Patent ID: 7958646

Claim:
An improved ruler ( 100 , 101 ) comprising an elongated main body ( 4 , 110 ) with a measuring edge ( 9 , 101 ) and a plunging, retractable actuator ( 11 , 130 ) that can be sequenced between slip and do-not-slip states; the improvement comprising: a single linear slot opening ( 41 ) centrally disposed in the elongated main body ( 4 ) and open above and below; a single elongation of plunging, retractable actuator ( 1 , 130 ) and having respective opposite ends ( 2 ) that fit inside the linear slot opening ( 41 ) and that is configured to be able to move up-and-down within but not side-to-side when operating the ruler between slip and do-not-slip positions; a linear, continuous non-slip working surface contact ( 7 , 140 ) attached underneath the retractable actuator ( 11 ) inside the elongated main body ( 4 ); a linear cap ( 1 ) disposed along the top and the length of the plunging, retractable actuator ( 11 ), and providing for user access; and a number of springs ( 3 , 135 ) disposed in the retractable actuator ( 11 , 130 ) such that a user's downward pressing force is distributed evenly on the non-slip working surface contact ( 7 , 140 ) across a working surface.