Including Attachment Patents (Class 33/768)
  • Patent number: 6951061
    Abstract: The Right Perspective Drawing Tool invention consist of a typical tape measure with a housing enclosing a retractable coiled tape, tape tip, and locking mechanism with a suction cup attached to the bottom of the unit. The domed-top of the suction cup is inside the housing and the neck fits a hole in the bottom of the housing allowing the unit to swivel 360 degrees and suction onto a flat surface. This unit will allow students or professionals to draw the illusion of a building having a three-dimensional, realistic contour. What is new in the art to which this invention pertains is that the user can position the unit on a single point and draw all lines pivoting off the same point, like rows of bricks or siding, by simply sliding the tape up or down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Inventor: Elizabeth Rosetti
  • Patent number: 6948257
    Abstract: A marking device is disclosed to enable the placement of an indicator mark on one side of a sheet of material to mark the approximate periphery of a stationary object. The device consists of a base containing multiple marking members with a marking surface raised above the base surface. A contact plate, portions of which extend above the base surface, is connected to the base through the use of a pair of opposing connectors. The contact plate extends from the base a distance sufficient to prevent the sheet material from contacting the marking members without the application of sufficient pressure to compress the contact plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: William A. Barr, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6938354
    Abstract: A measurement marking and scoring device includes a platform configured to be affixed to a base of a tape measure. A marking member extends from the platform and defines a sharpened edge or point marking surface at a lower end thereof. An alignment tab extends from the marking member so as to be positioned over indicia of a tape extended from the tape measure so that measurement marks or score lines can be created on a working surface upon application of pressure to the marking member or tape measure. In another form, the device is integrally formed into a tape measure such that the marking member extends from a front edge of the tape measure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Cole Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Landon Worthington
  • Patent number: 6918191
    Abstract: A linear measuring device includes a tape housing and a semi-flexible measuring tape housed within the tape housing in a generally spiral configuration with an outer end extendable through a tape outlet opening. An extendable generally flat rear tail is movably mounted on the tape housing generally opposite the tape outlet opening and a generally flat forward tongue is mounted on and extends forwards from the outer end of the measuring tape. Finally, two sets of measurements are displayed on the measuring tape, the outer measurement set displaying the total extended distance of the measuring tape from the outer end to the tape outlet opening and the inner measurement set displaying the total distance from the outer end of the rear tail to the outer end of the forward tongue such that outer and inner measurements are simultaneously displayed on the measuring tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventors: Gene Stauffer, Stephen Goecke
  • Patent number: 6910280
    Abstract: A tape measure that incorporates a marking device for allowing an individual to measure and mark a wide variety of materials in a more efficient and economical manner, and for measuring and marking the beginning point of reference and the measured position point simultaneously. The tape measure has a housing, a coiled measuring tape, a tape tip, and a marker having a marking wheel mounted on an axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventor: Dane Scarborough
  • Patent number: 6898866
    Abstract: A digital display tape measuring device is disclosed having a display screen exteriorly for displaying the measured distance. A tape having electrical conductivity capabilities and an insulator disposed longitudinally along the tape dividing the tape into two electrical conductors, and having a tip thereof electrically connecting both of the electrical conductors together such that an electrical circuit is formed with resistance that varies as the tape is extracted from device. An ohmmeter electrically coupled across the electrical circuit for measuring the circuit resistance. A microprocessor having inputs thereof coupled to outputs of the ohmmeter and having outputs coupled to said display screen. The microprocessor computes measurements made by as a function of the resistance measured by the ohmmeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Peggy Weeks
  • Patent number: 6892469
    Abstract: A measurement marking mechanism that can be coupled to a tape measure includes a case and a marker. The marker is coupled to the case and is moveable. When the case is coupled to the tape measure, the marker is moveable relative to the tape measure in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction that the measurement tape is extracted from the tape measure, and in a plane that substantially parallel with, or substantially perpendicular to, the plane that the measurement tape is extracted from the tape measure. The marking mechanism may also be formed as part of a tape measure during the manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventors: Bradley D. Tufts, Donald J. Booty, Jr., Timothy M. Crawley
  • Patent number: 6892468
    Abstract: A retractable rule assembly includes wear resistant structure formed of a wear resistant material. The wear resistant structure is mounted at each lateral side of a blade opening of the rule assembly's housing to substantially protect the plastics material at the lateral sides from wear by the lateral side edges of the blade. An alternative retractable rule assembly has rollers rotatably mounted at each lateral side of the blade opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventor: John C. Murray
