Patent Publication Number: US-7895760-B1

Title: Universal design sheet material holder assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Applicant claims priority based on Provisional Patent Application No. 60/868,902, filed Dec. 6, 2006, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to sheet material holders and more particularly to a universal design assembly for holding sheet material. 
     2. Background Information 
     Holding a sheet of paper or other sheet material in order to cut the material is a task undertaken regularly by many people. Not everyone however is able to hold a sheet of paper, or to hold a sheet of paper or other sheet material in order to cut the paper. Persons having one hand or no hands, or perhaps having other physical limitations find it difficult to make a cut. Persons who have lost a finger, who have a broken arm, who have suffered a stroke or have other physical limitations, whether temporary or permanent, find it difficult to cut a sheet. Persons having cognitive disabilities may not understand the need to hold the sheet as they attempt a cutting action. The task of cutting is further complicated where the sheet must be simultaneously held in one hand while a scissors or cutting instrument is held in another hand. While there have been numerous improvements and varieties of holding devices created over the years, there is a need to create such devices that are workable by all persons, together with a need of having a device that is of a universal design which is acceptable for common use by everyone. 
     A variety of inventions have been patented which pertain to the use of holding devices. Some of those for which patents have been granted including the following: U.S. Pat. No. 4,892,295 to Keller; U.S. Pat. No. 673,941 to Bellas et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,145,799 to Khon. 
     The paper cutting assist patented by Keller, U.S. Pat. No. 4,892,295, includes one holding device. The device lacks a handle extending upwards for ease of grasping. While the device hinges a lid and base block which may also be attracted by magnets, the lid and base do not readily detach from each other, especially by a person having limited physical ability. The lid also cannot be used independently from the base. Lifting of the lid block  12  also tends to uplift the entire unit, especially if the magnetic forces are strong. Releasing the lid block can be complicated where the remaining sheet covers the protruding handle  60  extending from an edge  62  opposite the hinge edge  22 . A tight and uniform hold along the length of the sheet  28  is uncertain. Accordingly, there is a need to overcome these and other limitations of prior designs. It is a general desire of the present invention to provide a universal design sheet holding assembly that effective and easy for users to use and manipulate. The present invention addresses these and other needs pertaining to the general subject matter as more thoroughly described herein and with respect to the appended claims and abstract. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The problem of holding and cutting a sheet material with a single hand is solved by an assembly of a top body magnetically detachably connected to a base such that a straight edge of the top body substantially aligns with a straight edge of the base when the top body and base are connected. The assembly allows for a sheet material to be tightly held within the assembly such that a user may run a scissors or blade along the straight edge to cut the material. A user otherwise having limited abilities, such as persons with use of only a single hand, may nonetheless load a sheet material into the holder and subsequently cut the sheet material. 
     Particular optional embodiments of the invention may include a top body which automatically aligns with the base upon connection so the respective straight edges are aligned. Top body automatically aligns even when turned 180 degrees with respect to the base. Also in particular embodiments, the base includes a cradle, or cradles positioned at either end of the base, and which receive top body in a substantially centering alignment. The cradles accommodate alignment of the respective straight edges. Top body is detachably connected from the base so as to be removable for use in other actions, such as for use as a straightedge independent from the base. 
     Particular embodiments of the invention may also include a top body which is flexible such that top body may preferably longitudinally bend or flex. Top body may flex especially upon applying force to a handle that projects upwardly from a top surface of the top body. Base may preferably include a clearance to allow a downward flex action along the length of the base. The clearance accommodates top body and base to flex when top body is pressed, such as when a user applies a force to a handle. Grasping the handle and applying a downward force assists a user in subsequently peeling away top body from the base. A user may depress the top body and then simultaneously lift and rotate top body to peel the top body from the base. Thus a single hand movement allows for detachment of top body from the base. In a further aspect, the handle is off-set from a center position to accommodate ease of flexing and lifting of one end of the top body while the top body is otherwise magnetically connected to the base. 
     A further aspect of the present invention is directed toward a sheet material holder assembly comprising a top body having a top surface, a handle projecting generally upward from the top surface, and a first magnetic piece affixed to the top body opposite the top surface; and a base having a second magnetic piece, at least a portion of the first magnetic piece aligned atop at least a portion of the second magnetic piece. 
