US5870832A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Frame for gravity-related measurement device
Assignee: D Barclay Slocum Trust Agreement
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Filing: 1996-03-18
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Granted: 1999-02-16
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Expires: 2016-03-18
Abstract
Abstract A device for positioning an elongate gravity-actuated measuring instrument, such as a goniometer, adjacent two three-dimensional objects to measure an angle between the two objects includes first and second members. The first member is joined to, and extends away from, such instrument, and positionable against a surface of one of such objects. The second member is joined to, and extends away from, such instrument, is spaced from the first member a preselected distance, and is positionable against a surface of the other of such objects. Preferably, the first member is formed as a frame that is coupled to such instrument, and the second member is formed as an elongate positioning probe that is coupled to the frame. The device may also be formed with rotational-attachment structure, both to allow attachment of the second end of the probe to the frame and, when attached, to allow rotation of the probe about an axis defined by the long axis of the probe. In addition, the device may be formed with probe-positioning structure that allows a user to place the probe in a preselected number of positions for ultimate desired placement against such surface of the other of such objects.
Inventors
- 👤 Barclay Slocum
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 16:15
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/103; A61B5/107; A61B5/1071; G; G01; G01C; G01C9/00; G01C9/18; G01C9/24; G01C9/26; G01C9/28
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
326 words
A gravity-actuated measuring instrument system capable of positioning the instrument adjacent first and second three-dimensional objects to measure an angle between the two objects, comprising: a gravity-actuated measuring instrument; a frame joined to, and partially enclosing, the instrument, the frame including plural sides, and being positionable against a surface of the first object; an elongate, cylindrically shaped probe member joined to, and extending a preselected distance away from the frame, the probe member being positionable against a surface of the second object, and the probe member having first and second ends, wherein the second end is joined to the frame, and the first end is positionable against such surface of the second object, and wherein the probe member is formed with an angular shape to accommodate desired positioning relative to the second object, wherein the frame is also formed with rotational-attachment structure, both to allow attachment of the second end of the probe member to the frame and, when attached, to allow rotation of the probe member about an axis defined by a long axis of the probe member, and wherein the probe member is movable between first and second orientations relative to the frame, and wherein each first and second orientation results in a preselected one of the sides of the frame to be positioned against the first object; and wherein the rotational-attachment structure is formed by a primary recess in the frame that receives the second end of the probe member, a circumferential groove that is formed in and near the second end of the probe member, a secondary threaded recess in the frame that communicates with the primary recess, and a set screw drivable therethrough and extendable a preselected distance into the primary recess, the set screw being operable to hold the second end in the primary recess and to allow the probe member to rotate, with the groove providing a bearing surface for the set screw during rotation of the probe member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
326 words
A gravity-actuated measuring instrument system capable of positioning the instrument adjacent first and second three-dimensional objects to measure an angle between the two objects, comprising: a gravity-actuated measuring instrument; a frame joined to, and partially enclosing, the instrument, the frame including plural sides, and being positionable against a surface of the first object; an elongate, cylindrically shaped probe member joined to, and extending a preselected distance away from the frame, the probe member being positionable against a surface of the second object, and the probe member having first and second ends, wherein the second end is joined to the frame, and the first end is positionable against such surface of the second object, and wherein the probe member is formed with an angular shape to accommodate desired positioning relative to the second object, wherein the frame is also formed with rotational-attachment structure, both to allow attachment of the second end of the probe member to the frame and, when attached, to allow rotation of the probe member about an axis defined by a long axis of the probe member, and wherein the probe member is movable between first and second orientations relative to the frame, and wherein each first and second orientation results in a preselected one of the sides of the frame to be positioned against the first object; and wherein the rotational-attachment structure is formed by a primary recess in the frame that receives the second end of the probe member, a circumferential groove that is formed in and near the second end of the probe member, a secondary threaded recess in the frame that communicates with the primary recess, and a set screw drivable therethrough and extendable a preselected distance into the primary recess, the set screw being operable to hold the second end in the primary recess and to allow the probe member to rotate, with the groove providing a bearing surface for the set screw during rotation of the probe member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
323 words
A goniometer system capable of positioning a goniometer adjacent first and second animal anatomical elements to measure an angle between the two elements, comprising: a goniometer; a frame joined to, and partially enclosing the goniometer, the frame including plural sides, and being positionable against a surface of the first element; an elongate, cylindrically shaped probe member joined to, and extending a preselected distance away from, the frame, the probe member being positionable against a surface of the second element, and the probe member having first and second ends, and wherein the second end is joined to the frame, and the first end is positionable against such surface of the second object, and wherein the probe member is formed with an angular shape to accommodate desired positioning relative to the second object wherein the frame is formed with rotational-attachment structure, both to allow attachment of the second end of the probe member to the frame and, when attached, to allow rotation of the probe member about an axis defined by the long axis of the probe member and wherein the probe member is movable between first and second orientations relative to the frame, and wherein each fast and second orientation results in a preselected one of the sides of the frame to be positioned against the first object; and wherein the rotational-attachment structure is formed by a primary recess in the frame that receives the second end of the probe member a circumferential groove that is formed in and near the second end of the probe member, a secondary threaded recess in the frame that communicates with the primary recess and a set screw drivable therethrough and extendable a preselected distance into the primary recess, the set screw being operable to hold the second end in the primary recess and to allow the probe member to rotate, with the groove providing a bearing surface for the set screw during rotation of the probe member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
323 words
A goniometer system capable of positioning a goniometer adjacent first and second animal anatomical elements to measure an angle between the two elements, comprising: a goniometer; a frame joined to, and partially enclosing the goniometer, the frame including plural sides, and being positionable against a surface of the first element; an elongate, cylindrically shaped probe member joined to, and extending a preselected distance away from, the frame, the probe member being positionable against a surface of the second element, and the probe member having first and second ends, and wherein the second end is joined to the frame, and the first end is positionable against such surface of the second object, and wherein the probe member is formed with an angular shape to accommodate desired positioning relative to the second object wherein the frame is formed with rotational-attachment structure, both to allow attachment of the second end of the probe member to the frame and, when attached, to allow rotation of the probe member about an axis defined by the long axis of the probe member and wherein the probe member is movable between first and second orientations relative to the frame, and wherein each fast and second orientation results in a preselected one of the sides of the frame to be positioned against the first object; and wherein the rotational-attachment structure is formed by a primary recess in the frame that receives the second end of the probe member a circumferential groove that is formed in and near the second end of the probe member, a secondary threaded recess in the frame that communicates with the primary recess and a set screw drivable therethrough and extendable a preselected distance into the primary recess, the set screw being operable to hold the second end in the primary recess and to allow the probe member to rotate, with the groove providing a bearing surface for the set screw during rotation of the probe member.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-02-15 | 2002-08-17 | 2003-02-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-02-15 | 2006-08-17 | 2007-02-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-02-15 | 2010-08-17 | 2011-02-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |