Abstract: A measuring tape system for determining the girth or length of an object, the measuring tape system including a flexible tape containing specific measuring indicia. One end of the flexible tape is secured to and wound about a drum rotatably mounted within a housing. The drum is spring biased such that it will allow the associated tape to be paid out against the bias of the spring and upon the appropriate command is retrieved and rewound on the drum. The flexible tape is pulled from the housing through an appropriate opening in the wall of the housing and the free end of the tape is selectively placed in a receiver formed in the housing.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for estimating the weight of horses. To estimate the weight of a horse, a girth, a length, and a height of the horse are measured. The measurements can be taken with commercially available measurement tapes, for example. The weight of the horse is then estimated based on the girth, the length and the height of the horse. The present invention will be utilized in the care and management of horses thereby resulting in advanced equine health and nutrition, better training results, and improved overall health monitoring.

Abstract: A length measuring device. The device comprises a length measuring portion and a measuring portion housing. Measurement recording means is provided on at least a portion of the housing surface.

Abstract: An improved structure tape rule housing, the tape rule housing comprised of a left case half and a right case half having a soft rubber pad around their top edges and bottom edges to thereby increase grasping friction and utilization comfort, enabling rule housing variability and greater practical value.

Abstract: A retractable rule assembly includes a housing assembly and a reel in the housing assembly. An elongated blade formed of a ribbon of metal having one end connected to the reel is able to extend outwardly through a spaced opening in the housing assembly. A coil spring is arranged within the housing so as to wind up the blade when extending from the housing. A blade holding assembly is actuatable to hold the blade outwardly of the housing assembly opening and to release the blade from any position in which it is held. A relatively short free end portion of the blade has a film of plastic material adhered to a convex or a concave side thereof. The clear film of plastic material protects the covered portion of the blade from cracking or tearing and protects any indicia on the end of the blade from wear.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing an annular scale from a measuring strip, the ends of a measuring strip are welded together, and the shortening of the scale-division marks in the joint region caused by the welding operation is compensated by a subsequent rolling operation.

Abstract: A drive-type tape ruler in which a spring disposed within the blade take-up spool constitutes a spring-loaded wheel that is installed at one or two sides of the blade take-up spool, enabling the blade take-up spool to accommodate the winding of a tape ruler blade that is approximately 2 to 2.5 times lengthier than possible with a conventional blade take-up spool of the same diameter and, furthermore, the torque of the spring-loaded wheel rewinds the tape ruler blade, thereby enhancing tape ruler utility and performance.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a housing assembly including a casing having two opposed sidewalls, a receiving cavity forming therebetween and an opening communicating with the receiving cavity, and a supporting axle having two ends supported at the sidewalls respectively, a tape reel which is disposed in the receiving cavity and is rotatably supported by the supporting axle, an elongated measuring blade, which is disposed in the receiving cavity, having an outer end being blocked at the opening of the casing and arranged to extend out of the casing, a retracting device for winding up the measuring blade in a coil rolled manner about the tape reel, and a friction reduction device provided between the supporting axle and the tape reel for substantially reducing a friction therebetween so as to enhance a rotational movement of the tape reel with respect to the supporting axle.

Abstract: The invention is a depth gauge having standard components and improved in that a flexible shaft is mated to the tip. A probe is attached to the shaft. The flexible shaft allows for full angular adjustment for various directional approaches to the hole. The tip of the probe can be formed into a shape that conforms with a mating part through which the hole is measured. The probe is manufactured from a superelastic nickel titanium <<NITINOL>> alloy which has greater flexibility and elasticity than typical spring steels so that it doesn't permanently deform when the flexible shaft is bent. The nickel titanium probe also extends from the tip of the shaft in a direction perpendicular to the tip so it extends straight into the hole being measured even when the guide is off axis. The nickel titanium probe can be attached in several different ways to the depth gauge. For example, a setscrew could be used or a crimp.

Abstract: A method of measuring a length of a pile which supports a structure upon the earth including affixing a flexible strand to a first pile segment, driving the first pile segment a desired distance into the earth such that the flexible strand extends along the length of the first pile segment along an exterior surface thereof, and driving a plurality of additional pile segments into the earth such that the pile segments reside upon an end of the first pile segment. The flexible strand extends along a length of the plurality of additional pile segments on the exterior surface thereon. The flexible strand has indicia thereon indicative of length measurements. The flexible strand is formed of an inelastic material.

