Patent Description:
Transparent rulers having grid lines formed thereon are known for use in measuring and marking material, such as fabric, paper, plastic and the like. These rulers are also used to guide a tool, such as a razor, knife, or rotary cutter, in cutting the material to desired sizes and shapes. Most rulers use single color opaque markings for aligning material for measuring and cutting. The opaque line, which is often black in color, interferes with viewing the underlying material, which can cause inaccurate alignment, marking, and cutting. The utilization of a single color line also makes the rulers less versatile for use on light and dark materials.

While some ruler designs have attempted to solve these problems by utilizing lines with multiple, contrasting colors, these markings tend to be wider and provide more interference with viewing the material on which the ruler is placed, which makes it more difficult for a user to visually align the markings with the underlying material. One approach to resolve this additional issue is to use dashed lines or viewing areas in combination with lines. However, if the dashed lines are of a single color they will only be visible on a light or dark material. Further, superimposing the line with a contrasting color improves visibility but again interferes with seeing the underlying material.

Referring to <FIG>, illustrated therein is a portion of a transparent measuring device having a plurality of horizontal and vertical viewing windows <NUM> formed in accordance with previous methods. The device has a substrate <NUM> with opposing first and second sides <NUM>, <NUM>. Selected horizontal and vertical lines are identified by consecutive numbers <NUM>. The numbers <NUM>, preferably of a dark or black color, are positioned within an enlarged circle <NUM>, preferably of a second lighter color. In addition, alignment dots <NUM> are located in areas <NUM> between host lines <NUM>, <NUM>, preferably spaced equidistantly apart within each area <NUM> except on the diagonal in which case they are spaced further apart. Subdivision marks <NUM> are shown placed at equal intervals on the outside edges along the length and width of the device.

More particularly, the windows <NUM> are embedded within the host lines <NUM>, <NUM> so as to be completely surrounded thereby. The windows have a generally rectangular geometric shape outlined with two pairs of dark border lines, such as elongate parallel border lines <NUM> and transverse parallel border lines <NUM>, which are preferably opaque lines in black or other dark color, such as dark-shade green. Further, each of the host lines <NUM>, <NUM> is preferably outlined by a dark perimeter line <NUM> that is identical to or substantially similar in thickness and color to the border lines <NUM>, <NUM>. Between the perimeter line <NUM> and the border line <NUM> is an interior area <NUM> that is preferably colored with a bright transparent color that contracts with the color of the perimeter line <NUM> to form a composite two-color line.

Further, alternating windows <NUM> are filled in with the same transparent color as used within the interior area <NUM> of the host lines <NUM>, <NUM>. This presents a dashed window line appearance within a central longitudinal space <NUM>. In addition, a window <NUM> formed at the intersection of a vertical line <NUM> and horizontal line <NUM> has a "T" shape, which provides additional viewing ability at the junction of the host lines <NUM>, <NUM>.

While using a transparent line or viewing area in combination with lines may help, rulers formed according to previous methods that utilize these alternatives often make it difficult for the user to accurately align the underlying material with the markings surrounding the transparent lines or viewing area. <CIT> describes a transparent measuring device with enhanced visibility lines formed on a transparent substrate having opposing planar front and back surfaces and with at least one opaque line formed on one of the front and back surfaces and at least one transparent line formed on one of the front and back surfaces to be colinear with the at least one opaque line to present a composite line where the transparent line permits viewing of material on which the device is placed while highlighting the at least one opaque line for enhanced visibility. The transparent line may be formed of excitable pigment that reacts to light, such as a black light, or that retains luminance after exposure to light. <CIT> describes a tool for measuring, marking, and cutting material, the tool formed of a rigid sheet of transparent material having a transparent flexible sheet of pressure-sensitive material removably adhered thereon to cover one side of the rigid sheet and provide a removable, non-slip surface. One or the other of the rigid and flexible sheets has a plurality of lines formed thereon, preferably two-color lines, to aid in measuring and marking material. The pressure-sensitive material is formed of a non-static cling vinyl film having plasticizers that continually migrate to the surface of the film.

In accordance with the present disclosure, a device for use in measuring, marking and cutting material is provided that includes a transparent substrate having a first line and a second line formed thereon, the first line in spaced parallel relationship with the second line to define an unbroken, continuous channel, a plurality of third lines formed on the transparent substrate in the channel, the plurality of third lines cooperating with the first line and the second line to form a plurality of visually discernable windows in a contiguous linear arrangement in the continuous channel with each window having a grid line segment formed within the window in spaced relationship with the first line and the second line.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of third lines are non-linear. In another aspect, the plurality of third lines are perpendicular to the first and second lines. In yet another aspect, the plurality of third lines are at an angle to the first and second lines. In further aspects, the plurality of third lines are connected to the first and second lines. In some aspects, each grid line segment in the respective plurality of visually discernable windows is centered laterally and longitudinally within the respective window without being connected to the plurality of third lines. In other aspects, the grid line segments are one of opaque and tinted colors. In an implementation, the unbroken, continuous channel extends from a peripheral edge of the transparent substrate or a location that is adjacent to the peripheral edge. In yet another aspect, the channel forms a right angle, the channel extending from the peripheral edge or a location adjacent the peripheral edge to a second peripheral edge of the transparent substrate or a second location adjacent the second peripheral edge, the first peripheral edge being different from the second peripheral edge. In other implementations, successive windows of the plurality of visually discernable windows alternate between clear and a tinted color. In some aspects, at least one of the plurality of windows is tinted with a first color. Finally, in an aspect, the grid line segments are formed in spaced parallel relationship with the first line and the second line.

