Abstract: A device for attaching to a free end of a measuring tape includes at least two substantially plate-shaped parts which can be fitted together. The free end of the measuring tape is secured between the two parts. One of the plate-shaped parts should include a flat side corresponding with the zero point of the scale indication on the measuring tape and the device may optionally include a hook for gripping objects to be measured. The plate-shaped parts cooperate to secure and properly align the end of the measuring tape without deforming the tape, thereby increasing operating life.

Abstract: A straight edge device for use with a conventional tape measure having an extensible tape. The straight edge device comprises a perimeter molding, a straight edge device, and an edge guide. The perimeter molding abuts perimeter surfaces on the tape measure and supports the straight edge and edge guide. The edge guide is adapted to abut a first surface on an object and align the straight edge a predetermined angle from the first surface. The straight edge may then be used to mark a line on a second surface of the object. An angle scale may also be provided for indicating a variety of angles to which the straight edge may be positioned relative to the first surface. One or more clip tabs may be provided for attaching the straight edge device to the tape measure.

Abstract: A tape blade level that includes a housing that has an attaching means that secures the level to a tape measure blade. The attaching means includes an arcuate opening that conforms in shape to a typical tape measure blade. The opening is constructed in such a manner that the device can also be readily affixed to a string line. The housing allows the level vial bubble to be viewed from both the front and the rear of the level.

Abstract: A tape measure (11) is provided having a first plate (13), a second plate (15), and a spool assembly positioned between the first and second plates. In one embodiment, the first plate includes a central hub (17) and a plurality of upright posts (25), the combination being integrally formed from a single piece of plastic material. In one embodiment, the spool assembly includes a spiral spring (53), a tape (51), a spring-retaining disc (31) having a central hole (35) and an upright intermediate wall (41) with a slot opening (47), an upper disc (33), and a connector (55). In an assembled state, one end of the spiral spring engages the hub, while the other end of the spiral spring engages one end of the connector. The other end of the connector extends through the upright intermediate wall slot opening and engages one end of the tape. The connector second end is held outward of the wall slot in a manner prohibiting its passage back therethrough during use.

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

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

Abstract: A combination square and tape measure comprises a square having first and second legs arranged perpendicular to each other and a tape measure including a housing encasing a flexible measuring tape. A mounting structure attaches the tape measure to one leg of the square. The mounting structure supports the tape measure for pivotable movement about the square; wherein the tape measure may be rotated about the square from at least a reclined position where a plane bisecting the housing of the tape measure is parallel to the plane of the square to a fully inclined upright position where the plane bisecting the tape measure is orthogonal the plane of the square. The mounting structure maintains the outer surface of the tape measure at an elevated spaced apart position relative to the plane of the square when the tape measure is maintained in the reclined position.

Abstract: A note pad holder is secured to a tape measure of the type including a box-shaped housing having a planar front wall, a planar back wall which is parallel to and spaced from the front wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a pair of end walls. A tape reel is provided within the housing for dispensing tape through a horizontal aperture formed in one of the end walls. The note pad holder includes a flexible sleeve sized to fit snugly over the front, back, top and bottom walls of the housing of the tape measure. The note pad holder further includes a pocket formed on the sleeve in a position in which it is adjacent one of the front and back walls. The pocket is sized for receiving therein a note pad. Other embodiments of the note pad holder are further contemplated.

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

Abstract: A 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 totally enclosed marking attachment for any tape measure which is engaged by lifting finger pull (10) to a preset stop (15) then releasing said lift. This causes a striker (3) which contains a nylon fiber saturated with a consumer determined color and type ink to thrust downward through a striker slide (10) and contact ink head (9) with the desired destination. Said striker (3) is then returned to its original (neutral) position by means of main spring (5). Upon the return of striker (3) slide cap (7), which was opened by said striker (3) on its downward motion, is retuned to its original position to close striker slide (2) by cap spring (8). The entire procedure can be performed with one hand.

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

Abstract: A tape measure assembly with a ridge that is disposed along an edge of its housing and is generally perpendicular to the housing's spooling axis. The ridge has a rigidly placed working surface oriented perpendicularly with respect to an outer surface of the housing that is normal to the spooling axis. At least two portions of the working surface extend beyond the outer surface in a direction parallel with the spooling axis, and the working surface and the outer surface define a volume that surrounds the intersection of two generally perpendicular planes. Angle measurement markings can be disposed along a second edge of the housing, a notch can be formed at a center defined by the angle markings adjacent the first edge, and/or a second edge can form a right angle with the intersection of the two generally perpendicular planes.

