Including Brake Or Lock Patents (Class 33/767)
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Patent number: 6836975Abstract: A breaking structure of measuring tape, including a housing, a tape rule contained in the housing and a braking mechanism, characterized in that: a push button is formed onto the housing, by pushing the push button into the housing to keep it at a lower position; a braking plate of the braking mechanism would effectively suspend the movement of the tape rule, and after that, if the push button is pushed downward again, the braking mechanism would push the push button upward and return to its higher position, and the braking plate of the braking mechanism would separate the tape rule and the movement of the tape rule would not be suspended.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2003Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Index Measuring Tape Co., Ltd.Inventor: Henry Lin
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Publication number: 20040163272Abstract: A tape measure is disclosed which has a spooled measuring blade mounted via a rotatable connection within a casing. The blade is extended from the case via an opening for use. The blade can be braked with respect to the opening by operation of braking means. The braking means are operable via a switch which has a length greater than the radius of the fully spooled blade. The switch is located and sized so that the brake can be engaged or disengaged by a user's hand without changing grip. The brake is a cam brake rotatably connected to the switch via a push-pull member.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2003Publication date: August 26, 2004Applicant: FISCO TOOLS LIMITEDInventor: Jonathan Arnold Manley Knight
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Publication number: 20040143986Abstract: A breaking structure of measuring tape, including a housing, a tape rule contained in the housing and a braking mechanism, characterized in that: a push button is formed onto the housing, by pushing the push button into the housing to keep it at a lower position; a braking plate of the braking mechanism would effectively suspend the movement of the tape rule, and after that, if the push button is pushed downward again, the braking mechanism would push the push button upward and return to its higher position, and the braking plate of the braking mechanism would separate the tape rule and the movement of the tape rule would not be suspended.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2003Publication date: July 29, 2004Applicant: INDEX MEASURING TAPE CO., LTD.Inventor: Henry Lin
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Patent number: 6760979Abstract: A stop block device of a measuring tape includes a stop block button with an improved structure that displaces a latch bracket having stop block surfaces to press down on the measuring tape.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2002Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Inventor: Cheng-Hui Hsu
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Publication number: 20040118002Abstract: A tape measure comprising a calibrated tape, a reel shaft around which the tape is reeled up into a spool, and a housing in which the reel shaft is rotatably mounted and the spool is received. In order to avoid the disadvantages resulting from a too fast reel-up speed, there is provided a unilateral deceleration brake, which effects only in the reel-up direction of the tape, with a plurality of brake shoes and corresponding presressed spring means and a rotor carrying the brake shoes, wherein the rotor is coaxially and unrotatably mounted on an extension part of the reel shaft, and the brake shoes are pivotally jointed to the rotor and biased by the spring means to remain in a first position, in which the brake shoes are spaced from the inner wall of the housing by a predetermined clearance.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventor: Jin-Chu Lu
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Publication number: 20040118003Abstract: The present invention discloses a stop block device of a measuring tape, particularly a measuring tape capable of retracting the tape and increasing the buffer of stopping and blocking effect to prevent the shear force produced by excessive retracting speed. A stop block button, which is an improved structure, constitutes a stop block effect by pressing down the button to improve the life of the measuring tape and the safety to user.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventor: Cheng-Hui Hsu
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Publication number: 20040035017Abstract: A second brake of a measuring tape includes an outer casing assembled by upper and lower casings, a wheel ring, two sides of the wheel rim inside the casing are respectively disposed with a toothed ring; the lower aspects of the upper and lower casings are disposed respectively with a through hole for inserting a bottom brake tab therein; two sides of the bottom brake tab are disposed with convex positioning tooth pieces. Pushing a press button on the bottom brake tab makes the positioning tooth piece mesh and position toward the wheel rim; releasing the brake makes the measuring tape resume the original position thereby facilitating the measuring application.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2002Publication date: February 26, 2004Inventor: Ching-Chun Yang
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Patent number: 6643948Abstract: A dual mode rule assembly includes a housing, a reel, an rule connected to the reel, a spring system to wind the rule around the reel, a mode selector structure manual movable between first mode and second mode positions, and a manually releasable spring-biased brake assembly operatively associated with the mode selector structure. When the mode selector structure is in the first mode position, the brake assembly enables controlled retraction of the rule toward and into the housing containing position under bias of the spring system after the rule has been manually moved outwardly from the housing by the manual release of the brake assembly. When the mode selector structure is in the second mode position, the brake assembly allows uncontrolled retraction of the rule toward and into the housing containing position under bias of the spring system after the rule has been manually moved outwardly from the housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Inventor: Daniel Seymour
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Publication number: 20030141399Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tape locking device for tape measures. The tape locking device comprises a locking lever hinged to an upper portion of the wall of the housing in such a way to be rotated frontward and rearward around a hinged joint, and provided with a connecting piece downwardly extending from the locking lever. A cylinder is connected at its first end to a hole formed at the lower portion of the connecting piece, with a coil spring fitted over the cylinder. A wedge-shaped stopper is connected to the second end of the cylinder, and having a desired frictional force. This stopper is elastically biased by the coil spring to be wedged in the gap between the outer circumferential surface of a wound part of the tape around the bobbin and a linear part of the tape led to the slot when releasing the locking lever after drawing a desired length of tape from the slot, so the drawn tape is automatically locked by frictional contact between the stopper surface and the drawn tape surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2002Publication date: July 31, 2003Inventors: Dong-Hun Kang, Choi Young J.
