GB2598547A

GB2598547A - Measuring device

Info

Publication number: GB2598547A
Application number: GB2013029.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hogan Philip; Johnson David
Original assignee: Gator Products Ltd
Current assignee: Gator Products Ltd
Priority date: 2020-08-20
Filing date: 2020-08-20
Publication date: 2022-03-09
Also published as: GB2598163A; GB202013029D0; GB202014040D0; WO2022038331A1

Abstract

A measuring device 12 that includes a housing 20 and a spool 16 mounted within the housing 20. A flexible measuring tape 14 is mounted to the spool 16 such that tape winds onto the spool 16 during retraction thereof in a first direction. The tape is also extensible from the housing by winding of the spool in an opposing direction. The tape comprises measurement indicia thereon. A window 54 in the housing is arranged so that in use the measurement indicia are viewed through the window. The window provided on a first side 24 of the housing. A guide 58 provided within the housing is configured to direct the tape extending from the spool in a direction away from the first side of the housing and toward a second, opposing side 28 of the housing. In use the configuration of the tape measure is such that the user can read the measurement indicia on the tape through the window without having to bend the tape.

Description

Measuring device The present invention relates to a measuring device, particularly to tape measure device.

Introduction

A schematic prior art tape measure is shown in figure 1. The tape measure comprises a semi-flexible tape 2 mounted onto a spool 4 provided inside a casing 6. The tape 2 is retractable in and out of the casing 6 to allow measurement of the distance. The tape 2 comprises a flange 8 which may be hooked onto a distal edge to hold the tape 2 in place without user intervention. In order to measure the distance the tape 2 extends, the user reads the indicia located at arrow 10.

The inventor has found numerous problems with prior art devices. When using the device adjacent a corner (for example, when measuring the height of a wall), to measure the true height of the wall, the tape must extend into the apex of the corner. However, the casing 6 prevents this, so the user must extend out more tape 2, such that tapes extends across the corner and casing 6 is sufficiently removed from the corner to allow the user to read the indicia on the tape 2. This may be awkward for the user and requires the use of two hands, which may be difficult, for example, when using a ladder or holding other equipment.

It is an aim of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate one of more of the 25 above problems.

Statements of Invention

According to the present invention, there is provided a tape measure as defined in appended claim 1. Optional features are defined in the dependent claims.

The tape measure may provide improved ease of use and/or improved accuracy of measurement for the user. The invention is particularly well-suited to the measurement of internal dimensions where abutment with one or more surface is required to take a length measurement. The invention may be beneficial for measuring internal dimensions of doorways, windows and other recesses in buildings but the invention is not limited thereto and could be used for any tape measuring scenario.

Detailed description

Practicable embodiments of the invention are described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 shows a prior art tape measure

Figure 2 shows a first perspective view of a measuring device; Figure 3 shows a first perspective, partially cut-away view of the measuring device; Figure 4 shows a second perspective view of a measuring device; Figure 5 shows a second perspective, partially cut-away view of the measuring device; Figure 6 shows a first side-on, partially cut-away view of the measuring device; Figure 7 shows a second side-on, partially cut-away view of the measuring device.

Figures 2-7 show a measuring device 12 for measuring the length of objects. The device 12 comprises a flexible or semi-flexible tape 14 configured to extend away from the device 12 to allow variable distance measurement of the object. Such devices are commonly referred to as "tape measures".

The tape 14 is fixed to a spool 16 (i.e. via an end thereof). The spool 16 comprises a rotatable wheel/drum, thereby allowing winding/unwinding of the tape 14. The spool 16 is rotationally biased (e.g. via torsion spring or the like) to bias the tape 14 into a wound state. The tape 14 is thus biased into a retracted state. The spool 16 comprises a side walls 18 (best seen in figure 3) to retain the tape 14 thereon, I.e. to laterally constrain the tape.

The spool 16 is mounted within a housing 20. The housing 20 allows the user to hold/grip the device 12. The housing 20 comprises a moulded polymer, for example, a moulded thermoplastic. The housing comprises a first recess 22 on a first side 24 thereof. The first recess 22 provides a recess for the user's thumb in use. The housing comprises a second recess 26 on a second side 28 thereof. The second recess 26 provides a recess for the user's index finger in use. The housing 20 is thus ergonomic.

The housing 20 comprises a first half 30 and a second half 32. The halves 30,32 are joined together via fasteners or the like to form a shell-like arrangement. The halves 30, 32 may each be shell-like and may meet at the midplane of the device 12.

