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 manually wound tape measure includes a housing with a mouth, with the flexible tape extending through the mouth. A resilient grip element is slidably mounted on the tape for movement relative thereto. The grip element includes an internal passage through which the tape extends and is resiliently deformable between an uncompressed state and a compressed state. The exterior of the grip element may be tapered. Manually powered retraction of the tape into the housing causes the grip element to be urged into the mouth portion of the housing such that the grip element is, by interaction with the housing, deformed against and compressively grips the tape. The tape measure may include a manually powered retraction mechanism having a drive ratio of greater than 1:1. The tape measure is manually changeable from a deployed configuration to a retracted configuration wherein the grip element deforms against and compressively grips the tape.

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.