Abstract: A tape measure assembly with a ridge that is disposed along an edge of its housing and is generally perpendicular to the housing's spooling axis. The ridge has a rigidly placed working surface oriented perpendicularly with respect to an outer surface of the housing that is normal to the spooling axis. At least two portions of the working surface extend beyond the outer surface in a direction parallel with the spooling axis, and the working surface and the outer surface define a volume that surrounds the intersection of two generally perpendicular planes. Angle measurement markings can be disposed along a second edge of the housing, a notch can be formed at a center defined by the angle markings adjacent the first edge, and/or a second edge can form a right angle with the intersection of the two generally perpendicular planes.

Abstract: A combination measuring instrument such as an elongated and retractable tape measuring device is associated with an audio recording apparatus which enables a user to record measurements observed on the tape measure device simultaneously with the act of performing the measurement and which permits the subsequent playback of the recorded information for use in a later discrete step of manufacturing or utilizing the recorded information. The recording device may be positioned in or on the housing of the measuring device so that the user may conveniently record the observed measurement orally for later reuse.

Abstract: A guide facilitates marking or cutting flat sheet material, such as wallboard or plywood for example, along linear or arcuate lines. A first guide member has a flat surface which is contacted with an edge of the material. A swivelable guide member is pivoted to the first guide member and carries a tape measure having a housing containing a coiled measuring tape that can be drawn outward from the housing. An implement receiver at the end of the tape has an opening sized to receive a marking pencil, scribe or the like and a slit opening sized to receive a knife or scoring tool blade. A clamp immobilizes the tape relative to the tape housing at any selected degree of extension from the housing. Linear markings or cuts, parallel to an edge of the material, are made by traveling the guide member assembly along the edge while simultaneously traveling the implement receiver along a parallel path.

Abstract: A returnable tape rule housing has a generally convexly arcuate juncture between the side walls and the upper portion of the peripheral wall upon which is an elastomeric grip element which provides a slip-resistant and comfortable gripping surface for the user's palm and thumb. The housing may also have textured surfaces on the lower portion of its side walls to enhance gripping.

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 clip for a retractable tape measure which is structured to seatably receive a writing instrument so that the writing instrument is always present to mark the spot whenever a measurement is made, and further so that the writing instrument is located relative to the case so that accurate arcs can be drawn with respect to a nail head centerpoint. The clip includes a clip body composed of a base member for being connected to the case of a retractable tape measure, a spring member integrally connected with the base member for resiliently yielding when an article is slipped between the base and spring members. The clip further includes a writing instrument holder adjacent with the base member for removably receiving a writing instrument. The preferred clip is constructed of stainless steel sheet stock, preferably a spring type stainless steel material, wherein the clip body and the writing instrument holder are integrally formed in a single piece.

Abstract: A tape measure marking device and method for use thereof in which a C-member is removably attached to the tape case across a narrow dimension thereof, by an existing screw in the tape case being inserted through the C-member. The C-member includes an implement holding member projecting to a side of the tape case, the implement holding member providing for releasably attaching a marking or cutting implement to the tape case. The C-member further includes an indexing member disposed across a substantial portion of an extensible tape being extended from the tape case and the implement holding member provides for centering marking implements having different sizes and shapes to register with the indexing member.

Abstract: A container is provided for retractable measuring tape rulers, wherein the tape is wound around an internal spring and the tape is pulled from the container for the desired length of the measurement. A novel flexible wiper flap is provided at the opening of the container, to prevent dust and contaminants from entering the interior of the measuring tape container and causing damage to the tape itself. The wiper flap is insertable within a grooved recess within the container, and the wiper flap extends down and is flexibly urged against the surface of the tape. The measuring tape is urged into a bowed configuration, so that when extended the measuring tape extends in a semi-rigid fashion during measuring. The wiper flap is also bow shaped at the bottom, and the wiper flap extends down from a tongue coupling portion insertable within corresponding longitudinally extending receptacle portions of the container.

Abstract: An improved attaching device for releasably attaching a marking device to a tape measure having a tape measure housing containing a measuring tape, said attaching device comprising a marker retaining arm pivotally mounted on said device and movable between a marking position engageable with a surface to be marked adjacent said measuring tape and a storage position located in a position which is compatible with insertion of said housing into a workbelt pocket.

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: An improved measuring, marking, and cutting tool comprising a tape measuring device within a housing which contains a guide and brake, and a pencil/knife holding attachment affixed to the distal end of the extensible, flexible measuring tape. The guide is a rigid, straight structure running along the bottom of the housing, and provides for a method of smoothly following along the straight edge of a workpiece, thereby facilitating long, straight, perpendicular marks or cuts. The brake mechanism is engaged by the guide structure, allowing the user to engage the brake and fix the measuring length of the tape by merely pushing down on the housing. The pencil/knife holding attachment is comprised of two Velcro (.TM.) straps that can be wrapped around and affixed to a standard pen, pencil, utility knife, and the like.