The housing 20 comprises a first end 34. The spool 16 is provided proximal the first end 34. The first end 34 comprises a plate 36. The plate 36 may be a unitary construction (i.e. a single moulded piece). The plate 36 seals the housing 20 at the first end. The plate 36 may be substantially flat (e.g. the outer surface thereof). The plate 36 comprises a flange 38 configured to overlie the edges of the halves 30,32 to retain the flange onto the housing 20 and/or provide rigidity to the halves 30,32. The plate 36 may be a different material and/or piece from the remainder of the housing. In other examples, the housing could have a simple flat first end 34.

The housing 20 comprises a second end 40 provided at an opposing end of the housing 20 to the first end 34. The second end 40 comprises an opening 42 therein in which the tape 14 extends through. The opening comprises an elongate slot. The opening 42 is provided proximal/adjacent the second side 28 of the housing 20 (though not on the side 28 itself). Thus, when the second side 28 is placed against a wall (and therefore parallel thereto), the tape 14 extends parallel to the wall. The tape 14 therefore extends parallel the axial length of housing 20.

A mandrel 44 is provided adjacent or within the opening 42. The mandrel 44 is configured to bend the tape 14 into a curved (e.g. U-shaped profile). The mandrel 44 comprises a curved opening smaller in width than the flat width of the tape 14. The mandrel 44 thus induces a curved profile into the tape 14. This maintains the flexible tape 14 into a substantially rigid configuration.

The free end of the tape 14 comprises a flange 46 to allow hooking of the free end onto an edge or lip etc. The flange 46 is curved to maintain the curved profile of the tape 14.

The tape 14 is configured to pass over a first guide 48 (see figure 6). The first guide 48 is provided adjacent the spool 16. The first guide 48 is arcuate/curved.

The first guide 48 at least partially surrounds the spool 16 (i.e. the circumference thereof). The first guide 48 is provided proximal/adjacent the first side 24 of the housing 20. The first guide is thus interposed the spool 16 and the first side 24 of the housing 20.

The tape 14 is configured to pass over an outer surface 50 of the guide 48 (i.e. interposed the guide 48 and the first side 24). The first guide 48 may comprise one or more static and/or rotatable pins 52 to help guide the tape 14 thereover.

A window 54 is provided adjacent the guide 48, such that the tape 14 is visible therein. The tape 14 is thus visible from outside the housing 20. The window 54 may comprise a transparent wall member 56 (e.g. transparent glass or polymer). Alternatively, the window 54 may be open (i.e. the window 54 merely comprises an aperture). The window may have a marker, e.g. an arrow, line or other indicia, for lining up with length markings/indicia on the tape 14.

The tape 14 is configured to pass over a second guide 58. The second guide 58 comprises a rotatable wheel/drum/roller 60. The second guide 58 is displaced away from the first side 24 of the housing 20. The second guide 58 thus directs the tape 14 away from the first side 24 and toward the second side 28 side 28 of the housing 20.

An edge 62 of the second guide 58 is located proximal the second side 28 of the housing 20. Thus, the tape 14 is directed to a position adjacent/proximal the second side 28. The tape 14 is therefore directed to a position aligned with the opening 42. The tape 14 extends between the second guide 58 and the opening 42 substantially parallel to the second side 28. The tape 14 thus follows a crook or sickle shaped path from the spool 16 to the opening 42 (e.g. provides a tortuous path). During extension/retraction of the tape 14, the spool 14 and the second guide 58 are configured to rotate in opposing directions.

In some embodiments, the second guide 58 may comprise a static pin/drum.

However, it can be appreciated that a rotatable drum reduces the friction during payout of the tape 14, so is preferable.

The device 12 comprises a locking mechanism 64 to hold the tape 14 at a fixed extension. The locking mechanism comprises a manual actuator 66 (i.e. switch) to allow the user to release or engage the tape 14. The switch 66 is provided on the first side 24 of the housing 20. The switch is provided in the first recess 22. The switch 66 is provided proximal/adjacent the second end second 40 of the housing 20. The switch 66 is mounted via a pivot 68 on the housing 20, thus providing a "rocker" switch.

The locking mechanism 64 comprises an engagement portion 70 configured to selectively engage the tape 14 to hold the tape 14 in position. The engagement portion 70 is mounted to the switch 66 via a pivot 72. The engagement portion 70 is therefore rotatable relative to the switch 66. The engagement portion 70 is mounted to a fulcrum 76 on the switch 66. When the switch 66 is moved to a locked position, as shown in figure 7, the fulcrum 76 extends toward the second guide 58. This causes a foot portion 78 of the engagement portion 70 to engage the tape 14 (best seen in figure 3). The fulcrum thus provides lateral movement of the pivot 72 (i.e. along the axial length of the tape 14/housing 20).

