Abstract: An improved tape measure and an adhesive strip for a tape measure, the improved tape measure comprising a tape having a concave side and a convex side and a case for housing the tape in a coiled retracted configuration within the case. The tape has one end secured within the case, the other free end being extendible from the case to a substantially full length of the tape. The concave side includes graduations of a first linear scale extending along substantially the full length of the tape, the first linear scale being in metric or U.S. units of linear measure. The convex side has graduations of a second linear scale extending along only a relatively short portion of a length of the tape starting from in close proximity to the free end, the second linear scale being different and distinct from the first linear scale and calibrated for a different and distinct use such as an architectural scale or an engineering scale which are different from those of the first linear scale.

Abstract: A measuring jig preferably comprising an end engaging member for engaging a mitered end of a work piece, a mechanism for retaining a distal end of a measuring device adjacent to a reference point on a work piece, and member for retaining a measuring device. The invention may be supplemented by a measuring device such as a tape measure. The end engaging member is founded upon a base member with an end face engaging surface and a rear longitudinal face engaging surface coupled thereto to define a V-shaped angular alcove. The end face engaging surface may be fixed relative to the rear longitudinal face engaging surface, or it may be pivotally coupled for selective angular adjustability. The mechanism for retaining a distal end of a measuring device may be slidably retained along an elongate end face engaging surface. There may be a plurality of spaced-apart mechanisms, each comprising a slot, for retaining a distal end of a measuring device.

Abstract: A retaining adapter for a mechanical measuring tape device extends the versatility of the tape device for construction workers. The retaining adapter can be removable, part of, or fixed to the housing of the mechanical measuring tape device. The retaining adapter has a drop hook and a drag hook, either of which can be attached to the object or construction piece to be measured. The use of the retaining adapter permits the construction worker to use the conventional mechanical measuring tape device beyond his or her natural reach. The retaining adapter may have at least one rule associated therewith in order to further expand the measurement capabilities of the conventional mechanical measuring tape device. The retaining adapter may also function as a square in certain applications.

Abstract: A container space indicating tape comprising an elongated substrate with an outer surface and an inner surface designed to be longitudinally aligned and attached to the sidewall in a trailer or cargo container. Printed in the outer surface of the substrate are forward and rearward measurement indicators which inform a viewer of the distance and/or the amount of space occupied or available in the trailer or cargo container at a particular reference point or location therein. In the embodiments described herein, the measurement indicators include either English or Metric distance and volume units or the number of pallets. A method of loading cargo using the above tape is also provided.

Abstract: A multi layered adhesive backed fish ruler construction 10 for attachment to a substrate 100 such as a cooler or a flat surface on a fishing boat. The construction 10 comprises a bottom layer including an elongated thin flat strip of plastic material 40 fixedly secured to a substrate 100 and provided with both luminous length indicia 22 and various fish silhouette indicia 23 and one or more generally similar overlying strips of plastic material 30 and 40 releasably secured to one another and to the bottom strip of plastic material 40.

Abstract: A retractable tape measure of basically conventional design is provided and includes a tape spool hub projecting slightly outwardly of one side of the tape measure housing. A conventional blade-type belt clip includes a free end portion which overlies the hub for frictional engagement therewith upon inward deflection of the clip free end portion by inward finger pressure applied to the outer side thereof. The abutment flange carried by the free end of the tape has the usual opening formed therethrough (previously provided to receive a brad or tack) and a sharp pointed hook is shiftably supported from the tape free end and projectable through the opening. The pointed hook may be manually forced through the opening for penetrating a penetrable surface against which the tape end abutment flange is abutted. The housing of the tape measure includes a spool mounted chalk line and internal opposing pads between which the chalk line passes for wiping excess chalk therefrom.

Abstract: A chalk line end is disclosed which includes a substantially flat base member having first and second tabs depending therefrom in order to form a substantially 90 degree angle to the base member. First and second points extend from the respective first and second tabs and are sized and shaped so as to press into the side surface of a board when the chalk line end is positioned over the board edge. This arrangement facilitates maintaining the position of the chalk line end as the chalk line is drawn off at an angle to the board edge. As an optional feature, a chalk line mount may be coupled to the base member by means of a swiveling connector, such as a rivet. This swiveling connection facilitates drawing the chalk line off at an angle from the board edge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tape measure assembly having an internal deployment warning system therein. The device includes a substantially hollow housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, an end wall and a front wall with a horizontal slot between the front wall and the bottom wall. A tape measure having a plurality of marking indicia thereon extends through the horizontal slot and is selectively retractable within and extendable from the housing interior using conventional means currently used in various tape measuring devices. A first magnet is attached to the bottom wall of the housing for securing the housing to a metallic surface. A second magnet is removably attached to the top wall of the housing and has a slit thereon for selectively receiving an L-shaped catch member at a first end of the tape measure.

