Abstract: A method of producing a measuring tape may include providing a cupped blade with substantially uniform cupping over a longitudinal length of the cupped blade, applying a stress relief operation to a selected portion of only a convex side of the cupped blade to increase curvature of the cupped blade in the selected portion of the cupped blade where the stress relief operation includes bead blasting the selected portion via a dual nozzle shot peening assembly to define a combined bead blast area that is substantially centered with respect to a longitudinal centerline of the blade, and operably coupling the cupped blade to a reel assembly and providing the cupped blade and reel assembly within a housing to define the measuring tape device.

Abstract: A tape measure, including a tape measure blade having a cross-sectional profile to increase standout is provided. The profile has a curved shape that increases standout. The tape blade may have a flat width greater than or equal to 29 mm and less than 32 mm.

Abstract: A tool, such as a tape measure, including a spring-based retraction system is shown. The spring-based retraction system is driven by a spiral spring, that has a variable preformed stress profile along the length of the spring.

Abstract: A measuring tape of the type including a housing enclosing a coil of a resilient rule tape uncoilable to a substantially straight orientation. The housing has first and second sidewalls joined by surrounding walls extending substantially parallel to the coil axis and defining a rule-egress-ingress opening with a rule-tape free end extending therefrom. The inventive measuring tape includes a spool holding the coil of the rule tape wound thereabout and secured to a spool-supporting wall portion of the housing such that the coiled rule-tape coil is entirely removable from the housing. The rule tape has first and second sides and extends for a length which includes a break region spaced from a free end of the uncoiled rule tape. The break region includes a plurality of discrete elongate depressions spaced from one another lengthwise along the rule-tape length.

Abstract: A combination of a retractable tape measure assembly with folding front section (s) 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 and pivoting front section (s) made of same metal has a construction and arrangement between the housing assembly and the reel and at the pivot points to rotate the reel in the housing assembly smoothly in a direction to wind up the elongated blade when extending outwardly of the housing assembly opening in a normal concavo-convex cross-section configuration onto the reel. A blade holding assembly is constructed and arranged to be manually actuated to hold the blade in any position of extension.

Abstract: A new and improved tape rule that increases stiffness and standout length over standard tape rules is disclosed. The tape rule includes a primary rule and a secondary rule, the secondary rule providing increased strength. This invention can provide a variety of benefits, including increased blade flexibility while performing short extension related tasks, increased standout and reduced sag while performing tasks requiring longer extensions, reduced size and weight for tasks requiring the longest extensions and adds the ability to utilize alternate measurement methods or units and built in computational references.

Abstract: A measuring device is provided that may be selectively configured between an extended condition and a collapsed condition. The device includes a first member, second member, flexible housing, and securing means. Each member has a proximal end, distal end, and convex surface. The convex surfaces are flexible such that the members may bend about a bending axis of the device and resilient such that the convex surfaces are biased toward their stable convex shape and the device is biased toward the extended condition. The first and the second members are disposed within the flexible housing to form a covered pair having a proximal end and a distal end. The apex of the convex surface of the first member is opposite the apex of the convex surface of the second member when the members are disposed within the flexible housing. The securing means secures the measuring device in the collapsed condition.

Abstract: A compact tape measure is described that includes novel and useful features that allow a spring retractable tape measure to occupy a compact space. Specifically, the tape measure of the invention configures at least one flat coil return spring to be located alongside, and not in the same plane as, a flat coiled tape measure blade, thereby permitting a reduction in the dimension of the tape measure taken along a diameter of the coiled tape blade, and at the same time expanding the width of the tape measure to provide a tape measure with more compact characteristics than tape measures that are elongate and narrow.

Abstract: A new and improved tape rule that increases stiffness and standout length over standard tape rules is disclosed. The tape rule includes a primary rule and a secondary rule, the secondary rule providing increased strength. This invention can provide a variety of benefits, including increased blade flexibility while performing short extension related tasks, increased standout and reduced sag while performing tasks requiring longer extensions, reduced size and weight for tasks requiring the longest extensions and adds the ability to utilize alternate measurement methods or units and built in computational references.