In accordance with the disclosed implementations of the present disclosure, another device for use in measuring, marking and cutting material is provided that includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface, a transparent line formed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface, the transparent line having an axis, a plurality of first lines formed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface, and a plurality of second lines formed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface in spaced linear relationship with the first plurality of lines, the spaced linear relationship between the first plurality of lines and the second plurality of lines defining boundaries of the transparent line along a length of the axis, the axis intersecting the linear space between the first plurality of lines and the second plurality of lines.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, a first end line and a second end line are formed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface, the first end line and the second end line positioned in spaced relationship to define terminal ends of the transparent line. Further, the plurality of first lines and the plurality of second lines are non-linear. Aspects of the present disclosure also include a translucent area surrounding each of the plurality of first lines, the plurality of second lines and the transparent line. In addition, the substrate is at least one of clear, translucent, or transparent to enable viewing underlying material opposite the transparent line. In an implementation, the plurality of first lines and the plurality of second lines are arranged in parallel relationship along the length of the axis.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, another device for use in measuring, marking and cutting material is provided that includes a substrate having first and second mutually opposing surfaces and at least one visually perceptible invisible line formed on at least one of the first and second surfaces, the invisible line having an elongate shape with a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of opposing line segment pairs defining the at least one visually perceptible invisible line with each line segment pair having first and second line segments in spaced relationship to form a space therebetween, the plurality of opposing line segment pairs positioned on the substrate with the spaces arranged in a linear arrangement with the at least one visually perceptible invisible line composed of the spaces.

In accordance with still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the spaces are one of a transparent, translucent, or tinted color to enable viewing through the spaces on one of the first and second mutually opposing surfaces to the other of the first and second mutually opposing surfaces. In a further aspect, the plurality of opposing line segment pairs are collinear and transverse to the longitudinal axis of the invisible line. In an implementation, first and second terminal lines are formed on at least one of the first and second mutually opposing surfaces, the first and second terminal lines positioned in spaced relationship to define a beginning and an end of the at least one visually perceptible invisible line. Further, at least one of the plurality of opposing line segment pairs are positioned at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis and the first and second line segments of at least one of the plurality of opposing line segments pairs are offset from one another along the longitudinal axis. Finally, a shape of at least one of the plurality of line segment pairs comprises one from among a dot, a circle, a dash, and a composite color line.

As will be readily appreciated from the foregoing, the present disclosure avoids the disadvantages of prior designs by enhancing the ability to view, measure and mark underlying material. The alternating windows outlined by the continuous channel allow the user to see through to the underlying material to enable increased measurement and cutting accuracy. Further, the visually perceptible invisible line and the transparent line in the disclosed implementations provide the user with an unobstructed view of the underlying material along the invisible line or the transparent line, which further increases measurement and cutting accuracy.

The foregoing features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more readily appreciated as the same become better understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:.

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed implementations. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that implementations may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures or components or both associated with transparent measuring devices, rulers, cutting guides and the inks used thereon as well as manufacturing processes for the same have not been shown or described in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the implementations.

Throughout the detailed description the word "tint" or "tinted" is used to describe a feature such as an area that is not opaque but formed with a visually perceptible color or hue that is sufficiently clear to enable seeing with the human eye material on which the device is placed. Color or hue is meant to include the three primary colors, the secondary colors, and the tertiary colors. A tinted color is one that has been lighted. Typically this is done by adding white. For the implementations describe herein, a tint is a color that has been lightened to enhance visibility through the tinted area, such as a tinted line. For sake of completeness, a shade is any color or hue in which black has been added to darken the appearance of the color or hue. A tone is a color to which both black and white have been added (essentially adding a grey) so as to tone down the appearance of the color. Finally, the opacity of a color when placed on a transparent substrate is measured on a scale of <NUM> to <NUM>, with <NUM>% opacity being completely clear and <NUM>% opacity as lacking any clearness or ability to see through the <NUM>% opaque area, such as an opaque line.

Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims that follow, the word "comprise" and variations thereof, such as "comprises" and "comprising" are to be construed in an open inclusive sense, that is, as "including, but not limited to. " The foregoing applies equally to the words "including" and "having.

Reference throughout this description to "one implementation" or "an implementation" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the implementation is included in at least one implementation. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one implementation" or "in an implementation" in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same implementation. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more implementations.

