FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a media alignment assembly. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a layered media alignment assembly configured to align multiple pieces of media simultaneously.

BACKGROUND

Media crafters have long sought an easier way to ensure even spacing and straight borders on their crafting creations. Current approaches to produce straight and evenly spaced borders or layered media involve using multiple tools, or measuring various places on the media in order to try to produce a straight and even alignment. However, these approaches are often difficult to perfect and lead to crooked layering or borders and time-consuming reworking. Thus, there remains a need for a layered media alignment assembly tool that creates precise spacing and alignment of multi-layered mediums, allowing the media to be spaced and aligned consistently, and eliminating the need for multiple measuring tools.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, a layered media alignment assembly is disclosed. A layered media alignment assembly may have a main body, a plurality of upper side guide forms, and a lower side guide form configured to receive a first layer of a medium in an abutting relationship.

A layered media alignment assembly may include additional and/or different features. For example, a layered media alignment assembly may have a main body having a first portion and a second portion disposed at an angle from the first portion. A layered media alignment assembly may also have a plurality of upper side guide forms. The plurality of upper side guide forms may include a first upper side guide form having a surface parallel to the main body and recessed from at least one of the first portion or the second portion. similarly, the plurality of upper side guide forms may have a second upper side guide form having a surface parallel to the main body and recessed from the first upper side guide form, and a third upper side guide form having a surface parallel to the main body and recessed from the second upper side guide form.

The layered media alignment assembly may have a lower side guide form configured to receive a first layer of a medium in an abutting relationship, a row of alignment apertures disposed along a first portion inner periphery and a second portion inner periphery, and a straight edge having a reinforcement tab extending from at least one of: a first portion outer periphery or a second portion outer periphery. Furthermore, the layered media alignment assembly may include a frictional surface groove including a narrow cavity disposed along a length of the first portion and the second portion of the main body. A first portion measuring scale having a series of markings may be disposed along the first portion outer periphery, and a second portion measuring scale having a series of markings may be disposed along the second portion outer periphery. The first upper side guide form may have a first upper side guide form depth, and the second upper side guide form may have a second upper side guide form depth 1/8 of an inch (about 3.175 mm) greater than the first upper side guide form depth. Similarly, the third upper side guide form may have a third upper side guide form depth 1/8 of an inch (about 3.175 mm) greater than the second upper side guide form depth.

A method of using a layered media alignment assembly is also disclosed. A method of using a layered media alignment assembly may include aligning a first media layer in abutting contact with a lower side guide form of the layered media alignment assembly. The method may further include placing a second media layer in abutting contact with one of a first upper surface guide form, a second upper surface guide form, and a third upper surface guide form, whereby the second media layer may be aligned relative to the first media layer.

The method may include removing the layered media alignment assembly. Moreover, the method may contemplate placing the second media layer in abutting contact with the lower side guide form of the layered media alignment assembly, placing a third media layer in abutting contact with one of the first upper surface guide form, the second upper surface guide form, and the third upper surface guide form, whereby the third media layer may be aligned relative to the second media layer, and removing the layered media alignment assembly.

According to various embodiments, a layered media alignment assembly may comprise a main body. The main body may comprise a first portion and a second portion disposed at an angle from the first portion. The second portion may be disposed in a same plane as the first portion. The layered media alignment assembly may comprise a plurality of stair stepped upper side guide forms disposed along the first portion and the second portion. The layered media alignment assembly may comprise a lower side guide form disposed below the plurality of stair stepped upper side guide forms, wherein a lower guide form boundary is positioned between the lower side guide form and at least one of a first portion lower side or a second portion lower side.

