GB2307879A - Device for securing a tool to a sheet of material - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for securing a tool to a sheet of material comprises an upper plate 1 and a lower plate 2 with an intervening block 3 to define a slot 4 at one side of the device between the plates. The device is placed over the edge of a sheet of material 5, such as plasterboard, so that the edge is adjacent the block 3 and contacts a sharp blade 8, affixed to the block, to prevent lateral movement between the device and the sheet. A tool can be attached to the lower plate by means of a bolt (13, fig 8) engaging either a slot 11 or a hole (14, fig 7) in the plate. The tool may be a spirit level (19, fig 8) or may be a ruler (18, fig 10). The ruler may be made of more than one section (18, fig 11) which connect together by means of cooperating edges (23,24, fig 11).

Description

A SECURING DEVICE The present invention relates to a securing device and, more particularly, to a securing device for securing a tool, such as a ruler to a plasterboard or other sheet of material so that the ruler may, for example, be used to cut or scribe a straight line across the plasterboard or other sheet of material.

Standard plasterboards are 3' x 6' (0.91m x 1.84m) or 4' x 8' (1.22m x 2.44m) and are either " (0.95cm) or " (1.27cm) thick. Plasterboards are, therefore, very large and unwieldy and are difficult to cut or scribe in a straight line. If a plasterboard is to be cut, marks are made with a pen or pencil at either end of the plasterboard and a long ruler is used to join these two marks. One hand is then used to hold the ruler flat against the plasterboard and a tool held in the other hand is used to cut or scribe the plasterboard along the length of the ruler. However, because of the length of the plasterboard and the ruler, the ruler tends to wobble and slip across the plasterboard during cutting or scribing so that it is extremely difficult to cut or scribe the plasterboard in a straight line.Similar problems also arise when trying to cut or scribe large sheets of other types of unwieldy material, or indeed when carrying out many other types of work on large sheets of unwieldy material.

Another problem occurs is a ruler (or other tool) is not long enough for the length of a large piece of unwieldy material such as a plasterboard. In this case, it may be necessary to join several rulers (or other tools) together. However, this is not easy and where a number of rulers (or other tools) are simply, for example, screwed together, the rulers (or other tools) tend to wobble, bend and slip out of alignment with each other making it very difficult to keep the rulers (or other tools) in the desired positions.

According to the present invention, there is provided a device for securing a tool to a sheet of material which device comprises means for retaining the tool in a fixed position relative to the device, means defining a slot for receiving an edge of a sheet of material and means for securing the edge of the sheet of material within the slot. The securing device of the present invention allows a tool to be held firmly on a sheet of material whilst leaving both hands free to carry out the work to be done.

Preferably, the means for retaining the tool in a fixed position relative to the device comprises a hole for receiving a fastener. More preferably, the fastener comprises a threaded nut and bolt. This allows the same device to be transferred between and used with different types and sizes of tool.

Alternatively, the means for retaining the tool in a fixed position relative to the device comprises pressfit means. Preferably, the press-fit means comprises a clip. Alternatively, the press-fit means comprises an aperture for receiving an end of the tool in a frictiontight fit. Where the means for retaining the tool in a fixed position relative to the device comprises press-fit means, the tool does not require specific adaption for use with the securing device of the present invention.

Furthermore, the tool is less likely to slip out of alignment with the securing device.

Alternatively, the means for retaining the tool in a fixed position relative to the device comprises an adhesive or, alternatively, the securing device is formed integrally with the tool. Again, the tool is less likely to slip out of the desired position relative to the securing device.

Preferably, the means defining a slot comprises upper and lower plates separated by an intervening block.

More preferably, the upper plate is smaller than the lower plate and extends over the intervening block and a part of the lower plate as an overhanging lip.

Preferably, the upper and lower plates and intervening block are formed integrally with each other.

Alternatively, the upper and lower plates and intervening block are joined by means of a suitable adhesive. Such a securing device is cost effective and simple to make.

