Abstract: A combination tape measure and hammer includes a tape measure having an extendible tape for measuring distances, and a hammer attached to the tape measure. The tape measure includes a housing with an outer surface and the hammer conforms to the outer surface of the housing. The outer surface of the housing is curved and an underside of the hammer is curved for conforming to the curved outer surface of the housing. The hammer includes a head and a claw extending rearwardly from the head. The outer surface of the housing has a depression formed therein that is aligned with the claw. The claw is a forked claw including a first tine and a second tine spaced from the first tine. The depression formed in the outer surface of the housing is aligned with the first and second tines.

Abstract: A tape measure is invented that fits in an auxiliary pocket such as a credit card pocket of a wallet. The tape measure consists of a case that fits in the auxiliary pocket, a rectangular card that fits in the case, and a tape measure ribbon with a width at most half the width of the card. When the tape measure is in the retracted mode, the ribbon is wrapped nicely around the card and the wrapped ribbon is inserted in the case. To extend the tape measure, the wrapped card is removed from the case and the ribbon is unwrapped from the card so it functions as an ordinary tape measure ribbon. In an example given in one embodiment, a tape measure is sized to fit in a credit card pocket, has a thickness of less than the thickness of three credit cards, yet extends to 40 inches.

Abstract: A device and method for: accurately measuring a pregnant abdomen, recording and storing all pregnancy measurements, recording and storing pregnancy milestones and experiences, comparing one or more pregnancies, and creating a pregnancy keepsake. The invention includes a 1st side and 2nd side both comprising: a pliable strip; a measuring scale; a week's pregnant scale; a marking surface; a start clasp; and an end clasp. The invention permits an accurate measurement of both fundal height and pregnant abdominal circumference. The invention also accepts written documentation for marking all pregnancy measurements and pregnancy experiences. Additionally, a plurality of labels and pregnancy themed markers are provided for attachment to the invention in order to mark the current pregnancy measurements and pregnancy experiences.

Abstract: An improved adjustable carpenters square is presented, which aids carpenters in marking and measuring work product to be cut or formed. The adjustable square can be set at a variety of angles to enable cut marking. It also possesses an attached measuring tape and a straight edge to combine three useful features in one tool, as well as a press-down tape stop to hold the tape in place. This invention can be used to scribe a line along a piece of material using the leading edge of the square as a guide instead of using the index finger of one hand, which often results in injury due to slivers from the material being scribed.

Abstract: A knitting tool that has a measuring tape, a retractable crochet hook, a cutting blade, a counter, and a compartment for scissors, rings, and other knitting accessories combined in a single tool. The crochet hook can be retractable.

Abstract: An improvement on the structure of a measuring tape device is that a magnetic mechanism is secured at the distal end of a measuring tape. The magnetic mechanism is not placed onto the leg piece of the hook member and thus is not formed as part of the body of the hook member of the measuring tape. The front end of the magnetic mechanism is placed in alignment with the “0” cm mark on the measuring tape. During measuring process of an object of measurement and a designated point, the magnetic mechanism allows the measuring tape to be magnetically attached to the surface of the object and anchored at the exact starting point of measurement, and therefore, the measuring precision will not be skewed because of thickness of the hook member or because of the gap caused by the movable mechanics of the hook member.

Abstract: There is a tape measure configured for one-hand operation. The tape measure includes a protective casing and a coiled measuring tape. The tape measure includes an audio recorder and a speaker module coupled to the protective casing, wherein the speaker module is configured to audibly broadcast recorded audio information. The tape measure also includes a locking mechanism and a light module; wherein the light module is configured to activate when the locking mechanism is actuated, thereby disposing light over a portion of the measuring tape. The tape measure includes a control module in communication with each of the audio recorder, speaker module, light module, and magnetic locking mechanism, configured to provide controls thereto for each. The control module is disposed substantially above the magnetic locking mechanism on the protective housing and operable with a single digit of a hand, while the hand is grasping the protective casing.

