Patent Publication Number: US-2023159121-A1

Title: Tandem slide rule

Description:
FIELD THE INVENTION 
     Various embodiments of this invention relate to devices for measuring distance when moving a vehicle. Particular embodiments, for example, concern devices for measuring how far to move a tractor when sliding (e.g., tandem) axles of a trailer of a tractor-trailer rig or truck. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Trailer axles of a tractor-trailer rig can be moved forward or rearward, for example, to adjust the load distribution between the trailer axles and the rear axles of the tractor. This has been done, for example, to even out the load distribution between the trailer and tractor axles. To move the trailer axles, for example, the driver of the truck can pull pins that hold the trailer axles in position, and then move the tractor forward or rearward while the tractor is connected to the trailer and while the brakes on the trailer are set. This slides the trailer relative to its (e.g., tandem) axles and wheels. Once the trailer is properly positioned relative to the axles, the driver can get out of the tractor and walk back and reinsert the pins in different holes to hold the trailer axles in the new position. In the past, however, it has been difficult for the driver to know how far to move the tractor so the pins would engage the desired holes. One solution to the problem was for someone to assist the driver and stand by the trailer axles and signal to the driver to move the tractor until the holes and pins line up. But drivers don&#39;t always have someone available to assist. As a result, drivers working alone typically had to guess how far to move the tractor, then set the brakes of the tractor, get out of the cab, walk back to the trailer axles, and see which direction and how far to move the tractor to get the pins to line up with the desired holes. Then the driver would walk pack to the tractor, disengage the brake, move the tractor slightly, and walk back to the trailer axles again. This often took several iterations before the driver was able to engage the pins in the desired holes. 
     Room for improvement exists in the way drivers slide trailer axles. For example, potential for benefit exists in the number of iterations or amount of time it takes for a driver to reposition or slide trailer axles. Potential for benefit exists for apparatuses that make sliding trailer axles easier or that take fewer iterations, for example, when being done just by the driver without any assistance. Further, other situations exist where more accurately measuring the distance that a vehicle has moved may be beneficial. Examples include when hitching a trailer or when precisely positioning a vehicle or trailer. Other examples may be apparent to a person of skill in the art. Potential for benefit exists in these and other areas that may be apparent to a person of skill in the art having studied this document. 
     SUMMARY OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Various embodiments are or include an apparatus for measuring distance when moving a vehicle, and in particular embodiments, an apparatus for measuring how far to move a tractor when sliding (e.g., tandem) axles of a trailer of a tractor-trailer rig, as examples. Needs or potential for improvement exist in such apparatuses and in the way the distance that a vehicle has moved is determined or measured. Further, needs or potential for improvement exist in apparatuses and methods for moving or sliding (e.g., tandem) trailer axles. For instance, potential for improvement exists in the number of iterations or amount of time it takes for a driver to slide (e.g., tandem) trailer axles. Further, needs or potential for improvement or benefit exist in these and other areas that may be apparent to a person of skill in the art having studied this document. 
     Specific embodiments include various apparatuses for measuring distance when moving a vehicle, for example, in a forward or reverse direction. In a number of embodiments, for instance, the apparatus includes a scale, for example, that is mounted on the vehicle while the apparatus is in use. Further, in various embodiments, the scale includes multiple (e.g., evenly-spaced) indicia, for example, arranged in a line. Still further, in a number of embodiments, when the apparatus is in use, the line is substantially parallel to the forward or reverse direction of the vehicle, for example, when the vehicle is traveling in a straight line. Even further, in various embodiments, the scale is positioned on the vehicle where the driver, while driving the vehicle, can see the scale, and can sight past the scale to a stationary visual reference located outside the vehicle to see how far the vehicle has moved. 
