Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a non-provisional application claiming benefit and priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from applicant&#39;s U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/912,454, filed on Apr. 18, 2007, to the instant inventors; said provisional application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein. 
    
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
     RELEVANT INVENTIVE FIELD 
     The various exemplary embodiments relate generally to educational instruction aids and more specifically to an apparatus for instruction of units of measurement. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Students frequently encounter considerable difficulty in grasping the concepts of measurement. For example, a student needs a fundamental level of understanding of the basic units of measure before being able to competently apply the knowledge when using measuring devices such as rulers. Units of measure having fractional components of larger measurement units are conceptually difficult for a student to comprehend since measuring is generally a new experience involving unusual terms and apparently unrelated measurement units. As such, a simple instructional measuring apparatus which assists students in comprehending basic units of measure and how those units of measure are determined would be highly desirable. 
     SUMMARY 
     The various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein address the deficiencies of the relevant art and provides exemplary embodiments of a multi-scaled instructional apparatus. In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of measurement scales are disposed on a base medium in which each of the measurements scales are longitudinally aligned such that equal units of measure are commonly aligned among all of the measurement scales. A first measurement scale is provided in which a plurality of uniquely color-coded base units of measurement are periodically disposed on the base medium. A second measurement scale, uniformly aligned and adjacent to the first measurement scale includes a plurality of color-coded subunits of measurement periodically disposed on the base medium. 
     Each set of subunits equaling one half of each base unit and color-coded in a color shade corresponding to the color of the base unit. An elongated element is provided to receive the base medium. In various exemplary embodiments, the base medium may be disposed on the or within the elongated element. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, a third measurement scale is provided. The third measurement scale includes another set of color-coded subunits of measurement periodically disposed on the base medium in which each of the second subunits equals one half of each first subunit. Each of the second subunits is likewise color-coded in a color shade corresponding to the previous measurement subunit and the base measurement unit. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, a fourth measurement scale is provided. The fourth measurement scale incorporates the base, first and second units of measure periodically disposed on the base medium. 
     In various exemplary embodiments, each base unit of measure equals one inch and each of the measurement scales equals one foot in length. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the base medium is foldable along common long axes between the first, second and third measurement scales to form an elongated rectangular shape. 
     In yet another exemplary embodiment, the elongated element is an elongated rectangular tube dimensioned to receive the elongated rectangular shape. 
     In still another exemplary embodiment, gender specific end caps are coupled to the ends of the elongated rectangular tube. The gender specific end caps allow one measurement apparatus to be longitudinally coupled to another measurement apparatus. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The features and advantages of the various exemplary embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals and characters are used to denote like features, elements, components or portions of the inventive embodiments. It is intended that changes and modifications can be made to the described exemplary embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the inventive embodiments as is defined by the claims. 
       FIG.  1 —depicts an exemplary embodiment of a planar measurement instruction apparatus having multiple fractional measurement scales. 
       FIG.  2 —depicts an exemplary embodiment of a planar measurement instruction apparatus having both fractional and decimal equivalent measurement scales. 
       FIG.  3 —depicts a first exemplary configuration of a base medium in a triangular form factor. 
       FIG.  4 —depicts a first exemplary configuration of a base medium in a rectangular form factor. 
       FIG.  5 —depicts an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the measurement instruction apparatus configured as a multi-scaled rectangular ruler. 
       FIG.  6 —depicts an exploded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the measurement instruction apparatus configured as a multi-scaled rectangular ruler. 
       FIG.  7 —depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the measurement instruction apparatus configured as a multi-scaled rectangular ruler. 
       FIG.  8 —depicts an exemplary embodiment of a first multi-scaled measurement instruction apparatus coupling with a second multi-scaled measurement instruction apparatus. 
       FIG.  9 —depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the measurement instruction apparatus configured as a triangular multi-scaled ruler. 
       FIG.  10 —depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the measurement instruction apparatus configured as a rectangular multi-scaled ruler. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Instructing students in units of measurements is difficult to accomplish due the student&#39;s lack of understanding of how different units of measure interrelate to one another. This is made more difficult when the individual units of measure involve fractional values such as those encountered when instructing a student in units of measure associated with English units of measure. Attempting to verbally explain the differences between the various units is usually insufficient to provide the necessary level of understanding for a student to comprehend the units of measure found on common elementary school rulers. 
     In various exemplary embodiments, a measurement instruction apparatus is disclosed for the instruction of elementary school and remedial students for the purposes of learning measurement. The measurement instruction apparatus allows for teaching in a progressive manner from basic units of measurement (e.g., an inch) to a next smaller division of half inch increments, and ultimately to the smallest divisions of eighth inch increments. In addition, a progressive color coding system allows for the visual perspective of the distance that an inch occupies, as well as the way an inch divides into fractional components of half and quarter inch increments. 
