Abstract:
A multi-functional tape measure is provided with a top-mounted viewing window which reads a bottom surface of a coiled measuring tape for providing interior distance measurements using measuring indicia disposed on the bottom surface of the tape. The bottomside measuring indicia has an applied correction factor to compensate for the size of the housing and provide the dimension needed. The tape measure is also provided with a level for indication of a surface that is level and plumb. Further, the tape measure is provided with a fold-out locking T-square mechanism.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to measuring devices, and in particular, to a multi-functional tape measure that provides for measuring exterior and interior dimensions of a work surface, measuring the inclination of a work surface, and marking right angles upon a work surface. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     One (1) of the most common tools found in the toolbox of a contractor or do-it-yourselfer is the tape measure. It is used in all stages of a project, from the beginning planning stages through detailed design, construction, and final inspection, since it provides extremely accurate measurements at a minimal cost. Tape measures typically include a flexible measuring tape coiled within a housing. The measuring tape includes incremental measuring indicia on its top surface for measuring distances. In use, the measuring tape is extended from the housing to a desired point in order to measure the distance of a work surface. 
     The main disadvantages of these measuring devices are the inaccuracy of the measured distance and the lack of versatility. While most tape measures can make inside measurements, they typically rely on the somewhat inaccurate observation of the measuring markings at a corner of the work surface as the measuring tape is bent around the corner or at the exit of the housing. Such measurements can easily be an eighth of an inch off or more. Even if such measurements could be accurately taken, tape measure placement is critical to ensure square and level measurements at perpendicular locations. This often forces the user to not only carry a level and a square, but often times having to use more than one tool simultaneously to get an accurate measurement. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The inventor has recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and lack in the art and observed that there is a need for a device that can accurately measure exterior and interior distances at a square and plumb position. The principles of the present invention provide for a multi-functional tape measure to address the identified needs. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present embodiments of the invention to address this need by providing a device that provides properly oriented upright measuring indicia from both a right side and a left side. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that provides measuring indicia for easily measuring distances between exterior points and interior points of a work surface. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that provides for identification of a vertical and horizontal inclination angle. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that provides for simple determination of a right angle. 
     The inventor has thus realized the advantages and benefits of providing a multi-functional tape measuring device having various features for accomplishing at least one (1) of the aforementioned objects. 
     A feature of the present invention is to provide a device that a housing formed by a first section and a second section having an opening disposed in a lower front side of the housing. A coiled measuring tape is disposed within the housing having a free end that is extendable from the opening while a remainder of the measuring tape remains coiled. A topside measuring indicia is disposed linearly along a top surface of the measuring tape having a measuring scale initiating at the free end. The topside measuring indicia includes left-handed indicia extending along a left side of the top surface and oppo singly oriented right-handed indicia extending along a right side of the top surface. A bottomside measuring indicia is disposed linearly along a bottom surface of the measuring tape having an altered measuring scale initiating at a point inward of the free end. The bottomside measuring indicia includes left-handed indicia extending along a left side of the bottom surface and opposingly oriented right-handed indicia extending along a right side of the bottom surface. A viewing window is disposed in a top side of the housing to display an upper portion of the coiled measuring tape. The measurement of distance displayed through the viewing window is equivalent to a combined length of the measuring tape extended through the opening and a length of the housing. 
     Another feature of the present invention is that the measuring scale includes a plurality of equally spaced markings adapted to measure a distance between the free end and the opening of the housing. The altered measuring scale includes a plurality of unequally spaced markings having a correction factor adapted to measure a distance between the free end and a rear side of the housing. 
     Another feature of the present invention is that the device is provided with a vertical level disposed on a right side of the housing for indicating vertical angles of inclination and a horizontal level also disposed on the right side of the housing for indicating horizontal angles of inclination. 
     Another feature of the present invention is that the device is provided with a T-square blade pivotably attached to the housing adapted to form a right angle relative to the housing when in a deployed position and a lip extending from a bottom side of the housing. The housing includes a slot having an open side in the right side of the housing for receiving the blade when in a stowed position. 
     Furthermore, the described features and advantages of the disclosure may be combined in various manners and embodiments as one skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The disclosure can be practiced without one (1) or more of the features and advantages described in a particular embodiment. 