     In various embodiments (e.g., when the apparatus is in use), the scale is located on a step of the vehicle, below the driver, or both. Further, in some embodiments, the apparatus is or includes an elongated member. Still further, in particular embodiments, the scale is located on the elongated member. Even further, in some embodiments, when the apparatus is in use, the elongated member is attached to the vehicle. Further still, in a number of embodiments, the elongated member has a longest overall dimension (i.e., of the elongated member) and the longest overall dimension is at least four times any overall dimension of the elongated member that is perpendicular to the longest overall dimension of the elongated member. Even further still, in some embodiments (e.g., when the apparatus is in use), the longest overall dimension of the elongated member is substantially parallel to the forward or reverse direction of the vehicle, for example, when the vehicle is traveling in a straight line. Moreover, in particular such embodiments (e.g., when the apparatus is in use), the elongated member is attached to a step of the vehicle, for example, below the driver. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the longest overall dimension of the elongated member is at least ten times any overall dimension of the elongated member that is perpendicular to the longest overall dimension of the elongated member. 
     In a number of embodiments, the scale is positioned on the vehicle such that the driver, while driving the vehicle, can see the scale through a side window of the vehicle. In some embodiments, however, the scale is positioned on the vehicle such that the driver, while driving the vehicle, can see the scale by opening a door of the vehicle. Further, in various embodiments, the scale is positioned (e.g., on the vehicle) below the driver, and when the diver is driving the vehicle, the stationary visual reference is located on the driving surface. Still further, in a number of embodiments, the driver (e.g., while driving the vehicle) can sight past the scale to the stationary visual reference on the driving surface to see how far the vehicle has moved. Even further, in particular embodiments, the apparatus includes the stationary visual reference. For example, in some embodiments, the stationary visual reference includes an object (e.g., carried on the vehicle), for instance, that the driver places on the driving surface before using the apparatus to see how far the vehicle has moved. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the vehicle is a tractor, for instance, of a tractor-trailer rig. Further, in some embodiments, the apparatus is used to measure how far to move the tractor, for example, when sliding (e.g., tandem) axles of the trailer. Still further, in some embodiments, the indicia are spaced a first distance apart. Even further, in a number of embodiments, the trailer has slider rails with locking holes for locking the axles and the locking holes are spaced a second distance apart. Further still, in some embodiments, the second distance is a whole-number multiple of the first distance. Even further still, in particular embodiments, the whole number is between 1 and 10, for example. 
     Various specific embodiments are or include an apparatus for measuring how far to move a tractor when sliding (e.g., tandem) axles of a trailer of a tractor-trailer rig. In a number of embodiments, for example, the apparatus includes an elongated member that includes a scale that includes multiple (e.g., evenly-spaced) indicia, for example, arranged in a line. Further, in various embodiments, the elongated member has a longest overall dimension (i.e., of the elongated member), and the longest overall dimension (i.e., of the elongated member) is at least four times any overall dimension of the elongated member that is perpendicular to the longest overall dimension of the elongated member. Still further, in a number of embodiments (e.g., when the apparatus is in use), the elongated member is attached to the tractor, and (e.g., when the apparatus is in use), the elongated member is positioned on the tractor where the driver, while driving the tractor, can see the scale, and can sight past the scale to a stationary visual reference located outside the tractor to see how far the tractor has moved. 
     In some embodiments, for example, the apparatus further includes instructions to attach the elongated member to the tractor, for example, to attach the elongated member to a step on the tractor. Further, some embodiments include instructions to use the apparatus to measure how far to move the tractor, for example, when sliding the (e.g., tandem) axles of the trailer of the tractor-trailer rig. Further still, in some such embodiments, the elongated member is positioned on the tractor such that the driver, while driving the tractor, can see the scale by opening a door of the tractor. Still further, in various embodiments, the elongated member is positioned on the tractor below the driver (i.e., when the diver is driving the tractor), the stationary visual reference is located on the driving surface, and the driver, while driving the tractor, can sight past the scale to the stationary visual reference on the driving surface to see how far the tractor has moved. Even further, in certain embodiments, the apparatus includes the stationary visual reference. For example, in particular embodiments, the stationary visual reference includes an object carried on the tractor, for example, that the driver places on the driving surface before using the apparatus to see how far the tractor has moved. Even further still, in certain embodiments, the elongated member, the object, or both, are configured for the object to be carried on the tractor within the elongated member. In addition, various other embodiments of the invention are also described herein, and other benefits of certain embodiments are described herein or may be apparent to a person of skill in this area of technology. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a top view of a scale on an elongated member attached to the step of a vehicle showing the driver&#39;s view of an example of an apparatus for measuring distance when moving a vehicle or an apparatus for measuring how far to move a tractor when sliding axles of a trailer of a tractor-trailer rig; and 
         FIG.  2    is a front view of an example of a vehicle or tractor showing a driver of a vehicle sighting past the elongated member of  FIG.  1    to use the example of the apparatus to measure how far to move the vehicle or tractor, for instance, when sliding the (e.g., tandem) axles of the trailer of the tractor-trailer rig. 
