Abstract: A tape measure includes a removable pencil sharpening assembly. The pencil sharpening assemblies can be sized to sharpen a variety of pencil sizes. The tape measure also includes a writing stripe for allowing user generated indicia. The writing stripe also allows for the selective erasure, wiping or removal of the user generated indicia.

Abstract: A portable measuring device for comparing the size of a body to an article of clothing. The invention comprises a measuring tape having either absolute or relative measurements imprinted thereon. The circumference of a body location is measured and a dimension, either relative or absolute, is determined. The measured dimension is then compared to a series of nested, rigid templates, each template representing a specific circumferential dimension. A template is selected based upon the circumference measured. That template is then used to compare the size of an article of clothing to the circumference of the individual being measured. The rigid template is inserted in the article of clothing and the fit is determined based upon how well the template fits inside the article of clothing desired.

Abstract: A measuring jig preferably comprising an end engaging member for engaging a mitered end of a work piece, a mechanism for retaining a distal end of a measuring device adjacent to a reference point on a work piece, and member for retaining a measuring device. The invention may be supplemented by a measuring device such as a tape measure. The end engaging member is founded upon a base member with an end face engaging surface and a rear longitudinal face engaging surface coupled thereto to define a V-shaped angular alcove. The end face engaging surface may be fixed relative to the rear longitudinal face engaging surface, or it may be pivotally coupled for selective angular adjustability. The mechanism for retaining a distal end of a measuring device may be slidably retained along an elongate end face engaging surface. There may be a plurality of spaced-apart mechanisms, each comprising a slot, for retaining a distal end of a measuring device.

Abstract: A pattern developing tool comprising an axial pilot, pivotal bracket, and marker holder used with a retractable tape measure having a tab affixed to the zero end thereof a measured scale retractively coiled within a housing disposing a belt clip and means for locking the scale at predetermined measurements, wherein the marker holder cooperates with the tape measure belt clip, housing, and scale providing improved means for fastening a marking instrument to the tape measure housing. Said axial pilot is affixable to ferrous or non ferrous surfaces and operates to recieve the pivotal bracket adapted to fit the tape measure tab and scale, thus providing improved means for rotating the tape measure housing and marking instrument about an axis defined on the surface underlying the tape measure, permitting the user to draw accurate circles, arcs, and intersecting arcs for developing patterns on ferrous or non ferrous surfaces.

Abstract: A multi-purpose measuring tool has an elongate base and arm pivotally connected at rounded ends thereof in an angularly variable relation to perform multiple functions, including measuring inclines, measuring corner angles, measuring distances, use as a square, use as a bevel gauge and use as a torpedo level. A retractable measuring tape housed within the arm has a terminal finger gripping end adapted to be pulled away from the arm and removably attached to a distal end of the base. The measuring tape is dual purpose in that one side of the tape is used for determining the angle of the arm relative to the base to perform some of the above functions, and the other side of the tape is used for traditional linear distance measurements. The tool's base includes a “vertical” bubble level and the arm includes a “horizontal” bubble level to perform some of the above functions.

Abstract: A measurement and marking tool comprising a horizontal member having attachment means for securing a tape measure thereto, and a vertical member emanating from and arranged perpendicularly to the horizontal member. The tool is especially useful in measuring and marking stud placement in carpentry.

Abstract: A measuring tape pencil sharpener combination is provided including a housing. A measuring tape is coiled within an interior space of the housing with a free end extending from the housing. A lid defines a compartment and is pivotally coupled to the housing and has a closed orientation in abutment with the housing and an open orientation for allowing access within the compartment. A pencil sharpener is provided for sharpening a pencil and depositing shavings within the compartment of the lid.