     Further advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective right side view of a multi-functional tape measure in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the multi-functional tape measure; 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of a section of measuring tape of the multi-functional tape measure; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom plan view of the section of measuring tape; 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of the multi-functional tape measure shown measuring an exterior dimension; 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of the multi-functional tape measure shown measuring an interior dimension; 
         FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the multi-functional tape measure shown measuring an interior dimension; 
         FIG. 8  is a side perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the multi-functional tape measure in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the embodiment of the multi-functional tape measure of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the multi-functional tape measure of  FIG. 8  taken along line A-A; 
         FIG. 11  is an environmental perspective view of the embodiment of the multi-functional tape measure of  FIG. 8  shown on a work surface with a T-square mechanism in a deployed position; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the T-square mechanism of  FIG. 11 ; and, 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective left side view of the multi-functional tape measure. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  multi-functional tape measure 
               20  housing 
               21  measuring tape 
               22  interior 
               23  first section 
               24  second section 
               25  opening 
               25   a  first half opening 
               25   b  second half opening 
               26  spool assembly 
               27  tape locking mechanism 
               28  actuator 
               29  press mechanism 
               30  hook 
               31  retainer 
               32  top surface 
               33  bottom surface 
               34  measuring indicia 
               34   a  left-handed indicia 
               34   b  right-handed indicia 
               35  measuring scale 
               36  housing left side 
               37  topside measuring indicia 
               38  bottomside measuring indicia 
               39  viewing window 
               40  housing top side 
               41  housing front side 
               42  housing rear side 
               43  altered measuring scale 
               44  housing right side 
               45  positioning mechanism 
               46  level 
               46   a  horizontal level 
               46   b  vertical level 
               47  housing bottom side 
               48  T-square mechanism 
               49  blade 
               50  attached end 
               51  slot 
               52  outer blade 
               53  inner blade 
               54  channel 
               55  stop 
               56  channel guide 
               57  recess 
               58  groove 
               59  retaining pin 
               60  pin lower end 
               61  blade aperture 
               61   a  stowed blade aperture 
               61   b  deployed blade aperture 
               62  spring 
               63  pin head 
               64  blade fastener 
               65  housing fastener 
               66  cross hair 
               67  auto-stop strip 
               68  clip 
               69  orifice 
               70  lever tab 
               71  lever tab lower end 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In accordance with the invention, the best mode is presented in terms of the present embodiments, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 13 . However, the disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the disclosure and that any such work around will also fall under its scope. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure, and only one particular configuration may be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 through 13 , depicting a multi-functional tape measure, where like reference numerals represent similar or like parts. In accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure and identified generally by reference to a device  10  that provides an improved measuring tape constructed to measure exterior dimensions and interior dimensions from both a left and a right-sided orientation. 
     The device  10  generally includes a housing  20  which encloses an elongated, flexible measuring tape  21 . The housing  20  is a generally six-sided enclosure having a hollow interior  22  for storing the measuring tape  21 . The housing  20  is divided into a first section  23  and a second section  24  attached together by at least one mechanical fastener  65 , adhesives, or other suitable fastening means. In the example embodiment, the first and second sections  23 ,  24  generally divide the housing  20  into two (2) halves and each provides approximately half of the volume of the interior  22 . It can be appreciated that in another embodiment of the device  10 , the first section  23  can be a base of the housing  20  essentially providing the entire volume of the interior  22  and the second section  24  is an attached cover. 
     The measuring tape  21  is movable between an extended position and a retracted position within the housing  20 . It can be appreciated that the extended position includes any position where at least some portion of the measuring tape  21  is extended outward from the housing  20  and the retracted position is when the measuring tape  21  is completely retracted within the housing  20 . A free end of the measuring tape  21  extends linearly outward from the housing  20  through an opening  25  formed in the lower front side  41  of the housing  20 . As best seen in  FIGS. 2 and 9  of the example embodiments, the opening  25  includes two (2) half openings  25   a ,  25   b  each formed in a lower front side of the first section  23  and the second section  24 , respectively. 
     The free end of the measuring tape  21  also includes a generally “L”-shaped stop or hook  30  affixed to the measuring tape  21  and extending perpendicularly therefrom. The hook  30  allows the free end of the measuring tape  21  to be hooked to an edge of the work surface to be measured and prevents the free end of the measuring tape  21  from being completely retracted within the housing  20 . A forward edge of the hook  30  corresponds to the “zero” (“0”) mark of a measuring scale  35  provided on the measuring tape  21 . 