In accordance with the present disclosure, a device <NUM> for use in measuring, marking and cutting material is shown in <FIG> having a substrate <NUM> having first and second opposing substantially planar sides <NUM>, <NUM>, with a first line <NUM> and a second line <NUM> formed on one or the other of the first and second sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>. A line as described herein is preferably a continuous linear indicia. However, a line may also be formed from an arrangement of continual linear segments, such as dashes, dots, or other markings that together form what is perceived by the human eye to be a straight demarcation or line on the substrate <NUM>. In addition, while the lines illustrated and described herein have a linear configuration, it is possible that one or more of the lines could be non-linear, such as circular, arcuate, S-shaped, and other shapes of uniform or varying radius.

In the implementation shown in <FIG>, the first line <NUM> and the second line <NUM> are formed on the substrate <NUM> (either the first side <NUM> or the second side <NUM>, or alternatingly the first side <NUM> for the first line <NUM> and the second side <NUM> for the second line <NUM>, or even on both sides <NUM>, <NUM> simultaneously) in accordance with known methods and may vary in terms of length, width, thickness, color, tint, and opacity. For example, the lines <NUM>, <NUM> may both be opaque, or one line may be opaque with the other being tinted, or both lines may be formed with the same or different colors. Further, these lines <NUM>, <NUM> may be solid, dashed, or dotted in whole or in part. In one implementation, the substrate <NUM> is clear, meaning transparent, so that light can pass through the substrate unimpeded, although in alternative implementations, the substrate is tinted with one or more colors or hues to reduce opacity while presenting a highlighted appearance. Further, the substrate is formed from a preferably clear acrylic material, although it can be appreciated that other known materials suitable for forming the substrate may be chosen.

The first line <NUM> and the second line <NUM> are formed in spaced parallel relationship to define an unbroken, continuous channel <NUM> between the first and second lines <NUM>, <NUM>. The thickness of the first and second lines <NUM>, <NUM> is preferably uniform and the same, generally in the range of <NUM> inch to and including <NUM> inch. The distance between the first and second lines <NUM>, <NUM> is preferably in the range of <NUM> inch to and including <NUM> inch. A plurality of third lines <NUM> are formed on the substrate <NUM> in the channel <NUM> that cooperate with the first line <NUM> and the second line <NUM> to form a plurality of visually discernable windows <NUM> in a contiguous linear arrangement in the continuous channel <NUM>. Ideally, the third lines <NUM> are formed perpendicular to the first and second lines <NUM>, <NUM>, to form rectangular shaped windows <NUM>. However, it is to be understood that the third lines <NUM> may be formed at other angles to the first and second lines <NUM>, <NUM> to form other geometric shapes and irregular shapes for one or more of the windows <NUM>. In addition the lines <NUM> need not be linear but instead can have one or more curves or arcs of uniform or non-uniform radius.

Each window <NUM> includes a grid line segment <NUM> formed within the window <NUM> in spaced relationship with the first line <NUM> and the second line <NUM>. These features are described in more detail with reference to <FIG> below. <FIG> also shows that in one aspect of the present disclosure, one or more channels <NUM> are formed on the substrate <NUM> wherein each channel <NUM> has a respective plurality of windows <NUM> formed thereon according to the present disclosure.

In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the channel <NUM> extends from a peripheral edge <NUM> of the transparent substrate <NUM> or a location that is adjacent to the peripheral edge <NUM>. In this implementation, the channel <NUM> forms a right angle <NUM> along its length, with the channel <NUM> extending from the peripheral edge <NUM> or a location adjacent the peripheral edge <NUM> to a second peripheral edge <NUM> of the transparent substrate or a second location adjacent the second peripheral edge <NUM>. <FIG> also depicts multiple channels <NUM>, with the right angles <NUM> of each channel <NUM> aligned along an axis that extends from opposing corners <NUM>, <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>, the right angles <NUM> may be formed anywhere along the length of the channel <NUM>, or the right angles <NUM> may be aligned along a different axis or not aligned at all, but rather formed at irregular intervals with respect to each other. It is also possible to form channels with more than one right angle along their length according to the present disclosure. It is also to be appreciated that a number of different angles, such as <NUM> degrees or <NUM> degrees can be formed along the length of each channel <NUM>, or that the channel <NUM> may be curved or semicircular. Accordingly, the present disclosure encompasses a wide variety of arrangements for the lines <NUM>, <NUM> as well as the channel <NUM>.

In the implementation of <FIG>, a plurality of tick marks <NUM> are located along at least one edge <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> at regular intervals and in spaced parallel relationship. Preferably the tick marks <NUM> are oriented perpendicular to the at least one edge <NUM>. The tick marks <NUM> may be associated with numbers <NUM>, which are preferably of a dark or black color and correspond to the distance of selected tick marks <NUM> from one of the edges <NUM>, <NUM> on either end of the adjacent edge <NUM> of the device <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, or from another reference line, such as a center line. The units may be English or metric, although other units may be used. Further, each number may be surrounded by an enlarged circle <NUM>, preferably of a second, lighter color than that of the numbers <NUM>. In addition, a portion of each tick mark <NUM> may be surrounded by a color strip <NUM> that extends along the edge <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> and having a contrasting color to that of the tick marks <NUM> to aid with aligning the tick marks <NUM> with underlying material having a variety of colors. In other words, the color strip <NUM> is positioned along the entire length or areas of the length of the edge <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> such that when tick marks <NUM> are formed on that same edge <NUM>, the color strip <NUM> intersects at least one of the tick marks <NUM>. In one implementation, the color of the circle <NUM>, the strip <NUM>, and at least one of the windows <NUM> is the same. In other implementations, these colors are different or are mixed.