Abstract: A tape measure having a self-powered reel assembly and a housing for receiving the self-powered, reel assembly. The self-powered, reel assembly includes: a primary spool having a measuring tape wound upon the primary spool; a secondary biased spool assembly; and a coupler for connecting the primary spool to the secondary biased spool assembly for retracting the primary spool. In the preferred embodiment, the secondary biased spool assembly includes a spring spool having a spring drive spool and a backwound spring.

Abstract: A retractable tape measure includes a cover, a base and a calibrated tape. The internal configuration of the retractable tape measure allows a much longer calibrated tape to be used than a conventional measuring tape.

Abstract: A special tape (22) for measuring blocks used in the construction of wood structures includes two special scales. A first scale has marks (32) spaced at 14½ inch intervals for making blocks for studs, and a second scale has marks (34) spaced at 22½ inch intervals for making blocks for rafters. The tape (22) is longitudinally placed along a two-by board (500) and marks (36) made on the two-by board (500) at the desired intervals of 14½ or 22½ inches. The two-by board (500) is then cut at the marks (36) to create the blocks, which are then placed between the studs or rafters.

Abstract: The transverse cross section of a tape is cambered into V shape. The tape is 27 mm wide, 0.11 mm thick, and cambered at a height of 6.75 mm at its both ends so as to ensure sufficient stiffness when being pulled up to 10.5 feet from the tape rule housing.

Abstract: A device for determining the range/height of distant objects using the triangulation method. The device includes a palm-sized housing having merely four main components; (1) a retractable tape measure; (2) a sighting slot; (3) a pendulum and (4) a calibrated graph. A reel is disposed on the rear wall of the housing to provide means for retracting the tape measure. The calibrated graph is imprinted on the face of a thin sheet, which sheet is attached to the front wall of the housing. A transparent cover is disposed to protect the face of the sheet. An offset portion on the sheet functions to prevent the pendulum from swinging freely when the device is not in use. The sighting slot is positioned at the top of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved retractable tape measure of the type including a housing (12) having an opening (14), a retractable measuring tape (16) with top (18) and bottom (20) surfaces, edges (22, 24) that turn upward so as to stiffen the tape (16) from being bent downward by the force of gravity, a free end (26) that extends through the opening (14), an end stop (28) that is mounted on the tape's free end (26), and top measurement indicia (30) that are inscribed on the top surface (18) of the measuring tape (16).

Abstract: The present invention comprises a retractable rule assembly that includes a housing assembly and a reel rotatably mounted in the housing assembly. An elongated blade formed of a ribbon of metal is mounted on the reel. One end of the blade is connected to the reel. The blade is constructed and arranged with respect to the housing assembly to extend from a position tangential to the reel outwardly through a spaced opening in the housing assembly. A coil spring that is formed of a ribbon of metal has a construction and arrangement between the housing assembly and the reel to rotate the reel in the housing assembly in a direction to wind the elongated blade about the reel when the blade is extending outwardly of the housing assembly opening. The blade has a “normal” concavo-convex cross-sectional configuration when extended and has a flat cross-sectional configuration when it is wound about the reel so that the wound reel is disposed about the reel in an abutting volute coil formation.

Abstract: An angular position measuring system has a measuring tape including an adjusting device, the measuring tape being attached via an elastic layer to a clamping ring. A clamping device allows the arrangement to be attached to a body to be measured. Thus, the adjustment of the distance between the ends of the measuring tape is independent of the attachment of the measuring tape to the shaft. The elastic layer largely prevents the transfer of friction-dependent, local expansions of the clamping ring. The demands on the surface processing of the shaft are reduced in comparison with the related art.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved retractable tape measure of the type including a housing (12) having an opening (14), a retractable measuring tape (16) with top (18) and bottom (20) surfaces, edges (22, 24) that turn upward so as to stiffen the tape (16) from being bent downward by the force of gravity, a free end (26)that extends through the opening (14), an end stop (28) that is mounted on the tape's free end (26), and top measurement indicia (30) that are inscribed on the top surface (18) of the measuring tape (16).

