Abstract: A tape measure comprises a housing containing a tape, spring, reel, and hub, with first seal(s) to seal between the reel cartridge and the hub and/or to seal between the reel and the housing and/or a part fixed to the housing. An outermost coil of the spring may extend out of an opening in the reel and be attached to an innermost coil of the tape, and a second seal may be provided on the reel, to seal between the spring and the reel where the spring extends from the reel. Alternatively, the spring may be contained within the reel, and an outermost coil of the spring may be attached to an interior of the reel. An exterior of the reel may include an attachment portion to which an innermost coil of the tape is attached. The housing may be openable to enable contaminants to be removed from the housing.

Abstract: An ergonomic tape measure having a side which has a protruding surface that fills at least a part of the gripping cavity of an operator's hand and provides a comfortable and secure feeling grip when holding the tape measure. The tape measure can have a grip swell surface which fills part or all of the gripping cavity of an operator's hand. The tape measure can have a grip swell side center region which protrudes from a grip swell plane and into the gripping cavity of an operator's hand.

Abstract: A tape measure, including a tape measure blade having a cross-sectional profile to increase standout is provided. The profile has a curved shape that increases standout. The tape blade may have a flat width of 30 mm or less and a standout of at least 132 inches. The tape blade may have a flat width greater than or equal to 29 mm and less than 32 mm and a standout of at least 156 inches. The tape blade may have a flat width greater than 32 mm and a standout of at least 168 inches.

Abstract: An ergonomic tape measure having a side which has a protruding surface that fills at least a part of the gripping cavity of an operator's hand and provides a comfortable and secure feeling grip when holding the tape measure. The tape measure can have a grip swell surface which fills part or all of the gripping cavity of an operator's hand. The tape measure can have a grip swell side center region which protrudes from a grip swell plane and into the gripping cavity of an operator's hand.

Abstract: An ergonomic tape measure having a side which has a protruding surface that fills at least a part of the gripping cavity of an operator's hand and provides a comfortable and secure feeling grip when holding the tape measure. The tape measure can have a grip swell surface which fills part or all of the gripping cavity of an operator's hand. The tape measure can have a grip swell side center region which protrudes from a grip swell plane and into the gripping cavity of an operator's hand.

Abstract: The present invention relates measuring tapes and methods for making thereof. In particular, the measuring tape of the present invention contains a wipe mechanism for cleaning the tape as it retracts into its housing. The wipe mechanism contains a top wipe and a bottom wipe for removing debris from the top and bottom surfaces of the tape, respectively, when it is retracted after use.

Abstract: A reel assembly includes a housing, an axle within the housing, a reel within the housing, a first spring and a second spring. The housing has a fixed connection portion. The fixed connection portion is fixed from rotation relative to the housing. The axle is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation. The reel is configured to rotate about the axis of rotation and the axle. The first spring is coupled between the axle and the fixed connection portion of the housing. The second spring is coupled between the axle and the reel. The second spring has a torque profile associated therewith different from a torque profile of the first spring. Rotation of the reel relative to the housing in a direction tending to tension the second spring transmits rotational movement to the axle through the tensioning of the second spring. Such rotational movement of the axle is applied to the first spring to tension the first spring.

Abstract: There is provided a measuring device having a pair of pivoted arms, the ends of which remote from the pivot having an associated tape. The tape is fixed to one arm and extends internally through the other arm to be wound on to a biased reel located in a housing part, the reel taking up any slack in the tape.

Abstract: There is provided a measuring device having a pair of pivoted arms, the ends of which remote from the pivot having an associated tape. The tape is fixed to one arm and extends internally through the other arm to be wound on to a biased reel located in a housing part, the reel taking up any slack in the tape.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a housing assembly having a first side wall, a second side wall, and a peripheral wall extending from the first side wall to the second side wall. A cavity is defined within the housing assembly, and the first side wall defines at least one aperture open to the cavity during use of the tape measure. The peripheral wall defines a tape port. A spool is rotatably supported in the cavity about an axis and includes at least a portion of a measuring tape. A hook member is fixedly coupled to an end portion of the measuring tape. The spool includes a retraction mechanism with an elongated coiled spring.