     The measuring tape  21  is wound or otherwise coiled around a spring actuated spool assembly  26  having a conventional flanged cylindrical body rotatably attached to opposing interior surfaces of the sections  23 ,  24  about a central axis of rotation and an attached recoil spring. In certain embodiments, the axis of rotation is defined by a central housing fastener  65 , as best seen in  FIGS. 2 and 9 . An end of the measuring tape  21  opposite the free end is affixed to the cylindrical body of the spool assembly  26  and includes a retainer  31  to prevent the end of the measuring tape  21  from being completely extended outside the housing  20  through the opening  25 . The retainer  31  is an outwardly protruding member or rib extending from a top surface  32  and bottom surface  33  of the measuring tape  21 , adjacent to the spool assembly  26  having a thickness larger than that of the opening  25 . The retainer  31  can be integral, clipped, adhered, or otherwise fastened into position upon the measuring tape  21 . 
     The spool assembly  26  enables movement of the measuring tape between the manually extended position and the automatically retracted position in a conventional manner. As best seen in  FIGS. 2 ,  9 , and  10  of the example embodiments, a tape locking mechanism  27  is provided for retaining the measuring tape  21  at a selected extended position. The tape locking mechanism  27  generally includes an actuator  28  movably attached to the housing  20  and a press mechanism  29  mechanically connected to the actuator  28 . The actuator  28  can be slidably actuated, press-button actuated, pivotably actuated, or the like in order to change the position of the press mechanism  29  in relation to the measuring tape  21 . 
     The press mechanism  28  is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position in response to actuation of the actuator  28 . In the engaged position, a lower end of the press mechanism  28  makes suitable frictional contact with either the measuring tape  21 , or the spool assembly  26 , or both in order to pinch, press, hold, or otherwise retain the measuring tape  21  at the selected extended position. In the disengaged position, the press mechanism  28  is upwardly moved and disengages allowing the spool assembly  26  to recoil, thus automatically retracting the measuring tape  21 . 
     The components which enable movement of the measuring tape  21  between the extended and retracted position and which enable locking of the tape measure  21  at the selected extended position, including the spool assembly  26  and the tape locking mechanism  27 , function in a substantially similar manner as similar components well known to conventional tape measures and are therefore not described in any further detail. 
     Certain embodiments of the device  10  also includes a flexible clip  68  is fastened or otherwise removably or permanently attached to a flat left side  36  of the housing  20 . The clip  68  allows a user to attach the device  10  to a belt, a tool belt, a waist of pants, or similar support for carrying the device  10  when not in use. For embodiments of the device  10  which do not include a level indicator for determining inclination, the clip  68  can be of a conventional configuration as shown in  FIG. 2 . For embodiments of the device  10  which include at least one level indicator for determining inclination, the clip  68  can either not be used or attached to the housing  20  or can have an alternate configuration, as will be described in more detail below. 
     The measuring tape  21  includes measuring indicia  34  disposed linearly along both the top and bottom surfaces  32 ,  33  provided in a selected measuring scale  35 . The measuring scale  35  can be any sequence of numbers or symbols that are spaced apart and used to measure units of distance. The measuring indicia  34  include both left-handed indicia  34   a  and right-handed indicia  34   b . Preferably, the left-handed indicia  34   a  are disposed linearly along a left edge of the measuring tape  21  and the right-handed indicia  34   b  are disposed linearly along a right edge of the measuring tape  21 . During use by a left-handed user or when viewing the left side of the device  10 , the left-handed indicia  34   a  are upright and the right-handed indicia  34   b  are upside down. Alternatively, during use by a right-handed user or when viewing the right side of the device  10 , the right-handed indicia  34   b  are upright and the left-handed indicia  34   a  are upside down. By providing both left and right-handed indicia  34   a ,  34   b ; a user can measure and mark the work surface being measured on either side without having to read some measurements upside down, change position, or rotate the orientation of the tape measure. 
