WO2000060306A2

WO2000060306A2 - Improved tape measure

Info

Publication number: WO2000060306A2
Application number: PCT/US2000/006859
Authority: WO
Inventors: Zareh Khachatoorian
Original assignee: The Olympia Group, Inc.
Priority date: 1999-03-19
Filing date: 2000-03-16
Publication date: 2000-10-12
Also published as: AU3887200A; WO2000060306A3

Abstract

A tape measure having tape and tape cartridge friction means and marker attachment means. The tape measure includes a tape coilable upon a spring-loaded tape cartridge located within a compartment of a housing of the tape measure. The tape extends and stoppingly retracts through a slitted opening in a front wall of the housing and is spring biased to retract into the compartment. The tape measure includes first and second frictions means (54 and 48) to prevent retraction of the tape into the compartment wherein the first friction means (54) acts upon the tape near the slitted opening and the second friction means (48) acts upon the tape cartridge (36). A finger actuated control means (56) controls both first and second friction means simultaneously to positively lock the tape in an extended position (figure 4), to place the tape in a neutral position (figure 2) resulting in the friction being substantially equal to the spring bias, and to place the tape in a release position (figure 3) resulting in retraction of the tape into the housing. The tape measure (figure 8) also includes recesses (40a' and 40b') located on at least one outer side wall of the housing to hold a marking device in alignment with a line (L) defined by the front wall and a bottom wall of the housing.

Description

IMPROVED TAPE MEASURE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to improved tape measures and, more

specifically, to a tape measure with improved tape braking control mechanism.

Tape measures of the type that include a spring loaded tape cartridge including a

coilable tape have been widely accepted in the marketplace for a variety of consumer and

professional uses. Such spring loaded tape allow the tape to be withdrawn or pull outside of the housing for the tape measure, a power spring employed in connection with the tape

cartridge providing a retracting force tending to draw the metal tape rule back into the case

and rewind it or re-coil it about the spool or bobbin from which it was withdrawn. However,

depending on the size of the tape, the extent to which the tape was withdrawn and the strength

of the spring, a tape can be retracted with such force and velocity that the tape can cause injury to a user or others standing by and also can cause damage to the tape itself. With such

tape measures, when the tape is inadvertently released and there is no longer any tension to

counteract the retraction force of the spring, the tape initially starts to recoil quite vigorously.

However, unless the user quickly grips the tape and gains control over it, the tape will tend to

accelerate and gradually even increase its speed. The danger of attempting to grasp the

moving tape is that the relatively sharp edges of the tape can cause cuts unless the hand of the

user is protected such as by a glove. Also, because long lengths of metal tape frequently do

not have the ability to remain straight but bend along different portions thereof, a rapid retraction of the tape can also cause damage to the tape by kinking the same and, in some instances when the tape is violently retracted, the tape can actually fracture or become

severed. During such instances when the tape is retracted at a very high speed, there is always the danger that the free end of the tape will be randomly propelled in space and may also injure a user or bystander by the random and violent movements of the tape. Repeated

retractions of this type may also reduce the service life of the tape measure.

Means have been used in known tape measures for locking and/or slowing down the

retracting tapes. Typically, this involves applying pressure to a locking button exteriorly

mounted on the housing. The locking button is normally mounted for movements over a

limited range between tape releasing and tape locking positions. In such instances, the

manually actuated button is coupled or linked to a mechanism in the housing for slowing the

retracting tape or holding it in place, the movement of the button to the locking position causing a member within the housing to come into contact with the tape. However, such

arrangement is not always satisfactory and can be inefficient. Additionally, the application of

an internal member into pressure a button against the face of a tape can also cause such

surface to become scored and, in time, remove enough of the markings or measurement indicia to render the tape measure, in time, possibly unusable.

In order to address some of the aforementioned problems, a tape measure is disclosed

in U.S. Patent No. 5,531,395 for a stopping device for tape measures. The tape measure is

provided with a tape roller equipped with an inner helical spring and an outer tape measure.

A plurality of mounting pieces are provided on the internal surfaces of the housing for

supporting a stopping spring. The stopping spring is released from the outer stopping rim of

the roller, allowing the tape to be retracted automatically using the tension of the helical

spring of the tape roller. Release of the locking button allows the tension of the helical spring to return to its initial position, pressing against the outer stopping rim on one side of the tape

roller and thus providing the means for stopping the tape roller. In the disclosed arrangement, however, it is clear that the stopping action is achieved by wedging the end of the locking button extension between a mounting piece and a mounting rod, the extension being somewhat deformed and wedged to provide some measure of friction between the contacting

elements. Because of the manner of construction, the button extension may find it difficult to

remain in the locked position, particularly against the action of the spring which tends to return the button to its normal, releasing position. Also, inadvertent force of the button,

which would tend to relax the same, could also inadvertently release the button.

