Abstract: A tape measure is disclosed wherein the measuring tape can be locked into, and unlocked from, a desired position by action of a "push on-push off" button mechanism.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the invention features a yardage measuring device for determining the position of the ball on the field after each play, or down, in a football game. The device locks the chain at any given amount of advancement and a see-through window represents the exact distance from the nose of the ball to the nearest yardline. An alternate embodiment can be used as a replacement for the standard 10 yard chain.

Abstract: A device and a method for measuring linear lengths has a tape housing, a flexible measuring tape, and a rigid rule movably fastened to the housing. The rule can by itself accurately and directly measure relatively small structures and the tape and rule are preferably deployed in opposition to each other to obtain inside measurement results by combining the length of the rule and the deployed length of tape. Angles between the housing and the rule can also be determined or transferred.

Abstract: A tape measure having sidewalls spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the width of the tape to define a small clearance at opposite edges of the tape with the sidewalls. The sidewalls define midway therebetween a center plane. A peripheral portion of the sidewalls adjacent the peripheral wall of the housing defines guide means adjacent the tape-passing opening for causing the centerline of the tape, as it is passed through the opening, to be accurately at the center plane, thereby effectively minimizing edge wear of the tape in the use of the tape measure.

Abstract: A power returnable tape rule has an improved connection between the outer end of the power spring and the inner end of the coilable rule blade provided by interengaging element thereon. The rule blade has an elongated aperture adjacent its inner end with the margins of the blade defining the aperture including opposed inwardly extending finger portions. The tongue is configured with spaced transversely extending shoulders facing in opposite directions, and it extends along the upper surface of the rule, downwardly into the aperture under the fingers and upwardly from the aperture and forwardly thereof along the upper surface of the rule blade. The shoulders on the tongue of the spring abut the margins of the aperture adjacent the finger portions in either direction of relative longitudinal movement to limit such movement and retain the two elements in assembly.

Abstract: A tape measure-type apparatus including a teardrop-shaped housing having a hollow interior. The housing has a rounded rear portion for storing a self-biased steel strip adapted to wind itself into a coil within the hollow interior of the rounded portion. The front portion of the housing is tapered in the form of a triangle whose base is the diameter through the center of the rounded portion and whose sides converge at the vertex to form the tape inlet/outlet opening. The edges of the housing along the triangular leg portions are relatively flat so that the apparatus can be laid on a flat surface on which length or distance is to be measured and used either right-side-up or up-side-down with equal facility for using either the top surface or the bottom surface of the tape strip for measurement purposes. In this matter, the top and bottom surfaces can be graduated in the same or different units adapted for one use on the top surface and a different and distinct use on the bottom surface.

Abstract: A quick rewind tape measure having a reel rotatably supported in an outer case with a handle adapted to rotate the reel to rewind a measuring tape. A smaller externally toothed pinion gear is secured to a shaft supporting the reel and a larger internally toothed ring gear is secured to a shaft of the handle and engages the smaller gear. A spring can be provided to press the outer face of the larger gear to keep it in contact with the smaller one.