WO2017139830A1

WO2017139830A1 - Ruler

Info

Publication number: WO2017139830A1
Application number: PCT/AU2017/000044
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ronald Roberts
Original assignee: Ronald Roberts
Priority date: 2016-02-16
Filing date: 2017-02-16
Publication date: 2017-08-24

Abstract

The present invention relates to a measuring instrument. More particularly, the invention relates to a ruler including a substantially rectangular flat body, wherein the ruler includes a widthwise measuring edge on a side located perpendicular to a lengthwise edge.

Description

TITLE

Ruler

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to a measuring instrument. More particularly, the invention relates to a ruler with a widthwise measuring edge on a side perpendicular to its lengthwise edge.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[002] Measurements can be taken with an instrument such as a ruler, which has a straight edge with calibrated lines to allow distance measurements to be taken.

[003] Measuring instruments such as rulers can be made of different materials, such as plastic, wood and metal, and are available in different lengths, shapes, sizes and colours.

[004] One of the earliest forms of rulers described in a patent is United States Patent No.

20055 granted in 1858. This patent describes a ruler with grooves filled with rubber to prevent movement when placed on a sheet of paper or the like. Another patent, United States Patent No. 1594862, which was granted in 1926, describes a brick masons ruler with specific indicia to indicate the number of bricks and thickness of each mortar joint required for the desired height measured.

[005] A problem with rulers known in the art is that it can be difficult to take measurements in confined spaces such that measurements cannot accurately be taken because the ruler may not be appropriately sized to enter a confined space in order to take an accurate measurement. One solution to this problem may be provided by the use of a smaller ruler that is suitably sized to fit inside such confined spaces. However, small rulers can easily be misplaced. In addition, it would be cumbersome to have in possession a number of differently sized rulers, where a certain sized ruler can be selected which is dimensioned to be able to fit inside the confined space.

[006] Therefore, a ruler that allows measurements to be made in confined spaces without the need to use a smaller sized ruler would be desirable. The present invention seeks to alleviate this problem. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[007] In a broad form, the invention relates to a measuring instrument with a widthwise measuring edge and a method of taking a measurement in a confined space by inserting the instrument therein and measuring a length by using the widthwise measuring edge positioned inside the confined space.

[008] In a first aspect, the present invention broadly provides a ruler including a substantially rectangular flat body, wherein the ruler includes a widthwise measuring edge on a side located perpendicular to a lengthwise edge.

[009] In a second aspect, the present invention broadly provides a method of taking measurements in a confined space, the method including: 1) inserting a ruler, wherein the ruler includes a substantially rectangular flat body and a widthwise measuring edge on a side located perpendicular to a lengthwise edge; and 2) measuring a length, wherein the widthwise measuring edge is used to take measurements in the confined space.

