Abstract: A tape measure that incorporates a marking device for allowing an individual to measure and mark a wide variety of materials in a more efficient and economical manner, and for measuring and marking the beginning point of reference and the measured position point simultaneously. The tape measure has a housing, a coiled measuring tape, a tape tip, and a marker having a marking wheel mounted on an axle.

Abstract: A tape measure that incorporates a marking device for allowing an individual to measure and mark a wide variety of materials in a more efficient and economical manner, and for measuring and marking the beginning point of reference and the measured position point simultaneously. The tape measure has a housing, a coiled measuring tape, a tape tip, and a marker having a marking wheel mounted on an axle.

Abstract: A marking apparatus is provided for use with a tape measure. The marking apparatus includes a marker support member attached to a first outer side of a tape measure housing, and the marker support member extends forward of the tape measure housing in the tape dispensing direction. A retractable marker unit is attached to the marker support member at a location distal to the tape measure housing. The retractable marker unit is located beside the measuring tape that is dispensed from the tape measure housing. The retractable marker unit includes a marker element for marking an article, based upon a particular indicia that is selected from tape measure indicia. A pointer member, for pointing to the selected indicia, is attached to the retractable marker unit and extends over a portion of the dispensed measuring tape. A magnifier unit can also be employed with the retractable marker unit. The retractable marker unit optionally may be operated to select a desired form of emplaced enhanced marking.

Abstract: A combination tape measure, square and framing tool comprises a substantially rectangular housing having dimensions of about 3 by 3½ by 1½ inches and a retractable tape measure. The housing has a front face, a back face and a top face. A first lip extends from the front face and forms a square with the side edges of the front face. A second lip extends from the top face and forms a square with the side edges thereof. A third lip extends form the back face of the housing and forms a square with the side edges thereof. The edges of the top, front and back faces are spaced 1½, 3 and 3½ inches apart, respectively. The tool may be used to layout, square and mark the location of standard 2×4 studs in a single step. Further features include extendable, ruled edge members and an arc marking device. The arc marking device comprises a pivot point adjacent a free end of the tape measure and an arc marking point on the housing.

Abstract: A measuring tape for making precision measurements with the use of one hand comprising a precision unit is disclosed. The precision unit has a back surface, a side surface, a bottom surface, which is constructed from clear or see through material and includes an indicator line. The precision unit further includes a marker housing part, which, in the preferred embodiment, is interchangeable with the side surface to allow for individual preferences. In an alternative embodiment the side surface may be replaced by a second marker housing part to allow for two marks to be made at the same time. The marker housing part includes a marker and a marker hold/release part to allow the marker to slide in and out of the marker housing part.

Abstract: A tool and/or the combination of a spring-biased reel type measuring tape and the tool which serves the purpose of measuring and marking a cut on a board. The tool consists of a bracket attached to the spring-biased reel type measuring tape. An apron is pivotally mounted to the bracket for pivoting to a vertical downward position to serve as a bearing surface against a board to be cut. An elongated measuring bar is pivotally mounted to the bracket for pivoting horizontally from a closed position adjacent the measuring tape to an open position angularly displaced away from the measuring tape to serve as a guide for a marking line on the board to be cut. A carriage is slidably mounted in the on the measuring bar for carrying a marking implement suitable for making a marking line on the board to be cut.

Abstract: A measuring and scribing device having a “clam shell” housing, having a forward end, a rearward end, an upper end, and having a lower end. Within the housing is mounted a spirally wound alternately forwardly extendable and rearwardly retractable measuring tape. Along the rear wall of the housing is mounted an alternately downwardly extendable and upwardly retractable surface scribing implement. The surface scribing implement is upwardly spring biased to a safe position within the housing. An operative mechanical linkage between a hook end of the measuring tape and a latch for holding the scribing implement in an extended position, allows release of the latch upon retraction of the tape, automatically retracting the surface scribing implement upon retraction of the tape.

Abstract: An improved tape measure apparatus which can be used as a marking gauge and/or compass comprising a tape measure, an insert comprising a base, a guide rigidly attached to the base and generally parallel to graduated indicia markings of the rule blade when extended from the tape measure whereby the graduated markings of the tape measure's rule blade may be read. An alternative embodiment includes an insert enabling standard tape measures to be used as marking gauges and/or compasses.