More preferably, the lower plate is substantially rectangular in shape, the upper plate is polygonal in shape and the intervening block has a cross-section which is substantially triangular in shape.

Preferably, the securing device of the present invention further comprises means for stabilising a free end of the tool. The securing device of the present invention may, therefore, be used with a wide variety of tools, for example, a building or spirit level.

Preferably, the means for securing the edge of the sheet of material in the slot comprises a sharp edge or point provided within the slot. More preferably, the sharp edge or point is provided on the intervening block. The use of a sharp edge or point to secure the edge of the sheet of material within the slot means that the securing device of the present invention may be used to position the tool at any desired angle across a sheet of material.

The sharp edge may comprise a blade or knife. The sharp point may comprise one or more needles or pins.

Where the securing means comprises one or more needles or pins, little or no visible mark is left in the edge of the sheet of material once the securing device of the present invention has been removed after use.

Alternatively, means for securing the edge of the sheet of material within the slot comprises a clamp.

Preferably, the clamp is spring or screw actuated. The use of a clamp enables the securing device of the present invention to secure a tool to a sheet of material where the sheet of material cannot be suitably penetrated by a sharp edge or point.

Preferably, the sheet of material comprises plasterboard, chip-board, ply wood, timber, veneer, a metal sheet, glass, or a plastic sheeting such as formica, perspex or polypropylene. The securing device of the present invention is extremely versatile in view of the large number of different materials to which it may be used to secure a tool.

Preferably, the sheet of material is plasterboard.

Preferably, the tool comprises a ruler, stencil or building/spirit level.

More preferably, the tool comprises a plurality of rulers, each ruler being provided with means for retaining the ruler in a fixed position relative to the securing device and/or another ruler. The same type of retaining means may be used to connect the securing device of the present invention and a plurality of tools in series.

Also provided is a tool comprising the securing device of the present invention and a method of securing a tool to a sheet of material, which method comprises retaining the tool in a fixed position relative to the securing device of the present invention, inserting an edge of the sheet of material into a slot provided in the securing device of the present invention and securing the edge of the sheet of material within the slot.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided means for connecting a series of tools, the connecting means comprising a plate extendable away from an end of a first tool along an axis which is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first tool and means for retaining the plate in a fixed position relative to an end of a second tool. The connecting means of the present invention allows a number of tools such as rulers to be connected together in a series without allowing the tools to slip or wobble out of alignment with each other.

Preferably, the end of the first tool is provided with a chamfered edge for abutting a corresponding chamfered edge provided at the end of the second tool.

Interlocking of the chamfered edges prevents bending of the tools, which is particularly important to avoid in the case of rulers.

The securing device of the present invention is extremely simple to manufacture and use and is very versatile in the number of different types of tools that the securing device is able to secure to a number of different types of material. The securing device of the present invention is able to secure a tool to a sheet of material, for example, to a plasterboard, firmly and safely and in any desired position so that both hands of a user can be free to carry out work on the sheet of material, for example, cutting or scribing. The securing device of the present invention is, thus, particularly useful where the sheet of material is large, unwieldy and difficult to handle. In most cases, the same securing device of the present invention can be used again and again for different sizes and types of tools and is easily transferable therebetween.Depending on the means used for retaining the tool in a fixed position relative to the device, the securing device of the present invention need not require special adaption of the particular tool to be used.

For a better understanding of the present invention, embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a securing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a top plan view of the securing device of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a side view of the securing device of Figure 1 attached to an edge of a plasterboard; Figure 4 shows a front view of the securing device of Figure 1; Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view through IV IV of Figure 4, with an edge of a plasterboard shown at various angles; Figure 6 shows an enlarged detail of part of the securing device and plasterboard edge in Figure 5; Figure 7 shows an isometric view of a securing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;; Figure 8 shows a side view of the securing device of Figure 7, with a building or spirit level fixed thereto by means of a fastener; Figure 9 shows a front view of the securing device shown in Figure 7; Figure 10 shows a top-plan view of a securing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 shows a top-plan diagrammatic view of a securing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention and part of a ruler to be fixed thereto; and Figure 12 shows a side view of the securing device and part of the ruler shown in Figure 11.

