WO2021124333A1

WO2021124333A1 - Measurement marking device

Info

Publication number: WO2021124333A1
Application number: PCT/IL2020/051302
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Alon
Original assignee: Michael Alon
Priority date: 2019-12-18
Filing date: 2020-12-17
Publication date: 2021-06-24

Abstract

A device for marking an object, comprising a body, a lower part, an adjusting mechanism and a slide mechanism. The body and lower part connect together, with a measuring instrument between them. The measuring instrument slides freely between body and lower part. The adjusting mechanism connects to the upper side of the body; with the slide mechanism slidable along the outer side of the adjusting mechanism. The slide mechanism releasably holds a marking instrument; lowering the marking instrument marks an object on which the device rests, with the mark at a known location relative to the desired distance indicator on the marking instrument. In some embodiments, the device is dockable to a case for the measuring instrument, In some embodiments, the device can grip the measuring instrument, enabling the device and measuring instrument to be moved without altering the location of the device on the measuring instrument.

Description

MEASUREMENT MARKING DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally pertains to a device for measurement and marking and a method therefor. The device is attachable to a measuring instrument, and can slide freely along the measuring instrument, grip the measuring instrument, or be docked to a case of the measuring instrument.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional “measuring instruments” (applies in this application to different kinds of tape measures, rulers, and any other distance measuring instrument with a physical scale showing visible unit markings) do not include a means for marking the measured object. As mentioned above “the scale” applies in this application, to the physical scale of a measuring instrument.

There is an invention that claims a tape measure which incorporates a built-in marking mechanism.

There is an invention that claims a marking device which can be applied onto a tape measure.

There is an invention that claims a measurement marking device which can be applied onto a tape measure or ruler and can travel freely along the tape measure or ruler.

However, there is currently no solution for a marking instrument that slides along a scale and marks measurements in an easy and efficient way, where the marking instrument can be but is not limited to, a paint marker, a pencil, a pen, a marker pen, a center punch, chalk, any other kind of instrument designed to mark a surface, or any object being used to make a mark onto a surface like a knife, a nail, a needle, adhesive, and glue or another substance extruded from a tube.

Granted U.S. Patent No. US6434854 discloses an integrated marker and tape measure which include a flexible tape and recoil assembly and a marking mechanism. A desired tape dimension is aligned with a fixed indicator on the housing and a mark is made at the indicator on a surface being measured. The tool makes a linear mark by means of a simple button press which slidably moves the marking mechanism across the surface. There is also included the option to have a braking mechanism, a locking mechanism, a level, a lens, a light, a marking template, and a means to add and subtract these optional features. The marking mechanism can be exchanged with other marking mechanisms utilizing a variety of marking media.

However, the device of US6434854 can only mark at a predetermined distance from a measuring tape case so that, if more than one mark is to be made, the measuring tape case must be moved for each mark.

Granted U.S. Patent No. US6725560 discloses an integrated recoiling tape measure with an integral marker secured thereto by a marker holder. The marker holder is uniquely designed to be attached to the side of the tape measure, and is angled in a first direction such that the pencil tip extends forward to the tape holder, and is also angled laterally inward toward the tape itself and proximate the graduations thereof for easy and convenient marking of the material proximate the tape graduations. The present invention achieves technical advantages by allowing a workman to measure and mark and a material with one hand, thus freeing the other hand for holding the material or other tools.

However, the device of US6725560 can only mark at a predetermined distance from a measuring tape case so that, if more than one mark is to be made, the measuring tape case must be moved for each mark.

Granted U.S. Patent No. US9816795 discloses a measurement marking device for attachment onto a measuring tape or ruler; wherein the attached measurement marking device may slide/travel along the measuring tape or ruler, and set measurement(s) marking(s) onto the measured object at desired measurements/locations/sizes/lengths. The device can be manually retained in position relative to an object being measured by downward pressure on the device, which presses retaining pins into the object to be measured.