[010] In one embodiment of any above aspect, the widthwise measuring edge includes a first set of calibrated indicia consisting of lines. The lines are disposed transversely on the widthwise measuring edge and are equally spaced. In some embodiments, the widthwise measuring edge includes lines of equal length disposed transversely on the widthwise measuring edge, whilst in other embodiments, the widthwise measuring edge may include lines disposed transversely on the widthwise measurmg edge of a further second and/or third set of calibrated indicia, wherein each of the first, second and third set of calibrated indicia represents a unit of length. In one form, the first set of calibrated indicia includes lines representing the millimetre unit of length of the metric system, the second set of calibrated indicia includes lines representing the half (1/2) fraction of a centimetre unit of length of the metric system and the third set of calibrated indicia includes lines representing the centimetre unit of length of the metric system. In another one form, the first set of calibrated indicia includes lines representing the sixteenth (1/16) fractions of the inch unit of the length of the Imperial system of measurement, the second set of calibrated indicia includes lines representing the eighth (1/8) fraction of the inch unit of the length of the Imperial system of measurement, the third set of calibrated indicia includes lines representing the quarter (1/4) fraction of the inch unit of length of the Imperial system of measurement, the fourth set of calibrated indicia includes lines representing the half (1/2) fraction of the inch unit of length of the Imperial system of measurement and the fifth set of calibrated indicia includes lines representing the inch unit of the length of the Imperial system of measurement. Preferably, the lines of each of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth set of calibrated indicia are of different lengths, where the fifth set of lines are longer than the fourth set of lines, the fourth set of lines are longer than the third set of lines, the third set of lines are longer than the second set of lines, and the second set of lines are longer than the first set of lines. Most preferably, the widthwise measuring edge includes a combination of any one or more of the first, second and third sets of calibrated indicia, where the widthwise measuring edge includes a plurality of lines which may indicate any of the millimetre, half (1/2) centimetre and centimetre unit of length of measurement overlaid together. Alternatively, in another form, the widthwise measuring edge includes a combination of any one or more of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth sets of calibrated indicia, where the widthwise measuring edge includes a plurality of lines which may indicate any of the sixteenth (1/16) fractions of the inch unit, the eighth (1/8) fractions of the inch unit, the quarter (1/4) fractions of the inch unit, the half (1/2) fraction of the inch unit and the inch unit of length of measurement overlaid together. In this alternative form, the lines may indicate the fractions of an inch unit of length of the Imperial system of measurement and the inch unit of length of measurement with the smallest set of lines indicating the sixteenth (1/16) fractions of an inch unit, and the longest set of lines indicating the inch unit of length of the Imperial system of measurement. Even most preferably, the widthwise measuring edge located at opposing ends of the ruler may include 1) the millimetre unit and/or centimetre unit of length of the metric system at a first widthwise end of the ruler, and 2) the fractions of an inch unit and/or inch unit of length of the Imperial system of measurement at the second widthwise end of the ruler. In an alternative form, the widthwise measuring edges located at each end of the ruler may include either 1) the millimetre unit and/or centimetre unit of length of the metric system, or 2) the fractions of an inch unit and/or inch unit of length of the Imperial system of measurement.

In another embodiment of any above aspect, the widthwise measuring edge includes a set of calibrated indicia of equal spacing with a single central dominant line. In this embodiment, the single central dominant line is positioned at a midpoint of the widthwise measuring edge with non-dominant lines that are smaller in length are successively positioned equally spaced apart on both sides of the single central dominant line positioned on the widthwise measuring edge. In use, the single central dominant line may be used as a starting (or "zero") position for taking measurements wherein any of the non-dominant lines disposed on the widthwise measuring edge may be used to measure the distance from the starting position. Each non-dominant line represents a unit of length measurement away from the single central dominant line and may be used to measure the radius or diameter of a circular object, or may assist in identifying the center of a circular object, or may assist in identifying the mid-point between two reference positions. In one form, the set of calibrated indicia on the widthwise measuring edge represents the millimetre unit of length of measurement. In another form, the set of calibrated indicia on the widthwise measuring edge represents the fractions of an inch unit of length of measurement. Preferably, the ruler includes a combination of calibrated indicia on the widthwise measuring edge where the millimetre unit of length is indicated at the first widthwise measuring end and the fractions of an inch unit of length are indicated at the second widthwise measuring end.

