Abstract: A tool, such as a tape measure, including a spring-based retraction system is shown. Various spring-based retraction system embodiments are configured to decrease the size occupied by the spring within the tape measure housing, which consequently reduces tape measure housing size providing a more compact tape measure. Various spring-based retraction system embodiments are configured to control retraction of the tape measure in a manner that reduces whip or otherwise controls tape blade retraction. Some retraction system embodiments utilize a reduction gear train, and others utilize a compression spring and a transmission system that converts rotational movement of the tape reel to axial movement, which compresses the spring.

Abstract: A tape measure including an elongate tape blade is shown. The tape measure includes a relatively short protective polymer film coupled to an end of the tape blade adjacent to the hook end of the tape blade.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to a roller tape measure comprising a housing and a flexible measuring tape that is in operative connection with the housing and that includes scale indicia on a surface thereof. The measuring tape extends within an interior area of the housing and includes a length portion that is selectively variably extendable and retractable from the housing interior area. The housing includes a hook in operative connection therewith that is movable between an extended position and a retracted position independently of extension and retraction of the measuring tape. The hook includes a hook bend portion with a measuring edge that extends perpendicular the measuring tape surface to facilitate reading of the scale indicia for measurement. In the extended position of the hook, the hook is configured to engage an article of flexible material to enable a portion of the article to be stretched for measurement.

Abstract: Interface strips for structural framing and related framing methods are disclosed. The interface strips comprise at least one thin, elongate pliable and malleable mesh layer, and at least one thin, elongate resilient and compressible outer layer extending over at least one face of the mesh layer. The at least one pliable and malleable mesh is configured to maintain a three-dimensional shape of the interface strip, and at least one face of the interface strip includes a plurality of spaced visual framing location indications. The framing methods include coupling the interface strip over the top and bottom framing plates, and cutting the interface strip along a length of the interface strip that is substantially aligned with an interface of the top and bottom framing plates to form first and second interface strip portions coupled to the top and bottom plates, respectively, each including portions of the visual framing location indications.

Abstract: A coupling device for connecting first and second chalk lines includes a generally planar body portion having a first end, a second end and opposed sides edges, an aperture formed in the body portion adjacent to the first end for attaching a free end of a first chalk line to the coupling device, and a spring hook connected to a first of the opposed side edges and being configured to receive a second chalk line.

Abstract: A power tool attachment saw according to the invention is provide and includes a body plate, a connector section and a plurality of cutting walls. The body plate is a planar body and the connector section positioned on one side of the planar body and adapted for attachment to an oscillating power tool. The plurality of cutting walls are positioned orthogonal to and extend from exterior edges of the planar body to form a material receiving space. The plurality of cutting walls provide a uniform cutting edge about the material receiving space.

Abstract: A tape measure including a reinforced or coated tape measure blade is provided. The coating is thicker than the metal inner layer of the tape blade. The coating provides a reinforced tape blade such that elongate tape blade may have a pinch load threshold of greater than 50 lbs. and/or a pinch height at break of less than 1.5 mm. A hook assembly may also provide for reduced stress at the end of the tape blade.

Abstract: A flexible painter's string with pressure sensitive adhesive is provided. The painter's string provides edging for non-linear surfaces and provides a three-dimensional painting guide.

Abstract: A measuring tape assembly includes a tape retractably received in a case. The tape has an end hook connected to the first end thereof, and the end hook is located outside of the case. The end hook includes a first face and a second face which is located opposite to the first face. The first face includes multiple grooves which are straight grooves. The first face has first sand portion attached thereon so as to form a first friction face on the first face. The first face faces the case so as to contact an object. The second face has second sand portion attached thereon so as to form a second friction face on the second face. The first and second sand portions provide proper friction so that the end hook does not slip away from the object to be in contact with.

Abstract: Finger guard assemblies and methods of manufacturing finger guard assemblies are provided. The finger guard assembly includes a finger guard housing and a finger guard component including a shroud portion and an engagement arm slidably coupled to the finger guard housing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a blocking member for the tape end, which comprises a connecting part that extends horizontally and connects with the tape end and a lower blocking member which extends downward from the connecting part, wherein the blocking member further comprises a hook extending upward from the connecting part in order to perform length measurement conveniently for pipelines, wire cables and objects in vertical. The blocking member of the present invention is more stable than a plane hook, when in use, especially measuring a relatively long object, it is more difficult to be taken off, and it is of low cost and does not affect the tapeline assembling. The present invention also provides a tapeline with the aforementioned blocking member.