Ideally, a plurality of windows <NUM> are formed between a respective circle <NUM> and an adjacent edge <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>. As compared to the other windows <NUM> on the substrate <NUM>, the windows <NUM> are bounded on only three sides, with two lines <NUM>, <NUM> in spaced parallel relationship and one perpendicular end line <NUM>, remaining side <NUM> being open at the edge <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> to aid in aligning an underlying object or material to be measured or marked. Preferably, the windows <NUM> are clear and are positioned to separate the color strip <NUM> so as to form alternating colored regions <NUM> and clear regions <NUM> along the edge <NUM> of the device <NUM> that allow the device <NUM> to be used on top of underlying materials having a variety of colors. Each window <NUM> has a grid line segment <NUM> that corresponds to a unit of measure represented by the number <NUM> positioned near each window <NUM>. Each grid line segment <NUM> is located at a lateral midpoint of the window <NUM> and consists of a line segment that is parallel to the two lines <NUM>, <NUM>.

A plurality of first line segments <NUM> and a plurality of second line segments <NUM> may be formed between the channels <NUM>, or between the channel <NUM> and the edge <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>. The plurality of first and second line segments <NUM>, <NUM> are preferably black or of a dark color and in spaced parallel relationship with each other and each channel <NUM> and are aligned at a unit of measure from the edge <NUM> in order to facilitate accurate alignment of the device <NUM> across the substrate <NUM> at the specified unit of measure. Preferably a plurality of third line segments <NUM> are formed between, and in spaced parallel relationship with, the plurality of first and second line segments <NUM>, <NUM>. The plurality of third line segments <NUM> intersect or connect to one or more alignment dots <NUM> and are preferably formed of a lighter or contrasting color as compared to the dots <NUM> and/or the line segments <NUM>, <NUM>. In addition, the one or more alignment dots <NUM> are preferably spaced equidistant apart, as are the pluralities of first, second, and third line segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. However, it is be appreciated that the first, second, and third line segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can also be non-linear, formed with multiple segments and arranged in irregular intervals or at an angle or various other orientations with respect to one another, as previously described.

The plurality of visually discernable windows <NUM> are shown in more detail in the enlarged partial view of <FIG>. Each window <NUM> has a generally rectangular shape bounded by the lines <NUM>, <NUM> that define each channel <NUM> and the plurality of third lines <NUM>. In this implementation, the plurality of third lines <NUM> are perpendicular and connected to the first line <NUM> and the second line <NUM>, which are in spaced parallel relationship to form the continuous channel <NUM>. Further, each of the windows <NUM> can be clear, opaque, colored, or tinted. For example, successive windows of the plurality of windows <NUM> alternate between a clear region <NUM> and a tinted or colored region <NUM>, which allows the user to easily and accurately see through the substrate <NUM> to align the windows <NUM> with multicolored material on which the substrate <NUM> is placed. In other implementations, successive or alternating windows can be formed with contrasting colors, or different shades or tints of the same color, or at least one window is tinted while the remaining windows remain clear or shaded.

In <FIG>, each grid line segment <NUM> in the respective plurality of visually discernable windows <NUM> is centered laterally and longitudinally within the respective window without being connected to the plurality of third lines <NUM>. In other implementations, the grid line segments <NUM> are in spaced parallel relationship with the first line <NUM> and the second line <NUM>. Similar to the other lines of the various implementations described herein, the grid line segments <NUM> are either opaque or tinted colors and may also be solid, dashed, or formed of a very light tint. <FIG> also illustrates that in certain implementations where each channel <NUM> has a right angle <NUM> aligned along an axis that extends between opposing corners <NUM>, <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>, the grid line segments <NUM> are positioned along an axis of the channel <NUM> that aligns with an axis of the grid line segments <NUM> of the windows <NUM> along the edge <NUM>, such that the grid line segments <NUM> represent whole units of measure from ends of the edge <NUM> across the substrate <NUM>. In a further aspect, the first lines <NUM> are aligned with the lines <NUM> that define one side of the windows <NUM> and similarly, the second lines <NUM> are aligned with the lines <NUM> that define a second side of the windows <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate alternative implementations of the plurality of windows <NUM>. In <FIG>, the plurality of third lines <NUM> are non-linear, such that the plurality of windows <NUM> have a generally polygonal shape with at least one side that is not rectilinear. Further, in <FIG>, the plurality of third lines <NUM> are at an angle to the first and second lines <NUM>, <NUM> to form windows <NUM> in the shape of a parallelogram.

Although the third lines <NUM> in this implementation are parallel, it is to be understood that the third lines <NUM> may also be perpendicular to each other when angled in opposite directions within the same window or at irregular angles with respect to each other and the first and second lines <NUM>, <NUM>. In <FIG>, the plurality of third lines <NUM> are positioned between the lines <NUM>, <NUM>, but not connected to the lines <NUM>, <NUM>. In other words, in some aspects, there is a space <NUM> between the plurality of third lines <NUM> and the first and second lines <NUM>, <NUM>, such that visually discernable windows <NUM> are formed, but each window <NUM> is not bounded on all sides, which may be advantageous to further enhance the ability to see material and features of material underlying the windows <NUM>.