Abstract: An improved retractable tape measure has, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a housing having a front and a top portion, an opening located in the front portion ad proximate the top portion, a retractable measuring tape with top and bottom surfaces, edges that turn upward so as to stiffen the tape from being bent downward by the force of gravity, a free end that extends through the opening, an end stop that is mounted on the tape's free end, top measurement indicia that are inscribed on the top surface of the measuring tape, and bottom measurement indicia on the bottom surface of the measuring tape, wherein the location of the housing opening is such that the housing can be held in close proximity to an overhead surface without having to bend the tape to move the housing away from the overhead surface

Abstract: A tape rule with an automatic blade extension mechanism in which the internal ruler blade reel is not equipped with a center-wound, spiral retraction spring. The torsion developed by winding the steel ruler blade around the reel is of sufficient magnitude such that when the ruler blade is released, it automatically extends to facilitate taking measurements. As such, the present invention is of higher industrial and practical value.

Abstract: An endpiece for attachment at the end of a tape measure tape. A cross curvature tape measure supports its own weight when it is extended horizontally and is held in an upright position. A perpendicular hook at the end of the tape measure tape can be used to secure the end of the tape measure tape to an edge of an object. A hook that extends above the curved surface of the tape measure tape allows measurements to be secured from below an object while maintaining the upright and self supporting position of the tape. An adhering or magnetic means attached at the end of the tape measure tape further assists in allowing measurements to be taken without causing the incidental collapse of the tape measure tape. Such an endpiece may be removably attached, and may be adapted to fit on existing tape measures.

Abstract: A device attached to the tag end of a retractable measuring tape extends the range of measurement achievable, increases the ease of operation of the measuring tape over rough surfaces and betters the operator's safety of measuring elevated or angled surfaces. The measuring tape aid contains two wheels on an inner axle. The outer channels, one fixed and one moveable, each contain one half of the clamping device that will attach to the retractable measuring tape. The moveable half of the clamping device is held in place via an internal compression spring. The use of this device permits tradesmen and do-it-yourselfers the ability to extend the range of operation of most brands of retractable metal tape measures.

Abstract: A measuring tape comprises an elongated blade of a plastic material reinforced by a transverse array of longitudinally extending continuous filaments. The array of continuous filaments includes grouped carbon filaments of a volume constituting 0 to 90% of the total volume of filaments, steel filaments of a volume constituting 0 to 90% of the total volume of filaments and fiberglass filaments of a volume constituting 0 to 90% of the total volume of filaments.

Abstract: An improved brake structure of a tape measure mainly includes a pair of corresponding slide slots which are set at the inner side of one side of the upper housing and the lower housing of a tape measure, a pair of lodging troughs extended from the end portion, which are near the outlet of the tape, of the sliding slots, a pair of slide ways at both sides of the control part combined in slide slots to slide in the slide slots, a slide piece extended from the front end portion of the control part, a pair of lodging blocks extended from both sides of the center of the slide piece, and an inset hole set at the front end of the slide piece. The lodging blocks are hold to the upper edge of the lodging troughs. Below the slide slots of the enclosure, a position pair of columns is set at one side to be combined with a brake part. A guide piece of the brake part is inset into the inset hole at the front end of the slide piece.

Abstract: An improved tape rule blade that provides a cross-sectionally concavo-convex tape rule blade having a plurality of gradually varying sections of radii and angles of curvature to effectively increase the total extended length of the tape rule blade and thereby maximize single operator, fully drawn tape rule measurement span. As such, the tape rule blade structure of the present invention enhances tape rule utility and, furthermore, offers additional industrial practical value.

Abstract: A measuring system comprises a flexible tape fabricated of an essentially inextensible material with a short leading edge and a short parallel trailing edge, long parallel side edges, a front face and a rear face. An attachment member is secured to the tape adjacent to the leading edge and adapted to be releasably secured to an object to be measured whereby the remainder of the tape may be wrapped around the object for determining an approximate diameter. Indicia on the front face includes equally spaced major markings, equally spaced minor markings at every tenth between the major markings, and miniature markings between the minor markings.

Abstract: A tape measure is described that is easy to handle, and capable of applying a brake on a winding drum and locking a measurement tape in an unwound condition by manipulation of a single flexible operating member (7) having a knob (4) thereon. A lock element (8) is provided on a forward portion of the operating member (7) and a brake element (9) is provided on a rear portion thereof. In a normal condition, the measurement tape (5) is freely unwindable, and after the tape pulled out, it is rewound by a spring (not shown). When the knob (4) is in a rearward circumferential position, and the knob (4) is pressed in during rewinding, the operating member (7) is deflected to cause the brake element (9) to contact an edge of the winding drum (6), thereby retarding the rewinding of the tape (5).