Abstract: A pre-marked makeready tap for use in setting and regulating the position of webbing in a printing press. The pre-marked makeready tape having a top side defining at least a first mark and a second mark spaced apart a distance equal to a whole multiple page length of printed matter and a bottom side having an activatable, but non-activated adhesive member substantially disposed about the bottom side for securing to the continuous web The adhesive member is selectively activated for attaching an end of the makeready tape to an end of the continuous web on the roll of continuous webbing proximate to the printing unit, and feeding the web through the press for commencement or resumption of the printing process.

Abstract: A child's booster seat is configured to be molded in a single piece, with an upper, back portion and a lower, seat portion connected by an integral hinge. The upper and lower portions can be pivoted about the hinge so that integral mortise and tenon structures are brought into engagement and can be pinned to hold the seat in an upright, use configuration. Indicia are disposed on the upper portion to show maximum and minimum suitable seated heights for child occupants of the seat. An adjustable shoulder belt positioned is disposed on the upper portion.

Abstract: A device for measuring and cutting sheetrock comprising an edge guide which has a smooth surface slidable along the edge of a piece of sheetrock, and a wide tape measure readable in both directions and having a tab against which a knife blade can be placed so as to allow the sheetrock to be cut along a line parallel to its edge.

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: An error proof measuring tape rule for eliminating snagging on a work piece. The rule includes a tape rule, a hook affixed to the tape rule, and a one-piece spoon affixed to the tape rule. The upper surface of the body portion of the one-piece spoon is positioned on the lower surface of the free end of the tape rule, with the three throughbores in the body portion of the one-piece spoon aligned with three forwardmost throughbores of the four throughbores in the free end of the tape rule, and with the tail portion of the one-piece spoon extending upwardly through a rearmost throughbore of the four throughbores in the free end of the tape rule and rearwardly along the upper surface of the free end of the tape rule.

Abstract: A retaining adapter for a mechanical measuring tape device extends the versatility of the tape device for construction workers. The retaining adapter can be removable or fixed to the housing of the mechanical measuring tape device. The retaining adapter has a drag hook and a drop hook, either of which can be attached to the object or construction piece to be measured. The use of the retaining adapter permits the construction worker to use the conventional measuring tape device beyond his or her natural reach.

Abstract: A tape measure providing with an end hook fastened to a free end of a measuring tape with four rivets through two holes aligned on a longitudinal axis thereof and two holes disposed one on each side of an axial line segment between the shank portion and the catch portion. This fastening system provides toughness and long operation life of the measuring tape. The shank portion has an arcuated shape substantially similar to that of the measuring tape and can cover a substantially whole top surface of the tape end, providing the sufficient protection of the end of the measuring tape against a large shock force produced when the tape is recoiled.

Abstract: A fish tape reel and reversible lead device which includes a pistol-grip configuration which is ergonomically designed for ease, safety and convenience in pushing or pulling fish tape through conduit by utilizing only one hand. The reel comprises a counter device and spring steel cable storage mechanism so that the length of tape played out will be measured and efficiently rewound onto the receiving spool disposed within the reel.

Abstract: A strip-shaped, elastically flexible measurement strip for length measuring devices or angle measuring devices having a measurement scale is formed of two elastically flexible stripes which adhere to one another via a viscous intermediate film, the measurement scale being applied to one of these stripes.

Abstract: A side panel assembly is disclosed which is of simple construction and provides easy access to the assembly contents for servicing or the like. The side panel assembly includes a front wall (14), a back wall (12) and a side wall (16) which is bent to match the shape of the front (14) and/or back (12) wall. The front wall (14) is connected to the side wall (16) by inserting a fastener (30) through the front wall (14) and a pull-out tab (26) extending from the side wall (16). A method and apparatus for use in constructing the side panel (16) are also provided. The method and apparatus allow for automation of the lay-out, cutting to length, flanging and notching of the side panel (16).

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: An adhesive tape (20) includes a plurality of marks (30-36) that facilitate the installation of lap-siding members (120, 122, 128, 132, 134) on a building (100). The tape is adhered to a wall (104, 106) in a vertical orientation, and the lap siding members are nailed in place over the tape. The marks function as guides for the positioning of the lap-siding members. The tapes is essentially free of indicia that can be confused with the marks to generate measurement errors in during the installation process.