The securing device shown in Figures 1 to 6 of the accompanying drawings comprises a pair of upper 1 and lower 2 parallel plates which are separated by an intervening block 3 so as to define a slot 4 therebetween. The upper 1 and lower 2 plates and the intervening block 3 may be formed of any suitable material, for example, wood, plywood, cardboard, plastic or metal and the intervening block 3 separates the upper 1 and lower 2 plates by a distance of approximately ll (1.27cm). The two plates 1,2 are, therefore, adapted to accommodate both " (1.27cm) and %" (0.95cm) thick standard plasterboards 5 in the slot 4 formed therebetween.The securing device of the present invention may, however, be manufactured with a larger distance between the upper 1 and lower 2 plates in order to accommodate plasterboard 5 or other sheets of material (not shown) having thicknesses greater than the traditional " (1.27cm) and " (0.95cm) thicknesses.

The lower plate 2 of the securing device shown in Figures 1, 2 and 5 is substantially rectangular in shape, with two adjacent corners 6 of the rectangle bevelled towards one of the short sides of the rectangle.

The intervening block 3 is of substantially triangular cross-section and is positioned at the shortest side 7 of the lower plate 2. One side of the intervening block 3 is aligned with the shortest side 7 of the lower plate 2 and the other two sides of the intervening block 3 project inwardly towards a central longitudinal axis of the lower plate 2. The tip of the intervening block 3, which lies along the central longitudinal axis of the lower plate 2, is truncated and a sharp blade or knife 8 is provided at this truncated edge 9 of the intervening block 3, and extends away from the intervening block 3, along an axis which is substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the lower plate 2.

The upper plate 1 is polygonal in shape and is smaller in size than the lower plate 2. The upper plate 1, which can be seen in Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings, has six sides. One side of the upper plate 1 is aligned with the shortest side 7 of the lower plate 2 and the corresponding side of the intervening block 3, another two sides of the upper plate 1 are aligned with the bevelled corners 6 of the lower plate 2, a further two sides of the upper plate 1 extend inwardly towards a central longitudinal axis of the upper plate 1 and the sixth side of the upper plate 1 lies parallel to the truncated edge 9 of the intervening block 3.

As can be seen in Figure 2, the upper plate 1 extends over the intervening block 3 and sharp blade or knife 8 and over approximately a quarter to a third of the longitudinal length of the lower plate 2 in the form of an overhanging lip 10. The upper 1 and lower plates 2 and intervening block 3 may be formed integrally with each other or may be securely fastened to each other, for example, by means of a suitable adhesive.

Although the upper 1 and lower 2 plates shown in the accompanying drawings are substantially rectangular and polygonal in shape, with the intervening block 3 having a substantially triangular cross-section, the various components of the securing device of the present invention may be of any suitable dimensions, provided that an edge of a plasterboard 5 or other sheet of material can be inserted into a slot 4 defined between the upper 1 and lower 2 plates.

As shown in Figures 1 to 6 of the accompanying drawings, an elongate aperture or slot 11 is provided in the lower plate 2 along the central longitudinal axis of the lower plate 2 and adjacent the side 12 of the lower plate 2 opposite the shortest side 7 of the lower plate 2.

The elongate slot 11 is adapted to receive any suitable fixing means 13 (not shown) such as a threaded screw, bolt, stud or nail for fixing the securing device of the present invention to a ruler or other tool (not shown). Although an elongate slot 11 is shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings, this elongate slot 11 may instead be a circular hole 14 as shown in Figures 7, 8, 11 and 12.

Where an elongate slot 11 is used, the position in which the securing device is fixed relative to the tool may be adjusted along the length of the elongate slot 11 by sliding or moving the fixing means 13 to different positions along the length of the elongate slot 11.

