Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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Description
Arch Measuring Device
Field Of Invention
This invention relates to an arch measuring device and in particular relates
to a
device having a base and measurement structure rotatable relative the base.
The
measuring device can comprise a tape measure or laser. The invention also
relates
to a method of measuring an arch as well as a template for verifying same.
Background to the Invention
It is known to provide a window covering for an arched window. Examples of
such
window covering include those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,794,680 and
5,584,329.
Some arched windows coverings include the manufacture of an arched frame.
Various devices have heretofore been proposed for measuring arched windows.
For example, U.S. patent publication no. 2005/0050813 Al relates to a
trigonometric
measuring device for obtaining measurements of palladium or arched windows
particularly in difficult positions, such as high places where standing upon a
ladder
and for creating a template suitable for design and installation of window
treatments.
Moreover U.S. Patent No. 6,865,817 relates to a window shade with a
measurement
guide while U.S. Patent No, 6,651,722 relates to an arched blind for semi-
circular
arched windows.
Other devices and methods are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 1,559,386,
5,713,135,
5,357,683, 5,550,904 and 845,009.
Other methods include tracing the curvature of the arched window with a piece
of
paper. However, this is generally not accurate since the paper can shift
particularly if
using a ladder to measure the arch.
These and other devices and methods present relatively complicated structures.
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It is an object of this invention to provide an improved arch measuring device
and
method for measuring same.
It is an aspect of this invention to provide a measuring device for measuring
the arc
of an arched window comprising a base, measuring structure selectively
rotatable
relative the base for measuring a distance between the base and the arc at a
selected angle.
It is another aspect of this invention to provide a method of measuring an
arch
comprising releasably securing a base to the arch, the base including a
measuring
structure rotatable relative to the base; sequentially rotating the measuring
structure
relative the base for sequentially measuring a distance between the reference
point
and the arch at selected positions.
It is another aspect of this invention to provide a template for verifying the
formed
frame for an arch comprising a flat surface, a plurality of radially extending
members;
a plurality of scales associate with the plurality of radially extending
members; and a
plurality of measurement recording members slideably securable relative to the
plurality of radially extending members for displaying a measurement adjacent
the
scale.
These and other objects and features of the invention shall now be described
in
relation to the following drawings
Brief Description of Drawings
The invention will be described by reference to the preferred embodiments and
the
drawings thereof in which:
Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of the invention in relation to an arched
window.
Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 3 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the arched measuring device
comprising a tape measure.
Fig. 4 is a top plan view of Fig. 3.
Fig. 5 is an end view of Fig. 4.
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Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a detent means.
Fig. 7 is a side elevational view of Fig. 4.
Fig. 8 is an assembled perspective view of Fig. 3.
Fig. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention comprising
a
laser reading device.
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the laser device.
Fig. 11 is a linear cross-section of the arched frame being formed between
three
rollers of a computerized roll-forming machine.
Fig. 12 is a transverse cross-section of a curved arched frame and one roller
of the
CNC machine.
Fig. 13 illustrates a template for verifying the formed arch frame.
Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view as shown in Fig. 13.
Fig. 15 is another embodiment of the template for verifying the formed arch.
Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken from Fig. 15.
Fig. 17 is a representative view of another embodiment of the invention on an
arched
window having an opening.
Fig. 18 is a representative view of another embodiment of the invention.
Detailed Description Of The Invention
In the description which follows, like parts are marked throughout the
specification
and the drawings with the same respective reference numerals. The drawings are
not necessarily to scale and in some instances proportions may have been
exaggerated in order to more clearly depict certain features of the invention.
Fig. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the measuring device 2 for measuring the
arch 4
of arched window, or arched opening in a wall, or an arched door.
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The arched measuring device 2 comprises a base 8 and measuring means 10 which
are rotatable or pivotable relative to the base 8.
The base 8 includes a reference position 12 which in the embodiment shown in
Fig.
1 comprises a line 12 which extends substantially parallel to an edge 14 of
the base
8. More specifically the reference point can comprise the centre of hole 36.
In particular the measuring means 10 can comprise a moveable or displaceable
scale 14 which in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 3 comprise a tape
measure
16 which is carried by a holder 18. In particular the holder 18 includes a
bottom 20
having at least one upstanding wall 22. Generally speaking the tape measure 16
includes a clip (not shown in Fig. 3) which may be clipped to the upstanding
sidewall
22 for securement thereto. The holder 18 can also include a front face plate
24
having an opening 26 therein for receiving the retracting scale or tape
measure 28
therethrough.
The holder 18 can in one embodiment include a scale guide 30 presenting a
recess
or channel 32 for guiding the extended tape measure 28 for slideable movement
therein as shown in Fig. 1. In another embodiment of the invention as shown in
Fig.
2, one can do away with the guide 32, particularly for smaller arched
openings.
The holder 18 is selectively rotatable about axis 34. The axis 34 passes
through a
pivot hole 36 presented by the base 8 and holder hole 38 as shown.
Accordingly,
the axis 34 passes through the center of hole 36. The center of hole 36 is on
reference line 14 which is substantially inline with the edge of base 8.