However, the device of US9816795 comprises an integral, non-refillable marking device, with the mark being made underneath the device. Furthermore, although the device can be manually retained in position relative to the object to be measured, it can not be retained in position relative to the measuring tape.

It is therefore a long felt need to provide a marking device that is capable of being releasably locked into position on the measuring instrument, does not employ a non-refillable marking means, and that is, in use, not fixed at a predetermined distance from a case of the measuring instrument. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to disclose a device for measurement and marking and a method therefor. The device is attachable to a measuring instrument, and can slide freely along the measuring instrument or be docked to a case of the measuring instrument.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose a device for marking an object, comprising: a body with an upper first side and a lower second side, said body connectable on said second side to a lower part, a measuring instrument placeable between said body second side and said lower part; an adjusting mechanism connectable to said body on said first side of said body; a slide mechanism slidably connectable to said adjusting mechanism, said slide mechanism configured to releasably hold a marking instrument, said marking instrument being substantially perpendicular to said measuring instrument; wherein said device is slidably movable along said measuring instrument.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the device as described above, additionally comprising a gripping mechanism, said gripping mechanism having at least two states, a gripping state and a non-gripping state; in said gripping state said device can slide freely in either direction along said measuring instrument.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the device as described above, additionally comprising a docking mechanism, said docking mechanism configured to releasably connect said device to a case of a measuring instrument.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the device as described above, wherein said docking mechanism comprises two parts, a first part connectable to said case and a second part connectable to said device,

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the device as described above, wherein a connection mechanism between said first part and said second part is selected from a group consisting of" a clip, a reversible snap-fit, a screw, a buckle, Velcro®, a hook, a shackle, elastic, and any combination thereof. It is another object of the present invention to disclose the device as described above, additionally comprising a magnifying lens, said magnifying lens configured to magnify distance markings on said measuring instrument.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the device as described above, wherein said magnifying lens is at least partly retractable into said device.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the device as described above, wherein said slide mechanism comprises a holding mechanism to releasably hold said marking instrument.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the device as described above, wherein said holding mechanism is selected from a group consisting of a clip, a clasp, a loop, elastic, a worm drive clip, a cable tie, Velcro®, any conventional means of releasably holding a marking instrument, and any combination thereof

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the device as described above, wherein said marking instrument is movably held by said holding mechanism.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the device as described above, wherein a connection mechanism between said body and said adjusting mechanism is selected from a group consisting of a screw, adhesive, an integrated adjusting mechanism and body, and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the device as described above, wherein a connection mechanism between said body and said lower part is selected from a group consisting of a screw, a hinge, an axle, a clip, a track and groove, and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the device as described above, wherein said marking instrument is selected from a group consisting of a paint marker, a pencil, a pen, a marker pen, a center punch, chalk, a knife, a nail, a needle, and adhesive.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method of marking an object, comprising steps of: providing a device for marking an object, comprising: a body with an upper first side and a lower second side, said body connectable on said second side to a lower part, a measuring instrument placeable between said body second side and said lower part; an adjusting mechanism connectable to said body on said first side of said body; a slide mechanism slidably connectable to said adjusting mechanism, said slide mechanism configured to releasably hold a marking instrument, said marking instrument being substantially perpendicular to said measuring instrument; emplacing said measuring instrument between said body and said lower part; moving said device to a predetermined position on said measuring instrument; and inducing said marking instrument to contact said object; thereby marking said object; wherein said device is slidably movable along said measuring instrument.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as described above, additionally comprising a step of providing a gripping mechanism, said gripping mechanism having at least two states, a gripping state and a non-gripping state; in said gripping state said device can slide freely in either direction along said measuring instrument.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as described above, additionally comprising a step of providing a docking mechanism, said docking mechanism configured to releasably connect said device to a case of a measuring instrument.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as described above, additionally comprising a step of providing said docking mechanism comprising two parts, a first part connectable to said case and a second part connectable to said device,