Abstract: A tape measure case with coiled measuring tape therein having a miniature builders square provided along one side wall, having a magnifying lens to magnify the numbers and markings on the measuring tape, having a rearwardly extending positioning member with a pivot hole around which the tape measure case and extended measuring tape can be pivoted to mark an arcuate line on a work piece, having a ripping guide member extendable downwardly from the case to bear against the side edge of a board on which a rip saw line is to be marked, having an end piece at the outer free end of the measuring tape that has a V-notch to receive the acute-angled end of a rafter or other work piece to thereby hold the outer end of the tape measure in position hands-free, having the outer free end of the measuring tape magnetized for retrieval of items that have fallen into otherwise difficult locations to reach, having a gradually tapering and thickening outer end portion of the measuring tape to gradually increase frictional engag

Abstract: A tape measure with a marking device holder. The tape measure with the marking device holder includes a tape measure assembly and a marking device holder installed on the tip end of the tape measure. The marking device holder includes two resilient clip structures for resiliently gripping and holding the tip end of a marking device such as a pencil.

Abstract: An integrated marker and tape measure (20) which include a flexible tape and recoil assembly (24) and a marking mechanism (40). A desired tape dimension is aligned with a fixed indicator on the housing and a mark is made at the indicator on a surface being measured. The tool makes a linear mark by means of a simple button press which slidably moves the marking mechanism (40) across the surface. There is also included the option to have a braking mechanism, a locking mechanism, a level (120), a lens (118), a light (112), a marking template (122), and a means to add and subtract these optional features. The marking mechanism (40) can be exchanged with other marking mechanisms utilizing a variety of marking media.

Abstract: A tool and/or the combination of a spring-biased reel type measuring tape and the tool which serves the purpose of measuring and marking a cut on a board. The tool consists of a bracket attached to the spring-biased reel type measuring tape. An apron is pivotally mounted to the bracket for pivoting to a vertical downward position to serve as a bearing surface against a board to be cut. An elongated measuring bar is pivotally mounted to the bracket for pivoting horizontally from a closed position adjacent the measuring tape to an open position angularly displaced away from the measuring tape to serve as a guide for a marking line on the board to be cut. A carriage is slidably mounted in the on the measuring bar for carrying a marking implement suitable for making a marking line on the board to be cut.

Abstract: A measuring and scribing device having a “clam shell” housing, having a forward end, a rearward end, an upper end, and having a lower end. Within the housing is mounted a spirally wound alternately forwardly extendable and rearwardly retractable measuring tape. Along the rear wall of the housing is mounted an alternately downwardly extendable and upwardly retractable surface scribing implement. The surface scribing implement is upwardly spring biased to a safe position within the housing. An operative mechanical linkage between a hook end of the measuring tape and a latch for holding the scribing implement in an extended position, allows release of the latch upon retraction of the tape, automatically retracting the surface scribing implement upon retraction of the tape.

Abstract: A tape measure usable for positioning and repositioning an object on a vertical surface comprises a housing having a planar forward surface, a rearward surface spaced from the forward surface, and a cavity having an aperture therein. A flexible, retractable, coiled tape measure is mounted in the housing the working end of which extends through the aperture in the housing. A pin is provided at the distal end of the tape for marking a point on a surface. The housing has a second pin thereon which is axially moveable from an extended position to a retracted position such that it is useable as a marker when the pin is in the extended position. The rearward surface of the housing has a 360° angle measuring device for measuring the angle at which the housing is oriented with respect to an edge defined by the intersection of a side panel and the forward surface of the housing.

Abstract: An integrated recoiling tape measure with an integral marker secured thereto by a marker holder. The marker holder is uniquely designed to be attached to the side of the tape measure, and is angled in a first direction such that the pencil tip extends forward to the tape holder, and is also angled laterally inward toward the tape itself and proximate the graduations thereof for easy and convenient marking of the material proximate the tape graduations. The present invention achieves technical advantages by allowing a workman to measure and mark and a material with one hand, thus freeing the other hand for holding the material or other tools.