Abstract: An improved chalk line and chalk line hook that eliminates the marking errors of prior art chalk line hooks is claimed and described. The improved chalk line hook comprises a gripping hook, line attachment loop rotatably attached to a surface of the gripping hook, and rotating attachment means which may be a pivot pin. The axis of rotation of the line attachment loop is disposed directly over the securing edge of the gripping hook, eliminating the offset suffered by prior art chalk line hooks. The invention may further comprise a container able to contain powdered chalk and having an aperture for the line to pass through, a rotating reel for dispensing and retrieving chalk line, and line passing through the container aperture and attached to a chalk line hook of the invention. The invention may further comprise a magnet disposed on a surface of the gripping hook.

Abstract: A tape scale application jig includes a frame having a U-shaped cross section; a scale holder that is disposed inside the frame and to which a tape scale is temporarily attached; a handle that is disposed outside the frame and that is connected to the scale holder via a through-hole formed in a web portion of the frame; a spring that is provided so as to separate the handle and the web portion from each other; and a positioning reference disposed on at least one of two flange portions of the frame.

Abstract: An improved tape measure apparatus which includes a catch that is both slidable and rotatable relative to the rule blade in a plane which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rule blade when the rule blade is extended from the tape casing. In one embodiment the catch can both rotate and slide relative to the rule blade when frictional forces exceed a predefined minimum or are within a predefined range.

Abstract: A method of machining holes on a metal plate contains steps of: providing a metal plate and an auxiliary working sheet; contacting the auxiliary working sheet with a first face of a drilling area; drilling a hole on the auxiliary working sheet and the drilling area; and removing the auxiliary working sheet from the drilling area. The metal plate includes the drilling area, and the drilling area has the first face and a second face opposite to the first face, a hardness value of the auxiliary working sheet is 0.7 times more than the metal plate, and a rotating speed of a driller is more than 8,000 rpm/min, thereby machining the hole on the metal plate smoothly and uniformly.

Abstract: A customizable adhesive toy playscape is constructed of a combination of printed adhesive playscape tape and other accessories, such as printed stickers, upstanding signs, toy vehicles, and the tape roll core that can be used by children (or adults) for creating imaginary playscape tape worlds for play, education, or other uses. The playscape tape includes any number of different types of printed indicia, such as road surfaces or natural surfaces (e.g., rocks, dirt, grass), to provide a lifelike play experience. Although the discussion of the present invention centers around construction of a playscape for toy cars, the present invention contemplates that a playscape can be reasonably constructed using playscape tape for any number of different play domains. The only necessary commonalities among these different play domains is the ability to reasonably construct them using playscape tape and relevant accessories.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rule assembly having a housing, a reel rotatably mounted in the housing, an elongated blade wound on the reel and extendable through an opening in the housing, and a permanent end hook member attached to the elongated blade with a first hook portion. The rule assembly further has another or second end hook member that is removably attachable to the elongated blade with a second hook portion. Each of the permanent end hook member and second end hook member are capable of limited movement relative to the blade between an extended position and a retracted position. The second hook portion can extend in a direction opposite to that of the first hook portion. A forward surface of the second hook portion can be aligned with a forward surface of the first hook portion to form a larger surface area for engagement with a workpiece.

Abstract: A method of machining holes on a metal plate contains steps of: providing a metal plate and an auxiliary working sheet; contacting the auxiliary working sheet with a first face of a drilling area; drilling a hole on the auxiliary working sheet and the drilling area; and removing the auxiliary working sheet from the drilling area. The metal plate includes the drilling area, and the drilling area has the first face and a second face opposite to the first face, a hardness value of the auxiliary working sheet is 0.7 times more than the metal plate, and a rotating speed of a driller is more than 8,000 rpm/min, thereby machining the hole on the metal plate smoothly and uniformly.

