GB2085841A - Reel devices with brake - Google Patents

Reel devices with brake Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2085841A
GB2085841A GB8034186A GB8034186A GB2085841A GB 2085841 A GB2085841 A GB 2085841A GB 8034186 A GB8034186 A GB 8034186A GB 8034186 A GB8034186 A GB 8034186A GB 2085841 A GB2085841 A GB 2085841A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
tape
spacer
spacer means
rocker arm
spring
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB8034186A
Other versions
GB2085841B (en
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB8034186A priority Critical patent/GB2085841B/en
Publication of GB2085841A publication Critical patent/GB2085841A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2085841B publication Critical patent/GB2085841B/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
    • G01B3/00—Measuring instruments characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
    • G01B3/10—Measuring tapes
    • G01B3/1005—Means for controlling winding or unwinding of tapes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
    • G01B3/00—Measuring instruments characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
    • G01B3/10—Measuring tapes
    • G01B3/1041—Measuring tapes characterised by casings
    • G01B3/1043—Details of internal structure thereof, e.g. means for coupling separately moulded casing halves
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
    • G01B3/00—Measuring instruments characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
    • G01B3/10—Measuring tapes
    • G01B3/1005—Means for controlling winding or unwinding of tapes
    • G01B3/1007—Means for locking
    • G01B2003/1015—Means for locking engaging the tape in a direction transversal to the tape itself
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
    • G01B3/00—Measuring instruments characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
    • G01B3/10—Measuring tapes
    • G01B3/1005—Means for controlling winding or unwinding of tapes
    • G01B2003/1033—Means for activating the locking, braking or releasing of the tape, e.g. buttons
    • G01B2003/1038—Means for activating the locking, braking or releasing of the tape, e.g. buttons by translatory motion operation
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
    • G01B3/00—Measuring instruments characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
    • G01B3/10—Measuring tapes
    • G01B3/1041—Measuring tapes characterised by casings
    • G01B2003/1053—Tape exit slots, e.g. shape or exit direction

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Tape Measures (AREA)