Abstract: A device is provided for measuring and marking shapes to be duplicated. Such shapes can include electrical outlets, window cutouts, stair step cutouts and such features on drywall or similar panels. The device has a base, a linear measure rotatably attached to the base about a point of rotation, the linear measure being capable of measuring a distance to corners of an outline of a feature to be copied and capable of rotating from a designated point through at least an angle defined by the outline of the feature to be copied. A distance indicator operatively associated with the linear measure indicates the distance from the point of rotation to each corner of the feature to be copied, and an angle indicator operatively associated with the linear measure indicates each angle to which the linear measure has been rotated when each distance measurement was taken.

Abstract: A precision measurement and cutting tool for cutting a material, the precision measurement and cutting tool comprising: a measurement tape, a housing for containing a measurement tape having an opening for the measurement tape on a first side, and a first cartridge mounted at an end of the measurement tape and containing a retractable first cutting blade.

Abstract: A tape measure comprises a housing having a tape outlet opening. A flexible measuring tape is movable between a retracted position in which the measuring tape is substantially disposed within the housing, and an extended position in which at least a portion of the measuring tape extends through the tape outlet opening and linearly outside the housing. The measuring tape has a free end and a pair of longitudinal edges, and the measuring tape has measuring indicia displayed thereon. A magnifying lens is connected to the housing. The magnifying lens overlays the portion of the measuring tape extending outside the housing when the measuring tape is in the extended position. The magnifying lens extends laterally beyond one of the longitudinal edges of the measuring tape. A cross-hair extends across the magnifying lens. The cross-hair is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal edges of the portion of the measuring tape extending outside the housing. The cross-hair is aligned against the measuring indicia.

Abstract: Body fluid testing device for analyzing a body fluid comprises a test media tape adapted to collect the body fluid. The test media tape comprises a tape and test media portions. A free tape portion without test medium is located between successive test media portions. The testing device further comprises a supply portion. The supply portion comprises a housing in which uncontaminated test media tape is contained. The housing further has an opening for withdrawing test media tape from the housing. The testing device further has a sealing means for closing the opening against the surrounding. A free tape portion of the test media tape is located between a wall of the housing and the sealing means when the sealing means closes the opening. Further aspects concern a test media cassette with sealing means and a method for providing test media while holding them sealed against humidity during onboard storage.

Abstract: A multifunctional tape measure device includes a housing, a tape reel which is mounted within an interior chamber of the housing, a flexible measuring tape which is wound on the tape reel and which extends through an aperture formed in the front wall of the housing and a brake for releaseably holding the extended measuring tape. A magnet is rigidly mounted within a recess formed in the bottom wall of the housing and a light is mounted within the housing and is manually operable for generating a visible light beam. A magnifying lens is attached to the housing adjacent one of the first and second side of the housing. A writing surface is retained within a recess formed in an opposed one of the first and second side of the housing and a holder is provided on the housing for retaining a writing instrument.

Abstract: A measuring tape device with illumination function comprises a casing; a measuring tape received in the casing; an illuminator having a switch and an illuminating unit; the switch serving for actuating the illuminating unit; the illuminating unit being installed at a lateral side of the casing and near the measuring tape and hook; a cover covering upon the illuminating unit; the cover being reflective and deflective so that light is incident into the measuring tape for viewing the scales on the measuring tape. The casing has at least one battery. The illuminating unit is one of a bulb or light emitting diodes. The cover has a cross section of a right triangular. One side of the cover faces toward an exterior of the casing and another side of the cover faces toward the measuring tape.

Abstract: A measuring tape device with a function of a music player comprises a measure tape casing having a power supply therein; a digital player installed in the casing; the digital player including a control panel, a digital processor, an earphone slot, a USB slot and a memory card slot. The digital processor is installed on the control panel for storing and processing speech data; the control panel serves to control the digital processor; the control panel has buttons for playing, stopping, pausing, volume-adjusting, song-editing; and the earphone slot and USB slot are installed at an upper surface of the casing; the memory card slot is installed at a side of the measure tape device opposite to the side installing the measure tape.

Abstract: A wall-hanging-aid device comprises four retractable tape measures encased in a housing and at least one template for aligning a hanging position or hooking position of an object on a vertical surface, such as a picture on a wall. In one embodiment a first vertical tape measure extends from the bottom of the housing and includes a measurement scale and a lip for securing the tape to an item being measured. Opposite this vertical tape measure, a single aligning fin or template extends from the housing and includes a marking-hole guide for aligning the desired hooking position on the wall. The two other tape measures extend in opposite directions generally perpendicular to the vertical tape measure.

