Patent Grant
10035257
Pipe cutting is often necessary in different fabrication processes. For example, pipes of different diameters are often cut at various angles and then welded together to construct support frames for vehicles, dwellings, and the like. However, available pipe cutting mechanisms are unsatisfactory. Specifically, there is no way to notate the angle at which pipes of different diameters must be cut in a perceived and repeatable fashion.
According to one aspect, an apparatus for marking pipes at a plurality of cutting angles comprises a marking plate of adjustable length. The marking plate comprises plurality of apertures and a plurality of indicators. Each of the plurality of apertures is of a size different from the size of each of the other of the plurality of apertures and is of a size to receive a pipe of a certain diameter through the adjustable marking plate. Also, each aperture is defined by a first half-circle side and a second half-circle side and the distance between the first half-circle side and the second half-circle side of each aperture varies according to the adjusted length of the marking plate. The distance between the first half-circle side and the second half-circle side of each aperture is adjusted in increments corresponding to an angle of a pipe received through the marking plate with respect to the surface of the marking plate when the pipe is abutted against the first half-circle end and the second half-circle end of the aperture through which it is received. Each of the plurality of indicators corresponds to a distance between a first half-circle end and a second-half circle end of the plurality of the apertures and specifies a diameter of a pipe received through the adjustable marking plate and the angle of the pipe with respect to the adjustable marking plate when the pipe of the specified diameter abuts the first end and the second end of the aperture at the corresponding distance between the first half-circle end and the second half-circle end of the aperture.
According to another aspect, an apparatus for marking pipes at a plurality of cutting angles comprises a marking plate. The marking plate comprises a plurality of apertures and a plurality of indicators. Each of the plurality of apertures is of a same width and of a different length and is of a size to receive a pipe of a specified diameter. Each aperture is defined by a first half-circle side and a second half-circle side and the distance between the first half-circle side and the second half-circle side of each aperture varies between each of the plurality of apertures. The distance between the first half-circle side and the second half-circle side of each aperture corresponds to an angle of the pipe of specified diameter received through the marking plate with respect to the surface of the marking plate when the pipe is abutted against the first half-circle end and the second half-circle end of the aperture through which it is received. Each of the plurality of indicators corresponds to an angle between the pipe of a specified diameter and the marking plate when the pipe of the specified diameter abuts the first end and the second end of the aperture.
For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Described embodiments provide a system for marking or etching pipes at different angles. Specifically, the marks or etches correspond to angles at which one or more pipes should be cut or bent. Referring to
Marking plate 100 is of adjustable length, as first plate 101a and second plate 101b can slide with respect to one another to adjust the effective length of marking plate 100. First plate 101a and second plate 101b can be secured or biased with respect to one another at a number of respective positions that provide different effective lengths for marking plate 100 by a number of mechanisms. According to one aspect, the length of marking plate 100 is fixed by locking the marking first plate 101a with respect to second plate 101b. First plate 101a can be locked in place with respect to second plate 101b by, e.g., a clamping means, or the like. According to an embodiment, first plate 101a and second plate 101b can be fixed with respect to one another by a fastening means, such as a bolt, that extends through respective apertures of first plate 101a and second plate 101b and a wing nut combination that is actuated along the length of the bolt until first plate 101a and second plate 101b are sufficiently biased against one another to hold them at a fixed position.
Sliding first plate 101a along the length of second plate 101b changes the effective length of marking plate 100, as the effective length of apertures 102a, 102b, 102c, . . . 102n, according to a certain embodiment of the invention. Different embodiments of marking plate 100 may comprise one or more apertures 102a-102n, where each is preferably of a different diameter in a closed position, i.e., where each aperture forms a circle or approximate circle.
According to the embodiment illustrated in
Each of apertures 102a-102c is defined by two sides of half-circle shape. Accordingly, when marking plate 100 is in its closed or retracted position, the two half-circle sides of each aperture 102a-102c are in contact with one another and are aligned to form a circle. In this case, each aperture 102a-102c can receive a pipe corresponding to the aperture's respective size at a 90 degree angle with respect to the surface of marking plate 100.