     A further aspect of the invention includes a sheet material holder assembly comprising a top body having a top surface, a handle projecting generally upward from the top surface, the top body including a metal surface opposite the top surface and a base having a second metal surface, at least one of the first and the second metal surfaces including a magnetic surface, the base further having at least one ear projecting generally upward from the base. 
     A further aspect of the present invention includes a sheet material holder assembly comprising a top body having a top surface, a handle projecting generally upward from the top surface, the top body including a metal surface opposite the top surface and a base having a second metal surface, at least one of the first and the second metal surfaces including a magnetic surface, the base further having a base width substantially equal to a top body width of the top body. 
     A further aspect of the present invention includes a sheet material holder assembly comprising a top body having a top surface, a handle projecting generally upward from the top surface, the top body including a metal surface opposite the top surface and a base having a second metal surface, at least one of the first and the second metal surfaces including a magnetic surface, the base further including at least one foot projecting opposite the handle, the foot and the base in part defining a clearance. 
     Yet a further aspect of the present invention includes a sheet material holder assembly comprising a top body having a top surface, a handle projecting generally upward from the top surface, the top surface having evenly spaced apart linear rulings perpendicularly disposed to and extending from an edge of the top body, some of the linear rulings corresponding to a unit of measure, and some of the linear rulings corresponding to a fraction of the unit of measure, the top body including a metal surface opposite the top surface and a base having a second metal surface, at least one of the first and the second metal surfaces including a magnetic surface. 
     The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment, aspect, or every implementation of the present invention. The figures and detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify these and other embodiments and further aspects of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a straightedge component used in one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view of the straightedge of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom perspective view of the straightedge of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a section view taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a further straightedge component used in an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of a handle aspect of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a sheet material holder assembly of one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a base component used in the assembly of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the assembly of  FIG. 7  including an optional T-bar. 
         FIG. 10  is an elevation view of the assembly of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 11  is an end view of the assembly of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 12  is a section view taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 13  is a bottom view of the assembly of  FIG. 7 . 
     
    
    
     While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not necessarily to limit the invention of the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention and as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the Figures, a sheet material holder assembly according to the present invention is generally depicted with reference to numeral  60 . In one aspect, assembly  60  includes a top body  62  in conjunction with a base  70 . Preferably top body  62  includes straightedge  20 . Preferably straightedge  20  is magnetically drawn or held to base  70 . A user may insert a sheet material (sheet not shown) between top body  62  and base  70 . The sheet material is thus held in position for a user to mark, cut, or otherwise use the sheet material. It may be appreciated that a variety of types of sheet material may be held in position with assembly  60 . 
     Referring generally to  FIG. 1-FIG .  6 , a top body  62 , and preferably a universal design straightedge for use in the present invention, is generally depicted with reference to numeral  20 . Assembly  60 , and base  70  are described generally below and with respect to  FIG. 7-FIG .  13 . 
     In one aspect, top body  62  or straightedge or ruler  20  includes a body  22  having a top surface  24 . Body  22  is preferably of rectangular shape. While body  22  may be made of or include a variety of materials, it is preferably made of flexible, clear, or substantially see-through plastic, and preferably acrylic material. Body  22  preferably has a shape of a common straightedge or ruler device. Straightedge  20  includes a perimeter  23 . Body  22  includes at least one straightedge or edge  26 , and preferably two edges  26   a ,  26   b  as is common with rulers. Preferably edge  26  is straight along its entire length, without interruption, projections or gaps. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , top surface  24  includes evenly spaced apart linear rulings  28 . Rulings  28  are preferably perpendicularly disposed to and extend from edge  26 . Preferably rulings  28  extend from edge  26   a  and edge  26   b . Preferably a plurality of rulings  28  are provided as generally shown. At least some of the rulings  28  correspond to a unit of measure  30  and at least some of the rulings  28  correspond to a fraction of the unit of measure  32 . Preferably the unit of measure  30  is an inch or is of English variety. It may be appreciated that the unit of measure  30  may also, or alternatively, include or correspond to a metric measure  31 , such as a centimeter or the like. Preferably all rulings  28  correspond to a unit of measure  30  or a fraction of a unit of measure  32 . It may be appreciated that rulings  28  extending from edge  26   a  preferably originate from edge  26   a . It may be appreciated that while rulings  28  may nearly originate from edge  26   a , rulings  28  preferably originate at edge  26   a  as shown. The terminology in the claims pertaining to rulings “extending from said edge” may be interpreted to include a relationship where the rulings  28 , or some of them, originate or nearly originate at edge  26   a.    