  • Patent number: 6824028
    Abstract: A holder assembly for a hand-held device, such as a tape measure, includes a main body for holding the hand-held device, and a bracket that can be fixedly secured to the hand-held device. The bracket is accommodated in the groove of the main body when it is slidingly engaged into the groove from the side of a tapered end region. The main body includes a slider that is engageable with an opposite end region of the bracket when the bracket is accommodated in the groove, for preventing withdrawal of the bracket out of the groove of the main body. The slider is manually disengageable from the bracket for allowing the bracket to be removed out of the groove of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Tajima Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Yutaka Mutai, Hiroshi Ebihara
  • Patent number: 6804899
    Abstract: A retractable rule assembly includes a housing assembly and a reel in the housing assembly. An elongated blade formed of a ribbon of metal having one end connected to the reel is able to extend outwardly through a spaced opening in the housing assembly. A coil spring is arranged within the housing so as to wind up the blade when extending from the housing. A blade holding assembly is actuatable to hold the blade outwardly of the housing assembly opening and to release the blade from any position in which it is held. A relatively short free end portion of the blade has a film of plastic material adhered to a convex or a concave side thereof. The clear film of plastic material protects the covered portion of the blade from cracking or tearing and protects any indicia on the end of the blade from wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventor: John C. Murray
  • Publication number: 20040123479
    Abstract: A measurement marking mechanism that can be coupled to a tape measure includes a case and a marker. The marker is coupled to the case and is moveable. When the case is coupled to the tape measure, the marker is moveable relative to the tape measure in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction that the measurement tape is extracted from the tape measure, and in a plane that substantially parallel with, or substantially perpendicular to, the plane that the measurement tape is extracted from the tape measure. The marking mechanism may also be formed as part of a tape measure during the manufacturing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Bradley D. Tufts, Donald J. Booty, Timothy M. Crawley
  • Patent number: 6725560
    Abstract: An integrated recoiling tape measure with an integral marker secured thereto by a marker holder. The marker holder is uniquely designed to be attached to the side of the tape measure, and is angled in a first direction such that the pencil tip extends forward to the tape holder, and is also angled laterally inward toward the tape itself and proximate the graduations thereof for easy and convenient marking of the material proximate the tape graduations. The present invention achieves technical advantages by allowing a workman to measure and mark and a material with one hand, thus freeing the other hand for holding the material or other tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Braden L. Smith
  • Patent number: 6701636
    Abstract: A tape measure that incorporates a marking device for allowing an individual to measure and mark a wide variety of materials in a more efficient and economical manner, and for measuring and marking the beginning point of reference and the measured position point simultaneously. The tape measure has a housing, a coiled measuring tape, a tape tip, and a marker having a marking wheel mounted on an axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventor: Dane Scarborough
  • Publication number: 20040040196
    Abstract: A retractable measuring tape can be removably attached to the handle of a fishing net adjacent to the proximal end of the net. The measuring tape can be extended to measure a fish laying in the net submerged under water. With the tape measure secured to the net handle, it is always available for use and makes the measurement process convenient and efficient. The measuring tape has opposing lateral straps that extend laterally outward to wrap around the handle of a fishing net. The ends of the straps can be removably secured together by means of Velcro® or other types of adjustable fasteners. A third strap extends perpendicular to the lateral straps through the net opening. The end of the third strap can be removably secured to the lateral straps by means of Velcro® or other types of adjustable fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Steven S. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 6698104
    Abstract: A tape measure that incorporates a marking device for allowing an individual to measure and mark a wide variety of materials in a more efficient and economical manner, and for measuring and marking the beginning point of reference and the measured position point simultaneously. The tape measure has a housing, a coiled measuring tape, a tape tip, and a marker having a marking wheel mounted on an axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventor: Dane Scarborough
  • Patent number: 6688010
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for determining the height of a tripod-mounted geodetic tool using a reference area. Said system comprises a spacer element (20) to be mounted on the tripod (25) and means (2) for linear measurement which are to be applied on the spacer element (20). A scale is disposed on the means (2) in such a manner as to directly indicate the height (h) of the tool (28). The means are preferably configured as a tape measure (2) or a plumb bar (1′). The invention provides a means for measuring the height of the tool outside the plumb line (32) with a sufficient amount of exactness and without substantial additional costs and/or effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Leica Geosystems AG
