Patent Application
20140339295
This invention generally relates to hand tools. More specifically, this invention relates to a method for providing instruction manual for using a measuring tool such as rafter squares and the like.
Construction professionals use a variety of measuring tools. To insure proper perpendicularity and angularity for correct alignment of adjacent members, rafter squares, levels and gages are commonly employed. For example, carpenters frequently use framing squares, also known as rafter squares, of different types as a means of working more efficiently and accurately. For taking certain measurements correctly, the user of some measurement tools may need a guide for proper application of the tool and correct reading of the measurements. In many instances, the taking measurements then need to be either converted into another applicable measurement. Some conversions may require complex calculations. To simplify the use of such measurement tools, manufacturers provide an instruction manual which includes simple instructions for correct application of the tool and may include a set of tables with pre-calculated numbers of conversions for most commonly used measurements. Such set of instructions and additional calculation-related information is assembled into an instruction-manual booklet which accompanies the measuring tool.
Very often the instruction-manual booklet, which accompanies a new tool, is displaced or otherwise separated from the tool. The user, however, continues to require reference to the manual for using the tool as well for doing quick conversions by using the data provided in the manual. In such situations, the user may have to make an inconvenient trip to the location where the manual is stored. Most often, the used tries to contact the manufacturer for assistance in receiving a particular information. For many reasons such assistance may not always be available.
In some situations, work on a typical construction site is performed under various lighting conditions which may vary from bright sunlight to electric illumination. In such situations, even if the booklet is available, the user may not be able to read the small font in which the booklets most typically are printed.
It would be advantageous to have an instruction manual which is permanently attached to a tool and is continuously accessible and easily readable in various circumstances.
The present invention relates to a method for providing a permanent and substantially continuous access to an instruction manual for using a measuring tool. The tool includes a face surface with measurement markings thereon for taking measurements useable in geometric calculations. The inventive method includes the step of preparing a guide for using the tool. The guide includes a set of instructions for taking the measurements and a set of pre-calculated data corresponding to particular measurements. The method includes the step of creating a non-removable marking on the face surface of the tool. The marking includes an encryption related to the guide such that the users guide permanently accompanies the measuring tool and that the user has substantially continuous access to the guide information even without a paper-copy of the guide.
In some embodiments, the measuring tool is a rafter square. The guide may include conversion tables for measurements used in roof construction.
The method may also include further steps of posting the guide on an Internet site with an Internet address leading thereto. In such embodiments, the encryption includes the Internet address leading the user directly to the guide Internet site. The marking may be a two-dimensional matrix barcode which, when optically read by an electronic device with an access to the Internet, connects such electronic device with the guide Internet site. In some embodiments, the guide Internet site is a page on an Internet site of a manufacturer of the tool. The guide may be a single electronic document on the Internet site of the manufacturer of the tool.
In certain embodiments, the face surface has an anodized layer. In some of such embodiments, the creating step is by application of a laser energy to oxidize the anodized layer thereby producing non-removable marking. The anodized layer may be dark and the non-removable marking(s) is/are substantially white thereby producing high-visibility marking.
In the embodiments where the measuring tool is a rafter square, the creating step includes creating non-removable substantially white measurement markings such as ruler and protractor.
The marking may be a two-dimensional matrix barcode which, when optically read by an electronic device with an access to the Internet, connects such electronic device with an Internet site including the guide. One example of such encryption is a Quick Response (QR) code which is an optically machine-readable matrix image.
In use of the present invention, the user my use many different types of electronic device which have access to the Internet and are adapted for scanning encryptions such in the form of a barcode. One example of such devices is a multi-function portable telephones known as “smart phones” which are widely used due to their versatility of features.
The non-removable substantially white markings are formed by oxidized aluminum with the substantially white color resulting from formation of aluminum oxide. The application of laser energy also preferably forms grooves in the surface of the metal plate. The depth of the grooves is selected by programming a controller which contains programmable information regarding the laser application. Because the grooves and the white-color markings are formed by application of the laser energy, such process substantially eliminates any displacement of the metal at the plate surface. This, along with the programmable laser controller, results in highly accurate measurement markings. Furthermore, in the absence of any color coating, the white markings are substantially permanent due to the change in a chemical state of the metal plate surface. The white markings are highly visible on dark anodized layer. The white-on-dark contrast of the markings is maintained even after an extended use with repetitive rubbing.
Guide 10 is posted on an Internet site with an Internet address leading thereto.
The accuracy of interpretation of information encrypted in QR codes permits the user to easily access the webpage with the instruction manual information directly without the need for searching through other webpages on the manufacturer's website. The scanning with a smart phone also permits access to the instruction manual in nearly any lighting or other conditions. Once the smart phone accessed the web page containing the instruction manual, the user may get to the applicable page by using the enlargement features of the smart phone for clear and correct reading of the instruction information or calculation data. This is advantageous in comparison with simple typing-in of a lengthy and sometimes complicated Internet address for a specific webpage.
While the principles of the invention have been shown and described in connection with specific embodiments, it is to be understood that such embodiments are by way of example and are not limiting.