     The measurement divisions are disposed on a base medium preferably so that no scale offset is required for measuring. Measurements are performed by the student beginning at the left edge and end at the right edge of the ruler. Offsets in the start and end of the measurement scales can be confusing to a young student if the measurement scale starts and ends somewhere along the length of the ruler. 
     The base medium upon which the measurement instruction apparatus is disposed may be constructed from relatively thin strips of polymeric material; by way of example and not limitation; PVC, ABS, Plexiglas, acrylic or similar plastics. Alternately, heavy bond paper materials or cardboard may used for the base medium. Wood based products may also be used as an alternative if desired. 
     Since the measurement instruction apparatus may be used in the instruction of young students, it is important to select materials which do not leach toxins either through handling and/or oral contact. The measurement division markings and coloring of each ruler may be applied by a stamp, silkscreen, dye sublimation, engraving and/or etching process. As previously discussed, it is important to limit exposure of toxins to the young students. Therefore, a clear seal coat of polypropylene may be applied to seal the base polymeric materials, including the applied markings and colorings if directly accessible by the students. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the measurement division markings may be painted or etched onto the base medium using stencils. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the measurement division markings may be embodied as one or more decals which are then affixed to the top surface(s) of the base medium selected for the apparatus. 
     The polymeric strips are intended to be twelve inches long by approximately one inch wide and anywhere from an eighth to a quarter inch in thickness. The thickness and width of the measurement instruction apparatus is not critical, only sufficient thickness is needed to provide durability of the measurement instruction apparatus which is somewhat dependent on the construction materials used. The length of the base medium should preferably be as close to one foot as possible so that measurements begin at the left edge of the ruler and end at the right edge for a foot. The width of the measurement instruction apparatus is largely a matter of convenience and manufacturing costs. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of a multi-scale measurement instruction apparatus is depicted. In this exemplary embodiment, a first measurement scale  90  having periodic one inch divisions  5  is disposed on a top planar surface of a base medium  100 . In an exemplary embodiment, each one inch division  5  on the first measurement scale is assigned a unique base color code. The one inch divisions  5  are disposed on the top surface of the base medium  100  such that measurements begin immediately at a left edge of the measurement scales  60 ,  70 ,  80 ,  90  and end immediately at the right edge of the of the measurement scales  60 ,  70 ,  80 ,  90 , such that the twelfth inch division ends at the right edge of the measurement scales  60 ,  70 ,  80 ,  90 . The base medium  100  upon which the measurement scales  60 ,  70 ,  80 ,  90  are disposed is shown slightly larger in  FIG. 1  for illustrative purposes only. The base medium  100  in which the various measurements scales are disposed  60 ,  70 ,  80 ,  90  should preferably be trimmed or cut to accomplish the start and end of the measurement scales  60 ,  70 ,  80 ,  90 . In an embodiment, the various measurements scales are disposed on heavy paper preferably 78 lb floss cut to 5″×12″. 
     In an embodiment, one or more foot icons  115 ,  125 ,  135  are provided adjacent to the 12 inch division mark on at least the color coded measurement scales  70 ,  80 ,  90  to graphically illustrate that twelve inches equals one foot in the English measurement system. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other units of measure, such as the metric system may be disposed on the base medium  100  in addition to or in replacement of the English measurement units. The measurement scales  60 ,  70 ,  80 ,  90  are disposed on the base medium  100  and intended to be read from left to right as is the English language. However, the scale may be reversed in order to accommodate reading from right to left for foreign languages, such as Hebrew or Arabic. 
     The second measurement scale  80  includes the same lengthwise dimensions of the first scale  90  and is disposed on the base medium  100  such that each inch division  5  on the first scale  90  is equally subdivided into half inch subdivisions  10 ,  15  on the second scale  80 . The color-codes applied to the half inch subdivisions  10 ,  15  on the second scale  80  are color shade variations of the base color-code of the corresponding one inch  5  division on the first measurement scale  90 . The color coded scales facilitates visual continuity between each of the progressively smaller subdivisions  10 ,  15 ,  20 ,  25 ,  30 ,  35  on the remaining scales  80 ,  70  from the initial base unit inch division  5  on the first measurement scale  90 . 
     The third measurement scale  70  includes the same lengthwise dimensions of the first  90  and second measurement scales  80  and is disposed on the base medium  100  such that each half inch subdivision  10 ,  15  on the second scale  80  is equally subdivided into quarter inch divisions  20 ,  25 ,  30 ,  35  on the third scale  70 . 
