Patent Document

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/976,590 filed on Apr. 8, 2014. The above-identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a handheld measuring device. More specifically, the present invention pertains to an improved ruler with a fraction to decimal converter and vice versa. The ruler comprises markings on a first edge and a second edge thereof. The markings on the first edge represent units of measurement in decimals of inches while the markings on the second edge represent units of measurement in fractions of inches, wherein each marking on the first edge represents a tenth of an inch and each marking on the second edge represents a sixteenth of an inch. In this way, the present invention provides one measuring device that can be used to easily determine fraction-decimal equivalents. 
     A ruler is a common measuring tool that is designed to measure length. Rulers are ubiquitous, and they are used for various purposes, including tailoring, carpentry, construction, surveying, and the like. Many rulers provide measurements in inches and feet, and these measurements are generally subdivided into fractions. While it is important to provide accurate measurement, it can be inconvenient to measure in fractions because it is more difficult to engage in mathematical computations to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions, especially when dealing with different denominators, than it is to do mathematical computations with decimals. Thus, many individuals convert measured lengths from fractions to decimals before conducting mathematical computations. 
     While some individuals utilize multiple measuring devices to determine fraction-decimal equivalents, it can be inconvenient to utilize multiple measuring devices. Furthermore, individuals may prefer to carry a single measuring device to prevent loss and misplacement of multiple measuring devices while working in different areas. Thus, a single device that increases the ease of converting measured lengths from fractions to decimals, or from decimals to fractions, is desired. 
     The present invention provides a measuring device that allows users to easily determine fraction-decimal equivalents. In one embodiment, the measuring device comprises a ruler having a first edge opposite a second edge. The first and second edges are parallel to each other, and each of the edges comprises a plurality of markings in a linear configuration. The markings on the first edge of the ruler are spaced apart so that each marking represents a decimal of the unit of measurement. Similarly, the markings on the second edge of the ruler are spaced apart at regular intervals so that each marking represents a fraction of a unit of measurement. 
     The markings on the first edge and the second edge of the ruler are disposed so that fraction-decimal equivalents of the measurement are directly aligned. In this way, each of the whole units of measurement is aligned. Such markings of the ruler allow users to determine fraction-decimal equivalents without performing mathematical computations. Furthermore, the present invention eliminates the need for the user to use multiple devices to determine measurements in a fraction form or a decimal form. 
     Description of the Prior Art 
     Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that claim measuring devices that provide measurements in fractions or decimals. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications, and generally relate to teaching rulers that include measurements in fractions or measurements in decimals. The prior art devices, however, do not disclose a ruler with a first edge having measurements in decimals and a second edge having measurements in fractions. The foregoing is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art. 
     Some devices in the prior art disclose a set of rulers that can be used together to compare different units of measurements. U.S. Pat. No. 6,243,959 to Monck discloses a measuring device comprising a set of transparent rulers that are stacked and bound together so that the edges of the rulers align. Each of the rulers comprises markings based on different units of measurement. In this way, different rulers can be aligned to demonstrate the relationship between one unit of measurement and another unit of measurement. U.S. Pat. No. 3,085,358 to Hramiec discloses teaching rulers that are pivotally attached together, wherein each of the rulers comprises different units of measurement. 
     The foregoing Monck and Hramiec devices, however, are limited in the fact that multiple rulers must be used together in order for the user to compare different units of measurements. In contrast, the present invention provides one ruler that can be used to convert units of measurements from fractions to decimals, and vice versa. Thus, the present invention does not require the user to use multiple rulers at one time. 
     Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 2,658,278 to Victor discloses a ruler having a first section that is pivotally attached to a second section. The first section comprises opposing edges with markings for indicating different units of measurement. As such, one edge comprises one unit of measurement, and the opposite edge comprises another unit of measurement. Thus, Victor does not disclose a device that allows the user to convert measurements from fractions to decimals. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,001 to Fisher and U.S. Pat. No. 7,076,881 to Perry disclose rulers that include a scale that is divided into a series of repeat basic measurement units. Each scale is arranged adjacent to the next smaller scale so that each succeeding scale is arranged between a larger and smaller scale. These devices, however, do not provide a means to convert measurements in fractions to decimals, and vice versa. 