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 marking attachment for use with a tape measure. The marking attachment includes a generally cylindrically shaped housing for holding a marking utensil. A mechanism is included integral with the housing for releasably locking the marking utensil within the housing. The marking attachment further includes a mechanism extending from the housing for use as a guide to determine a desired measurement. The marking attachment housing may include a mechanism for attaching the marking attachment to a tape measure, or alternatively, the marking attachment may be formed integrally with the housing.

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: 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: 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: 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 hexahedronic case (12) with a singular face extension (20) and swingout arm pair (14L, 14R) for housing a conventional, flexible measuring tape (26). A carpenter's extensible-retractable measuring tape is housed in a six-faced case which has a pair of parallel, pivotally outward swinging arms and a flange (20) extending from the rear face thereof. Several faces of the case are indexed by marks at the center (24) only of the face edges which have a consistent dimension (Z). On one face, that opposite the flange-bearing face, there is a set of indices (22) which equally divide an edge of the face upon which they appear. The divisions, in respect of the aforementioned consistent dimension, correspond to various pitches or elevations above the horizontal, or angular deflections from the vertical, that are employed in layout work in the building construction field. An example of layout for roof rafter (40) preparation is also presented.

Abstract: A device to permit marking of edges of a garden and the like is provided employing a flexible retractable tape mounted relative to a housing, wherein the housing is arranged to slidably receive a first flat post along a rear wall of the housing, with a round post through an opening within the tape to permit ease of length measuring relative to a garden scenario.

Abstract: In measuring, cutting, and marking tool incorporating a tape measure having a case with a holder for a marking or cutting device integrally formed thereon. The tool provides reduced friction for marking and cutting tasks involving sliding of the tool. Friction reducing elements are provided on the case, e.g. slide pads or rollers. An end clip on the tape has friction reducing means involving beveled edges, angled wings, or rollers for reduced friction. An intermediary sliding handle between the end of the tape and the case and having reduced friction means and a gripping element is provided. A sharpening device for the marking or cutting tool is integrated in the case.

Abstract: A tape strip is arranged to include a strip abutment and the strip abutment is positioned within a first sleeve, the first sleeve having a V-shaped web arranged for positioning as a first corner, with a second sleeve having a second V-shaped web arranged for abutting against a further spaced corner, with the second sleeve including a slide block to receive the tape member therethrough.

Abstract: A tool holder to enable a user to carry a tool proximate a user's wrist comprising: a flexible wrist strap having a first end, an intermediate portion and a second end, with the first end having a plurality of hook-like members and the second end having a plurality of loop-like members to enable the flexible wrist strap to be secured around a user's wrist by wrapping the flexible wrist strap around a user's wrist and then securing the flexible wrist strap around a user's wrist by engaging the hook-like members with the loop-like members with the flexible wrist strap having sufficient width so as to distribute forces around an extended region around a user's wrist to thereby prevent rotating of the flexible wrist strap around a user's wrist and a pouch secured to the intermediate portion of the flexible wrist strap, with the pouch having a compartment for holding a tool therein and an opening therein to permit extension of a portion of a tool therefrom without removing the tool from the pouch to enable a user

Abstract: A drawing kit includes a base member formed of a ferromagnetic or alternative base member to provide for suction, projection, and the like to an underlying surface, wherein the base member includes a rotatable cylindrical mount, including a diametrically directed through-extending slot to receive a measuring tape housing thereon that extensively and retractably contains a measuring web, wherein the measuring web includes an aperture directed through and adjacent a forward distal end of the web to receive a writing instrument orthogonally through the web to permit scribing of a circular path to an underlying surface.

Abstract: A calculator is adapted to be releasably attached to a conventional tape rule. A calculator case is attached to the rule with a flat rubber band that sits in a recessed channel in the case and passes around the tape rule. Alternatively the case may be attached to the tape rule with the screw that usually attaches a belt clip to the rule. The calculator is snapped into a protective pocket in the case. The calculator may be oriented face down so that the back of the calculator protects the keypad and display, or face up to expose the keys and display for use. The calculator may also be oriented in either of two positions differing by 180 degrees about an axis perpendicular to the case. Or the calculator may be removed from the case for independent use. Using the tape rule/calculator combination, a user may measure a distance and enter it into the calculator without releasing the tape rule.

Abstract: A golf stance device for locating the feet of a golfer properly with respect to a golf ball. The device is formed of an elongated flat strip of material such as plastic or metal adapted to rest upon the ground and a housed roll-up tape slidably engaged therewith by sliding the flat strip through slots in a flexible disk attached to the tape housing. The roll-up tape may be extended in a direction normal to the elongated strip toward a golf ball providing a device having a member parallel with the golfer's line of sight and properly displaced from the ball. Both the elongated strip of material and the tape have indicia assisting a golfer in positioning the device upon the ground and in obtaining a proper stance. The device is portable and easily mounted upon a golf bag.

