Abstract: A combination of a retractable tape measure assembly with folding front section (s) 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 and pivoting front section (s) made of same metal has a construction and arrangement between the housing assembly and the reel and at the pivot points to rotate the reel in the housing assembly smoothly in a direction to wind up the elongated blade when extending outwardly of the housing assembly opening in a normal concavo-convex cross-section configuration onto the reel. A blade holding assembly is constructed and arranged to be manually actuated to hold the blade in any position of extension.

Abstract: FIGS. 1,2, and 3 show front and side views of an improved tape measure having a hinges or pivots (16) making segments or sections or tip measures (14). This pivoting action gives means to measure horizontally in out of reach areas. Comprised of front tip (12) that is the beginning of the tape measure and zero inches. Tip measure (14) is a first means of segmentation. An alternative is a plurality of sections along the tape measure. The pivot (16) allows movement in any direction at section's back tip (18). Angle hold (20a) and (20b) give traction or grip facing each other on the base measure (22) and the tip measure (14). The tape measure when in straight position will recoil into the housing (24). FIGS. 4 and 5 show exploded and a close view at pivot (16). Viewable is the Lock lever (26) and wedge (27) attached to bolt (28) that go through washers 30a and 30b and through pivot (16) of both segments and or tip measures (14) and base measure (22).

Abstract: FIG. (1) and FIG. (2) show a top and bottom perspective of the device. Insulated Hook (12) is insulated and will be made of but not limited to, plastic, with a female screw receiving end adaptable to a standard piece of all-thread or install screw (14). Install screw ( )14 is a standard piece of all-thread cut to a desired length and will have hook (12) screwed on one end. The other end of install screw (14) will screw into hanger nut (16). Hanger nut (16) will be attached securely, for example by welding, to the bottom of body (18). The body (18) will envelope the adjust nut (20) and the adjust screw (22). Adjust screw (22) will be threaded into adjust nut (20) into and through the body (18). Body (18) will also house the toggle joint or pivot axle (24). Nose (28) will be attached to the body (18) by pivot axle (24). Wrapped around pivot axle (24) and anchored to the body (18) are the return springs (26a) and (26b). The return springs (26a) and (26b) will be pre-tensioned and attached also to the nose (28).