Field of the Invention

[1] The present invention relates to a contour follower apparatus, and in particular to a contour follower apparatus that allows for the contours of an item to be followed.

[2] The invention has been developed primarily for use in/with trade and renovation type jobs and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Background of the Invention

[3] At present, tradespeople are often required to fit many items, in all buildings, where the shape of the surface to which the item is to be fitted is not straight or true. This fitting process sometimes involves a degree trial and error before the correct fitment of items is achieved.

[4] A problem with prior art involves having to place or manoeuvre the workpiece into the desired finished position, which can involve trimming the workpiece to an approximate shape. The desired contour of an existing building element is then marked onto the workpiece by means of a simple aid such as a small block of wood and pencil or propriety aids such as the devices listed in US patent 4161821 by C.W. Miller, AU patent 2010278664 by P.A. Chamberlain or US Patent 9333643B2 by D E Brallier.

[5] The workpiece is then moved back to a bench or similar to be worked, with the desired contour machined or otherwise cut on the workpiece and then transferring the workpiece back to the position where it is to be finally installed. Prior art commonly available for duplicating small sections of contours and profiles include devices such as listed in US Patent 2022628 by E.C. Whitney These devices are designed to copy profiles of a small scale.

[6] Other prior art involves holding the workpiece in the desired finished position with clamps, screws or the like, such as in scribing offset tool listed in US Patent 5013196 and 7392589 B2 by W.R.Friegang, and then machining the workpiece in situ by using the existing building element as a guide or fence for the cutting tools. This process of positioning the workpiece in the exact finished position while it is marked, and then moving the workpiece to be cut or setting up the workpiece to be machined in situ can result in possible damage to existing building elements, be time consuming and can take several attempts to achieve the desired finish with resultant additional time to complete the work to a satisfactory degree. Further, the shape of the contour to be followed may not make such a process possible.

[7] Another problem with existing prior art is in that provision for duplicating any contours on workpieces away from the item whose contour is being profiled is not provided for in existing propriety systems, such as US Patent 5740847A by E.E.Lakso, DE Patent 102004107420 (US Patent 8539689 B2) by A. Di Nicholantonio and A.Hoffmann or WO2014124625A1 by M.Semann. The preferred embodiments of the present invention overcome shortcomings of the prior art.

[8] The present invention seeks to provide a contour follower apparatus, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[9] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention

[10] Disclosed herein is a contour follower apparatus for following the contours of an item, the contours to be traced or cut on a workpiece, the contour follower apparatus including: a. a plurality of slidable contour follower members, each of the plurality of slidable contour follower members including a distal end; b. at least one locking arrangement configured for locking the contour follower members in position; and c. one or more flexible edge members connected to the distal end of at least one of the plurality of slidable contour follower members, the one or more flexible edge members configured for following the contour of the item, wherein the one or more flexible edge members extend between each distal end of the plurality of the slidable contour follower members such that the one or more flexible edge members are configured to move laterally with respect to the distal end of the one or more slidable contour follower members.

[11] In one embodiment, the locking arrangement is configured for locking the contour follower members in position once they have adapted to the contour of the item. [12] In one embodiment, the locking arrangement includes an upper locking member and a lower locking member.

[13] In one embodiment, the upper locking member and lower locking member are configured to clamp together to hold the plurality of contour follower members in position.

[14] In one embodiment, the locking arrangement includes a clamping arrangement.

[15] In one embodiment, the clamping arrangement includes a threaded tightening mechanism.

[16] In one embodiment, the clamping arrangement includes a threaded rod and complementary threaded fastener for tightening on the threaded rod.

[17] In one embodiment, the clamping arrangement includes a latching mechanism.

[18] In one embodiment, the contour follower apparatus is substantially elongate.

[19] In one embodiment, the flexible edge member extends along at least one edge of the contour follower apparatus.

[20] In one embodiment, at least one or more of the contour follower members is configured to be guided by at least one or more guide tracks.