Abstract: An apparatus and its method of use with a conventional tape measure confirms right angles of the corners of a rectangular structure. The apparatus is a two-part tool including a tape measure tab part and a tape measure tape part. The tab part secures a tape measure tab at one corner of the rectangular structure as the tape measure tape is pulled from the tape measure housing diagonally across the structure. The tape part of the apparatus is secured to the diagonally opposite corner of the structure and is used to check the diagonal distance measurement of the tape across the structure. The process is then again performed between the other diagonally opposite corners of the structure to obtain a diagonal distance measurement across the other corners to determine if the two diagonal measurements match and confirm the right angles of the rectangular structure.

Abstract: A removable and attachable tool for attachment to a measuring tape. The tool may have a body defining a cavity which is configured to receive the measuring tape. A cap may be hingedly attached to the body to secure the measuring tape in the cavity. The tool may have a mount, such as a tacky outer surface, for example, for temporarily affixing the tool to a workpiece. The tool may have a cavity for receiving a rigid member. The tool permits unassisted measuring using a measuring tape.

Abstract: A chalk line apparatus having a line and spool and a releasable end. The releasable end comprises a hook member having a rod member, a releasable member pivotally attached to the rod member and a spring positioned to bias the releasing member against the hook member. The releasing member has an attachment location for the line. Additionally, the spring is sized and shaped to allow rotation of the releasing member about the rod member and relative to the hook member upon a force exerted at the attachment location from the line.

Abstract: A builder's layout tape with nail template that includes a measuring blade retractably extensible from within a circular housing wherein a plurality of holes are rendered at specific lengths along the measuring blade, each of said holes configured to receive a fastener therethrough, wherein the measuring blade may be secured to a desired position along a workpiece whereby specific relative distances are readily ascertained without the need of relaying or repeatedly resetting the measuring blade.

Abstract: A tape-measure device having elements for measuring and/or marking/cutting an object, includes a tape, a shell (3) with a reel, an opening (5) enabling the tape (2) to pass through the shell wall, an end piece (6) attached to the distal end of the tape, a stop button (7) for the reel for blocking the tape or for enabling the rolling/unrolling of the tape. The elements include a guide shoulder (8) formed on the shell, a guide opening (9) at the end piece for the removable insertion of the end of a marking/cutting tool, and a sliding surface (60) for the end piece for translatably engaging the surface of the object to mark/cut the object using one of the surfaces thereof when the guide shoulder is simultaneously slid along an edge of the object and the end piece of the tape against the surface of the object to be marked/cut.

Abstract: A magnetic end hook for a tape measuring device is provided, the end hook comprising vertical and horizontal elements, the horizontal element of the end hook is generally perpendicular to the vertical element of the end hook, the vertical element comprising a cavity designed for receiving a magnet; and at least one magnet situated within said cavity.

Abstract: The present invention is an attachment to the end of a measuring tape. The attachment is made from one piece of material wherein all the components are continuously connected. The tape measure end piece has a rounded bottom, a straight tongue, and a pair of front round tabs. The straight tongue allows the present invention to be attached to the blade of a measuring tape via a plurality of rivet holes to the rivets situated on the blade of the measuring tape. The plurality of rivet holes allows the position of the end piece to be adjustable along the end of the tape measure. The rounded bottom of the present invention allows the present invention and the end of the measure tape to travel over uneven surfaces at a distance. The pair of front round tabs allows the present invention to be hooked onto objects at a distance during measurement.

Abstract: A measuring tape device has a hook piece consisting of a hook plate and a pulling plate to be connected into a L-shaped structure; the edges of the hook plate are formed with an U-shaped extruded holder for holding an anti-slip piece, said pulling plate has a hollow area, a magnetic base to be screwed onto the tape is put on said pulling plate with a convex bottom portion held by said hollow area and then the magnetic base is attached to the upper surface of said pulling plate, such that said pulling plate can be moved forward and backward along the bottom surface portions surround said convex portion of said magnetic base. Besides, there is a box formed on said magnetic base for safely holding a magnetic element.

Abstract: An improved tape measure apparatus which includes a catch that is both slidable and rotatable relative to the rule blade in a plane which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rule blade when the rule blade is extended from the tape casing.