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Patent number: 6595451Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tape locking device for tape measures. The tape locking device comprises a locking lever hinged to an upper portion of the wall of the housing in such a way to be rotated frontward and rearward around a hinged joint, and provided with a connecting piece downwardly extending from the locking lever. A cylinder is connected at its first end to a hole formed at the lower portion of the connecting piece, with a coil spring fitted over the cylinder. A wedge-shaped stopper is connected to the second end of the cylinder, and having a desired frictional force. This stopper is elastically biased by the coil spring to be wedged in the gap between the outer circumferential surface of a wound part of the tape around the bobbin and a linear part of the tape led to the slot when releasing the locking lever after drawing a desired length of tape from the slot, so the drawn tape is automatically locked by frictional contact between the stopper surface and the drawn tape surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Komelon CorporationInventors: Dong-Hun Kang, Young J. Choi
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Patent number: 6536698Abstract: A dual mode tape rule blade arrestor structure that provides for an effective increase in tape rule rewind buffering to prevent excessive blade retrieval speeds that generate high impact sheering forces. The arrestor button of the present invention is pressed upward to temporarily halt tape rule rewinding, but can at the same time also be pressed downward and locked into the full constraint position. As such, the improved structure of the invention herein enhances tape rule service life as well as operating safety.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Inventor: Cheng-Hui Hsu
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Publication number: 20030042349Abstract: A breaking structure of measuring tape, including a housing, a tape rule contained in the housing and a braking mechanism, characterized in that: a push button is formed onto the housing, by pushing the push button into the housing to keep it at a lower position; a base stopper of the braking mechanism would effectively suspend the movement of the tape rule, and after that, if the push button is pushed downward again, the braking mechanism would push the push button upward and return to its higher position, then the base stopper of the braking mechanism would separate the tape rule and the movement of the tape rule would not be suspended.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2001Publication date: March 6, 2003Applicant: INDEX MEASURING TAPE CO., LTD.Inventor: Henry Lin
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Patent number: 6490809Abstract: An improved brake structure of a tape measure mainly includes a pair of corresponding slide slots which are set at the inner side of one side of the upper housing and the lower housing of a tape measure, a pair of lodging troughs extended from the end portion, which are near the outlet of the tape, of the sliding slots, a pair of slide ways at both sides of the control part combined in slide slots to slide in the slide slots, a slide piece extended from the front end portion of the control part, a pair of lodging blocks extended from both sides of the center of the slide piece, and an inset hole set at the front end of the slide piece. The lodging blocks are hold to the upper edge of the lodging troughs. Below the slide slots of the enclosure, a position pair of columns is set at one side to be combined with a brake part. A guide piece of the brake part is inset into the inset hole at the front end of the slide piece.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2001Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Inventor: Shin-Lin Li
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Patent number: 6491248Abstract: A measuring tape has a check device for automatically preventing a ruler from rewinding. The check device is installed within the casing and positioned between a winding wheel and a ruler body. The check device comprises a rotary wheel formed by an elastic wheel and two ratchets; a guide block having stop blocks; a stop claw; a driven element installed between the press button and the stop claw; and a press. By above components, the ruler body can be installed between the elastic wheel and the guide block. As the ruler body is pulled out, it can be stopped automatically. Only after pressing the press button, the ruler body rewinds. Thereby, the user may operate it by only one hand not to worry about that the hand will be hurt due to the rewinding of the ruler body.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2001Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Inventor: Simon Liu
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Patent number: 6470590Abstract: A brake device for a tape rule is provided that comprises a housing composed of an upper housing and a lower housing, a control device having a brake button portion and a release button portion. The brake button has an extended supporting arm formed thereon that includes a confining slit. A brake strap having a spring tongue with a protuberance formed at its end is displaced by the control device. With this structure, the control device is assembled in the housing with both the brake button and the release button extending out of the housing. The brake strap is guided in slide slots formed on the housing such that the protuberance of the spring tongue is mated with the top edge of the slide slot formed on the lower housing. The top end of the brake strap is received in the confining slit, the bottom end thereof is disposed near the surface of the tape. The detaining or releasing function of the brake can be performed with the aid of resiliency of the flexed spring tongue.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2000Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Inventor: Shih-Lin Lee
