Abstract: A retractable tape measure having a casing which contains a coiled tape rule whose free end extends through an opening in the casing and includes means for locking the tape against automatic retraction into the casing. The lock means consists of a locking member mounted in the casing for pivotal movement in a plane generally transverse to the direction of retraction of the tape, with a free end located to engage the tape and hold it against a portion of the casing in a first pivoted position of the lock member and to be spaced from the tape in a second pivoted position. A slide actuator operatively engaged through a cam arrangement is provided for pivoting the lock member between its first and second positions.

Abstract: A steel measuring tape having a plastic casing with the tape coiled around a reel which encloses a recoiling spring. The tape projects through a slot at the bottom of the front wall of the casing, and is withdrawn in the standard manner against the action of the spring. A tape locking mechanism of unique design is positioned on the front face of the casing with a slide which is moved downwardly to lock the tape. An elongated locking strip has its bottom portion positioned directly above the tape, and is preset against the tape and clamps it against the bottom wall of the casing. Two unique mechanisms are disclosed for moving the locking strip to and from the locking position. Each of those mechanisms includes two angular arms which are engaged and elongated to move the locking slide downwardly into locking engagement with the tape.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a housing having an opening and a measuring tape coiled therein including a free end having a hook member attached thereto. The free end of the tape extends through the opening in the housing and a braking lever is pivotally mounted to the housing with its front end adjacent the opening in position to engage the hook member when the tape is in a retracted position. The front end of the lever is normally biased into engagement with the tape, at the housing opening, by a spring, thereby to prevent movement of the tape. A pivot member for absorbing the shock of impact when the hook member engages the front end of the lever during retraction of the tape includes a pivot pin for pivotally mounting the lever to the housing and a shock absorbing element of a deformable, resilient material adjacent the pivot pin for absorbing the shock.