Abstract: A device is provided for measuring and marking shapes to be duplicated. Such shapes can include electrical outlets, window cutouts, stair step cutouts and such features on drywall or similar panels. The device has a base, a linear measure rotatably attached to the base about a point of rotation, the linear measure being capable of measuring a distance to corners of an outline of a feature to be copied and capable of rotating from a designated point through at least an angle defined by the outline of the feature to be copied. A distance indicator operatively associated with the linear measure indicates the distance from the point of rotation to each corner of the feature to be copied, and an angle indicator operatively associated with the linear measure indicates each angle to which the linear measure has been rotated when each distance measurement was taken.

Abstract: A nerve stimulator measuring device used to measure the length of electrical conduction of a nerve using a standard electrical nerve stimulator. The device includes an outer housing attached or integrally formed on the cathode probe on the standard nerve stimulator. Mounted on the two probes or located inside the outer housing is a retractable, flexible tape measure with length measure units printed thereon. During assembly, the outer housing is positioned over the two probes so that the tape measure disposed therebetween. During use, the end point of the tape is positioned over the recording sensor. The nerve stimulator is then pulled towards the hand so that the tape unwinds to the display the desired distance. The nerve stimulator is then held so that the cathode probe is pressed against the skin over the nerve and adjacent to the desired distance shown on the tape. The nerve stimulator is then activated and a reading is obtained.

Abstract: A combination tape measure and hammer includes a tape measure having an extendible tape for measuring distances, and a hammer attached to the tape measure. The tape measure includes a housing with an outer surface and the hammer conforms to the outer surface of the housing. The outer surface of the housing is curved and an underside of the hammer is curved for conforming to the curved outer surface of the housing. The hammer includes a head and a claw extending rearwardly from the head. The outer surface of the housing has a depression formed therein that is aligned with the claw. The claw is a forked claw including a first tine and a second tine spaced from the first tine. The depression formed in the outer surface of the housing is aligned with the first and second tines.

Abstract: An improved adjustable carpenters square is presented, which aids carpenters in marking and measuring work product to be cut or formed. The adjustable square can be set at a variety of angles to enable cut marking. It also possesses an attached measuring tape and a straight edge to combine three useful features in one tool, as well as a press-down tape stop to hold the tape in place. This invention can be used to scribe a line along a piece of material using the leading edge of the square as a guide instead of using the index finger of one hand, which often results in injury due to slivers from the material being scribed.

Abstract: An adjustable carpenters square is presented, which aids carpenters in marking and measuring work product to be cut or formed. The adjustable square can be set at a variety of angles to enable cut marking. It also possesses an attached measuring tape and a straight edge to combine three useful features in one tool.

Abstract: A multi-use tool designed to be easily handled and transported. The two main compartments include a utility knife and a tape measure. Numerous other tools can be included in this device including hammer, level, screwdriver, saw, file and wrench.

Abstract: A measuring tape device with illumination function comprises a casing; a measuring tape received in the casing; an illuminator having a switch and an illuminating unit; the switch serving for actuating the illuminating unit; the illuminating unit being installed at a lateral side of the casing and near the measuring tape and hook; a cover covering upon the illuminating unit; the cover being reflective and deflective so that light is incident into the measuring tape for viewing the scales on the measuring tape. The casing has at least one battery. The illuminating unit is one of a bulb or light emitting diodes. The cover has a cross section of a right triangular. One side of the cover faces toward an exterior of the casing and another side of the cover faces toward the measuring tape.