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Patent number: 6467182Abstract: A tape measure (50, 60) includes a take-up drum (51) around whose circumference a measuring tape (6) is wound, and a take-up spring (5) for supplying impetus to cause the take-up drum (51) to rotate in the direction of retracting the measuring tape (6). The measure further includes an operation member (100, 200) installed on the case (1, 2) for moving the take-up drum (51) in the radial direction of supporting shafts (1a, 2a) disposed inside the case. The measure still further includes braking members (1c, 2c) disposed on the inside walls of the case (1, 2) to apply braking force to the rotation of the take-up drum (51) by the contact between the take-up drum and the braking members when the take-up drum (51) is moved by the operation member (100, 200).Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2001Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: KDS CorporationInventor: Tsutomu Usami
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Patent number: 6463670Abstract: A tape measure is described that is easy to handle, and capable of applying a brake on a winding drum and locking a measurement tape in an unwound condition by manipulation of a single flexible operating member (7) having a knob (4) thereon. A lock element (8) is provided on a forward portion of the operating member (7) and a brake element (9) is provided on a rear portion thereof. In a normal condition, the measurement tape (5) is freely unwindable, and after the tape pulled out, it is rewound by a spring (not shown). When the knob (4) is in a rearward circumferential position, and the knob (4) is pressed in during rewinding, the operating member (7) is deflected to cause the brake element (9) to contact an edge of the winding drum (6), thereby retarding the rewinding of the tape (5).Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2000Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: KOS CorporationInventor: Tsutomu Usami
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Patent number: 6453575Abstract: A manual/auto dual-mode reversible measuring tape includes a tape marked with marks for measuring, the tape having a longitudinal series of tooth holes, a shaft coupled to the housing of the measuring tape by a slip joint, a gear fixedly mounted on the shaft and adapted to mesh with the tooth holes of the tape, a reversible direct current motor connected to a direct current power source and adapted to rotate the gear in moving the tape in and out of the housing of the measuring tape, a manual/auto control switch controlled to move the shaft between a first position where the gear is forced into engagement with the tooth holes of the tape for enabling the tape to be automatically moved in and out of the housing of the measuring tape upon rotation of the reversible direct current motor, and a second position where the gear is disengaged from the tooth holes of the tape for enabling the tape to be moved in and out of the housing of the measuring tape by hand, and switch means, which controls the connection of thType: GrantFiled: March 13, 2001Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
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Patent number: 6431486Abstract: A tape measure having a braking structure is provided. The tape measure includes a casing having upper and lower portions defining therebetween an inner compartment, as well as at least one stopping block extending into the inner compartment. The tape measure further includes a tape assembly disposed in the inner compartment, a displaceable release key coupled to the casing, a braking element pivotally coupled to the casing, a stopping piece displaceably disposed in the inner compartment, and a resilient member extending between portions of the braking element and release key. The braking element is pivotally displaceable between braking and debraking position, and is formed with distal first and second ends. The first end is coupled to a first part of the release key for displacement responsive thereto.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Inventor: Shih-Lin Lee
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Patent number: 6405451Abstract: A tape measure. The tape measure includes a lock device at a bottom opening, an engagement device, and an abutment device. To pull or rewind tape, the front end of control device is pressed to cause both the lock device and the engagement device to pivot upwards, thus allowing tape to be pulled or rewound freely. When the lock device is released, this causes both the lock device and engagement device to pivot in a reverse direction for locking tape. The locking/unlocking of tape is effected in an up-and-down movement of the front end of the lock device.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Inventor: Cheng-Hui Hsu
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Patent number: 6349482Abstract: A retractable tape measure having a flexible tape biased in a coiled position, and a housing sized to contain the flexible tape. The housing includes an opening through which a first end of the flexible tape extends, and a slot for positioning a locking mechanism. A tape biasing member operatively connects to the flexible tape to bias it in a retracted position. The locking mechanism controls the extension and retraction of the flexible tape from the housing. The mechanism includes a locking lever having a grip arm extending through the slot and a lock arm for contacting the flexible tape. A pin extends through the locking lever making the locking lever pivotable between an open position in which the flexible tape can move freely through the opening, a maintain position in which the flexible tape only exits freely through the opening, and a locked position to prevent the tape from moving relative to the opening. A lock biasing member biases the locking lever towards the locked position.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2000Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: Cooper Brands, Inc.Inventor: Edgar Thomas Gilliam