Abstract: A measuring apparatus is disclosed which is used for measuring distances in a convenient and efficient manner. The measuring apparatus includes a measuring tape having a front face and a rear face defining a housing. A magnet is connected to one of the faces of the measuring tape for releasably securing the measuring tape to a ferromagnetic material. The measuring tape also includes an elongated, spring-loaded measuring member selectively extensible from the housing. The measuring apparatus further includes a retaining pouch having a base member of generally flattened configuration and having opposed planar front and rear surfaces. The pouch also includes a pocket member to receive and retain the measuring tape. The pouch further includes a mechanism for magnetically co-acting the pouch with the magnet of the measuring tape. This mechanism has at least one ferromagnetic member that is generally flat and made of metal plate which is attached to the pouch.

Abstract: A device attached to the tag end of a retractable measuring tape extends the range of measurement achievable, increases the ease of operation of the measuring tape over rough surfaces and betters the operator's safety of measuring elevated or angled surfaces. The measuring tape aid contains two wheels on an inner axle. The outer channels, one fixed and one moveable, each contain one half of the clamping device that will attach to the retractable measuring tape. The moveable half of the clamping device is held in place via an internal compression spring. The use of this device permits tradesmen and do-it-yourselfers the ability to extend the range of operation of most brands of retractable metal tape measures.

Abstract: A manual/auto dual-mode reversible measuring tape includes a tape marked with marks for measuring, the tape having a longitudinal series of tooth holes, a shaft coupled to the housing of the measuring tape by a slip joint, a gear fixedly mounted on the shaft and adapted to mesh with the tooth holes of the tape, a reversible direct current motor connected to a direct current power source and adapted to rotate the gear in moving the tape in and out of the housing of the measuring tape, a manual/auto control switch controlled to move the shaft between a first position where the gear is forced into engagement with the tooth holes of the tape for enabling the tape to be automatically moved in and out of the housing of the measuring tape upon rotation of the reversible direct current motor, and a second position where the gear is disengaged from the tooth holes of the tape for enabling the tape to be moved in and out of the housing of the measuring tape by hand, and switch means, which controls the connection of th

Abstract: A rule assembly includes a housing assembly and a reel rotatably mounted in the housing assembly. An elongated blade formed of a ribbon of metal having one end connected to the reel is constructed and arranged with respect to the housing assembly to extend from a position tangential to the reel outwardly through a spaced opening in the housing assembly in a normal concavo-convex cross-sectional configuration and to wind onto the reel in an abutting volute coil formation in a flattened cross-sectional configuration. The blade has an end hook member on the free end thereof. The end hook member is formed of sheet metal of a predetermined thickness to include a concavo-convex mounting portion having a U-shaped hook portion bent at a generally right angle from an end thereof.

Abstract: An endpiece for attachment at the end of a tape measure tape. A cross curvature tape measure supports its own weight when it is extended horizontally and is held in an upright position. A perpendicular hook at the end of the tape measure tape can be used to secure the end of the tape measure tape to an edge of an object. A hook that extends above the curved surface of the tape measure tape allows measurements to be secured from below an object while maintaining the upright and self supporting position of the tape. An adhering or magnetic means attached at the end of the tape measure tape further assists in allowing measurements to be taken without causing the incidental collapse of the tape measure tape. Such an endpiece may be removably attached, and may be adapted to fit on existing tape measures.

Abstract: The invention is a depth gauge having standard components and improved in that a flexible shaft is mated to the tip. A probe is attached to the shaft. The flexible shaft allows for full angular adjustment for various directional approaches to the hole. The tip of the probe can be formed into a shape that conforms with a mating part through which the hole is measured. The probe is manufactured from a superelastic nickel titanium <<NITINOL>> alloy which has greater flexibility and elasticity than typical spring steels so that it doesn't permanently deform when the flexible shaft is bent. The nickel titanium probe also extends from the tip of the shaft in a direction perpendicular to the tip so it extends straight into the hole being measured even when the guide is off axis. The nickel titanium probe can be attached in several different ways to the depth gauge. For example, a setscrew could be used or a crimp.