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as described above, additionally comprising a step of selecting a connection mechanism between said first part and said second part from a group consisting of" a clip, a reversible snap-fit, a screw, a buckle, Velcro®, a hook, a shackle, elastic, and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as described above, additionally comprising a step of providing a magnifying lens, said magnifying lens configured to magnify distance markings on said measuring instrument.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as described above, additionally comprising a step of providing said magnifying lens at least partly retractable into said device.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as described above, additionally comprising a step of providing said slide mechanism comprising a holding mechanism to releasably hold said marking instrument.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as described above, additionally comprising a step of selecting said holding mechanism from a group consisting of a clip, a clasp, a loop, elastic, a worm drive clip, a cable tie, Velcro®, any conventional means of releasably holding a marking instrument, and any combination thereof

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as described above, additionally comprising a step of said holding mechanism movably holding said marking instrument.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as described above, additionally comprising a step of selecting a connection mechanism between said body and said adjusting mechanism from a group consisting of a screw, adhesive, an integrated adjusting mechanism and body, and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as described above, additionally comprising a step of selecting a connection mechanism between said body and said lower part from a group consisting of a screw, a hinge, an axle, a clip, a track and groove, and any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to disclose the method as described above, additionally comprising a step of selecting said marking instrument from a group consisting of a paint marker, a pencil, a pen, a marker pen, a center punch, chalk, a knife, a nail, a needle, and adhesive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In order to better understand the invention and its implementation in practice, a plurality of embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein

Fig. 1A-C illustrates devices of the prior art;

Fig. 2A illustrates an embodiment of the device, mounted on a measuring tape; Fig. 2B illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of the device;

Fig. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the device from a user perspective when attached to a measuring instrument;

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a means of securing an embodiment of the device a tape measure;

Fig. 5 illustrates the marking side of an embodiment of the device secured to a tape measure;

Fig. 6 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the device, showing a mark on the measured object;

Fig. 7 depicts an embodiment of the device, docked onto the case of a tape measure, schematically illustrating an embodiment of a portion of a docking mechanism;

Fig. 8 depicts a perspective view from above of an embodiment of the device, docked onto the case of a tape measure, schematically illustrating an embodiment of a portion of a docking mechanism and schematically illustrating portion of a gripping mechanism; and

Fig. 9 depicts a perspective view from above of an embodiment of the device on a measuring tape, away from the tape measure case, schematically illustrating an embodiment of a portion of a docking mechanism and schematically illustrating portion of a gripping mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description is provided, alongside all chapters of the present invention, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of said invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, will remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide a device and method for measurement and marking. The device is attachable to a measuring instrument, and can slide freely along the measuring instrument or be docked to a case of the measuring instrument.

The term 'substantially perpendicular' hereinafter refers to an angle between the objects being at least 80°. The present invention comprises a device that can travel freely along a measuring instrument or straightedge and can hold a marking instrument. Preferably, the device slides along the measuring instrument. Since many types of marking instrument can be held by the device, a point can be marked onto a measured surface using a variety of marking instruments. In preferred embodiments, the device incorporates a gripping mechanism that can lock the device at a certain point on the measuring instrument. In other preferred embodiments, the device can also incorporate a retractable magnifying lens to improve reading of a scale on the measuring instrument.

In the prior art, a measuring instrument and a marking instrument are used independently to achieve marking at a desired measured location The measuring instrument is laid on the object to be measured and a desired point on the measuring instrument, typically identifiable by means of a scale on the measuring instrument, is located. The marking instrument is then brought to the desired point and the mark made.

A device attachable to the measuring instrument that can hold a marking instrument and that can allow the marking instrument to mark the measured object at the desired location can make such tasks easier and more efficient.

As shown in Fig. 1 A-C, prior art devices been created for this purpose but are, for a number of reasons, not satisfactory. The devices of Fig. 1A-B are attached to the case of a tape measure so that the mark applied by the device will be at a predetermined distance from the case. If a number of marks are to be made, the case must be repositioned for each one. Fig. 1C shows a device that slides along a tape measure or other measuring instrument, with an integral marker underneath the device. The device docks underneath the case. It can not be locked into position on the tape; therefore, it is not possible to have a desired portion of the tape extending beyond the device.