In yet another embodiment of any above aspect, the lengthwise edge may be a lengthwise measuring edge and includes a set of calibrated indicia consisting of lines. In this embodiment, the lengthwise measuring edge includes a first set of calibrated indicia consisting of lines. The lines are disposed transversely on the lengthwise measuring edge and are equally spaced. In some embodiments, the lengthwise measuring edge includes lines of equal length disposed transversely on the lengthwise measuring edge, whilst in other embodiments, the lengthwise measuring edge may include lines disposed transversely on the lengthwise measuring edge of a further second and/or third set of calibrated indicia, wherein each of the first, second and third set of calibrated indicia represents a unit of length. In one form, the first set of calibrated indicia includes lines representing the millimetre unit of length of the metric system, the second set of calibrated indicia includes lines representing the half (1/2) fraction of a centimetre unit of length of the metric system and the third set of calibrated indicia includes lines representing the centimetre unit of length of the metric system. In another one form, the first set of calibrated indicia includes lines representing the sixteenth (1/16) fractions of the inch unit of the length of the Imperial system of measurement, the second set of calibrated indicia includes lines representing the eighth (1/8) fractions of the inch unit of the length of the Imperial system of measurement, the third set of calibrated indicia includes lines representing the quarter (1/4) fractions of the inch unit of the length of the Imperial system of measurement, the fourth set of calibrated indicia includes lines representing the half (1/2) fraction of the inch unit of the length of the Imperial system of measurement and the fifth set of calibrated indicia includes lines representing the inch unit of the length of the Imperial system of measurement. Preferably, the lines of each of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth set of calibrated indicia are of different lengths, where the fifth set of lines are longer than the fourth set of lines, the fourth set of lines are longer than the third set of lines, the third set of lines are longer than the second set of lines, and the second set of lines are longer than the first set of lines. Most preferably, the lengthwise measuring edge includes a combination of any one or more of the first, second and third sets of calibrated indicia, where the lengthwise measuring edge includes a plurality of lines which may indicate any of the millimetre, half (1/2) centimetre and centimetre unit of length of measurement overlaid together. Alternatively, in another form, the lengthwise measuring edge includes a combination of any one or more of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth sets of calibrated indicia, where the lengthwise measuring edge includes a plurality of lines which may indicate any of sixteenth ( 1/16) fractions of the inch unit, eighth (1/8) fractions of the inch unit, quarter (1/4) fractions of the inch unit, half (1/2) fractions of the inch unit and the inch unit of length of measurement overlaid together. In this alternative form, the lines may indicate the fractions of an inch unit of length of the Imperial system of measurement and the inch unit of length of measurement with the smallest set of lines indicating the sixteenth (1/16) fractions of an inch unit, and the longest set of lines indicating the inch unit of length of the Imperial system of measurement. Even most preferably, the lengthwise measuring edge located at opposing ends of the ruler may include 1) the millimetre unit and/or centimetre unit of length of the metric system at a first lengthwise end of the ruler, and 2) the fractions of an inch unit and/or inch unit of length of th e Imperial system of measurement at the second lengthwise end of the ruler. In an alternative form, the lengthwise measuring edges located at each end of the ruler may include either 1 ) the millimetre unit and/or centimetre unit of length of the metric system, or 2) the fractions of an inch unit and/or inch unit of length of the Imperial system of measurement.

[013] According to any above aspect, the ruler may be made from any material suitable to form a straight edge. Preferably, the material consists of the group selected from plastic, wood, or metal, including but not limited to, polymeric materials, cellulosic materials, stainless steel and metal alloys. In some embodiments, the ruler may be rigid. In other embodiments, the ruler may be flexible. In some embodiments, the ruler may be made from a transparent material, such as transparent plastics including, but not limited to, acrylics (e.g., polymethylmethacrylate), butyrates (e.g., cellulose acetate butyrate), polycarbonates, and PETG (glycol modified polyethylene terephthalate).

[014] According to any above aspect, at least one set of calibrated indicia, which may be graduated in 1 ) millimetres and/or centimetres, or in 2) inches and fractions thereof may be disposed on the widthwise measuring edge of the ruler. Most preferably, calibrated indicia are located on at least one widthwise measuring edge and at least one lengthwise measuring edge of the ruler.

[015] According to any above aspect, the calibrated indicia located on a widthwise measuring edge may alternatively be a protractor-like graduation. In this embodiment, the widthwise measuring edge includes a semi-circular (or half-disc) indicia where the base of the half-disc is located on the widthwise edge. The half- disc indicia may be divided into 180 equal parts for measuring angles in degrees or appropriately marked to indicate radians or fractions thereof.

[016] According to any above aspect, the calibrated indicia may be marked with a suitable ink material, or etched on the widthwise measuring edge and/or lengthwise measuring edge of the ruler. In some embodiments, the calibrated indicia may be in different colours for ease of identification and/or for taking measurements.