Abstract: A measuring tape device with a function of a music player comprises a measure tape casing having a power supply therein; a digital player installed in the casing; the digital player including a control panel, a digital processor, an earphone slot, a USB slot and a memory card slot. The digital processor is installed on the control panel for storing and processing speech data; the control panel serves to control the digital processor; the control panel has buttons for playing, stopping, pausing, volume-adjusting, song-editing; and the earphone slot and USB slot are installed at an upper surface of the casing; the memory card slot is installed at a side of the measure tape device opposite to the side installing the measure tape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tape measure apparatus including an adapter having a first portion, which is sized and shaped so as to be attached to a butt end of a fishing pole, and a second portion, which is attached to the first portion. The tape measure apparatus is provided with a tape measure device sized and shaped such that the tape measure device can be removably attached to the adapter. In this manner, conventional fishing poles can be retrofitted with the tape measure device.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for advertising on a first-down measurement device in an American-style football game are disclosed. An apparatus may include an information display and a sleeve for engaging the information display with a portion of the first-down measurement device. A method may include fixing an advertisement to a material and engaging the material with a portion of a first-down measuring device. A system may include a sideline marker for marking a position of a playing field, a measuring device connected to the sideline marker, an information display, and a sleeve for engaging the information display with the sideline marker or the measuring device. First-down measurement devices containing the information display of the present invention may also be used in simulated American-style football games in which first-down measurements are displayed, such as video game(s).

Abstract: A system for measuring and cutting includes a portable measuring unit and a cutting unit. The measuring unit includes a transmitter and a measuring processor in communication with the transmitter. The measuring unit includes a first retractable tape measure having a first variable resistance wire and a sensor, the measuring processor having programming for determining first distance data and for transmitting that data. The cutting unit includes a saw and a receiver for receiving the first distance data transmitted from the measuring unit. The cutting unit includes a second tape measure with a second variable resistance wire, sensor, and processor for determining a second distance. When the second distance measurement is equal to the first distance measurement, an indicator is actuated so the user knows to actuate the saw to cut the workpiece. The system, therefore, eliminates inaccurate measurements and the need to remember or record measurements.

Abstract: A hand held measuring device for measuring for construction or other industries using measuring tapes to ascertain measurements. The device features an extendable tape engaged to an electronic sensor communicating the measurement to a data processor and digital display. Software operating on the data processor stores and employs the taken measurements to estimate time and materials for a given industry. The software may be changed by engaging a memory card with industry specific software adapted to employ the measurements taken for calculations. A camera will take digital photos of measured areas and store them in association with individual measurements. A second video display provides a software driven graphic interface for display and input of data.

Abstract: A hand held measuring device for measuring for construction or other industries using measuring tapes to ascertain measurements. The device features an extendable tape engaged to an electronic sensor communicating the measurement to a data processor and digital display. Software operating on the data processor stores and employs the taken measurements to estimate time and materials for a given industry. The software may be changed by engaging a memory card with industry specific software adapted to employ the measurements taken for calculations. A camera will take digital photos of measured areas and store them in association with individual measurements. A second video display provides a software driven graphic interface for display and input of data.

Abstract: A system for measuring and cutting includes a portable measuring unit and a cutting unit. The measuring unit includes a transmitter and a measuring processor in communication with the transmitter. The measuring unit includes a first retractable tape measure having a first variable resistance wire and a sensor, the measuring processor having programming for determining first distance data and for transmitting that data. The cutting unit includes a saw and a receiver for receiving the first distance data transmitted from the measuring unit. The cutting unit includes a second tape measure with a second variable resistance wire, sensor, and processor for determining a second distance. When the second distance measurement is equal to the first distance measurement, an indicator is actuated so the user knows to actuate the saw to cut the workpiece. The system, therefore, eliminates inaccurate measurements and the need to remember or record measurements.

Abstract: A combination measuring tape and pencil sharpener has a removable sharpening unit to provide a convenient field sharpener. A conventional retractable measuring tape is combined with pencil sharpener unit. The removable sharpener unit frictionally engages the measuring tape housing. Sharpener unit is located in an opening in the rear of the measuring tape housing and the shavings are discharged from an opening in the housing bottom positioned under the sharpening unit blade. The sharpening units can be replaced when worn or to accommodate a round or carpenter's pencil.

Abstract: An assembly of a tape measure and a screwdriver includes a tape measure having a case, a ruler received in the case, an outlet being defined in the bottom of one side of the case for extension of the ruler, a receiving chamber being defined in one surface of the case and extending to an edge of the case, a pressing unit being disposed at one side of the case; and a screwdriver mechanism movably disposed in the receiving chamber of the case, the screwdriver mechanism having a positioning unit corresponding to the pressing unit. Thus, the assembly has functions of a tape measure and a screwdriver for easy use.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for accurately recording measurements of a window and producing accurate window treatments. A reference strip is provided having measurement indicia thereon, such as a checkerboard pattern of squares of predetermined sizes. The reference strip may be placed proximate a window and photographed. The size of the window may be accurately determined from the resulting photograph using the associated reference strip. The window may also be measured and the measurements stored as biographic data and associated with the photograph to form an accurate and verifiable window biography. The biography may be provided to another party, such as a treatment manufacturer, who verifies the measurements of the biographic data using photograph and produces a suitable window treatment according to the measurements.