     It can be appreciated that the measuring indicia  34  can be sized differently along the length of the measuring tape  21  in order to distinguish certain units of length from other units of length. Furthermore, the measuring indicia  34  can also include different colors or emphasis markings, such as underlining, bolding, stud centering markings, etc., in order to distinguish certain units of length from other units of length. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 3 , topside measuring indicia  37  are evenly spaced apart across the top surface  32  of the measuring tape  21  to suitably measure straight-line exterior distances in a conventional manner. The measuring scale  35  of topside measuring indicia  37  can be any suitable interval of measuring, such as one-sixteenth inch ( 1/16 in.), one-eighth inch (⅛ in.), or similar measuring unit. The measuring scale  35  is depicted at a one-quarter inch (¼ in.) unit for clarity of illustration. Additionally, the measuring scale  35  of topside measuring indicia  37  can be either English or Metric measuring units. Topside measuring indicia  37  include both left and right-handed indicia  34   a ,  34   b  as described above. Topside measuring indicia  37  are used and read in a conventional manner when viewing the top surface  32  of the measuring tape  21  when in the extended position. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 4 , bottomside measuring indicia  38  are non-evenly spaced apart across the bottom surface  33  of the measuring tape  21  in order to suitably measure straight-line interior distances. Bottomside measuring indicia  38  include both left and right-handed indicia  34   a ,  34   b  as described above. Bottomside measuring indicia  38  are used and read when viewing the bottom surface  32  of the measuring tape  21  through a viewing window  39  located in a top side  40  of the housing  20 , when the measuring tape  21  is in the extended position. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the viewing window  39  is an opening disposed at an approximately central location upon the housing top side  40  and covered by a transparent window member. The viewing window  39  provides for top-reading of the measured distance, preferably utilized when measuring internal distances. The upper portion of the bottom surface  33  of the coiled measuring tape  21  is viewable through the viewing window  39  when the device  10  is used to measure interior distances. The viewing window  39  is illustrated as being generally ovular in shape; however it can be appreciated that the general shape of the opening and window member can take on practically any geometric shape. In certain embodiments, the viewing window  39  can be a magnifying lens to provide magnification of bottomside measuring indicia  38 . The viewing window  39  can also include a central mark or cross-hair  66  extending laterally across the window member to provide alignment with the plurality of measuring marks of bottomside measuring indicia  38 . 
     Bottomside measuring indicia  38  includes an altered measuring scale  43  having an applied correction factor. The altered measuring scale  43  is envisioned to be a logarithmic scale measurement, such that each discrete measuring point of bottomside measuring indicia  38  corresponds to a discrete measuring point of topside indicia  37  plus the applied correction factor which equals the combined length of the extended portion of the measuring tape  21  and the length of the housing  20  from front side  41  to rear side  42 . The altered measuring scale  43  of bottomside measuring indicia  38  can be any suitable interval of measuring, such as one-sixteenth inch ( 1/16 in.), one-eighth inch (½ in.), or similar measuring unit. The altered measuring scale  43  is depicted at a one-quarter inch (¼ in.) unit for clarity of illustration. Additionally, the altered measuring scale  43  of bottomside measuring indicia  38  can be either English or Metric measuring units. 
     In certain embodiments of the device  10 , the top surface  32  and the bottom surface  33  of the measuring tape  21  can have different and complimentary colors to further distinguish use of the device  10  between measuring exterior dimensions and interior dimensions. For example, the top surface  32  can have a yellow color and the bottom surface  33  can have a blue color. 
     The bottom surface  33  of the measuring tape  21  also includes an auto-stop strip  67  disposed about the transverse center of the measuring tape  21  at the free end adjacent to the hook  30 . The auto-stop strip  67  is made of a suitable compressible material having a thickness approximately equivalent to the thickness of the opening  25 , preferably approximately one-sixteenth inch ( 1/16 in.) to one-eighth inch (½ in.) thick. The auto-stop strip  67  slows the measuring tape  21  as it is automatically retracted into the housing  20  to protect the free end and the hook  30  from possible damage. The compressible material of the auto-stop strip  67  allows for complete insertion of the measuring tape  21  within the housing  20  through the opening  25 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 4 , the first measuring mark for bottomside measuring indicia  38  is equal to the length of the housing. As seen in FIGS.  1 , 4 , 7 , and  8  of the example embodiments, the length of the housing  20  is three inches (3 in.). Accordingly, in the exampled embodiments, bottomside measuring indicia  38  indicates a three inch (3 in.) measured length when the measuring tape  21  is fully retracted. It can be appreciated that the length of the housing  20  can vary and as such, so will the origin or first measuring mark of bottomside indicia  38 . 