[21] In one embodiment, the contour follower apparatus includes a housing.

[22] In one embodiment, the at least one or more guide tracks are mounted within the housing.

[23] In one embodiment, the housing includes an upper housing and a lower housing.

[24] In one embodiment, the upper housing is connected to the upper locking member and the lower housing is connected to the lower locking member.

[25] In one embodiment, the upper housing is movable relative to the lower housing.

[26] In one embodiment, the upper housing is movable relative to the lower housing guided by a guide arrangement.

[27] In one embodiment, the guide arrangement includes a protruding portion receivable within a slot.

[28] In one embodiment, the housing is composed of a plurality of pivoting housing portions that are pivotably movable relative to each other.

[29] In one embodiment, the plurality of pivoting housing portions are connected to each other by at least one or more hinges. [30] In one embodiment, the contour follower apparatus includes at least one or more fixed contour follower members.

[31] In one embodiment, the outermost contour follower members are fixed at an intermediate position, where the contour follower members extend partially from the apparatus.

[32] In one embodiment, the upper housing includes an upper deformation pad and the lower housing includes a lower deformation pad.

[33] In one embodiment, the upper deformation pad and the lower deformation pad are configured for engaging at least one of the plurality of slidable contour follower members.

[34] Also disclosed herein is a contour follower apparatus for following the contours of an item, the contours to be traced or cut to a workpiece, the contour follower apparatus including: a. a plurality of slidable contour follower members each of the plurality of slidable contour follower members including a distal end; and b. a housing to hold the plurality of slidable contour follower members, the housing including: i. an upper housing; and ii. a lower housing wherein the upper housing and the lower housing form a locking arrangement configured for locking the contour follower members in position.

[35] In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes at least one flexible edge member, wherein the at least one or more flexible edge members are connected to at least one distal end of the contour follower members.

[36] In one embodiment, the locking arrangement is configured for locking the contour follower members in position once they have adapted to the contour of the item.

[37] In one embodiment, the locking arrangement includes an upper locking member and a lower locking member corresponding to the upper housing and the lower housing, respectively.

[38] In one embodiment, the upper locking member and lower locking member are configured to clamp together to hold the plurality of contour follower members in position.

[39] In one embodiment, the locking arrangement includes a clamping arrangement. [40] In one embodiment, the clamping arrangement includes a threaded tightening mechanism.

[41] In one embodiment, the clamping arrangement includes a threaded rod and complementary threaded fastener for tightening on the threaded rod.

[42] In one embodiment, the clamping arrangement includes a latching mechanism.

[43] In one embodiment, the contour follower apparatus is substantially elongate.

[44] In one embodiment, the flexible edge member extends along at least one edge of the contour follower apparatus.

[45] In one embodiment, the at least one or more of the contour follower members is configured to be guided by at least one or more guide tracks mounted within the housing.

[46] In one embodiment, the at least one or more guide tracks are mounted within the housing.

[47] In one embodiment, the upper housing is connected to the upper locking member and the lower housing is connected to the lower locking member.

[48] In one embodiment, the upper housing is movable relative to the lower housing.

[49] In one embodiment, the upper housing includes an upper deformation pad and the lower housing includes a lower deformation pad.

[50] In one embodiment, the upper deformation pad and the lower deformation pad are configured for engaging at least one of the plurality of slidable contour follower members.

[51] In one embodiment, the upper housing is movable relative to the lower housing guided by a guide arrangement.

[52] In one embodiment, the guide arrangement includes a protruding portion receivable within a slot.

[53] In one embodiment, the housing is composed of a plurality of pivoting housing portions that are pivotably movable relative to each other.

[54] In one embodiment, the plurality of pivoting housing portions are connected to each other by at least one or more hinges.