Abstract: A retractable tape measure of basically conventional design is provided and includes a tape spool hub projecting slightly outwardly of one side of the tape measure housing. A conventional blade-type belt clip includes a free end portion which overlies the hub for frictional engagement therewith upon inward deflection of the clip free end portion by inward finger pressure applied to the outer side thereof. The abutment flange carried by the free end of the tape has the usual opening formed therethrough (previously provided to receive a brad or tack) and a sharp pointed hook is shiftably supported from the tape free end and projectable through the opening. The pointed hook may be manually forced through the opening for penetrating a penetrable surface against which the tape end abutment flange is abutted. The housing of the tape measure includes a spool mounted chalk line and internal opposing pads between which the chalk line passes for wiping excess chalk therefrom.

Abstract: A wrist watch is detachably combined with a measuring tape mounted in a casing of light weight materials.

Abstract: A system for determining the length and angle of stair railings, which system is disclosed in the form of a kit of parts and a method. The system includes a pair of vertically adjustable, simulated post housings to be temporarily positioned at the top and bottom of the stairs, where a first housing includes a pivotally mounted, extendable tape measure and angle scale. When the respective post housings are vertically adjusted to position a slidable base member at the projected height for the railing, the tape measure is then extended to the other post housing. While extended, the railing length and angle ends may be readily determined, and the information therefrom in preparing the railing.

Abstract: A device (20) for the retrieval of a ferromagnetic object (22) from a remote area is provided. The device (20) contains a retractable tape measure (24) and a magnetic gripping head (26). The tape measure (24) has a blade (30) with a first end (64), an opposing second end (66), a longitudinal axis (68) extending between the first and second ends (64, 66), and a zero hook (32) coupled to the first end (64). The gripping head (26) has a housing with a gripping opening (40) in a face (42) thereof and a coupling opening (62) in another face (70) thereof. The gripping head (26) also has a magnet (38) within the housing (34). The housing (34) and magnet (38) are configured so that a portion of the magnet (38) protrudes through the gripping opening (40) to effect magnetic engagement with the ferromagnetic object (22) during retrieval.

Abstract: A device for measuring and cutting sheetrock comprising an edge guide which has a smooth surface slidable along the edge of a piece of sheetrock, and a wide tape measure readable in both directions and having a tab against which a knife blade can be placed so as to allow the sheetrock to be cut along a line parallel to its edge.

Abstract: A tape rule with a lighting device for illuminating the scale on the tape can either be in the form of built-in type or an externally separated type. The built-in type lighting device includes a press strip, a battery as electric power source, and a light emitting diode (LED) as light source. All components parts are accommodated in a tape rule housing. By pushing a push button installed on the tape rule housing, the LED can be electrically connected to the battery and is turned on to emit light. The externally separated type lighting device includes a battery, an LED and a push button switch all accommodated in a box to form a light source package externally to the tape rule housing. By pressing the push button switch, the LED may make contact with the battery and become energized to emit light.

Abstract: A tape measure (10) including an electronic keypad (20) and display (24) for recording and viewing measurements is disclosed. The keypad includes up (44) and down (46) buttons, save (48) and recall (50) buttons, a set button (46) and a clear/on button (40). The up and down buttons are used to selectively increment and decrement numeric values representing units of measurements, which are displayed on the display. Measurements are entered and displayed in feet, inches, and sixteenths of an inch in the English system, or in metric units. After manually measuring a distance using a coiled measuring tape, a user presses the up and down buttons to specify the distance measured, then presses the save button to store the measurements. The recall button is used to recall previously stored measurements.

Abstract: A new tape measure system and a new combination collar-and-tape measuring tool, actually worn by the user, is described. The collar-and-tape measuring tool allows for adjustments to the fitting that befits individual preferences and natural fit selection. The collar-and-tape measuring tool has a front portion of a fake collar (i.e., a half portion of a regular collar). To this front portion is attached a tape measure. Ground zero of the tape begins at the edge portion of the fake half collar, where the measurement point of the loose tape end is attached. The tape has graduated measurement markings disposed on the outside, as is standard with ordinary tape measures. On the inside of the tape is disposed a lining of Velcro.RTM. material, or another type of attaching material forming an adhesive surface. The loose end of the tape is drawn around the neck, meeting the ground zero edge of the half collar. The collar-and-tape tool is then secured by a mating adhesive surface (e.g.