Also, while such tape measures are generally easy to use, marking the work off the

demarcations on the tape is not always that simple. Thus, for example, a carpenter typically

pulls the tape out of the housing or case with one hand along the work, e.g., a length of wood to a required length. While holding the housing or case on the wood surface, the carpenter

needs to use his or her other hand to place a mark on the wood surface with a pencil or some

other marker. However, it is frequently inconvenient to both hold the tape measure housing

and mark the desired length. The reason for this is that in the use of such tape measures the

free end of the tape must at times be held with one hand in a fixed position relative to the article or material to be measured. This problem is further aggravated if the work, such as the

piece of work, must itself be held or supported by the user. Thus, the worker may need to

secure the housing of the tape measure, the end of the tape, a pencil or other marker and

possible the work itself- all with two hands. In such instances another person may be needed

to assist the worker. Also, while most flexible tapes have a L-shaped tab or stop at the free end thereof that can be used to engage the edge of the work, when the measurement is not

taken from an edge of the work but from an intermediate region of its surface one hand may

also be needed, as suggested, to hold the end of the tape. Absent an assistant, marking the

surface of the work at the desired demarcation may be tricky and inconvenient. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a tape measure that does not have the disadvantages inherent in comparable known tape measures.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a tape measure that is simple in construction and economical to manufacture.

It is still an object of the invention to provide a tape measure as in the previous objects

in which the tape can be controlled more effectively and the speed of the returning tape can be reduced.

It is yet another object of the invention provide a tape measure of the type under discussion which promotes safety to user and others standing by.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a tape measure as in the previous

objects which reduces the risk of bending or kinking of the tape and, therefore, increases the service life of the tape measure.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a tape measure as in the

previous objects which substantially eliminate the risk of accidental or inadvertent release of

the tape, by positively locking the tape when so desired.

It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a tape measure that utilizes a conveniently positioned rocking button that is pivotally mounted on the housing and provides

a positive tactile feedback when the tape is positively locked and also when the tape is

released.

It is yet an additional object of the invention to provide a tape measure in which the

lock button is conveniently positioned on the front part of the top of the case of an ergonomic

housing design for most comfortable operation.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a tape measure as suggested in the previous objects which is convenient to use for making markings on a work, under varied conditions, without the need for an assistant.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a tape measure of the type under discussion which assures that the marking feature will always be available to be used

with a wide assortment of marking devices.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a tape measure that is not

rendered more bulky and does not interfere with or prevent insertion of the tape measure into

a pocket or tool compartment.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a tape measure which can

accurately mark the work by the same hand of the user that holds the housing of the tape

measure.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a tape measure which can

be conveniently held by a user, irrespectively of the length of the marking device, such as a

pencil.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a tape measure as in the

previous objects which does not interfere with any of the other, standard functions of the tape

measure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The aforementioned and other features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following discussion and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a tape measure with improved tape braking control

mechanism in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a cross sectional view of the tape measure shown in Fig. 1, taking along line 2-2. showing the rocking or control button in a neutral position which results in sufficient being applied to the tape cartridge to prevent it from being re-coiled into the housing,

independently of the position of tape;

Fig. 3 is similar to Fig. 2, but showing the rocking or control button in a release

condition in which friction is removed from the cartridge to a point below that necessary to be

overcome by the springs internal to the tape cartridge so that release of the tape will cause same to be retracted within the housing, although at a lower or attenuated rate;

Fig. 4 is similar to Figs. 2 and 3. but showing the control or rocking button in a

locking position in which maximum friction is applied to the tape cartridge being

significantly greater than that required to overcome the cartridge internal spring force, thereby

avoid or rotation when the tape is released, and also showing a locking member, forming part

of a toggle mechanism with the control or rocking button moved beyond a dead center point

to positively lock the tape by applying a physically pressure on one side of the tape against the

housing;

Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the tape measure shown in Fig. 1 illustrating the

component parts and the manner in which they are assembled;

Fig. 6 is a partial exploded view, similar to Fig. 5, but showing the details of the

friction bearing spring and the manner in which it is assembled in contact with the cartridge

and associated wall of the tape measure housing;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a tape measure with a holder for a marking device in

accordance with the present invention illustrating the tape measure during use when marking

a length of a work with one hand;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged side elevational view of the tape measure shown in Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a cross sectional view of one of the side walls of the case or housing of the tape measure as shown in Figs.7 and 8 taken along line 3-3 to show the cross sectional configuration of the recess for receiving a marking device such as a pencil;

Fig. 10 is similar to Fig. 8 but also showing a retainer or a clip for retaining a marking device such as a pencil in desired aligned position;

Fig. 1 1 is similar to Fig. 9 and shows a portion of the side wall shown in Fig. 10 taken

along line 5-5 to illustrate the retainer; and

Fig. 12 is a fragmented cross sectional view of a lower front corner of the tape

measure case or housing to illustrate the slit or exit aperture through which an end of the flexible tape can be extended out of the case and retracted back into the case, and further illustrating some of the angular positions for marking device such as a pencil which could

accurately mark a line on the work along a marking line.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now specifically to the drawings, in which identical or similar parts are

designated by the same reference numerals throughout, and first referring to Fig. 1 , a tape

measure incorporating an improved tape braking control mechanism in accordance with the

present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 10.

A tape measure 10 includes a substantially closed rectangular housing 12 formed of

two mating hollow housing portions 14, 16 that are normally joined along a parting line 18, defining a parting plane extending therethrough, to form an internal compartment 20 (Fig. 5).

