Abstract: This invention is directed to an automatic tape measure having a housing, a tape assembly, and a light assembly. The tape assembly is supported in the housing and contains a reel having a tape adapted to extend and retract from the front wall of the housing. The light assembly is received in the housing and contains a power source, a light source, a switch, and a lens. The lens is coupled with an opening in the front wall of the housing and is adapted to move between a first position where the light source passes through the lens and a second position where the light source projects downwardly onto the extended tape.

Abstract: A tape measure that incorporates a marking device for allowing an individual to measure and mark a wide variety of materials in a more efficient and economical manner, and for measuring and marking the beginning point of reference and the measured position point simultaneously. The tape measure has a housing, a coiled measuring tape, a tape tip, a chalk line, a chalk receptacle, a chalk line recharger, an activator, and an advancer. The chalk line is easily advanced and retracted for making marks at varying distances. The chalk is stored in a chalk storage receptacle that allows the chalk line to be re-chalked and is refillable for multiple uses. The activator allows the retractable chalk line to transfer a chalk substance from the chalk line to the surface to be measured and marked.

Abstract: A power-operated tape measure includes an annular reel pivotally mounted on a fixing shaft in a case, a tape wound on the annular reel, a hook at one end of the tape extending out of the case through an outlet of the case. A motor respectively drives the annular reel and a large wheel for sending the tape via a gear train. A control circuit includes the motor, a power supply unit and a control switch controlling the motor for direct and reverse turning. A button member at the bottom of the case that can float upwards and downwards, inside which a small wheel is pivotally fixed to engage with the large wheel for sending the tape. The control switches control the extending of the tape and the withdrawal of the tape, the switch controlling the extending of the tape engaging the inside part of the button member.

Abstract: An enhanced structure for measuring tape, comprises a tape casing having a wheel disposed in its interior, a metal tape being wound around said wheel 11 and having a tail end fixedly connected to said wheel so as to generate elastic force to let said tape eject automatically from said tape casing when no braking force is applied; a press button pivotally connects to the top of said tape casing, said press button having a curved tooth face disposed at top of inner wall thereof, with said curved tooth face and a removable transmission element meshing with each other; and a driving element and a power receiving element mesh with each other and are disposed near said transmission element, wherein said power receiving element links with said wheel; a user can use one hand to eject the tape, when he/she wants to retract the tape, he/she can press said press button with the hand that holds the measuring tape to let said curved tooth face inside said press button to rotate downward for an angle, and then to drive sai

Abstract: A construction tool has a tape measure. A handle is coupled to the tape measure. The handle allows a user of any size or shape hand to comfortably and easily use the tape measure.

Abstract: The tape measure incorporates a lighting device that is positioned to illuminate a measured length on the tape. The tape has a set of numerals for outside measurement that are of one color and a set of numerals for inside measurement that are of a different color. When switched on, the light provides a significant contrast with one of the sets of numerals to make that particular set of numerals significantly stand out from the other set of numerals.

Abstract: An improved tape measure for making an internal measurement from a member between generally parallel members of the type having a tape coiled in a housing having a tape hook external to the housing on an unattached end portion of the tape, and measurement lines and numerals on a concave side portion of the tape which increment from the hook and which can be read when the hook is pulled from the housing, wherein the improvement comprises: a non slip device positioned along an outside face portion of the hook so that when the outside of the hook is pressed against one member the hook will be less inclined to slip therealong. In a preferred aspect the above tape measure further comprises a belt clip having a downwardly extending arm attached to a broad side of the housing and a soft plastic gripping pad positioned on one of the belt clip arm and the broad side of the housing adjacent to the arm to provide better adhesion when the belt clip is engaged on a worn belt.

Abstract: A tape measure includes an automatic blade extension mechanism. The tape measure allows a user to draw and lock a blade using only one hand, when measuring a dimension of an object, thus allowing the other hand to be freely used in a workplace where several operations must be carried out. Therefore, the tape measure allows the user to simultaneously perform a cutting operation, a hammering operation, a marking operation, etc. during the measuring operation. Thereby, the tape measure of this invention is convenient to use, and increases work efficiency.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an automatic tape measure having a housing, a tape assembly, and a light assembly. The tape assembly is supported in the housing and contains a reel having a tape adapted to extend and retract from the front wall of the housing. The light assembly is received in the housing and contains a power source, a light source, a switch, and a lens. The lens is coupled with an opening in the front wall of the housing and is adapted to move between a first position where the light source passes through the lens and a second position where the light source projects downwardly onto the extended tape.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a novel mounting clip assembly having a distinct lever arm coupled to a base plate for movement about a pivot axis between a closed position and an open position. The lever arm has a first spring-receiving bay on a side generally facing the base plate and disposed rearward of the pivot axis. The base plate has a first fastener-receiving hole therein forward of the pivot axis, a second spring-receiving bay on a side generally facing the lever arm. A spring biases the lever arm to assume the closed position and extends from the first bay to the second bay. A centerline of a mounting hole in the base plate extends through a second hole in the lever arm when the lever arm is in the closed position. A top of a securing fastener is accessible via the second hole. Also, methods of assembly are described.