     The devices disclosed in the prior art have several known drawbacks. These devices are limited in that they do not allow the user to convert measurement from fractions to decimals using one ruler. The present invention overcomes these limitations by disclosing a ruler with markings in fractions of a unit of measurement on one edge and markings in decimals of a unit of measurement on the opposite edge. The markings on opposing edges of the ruler are aligned so that the measurements in fractions directly align with corresponding measurements in decimals. Thus, the user can determine a fractional equivalent of a decimal by locating the markings that are aligned. Additionally, the present invention comprises an elongated ruler, a retractable measure, a measuring tape, a right angle ruler, or a yard stick, depending upon embodiment. 
     It is therefore submitted that the present invention is substantially divergent in design elements from the prior art, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to measuring devices that provide measurements in fractions or decimals of an inch. In this regard, the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of measuring devices that provide measurements in fractions or decimals now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new and improved measuring device with integrated measurement conversion wherein the same can be utilized for increasing the ease of converting measurement from fractions of an inch to decimals of an inch. 
     It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a new and improved measuring device with integrated measurement conversion that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved measuring device with integrated measurement conversion having a first edge and a second edge, wherein the first edge comprises markings in decimals of an inch and the second edge comprises markings in fractions of an inch. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved measuring device with integrated measurement conversion that comprises measurements in fractions that align with corresponding measurements in decimals. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved measuring device with integrated measurement conversion that provides measurement in both fractions of inches and decimals of inches in tenths of an inch increments. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved measuring device with integrated measurement conversion that is in a form of a tape measure, a right angle ruler, or a conventional ruler, among other measuring devices. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved measuring device with integrated measurement conversion wherein the device may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability. 
     Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein the numeral annotations are provided throughout. 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  shows a view of a third embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  shows a view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  shows a view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     References are made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the measuring device with integrated measurement conversion. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used to increase the ease of converting measurement from fractions to decimals. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there are shown perspective views of a first and second embodiments of the present invention. The present invention comprises a one-foot ruler  21  as shown in  FIG. 1 , or a yard stick  60  as shown in  FIG. 2 . Each of the ruler  21  and the yard stick  60  includes a top surface  26  with a defined first edge  22  opposite a second edge  23 . The first edge  22  is parallel to the second edge  23 , and in one embodiment, each of the edges  22 ,  23  comprises a leading edge or a beveled edge for facilitating handling thereof. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the ruler  21  and the yard stick  60  comprise markings that repeat basic measurement unit in one inch on the top surface  26 . Each inch unit is annotated by a number below each respective marking on the top surface  26 . The markings and annotations on the ruler  21  and the yard stick may be printed or etched on the top surface  26  thereof. 
     The first edge  22  comprises a plurality of markings  24  thereon. The markings  24  provide measurements in decimals. The markings  24  on the first edge  22  are subdivided in tenths of an inch increments. Accordingly, every tenth marking  24  comprises an inch. Each of the markings that indicates a tenth of an inch is equal in length. Additionally, each of the markings that indicates one half of an inch is equal in length. Finally, each of the markings that indicates a whole inch is equal in length. The markings  24  that indicate a tenth of an inch is shorter in length compared to the markings that indicate one half of an inch, which is shorter in length compared to the markings that indicate a whole inch. 
     The second edge  23  comprises a plurality of markings  25  thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the markings  25  provide measurements in fractions of an inch. The markings  25  on the second edge  23  are subdivided in 1/16 inch increments. Accordingly, every sixteenth marking  25  comprises an inch. Each of the markings that indicates one sixteenth of an inch, three sixteenth of an inch, five sixteenth of an inch, seven sixteenth of an inch, nine sixteenth of an inch, eleven sixteenth of an inch, thirteen sixteenth of an inch, and fifteen sixteenth of an inch is equal in length. Additionally, each of the markings that indicates one eighth of an inch, three eighth of an inch, five eighth of an inch, and seven eighth of an inch comprises a same length. Similarly, each of the markings that indicate one fourth of an inch and three fourth of an inch comprises a same length, and each of the markings that indicate one half of an inch comprises a same length. Finally, every marking  25  that indicates a whole inch comprises a same length. The markings  25  that indicate a whole inch are greater in length compared to markings that indicate one half of an inch. In turn, the markings that indicate one half of an inch are greater in length compared to each of the markings that indicates one fourth of an inch, and so forth. 
