GB2479562A

GB2479562A - Ruler adjustable in length and/or width

Info

Publication number: GB2479562A
Application number: GB1006217A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Min-Kyu Choi
Original assignee: Made in Mind Ltd
Current assignee: Made in Mind Ltd
Priority date: 2010-04-14
Filing date: 2010-04-14
Publication date: 2011-10-19
Also published as: GB201006217D0

Abstract

An adjustable ruler 1 comprises a first part 3 and a second part 5; wherein at least one of said first and second parts 3, 5 comprises a peripheral straight edge 9 that enables a straight line to be drawn onto a substrate, said first and second parts 3, 5 being moveable longitudinally relative to one another to adjust the overall length of the ruler 1 thereby enabling a user to draw a straight line that has a length that is greater than the length of the ruler 1 when said first and second parts 3, 5 are longitudinally aligned. The first and second parts 3, 5 are also moveable laterally relative to one another to adjust the overall width of the ruler. In certain embodiments, at least one of said parts 3, 5 comprises a graduated measuring scale (27, Fig.6) and the other of said parts comprises a marker (29, Fig.6) that is aligned with a predetermined point on said graduated scale (27, Fig.6) when said first and second parts 3, 5 are longitudinally aligned, the arrangement being such that a longitudinal movement of one of said parts relative to the other causes said marker (29, Fig.6)to move relative to said scale (27, Fig.6), thereby enabling the distance moved by said one part relative to said other part to be determined.

Description

RULER

Field

This invention relates to rulers.

Background

Conventional rulers are typically of metal, plastic or wood and comprise at least one straight edge alongside which a graduated measuring scale is provided. A typical ruler is about 30cm long and rectangular in shape. In some instances, the ruler has two straight edges and includes a metric scale alongside one straight edge, and an imperial scale along the other.

Such rulers can readily be used for drawing straight lines of up to 30cm in length, and for measuring distances of 30 cm or less. With care, they can also be used for drawing lines longer than 30 cm and for measuring longer distances, although the accuracy of such measurements tends to suffer as the user has to move the ruler. A conventional ruler can also be used for measuring the width of an article, but a degree of estimation is required if the article cannot be picked up to align one edge with a point on the graduated scale.

A more accurate tool for measuring distances is the so-called Vernier calliper (see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caliper#Vernier_caliper). With such devices it is possible to measure distances with a much higher degree of accuracy than a traditional ruler. For example, a typical Vernier calliper enables distances to be measured with an accuracy of up to 0.02 mm.

An illustrative Vernier calliper is configured so that one can measure the outside diameter of an object, the inside diameter of an object or the depth of a hole. However, such a device cannot readily be used as a straight edge along which a line may be drawn, and as a consequence of this it is generally necessary for persons to have both a ruler and a calliper.

Clearly It would be advantageous if the functionality of a traditional ruler could be enhanced so that it can readily be used for a variety of different functions.

S u mma ty In one envisaged arrangement, the teachings of the invention provide a ruler comprising a first part and a second part; wherein: (i) at least one of said first and second parts comprises a peripheral straight edge that enables a straight line to be drawn onto a substrate, said first and second parts being moveable longitudinally relative to one another to adjust the overall length of the ruler thereby enabling a user to draw a straight line that has a length that is greater than the length of the ruler when said first and second parts are longitudinally aligned; (ii) said first and second parts are moveable laterally relative to one another to adjust the overall width of the ruler; and (iii) at least one of said parts comprises a graduated measuring scale, and the other of said parts comprises a marker that is aligned with a predetermined point on said graduated scale when said first and second parts are longitudinally aligned, the arrangement being such that a longitudinal movement of one of said parts relative to the other causes said marker to move relative to said scale, thereby enabling the distance moved by said one part relative to said other part to be determined.

One advantage of this arrangement is that the ruler combines, and in some respects enhances, the functionality of a traditional ruler and a traditional calliper.

In one implementation said first and second parts include complementary cooperating formations that enable the overall width of the ruler to be adjusted in predetermined increments.

The known increments may correspond to a distance between respective adjacent formations on one of said first and second parts.

In one implementation said complementary cooperating formations may comprise a plurality of parallel longitudinally extending ribs.

The ribs may be generally triangular in cross section.

The first and second parts may be separable from one another and/or the first and second parts may be coupled together. The first and second parts may be magnetically coupled one to the other.