[017] According to any above aspect, calibrated indicia may be located on a top face or a bottom face of the ruler, or on both faces of the ruler. However, it would be understood that when the ruler is made from a transparent material, calibrated indicia is preferably located on only one face (either the top face or bottom face) of the ruler. [018] According to any above aspect, the ruler of the present invention may have a width wise measuring edge and an opposite widthwise edge without calibrated indicia. In this embodiment, the widthwise edge may be a circularly shaped edge, such as in the form of a semi-circle or half-disc. In some embodiments, the area defined by the circularly shaped edge may include an annular space (or hole). The hole may be used to insert a hook or like means therein to position the ruler for storage.

[019] Where the terms "comprise", comprises", "comprising", "include", "includes", "included" or "including" are used in this specification, they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components referred to, but not to preclude the presence or addition of one or more other feature, integer, step, component or group thereof.

[020] Further, any prior art reference or statement provided in the specification is not to be taken as an admission that such art constitutes, or is to be understood as constituting, part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[021] In order that the present invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying illustrations, wherein like reference numerals refer to like features and wherein:

[022] Figure 1 illustrates one preferred form of the measuring instrument according to the present invention.

[023] Figure 2 illustrates another preferred form of the measuring instrument according to the present invention.

[024] Figure 3 illustrates another preferred form of the measuring instrument according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[025] The following description refers to specific embodiments of the present invention and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the present invention to those specific embodiments.

[026] In a broad form, the invention relates to a measuring instrument (or ruler) with a widthwise measuring edge and a method of taking a measurement in a confined space by inserting the measuring instrument and measuring a length by using the widthwise measuring edge positioned inside the confined space.

[027] As used herein, "measuring instrument" means a device for taking measurements and includes ruler, rule, line gauge and the like.

[028] The term "measuring instrument" and "ruler" are used interchangeably throughout this document and refer to the same device.

[029] Also, the indefinite articles "a" and "an" preceding an element or component of the invention are intended to be nonrestrictive regarding the number of instances (i.e., occurrences) of the element or component. Therefore "a" or "an" should be read to include one or at least one, and the singular word form of the element or component also includes the plural unless the number is obviously meant to be singular.

[030] Figure 1 depicts one preferred form of the invention. A ruler 10, as shown in Figure 1 , has a substantially rectangular flat body 20 with a widthwise measuring edge 21 and parallel lengthwise measuring edges 22, 23. The widthwise measuring edge 21 includes a first set of calibrated indicia graduated in the millimetre unit of measurement being indicated by parallel lines 24 equally disposed transversely on the widthwise measuring edge 21 of the ruler 10. The widthwise measuring edge 21 also includes a second set of calibrated indicia graduated in the half (0.5) fraction of centimetre unit of measurement being indicated by parallel lines 25 equally disposed transversely on the widthwise measuring edge 21 of the ruler 10. The widthwise measuring edge 21 further includes a third set of calibrated indicia graduated in the centimetre unit of measurement being indicated by parallel lines 26 equally disposed transversely on the widthwise measuring edge 21 of the ruler 10. Each line of the first, second and third sets of the calibrated indicia of the width wise measuring edge 21 is equally spaced apart.

[031] First lengthwise measuring edge 22 includes a first set of calibrated indicia graduated in the millimetre unit of measurement being indicated by parallel lines 27 equally disposed transversely on the lengthwise measuring edge 22 of the ruler 10. The lengthwise measuring edge 22 also includes a second set of calibrated indicia graduated in the half (0.5) fraction of centimetre unit of measurement being indicated by parallel lines 28 equally disposed transversely on the lengthwise measuring edge 22 of the ruler 10. The lengthwise measuring edge 22 further includes a third set of calibrated indicia graduated in the centimetre unit of measurement being indicated by parallel lines 29 equally disposed transversely on the lengthwise measuring edge 22 of the ruler 10. Each line of the first, second and third sets of the calibrated indicia of the lengthwise measuring edge 22 is equally spaced apart.