Alternatively, as shown in <FIG>, the third lines <NUM> are formed of more than one line segment, such as segments <NUM>, <NUM>, with at least one of the segments <NUM>, <NUM> positioned at an angle with respect to the first and second lines <NUM>, <NUM> and to each other. In any of <FIG>, it is also to be appreciated that, as noted above, the lines <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may also be formed from an arrangement of continual linear segments, such as dashes, dots, or other markings that together form what is perceived by the human eye to be a straight demarcation or line on the substrate <NUM>. In addition, while the lines illustrated and described herein have a linear configuration, it is possible that one or more of the lines could be non-linear, such as circular, arcuate, S-shaped, and other shapes of uniform or varying radius. Accordingly, the windows <NUM> can be formed with a wide variety of polygonal shapes, including a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a substantially circular shape, a square shape, a rectangular shape, or with irregular shapes, in combination with any one of the above line configurations.

In accordance with another implementation of the present disclosure, a device <NUM> for use in measuring, marking and cutting material is shown in <FIG> having the substrate <NUM> with first and second opposing substantially planar sides <NUM>, <NUM>, with a transparent line <NUM> formed on one or the other of the first and second sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>. The substrate <NUM> is at least one of clear, translucent, or transparent material to enable a user to view an underlying material or surface opposite the transparent line <NUM>. The transparent line <NUM> has a longitudinal axis <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The pluralities of first and second lines <NUM>, <NUM> are formed on one or the other of the opposing sides <NUM>, <NUM> in spaced linear relationship. The spaced linear relationship between the plurality of first lines <NUM> and the plurality of second lines <NUM> defines boundaries of the transparent line <NUM> along a length of the axis <NUM>.

Although the first lines <NUM> and the second lines <NUM> shown in <FIG> are linear and in parallel relationship along a length of the axis <NUM>, it is to be understood that the first lines <NUM> and the second lines <NUM> can be non-linear, dotted, dashed, or angled with respect to each other, as described in the foregoing implementations. The first and second lines <NUM>, <NUM> are preferably opaque, such as black or of a dark color.

A first end line <NUM> and a second end line <NUM> are preferably formed on at least one of the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>, with the first end line <NUM> and the second end line <NUM> positioned in spaced relationship to define terminal ends of the transparent line <NUM>.

Ideally, the plurality of first lines <NUM>, the plurality of second lines <NUM> and the translucent line <NUM> are surrounded by a translucent area <NUM> preferably having a different color than the plurality of first lines <NUM> and the plurality of second lines <NUM>, for example, light, or medium blue. Further, each of the plurality of first lines <NUM> and the plurality of second lines <NUM> can be surrounded by a first area <NUM> of the translucent area <NUM>. While it is possible to view a material underlying the translucent area <NUM>, the first area <NUM> may be clear or of a contrasting color to the translucent area <NUM> to allow a user to more easily align the plurality of first lines <NUM> and the plurality of second lines <NUM> with features of a material underlying the device <NUM>.

The substrate <NUM> may further include at least one visually perceptible invisible line <NUM> formed on at least one of the first and second surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. The invisible line <NUM> has an elongate shape with a longitudinal axis. A plurality of opposing line segment pairs <NUM> define the at least one visually perceptible invisible line <NUM> via their arrangement on one of the first and second surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, each line segment pair <NUM> includes first and second line segments <NUM>, <NUM> in spaced relationship to form one or more spaces <NUM> therebetween wherein the plurality of opposing line segment pairs <NUM> are positioned on the substrate <NUM> with the one or more spaces <NUM> arranged in a linear arrangement that cooperate to present a visually perceptible invisible line. As such, the at least one visually perceptible invisible line <NUM> is composed of the one or more spaces <NUM>.

The spaces <NUM> are preferably one of a transparent, translucent, or tinted color to enable viewing through the spaces <NUM> on one of the first and second mutually opposing surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> to the other of the first and second mutually opposing surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. In a further aspect, the plurality of opposing line segment pairs <NUM> are collinear and transverse to the longitudinal axis of the invisible line <NUM>. Preferably, first and second terminal lines <NUM>, <NUM> are formed on at least one of the first and second mutually opposing surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> in spaced relationship to define a beginning and an end of the at least one visually perceptible invisible line <NUM>.

It is also be understood that while <FIG> shows the plurality of opposing line segment pairs <NUM> positioned transverse to the longitudinal axis, at least one of the plurality of opposing line segment pairs <NUM> can be positioned at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis, or in other arrangements disclosed herein. Further, the first and second line segments <NUM>, <NUM> of at least one of the plurality of opposing line segments pairs <NUM> are offset from one another along the longitudinal axis, although it is also possible for the line segment pairs <NUM>, <NUM> to be joined to one another to form a unitary line that intersects the longitudinal axis, as will be explained in more detail below. Finally, a shape of at least one of the plurality of line segment pairs <NUM> preferably comprises one from among a dot, a circle, a dash, and a composite color line.