In another aspect the teachings of the invention provide a ruler comprising a first part and a second part; wherein at least one of said first and second parts comprises a peripheral straight edge that enables a straight line to be drawn onto a substrate, and said first and second parts are moveable longitudinally relative to one another to adjust the overall length of the ruler, thereby enabling a user to draw straight lines having a length that is greater than the length of the ruler when said first and second parts are longitudinally aligned.

In another aspect the teachings of the invention provide a ruler comprising a first part and a second part, wherein at least one of said first and second parts comprises a peripheral straight edge that enables a straight line to be drawn onto a substrate, and said first and second parts are moveable laterally relative to one another to adjust the overall width of the ruler.

The ribs may be generally triangular in cross section.

In yet another aspect the teachings of the invention provide a ruler comprising a first part and a second part, wherein said first and second parts are longitudinally moveable relative to one another, at least one of said parts comprises a graduated measuring scale, and the other of said parts comprises a marker that is aligned with a predetermined point on said graduated scale when said first and second parts are longitudinally aligned, the arrangement being such that a longitudinal movement of one of said parts relative to the other causes said marker to move relative to said scale, thereby enabling the distance moved by said one part relative to said other part to be determined.

Other features, aspects and advantages will be apparent from the following

detailed description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Various aspects of the teachings of the present invention, and arrangements embodying those teachings, will hereafter be described by way of illustrative example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a ruler according to a first aspect; Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the ruler shown in Fig. 1 in use; Figs. 3 to 5 are schematic perspective views of a ruler according to a second aspect in different operating configurations; Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a ruler according to a third aspect; and Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of the ruler depicted in Fig. 6.

Detailed Description

Various illustrative arrangements that embody the teachings of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to Fig. 1, the ruler 1 of this arrangement comprises two components, a first part 3 and a second part 5, that cooperate with one another (in a manner that is later described) to form a rectangular body 7 of overall length L and overall width W. In one envisaged configuration the two components are configured (in a manner to be later described) so that they can be loosely coupled together for use, whilst remaining separable from one another. In another envisaged implementation the two components may not necessarily be separable from one another.

As will later be described, the cooperating first and second parts 3, 5 are configured so that one said part can move relative to the other. In a particularly preferred implementation, the two parts are configured so that one said part can slide relative to the other.

In the particular arrangement depicted in Fig. 1, the first and second parts 3, 5 each include a straight outer edge 9, along each of which a graduated scale 11 (in this particular example, a graduated metric scale) is provided. In one envisaged implementation the length L of the rectangular body is large enough to enable a 30 cm graduated scale to be provided alongside each straight outer edge.

Whilst it is envisaged that both parts 3, 5 will include a straight outer edge, it will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art that for the ruler to be useful it is only necessary for one of said first and second parts 3, 5 to include a straight outer edge 9, and further that only that one straight edge need be provided with a graduated scale 11.

With the ruler configured as in Fig. 1, it will be apparent that a user can readily draw straight lines of a length less than the length L of the rectangular body by running a pencil, for example, along either straight edge 9.

As aforementioned, and as shown schematically in Fig. 2, the first and second parts 3, 5 of the rectangular body 7 are configured so that one said part can move relative to the other. By virtue of this arrangement it is possible for users to easily draw lines of a length greater than the length L of the rectangular body (unlike conventional rulers).

To achieve this (in one illustrative manner of operation), the user starts with the ruler in the configuration depicted in Fig. 1. The user then presses down on both the first part 3 and the second part 5 of the ruler, and draws a line along the straight edge 9 of the first part 3 (for example). The user then releases the first part and slides the first part relative to the second part, for example in the direction shown by arrow A in Fig. 2. The straight edge 9 of the first part 3 then extends beyond the line that the user has just drawn, and the user can then draw along the straight edge of the first part to extend the line that they originally drew.

The user can, if they so wish, then hold down the first part 3, release the second part 5, and then move the second part 5 relative to the first part 3 so that the ruler is in a configuration much like that shown in Fig. 1. The user can then repeat the process to yet further extend the extension to the original drawn line.

As can be seen from the foregoing, by virtue of this arrangement users can readily draw lines that are longer than the length:L of the rectangular body.

Furthermore, as the first part carries a graduated scale 11 adjacent the free edge, it is possible for users to accurately draw lines of a length greater than the length L of the rectangular body 7.

In the particular implementation depicted in Figs. 1 and 2, the second part 5 includes a projecting shelf 13 that is recessed with respect to the immediately adjacent remaining portion of the second part. A complementary portion 15 of the first part that is similarly recessed rests on the shelf 13 of the second part, and by virtue of this arrangement the first part and second parts can be moved relative to one another.

