Stud alignment tool

An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved stud alignment and positioning tool which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such stud alignment and positioning tools economically available to the buying public.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved stud alignment and position tool which provides in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages thereof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved stud alignment and positioning tool wherein a plurality of gapped rigid jaws are securable to a series of studs.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved stud alignment and positioning tool wherein a plurality of rigid jaws are interconnected by a series of triangulated interconnection members forming an elongate rigid tool securable proximate a corner of a studded wall triangulating associated secured studs by the positioning tool.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof.

Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:. With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. The stud alignment positioning tool 10 of the instant invention essentially comprises a plurality of interconnection members 11 integrally secured to a plurality of terminal end jaw members 14 and a plurality of intermediate jaw members The interconnection members 11 are formed essentially as illustrated in the drawings and with particular attention to FIGS.

The terminal jaw members 14 are formed in a generally "L" shaped configuration, as illustrated in FIG. The intermediate jaw members 15 are formed in a generally "U" shaped configuration, as illustrated in FIG.

As illustrated particularly in FIGS. This particular angular association enables the positioning of a stud alignment in positioning tool 10 proximate a corner of an associated stud wall, as illustrated in FIGS. The stud alignment and positioning tool 10 may be formed of any suitable rigid material, such as that of metal or of plastic-like configuration whereby the various elements of the organization provide an overall rigid unit and in particular, the interconnection members 11 formed of triangulated construction secured rigidly to the various jaw members.

Additionally, various fastener opening 16 are formed about the various surfaces of the terminal and intermediate jaw members 14 and 15 respectively enabling securement of fastening means, such as nails 17 therethrough, to associated studs. Positioning of fastener openings 16 for enabling the use of various nails and the like 17 therethrough about the vertical and horizontal surfaces of 14a, 14b, 15a, and 15b enables a further enhanced rigidity to the organization when utilized, as illustrated in FIGS.

A socket 20B is bored into end 20A of tool In the preferred embodiment, alignment tool 20 is comprised of metal and has a length of approximately 2 ft. The diameter of tool 20 is the same as the diameter of stud Socket 20B is concentrically bored into end 20A of tool Socket 20B has a cylindrical shape whose diameter tapers abruptly to form a conical indentation at the extreme interior of the socket.

The diameter of the cylindrical portion of socket 20B is similar to the diameter of ball tip 10A of stud The diameter of socket 20B and ball tip 10A is less than that of stud 10 and tool 20 but large enough to provide strength to tool The shape of socket 20B is adapted to receive ball tip 10A so as to pivotally engage tool 20 and stud Alignment of stud 10 with a draw bar occurs as follows.

Referring to FIG. Tractor draw bar 18 is positioned in close proximity to stud End 20A of alignment tool 20 is then inserted through ball sleeve 18A. Upon insertion of end 20A into ball sleeve 18A, tool 20 may slide in a reciprocating fashion through ball sleeve 18A as well as pivotally rotate to the extent permitted by the ball sleeve.

Tool 20 is then slidably advanced through ball sleeve 18 so as to engage ball tip 10A of stud End 20A may, if necessary, engage ball tip 10A from any of a broad range of off axis angles, as illustrated in FIG. The tool 20 is preferably formed of a material having high structural strength and rigidity. Steel and other metals commonly used for sockets of socket wrenches are preferred to provide resistance to deformation when the tool 20 forces the draw bar 18A into alignment with the stud Similarly, the stud 10 is preferably of an iron or steel material.

In FIG. Tool 20 may engage and pivot about ball tip 10 with a first degree of freedom, defined by positions along the x axis, with a second degree of freedom, defined by positions along the y axis, or with any combination of both degrees of freedom, defined by positions within the perimeter or interior of circle 23, which lies in the x y plane. In this manner, socket 20B may engage and pivot about ball tip 10A with all the degrees of freedom of a conventional ball joint, with limitations being dependent on the diameter of ball tip 10A and socket 20B, and the general degrees of freedom permitted by ball sleeve 18A.

End 20A is advanced so that ball tip 10A is substantially received within socket 20B, thereby pivotally engaging tool 20 with stud 10 in a ball joint manner.

While tool 20 is pivoted into alignment with stud 10, draw bar 18, which is movably secured to the tractor, is slidably forced off of end 20A of tool 20 and onto stud 10, coming to rest adjacent nut 12, as indicated in FIG. In this manner, draw bar 18 and or implement 8 are pryed into alignment with stud 10 by the pivoting of tool 20 about ball tip 10A. As shown in FIG. Locking pin 28 may be any conventional locking pin sized to fit in locking pin hole 10C.

Once a locking pin 28 secures draw bar 18 to frame 8, alignment tool 20 may be disengaged from stud 10 by simply applying an opposite force along axis 17 of tool Tool 20 may then be used to align other studs having a similar design as stud 10, as needed, until the tractor or other vehicle is hitched to the towable implement.

From the foregoing it may be appreciated that the present invention provides a ball tip stud and alignment tool which may be pivotally engaged so as to force the draw bars of a hitch assembly into alignment with the frame studs of a towable implement or vehicle. Having thus described one particular embodiment, various alterations, modifications and improvements will readily occur to those reasonably skilled in the art.

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Cancel Submit. Add File. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

All rights reserved. Login Sign up. Search Expert Search Quick Search. Stud alignment and positioning tool. United States Patent A stud alignment and positioning tool is set forth wherein a plurality of rigid jaws are securable to a series of wall studs by use of temporary securement means such as nails and the like. The rigid jaws are integrally secured to rigid interconnection members formed of angularly oriented planar portions. The integral connection of the rigid jaws to the interconnection members are at acute angles to one another to enable the instant invention to triangulate between framing portions of a studded wall developing rigidity and strength in the alignment and temporary securement of the studs.

Ward, James E. Franklinville, NJ. Click for automatic bibliography generation. Download PDF What is claimed as being new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent of the United States is as follows: 1. A stud alignment and positioning device for the securement to and alignment of a plurality of studs comprising, a plurality of terminal rigid jaw means for attachment to said studs at terminal ends of said device, and at least one intermediate rigid jaw means structurally secured to said terminal jaw means intermediate said terminal jaw means; and interconnection members nonorthogonally and integrally secured to said terminal and intermediate jaw means to structurally secure said jaw means together, and wherein said terminal jaw means are of generally "L" shaped configuration, and wherein said intermediate jaw means are of generally "U" shaped configuration.

A stud alignment and positioning device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said terminal jaw means include at least two intermediatge jaw means. A stud alignment and positioning device as set forth in claim 1 wherein openings for the acceptance of fastening means such as nails are formed about all the various surfaces of said intermediate and terminal jaw means for securement of fastening means to said studs at orthogonal angles relative to one another on each respective jaw means.

A stud alignment and positioning device as set forth in claim 3 wherein said interconnection member is formed of a first and second connector joined to one another at an apex to define a triangulated member.