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 apparatus is provided for determining a type of insulation for a first pipe and a second pipe having a first predetermined cross-sectional wall thickness a second predetermined cross-sectional wall thickness, respectively. The apparatus includes a ruler sheet having a bar situated thereon. Also provided is a pair of scales each including a plurality apertures formed therein through the ruler sheet and a unique inner diameter indicia situated adjacent each aperture. Such pair of scales include a copper tube scale and a iron pipe scale situated on the ruler sheet. The apertures of each scale are offset a predetermined amount to compensate for the difference between the first and second predetermined cross-sectional wall thickness.

Abstract: An apparatus (11) for aligning and positioning a mason's string (13) is provided which comprises a pair of line blocks (11). A housing (15) for the line blocks (11) is provided containing a spring-loaded (29) reel assembly (25) around which the string (13) is coiled. The reel assemblies (25) of each line blocks (11) cooperate with each other to tension the string (13) and hold the line block (11) in place on the workpiece (21) upon which the device (11) is attached. In an alternative embodiment, a weight (43) is placed on or about the housing (15) to assist in attaching the apparatus (11) to the workpiece (21).

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 new color coded football yardage measuring sleeve for showing an exact distance a football team must move to achieve a first down when measuring chains are brought onto a football field. The inventive device includes a cylindrical sleeve portion having opposed open ends for receiving an existing yardage chain therein. The sleeve portion has a length of ten yards. The cylindrical sleeve portion is divided into one yard increments of alternating colors.

Abstract: A gauge for measuring and recording a child's growth comprises a housing, a ribbon, and a foot plate. One end of the ribbon is attached to a shaft in a housing chamber by a first pin that passes through a ribbon first loop and through the shaft. The other end of the ribbon is secured to the foot plate by a second pin that passes through a ribbon second loop and through the foot plate. The ends of the ribbons are located within respective slots in the shaft and the foot plate. The shaft is journaled at one end in a side wall of the housing and at the other end in a cap that closes the housing chamber. The ribbon passes through a slit in a bottom wall of the housing chamber. The gauge includes a level that assures the housing is horizontal when it is used. The housing and foot plate have peripheries that are coincident when the gauge is in a stored mode.

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 new tape measure system and a new combination collar-and-tape measuring tool, actually worn by the user, is described. The collar-and-tape measuring tool allows for adjustments to the fitting that befits individual preferences and natural fit selection. The collar-and-tape measuring tool has a front portion of a fake collar (i.e., a half portion of a regular collar). To this front portion is attached a tape measure. Ground zero of the tape begins at the edge portion of the fake half collar, where the measurement point of the loose tape end is attached. The tape has graduated measurement markings disposed on the outside, as is standard with ordinary tape measures. On the inside of the tape is disposed a lining of Velcro.RTM. material, or another type of attaching material forming an adhesive surface. The loose end of the tape is drawn around the neck, meeting the ground zero edge of the half collar. The collar-and-tape tool is then secured by a mating adhesive surface (e.g.

Abstract: A tape measure is provided in which orientation of the primary indicia are varied to allow reading of measurements from either side. A centering strip is provided which gives fractional values corresponding to the primary indicia, thus allowing easy calculation of certain fractions of a given measurement. Other visual aids for improving ease of use are provided, such as stud centering marks, distinct colors and variations in numeral and hatch mark sizing.

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 tape measure including a casing defining an enclosure with a front wall having a blade aperture adjacent a bottom wall. A rule blade is normally retractably stored in a coiled condition within the enclosure having an inner end thereof secured within the enclosure and an outer end protruding through the blade apreture. Graduated indicia markings are positioned along the length of the rule blade functioning as a measuring scale. A lock and automatic rewind switch are carried on the front wall keeping a portion of the rule blade in an extended locked until the switch is manually operated retracting the rule blade into the enclosure. An end hook is attached to the outer end of the rule blade and is adapted to be normally laid over an edge of a flat item to be measured. A device is positioned on the end hook for stabilizing a marking/cutting tool allowing the marking/cutting tool to be grasped for making a mark, score/cut line across the flat item.