Abstract: An articulated anchor for measuring tapes has a planar base having opposite parallel first and second planar surfaces. A releasable adhesive pad is secured to a first planar surface for releasably adhering planar base portion to a surface of an object to be measured. A spherical ball is mounted on the second planar surface so as to extend outwardly therefrom. A ball joint housing is rotatably mounted over the ball so as to form a ball joint which may be articulated in both horizontal and vertical planes. The ball joint housing may be advantageously a rectangular solid having a ball receiving cavity formed in a lower surface and, oppositely disposed on an upper surface a slot for mating of the pull tab therein. The ball receiving cavity may include opposed facing spherical segments or dimples for retaining the ball therebetween.

Abstract: An electronic tape rule comprising a housing, in which reside a steel tape that can be extended from the housing, a reading system that measures the extent of tape extension, and a sound play circuit that gives a read-out of the result of measurement. When the steel tape is extended from the housing, the reading system measures the extent of tape extension and passes this information to the sound play circuit to report the result of measurement for the convenience of users, especially when the measurement is operated in a dark environment.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a retractable rule assembly that includes a housing assembly and a reel rotatably mounted in the housing assembly. An elongated blade formed of a ribbon of metal is mounted on the reel. One end of the blade is connected to the reel. The blade is constructed and arranged with respect to the housing assembly to extend from a position tangential to the reel outwardly through a spaced opening in the housing assembly. A coil spring that is formed of a ribbon of metal has a construction and arrangement between the housing assembly and the reel to rotate the reel in the housing assembly in a direction to wind the elongated blade about the reel when the blade is extending outwardly of the housing assembly opening. The blade has a “normal” concavo-convex cross-sectional configuration when extended and has a flat cross-sectional configuration when it is wound about the reel so that the wound reel is disposed about the reel in an abutting volute coil formation.

Abstract: An end hook of a tape measure for permitting hooking of the tape measure to variously oriented objects while maintaining a readable orientation of the measuring tape. The end hook of the tape measure includes an end hook coupled to a tape measure, the end hook having an outer perimeter edge that protrudes orthogonally outward from all sides of the end of the measuring tape of the tape measure. In an embodiment, the end hook generally includes a disk shaped main member having a circular outer perimeter edge and a plurality of slots extending through the main member. In an embodiment, the end hook is designed for attachment to an existing tape measure.

Abstract: A sole-tape for use in fitting lie-angle of an iron-type golf club to an individual golfer, comprising a strip of thin, adhesive backed tape having dimensions generally corresponding to the area of the sole of an iron-type golf club head, the tape having sufficient integrity and the adhesive having sufficient adhesive strength to withstand and maintain the sole-tape on the sole of a club head throughout at least one impact with a surface upon which a golf ball may rest, the tape having thereon gradation or graduation lines each extending from a longitudinal edge of the tape, the gradation lines curving concavely away from the end of said sole-tape corresponding to the toe of the golf club, with spacing between adjacent gradation lines corresponding to a correlated amount of lie-angle correction, and a location marking for alignment of the sole tape with a certain feature on a golf club head.

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting a movement of a first portion of a structure relative to a second portion of the structure is disclosed. The sensor system has a flexible retractable member having a first end pivotably attached to one of the first portion of the structure and the second portion of the structure and a second end driven by the other of the first portion of the structure and the second portion of the structure. The flexible retractable member is wound and unwound about the pivotal attachment upon relative movement of the first end with respect to the second end. Further, the flexible retractable member has at least one activation portion and at least one deactivation portion. The sensor system further includes a sensor for detecting the at least one activation portion and the at least one deactivation portion for determining at least one position of the second portion relative to the first portion of the structure.

Abstract: A coilable rule assembly having an increased standout in which an intermediate blade portion, which includes the normal breakpoint for a rule blade of the width, thickness, cross-sectional configuration, and material of the free end blade portion thereof and at least the increase in the standout contemplated, has a modified cross-sectional configuration with respect to the free end blade portion which is constructed and arranged to provide a greater resistance to bending into a flattened condition in the direction of the convex side thereof than the free end blade portion so as to increase the standout of the rule blade while allowing progressive movement into a flattened condition in the direction of the concave side during winding of the rule blade into the coiled state. The intermediate blade portion is formed with a rib structure extending longitudinally therein when in an uncoiled state which resists bending in the concave direction.

Abstract: A flexible rule rewinding device comprised of a front cover plate, a rear cover plate, a winding shaft, a center gear, two gears, a flexible rule reel mount, and a cover plate capable of rewinding long distance flexible rules rapidly and with little effort to thereby increase flexible rule practicality.