     Top surface  24  also includes numerical indicia  34 . Preferably a plurality of indicia  34  are provided as generally shown. It may be appreciated that straightedge  20  may be of greater or lesser length having any desired number of rulings  28  and indicia  34 . Preferably indicia  34  are associated with substantially all of the rulings  28 , and more preferably each ruling  28  includes an associated indicia  34 . Respective indicia  34  are associated with respective rulings  28 , and preferably positioned adjacent respective rulings  28 . More preferably, substantially all of indicia  34  are substantially centered about a centerline of respective rulings  28 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , a representative numerical indicia “5” is associated with a ruling  28 ′. Ruling  28 ′ defines a centerline generally along line A-A. Preferably the representative numeral “5” is centered along line A-A. It may be appreciated that such centered association makes the indicia-to-rulings representation easier to comprehend, understand or review as opposed to an association not so centered. Preferably each indicia-to-ruling association is centered. Preferably each ruling  28  includes an indicia  34 . Preferably, indicia  34  include a font that is being taught to students in their respective schools or curricula. Most preferably, indicia  34  comprise a Zaner-Blozer font (for ease of understanding and importantly for use of the open “4” numeral). Other fonts such as a Danelian font which includes a “monkey tail” feature on the “a” character (useful for introducing students to cursive writing) may also be preferred. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , straightedge  20  is arranged with edge  26   a  in an underlying orientation with respect to numerical indicia  34 . Particularly, indicia  34  are in a “standard upright reading position” with respect to edge  26   a , as opposed to an upside-down viewing position. It may be appreciated that alternate numeric indicia  35 , disposed opposite edge  26   a , are in an upside-down reading position with respect to edge  26   a . Edge  26   a  is thus in an underlying orientation with respect to indicia  34 . It may be appreciated that orienting indicia  34  in a standard upright viewing position with respect to rulings extending from associated edge  26   a  makes for easier comprehension, understanding and review of the indicia  34 . Preferably, numerical indicia  34  increase in value from left L to right R with each successive ruling  28  where straightedge  20  is arranged with edge  26   a  in an underlying orientation with respect to numerical indicia  34 . 
     As further shown in  FIG. 2 , top surface  24  preferably includes numerical indicia  34  associated with linear rulings  28  corresponding to a fraction of unit measure  32 . Preferably, such numerical indicia  34  include a composite of full and fractional numerical indicia  36 . Preferably, composite indicia  36  include values such as 1  1 / 2 , 2  1 / 2 , 3  1 / 2 , 4  1 / 2 , 5  1 / 2 , 6  1 / 2 , 7  1 / 2 , 8  1 / 2 , 9  1 / 2 , 10  1 / 2 , 11  1 / 2 , 12  1 / 2 , and 13  1 / 2 , etc. While it may be appreciated that any number of composite indicia  36  may be used depending on the length of straightedge  20 , preferably straightedge  20  includes at least composite indicia of at least 1½, 2½, 3½, and 4½. Preferably composite indicia  36  are centered about a centerline of respective linear rulings  28  as shown. Most preferably, the fractional component (including but not limited to “½”) of composite  36  is centered about a centerline of ruling  28 . It may be appreciated that such centerline alignment makes for easier comprehension, understanding and review of the indicia  34  and composite indicia  36 . More particularly, having both the full and fractional components of the composite indicia  36  make comprehension of the associated value abundantly clear or at least assists persons who have difficulty distinguishing between fractional values located between full values or whole numbers. Otherwise, for instance, the value “½” lying between two whole numbers, such as between “8” and “9”, might be interpreted by some individuals as either “8½” or “9½”. With the subject invention, however, the value “ 8½” is expressly stated so there can be little if any uncertainty. Preferably, linear rulings  28  corresponding to a fractional unit of measure  32  have a length shorter than a length of linear rulings  28  corresponding to a unit of measure  30 . Preferably indicia  34  associated with a fractional unit of measure  32  are positioned closer to edge  26   a . Preferably top surface includes Braille characters  37  or values as shown. Character  37  is but one representation of such values, and in the case of character  37 , represents the numerical value “9”. Preferably rulings  28  and indicia  34  are raised from top surface  24  for a textured feature, or alternatively etched or recessed. Preferably rulings  28  and indicia  34  include a contrasting color as compared to top surface  24 . Top surface  24  is preferably clear or transparent. 