Abstract: A tape measure is described that has a finger recess in a housing, with at least a portion of the underside of a tape blade exposed in the finger recess. Pressing a finger against the underside of the tape allows the user to create a drag brake that acts against the retraction spring to slow and/or stop the retraction of the tape blade. The lateral edges of the tape blade, for that portion of the tape blade disposed in the finger recess, are protected by the housing. This arrangement results in a compact yet versatile and safe overall tape measure with good tactile feedback during finger-braking.

Abstract: A tape measure holder includes a holder body having a first side panel, a second side panel, a bottom panel, a first top portion, a second top portion, a forward-edge portion, a rearward-edge portion, a back end panel and a front strap. A securing mechanism has a first securing portion and a second securing portion connected to or integrally-formed with the first top portion and a second securing portion for interlocking the first top portion to the second top portion. The front strap extends between the forward-edge portion of the first side panel and the forward-edge portion of the second side panel and is positioned adjacent to but spaced a predefined distance from the bottom panel. The holder body is sized and configured to receive a tape measure in a snug manner with the first top portion overlapping the second top portion.

Abstract: A tape measure assembly is provided for selectively positioning a marker or a knife adjacent to an end of a tape measure. The assembly includes a tape measure having a housing. A tape is coupled to and positioned in the housing. The tape has a free end extendable from the housing. A tang is coupled to the free end of the tape. An attachment member is selectively couplable to the tang. A tool aperture extends through the attachment member. A tool, either a knife or a writing device, has a first end insertable through the tool aperture. A locking device is coupled to the attachment member and engages the tool when the first end is inserted through the tool aperture.

Abstract: A measuring tape of the type including a housing enclosing a coil of a resilient rule tape uncoilable to a substantially straight orientation. The housing has first and second sidewalls joined by surrounding walls extending substantially parallel to the coil axis and defining a rule-egress-ingress opening with a rule-tape free end extending therefrom. The inventive measuring tape includes a spool holding the coil of the rule tape wound thereabout and secured to a spool-supporting wall portion of the housing such that the coiled rule-tape coil is entirely removable from the housing. The rule tape has first and second sides and extends for a length which includes a break region spaced from a free end of the uncoiled rule tape. The break region includes a plurality of discrete elongate depressions spaced from one another lengthwise along the rule-tape length.

Abstract: A tape rule includes a housing comprising a first material, a reel rotatable within the housing, an axle extending within the housing about which the reel is mounted, a measuring tape wound on the reel, and a reinforcement region comprising a portion of the housing. The reinforcement region is formed from a second material having a higher impact resistance material than the first material of the housing. The second material is disposed at least at a position at which the axle joins the housing.

Abstract: There is provided a measuring device having a pair of pivoted arms, the ends of which remote from the pivot having an associated tape. The tape is fixed to one arm and extends internally through the other arm to be wound on to a biased reel located in a housing part, the reel taking up any slack in the tape.

Abstract: A tape measure assembly with a cleaning aperture is disclosed herein and comprises a central spool upon which a measuring tape containing linear markings is coiled and stored. A protective housing or case surrounds the central spool and allows pivotal rotation of the central spool mounted therein. A cleaning aperture is provided through the protective housing to allow access to the measuring tape and spool without disassembly of the protective housing. An easily removable plug is used to seal the cleaning aperture when not in use to preventing ingress of debris through the cleaning aperture.