According to various embodiments, a layered media alignment assembly comprising a one-piece body portion including a first portion and an orthogonally disposed second portion, wherein each portion includes an upper side and a lower side is disclosed. The layered media alignment assembly may comprise guide members extending downwardly from a disposed on the lower side of the first and second portions to form a transverse guide form adapted to receive a base layer of a medium in an abutting relationship. The layered media alignment assembly may comprise a plurality of notches disposed on an inner periphery of the upper side of the first and second portions, the notches forming stepped transverse guide forms on the upper side of the first and second portions for receiving a layer of a medium adapted to couple to the base layer. The stepped transverse guide forms on the upper side of the first and second portions may be laterally spaced apart to define multiple guide forms for receiving medium layers at spaced apart intervals relative to the base layer. The transverse guide form may be linearly aligned with the stepped transverse guide forms along the first and second portions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the Figures, where like reference numbers refer to similar elements throughout the Figures, and:

FIG. 1 depicts an isometric top view of a layered media alignment assembly in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 2 depicts an isometric bottom view of a layered media alignment assembly in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 3 depicts a top view of a layered media alignment assembly in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 4 depicts a bottom view of a layered media alignment assembly in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 5 depicts a section view of a layered media alignment assembly in accordance with various embodiments; and

FIG. 6 depicts a layered media alignment assembly being used to align various media in accordance with various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is of various exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure in any way. Rather, the following description is intended to provide a convenient illustration for implementing various embodiments including the best mode. As will become apparent, various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described in these embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques for manufacturing and construction may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical couplings between various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical assembly.

With reference to Figs. 1 -4, a layered media alignment assembly 2 is disclosed. A layered media alignment assembly 2 may comprise an L-shaped tool having features to assist a user in aligning media, such as crafting paper. The layered media alignment assembly 2 may have various guide surfaces, edges, and other features configured to abut with different media, assisting the user in positioning the media. While a layered media alignment assembly 2 is depicted as an L-shaped tool in various embodiments herein, one may appreciate that a layered media alignment assembly 2 may comprise different shapes. For example, a layered media alignment assembly 2 may be T-shaped, may be I-shaped, may be straight, or may comprise any shape.

Main Body Features

A layered media alignment assembly 2 may comprise a main body 4. A main body 4 comprises a unitary piece of material establishing the general shape of the layered media alignment assembly 2. For example, the main body 4 may comprise an L-shape. In various embodiments, the main body 4 comprises transparent or semi-transparent material, for example, plastic or a polymeric material, such as polycarbonate.

With reference to Fig. 1, the main body 4 may comprise a first portion 8 and a second portion 10. The first portion 8 and the second portion 10 may extend in different directions. For example, the first portion 8 may extend in a Y-axis direction as depicted in the figures, and the second portion 10 may extend in an X-axis direction as depicted in the figures. The first portion 8 and the second portion 10 may extend in different directions according to an angle 12. In various embodiments, angle 12 comprises a 90-degree angle. Thus, it may be said that the first portion 8 and the second portion 10 are orthogonal, in further embodiments, angle 12 may comprise any angle, for example, a 30-degree angle, or a 45- degree angle, or a 60-degree angle, or any angle suitable for facilitating the alignment of desired media in a desired orientation. In some embodiments, the first portion 8 and the second portion 10 be different distances. For example, the first portion 8 may be seven inches (about 17.8 cm) in length and the second portion 10 may be four inches (10.2 cm) in length. In other embodiments, the first portion 8 and the second portion 10 may be the same length. For example, the first portion 8 may be seven inches (about 17.8 cm) in length and the second portion 10 may be seven inches (about 17.8 cm) in length. In still further embodiments, the first portion 8 may be six inches (15.2 cm) in length, and the second portion 10 may be six inches (15.2 cm) in length. Accordingly, the first portion 8 and the second portion 10 may each be any length. The length may be increased and decreased based on the various sizes of media with which the layered media alignment assembly 2 is designed.

The first portion 8 and the second portion 10 may be integral portions of main body 4. Put differently, the first portion 8 and the second portion 10 may be formed unitarily from the same piece of material. However, in further embodiments, the first portion 8 and the second portion 10 may be formed separately and may be joined together. In various embodiments, the first portion 8 and the second portion 10 are selectively disconnectable, for example, so that a layered media alignment assembly 2 may be reconfigured to comprise different shapes.