Abstract: A tape measure that incorporates a marking device for allowing an individual to measure and mark a wide variety of materials in a more efficient and economical manner, and for measuring and marking the beginning point of reference and the measured position point simultaneously. The tape measure has a housing, a coiled measuring tape, a tape tip, and a marker having a marking wheel mounted on an axle. The marking wheel having a belt configured for transferring a powdered marking substance, such as chalk, to the surface to be measured and marked.

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

Abstract: A ruler specifically designed to measure locations in three dimensions. The device contains a flat base upon which the device rotates and pivots along a horizontal plane. The measuring tape also can be projected out of its holder at a range of angles in a third dimension. The device includes a marking means at the end of the tape, an arced tape cross-section for lengthy extensions and a level comprised of a water bubble in a box at a top portion of the housing of the device in the rear. The tape has a movable second center upon which the device can pivot so the marker at the end of the tape can mark arcs. The housing has a series of sections denoting amounts of rotational degrees.

Abstract: A measuring tape having a housing for receiving a spring-powered double-axis reel assembly. The reel assembly includes a primary spool having a length of measuring tape wound around it, and a secondary spool having a spring. The primary and secondary spools are connected by an endless flexible member.

Abstract: A tape measure is constructed to enhance a rotational movement of the tape reel with respect to the supporting axle which has two ends supported at the sidewalls of a casing respectively. The tape reel is rotatably supported by the supporting axle and the elongated measuring blade has an outer end being blocked at the opening of the casing, wherein a friction reduction device is provided between the supporting axle and the tape reel for substantially reducing a friction therebetween.

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

Abstract: A tape measure that incorporates a marking device for allowing an individual to measure and mark a wide variety of materials in a more efficient and economical manner, and for measuring and marking the beginning point of reference and the measured position point simultaneously. The tape measure has a housing, a coiled measuring tape, a tape tip, and a marker having a marking wheel mounted on an axle.

Abstract: An improved structure tape rule in which the blade spool has space at one side of one-piece construction for containing the coiled spring, enabling the blade spool to accommodate the winding of a ruler blade that is approximately two to three times longer than a blade spool in a same diameter sized spatial area and, furthermore, the rewinding of the ruler blade is impelled by spring torque to thereby enhance tape ruler utility and performance.

Abstract: A tape measure that incorporates a marking device for allowing an individual to measure and mark a wide variety of materials in a more efficient and economical manner, and for measuring and marking the beginning point of reference and the measured position point simultaneously. The tape measure has a housing, a coiled measuring tape, a tape tip, and a marker having a marking wheel mounted on an axle.

Abstract: Chalk line devices are commonly used in the building and/or construction arts. The motorized chalk line apparatus is particularly useful for automatically reeling in a chalk line wound about a spool that is journaled by a pair of stub axles. A battery powered drive automatically winds the chalk line about the spool. In use, the chalk line is manually pulled away from the apparatus to create the marking, but when the user actuates the switch, the spool automatically rewinds the chalk line.

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

Abstract: A linear measuring device includes a tape housing and a semi-flexible measuring tape housed within the tape housing in a generally spiral configuration with an outer end extendable through a tape outlet opening. An extendable generally flat rear tail is movably mounted on the tape housing generally opposite the tape outlet opening and a generally flat forward tongue is mounted on and extends forwards from the outer end of the measuring tape. Finally, two sets of measurements are displayed on the measuring tape, the outer measurement set displaying the total extended distance of the measuring tape from the outer end to the tape outlet opening and the inner measurement set displaying the total distance from the outer end of the rear tail to the outer end of the forward tongue such that outer and inner measurements are simultaneously displayed on the measuring tape.

Abstract: A measurement marking mechanism that can be coupled to a tape measure includes a case and a marker. The marker is coupled to the case and is moveable. When the case is coupled to the tape measure, the marker is moveable relative to the tape measure in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction that the measurement tape is extracted from the tape measure, and in a plane that substantially parallel with, or substantially perpendicular to, the plane that the measurement tape is extracted from the tape measure. The marking mechanism may also be formed as part of a tape measure during the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A retractable rule assembly includes wear resistant structure formed of a wear resistant material. The wear resistant structure is mounted at each lateral side of a blade opening of the rule assembly's housing to substantially protect the plastics material at the lateral sides from wear by the lateral side edges of the blade. An alternative retractable rule assembly has rollers rotatably mounted at each lateral side of the blade opening.