Abstract: A take-out meter for attachment to a conventional metal retractable tape measure permitting use of the tape measure with architectural/engineering drawing measurements without the need for repetitive subtractions of fittings measurements.

Abstract: A device that is simply pulled down to touch the head of a child to quickly and accurately determine their height, employs a special extendable and retractable measuring tape that is wall mounted at a specific height over the floor and stays up and out of the normal reach of a small child when not in use. Reading is direct from the tape pulled from a holder. The numbering system of the tape of this device is reversed from tapes conventionally used to measure length, by having the highest number of measurement located at the outer end and decreasing incrementally toward a zero reading nearest the end secured within the holder. The device is properly mounted by extending the tape to the zero reading and securing it at a height on the wall that allows the device, with the tape so extended, to touch the floor directly below it.

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 powered reel-type tape measuring device that has a reel of flexible metal measuring tape rotatably mounted on a shaft in a housing with measuring indicia on the tape. An electric powered motor is coupled to a flexible drive roller for pulling the tape from the housing and to the reel itself for pulling the tape into the housing and rewinding it on the reel. A switch having first and second contacts is operatively coupled to the electric power device for energizing the power-driven device to selectively rotate the flexible roller to pull the tape in a forward direction out of the housing with activation of the first switch contact and to drive the reel to pull the tape into the housing for rewinding when the switch is activated in the second position.

Abstract: A brick mason's spacing tape adapted for use in association with bricks and mortar, the apparatus comprising: a measuring tape formed in a planar configuration with an upper surface having a first edge and a second edge, the first edge including numerical incremental line markers spaced 1/16 of an inch from each other and inch demarcating numerals positioned at each one inch interval; and the second edge of the tape including at least two groups of lettered incremental line markers positioned at consistent intervals on the tape and repeating about every six inches, a first group of lettered markers being spaced 1/16 of an inch from each other, and positioned in alignment with the numerical incremental line markers of the first edge of the tape, the second group of lettered markers being spaced 1/8 of an inch from each other and in alignment with every second numerical incremental line marker of the first edge of the tape, a user positioning the tape against a brick wall to aid in vertically or horizontally al

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: 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: A reversible float assembly includes a float, an elongated flexible member, a first attachment disposed on a first surface of the float body, and a second attachment disposed on a second surface of the float body. The lower end of the elongated flexible member is connected to one of the first and second attachments. At least one guide eye connected with the float body is constructed and arranged to receive an elongated guide member to restrict movement of the body to generally vertical movement. The guide eye is disposed on the body at a position between the first attachment and the second attachment so that when the body floats on a liquid in the first orientation the guide eye is submerged in the liquid, and when the body floats on a liquid in a second orientation, the guide eye is disposed above the liquid.

Abstract: A measuring device having, in one embodiment, two measuring tapes held on separate reels in a housing. The housing has two windows for displaying measurement indicia appearing on each tape. Alternatively, electronic digital displays are used to show the measurements. The tapes are spring biased toward the fully wound condition. Each tape has a button controlled clutch locking each respective tape in an extended condition. In a preferred application, a user draws a first tape around her torso just below the breasts, connects the tape to the end of the second tape at the housing, and locks this tape when taut. The device is moved upwardly, now encircling the breasts also, and the second tape is extended to accommodate the additional girth. The second clutch locks the second tape in position. The device is removed from the user's body, and sizes displayed in the windows are read. The first tape measures and indicates rib cage girth, and the second tape converts the additional measurement to cup sizes.