It should be noted that any other suitable means for retaining a tool in a fixed position relative to the securing device may, alternatively, be used. For example, the securing device of the present invention may be glued to the tool or may be configured so as to press-fit over the tool. Where the securing device of the present invention is adapted to press-fit over a tool, such as a ruler, the short side 12 of the lower plate 2 of the securing device, opposite the shortest side 7 of the lower plate 2, may be provided with an appropriate aperture or clip (not shown) for receiving one end of the tool or ruler in a friction-tight fit.

Although the securing device of the present invention may be fixed to any desired tool, one example of the invention will now be described in which the securing device of Figures 1 to 6 is fixed to a ruler to be used when cutting or scribing a straight line across a plasterboard. The securing device of Figures 1 to 6 can be used with any length or size of ruler depending on the work to be done and may be readily attached and detached for transfer between different sizes of rulers (and other tools) to be used. Commercially available rulers are very easy to adapt for use with the securing device shown in Figures 1 to 6 of the accompanying drawings. For example, a thin backing plate (not shown) simply needs to be glued to one end of the ruler and a hole (not shown) drilled through a protruding end (not shown) of the backing plate.

The lower plate 2 of the securing device may then be positioned over the protruding end of the backing plate with the circular hole 14 or elongate slot 11 in the lower plate 2 aligned with the hole in the backing plate, so that a threaded fastener (not shown) may be passed through the aligned holes and a nut (not shown) threaded onto the fastener to fix the securing device to the ruler. The use of a backing plate means that the lower plate of the securing device lies flush with the ruler. If, however, it is not desirable to adapt the ruler in this way, alternative means may be used to fix the ruler to the securing device, for example, glue or the securing device may be configured so as to press-fit over one end of the ruler, as explained above.

In order to cut or scribe a straight line across a plasterboard, marks are made with a pen or pencil (not shown) at either end of the plasterboard 5, in the usual way. A long ruler having the securing device of Figures 1 to 6 attached to one end thereof is then positioned so as to join the two marks on the edges of the plasterboard 5.

One edge 15 of the plasterboard 5 is inserted into the slot 4 between the upper 1 and lower 2 plates of the securing device and pressed against the intervening block 3 until the sharp blade or knife 8 cuts or projects into the edge 15 of the plasterboard 5 at the point 16 which has been marked with the pen or pencil (see Figures 3 and 6). This securely, but releasably, attaches the securing device of the present invention to the plasterboard 5, thus allowing the ruler to be held firmly in the correct position across the plasterboard 5 without the ruler being able to wobble or slip. A knife or other appropriate tool (not shown) can then be used to cut or scribe a line in the plasterboard 5 along the length of the ruler.A ruler attached to a plasterboard in this way does not need to be held with one hand whilst cutting or scribing with a tool held in the other hand so that a straight line can be quickly and accurately cut or scribed across the plasterboard with minimal effort.

Because a sharp blade or knife 8 is used to hold one edge 15 of the plasterboard 5 between the upper 1 and lower 2 plates, the securing device shown in the figures of the accompanying drawings and attached ruler (or other tool) may be held firmly and securely at any desired angle across the plasterboard 5 (see Figure 5). Although a sharp blade or knife 8 is shown in the figures of the accompanying drawings, any sharp edge or point which can cut or project into an edge 15 of a plasterboard, or other sheet of material, for example, one or more needles or pins, (not shown) will be suitable for use with the securing device of the present invention. The advantage of using one or more needles or pins is that these will leave virtually no visible mark in the edge of the plasterboard 5 or other sheet of material once the securing device has been removed after use.

It should also be noted that, although a blade, knife, pin or needle would be suitable for use with the securing device shown in the accompanying drawings, any other suitable means for retaining the edge of the plasterboard 5 or other sheet of material within the slot 4 defined by the upper 1 and lower 2 plates may also be used. For example, the securing device may be provided with a spring or screw activated clamp (not shown) for clamping the upper 1 and lower 2 plates over the edge 15 of the plasterboard 5 or other sheet of material. Depending on the securing means used, the securing device of the present invention may be used to secure a tool to a sheet of any suitable type of material such as plasterboard, chipboard, plywood, timber, veneer, a metal sheet, glass or a plastic sheeting such a perspex, formica or polypropylene.