The housing 12 defines a top wall 22, a bottom wall 24, a front wall 26, a rear wall 28 and two opposing side walls 30. 32. The housing 12 has an opening 34 (Figs. 2-4) in the form of

a slot normal to the parting plane generally in the region where the front and bottom walls 26,

24, respectively, join. A conventional springloaded tape cartridge 36 is mounted within the housing 12, the

cartridge including a coilable metal tape 38 provided with measurement indicia 40 (Figs. 5 and 6) and rotatably mounted within the internal compartment 20. Towards that end, suitable

bosses or protuberances may be formed on the internal surfaces of the side walls 30, 32, as

well be more fully described, for ensuring that the cartridge 36 remains centered within the housing and can rotate without incurring excessive or sporadic frictional forces. When so

mounted, as shown in Figs. 2-4, the free end of the tape 38 is positioned in line with the

opening 34 for passage therethrough and for movement along a path or direction 42 which is

substantially parallel to the bottom wall 24. The tape cartridge 36 is biased in a conventional

way to normally retract the tape into the compartment 20 when the free end is pulled

externally or exteriorly of the housing to extend the tape to perform a measurement. As with conventional measuring tapes, the tape 38 is drawn out along a direction 42 substantially

parallel to the bottom wall 24 to perform a measurement. Also, as with conventional tape

measures, the tape or blade 38 is provided at the free end thereof with a L-shaped transverse

hook or stop tab 46 to engage a workpiece and to ensure that the free end remains positioned

outside of the housing 12 and always available for gripping by a user.

Referring to Fig. 6, an irregularly shaped spring 48 is provided that has a general

configuration or shape of the numeral "3". and is substantially symmetrical about the mid

portion 48a which is generally V-shaped as shown. Extending from one leg of the portion

48a is a generally L-shaped spring portion 48b and like L-shaped portion 48c. The portion

48c includes a generally right angle tab 48d and spring portion 48b includes a generally right

angle tab or lip 48e as shown. The two arcuate lengths of the spring portions 48b, 48c generally form arcs of a circle the diameter of which substantially corresponds to the outer

diameter of a recess 36b provided in the side of the cartridge 36 as shown, for example, in Fig. 6. The cartridge 36 includes a hub 36a which is rotatably mounted on the circular post or boss 44 on the side wall as also shown in Fig. 6. In assembly, the V-shaped portion 48a is

centered on a post 50 protruding from the internal surface of the side wall 32, this being

shown in Figs. 3-5. The post 50 generally centers the spring in the desired position and

positions the tab 48d to be inserted or received within spring and retaining bosses 52. The tab

or lip 48e remains free for reasons to be described. The dimensions of the spring and the

dimension of the internal diameter of recess 36b are selected such that the spring portion 48c,

when the unit is assembled, positions the arcuate portion of that spring portion in abutment against the inner surface 36b of the spool to apply a frictional force therebetween during

relative rotation of the cartridge 36 about the hub 36a by selecting the distance R, (Fig. 2) of

the arcuate length and the degree to which such arcuate portion is press fitted or forced

against the arcuate surface of the cartridge, these components will provide a first friction

producing system which acts between the housing 12 and tape cartridge 36 for normally

applying substantially constant frictional force on the tape cartridge to normally maintain the

tape in any desired extracted or extended position. Therefore, the friction force provided by

the arcuate length of the spring portion 48c should always be less than the spring force

applied on the cartridge to retract the tape in a customary manner, the friction supplied by the

fixed portion 48c is sufficient to reduce the effect of the cartridge internal spring and to,

therefore, attenuate or moderate the force acting on the tape. This will reduce the acceleration on the tape when released and also reduce the velocity or speed of retraction.

In order to provide added control, the second spring portion 48b is mounted to allow that spring portion to either be spaced from the arcuate surface 36b, be in slight contact or be

urged against that surface with a more significant source. This will, clearly, correspondingly

increase the frictional forces applied to the cartridge, as to be described. A suitable locking element is provided, best shown in Figs. 2-5, which is generally designated by the reference numeral 54. The element 54 is mounted for selectively applying a

substantially normal pressure to the tape 38 transverse to the movement path or direction 42

to positively lock the tape against the housing 12 and to prevent the tape from moving relative

thereto substantially independently of the forces or conditions of the various springs that are

employed within the housing.

Control of the locking element 54 is achieved with a finger actuated control lever or rocking button 56 that is preferably provided with two spaced front and rear portions, 56a and

56b, separated by an indentation or depressed or recessed region, as shown. The bosses 60

are dimensioned and arranged to receive one of the bosses 12a mounted on the interior

surface of the side wall 32 so that the button 56 can rock or pivot about the boss. The button