Abstract: A construction tool has a tape measure. A handle is coupled to the tape measure. The handle allows a user of any size or shape hand to comfortably and easily use the tape measure.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring the arc of an arched window comprising a base; measuring means selectively rotatable relative said base for measuring a distance between said base and said arch at a selected angle.

Abstract: A carpenter square and tape measure combination assembly includes a tape measure. The tape measure includes a housing having a lower wall, an upper wall and a perimeter wall. A square assembly includes a top wall and a bottom wall attached together in a spaced configuration with respect to each other. A panel is positioned between the top and bottom walls. A rod extends through the panel and into the top and bottom walls so that the panel may be pivoted with respect to the top and bottom walls. The panel is positionable in a stored position extending from the rod to the side wall or in an extended position extending outwardly from between the top and bottom walls. A pressure sensitive adhesive is positioned on the square assembly. The adhesive secures the square assembly to the lower wall of the housing.

Abstract: A combined stud finder and tape measure device includes a housing having any traditional stud finder circuitry integrally disposed therein along with a tape measure having a tape strip wound on a spindle. The tape measure is oriented so that the width of the tape strip lies parallel to the surface being scanned for studs or other obstacles. This orientation accommodates a wide viewing angle of the scale markings on the tape strip, making it easier to use the stud finder and the tape measure at the same time. Additionally, the tape measure can be re-oriented over at least 180 degrees so that the tape strip can be directed to either side of or from the bottom of the combined stud finder and tape measure device. Detents may be located at, for example, 90 degree intervals to provide a manner of locking the tape measure at predetermined angles with respect to the housing.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A terminal, for use with a phreatic surface measurer having a tape measure with at least one sensor at one end of the tape measure, includes a flexible protection element that substantially surrounds the tape measure, and a coupler between the flexible protection element and the sensor, where the flexible protection element protects the tape measure along a part of its length without substantially impeding its flexibility. Optionally, two elements can be used and connected to each other by a connector. Also optionally, a breakaway feature can allow the replacement of terminals or portions thereof.

Abstract: The invention is a rotatable attachment for a conventional tape measure. The attachment can be used to measure angles. This attachment increases the utility of the tape measure, allowing both angle measurement and distance measurement with one device.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus comprises a handle 22 having a tape-holder 26? and pendulum 24 attached thereto such that a measuring tape 30 can extend to a variable extent sideways out of the tape-holder with the pendulum hanging vertically downwards. In the preferred embodiment there are two tape holders 26?, 26? which are rotatable on the handle about the axis of the pendulum.

Abstract: A unitary guide tool that provides a guide for measuring and marking a work piece when moved along an edge thereof, the guide tool being in the form of a generally rectangular offset or stepped bar of material having a thicker section forming a stepped side for engaging the edge of a work piece in a first disposition and engaging a measuring tape dispensing housing in another disposition, the block being slidable along an edge of the work piece and having a longer dimension extending generally perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tape measure which has at least one roller provided in the front surface of a housing, thus protecting the fingers of a user. The tape measure of the present invention includes a housing, a circumferential outer surface of which is covered with a grip. The housing has a neck extending from the front surface of the housing, thus forming upper and lower concave parts on upper and lower surfaces of the neck, respectively. The housing further has a tape extraction hole formed in a lower end of the front surface of the neck. The tape measure further includes a bobbin rotatably provided at a central portion in the housing, with a coil spring mounted in the bobbin; and a tape coupled at a first end thereof to the coil spring of the bobbin and extending at a second end thereof to the outside of the housing through the tape extraction hole, so that the tape is extracted to the outside through the tape extraction hole.