     
    
    
     The drawings provided herewith illustrate, among other things, examples of certain aspects of particular embodiments. Other embodiments may differ. Various embodiments may include aspects shown in the drawings, described in the specification (including the claims), known in the art, or a combination thereof, as examples. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTS 
     This patent application describes, among other things, examples of certain embodiments, and certain aspects thereof. Other embodiments may differ from the particular examples described in detail herein. Various embodiments are or concern apparatuses for measuring distance, for instance, when moving a vehicle, for example, in a forward or reverse direction. Ruler or elongated member  10  shown in  FIG.  1    is an example of such an apparatus. Ruler, elongated member, or apparatus  10  includes scale  12 , that is printed or marked on ruler or elongated member  10 , as examples. As shown in  FIG.  2   , ruler, elongated member, or apparatus  10  is mounted on vehicle  20 , at least while the apparatus is in use. In some embodiments, ruler, elongated member, or apparatus  10  is mounted on vehicle  20  at all times and is just used when needed. Further, in the embodiment illustrated, scale  12  includes multiple evenly-spaced indicia. In the embodiment shown, these indicia include evenly-spaced lines and sequential numbers or integers, for example, arranged in a line. In this example, the evenly-spaced lines (i.e., shown above the numbers in  FIG.  1   ) are arranged in such a line. Still further, in this example, the numbers or integers of the indicia of scale  12  are also arranged in such a line. Even further, both such lines (i.e., for the evenly-spaced lines and for the numbers or integers) are substantially parallel to each other and are substantially parallel to the forward or reverse direction (i.e., depicted by double-headed arrow  13  shown in  FIG.  1   ) of the vehicle (e.g.,  20 ). As used herein, “substantially parallel” means parallel to within plus or minus 10 degrees unless indicated otherwise. Even further still, where “substantially parallel” is used herein, in various other embodiments, the two (e.g., lines) may be parallel to within 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 15, 20, 25, or 30 degrees, as other examples. Moreover, in a number of embodiments, when the apparatus (e.g.,  10 ) is in use (i.e., in use to measure distance that the vehicle has moved), the line (i.e., that the indicia are arranged in) is substantially parallel to the forward or reverse direction of the vehicle, for example, when the vehicle is traveling in a straight line (i.e., with the steering or front wheels of the vehicle pointed straight). In  FIG.  1   , double-headed arrow  13  illustrates the forward or reverse direction of the vehicle, for example, when the vehicle is traveling in a straight line. 
     In the embodiment illustrated, the indicia of scale  12  includes the integer or number 0 (zero), which is located at or near the middle of scale  12 . As used herein, “near” means to within plus or minus 15 percent [i.e., in this case, of the length of the longest overall dimension (e.g., illustrated by double-headed arrow  13 ) of the elongated member (e.g.,  10 )]. Successive integers or numbers, in either direction (i.e., forward or reverse), increase sequentially from 0 to 8. Driver  21 , in the embodiment illustrated, may initially select or locate stationary visual reference  11  at or near the 0 indicia, and may then move (i.e., drive) vehicle  20  the desired (e.g., short) distance in either the forward or reverse direction. In other embodiments, however, the integers or numbers may extend sequentially from one end of the scale to the other, for example, from 0 to 16. In some embodiments, the driver (e.g.,  21 ) may initially select or locate the stationary visual reference (e.g.,  11 ) somewhere in line of sight with the scale (e.g.,  12 ) and may count indicia or add or subtract indicia to determine how far to move the vehicle or tractor (e.g.,  20 ) to obtain the desired distance in either the forward or reverse direction. 