Abstract: A new and improved tape rule that increases stiffness and standout length over standard tape rules is disclosed. The tape rule includes a primary rule and a secondary rule, the secondary rule providing increased strength. This invention can provide a variety of benefits, including increased blade flexibility while performing short extension related tasks, increased standout and reduced sag while performing tasks requiring longer extensions, reduced size and weight for tasks requiring the longest extensions and adds the ability to utilize alternate measurement methods or units and built in computational references.

Abstract: A measuring device is provided that may be selectively configured between an extended condition and a collapsed condition. The device includes a first member, second member, flexible housing, and securing means. Each member has a proximal end, distal end, and convex surface. The convex surfaces are flexible such that the members may bend about a bending axis of the device and resilient such that the convex surfaces are biased toward their stable convex shape and the device is biased toward the extended condition. The first and the second members are disposed within the flexible housing to form a covered pair having a proximal end and a distal end. The apex of the convex surface of the first member is opposite the apex of the convex surface of the second member when the members are disposed within the flexible housing. The securing means secures the measuring device in the collapsed condition.

Abstract: A measuring device including an elongate member that defines a first surface and a first end, and a measuring pattern on the first surface, the measuring pattern including a plurality of one inch blocks positioned adjacent each other, each of the one inch blocks centered on a whole inch number as measured from the first end of the elongate member, the measuring pattern including an absence of measuring lines within each of the plurality of the one inch blocks.

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 includes a reel, a tape that is wound on the reel and that can be reeled out, and a hook attached to a free end of the tape. The tape includes a concave-convex shape when it is reeled out. The concave-convex shape includes a height and a width and provides rigidity for the standout length. The tape includes a flat shape when it is wound on the reel. The flat shape includes a flattened width. The maximum standout length is not larger than 100 times of the flattened width or the flatness is not larger than one fourth of the flattened width. Thus, the tape can easily be wound and flattened on the reel and will not be deformed because of change in stress when it is retroflexed or wound.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a reel, a tape that is wound on the reel and can be reeled out, a hook attached to a free end of the tape. The tape includes a concave-convex shape when it is reeled out. The concave-convex shape comprises a height and a width, and provides rigidity for the standout length. The tape includes a flat shape when it is wound on the reel. The flat shape includes a flattened width. The maximum standout length is not larger than 100 times of the flattened width or the flatness is not larger than one fourth of the flattened width. Thus, the tape can easily be wound and flattened on the reel, and will not be deformed because of change in stress when it is retroflexed or wound.

Abstract: A tape measure device has an elongated blade with a central concave-convex segment with at least one planar segment adjoining edgewise the central concave-convex segment to form a junction that extends substantially along the entire length of the elongated blade. During formation of the blade the junction is annealed to avoid formation of a flaw or incipient fracture along the junction.

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 strengthened blade tape measure includes a tape casing, a retraction unit, and a ruler blade, having an inner end attached to the retraction unit and an outer end stopped at a guiding opening of the tape casing, adapted to slidably fold between a storage position and a measuring position. In which, at the storage position, the ruler blade is retracted to receive in the tape casing in a coil flattened configuration manner via the retraction unit, and at the measuring portion, the outer end of the ruler blade is slidably pulled to extend the ruler blade in a concave-convex configuration out of the tape casing through the guider opening, wherein the ruler blade is capable of standing out from the tape casing with a measuring length at least 10 feet in a self-sustaining manner so as to prevent the ruler blade from buckling by its own weight.

Abstract: A tape measure device has an elongated blade with a central concave-convex segment with at least one planar segment adjoining edgewise the central concave-convex segment to form a junction that extends substantially along the entire length of the elongated blade. During formation of the blade the junction is annealed to avoid formation of a flaw or incipient fracture along the junction.

Abstract: A retractable rule assembly including a housing and reel rotatably mounted in the housing and having an elongated blade formed from ribbons of metal. One end of the blade is connected to the reel and extends from a position tangential to the reel outwardly through a spaced opening in the housing assembly. When retracted within the housing assembly, the blade is in the form of an abutting volute coil. The blade is configured through the use of first and second ribbons connected to one another to provide improved standout characteristics and increased torsional rigidity as compared to conventional blades currently available.