The base 8 also includes anchoring or bracing means 40 which are. shown in
Figs. 3
and 8 and comprise sliding braces or brackets 42 and 44. Braces 42 and 44 can
slide in the direction of arrows A and B for securement to the sides of the
arched
window 46 and 48 as best seen in Fig. 1. More particularly the sliding braces
42 and
44 can comprise of a generally H-shaped cross-section member having turned
edges 43 and 45 for sliding engagement with shoulders 47 presented by the base
8.
The distal ends 50 and 52 of the sliding braces 42 and 44 can include means
for
engagement with the sides of the arched window 46 and 48. For example, this
can
comprise of an end bracket 53 attachable to the distal ends 50, 52. The end
bracket
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can have sharp edges 49 that bite into the sides of the arched window or
screws that
pass through holes 55 for securement thereto. In another embodiment the edges
43
and 45 can have an interference fit with shoulders 47 so as to permit
extension of
the sliding braces 42 and 44 in the direction of arrows A and B so as to
permit the
ends 50 and 52 to interfere with the sides 46 and 48.
In another embodiment of the invention as shown in Fig. 2, the measuring
device 2
can include a telescoping support 60 having telescoping members 62 and 64 and
legs 66. The telescoping support 60 can be used in addition to the slideable
brace
42 and 44 or in lieu thereof. The telescoping support can be adjusted by
sliding
telescoping members 62 and 64 relative to one another so as to place the
measuring
device 2 in the optimal measuring position. For example, the measuring device
2
can be placed such that the reference point 36 is in line with one edge 61 of
the
sliding brace 42 which intersects the transition of the arched portion of the
window 4
with the straight sides 5 as represented by the position 7 as shown in Fig. 1.
The
telescoping support is attachable to the device 2.
Moreover when utilizing the tape measure 16 as the measuring device 2 the tape
measure scale 15 is adjusted so as start from the reference (ie. center of
hole 36). In
other words, the scale 15 as show in Fig. 4 has indicia 19 which is read from
the
center of hole 36. More particularly if the tape measure 16 as shown in Fig. 4
is in
the retracted position, the end of the tape measure 28 will include the
distance from
the front face 27 of the front wall 24 and the center of holder hole 38. More
specifically as the tape or scale 15 is retracted the user will use the
reading point 31
to visually read the measurement on the scale 15 so as to read the measurement
from the arch 4 at the 12 o'clock position shown in Fig. 1 to the reference
line 12.
Furthermore either a manually operated tape measure can be used, or a battery
operated tape measure can be used having a button to activate power from the
batteries which extend or retract the tape. Such battery operated tape
measures are
available in stores.
As previously discussed the invention can include the tape guide 30 which can
be
selected at a variety of selected lengths or alternatively not used at all.
When the
tape guide 30 is utilized a front wall projection 70 can be used which has a
recess 72
for slideabiy receiving the guide 30.
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The base 8 can also include a curved base member 70 having a plurality of
spaced
holes 72 which are disposed at selective angles relative to the center of hole
36. In
one embodiment the plurality of holes 72 can be disposed at intervals of 100
or 15
relative to one another. Any angular measurement can be accommodated.
The measuring device 2 also includes detent means 80 which can comprise the
plurality of holes 72 as well as the detent structure 74 as shown in Fig. 6.
In
particular the detent structure 74 can comprise of a plunger or projection 76
encased
in a housing 78 having a biasing means such as a spring 80 as shown. The
detent
74 can be grasped by the knob 82 so as to pull the plunger 76 out of the hole
72 to
the next selected angle.
Accordingly the measuring device 2 can be selectively rotated at for example
at 101
intervals or the like so as to sequentially move the rotatable holder and
measuring
device 16 relative the base 8 to each of the selected angles. The embodiment
shows that the measuring device can be rotated at 101 intervals where the
scale 15
is slid outwardly to measure the length of the distance from the reference
that
passes through the center 36 and each of the distances to the arched window.
In another embodiment of the invention the tape measure 16 can be replaced by
a
laser reading device 90.
One such laser device can be purchased from Leica's DistoT"' laser distance
meter
although other laser reading devices can be utilized. The laser reading device
90 can
be secured to the holder 18 in any variety of means including screws or the
like. The
keypad 92 can be programmed so as to start measurements from the center of the
reference 36 and digitally display the measurement on the display 94. The
front wall
24 of the holder 18 also includes an aperture 26 to permit the laser beam to
shine
therethrough and reflect off the appropriate edge on the arched window to be
bounced back for digital reading of the measurement from the selected position
on
the arched window 4 and the center or reference 36.
Fig. 17 shows another embodiment of the invention where the arch measuring
device 2 sits on a window sill 200. In this case the bottom 202 of the base 8
contacts the sill 200; where the reference line 14 will be spaced a distance d
from
the sill 200, which will need to be taken into account when measuring the
arched
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window and forming the frame of window shutter or the like. The arched
measuring
device is moved to the portions A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L and M which
are
spaced at 15 increments and the distance from the center 12 to the arch 4
measured.