The device of the present invention can be moved along a measuring instrument while providing good visibility of the measuring instrument and of the surface of a measured object. A slide mechanism is incorporated into the device with one side secured to the body of the device, and the other to a marking instrument. The marking mechanism is held by the slide mechanism so that, unless stress is applied to the marking instrument, the marking instrument is held away from the object to be measured. This allows the marking instrument to stay above the surface of an object while the object is being measured and, when a desired marking point is determined, the marking instrument is pressed onto the object, thereby marking the object only at the desired point(s). Preferably, the device comprises a gripping mechanism which locks the device onto a certain point on a measuring instrument.

Preferably, the device comprises a retractable lens for improving visibility of markings on the measuring instrument.

Preferably, the device comprises a docking mechanism, mountable on the case of a tape measure. This allows docking the device onto the case of a tape measure. Preferably, when the device is docked onto the case, the gripping mechanism that can reversibly lock the device to a portion of the blade of the tape measure will be deactivated.

Fig. 2A-B illustrates the device of the present invention. Fig. 2A shows the device assembled, mounted on a measuring instrument and ready for use, while Fig. 2B shows an exploded view of the device only. As shown in Fig. 2A, in use, the device (100) is mounted on a measuring instrument (101). As an illustrative example, in Fig. 2A, the measuring instrument (101) is the blade of a tape measure (110). In other embodiments, the measuring instrument (101) can be a ruler, yardstick or meter stick, a straightedge, a setsquare, or any other flat measuring instrument.

Fig. 2B shows an exploded view of the embodiment of the device of Fig. 2A. In this embodiment, on the side of the slide mechanism (104) are clips (1041) to hold a marking instrument (102, not shown, see Fig. 2A, above). The marking instrument (102) can be held to the slide mechanism (104) by a clip, a clasp, a loop, elastic, a worm drive clip, a cable tie, Velcro®, any conventional means of releasably holding a marking instrument, and any combination thereof.

The slide mechanism (104) is movably held by an adjusting mechanism (105), in this embodiment by a track in the slide mechanism (104) and a groove in the adjusting mechanism (105). In some less-preferred embodiments, the track is in the adjusting mechanism (105) and the groove is in the slide mechanism (104).

In the embodiment shown, the adjusting mechanism (105) is slidably mounted to the body (103) of the device by means of a track and groove. In other embodiments, other means of linking the adjusting mechanism (105) and the body (103) are used, for non-limiting example, a screw, adhesive, an integrated adjusting mechanism (105) and body (103) and any combination thereof.

In the embodiment shown, the body (103) and the bottom part (107) are held together by at least one screw (not shown), typically a plurality of screws. In other embodiments, the body (103) and the bottom part (107) are held together by other conventional means of separably linking parts, such as, but not limited to, a hinge, an axle, a clip, a track and groove, and any combination thereof. In yet other embodiments, the body (103) and the bottom part (107) are permanently joined, e.g., by adhesive, by non-loosening screws, or by being made as an integrated part. In some variants of permanently-joined embodiments, the device forms a permanent part of the measuring instrument

In use, the measuring instrument (101) slides freely between the body (103) and the bottom part (107) except when a gripper mechanism (not shown) locks the device (100) in place on the measuring instrument (101).

In preferred embodiments, in a rest position, the slide mechanism (104) holds the marking instrument (102) so that the marking instrument (102) does not touch the object to be measured. In some variants of these embodiments, the slide mechanism (104) is pressed downward to mark the object and a return mechanism returns the slide mechanism (104) to its rest position when the pressure is released. In other embodiments, the marking instrument (102) is pressed down downward to mark the object and a return mechanism returns the marking instrument (104) to its rest position when the pressure is released. In yet other, less preferred, embodiments, the marking instrument (104) must be manually returned to its rest position after marking.