[032] Second lengthwise measuring edge 23, located on the opposite side of the first lengthwise measuring edge 22, includes a first set of calibrated indicia graduated in the sixteenth (1/16) fraction of an inch unit of measurement being indicated by parallel lines 30 equally disposed transversely on the lengthwise measuring edge 23 of the ruler 10. The second lengthwise measuring edge 23 also includes a second set of calibrated indicia graduated in the eighth (1/8) fraction of an inch unit of measurement being indicated by parallel lines 31 equally disposed transversely on the lengthwise measuring edge 23 of the ruler 10. The second lengthwise measuring edge 23 further includes a third set of calibrated indicia graduated in the quarter (1/4) fraction of an inch unit of measurement being indicated by parallel lines 32 equally disposed transversely on the lengthwise measuring edge 23 of the ruler 10. The second lengthwise measuring edge 23 additionally includes a fourth set of calibrated indicia graduated in the half (1/2) fraction of an inch unit of measurement being indicated by parallel lines 33 equally disposed transversely on the lengthwise measuring edge 23 of the ruler 10. The second lengthwise measuring edge 23 additionally includes a fifth set of calibrated indicia graduated in the inch unit of measurement being indicated by parallel lines 34 equally disposed transversely on the lengthwise measuring edge 23 of the ruler 10. Each line of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth sets of the calibrated indicia of the lengthwise measuring edge 23 is equally spaced apart.

[033] As shown in Figure 1 , ruler 10 includes a widthwise edge 40 without calibrated indicia located thereon (i.e., the widthwise edge 40 is not a widthwise measuring edge). Widthwise edge 40 is a circularly shaped or half-disc shaped edge and the area defined by the circularly shaped edge includes an annular space (or hole) 41. The hole 41 may be used to insert a hook or like means (not shown) therein to position the ruler 10 for storage.

[034] Figure 2 depicts another preferred fonn of the invention. A ruler 50, as shown in Figure 2, has a substantially rectangular flat body 60 with a widthwise measuring edge 51 and parallel lengthwise measuring edges 52, 53. The widthwise measuring edge 51 includes a set of calibrated indicia of equal spacing with a single central dominant line 58. The central dominant line 58 is positioned at a mid-point of the widthwise measuring edge 51 with non-dominant lines 54 that are smaller in length are successively positioned equally spaced apart on both sides of the single central dominant line 58 positioned on the widthwise measuring edge 51.

[035] As shown in Figure 2, each non-dominant line 54 represents a unit of length measurement away from the single central dominant line 58 and may be used to measure the radius or diameter of a circular object, or may assist in identifying the center of a circular object, or may assist in identifying the mid-point between two reference positions (not shown).

[036] First lengthwise measuring edge 52 includes a first set of calibrated indicia graduated in the millimetre unit of measurement being indicated by parallel lines 55 equally disposed transversely on the lengthwise measuring edge 52 of the ruler 50. The lengthwise measuring edge 52 also includes a second set of calibrated indicia graduated in the half (0.5) fraction of centimetre unit of measurement being indicated by parallel lines 56 equally disposed transversely on the lengthwise measuring edge 52 of the ruler 50. The lengthwise measuring edge 52 further includes a third set of calibrated indicia graduated in the centimetre unit of measurement being indicated by parallel lines 57 equally disposed transversely on the lengthwise measuring edge 52 of the ruler 50. Each line of the first, second and third sets of the calibrated indicia of the lengthwise measuring edge 52 is equally spaced apart.

[037] Second lengthwise measuring edge 53, located on the opposite side of the first lengthwise measuring edge 52, includes a first set of calibrated indicia graduated in the sixteenth (1/16) fraction of an inch unit of measurement being indicated by parallel lines 70 equally disposed transversely on the lengthwise measuring edge 53 of the ruler 50. The second lengthwise measuring edge 53 also includes a second set of calibrated indicia graduated in the eighth (1/8) fraction of an inch unit of measurement being indicated by parallel lines 71 equally disposed transversely on the lengthwise measuring edge 53 of the ruler 50. The second lengthwise measuring edge 53 further includes a third set of calibrated indicia graduated in the quarter (1/4) fraction of an inch unit of measurement being indicated by parallel lines 72 equally disposed transversely on the lengthwise measuring edge 53 of the ruler 50. The second lengthwise measuring edge 53 additionally includes a fourth set of calibrated indicia graduated in the half (1/2) fraction of an inch unit of measurement being indicated by parallel lines 73 equally disposed transversely on the lengthwise measuring edge 53 of the ruler 50. The second lengthwise measuring edge 53 additionally includes a fifth set of calibrated indicia graduated in the inch unit of measurement being indicated by parallel lines 74 equally disposed transversely on the lengthwise measuring edge 53 of the ruler 50. Each line of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth sets of the calibrated indicia of the lengthwise measuring edge 53 is equally spaced apart.