Abstract: A marking apparatus is provided for use with a tape measure. The marking apparatus includes a marker support member attached to a first outer side of a tape measure housing, and the marker support member extends forward of the tape measure housing in the tape dispensing direction. A retractable marker unit is attached to the marker support member at a location distal to the tape measure housing. The retractable marker unit is located beside the measuring tape that is dispensed from the tape measure housing. The retractable marker unit includes a marker element for marking an article, based upon a particular indicia that is selected from tape measure indicia. A pointer member, for pointing to the selected indicia, is attached to the retractable marker unit and extends over a portion of the dispensed measuring tape. A magnifier unit can also be employed with the retractable marker unit. The retractable marker unit optionally may be operated to select a desired form of emplaced enhanced marking.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a guide at the end of the free end of the measurement tape that seats a marking instrument in a perpendicular orientation with respect to the tape and disposes the center line of the marking instrument aligned with the end of the tape. The tape measure may include at least one sharpener incorporated in its housing. The guide, or other attachments for the end of a tape measure, may include measurement markings on its upper surface aligned with measurement markings on the tape to permit precise measurements to be taken at the very end of the tape.

Abstract: A marking attachment for attachment to a linear or angle-measuring system has a support, means for attaching the support to the measuring device, a marking element attached to the support for marking on a surface (the marking element having a predetermined height), and a resilient element whereby the marking element is maintained in a spaced-apart relationship to the surface until the support is moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface to contact the surface with the marking material for marking the surface. The marking element preferably comprises a marking material including an oleate-based pigment ink for marking the surface. The resilient element for maintaining the marking element in a spaced-apart relationship to the surface preferably comprises a quantity of elastomeric material disposed adjacent to marking element, the quantity of elastomeric material having an uncompressed thickness greater than the height of marking element.

Abstract: A tape measure device with a measuring tape blade having a swiveling end assembly having a tape measure housing defining a chamber receiving a retractable tape blade of a tape measure. A tape blade attachment assembly is mounted to the tape blade and includes a support plate defining a cylindrical chamber, a slot leading to the cylindrical chamber, the slot also being provided with a recess adapted to receive an angular projection of a locking arm of the locking mechanism, a flexible arm mounted adjacent the slot and a recess on the other side of the flexible arm. The locking arm which is mounted in the slot has an angular projection on one side and a rounded projection on the opposite side from said angular projection which engages the flexible arm.

Abstract: A self-adhesive polymer anchor for clasping a scoring device such as a pencil lead or scratcher to the housing of a conventional tape measure. The marker is secured in the anchor in a concave recess and oriented such that the marking device is in precise alignment with the tape at a given distance from the point the tape extends from the housing.

Abstract: The measurement marker has a protruding arm when attached to the carrier of a measuring instrument such as a tape measure. The protruding arm holds a marker such as a pen, pencil or cutting blade in position such that the user may mark the distance measured once the tape measure has been extended for measurement. The measurement marker may be attached to existing tape measures using the carrier case assembly screws or may be integrated into the tape measure carrier design.

Abstract: An integrated system for measuring and marking on a surface (110) has a housing (15, 80), a measuring element (40) at least partially contained within the housing, and a marking element (60) for marking the surface. The system is characterized in that the marking element is initially retained within the housing (80) and is maintained in a spaced-apart relationship to the surface until a user moves the housing in a predetermined direction relative to the surface, whereupon the surface is marked at the measured point. The predetermined direction is preferably perpendicular toward the surface, and the marking element preferably operates through an aperture (70) in the bottom surface of the housing. Various embodiments have features including a cursor (30) aligned with which the marking element, a modular removable and replaceable marking element (60), and either a linear measuring tape or an arcuate angle-measuring element (40).

Abstract: A totally enclosed marking attachment for any tape measure which is engaged by lifting finger pull (10) to a preset stop (15) then releasing said lift. This causes a striker (3) which contains a nylon fiber saturated with a consumer determined color and type ink to thrust downward through a striker slide (10) and contact ink head (9) with the desired destination. Said striker (3) is then returned to its original (neutral) position by means of main spring (5). Upon the return of striker (3) slide cap (7), which was opened by said striker (3) on its downward motion, is retuned to its original position to close striker slide (2) by cap spring (8). The entire procedure can be performed with one hand.