The return mechanism can comprise a spring, elastic, any other conventional return mechanism and any combination thereof.

The body (103) preferably further comprises a fixed fiduciary mechanism so that, if the fiduciary mechanism is aligned with a distance indicator on the measuring instrument (101), the mark made by the marking instrument (102) will be at a known location relative to the distance indicator on the measuring instrument (101), preferably aligned with a distance indicator line on the measuring instrument (101).

The fiduciary mechanism can be a wire or thread fastened tightly across an opening in the body; a notch or groove in the body (103), said notch or groove alignable with a distance indicator on the measuring instrument (101); a line permanently marked on a transparent portion attached to or slidable relative to the body, a line permanently marked on a magnifying lens, as described hereinbelow; and any combination thereof. Preferably, a wire or thread is parallel to the distance indicator lines on the measuring instrument (101); similarly the indicator points of pair of notches

JO or grooves align with the distance indicator lines on the measuring instrument (101).

Fig. 3 shows a view of an embodiment of the device (100) from above. In this embodiment, the device (100) comprises a body (103), a slide mechanism (104), an adjusting mechanism (105) and a retractable magnifying lens (106). In some embodiments, the device (100) comprises a body (103), a slide mechanism (104), and an adjusting mechanism (105); the retractable magnifying lens (106) is optional. The marking instrument (102) is removably and movably secured to the slide mechanism (104), perpendicular to the measuring instrument (101) and to the object to be marked. When not needed, the retractable magnifying lens (106) may be retracted at least partly into a recess between the body (103) and the adjusting mechanism (105) to protect the magnifying lens (106) when not in use.

In this embodiment, the marking instrument (102) is removably and movably secured to the slide mechanism (104) by a return mechanism (1042) comprising elastic.

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a means of securing the device (100) to a measuring instrument (101), here the blade of a tape measure. The measuring instrument (101) is placed between the body (103) and the bottom part (107) and screws (108) join the body (103) to the bottom part

(107).

Fig. 5 depicts one embodiment of the device (100) secured to a measuring instrument (101), here the blade of a tape measure, showing the marking side (109) of the device. Also shown are the marking instrument (102), the sliding mechanism (104), and the adjusting mechanism (105).

In this embodiment, upward stress, to return the marking instrument (102) to its rest position, is applied to the marking instrument (102) by a return mechanism (1042) comprising a rubber band. In preferred embodiments, a coil spring (not shown) is used. The return mechanism to apply return pressure to the marking instrument (102) can comprise, but is not limited to, a spring, elastic, flexible parts of the sliding mechanism (104), fluid which is compressed when the marking instrument (102) is lowered and decompresses to return the marking instrument (102) to its rest position, a magnet and any combination thereof. The fluid can be either a compressible liquid or a gas. Fig. 6 depicts the same view of the marking side (109) of the device as in Fig. 5, showing a non limiting example of a typical mark (114), thus illustrating the small movement needed to create a mark and the ease of use of the device.

Fig. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the device (100), docked onto the case (110) of a tape measure. In this embodiment, to achieve docking, parts A (111) of a docking mechanism (mounted to the case (110) of a tape measure) and B (112) of a docking mechanism (mounted to or part of the device (100)) are needed.

In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 7, docking part A (111) is mounted on the clip of a tape measure, and docking part B (112) is incorporated to the device (100). Docking parts A (111) and B (112) can lock together for docking of the device (100) to the body of a tape measure (110).

Fig. 8 depicts an embodiment of the device (100) when docked onto the case of a tape measure as seen from a user perspective, also showing parts A (111) and B (112) of the docking mechanism and the gripping mechanism (113).

The gripping mechanism (113) as shown in Fig. 8 is connected to part B (112) of the docking mechanism in such a way that deactivates gripping when the device (100) is docked. This allows the user to use the tape measure (110) in a relatively traditional fashion when the device (100) is docked.