     The markings  24 ,  25  are aligned with each other so that the markings that indicate measurements in fractions is directly aligned with markings that indicate corresponding measurements in decimals. For example, markings  24  that indicate every one half of an inch are directly aligned with markings  25  that indicate every one half of an inch. The alignment of markings  24 ,  25  for measurements in fractions and decimals allow the user to easily determine fraction-decimal equivalents, and thus convert measurements from fractions to decimals, and vice versa. 
       FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention. The retractable tape measure  31  of the second embodiment comprises a housing member  38  comprising a coiled measuring tape that is located in the interior volume thereof. It is contemplated that the tape is coiled around a spring biased reel that is disposed in the interior volume of the housing member  38 . The tape can be extended from and retracted into the housing member  38  through an opening  37 . The coiled tape includes a free end with a pull tab secured thereto. The housing member  38  further comprises a stopping mechanism for locking the tape in an extended position, and a clip for securing the housing member  38  to a mounting surface. The stopping mechanism can be actuated and released via a switch or a rocker. When the stopping mechanism is released, the tape is automatically retracted into the housing member  38 . 
     The measuring tape of the tape measure  31  includes a top surface  36  having a first edge  33  and a second edge  34 . The measuring tape is composed of flexible steel, or other semi-rigid material that can be extended into a straight configuration, but also flexible to be coiled around a reel. The measuring tape repeats a basic measurement unit of one inch. Every inch mark extends between the first edge  33  and the second edge  34  of the tape. Additionally, each marking that indicates a whole inch includes a corresponding number measurement adjacent thereto. 
     The first edge  33  of the tape  31  includes markings  32  that provide measurement in decimals. Each marking  32  indicates tenths of an inch. Thus, every tenth mark indicates a whole inch. Every marking  32  that indicate one half of an inch is longer than each of the markings  32  that indicate one tenth of an inch. Additionally, each of the markings  32  that indicates one half of an inch directly align with markings  35  that indicate one half of an inch. 
     The second edge  34  of the tape  31  includes markings  35  that provide measurement in fractions. Each marking  35  indicates one sixteenth of an inch so that every sixteenth mark indicates a whole inch, which extends between the first edge  33  and the second edge  34 . Each marking  35  that indicates one half of an inch is longer than each of the one-fourth, one-eighth, and one-sixteenth inch markings  35  so as to allow the user to easily locate a half way mark of an inch. 
     Alternatively, the present invention may comprise a conventional measuring tape  41  that is not retractable, as shown in  FIG. 4 . The measuring tape  41  of the present invention comprises a flexible ruler that is composed of non-stretchable material, such as fiberglass. The ruler  41  has two terminal ends, each of the terminal ends having a metal tip attached thereto. The ruler  41  has a top surface  42  and a first edge  43  opposite a second edge  44 . Each of the first edge  43  and the second edge  44  comprises a plurality of markings  45 ,  46 , respectively. The markings  45  on the first edge  43  of the ruler  41  provide measurements in decimals, while the markings  46  on the second edge  44  of the ruler  41  provide measurements in fractions. 
       FIG. 5  shows a view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated embodiment of the present invention comprises a right angle ruler  51  having a first section  52  that is perpendicular to the second section  53 . The first section  52  and the second section  53  are integrally formed so that the ruler  51  is unitary in structure, and the two sections  52 ,  53  share a top surface  54  with a defined first edge  55  opposite a second edge  56  so that the first edge  55  is the outside edge and the second edge  56  is the inside edge. The ruler  51  may be composed of metal or other suitable material. Additionally, the ruler  51  may comprise a padded underside. The padding may comprise a layer of foam or the like, wherein the padding is attached to the underside of the ruler  51  by means of strong adhesives. 
     As described above, the first edge  55  of the ruler  51  comprises markings  57  in increments of tenths of an inch, and the second edge  56  of the ruler  51  comprises markings  58  in increments of sixteenths of an inch. Each of the markings  57 ,  58  is disposed in a linear configuration along the edges  55 ,  56 . The first edge  55  of the ruler  51  may be labeled to indicate that the measurements are provided in decimals, and the second edge  56  of the ruler  51  may be labeled to indicate that the measurements are provided in fractions. 
     It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above descriptions then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specifications are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Technology Category: 3