Abstract: A fixture for use with a retractable tape measure having a tab at the end thereof perpendicular to the tape. The fixture has a base with opposed side walls at least one of which defines a recess for receiving the tape end tab therein. A retaining member extends over a portion of the for frictionally retaining the tape between the base and the retaining member. A spacer bar extends away from one of the side walls intermediate the tape and the surface on which the fixture rests to protect the surface when the tape and the fixture are moved therealong. A combination of the fixture and a retractable tape measure is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved tape measure having a writing member is disclosed. The writing member has a front surface for receiving markings and a back surface with an adhesive connected to the back surface for attaching the writing member to the tape measure device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a truck span measuring apparatus adapted for positioning in the wheel well of a vehicle whose span is to be measured. The apparatus includes a housing having at least one female-threaded socket positioned on one end thereof. A male-threaded shaft is threadedly inserted into the socket and furthermore extends into the hollow interior of the housing. A pad-fitted end assembly is mounted on the free end of the shaft and is adapted to engage against the inner sidewall of a wheel well of a vehicle to be measured. The opposing end of the housing is also fitted with a pad-fitted bracket assembly which is adapted to engage against the interior sidewall of the housing of the wheel well. A collar assembly having a threaded bolt which extends threadedly therethrough, is mounted on the housing to slidable along the length of the housing.

Abstract: The adjustable tape measure clip includes a strip of spring steel folded over to form a primary spring with opposing leaves, the inner leaf being adapted for attachment to the case of the tape measure. The inner leaf includes a secondary spring for adjusting the spring force of the primary spring on the leaves of the clip. A mounting screw, which mounts the spring clip onto the case of the tape measure, also engages the secondary spring on the inner leaf to adjust the secondary spring force on the primary spring. As the screw is rotated, the secondary spring varies the primary spring force and thus adjusts the free clip width between the leaves to either increase or decrease the gripping pressure of the clip on the user's apparel.

Abstract: A suspension-type height measuring device has a main measuring unit having a first tape containing case with a spring loaded first tape reel therein and a first brake device controlled by a first control key, a right-angled rule having a second tape containing case with a spring loaded second tape reel therein and a second brake device controlled by a second control key, and a measuring tape with opposite ends wound on the respective tape reels.

Abstract: A layout device for locating a wall mounted item a specified distance from a reference point such as a floor includes a bracket which is removably mounted to a measuring tape. A level attached to the bracket indicates vertical alignment of both the extended tape and the item which is to be installed. The bracket includes protrusions which form indentations marking the measured location when the bracket is forced against the surface of the wall.

Abstract: An improved tape measurement marking device attached to a measuring tape or built into a conventional tape housing. The device includes a sighting plane for alignment with the desired measurement mark on the tape; a structure for receiving and directing a hammer blow to a marking blade; and a marking blade that produces a dimensionless mark precisely at the desired measurement, a void to place the tape hook in, the void having an edge to hook the tape onto, the edge coinciding with the desired measurement mark; when the device is used on an existing tape, mechanisms for assembling, sliding, and clamping it on the tape are included.

Abstract: A clip for use with a retractable measuring tape container where the clip has a flat portion connected at one end to a first pencil holder and connected at the other end to a second pencil holder. The first pencil holder is shaped to receive and hold a pencil. The second pencil holder is shaped to receive and hold a carpenter's pencil hexagonal in transverse cross section. The clip has sinuous means intermediate said first and second pencil holders for cooperating with a releasable fastener mechanism on the container for maintaining the clip firmly against the side of the container for a retractable measuring tape.

Abstract: A tape measuring device comprising a graduated tape wound into a housing on which is mounted a holder for a marking device such as a pen or pencil. The holder comprises an arm hingedly mounted to the housing of the tape measuring device and defining a seat for receiving the pen or pencil such that the marking tip of the pen or pencil extends adjacent a longitudinal edge of the graduated tape when the latter is pulled from the housing.

Abstract: A lip-like tape guide and finger guard plate extends downwardly from the front edge of the bottom wall of a thin-walled, one-piece plastic body that forms a jacket for slidably receiving a measuring tape.

Abstract: A stature measuring apparatus detachably mounted on a wall surface so that it may be installed only when stature is going to be measured. A fixing and holding plate 10 is releasably attached to a tape head 8 to which an end of the measuring tape is secured. A measuring tape body housing 1 has a switch button plate 7 on the bottom surface of a rectangular measuring plate 6 so that, as soon as the switch plate 7 touches the top of the head of a man, the switch plate 7 may be pressed, and a light emitting diode is lit and a melody sounds simultaneously. Then an observer can read out indicia on the measuring tape through a view window 4 without needing to be concerned about whether or not the measuring plate 6 is contacting the mans head firmly. The apparatus can be detached easily when it is not in use.

Abstract: An attachment for a tape measure that provides a guide for marking when moving the tape along the work piece. The attachment is in the form of a T-square with a stem part that projects at one end thereof into the tape dispensing opening of the casing for the tape measure and at the other end has an angle head part at right angles to the stem. The angle head part has a first flange that rests and slides on the surface of the work piece to be marked and a second flange at right angles thereto that engages and slides along an edge of the work piece. The flanges are turned upwardly at their ends to form a skate and tabs project from the stem to prevent lateral displacement of the tape measure on the guide during use and also serve as stops limiting penetration of the device into the tape measure casing.