Abstract: A length measuring device. The device comprises a length measuring portion and a measuring portion housing. Measurement recording means is provided on at least a portion of the housing surface.

Abstract: A digital measuring instrument includes a housing containing a measuring line, a rotatable drum engaging the line whereby movement of the line causes rotation of the drum, a storage spool mounted in the housing for storing the line, a crank assembly for rotating the storage spool for winding the measuring line about the storage spool, and a rotatable disc that rotates simultaneously with the measuring drum. The instrument includes an optical sensor in communication with the rotatable disk for compiling data related to rotation of the disk, and electronic circuitry in communication with the optical sensor for calculating a length of the line drawn from the housing. The housing has a well for receiving the storage spool and a side cover with a slideable lock for covering the well.

Abstract: A housing of measuring tape compromising a supporting a hard plastic shell, a buffer soft plastic shell and two impact proof side metal covers, the supporting hard plastic shell and the buffer soft plastic shell can be injected together or stuck together after being injected separately for the right, left body of the measuring tape. During assembling, screws are applied in both directions to have the tape wheel, the elastic component, the tape lock/automatic rewind switch and all the components installed inside the right, left body, then to have the impact proof side metal covers installed on both external sides of the right, left body. The screw holes are covered by the impact proof side metal covers, such structure make the housing with light weight, impact proof and not easy to disperse characters.

Abstract: An improved structure tape rule housing, the tape rule housing comprised of a left case half and a right case half having a soft rubber pad around their top edges and bottom edges to thereby increase grasping friction and utilization comfort, enabling rule housing variability and greater practical value.

Abstract: A tape measure housing has first and second sidewalls and a peripheral wall. A metal post is extends between the first and second sidewalls and includes an elongate column portion disposed along an axis and a base portion. The base portion includes a plurality of ribs extending generally normal to the axis. The column portion includes a slot. A fastener may extend through the first sidewall and mate to the column portion. The second sidewall includes a boss having a recess configured to accept the ribs such that the material forming the boss interstitially interengages with the ribs. A fastener may extend through the second sidewall and mate to the base portion. The anchoring portion of the post may include a non-circular flange extending generally normal to the axis, with the recess being configured to accept the flange.

Abstract: A tape measure comprises a housing having a bottom surface and a front surface substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface, a tape strip elastically wound within the housing to become released from the housing when required, and a tubular protrusion extending from between the bottom surface and the front surface to incorporate a tunnel therethrough. The tunnel is open into the housing and an upper covering of the tubular protrusion has an opening so that indicia of the tape strip are read from atop through the opening.

Abstract: An improved structure for a tape rule housing is disclosed. The housing is provided with a separately fabricated grip or a grip in one piece with the housing such that the user is able to grasp the grip conveniently and firmly when handling the tape rule instead of holding entire bulky housing unstably. The engagement of separate grip with the housing can be performed in the way of inlaying or sled and channel meshing. Besides, the grip is enclosed with a slip resistant soft cover so as to assure the gripping comfortability and firmness.

Abstract: A tape measure housing, and a tape measure incorporating the housing, includes a main case and an elastomeric grip element mated to the main case. The main case has first and second sidewalls and a peripheral wall extending between the sidewalls which help jointly define an internal chamber therewithin for housing the coilable tape blade. An elastomeric grip element having a perimeter edge is disposed over at least a portion of the top portion, at least a portion of the rear end portion of the case, and at least a portion of the first and second sidewalls. The outer surface of the first and second sidewalls is external recess-free proximate the perimeter edge of the grip element.

Abstract: An improved structure tape rule outer housing, wherein the outer housing of the tape rule is comprised of a left case half, a right case half, and metal case panels to increase gripping friction and usage comfort as well as enhance tape rule design versatility to thereby raise overall practical value.

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.

Abstract: A combination tape measure, square and framing tool comprises a substantially rectangular housing having dimensions of about 3 by 3½ by 1½ inches and a retractable tape measure. The housing has a front face, a back face and a top face. A first lip extends from the front face and forms a square with the side edges of the front face. A second lip extends from the top face and forms a square with the side edges thereof. A third lip extends form the back face of the housing and forms a square with the side edges thereof. The edges of the top, front and back faces are spaced 1½, 3 and 3½ inches apart, respectively. The tool may be used to layout, square and mark the location of standard 2×4 studs in a single step. Further features include extendable, ruled edge members and an arc marking device. The arc marking device comprises a pivot point adjacent a free end of the tape measure and an arc marking point on the housing.