Although the securing device of the present invention is particularly useful for steadying a ruler on a plasterboard, the securing device of the present invention can, as mentioned above, also be used to secure any other desired tool to a plasterboard or other sheet of material, for example, a stencil (not shown) or a building or spirit level 19. (See Figure 8).

Where the securing device of the present invention is to be used with a building or spirit level 19, a rectangular bar or stop 17 is provided on the lower plate 2 on the opposite surface of the lower plate 2 to the intervening block 3 and upper plate 1. A screw, bolt or other suitable fixing means 13 is passed through the circular hole 14 or elongate slot 11 in the lower plate 2 and through the hole 20 that is usually to be found in standard building or spirit levels for hanging the building or spirit levels up on a wall. A nut 21 may then be threaded onto the screw, bolt or other fixing means 13 to fix the securing device to the building or spirit level 19.

The stop 17 provided on the lower surface of the lower plate 2 is designed to press against one of the free ends (not shown) of the building or spirit level 19, when in use, so as to stabilise the building or spirit level 19 and to prevent the building or spirit level 19 from slipping from side to side. The stop 17 can be seen in Figures 7 and 8. A similar stop 17, could also be provided to stabilise a ruler or other tool (not shown), if desired.

Another embodiment of the present invention can be seen in Figure 10. In this embodiment, the securing device of the present invention is formed integrally with the tool (in this case a ruler 18) rather than being separately fixed thereto.

A further embodiment of the present invention can be seen in Figures 11 and 12. In this embodiment of the present invention, one end of a ruler 18 is specially adapted for use with a securing device of the present invention. The end of the ruler 18 shown in Figures 11 and 12 is provided with a backing plate 22 formed integrally therewith and extending away from the ruler 18 so as to lie parallel therewith. The end of the ruler 18 having the backing plate 22 is further provided with a chamfered edge 23, the chamfered edge 23 being adapted to abut a corresponding chamfered edge 24 provided along the side 12 of the lower plate 2 opposite the shortest side 7 of the lower plate 2. The lower plate 2 rests on the protruding surface of the backing plate 22 and a screw or other suitable fastener 13 is passed through a circular hole 14 provided in the lower plate 2 and a corresponding hole provided in the backing plate 22. The screw or other suitable faster 13 is then suitably tightened, for example, by means of a nut, to fix the ruler 18 to the lower plate 2. The interlocking chamfered edges 23 and 24 help prevent the ruler 18 from bending and from slipping out of alignment during use.

It is envisaged that a plurality of rulers 18 or other tools (not shown) could be connected together and fixed to a securing device of the present invention so as to increase the length of the ruler 18 (or other tool) to be used. A line of rulers 18 (or other tools) placed end to end could simply be screwed together using a backing plate as described herein and any specific configuration or adaptations of the ends of the rulers 18 described herein could be provided at each end of each ruler 18 so that the rulers 18 (or other tools) may be connected and fixed to the securing device in any desired combination (see Figure 11) Also envisaged by the present invention is a connecting means for connecting a series of tools together in any desired combination. The connecting means may comprise a backing plate similar to the backing plate 22 shown in Figure 12, extending from one end of a first tool.

A second tool may then be connected to the first tool by fastening one end of the second tool to the protruding end of the backing plate extending from the first tool, for example, by means of a nut and screw, (see Figure 11).

Alternatively, any of the other ways for connecting the securing device of the present invention to a tool described herein may be used instead to connect a series of tools. The series of tools may or may not, then, be fixed to a securing device of the present invention.

Claims (36)

1. A device for securing a tool to a sheet of material, which device comprises means for retaining the tool in a fixed position relative to the device, means defining a slot for receiving an edge of a sheet of material and means for securing the edge of the sheet of material within the slot.