56, as is to be more specifically described below, is engageable with the tab or lip 48e of the

movable spring portion 48b and is selectively positionable between a locking position, shown

in Fig. 4, a neutral position, shown in Fig. 2. and a releasing position, shown in Fig. 3. The

control element or pivoted or rocking button 56 can thereby actuate the spring portion 48b to

adjust the degree of friction that needs to be imparted or needs to be removed from the

cartridge 36. It should be clear that any additional friction imparted by the spring portion 48b

which increases the total amount of friction, when added to the fixed friction imparted by the spring portion 48 c, that exceeds the internal spring force supplied within the cartridge 36 to

retract the tape 38 will be sufficient to overcome such internal spring and the tape will remain

extended to any position to which it is drawn out since the friction applied to the cartridge

will, in that event, be sufficient to overcome any other spring actions that tend to pull the spring in. If the fixed friction applied by the spring portion 48c is only somewhat less than

the force applied by the internal cartridge spring, it will be evident that the spring portion 48b will need to apply very little by way of additional friction in order to render the cartridge

stationary or immobile when the button 56 is in its neutral position, as shown in Fig. 2. and

the spring portion 48b applies only a light frictional load on the bobbin or spool of the cartridge. Of course, as indicated, when the button 56 is rocked or pivoted to the release

position shown in Fig. 3, the spring portion 48b moves away or separates from the arcuate surface 36b to create a clearance JjJ relieving or removing all or most of the friction

normally applied by the spring portion. Under those conditions, the total friction applied to

the bobbin or cartridge again drops below the amount required to overcome the internal

cartridge spring and the spring again becomes effective to draw in the tape even if this is at a

moderated or attenuated speed.

Control over the movable spring end portion 48b is provided by a depending engaging

finger 64 that extends into the housing, as best shown in Figs. 2-4, and having a remote or

free end or tip 64' which is configured to engage the lip or tab 48e in selected positions of the

rocking button 56. Thus, in the released position shown in Fig. 3, the finger tip 64' rotates the

spring portion 48b in a generally counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 3, to provide the aforementioned clearance and removal of frictional forces imparted by that element.

When the rocking button 56 is moved to the neutral position shown in Fig. 2, contact remains

between the lip or tab 48e and the finger 64. However, the configuration of both the finger 64

and the spring portion 48b are so selected that in the neutral position the finger 64 maintains

the arcuate length of the spring portion 48b in slight or partial contact with the arcuate surface

36b to provide an intermediate level of additional friction on top of the friction provided by

the fixed spring portion 48c. It is only when the rocking button 56 is moved to the locking position shown in Fig. 4 that there is a separation between the finger tip 64' and tab or lip 48e

so that the maximum length of the arcuate section of the spring portion 48b makes contact and the maximum desired additional friction is imparted.

While the friction imparted by the spring portion 48b, in the locked position of Fig. 4,

is typically more than adequate to allow the cartridge to rotate, since the total frictional forces

acting on the cartridge are now significantly greater than the retracting spring forces applied

by the springs internal to the cartridge, an important feature of the present invention is the

provision of the locking member or element 54 in the form of a generally elongate tongue which foπns, with the rocking button 56, a toggle system. While a specific toggle

arrangement will be described in connection with Figs. 2-4, it will be clear to those skilled in

the art that other toggle arrangements may be used in order to achieve the same purposes or

functions to be described.

The rocking button 56, mounted for pivoted rotation about the boss 60, includes an engaging portion or member 62 which extends from the button interiorly into the housing as

shown. The engaging member 62 has a lower free end which is movable between first and

second positions along a predetermined path generally designated by the line I, when the

rocking button moves between the locking, neutral and releasing positions. The locking

member or tongue 54 includes an elongate, somewhat flexible member having a first end 54a pivotably connected at a pivoting point as shown, for example, in Fig. 2, to the lower free end

of the engaging portion or member 62 to share the movements of such lower free end over the

predetermined path. The tongue or locking member also has a second end in close proximity

of the tape 38 along the bottom wall 24 in the releasing position. The predetermined path I is

oriented at an angle to the bottom wall, as indicated by the line I in Fig. 2 to lift the locking

member above the tape 38 in the releasing position and urging the locking member against the tape to cause at least some flexure of the tongue only in the locking position thereof. The

pivot point P passing a dead center point along a predetermined path I which causes the tongue or locking member to snap to one side or the other side of the dead center point,

depending on the direction of movement. As shown in Fig. 4, when the pivot point P moves

to the right of the dead center point, as viewed in Fig. 4, this causes the locking member to be

positively locked against the tape when the control button is moved to the locking position as shown.

In order to control the positions and movements of the pivot point P, there is

advantageously provided a generally oval boss which defines the predetermined path that lies

along the inclined direction I. The oval boss 68 is provided at least on one internal surface of

the housing portions, although, in the preferred embodiment, mirror images of these bosses

are provided on both internal surfaces of both side walls to provide better support to the locking member 54. Towards this end, the first or upper end of the locking member 54 is

preferably provided with laterally projecting pin portions that are dimensioned to be received

within the oval bosses 68 so that they can move from one end to the other but cannot move

out of the area defined by the oval boss 68 as the lateral pins are captured therein.

As will be clear from Figs. 2-4. the arrangement shown functions as a true toggle system, the engaging member 62 applying a force directed to one side of the locking member

54 in the releasing and neutral positions of the rocking or control button 56, while the lower

free end 62 applies a force directed to the other side of the locking member 54 after flexing

same when placed into abutment against the tape in the locking position of the control or

rocking button following passage of the pivoting point P through the dead center point.