     The correction factor accounts for the difference in the length of the housing  20 , i.e., the distance between the housing front side  41  and the housing rear side  42 ; and the internal length of measuring tape  21 , i.e., the distance between the opening  25  (reference point “A”) and an upper-most point upon the circumference of the coiled measuring tape  21  (reference point “B”). The correction factor provides the altered measuring scale  43  of bottomside measuring indicia  38  to correctly and accurately indicate an interior distance between two (2) points. 
     It can be appreciated that the internal layout and configuration of the measuring tape  21  between points “A” and “B” can be of various designs which will impact and determine the length of measuring tape  21  between points “A” and “B”, and thus the correction factor of the altered measuring scale  43 . The example embodiment shown in  FIG. 10  includes at least one (1) positioning mechanism  45 , such as an axle, a roller, or the like; which extends between interior walls of the housing  20  from left side  36  to right side  44  to guide the path of the measuring tape  21 . The measuring tap  21  extends outwardly from the coil past the positioning mechanism  45  in route to the opening  25 . The positioning mechanism  45  provides for a constant length of a section of the measuring tape  21  between the positioning mechanism  45  and point “A”; which will limit a correction factor variable to the distance between the positioning mechanism  45  and point “B”, based upon the diameter of the coiled measuring tape  21 , the curvature of the measuring tape  21 , and the angle of extension between the positioning mechanism  45  and point “B”. 
     An example of use for measuring interior distances is best seen in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The free end of the measuring tape  21 , at the hook  30 , is placed in contact with an interior point (reference point “C”) of the distance to be measured, length “L”, and corresponds to the “zero” (“C”) mark of the altered measuring scale  43 . The surface of the housing rear side  42  is placed in contact with a correspondingly opposed and aligned interior point (reference point “D”). The measurement shown through the viewing window  39  will be equal to the combined length of measuring tape  21  extending outward from the housing  20  and the length of the housing  20 . Thus, length “L” is accurately shown as the measured length on the bottom surface  33  of the measuring tape  21  through the viewing window  39 . 
     Other embodiments of the device  10  include additional features which provide further multi-use functionality. A pair of levels  46  is provided for determining the inclination of the work surface. Each level  46  is preferably a small bubble vial incorporated into the housing right side  44 . The bubble vial includes a pair of spaced apart centering markings which indicate that the surface is level by the position of the air bubble within the vial. A horizontal level  46   a  is disposed adjacent to an upper or a lower edge of the housing right side  44  and provides for leveling determination when a bottom side  47  of the housing  20  is placed on a surface. The horizontal level  46   a  is depicted adjacent to the upper edge of the housing right side  44  in  FIGS. 8 and 11  and is depicted adjacent to the lower edge of the housing right side  44  in  FIG. 9  to illustrate example locations of the different embodiments of the device  10 . A vertical level  46   b  is disposed adjacent to a rear side edge of the housing right side  44  and provides for leveling determination when the housing rear side  42  is placed on a surface. The levels  46  can be recessed within the thickness of the first section  23 , housing right side  44 , or can protrude outwardly therefrom. Preferably, as shown in the example embodiment, levels  46  that protrude outwardly have a perimeter edge to protect the bubble vials from damage when the device  10  is placed on its right side. The housing bottom side  47 , housing rear side  42 , and housing left side  36  are each completely flat and the levels  46   a ,  46   b , respectively, are parallel thereto in order to give accurate inclination readings. 
     As described above, for embodiments of the device  10  including at least one level indicator for determining inclination, the housing left side  36  must remain flat and parallel to the levels  46   a ,  46   b . As best seen in  FIGS. 9 and 13 , for embodiments of the device  10  which include both the levels  46   a ,  46   b  and the clip  68 , the housing  20  includes a clip orifice  69  which is recessed within the thickness of the housing left side  36 . The orifice  69  is suitably dimensioned to completely receive the clip  68  such that the housing left side  36  is flat and can make flush contact with a work surface when determining inclination or to scribe a square line from a level surface. A lower end  71  of a lever tab  70  of the clip  68  bends outwardly to be gripped by the user to pull the lever tab  70  outwardly in order to attach the device  10  to a belt or waistline by the clip  68 . Alternatively, the clip  68  can have a lever tab  70  having a wide and flat outer surface which is parallel to the levels  46   a ,  46   b.    