     Preferably top surface  24  includes a textured area  48 . Textured area  48  may include a buffed or blasted region of body  22 , ideal for accepting markings of a pen, pencil or marker or the like. Area  48  allows for an instructor to place a mark adjacent a desired ruling  28  for instruction or guiding purposes. A typical area  48  may be formed by sand blasting or other scoring of top surface  24 , and preferably creates an opaque region on surface  24 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , straightedge  20  includes bottom surface  25 . A groove  38  is preferably defined within surface  25 . Preferably a metal piece, and more preferably a metal strip  46 , is positioned within groove  38 . While groove  38  may be a rectangular area of varying dimension, it may be appreciated that other configurations are contemplated. It may also be appreciated that metal strip  46  may be of varying dimension as desired, and is preferably a metal strip as generally shown. Preferably metal strip  46  is a magnetic strip. It may be appreciated that magnet  46  is positioned within groove  38 . It may be appreciated that a magnet  46  may also be positioned within groove  38 . It may also be appreciated that groove  38  and a corresponding magnet may run the entire length, or substantially the entire length of straightedge  20 . Preferably groove  38  includes a colored or painted layer (not shown) upon which strip  46  is positioned. A colored layer assist in concealing strip  46  from clear view and brightens straightedge  20  where use of a dark color strip or magnet  46  is required. A magnet is preferably used so that straightedge  20  may be held in place on a metal surface or object or other object or surface having a metal or magnet. Straightedge  20  having a magnet may also hold a sheet material placed between straightedge  20  and a surface. While not preferred, it may be appreciated that bottom surface  25  may also include a layer (not shown) covering the metal surface  46 . Metal surface  46 , while still being a bottom surface, may thus also be embedded within body  22 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , metal strip  46  is preferably off-set from a centerline of straightedge  20 . Such off-set arrangement is useful where straightedge  20  is placed upon an object having a similar metal strip which may be magnetized so as to accommodate attraction between the respective strips. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a further aspect of the invention is shown. Straightedge  20  includes a handle  40  positioned atop top surface  24 . Handle  40  projects generally upward from top surface  24 , and preferably handle  40  projects generally perpendicularly from top surface  24 . Preferably handle  40  is off-set from a center point of top surface  24 . Having such off-set feature accommodates for a desired flexing of body  22  where desired. 
     Preferably handle  40  is spinably connected to straightedge  20 . Preferably handle  40  spins about a central axis C-C as shown in  FIG. 5 . Preferably handle  40  includes a base portion that is generally cylindrical or includes a slightly upward tapered cylindrical component. Preferably handle  40  includes a bore  52  having a central axis B-B aligned substantially parallel with top surface  24 . Preferably handle  40  has a height “h” substantially greater than a thickness “x” of body  22 . In one non-limiting example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , base  22  has thickness or about ¼ inch whereas handle  40  has a height of about 2 inches. Preferably handle has height at least twice the measure of thickness “x”, and more preferably greater than four times the measure of thickness “x”. Such dimensions enhance the usefulness of handle  40  so an individual may use a variety of grips or grasps when manipulating straightedge  20 . Preferably handle  40  includes T-bar  41  which inserts within bore  52 . T-bar  40  may be inserted at a midpoint of as shown or off-set to accommodate a desired grasp. T-bar preferably includes grooves with nubs or tabs to engage a corresponding tab within bore  52  to secure T-bar  41  in position. As handle  40  is swiveled, bore  52  is realigned, thus accommodating a variety of grasping arrangements for T-bar  41 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , a post  42  having lip  43  may be inserted within aperture  54  (see  FIG. 3 ) to receive handle  40 . Preferably lip  43  abuts a shelf  56  within aperture  54  where remainder of post  42  extends therethrough. Preferably a spacer  44  or washer is included to accommodate for spin of handle about axis C-C. A set screw (not shown) or other fastener may be used to secure handle  40  to post  42 . It may be appreciated that other mechanisms for affixing handle  40  to straightedge  20  may be used without departing from the invention. 