Advantageously, the predetermined path defined by the oval raceway 68 has two end

points that are spaced from each other a distance along a direction substantially parallel to the

front wall 26 substantially corresponding to the range of distances assumed by the second or

lower end 54b of the locking member 54 between the locking and releasing positions of the rocking or control button. This is represented in Fig. 3 by the distances δH, and δH₂ which are substantially equal to each other.

Although the path or raceway formed by the boss 68 appears to be linear it is, in fact,

slightly arcuate as the engaging member 62 is fixedly mounted on the control or rocking

button 56 which is pivotally mounted or mounted for rotation about the boss 60. The locking

member 54 is preferably formed of a stiff, generally bendable material so that the member

need not be made with exacting tolerances. By making this member somewhat flexible, any variations in tolerances will be compensated by bending or flexing of the member itself.

The bosses 12a serve, in some cases, dual functions. Thus, while such bosses are

primarily used as spacers for aligning and positioning the two hollow mating portions 14, 16,

the lower boss 12a in the region of the opening 34 also cooperates with an additional spacer

or boss 12c to define a space therebetween to serve as a guide for the locking member 54. As

will be evident from Figs. 2-4, the lower end of the locking member 54 always remains

between the bosses 12a and 12c. The locking member 54 simply moves upwardly and

downwardly in relation to the rocking motions of the control or rocking button 56, in

accordance with the toggle feature described above. Thus, the control or rocking button 56

serves two separate and distinct functions in the described unit. First, the button 56 controls the level or degree of friction applied to the cartridge 36 by controlling whether the movable

spring portion 48b makes contact with the cartridge 36 and also the extent to which such

contact is made and, therefore, the extent to which friction is applied to such cartridge.

However, in the locking position the locking button 56 also forces the toggle mechanism to

which it is joined to snap and provide a positive locking engagement of the locking member

54 against the tape. In the condition shown in Fig. 4, therefore, not only is the friction applied to the tape substantially greater than the friction needed to overcome the retractive forces of the cartridge spring but with the positive lock pressure applied on the tape by the locking member 54, the frictional forces tending to maintain the tape in the selected position are so

high that it becomes virtually impossible to further pull the tape out or cause any of the tape

to retract back into the housing. Being a toggle arrangement, a fair amount of force needs to

be applied to the control or rocking button 56 to reverse the toggle action and release the

locking member from the tape. This avoids inadvertent and accidental movements that might

undesirably release the tape. As should be clear, therefore, the tape measure in accordance

with the present invention provides an improved and reliable tape braking control system.

Other aspects of the tape measure include the use of a curved transverse depression Rf

in the rear wall 28 which is suitable for positioning of a finger, normally the pinkie, to

facilitate the holding of the tape measure. Depressions R, and R₂ may be used as guides for a

pencil or marking device, as more fully disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 09 / .121 assigned to the same assignee as the present application. A clip C is typically provided

on such tape measures. Suitable fasteners, such as screws, are typically used to connect the

two mating hollow shell members 14, 16 together as well as to attach the clip C to the

housing. To enhance the comfort and minimize slipping of the tool while in use, the top wall

22 of the housing is preferably provided with an upper elastomeric slip resistant material,

such as a rubberized insert N,. A comparable lower elastomeric slip resistant member N₂ is provided along the major portion of the bottom wall 24. The upper element N, preferably

extends from the opening 58 through which the rocking or control button extends down to the

beginning of the rear wall, thereby covering the entire arcuate portion of the top wall and ending where the generally straight or flat vertical rear wall 28 ends. Preferably, the inserts

N, and N₂ extend somewhat beyond the top and bottom walls, to each side thereof, so as to also cover a small region along the covered walls on the adjacent side walls 30, 32. The two gripping regions N, and N₂ will cover those portions of the tape measure typically in contact with the hand of the user, with the exception of the rocking or control button 56. Such inserts

N,, N₂ can be applied to the housing in any known or conventional way, Fig. 3 suggesting one

method in the presently preferred embodiment being using adhesive to attach the slip resistant

gripping portions to conforming surfaces. It is also possible to provide, at the tape exit area

or at the opening 34. a shock absorbing cushion bumper B (Fig. 5) which generally matches

the shape of the same curvature as the blade top surface. The rubberized flap will tend to sweep the surface of the blade as it enters the case and will prevent unwanted debris from

entering inside the case.

Referring to Fig. 7, a tape measure 10' includes a case or housing 12'. Typically such

cases or housings or formed of a molded left shell 14' and a right shell 16' which together

formed laterally spaced generally parallel sidewalls 18', 20'. Also referring to Fig. 12 the case

or housing also includes a bottom wall 22' which defines a measurement plane P, when the

bottom wall 22' is positioned on a surface W_h of a work W to be measured and a front wall 24'

which defines a marking plane P₂ which as best shown in Fig. 12 intersects the measurement

plane P, along a generally transverse marking line L which extends between the side walls

18', 20'. A conventional spool (not shown) is rotatably supported in the housing in which an

elongate coiled flexible tape T having measurement graduations or indicia T' marked thereon

is wound. Referring to Fig. 12 a generally transverse slit or exit opening or aperture S is provided in the housing in the region of the transverse marking line L through which the tape

T can be extended by being unwound to an extent necessary to measure a predetermined sized work. The tape T has a free end exteriorly of the housing and having a stop or tab T_s to

prevent the tape from being fully retracted into the housing as best shown in Figs. 8 and 10.