Abstract: A layout and guide tool in which a coilable tape measure is disposed on a base to serve as a template for marking a workpiece or fashioning the workpiece with a tool. The layout tool has a guide to align the tool with the workpiece so that the integral template is in known orientation to the workpiece, and witness marks from which to read a direct numerical measurement of the distance from the end of the workpiece to the relevant work point or layout point.

Abstract: A guide facilitates marking or cutting flat sheet material, such as wallboard or plywood for example, along linear or arcuate lines. A first guide member has a flat surface which is contacted with an edge of the material. A swivelable guide member is pivoted to the first guide member and carries a tape measure having a housing containing a coiled measuring tape that can be drawn outward from the housing. An implement receiver at the end of the tape has an opening sized to receive a marking pencil, scribe or the like and a slit opening sized to receive a knife or scoring tool blade. A clamp immobilizes the tape relative to the tape housing at any selected degree of extension from the housing. Linear markings or cuts, parallel to an edge of the material, are made by traveling the guide member assembly along the edge while simultaneously traveling the implement receiver along a parallel path.

Abstract: This invention discloses a digital length gauge having an accuracy of about 0.01 mm. The digital length gauge includes a metal tape having a series of uniformly sized and spaced holes positioned along a common center line of the tape. As the tape is extracted and retracted from the length gauge housing, the holes engage pins positioned on a sprocket such that the sprocket will rotate causing an optical encoder to rotate along the same axis. The optical encoder produces optical pulses to provide the desired accuracy. The length gauge further includes a braking mechanism, an indexing mechanism and a drive motor. The braking mechanism prevents the reel on which the tape is wound from rotating in its normal mode. A braking arm and motor switch are configured relative to each other such that the braking arm has to deactivate the braking mechanism prior to the motor switch activating the drive motor. An indexing arm enables the reel to be incremented when the braking mechanism is activated.

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: A clip for a retractable tape measure which is structured to seatably receive a writing instrument so that the writing instrument is always present to mark the spot whenever a measurement is made, and further so that the writing instrument is located relative to the case so that accurate arcs can be drawn with respect to a nail head centerpoint. The clip includes a clip body composed of a base member for being connected to the case of a retractable tape measure, a spring member integrally connected with the base member for resiliently yielding when an article is slipped between the base and spring members. The clip further includes a writing instrument holder adjacent with the base member for removably receiving a writing instrument. The preferred clip is constructed of stainless steel sheet stock, preferably a spring type stainless steel material, wherein the clip body and the writing instrument holder are integrally formed in a single piece.

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

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

Abstract: A combination tape measure and light bulb assembly disclosed. A light bulb assembly is affixed to the free end of a semi rigid tape measure. A strip of electrically conductive material is applied to the bottom of the tape measure, with various electrical switching mechanisms described to connect this strip of material to a source of electric current, and thereby light the bulb whenever required by the operator. The light bulb assembly includes a reflector plate for increasing illumination coming from the bulb, and a clear plastic shield for the bulb. The light bulb assembly can also include a magnet to further add to the utility of the combination.

Abstract: The present invention provides for cutting devices used in conjunction with a flexible measuring tape to cut drywall. The end segment and angled tab of the measuring tape are retained between two body components of a unit having an extended knife blade. Optionally, a guide unit is provided for attachment to the measuring tape in order to guide the cutting device in the preparation of cuts of uniform width and sufficient cutting depth to break the sheet along the cut.

Abstract: An improved measuring, marking, and cutting tool comprising a tape measuring device within a housing which contains a guide and brake, and a pencil/knife holding attachment affixed to the distal end of the extensible, flexible measuring tape. The guide is a rigid, straight structure running along the bottom of the housing, and provides for a method of smoothly following along the straight edge of a workpiece, thereby facilitating long, straight, perpendicular marks or cuts. The brake mechanism is engaged by the guide structure, allowing the user to engage the brake and fix the measuring length of the tape by merely pushing down on the housing. The pencil/knife holding attachment is comprised of two Velcro (.TM.) straps that can be wrapped around and affixed to a standard pen, pencil, utility knife, and the like.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retainer designed to fit on the end of a flexible tape of the extendable and retractable type that can be housed within a housing. The retainer in a preferred embodiment assumes a cap-like configuration and includes a back with a surrounding retainer ring. Formed in the back is a slit through which an L-shape end that extends from the remote end of the flexible tape can be projected therethrough such that when mounted on the tape the back of the retainer lies adjacent a turned-down catch that forms a part of the L-shaped end of the flexible tape. Thus, the retainer is adapted to receive, hold and retain the end of a member (such as a piece of shoe mold) to be measured.

