Abstract: A plate lifting clamp may include a body with a slot sized to receive the plate. A contact member may be positioned at a first side of the slot, and a cam may be attached to the body and positioned at the slot across from the contact member. The cam may include a contact section that extends along a first peripheral edge that faces towards the contact member and contacts against the plate when the cam is in a first rotational position. The cam may also include a second peripheral edge that includes teeth that each includes a first face and a second face. A pawl may be pivotally attached to the body to contact the teeth on the cam. The teeth and the pawl may be configured to control rotation of the cam.

Abstract: A plate lifting clamp may include a body with a slot sized to receive the plate. A contact member may be positioned at a first side of the slot, and a cam may be attached to the body and positioned at the slot across from the contact member. The cam may include a contact section that extends along a first peripheral edge that faces towards the contact member and contacts against the plate when the cam is in a first rotational position. The cam may also include a second peripheral edge that includes teeth that each includes a first face and a second face. A pawl may be pivotally attached to the body to contact the teeth on the cam. The teeth and the pawl may be configured to control rotation of the cam.

Abstract: An automatic locking mechanism for use in a power return tape measure includes a user-accessible actuator, a brake element, and a biasing member normally urging the brake element into contact with the tape drum. In a locked position, the brake element wedges against the drum. The actuator displaces inwardly to move the brake element out of contact with the drum. A rotatable coupler/member may convert pivoting motion of the actuator into brake member translation. The coupler may include first and second arms that respectively contact the actuator and the brake element. The coupler may further include a cammed outer surface that contacts the drum in the locked position. The cammed surface rotates out of contact with the drum in the release position. The cammed surface of the rotatable member may be used independently of, or in conjunction with, the brake element. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: A tape measure comprises a main case having first and second sidewalls and a peripheral wall extending between the sidewalls; a flexible tape blade selectively deployable from the case; the tape blade having a generally curved cross-sectional profile when deployed from the main case and having a generally flat profile when retracted into the main case; a hook attached to a first end of the tape blade so as to be movable a distance along a longitudinal axis of the tape blade; the hook having a first section disposed generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and a second section connected thereto and disposed generally normal to the longitudinal axis, the hook comprising titanium and having a weight factor of not more than about 0.60. The tape blade may advantageously be not more than about 1.10 inch in width and have a standout of at least 9½ feet.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a post with at least first and second arms spaced from one another to form a longitudinal slot having an end aperture for coupling with a tape blade retraction spring. The post distal end anchors to a housing sidewall via a fastener, and a fastener engagement region of the post extends from the aperture to the fastener's terminus. A distinct reinforcing collar is disposed about the post's distal portion and acts to limit movement of the arms away from one another. The collar may overly the post for at least half of the fastener engagement region and/or may abut a shoulder on the post. The fastener may have a first pullout resistance level without the collar present and a second higher pullout resistance level, advantageously double or more, with the collar present. Also, methods of assembly are described.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a housing; a measuring tape deployable with respect to the housing between a fully retracted position and a deployed position; the tape having an anchored end and a free end; a first coupling portion secured to the tape free end; a plurality of measuring end fittings, each of the end fittings comprising a second coupling portion; the first and second coupling portions interockingly engageable to selectively couple the corresponding end fitting to the tape free end; wherein the first and second coupling portions are interlockingly engageable, and advantageously also disengageable, when the measuring tape free end is in the fully retracted position. Advantageously, each of the end fittings have a measuring abutment surface disposed aligned with a zero point of the tape's measuring scale when the corresponding end fitting is coupled to the measuring tape.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a housing that includes a frame and a mouthpiece body moveable mounted to the frame. The mouthpiece body includes a tape exit port that is moveable, advantageously rotatably, and may include an external recess aligned with the exit port. A measuring tape is supported by the housing and selectively deployable from the housing via the exit port. The movable exit port may allow the tape to enter the housing along a line that is tangent to the coil of tape rotatably supported by the housing. This tangency is advantageously maintained as the size of the coil changes due to the amount of tape therein. Other aspects and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a housing that includes a frame and a mouthpiece body moveable mounted to the frame. The mouthpiece body includes a tape exit port that is moveable, advantageously rotatably, and may include an external recess aligned with the exit port. A measuring tape is supported by the housing and selectively deployable from the housing via the exit port. The movable exit port may allow the tape to enter the housing along a line that is tangent to the coil of tape rotatably supported by the housing. This tangency is advantageously maintained as the size of the coil changes due to the amount of tape therein. Other aspects and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a housing; a measuring tape deployable with respect to the housing between a fully retracted position and a deployed position; the tape having an anchored end and a free end; a first coupling portion secured to the tape free end; a plurality of measuring end fittings, each of the end fittings comprising a second coupling portion; the first and second coupling portions interockingly engageable to selectively couple the corresponding end fitting to the tape free end; wherein the first and second coupling portions are interlockingly engageable, and advantageously also disengageable, when the measuring tape free end is in the fully retracted position. Advantageously, each of the end fittings have a measuring abutment surface disposed aligned with a zero point of the tape's measuring scale when the corresponding end fitting is coupled to the measuring tape.