Abstract: A retractable rule assembly includes a housing assembly and a reel in the housing assembly. An elongated blade formed of a ribbon of metal having one end connected to the reel is able to extend outwardly through a spaced opening in the housing assembly. A coil spring is arranged within the housing so as to wind up the blade when extending from the housing. A blade holding assembly is actuatable to hold the blade outwardly of the housing assembly opening and to release the blade from any position in which it is held. A relatively short free end portion of the blade has a film of plastic material adhered to a convex or a concave side thereof. The clear film of plastic material protects the covered portion of the blade from cracking or tearing and protects any indicia on the end of the blade from wear.

Abstract: A retractable tape measure having a flexible tape biased in a coiled position, and a housing sized to contain the flexible tape. The housing includes an opening through which a first end of the flexible tape extends, and a slot for positioning a locking mechanism. A tape biasing member operatively connects to the flexible tape to bias it in a retracted position. The locking mechanism controls the extension and retraction of the flexible tape from the housing. The mechanism includes a locking lever having a grip arm extending through the slot and a lock arm for contacting the flexible tape. A pin extends through the locking lever making the locking lever pivotable between an open position in which the flexible tape can move freely through the opening, a maintain position in which the flexible tape only exits freely through the opening, and a locked position to prevent the tape from moving relative to the opening. A lock biasing member biases the locking lever towards the locked position.

Abstract: A measuring cable travel sensor includes a housing accommodating a rotatable cable drum for winding a measuring cable on to and off same, and a spring for urging the cable drum in the winding-on direction. A rotary angle sensor is operatively associated with the cable drum. The housing at least partially includes a straight profile portion which is of uniform cross-section in its longitudinal direction. The spring can also be disposed in a spring casing portion substantially including a straight profile portion of uniform cross-section in its longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A tape measure comprising a housing having a rubber base and flexible tape coiled up inside, and a top section having a level. The flexible tape is marked with linear measurement scales on the top and bottom. A horizontal slit runs lengthwise along the flexible measuring tape. An inverted pull tab having a “C” shape attaches to the end of the flexible tape. Two vertical slits extend outward from the horizontal slit near the end of the flexible tape. The top section connects to the housing at a center joint, allowing the top section to lock into set angular positions. Alternative embodiments have a fixed top section with multiple levels and/or a rubber base comprising a rubber roller mechanism.

Abstract: A retractable rule assembly includes a housing assembly and a reel rotatably mounted in the housing assembly. An elongated blade formed of a ribbon of metal having one end connected to the reel is constructed and arranged with respect to the housing assembly to extend from a position tangential to the reel outwardly through a spaced opening in the housing assembly. A coil spring formed of a ribbon of metal has a construction and arrangement between the housing assembly and the reel to rotate the reel in the housing assembly in a direction to wind up the elongated blade when extending outwardly of the housing assembly opening in a normal concavo-convex cross-sectional configuration onto the reel in an abutting volute coil formation in a flattened cross-sectional configuration. A blade holding assembly is constructed and arranged to be manually actuated to hold the blade in any position of extension outwardly of the housing assembly opening and to release the blade from any position in which it is held.

Abstract: A tape measure having a quick rewinding mechanism comprises a gear assembly including a first drive gear, a second driven gear, and an idler gear set having a first, a second, a third, and a fourth idler gears each meshed with the first drive gear wherein the idler gears are equally spaced around the first drive gear for uniformly distributing a generated force to the idler gears while rewinding the tape measure device.

Abstract: A system for holding the end tab of a retractable tape while the user swings measured arcs on the floor including a holder body having a pivot point fixed with respect to the floor and a spaced slot for receiving the tape end tab. The configuration of the holder body and slot is such that, after the holder body is fixed to the floor, the user can extend the end of the tape, and hook it to the body while standing erect and without manipulating the holder body.

Abstract: A hand-held measuring device including a case and flexible steel spring-biased measuring tape wound about an annular reel fitted within a circular housing within the case, a single battery-powered motor having an output shaft, a driving wheel fixedly mounted on the output shaft of the motor for directly engaging the surface of the tape and thereby pushing the tape out of the case, a first switch mounted on the case for controlling the motor, a pull rod connected to the drive wheel, and a second switch mounted on the case and connected to the pull rod for disengaging the driving wheel from the tape surface.