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.

Abstract: A measuring tape has a housing with a tape rolled in the housing and a sliding proof device securely mounted on top of the housing. The sliding proof device has stubs and bosses formed on the inner face thereof, such that the stubs and bosses are able to be inserted into the corresponding apertures and holes in the housing to secure the engagement between the sliding proof device and the housing.

Abstract: A flexible rule rewinding device comprised of a front cover plate, a rear cover plate, a winding shaft, a center gear, two gears, a flexible rule reel mount, and a cover plate capable of rewinding long distance flexible rules rapidly and with little effort to thereby increase flexible rule practicality.

Abstract: A retractable rule assembly includes a housing assembly and a reel rotatably mounted in the housing assembly. An elongated blade formed of a ribbon of metal having one end connected to the reel is constructed and arranged with respect to the housing assembly to extend from a position tangential to the reel outwardly through a spaced opening in the housing assembly. A coil spring formed of a ribbon of metal has a construction and arrangement between the housing assembly and the reel to rotate the reel in the housing assembly in a direction to wind up the elongated blade when extending outwardly of the housing assembly opening in a normal concavo-convex cross-sectional configuration onto the reel in an abutting volute coil formation in a flattened cross-sectional configuration. A blade holding assembly is constructed and arranged to be manually actuated to hold the blade in any position of extension outwardly of the housing assembly opening and to release the blade from any position in which it is held.

Abstract: A rotatable reel carried on one's person having a housing assembled from an upper lid and a bottom lid is disclosed. A male upper cover and a female lower cover are provided in the housing to form a reel axle to be placed therein a coil spring and a roll of pulling rope. One end of the rope is exposed to the exterior of the housing to connect with a clamp on the surface of the bottom lid. A slightly smaller lining sleeve is slipped in the upper lid, the bottom lid is slipped over the lining sleeve and abutted on a protruding portion provided on the lining sleeve for tight connecting with the upper lid. A rivet sleeve is extended through central holes of the bottom lid, the reel and the lining sleeve and is rivet fastened with its end to the lining sleeve. The upper lid is provided directly on the planar surface thereof with a hole for receiving a decorative piece, the hole can be formed by punching molding to have various shapes to give various decorative possibilities for the reel.

Abstract: A rule assembly includes a housing assembly and a reel rotatably mounted in the housing assembly. An elongated blade formed of a ribbon of metal having one end connected to the reel extendable outwardly through a spaced opening in the housing assembly. An end hook member on the free end of the blade includes a hook portion and a mounting portion extending generally perpendicular from the hook portion. The housing opening has a height dimension which exceeds the height dimension of the hook member mounting portion and its connection with the free end of the blade an amount which is at least approximately equal to an amount the hook portion extends below the bottom end surface of the housing assembly when at the housing opening.

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.

Abstract: A retractable rule assembly includes a housing assembly and a reel rotatably mounted in the housing assembly. An elongated blade formed of a ribbon of metal having one end connected to the reel is constructed and arranged with respect to the housing assembly to extend from a position tangential to the reel outwardly through a spaced opening in the housing assembly. The blade has a hook member on the free end thereof. The hook member includes a hook portion and a mounting portion extending generally perpendicular from the hook portion. The mounting portion is connected with the free end of the blade for limited relative movement along the blade in an amount generally equal to thickness of the hook portion.

Abstract: A tape measure having a housing that encloses a coiled tape rule retractably mounted therein. The housing is constructed with an outer coating of a generally soft, resilient, pliant material that extends over a substantial portion of the housing. The tape measure further provides a locking button that is slidably attached to the housing and is adapted to selectively prevent the tape rule from moving with respect to the opening in the housing. The locking button generally includes a central portion that is located adjacent to the peripheral wall and at least one side portion located adjacent to a side wall of the housing. The locking button further includes an outer surface with an outer coating thereon of a relatively soft, skid-resistant material. The tape measure further provides a tape clip attached to a terminal end of the tape rule that includes a friction member made of a generally soft, non-skid material attached to a clip portion of the tape clip.