Abstract: A measuring tape device has a hook piece consisting of a hook plate and a pulling plate to be connected into a L-shaped structure; the edges of the hook plate are formed with an U-shaped extruded holder for holding an anti-slip piece, said pulling plate has a hollow area, a magnetic base to be screwed onto the tape is put on said pulling plate with a convex bottom portion held by said hollow area and then the magnetic base is attached to the upper surface of said pulling plate, such that said pulling plate can be moved forward and backward along the bottom surface portions surround said convex portion of said magnetic base. Besides, there is a box formed on said magnetic base for safely holding a magnetic element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rule assembly having a housing, a reel rotatably mounted in the housing, an elongated blade arranged to be wound on the reel and to be extendable through an opening in the housing, and an end hook member having a mounting portion attached to the elongated blade and a hook portion. The end hook member is capable of limited movement relative to the blade between an extended position and a retracted position. The rule assembly has a magnet assembly removably attachable to the elongated blade. The magnet assembly has a mounting portion and a magnet. The mounting portion is configured to removably fix the magnet assembly relative to the blade such that a forward surface of the magnet is removably fixed at a position that is aligned with or approximately aligned with a forward surface of the hook portion with the end hook member in its retracted position.

Abstract: A device comprising a body, having a cavity extending therethrough from a top surface to a bottom surface, may comprise a massive core enclosed by a cover. A recessed area on the top surface adjacent the cavity extends from the cavity to a perimeter of the body. A designated edge between the cavity and the recessed area is located a predetermined distance from an opposite perimeter. A releasable fastener or clamping device may be provided at the recessed area. A top and bottom post may be coupled together in a center hole in the body, to provide a center post from which to measure. Markings may be provided on the top surface of the body for measuring at an angle from the center. Small grooves may be provided in side surfaces of the body for aligning the device with lines or markings on the floor.

Abstract: A tape measuring device with magnetic end hook is provided, the tape measuring device comprises: a housing; an extendable and retractable tape blade having opposing ends, one end of the tape blade is attached to and situated within said housing; an end hook having opposing front and rear portions, the second end of the tape blade is attached to the end hook, the rear portion of the end hook is generally perpendicular to the front portion of the end hook, the front portion of the end hook has a frontal surface and at least one cavity, and the cavity forms a protrusion on a rear surface of the front portion of the end hook, and the front portion of the end hook comprises at least two opposing side arms, the side arms are offset so that the side arms are generally parallel to the protrusion on the rear surface of the front portion of the end hook to thereby allow for accurate measurements; and at least one magnet glued within the cavity of the end hook.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rule assembly having a housing, a reel rotatably mounted in the housing, an elongated blade arranged to be wound on the reel and to be extendable through an opening in the housing, and an end hook member having a mounting portion attached to the elongated blade and a hook portion. The end hook member is capable of limited movement relative to the blade between an extended position and a retracted position. The rule assembly has a magnet assembly removably attachable to the elongated blade. The magnet assembly has a mounting portion and a magnet. The mounting portion is configured to removably fix the magnet assembly relative to the blade such that a forward surface of the magnet is removably fixed at a position that is aligned with or approximately aligned with a forward surface of the hook portion with the end hook member in its retracted position.

Abstract: A measuring device measures distances via a thin retractable wire with a removable head. Distance is calculated and displayed on a very bright, large LED or other type screen. As the wire is extended, a microprocessor calculates the distance and displays it on its screen. The digital measuring device comprises a housing, a very thin extendable wire, cable or tape, a rotating spool, (from which the wire extends then automatically retracts to), a sensor which measures the amount of wire extended, a microprocessor, a tiny flash drive or other type of memory storage, a microphone/speaker, a large (size of unit) mono or duo chromatic or other type of display screen (LED) and a few buttons and/or a menu driven interface which control functionally. A plurality of removable heads may be attached to the wire for performing different measuring functions.

Abstract: Provided is a lightweight dual purpose flashlight including a clip member coupled to a casing of the flashlight to allow the flashlight to be attached to and detached from a tape measure.