Abstract: An improved carpenter's tape measure is provided, containing a fixture allowing for the easy and precise measurements from corner to corner. The tape measure comprises a tape stored upon a drum within a housing, and further comprises the fixture, which slides along the tape while in use, and which may be stored within the housing when not in use. A locking mechanism is integrated with the fixture so that the tape may be locked while the fixture is within the housing in stored position, as well as outside the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring apparel, having an elongated member with a surface, a first reference point on the surface and a second marking on said surface such that the distance between said first reference point and the second marking is equal to the distance from the neck to the crotch of an average person at a particular age and a third marking on the surface such that the distance between the first reference point and the third marking is equal to the distance from the neck to the crotch of an average person at a second particular age.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to aid a craftsman in producing an eight-sided geometrical object, preferably an octagon, from a square object or rectangular object. The apparatus of the invention comprises a rule with a first edge and a first scale along the first edge, and a second edge and a second scale along the second edge. The second scale is preferably fractionally proportionate to the first scale by a factor of about 29.289322 percent. The first scale may be any standard measuring scale such as inches or centimeters. The method of the invention comprises measuring a length of the square with the first scale, using the second scale for easily measuring and marking a plurality of points on the square, and drawing a plurality of lines between the points for marking portions of the square which are to be cut off in producing an octagon or other geometrical object.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the vertical distance between a point on a vehicle and a reference line comprises a linear measuring device, a fixture to aid in the taking of linear measurements of the point along two oblique angles, and a computer for calculating the vertical distance from these two measurements.

Abstract: A digital tape measure includes a transmitter for transmitting measurements to a remote location. The tape measure includes a housing, a flexible tape having a series of optical markings mounted within the housing, an optical sensor for sensing the optical markings when the tape is extended or retracted, a logic circuit operatively connected to the sensor for providing a digital signal representative of the distance measured, and a transmitter operatively connected to the logic circuit for transmitting the digital signal to the remote location. A receiving unit is provided at the remote location for receiving, storing, and displaying the measurements.

Abstract: A playing field layout device includes an alignment guide having a plurality of lines marked thereon. A stake is inserted in the alignment guide, and a cord has one end attached to the stake. The cord has a plurality of marks thereon. The playing field may be, for example, volleyball, croquet, or badminton and may be laid out by aligning the cord over relevant lines and marking distances at predetermined locations indicated by the marks. The layout device may then be removed from the playing field so that it does not interfere with the participants.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a tape measure deployment aid for measuring roof surfaces. The deployment device described by this invention consists of a roller that rotates freely on an axle which is connected to a yoke and then attached with linkage fasteners to a tape measure. This invention also includes two methods of using the tape measure deployment aid.

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 measuring device having two measuring tapes held on separate reels in a housing. The housing has two windows for displaying measurement indicia appearing on each tape. The tapes are spring biased toward the fully wound condition. Each tape has a button controlled clutch locking each respective tape in an extended condition. In a preferred application, a user draws a first tape around her torso just below the breasts, connects the tape to the end of the second tape at the housing, and locks this tape when taut. The device is moved upwardly, now encircling the breasts also, and the second tape is extended to accommodate the additional girth. The second clutch locks the second tape in position. The device is removed from the user's body, and sizes displayed in the windows are read. The first tape measures and indicates rib cage girth, and the second tape converts the additional measurement to cup sizes.

Abstract: A clapboard installation layout guide and method uses an elongate tape having two sets of indicia including a first plurality of "to the weather" indicia spaced apart at intervals approximately equal to the "to the weather" width of the clapboard and a second plurality of indicia including curved tracks with centers at corresponding ones of the first indicia and having a radius approximately equal to the full width of the clapboards; one of the first indicia on the tape is aligned with one boundary of an area to be laid out for installation; with one of the first indicia of the tape aligned with one of the boundaries, the tape is swung so that the first indicia just beyond the other boundary of the area is coincident with the other boundary; clapboards can then be applied to the area so that the upper edge of each of the clapboards is tangent to the successively higher ones of the second indicia until the area is covered including the installation of the starter clapboard of the next area to be covered.