    Inventor: Johannes Gallus Schwaerzler
  • Patent number: 6637125
    Abstract: A tape measure that incorporates a marking device for allowing an individual to measure and mark a wide variety of materials in a more efficient and economical manner, and for measuring and marking the beginning point of reference and the measured position point simultaneously. The tape measure has a housing, a coiled measuring tape, a tape tip, and a marker having a marking wheel mounted on an axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventor: Dane Scarborough
  • Publication number: 20030167651
    Abstract: A tape measure magnet having a magnet coupled to the tab on the extendable tape end of a tape measure, allowing a worker to extend the tape measure in order to reach and retrieve small metal objects without leaving his or her work environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Richard F. Pedersen
  • Patent number: 6574881
    Abstract: A marking apparatus is provided for use with a tape measure. The marking apparatus includes a marker support member attached to a first outer side of a tape measure housing, and the marker support member extends forward of the tape measure housing in the tape dispensing direction. A retractable marker unit is attached to the marker support member at a location distal to the tape measure housing. The retractable marker unit is located beside the measuring tape that is dispensed from the tape measure housing. The retractable marker unit includes a marker element for marking an article, based upon a particular indicia that is selected from tape measure indicia. A pointer member, for pointing to the selected indicia, is attached to the retractable marker unit and extends over a portion of the dispensed measuring tape. A magnifier unit can also be employed with the retractable marker unit. The retractable marker unit optionally may be operated to select a desired form of emplaced enhanced marking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Robert E. Cole, III
  • Patent number: 6553684
    Abstract: A tool and/or the combination of a spring-biased reel type measuring tape and the tool which serves the purpose of measuring and marking a cut on a board. The tool consists of a bracket attached to the spring-biased reel type measuring tape. An apron is pivotally mounted to the bracket for pivoting to a vertical downward position to serve as a bearing surface against a board to be cut. An elongated measuring bar is pivotally mounted to the bracket for pivoting horizontally from a closed position adjacent the measuring tape to an open position angularly displaced away from the measuring tape to serve as a guide for a marking line on the board to be cut. A carriage is slidably mounted in the on the measuring bar for carrying a marking implement suitable for making a marking line on the board to be cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventors: Nevin C. Jenkins, Antonio Lebron
  • Publication number: 20030074803
    Abstract: A holder assembly for a hand-held device, such as a tape measure, includes a main body for holding the hand-held device, and a bracket that can be fixedly secured to the hand-held device. The bracket is accommodated in the groove of the main body when it is slidingly engaged into the groove from the side of a tapered end region. The main body includes a slider that is engageable with an opposite end region of the bracket when the bracket is accommodated in the groove, for preventing withdrawal of the bracket out of the groove of the main body. The slider is manually disengageable from the bracket for allowing the bracket to be removed out of the groove of the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Applicant: Tajima Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Yutaka Mutai, Hiroshi Ebihara
  • Patent number: 6546644
    Abstract: An endpiece for attachment at the end of a tape measure tape. A cross curvature tape measure supports its own weight when it is extended horizontally and is held in an upright position. A perpendicular hook at the end of the tape measure tape can be used to secure the end of the tape measure tape to an edge of an object. A hook that extends above the curved surface of the tape measure tape allows measurements to be secured from below an object while maintaining the upright and self supporting position of the tape. An adhering or magnetic means attached at the end of the tape measure tape further assists in allowing measurements to be taken without causing the incidental collapse of the tape measure tape. Such an endpiece may be removably attached, and may be adapted to fit on existing tape measures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: T-Hook Associates
    Inventors: Donald Poineau, Robert A. Martin, James Enos
  • Patent number: 6497050
    Abstract: An improved tape measure apparatus which can be used as a marking gauge and/or compass comprising a tape measure, an insert comprising a base, a guide rigidly attached to the base and generally parallel to graduated indicia markings of the rule blade when extended from the tape measure whereby the graduated markings of the tape measure's rule blade may be read. An alternative embodiment includes an insert enabling standard tape measures to be used as marking gauges and/or compasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Inventor: Paul Ricalde
  • Patent number: 6484412