     In various embodiments, the scale (e.g.,  12 ) is positioned on the vehicle (e.g.,  20 ) where the driver (e.g.,  21 ), while driving the vehicle (e.g., while positioned approximately as shown in  FIG.  2   ), can see the scale and can sight past the scale to a stationary visual reference (e.g.,  11 ) located outside the vehicle to see how far the vehicle has moved.  FIG.  2    illustrates an example where apparatus, elongated member, or ruler  10  is positioned on vehicle  20  where driver  21 , while driving vehicle  20 , can sight past the scale (e.g., scale  12  shown in  FIG.  1   , of apparatus, elongated member, or ruler  10  shown in both  FIG.  1    and  FIG.  2   ) to stationary visual reference  11 . In this example, stationary visual reference  11  is located outside vehicle  20 . In this manner, driver  21  can read scale  12  to see how far vehicle  20  has moved. In  FIG.  2   , driver  21  sights along line of sight  22 . Further,  FIG.  1    is an example of what driver  21  sees (i.e., including scale  12 ) when looking down at apparatus, elongated member, or ruler  10 , and at stationary visual reference  11 , while driving vehicle  20  and while using apparatus, elongated member, or ruler  10  to measure distance that vehicle  20  has moved. In this context, “driving” may mean inching vehicle  20  forward or backward a short distance at a low speed as opposed to typical distances covered and speeds when traveling on a highway. In this context, “driving” means that driver  21  is in a position suitable to reach the pedals of vehicle  20  (for example, sitting in the driver&#39;s seat), for instance, as shown in  FIG.  2   . The words “move”, “moving”, and “moved” are also used herein and may also mean inching (e.g., vehicle  20 ) forward or backward a short distance at a low speed. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , when apparatus, elongated member, or ruler  10  is in use (i.e., in use to measure distance that vehicle  20  has moved), scale  12  is located on step  15  of vehicle  20  below driver  21 . As used herein, a scale is considered to be “on” a component (e.g., step  15 ) if the scale is printed or marked directly on the component (e.g., step  15 , which is the case in some embodiments) or if the scale is printed or marked on a member (e.g., ruler or elongated member  10 ) that is placed on or attached to (e.g., on top of or beside) the component (e.g., step  15 , for instance, as shown), as examples. In the embodiment illustrated, for instance, ruler or elongated member  10  may be attached to step  15  with adhesive, one or more fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, rivets, or a combination thereof), one or more clamps, one or more magnets, zip ties, or a combination thereof, as examples. Various fastening or attachment mechanisms may be used in different embodiments. 
     In various embodiments, the apparatus includes an elongated member. Ruler  10  is an example of an elongated member where the scale (e.g.,  12  shown in  FIG.  1   ) is located on the elongated member (e.g.,  10 ). Even further, in some embodiments (e.g., at least when the apparatus is in use), the elongated member (e.g.,  10 ) is attached to the vehicle (e.g., to step  15  as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   ). Further still, in the embodiment illustrated, elongated member  10  has a longest overall dimension (i.e., overall dimension of the elongated member). An example of such a longest overall dimension is illustrated in  FIG.  1    with double-headed arrow  13 . In a number of embodiments, the longest overall dimension (e.g.,  13 ) is at least four times any (e.g., the greatest) overall dimension of the elongated member (e.g.,  10 ) that is perpendicular to the longest overall dimension (i.e., of the elongated member). Double-headed arrow  14  shown in  FIG.  1    is an example of such an overall dimension of the elongated member that is perpendicular to the longest overall dimension (e.g.,  13 ) of elongated member  10 . In other embodiments, the longest overall dimension (e.g.,  13 , or corresponding thereto) of the elongated member (e.g.,  10 , or corresponding thereto) is at least 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 times any (e.g., the greatest) overall dimension (e.g., dimension  14 , or corresponding thereto) of the elongated member that is perpendicular to the longest overall dimension (i.e., of the elongated member), as examples. In certain embodiments, for example, the longest overall dimension (e.g.,  13 ) of the elongated member is about 18 inches, and an overall dimension (e.g.,  14 ) of the elongated member (e.g.,  10 ) that is perpendicular to the longest overall dimension (e.g.,  13 ) of the elongated member is about ½ inch. As used herein, “about”, unless indicated otherwise, means plus or minus ten percent. In other embodiments, for other examples, the longest overall dimension (e.g.,  13 ) of the elongated member (e.g.,  10 ) is about 12, 16, 20, 24, 30, or 36 inches, as other examples, and the overall dimension of the elongated member that is perpendicular to the longest overall dimension of the elongated member (e.g.,  14  shown in  FIG.  1   ) may be, in various other embodiments, about ⅜, 7/16, 9/16, ⅝, ¾, ⅞, 1, 1⅛, 1¼, or 1½ inches, as other examples. In the embodiment shown, at least when the apparatus is in use (i.e., being used to measure distance that vehicle  20  has moved), the longest overall dimension (e.g.,  13 ) of the elongated member (e.g.,  10 ) is substantially parallel to (i.e., in the embodiment illustrated, double-headed arrow  13  is substantially parallel to) the forward or reverse direction of vehicle  20 , for example, when vehicle  20  is traveling in a straight line. Moreover, in the embodiment shown, at least when the apparatus is in use, the elongated member (e.g.,  10 ) is attached to step  15  of vehicle  20  below driver  21 . 
     In a number of embodiments (e.g., when the apparatus is in use), the scale (e.g.,  12  shown in  FIG.  1   ) is positioned on the vehicle (e.g.,  20 ) such that the driver (e.g.,  21 ), while driving the vehicle (e.g., as shown), can see the scale through a side window of the vehicle (e.g., in the door of the vehicle). Although not shown in  FIG.  2   , in a number of embodiments, the driver (e.g.,  20 ), may lean over, turn his or her head, or even lean out the window to see the scale (e.g.,  12 , for instance, on elongated member  10 ), in various embodiments. In some embodiments, however, the scale (e.g.,  12 ) is positioned on the vehicle (e.g.,  20 ) such that the driver (e.g.,  21 ), while driving the vehicle, can see the scale (e.g.,  12 ) by opening a door of the vehicle (e.g.,  20 ). Further, in various embodiments, the scale (e.g.,  12 , for example, shown in  FIG.  1    on elongated member  10 ) is positioned (e.g., on vehicle  20 ) below the driver (e.g.,  21 , for instance, as shown in  FIG.  2   ), and when the diver (e.g.,  21 ) is driving the vehicle (e.g.,  12 ), the stationary visual reference (e.g.,  11 ) is located on the driving surface (e.g.,  23 ). The driving surface (e.g.,  23 ) may be a roadway (e.g., pavement) or the ground, as examples. Still further, in a number of embodiments, the driver (e.g.,  21 ), for instance, while driving the vehicle (e.g., while driver  21  is located where shown in  FIG.  2   ) can sight (e.g., along line of sight  22  shown) past the scale (e.g., scale  12  shown in  FIG.  1    which is marked or printed on elongated member  10  shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   ) to the stationary visual reference (e.g.,  11 ) on the driving surface (e.g.,  23 ) to see how far the vehicle (e.g.,  20 ) has moved. Even further, in particular embodiments, the apparatus includes the stationary visual reference (e.g.,  11 ). For example, in some embodiments, the stationary visual reference (e.g.,  11 ) is or includes an object (e.g., a rod), for example, carried on the vehicle (e.g.,  20 ), for instance, that the driver (e.g.,  21 ) places on the driving surface (e.g.,  23 ) before using the apparatus (e.g., elongated member  10  and stationary visual reference  11 ) to see how far the vehicle (e.g.,  20 ) has moved. In a number of embodiments, however, the driver may use [i.e., for the stationary visual reference (e.g.,  11 )] an existing marking (e.g., a painted line) or feature on the driving surface (e.g.,  23 ) or an object that is locally available (e.g., a rock, stick, or piece of roadside debris). 
