All of the possible leg arrangements described could also have replaceable profiles for different width between two adjacent tiles or construction elements.
(68) There could also be a leg arrangement where only the end portion 7 protruding from the tool 1.
(69) The tool 1 could also have a handle 15. The handle 15 is arranged on the opposite side of the leg arrangement 2. The handle 15 facilities the operation of the tool. The handle 15 will make it easier to lift the tool 1 and also hold the tool 1 at the right position when measuring the cut out position 34 by using only one hand. One person is thus able to use the tool. The handle 15 could be pivotably connected to the frame so that the handle 15 can be moved to a resting position where the top handle 15b is resting on two opposite sides 5a, 5b of the frame 3. The handle 15 is attached to the middle of the longitudinal sides 5a, 5b of the frame 3 but other arrangement of the handle 15 is possible embodiments of the invention. The handle 15 could also be releasable mounted to the tool.
(70) The
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(72) The
(73) In addition, the tool 1 could have positioning devices 32 attached at each of the sides of the frame. There could be for instance a pair of positioning devices 32 arranged at opposite side the frame elements (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b). These positioning devices 31 are slidably attached to the side of the frame 3 to markup different positions, like the position between two adjacent tiles 31 as shown in
(74) A bar or bars 30 could also be attached to the tool to facilitate the positioning of the tool 1. This is shown in
(75) As shown in
(76) The functioning of the tool 1 will be now be described by reference to the
(77) In a conventional scenario, the user will measure the outlet positions on the wall or similar, write them or memorize them or write down the measurements on a piece of paper, and then repeat measurements on the respective tiles 31 that will be lined over the wall section comprising said outlets. If the positions are incorrectly marked, the board may become unsuitable for use, moreover, the conventional process requires taking multiple measurements. In contrast, the present invention in its simplest sense obviates the requirement of measurements. The user uses the grid 6 for recording actual positions of the outlets—the grid 6 then serves as a sort of stencil for transferring the recorded actual positions of the outlets on the respective tile 31 or a plurality of tiles 31. The process is thus highly simplified and the probability of human errors significantly reduced. A process of transferring the recorded positions on a tile is demonstrated in
(78) When the tool 1 is being used, the tool 1 is put up against the construction with the outlets to the measured. This could for instance be a floor, wall, ceiling or similar construction element where the tile 31 is going to be mounted. The tool 1 have the same position as the tile 31 is intended to be mounted. The leg arrangement 2 is placed with the spacer element 7a resting against a tile 31 already attached to the construction element. (shown in
(79) The tool 1 has then the equal position as the tile 31 to be mounted will have. The transferring of the cut out positions 34 is made from the construction frame to the tool in this position.
(80) The tool 1 is then removed from the wall, floor, ceiling or similar place where the tile 31 is to be mounted and placed on the tile or tiles 31 to be mounted. The tool will be positioned at the position where the cut out 34 is to be performed on the tile or tiles. The other side of the spacer element 7a will then contact the tile so that the same position is obtained. (shown in
(81) The spacer element 7a contacts the side of the tiles 31 at the opposite sides of the spacer element 7a when receiving the cut out positions and transferring the same cut out positions to the tool by taken into account the width between two adjacent tiles.
(82) The frame could preferably have the same shape as the shape of the tiles 31 or a small number of tiles 31 arranged adjacent each other, but other arrangements are possible.
(83) The spacer element 7a of the tool 1 makes it simple for the user to align tool so that it has the same position on the tiles 31 as it has on the place to be measured. After the simple alignment, the user may proceed to transfer the positions on the board.
(84) This could be done for instance by the templates 20, 21 which is positioned at the cut out positions 34. The positions for the cut-out 34 could then be transferred to the tiles 31 by using a marking instrument 20, 21, 33. Possible embodiments of the marking instrument include, pen, pencil, stamp, other ink based instruments 33, a cutting tool such as blade, sharp tipped chisel, and their likes.
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(87) The present invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment and some drawings for the sake of understanding only and it should be clear to persons skilled in the art that the present invention includes all legitimate modifications within the ambit of what has been described hereinbefore and claimed in the appended claims.