Abstract: An assembly for use by a surveyor having a ruler and an apparatus for securing the ruler to a surveyor's pole. The ruler has a retractable tape and a belt clip. The apparatus for securing the ruler to a pole includes a cradle sized to retain the ruler, a stop member, a planar wall member and attachment members for securing the apparatus to a pole. By securing the ruler to a pole, a single person may complete measurements which previously required two people. The tape of the ruler includes measurements which are inverted with respect to the tenth of a foot for easier reading.

Abstract: The retractable tape of the present invention includes a housing from which a flexible, metallic retractable tape can be withdrawn. The tape has, at its outer end, a telescoping arm which extends at right angles to the zero-mark on the tape. A second telescoping arm is fastened to the housing from which the tape is withdrawn and is positioned at right angles to the tape and housing at a point where the tip of the telescoping arm is in alignment with the index marker on the housing. The telescoping arms can extend twelve inches from the tape and housing. The tape can be retracted into the housing, and the arms can be telescopically contracted so that when the tape is retracted into the case and the arms are contracted, the device occupies a minimal space in a mechanic's toolbox.

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 marking device having a housing with a tape opening and a marker opening. A coiled tape is disposed within the housing such that the coiled tape may be extended or retracted through the tape opening. At least one linkage engaging aperture is secured to the coiled tape. A marking member is movably disposed within the housing and is adaptable to extend and retract within the marker opening. A linkage assembly is movably disposed within the housing such that when the linkage engaging aperture engages the linkage assembly, the linkage assembly engages and moves the marking member through the marker opening.

Abstract: A tape measure device includes a belt tape member made of a flexible material. A cursor is slidably supported for movement on and along the belt tape member. The cursor includes a housing and an encoder which includes a relative displacement sensor for detecting a relative displacement value between the belt tape member and the cursor. The displacement sensor includes a first electrode made of a conductive ink and printed at predetermined and spaced intervals on and along the belt tape member. The conductive ink first electrode printed on the belt tape member is protectively coated by an electrically nonconductive insulative membrane. A second electrode is provided on the cursor and opposes the first electrode and the insulation membrane. A circuit is provided for creating an electrical capacitance value between the first and second electrodes and for issuing signals in response to a change of electrical capacitance between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for enabling the marking and cutting on a straight line on an upper surface of a workpiece. A guide has a side guide surface, a top guide surface, and a base. The side guide surface and the top guide surface are mutually orthogonal. A clamp supports a case of a reeled measuring tape on the base. The damp has a fixed clamping surface and a movable clamping surface. The movable clamping surface is adjustable to contact one side of the reel case while the fixed clamping surface contacts the opposing side of the reel case, whereby the reel case is held fixedly and the holding means may hold any one of a wide range of reel case widths. The measuring tape has an engagement tongue protruding from the leading edge thereof, and the case of the measuring tape has a reel lock for fixing the tape in a position extended from the case. A hand tool, such as a knife or marking implement, works in cooperation with the guide and has an engagement slot.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a clip for use with a tape measure comprising a generally U-shaped channel sized to permit a standard tape measure to be retained in the channel. The channel is provided with a horizontal slot cut in the lower edge of opposite sides of the channel adjacent one end. The slots are sized to permit the ruler of a square or other straight edge to be inserted and held in place between the bottom of the tape measure and the floor of the channel. This configuration permits the square and tape to move as one, so that the tape may be read as it passes over the outside edge of the edge of the blade of the square and a mark may be scribed at any point across the top of the material without hindrance and the user will have one hand free to scribe the mark.

Abstract: A tool guiding measuring apparatus or apparatus for measuring a portion of a workpiece and guiding a tool during an operation on the workpiece. The apparatus includes an aligning body portion for positioning the apparatus in a desired orientation against a workpiece. Two tapes are provided on the aligning body portion for measuring the dimension of a portion of the workpiece. A selectively positionable clamp on a free end of the tape is used to calibrate the apparatus to provide a true measure on the tape of the dimension of the workpiece while compensating for the dimensions of the apparatus and tool. The selectively positionable clamp securely attaches to each of the tapes at a desired calibration position on the respective tape to provide ease of use and repeatable measuring. The apparatus also includes a clamping device which clamps the apparatus to the workpiece to prevent movement of the apparatus while cutting.