Abstract: A new Combination Tool for use in measuring, leveling, squaring, and plumbing operations. The inventive device includes a housing adapted to encase a tape measure including an extendable and retractable tape and adapted to encase a laser source capable of projecting a visible light beam, wherein the extendable and retractable tape is extendable from the housing and the visible light beam is projectable from the housing perpendicular to the extendable and retractable tape. A horizontal bubble-leveling vial and a vertical bubble-leveling vial are mounted on the housing for leveling thereof in horizontal and vertical planes.

Abstract: A combination square and tape measure comprises a square having first and second legs arranged perpendicular to each other and a tape measure including a housing encasing a flexible measuring tape. A mounting structure attaches the tape measure to one leg of the square. The mounting structure supports the tape measure for pivotable movement about the square; wherein the tape measure may be rotated about the square from at least a reclined position where a plane bisecting the housing of the tape measure is parallel to the plane of the square to a fully inclined upright position where the plane bisecting the tape measure is orthogonal the plane of the square. The mounting structure maintains the outer surface of the tape measure at an elevated spaced apart position relative to the plane of the square when the tape measure is maintained in the reclined position.

Abstract: A note pad holder is secured to a tape measure of the type including a box-shaped housing having a planar front wall, a planar back wall which is parallel to and spaced from the front wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a pair of end walls. A tape reel is provided within the housing for dispensing tape through a horizontal aperture formed in one of the end walls. The note pad holder includes a flexible sleeve sized to fit snugly over the front, back, top and bottom walls of the housing of the tape measure. The note pad holder further includes a pocket formed on the sleeve in a position in which it is adjacent one of the front and back walls. The pocket is sized for receiving therein a note pad. Other embodiments of the note pad holder are further contemplated.

Abstract: A tape measure including a casing defining an enclosure with a front wall having a blade aperture adjacent a bottom wall. A rule blade is normally retractably stored in a coiled condition within the enclosure having an inner end thereof secured within the enclosure and an outer end protruding through the blade apreture. Graduated indicia markings are positioned along the length of the rule blade functioning as a measuring scale. A lock and automatic rewind switch are carried on the front wall keeping a portion of the rule blade in an extended locked until the switch is manually operated retracting the rule blade into the enclosure. An end hook is attached to the outer end of the rule blade and is adapted to be normally laid over an edge of a flat item to be measured. A device is positioned on the end hook for stabilizing a marking/cutting tool allowing the marking/cutting tool to be grasped for making a mark, score/cut line across the flat item.

Abstract: An integrated system for measuring and marking on a surface (110) has a housing (15, 80), a measuring element (40) at least partially contained within the housing, and a marking element (60) for marking the surface. The system is characterized in that the marking element is initially retained within the housing (80) and is maintained in a spaced-apart relationship to the surface until a user moves the housing in a predetermined direction relative to the surface, whereupon the surface is marked at the measured point. The predetermined direction is preferably perpendicular toward the surface, and the marking element preferably operates through an aperture (70) in the bottom surface of the housing. Various embodiments have features including a cursor (30) aligned with which the marking element, a modular removable and replaceable marking element (60), and either a linear measuring tape or an arcuate angle-measuring element (40).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a unique golf accessory, which in its most basic form comprises three fundamental parts; (a) a golf club/cleat brush; (b) a recoilable wire or tape and housing therefor; and (c) means for attaching the brush to the recoilable wire or tape. In preferred embodiments, the recoilable tape or wire includes measurement indications thereon, i.e., the tape or wire is marked in feet and inches (or meters and millimeters) to allow golfers to accurately determine putting distances. In addition, the housing for the recoilable tape or wire preferably includes a member suitable for attachment to a golf bag or the clothing of the golfer.