A spring loaded rewinding mechanism (not shown) is typically provided for normally tending to rotate the spool in a direction to retract the tape into the housing.

A top wall 26' is provided which ma}' be arcuate as shown. As best indicated in Fig. 7

the top wall 26' and the rear wall 28' may be ergonomically shaped to make it more

comfortable for the user to hold the case or housing of the tape measure. For this purpose a horizontal indentation 28" may be provided to accommodate the pinkie of the user which is

frequently positioned behind the rear wall during normal use. Similarly the bottom wall 22'

may be provided with a lower rubber liner or grip 30' and the upper wall 26' may similarly be

provided with an upper rubber liner or grip 32'. A actuator or toggle button 34' is provided

for unlocking the tape in any given extended position and permitting the rewinding

mechanism to retract any extended tape back onto the internal spool.

The tape measure 10' is also shown to include a conventional clip 36' mounted on the

side wall by means of a screw 38', the clip 36' facilitating the carrying of the tape measure by

engaging the clip over a belt or the like.

An important feature of the present invention is the provision of a marker alignment

means for selectively and at least temporarily aligning an elongate marking device M such as

a pencil or a scribe when a user holds the housing 12' with one hand as shown in Fig. 7 to

position the marking device M along an angularly directed axis A_r (Fig. 8) and the marking

point M_b substantially along the marking line L. However, as best shown in Fig. 7 the

marking point M_b will necessarily be somewhat by a distance d_p to the side of the housing

although accurately or correctly positioned in relation to the desired distance marking or

graduation on the tape.

According to one design the marker alignment means is in the form of a recess within at least one of the side walls for receiving a marking device M and positioning it in a desired

aligned position when a user places the marking device within the recess and presses the marking device against the side wall in which the recess is provided while holding the housing. In the embodiment illustrated an upper recess 40a' and a lower recess 40b' are

arranged and generally aligned along an angularly directed axis A_r which passes through at

the lower end through the marking line L. As best shown in Fig. 8 two associates recesses

40a' and 40b^" together form the recess for the marker M although it will be clear that a single

long recess may be used or in the alternative a plurality of aligned recesses may be used as

shown. As best shown in Figs. 8 and 10 the side wall 18' is provided with an upper thickened

side wall portion 18a' and a lower thickened portion 18b' spaced from the upper thickened

portion 18a' along the angularly directed axis A_r. The thickened side wall portions are used

to enable the recesses 40a' and 40b' to be sufficiently deep to secure a marking device and substantially stabilize such marking device in the desired aligned position.

As suggested in Fig. 12 once a marking line L has been defined there are numerous

marking device inclinations that can be used to arrange the angular orientation of the marking

device while still extending through the marking line L. In Fig. 12 three examples of marking inclinations I, - 1₃ have been shown. It should be clear however that other angular

orientations may be used. Each marker inclination defines an angle α with the measuring plane P,. In the presently preferred embodiments the two spaced recesses 40a', 40b' are

arranged along a line rearwardly of the marking plane P₂ and forwardly of the carrying clip

36'. In this manner the marking device such as the pencil may be arranged within the recesses

while clearing the carrying clip 36'.

As best shown in Figs. 9 and 11 the recesses 40a', 40b' are provided with arcuate

cross sections to accommodate different sizes of the marking devices. Thus, the cross section

of the recesses may be at least partially circular, at least partially elliptical, at least partially

oval. Other cross sectional configurations may also be used to accommodate specific marking devices such as scribes, carpenter^'s pencils, chalk, etc.

As suggested in Fig. 12, the marking alignment means is arranged to orient the marking device at an angle α in relation to the measuring plane P, to facilitate the application

of a force by the user with the user's thumb against the side wall 18' while the user's other

fingers are in contact with the second side wall 20'. Because the case or housing 12' is generally rectangular in shape, it is clear that the greatest dimensions are the diagonal

directions between opposing corners of the side walls. Therefore the orientation of the

marking devices along angles substantially extending between the lower left hand corner and

the upper right hand corner as viewed in Fig. 8 will provide the maximum contact between

the marking device and the side wall. This will provide the maximum stability. Such

orientation of the marking device corresponds to an angle α approximately equal to 45°. As α

is increased the area of contact between the housing and the marking device is minimized,

resulting in somewhat less positional stability of the pencil M relative to the case or housing 12'. However decreasing the angle α much more than 45° similarly reduces the length of

contact and stability. Additionally, however reducing the angle α below 45 ° with a longer

marking device as suggested in Fig. 7 may make it more difficult for the user to securely grip

the housing since that portion of the marking device projecting beyond the perimeter of the

side wall may not conveniently pass between the space formed between the thumb and index

fingers of the user. It is contemplated therefore that the angle α typically be greater than 45 °.

A preferred range for the angle α is greater than 60° but less than 90°. An angle of α equal to

approximately 75° has been found to be suitable or satisfactory.