Abstract: Rules, including rulers, yardsticks, measuring tapes and the like which are marked along opposite edges with inch, half-inch, quarter-inch, eighth-inch and sixteenth-inch graduations. One edge having the one-sixteenth inch graduations in a color different from all the other graduation markings on that edge and sequentially numbered within each inch in the same different color. The other edge not having one-sixteenth inch graduations and the eighth-inch graduations being in a different color from all the other graduations on that side and preferably different from the color of the one-sixteenth inch graduations and sequentially numbered within each inch in the same different color.

Abstract: A device to permit marking of edges of a garden and the like is provided employing a flexible retractable tape mounted relative to a housing, wherein the housing is arranged to slidably receive a first flat post along a rear wall of the housing, with a round post through an opening within the tape to permit ease of length measuring relative to a garden scenario.

Abstract: A cable used to mark lines on athletic fields having sections of tubing that locate the particular yard line to run chalk lines from one side of the field to the other.

Abstract: A measuring tape is provided for quick determination of the center of a distance without requiring the calculation of the distance. The measuring tape includes two parallel edges and an ascending measuring scale along each edge printed on the same face of the tape and beginning at the same end of the tape. One of the scales has units calibrated to a conventional unit of length measurement. The second measuring scale has units calibrated to be exactly half the unit of the first scale.

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 measure for use with roof framing members is disclosed, the tape measure having a true distance scale having true distance indicia indicating feet, inches and fractions of inches, and one or more secondary false distance scales having false distance indicia corresponding to the true distance indicia, where the actual distances between false distance indicia is the true distance between the true distance indicia multiplied by a predetermined pitch factor. The false distance indicia allow direct marking of the proper rafter lengths for common, hip, valley and jack rafters for a given pitch roof after measurement of the run distance using the true distance scale, without need of calculation or of knowledge of the actual rafter length.

Abstract: In a tub - shower environment comprising a tub enclosed on three sides by walls and open on the fourth side, where spray from the shower is intended to be retained within the tub - shower enclosure by a flexible shower curtain suspended from a curtain rod by hooks engaging grommet holes in the curtain and the rod, and extending across the open fourth side, between walls defining the ends of the tub - shower enclosure, there are provided mating pairs of hook-and-loop pads backed with waterproof pressure sensitive adhesive. The pads are positioned both on a vertical edge of the shower curtain and on the wall adjacent the shower curtain edge. A disposable rule is provided with means for attachment to a shower curtain hook.

Abstract: The leading end of a tape measure can be pushed over an uneven surface such as a shingled roof by coupling a sled or ski to the end of the tape. The sled has a smooth lower surface. A forward end of the sled is upraised so as to present a curved surface to obstacles. As the tape is pushed along the surface, the sled is pushed by the tape. The sled prevents the end of the tape from snagging on objects, by gliding over obstacles.

Abstract: A golf stance device for locating the feet of a golfer properly with respect to a golf ball. The device is formed of an elongated flat strip of material such as plastic or metal adapted to rest upon the ground and a housed roll-up tape slidably engaged therewith by sliding the flat strip through slots in a flexible disk attached to the tape housing. The roll-up tape may be extended in a direction normal to the elongated strip toward a golf ball providing a device having a member parallel with the golfer's line of sight and properly displaced from the ball. Both the elongated strip of material and the tape have indicia assisting a golfer in positioning the device upon the ground and in obtaining a proper stance. The device is portable and easily mounted upon a golf bag.

