Abstract: A tape measure comprises a main case having first and second sidewalls and a peripheral wall extending between the sidewalls; a flexible tape blade selectively deployable from the case; the tape blade having a generally curved cross-sectional profile when deployed from the main case and having a generally flat profile when retracted into the main case; a hook attached to a first end of the tape blade so as to be movable a distance along a longitudinal axis of the tape blade; the hook having a first section disposed generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and a second section connected thereto and disposed generally normal to the longitudinal axis, the hook comprising titanium and having a weight factor of not more than about 0.60. The tape blade may advantageously be not more than about 1.10 inch in width and have a standout of at least 9½ feet.

Abstract: A tape measure comprises a main case having first and second sidewalls and a peripheral wall extending between the sidewalls; a flexible tape blade selectively deployable from the case; the tape blade having a generally curved cross-sectional profile when deployed from the main case and having a generally flat profile when retracted into the main case; a hook attached to a first end of the tape blade so as to be movable a distance along a longitudinal axis of the tape blade; the hook having a first section disposed generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and a second section connected thereto and disposed generally normal to the longitudinal axis, the hook having a weight factor of not more than about 0.60. The tape blade may advantageously be not more than about 1.10 inch in width and have a standout of at least 9½ feet.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a novel mounting clip assembly having a distinct lever arm coupled to a base plate for movement about a pivot axis between a closed position and an open position. The lever arm has a first spring-receiving bay on a side generally facing the base plate and disposed rearward of the pivot axis. The base plate has a first fastener-receiving hole therein forward of the pivot axis, a second spring-receiving bay on a side generally facing the lever arm. A spring biases the lever arm to assume the closed position and extends from the first bay to the second bay. A centerline of a mounting hole in the base plate extends through a second hole in the lever arm when the lever arm is in the closed position. A top of a securing fastener is accessible via the second hole. Also, methods of assembly are described.

Abstract: A power-return tape measure uses a retainer to help keep a retraction spring in the proper position. The tape measure may have a reel with an interior central cavity with a post extending therethrough. A spring is wound substantially within the central cavity and mounted to the post so as to provide a retraction bias. A cap is secured to the reel so as to substantially enclose the reel's central cavity and the spring. The retainer is disposed between the spring and the cap. The cap has a first hole of a first size and the retainer has a second hole of a second, smaller, size. The post extends through the second hole with a sliding fit and through the first hole in spaced relation to the cap. The post and the retainer substantially close off the first hole. A main case substantially encloses the reel.

Abstract: A power-return tape measure uses a retainer to help keep a retraction spring in the proper position. The tape measure may have a reel with an interior central cavity with a post extending therethrough. A spring is wound substantially within the central cavity and mounted to the post so as to provide a retraction bias. A cap is secured to the reel so as to substantially enclose the reel's central cavity and the spring. The retainer is disposed between the spring and the cap. The cap has a first hole of a first size and the retainer has a second hole of a second, smaller, size. The post extends through the second hole with a sliding fit and through the first hole in spaced relation to the cap. The post and the retainer substantially close off the first hole. A main case substantially encloses the reel.

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 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.

Abstract: A slide lock for a power return measuring tape includes an elongated lock member slidably mounted in a casing. The lock member has a resilient locking tongue and follower pins extending laterally from lock member. The follower pins engage guide in the casing, which includes a guiding surface formed by a ridge in each side wall to engage the pins, the guiding surface defining a descending path to guide the tongue from a position above a measuring tape in the housing to a position in contact with the measuring tape. A lock surface is formed at a lower end of the guiding surface with a protrusion at a junction between the guiding surface and the lock surface. Movement of the pins over the protrusion to the lock surface forces the tongue in contact with the measuring blade and causes the tongue to bend to apply a clamping force to the measuring blade.

Abstract: A hooking device for a tape measure includes a ring member pivotally attached to a hook member. The hook member includes a planar surface which is perpendicular to the ring member in an extended position. Extending from the planar surface of the hook member are two supporting side surfaces which enhance the rigidity of the hook member to prevent bending. The hook member can also include a plurality of pointed barbs and a contacting surface which prevent slippage of the hooking device during use.

Abstract: The tape measure includes a lock for locking the tape in an extended position from its case. The lock includes a toggle pivotably mounted on the case and a lock shoe extending from one end of the toggle to a position adjacent the tape. The case includes guides, such that when the toggle is depressed, the lock shoe is forced against the tape so as to wedge the tape between the lock shoe and the case to prevent its retraction.

Abstract: A measuring device comprises an outer casing and an inner drum mounted on a central hub of the casing. The drum has an innermost rim, an intermediate rim, and an outermost rim, each of the rims having a different diameter. The intermediate and innermost rims are arranged on one side of the drum while the outer rim is arranged on an opposite side of the drum. A tape is wound onto the intermediate rim on one side of the drum while a spring is wound inside the outer rim on the other side of the drum. This side-by-side arrangement of the tape and spring allows a lengthy tape, for example, 50 feet or more, to be quickly returned, compactly stored, and easily carried. A resilient shock-absorbing bumper is also provided around the periphery of the outer casing.