Abstract: A releasable hook for use primarily on the free-end of a line-tool line such as chalk lines, tape measures, and the like. The hook has an engaged position whereby it may be secured to the edge of a, workpiece, and a retracted position whereby it disengages the edge of the workpiece. The hook is biased to its retracted position. Applying tension to the line of the line-tool retains the hook on the edge. However, releasing tension on the line restores the hook to its retracted position, thereby releasing the hook from the edge without the need for the user of the line-tool to be near the hook. In a preferred embodiment, the hook includes a flat base plate and a spring hook member constructed of a strong, but resilient material. The plate and hook member are sized and positioned such that with no forces applied, the opposite end of the hook member is retracted from the base plate.

Abstract: A measuring tape for measuring the distance between a first point and a second point. The tape has a flexible elongated blade with a tab fixed to free end of the blade for temporarily and removably hooking the free end of the blade to the first point. The tab extends in at least two directions transverse to a lengthwise edge of the blade at the free end of the blade. The blade has two sets of numbers imprinted thereon which correspond to units of measure. The first set of numbers is imprinted along a first lengthwise edge portion of the blade and is positioned on the blade such that the numbers are arranged in upright position one after the other and increase in value when read from the free end of the blade toward the fixed end of the blade.

Abstract: A system for holding fast the zero end of a measuring tape to permit measurements to be read from the tape without compensation, including a generally triangular weighted body with three downwardly projecting pointed end legs, one of which holds the zero end loop or hook of a measuring tape, the legs being pointed to engage and hold on certain surfaces, and also being retractable to permit elastometric pads on the body to hold the body fast on damageable surfaces.

Abstract: A tape adapter with a detachable bracket, comprising: a tape adapter formed with a base, a front face wall secured to one end of the base, a plurality of side walls secured to the base and the front face wall and a back wall secured to the base and side walls to form a chamber for receiving a tape blade of a tape measure. A detachable bracket comprising a bracket plate and a flange member with a fastener member is secured bracket plate and is removably attached to the base of the tape adapter. The measuring tape blade of a tape measure is secured inside the chamber defined by the tape adapter walls to attach the tape adapter to the tape measure blade.

Abstract: A measuring tape anchorage device can be secured to a ground surface or pavement surface to facilitate the taking of distance measurements, e.g. at automobile accident scenes or for surveying activities. The anchorage device includes an anchorage block having a swivel connection to the sub-surface, and two cylindrical mandrel elements spaced from one end of the anchorage block, so that a portion of the tape can be looped around one of the cylindrical elements and then curled over the other cylindrical element before extending away from the anchorage block. Pulling forces on the tape cause the cylindrical elements to be drawn together so as to increase the grip force of the cylindrical elements on the tape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for achieving accurate positioning of freight in a freight receptacle, without requiring skill on the part of the material handling equipment operator. The method and apparatus uses specially marked forms, a Freight Placement Index, and can be used in conjunction with a computer software program, computer, and a scale/scanner. The computer program identifies the correct load position, with respect to the Freight Placement Index inside the freight container after the load description has been entered into the computer. The scanner/scale enter the height, width, length, and weight of load materials. One method is for the load planner or material handling equipment, operator to input information about freight i.e. by use of a computer program and the scale/scanner unit. This program instructs the operator to position the load respective to the Freight Placement Index inside of the freight container or receptacle.

Abstract: An embodiment of a new tree marker is disclosed that endures time by providing a flexible band with a sheath about a first end. The band wraps around a tree, and a second end of the band attaches to the sheath. The band slides within the sheath as the tree grows. A duplex nail is driven through the sheath to secure the band to the tree.

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

Abstract: An improvement for the structure of end hook for the tape measure consists of a U-shaped flexible elongated metal folder and a conventional end hook. The U-shaped flexible elongated metal folder, having a slim parallel gap which is slightly greater than the thickness of the metallic tape, sandwiches the tape therebetween at the outer end of the tape below the end hook. At the outer edge of the tape, there is a rectangular notch, whose depth is equal to or a little greater than the thickness of the end hook. The flexible elongated metal folder is longer than the end hook, with the closed end thereof engaging the said rectangular notch, so that there is an extended portion stretching beyond the inner end of the end hook. The conventional end hook is mounted on the said metal folder and the tape, overlapping with the metal folder and the tape, then all these three elements are riveted together. The extended portion of the metal floder without overlapping with the end hook is riveted with the tape only.