However, as marking plate 100 is adjusted to extend its effective length, the distance between the first half-circle side and the second half-circle side of each of apertures 102a-102c varies according to the adjusted length marking plate 100. As a result, a pipe received through any of apertures 102a-102c may be angled with respect to the surface of marking plate 100 when the pipe abuts the first half-circle end and the second half-circle end of the aperture through which it is received. As can be seen, the angle a pipe forms with respect to the surface of marking plate 100 when it abuts the first half-circle end and the second half-circle end of an aperture varies as the distance between the first half-circle end and the second half-circle end varies. As such, a user can manipulate the length of marking plate 100 to achieve a desired angle between the pipe and marking plate 100. Once the desired angle is achieved, as confirmed by using indicators 103, the user can score or otherwise mark the pipe to note the angle at which the pipe should be cut or bent. This, or course, greatly improves efficiency and repeatable accuracy in the field of pipe cutting and/or pipe bending.
According to one aspect, the length of marking plate 100 is adjusted incrementally to achieve specific angles thought to be most useful for pipes of a given diameter. Referring to
According to an aspect, each indicator 103a-103n corresponds to a distance between a first half-circle end and a second-half circle of each of apertures 102a-102c. Further, each indicator specifies, at each corresponding distance, the diameter of a pipe received through a given aperture 102a-102c, as well as the angle formed by the pipe of the given diameter at that specific distance. This may be pinpointed by aligning arrowheads marked on each of pieces 101a and 101b, such that the distance of marking plate 100 dictates the specific angle marked by indicator 103.
In other words, indicators 103 signify the angle between adjustable marking plate 100 and the pipe when the pipe of the specified diameter abuts the first end and the second end of the corresponding aperture 102, at the corresponding distance between the first half-circle end and the second half-circle end of the corresponding aperture 102.
According to an embodiment where marking plate 100 comprises two pieces that are movable with respect to one another, e.g., marking first plate 101a and second plate 101b, a user may slide marking first plate 101a along the length of second plate 101b to align an arrow head comprising a given indicator 103 for a pipe of a corresponding diameter forming a corresponding angle. Doing so signifies to the user when a pipe of a certain size forms a certain angle with respect to marking plate 100. Once the angle is formed, marking means 104 can be used to mark the pipe about a line at which it should be cut.
Marking means 104 can be used to mark a pipe received through adjustable marking plate 100 about a line at which the pipe should be cut when the pipe abuts the first half-circle end and the second half-circle end of an aperture 102. According to one aspect, making means 104 comprises a chalk line extending from a first end of marking plate 100 to a second end of marking plate 100. According to another aspect, marking means 104 comprises a sharp edge extending between each end of marking plate 100 and sufficient to score the pipe extending from a first end of marking plate 100 to a second end of marking plate 100.
Each of apertures 202a-202c shares the same width and are configured to receive a pipe of a specified diameter through marking plate 201. According to the illustrated embodiment, apertures 202a-202c are sized to accept a pipe having a diameter of 1.25 inches. Other embodiments could have apertures sized to accept pipes of different sizes. According to at least one embodiment, marking plate 201 includes apertures sized to accept pipes having a diameter of 1 inch as a minimum and a pipe having a diameter of 6 inches on as a maximum. Other embodiments are envisioned where pipes of different sizes can be accepted at a corresponding aperture.
Each of apertures 202a-202c is defined by two sides of half-circle shape. As seen, aperture 202a is configured such that the two half-circle sides are in contact with one another and are aligned to form a circle. In this case, each aperture 202a can receive a pipe corresponding to the aperture's respective size at a 90 degree angle with respect to the surface of marking plate 201.
However, according to apertures 202b and 202c, the distance between the first half-circle side and the second half-circle side varies. As a result, a pipe received through any of apertures 202b and 202c may be angled with respect to the surface of marking plate 201 when the pipe abuts the first half-circle end and the second half-circle end of the aperture through which it is received. As can be seen the angle a pipe forms with respect to the surface of marking plate 201 when it abuts first half-circle end and the second half-circle end of an aperture varies as the distance between the first half-circle end and the second half-circle end varies. As such, a user can manipulate the angle between the pipe of the specified diameter and the marking plate 201 by selecting to insert the pipe through one of apertures 202a-202c. This allows the user to achieve a desired angle between the pipe and marking plate 201. Once the desired angle is achieved, as confirmed by using indicators 203, the user can score or otherwise mark the pipe to note the angle at which the pipe should be cut.
Marking plate 201 is also marked by various indicators 203. Indicators 203 give a user notice of what angle a pipe forms with respect to marking plate 201 when received at one of apertures 202a-202c. Each indicator 203 can be, e.g., silkscreened, stamped, etched, or laser cut into the surface of marking plate 201.