<FIG> also illustrates that it is possible to combine certain aspects of the implementation described above with the implementations described in connection with <FIG>. For example, the device <NUM> can include tick marks <NUM> formed on at least one of the first and second mutually opposing surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> and arranged along one or more edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> in regular intervals and in spaced parallel relationship to one another. The tick marks <NUM> may be associated with first numbers <NUM>, which are preferably opaque and of a dark or black color and correspond to the distance of selected tick marks <NUM> from one of the corners <NUM>, <NUM> on either end of the adjacent edge <NUM> of the device <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, or from another reference line, such as a center line. The units may be English or metric, although other units may be used.

Further, each number may be surrounded by an enlarged circle <NUM>, preferably of a second, lighter color than that of the numbers <NUM>.

There are second numbers <NUM> formed adjacent to the first numbers <NUM>. These second numbers <NUM> are preferably formed of the second, lighter color used with the enlarged circle <NUM>, although different colors, shades, and tones may be used for the second numbers <NUM>. Each second number <NUM> is surrounded by a second enlarged circle <NUM> having a contrasting, or different color than that of the second number <NUM>. The second numbers <NUM> correspond to the distance of associated tick marks <NUM> from the opposite corner <NUM>, <NUM> on either end of the adjacent edge <NUM> that forms the basis for the first numbers <NUM>. By way of non-limiting example, if a length of the edge <NUM> was six inches between the corners <NUM>, <NUM>, then one of the first numbers <NUM> could correspond to a distance of two inches from corner <NUM>, whereas the second number <NUM> positioned in spaced relationship to that first number <NUM> would correspond to a distance of <NUM> inches from the opposite corner <NUM>. This allows the user additional options for measuring and aligning when using the device <NUM>.

In addition, a portion of each tick mark <NUM> may be surrounded by a color strip <NUM> that extends along at least one of the edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>, as described above. The color strip <NUM> may also extend to cover a distance indicator <NUM> positioned at a predetermined interval between whole units of measure. For example, the distance indicator <NUM> may correspond to half inch intervals between whole inch indicators represented by the numbers <NUM>, <NUM>. To help aid with alignment of the device <NUM> at partial units of measure, the alignment dots <NUM> and the plurality of third line segments <NUM> may be formed at regular intervals to demarcate partial units of measure or finer graduations across the substrate <NUM>. The device <NUM> may further include one or more markers <NUM> centered between the plurality of third lines <NUM> and the alignment dots <NUM>, such that the markers <NUM> indicate half units of measure in a horizontal and vertical axis from a given corner of the device <NUM>, such as corner <NUM> or <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the device <NUM> showing the visually perceptible invisible line <NUM> in more detail. The invisible line <NUM> is formed of the spaces <NUM> between the pluralities of opposing line segment pairs <NUM>. Each space <NUM> is formed by the spaced relationship of the first and second line segments <NUM>, <NUM> that comprise each of the opposing line segment pairs <NUM>. Further, each of the plurality of opposing line segment pairs and the invisible line <NUM> can be surrounded by the first area <NUM>, which is preferably clear. The first area may be surrounded by a second area <NUM>, which is preferably of a contrasting color, tone or shade to the first area <NUM>. Finally, the first and second areas <NUM>, <NUM> can be surrounded by the translucent area <NUM>, which preferably has a different color, tone or shade from each of the first and second areas <NUM>, <NUM>. In view of the present disclosure, it is to be appreciated that the each of the first and second areas <NUM>, <NUM> and the translucent area <NUM> have different or contrasting color, shades or tones.

<FIG> also illustrates that the longitudinal axis of each visually perceptible invisible line <NUM> may be aligned with a whole unit of measure. As such, multiple lines will cross at intersections, such as intersection <NUM>, which are positioned at whole units of measure from a certain reference, such as corner <NUM>. The translucent areas <NUM> surrounding each of the visually perceptible invisible lines <NUM> may have a size and a shape such that terminal ends <NUM>, <NUM> of successive areas <NUM> define a diagonal channel <NUM> with an axis D, wherein the axis D intersects the edges <NUM>, <NUM> at whole units of measure. It is also to be appreciated that the lines <NUM> and the corresponding areas <NUM> can be formed at different locations on the substrate <NUM>, such that the axis D would terminate at the edges <NUM>, <NUM> at partial units of measure.