Abstract: A totally enclosed marking attachment for any tape measure which is engaged by lifting finger pull (10) to a preset stop (15) then releasing said lift. This causes a striker (3) which contains a nylon fiber saturated with a consumer determined color and type ink to thrust downward through a striker slide (10) and contact ink head (9) with the desired destination. Said striker (3) is then returned to its original (neutral) position by means of main spring (5). Upon the return of striker (3) slide cap (7), which was opened by said striker (3) on its downward motion, is retuned to its original position to close striker slide (2) by cap spring (8). The entire procedure can be performed with one hand.

Abstract: A layout and guide tool in which a coilable tape measure is disposed on a base to serve as a template for marking a workpiece or fashioning the workpiece with a tool. The layout tool has a guide to align the tool with the workpiece so that the integral template is in known orientation to the workpiece, and witness marks from which to read a direct numerical measurement of the distance from the end of the workpiece to the relevant work point or layout point.

Abstract: A universal tape measure including a housing formed with a downward extending opening on a lateral side. A lower end of the opening is disposed with a pen tip opening. An inner wall of the opening is disposed with intersecting cross lines which outward extend to mark a right angle cutout. The tape measure is marked with scales such as metric system scale, British Imperial scale and/or other scales. The tape measure is further formed with a circle center hole. The universal tape measure has the functions of drafting a circle, measuring whether an article is vertical and measuring the horizontal distance between two points on different levels.

Abstract: A tape measurement apparatus is provided for measuring the slope height of a GPS surveying system receiver, with an integral antenna, which is vertically suspended over a ground mark. A tape mounting hook is provided for securing the distal end of a tape measure in a location which is known precisely with respect to the phase center of the GPS receiver. The tape measure housing has a pointer arm of precisely known length which extends out from the tape measure housing in a direction opposite and parallel to the normalized line of extension of the tape from the housing. A distance scale imprinted on the tape compensates for the combined lengths of the housing and pointer arm so that a user can read the uncorrected slope height of the GPS receiver directly from the scale while applying the tip of the pointer arm to the ground mark.

Abstract: A lifesaving apparatus comprising a scale usable as a life line, the scale comprising a high tensile strength wire with graduations in a longitudinal direction thereof, a drum for winding the metal wire thereonto, a casing accommodating the drum while permitting the same to rotate, a magnifying glass on the casing for allowing the graduations to be read, and a person carrying system. The high tensile strength wire of high tensile strength is formed of a stranded cable formed of a plurality of strands each having a tensile strength of at least 400 kgf/mm.sup.2 such that the high tensile strength wire is capable of suspending a person. The strands have a coat of a synthetic resin covering the strand. The person carrying system is connected to an end of the scale.

Abstract: A writing pad for attachment to the clip of a standard tape measure. The writing pad is made from a substantially rigid material, having at least one writing surface, the writing surface being sufficiently hard and abrasive to permit the writing surface to be marked by a standard writing instrument. The writing pad further includes an opening adjacent an edge of the writing pad, creating a lip dimensioned to releasably engage the clip of a standard tape measure. In use, the opening is passed around the clip to releasably secure the writing pad to the tape measure.

Abstract: A golf club and golf shoe cleaning device with an extendable tether (12) that is attachable to a golf bag or other convenient surface. The device includes a container (10) with two opposed ends. A back end (17) which has a surface suitable for printing and a front end (14) which serves as a cap or lid for the container (10). The front end (14) includes brush bristles (11) extending away from the exterior of the front end (14). The device further includes within the container (10) a coiled spring (22) powered revolvable hub (21) to which one end of a flexible tether (12) is attached. The flexible tether (12) is wound around the revolvable hub (21) and then exits the container (10) through an aperture (13) and is available to be attached to a golf bag or other convenient surface.