     Assembly  60 , and base  70 , are described generally below and with respect to  FIG. 7-FIG .  13  and with respect to  FIG. 1-FIG .  6  concerning top body or straightedge  20 . Assembly  60  includes top body  62  preferably including straightedge  20  which engages with base  70 . Base  70  is configured to receive straightedge  20  and is preferably made of the same or similar materials and of generally the same or similar dimensions. Base includes a body  64  having a base top surface  66 . Body  64  is preferably of rectangular shape. While body  64  may be made of or include a variety of materials, it is preferably made of flexible, clear, or substantially see-through plastic, and preferably acrylic material. Body  64  preferably has a shape of a common straightedge or ruler device. Body  64  preferably includes at least one straightedge or base edge  27 , and preferably two edges  27   a ,  27   b  as is common with rulers and preferably to match overlaying straightedge  20 . Preferably edge  27  is straight along its entire length, without interruption, projections or gaps. Preferably straightedge  20  and base  70  have a similar or identical width “w” and thickness “x”. Preferably straightedge  20  and base  70  have similar length measurements as may be appreciated. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , base  70  preferably includes base groove  68  preferably defined within surface  66 . Preferably a metal piece, and more preferably a metal strip  47 , is positioned within groove  68 . While groove  68  may be a rectangular area of varying dimension, it may be appreciated that other configurations are contemplated. It may also be appreciated that metal strip  47  may be of varying dimension as desired, and is preferably a metal strip as generally shown. Preferably metal strip  47  is a magnetic strip. It may be appreciated that magnet  47  is positioned within groove  68 . It may be appreciated that a magnet  47  may also be positioned within groove  68 . It may also be appreciated that groove  68  and a corresponding magnet may run the entire length, or substantially the entire length of base  70 . A magnet is preferably used so that straightedge  20  (having a metal piece or strip, which may or may not be magnetic, but which is preferably magnetic), may be held in place on base  70 . A sheet material placed between straightedge  20  and base  70  may therefore be held in position. 
     With further reference to  FIG. 8 , base  70  preferably includes a cradle  72 , and preferably two cradles  72  positioned at either of opposing ends of base  70 . Cradle  72  includes at least one ear  74 . Preferably ear  74  projects upward, and preferably perpendicularly from base and body  64 . It may be appreciated that a pair of ears  74  define cradle  72 . Ear  74  preferably includes converging edge  76 . Preferably converging edges  76  lead to and define in part gap  78 . Preferably straightedge  20  includes tabs  50  positioned within cradle  78 . Preferably cradles  72   a  and  72   b  are symmetrical. Preferably straightedge  20  is symmetrical from side to side such that it may be rotated so tab  50   a  may alternatively lie within either cradle  72   a  or cradle  72   b  while tab  50   b  may alternatively lie within the reverse. Cradles  72  accommodate for quick and efficient alignment of straightedge  20  upon base  70 . Preferably gaps  78  are positioned substantially in-line along a central longitudinal axis of base  70 . Preferably metal piece  47 , which is preferably a magnetic strip  47 , is inserted within groove  68  which is also aligned along a central longitudinal axis of base  70 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9  and exploded view of the assembly  70  is shown. It may be appreciated that handle  40  is affixed to straightedge  20 . Straightedge  20  in turn may be set upon base  70 . Preferably respective magnetic strips  46 ,  47  operate to hold a sheet material placed therebetween. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , base  70  may include foot  80  positioned opposite base top surface  66 . Foot  70  and base bottom surface  67  define a clearance  82 . Preferably opposing feet  70  are placed at opposite ends of base  70  as shown. It may be appreciated that the magnetic attraction between straightedge  20  and base  70  may be relatively strong, thus making separation of straightedge  20  from base  70  difficult. A greater magnetic attraction is desired in order to securely hold a sheet material in position; however a large magnetic attraction tends to make separation of straightedge  20  and base  70  increasingly difficult. Preferably assembly  60  includes a handle  40 . 