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Publication number: 20020004993Abstract: A tape measure (50, 60) includes a take-up drum (51) around whose circumference a measuring tape (6) is wound, and a take-up spring (5) for supplying impetus to cause the take-up drum (51) to rotate in the direction of retracting the measuring tape (6). The measure further includes an operation member (100, 200) installed on the case (1, 2) for moving the take-up drum (51) in the radial direction of supporting shafts (1a, 2a) disposed inside the case. The measure still further includes braking members (1c, 2c) disposed on the inside walls of the case (1, 2) to apply braking force to the rotation of the take-up drum (51) by the contact between the take-up drum and the braking members when the take-up drum (51) is moved by the operation member (100, 200).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2001Publication date: January 17, 2002Inventor: Tsutomu Usami
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Patent number: 6308432Abstract: A locking mechanism for controlling the retraction and extraction of a tape or other like device. The mechanism includes a housing having a tape opening and a locking mechanism opening. A tape blade extends through the housing tape opening and has a distal end and a proximal end. The tape blade is selectively positionable between a retracted position wherein the distal end is positioned against the housing and an extended position in which the distal end is positioned distant from the housing. A tape biasing device is operatively connected to the tape blade proximal end for urging the tape blade towards the retracted position. A locking mechanism is rotatably mounted within the housing about a plane substantially orthogonal to the tape blade. The locking mechanism has an actuator extending through the locking mechanism openings and a head.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2000Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: Cooper Brands, Inc.Inventors: Edgar T. Gilliam, John B. Moody
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Patent number: 6276071Abstract: A spring-loaded tape cartridge in a tape measure housing includes a coilable tape rotatably mounted to position a free end of the tape to pass through an opening in the housing. The tape cartridge is biased to retract the tape into the compartment when the free end is pulled out of the housing to perform a measurement. A stop tab at the free end engages the workpiece and assures that the free end remains outside housing and available for gripping. An internal spring portion acts between the housing and the tape cartridge for applying a substantially constant frictional force on the tape cartridge. A second spring portion is provided for selectively applying increased and decreased frictional forces on the tape cartridge to supplement the substantially constant frictional forces.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 1999Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignee: Olympia Group, Inc.Inventor: Zareh Khachatoorian
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Patent number: 6272764Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tape rule comprising a housing 1, a measuring tape (abbreviated as tape only) 2, a reel 3 for the tape 2 to wind around, a spring 4 for winding the tape 2 back to the reel 3, an arc shaped strap 12 disposed at the periphery of the reel 3 to be freely slidable therearound, a stopper 11 including a push button 13 exposed outside of the housing 1, and a claw 14 for locking the tape 2 pulled out of the housing 1 at an end to of the stopper 11. Furthermore, a brake shoe 15 is integrally formed at the inner surface of the arc shaped strap 12 of the stopper 11 for releasing the locking state made by the claw 14 so that when the tape 2 is automatically winding back around the reel 3 by a resilient force of the spring 4. The tape 2 may be made in contact with the edge of the reel 3 to reduce its retracting speed through pushing the push button 13 towards the radius center of the reel 3.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2000Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Assignee: Index Measuring Tape Co., Ltd.Inventor: Henry Lin
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Patent number: 6256901Abstract: A measuring tape comprises a housing in which a pivot is disposed for mounting a reel. A tape blade is releasably wound on the reel such that the tape blade can be pulled out of an opening of the housing. The bottom of the housing is provided with an action slot in which a stop member is slidably disposed. As the stop member is pushed forward, the press portions of the front end of the stop member and the urging portion of an arresting piece pivoted in the housing work together to prevent the rewinding of the tape blade. When the stop member is pushed backward, the arresting piece is pushed to swivel backward so as to move away from the tape blade, thereby enabling the tape blade to be rewound.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2000Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Inventor: Hsin-Yun Lin