     In some embodiments, for example, the vehicle (e.g.,  20 ) is a tractor (i.e., tractor unit), for instance, of a tractor-trailer rig. Further, in some embodiments, the apparatus (e.g., elongated member  10 , in some embodiments including stationary visual reference  11 ) is used to measure how far to move the tractor (e.g.,  20 ), for example, when sliding (e.g., tandem) axles of the trailer (e.g., semi-trailer, for instance, pulled by the tractor). Still further, in some embodiments, the indicia (e.g., described above, for example, of scale  12 ) are spaced a first distance apart. Double-headed arrow  16  shown in  FIG.  1    illustrates an example of such a “first distance”. Even further, in a number of embodiments, the trailer has slider rails with locking holes for locking the (e.g., tandem) axles and the locking holes are spaced a second distance apart. Slider rails with locking holes for locking axles in position are known in the art and may be, for example, 4 or 6 inches apart. Thus, this “second distance apart” may be 4 or 6 inches, as examples. In other cases, however, the “second distance apart” may be 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 12 inches, as other examples. Further still, in some embodiments, the second distance is a whole-number multiple of the first distance (e.g.,  16  shown in  FIG.  1   ). Even further still, in particular embodiments, the “whole number” is between 1 and 10, for example. In other embodiments, the “whole number” is between: 1 and 12; 2 and 12; 3 and 12; 4 and 12; 1 and 8; 2 and 8; 3 and 8; 4 and 8; 1 and 6; 2 and 6; 3 and 6; or 4 and 6, as other examples. For instance, in particular embodiments, the “whole number” is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, or 12, as examples. Even further, in certain embodiments, the “first distance” (e.g.,  16  shown in  FIG.  1   ) is 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 6 inches, as examples. In various embodiments, driver  21  may: determine the whole number, determine how many locking holes in the slider rails to move the (e.g., tandem) axles, and move the vehicle or tractor  20  the a number of indicia on scale  12  that is equal to the whole number for each locking hole in the slider rails to move the axles. 
       FIGS.  1  and  2    illustrate an example of an apparatus for measuring how far to move a tractor (e.g.,  20 ) when sliding (e.g., tandem) axles of a trailer of a tractor-trailer rig, semi-tractor-trailer truck, big rig, or eighteen wheeler. In the embodiment shown, for example, the apparatus includes elongated member  10  that includes scale  12  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) that includes multiple evenly-spaced indicia (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  1    and described above), for example, arranged in a line (e.g., substantially parallel to double-headed arrow  13  shown in  FIG.  1   ). As mentioned, in the embodiment illustrated, elongated member  10  has longest overall dimension  13 , which may be is at least four times any overall dimension (e.g.,  14  shown) of elongated member  10  that is perpendicular to longest overall dimension  13  of elongated member  10 . Still further, in the embodiment shown, (e.g., when the apparatus is in use, for example, to measure distance moved), elongated member  10  is attached to tractor  20 , and (e.g., at least when the apparatus is in use), elongated member  10  is positioned on tractor  20  where (e.g., as shown) driver  21 , while driving tractor  20 , can see the scale (e.g.,  12  shown in  FIG.  1    on elongated member  10 ) and can sight past the scale (e.g., along line of sight  22  shown in  FIG.  2   ) to stationary visual reference  11  located outside tractor  20  to see how far tractor  20  has moved. 
     In some embodiments, elongated member  10  is provided (e.g., sold) separately from vehicle or tractor  20 . Further, in particular embodiments, for example, the apparatus (e.g., that includes elongated member  10 ) further includes instructions to attach elongated member  10  to vehicle or tractor  20 , for example, to attach elongated member  10  to step  15  on tractor  20  (e.g., as shown or described herein). Further, some embodiments include instructions to use the apparatus (e.g., to use elongated member  10 , scale  12 , stationary visual reference  11 , or a combination thereof) to measure how far to move tractor  20 , for example, when sliding the (e.g., tandem) axles of the trailer (i.e., the trailer pulled by tractor  20 ) of the tractor-trailer rig. In a number of embodiments, instructions may be provided with elongated member  10 , when elongated member  10  is sold, or both. In some embodiments, however, instructions (e.g., described herein) may be included in advertising, for example, for elongated member  10 . In certain embodiments, elongated member  10  is provided (e.g., sold) with vehicle or tractor  20 , or the scale (e.g., similar to scale  12  or as described herein) may be marked or printed on vehicle or tractor  20 , step  15 , or a similar component. In some such embodiments, advertising, for example, as described herein, may also be provided. 