Fig. 9 depicts an embodiment of the device (100) when scrolling along a measuring instrument (101), showing an exemplary gripping mechanism (113) and part B (112) of a docking mechanism. To scroll the device (100) on a measuring instrument (101) a user will interact with the gripping mechanism (113). Further interaction can induce the gripping mechanism (113) to grip the measuring instrument (101) and lock the device (100) in place on the measuring instrument (101) so that, when interaction ceases, the device (100) remains in place on the measuring instrument (101).

The connection between part A and part B can be a clip, a reversible snap-fit, a screw, a buckle, Velcro®, a hook, a loop, a shackle, elastic, and any combination thereof.

In preferred embodiments, transfer between a gripping state (where the device is locked in position on the measuring instrument) and a non-gripping state (where the device can slide freely along the measuring instrument) is made manually by a user, with the device remaining in the given state (either gripping or non-gripping) until the user intervenes. A non-limiting example of such embodiments is the conventional gripping mechanism typical of a tape measure, the thumb lock, where, if a slide button is in an "up" position, the blade slides freely, and, if the slide button is in the "down" position, the blade is locked in position. A second exemplary embodiment is a spring- loaded plate, where a control in a first position holds the plate away from the measuring instrument, and the control in a second position allows the spring(s) to hold the plate against the measuring instrument. The locking mechanism can comprise a locking screw, a cam lever, a wedge and any combination thereof.

In less-preferred embodiments, the rest position of the gripping mechanism is the gripping position; in order to allow the device to slide freely along the measuring instrument, the user must intervene. A non-limiting example of such less-preferred embodiments is a spring-loaded plate facing one side of the measuring instrument. Pressure on the sides of the device compresses the springs and forces the plate away from the measuring instrument. Releasing the pressure allows the spring(s) to at least partly decompress and force the plate against the measuring instrument.

EXAMPLE 1

A typical example of use of the gripping mechanism is to place more than one mark on an object so that, for non-limiting example, an accurate cutting line can be drawn. A typical tape measure has a flange at the end to catch an edge of the object to be measured. The flange can be caught on the edge of the object, the desired size found and the device locked into position with the gripper. The first mark can then be made. The tape measure can be moved to a second position, the flange caught on the edge of the object, and a second mark made. This can be repeated as often as desired, with no readjustment or remeasuring needed, thus simplifying the process and making it more accurate.

Similarly, a number of object can be marked to enable them to be made to the same dimensions. A non-limiting example is to cut several pieces of wood all to the same length and width, for example, in creating a box, a fence, or a set of treads for stairs. The flange of a tape measure can be caught on the edge of the object, the desired size found and the device locked into position with the gripper. The first object can then be marked. If more than one mark is desired on the object, the tape measure can be moved to the other marking positions, the flange caught on the edge at the new positions, and the mark made. The tape measure can then be moved to the second object, the second object marked, and so on, with no readjustment or remeasuring needed, thus simplifying the process and making it more accurate.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A device for marking an object, comprising: a body with an upper first side and a lower second side, said body connectable on said second side to a lower part, a measuring instrument placeable between said body second side and said lower part; an adjusting mechanism connectable to said body on said first side of said body; a slide mechanism slidably connectable to said adjusting mechanism, said slide mechanism configured to releasably hold a marking instrument, said marking instrument being substantially perpendicular to said measuring instrument; wherein said device is slidably movable along said measuring instrument.

2. The device of claim 1, additionally comprising a gripping mechanism, said gripping mechanism having at least two states, a gripping state and a non-gripping state; in said gripping state said device can slide freely in either direction along said measuring instrument.

3. The device of claim 1, additionally comprising a docking mechanism, said docking mechanism configured to releasably connect said device to a case of a measuring instrument.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein said docking mechanism comprises two parts, a first part connectable to said case and a second part connectable to said device,

5. The device of claim 4, wherein a connection mechanism between said first part and said second part is selected from a group consisting of" a clip, a reversible snap-fit, a screw, a buckle, Velcro®, a hook, a shackle, elastic, and any combination thereof.