     As shown in  FIGS. 8-12 , other embodiments of the device  10  include a T-square mechanism  48  for quickly providing a right-angle square with a rotatable blade  49  for making marks and quickly determining right-angles. The blade  49  is rotatably attached to the rear end of the housing  20  within a slot  51  by a blade fastener  64 . As best seen in  FIG. 8-10  the housing bottom side  47  is of a suitable thickness to include the slot  51  for receiving the blade  49  when rotated in a stowed position. The slot  51  is approximately the length of the housing  20  from the rear side  41  to the front side  41 . An attached end  50  of the blade  49  is pivotably connected to the housing  20  within the slot  51  by the blade fastener  64  and is outwardly rotatable to a ninety degree (90°) angle relative to housing right side  44  in a deployed position. The blade fastener  64  is preferably a rivet or similar smooth shafted permanent mechanical fastener. 
     A lip  52  is formed by or extends past the lower edge of the housing bottom side  47  below the slot  51 . The lip  52  provides a flat surface for abutment with an edge of a work surface in a similar manner as the head of a conventional T-square. The blade  49  provides a straight edge for marking and can include additional measuring or marking indicia for measuring or marking the distance from the edge of the work surface. The blade  49  is envisioned to have a length slightly smaller than the length of the slot  51 . 
     As shown in the example embodiment of  FIG. 12 , the blade  49  can be extendable to provide additional length for the squaring feature of the device  10 . An outer blade  52  is pivotably attached to the housing  20  within the slot  51  and an inner blade  53  is slidably coupled within a longitudinal channel provided in the outer blade  52 . The inner blade  53  extends linearly outward from the outer blade  52  to increase the overall length of the blade  49  when needed. The overall width of both the outer blade  52  and inner blade  53  are equivalent to provide coextensive planar side edges when the blade  49  is extended. A stop  55  extends perpendicularly downward from a forward end of the inner blade  53  having a height equal to a lower half of the outer blade  52  for supporting the forward end of the inner blade  53  when extended and maintaining the blade  49  parallel to the work surface. 
     At least one (1) channel guide  56  can be provided for guiding and retaining the inner blade  53  within the channel  54  of the outer blade  52 . The channel guide  56  protrudes outwardly from the top surface, the bottom surface, or both surfaces of the inner blade  53  and slidably mates within corresponding longitudinal cut-outs disposed on the interior of the outer blade  52  having close tolerances with the channel guide  56 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , a small recess  57  can be provided in the housing right side  44 , just above the slot  51 , for accessing the blade  49  when rotating outwardly for use. A groove  58  can also be provided in a top surface of the outer blade  52  and aligned with the recess  57  to be engaged by a finger of the user. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the blade  49  is secured in both the stowed position and deployed position by a spring actuated retaining pin  59 . The pin  59  is generally disposed within the housing  20  at the rear end and extended from the top side  40  to the bottom side  47 . A lower end  60  of the pin  59  extends from the interior of the housing  20  into the slot  51 . The pin lower end  60  is rounded for insertion within one (1) of two (2) blade apertures  61  disposed in the top surface of the blade  49  at the attached end. A stowed blade aperture  61   a  is positioned to the rear of the fastener for locking the blade  49  in the stowed position. A deployed blade aperture  61   b  is positioned to the right of the fastener for locking the blade  49  in the deployed position. 
     A spring  62  is disposed around the pin  59  at a lower portion within the housing  20 . The spring  62  is affixed at an upper end to the pin  59  and at a lower end to the housing bottom side  47  for biasing the pin  59  in a downward position and engaging pin lower end  60  with the selected blade aperture  61 . It can be appreciated that the spring  62  can be positioned at alternative locations upon the pin  59  and within the housing  20 . 
     An upper end of the pin  59  extends past the housing top side  40  and includes a head  63 . When the head  63  is raised by the user, the pin  59  is positioned in an upward position disengaging the blade aperture  61  and allowing the blade  49  in a rotated to a selected position. In other embodiments, a lever is pivotably attached to the housing top side  40  next to the head  63 . An end of the lever is positioned under the head  63  and an opposing end is biased upwardly. When the user presses downward on the free end of the lever, the opposing end lifts the head  63  and disengages the pin  59  from the blade  49 . 
     It can be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure and only certain particular configurations have been shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Various modifications and variations can be appreciated by one skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and practical application in accordance with the invention to enable those skilled in the art to best utilize the various embodiments with expected modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the invention.