     In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention, straightedge  20  and base  70  are made of flexible material, and are preferably longitudinally flexible. Clearance  82  thus assists a user when attempting a separation. To assist in overcoming the magnetic attraction, the user may simply grasp handle  40 , and by applying a slight pressure thereto, lift straightedge  20  in the direction generally represented by the arrow “T.” Accordingly, top body  20  is “longitudinally flexible” in that one end of body  20  (such as that end located adjacent cradle  72   b ) may bend upward relative to the opposite end of the body (i.e., the opposite end of body  20  located adjacent cradle  72   a ), and vice-versa. Clearance  82  assists in base  70  flexing downward in the direction opposite arrow T, thereby allowing a user to obtain a greater separation angle to peel back of body or straightedge  20 . The inventor has discovered that absence of clearance  82  would tend to make such peel back more difficult thus requiring greater force and difficulty in use of the sheet holding device. The inventor has also discovered that having handle  40  off-set from a centerpoint of straightedge  20  assists a user in bending straightedge  20  longitudinally so as to create a greater splitting force at one end of straightedge as compared to an opposite end so as to operate a peel-back of the straightedge  20  from the magnetic strip  47  located in base  70 . An optional T-bar  41  provides for additional grasping configuration so a user may impart a greater lifting force if needed. Handle  40  which swivels about central axis C further assists a user in positioning his or her hands upon or about handle  40  since greater variety of positions are made possible. Preferably T-bar  41  includes slots  39  which lie around the generally cylindrical element and also nubs  49  which align with a bump or tab within bore  52  for a secure engagement. 
     Feet  80  also assist in suspending assembly  60  from the plane of a table surface (not shown) or the like. Feet  80  may also be of rubber material to limit slipping of device. A complementary cutting instrument, especially of the type shown in the patents to Applicant, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,684,512 and 6,952,878 may therefore be used to pass along assembly  60  to cut a sheet material. Feet  80  position the sheet material for ease of entry into a cutting notch of the patented cutting devices. Assembly  60  maintains a sheet material in a relatively very flat orientation to assist in the cutting operation. Applicant has discovered that less effort is required to cut a sheet where the sheet is held flat and tight. Use of double magnetic strips also hold the sheet very tight which is needed for a cutting operation. The feet  80  also provide the clearance use of standard scissors to undertake a cutting operation. While the present invention has special advantage for the holding of sheet material, it works especially well in conjunction with other adaptive or universal design equipment. 
     Feet  80  include a cavity  82  in which gripper  84  inserts. Preferably gripper  84  is made of a rubber or soft material and presents an enhanced friction force upon a table or other surface upon which base  70  is placed. Without gripper  84 , base  70  would tend to more easily slide about when operating assembly  60 . Gripper  84  assist a user in peeling away straightedge  20  since gripper  84  resists movement allowing for an easier bend of straightedge  20  when lifting in direction of arrow T. Preferably gripper  84  is angled to friction fit within cavity  82  with includes opposing t-rails  88 . Grippers  84  insert or plug into cavity  82 . Production slots  86  may also be formed in base  70  in order to assist in the molding fabrication or increase the release time in a production of the invention. It may be appreciated that a user may separate straightedge  20  from assembly  60  to be used independently for a measuring, drawing, cutting, holding or other operation. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11  ear  74  of cradle  72  is positioned generally perpendicular to tab  50 . Gripper  84  extends slightly below base end wall  90 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , metal strip  46  of straightedge  20  is positioned adjacent base  70  and base metal strip  47  is positioned adjacent straightedge  20 . Metal strip  47  is preferably positioned along a central longitudinal axis of base  70 . As shown, strip  46  and strip  47  are in magnetic attraction. While not required, piece  46  preferably contacts piece  47 . Preferably at least a portion of piece  46  is aligned atop at least a portion of piece  47 . It may be appreciated that the attractive forces of magnetized pieces  46 ,  47  may operate while such pieces are not in contact, and may also operate where one or the other or both are embedded within respective body  22 ,  64 . Metal strip  46  may be off-set from a central longitudinal axis of straightedge  20 . Such off-set is preferred where the magnetic properties of the respective metal strips  47 ,  46  act to repel or attract as understood by one having skill in the art. A more refined or expensive variety of strips  46 ,  47  may be used to allow for a direct overlying relationship without having a repelling action. It may be appreciated that gap  78  further assists in maintaining straightedge  20  in alignment with base  70 . Edge  26   a  and base edge  27   a  are preferably aligned to define a common plane. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , the taper associated with foot  80  is shown. Such taper assists in retaining gripper  84 . In a preferred aspect, body  64  is clear such that a user may see marking through base  70  to assist in cutting, measuring and the like. 
     The terms and descriptions used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims, and their equivalents, in which all terms are to be understood in their broadest possible sense unless otherwise specifically indicated.