According to an aspect, each indicator 203a-203c specifies, at each corresponding aperture 202a-202c, the angle formed by the pipe of the specified diameter with respect to marking plate 201, when the pipe abuts the first and second ends of the aperture. Indicators 203 correspond to an angle between the pipe of a specified diameter and the marking plate 201 when the pipe of the specified diameter abuts the first end and the second end of the aperture 202. In other words, indicators 203 signify the angle between adjustable marking plate 201 and the pipe, when the pipe of the specified diameter abuts the first end and the second end of the corresponding aperture 202.
Once the angle is noted marking means 204 can be used to mark the pipe about a line at which it should be cut. Marking means 204 can be used to mark a pipe received through marking plate 201 about a line at which the pipe should be cut when the pipe abuts the first half-circle end and the second half-circle end of an aperture 202. According to one aspect, making means 204 comprises a chalk line extending from a first end of marking plate 201 to a second end of marking plate 201. According to another aspect, marking means 204 comprises a sharp edge sufficient to score the pipe extending from a first end of marking plate 201 to a second end of marking plate 201.
Sliding first plate 301a along the length of second plate 301b changes the effective length of marking plate 300, as the effective length of apertures 302a, 302b, 302c, . . . 302n, according to certain embodiment of the invention. Different embodiments of marking plate 300 may comprise one or more apertures 302a-302n, where each is preferably of a different diameter in a closed most position, i.e., where each aperture forms a circle or approximate circle.
According to the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE d, each of apertures 302a-302c are of different sizes, e.g., diameters, and are configured to receive a pipe through marking plate 300. According to the illustrated embodiment, aperture 302a is sized to accept a pipe having a diameter of 1.25 inches, aperture 302b is sized to accept a pipe having a diameter of 1.75 inches, and aperture 302c is sized to accept a pipe having a diameter of 1.50 inches. The sizes are marked by numerals stamped in marking plate 300, numerals affixed by an adhesive, and the like. Other embodiments could have apertures sized to accept pipes of different sizes. According to at least one embodiment, marking plate 300 includes apertures sized to accept pipes having a diameter of 1 inch as a minimum and a pipe having a diameter of 6 inches on as a maximum. Other embodiments are envisioned where pipes of different sizes can be accepted at a corresponding aperture.
Each of apertures 302a-302c is defined by two sides of half-circle shape. Accordingly, when marking plate 300 is in its closed or retracted position, the two half-circle sides of each aperture 302a-302c are in contact with one another and are aligned to form a circle. In this case, each aperture 302a-302c can receive a pipe corresponding to the aperture's respective size at a 90 degree angle with respect to the surface of marking plate 300.
However, as marking plate 300 is adjusted to extend its effective length, the distance between the first half-circle side and the second half-circle side of each of apertures 302a-302c varies according to the adjusted length marking plate 300. As a result, a pipe received through any of apertures 302a-302c may be angled with respect to the surface of marking plate 300 when the pipe abuts the first half-circle end and the second half-circle end of the aperture through which it is received. As can be seen the angle a pipe forms with respect to the surface of marking plate 300 when it abuts first half-circle end and the second half-circle end of an aperture varies as the distance between the first half-circle end and the second half-circle end varies. As such, a user can manipulate the length of marking plate 300 to achieve a desired angle between the pipe and marking plate 300. Once the desired angle is achieved, as confirmed by using indicators 303, the user can score or otherwise mark the pipe to note the angle at which the pipe should be cut or bent. This, or course, greatly improves efficiency and repeatable accuracy in the field of pipe cutting and/or pipe bending.
According to one aspect, the length of marking plate 300 is adjusted incrementally to achieve specific angles thought to be most useful for pipes of a given diameter. Referring to
Marking plate 300 is also marked by various indicators 303. Indicators 303 give a user notice of what angle(s) a pipe forms with respect to marking plate 300 when received at a respective aperture 302. Each indicator 303 can be, e.g., silkscreened, stamped, etched, or laser cut into the surface of marking plate 300.
According to an aspect, each indicator 303a-303n corresponds to a distance between a first half-circle end and a second-half circle of each of apertures 302a-302c. Further, each indicator specifies, at each corresponding distance, the diameter of a pipe received through a given aperture 302a-302c, as well as the angle formed by the pipe of the given diameter at that specific distance. This may be pinpointed by aligning arrowheads marked on each of pieces 301a and 301b, such that the distance of marking plate 300 dictates the specific angle marked by indicator 303.
In other words, indicators 303 signify the angle between adjustable marking plate 300 and the pipe when the pipe of the specified diameter abuts the first end and the second end of the corresponding aperture 302, at the corresponding distance between the first half-circle end and the second half-circle end of the corresponding aperture 302.