    Abstract: A chalk line device adapted to receive chalk from a chalk refill container, the chalk line device includes a body defining at least one opening and a chalk line disposed within the body. A mounting structure provided adjacent the opening is configured to engage the chalk refill container in a sealed manner, whereby chalk in the chalk refill container may be emptied into the chalk line device generally without spillage through engagement of the mounting structure to the chalk refill container. The refill container has a flange extending along its opening, and is sealed with a removable cover. A door is slidably mounted within the mounting structure such that opening and closing of the door is coordinated with coupling/decoupling of the refill container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Penshar, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph K. Donaldson, Kevin M. Hanneman, Christopher C. Mazczewski, Craig W. Smith
  • Patent number: 6481110
    Abstract: A plumb bob which may be used in combination with a measuring tape for gauging the vertical height of a liquid, such as oil, stored in a tank. The plumb bob comprises a weight which is cushioned at its lower end by a elastomeric bumper. The bumper, which may be formed from an oil-resistant elastomer, protects the tank base from deformational damage during the gauging process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: M. Dale Butler
  • Patent number: 6457252
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus is disclosed which is used for measuring distances in a convenient and efficient manner. The measuring apparatus includes a measuring tape having a front face and a rear face defining a housing. A magnet is connected to one of the faces of the measuring tape for releasably securing the measuring tape to a ferromagnetic material. The measuring tape also includes an elongated, spring-loaded measuring member selectively extensible from the housing. The measuring apparatus further includes a retaining pouch having a base member of generally flattened configuration and having opposed planar front and rear surfaces. The pouch also includes a pocket member to receive and retain the measuring tape. The pouch further includes a mechanism for magnetically co-acting the pouch with the magnet of the measuring tape. This mechanism has at least one ferromagnetic member that is generally flat and made of metal plate which is attached to the pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Gary Patrick Kershner
  • Patent number: 6442863
    Abstract: An endpiece for attachment at the end of a tape measure tape. A cross curvature tape measure supports its own weight when it is extended horizontally and is held in an upright position. A perpendicular hook at the end of the tape measure tape can be used to secure the end of the tape measure tape to an edge of an object. A hook that extends above the curved surface of the tape measure tape allows measurements to be secured from below an object while maintaining the upright and self supporting position of the tape. An adhering or magnetic means attached at the end of the tape measure tape further assists in allowing measurements to be taken without causing the incidental collapse of the tape measure tape. Such an endpiece may be removably attached, and may be adapted to fit on existing tape measures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: T-Hook Associates
    Inventors: Donald Poineau, Robert A. Martin, James Enos
  • Patent number: 6442860
    Abstract: A tape measure with a marking device holder. The tape measure with the marking device holder includes a tape measure assembly and a marking device holder installed on the tip end of the tape measure. The marking device holder includes two resilient clip structures for resiliently gripping and holding the tip end of a marking device such as a pencil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventors: William Lee Williams, Michael D. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20020095814
    Abstract: A tool and/or the combination of a spring-biased reel type measuring tape and the tool which serves the purpose of measuring and marking a cut on a board. The tool consists of a bracket attached to the spring-biased reel type measuring tape. An apron is pivotally mounted to the bracket for pivoting to a vertical downward position to serve as a bearing surface against a board to be cut. An elongated measuring bar is pivotally mounted to the bracket for pivoting horizontally from a closed position adjacent the measuring tape to an open position angularly displaced away from the measuring tape to serve as a guide for a marking line on the board to be cut. A carriage is slidably mounted in the on the measuring bar for carrying a marking implement suitable for making a marking line on the board to be cut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventors: Nevin C. Jenkins, Antonio Lebron
  • Patent number: 6393710
    Abstract: A combination tape measure and straight edge apparatus includes a first straight edge segment which includes an outer edge and an inner edge which includes first hinge members. A tape measure assembly support unit includes second hinge members that engage the first hinge members. A tape measure assembly is provided, and a connector is provided for attaching the tape measure assembly to the tape measure assembly support unit. The second hinge members of the tape measure assembly support unit permit the tape measure assembly support unit and the attached tape measure assembly to be rotated around the first hinge members so that the tape measure assembly can selectively be moved to and from a storage orientation and a plurality of in-use orientations. A second straight edge segment and a third straight edge segment form an isosceles right triangle along with the first straight edge segment. The tape measure assembly support unit includes riser members which support the second hinge members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Michael R. Hastings
  • Patent number: 6389709
    Abstract: An apparatus for checking elevation between reference markers. The apparatus includes a measuring device (e.g., a tape measure) that can measure the distance from an elevated location to the ground immediately below the location. A sighting device and a leveling device (e.g., a hand level) are secured to the distance-measuring device so that a remote reference marker can be sighted. The distance-measuring device is calibrated such that it measures the distance from the ground to the centerline of the sighting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignees: Enthios Corporation