Abstract: A measuring and layout device having a stationary member having a flat surface adapted to be marked on and an angle and distance device rotatably coupled to the stationary member. The angle and distance device includes a longitudinally and laterally rigid extendable tape that can be extended from a central point and that has an edge that facilitates reliably marking on the stationary member to form an accurate template as the angle and distance device is rotated and the tape is extended and retracted to critical features of an area.

Abstract: A strengthened blade tape measure includes a tape casing, a retraction unit, and a ruler blade, having an inner end attached to the retraction unit and an outer end stopped at a guiding opening of the tape casing, adapted to slidably fold between a storage position and a measuring position. In which, at the storage position, the ruler blade is retracted to receive in the tape casing in a coil flattened configuration manner via the retraction unit, and at the measuring portion, the outer end of the ruler blade is slidably pulled to extend the ruler blade in a concave-convex configuration out of the tape casing through the guider opening, wherein the ruler blade is capable of standing out from the tape casing with a measuring length at least 10 feet in a self-sustaining manner so as to prevent the ruler blade from buckling by its own weight.

Abstract: A strengthened blade tape measure includes a tape casing, a retraction unit, and a ruler blade, having an inner end attached to the retraction unit and an outer end stopped at a guiding opening of the tape casing, adapted to slidably fold between a storage position and a measuring position. In which, at the storage position, the ruler blade is retracted to receive in the tape casing in a coil flattened configuration manner via the retraction unit, and at the measuring portion, the outer end of the ruler blade is slidably pulled to extend the ruler blade in a concave-convex configuration out of the tape casing through the guider opening, wherein the ruler blade is capable of standing out from the tape casing with a measuring length at least 10 feet in a self-sustaining manner so as to prevent the ruler blade from buckling by its own weight.

Abstract: A strengthened blade tape measure includes a tape casing, a retraction unit, and a ruler blade, having an inner end attached to the retraction unit and an outer end stopped at a guiding opening of the tape casing, adapted to slidably fold between a storage position and a measuring position. In which, at the storage position, the ruler blade is retracted to receive in the tape casing in a coil flattened configuration manner via the retraction unit, and at the measuring portion, the outer end of the ruler blade is slidably pulled to extend the ruler blade in a concave-convex configuration out of the tape casing through the guider opening, wherein the ruler blade is capable of standing out from the tape casing with a measuring length at least 10 feet in a self-sustaining manner so as to prevent the ruler blade from buckling by its own weight.

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: An improved retractable tape measure has, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the features of a standard measure, including a housing with front and rear sides, a boundary edge and a tape opening, a retractable measuring tape positioned within this housing, with the tape having a free end that extends through the housing's opening, plus the improvements yielded by: (a) configuring the housing sides to be tear-drop shaped with a tip end, and (b) locating the tape opening in a portion of the boundary edge proximate the tape's tip end.

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: 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: 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: 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 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: The present invention provides a retractable measuring tape having a blade with increased strength at the outer end of the blade. The measuring tape includes a housing for holding a retractable blade and a aperture through which the retractable blade extends. The retractable blade has an inner end affixed within the housing and an outer end having an attachment to prevent the outer end of said blade from entering the housing. The outer end of said blade member including a reinforcement material. The reinforcing materials include thermoplastic polymers, thermosetting polymers and metals. A preferred class of reinforcing materials are thermoplastic polymers such as: polyamides like nylons and aramids; polyesters like poly(ethylene terephthalate); acrylics; polycarbonates; polystyrenes; polysulfones and poly(vinyl chlorides). Another class of reinforcing materials includes thermosetting polymers: such as phenolics; epoxies; polyurethanes; and silicones.

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 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 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 height measuring instrument includes a measuring box having a right-angled plate; a measuring tape having a scale and a space to record measured data, the measuring tape wounded onto means for winding within the measuring box when in a stored mode, being extended an optional length when in an operative mode; winding means provided within the measuring box and attached to one end portion of the measuring tape so as to wind the measuring tape by handling from the outside; means for marking the measured data on the measuring tape, the marking means being included: a measuring member formed in the shape of a plate and installed into the measuring box such that the measuring member can prevent to loosen and slide the measuring tape in an operative mode by a tension on the measuring tape when in fitting of a length of the measuring tape; a through hole formed on the measuring member and allowing writing goods to pass through therein order to record a mark on the measuring tape; a hole punch having a spring provid

Abstract: A marking tape having a plain paper body. The body is dimensionally stable and rippable, with the paper being flexible, but stiff enough to retain a fold therein. The tape has a first surface with a plurality of relative measurement markings and a second surface with an adhesive applied thereto. The first surface is also treated with a release agent, to permit the adhesive layer to release from said first surface when formed into a roll. A longitudinal bending feature is provided, in the form of a score or razor cut which facilitates placement of the marking tape onto a material to be marked.