The foot portion 78 comprises a grip member 80 configured to engage the tape 14. The grip member 80 holds (i.e. by friction) or clamps the tape 14 in place. A foot portion 78 is provided on each side of the switch 66. Thus, the grip members 80 are configured to engage side portions 82 of the tape 14. The grip members 80 are curved to conform with the shape of the tape 14.

In some embodiments, the grip members 80 may comprise a high-friction surface (e.g. rubber etc.). Alternatively, the holding force may be provided by the intrinsic friction/clamping force of the grip members 80.

A cross-member 84 extends from the respective foot portions 78 across the width of the tape 14. The cross-member 84 ensures the correct spacing of the foot potions 78.

In some embodiments, a single foot portion 78/grip member 80 may be provided. The grip member 80 may extend across the entire width or a substantial portion of the tape 14.

In the locked position, the foot portion 78 of the engagement portion 70 extends toward the extended direction of the tape 14 (i.e. toward the opening 42). The engagement 70 portion is therefore angled with respect to the tape 14. Therefore, when the tape 14 retracts onto the spool 14, the grip members 80 engage the tape 14 and prevent retraction thereof. The angled arrangement ensures that the retraction of the tape 14 encourages the engagement portion 70 to rotate therewith (i.e. away from the opening 42). The engagement portion 70/grip member 80 rotate thus toward/into the tape 14. This increases the frictional force between the grip members 80 and the tape 14, preventing further retraction. The angled arrangement thus provides a positive feedback loop.

Conversely, when in the locked position, extension of the tape 14 causes rotation of the engagement portion 70/grip member 80 away from the tape 14. The grip members 80 therefore partially or fully disengage from the tape 14 allowing extension thereof. The locking mechanism 64 thus prevents retraction of the tape 14 but allows extension thereof when in the locked position.

In locked position, the engagement portion 70 (i.e. the axial length thereof) is angled at greater than 45 degrees relative to the tape 14. This ensures the engagement portion rotates with the tape 14 during retraction thereof (i.e. the grip members 80 do not lose traction). Preferably, the engagement portion 70 is angled at greater than 55 degrees, preferably, greater than 65 degrees.

In alternative embodiments, the friction/clamping force of the engagement portion 70 may be sufficient to preventing movement in both directions.

The locking mechanism 64 is shown in an unlocked position in figure 7. The fulcrum 76 is rotated toward the opening 42 by the rotation of the switch 66. The engagement portion 70 (i.e. the grip members 80) is rotated away from the tape 14 and out of engagement therewith. The engagement portion 70 may be rotated to a position where the tape 14 is flatter and thus does not engage the side portions 82 of the tape 14. The tape 14 is thus freely movable in the retracted direction. The tape 14 may therefore be freely movable in the retracted and extended direction.

In some embodiments, in the unlocked position, the engagement portion 70 is angled in an opposing direction to the locked position. The locking mechanism 64 thus acts in the same fashion as in the locked position. The tape 14 therefore may be moveable in the retracted direction, but prevented from moving in the extended direction. This may prevent accidently or undesired payout of the tape 14.

The tape 14 comprises indicia (not shown) thereon to indicate the degree of the extension of the tape 14. The indicia may comprise measurement gradations and numerals etc. The indicia are visible on the tape 14 through the window 54. Indicia may be provided on/adjacent the window 54 to allow the user to accurately interpret the indicia on the tape (i.e. to provide a datum point).

The indicia are configured such that they display (e.g. at the datum point) the distance 86 between the base plate 36 and the end of the tape 14/the flange 46. The indicia thus indicate the length 88 of the housing 20 of the device 12 in addition to the length of the extension 90 of the tape 14. For example, when the tape 14 is fully retracted, the indicia at the window 54/datum will read the length 88 of the housing 20. When the tape 14 is extended, the indicia at the window 54/datum will read length 88+90 (86).

Such an arrangement allows the user to use the device as part of the measurement, whilst still achieving accuracy. For example, when measuring the height of the wall, the user can place the base 36 on the floor adjacent the corner between the floor and the wall. The tape 14 can then be extended as required and a measurement can be taken. This does not require awkward bending of the tape 14 or re-positioning of the housing 20. The positioning of the window 54 means the user can read the indicia, whilst the tape 14 extends substantially parallel to the wall (i.e. due to the second guide 58 directing the tape from the first side 24 to the second side 28 of the device). The first guide 48 and second guide 58 thus ensure that the user can easily read measurement whilst ensuring accurate measurement due to parallel alignment with the wall.