    Inventor: Scott M. Lunde
  • Publication number: 20020011006
    Abstract: An integrated recoiling tape measure with an integral marker secured thereto by a marker holder. The marker holder is uniquely designed to be attached to the side of the tape measure, and is angled in a first direction such that the pencil tip extends forward to the tape holder, and is also angled laterally inward toward the tape itself and proximate the graduations thereof for easy and convenient marking of the material proximate the tape graduations. The present invention achieves technical advantages by allowing a workman to measure and mark and a material with one hand, thus freeing the other hand for holding the material or other tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventor: Braden L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20010034953
    Abstract: A marking apparatus is provided for use with a tape measure. The marking apparatus includes a marker support member attached to a first outer side of a tape measure housing, and the marker support member extends forward of the tape measure housing in the tape dispensing direction. A retractable marker unit is attached to the marker support member at a location distal to the tape measure housing. The retractable marker unit is located beside the measuring tape that is dispensed from the tape measure housing. The retractable marker unit includes a marker element for marking an article, based upon a particular indicia that is selected from tape measure indicia. A pointer member, for pointing to the selected indicia, is attached to the retractable marker unit and extends over a portion of the dispensed measuring tape. A magnifier unit can also be employed with the retractable marker unit. The retractable marker unit optionally may be operated to select a desired form of emplaced enhanced marking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Robert E. Cole
  • Patent number: 6272765
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tape measure housing with slip resistant pad structure characterized in that it is comprising a tape measure housing and a slip resistant pad. A recesses portion is formed on the housing and both sides of the recessed portion are formed of engaging grooves for fastening the slip resistant pad thereto. A decorative pattern is formed on the surface of the slip resistant pad, while at the both sides of the pad being provided press fit stripes as auxiliary components for assembly. The lower side of the press fit stripe is formed into an inversely stretched claw so as to deeply stretch into the engaging groove and firmly hook on the inner wall of the groove. To secure closely matching the appearance of the housing, the slip resistant pad is made into an arc or other desirable shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Shinh Lin Li
  • Patent number: 6216356
    Abstract: The instant invention provides a clasping structure of the tapeline antiskidding pad which comprises a tapeline body, an antiskidding pad, and bolts. The edge of the tapeline body has a concave part engraved in U-shape, with connecting holes on both edge surfaces. The side surface of the antiskidding pad, which also has a U-shape in accord with shape of the concave part, has antiskidding veins and the edge surfaces have apertures. When the antiskidding pad is connected to the concave part on the edge of the tapeline body, the apertures on the antiskidding pad will align with the connecting holes on the concave part. With the help of inserting the bolts through both the apertures and the connecting holes, the antiskidding pad will be tightly connected to the edge of the tapeline body. The antiskidding pad of the present invention takes a U-shape to increase the antiskidding area so that the tapeline is not easy to slip out of the user's hand in application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Shih Lin Li
  • Patent number: 6212788
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Robert Zerkle
  • Patent number: 6209219
    Abstract: A measuring device includes a housing, a distance measuring apparatus carried on the housing, one or more housing orientation indicators, and a focused light beam source. Using the housing orientation indicators, the housing can be properly oriented so that a focused light beam emitted by the focused light beam source will illuminate a point on a remote surface to accurately transfer the position of the housing to the remote surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventors: David L. Wakefield, Viresh Bijawat
  • Patent number: 6178655
    Abstract: A marking attachment for attachment to a linear or angle-measuring system has a support, means for attaching the support to the measuring device, a marking element attached to the support for marking on a surface (the marking element having a predetermined height), and a resilient element whereby the marking element is maintained in a spaced-apart relationship to the surface until the support is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface to contact the surface with the marking material for marking the surface. The marking element preferably comprises a marking material including an oleate-based pigment ink for marking the surface. The resilient element for maintaining the marking element in a spaced-apart relationship to the surface preferably comprises a quantity of elastomeric material disposed adjacent to marking element, the quantity of elastomeric material having an uncompressed thickness greater than the height of marking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventors: Michael D. Potter, Kathleen M. Dever
  • Patent number: 6173505
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventor: Anthony Munno