With focus on Figs. 1 and 4, a first portion 8 may comprise a first portion inner periphery 34. A first portion inner periphery 34 may comprise an edge of the first portion 8 of the main body 4. This edge may be an innermost edge of the first portion 8. As used herein, "innermost" means that the edge of the first portion 8 comprises an edge disposed parallel to the plane of the first portion 8, and forming the positive-most boundary of the layered media alignment assembly 2 with reference to the Y-axis.

Similarly, a second portion 10 may comprise a second portion inner periphery 32. A second portion inner periphery 32 may comprise an edge of the second portion 10 of the main body 4. This edge may be an innermost edge of the second portion 10. As used herein, "innermost" means that the edge of the second portion 10 comprises an edge disposed parallel to the plane of the second portion 10, and forming the positive-most boundary o the layered media alignment assembly 2 with reference to the X-axis.

A first portion 8 may comprise a first portion outer periphery 37. A first portion outer periphery 37 may comprise an edge of the first portion 8 of the main body 4. This edge may be an outermost edge of the first portion 8. As used herein, "outermost" means that the edge of the first portion 8 comprises an edge lying parallel to the plane of the first portion 8, and forming the negative-most boundary of the main body 4 of the layered media alignment assembly 2 with reference to the Y-axis.

Similarly, a second portion 10 may comprise a second portion outer periphery 35. A second portion outer periphery 35 may comprise an edge of the second portion 10 of the main body 4. This edge may be an outermost edge of the second portion 10. As used herein, "outermost" means that the edge of the second portion 10 comprises an edge lying parallel to the plane of the second portion 10, and forming the negative-most boundary of the main body 4 layered media alignment assembly 2 with reference to the X-axis.

Upper Side Features

With reference to Figs. 1 , 3, and 5, a layered media alignment assembly 2 may comprise upper side guide forms 20. In various embodiments, a layered media alignment assembly 2 comprises three upper side guide forms 20, for example, a first upper side guide form 20-1, a second upper side guide form 20-2, and a third upper side guide form 20-3. As one may appreciate, a layered media alignment assembly 2 may comprise any number of upper side guide forms 20.

An upper side guide form 20 may comprise a surface of the layered media alignment assembly 2. For example, an upper side guide form 20 may comprise a portion of the layered media alignment assembly 2 substantially co-planar with the main body 4, but recessed below the surface of the main body 4. Stated differently, the upper side guide form 20 may comprise a portion of the layered media alignment assembly 2 lying co-planar with a X-Y plane as depicted in the figures, but crossing the Z-axis at a location inward (with respect to the Z-axis) of a parallel plane of the main body 4. Thus, each upper side guide form 20 may comprise a plane parallel to the main body 4, but positioned below the surface of the main body 4. In this manner, the upper side guide form 20 may be said to be "stair stepped" with respect to the main body 4.

In various embodiments, a layered media alignment assembly 2 comprises multiple upper side guide forms 20. Each upper side guide form 20 may be disposed progressively inward (e.g., crossing the X-axis and/or Y-axis at an increasingly positive point) relative to the previous upper side guide form 20. Each upper side guide form 20 may cross the Z-axis at a location increasingly inward (with respect to the Z-axis) of the previous upper side guide form 20. For example, the upper side guide forms 20 may resemble stairs.

In the alternative, the upper side guide forms 20 may be referred to herein as a plurality of notches, such as a plurality of notches disposed on an inner periphery 32, 34 of the upper sides of the first 8 and second 10 portions. Stated another way, the notches may define stepped transverse guide forms 20 which are disposed on the upper side of the first 8 and second 10 portions. The stepped transverse guide forms 20 or upper guide forms 20-1, 20-2, 20-3 are adapted to receive and align an additional layer 42 (Fig. 6) of medium which is to be coupled to the base layer 40.

In various embodiments, a first upper side guide form 20-1 is integrally formed with first portion 8 and/or the second portion 10 of the main body 4. Similarly, a second upper side guide form 20-2 may be disposed outward (with respect to the X-axis and/or Y-axis) of the first upper side guide form 20-1. Finally, a third upper side guide form 20-3 may be disposed outward (with respect to the X-axis and/or Y-axis) of the second upper side guide form.

