Device for measuring wood blocks and method

#The present invention pertains generally to construction of wood buildings, and more particularly to a tape that may be used to accurately measure the structural blocks that are placed between adjacent wall studs, roof rafters, ceiling joists, and floor joists.

#Wood buildings are built by assembling individual studs, headers, rafters, etc. into walls, ceilings, floors, and roofs. All dimensions are set by the UBC (Uniform Building Code). Most floors, roofs, ceilings, and walls are built using two-by (2×) dimensional framing lumber. For example, 2 by 4 lumber may be used in walls, 2 by 12 lumber may be used in floors, and 2 by 8 lumber may be used in roofs. The UBC requires that these wall stud, floor joist, and roof rafter framing members be placed on 16 inch centers. This means that the centers of the boards must be 16 inches apart. Other centers are sometimes specified. For example, the UBC requires that truss roof framing members be placed on 24 inch centers.

#Conventional tape measures typically contain marks at 16 inch intervals to assist in the placement of the framing members. The framing lumber is actually about 1½ inches wide meaning that ¾ inch of wood is on each side of the center line. This means that there will be about 14½ inches of free space between the sides of adjacent framing members. Structural blocks are placed in this space to give integrity to the structure. An example of this is the placement of a block between two adjacent floor joists. The block keeps the joists in upright positions and keeps them from twisting on their nails. Blocks are also used in other ways such as for fire blocks, Freis blocks, pressure blocks, mid-span blocks, and diaphragm blocks.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device for measuring wood blocks in accordance with the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a reduced fragmented top plan view of a tape in accordance with the present invention;

#FIG. 3 is a reduced fragmented top plan view of a second embodiment of the tape;

#Referring initially to FIG. 1, a perspective view is illustrated of a device for measuring wood blocks in accordance with the present invention, generally designated as 20. Device 20 includes a tape 22 which has a surface 24. In the shown preferred embodiment, tape 22 is disposed within a conventional tape measure housing 26, so that tape 22 is urged into a coiled configuration within housing 26. Additionally, tape 22 includes a free end 28 which has a conventional “true-zero hook” 30, sometimes called a hook end.

#FIG. 2 is a reduced fragmented top plan view of tape 22. Tape 22 includes a first plurality of spaced stations 32 longitudinally disposed on surface 24. First plurality of spaced stations 32 are spaced 14½ inches apart. Tape 22 also includes a second plurality of spaced stations 34 longitudinally disposed on surface 24. Second plurality of spaced stations 34 are spaced 22½ inches apart. It is noted that true-zero hook 30 comprises both a first 32 and second 34 spaced station. It is also noted that in the shown embodiment, first plurality of spaced stations 32 and second plurality of spaced stations 34 are the only spaced stations disposed on surface 24 of tape 22. This results in the least possible confusion to a user. It is also noted that spaced stations 32 and 34 are disposed near the edge of tape 22. It may be appreciated that while the preferred interval between adjacent first spaced stations 32 is 14½inches, and the interval between adjacent second spaced stations 34 is 22½ inches, the intervals could be slightly different from these values and the present invention would still function (for example 14{fraction (5/32)} inches). Therefore, minor variations in the value of the spaced interval are intended to be embraced within the scope of the claimed invention.

#FIG. 3 is a reduced fragmented top plan view of a second embodiment of the tape, generally designated as 122. In tape 122, conventional tape measure markings are also disposed on surface 124 of tape 122 for convenience.