Abstract: An accessory for enabling an adjustable wrench to function as a measuring device is disclosed, the accessory comprising a planar, flexible, durable, adhesive-backed, L-shaped member having a short base leg and an integral elongate measuring leg bearing length-indicating indicia. The L-shaped member is adapted to be disposed upon an adjustable wrench such that the base leg is affixed to a side face of the wrench's fixed jaw and the measuring leg is affixed to the track in which the wrench's movable jaw travels. A supplemental reference member including a reference mark is disposed upon the movable jaw. A kit comprised of an L-shaped member and a reference member or, alternatively, a pair of mirror-image L-shaped members marked with different dimensional units, along with a pair of supplemental reference members, is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible, adhesive backed, transparent template tape which includes specific metric dimensions to assist in the construction of European style cabinetry. The template tape is dimensionally accurate and can be used for accurate layout using measuring indicia along both axes simultaneously.

Abstract: An end hook for a power return tape measure includes a shank having a longitudinal axis and a catch extending from the shank at an angle to the longitudinal axis. The shank being arcuately shaped about the longitudinal axis, and has a plurality of rivet mounting holes, the mounting holes positioned on each side of the longitudinal axis and spaced laterally from the longitudinal axis. The fastening holes of the shank have a greater longitudinal spacing than mounting holes in a measuring tape so that movement of the end hook longitudinally toward an end edge of the free end of the measuring tape during a collision in power return causes the holes in the end hook nearest the end edge to contact the fasteners before the holes furthest from the end edge.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for controlling, managing and facilitating the process of fabricating and/or constructing a useful physical entity such as a building, the invention involving the computer generation of a construction guidance and control tape for use by the primary hands-on fabricators, the invention including determining the control/fabrication tasks required according to the relevant plans and specifications, and the sequence by which such tasks are to be performed Then, information including the identification and description of component parts and their relative assembled locations and orientations is input to a computer controlled by a computer program in conjunction with a printer that will print out a plurality of elongate construction guidance and control tapes of predetermined lengths, one side of each tape providing a surface upon which indicia and information can be printed including showing where in the work environment the tape is to be attached, the beginning end of the tape, and

Abstract: A shelf aid dispensing device for periodic inventory control of commodity units in a displayed row. A rectangular panel with an elongated groove forms part of the device, the panel being adapted to be supported in horizontal condition over a flat bed. A draw bar is slidingly engaged into the groove for sliding displacement axially thereof, and is adapted for grasping engagement by an operator's hand. A slider plate is, slidingly carried to the panel and defines a flat abutment face for abutment by a rearwardmost commodity unit in the row. The slider plate may include ears in axial register with the draw bar rear rear portion, wherein the slider plate and the draw bar releasably interconnect and slidingly move together whenever the slider plate and the draw bar rear enlarged member come in abutting contact.

Abstract: A hooking device for a tape measure includes a ring member pivotally attached to a hook member. The hook member includes a planar surface which is perpendicular to the ring member in an extended position. Extending from the planar surface of the hook member are two supporting side surfaces which enhance the rigidity of the hook member to prevent bending. The hook member can also include a plurality of pointed barbs and a contacting surface which prevent slippage of the hooking device during use.

Abstract: A packaging coding system including at least one roll of moisture-activated adhesive-backed tape with a top side and an underside and two lateral edges, and a layer of moisture-activated adhesive applied to the underside of the tape. The tape has oil absorbed into one or both lateral edges to provide flexibility, waterproofing, and a vapor barrier to prevent activation of the adhesive when the tape is rolled up and at least one colored ink applied to at least one edge of the tape in a predetermined discrete position which serves to code the tape.

Abstract: A screw gun is typically employed in the mounting of plasterboard to building studs includes a tape housing having a central tubular opening directed coaxially thereof for mounting upon the screw gun member to permit ease of measuring among fasteners to be directed into the associated plasterboard member. The tape housing includes an extensible and retractable flexible tape member.

Abstract: An inexpensive tape measure which can be incorporated into mail order catalogs and the like for providing potential purchasers of clothing or accessories a measuring device for obtaining necessary dimensions for making size and product selections consisting essentially of a sheet of material with the dimension markings printed thereon, the sheet folded in such a manner as to permit the dimension markings to become aligned in an operative manner, an attachment flap which can attached to the opposing face of the folded sheet of printed material, and a plurality of lines of separation along which the material can be cut with a knife or scissors or along which perforations can be made, thus producing an elongated tape measure.

Abstract: A new and improved tape measure end retention apparatus includes a base assembly and a screw clamp assembly connected to the base assembly. The screw clamp assembly extends over a top side of the base assembly and is adapted to secure a free end of a tape measure to the base assembly. The screw clamp assembly includes a pressure plate which includes a convex-shaped damping surface, and a first concave channel is adapted to be placed in registration with the convex-shaped clamping surface. The screw assembly includes a knurled knob for rotating the screw assembly. A plurality of magnets are located at the bottom side of the base assembly and include a first magnet, a second magnet, and a third magnet each of which extends longitudinally along the base assembly. The magnets are retained in complementary magnet-receiving channels located in the bottom side of the base assembly. The magnet-receiving channels include channel walls each of which includes apertures that are in registration with each other.

