![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/45/Rolling_parallel_ruler.jpg/220px-Rolling_parallel_ruler.jpg)
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5c/Rolllineale.jpg/220px-Rolllineale.jpg)
A rolling ruler is a ruler that contains a cylinder much like a rolling pin inside, thereby enabling it to "roll" along a sheet of paper or other surface where it is being used. A rolling ruler can draw straight, parallel lines, and also has other instruments included, enabling it to do the jobs of a protractor and compass.[1][2]
The modern rolling ruler, with protractor, pivot pin and multiple pin holes serving as fixed length compasses has been patented in the US in 1991 by Wei Wang. [3]