Referring to Figs. 10 and 11 the marker alignment means is shown to include a retention means in the form of a spring or resilient clip or retainer 44' arranged in

juxtaposition with the upper recess 40a' for retainer a marking device such as a pencil. In this way once retained by the clip 44' the user may not even have to consciously press the pencil and secure it against the side wall and within the recesses while always retaining the pencil in

the desired aligned position. Clearly more than one retainer or clip 44' may be provided along

the length of the recess or recesses. Only one retainer or clip 44' is shown in Fig. 10.

While only two associated recesses 40a', 40b' have been shown in the preferred embodiments it should be clear that such recesses may also be formed on the opposing side

wall 20' to allow both left handed and right handed users to use the tape measures with equal

facility.

Referring to Fig. 7 the operation of the tape measure in accordance with the present invention will now be described. In conjunction with a work W having a horizontal surface

W_h, a flat vertical surface W_v which surfaces together form or define an edge W_e. When an edge is present the tab or stop T_s may be used in a conventional manner by engaging the flat

vertical portion T_s- which engages the vertical surface W_v. The user can at this point pull the

housing or case 12' away from the edge W_e until sufficient tape has been extended from the

case or housing to bring into view the measurement graduations or markings T_m. As with

conventional tape measures the tape measure of the invention can also be used by taking a

marking device such as a pencil and placing a mark on the horizontal surface W_h. In Fig. 7 an

intermediate pencil mark "m" has been placed near the 2 inch mark on the tape. However

marking off distances or lengths in this fashion creates the disadvantages previously

discussed. However by placing the marking device or pencil M in the recesses the tip or point

of the pencil will substantially be aligned with the marking line L. By rocking the housing

slightly to one side and then the other a small mark M' can be accurately drawn on the horizontal surface while only a single hand is used. In those instances where the work W is not fixed in place or the measurement does not take place from an edge of a work the user will typically use both of his or her hands such as to stabilize the work. However the pencil

and the case or housing of the tape measure can be gripped or held simultaneously by one

hand of the user, this permitting desired markings without requiring additional assistance

even if the user must use his or her second hand to stabilize the work or secure and maintain

the free end of the tape at a reference point on the work other than the edge.

The invention has been shown and described by way of a presently preferred embodiment, and many variations and modifications may be made therein without departing

from the spirit of the invention. The invention, therefore, is not to be limited to any specified

form or embodiment, except insofar as such limitations are expressly set forth in the claims.

Claims

What I claim:

1. Tape measure comprising a substantially closed rectangular housing formed of two

mating hollow housing portions normally joined along a parting line defining a parting plane

to form an internal compartment and top. bottom, front, rear and a pair of opposing side

walls, said housing having an opening in the form of a slot normal to the parting plane

generally in the region where said front and bottom walls join; a spring loaded tape cartridge including a coilable tape provided with measurement indicia and rotatably mounted within

said compartment to position a free end of said tape for passage through said opening along a

movement path or direction and substantially parallel to said bottom wall, said tape cartridge

being biased to retract said tape into said compartment when said free end is pulled externally

of said housing to extend said tape to perform a measurement;

stop means at said free end to engage a workpiece and to assure that said free end

remains exterior to said housing and available for gripping by a user; first friction producing

means acting between said housing and said tape cartridge for normally applying a

substantially constant frictional force on said tape cartridge to normally maintain said tape in

any desired extracted or extended position: second friction producing means for selectively applying increased and decreased frictional forces on said tape cartridge to supplement said

substantially constant frictional forces; locking means for selectively applying a substantially

normal pressure to said tape transverse to said movement path to positively lock said tape

against said housing and to prevent said tape from moving; finger actuated control means

selectively engageable with said second friction producing means and positionable between a

locking position, releasing position and neutral position, said control means actuating said

- second friction producing means for decreasing said frictional forces in said releasing position while maintaining said locking means out of engagement with said tape, said control means urging said locking means into contact with said tape and actuating said second friction producing means for increasing said frictional forces in said locking position, and said control

means actuating said second friction producing means for applying intermediate frictional

forces on said cartridge while maintaining said locking means out of engagement with said

tape in said neutral position of said control means.

2. A tape measure as defined in claim 1. wherein said locking means comprises a toggle element.

3. A tape measure as defined in claim 2, wherein said toggle element includes an

engaging portion extending from said control means interiorly into said housing and having a lower free end thereof movable between first and second positions along a predetermined

path with movements of said control means between said locking, neutral and releasing

positions, said locking means comprising an elongate somewhat flexible tongue having a first

end pivotably connected at a pivoting point to said lower free end of said engaging portion to

share the movements of said lower free end over said predetermined path and having a second

end in close proximity of said tape along said bottom wall in said releasing position, said

predetermined path being oriented at an angle to said bottom wall to lift said tongue above

said tape in said releasing position and urging said tongue against said tape to cause at least some flexure of said tongue only in said locking position, said pivoting point passing a dead

center point along said predetermined path which causes said tongue to be positively locked

against said tape when said control means is moved to said locking position.