Abstract: A tape measurement apparatus is provided for measuring the slope height of a GPS surveying system receiver, with an integral antenna, which is vertically suspended over a ground mark. A tape mounting hook is provided for securing the distal end of a tape measure in a location which is known precisely with respect to the phase center of the GPS receiver. The tape measure housing has a pointer arm of precisely known length which extends out from the tape measure housing in a direction opposite and parallel to the normalized line of extension of the tape from the housing. A distance scale imprinted on the tape compensates for the combined lengths of the housing and pointer arm so that a user can read the uncorrected slope height of the GPS receiver directly from the scale while applying the tip of the pointer arm to the ground mark.

Abstract: A clip for a retractable tape measure which is structured to seatably receive a writing instrument so that the writing instrument is always present to mark the spot whenever a measurement is made, and further so that the writing instrument is located relative to the case so that accurate arcs can be drawn with respect to a nail head centerpoint. The clip includes a clip body composed of a base member for being connected to the case of a retractable tape measure, a spring member integrally connected with the base member for resiliently yielding when an article is slipped between the base and spring members. The clip further includes a writing instrument holder adjacent with the base member for removably receiving a writing instrument. The preferred clip is constructed of stainless steel sheet stock, preferably a spring type stainless steel material, wherein the clip body and the writing instrument holder are integrally formed in a single piece.

Abstract: A tape measure marking device and method for use thereof in which a C-member is removably attached to the tape case across a narrow dimension thereof, by an existing screw in the tape case being inserted through the C-member. The C-member includes an implement holding member projecting to a side of the tape case, the implement holding member providing for releasably attaching a marking or cutting implement to the tape case. The C-member further includes an indexing member disposed across a substantial portion of an extensible tape being extended from the tape case and the implement holding member provides for centering marking implements having different sizes and shapes to register with the indexing member.

Abstract: An improved attaching device for releasably attaching a marking device to a tape measure having a tape measure housing containing a measuring tape, said attaching device comprising a marker retaining arm pivotally mounted on said device and movable between a marking position engageable with a surface to be marked adjacent said measuring tape and a storage position located in a position which is compatible with insertion of said housing into a workbelt pocket.

Abstract: The present invention provides for cutting devices used in conjunction with a flexible measuring tape to cut drywall. The end segment and angled tab of the measuring tape are retained between two body components of a unit having an extended knife blade. Optionally, a guide unit is provided for attachment to the measuring tape in order to guide the cutting device in the preparation of cuts of uniform width and sufficient cutting depth to break the sheet along the cut.

Abstract: An improved measuring, marking, and cutting tool comprising a tape measuring device within a housing which contains a guide and brake, and a pencil/knife holding attachment affixed to the distal end of the extensible, flexible measuring tape. The guide is a rigid, straight structure running along the bottom of the housing, and provides for a method of smoothly following along the straight edge of a workpiece, thereby facilitating long, straight, perpendicular marks or cuts. The brake mechanism is engaged by the guide structure, allowing the user to engage the brake and fix the measuring length of the tape by merely pushing down on the housing. The pencil/knife holding attachment is comprised of two Velcro (.TM.) straps that can be wrapped around and affixed to a standard pen, pencil, utility knife, and the like.

Abstract: A marking attachment for use with a tape measure. The marking attachment includes a generally cylindrically shaped housing for holding a marking utensil. A mechanism is included integral with the housing for releasably locking the marking utensil within the housing. The marking attachment further includes a mechanism extending from the housing for use as a guide to determine a desired measurement. The marking attachment housing may include a mechanism for attaching the marking attachment to a tape measure, or alternatively, the marking attachment may be formed integrally with the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is a tape measuring device having a main housing containing a coiled flexible measuring tape extendable from the front side of the housing. On the front side of the housing is a marker housing containing a marker. A locking mechanism, disposed on the front side of the housing, adjacent to the marker housing is linked to the marker and the scribe through a lever arm. Accordingly, when the locking mechanism is pressed down, the lever arm drives the marker outside the marker housing, exposing the tip of the marker. The user can then mark the measured material with the tip. Further movement of the locking mechanism will move it into a locked position whereby the tape is fixed after the user releases the locking mechanism. When the locking mechanism is returned to its original position, the tip moves back inside the housing to provide protection when not in use.