With reference to Figs. 3 and 5, a layered media alignment assembly 2 may also comprise upper side guide form boundary edges 21. In various embodiments, a layered media alignment assembly 2 comprises three upper side guide form boundary edges 21 , for example, a first upper side guide form boundary edge 21 -1, a second upper side guide form boundary edge 21-2, and a third upper side guide form boundary edge 21-3. As one may appreciate, a layered media alignment assembly 2 may comprise any number of upper side guide forms 20.

Each upper side guide form boundary edge 21 may form a face of a corresponding upper side guide form 20. Thus, each upper side guide form boundary edge 21 may comprise an abutment face extending in the Z-axis direction, whereby media may be aligned by sliding the media in abutting contact with the upper side guide form boundary edge 21.

In various embodiments, a first upper side guide form boundary edge 21-1 is disposed between the first upper side guide form 20-1 and the second upper side guide form 20-2. Similarly, a second upper side guide form boundary edge 21 -2 may be disposed between the second upper side guide form 20-2 and the third upper side guide form 20-3. Finally, a third upper side guide form boundary edge 21-3 may be disposed at the outennost edge of the third upper side guide form 20-3. A layered media alignment assembly 2 may comprise any number of upper side guide form boundary edges 21 because an upper side guide form boundary edge 21 may correspond to each upper side guide form 20.

As such, each upper side guide form 20 and corresponding upper side guide form boundary edge 21 may work together to receive a piece of media and position it in a desired spacing and orientation. Because a layered media alignment assembly 2 may comprise multiple guide forms and boundary edges, a layered media alignment assembly 2 may position multiple pieces of media with various spacing and orientation. As depicted in the figures, a layered media alignment assembly 2 may comprise three upper side guide forms 20, although any number of upper side guide forms 20 may be implemented depending on the number of pieces of media desired to be spaced and oriented.

To facilitate the spacing of each piece of media, with reference to Fig. 5, each upper side guide form 20 may comprise an upper side guide form depth 25. For example, the first upper side guide form 20-1 may have a first upper side guide form depth 25-1. Put differently, the first upper side guide form boundary edge 21-1 may be spaced a first distance from the lower side guide form boundary 29. The second upper side guide form 20-1 may have a second upper side guide form depth 25-2. Put differently, the second upper side guide form boundary edge 21 -2 may be spaced a second distance from the lower side guide form boundary 29. Similarly, the third upper side guide form 20-3 may have a third upper side guide form depth 25-3. Thus, the third upper side guide form boundary edge 21-3 may be spaced a third distance from the lower side guide form boundary 29. Furthermore, a fourth upper side guide form depth 25-4 may comprise a fifth distance comprising a distance between the lower side guide form boundary 29 and the first portion inner periphery 34 (Fig. 1) and/or the second portion inner periphery 32 (Fig. 1). Put differently, the fourth upper side guide form depth 25-4 establishes the length of the third upper side guide form 20-3 as it extends outwardly away from the main body 4.

Accordingly, each upper side guide form depth 25 may be configured to facilitate the arranging of layers of media in increments of one-eighth of an inch (about 3.175 mm). Each upper side guide form depth 25 may be configured to facilitate the arranging of layers of media in any increment or different increments.

Turning back to Figs. 1 and 3, and with focus again on the upper side of a layered media alignment assembly 2, a layered media alignment assembly 2 may comprise alignment apertures 22. An alignment aperture may comprise a hole extending entirely through the layered media alignment assembly 2 in the Z-axis direction and permitting a stylus or other tool to be inserted through the layered media alignment assembly 2 in order to mark, stipple, or otherwise interact with a piece of media. A row of alignment apertures 22 may be disposed along one or more edges of the layered media alignment assembly 2. For example, a row of alignment apertures 22 may be disposed along the first portion inner periphery 34 and the second portion inner periphery 32. In various embodiments, a row of alignment apertures 22 extends in a Z-axis direction through the third upper side guide form 20-3, though a row of alignment apertures 22 may be disposed at any position on the layered media alignment assembly 2. Moreover, in various embodiments, alignment apertures 22 may be distributed individually, grouped in shapes, or otherwise arranged on the layered media alignment assembly 2.

