Abstract: The invention relates to a braking mechanism and tape cartridge for a tape measure. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the tape measure includes a housing, a fixed cylindrical surface located in the housing, a reel supported in the housing for rotation, and at least one braking mechanism located on the reel. The braking mechanism includes a flyweight, a spring, and a rail. The spring and rail allow the flyweight to move between a first position, in which the flyweight is not in contact with the fixed cylindrical surface, and a second position, in which the flyweight is in contact with the fixed cylindrical surface. In another aspect, a tape cartridge is provided that includes two sidewalls and a cylindrical wall, which define a container. The tape cartridge is adapted to support a tape assembly therein, and may be mounted in the tape measure housing.

Abstract: A power operated tape measure enables measuring tape extension through a drive mechanism, as well as measuring tape retraction. A tape cartridge assembly including an annular reel, a measuring tape wound onto the reel, as well as a spring coupled with the reel, and is positioned within a housing shell of the tape measure. A drive mechanism accomplishes tape extension out of the housing shell, and optionally, tape retraction into the housing shell by engaging with a surface of the measuring tape. A primary actuator initiates input on one or more switches that selectively control operation of the drive mechanism, and includes a lever arm for a user to make selections regarding tape extension and retraction. A retraction actuator is moveable by a user to cause the drive mechanism to become disengaged from the surface of the tape, whereby spring powered retraction of the tape is permitted.

Abstract: A power operated tape measure enables measuring tape extension through a drive mechanism as well as measuring tape retraction through at least one of a drive mechanism and spring biasing on a tape reel. A tape cartridge assembly including an annular reel and a measuring tape wound onto the reel is positioned within a housing shell of the tape measure. A drive mechanism accomplishes tape extension out of the housing shell, and optionally, tape retraction into the housing shell by engaging with a surface of the measuring tape. An actuator initiates input on one or more switches that selectively control operation of the drive mechanism, and includes a lever arm for a user to make selections regarding tape extension and retraction. The actuator may be arranged such that lever arm motion in a forward direction enables tape extension and lever arm motion in a rearward direction enables tape retraction.

Abstract: A removable chuck has a chuck member for holding a drill bit. Also, a mechanism is coupled with the chuck body to retain the chuck body to a drill spindle. The retention mechanism, in a first position, has at least one biased blade, in a non-biased condition, retaining the chuck on the drill spindle and in a second position, with the at least one biased blade in a biased condition, the chuck is enabled to be removed from the spindle.