     In an optional exemplary embodiment, a fourth measurement scale  60  is disposed on the base medium  100  such that each quarter, half and one inch divisions  20 ,  25 ,  20 ,  35 ,  10 ,  15 ,  5  on the first, second and third measurement scales  90 ,  80 ,  70  are aligned with the corresponding divisions  40 ,  45 ,  50 ,  55  on the fourth measurement scale  60 . The fourth measurement scale  60  is intended to integrate the fractional learning progression made from the previous measurement scales  90 ,  80 ,  70  to arrive at a typical twelve inch ruler  60 . Addition subdivisions on the fourth measurement scale  60  may be provided to include eighth inch measurement units. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, a first longitudinal flexible coupling  130  is provided between the first measurement scale  90  and the second measurement scale  80 . The coupling  130  may be configured as a fold, seam or joint which allows the first measurement scale  90  to rotate about a common long axis with the second measurement scale  80 . 
     The first flexible coupling is comprised of a resilient polymer, elastomeric compound, durable cloth tape, paper or simply a fold in the base medium. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, one or more flexible couplings  110 ,  120 ,  130  may be provided to allow each measurement scale  90 ,  80 ,  70 ,  60  to be used or viewed separately. In an exemplary embodiment, a first flexible coupling  130  allows the first and second measurement scales  90 ,  80  to rotate about a common long axis. In another exemplary embodiment, a second flexible coupling  120  is provided which allow the second and third measurement scales  80 ,  70  to rotate about a common long axis. In a third exemplary embodiment, a third flexible coupling  110  is provided which allow the third and fourth measurement scales  70 ,  60  to rotate about a common long axis. Each flexible coupling  110 ,  120 ,  130  may be provided separately or included with one or more of additional flexible couplings. When more than one flexible coupling is provided, the flexible couplings are aligned in parallel to the common long axis to allow the base medium  100  to form an elongated triangle or square as is depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , another exemplary embodiment of a multi-scale measurement instruction apparatus is depicted. In this exemplary embodiment, a first measurement scale  70  having periodic quarter inch divisions  205 ,  210 ,  215 ,  220  is disposed on a top planar surface of a base medium  200 . In an exemplary embodiment, each quarter inch division  205 ,  210 ,  215 ,  220  on the first measurement scale  70  is assigned a unique base color code. The quarter inch divisions  205 ,  210 ,  215 ,  220  are disposed on the top surface of the base medium  200  such that measurements begin immediately at a left edge of the measurement scales  60 ,  70 ,  85 ,  95  and end immediately at the right edge of the measurement scales  60 ,  70 ,  85 ,  95  such that the final quarter inch division ends at the right edge  209  of the of the measurement scales  60 ,  70 ,  85 ,  95 . 
     As previously discussed above, the base medium  200  upon which the measurement scales  60 ,  70 ,  85 ,  95  are disposed is shown slightly larger in  FIG. 2  for illustrative purposes only. The base medium  200  in which the various measurements scales are disposed  60 ,  70 ,  85 ,  95  should preferably be trimmed or cut to accomplish the start and end of the measurement scales  60 ,  70 ,  85 ,  95 . 
     As discussed in the previous exemplary embodiment, one or more foot icons  115 ,  125 ,  135  are provided adjacent to the 12 inch division mark on at least the color coded measurement scales  70 ,  85 ,  95  to graphically illustrate that twelve inches equals one foot in the English measurement system. The second measurement scale  85  includes the same lengthwise dimensions of the first measurement scale  70  and is disposed on the base medium  200  such that each quarter inch division  205 ,  210 ,  215 ,  220  on the first measurement scale  70  is equally subdivided into eighth inch subdivisions  225 ,  230 ,  235 ,  240 ,  245 ,  250 ,  255 ,  260  on the second measurement scale  85 . The color-codes applied to the eighth inch subdivisions  225 ,  230 ,  235 ,  240 ,  245 ,  250 ,  255 ,  260  on the second measurement scale  85  are color shade variations of the base color-code of the corresponding quarter inch divisions  205 ,  210 ,  215 ,  220  on the first measurement scale  70 . As previously discussed, the color coding facilitates visual continuity between each of the progressively smaller subdivisions  225 ,  230 ,  235 ,  240 ,  245 ,  250 ,  255 ,  260 ,  265 ,  270 ,  275 ,  280 ,  285 ,  290 ,  295 ,  300  on the remaining scales  85 ,  95  from the initial base unit quarter inch divisions  205 ,  210 ,  215 ,  220  on the first measurement scale  70 . 