A layered media alignment assembly 2 may comprise a straight edge 30. A straight edge 30 may comprise a tab extending in a Y-X plane from the main body 4. In various embodiments, it may be desirable to provide reinforcement to an edge, for example, an outside edge of the layered media alignment assembly 2. Users may desire to use the layered media alignment assembly 2 to guide cutting implements along media. Thus, reinforcement may be desired to prevent the user from nicking, cutting, or otherwise damaging the layered media alignment assembly 2. Moreover, it may be desirable to reinforce the layered media alignment assembly 2 to ameliorate warping. Accordingly, a straight edge 30 may extend in the X-Y plane outwardly away from a first portion outer periphery 37, or the second portion outer periphery 35, or both the first portion outer periphery 37 and the second portion outer periphery 35. Thus, the straight edge 30 may be said to extend from an outer edge of the layered media alignment assembly 2.

A straight edge 30 may be shaped to correspond to the shape of the main body 4, for example, L-shaped. However, the straight edge 30 may correspond to a main body 4 having any shape, or may differ in shape from the main body 4. For example, a straight edge 30 may scalloped or have an alternating zigzag edge, or may comprise other shapes whereby the straight edge 30 may guide a user in creating various cuts and embellishments in media. Moreover, the straight edge 30 may be joined to the first portion 8 of the main body 4 only, or may be joined to the second portion 10 of the main body 4 only, or may be joined to both the first portion 8 and the second portion 10 of the main body 4 of the layered media alignment assembly 2.

A layered media alignment assembly 2 may comprise a mounting aperture 6. A mounting aperture 6 may comprise a hole disposed through the main body 4 in the Z-axis direction. The mounting aperture 6 may be positioned where the first portion 8 and the second portion 10 meet. Thus, the mounting aperture 6 may be positioned slightly inward of the first portion outer periphery 37 and the second portion outer periphery 35. The mounting aperture 6 allows a user to conveniently hang or otherwise store the layered media alignment assembly 2 when not in use.

Lower Side Features

Turning to Figs. 1, 2, 4, 5, and with focus now on the underside of a layered media alignment assembly 2, a first portion 8 of a layered media alignment assembly 2 may comprise a first portion lower side 24 and the second portion 10 of a layered media alignment assembly 2 may comprise a second portion lower side 26. The first portion lower side 24 may comprise a surface of the first portion 8 of the main body 4 lying in the X-Y plane. Similarly, the second portion lower side 26 may comprise a surface of the second portion 10 of the main body 4 lying in the X-Y plane. Both the first portion lower side 24 and the second portion lower side 26 may be co-planar. The first portion lower side 24 may form the negative most face of the first portion 8 of the main body 4 with respect to the Z-axis. Thus, the first portion lower side 24 may be said to be the "bottom" of the first portion 8. Similarly, the second portion lower side 26 may form the negative most face of the second portion 10 of the main body 4 with respect to the Z-axis. Thus, the second portion lower side 26 may be said to be the "bottom" of the second portion 10. The first portion lower side 24 and the second portion lower side 26 may cross the Z-axis at the same point, and thus may comprise coincident planes.

A layered media alignment assembly 2 may also comprise a lower side guide form 28 and a lower side guide form boundary 29. The lower side guide form 28 may comprise a surface co-planar with the main body 4, but positioned above the lower surface of the main body 4. For example, the lower side guide form 28 may lie in the X-Y plane and cross the Z- axis at a point outward (with respect to the Z-axis) relative to the first portion lower side 24 and/or the second portion lower side 26. Thus, the lower side guide form 28 may be said to lie above the bottom of the main body 4. The lower side guide form 28 may extend outwardly from the main body 4, originating at the lower side guide form boundary 29 and terminating at the first portion inner periphery 34 and the second portion inner periphery 32.