Abstract: A set of cooperating tools to assist a roofer in the multiple tasks involved in covering a roof surface with shingles or tiles, and numerous other chores associated with wall and roof construction, protection and maintenance. The set includes a straight-edge ruler, shingle and tile cutting jig, workbench, knee-rests, blade knife, gauges, levels and various accessories that can be synergistically combined to accurately and safely measure, cut and install shingles or tiles while standing on a slanted roof surface under precarious conditions.

Abstract: A combination tape measure and light bulb assembly disclosed. A light bulb assembly is affixed to the free end of a semi rigid tape measure. A strip of electrically conductive material is applied to the bottom of the tape measure, with various electrical switching mechanisms described to connect this strip of material to a source of electric current, and thereby light the bulb whenever required by the operator. The light bulb assembly includes a reflector plate for increasing illumination coming from the bulb, and a clear plastic shield for the bulb. The light bulb assembly can also include a magnet to further add to the utility of the combination.

Abstract: A screw gun is typically employed in the mounting of plasterboard to building studs includes a tape housing having a central tubular opening directed coaxially thereof for mounting upon the screw gun member to permit ease of measuring among fasteners to be directed into the associated plasterboard member. The tape housing includes an extensible and retractable flexible tape member.

Abstract: A vehicle gauging apparatus (1) including a datum bar (2) and a pair of first carriage assemblies (10) slidably mounted to said bar. Attachment means (12) are adapted releasably to secure each carriage (10) to a respective datum point (15) on the vehicle (16) and thereby attach the datum bar (2) to the vehicle. A trammel bar (20) is connected to one end of the datum bar (2) by connection means (21) adjustable to selected positions along the datum bar. The connection means permits at least a limited degree of universal movement of the trammel bar (20) relative to the datum bar. Reference means (32) on the trammel bar (20) provide a comparative indication of misalignment in the vehicle (16).

Abstract: A combination tape measure and straight edge apparatus includes a first straight edge segment which includes an outer edge and an inner edge and which has a predetermined thickness. A tape measure assembly includes a bottom side, and a hinge assembly is connected between the bottom side of the tape measure assembly and the inner edge of the first straight edge segment. The hinge assembly is adapted to permit the tape measure assembly to be rotated with respect to the first straight edge segment from a storage orientation to either a first in-use orientation or a second in-use orientation or from an in-use orientation to a storage orientation. The first straight edge segment includes a first end and a second end. A guide member is connected to the outer edge of the first straight edge segment. The guide member is connected to the first straight edge segment at a right angle. A second straight edge segment may be connected to the first end of the first straight edge segment.

Abstract: A hand-held measuring device for measure the dimensional weight of the boxes in a shipment of freight includes a gun shaped housing having a tracing wheel located at a front end of the elongated portion of the housing. A handle is located at the back end of the elongated housing and extends downward therefrom. A trigger switch is also located at the back end of the elongated housing. In operation, the user of the devices holds the measuring device so as to place the wheel in contact with one corner of a freight box. The user then runs the wheel to an opposite corner to measure one dimension of the box. Afterwards the user presses the trigger to input that dimension into the device. After the length, height, and width of the box has been entered into the device, they are multiplied together to determine the volume of the box.

Abstract: The invention is a single thickness metallic notation plate for use in combination with today's plastic cased measuring tapes. During manufacture, the metallic notation plate is pressed into a slightly concave shape. The concave surface is pressed against the tape case surface which ensures that the metal edges snug tightly to the tape perimeter for user-friendly contact. The plate is held in place by factory applied, paper protected adhesives. Notations are erased with a rubber eraser or by moistening the plate and rubbing off with finger pressure. When the plate surface becomes too scratched and unusable, it is stripped off and a new one is applied.

Abstract: An assembly for use by a surveyor having a ruler and an apparatus for securing the ruler to a surveyor's pole. The ruler has a retractable tape and a belt clip. The apparatus for securing the ruler to a pole includes a cradle sized to retain the ruler, a stop member, a planar wall member and attachment members for securing the apparatus to a pole. By securing the ruler to a pole, a single person may complete measurements which previously required two people. The tape of the ruler includes measurements which are inverted with respect to the tenth of a foot for easier reading.

