Measuring tool and method of making

Abstract

A tool for measuring, marking, and cutting material, the tool formed of a rigid sheet of transparent material having a transparent flexible sheet of pressure-sensitive material removably adhered thereon to cover one side of the rigid sheet and provide a removable, non-slip surface. One or the other of the rigid and flexible sheets has a plurality of lines formed thereon, preferably two-color lines, to aid in measuring and marking material. The pressure-sensitive material is formed of a non-static cling vinyl film having plasticizers that continually migrate to the surface of the film.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 015,323 filed Dec. 13, 2001, now pending, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention pertains to rulers used for measuring and marking material, and, more particularly, to a transparent ruler having a removable, non-slip surface. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] Transparent rulers having grid lines formed thereon are used for measuring and marking material, such as fabric, paper, plastic, and the like. These rulers are also used to guide a tool, such as a razor, knife, or rotary cutter in cutting the material to desired sizes and shapes. [0006] One such ruler is that described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,779,346 in the name of the applicant for a transparent measuring device that includes a plurality of continuous two-color lines of contrasting...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The solution provides a stable, non-slip surface that prevents slipping and damage, is easy to use, and can be interchanged between rulers, ensuring accurate measurements and markings without the need for additional support, making it suitable for various applications including quilting.

Problems solved by technology

This smooth surface has the disadvantage of allowing the ruler to easily slip over the surface of the workpiece.

This makes it difficult for one person to measure or cut the fabric.

This method is awkward and is not always feasible, such as in the case of handicapped persons or where the work surface is higher than the waist.

The disadvantage of the ruler described in the Schafer '346 patent is that the smooth surface is subject to slipping on the material.

In Reber et al. the static-cling material does not provide a non-slip surface when pushed against the underlying fabric, thus allowing it to slip.

The static cling sticker is also subject to peeling off when the ruler is moved over the fabric, and it easily loses its ability to stick to the cutting tool.

In addition, the static-cling sticker is tinted, thereby interfering with the transparency of the ruler.

The disadvantage is that the adhesive material easily collects dirt, lint, hair, and other material that reduces the adhesiveness and interferes with the use of the ruler.

It also does not provide a non-slip surface but rather it forms a raised edge that can itself slide when placed on top of fabric.

This is a complex and potentially injury-causing approach that has not met with much success in the marketplace.

Unfortunately, this device can break the ruler when the bar is pressed down too hard.

In addition, the bar is cumbersome to use and expensive.

These methods create one problem while solving another, including not providing enough grip, or gripping too much and snagging the fabric, scratching the work surface, not being transparent, wearing out, leaving adhesive on the ruler or the fabric, or cracking, crazing, or otherwise damaging the tool.

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