Abstract: A measuring tape of the type including a housing enclosing a coil of a resilient rule tape uncoilable to a substantially straight orientation. The housing has first and second sidewalls joined by surrounding walls extending substantially parallel to the coil axis and defining a rule-egress-ingress opening with a rule-tape free end extending therefrom. The inventive measuring tape includes a spool holding the coil of the rule tape wound thereabout and secured to a spool-supporting wall portion of the housing such that the coiled rule-tape coil is entirely removable from the housing. The rule tape has first and second sides and extends for a length which includes a break region spaced from a free end of the uncoiled rule tape. The break region includes a plurality of discrete elongate depressions spaced from one another lengthwise along the rule-tape length.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a housing assembly having a first side wall, a second side wall, and a peripheral wall extending from the first side wall to the second side wall. A cavity is defined within the housing assembly, and the first side wall defines at least one aperture open to the cavity during use of the tape measure. The peripheral wall defines a tape port. A spool is rotatably supported in the cavity about an axis and includes at least a portion of a measuring tape. A hook member is fixedly coupled to an end portion of the measuring tape. The spool includes a retraction mechanism with an elongated coiled spring.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a housing assembly defining a cavity and a tape port from which to extend and retract a measuring tape. The measuring tape forms a spool rotatably coupled about an axis. A hook member is fixedly coupled to an end portion of the measuring tape. A U-shaped guard member extends from the housing assembly adjacent the tape port. The guard member is configured to engage the hook member when the measuring tape is retracted into the housing assembly.

Abstract: A tape rule includes a housing comprising a first material, a reel rotatable within the housing, an axle extending within the housing about which the reel is mounted, a measuring tape wound on the reel, and a reinforcement region comprising a portion of the housing. The reinforcement region is formed from a second material having a higher impact resistance material than the first material of the housing. The second material is disposed at least at a position at which the axle joins the housing.

Abstract: A tape measure assembly with a cleaning aperture is disclosed herein and comprises a central spool upon which a measuring tape containing linear markings is coiled and stored. A protective housing or case surrounds the central spool and allows pivotal rotation of the central spool mounted therein. A cleaning aperture is provided through the protective housing to allow access to the measuring tape and spool without disassembly of the protective housing. An easily removable plug is used to seal the cleaning aperture when not in use to preventing ingress of debris through the cleaning aperture.

Abstract: A tape measure apparatus that includes one or more information storage components and one or more protection components.

Abstract: A compact tape measure is described that includes novel and useful features that allow a spring retractable tape measure to occupy a compact space. Specifically, the tape measure of the invention configures at least one flat coil return spring to be located alongside, and not in the same plane as, a flat coiled tape measure blade, thereby permitting a reduction in the dimension of the tape measure taken along a diameter of the coiled tape blade, and at the same time expanding the width of the tape measure to provide a tape measure with more compact characteristics than tape measures that are elongate and narrow.

Abstract: A measuring tape device with improved carriage apparatuses of present invention comprises of a casing; a coiled measuring tape that is located inside the casing; one end of the measuring tape must be extended outside of the casing for taking measurement; a control mechanism that locks or releases the measuring tape is set on one end of the casing; and a side-clip component; the invention is characterized in that: the device has a protective element that is set at the front end of the casing, such protective element can prevent injury to user's finger during the retracting motion of the measuring tape, and the device may also be hanged onto a wall when it is not in use; the side-clip component is located at the top circumference surface of the casing, such that the side-clip can be assembled on either side of the casing to accommodate for both left-handed or right-handed users.

Abstract: The invention provides a tape measure housing having resilient material located at its outersurface. The resilient material defines one or more gas-filled cavities, each of which is located on a line tangential to an outer wall of the housing between the outer wall of the housing and an outer wall of the resilient material. This provides improved shock protection.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved quick rewind tape measure having dual modes of manual and power tool assisted operation. A quick rewind tape measure is formed by rotatably placing in an outer case a reel for winding a tape, providing a handle oil the outer side of the case so that the reel can be rotated by the handle to rewind a measuring tape. The handle of the tape measure has dual modes of operation, both manual and power tool assisted. With the power tool assisted mode of operation, the measuring tape can be rewound in a high speed. Consequently, the tape measure has the advantage that an elongate measuring tape having a length of more than 10 m, particularly 50 m to 300 m can be rewound quickly.