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Patent number: 6212788Abstract: A tape measure system with primary and secondary locking assemblies. A housing has a first face and a second face with a peripheral wall therebetween. A slot is provided in at least one linear extent on the peripheral wall. A length of flexible, essentially inextensible tape, is adapted to be rolled up in a spool-like configuration within the housing. The tape is formed of a flexible material with an arcuate cross-sectional configuration and has a central axis of rotation extending perpendicularly through central extents of the first and second faces, an interior end and a free exterior end extending through the slot to exterior of the housing, and a generally rigid stopper to preclude the exterior end of the tape from entering the housing. A locking assembly includes a first component operatively coupled with respect to the linear extent of the housing and a second component positionable in spaced operative proximity to the fixed component for the positioning of a portion of the tape therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Inventor: Robert Zerkle
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Patent number: 6182916Abstract: A measuring tape dispenser with an impact buffer housing and tentative tape halting device, in which the housing is at least or partially covered with an impact buffer layer formed of an elastic material so as to protect the housing from being deformed or even destroyed. Furthermore, a slip resistant effect and tentative tape halting device is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1999Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: Index Measuring Tape Co., Ltd.Inventor: Henry Lin
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Patent number: 6167635Abstract: A pushing suspending device of a measuring tape has a housing, a rule and a suspending device, with the rule curled within the housing, and protecting disk covers installed on the two sides of the rule. The suspending device includes a contacting pressing piece and a suspending switch. One end of the contacting pressing piece is embedded within the housing, and another end of which is formed with a cambered contacting plate. A pushing key is projected upwards from the center of the plate. An opening is located on the lower end of the housing to accommodate the suspending switch. The front end of suspending switch has a through hole for the rule, while the two sides have resisting portions for resisting against the protecting disk covers. When the rule is pulled, if the suspending switch is pushed, then the movement of the rule may be suspended effectively.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Index Measuring Tape Co., Ltd.Inventor: Henry Lin
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Patent number: 6161299Abstract: A plate shaped rapid brake device for a tape rule accommodated in the tape housing with a brake block protruding towards an upper edge of a tape outlet, at one end, with a pivot axis laid transversely at the other end. A projected block protruded in an opposite direction to the brake block, is formed near the brake block. The pivot axis is inserted into holes in inner walls of both sides of the tape housing, and both the projected block and the brake block are respectively exposed out of a hole provided at the bottom portion of the tape housing so that the tape may slightly touch the projected block during its extending and rewinding motion. Moving the brake block towards the upper edge of the tape outlet and reducing size of the tape outlet rapidly clamps the moving tape and stops its movement. There are two balancers extending outwardly from opposite sides of the brake block for a balancing brake function of the brake device when the brake block moves by preventing the brake device from swinging.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1998Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Assignee: Index Measuring Tape Co., Ltd.Inventor: Henry Lin
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Patent number: 6138373Abstract: An improved measuring tape which allows both inside and outside dimensions to be read directly from the same printed face of the tape. The tape measure comprises a case having a tape coiled inside the case and extending out of the case through a slot in the case. Inside the case is a guide wheel which guides the tape along a bottom wall of the case. The front wall of the case is transparent so that the graduations on the tape can be seen adjacent to the bottom wall. A pointer on the case points to the graduations such that when the tape is fully retracted, the pointer points to a measurement corresponding to the width if the case. This enables the case and the tape to be used to make inside measurements. Another embodiment includes a lock which secures the tape at any extended position, and a brake which slows the tape on retraction and prevents damage to the tape or to the end hook.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1998Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Inventor: Harold J. Mann
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Patent number: 6134801Abstract: A braking structure of a measuring tape comprises a front wall, a rear wall, a driving means and a braking wheel. Wherein the driving means includes a shaking shaft outside the front wall a rotary disk connected with the shaking rod, a fixing ring fixed on the outer wall of the front wall, a buckling wheel, a measuring tape, and a braking wheel. Characteristic in that a short shaft is projected from the side of the braking wheel, the short shaft and the periphery thereof are inserted into the measuring tape wheel so that the measuring tape wheel is resisted against the braking wheel to rotate. An inclined body inclined gradually is formed on the side of the braking wheel. A convex block is formed on the highest point of the inclined body, while another convex block is formed on the inclined body formed in the rear wall.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1999Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: Index Measuring Tape Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tokuro Miyasaka