Abstract: A portable light generating belt device includes a housing having an aperture, a fixed shaft, and a retaining unit disposed on an outer surface of the housing. A pulley includes a pulley body which is disposed rotatably on the shaft of the housing, an annular groove which is formed in an outer surface thereof, and a cavity which is formed in a side wall of the pulley body. A torsion spring is received within the cavity of the pulley body and is secured at one end portion thereof to the shaft of the housing and at the other end portion to the pulley body. A light generating belt is provided with an electroluminescent strip which can be powered to generate light, and has an inner end portion which is secured to the pulley and an outer end portion which extends through the aperture of the housing. An enlarged end of the belt is located outside of the housing and is sized so that the enlarged end cannot pass through the aperture into the housing.

Abstract: An improved versatile tape measure tool is provided, which consists of an elongated strip of tape marked off in a linear scale for taking measurements. A casing is for storing the tape therein in a coiled spring biased condition with the tape being extendable through a first end wall of the casing for measuring. A plurality of components are built into the casing, to help in the measuring and cutting to size of plasterboard, so that the plasterboard can be used to cover interior walls and ceilings.

Abstract: A locking and measuring device which includes a housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, a first spaced end wall and a second spaced end wall, with a first opening in the first spaced end wall, and a second opening in the top wall, an extendable length of substantially strong and durable, yet bendable material having a terminal end, the length of material being normally, retractably stored in the housing with the terminal end at all times exteriorly accessible of the first opening; the terminal end of the length of material includes a locking end zone to be inserted into the second opening wherein it is matingly received and releasably captivated until released; along the length of material graduated indicia are provided defining a measuring scale.

Abstract: In measuring, cutting, and marking tool incorporating a tape measure having a case with a holder for a marking or cutting device integrally formed thereon. The tool provides reduced friction for marking and cutting tasks involving sliding of the tool. Friction reducing elements are provided on the case, e.g. slide pads or rollers. An end clip on the tape has friction reducing means involving beveled edges, angled wings, or rollers for reduced friction. An intermediary sliding handle between the end of the tape and the case and having reduced friction means and a gripping element is provided. A sharpening device for the marking or cutting tool is integrated in the case.

Abstract: A tape strip is arranged to include a strip abutment and the strip abutment is positioned within a first sleeve, the first sleeve having a V-shaped web arranged for positioning as a first corner, with a second sleeve having a second V-shaped web arranged for abutting against a further spaced corner, with the second sleeve including a slide block to receive the tape member therethrough.

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 calculator is adapted to be releasably attached to a conventional tape rule. A calculator case is attached to the rule with a flat rubber band that sits in a recessed channel in the case and passes around the tape rule. Alternatively the case may be attached to the tape rule with the screw that usually attaches a belt clip to the rule. The calculator is snapped into a protective pocket in the case. The calculator may be oriented face down so that the back of the calculator protects the keypad and display, or face up to expose the keys and display for use. The calculator may also be oriented in either of two positions differing by 180 degrees about an axis perpendicular to the case. Or the calculator may be removed from the case for independent use. Using the tape rule/calculator combination, a user may measure a distance and enter it into the calculator without releasing the tape rule.

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 retractable tape measure assembly is disclosed which includes a housing, a coiled tape located in the housing, which tape is adapted to be extended from and retracted into the housing. The coiled tape has a free end with a pull tab secured thereto. A resilient bumper is mounted in the housing in position to contact the pull tab when the tape is retracted. The bumper includes a front surface for contacting the pull tab and a tape support surface behind the front surface extending generally perpendicular thereto. An integral spring is located behind the tape support surface and engages a stop in the housing so that when the tape is retracted the spring is compressed to absorb the stress in the tape. The casing also includes a tape lock mechanism for locking the tape in an extended position. The pull tab also has a rear surface on which a high friction element is placed to help hold the pull tab in position when the tape is extended and engaged with a work piece for measurement.

Abstract: A fixture for use with a retractable tape measure having a tab at the end thereof perpendicular to the tape. The fixture has a base with opposed side walls at least one of which defines a recess for receiving the tape end tab therein. A retaining member extends over a portion of the for frictionally retaining the tape between the base and the retaining member. A spacer bar extends away from one of the side walls intermediate the tape and the surface on which the fixture rests to protect the surface when the tape and the fixture are moved therealong. A combination of the fixture and a retractable tape measure is also disclosed.

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 tool for locating a pair of points on a horizontal line at a desired distance from a reference point is disclosed including an elongated body carrying a pair of slidable selectively positonable spaced apart locator members and a scale for indicating the spacing between the indicator members and a bubble gauge for indicating a horizontal position of the indicator members. A tape measure is mounted for extension perpendicular from the body member for measuring the distance from the indicator members to the reference point at the free end of the extended tape measure.