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

Abstract: A 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.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tape rule with an elaborate buffer comprising a tape, a tape rule housing, and a buffer, wherein the buffer together with its buffer block and strut is formed as a whole piece and installed in the housing, and combined with the housing to form a gate in the opening making the tape able to pass therethrough either extending out of or retracting into the housing. During the retraction of the tape, a hook provided at the tip of the tape is detained by the buffer and backlashing forces are transmitted to the buffer. In this manner impact force is absorbed by the buffer to avert damaging the tape hook or even tearing the tape thereby protecting the accuracy of measurement and ensuring durability of the tape rule. Further to this, by virtue of buffer's whole piece structure, the manufacturing process and assembly procedure of the tape rule can be simplified thereby improving its productivity and minimizing production cost.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

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: This invention discloses a digital length gauge having an accuracy of about 0.01 mm. The digital length gauge includes a metal tape having a series of uniformly sized and spaced holes positioned along a common center line of the tape. As the tape is extracted and retracted from the length gauge housing, the holes engage pins positioned on a sprocket such that the sprocket will rotate causing an optical encoder to rotate along the same axis. The optical encoder produces optical pulses to provide the desired accuracy. The length gauge further includes a braking mechanism, an indexing mechanism and a drive motor. The braking mechanism prevents the reel on which the tape is wound from rotating in its normal mode. A braking arm and motor switch are configured relative to each other such that the braking arm has to deactivate the braking mechanism prior to the motor switch activating the drive motor. An indexing arm enables the reel to be incremented when the braking mechanism is activated.

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

Abstract: A tape measure is provided which has less rotational wearing and trouble, increased reliability of cooperative rotation, and an easier assembling and disassembling structure. The tape measure is characterized in that a unitized gear mechanism can be taken out from outside, and a sub-rotary disc axis member and a take-up drive can be rotated together.

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 casing for a chalk line dispenser comprises a pair of casing elements which interfit and define a chamber for storing chalk. The casing elements have end walls and sidewalls extending about the periphery thereof with interfitting surface portions along the outer ends thereof. The interfitting surface portion of one of the casing elements has a groove in the end surface of the sidewall extending about the periphery thereof and intermediate its width to provide resiliently deflectable depending wall sections. The interfitting surface portion on the other of the casing elements has a tongue extending about its periphery which seats in the groove and is of greater width than the groove to deflect the wall sections, so that the tongue is firmly gripped by the resiliently deflectable wall sections to provide a seal therebetween.

Abstract: An improved electrical measuring tape that automatically extends and retracts the tap. Switches control a battery powered motor that drives a wheel around which the tape is wound. Induction dots near both ends of the tape cause a short-circuit to stop extension or retraction.

Abstract: A tape measure device includes a belt tape member made of a flexible material. A cursor is slidably supported for movement on and along the belt tape member. The cursor includes a housing and an encoder which includes a relative displacement sensor for detecting a relative displacement value between the belt tape member and the cursor. The displacement sensor includes a first electrode made of a conductive ink and printed at predetermined and spaced intervals on and along the belt tape member. The conductive ink first electrode printed on the belt tape member is protectively coated by an electrically nonconductive insulative membrane. A second electrode is provided on the cursor and opposes the first electrode and the insulation membrane. A circuit is provided for creating an electrical capacitance value between the first and second electrodes and for issuing signals in response to a change of electrical capacitance between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: An improved housing for a reel of measuring tape. The housing has a base member which holds a slotted pin to support the return spring. A frame is held at the edge of the base member and has an opening for the measuring tape to be reeled in and out. A portion of the frame also forms a portion of the cover. An upper base and cover member is held against the frame to complete the housing for the measuring tape. The construction has the advantage of permitting the assembler to hold the spring as well as the measuring tape at about a right angle with respect to the slotted pin. This makes the manufacturing process safer and less costly.

Abstract: This invention discloses a digital display tape measure having an accuracy of about 0.01 mm. The digital display tape measure includes a metal tape having a series of uniformly sized and spaced holes positioned along a common center line of the tape. As the tape is extracted and retracted from the tape measure housing, the holes engage pins positioned on a sprocket such that the sprocket will rotate causing an optical encoder to rotate along the same axis. The optical encoder produces optical pulses to provide the desired accuracy. The tape measure further includes a braking mechanism, an indexing mechanism and a drive motor. The braking mechanism prevents the reel on which the tape is wound from rotating in its normal mode. A braking arm and motor switch are configured relative to each other such that the braking arm has to deactivate the braking mechanism prior to the motor switch activating the drive motor. The indexing arm enables the reel to be incremented when the braking mechanism is activated.