[038] The ruler 50 similarly includes a widthwise edge 80 without calibrated indicia located thereon (i.e., the widthwise edge 80 is not a widthwise measuring edge). Widthwise edge 80 is a circularly shaped or half-disc shaped edge and the area defined by the circularly shaped edge includes an annular space (or hole) 81. The hole 81 may be used to insert a hook or like means (not shown) therein to position the ruler 50 for storage.

[039] Figure 3 depicts another preferred form of the invention. A ruler 100, as shown in Figure 3, has a rectangular flat body 120 with parallel widthwise measuring edges 151 , 181 and parallel lengthwise measuring edges 152, 153. The first widthwise measuring edge 151 includes a set of calibrated indicia of equal spacing with a single central dominant line 158. The central dominant line 158 is positioned at a mid-point of the widthwise measuring edge 151 with non-dominant lines 154 that are smaller in length are successively positioned equally spaced apart on both sides of the single central dominant line 158 positioned on the widthwise measuring edge 151.

[040] As shown in Figure 3, each non-dominant line 154 represents a unit of length measurement away from the single central dominant line 158 and may be used to measure the radius or diameter of a circular object, or may assist in identifying the center of a circular object, or may assist in identifying the mid-point between two reference positions (not shown). [041 ] The second widthwise measuring edge 181 includes a first set of calibrated indicia graduated in the millimetre unit of measurement being indicated by parallel lines 184 equally disposed transversely on the widthwise measuring edge 181 of the ruler 100. The widthwise measuring edge 181 also includes a second set of calibrated indicia graduated in the half (0.5) fraction of centimetre unit of measurement being indicated by parallel lines 185 equally disposed transversely on the widthwise measuring edge 181 of the ruler 100. The widthwise measuring edge 181 further includes a third set of calibrated indicia graduated in the centimetre unit of measurement being indicated by parallel lines 186 equally disposed transversely on the widthwise measuring edge 181 of the ruler 100. Each line of the first, second and third sets of the calibrated indicia of the widthwise measuring edge 181 is equally spaced apart.

[042] First lengthwise measuring edge 152 includes a first set of calibrated indicia graduated in the millimetre unit of measurement being indicated by parallel lines 155 equally disposed transversely on the lengthwise measuring edge 152 of the ruler 100. The lengthwise measuring edge 152 also includes a second set of calibrated indicia graduated in the half (0.5) fraction of centimetre unit of measurement being indicated by parallel lines 156 equally disposed transversely on the lengthwise measuring edge 152 of the ruler 100. The lengthwise measuring edge 152 further includes a third set of calibrated indicia graduated in the centimetre unit of measurement being indicated by parallel lines 157 equally disposed transversely on the lengthwise measuring edge 152 of the ruler 100. Each line of the first, second and third sets of the calibrated indicia of the lengthwise measuring edge 152 is equally spaced apart.

[043] Second lengthwise measuring edge 153, located on the opposite side of the first lengthwise measuring edge 152, includes a first set of calibrated indicia graduated in the sixteenth (1/16) fraction of an inch unit of measurement being indicated by parallel lines 170 equally disposed transversely on the lengthwise measuring edge 153 of the ruler 100. The second lengthwise measuring edge 153 also includes a second set of calibrated indicia graduated in the eighth (1/8) fraction of an inch unit of measurement being indicated by parallel lines 171 equally disposed transversely on the lengthwise measuring edge 153 of the ruler 100. The second lengthwise measuring edge 153 further includes a third set of calibrated indicia graduated in the quarter (1/4) fraction of an inch unit of measurement being indicated by parallel lines 172 equally disposed transversely on the lengthwise measuring edge 153 of the ruler 100. The second lengthwise measuring edge 153 additionally includes a fourth set of calibrated indicia graduated in the half (1/2) fraction of an inch unit of measurement being indicated by parallel lines 173 equally disposed transversely on the lengthwise measuring edge 153 of the ruler 100. The second lengthwise measuring edge 153 additionally includes a fifth set of calibrated indicia graduated in the inch unit of measurement being indicated by parallel lines 174 equally disposed transversely on the lengthwise measuring edge 153 of the ruler 100. Each line of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth sets of the calibrated indicia of the lengthwise measuring edge 53 is equally spaced apart.