<FIG> illustrate alternative implementations of a line pattern <NUM> for forming the visually perceptible invisible line <NUM>. Although not specifically shown in each of <FIG>, it is to be appreciated that the first and second areas <NUM>, <NUM> and the translucent area <NUM> further aid in delineating the visually perceptible invisible line <NUM> through use of contrasting colors, or clear regions defining what is perceived by a user's eyes as the line <NUM> on the substrate <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example implementation of the line pattern <NUM> with the visually perceptible invisible line <NUM> extending between terminal lines <NUM>, <NUM>, not forming part of the invention. The terminal lines <NUM>, <NUM> are each a single line segment that is positioned in spaced co-linear relationship with the invisible line <NUM>. Further, the first and second line segments <NUM>, <NUM> are connected, such that each of the plurality of opposing line segment pairs <NUM> comprise a single line, with no space therebetween. In this implementation, the line <NUM> may be bounded by a clear region within a colored region to highlight boundaries of the invisible line <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates another example implementation of the line pattern <NUM> with the visually perceptible invisible line <NUM> demarcated by a plurality of co-linear grid line segments <NUM> in spaced relationship between terminal lines <NUM>, <NUM>, not forming part of the invention. There are a plurality of opposing line segments <NUM> that may have varying lengths. As can be appreciated from the present disclosure in view of the attached drawings, the length of each line segment <NUM> may vary between successive line segments or the line segments <NUM> may each have the same length, or successive pairs of line segments <NUM> may have the same length that is different from the next successive pair of line segments, and so on.

<FIG> shows a further implementation of the line pattern <NUM> with spaces <NUM> formed in selected line segments <NUM> to define a visually perceptible invisible line <NUM>, as described above. The line segments <NUM> are arranged in spaced parallel relationship, such that the invisible line <NUM> has a longitudinal axis extending between terminal lines <NUM>, <NUM>. Each of the terminal lines <NUM>, <NUM> is comprised of a first terminal line segment <NUM> and a perpendicular second terminal line segment <NUM>. As shown, the first terminal line segment <NUM> is parallel with the longitudinal axis of the invisible line <NUM> and the second terminal line segment <NUM> is transverse to the first terminal line segment <NUM>. However, it is also to be understood that the first and second terminal line segments <NUM>, <NUM> can be at an angle to one another, or formed of additional line segments, as described in other implementations formed in accordance with the present disclosure.

The line pattern <NUM> can further be arranged with various dimensions between respective lines. For example, a distance between an end <NUM> of one of the first terminal line segments <NUM> and an end <NUM> of the other of the first terminal line segments <NUM> is preferably. <NUM> inches or. <NUM> inches, or preferably in the range of. <NUM> inches to. <NUM> inches. Further, each space <NUM> preferably comprises a length A between the line segments wherein the distance A is preferably. <NUM> inches, or preferably in the range of. <NUM> inches to. <NUM> inches. Similar ranges and distances can be achieved using the metric, or another, system of measurement. It can also be appreciated that due to the flexibility in arranging the lines that form the line pattern <NUM>, these distances can vary, such that the distances may be outside of the preferred ranges listed above.

<FIG> shows an implementation of the line pattern <NUM> in which the visually perceptible invisible line <NUM> is formed via the spaces <NUM> arranged in spaced co-linear relationship between opposing line segment pairs <NUM>. However, a central line segment pair <NUM> has a length than is greater than that of any other line segment pair <NUM> of the plurality of opposing line segment pairs <NUM>. Further, a length of the second terminal line segment <NUM> of each terminal line <NUM>, <NUM> may have a length that is greater than, equal to, or less than, a length of any of the plurality of line segment pairs <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an alternative arrangement of the line pattern <NUM> wherein the plurality of opposing line segment pairs <NUM> are positioned in spaced parallel relationship to define the space <NUM> between each line segment pair <NUM>, the spaces <NUM> arranged along an axis to define boundaries of the visually perceptible invisible line <NUM>. The axis extends between the terminal lines <NUM>, <NUM>. In this implementation, a least a portion, such as the first terminal line segment <NUM>, of each terminal line <NUM>, <NUM> aligns with the axis. Further, the line pattern <NUM> can include one or more guide lines <NUM>. Preferably, the guide lines <NUM> are linear segments formed on the axis of the visually perceptible invisible line <NUM>, and they are positioned between the line segment pairs <NUM> in an alternating arrangement.

In the implementation shown in <FIG>, the guide lines <NUM> have a line weight or thickness B that is less than a line weight or thickness C of each of the plurality of opposing line segment pairs <NUM> and the terminal lines <NUM>, <NUM>. In addition, the thickness B of the guide lines <NUM> is less than the distance A defining the spaces <NUM> between opposing line segment pairs <NUM>. The one or more guide lines <NUM> are positioned between successive line segment pairs <NUM> of the plurality of opposing line segment pairs <NUM> and adjacent the spaces <NUM>, but do not extend into the spaces <NUM>. Rather, the guide lines <NUM> create the appearance of a dashed line running along the axis of the invisible line <NUM>, with the dashed line surrounded on all sides by the invisible line <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the line pattern <NUM> wherein the weight or thickness B of each guide line <NUM> is similar to, or the same as, the weight or thickness C of the first and second line segments <NUM>, <NUM> of each of the plurality of opposing line segment pairs <NUM> and the terminal lines <NUM>, <NUM>. In addition, the weight or thickness B of each guide line <NUM> is substantially equal to the distance A between the opposing line segments pairs <NUM> that defines boundaries of the spaces <NUM>. In this aspect, the invisible line <NUM> is formed by the space <NUM> between each opposing pair of line segments <NUM> and spaces <NUM> between the guide lines <NUM> and the remaining portions of the line pattern <NUM>, such as the terminal lines <NUM>, <NUM>. Accordingly, it is to be further appreciated that each of the distances or thicknesses A, B, C may vary in different implementations in order to create a variety of arrangements for the line pattern <NUM> in which the guide lines <NUM> are used.