Abstract

A reel device of the type comprising a pair of parallel plates held apart by spacer means 3a, 3b, 3c extending between the plates, the spacer means being located at intervals around the periphery of the plates, and a spool carrying a tape located between the plates so that the tape can pass between two of the spacer means 3a and 3b to be unwound from the spool. This device includes a brake for the tape comprising a rocker arm 5 pivoted at an intermediate point on one of the spacer means 3a and arranged to be movable between a braking position where a removable rubber or plastics tip 6 presses the tape against another of the spacer means 3b, and a second position where a gap exists between tip 6 and spacer means 3b. The rocker arm is associated with a spring 8 which urges the rocker arm towards the braking position. Pressure on the portion of the arm which extends between spacer means 3a and 3c in direction of arrow overcomes the action of spring 8 and moves the rocker arm to second position (shown). The reel device may be provided with a return spring for rewinding the tape. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Reel Devices This invention relates to a reel device such as a tape measure.
More specifically, it relates to a reel device of the type comprising a pair of parallel plates held apart by spacer means extending between the plates, the spacer means being located at intervals around the periphery of the plates, and a spool carrying a tape located between the plates so that the tape can pass between two of the spacer means to be unwound from the spool.
The term "tape" as used herein includes any highly elongated flexible article of any crosssectional shape that canbe wound onto a spool.
Reel devices of this type frequently include a return spring which is arranged to rewind the tape back onto the spool. However, in certain circumstances it is desirable to allow the tape to remain in the unwound condition without being subjected to the pull of the return spring.
There is therefore the need for a reel device of the above type incorporating a brake which can be released and applied as desired.
According to this invention there is provided a reel device of the type specified and including first and second spacer means between which the tape extends when it is unwound from the spool, the reel device also including a brake for the tape comprising a rocker arm pivoted on the first spacer means and extending to the second spacer means so that it can pivot between a braking position in which it presses the tape against the second spacer means and a free position in which it is clear of the second spacer means leaving a gap through which the tape can freely pass, the rocker arm being associated with spring means urging the tape towards either the braked or the free position, the effect of which spring means can be overcome by pressure on the rocker arm.
Preferably, the rocker arm is spring urged towards the braking position and also extends from the pivot on the opposite side to the second spacer means to a third spacer means thus providing an operating portion, the arrangement being such that in said braking position the distal end of the operating portion is spaced from the third spacer means, and that as the operating portion is depressed against the action of the spring so that its distal end moves towards and into contact with the third spacer means, the rocker arm as a whole pivots and moves from the braking position into the free position.
In this case the spring means is preferably a leaf spring located between the rocker arm and the first and third spacer means. It preferably has bent over end, one of which engages around the first spacer means, and the other around the third spacer means.
The end of the rocker arm that contacts the tape is preferably provided with a rubber or plastics tip to increase friction and to prevent damage to the tape.
This tip may be replaceable.
Atape measure embodying the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure lisa side elevation of the tape measure as a whole, Figure 2 is a plan view, partially broken away, of the tape measure shown in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the construction of the brake, and Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view corresponding to Figure 3.
The tape measure shown in Figure 1 comprises a housing 1, and first and second circular plates 2a, 2b, respectively, held apart by six cylindrical spacer posts 3 positioned around the periphery of the plates. A spool of tape 4 is housed between the plates and the tape passes between a first spacer post 3a and a second spacer post 3b as it is unwound. The spacer post adjacent to 3a on the opposite side of it to 3b is designated 3c. The housing also contains a reel-winding spring for automatically rewinding the extended tap onto the spool.
The tape measure is provided with a brake comprising a curved rocker arm 5 which is pivoted at an intermediate point on the spacer post 3a, and extends on either side of 3a to the spacer posts 3b and 3c. The end of the rocker arm adjacent the spacer post 3b is pivoted with a replaceable rubber or plastics end portion 6. The rocker arm 5 can pivot between a bracking position in which the end portion 6 presses the tape against the spacer post 3b, and in which the opposite end of the rocker arm is clear of the spacer post 3c, and a free position (as shown in Figure 2) in which the end portion 6 is clear of the spacer post 3b, thus leaving a gap through which the tape can freely pass, and in which the opposite end of the rocker arm is in contact with the spacer post 3c. Thus, the spacer post 3c provides a positive stop to the movement of the rocker arm.The end of the rocker arm that cooperates with the spacer post 3c is slightly curved at 7 to enable it to fit around the spacer post.
An arched leaf spring 8 is positioned between the rocker arm 5 and the spacer posts 3a and 3c, and extends between these spacer posts, having slightly hooked ends 9, 10 which enable it to fit snugly around them. The spring urges the rocker arm towards the braking position. When finger or thumb pressure is applied to a portion of the rocker between the spacer posts 3a and 3c (the operating position) and arm in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 2, the rocker arm is displaced towards the free position and the tape can be freely rewound under the action of the reel-winding spring.
1. A reel device of the type specified and including first and second spacer means between which the tape extends when it is unwound from the spool, the reel device also including a brake for the tape comprising a rocker pivoted on the first spacer means and extending to the second spacer means so that it can pivot between a braking position in which it presses the tape against the second spacer means and a free position in which it is clear of the second
**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (2)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Reel Devices This invention relates to a reel device such as a tape measure. More specifically, it relates to a reel device of the type comprising a pair of parallel plates held apart by spacer means extending between the plates, the spacer means being located at intervals around the periphery of the plates, and a spool carrying a tape located between the plates so that the tape can pass between two of the spacer means to be unwound from the spool. The term "tape" as used herein includes any highly elongated flexible article of any crosssectional shape that canbe wound onto a spool. Reel devices of this type frequently include a return spring which is arranged to rewind the tape back onto the spool. However, in certain circumstances it is desirable to allow the tape to remain in the unwound condition without being subjected to the pull of the return spring. There is therefore the need for a reel device of the above type incorporating a brake which can be released and applied as desired. According to this invention there is provided a reel device of the type specified and including first and second spacer means between which the tape extends when it is unwound from the spool, the reel device also including a brake for the tape comprising a rocker arm pivoted on the first spacer means and extending to the second spacer means so that it can pivot between a braking position in which it presses the tape against the second spacer means and a free position in which it is clear of the second spacer means leaving a gap through which the tape can freely pass, the rocker arm being associated with spring means urging the tape towards either the braked or the free position, the effect of which spring means can be overcome by pressure on the rocker arm. Preferably, the rocker arm is spring urged towards the braking position and also extends from the pivot on the opposite side to the second spacer means to a third spacer means thus providing an operating portion, the arrangement being such that in said braking position the distal end of the operating portion is spaced from the third spacer means, and that as the operating portion is depressed against the action of the spring so that its distal end moves towards and into contact with the third spacer means, the rocker arm as a whole pivots and moves from the braking position into the free position. In this case the spring means is preferably a leaf spring located between the rocker arm and the first and third spacer means. It preferably has bent over end, one of which engages around the first spacer means, and the other around the third spacer means. The end of the rocker arm that contacts the tape is preferably provided with a rubber or plastics tip to increase friction and to prevent damage to the tape. This tip may be replaceable. Atape measure embodying the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure lisa side elevation of the tape measure as a whole, Figure 2 is a plan view, partially broken away, of the tape measure shown in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the construction of the brake, and Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view corresponding to Figure 3. The tape measure shown in Figure 1 comprises a housing 1, and first and second circular plates 2a, 2b, respectively, held apart by six cylindrical spacer posts 3 positioned around the periphery of the plates. A spool of tape 4 is housed between the plates and the tape passes between a first spacer post 3a and a second spacer post 3b as it is unwound. The spacer post adjacent to 3a on the opposite side of it to 3b is designated 3c. The housing also contains a reel-winding spring for automatically rewinding the extended tap onto the spool. The tape measure is provided with a brake comprising a curved rocker arm 5 which is pivoted at an intermediate point on the spacer post 3a, and extends on either side of 3a to the spacer posts 3b and 3c. The end of the rocker arm adjacent the spacer post 3b is pivoted with a replaceable rubber or plastics end portion 6. The rocker arm 5 can pivot between a bracking position in which the end portion 6 presses the tape against the spacer post 3b, and in which the opposite end of the rocker arm is clear of the spacer post 3c, and a free position (as shown in Figure 2) in which the end portion 6 is clear of the spacer post 3b, thus leaving a gap through which the tape can freely pass, and in which the opposite end of the rocker arm is in contact with the spacer post 3c. Thus, the spacer post 3c provides a positive stop to the movement of the rocker arm.The end of the rocker arm that cooperates with the spacer post 3c is slightly curved at 7 to enable it to fit around the spacer post. An arched leaf spring 8 is positioned between the rocker arm 5 and the spacer posts 3a and 3c, and extends between these spacer posts, having slightly hooked ends 9, 10 which enable it to fit snugly around them. The spring urges the rocker arm towards the braking position. When finger or thumb pressure is applied to a portion of the rocker between the spacer posts 3a and 3c (the operating position) and arm in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 2, the rocker arm is displaced towards the free position and the tape can be freely rewound under the action of the reel-winding spring. CLAIMS
1. A reel device of the type specified and including first and second spacer means between which the tape extends when it is unwound from the spool, the reel device also including a brake for the tape comprising a rocker pivoted on the first spacer means and extending to the second spacer means so that it can pivot between a braking position in which it presses the tape against the second spacer means and a free position in which it is clear of the second spacer means leaving a gap through which the tape can freely pass, the rocker arm being associated with spring means urging the tape towards either the braked or the free position, the effect of which spring means can be overcome by pressure on the rocker arm.
2. A reel device according to claim 1, wherein the rocker arm is spring urged towards the braking position and also extends from the pivot on the opposite side to the second spacer means to a third spacer means thus providing an operating portion, the arrangement being such that in said braking position the distal end of the operating portion is spaced from the third spacer means and that as the operating portion is depressed against the action of the spring so that its distal end moves towards and into contact with the third spacer means, the rocker arm as a whole pivots and moves from the braking position into the free position.
2. A reel device according to claim 1, wherein the rocker arm is spring urged towards the braking position and also extends from the pivot on the opposite side to the second spacer means to a third spacer means thus providing an operating portion, the arrangement being such that in said braking position the distal end of the operating portion is spaced from the third spacer means, and that as the operating portion is depressed against the action of the spring so that its distal end moves towards and into contact with the third spacer means, the rocker arm as a whole pivots and moves from the braking position into the free position.
3. A reel device according to claim 2, wherein the spring means is a leaf spring located between the rocker arm and the first and third spacer means.
4. A reel device according to claim 3, wherein the leaf spring has bent over ends, one of which engages around the first spacer means, and the other around the third spacer means.
5. A reel device according to any preceding claim, wherein the end of the rocket arm that contacts the tape is provided with a rubber or plastics tip to increase friction and to prevent damage to the tape.
6. A reel device substantially as hereinabove described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
New claims or amendments to claims filed on 11 March 1981 Superseded claims 1 and 2 New or amended claims:
1. A reel device of the type specified and including first and second spacer means between which the tape extends when it is unwound from the spool, the reel device also including a brake for the tape comprising a rocker pivoted on the first spacer means, the rocker extending to the second spacer means so that it can pivot between a braking position in which it presses the tape against the second spacer means and a free position in which it is clear of the second spacer means leaving a gap through which the tape can freely pass, the rocker being associated with elongate spring means extending alongside the rocker arm and which urges the tape towards either the braked or the free position, the effect of which spring means can be overcome by pressure on the rocker arm.
GB8034186A 1980-10-23 1980-10-23 Reel device with brake Expired GB2085841B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8034186A GB2085841B (en) 1980-10-23 1980-10-23 Reel device with brake