  • Patent number: 6158139
    Abstract: A retaining adapter for a mechanical measuring tape device extends the versatility of the tape device for construction workers. The retaining adapter can be removable, part of, or fixed to the housing of the mechanical measuring tape device. The retaining adapter has a drop hook and a drag hook, either of which can be attached to the object or construction piece to be measured. The use of the retaining adapter permits the construction worker to use the conventional mechanical measuring tape device beyond his or her natural reach. The retaining adapter may have at least one rule associated therewith in order to further expand the measurement capabilities of the conventional mechanical measuring tape device. The retaining adapter may also function as a square in certain applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: William Ralph Bond
  • Patent number: 6158138
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: David Katz
  • Patent number: 6115931
    Abstract: A tape measure device with a measuring tape blade having a swiveling end assembly having a tape measure housing defining a chamber receiving a retractable tape blade of a tape measure. A tape blade attachment assembly is mounted to the tape blade and includes a support plate defining a cylindrical chamber, a slot leading to the cylindrical chamber, the slot also being provided with a recess adapted to receive an angular projection of a locking arm of the locking mechanism, a flexible arm mounted adjacent the slot and a recess on the other side of the flexible arm. The locking arm which is mounted in the slot has an angular projection on one side and a rounded projection on the opposite side from said angular projection which engages the flexible arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Stephane Arcand
  • Patent number: 6108926
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventors: Robert A. Fraser, Lori A. Thomas, Charles C. Thomas, Anne S. Fraser, Eric J. Fraser, Andrew R. Fraser, June R. Fraher
  • Patent number: 6098303
    Abstract: A straight edge device for use with a conventional tape measure having an extensible tape. The straight edge device comprises a perimeter molding, a straight edge device, and an edge guide. The perimeter molding abuts perimeter surfaces on the tape measure and supports the straight edge and edge guide. The edge guide is adapted to abut a first surface on an object and align the straight edge a predetermined angle from the first surface. The straight edge may then be used to mark a line on a second surface of the object. An angle scale may also be provided for indicating a variety of angles to which the straight edge may be positioned relative to the first surface. One or more clip tabs may be provided for attaching the straight edge device to the tape measure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Stanley Vogel
  • Patent number: 6082017
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tape measure assembly having an internal deployment warning system therein. The device includes a substantially hollow housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, an end wall and a front wall with a horizontal slot between the front wall and the bottom wall. A tape measure having a plurality of marking indicia thereon extends through the horizontal slot and is selectively retractable within and extendable from the housing interior using conventional means currently used in various tape measuring devices. A first magnet is attached to the bottom wall of the housing for securing the housing to a metallic surface. A second magnet is removably attached to the top wall of the housing and has a slit thereon for selectively receiving an L-shaped catch member at a first end of the tape measure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Bryan D. Simar
  • Patent number: 6047481
    Abstract: A retaining adapter for a mechanical measuring tape device extends the versatility of the tape device for construction workers. The retaining adapter can be removable or fixed to the housing of the mechanical measuring tape device. The retaining adapter has a drag hook and a drop hook, either of which can be attached to the object or construction piece to be measured. The use of the retaining adapter permits the construction worker to use the conventional measuring tape device beyond his or her natural reach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: William R Bond
  • Patent number: 6041513
    Abstract: A self-adhesive polymer anchor for clasping a scoring device such as a pencil lead or scratcher to the housing of a conventional tape measure. The marker is secured in the anchor in a concave recess and oriented such that the marking device is in precise alignment with the tape at a given distance from the point the tape extends from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Sidney W. Doak
  • Patent number: 5992038
    Abstract: The measurement marker has a protruding arm when attached to the carrier of a measuring instrument such as a tape measure. The protruding arm holds a marker such as a pen, pencil or cutting blade in position such that the user may mark the distance measured once the tape measure has been extended for measurement. The measurement marker may be attached to existing tape measures using the carrier case assembly screws or may be integrated into the tape measure carrier design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventors: Lary Harmon, Tony Gryder
  • Patent number: 5829152
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Anza Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D. Potter, Kathleen M. Dever
  • Patent number: 5815940
    Abstract: A take-out meter for attachment to a conventional metal retractable tape measure permitting use of the tape measure with architectural/engineering drawing measurements without the need for repetitive subtractions of fittings measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Cooper Valentine, Sr.