Abstract: A tape measure holder device is provided, having the ability to be positioned on a belt of a user for easy access or replacement thereof. The device comprises a base plate, a horizontal attachment shelf, two guide mounts and a belt attachment means. The belt attachment means comprises two vertical clips, or alternatively a loop adapted to fit a user belt therethrough comprising a rigid loop or a larger, flexible loop for use with a carpenter's belt. A tape measure is secured using its attachment clip, which slides over the horizontal attachment shelf between the two opposing guide mounts, securing the clip between the shelf and the base plate. To remove the tape measure, a user slides the tape measure vertically from the horizontal shelf. An offset is provided by the attachment shelf that facilitates easy removal and replacement of the tape measure during operation.

Abstract: A clamp device is provided for defining a reference for a measurement comprising: a receiving tray defining a first reference guide and a second reference guide disposed at an acute angle to said first reference guide; a wing projecting from said receiving tray and defining a reference edge which aligns with the vertex of the angle between said first and second reference guides and is orthogonal to said first reference guide; a handle projecting from said receiving tray; a second handle pivotally connected with said first handle and having a forward portion; a clamp plate pivotally mounted to said forward portion; and a biasing member which biases the handles apart so that said pivoting clamp plate is urged toward said receiving tray.

Abstract: A tape system for obtaining accurate construction layouts featuring an elongated strand with an adhesive disposed on the bottom surface, the strand is flexible to allow movement between a rolled configuration and an elongated configuration; a center line disposed in a middle of the strand running from the first end to the second end of the strand; a plurality of center markers disposed along the strand spaced a certain distance apart, the center line divides each center marker into a top portion and a bottom portion, wherein both the top portion and the bottom portion of each center marker is labeled with a first letter, a second letter, a third letter, and a fourth letter; and perforations disposed in each center marker, the perforations being perpendicular to the center line and extending from the first edge of the strand to the second edge of the strand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a measuring tool having a substantially puck-shaped body having a top surface and a bottom surface. The tool also includes an elongated slot formed in the top surface and a fastener adjacent the bottom surface. The elongated slot is adapted to receive a portion of a tape measure. The fastener is operable to secure the measuring tool to the underlying work piece. Optionally, the fastener is a magnet.

Abstract: A small multi-tool device designed to aid the performance of length measurements using measuring-tape devices is disclosed. In a typical embodiment, the multi-tool device is comprised of two substantially parallel planar support surfaces, coupled to each other at one edge, and with holes strategically disposed through the surfaces to facilitate the insertion of elongated and rigid members that lay on or otherwise engage parts of the target structure to be measured. The multi-tool device is designed to facilitate hypotenuse measurements, as well as measurements on structures where the edge to serve as an anchor point is rough, rounded, or non-existent. Further, the multi-tool device can also serve to act as a clip/clamp for various documents or the tops of bags of goods.

Abstract: A rule assembly includes a housing, a reel rotatably mounted in the housing, and an elongated blade having an end hook member on a free end thereof. The end hook member includes a mounting portion having a length dimension and a top surface area and a hook portion having a width dimension and a front surface area, where a ratio of the width dimension of the hook portion to the length dimension of the mounting portion is greater than or equal to 1, a ratio of the front surface area of the hook portion to the top surface area of the mounting portion is greater than or equal to 1.1, and at least two-thirds of the mass of the hook portion lies outside a center section that includes one third of the hook portion's width.

Abstract: A rule assembly includes a housing, a reel rotatably mounted in the housing, and an elongated blade having an end hook member on a free end thereof. The elongated blade is arranged to be wound on the reel and to be extendable through an opening in the housing. The end hook member is formed of sheet metal to include a mounting portion and a hook portion bent at a generally right angle from an end of the mounting portion. The end hook member includes a pair of generally upwardly extending side edges, a generally laterally extending lower edge, and recessed edge portions disposed at corner portions at which the upwardly extending side edges and the laterally extending lower edge intersect.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving the speed, accuracy, and economy in obtaining linear measurements during construction includes a body that includes a pair of straddle members that span across a thickness dimension of any preferred type of dimension lumber, including wood and synthetic building materials. If desired, the apparatus is designed to straddle a width, rather than a thickness, dimension. A number of receiving locations, such as edges, slots, or recesses, are provided on the apparatus that each correspond with a particular relative position, edge, mark, end, or surface of the dimension lumber. Each receiving location is able to receive and retain an end of a tape measure. An adjustable thumb member is provided that pivots around a center shaft and is adjustable longitudinally to better secure the end of the tape measure. The retaining force provided by the thumb member is adjustable.