Abstract: A digital tape measure includes a transmitter for transmitting measurements to a remote location. The tape measure includes a housing, a flexible tape having a series of optical markings mounted within the housing, an optical sensor for sensing the optical markings when the tape is extended or retracted, a logic circuit operatively connected to the sensor for providing a digital signal representative of the distance measured, and a transmitter operatively connected to the logic circuit for transmitting the digital signal to the remote location. A receiving unit is provided at the remote location for receiving, storing, and displaying the measurements.

Abstract: The retractable tape of the present invention includes a housing from which a flexible, metallic retractable tape can be withdrawn. The tape has, at its outer end, a telescoping arm which extends at right angles to the zero-mark on the tape. A second telescoping arm is fastened to the housing from which the tape is withdrawn and is positioned at right angles to the tape and housing at a point where the tip of the telescoping arm is in alignment with the index marker on the housing. The telescoping arms can extend twelve inches from the tape and housing. The tape can be retracted into the housing, and the arms can be telescopically contracted so that when the tape is retracted into the case and the arms are contracted, the device occupies a minimal space in a mechanic's toolbox.

Abstract: A tape measure and accessory combination comprises a housing (10), with a retractable tape measure (12) housed therein, which can be extended through a slot (13) in the housing, a blade (15) mounted adjacent the slot so that said blade can use the tape (12) as a straight edge for cutting and scoring. A flashlight bulb (16) is mounted so as to shine along the tape measure when extended, and other accessories can be provided, such as a note surface (21) or pad (120), a pencil (22) or (121), and an angle finder (115) incorporating a bubble vial (116).

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for enabling the marking and cutting on a straight line on an upper surface of a workpiece. A guide has a side guide surface, a top guide surface, and a base. The side guide surface and the top guide surface are mutually orthogonal. A clamp supports a case of a reeled measuring tape on the base. The damp has a fixed clamping surface and a movable clamping surface. The movable clamping surface is adjustable to contact one side of the reel case while the fixed clamping surface contacts the opposing side of the reel case, whereby the reel case is held fixedly and the holding means may hold any one of a wide range of reel case widths. The measuring tape has an engagement tongue protruding from the leading edge thereof, and the case of the measuring tape has a reel lock for fixing the tape in a position extended from the case. A hand tool, such as a knife or marking implement, works in cooperation with the guide and has an engagement slot.

Abstract: The invention is a card-shaped, foldable kit that includes apparatus that enables a person to determine and record another person's body dimensions and apparel sizes. The information is recorded on a data card that can be referred to at a later date by the user to facilitate the purchase of a gift of the correct size.

Abstract: By providing an audio recording and playback system with a measuring device, a unique integrated system is realized which enables users to easily record measured distances and have the measured distances subsequently played back for use. In the preferred embodiment, the audio recording and play back system is constructed in cooperative association with a tape measuring device and is automatically powered whenever the tape is extended from the housing. Then, by pressing an activation switch and orally stating the measurements that have been taken, the orally enunciated information is automatically stored in an associated analog storage array for being subsequently played back whenever required by the user. In this way, an easily employed and particularly convenient system is realized which eliminates the need for manually recording measurements.