Abstract: A laser measuring device includes a housing, a laser head, two levels, a power supply, and a control knob. Thus, the housing has a non-symmetrical structure, so that when one of the casings of the housing is removed, the adjusting screws of the laser head are entirely exposed outward from the housing, thereby facilitating adjustment of the laser head and the levels.

Abstract: A housing of measuring tape compromising a supporting a hard plastic shell, a buffer soft plastic shell and two impact proof side metal covers, the supporting hard plastic shell and the buffer soft plastic shell can be injected together or stuck together after being injected separately for the right, left body of the measuring tape. During assembling, screws are applied in both directions to have the tape wheel, the elastic component, the tape lock/automatic rewind switch and all the components installed inside the right, left body, then to have the impact proof side metal covers installed on both external sides of the right, left body. The screw holes are covered by the impact proof side metal covers, such structure make the housing with light weight, impact proof and not easy to disperse characters.

Abstract: A power-return tape measure uses a retainer to help keep a retraction spring in the proper position. The tape measure may have a reel with an interior central cavity with a post extending therethrough. A spring is wound substantially within the central cavity and mounted to the post so as to provide a retraction bias. A cap is secured to the reel so as to substantially enclose the reel's central cavity and the spring. The retainer is disposed between the spring and the cap. The cap has a first hole of a first size and the retainer has a second hole of a second, smaller, size. The post extends through the second hole with a sliding fit and through the first hole in spaced relation to the cap. The post and the retainer substantially close off the first hole. A main case substantially encloses the reel.

Abstract: A retractable rule assembly includes wear resistant structure formed of a wear resistant material. The wear resistant structure is mounted at each lateral side of a blade opening of the rule assembly's housing to substantially protect the plastics material at the lateral sides from wear by the lateral side edges of the blade. An alternative retractable rule assembly has rollers rotatably mounted at each lateral side of the blade opening.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved structure of a tape rule housing composed of an upper housing and a lower housing. A snap catch is formed on the upper housing to be snapped into a corresponding retaining groove formed at the lower housing such that two housing can be coupled together. Besides, each housing is provided with two corresponding internally threaded hollow posts which are engaged by tightening screws inserted from tapped holes opened on the top surface of the upper housing thereby further firmly combining the upper and the lower housings together suing less hollow posts and tightening screws than the conventional tape rule housing so as to curtail fabrication cost and facilitate assembly work.

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

Abstract: A tape measure is constructed to enhance a rotational movement of the tape reel with respect to the supporting axle which has two ends supported at the sidewalls of a casing respectively. The tape reel is rotatably supported by the supporting axle and the elongated measuring blade has an outer end being blocked at the opening of the casing, wherein a friction reduction device is provided between the supporting axle and the tape reel for substantially reducing a friction therebetween.

Abstract: A miter saw includes a base, a table, a support housing connected to the table, at least one rail slidably connected to the support housing, a trunnion disposed on the at least one rail, a saw assembly pivotally attached to the trunnion and movable between a front position and a rear position, the saw assembly comprising a motor and a blade driven by the motor, and a return mechanism disposed on one of the trunnion and the support housing for returning the saw assembly to the rear position. The return mechanism may include a spool, a cable disposed on the spool, and a spring for biasing the spool to a first rotational position, the cable being connected to the other of the trunnion and the support housing.

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

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to erasable work boards. More particularly it relates to specially designed erasable whiteboards that can be secured onto a multiplicity of differently sized tape measuring devices. The object of the present invention is to provide the ability to the user to customize any tape measure with an easily mounted work board for notes, lists or measurements.

Abstract: A tape measure housing has first and second sidewalls and a peripheral wall. A metal post is extends between the first and second sidewalls and includes an elongate column portion disposed along an axis and a base portion. The base portion includes a plurality of ribs extending generally normal to the axis. The column portion includes a slot. A fastener may extend through the first sidewall and mate to the column portion. The second sidewall includes a boss having a recess configured to accept the ribs such that the material forming the boss interstitially interengages with the ribs. A fastener may extend through the second sidewall and mate to the base portion. The anchoring portion of the post may include a non-circular flange extending generally normal to the axis, with the recess being configured to accept the flange.

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

Abstract: A tape measure that incorporates a marking device for allowing an individual to measure and mark a wide variety of materials in a more efficient and economical manner, and for measuring and marking the beginning point of reference and the measured position point simultaneously. The tape measure has a housing, a coiled measuring tape, a tape tip, and a marker having a marking wheel mounted on an axle.