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Patent number: 6115933Abstract: A coilable tape blade is disposed in a housing with a distal end having a hook projecting from an aperture. A positive locking mechanism is mounted on a frontal peripheral side of the housing and is operable for applying a positive lock on the tape blade when the tape blade has been extended from the housing. A measurement of a work piece can be determined when the tape blade is locked in an extended position. A decelerating mechanism is mounted on the bottom of the tape measure. The decelerating mechanism comprises a lever, a spring and an anvil. When the positive locking mechanism is released, the decelerating mechanism can be used to control the speed at which the tape blade is retracted into the housing, thereby preventing damage to the distal end of the tape blade and the hook. The deceleration of the automatic retraction of the tape blade into the housing is accomplished by pressing the lever at its pressure point.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1997Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Inventor: Shih-Lin Li
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Patent number: 6085433Abstract: A tape measure with innovated brake structure characterized in that the brake mechanism comprises a release key, a brake, and a stopper. The upper end of the brake is in connection with the release key, and an intermediate protrusion of the brake directly presses its upper end so as to control the stopper able to be tightly pressing the tape surface against a stop block provided thereunder. By the above described structure, the user may press the release key with a finger to retract the extended tape after measurement work has been completed. When the release key is released, the brake actuates the stopper to directly press the tape surface against the stop block thereby halting the tape therebetween and the braking function is thus performed.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Inventor: Shinh Lin Li
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Patent number: 6053447Abstract: A tape measure (11) is provided having a first plate (13), a second plate (15), and a spool assembly positioned between the first and second plates. In one embodiment, the first plate includes a central hub (17) and a plurality of upright posts (25), the combination being integrally formed from a single piece of plastic material. In one embodiment, the spool assembly includes a spiral spring (53), a tape (51), a spring-retaining disc (31) having a central hole (35) and an upright intermediate wall (41) with a slot opening (47), an upper disc (33), and a connector (55). In an assembled state, one end of the spiral spring engages the hub, while the other end of the spiral spring engages one end of the connector. The other end of the connector extends through the upright intermediate wall slot opening and engages one end of the tape. The connector second end is held outward of the wall slot in a manner prohibiting its passage back therethrough during use.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1999Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Assignee: Spencer Products CompanyInventor: Ernst V. Omri
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Patent number: 6032380Abstract: A tape measure structure includes a tape, an enclosure, and a brake device which further includes a release key and a first and second brake shoes. By means of the above combination, the retraction motion of the tape can be controlled by the user through simply pressing the release key with his finger. It means that the user may pull out the tape to approximately estimated length he desires for measurement without worrying about that tape might automatically bounce back. Then, afterwards, he may press lightly the release key for retracting the tape gradually and stop pressing the release key as soon as the tape reaches to the accurately desired length, the tape will be halted there by the control effect of the brake device.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1998Date of Patent: March 7, 2000Inventor: Shih Lin Li
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Patent number: 6032896Abstract: An intermittent stop device for tape measures includes a gradually raised gill portion provided at a side edge of a top portion of the housing of a tape measure. The gill portion is adapted for pressing by a thumb. The gill portion has a central through hole which allows a stop switch to pass through to be exposed on the outside. The stop switch has a base pad capable of contacting one side of a reel inside the tape measure to achieve a frictional stopping function. A lock switch may be provided at the top portion of the housing to position the reel. The gill portion is located at a side edge of the top portion of the housing near the lock switch so that the stop switch is near the lock switch to facilitate pressing by the user with his thumb. Additionally, a stop block may be provided at the inner wall of the housing relative to the stop switch to support the reel wheel when the latter is subject to a side pressure and to achieve a frictional stop function to prevent the reel wheel from becoming eccentric.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1998Date of Patent: March 7, 2000Inventor: Simon Liu
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Patent number: 6026585Abstract: An improved structure for a tape measure includes a measuring tape, a tape measure framework, and a control apparatus, wherein the control apparatus includes a release key and a stopper. The withdrawal motion of the measuring tape can be performed by simply pressing the release key of the control apparatus with one of the user's fringer. Namely, when measuring length of an object, the user may pull out the measuring tape to a length slightly longer than the estimated value, and does not have to worry about the tape suddenly withdrawing automatically. When the tape is to be withdrawn, the user may presses lightly the release key of the control apparatus. The withdrawal of the tape may be halted by releasing the release key to actuate control function of the control apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1997Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Inventor: Shih Lin Li