Abstract: A tape measure having a case, in which is a spooled concave measuring blade, the blade being extendable from the case via an opening, the tape measure having a spring which acts to urge the blade back into its spooled configuration, and an end piece at the free end of the measuring blade, wherein the tape measure further comprises at least one aperture in the casing to allow direct access to the spooled blade.

Abstract: The tape measure may consist of a relatively large tape blade. To accommodate a large blade the tape measure housing is formed as a hollow annulus having an open central core where the blade is wound about the core of the annular housing. Because the housing has a central opening it can be easily carried in one hand. The device also includes a locking mechanism for locking the tape in an extended position and a rewind mechanism for rewinding the tape back into the housing. The rewind mechanism may comprise a belt drive, opposed springs with a cam lock, a linear spring compressed by a gear drive, a motor driven gear drive, a flat spring and gear drive or a magnetic drive.

Abstract: The invention provides a tape measure housing having resilient material located at its outersurface. The resilient material defines one or more gas-filled cavities, each of which is located on a line tangential to an outer wall of the housing between the outer wall of the housing and an outer wall of the resilient material. This provides improved shock protection.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved quick rewind tape measure having dual modes of manual and power tool assisted operation. A quick rewind tape measure is formed by rotatably placing in an outer case a reel for winding a tape, providing a handle oil the outer side of the case so that the reel can be rotated by the handle to rewind a measuring tape. The handle of the tape measure has dual modes of operation, both manual and power tool assisted. With the power tool assisted mode of operation, the measuring tape can be rewound in a high speed. Consequently, the tape measure has the advantage that an elongate measuring tape having a length of more than 10 m, particularly 50 m to 300 m can be rewound quickly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tape measure apparatus including an adapter having a first portion, which is sized and shaped so as to be attached to a butt end of a fishing pole, and a second portion, which is attached to the first portion. The tape measure apparatus is provided with a tape measure device sized and shaped such that the tape measure device can be removably attached to the adapter. In this manner, conventional fishing poles can be retrofitted with the tape measure device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved tape ruler, comprising mainly a hollow housing constructed by two parts (the left and the right) to form a space for other components to place in, a roller of ruler blade placed in said space, two interiorly protruding axis tubes respectively set on the middle of the left and the right parts of the housing, two supplementary tubes of different materials set on the interiors of said axis tubes, two protruding tubes that match said axis tubes, two sleeves of different materials further mounted onto said protruding tubes. Said protruding tubes are respectively coupled up with said two axis tubes, allowing the roller to rotate in said space. One rolling spring is placed inside said roller, with one end of it reaching out from an arsis post that extends from the housing inside one of said protruding tubes, and the other end connected with the end of said ruler blade. There is also one other strip-shaped exit formed the tip of the tape.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a case with an opening, a core inside the case, a spring extending around and imparting a radially inward force to most of a circumference of the core, and a graduated free metal tape with an arcuate cross-section that is wound around the core between the core and spring. The free metal tape is not connected to the case and core and its entire length is passable through the opening. The spring urges the tape flat against the core. The tape may be graduated on both sides. The case may include rollers that roll on an external periphery of the tape wound around the core and that are urged radially inward by the spring, and plural slots in which respective axes of the rollers are displaced in response to a change of diameter of the external periphery of the tape wound around the core.

Abstract: An assembly of a tape measure and a screwdriver includes a tape measure having a case, a ruler received in the case, an outlet being defined in the bottom of one side of the case for extension of the ruler, a receiving chamber being defined in one surface of the case and extending to an edge of the case, a pressing unit being disposed at one side of the case; and a screwdriver mechanism movably disposed in the receiving chamber of the case, the screwdriver mechanism having a positioning unit corresponding to the pressing unit. Thus, the assembly has functions of a tape measure and a screwdriver for easy use.

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: A coilable tape rule includes a pair of rollers that are convexly rounded in both axial and transaxial planes, about which rollers the measuring blade moves during passage through the casing and which cause the blade to turn on its longitudinal axis so as to reorient its width dimension to a perpendicular relationship to the axis of coiling. The blade is of concavo-convex cross section and cooperates with the rollers for tracking control and to enhance the smoothness and reliability of extension and retraction.