[55] This invention may also be said broadly to comprise the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[56] To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

[57] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[58] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, a preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[59] Figure 1 shows a top rear right perspective view of a first embodiment of a contour follower apparatus;

[60] Figure 2 shows a top view of the contour follower apparatus of figure 1 ;

[61] Figure 3 shows a close-up top view of figure 2, showing a between the pivoting housing portions;

[62] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional cutaway front view of the first embodiment of a contour follower apparatus; and

[63] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional cutaway side view of the first embodiment of a contour follower apparatus;

[64] Figure 6 shows a cutaway front view of the first embodiment of a contour follower apparatus;

[65] Figure 7 shows a close-up left side view of the first embodiment of a contour follower apparatus;

[66] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional cutaway side view of a second embodiment of a contour follower apparatus; and

[67] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional cutaway side view of a second embodiment of the contour follower apparatus. Description of Embodiments

[68] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

Contour follower apparatus

[69] An embodiment of a contour follower apparatus according to a first aspect of the invention is generally indicated by the numeral 1000 and whole number multiples thereof.

[70] In a first embodiment now described with reference to figures 1-7, there is provided a contour follower apparatus 1000. The contour follower apparatus 1000 includes a preferably elongate housing 1100 which partially encloses a plurality of slidable contour follower members 1200. Distal ends 1210 of the contour follower members 1200 extend from the housing 1100 preferably along a lengthwise edge of the housing. The contour follower members 1200 are slidable within guide tracks 1220 within the housing 1100. The housing 1100 includes an upper housing 1110 and a lower housing 1120.

[71] As shown in figures 2 and 5, the contour follower apparatus 1000 further includes a flexible edge member 1300 that extends along each of the distal ends 1210 of the contour follower members 1200. The flexible edge member 1300 can be abutted against the profile of an item, and the sliding movement of the contour follower members 1200 in the guide tracks 1220 will allow the flexible edge member 1300 to follow nonlinear, curved or shaped contours or profiles.

[72] The housing 1100 preferably includes an upper housing 1110 and a lower housing 1120 that are movable relative to each other and lockable in position to clamp the contour follower members 1200 in position in the guide tracks 1220. In the embodiment shown, the upper housing 1110 and lower housing 1120 are integrally formed, but are connected by a resiliently flexible front portion 1125.

[73] In an alternative embodiment, it is envisaged that the upper housing and the lower housing may be separate from each other.

[74] In this way, the upper housing 1110 and lower housing 1120 act as an upper locking member and a lower locking member respectively as part of a locking arrangement 1400 for locking the contour follower members 1200 in position once they have adapted to the contour of an item. Movement of the upper housing 1110 and the lower housing 1120 with respect to each other are guided by a guiding arrangement 1130 in the form of an upstanding flange portion 1132 on the lower housing 1120 that is receivable within a slot 1134 on the upper housing 1110. An upper deformation pad 1230 is provided between the upper housing 1110 and the contour follower member 1200, and a lower the formation pad 1240 is provided between the lower housing 1120 and the contour follower member 1200. The upper deformation pad 1230 and lower deformation pad 1240 provided for creating friction between the contour follower member 1200 and the upper housing 1110 and lower housing 1120, respectively, while reducing point loads on the contour follower members 1200 that may cause them to break. Alternatively, as shown in figure 9. the upper deformation pad 1230 can be connected to the lengthwise edge of the upper housing 1110, allowing the upper locking member to pivot down at the opposite lengthwise edge of the upper housing 1110. In this way, a portion of the upper deformation pad 1230 remains attached to the upper housing 1110 and when the locking arrangement 1400 is actuated, the locking arrangement biases the deformation pad 1230 to engage a rear end of the contour follower member 1200. Figure 9 shows the deformation pad 1230 being biased or deflected by the locking arrangement 1400 to engage the contour follower member 1200. In this alternative embodiment, the upper housing 1110 and the lower housing 1120 remain in a fixed position relative to each other as it is the deformation pad 1230 that moves to engage and hold the contour follower member 1200 in the desired position.