Referring now to Figs to 5 of the accompanying drawings, there is depicted an illustrative modification of the arrangement shown in Figs. 1 and 2 that enables the width W of the rectangular body 7 to be adjusted.

As will be appreciated, another use for a traditional ruler is as a straight edge against which paper, and the like, can be torn into strips. A disadvantage of the traditional ruler is that as its width is fixed, it can only readily be used (i.e. without first measuring distances on the paper that is to be torn into strip) to tear strips of a single width that corresponds to the width of the ruler.

By means of the arrangement depicted in Figs. 3 to 5, the width of the ruler can readily be adjusted and as a consequence, users can readily tear off strips of different predetermined widths without first having to measure distances on the paper, for example, that is to be torn.

To implement this functionality the aforementioned recessed projecting shelf 13 is provided with a plurality of evenly spaced parallel ribs 17 that project from the shelf 13 (in the orientation depicted, in an upward direction). In this particular case the ribs are generally triangular in cross-section and respective apexes of adjacent ribs are set 1 mm apart.

As best shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the aforementioned complementary portion 15 of the first part 3 is also provided with a plurality of evenly spaced parallel ribs 19 that project from the complementary portion 15 (in the orientation depicted, in a downward direction). The ribs 19 are of a complementary shape to the ribs 15 of the shelf 13, and spaced so that respective apexes of adjacent ribs are 1 mm apart.

When the ruler is in the configuration shown in Fig. 3 the ribs 19 of the complementary portionl5 fit into troughs between the ribs 17 of the shelf 13 so that an edge 21 (shown in Fig. 4) of the complementary portion 15 distal from the straight edge 9 of the first part 3 abuts against an edge 23 of the shelf proximate the remainder of the second part 5. In this configuration the ruler is at its narrowest. In one envisaged implementation the ruler is 50 mm wide when in this configuration.

To increase the width of the ruler, the user need only move the first part laterally with respect to the second part to introduce a gap between the aforementioned edges 21, 23. In an envisaged implementation for each additional rib that is visible between the aforementioned edges 21, 23, the width of the ruler increases by one millimetre.

Thus, in the arrangement depicted in Fig. 4 three ribs are visible between the aforementioned edges 21, 23, and hence the overall width of the ruler is 53 mm.

Similarly, in the arrangement depicted in Fig. 5, fourteen ribs are visible between the aforementioned edges 21, 23, and hence the overall width of the ruler is 64 mm.

It can be seen from the foregoing that the width of the ruler can readily be adjusted, and as such a user of the ruler is provided with the ability to tear off strips (for example, of paper) of different sizes without first having to make measurements. It will also be appreciated that the ruler shown in these figures also provides the advantages of the ruler shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

It will further be appreciated that the interengaging or interdigitated ribs loosely couple one part to the other part, which coupling helps keep the two parts parallel when one part is moved longitudinally relative to the other.

Referring now to Figs. 6 and 7 (Fig. 7 being an enlarged view of area 25 in Fig. 6), there is depicted a third aspect of the teachings of the present invention.

In this aspect, an additional graduated scale 27 is provided adjacent one of the aforementioned edges 21, 23, and markers 29 are provided adjacent the other of the aforementioned edges 21. 23. In the particular implementation depicted in Figs. 6 and 7 the additional graduated scale is provided on the first part 3, and the markers are provided on the second part 5. Furthermore, the marker towards the left-had end of the ruler (as depicted) is aligned with the zero on the additional graduated scale 27 adjacent edge 21 and the zero on the graduated scale adjacent the second part straight edge 9.

The marker towards the right-hand end of the ruler is aligned with the zero mark on the graduated scale adjacent the lowermost straight edge.

As will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, when one part moves relative to the other the markers on the second part 5 move relative to the graduated scales 11, 27 on the first part 3. As a result, the degree of relative movement between the first and second parts can readily be measured by noting the point where one of the markers 29 is aligned with one of the scales 11, 27 on the first part 3.

This functionality enables the ruler of this aspect of the invention to readily be used to measure the thickness of an article. For example, if a used stands the left hand end of the ruler on an article to be measured so that the second part 5 is supported by the article and the first part moves adjacent the surface on which the article is resting, then the marker 29 depicted in Fig. 7 will move relative to the additional scale 27 to indicate the distance between the surface of the article that the second part 5 is resting on, and the surface supporting the article (and on which the first part is resting). Thus a user can quickly and easily measure the thickness of an article.