Abstract: A workpiece size alignment device includes a rail set including a plurality of guide rails each having a top face formed with an elongated guide channel extended longitudinally, and a ruler set mounted on the rail set and including a plurality of rulers each removably mounted in the guide channel of a respective one of the guide rails. Thus, the workpiece size alignment device has multiple rulers having different units for use and replacement, so that the operator can select the rulers having different units according to different working requirements, thereby greatly facilitating the operator working the workpiece.

Abstract: An illuminated tape measure comprises a housing with an illuminable tape positioned in the housing. The illuminable tape is marked with a plurality of regularly spaced markings that form a linear measuring scale so the tape may be used as a measuring tape. The illuminable tape is made of an electroluminescent material operable to emit light when electrical power is provided to the material. A power source and an inverter are positioned in the housing for supplying power to the illuminable tape. The housing includes at least one wall having a transparent portion. Light from the illuminable tape may pass out of the housing through the transparent portion. In one embodiment, a mirror is provided in the housing for focusing the light within the housing into a light beam.

Abstract: A ruler specifically designed to measure locations in three dimensions. The device contains a flat base upon which the device rotates and pivots along a horizontal plane. The measuring tape also can be projected out of its holder at a range of angles in a third dimension. The device includes a marking means at the end of the tape, an arced tape cross-section for lengthy extensions and a level comprised of a water bubble in a box at a top portion of the housing of the device in the rear. The tape has a movable second center upon which the device can pivot so the marker at the end of the tape can mark arcs. The housing has a series of sections denoting amounts of rotational degrees.

Abstract: A promotional apparatus includes a housing having first and second openings and an elongated slot formed therein. A first measuring tape is disposed within the housing, and is retractably extendable from the housing via the first opening. A second measuring tape is disposed within the housing. A first end of the second measuring tape is fixed to the housing and an opposite second end of the measuring tape is movable within the housing such that a portion of the second measuring tape between the first and second ends thereof extends from the housing via the second opening and forms a loop that is retractably expandable and that is configured to measure a circumference of an object. A goniometer is pivotably secured to the housing and is movable between a stored position and a plurality of operative positions that allow measurement of angles of movement of patient limbs, joints, etc.

Abstract: An adjustable position tool guide is disclosed for performing operations with tools on a work piece at an accurate distance and orientation with respect to edges or other features of the work piece in a highly convenient manner. The tool guide includes a base for positioning on the work piece. The base has a base edge for aligning in a substantially parallel orientation to a longitudinal axis of the work piece, and a work edge oriented perpendicular to the base edge for being oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the work piece when the base edge is aligned parallel with the longitudinal axis. The guide also includes a tape measure mounting assembly mounted on the base for mounting a tape measure on the base. The tape measure mounting assembly is slidably moveable on the base along a line oriented substantially parallel to the base edge of the base.

Abstract: A trailer hitch alignment system for efficiently connecting a trailer to a vehicle. The trailer hitch alignment system includes a housing structure with a measuring member extendable from the housing structure, a securing member for securing the housing structure to an upper leg portion of a leg of a trailer, a pointer member attached to a distal end of the measuring member, and an indicator line attached to a telescoping portion of the leg. The pointer member is aligned with the indicator line when the trailer is attached to the vehicle and thereafter indicates the proper height of the trailer for connecting the hitch of the trailer at a later time.

Abstract: A multi-tape measuring tool has a recoil-type tape measure and a removable ruler-type measure stored in a single housing. Conventionally, a user, such as an architect or an engineer, would have to carry one retractable tape measure along with a separate smaller ruler-like measuring tool, the smaller tool being useful, for example, in more confined spaces. The measuring tool of the presenting invention provides both a retractable tape measure and a separate ruler-like measuring tool stored in a single, easily carried unit.

Abstract: A strengthened blade tape measure includes a tape casing, a retraction unit, and a ruler blade, having an inner end attached to the retraction unit and an outer end stopped at a guiding opening of the tape casing, adapted to slidably fold between a storage position and a measuring position. In which, at the storage position, the ruler blade is retracted to receive in the tape casing in a coil flattened configuration manner via the retraction unit, and at the measuring portion, the outer end of the ruler blade is slidably pulled to extend the ruler blade in a concave-convex configuration out of the tape casing through the guider opening, wherein the ruler blade is capable of standing out from the tape casing with a measuring length at least 10 feet in a self-sustaining manner so as to prevent the ruler blade from buckling by its own weight.