Patent ID: 6393710
Filing Date: 2002-05-28
Classification: G01B

Abstract:
A combination tape measure and straight edge apparatus, comprising:a first straight edge segment which includes an outer edge and an inner edge, wherein said inner edge includes first hinge members, a tape measure assembly support unit which includes second hinge members that engage said first hinge members, a tape measure assembly, and connector means for attaching said tape measure assembly to said tape measure assembly support unit, wherein said second hinge members of said tape measure assembly support unit permit said tape measure assembly support unit and said attached tape measure assembly to be rotated around said first hinge members so that said tape measure assembly can be moved, with respect to said first straight edge segment, from a storage orientation to a plurality of in-use orientations or from a plurality of in-use orientations to a storage orientation, further including: a second straight edge segment connected to said first end of said first straight edge segment, wherein said second straight edge segment is oriented perpendicular to said first straight edge segment, wherein said first straight edge segment includes a first end and a second end, said second straight edge segment includes a first end and a second end, and said first end of said second straight edge segment is connected to said first end of said first straight edge segment, further including a third straight edge segment connected between said first straight edge segment and said second straight edge segment, wherein said third straight edge segment includes a first end and a second end, said first end of said third straight edge segment is connected to said second end of said first straight edge segment, and said second end of said third straight edge segment is connected to said second end of said second straight edge segment, wherein said second straight edge segment is oriented at a ninety degree angle with respect to said first straight edge segment, and said third straight edge segment is oriented at a forty-five degree angle with respect to both said second straight edge segment and said first straight edge segment, wherein said first straight edge segment, said second straight edge segment, and said third straight edge segment are formed as a unified, integrated right triangle, wherein said tape measure assembly support unit includes: riser members which support said second hinge members, a support floor which supports said riser members, wherein a bottom portion of said tape measure assembly rests upon said support floor, a first standing wall connected to said support floor and extending upward therefrom, wherein said tape measure assembly is connected to said first standing wall, a second standing wall connected to said support floor and extending upward therefrom, a lock tab support extending upward from said second standing wall, and a pair of lock tabs supported,by said lock tab support.