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8034186A GB2085841B (en) 1980-10-23 1980-10-23 Reel device with brake

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB2085841A true GB2085841A (en) 1982-05-06
GB2085841B GB2085841B (en) 1984-06-27

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ID=10516850

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB8034186A Expired GB2085841B (en) 1980-10-23 1980-10-23 Reel device with brake

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GB (1) GB2085841B (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6561451B1 (en) * 1998-12-22 2003-05-13 Asm Automation Sensorik Messtechnik Gmbh Measuring cable travel sensor with longitudinal drive for the cable drum
DE10311103A1 (en) * 2003-03-06 2004-09-23 Muammer Atar Measurement tape suitable for single-handed operation has a pre-tensioned spring and a gear that is operated with a lever or knob to drive the tape in or out of its housing

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6561451B1 (en) * 1998-12-22 2003-05-13 Asm Automation Sensorik Messtechnik Gmbh Measuring cable travel sensor with longitudinal drive for the cable drum
DE10311103A1 (en) * 2003-03-06 2004-09-23 Muammer Atar Measurement tape suitable for single-handed operation has a pre-tensioned spring and a gear that is operated with a lever or knob to drive the tape in or out of its housing
DE10311103B4 (en) * 2003-03-06 2007-06-06 Muammer Atar Device for extending and retracting a flexible band, a cord or a cable from or into a housing

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2085841B (en) 1984-06-27

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PE20 Patent expired after termination of 20 years

Effective date: 20001022