In some embodiments, the first guide 48 may be absent the indicia on the tape 14 can read by whilst the tape 14 resides on the spool 14. However, it can be appreciated this arrangement is suboptimal, as during unwinding of the tape 14, the distance between the tape 14 on the spool and the window 54 will increase, thus making the indicia inaccurate and potentially more difficult to read. The first guide 48 thus ensures the tape 14 is provide at a fixed position relative to the window 54 and/or that there is a fixed tape length extending from a point on the guide beneath the window to the opening 42.

Claims

Claims: 1. A measuring device comprising: a housing; a spool mounted within the housing; a flexible measuring tape mounted to the spool such that tape winds onto the spool during retraction thereof in a first direction and is extensible from the housing by winding of the spool in an opposing direction, the tape comprising measurement indicia thereon; a window in the housing such that the measurement indicia may be viewed externally to the housing through the window, the window provided on a first side of the housing; and a guide provided within the housing, the guide configured to direct the tape extending from the spool in a direction away from the first side of the housing and toward a direction toward a second, opposing side of the housing.
2. A measuring device according to claim 1, where the tape extends from the housing via an opening, the opening provided proximal the second side of the housing.
3. A measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, where the guide comprises a rotatable wheel.
4. A measuring device according to any preceding claim, where an outer edge of the guide is provided proximal the second side of the housing.
5. A measuring device according to any preceding claim, where the outer edge of the guide is aligned with the opening, such that the tape extends substantially parallel to the second side of the housing between the guide and the 30 opening.
6. A measuring device according to any preceding claim, comprising a second guide configured to direct the tape extending from the spool in a direction toward the first side of the housing and/or the window.
7. A measuring device according to claim 6, where the second guide is provided adjacent the window, the tape extending between the second guide and window such that measurement indicia can be read therefrom.
8. A measuring device according to claim 6 or 7, where the second guide is arcuate in form and/or at least partially surrounds the spool.
9. A measuring device according to any one of claims 6-8, where the second guide circumferentially extends around the spool in close conformity thereto.
10. A measuring device according to any one of claims 6-9, where the second guide comprises a static guide surface over which the tape slides in use.
11. A measuring device according to any preceding claim, where the guide or second guide comprises one or more static or rotatable pin thereon.
12. A measuring device according to any preceding claim, comprising a releasable locking mechanism having an engagement portion configured to engage and hold the tape in a first configuration to prevent extension and/or retraction thereof.
13. A measuring device according to claim 12, where the spool is biased towards a retraction direction for the tape and/or the locking mechanism is configured to permit extension of the tape but prevent retraction of tape in the first configuration.
14. A measuring device according to claim 12 or 13, where the locking mechanism comprises a pivoting mounting for the engagement portion, wherein the engagement portion extends toward the extension direction of the tape from the pivoting mounting in the first condition, such that when tape is extended from the housing, the engagement portion rotates away from the tape and at least partially disengages therefrom, and/or that when the tape is retracted, the engagement portion rotates into engagement with the tape.
15. A measuring device according to claim 12, 13 or 14, where the angle 5 formed between a longitudinal axis of the tape and an axis of the engagement portion extending from the pivoting mounting is greater than or equal to 45 degrees when in the first condition.
16. A measuring device according to any one of claims 12 to 15, where the engagement portion comprises a grip/friction portion configured to engage the tape, the grip portion comprising for example a curved/angled engagement surface.
17. A measuring device according to claim 16, where a plurality of engagement portions are provided, each comprising a respective grip portion, the grip portions engaging respective sides of the tape.
18. A measuring device according to any one of claims 12 to 17, where the locking mechanism comprises a manual actuator, the manual actuator comprising a fulcrum and being configured to rock between a first position and a second position, the engagement portion being mounted to the manual actuator.
19. A measuring device according to claim 18, where the engagement portion is mounted to the manual actuator at a pivoting mounting, the pivoting mounting being spaced from the fulcrum, e.g. spaced in a direction towards the tape.
20. A measuring device according to claim 18 or 19, where rocking of the manual actuator to the second position raises the pivoting mounting away from the tape by at least a height dimension of the engagement member.
21. A measuring device according to claim 18, 19 or 20, where rocking of the manual actuator between the first and second position permits rotation of the engagement member through a perpendicular orientation relative to the longitudinal axis of the tape.
22. A measuring device according to any one of claims 12 to 21, where the tape comprises a curved profile as it passes through the locking mechanism.
23. A measuring device according to claim 22, where the device comprises one or more guide for maintaining the curved profile of the tape as it passes through the locking mechanism.
24. A measuring device according to any one of claims 12 to 23, where the locking mechanism is configured to disengage from the tape in second configuration to permit movement thereof.
25. A measuring device according to any one of claims 12 to 24, where the locking mechanism is configured to permit retraction of the tape but prevent extension of tape in the second configuration.