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Patent number: 5857261Abstract: A sophisticated structure for a tape measure is disclosed having a measuring tape, a main body, and a brake apparatus, the brake apparatus including a plurality of acute teeth, a brake lever and two positioning pins. A user may pull out the tape with an estimated shortest measuring length which assures him of being free from the fear that the tape might wind up abruptly causing injury to the user. The tape measure also can be used to successively measure different lengths by increasing the tape length from the shortest to the longest. When winding up the tape, the user may further pull out a short section of the tape by hand, then tilt the main body in an axial direction to a certain angle and release the tape to perform the withdrawal operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1997Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Inventor: Shih Lin Li
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Patent number: 5829154Abstract: Disclosed is a tape measure provided with flexible braking strips for conveniently controlling rewinding of the tape, about the reel of the tape measure. The braking strips have arcuate middle portions which are provided at concave surfaces with two rows of discontinued pressing blocks corresponding to circumferential edges of two side plates of the reel, such that when the arcuate middle portions of the braking strips projecting from the case of the tape measure are depressed, the pressing blocks frictionally contact with the circumferential edges of the reel and stop the reel from rotating backward, and therefore, the tape is prevented from rewinding after it has been pulled outward for measuring purpose.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1997Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Inventor: Lin Ping Lin
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Patent number: 5820057Abstract: A power recoilable rule includes an elongated housing with a longitudinal dimension which is greater than its height dimension and having a width dimension which is lesser than the height dimension to enable comfortable gripping of the housing by the hand of a user. Mounted in the chamber at its forward end is a blade reel and at its rearward end is a spring motor with a casing and a spring coiled about its hub. Both hubs are mounted on the housing for rotation about transverse parallel axes. Gears on the hubs of the blade reel and spring motor are drivingly engaged with a drive transfer gear and the gear ratio of the blade reel gear to the drive motor gear is at least 2:1. The housing is desirably configured with a reduced height at its rearward end to facilitate gripping.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1997Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignee: The Stanley WorksInventors: Joseph P. Decarolis, Mark A. Drechsler
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Patent number: 5806202Abstract: A slide lock for a power return measuring tape includes an elongated lock member slidably mounted in a casing. The lock member has a resilient locking tongue and follower pins extending laterally from lock member. The follower pins engage guide in the casing, which includes a guiding surface formed by a ridge in each side wall to engage the pins, the guiding surface defining a descending path to guide the tongue from a position above a measuring tape in the housing to a position in contact with the measuring tape. A lock surface is formed at a lower end of the guiding surface with a protrusion at a junction between the guiding surface and the lock surface. Movement of the pins over the protrusion to the lock surface forces the tongue in contact with the measuring blade and causes the tongue to bend to apply a clamping force to the measuring blade.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1996Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.Inventors: William C. Blackman, Edgar T. Gilliam
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Patent number: 5794357Abstract: A one-piece compound lock for a power return measuring tape includes an elongated lock member slidably mounted in a casing that engages both the tape blade and the tape drum to resist unwanted movement of the blade. The lock member has a resilient locking tongue and is slidably engaged in grooves in the casing to guide movement of the tongue between an unlocked and a locked position. Drum locking tabs extend laterally from lock member. In the locked position, the locking tongue applies locking pressure to the tape blade and the drum locking tabs engage the tape drum to resist rotation.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1997Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.Inventors: Edgar Thomas Gilliam, William Cecil Blackman
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Patent number: 5791581Abstract: A power recoilable rule has an elongated bumper for cushioning the recoil impact of the blade hook when the blade is refracted into the casing. The casing has an opening at a juncture between the bottom wall and front wall, and a bumper is mounted in the casing within the opening for linear sliding movement relative to the casing in a path along the bottom wall. The opening in the front wall and the outer end of the bumper cooperate to provide an exit aperture for the elongated blade which extends outwardly through the exit aperture and has a hook on its outer end. A shock absorbing compression spring acts between the inner end of the bumper and the housing, and it is compressed by the inward movement of the bumper to absorb energy imparted by the hook when it impacts the bumper.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 1996Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Assignee: The Stanley WorksInventors: Herbert H. Loeffler, Joseph P. DeCarolis