     The third measurement scale  95  includes the same lengthwise dimensions of the first  70  and second measurement scales  85  and is disposed on the base medium  200  such that each eighth inch subdivision  225 ,  230 ,  235 ,  240 ,  245 ,  250 ,  255 ,  260  on the second scale  85  is provided in a decimal equivalent of eighths of an inch on the third scale  95 . 
     As with the previous exemplary embodiment, an optional fourth measurement scale  60  is disposed on the base medium  200  superjacent to the first measurement scale  70  such that each quarter inch  205 ,  210 ,  215 ,  220 , eighths of an inch  225 ,  230 ,  235 ,  240 ,  245 ,  250 ,  255 ,  260  and decimal equivalent subdivisions  265 ,  270 ,  275 ,  280 ,  285 ,  290 ,  295 ,  300  on the first, second and third measurement scales  70 ,  85 ,  95  are aligned with the corresponding divisions  40 ,  45 ,  50 ,  55  on the fourth measurement scale  60 . 
     Again as previously discussed, the fourth measurement scale  60  is intended to integrate the fractional learning progression made from the previous measurement scales  70 ,  85 ,  95  to arrive at a typical twelve inch ruler  60 . Addition subdivisions on the fourth measurement scale  60  may be provided which include eighths of an inch measurement units. 
     Again as previously discussed, a first longitudinal flexible coupling  120  may be provided between the first measurement scale  70  and the second measurement scale  85 . The coupling  120  may be a fold, seam or joint which allows the first measurement scale  70  to rotate about a common long axis with the second measurement scale  85 . 
     The first flexible coupling  120  may be comprised of a resilient polymer, elastomeric compound, durable cloth tape, paper or simply a fold in the base medium. In another exemplary embodiment, a second flexible coupling  130  is provided which allow the second and third measurement scales  85 ,  95  to rotate about a common long axis. In a third exemplary embodiment, a third flexible coupling is provided  110  which allow the first and fourth measurement scales  70 ,  60  to rotate about a common long axis. Each flexible coupling  110 ,  120 ,  130  may be provided separately or included with one or more additional flexible couplings. When more than one flexible coupling is provided, the flexible couplings are aligned in parallel to the same common long axis to allow the base medium  200  to form an elongated triangle or rectangle as is depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , assembling a triangular configuration of the base medium  100 ,  200  is performed by simply rotating or folding the apparatus along parallel lengths of the flexible couplings  120 ,  130  to form the triangular configuration shown in  FIG. 3 . The triangular configuration may also be formed by simply rotating or folding the apparatus along the parallel lengths of the flexible couplings  110 ,  120 ,  130  and overlapping the two end measurement scales to form the triangular configuration shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     Alternately, assembling an elongated rectangular configuration of the measurement instruction apparatus  100 ,  200  is performed by simply rotating or folding the apparatus along parallel lengths of the flexible couplings  120 ,  130  to form the rectangular configuration shown in  FIG. 4 . Another exemplary embodiment of the measurement apparatus is depicted in  FIG. 5  in which a clear rectangular tube  500  is used to receive either embodiment ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) of the base medium  100 ,  200 . In this exemplary embodiment, the selected base medium  100 ,  200  is configured in the elongated rectangular configuration shown in  FIG. 4  and inserted into the rectangular tube  500  and dimensioned such that each measurement scale is separately visible on each side of the rectangular tube  500 . In an embodiment, the tube is constructed from clear plastic having a length of 12 inches and each end having square openings measuring about 1.087 inches per side. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , end caps  505 ,  510  are provided to maintain the base medium within the rectangular tube  500 . The end caps  505 ,  510  are dimensioned so as to provide an interference fit into the open ends of the rectangular tube  500 . When inserted into or onto the ends of the tube  500 , each end cap  505 ,  510  forms a square plug that covers the otherwise open ends of the rectangular plastic tube  500 . The thickness of the end caps after insertion into or onto the tube  500  should preferably be maintained at or below 30/1000&#39;s of an inch to allow for reasonably accurate measuring beyond the length of a single apparatus. Each end cap  505 ,  510  include a socket  507 ,  512  for receiving the small diameter tube shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     The small diameter tube  610  is constructed of a generally rigid plastic formed from PVC. The small diameter tube includes a diameter dimensioned to snugly fit into each socket  507 ,  512  and span the length of the clear plastic tube  500 . The small tube  610  provides additional structural integrity to measurement instruction apparatus and is bonded to the end caps  505 ,  510  using an adhesive. The adhesive prevents the assembled measurement instruction apparatus from being taken apart by younger students. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, each end cap further includes a male connector  509  and a female receptacle  514  which allows a first measurement instruction apparatus  500  to be longitudinally coupled to another measurement instruction apparatus  800  as is depicted in  FIG. 8 . The ability to connect two or more measure instruction apparatuses  500 ,  800  allows for expansion of the instruction into units of measurement, for example extending measurements to yards or meters. In this exemplary embodiment, the rectangular tube is constructed from a clear polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. The end caps  505 ,  510  are likewise constructed from PVC. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the type of plastics used is not critical so long as toxic materials are not leachable therefrom. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , an exemplary exploded view of the measurement instruction apparatus is depicted. In this exemplary embodiment, a selected base medium  100 ,  200  is configured as a rectangular insert which approximates the dimensions of the inner perimeter of the clear plastic rectangular tube  500 . The base medium  100 ,  200  is inserted coaxially into the rectangular tube  500  and adjusted where necessary so that a measurement scale is visible from each separate side of the rectangular tube  500 . One end of the small diameter tube  610  is coated with an adhesive and bonded to one of the end caps  505 . In an embodiment, the small diameter tube  610  is about 12 inches in length and has an outer diameter of about 0.299 inches. The assembly (first end cap  505  and small tube  610 ) is then inserted into the rectangular tube  500  such that the small tube  610  extends to the opposite end of the rectangular tube  500  and generally spans the longitudinal centerline of the rectangular tube  500 . The first end cap  505  is then pressed into or onto the first end of the rectangular tube  500 . Adhesive is then applied to the opposite end of the small tube  610  and/or the socket  512  of the second end cap  510 . The second end cap  510  is then pressed into or onto the opposite end of the rectangular tube  500  along with the small tube  610  engaging the socket  512 . Once the adhesive has had sufficient time to dry, the rectangular embodiment of the measurement instruction apparatus is available for instruction as is depicted in  FIG. 7 . 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  depict additional exemplary embodiments where each of the measurement scales is disposed on various sides of a unitary triangular or rectangular form  900 ,  1000 . The triangular or rectangular forms  900 ,  1000  may be constructed from any relatively rigid material for example wood, plastic, or aluminum. In this exemplary embodiment, the forms comprise the base medium  100 ,  200  in which each of the measurement scales are disposed on the sides of the chosen form  900 ,  1000 . The measurement scales are disposed on each side of the forms using for example, adhesive decals, painting, dye sublimation, etching and/or engraving processes. Each disposed measurement scale should be arranged such that consecutively smaller units of measure become visible as the chosen form  900 ,  1000  is rotated. 
     Instruction 
     Instruction usually begins by introducing the student to the base units of measurement. For instance, students are first taught what color code represents an inch on the base medium  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . In this example, the first inch  5  is represented by the color blue on the base measurement scale  90 . Instruction progresses to the next set of subdivisions on the second measurement scale  80  which divides the first inch  5  into equal half inch segments  10 ,  15  on the second measurement scale  80 . Each segment is colored blue. However, the first half inch segment  15  is colored in a lighter shade of blue than the second half inch segment  10 . The second half inch segment  10  is colored the same shade of blue as the first inch  5 . The difference in color shading is intended to visually illustrate what components are needed to reach the base unit of measure; in this instance, one inch  5 . 
     Instruction progresses as before by introducing the third measurement scale  70  which further subdivides the base unit of measure (i.e., inch  5 ) into quarter inch segments  35 ,  30 ,  25 ,  20 . Once the concept of an inch has been accomplished, the student may be provided with instruction on how many inches equal a foot as is illustrated by the foot icons  115 ,  125 ,  135  at the end of the 12 inch divisions. 
     Instruction using the second embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2  is performed analogously but further breaks down the quarter inch of base units into eighth inch subunits and decimal equivalent eighth inch subunits for more advanced fractional instruction. In either embodiment, measurements greater than twelve inches (e.g., feet and yards) may be performed by longitudinally connecting two or more measurement instruction apparatuses together. 
     The various exemplary inventive embodiments described herein are intended to be merely illustrative of the principles underlying the inventive concept. It is therefore contemplated that various modifications of the disclosed embodiments will, without departing from the inventive spirit and scope, be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art. They are not intended to limit the inventive embodiments to any precise form described. In particular, it is contemplated that functional implementation of the various inventive embodiments described herein. 
     Accordingly, the measurement instruction apparatus elements may be provided in any common clear polymeric material similar to the containers or disposed on a single sheet of heavy bond paper or cardboard. No specific limitation is intended to particular construction materials, units of measure, measurement scale order or measurement scale layout are intended or implied. Other variations and inventive embodiments are possible in light of above teachings, and it is not intended that this Detailed Description limit the inventive scope, but rather by the Claims following herein.

Technology Category: g