Accordingly the measurements from the reference to each of the selected
positions
on the arched window 4 can be gathered and inputted into a CNC machine whereby
a straight frame 100 can be curved or arched by a computerized roll-forming
machine such a CNC machine or the like, to produce a frame of a window
covering
(such as a shutter or the like).
The roll-forming machine can comprise a set of rollers which co-operate to
affect the
desired curvature of the frame 100. Three rollers are shown by way of an
example
in Fig. 11. A first roller 102 holds the frame 100 in a selected position and
feeds the
frame 100 towards the other two rollers. As shown in Fig. 12, the first roller
102
comprises slots 104 about the circumference of the roller for engagement of
the
sides of the frame 100. The frame 100 is shown to have a generally U-shaped
cross-sectional although any cross-section can be utilized and the drawings
are
meant to show an example of same without being limiting.
A second vertically disposed roller 106 is positioned downstream of the first
roller
102. A third horizontally displaceable roller 108 is positioned downstream of
the
second roller 106. The direction of rotation of the first, second and third
rollers result
in the curvature of the frame 100.
The window measurement data is entered into the processor of the roll-forming
machine to vertically displace the second and third rollers to affect the
desired
curvature of the arched frame. The resulting curvature will correspondence to
the
measured geometry of the arched window opening as previously described. Since
many arched windows are not perfectly formed (i.e. there are irregularities in
the
dimensions at each of the increments A-M) the arch measuring device can be
utilized to measure those irregularities and thereby form an arched frame that
will fit
snugly into the arched opening in spite of the irregularities.
In order to verify that the arched frame portions 110 have been accurately
curved a
verifying template as shown in Fig. 13 and 15 can be utilized.
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The template as shown in Figs. 13 and 15 can comprise of a flat surface 120
having
a plurality of radially extending members 122. In the embodiment showing the
radially extending members 122 are disposed at increments of 100 from the
center
36 (however other increments can be used). In the embodiment shown in Fig. 13,
the radially extending members can comprise of a plurality of recesses 124
which
are adapted to receive measurement recording members 126 having a recording
edge 128. Each of the radially extending members 122 have associated therewith
a
scale 130 whereby the measurement recording edge 128 may be slid relative the
bottom surface 120 so as to align with the measurement at the selected angle
as
previously described. Thereafter the knob 129 can be rotated so as to tighten
the
leg 132 within the recess 124. This "tongue and groove" relationship secures
the
measurement recording member at the appropriate position along the scale 130.
In other words when utilizing the measuring device 2 as previously described
at each
of the selected angles the measurement read can not only be inputted into the
CNC
machine as previously describe but so can the measurement recording members
being manipulated so as to be secured at the same measurement on the verifying
template. Fig. 17 illustrates the reading of the measurements at each of the
selected
increments at A, B, C, ...M.
Therefore once the window frame is arched in the CNC machine the arched frame
may then be placed along the plurality of measurement recording members 126 on
the template 120 so as to verify that the arch corresponds thereto.
In another embodiment of the invention the radially extending members 122 can
comprise of a plurality of hollow tubes 140 having slots 142 therein for
receiving the
measurement recording members 126 having an edge 128 as previously described.
Measurement recording members 126 has an inner member 148 slideable within the
hollowed tubes 140. By rotating the head 150, the measurement recording member
may be releasably secured to the tubes 140.
The device 2 can be used to measure an arch by:
(a) releasably securing the base 8 to the arch 4 whereby the base includes
a measuring structure rotatable relative to the base; and
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(b) sequentially rotatably displacing the measuring structure relative to the
base 8 for sequentially measuring a distance between the reference
i.e. the center 36 for sequentially measuring a distance between the
reference point 36 and the arch at the selected positions which as
shown comprise at intervals of 100.
Accordingly the device as described herein can be used to manufacture a frame
for
an arched window comprising:
(a) releasably securing the base to the arch, where the base includes a
measuring structure rotatably relative to the base; and
(b) sequentially rotatably displacing the measuring device relative to the
base for sequentially measuring the distance between the reference
point and the arch at the selected positions;
(c) bending a frame to correspond to the measurements to form an arched
frame;
(d) placing the arched frame relative a template for verifying the bent
arched frame.
The invention also describes a template for verifying a formed frame for an
arch
which comprises:
(a) a flat surface;
(b) a plurality of radially extending members;
(c) a plurality of scales associated with the plurality of radially extending
members respectively;
(d) a plurality of measurement recording members slideably securable
relative to the plurality of radially extending members for displaying a
measurement adjacent the scale.
The arch measuring device 2 could also be located adjacent the arch 4 as shown
in
Fig. 18. In other words, the arch measuring device would slide along the arch
4 and
be anchored at one end 208 of a moveable strut or member 210. The strut 210
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includes a slot 204 which receives a wing bolt 207 which also passes through
the
pivot point in base 6. A wing nut 206 can be tightened to rigidify the
structure.
Thereafter at each position A-M the tape can be extended to read the distance
between the arch and the pivot point mentioned before.
Various embodiments of the invention have now been described in detail. Since
changes in and/or additions to the above-described best mode may be made
without
departing from the nature, spirit or scope of the invention, the invention is
not to be
limited to said details.