An alternative line pattern <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>, wherein a continuous thin line <NUM> runs along the central axis of the invisible line <NUM> between each terminal line <NUM>, <NUM>. In other words, the thin line <NUM> extends between and is connected to the terminals lines <NUM>, <NUM> and intersects the space <NUM> between each opposing line segment pair <NUM> of the plurality of opposing line segment pairs <NUM>, such that the invisible line <NUM> surrounds the thin line <NUM> on both sides of the thin line <NUM> and along an entire length of the thin line <NUM>. Because the thin line <NUM> intersects each space <NUM>, each space <NUM> is divided into a first space <NUM> and a second space <NUM>, wherein the invisible line <NUM> is comprised of the first and second spaces <NUM>, <NUM> along the length of the thin line <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, terminal lines <NUM>, <NUM> are not required in the various implementations of the present disclosure. Rather, as illustrated in <FIG>, the line pattern <NUM> includes the thin line <NUM> intersecting each space <NUM> between each pair <NUM> of the plurality of opposing line segment pairs <NUM> to form the first and second spaces <NUM>, <NUM> The first and second spaces <NUM>, <NUM> comprise the visually perceptible invisible line <NUM> that surrounds the thin line <NUM> along its length. Rather than terminating at the terminal lines <NUM>, <NUM>, the invisible line <NUM> terminates at the ends <NUM> of the thin line <NUM>. Further, the ends <NUM> of the thin line <NUM> are not bounded by the terminal lines <NUM>, <NUM>, but rather, can terminate anywhere along the line pattern <NUM>. As shown in FIG. <NUM>, the thin line <NUM> terminates at a predetermined distance E from outer pairs <NUM> of the plurality of opposing line segment pairs <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the line pattern <NUM> without the thin line <NUM> or the terminal lines <NUM>, <NUM>. In this aspect, it is clearly shown that the invisible line <NUM> can be comprised of only the spaces <NUM> between each pair of the plurality of opposing line segment pairs <NUM>. Accordingly, the invisible line <NUM> terminates at an exterior edge <NUM> of the outer pairs <NUM> of the opposing line segment pairs <NUM>.

In other implementations, such as the one shown in <FIG>, certain features of the disclosed implementations are combined to form the line pattern <NUM> with at least two pairs of the plurality of opposing line segment pairs <NUM> connected to form a first and second line <NUM>, <NUM> that each intersect the invisible line <NUM>. As such, the invisible line <NUM> comprises a first segment <NUM>, a second segment <NUM>, and a third segment <NUM>. The first segment <NUM> extends from the first line <NUM> to an outer pair <NUM> of the opposing line segment pairs <NUM> and similarly, the third segment <NUM> extends from the second line <NUM> to the other outer pair <NUM> of the opposing line segment pairs. The second segment <NUM> extends between the first line <NUM> and the second line <NUM>. Accordingly, it is be understood that the line pattern <NUM> can include any number of variations based on the present disclosure, such as the invisible line <NUM> with more than one segment <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and a combination of lines <NUM>, <NUM> and opposing line segment pairs <NUM> with the space <NUM> therebetween in the same line pattern <NUM>.

As will be readily appreciated from the foregoing, the present disclosure achieves a device for use in measuring, marking and cutting material that enhances the ability to view, measure and mark underlying material. The alternating windows that are outlined by the continuous channel allow the user to see through to the underlying material in order to provide for increased measurement and cutting accuracy. Further, the visually perceptible invisible line and the transparent line in the disclosed implementations provide the user with an unobstructed view of the underlying material along the invisible line or the transparent line, which further increases measurement and cutting accuracy.

The various implementations described above can be combined to provide further implementations. These and other changes can be made to the implementations in light of the above-detailed description.

Claim 1:
A device (<NUM>) for use in measuring, marking, and cutting material, the device comprising:
a substrate having first and second mutually opposing surfaces and at least one visually perceptible invisible line formed on at least one of the first and second surfaces, the invisible line having an elongate shape with a longitudinal axis;
a plurality of opposing line segment pairs (<NUM>) defining the at least one visually perceptible invisible line (<NUM>), each line segment pair having first and second line segments (<NUM>, <NUM>) in spaced relationship to form a space (<NUM>) therebetween, the plurality of opposing line segment pairs (<NUM>) positioned on the substrate with the spaces arranged in a linear arrangement, the at least one visually perceptible invisible line (<NUM>) composed of the spaces;
a first area (<NUM>) surrounding each of the plurality of opposing line segment pairs and the invisible line, the first area being clear;
a second area (<NUM>) surrounding the first area (<NUM>), the second area of a contrasting color, tone, or shade to the first area; and
a first translucent area (<NUM>) surrounding the first (<NUM>) and second (<NUM>) areas, the first translucent area having a different color, tone, or shade from each of the first (<NUM>) and second (<NUM>) areas, wherein the first area, second area, and translucent area delineate the at least one visually perceptible invisible line (<NUM>).