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 system for efficiently marking a measured object. The tape measure system includes a housing with a recoil unit containing a length of a tape measure, a dispensing neck extending from the housing for guiding and dispensing the tape measure, and wherein the dispensing neck includes a guide edge for marking a surface of a measured object. A pair of teeth extend from the dispensing neck for selectively engaging and marking the surface of the measured object. The dispensing neck includes a recessed portion exposing a portion of the tape measure for allowing frictional engagement of the tape measure by the user.

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: Disclosed herein is a tape measure which has at least one roller provided in the front surface of a housing, thus protecting the fingers of a user. The tape measure of the present invention includes a housing, a circumferential outer surface of which is covered with a grip. The housing has a neck extending from the front surface of the housing, thus forming upper and lower concave parts on upper and lower surfaces of the neck, respectively. The housing further has a tape extraction hole formed in a lower end of the front surface of the neck. The tape measure further includes a bobbin rotatably provided at a central portion in the housing, with a coil spring mounted in the bobbin; and a tape coupled at a first end thereof to the coil spring of the bobbin and extending at a second end thereof to the outside of the housing through the tape extraction hole, so that the tape is extracted to the outside through the tape extraction hole.

Abstract: A coilable tape rule includes a fixed structure or a roller about which the measuring blade moves during extension from the casing and which causes the blade to turn on its longitudinal axis so as to reorient its width dimension to a perpendicular relationship to the axis of coiling.

Abstract: An electronic measuring instrument includes a housing, a storage spool rotatably mounted to the housing, and a thin, flexible line provided on the storage spool and extendible from the housing for measuring distances. The storage spool is rotatable in a first direction for unwinding the line from the storage spool and a second direction for winding the line onto the storage spool. The instrument includes a rotatable drum in engagement with said line so that movement of said line causes movement of said rotatable drum.

Abstract: An illuminated tape measure comprises a housing with an illuminable tape positioned in the housing. The illuminable tape is marked with a plurality of regularly spaced markings that form a linear measuring scale so the tape may be used as a measuring tape. The illuminable tape is made of an electroluminescent material operable to emit light when electrical power is provided to the material. A power source and an inverter are positioned in the housing for supplying power to the illuminable tape. The housing includes at least one wall having a transparent portion. Light from the illuminable tape may pass out of the housing through the transparent portion. In one embodiment, a mirror is provided in the housing for focusing the light within the housing into a light beam.

Abstract: A marking tape measure having a marking applicator, which is selectively engageable, adjacent this applicator being a wheel or other directional guide for guiding the applicator generally perpendicular to the direction the tape measure's tape blade extends from the tape measure's case.

Abstract: A retractable badge reel with a billboard designed to display a logo, such that unadorned badge reels can be manufactured separately from the billboards that contain the logos. The billboard is optionally removable, allowing the logo being displayed to be changed without having to produce new retractable badge reels in their entirety. In another embodiment, a billboard designed to display a logo is adapted to be installed over the face of an existing retractable badge reel, such that the logo on the existing unit is hidden and the new logo on the billboard is instead displayed. A casement comprising the billboard and a back housing member have a mating portion that mates with a bob mating portion of a bob attached to the exterior end of the retractable cord to prevent the bob from shifting or twisting when the cord is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a body made by injection molding, a cover disposed at the body, and a fastener disposed at the cover. A connection portion is formed at a side of the body. The cover is made of flexible plastic by injection molding and is defined with a recess for receiving the connection portion. The fastener fixes the cover to the connection portion of the body through ultrasonic melting.

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: The invention concerns a device comprising a flexible and non-elastic yarn divided by at least three retaining means fixed to predetermined locations and at least three fixing means adapted to support the retaining means and whereof the diameter of each fixing means is substantially equal to the internal diameter of the retaining means so as to position the yard along a direction perpendicular to that of the axis of the corresponding fixing means.

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.