A device for measuring the distance and direction of destinations on road maps from a starting point is suggested which serves for the data input of intermediate destinations in navigation devices. The device comprises an angle measuring plate (10) with a 360-degree scale (13) which is arranged concentrically relative to a central borehole (14) and which begins with the north direction. A bracket (11) is supported at the central borehole (14) so as to be rotatable and carries a measuring tape case (12) at its end area (11b) and a guide (20) for a measuring tape (19) at its opposite end area (11c), the measuring tape (19) being arranged in such a way that, when drawn out of the measuring tape case (12), the measuring tape (19) extends away radially in an outward direction with its one lateral edge over the center of the degree scale (13). The input of distance and directional angle of an intermediate destination can be determined with a single adjustment with this device which has a compact construction, small dimensioning and large measuring range (FIG. 3).

A support bracket has a base member adapted for attachment to a particular measuring tool and a vertical member extends from the base member and it has a horizontal slot within its top edge which mounts a tape rule by way of the tape rule spring clip. The tape rule is oriented on the support bracket such that measurements may be made along a common baseline with reference to the measuring tool and a workpiece to be measured while, at the same time, measurements may also be made along a ruler edge of the measuring tool which is positioned at an angle with respect to the common baseline.

A light, compact safety tracer carried by fire fighters comprising a novel attaching means for attaching an elongated cord to an object outside or at the entrance of a burning house or at the entrance to a room before a fire fighter conducts searching. As the fire fighter enters the house the fire retardant cord is extended out from the safety tracer clipped on the waist belt of the fire fighter. From the color code on the cord the fire fighter can tell how far he has gone inside. The attaching means is shaped as a wedge so if attached to the hinge of a door it will keep the door open. A light source on the attaching means informs other fire fighters that the room is being searched and a fire fighter is inside. The safety tracer is equipped with a pager so he can alert other fire fighters if he needs help or is in trouble. The extended cord will serve as a guide so even when the smoke is so thick that a fire fighter can not see through he can still easily and quickly find his way out. A slide razor is further mounted on the safety tracer in case the cord is caught to something and the fire fighter has to cut it off.

A measuring system for making accurate measurements when cutting building material to fit odd or uneven shapes. The measuring system comprises two types of measuring blocks. The first block is used to measure distances between two uncovered wall studs or joists, and the second block is used to measure distances between an uncovered wall stud or joist and a surface which is covered with a material such as wallboard. By nailing the blocks around the perimeter of the opening, that the building material will cover, and using a plurality of tape measures to obtain at least two measurements from two fixed points to selected points around the perimeter of the opening, accurate dimensions may be obtained regardless of how out of plumb or uneven the opening may be. The system also includes a jig for transferring these dimensions onto the material to be cut, and a tool that can be attached to the end of a tape measure to obtain an accurate mark on the material to be cut.

A lay-out tool assembly includes a square having a base component with a straight edge and with trough structure in which a carpenter's pencil is seated, an abrasive area for sharpening the pencil, and wall structure on which a tape measure is mounted for use in cooperation with the base.