According to an embodiment where marking plate 300 comprises two pieces that are movable with respect to one another, e.g., marking first plate 301a and second plate 301b, a user may slide marking first plate 301a along the length of second plate 301b to align an arrow head comprising a given indicator 303 for a pipe of a corresponding diameter forming a corresponding angle. Doing so signifies to the user when a pipe of a certain size forms a certain angle with respect to marking plate 300. Once the angle is formed, marking means 304 can be used to mark the pipe about a line at which it should be cut.
Marking means 304 can be used to mark a pipe received through adjustable marking plate 300 about a line at which the pipe should be cut when the pipe abuts the first half-circle end and the second half-circle end of an aperture 302. According to one aspect, making means 304 comprises a chalk line extending from a first end of marking plate 300 to a second end of marking plate 300. According to another aspect, marking means 304 comprises a sharp edge extending between each end of marking plate 300 and sufficient to score the pipe extending from a first end of marking plate 300 to a second end of marking plate 300.
The previous description of the disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
According to the embodiment illustrated in
Aperture 402 is defined by two sides of half-circle shape. Accordingly, when marking plate 400 is in its closed or retracted position, the two half-circle sides of aperture 402 is in contact with one another and are aligned to form a circle. In this case, aperture 402 can receive a pipe corresponding to the aperture's respective size at a 90 degree angle with respect to the surface of marking plate 400.
However, as marking plate 400 is adjusted to extend its effective length, the distance between the first half-circle side and the second half-circle side of each of aperture 402—varies according to the adjusted length marking plate 400. As a result, a pipe received through any of aperture 402 may be angled with respect to the surface of marking plate 400 when the pipe abuts the first half-circle end and the second half-circle end of the aperture through which it is received. As can be seen the angle a pipe forms with respect to the surface of marking plate 400 when it abuts first half-circle end and the second half-circle end of an aperture varies as the distance between the first half-circle end and the second half-circle end varies. As such, a user can manipulate the length of marking plate 400 to achieve a desired angle between the pipe and marking plate 400. Once the desired angle is achieved, as confirmed by using indicator 403, the user can score or otherwise mark the pipe to note the angle at which the pipe should be cut or bent. This, or course, greatly improves efficiency and repeatable accuracy in the field of pipe cutting and/or pipe bending.
According to one aspect, the length of marking plate 400 is adjusted incrementally to achieve specific angles thought to be most useful for pipes of a given diameter. Marking plate 400 is also marked by various indicators 403. Indicator 403 gives a user notice of what angle(s) a pipe forms with respect to marking plate 400 when received at aperture 402. Each indicator 403 can be, e.g., silkscreened, stamped, etched, or laser cut into the surface of marking plate 400.
According to an aspect, indicator 403 corresponds to a distance between a first half-circle end and a second-half circle of each of aperture 402. Further, each indicator specifies, at each corresponding distance, the diameter of a pipe received through aperture 402, as well as the angle formed by the pipe of the given diameter at that specific distance. This may be pinpointed by aligning arrowheads marked on each of pieces 401a and 401b, such that the distance of marking plate 400 dictates the specific angle marked by indicator 403.
In other words, indicator 403 signifies the angle between adjustable marking plate 400 and the pipe when the pipe of the specified diameter abuts the first end and the second end of aperture 402, at the corresponding distance between the first half-circle end and the second half-circle end of aperture 402.
According to an embodiment where marking plate 400 comprises two pieces that are movable with respect to one another, e.g., marking first plate 401a and second plate 401b, a user may slide marking first plate 401a along the length of second plate 401b to align an arrow head comprising a given indicator 403 for a pipe of a corresponding diameter forming a corresponding angle. Doing so signifies to the user when a pipe of a certain size forms a certain angle with respect to marking plate 400. Once the angle is formed, marking means 404 can be used to mark the pipe about a line at which it should be cut.
Marking means 404 can be used to mark a pipe received through adjustable marking plate 400 about a line at which the pipe should be cut when the pipe abuts the first half-circle end and the second half-circle end of aperture 402. According to one aspect, making means 404 comprises a chalk line extending from a first end of marking plate 400 to a second end of marking plate 400. According to another aspect, marking means 404 comprises a sharp edge extending between each end of marking plate 400 and sufficient to score the pipe extending from a first end of marking plate 400 to a second end of marking plate 400.
The previous description of the disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
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