Abstract: A retractable tape measure is disclosed which includes a housing having an opening formed therein, a coiled tape rule within the housing and a free end extending through the opening. A coiled spring is provided to retract the tape rule into the casing and a lock assembly is provided to selectively lock the tape rule in an extended position and release it for retraction into the casing. The lock assembly includes an actuator member that is pivotally mounted on the casing for pivotable movement between a locking and an unlocking position and a tape locking blade having one end positioned to engage the tape and an other end defining a bearing surface, the tape locking blade being mounted in the casing for movement between locking and unlocking positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roll tape measure, consisting of a housing upper part and housing lower part, a perforation in the housing upper part for a release button, a spring drum with tension spring placed in the housing, whose end is connected with the housing lower part, a back stop for the tension spring, a flexible tape measure rolled up on the spring drum and a release catch that can be actuated by the release button. The perforation for receiving release button is placed in the housing upper part eccentrically to the housing and release button is connected with a U-shaped element, into which a tongue designed in an elastically springy manner extends, which is connected on one end with the ends of both legs of U-shaped element and with release button and on whose other end the release catch is placed. The U-shaped element with elastic tongue extends over center axis of the housing.

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 measuring tape device includes a housing having a base, a rearward end, a forward end, and opposite sides. A wound length of tape is disposed in the housing and is taken out in a direction in line with the base. A first mounting hole is disposed in the housing and mounts a scribing pen in a first, stowed position, and a second mounting hole is disposed in the base of the housing at the forward end and transverse the direction of tape take out, and mounts the scribing pin in a second, operative position. The scribing pin in the second operative position has a pointed end extending downwardly from the base.

Abstract: A measuring tool for hanging up a picture and the like onto a flat vertical surface, is provided and consists of a box-shaped housing. A mechanism is carried on the housing for ascertaining whether the housing is in a horizontal and vertical alignment with respect to the flat vertical service. Another mechanism is carried on the housing for taking linear measurements between two points on the flat vertical surface. A drawer having a pull handle is disposed in the housing for holding a plurality of nails therein. When the drawer is opened, two of the nails can be removed and hammered into the two points measured on the flat vertical surface, allowing the picture and the like to be properly hung up on the flat vertical surface.

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 combination marking and cutting device which is characterized by a cylindrical, hollow handle having a removable plug at one end and a tape housing provided on the opposite end, for receiving a length of spring-loaded measuring tape. The measuring tape can be extended from the tape housing against spring tension and is fitted with a retainer on the end thereof, for receiving a scribing instrument, pencil or a knife blade and inscribing, pencil marking or cutting various geometric patterns in a workstock. A tape lock is provided in the tape housing for locking the tape at a selected length to facilitate use of the tool combination as a compass, marking and/or cutting tool.

Abstract: A tape measure having sidewalls spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the width of the tape to define a small clearance at opposite edges of the tape with the sidewalls. The sidewalls define midway therebetween a center plane. A peripheral portion of the sidewalls adjacent the peripheral wall of the housing defines guide means adjacent the tape-passing opening for causing the centerline of the tape, as it is passed through the opening, to be accurately at the center plane, thereby effectively minimizing edge wear of the tape in the use of the tape measure.

Abstract: A measuring rule employs a casing which permits marking of lines perpendicular to an edge of the workpiece, as well as serving to enable measuring and marking of lines at each of a range of angles thereto.

Abstract: A decorative and protective coating is provided on articles by a composite of a dry metallized layer on the substrate, a substantially transparent base coating of a synthetic resin formulation, a decorative metal layer hereon and a substantially transparent top coating of a synthetic resin formulation. As a result, the metallic layer is visible through the top coating to provide the desired metallic appearance, and the thin metallic deposit on the surface of the substrate is visible through both of the resin coatings in the event that the continuity of the metallic layer is ruptured during use. The coatings are produced by dry metallizing the surface of the article to provide the thin metallic deposit, electrostatically spraying the base coating thereon and thereafter curing the coating. Dry metallizing the base coating to provide the decorative metallic layer and then depositing the top coating thereon and effecting its curing.

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.