Abstract: A coilable member, such as a measuring tape, is replaceably supported within a device for extension and recoiling. A separable casing defines an aperture through which a coilable member can be extracted and retracted, and has an interior portion defining a bearing surface for supporting for rotation a first reel adapted to retain a spring secured to the reel. The first reel rotatably supports a second reel adapted to support the coilable member secured thereto and extending through the aperture defined by the casing. The second reel is supported in the casing by the first reel for relative axial movement with respect to the first reel. Braking means, which can include an annular member having teeth which engage at least one of the reels, rotates therewith in the casing substantially freely in one direction, while causing retardation of the rotation of the reel in the opposite direction through frictional engagement with the side of the casing.

Abstract: A reel shaft device comprises a reel hub engaging member; a rotating member capable of rotating relatively to the reel hub engaging member; a driving member having a circumferential surface facing a circumferential surface of the rotating member and capable of rotating eccentrically with the reel hub engaging member, the driving member to be rotated by a rotary power supply means; a plurality of rolling members disposed between the circumferential surfaces so as to be able to rotate; a cam member disposed on the surface of said rotating member, the cam member holding the rolling members in cooperation with the surface of the driving member to rotate the rotating member together with the driving member in one direction when the driving member rotates in the one direction, and releasing the hold of the rolling members to allow the rotating member to rotate independently of the driving member when the driving member rotates in the other direction; and a variable rotation transmitting means formed of felt and cap