# US 7,739,805 B2 · Snap line and method > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 7,739,805 B2 - Document ID: US7739805B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 12/367,726 - Filed: 2009-02-09 - Published: 2009-06-04 - Granted: 2010-06-22 - Earliest claimed: 2003-10-13 - Inventors: William J. Vary - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7739805B2 ## CPC - B44D 3/38: Cord line chalkers - Y10T 428/2933: Coated or with bond, impregnation or core - B44D: PAINTING OR ARTISTIC DRAWING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; PRESERVING PAINTINGS; SURFACE TREATMENT TO OBTAIN SPECIAL ARTISTIC SURFACE EFFECTS OR FINISHES (surface treatment in general, see the relevant places, e.g. applying liquids or other fluent materials B05) - Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION ## Abstract A snap line for use in applying powdered material to a surface. The line comprises at least one strand of material that has been coated with water repellent material. The line may be used in conjunction with powder that has also been coated with water repellent material. The line and the powder enable a user to apply lines to wet or damp surfaces in a normal fashion. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method of treating particles of powdered material suitable for use with a snap line, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a container of powdered material; b) applying a water resistant liquid material to the powdered material as the powdered material resides within the container; c) agitating the container; and, d) drying the powdered material. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the step of applying a water resistant material to the powdered material comprises the step of: i) spraying the water resistant material onto the powdered material. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the step of applying a water resistant material to the powdered material comprises the step of: i) pouring the water resistant material onto the powdered material. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the powdered material comprises chalk. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the powdered material comprises a mixture of chalk and coloring dye. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the water resistant material includes silicone. ### Claim 7 A method of marking a surface; the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a snap line device having housing, an interior and a flexible line a substantial portion of which is positioned in the interior, with the flexible line suitable for receiving and transferring powdered material from a surface of the line to a secondary surface in an impacting manner; b) providing the interior of the snap line device with a quantity of powdered material that has been treated with a silicone based water repellant material; c) extending a portion of the flexible line from the housing so that it is held under tension in close proximity to and generally parallel with the secondary surface; and d) drawing the flexible line away from the secondary surface and releasing the line whereby the line snaps against the secondary surface and transfers at least a portion of the powdered material thereto. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The method of claim 7, wherein a substantial portion of the flexible line has been provided with a water resistant coating prior to receiving the powdered material. ### Claim 9 (depends on 7) The method of claim 7, wherein the powdered material comprises chalk. ### Claim 10 (depends on 7) The method of claim 7, wherein the powdered material comprises a coloring dye. ### Claim 11 (depends on 7) The method of claim 7, wherein the powdered material comprises a mixture of chalk and coloring dye. ### Claim 12 A snap line apparatus comprising a body having an interior and a flexible line positionable at least in part within said interior, the flexible line being secured to the body within the interior; wherein the flexible line is suitable for receiving and transferring powdered material from a surface of the line to a secondary surface in an impacting manner, the flexible line including at least one strand of material that has been coated with water resistant material prior to receiving the powdered material. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The snap line apparatus of claim 12, wherein the water resistant material comprises silicone. ### Claim 14 (depends on 12) The snap line apparatus of claim 12, wherein the powdered material comprises chalk. ### Claim 15 (depends on 12) The snap line apparatus of claim 12, wherein the powdered material comprises a coloring dye. ### Claim 16 (depends on 12) The snap line apparatus of claim 12, wherein the powdered material comprises a mixture comprising chalk and a coloring dye. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The snap line apparatus of claim 16, wherein the coloring dye is concrete dye. ### Claim 18 A method of treating powdered material suitable for use with a snap line, the method comprising the steps of: a. providing a container of powdered material; b. applying a water resistant liquid material to the powdered material as the powdered material resides within the container; and c. drying the powdered material. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) The method of treating powdered material claim 18, wherein the step of applying a water resistant material to the powdered material comprises the step of spraying the water resistant material onto the powdered material. ### Claim 20 (depends on 18) The method of treating powdered material of claim 18, wherein the powdered material comprises chalk. ### Claim 21 (depends on 18) The method of treating powdered material of claim 18, wherein the powdered material comprises a mixture of chalk and coloring dye.