A layered media alignment assembly 2 may further comprise a frictional surface groove 18. With continuing focus on the underside of the layered media alignment assembly 2, a frictional surface groove 18 may comprise a narrow cavity disposed along the length of the first portion 8 and/or the second portion 10 of the main body 4. The narrow cavity may penetrate the first portion lower side 24 and/or the second portion lower side 26. The narrow cavity may extend partially through the main body 4 in a Z-axis direction as depicted in the figures. The frictional surface groove 18 be positioned inward of the lower side guide form boundary 29 by a fifth distance 27.

This frictional surface groove 18 may serve various purposes. With specific reference to Fig. 5, the primary purpose of the frictional surface groove 18 is to receive a frictional material 17. In various embodiments, the layered media alignment assembly 2 comprises a frictional material 17, disposed within the frictional surface groove 18 and extending downwardly from the layered media alignment assembly 2. In this manner, the layered media alignment assembly 2 may be prevented from unwantedly slipping during use.

A secondary purpose of the frictional surface groove 18 may be to aid in visual alignment of the layered media alignment assembly 2. For example, because the main body 4 may comprise a transparent or semitransparent material, the frictional surface groove 18 may be visually perceptible by the user peering at the layered media alignment assembly 2. Thus, the frictional surface groove 1 8 may aid in the visual alignment of the layered media alignment assembly 2, for example, so that the layered media alignment assembly 2 may be aligned parallel to an edge of a piece of media. With momentary reference to Fig. 6, the frictional surface groove 18 may be aligned with a first media layer 40.

A frictional material 17 may comprise any material having a coefficient of static friction sufficient to prevent unwanted movement of the layered media alignment assembly 2 during use. For example, frictional material 17 may comprise a frictional coating, such as paint. However, frictional material 1 7 may comprise frictional tape, or may comprise rubber, or plastic, or any other material whereby the coefficient of static friction of the layered media alignment assembly 2 may be enhanced.

Measuring Features

Having discussed various aspects of a layered media alignment assembly 2, attention is now directed to Fig. 1 and various aspects of the first portion 8 of the main body 4. In various embodiments, the first portion 8 may further comprise a first portion measuring scale 16. Similarly, the second portion 10 of the main body 4 may further comprise a second portion measuring scale 14.

The first portion measuring scale 16 may comprise series of markings along the first portion outer periphery 37. The markings may comprise a standard ruler demarcated in 1/16 inch (about 1.5875 mm) increments. Alternatively, the markings may comprise a ruler demarcated in 1/32 inch (about 0.79375 mm) increments, or may comprise a ruler demarcated in any desired increments. The ruler may extend for the entire length of the first portion 8, or may only extend for portion of the length of the first portion 8. The ruler may extend for 6 inches (about 15.2 cm); though in other embodiments the ruler may extend for any desired length. Furthermore, in various embodiments, the first portion measuring scale 16 may comprise markings demarcated in millimeters. As one may appreciate, the first portion measuring scale 16 may be demarcated in any units of measure, or in multiple different units of measure.

Likewise, the second portion measuring scale 14 may comprise series of markings along the first portion outer periphery 37. The markings may comprise a standard ruler demarcated in 1/16 inch (about 1.5875 mm) increments. Alternatively, the markings may comprise a ruler demarcated in 1/32 inch (about 0.79375 mm) increments, or may comprise a ruler demarcated in any desired increments. The ruler may extend for the entire length of the second portion 10, or may only extend for portion of the length of the second portion 10. The ruler may extend for 6 inches (about 15.2 cm), though in other embodiments the ruler may extend for any desired length. Furthermore, in various embodiments, the second portion measuring scale 14 may comprise markings demarcated in millimeters. As one may appreciate, the second portion measuring scale 14 may be demarcated in any units of measure, or in multiple different units of measure.

The first portion measuring scale 16 and the second portion measuring scale 14 may be demarcated in different units and/or may comprise different lengths. In this manner, a layered media alignment assembly 2 may be configured versatility to measure any distance or combination of distance desired.

