Rafter cutting template and tape

Abstract

A rafter cutting template and guide for laying out each type of roof rafter for a selected roof pitch given the zero pitch length of the rafter. The template includes a body portion and wing means attached thereto. The body portion is shaped so that each end includes the necessary angles so that its edges can be used for marking the plumb cut line, seat cut and tail lines for each of the types of rafters that that end is designed to lay-out for the selected roof pitch. The body portion also includes means for converting the zero pitch length of each type rafter to the actual length for the selected pitch of the roof. The wing means is affixed perpendicularly to the top edge of the body portion and fulfills two functions. The wing means provides a right angle surface to snug the template against the edge of the stock to be marked for cutting into a rafter, as well as, providing a means to mark the hip rafters for backing and to provide the side cut angles for the jack, cripple jack, hip and valley rafters for the selected roof pitch.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.