[044] As shown in each of the Figures, the calibrated indicia is arranged in relatively spaced alignment in an equidistant manner laterally along the widthwise measuring edge and longitudinally along the lengthwise measuring edge of the ruler.

[045] The ruler shown in figures 1 to 3 may have a lengthwise dimension of 30cm and a widthwise dimension of 3cm. However, rulers of the present invention are not limited to these dimensions. The ruler of the present invention may have a lengthwise dimension ranging from 5cm to Imetre and a widthwise dimension ranging from 5mm to 10cm. Preferably, the ruler of the present invention has any combination of lengthwise and widthwise dimensions, wherein the lengthwise dimension is any one of 5cm, 10cm, 15cm, 20cm, 30cm, 50cm or 1 metre; and the widthwise dimension is any one of 5mm, 1cm, 2cm, 3cm, 4cm, 5cm or 10cm. It would be appreciated that the dimensions of the rulers of the present invention would be di ctated by the application of th e field of use. It would also be appreciated that the number of sets of calibrated indicia being indicated on the widthwise measuring edge of the ruler would be dictated by its widthwise dimension. For example, a widthwise dimension of 5mm would only have a capacity to include a first set of calibrated indicia graduated in the millimeter unit and/or the sixteenth (1/16) fraction of an inch unit of measurement.

[046] It would be understood by the person skilled in the art that the ruler described herein can take the form of a substantially rectangular shape and does not need to be perfectly rectangular with parallel lengthwise edges and parallel widthwise edges, as long as at least one straight widthwise measuring edge is located on a side perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a lengthwise edge of the ruler. The top surface of the body of the ruler may have contours and/or adorned with decorations for aesthetic purposes, which does not affect the function of the present invention. It would also be understood that at least one straight widthwise measuring edge must be present on the ruler in order to enable a user to take measurements or to mark a line in a confined space without the need to fully insert the ruler within the confined space.

[047] A method of measuring an object in a confined space using the ruler of the present invention involves taking measurements from a widthwise measuring edge. In use, measurements can be taken in a confined space by gripping the lengthwise edge of the ruler as a handle, inserting the widthwise measuring edge of the ruler into the confined space, and aligning the widthwise measuring edge against an object to be measured that is located within the confined space. An advantage of the present method is that the present invention allows a widthwise measuring edge of a long ruler to be used in a confined space to take measurements without the need to revert to using a lengthwise measuring edge of a smaller sized ruler that is small enough to be capable of being fully positioned inside the confined space to take a measurement of the object located therein.

[048] Other embodiments and uses of this invention will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the specification and figures of the invention disclosed herein. The specification and specific examples given should be considered exemplary only, and it is contemplated that the appended claims will cover any other such embodiments or modifications that fall within the scope of the invention disclosed herein.

Claims

A ruler including a substantially rectangular flat body, wherein the ruler includes a widthwise measuring edge on a side located perpendicular to a lengthwise edge.

The ruler of claim 1 , wherein the widthwise measuring edge includes calibrated indicia consisting of lines.

The ruler of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the widthwise measuring edge includes calibrated indicia of equal spacing with a central dominant line.

The ruler of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lengthwise edge is a lengthwise measuring edge and includes calibrated indicia consisting of lines.

A method of taking measurements in a confined space, the method including: 1 ) inserting a ruler, wherein the ruler includes a substantially rectangular flat body and a widthwise measuring edge on a side located perpendicular to a lengthwise edge; and 2) measuring a length, wherein the widthwise measuring edge is used to take measurements in the confined space.