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Patent number: 5657551Abstract: Disclosed is a tapeline having an easy-release stop mechanism, mainly including a casing, a metallic tape extendably wound and received in the casing, an easy-release stop mechanism provided at a bottom side of the casing, and an optional locking switch which may be provided at a front top corner of the casing.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1995Date of Patent: August 19, 1997Assignee: Index Measuring Tape Co., Ltd.Inventor: Henry Lin
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Patent number: 5637838Abstract: An apparatus for measuring, weighing and counting fish comprising a main body portion having long parallel side edges and short parallel upper and lower edges in a rectangular configuration, the main body portion having a front face and a back face and a slot for the receipt of a slidable member therein, the main body portion also having a recess centrally formed in the upper face thereof in a generally inverted V-shaped configuration with a ledge, the apex of the V being adapted to receive the head of a fish to be measured; a generally rectangular slide member positionable within the slot of the main body portion, the slide member being in a generally L-shaped configuration with a long portion slidably positioned within the slot of the main body portion and with a short portion at right angles with respect thereto adjacent the lower edge of the main body portion adapted to receive the tail of the fish to be measured, the slide member having indicia as to a fish length formed adjacent to the front face thereoType: GrantFiled: August 3, 1994Date of Patent: June 10, 1997Inventors: Clyde D. Arey, Rodney D. Arey, William B. Tannehill
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Patent number: 5632453Abstract: A winding device for winding measuring tape, which allows a user to fix the top end of a measuring tape drawn by a desired length from a housing without applying a load to the tape and to easily release the tape from the fixed condition. A winding reel comprises a winding reel body including a winding spring for winding a measuring tape and a winding reel cover. The housing is composed of an upper half and a lower half and accommodates therein the winding reel. A recess formed in the reel has an opening in an inner ring of a bearing fitted in a winding reel cover. A recess formed in the housing has an opening in an outer surface of a supporting shaft. When the winding reel slowly rotates in a rewinding direction, a roller prevents the winding reel from rotating by being disposed astride the winding reel-side recess and a winding reel locking portion which is an open end of the winding reel-side recess in a direction of drawing-out of the measuring tape.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1995Date of Patent: May 27, 1997Assignee: Kyoto Measuring Instruments Corp.Inventors: Shuzo Hioki, Tsutomu Usami
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Patent number: 5624085Abstract: The present invention is directed to provide a tape measure which is capable of applying a frictional braking force to a winding reel by using a simple mechanism that may produce a larger friction force acting on the reel when winding a measuring strip downward into the housing. A housing accommodates a winding reel having a bearing rotatably supported by a supporting shaft. The winding reel contains a driving spring. The supporting shaft has a sectional form represented by a combination of two arcs, one of which has a large radius and the other has a small radius. In case of drawing a substantially horizontal measuring strip into the housing with the bearing being supported by large diameter portion of the supporting shaft, the winding reel whose bearing is loosely fitted on the supporting shaft may dance in the housing at an increased speed of its rotation and, at the same time, may contact at its projecting circumferences and side surfaces with the inside wall of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1995Date of Patent: April 29, 1997Assignee: Kyoto Measuring Instruments Corp.Inventor: Tsutomu Usami
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Patent number: 5575077Abstract: An extendable tape measure having a scale tape which is extended outward by its elasticity without a leaf spring. The tape measure has a case, a rotatable spool mounted in the case, a scale tape wound on the spool and a stopper mounted on the case for locking the scale tape. The spool has two facing flanges. Each of the flanges is provided at its peripheral edge with a rim extended inward. The scale tape can be extended outward by its elasticity or can be extended and retracted by turning the handle.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1994Date of Patent: November 19, 1996Inventor: Oum Jung Tae
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Patent number: 5531395Abstract: A stopping device for tape measures, consisting of a lower housing, a locking button, a spring, a tape roller and an upper housing, arranged in such a way that when the locking button is pushed upwards, the lower part of the stopping spring is released from the outer stopping rim of the tape roller which allows the tape to be retracted automatically using the tension of the helical spring of the tape roller, and releasing the locking button allows the tension of the helical spring to return to its initial position, thereby pressing against the outer stopping rim on one side of the tape roller and providing the mechanism for stopping it.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1994Date of Patent: July 2, 1996Assignee: Pro-Techtor InternationalInventor: Cheng-Hui Hsu