TAPE MEASURE
A tape measure includes a shell, a tape and a restraining device. The shell includes a slit defined therein and an opening defined therein. The tape can automatically be reeled in after it is pulled from the shell through the slit and released. The restraining device is installed in the shell for restraining the tape when a desired length of the tape is pulled from the shell and released. The restraining device includes a trigger exposed from the opening so that the trigger is operable in order to set the tape free.
1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a tape measure and, more particularly, to a tape measure capable of automatic braking.
2. Related Prior Art
Disclosed in Taiwanese Patent M271150 is a restraining device for a tape measure. The tape measure includes a shell defining a slit. A tape is installed in the shell. An end of the tape is inserted from the slit. A switch is installed on the shell corresponding to the slit of the shell. The switch includes a pivotal portion formed at an end near the slit. An abutment element is movably installed on the shell near the slit and connected to the pivotal portion of the switch. The switch is movable on the shell between a restraining position where the abutment element abuts the tape and a releasing position where the abutment element releases.
In use, the tape is pulled from the shell when the switch is located in the releasing position. When a desired length of the tape is pulled from the shell, the switch is moved to the restraining position. The switch is frequently moved between the restraining and releasing positions, and this is inconvenient.
The present invention is therefore intended to obviate or at least alleviate the problems encountered in prior art.
SUMMARY OF INVENTIONAccording to the present invention, a tape measure includes a shell, a tape and a restraining device. The shell defines a slit and an opening. The tape can automatically be reeled in after it is pulled from the shell through the slit and released. The restraining device is installed in the shell for restraining the tape when a desired length of the tape is pulled from the shell and released. The restraining device includes a trigger exposed from the opening so that the trigger is operable in order to set the tape free.
The primary advantage of the tape measure according to the present invention is the convenience in automatically retaining the tape at any desired length because of the use of the restraining device.
Other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description referring to the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGSThe present invention will be described through detailed illustration of two embodiments referring to the drawings.
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Similarly, the second half 20 includes a cutout 21 defined therein, a cutout 22 defined therein, a rod 23 formed on a side, a tube 24 formed on the side and two ribs 27 formed on the side. Unlike the first half 10, the second half 20 includes a restraint 26 formed on the side. An elastic element 25 is installed on the side of the first half 10. The elastic element 25 is preferably a leaf spring.
The first half 10 is joined to the second half 20. The cutouts 11 and 21 together become a slit for the tape 30. The cutouts 12 and 22 together become an opening for the restraining device 40. The rods 13 and 23 together become a shaft for the restraining device 40. The tubes 14 and 24 together become a cylinder for receiving a fastener for fastening the first half 10 to the second half 20. The fastener is in the form of a threaded bolt for engagement with the thread formed on the internal side of the tube 14. The ribs 17 and 27 together become two anvils. The restraint 26 and the anvils together define a channel that gets smaller in a direction away from the slit (see
The restraining device 40 includes a trigger 41 exposed from the opening, a tunnel 47 defined in the trigger 41 for receiving the shaft, a ridge 42 formed on a side, an extensive portion 43 extended from an end of the trigger 41 and a connective portion 44 formed at an end of the extensive portion 43. There is a frame 46 made of a metal rod. The frame 46 includes a section inserted in a tunnel 441 defined in the connective portion 44 and an opposite section for supporting a roller 45. The roller 45 is made of a frictional material so that there can be adequate friction it and the tape 30. The trigger 41 includes a skid-proof surface for contact with a user's finger.
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An advantage of the tape measure is the convenience in automatically retaining the tape at any desired length for using the restraining device. Another advantage is ease and a low cost in its fabrication.
The present invention has been described via the illustration of the embodiments. Those skilled in the art can derive variations from the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Hence, the embodiments shall not limit the scope of the present invention defined in the claims.
Claims
1. A tape measure comprising:
- a shell comprising a slit defined therein and an opening defined therein;
- a tape that can automatically be reeled in after it is pulled from the shell through the slit and released; and
- a restraining device installed in the shell for automatically restraining the tape when a desired length of the tape is pulled from the shell and released so as to retain the desired length of the tape outside the shell, the restraining device comprising a trigger exposed from the opening so that the trigger is operable in order to set the tape free.
2. The tape measure according to claim 1 wherein the restraining device comprises:
- at least one anvil installed in the shell;
- a restraint installed in the shell so that the anvil and the restraint together define a channel that gets smaller in a direction away from the slit;
- a roller connected to the trigger so that the roller is moved from the restraint for allowing the reeling in of the tape when the trigger is operated; and
- an elastic element installed in the shell for biasing the trigger so as to press the roller against the restraint and press the tape against the anvil, wherein when the tape is pulled from the shell, the roller is moved from the restraint and set free to rotate to allow further pulling of the tape from the shell.
3. The tape measure according to claim 2 wherein the restraining device comprises a frame provided between the trigger and the roller.
4. The tape measure according to claim 3 wherein the restraining device comprises an extensive portion extended from the trigger and connected to the frame.
5. The tape measure according to claim 2 wherein the elastic element is a leaf spring.
6. The tape measure according to claim 2 wherein the elastic element is a helical spring.
7. The tape measure according to claim 1 wherein the restraining device comprises a shaft installed in the shell for supporting the trigger.
8. The tape measure according to claim 5 wherein the trigger defines a tunnel for receiving the shaft.
9. The tape measure according to claim 1 wherein the shell comprises two halves joined together.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 30, 2006
Publication Date: May 17, 2007
Inventor: Hara Terutake (Odawara-Shi)
Application Number: 11/427,989
International Classification: B65H 75/48 (20060101);