2. A device according to Claim 1, wherein the means for retaining the tool in a fixed position relative to the device comprises a hole for receiving a fastener.

3. A device according to Claim 2, wherein the fastener comprises a threaded nut and bolt.

4. A device according to Claim 1, wherein the means for retaining the tool in a fixed position relative to the device, comprises press-fit means.

5. A device according to Claim 4, wherein the pressfit means comprises a clip.

6. A device according to Claim 4, wherein the pressfit means comprises an aperture for receiving an end of the tool in a friction-tight fit.

7. A device according to Claim 1, wherein the means for retaining the tool in a fixed position relative to the device comprises an adhesive.

8. A device according to Claim 1, wherein the securing device is formed integrally with the tool.

9. A device according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the means defining a slot comprises upper and lower plates separated by an intervening block.

10. A device according to Claim 9, wherein the upper plate is smaller than the lower plate and extends over the intervening block and a part of the lower plate as an overhanging lip.

11. A device according to Claim 9 or 10, wherein the upper and lower plates and intervening block are formed integrally with each other.

12. A device according to Claim 9 to 10, wherein the upper and lower plates and intervening block are joined by means of a suitable adhesive.

13. A device according to any one of Claims 9 to 12, wherein the lower plate is substantially rectangular in shape, the upper plate is polygonal in shape and the intervening block has a cross-section which is substantially triangular in shape.

14. A device according to any of Claims 1 to 13 further comprising means for stabilising a free end of the tool.

15. A device according to any one of Claims 1 to 14, wherein the means for securing the edge of the sheet of material within the slot comprises a sharp edge or point provided within the slot.

16. A device according to Claim 15, when dependent on any one of Claims 9 to 14, wherein the sharp edge or point is provided on the intervening block.

17. A device according to Claim 15 or 16, wherein the sharp edge comprises a blade or knife.

18. A device according to Claim 15 or 16, wherein the sharp point comprises one or more a needles or pins.

19. A device according to any one of Claims 1 to 14, wherein the means for securing the edge of the sheet of material within the slot comprises a clamp.

20. A device according to Claim 19, wherein the clamp is spring or screw actuated.

21. A device according to any one of Claims 1 to 20, wherein the sheet of material comprises plasterboard, chipboard, plywood, timber, veneer, a metal sheet, glass, or a plastic sheeting such as formica, perspex or polypropylene.

22. A device according to Claim 21, wherein the sheet of material is plasterboard.

23. A device according to any one of Claims 1 to 22, wherein the tool comprises a ruler, stencil or building/spirit level.

24. A device according to Claim 23, wherein the tool comprises a plurality of rulers, each ruler being provided with means for retaining the ruler in a fixed position relative to the securing device and/or another ruler.

25. A tool comprising a device according to any one of Claims 1 to 22.

26. A tool according to Claim 25, wherein the tool further comprises a ruler, stencil or building/spirit level.

27. A method of securing a tool to a sheet of material, which method comprises retaining the tool in a fixed position relative to a device of any one of Claims 1 to 24, inserting an edge of the sheet of material into a slot provided in the device and securing the edge of the sheet of material within the slot.

28. Means for connecting a series of tools, the connecting means comprising a plate extendable away from an end of a first tool along an axis which is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first tool and means for retaining the plate in a fixed position relative to an end of a second tool.

29. Connecting means according to Claim 28, wherein the end of the first tool is provided with a chamfered edge for abutting a corresponding chamfered edge provided at the end of the second tool.

30. Connecting means according to Claim 28 or 29, wherein the series of tools comprises a series of rulers.

31. Connecting means according to Claim 30, wherein the series of tools further comprises a securing device according to any one of Claims 1 to 22.

32. A device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in, Figures 1 to 6, 7 to 9, 10 or 11 to 12 of the accompanying drawings.

33. A tool substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

34. A method substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

35. Connecting means substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to and as shown in Figures 11 and 12 of the accompanying drawings.

36. Any novel feature of combination of features described herein.