6. The device of claim 1, additionally comprising a magnifying lens, said magnifying lens configured to magnify distance markings on said measuring instrument.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein said magnifying lens is at least partly retractable into said device.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein said slide mechanism comprises a holding mechanism to releasably hold said marking instrument.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein said holding mechanism is selected from a group consisting of a clip, a clasp, a loop, elastic, a worm drive clip, a cable tie, Velcro®, any conventional means of releasably holding a marking instrument, and any combination thereof

10. The device of claim 10, wherein said marking instrument is movably held by said holding mechanism.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein a connection mechanism between said body and said adjusting mechanism is selected from a group consisting of a screw, adhesive, an integrated adjusting mechanism and body, and any combination thereof.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein a connection mechanism between said body and said lower part is selected from a group consisting of a screw, a hinge, an axle, a clip, a track and groove, and any combination thereof.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein said marking instrument is selected from a group consisting of a paint marker, a pencil, a pen, a marker pen, a center punch, chalk, a knife, a nail, a needle, and adhesive.

14. A method of marking an object, comprising steps of: providing a device for marking an object, comprising: a body with an upper first side and a lower second side, said body connectable on said second side to a lower part, a measuring instrument placeable between said body second side and said lower part; an adjusting mechanism connectable to said body on said first side of said body; a slide mechanism slidably connectable to said adjusting mechanism, said slide mechanism configured to releasably hold a marking instrument, said marking instrument being substantially perpendicular to said measuring instrument; emplacing said measuring instrument between said body and said lower part; moving said device to a predetermined position on said measuring instrument; and inducing said marking instrument to contact said object; thereby marking said object; wherein said device is slidably movable along said measuring instrument.

15. The method of claim 13, additionally comprising a step of providing a gripping mechanism, said gripping mechanism having at least two states, a gripping state and a non-gripping state; in said gripping state said device can slide freely in either direction along said measuring instrument.

16. The method of claim 13, additionally comprising a step of providing a docking mechanism, said docking mechanism configured to releasably connect said device to a case of a measuring instrument.

17. The method of claim 16, additionally comprising a step of providing said docking mechanism comprising two parts, a first part connectable to said case and a second part connectable to said device,

18. The method of claim 17, additionally comprising a step of selecting a connection mechanism between said first part and said second part from a group consisting of" a clip, a reversible snap-fit, a screw, a buckle, Velcro®, a hook, a shackle, elastic, and any combination thereof.

19. The method of claim 13, additionally comprising a step of providing a magnifying lens, said magnifying lens configured to magnify distance markings on said measuring instrument.

20. The method of claim 19, additionally comprising a step of providing said magnifying lens at least partly retractable into said device.

21. The method of claim 13, additionally comprising a step of providing said slide mechanism comprising a holding mechanism to releasably hold said marking instrument.

22. The method of claim 21 , additionally comprising a step of selecting said holding mechanism from a group consisting of a clip, a clasp, a loop, elastic, a worm drive clip, a cable tie, Velcro®, any conventional means of releasably holding a marking instrument, and any combination thereof

23. The method of claim 22, additionally comprising a step of said holding mechanism movably holding said marking instrument.

24. The method of claim 13, additionally comprising a step of selecting a connection mechanism between said body and said adjusting mechanism from a group consisting of a screw, adhesive, an integrated adjusting mechanism and body, and any combination thereof.

25. The method of claim 13, additionally comprising a step of selecting a connection mechanism between said body and said lower part from a group consisting of a screw, a hinge, an axle, a clip, a track and groove, and any combination thereof.

26. The method of claim 13, additionally comprising a step of selecting said marking instrument from a group consisting of a paint marker, a pencil, a pen, a marker pen, a center punch, chalk, a knife, a nail, a needle, and adhesive.