Using a layered media alignment assembly

Having discussed various aspects of a layered media alignment assembly 2, a layered media alignment assembly 2 may be used according to various methods. With reference to Figs. 1 , 2, and 6, a layered media alignment assembly 2 may be oriented in abutting contact with a first media layer 40, second media layer 42, and third media layer 44. In operation, a user may first align the first media layer 40 with the lower side guide form 28. Next, the second media layer 42 may be placed in abutting contact with a selected upper surface guide form 20. For example, the user may select from among upper side guide forms 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3 depending on the spacing and orientation of the second media layer 42 that the user desires. The second media layer 42 may optionally include an adhesive backing. If an adhesive backing is present, the second media layer 42 may be pressed into place, except for the portions overlapping the selected upper side guide form 20. In this manner, the second media layer 42 may be aligned relative to the first media layer 40. The layered media alignment assembly 2 may then be removed and the remaining edges of the second media layer 42 pressed down to finish the desired spacing and alignment of the first media layer 40 and the second media layer 42. The process may then be repeated as illustrated in Fig. 6. Specifically, the second media layer 42 may be placed in abutting contact with the lower side guide form 28. The third media layer 44 may be placed in abutting contact with a selected upper side guide form 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3 selected depending on the spacing and orientation of the second media layer 42 that the user desires. The process can be repeated as many times as desired by a user to create various multiple layered media projects.

Materials

Having discussed various aspects of a layered media alignment assembly 2 and various methods of using a layered media alignment assembly 2, a layered media alignment assembly 2 may be made of many different materials or combinations of materials. For example, various components of the system may be made from polymeric material. For example, the main body 4 may be made of a sturdy polycarbonate material. Various aspects of the layered media alignment assembly 2 may comprise polymeric material, or any material configured to provide support, for example, composite, ceramic, plastics, polymers, alloys, glass, binder, polyester, acrylic, or any material or combination of materials having desired material properties, such as heat tolerance, strength, stiffness, or weight. In various embodiments, various portions of a layered media alignment assembly 2 as disclosed herein are made of different materials or combinations of materials, and/or may comprise coatings. For example, the frictional material 17 may be a coating comprising paint.

A layered media alignment assembly 2 may also comprise metals. For example, a straight edge 30 may comprise steel, for example stainless steel, or carbon steel. The straight edge 30 may comprise other metals, such as aluminum, titanium, or alloys such as tin, or may comprise any material having desired material properties, such as heat tolerance, strength, stiffness, or weight.

In various embodiments, layered media alignment assembly 2 may comprise multiple materials, or any material configuration suitable to enhance or reinforce the resiliency and/or support of the system when subjected to wear in a crafting operating environment or to satisfy other desired electromagnetic, chemical, physical, or material properties, for example manufacturing considerations, durability, weight, strength, and heat tolerance.

A layered media alignment assembly 2 may comprise translucent, transparent, and/or semitransparent materials. In this manner, the user may be enabled to easily line up media layers with features on the bottom of the layered media alignment assembly 2, such as the lower side guide form 28. Alternatively, the layered media alignment assembly 2 may be in any color, or in multiple colors indicating various spacing and alignments. The layered media alignment assembly 2 may employ a translucent color which facilitates differentiation in color shade and/or hue among different portions of the layered media alignment assembly 2 having different thickness.

While the assembly described herein have been described in the context of crafting applications; however, one will appreciate in light of the present disclosure, that the systems described herein may be used in various other applications, for example, woodworking, construction, painting, drawing, machining, or any manufacturing or crafting application, or in connection with industrial, engineering, educational, or other industries and implementations needing measuring and/or aligning tools.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described herein with regard to specific embodiments. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of the inventions. The scope of the inventions is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly so stated, but rather "one or more."

Systems, methods and apparatus are provided herein. In the detailed description herein, references to "various embodiments", "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "an example embodiment", etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. After reading the description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure in alternative embodiments.