It will be appreciated that whilst various aspects and embodiments of the present invention have heretofore been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the particular arrangements set out herein and instead extends to encompass all arrangements, and modifications and alterations thereto, which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

For example, whilst the ribs disclosed herein a generally triangular in section, they may be differently shaped so long as the ribs on the shelf and the ribs on the complementary portion fit together. Similarly, whilst it is preferred for the ribs to be spaced 1mm apart, an alternative spacing may be provided.

In another modification, the first and second parts may not join at a straight edge, but could instead each include complementary ribbed edges, where each rib is set at a fixed distance apart (in a manner similar to the ribs on the shelf and complementary portion). With such an arrangement a user could easily adjust the length of the ruler in known increments, and such an arrangement could be advantageous for visually impaired users who might have difficulty seeing the graduated scale.

It will also be appreciated that the three aspects described herein may be combined in one ruler, or provided individually as advantageous enhancements to existing ruler technology.

In another modification, whilst it has previously been proposed that the first and second parts are freely separable from one another, it is also envisaged that they could be loosely coupled one to the other, for example by means of a magnetic coupling that is sufficiently weak to enable on said part to be moved relative to the other.

Lastly, it should also be noted that whilst the accompanying claims set out particular combinations of features described herein, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the particular combinations hereafter claimed, but instead extends to encompass any combination of features herein disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A ruler comprising a first part and a second part; wherein: (i) at least one of said first and second parts comprises a peripheral straight edge that enables a straight line to be drawn onto a substrate, said first and second parts being moveable longitudinally relative to one another to adjust the overall length of the ruler thereby enabling a user to draw a straight line that has a length that is greater than the length of the ruler when said first and second parts are longitudinally aligned; (ii) said first and second parts are moveable laterally relative to one another to adjust the overall width of the ruler; and (iii) at least one of said parts comprises a graduated measuring scale, and the other of said parts comprises a marker that is aligned with a predetermined point on said graduated scale when said first and second parts are longitudinally aligned, the arrangement being such that a longitudinal movement of one of said parts relative to the other causes said marker to move relative to said scale, thereby enabling the distance moved by said one part relative to said other part to be determined.
2. A ruler according to Claim 1, wherein said first and second parts include complementary cooperating formations that enable the overall width of the ruler to be adjusted in predetermined increments.
3. A ruler according to Claim 2, wherein said known increments correspond to a distance between respective adjacent formations on one of said first and second parts.
4. A ruler according to Claim 2 or 3, wherein said complementary cooperating formations comprise a plurality of parallel longitudinally extending ribs.
5. A ruler according to Claim 4, wherein said ribs are generally triangular in cross section.
6. A ruler according to any of Claims 2 to 5, wherein a portion of one said part overlaps a portion of the other said part when said complementary cooperating formations engage with one another.
7. A ruler according to any preceding claim wherein said first and second parts are separable from one another.
8. A ruler according to any preceding claim wherein said first and second parts are coupled together.
9. A ruler according to Claim 8, wherein said first and second parts are magnetically coupled one to the other.
10. A ruler comprising a first part and a second part; wherein at least one of said first and second parts comprises a peripheral straight edge that enables a straight line to be drawn onto a substrate, and said first and second parts are moveable longitudinally relative to one another to adjust the overall length of the ruler, thereby enabling a user to draw straight lines having a length that is greater than the length of the ruler when said first and second parts are longitudinally aligned.
11. A ruler comprising a first part and a second part, wherein at least one of said first and second parts comprises a peripheral straight edge that enables a straight line to be drawn onto a substrate, and said first and second parts are moveable laterally relative to one another to adjust the overall width of the ruler.
12. A ruler according to Claim 11, wherein said first and second parts includes complementary cooperating formations that enable the overall width of the ruler to be adjusted in predetermined increments.
13. A ruler according to Claim 12, wherein said known increments correspond to a distance between respective adjacent formations on one of said first and second parts.
14. A ruler according to Claim 12 or 13, wherein said complementary cooperating formations comprise a plurality of parallel longitudinally extending ribs.
15. A ruler according to Claim 14, wherein said ribs are generally triangular in cross section.
16. A ruler according to any of Claims 12 to 15, wherein a portion of one said part overlaps a portion of the other said part when said complementary cooperating formations engage with one another.
17. A ruler comprising a first part and a second part, wherein said first and second parts are longitudinally moveable relative to one another, at least one of said parts comprises a graduated measuring scale, and the other of said parts comprises a marker that is aligned with a predetermined point on said graduated scale when said first and second parts are longitudinally aligned, the arrangement being such that a longitudinal movement of one of said parts relative to the other causes said marker to move relative to said scale, thereby enabling the distance moved by said one part relative to said other part to be determined.
18. A ruler substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.