Geometrical instruments – Straightedge type – Rules
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-16
2001-06-12
Fulton, Christopher W. (Department: 2859)
Geometrical instruments
Straightedge type
Rules
C033S491000, C033S0010SD, C434S195000, C434S304000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06243959
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention concerns a ruler device for use in measuring distance, for use in measuring and the construction of linear objects, for use during the instruction of linear measurement, and for use as an instrument to demonstrate the relationship between a said unit of measure and fractional increments of said standard unit of measure.
BACKGROUND ART
The concept of fractional increments of standard units of measure can be demonstrated by abstract or mathematical approaches when accompanied by visual indicia. The standard scale markings on a conventional ruler are not easily comprehended by children or persons. Young children and persons, especially those with learning impediments, have difficulty with the perception of fractional increments of a said unit of measure on a conventional ruler. For example, after the concept of ½″, fourths of an inch, eighths of an inch have been presented, persons, especially young children, have difficulty with the perception of the relationship between the-fractional incremental markings because the same indicium can denote, for example, one-half inch, two-fourths, four eighths, and eight sixteenths of an inch.
Also because the fractional incremental markings on a standard ruler are of the same color, it is difficult for the learner to distinguish the markings. Although the fractional incremental markings on a standard ruler may be of gradually decreasing length which denote the decreasing size of the fractional increment, the lines of one color are not easily described to the learner. For example, when presenting the one inch mark, one states the longest lines are the inch marks. Then, when presenting the one-half inch mark, one states the next shorter lines are the one-half inch marks. Next, when presenting the one-fourth inch marks, the problem begins to present itself. If the instructor says the shortest lines are the one-fourth inch lines, the learner becomes confused. The term “shorter” is now applied to more than one set of indicia. The problem becomes even more severe when the instructor presents the eighth and 5 sixteenth inch indicia.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,614,042 to Maurer discloses an educational device for use by children and persons having learning impediments or physical handicaps. While the Maurer device provides a means for perceiving a fraction of an inch, it only shows a fraction of an inch as an extension of an inch at a given point on the device. It does not uniformly demonstrate the fractional increments throughout the entire length of the instrument. It also does not simultaneously demonstrate the relationship amongst the various fractional increments throughout the entire length of the device. Furthermore, it does not disclose the fact that the incremental markings denote multiple fractional increments of said standard unit of measure. Example: the one-half inch indicia is also the two-fourth, four-eighth and eight-sixteenth inch indicia. The Maurer device, while demonstrating a fractional part of one inch, does not demonstrate the fractional parts of twelve inches simultaneously. The Maurer device, while being a teaching aid for students, by design, would preclude its wide-spread use as a measuring device for the general populace.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This problem is alleviated with each of the fractional incremental indicia being different colors, presented independently and then aligned on top of each other. Said standard unit of measure and the fractional increments thereof are easily distinguished. It is accordingly an object of this invention to provide a ruler comprising functionally symbolic means to aid in the distinguishing of a said standard unit of measure and its said fractional increments for wide-spread use amongst students and the general populace.
It is another object of this invention to provide a ruler device for the measuring of distance and objects and to use when drawing.
It is further an object of this invention to provide an educational tool which will facilitate in the instruction for use of Conventional rulers.
It is still another object of this invention to provide a ruler of the aforesaid nature of sufficient construction and low cost that it may find wide-spread use amongst educators and persons.
These objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following description.
The above and other beneficial objects and advantages are accomplished in accordance with the present invention by a measuring and instructional ruler comprised of:
a base panel having a top surface, having a standard unit of measure delineated thereon; and
at least one transparent sheet having fractional increments of said standard units of measure delineated thereon;
wherein said transparent sheet is positionable over said base panel so that said delineated fractional increments of said standard unit of measure are aligned with said delineated unit of measure indicia to demonstrate the relationship between said unit of measure and the fractional increments thereof.
Said ruler can be used to measure distance between two points, to measure objects, or in the construction of a linear object. Said base panel may be used independently, or said transparent sheets may be positioned over said base panel so that delineated fractional increments of said unit of measure are aligned. Said ruler can then be used to measure distance, construct linear figures, and measure objects to said fractional increment of said unit of measure.
Said instructional ruler can be used as an educational tool to facilitate in the instruction of use of conventional rulers. Said ruler can be utilized as a demonstrational tool or as a measuring device in all circumstances which call for a measuring device such as elementary schools, technical schools, trade schools, prison, adult, and abilities educational programs or in any situation where there is a need for a ruler.
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Fulton Christopher W.
Synnestvedt & Lechner LLP
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