Abstract: A marking device having a housing with a tape opening and a marker opening. A coiled tape is disposed within the housing such that the coiled tape may be extended or retracted through the tape opening. At least one linkage engaging aperture is secured to the coiled tape. A marking member is movably disposed within the housing and is adaptable to extend and retract within the marker opening. A linkage assembly is movably disposed within the housing such that when the linkage engaging aperture engages the linkage assembly, the linkage assembly engages and moves the marking member through the marker opening.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for enabling the marking and cutting on a straight line on an upper surface of a workpiece. A guide has a side guide surface, a top guide surface, and a base. The side guide surface and the top guide surface are mutually orthogonal. A clamp supports a case of a reeled measuring tape on the base. The damp has a fixed clamping surface and a movable clamping surface. The movable clamping surface is adjustable to contact one side of the reel case while the fixed clamping surface contacts the opposing side of the reel case, whereby the reel case is held fixedly and the holding means may hold any one of a wide range of reel case widths. The measuring tape has an engagement tongue protruding from the leading edge thereof, and the case of the measuring tape has a reel lock for fixing the tape in a position extended from the case. A hand tool, such as a knife or marking implement, works in cooperation with the guide and has an engagement slot.

Abstract: An improved versatile tape measure tool is provided, which consists of an elongated strip of tape marked off in a linear scale for taking measurements. A casing is for storing the tape therein in a coiled spring biased condition with the tape being extendable through a first end wall of the casing for measuring. A plurality of components are built into the casing, to help in the measuring and cutting to size of plasterboard, so that the plasterboard can be used to cover interior walls and ceilings.

Abstract: An improved measuring and cutting tool is provided, which consists of an extensible tape measure. A mechanism for cutting is on a first end of the extensible tape measure. A structure for guiding is on a second opposite end of the extensible tape measure. The guiding structure will allow the cutting mechanism to make quick and accurate cuts into a piece of soft thin material.

Abstract: In measuring, cutting, and marking tool incorporating a tape measure having a case with a holder for a marking or cutting device integrally formed thereon. The tool provides reduced friction for marking and cutting tasks involving sliding of the tool. Friction reducing elements are provided on the case, e.g. slide pads or rollers. An end clip on the tape has friction reducing means involving beveled edges, angled wings, or rollers for reduced friction. An intermediary sliding handle between the end of the tape and the case and having reduced friction means and a gripping element is provided. A sharpening device for the marking or cutting tool is integrated in the case.

Abstract: A fixture for use with a retractable tape measure having a tab at the end thereof perpendicular to the tape. The fixture has a base with opposed side walls at least one of which defines a recess for receiving the tape end tab therein. A retaining member extends over a portion of the for frictionally retaining the tape between the base and the retaining member. A spacer bar extends away from one of the side walls intermediate the tape and the surface on which the fixture rests to protect the surface when the tape and the fixture are moved therealong. A combination of the fixture and a retractable tape measure is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing building construction members such as roof trusses and floor joists. A flat lacer coil fastened between gable trusses and is of sufficient tensile strength to temporarily sustain lateral tipping forces of support trusses as they are fastened to the frame of a building structure. In an alternative embodiment, the lacer coil extends between floor frame members and, when attached to floor joists, counteracts the inherent bowing when they are secured to the floor.

Abstract: A clip for clasping a marking device such as a carpenter's pencil mounts against the side of a conventional tape measure case, secured to the case by a screw that is located in the center of the side of the case (or integrated into a tape case). The marker is engaged by the clip in a recess and oriented such that the marking device is angularly directed to a contact point with its end a given distance from the case and next to the tape measure when it is extended from the case. In an alternative embodiment, the described clip is mounted to an end of an extension rod with the other end of the rod rotatably mounted to the tape measure case such that the clip with engaged marking device is free to rotate at the direction of the user.

Abstract: A measuring tape device includes a housing having a base, a rearward end, a forward end, and opposite sides. A wound length of tape is disposed in the housing and is taken out in a direction in line with the base. A first mounting hole is disposed in the housing and mounts a scribing pen in a first, stowed position, and a second mounting hole is disposed in the base of the housing at the forward end and transverse the direction of tape take out, and mounts the scribing pin in a second, operative position. The scribing pin in the second operative position has a pointed end extending downwardly from the base.