Abstract: A plier-like tool having a resilient spring normally urging the jaws of the ool in an outward direction. One of the jaws is pivotally attached to one end of a flexible measuring tape that has an offset intermediate its length so that when the tape is wrapped around the tubing that is to be measured, the tape will not overlap itself. The other end of the tape has an aperture therein adapted to receive a pin carried by the other jaw of the tool, so that when the tape is wrapped around the tubing and the pin is engaged in the aperture, releasing the manual pressure on the tool will permit the biasing spring to spread the jaws apart, thus snugly wrapping the tape around the tubing. If the tubing size is correct, indicia on the parts of the tape that are in side-by-side relation around the tubing will register or align.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and a device for positioning a dart board and an associated throwing line (hockey) without reference to the slope of the floor or the verticality of the wall (on which the board is mounted), or on the planarity of either. The primary advantage of the device is that inaccuracies in the level of the floor and the angle between the floor and the wall do not effect the measurement; another advantage is that the device allows the positioning to be done by a single person. The device includes two measuring lines connected (virtually) at right angles with means for leveling the throwing distance line, means for measuring the board elevation, means for attaching to the board and/or a board mounting bracket, and means for locating the hockey.

Abstract: A T-square attachment that is designed for use in conjunction with a conventional tape measure. The square is attached to the case of the tape measure in such a way that it forms a right angle with the extended tape, so as to enable a user to mark two parallel straight lines in a perpendicular direction at selected distances measured from the end of the tape. In order to complement the size of standard lumber used in construction in the United States, the ruler portion of the T-square is approximately 1 and 1/2 inches wide and about 8 inches long. These dimensions enable a user to mark both top and bottom plates with two parallel lines to delineate the exact location for the placement of each stud. A centrally located notch in the ruler is provided to line it up with the desired markings on the blade of the extended tape measure.

Abstract: A mounting template 10 is formed from a flexible strip 12 of paper material and has indicia printed or formed on a first face 14 thereof. The indicia defines hole patterns A, B, C and D each of which include circles 18 representing hole locations. A rear or second face 16 of the strip 12 has applied thereto a low-tack pressure-sensitive backing 28 of adhesive material which is covered by a removable cover 30. The mounting template 10 can be adhesively mounted on a wall surface and the indicia provides precise and accurate locations of holes to be formed in the surface. The holes facilitate attachment of brackets to the surface which support, for example, bathroom fixtures or accessories.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring pipe or conduit which temporarily secures one end of a tape measure to an end of a pipe or conduit. The apparatus includes a main body (10) body secured in place by means of a finger operated lock mechanism (60). A bracket (44) with a slot (46) for receiving one end of a measuring tape (66) is attached to one end of a rod (38), the other end of the rod being inserted into a receptacle (36) on an adjustable support arm (30). The adjustable support arm (30) is inserted into one of several measurement ports in main body (10) and is positioned for taking a measurement along the length of the pipe or conduit, or along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis running between the ends of the pipe or conduit, or in any other direction away from the pipe or conduit.

Abstract: The measuring tape includes a measuring scale on both sides of the metal tape. The upper surface of the tape is scaled from zero to a number equal to the length of the tape, and the underside of the tape is scaled from the length of the tape of a measurement equal to twice the length of the tape. Thus, the tape can be used to measure a distance equal to twice its length.

Abstract: A device for use in laying out courses for the installation of roofing tile of various sizes and compositions produced by various manufacturers. The device includes an elongated tape having inscribed thereon coded indicia which can be used in laying out each course of tile produced by a particular manufacturer. The coded indicia identify a particular manufacturer and automatically account for the eave overhang and tile overlap distances specified by the manufacturer.

Abstract: A suspension-type height measuring device has a main measuring unit having a first tape containing case with a spring loaded first tape reel therein and a first brake device controlled by a first control key, a right-angled rule having a second tape containing case with a spring loaded second tape reel therein and a second brake device controlled by a second control key, and a measuring tape with opposite ends wound on the respective tape reels.

Abstract: A layout tape is disclosed for use in positioning building materials, such as studding, joists and rafters, in a building, wherein the tape is intended to be left in place within the building upon completion. The layout tape preferably has an adhesive backing facilitating positioning/mounting thereof at a point of use and an indicia/design bearing surface serving to indicate to a user the direction of layout, centers in desired multiples of unit lengths and right/left material mounting positions in relation to such centers.