Abstract: A tool guiding measuring apparatus or apparatus for measuring a portion of a workpiece and guiding a tool during an operation on the workpiece. The apparatus includes an aligning body portion for positioning the apparatus in a desired orientation against a workpiece. Two tapes are provided on the aligning body portion for measuring the dimension of a portion of the workpiece. A selectively positionable clamp on a free end of the tape is used to calibrate the apparatus to provide a true measure on the tape of the dimension of the workpiece while compensating for the dimensions of the apparatus and tool. The selectively positionable clamp securely attaches to each of the tapes at a desired calibration position on the respective tape to provide ease of use and repeatable measuring. The apparatus also includes a clamping device which clamps the apparatus to the workpiece to prevent movement of the apparatus while cutting.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a clip for use with a tape measure comprising a generally U-shaped channel sized to permit a standard tape measure to be retained in the channel. The channel is provided with a horizontal slot cut in the lower edge of opposite sides of the channel adjacent one end. The slots are sized to permit the ruler of a square or other straight edge to be inserted and held in place between the bottom of the tape measure and the floor of the channel. This configuration permits the square and tape to move as one, so that the tape may be read as it passes over the outside edge of the edge of the blade of the square and a mark may be scribed at any point across the top of the material without hindrance and the user will have one hand free to scribe the mark.

Abstract: A level includes a compass member fixedly mounted within the level, the level having spirit levels positioned on opposed sides of the compass, and the compass having a rotatable ring arranged to provide for angular deflection relative to a predetermined orientation.

Abstract: A scale usable as a life line includes a metal wire 5 of high tensile strength with graduation 6 in a longitudinal direction thereof, a drum 2 for winding the metal wire 5 thereonto, a casing 1 accommodating the drum 2 while permitting the same to rotate, and a magnifying glass 7 for allowing the graduation 6 to be read, wherein the metal wire 5 of high tensile strength is formed of a strand comprised of a plurality of steel wires of a fine grained composition each having a diameter of 10 to 100 .mu.m and a coat of a synthetic resin covering the strand.

Abstract: An improved versatile tape measure tool is provided, which consists of an elongated strip of tape marked off in a linear scale for taking measurements. A casing is for storing the tape therein in a coiled spring biased condition with the tape being extendable through a first end wall of the casing for measuring. A plurality of components are built into the casing, to help in the measuring and cutting to size of plasterboard, so that the plasterboard can be used to cover interior walls and ceilings.

Abstract: A portable light generating belt device includes a housing having an aperture, a fixed shaft, and a retaining unit disposed on an outer surface of the housing. A pulley includes a pulley body which is disposed rotatably on the shaft of the housing, an annular groove which is formed in an outer surface thereof, and a cavity which is formed in a side wall of the pulley body. A torsion spring is received within the cavity of the pulley body and is secured at one end portion thereof to the shaft of the housing and at the other end portion to the pulley body. A light generating belt is provided with an electroluminescent strip which can be powered to generate light, and has an inner end portion which is secured to the pulley and an outer end portion which extends through the aperture of the housing. An enlarged end of the belt is located outside of the housing and is sized so that the enlarged end cannot pass through the aperture into the housing.

Abstract: A locking and measuring device which includes a housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, a first spaced end wall and a second spaced end wall, with a first opening in the first spaced end wall, and a second opening in the top wall, an extendable length of substantially strong and durable, yet bendable material having a terminal end, the length of material being normally, retractably stored in the housing with the terminal end at all times exteriorly accessible of the first opening; the terminal end of the length of material includes a locking end zone to be inserted into the second opening wherein it is matingly received and releasably captivated until released; along the length of material graduated indicia are provided defining a measuring scale.

Abstract: A tape measure including a casing defining an enclosure with a front wall having a blade aperture adjacent a bottom wall. A rule blade is normally retractably stored in a coiled condition within the enclosure having an inner end thereof secured within the enclosure and an outer end protruding through the blade apreture. Graduated indicia markings are positioned along the length of the rule blade functioning as a measuring scale. A lock and automatic rewind switch are carried on the front wall keeping a portion of the rule blade in an extended locked until the switch is manually operated retracting the rule blade into the enclosure. An end hook is attached to the outer end of the rule blade and is adapted to be normally laid over an edge of a flat item to be measured. A device is positioned on the end hook for stabilizing a marking/cutting tool allowing the marking/cutting tool to be grasped for making a mark, score/cut line across the flat item.