Abstract: A tape measure having a winding drum or reel rotatably mounted on a support structure, and a measuring tape attached to the drum so as to be coilable thereon. The support structure comprises a handle that extends radially beyond an upper half of the coiled tape and a bottom edge portion that extends radially beyond a lower half of the coiled tape, the bottom edge portion comprising a hand grip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a measuring tool having a substantially puck-shaped body having a top surface and a bottom surface. The tool also includes an elongated slot formed in the top surface and a fastener adjacent the bottom surface. The elongated slot is adapted to receive a portion of a tape measure. The fastener is operable to secure the measuring tool to the underlying work piece. Optionally, the fastener is a magnet.

Abstract: A rule assembly includes a housing, a reel rotatably mounted in the housing, and an elongated blade having an end hook member on a free end thereof. The elongated blade is arranged to be wound on the reel and to be extendable through an opening in the housing. The end hook member is formed of sheet metal to include a mounting portion and a hook portion bent at a generally right angle from an end of the mounting portion. The end hook member includes a pair of generally upwardly extending side edges, a generally laterally extending lower edge, and recessed edge portions disposed at corner portions at which the upwardly extending side edges and the laterally extending lower edge intersect.

Abstract: A measuring tape device has a hook piece. The hook piece is used for preventing the tape from slipping off from an object of measure. The hook piece consists of a hook body and an anti-slip piece; the hook body consists of a pulling part and a connecting part; the pulling part is a flat surface, the connecting part extends out from one side of the pulling part in the direction that is perpendicular to the pulling part; the anti-slip piece is adhered onto the inside surface of the pulling part; and magnetic pieces are attached to the outside surface of the pulling part. Therefore, during the measuring process, both the anti-slip piece and the magnetic pieces may help keeping the hook plate of the measuring tape attaching to the object of measure and hence the tape does not slip off from the object of measure easily.

Abstract: A tape measure endpiece is disclosed that can hook the measuring blade onto the edge of an object to be measured. The hooking member of the endpiece is positioned to avoid impacting the performance of the measuring blade when not using the hooking member to make measurements (e.g., when making different types of measurements and when stored). In one embodiment, the endpiece comprises a tab extending below the plane of the measuring blade, an arm extending from the tab beyond the edge of the measuring blade, and a hooking member extending from the end of the arm. In other embodiments, the endpiece further comprises a support that extends above the plane of the measuring blade, with the arm extending from the support and supporting the hooking member. In some embodiments, the arm and hooking member are moveable to allow greater flexibility in making measurements.

Abstract: A chalk line is marked by attaching two hooks to a nail, and then extending a string a length from the nail. The hooks are attached to an apparatus that has multiple springs, such that there is a string attached to the rear of the apparatus while the hooks are attached to the front of the apparatus. When the string has been extended the desired length, the user then snaps the line to make a chalk line. Then, the pull on the string is released by the user, causing the two hooks to separate. When the two hooks separate, their connection to the nail is broken. The hooks and the apparatus associated with the hooks then is free to be reeled back to the user. The user does not have to return to the nail to remove the hooks and the associated apparatus.

Abstract: A tape measure having a support structure and an elongate spike mountable on the support structure. The elongate spike is moveable relative to the support structure for mounting in any selected one of two or more positions relative to the support structure. The two positions can include a position can include a position for use and a storage position.

Abstract: A magnetic end hook on tape measure, comprises a magnet (3) and a main body (1) of the end hook which includes a horizontal portion (11) jointed with a tape blade, a vertical portion (12) having a front surface (12b), a rear surface (12a) and at least one hole (121) for setting said magnet (3); wherein the magnetic end hook further comprising an gasket (2), said gasket has an adapted hole or groove (24) for receiving said magnet (3). A method of manufacture and an application are also described. Compared with the prior art, in this invention, the gasket, additionally set between the hole of the end hook and the magnet on the magnetic end hook, is resilient and can adjust the preferred distance between the magnet and the inner wall of the hole. Therefore, the magnet is mounted more firmly and the probability of falling or breaking is reduced.