Abstract: A tape measure comprises a housing having a bottom surface and a front surface substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface, a tape strip elastically wound within the housing to become released from the housing when required, and a tubular protrusion extending from between the bottom surface and the front surface to incorporate a tunnel therethrough. The tunnel is open into the housing and an upper covering of the tubular protrusion has an opening so that indicia of the tape strip are read from atop through the opening.

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

Abstract: A marking device is used with a measuring tape extendable from a coiled position to mark a desired distance measured by the tape. The marking device includes an actuation member and a marker holder. The actuation member has an exterior portion for manual movement from a retracted to a marking position which moves the marker holder from the retracted to the marking position. A marker is attached to the marker holder for marking the desired distance. A guide device is provided to guide the marker across an inker and then to the marking position. A biasing device, such as a spring, is connected to the marker holder to urge the marker holder towards the retracted position.

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

Abstract: An otherwise conventional measuring tape which typically includes a six-faced housing or casing with a flexible and spring biased measuring tape spirally wound therein, is provided with a pair of straight wings. Each wing is pivoted at one end thereof to one face or surface of the housing by its own pivot pin. Each wing, near its respective pivot pin, is provided with an arcuate set of teeth, as in the form of gear teeth. These two sets of teeth intermesh with each other so that when one wing is rotated about its pivot, the other wing will rotate as well. Upon angular extension of the wings to their open position, they are aligned and form a straight edge. In their closed or nested position, they do not interfere with the usual mode of operation of the tape and casing. Each wing is L-shaped in transverse cross-section.

Abstract: An otherwise conventional measuring tape which typically includes a six-faced housing or casing with a flexible and spring biased measuring tape spirally wound therein, is provided with a pair of straight wings. Each wing is pivoted at one end thereof to one face or surface of the housing by its own pivot pin. Each wing, near its respective pivot pin, is provided with an arcuate set of teeth, as in the form of gear teeth. These two sets of teeth intermesh with each other so that when one wing is rotated about its pivot, the other wing will rotate as well. Upon angular extension of the wings to their open position, they are aligned and form a straight edge. In their closed or nested position, they do not interfere with the usual mode of operation of the tape and casing. Each wing is L-shaped in transverse cross-section.

Abstract: A dual mode tape rule blade arrestor structure that provides for an effective increase in tape rule rewind buffering to prevent excessive blade retrieval speeds that generate high impact sheering forces. The arrestor button of the present invention is pressed upward to temporarily halt tape rule rewinding, but can at the same time also be pressed downward and locked into the full constraint position. As such, the improved structure of the invention herein enhances tape rule service life as well as operating safety.

Abstract: A measuring and scribing device having a “clam shell” housing, having a forward end, a rearward end, an upper end, and having a lower end. Within the housing is mounted a spirally wound alternately forwardly extendable and rearwardly retractable measuring tape. Along the rear wall of the housing is mounted an alternately downwardly extendable and upwardly retractable surface scribing implement. The surface scribing implement is upwardly spring biased to a safe position within the housing. An operative mechanical linkage between a hook end of the measuring tape and a latch for holding the scribing implement in an extended position, allows release of the latch upon retraction of the tape, automatically retracting the surface scribing implement upon retraction of the tape.

Abstract: A measuring cable travel sensor comprises a measuring cable, and a cable drum for winding on and off the measuring cable. A spiral spring is arranged non-rotatably with the cable drum coaxially therewith, on the rotary trunnion of a rotary angle sensor for sensing rotation of the cable drum. The cable drum and the spiral spring are disposed in a housing which forms at least one mechanical internal space for same. The housing has at least two flat outside surfaces which are a right angle to each other. The housing parts are in the form of plastic injection moldings, and the sensor can be assembled very easily and quickly. The external configuration of the housing makes it possible to afford very many different possible ways of fixing it in position relative to the surrounding structure. The sensor is assembled by a method affording simplicity and speed.

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

Abstract: A chalk line device adapted to receive chalk from a chalk refill container, the chalk line device includes a body defining at least one opening and a chalk line disposed within the body. A mounting structure provided adjacent the opening is configured to engage the chalk refill container in a sealed manner, whereby chalk in the chalk refill container may be emptied into the chalk line device generally without spillage through engagement of the mounting structure to the chalk refill container. The refill container has a flange extending along its opening, and is sealed with a removable cover. A door is slidably mounted within the mounting structure such that opening and closing of the door is coordinated with coupling/decoupling of the refill container.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a measuring tape having a quick and effort-saving retracting device, comprising a front casing, a rear casing, a measuring tape axle base, a reverse axle, a reverse gear, a fastener, a gear casing, and a driving axle rod; more particularly a measuring tape that provides a retraction for a long-distance measurement and a device having a quick and effort-saving effect for enhancing the practicability of a measuring tape.