     Further still, in various such embodiments, elongated member  10  is positioned on tractor  20  such that driver  21 , while driving tractor  20 , can see the scale (e.g.,  12 , shown in  FIG.  1   , of elongated member  10 , shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   ) by opening a door (e.g., the driver&#39;s door) of tractor  20 . Certain embodiments may include instructions to position elongated member  10  on tractor  20  as such, as described herein, or a combination or sub-combination thereof. 
     In the embodiment shown (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  2   ), elongated member  10  is positioned on tractor  20  below driver  21  (i.e., below driver  21  when diver  21  is driving tractor  20 , as shown), stationary visual reference  11  is located on driving surface  23 , and driver  21 , while driving tractor  20 , can sight (e.g., along line of sight  22 ) past the scale (i.e scale  12  shown in  FIG.  1    which is located on top of elongated member  10  shown in  FIG.  2   ) to stationary visual reference  11  (shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   ) on driving surface  23  to see how far tractor  20  has moved. Even further, in certain embodiments, the apparatus includes stationary visual reference  11 . For example, in particular embodiments, stationary visual reference  11  is or includes an object (e.g., a rod), for instance, carried on tractor  20 , for example, that driver  21  places on driving surface  23  before using the apparatus (e.g., using scale  12 , elongated member  10 , or both) to see how far tractor  20  has moved. In some embodiments, for example, stationary visual reference  11  is provided (e.g., sold) with elongated member  10 , for example, for use with tractor  20 . Even further still, in certain embodiments, elongated member  10 , the object (e.g., stationary visual reference  11 ), or both, are configured for (i.e., made specifically for) the object (e.g., stationary visual reference  11 ) to be carried on tractor  20  within elongated member  10 . In some embodiments, for instance, elongated member  10  may be hollow or tubular. For example, in certain embodiments, elongated member  10  is (e.g., square) tubular metal, for example, steel, stainless steel, brass, copper, or aluminum. In other embodiments, elongated member  10  may be plastic, for example, selected to resist ultraviolet degradation from sunlight. In various embodiments, elongated member  10  may be corrosion resistant. Further, in some embodiments, the object (e.g., stationary visual reference  11 ) may be sized, shaped, or both, to fit within elongated member  10 . Further still, in some embodiments, the object (e.g., stationary visual reference  11 ) may be shaped or designed to avoid rolling, to avoid blowing away in wind, or both. In some embodiments, the object (e.g., stationary visual reference  11 ) may be non-circular, flat, or triangular, as examples. In some embodiments, for example, the object (e.g., stationary visual reference  11 ) may be plastic. 
     Other embodiments include an apparatus or method of obtaining or providing an apparatus or information, for instance, that include a novel combination of the features described herein. Even further embodiments include at least one means for accomplishing at least one functional aspect described herein. The subject matter described herein includes various means for accomplishing the various functions or acts described herein or that are apparent from the structure and acts described. Each function described herein is also contemplated as a means for accomplishing that function, or where appropriate, as a step for accomplishing that function. Moreover, various embodiments include certain (e.g., combinations of) aspects described herein. All novel combinations are potential embodiments. Some embodiments may include a subset of elements described herein and various embodiments include additional elements as well. 
     Further, various embodiments of the subject matter described herein include various combinations of the acts, structure, components, and features described herein, shown in the drawings, described in any documents that are incorporated by reference herein, or that are known in the art. Moreover, certain procedures can include acts such as manufacturing, obtaining, or providing components that perform functions described herein or in the documents that are incorporated by reference. Further, as used herein, the word “or”, except where indicated otherwise, does not imply that the alternatives listed are mutually exclusive. Even further, where alternatives are listed herein, it should be understood that in some embodiments, fewer alternatives may be available, or in particular embodiments, just one alternative may be available, as examples.