Abstract: A layout device for locating a wall mounted item a specified distance from a reference point such as a floor includes a bracket which is removably mounted to a measuring tape. A level attached to the bracket indicates vertical alignment of both the extended tape and the item which is to be installed. The bracket includes protrusions which form indentations marking the measured location when the bracket is forced against the surface of the wall.

Abstract: An improved tape measurement marking device attached to a measuring tape or built into a conventional tape housing. The device includes a sighting plane for alignment with the desired measurement mark on the tape; a structure for receiving and directing a hammer blow to a marking blade; and a marking blade that produces a dimensionless mark precisely at the desired measurement, a void to place the tape hook in, the void having an edge to hook the tape onto, the edge coinciding with the desired measurement mark; when the device is used on an existing tape, mechanisms for assembling, sliding, and clamping it on the tape are included.

Abstract: A combination marking and cutting device which is characterized by a cylindrical, hollow handle having a removable plug at one end and a tape housing provided on the opposite end, for receiving a length of spring-loaded measuring tape. The measuring tape can be extended from the tape housing against spring tension and is fitted with a retainer on the end thereof, for receiving a scribing instrument, pencil or a knife blade and inscribing, pencil marking or cutting various geometric patterns in a workstock. A tape lock is provided in the tape housing for locking the tape at a selected length to facilitate use of the tool combination as a compass, marking and/or cutting tool.

Abstract: A combination marker and tape measure (10) having a housing (12), a flexible tape (18), and a pair of markers (104) which may be used to mark a surface on each side of the flexible tape (18). A front window cover (14) and bottom cover (16) enclose a compartment on a front surface (96) of the housing (12) to prevent exposure of the markers (104) to outside air. A plunger knob (42) is depressed into a recess (40) formed on a declining front face (38) of the housing (12) to move the markers (104) between a retracted configuration to an extended configuration. A locking mechanism (178) formed on a plunger (170) permits selective locking of the tape (18) to prevent coiling and uncoiling of the tape (18). A guide foot (154) removably mounted on an end tab (46) enables marking of a line (166) parallel to an edge (162) of a surface ( 164).

Abstract: A clip for use with a retractable measuring tape container where the clip has a flat portion connected at one end to a first pencil holder and connected at the other end to a second pencil holder. The first pencil holder is shaped to receive and hold a pencil. The second pencil holder is shaped to receive and hold a carpenter's pencil hexagonal in transverse cross section. The clip has sinuous means intermediate said first and second pencil holders for cooperating with a releasable fastener mechanism on the container for maintaining the clip firmly against the side of the container for a retractable measuring tape.

Abstract: A tape measuring device comprising a graduated tape wound into a housing on which is mounted a holder for a marking device such as a pen or pencil. The holder comprises an arm hingedly mounted to the housing of the tape measuring device and defining a seat for receiving the pen or pencil such that the marking tip of the pen or pencil extends adjacent a longitudinal edge of the graduated tape when the latter is pulled from the housing.

Abstract: An attachment for a tape measure that provides a guide for marking when moving the tape along the work piece. The attachment is in the form of a T-square with a stem part that projects at one end thereof into the tape dispensing opening of the casing for the tape measure and at the other end has an angle head part at right angles to the stem. The angle head part has a first flange that rests and slides on the surface of the work piece to be marked and a second flange at right angles thereto that engages and slides along an edge of the work piece. The flanges are turned upwardly at their ends to form a skate and tabs project from the stem to prevent lateral displacement of the tape measure on the guide during use and also serve as stops limiting penetration of the device into the tape measure casing.

Abstract: A marking device is described which is adapted to be mounted on one side of a tape measure which is comprised of a tape housing having a measuring tape coiled therein for extension therefrom through a tape issuing opening. The marking device comprises a support which is secured to one side of the tape measure housing and which extends forwardly therefrom. An elongated upstanding tubular housing is positioned on the forward end of the support with the lower end of a tubular housing being positioned laterally of the tape issuing opening. A marking member is selectively vertically mounted in the tubular housing which is adapted to be moved downwardly into marking contact with the article being measured.

Abstract: A tape measure case incorporates an actuating element to project a marking element through a guide aperture for marking at a measured distance. The marking element can be a pencil lead. It is accommodated within the case, and the bulk and shape of the case are little changed from conventional.