4. A tape measure as defined in claim 3, wherein said predetermined path is defined

by a generally oval boss formed on at least one internal surface of said housing portions, said

first end of said tongue having laterally projecting pin portions that are dimensioned to be

received and follow within said oval boss.

5. A tape measure as defined in claim 3. wherein said lower free end is oriented to apply a force directed to one side of said tongue in said releasing and neutral positions of said

control means, while said lower free end applies a force directed to the other side of said tongue after flexing the same when placed into abutment against said tape in said locking

position of said control means following passage of said pivoting point through said dead

center point.

6. A tape measure as defined in claim 3, wherein said predetermined path has end

points that are spaced from each other a distance along a direction substantially parallel to said front wall substantially corresponding to the range of distances assumed by said second

end between said locking and releasing positions.

7. A tape measure as defined in claim 1, wherein said control means comprises a

rocking button pivotally mounted on said housing, said lower free end moving along an arc of

a circle in moving over said predetermined path.

8. A tape measure as defined in claim 7, wherein said rocking button has a depending

finger that extends into said housing and into proximity to said second friction producing

means and arranged to engage said second friction producing means in said neutral and

release positions of said control means and to clear said second friction control means in said

locking position.

9. A tape measure as defined in claim 8, wherein said second friction producting

means includes a spring portion frictionally engageable with said tape cartridge, said spring

portion being provided with a detent at the free end thereof which is arranged to engage said

depending figure.

10. A tape measure as defined in claim 1 , wherein said locking means is formed of a

stiff but generally bendable material.

1 1. A tape measure of the type including a housing defining laterally spaced generally parallel side walls, a bottom wall defining a measurement plane when said bottom wall is positioned on a surface of a work to be measured and a front wall defining a marking plane

which intersects said measurement plane along a generally transverse marking line extending

between said side walls, a spool rotatably supported in said housing on which an elongate

coiled flexible tape having measurement graduations or indicia marked therein is wound, a

generally transverse slit or exit opening in said housing in the region of said transverse marking line and through which said tape can be extended by being unwound to an extent

necessary to measure a predetermined size work, said tape having a free end exteriorly of said housing and having a stop to prevent said tape from being fully retracted into said housing, a

rewinding means normally tending to rotate said spool in a direction to retract said tape into

said housing; and marker alignment means for selectively and at least temporarily aligning an

elongate marking device when a user holds said housing with one hand to position a marking

tip of the marking device at a point substantially along said marking line, whereby a user may

simultaneously hold said tape measure housing and said marking device with one hand to free

up the user's second hand to either hold a work or the free end of said tape while accurately

marking the work with the same hand that holds the tape measure and the marking device.

12. A tape measure as defined in claim 11, wherein said marker alignment means comprises recess means within at least one of said side walls for receiving a marking device

and positioning it in a desired aligned position when a user places the marking device within

said recess means and presses the marking device against said at least one of said walls while

holding said housing.

13. A tape measure as defined in claim 12, wherein said recess means comprises at least one elongate recess defining an axis A_p that substantially extends through said transverse marking line.

14. A tape measure as defined in claim 13. wherein said axis A_p is spaced from said at least one of said side walls a distance d_p within said measurement plane.

15. A tape measure as defined in claim 12. wherein said recess means comprises two spaced substantially aligned recesses.

16. A tape measure as defined in claim 15. wherein said at least one of said side walls

is provided with thickened wall portions in the regions in which said spaced recesses are

formed to enable said recesses to be sufficiently deep to secure a marking device and

substantially stabilize same in said desired aligned portion.

17. A tape measure as defined in claim 15. wherein said at least one of said side walls

is provided with an outwardly projecting clip, said two spaced recesses being arranged along

a line rearwardly of said marking plane and forwardly of said carrying clip, whereby a

marking device arranged within said recesses clears said carrying clip.

18. A tape measure as defined in claim 1 1 , wherein said recess means has an arcuate

cross section to accommodate different sizes of marking devices.

19. A tape measure as defined in claim 18, wherein said arcuate cross section is at

least partially circular.

20. A tape measure as defined in claim 18, wherein said arcuate cross section is at

least partially elliptical.

21. A tape measure as defined in claim 18, where said arcuate cross section is at least

partially oval.

22. A tape measure as defined in claim 11 , wherein said marker alignment means

arranges said marking device at an angle α in relation to said measurement plane to facilitate

application of a force by the user with the user's thumb against one side wall while the user's other fingers are in contact with the other side wall.

23. A tape measure as defined in claim 22, wherein α ->45°.

24. A tape measure as defined in claim 23, wherein 90° > α > 60°.

25. A tape measure as defined in claim 24, wherein α =75°.

26. A tape measure as defined in claim 11 , wherein said marker alignment means

includes retention means for retaining a marking device engaged with said marking alignment

means.

27. A tape measure as defined in claim 26, wherein said retention means comprises at

least one resilient clip for engaging a marking device and maintaining same against said

housing in desired aligned position.

28. A tape measure as defined in claim 27, wherein one resilient clip is provided.

29. A tape measure as defined in claim 11, wherein marker alignment means is

provided on each of said side walls, whereby a user may place a marker device on either side

wall.

30. A tape measure as defined in claim 11, in combination with a marking device.