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 tape measurement attachment to facilitate accurate layout of pencil lines at any desired framing multiple is disclosed. The tape measure attachment is adapted to be secured to a tab end portion of a tape measure for the purpose of shortening the tape measure by a pre-selected length. The attachment comprises a spacer adapted to engage the tab end portion of the tape measure and fastening means for detachably securing and holding the spacer to the tape measure tab end portion.

Abstract: A tape measure having an end hook capable of easily holding an object to be measured is proposed. A measuring strip is a self-sustaining metal strip formed with a convex section which has scale marks put thereon and painted. The end hook is a metal plate bent at a right angle and secured with rivets to the end of the measuring strip. A friction plate is a metal plate having an unevenly etched surface which is attached to the inside surface of the end hook by the use of an adhesive, double-coated tape. The uneven surface of the end hook is effective for holding the object to be measured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in bending sheet stock to form a selected design is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a controller including a programmable system for calculating the positions and shapes of bends for bending the stock to the selected design and a sequence for making the bends, and a printer for printing instructions regarding the positions, shapes and sequence of the bends. The printer can print instructions directly on the stock or on a label for attachment to the stock. The instructions can be utilized by an operator or machine in bending the sheet stock. The invention improves the efficiency and accuracy of the process for bending sheet stock.

Abstract: A measuring tape tip body is described for attachment to a standard semi-rigid automatic-retrieval tape measure. The tape tip body allows the dimensions of a roof to be accurately determined by advancing the semi-rigid tape and tape tip body from the eave to the ridge of the roof without substantial interference due to roof shingles or tiles. This method and device allows steep, dangerous or unclimbable roofs to be measured safely and economically from the eave of the roof.

Abstract: A tape scale applicator (100) has a guiding channel (142) for aligning a metrological scale (126) relative to a substrate (150) to which the scale is applied. The applicator (100) is attached to a mounting bracket (153) for a read head (used to read the scale) provided on a member (154), which moves relative to the substrate (150). The applicator (100) is used to apply the scale (126) to the substrate in order to ensure that the scale (126) has a precise alignment with the read head, once the read head is connected to the mounting bracket (153). The tape scale (126) has a backing strip (140) which is removed via a second channel (170) as the scale (126) passes through the guiding channel (142).

Abstract: A strip of pressure sensitive tape is laid out along top and bottom plates or top and bottom tracks of a wall that is to be constructed with studs at a fixed spacing. The tape bears stud location marks at preselected intervals for ease in locating the studs for connection to the top and bottom plates and top and bottom tracks. The tape is provided in a supply roll that is rotatably mounted in an applicator tool having a handle and a pressure roller that enable the tape to be pressed against the plate or track and withdrawn from the roll as the tool and tape are moved along. To facilitate locating and positioning of the end of the tape, and therefore of the first stud location mark of the tape, the tool is provided with a pressure foot extending from the pressure roller and has an edge which may easily be positioned at the desired starting point of the tape, as, for example, against an existing wall.

Abstract: An apparatus including a housing mounting a retractable spool of a tape line, with the tape line including a tape line hook to mount the forward edge of the tape line onto a work piece to enhance ease of measuring thereof. An extension web is mounted to the tape line forwardly of the tape line hook and includes an extension web hook member adjustable about the extension web's length to permit adjustment of the extension web's hook relative to the tape line hook. Modifications of the invention include an extension web positionable relative to the tape line. Accordingly, the organization permits ease of measurement from a position spaced from an engagement position of the extension web's hook member.

Abstract: A template system has a series of individual joint-forming templates partially die-cut in a transparent flexible plastic sheet reverse-side printed with a series of linear indicia parallel to each other indicating the position of each cut to be made in a first workpiece. A second series of linear indicia parallel to each other and different in physical appearance in color, line weight or line type, dotted or solid, than the first series of indicia, indicate the position of each cut to be made in a second workpiece. The executed cuts on the two workpieces results in an interfitted joint between the workpieces such as a dovetail or box joint. A number of bands or templates are contained on a plastic sheet which are adhesively mounted on a paper substrate.

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: A tape measure device is adaptable for mounting on a wide variety of different items and includes a suction cup assembly that has a suction cup attached to the casing of the device and which is accommodated in a chamber defined in the casing when the cup is not in use. The device includes magnets and a bracket assembly for attaching the device to various items.