Abstract: A marking tape having a plain paper body. The body is dimensionally stable and rippable, with the paper being flexible, but stiff enough to retain a fold therein. The tape has a first surface with a plurality of relative measurement markings and a second surface with an adhesive applied thereto. The first surface is also treated with a release agent, to permit the adhesive layer to release from said first surface when formed into a roll. A longitudinal bending feature is provided, in the form of a score or razor cut which facilitates placement of the marking tape onto a material to be marked.

Abstract: A method of measuring a length of a conduit comprises the steps of: supplying air into a conduit to insert a filamentary body into the conduit by flow of the air; detecting arrival of a forward end of the filamentary body at an outlet of the conduit; and measuring the length of the conduit from the length of the filamentary body inserted into the conduit. An apparatus for measuring a length of a conduit, comprises an air supply device for supplying air into the conduit; a filamentary body including a wire and a plurality of elastic large-diameter members attached to the wire; and a device for detecting that a forward end of the filamentary body arrives at an outlet end of the conduit, where the length of the conduit is measured from the length of the filamentary body inserted into the conduit.

Abstract: A method of measuring a length of a conduit comprises the steps of: supplying air into a conduit to insert a filamentary body into the conduit by flow of the air; detecting arrival of a forward end of the filamentary body at an outlet of the conduit; and measuring the length of the conduit from the length of the filamentary body inserted into the conduit. An apparatus for measuring a length of a conduit, comprises an air supply device for supplying air into the conduit; a filamentary body including a wire and a plurality of elastic large-diameter members attached to the wire; and a device for detecting that a forward end of the filamentary body arrives at an outlet end of the conduit, where the length of the conduit is measured from the length of the filamentary body inserted into the conduit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retainer designed to fit on the end of a flexible tape of the extendable and retractable type that can be housed within a housing. The retainer in a preferred embodiment assumes a cap-like configuration and includes a back with a surrounding retainer ring. Formed in the back is a slit through which an L-shape end that extends from the remote end of the flexible tape can be projected therethrough such that when mounted on the tape the back of the retainer lies adjacent a turned-down catch that forms a part of the L-shaped end of the flexible tape. Thus, the retainer is adapted to receive, hold and retain the end of a member (such as a piece of shoe mold) to be measured.

Abstract: A measurement device which includes a band of flexible material having measurement indicia and a zero reference marked thereon. The band is fixedly positioned on a surface on which the measurement is to be made so that at least a portion of the band and the zero reference are exposed. The band is arranged so that it can be moved so that the zero reference corresponds to a measurement reference point on the surface from which a measurement is to be made.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an extendable tape measure made of polypropylene plastic has upper and lower elongated tapes having elongated sides integrally permanently connected by upright integral permanent flanges forming a squared tube of which the upper surface of the upper tape has length-indicating indicia arranged along the longitudinal axis thereof. The flanges are uprightly rigid lending support against downward bending of extended portions of the tape measure but sufficiently resilient as to be bendable at squared corners of junction with the upper and lower tapes when subjected to reforming pressure by a retraction first port in a forward face of a retraction-storage casing, to flatten the squared tubular shape to a flattened windable state during retraction. An upper inner end of one flange is enalrged and forms a first slot between that upper inner end relative to and in juxtaposition to the upper elongated tape.

Abstract: A spring powered coilable rule has a coilable metal tape with a tape hook at the end thereof. The tape hook has an elongated body portion extending along the surface of the tape a length greater than the width of the tape and a depending leg portion which has an upper end dimensioned and configured to overlie the outer edge of the tape in its uncoiled state. The body portion tapers in width from the leg portion to a reduced width, and at least three rivets are spaced axially along the length of the body portion to secure the tape hook to the tape.

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.