[75] The locking arrangement 1400 further includes a plurality of clamping arrangements 1410 spaced regularly along the length of the housing 1100. The clamping arrangements 1410 include a threaded tightening mechanism 1420 in the form of a threaded rod 1422 on which a complementary threaded fastener, preferably in the form of a lever 1424, wing nut or similar formation, is movable. The locking arrangement 1400 further includes a latching mechanism in the form of detent or latch 1440 for latching the upper housing 1110 and lower housing 1120 in position relative to each other once the lever 1424 has been tightened on the threaded rod 1422. The latch 1440 is preferably pivotable around a pivot axis (shown as axis A on figure 1 ).

[76] As may be seen in figure 3, which shows a close-up view of the centre of the housing shown in figure 2, the housing 1100 is comprised of a plurality of housing portions 1140 that are pivotably movable relative to each other, preferably by a hinge 1142. In alternative embodiments (not shown) it is envisaged that more than two housing portions may be connected by hinges.

[77] It is further envisaged that in an alternative embodiment (not shown), fixed extensions may be provided in the place of the outermost contour follower members 1200 in order to provide a fixed frame of reference for the contour follower members 1200 to extend between.

[78] It is further envisaged that in an alternative embodiment (not shown), one of the housing portions 1140 may not include contour follower members 1200. In this embodiment, the housing portion is provided as a reference that may be abutted against, for example, a linear profile such as a floor or a wall.

[79] In a further embodiment shown in figure 8, each contour follower member may be provided with a spring 1250 that bias is the contour follower member to move from a retracted position to a more extended position.

[80] In an embodiment, and as shown in figure 7, the flexible edge member 1300 is configured for removable attachment to the contour follower members 1200 by a snapfit arrangement 1260, which may otherwise be known as a slide joint 1260. When the flexible edge member 1300 is connected to the contour follower members 1200, the flexible edge member 1300 extends between the distal end 1210 of the plurality of the slidable contour follower members 1200. In this way, the one or more flexible edge members 1300 are configured to move laterally with respect to the distal end 1210 of the one or more slidable contour follower members 1200. In use, when each of the contour follower members 1200 are protruding from the housing 1100 at different or varying lengths, the flexible edge member 1300 is able to slide laterally with respect to the distal end 1210 of the slidable contour follower members 1200. This allows the flexible edge member 1300 to take the shape desired and also allows the contour follow members 1200 to move freely in their operation without binding, even though the contour follower members 1200 are joined together by the flexible edge member 1300. Additionally, the contour follower members 1200 can remain parallel with each other. The flexible edge member 1300 can be connected to at least one of the contour follower members 1200 or each and every contour follower member. However, it is also envisaged that in alternative embodiments, the flexible edge member 1300 can be configured for permanent attachment to the contour follower members 1200. Preferably the flexible edge member 1300 is configured so that a tool can be abutted against the flexible edge member when working on the workpiece.

In use

[81] In use, it is envisaged that the contour follower members 1200 will be initially moved to an intermediate position (or a mid-point position), in which the contour follower members are partially extended from the housing 1100. The flexible edge member 1300 will then be pushed up against the contour or profile of an item to be followed, until the flexible edge member is shaped to the profile of that item. The locking arrangement 1400 will then be used to lock the contour follower members 1200 in position. The contour follower apparatus 1000 can then be removed to a suitable workbench where the profile or contour of the item can either be marked on to a workpiece, or alternatively a suitable tool can be used to follow the flexible edge member 1300 to thereby cause the workpiece to be directly machined and/or cut in the shape of the contour.

Interpretation

Embodiments:

[82] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[83] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[84] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Different Instances of Objects

[85] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner. Specific Details

[86] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Terminology

[87] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[88] As used herein the term “and/or” means “and” or “or”, or both.

[89] As used herein “(s)” following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

Comprising and Including

[90] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[91] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention

[92] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention. [93] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Industrial Applicability

[94] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the construction and/or hardware industries.