IL298426A

IL298426A - Tape measure

Info

Publication number: IL298426A
Application number: IL298426A
Authority: IL
Original assignee: Shahar Azulai
Priority date: 2022-11-21
Filing date: 2022-11-21
Publication date: 2024-06-01
Also published as: WO2024110963A1

Description

0288528532- TAPE MEASURE TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD The subject matter of the present specification relates to a tape measure. BACKGROUND Tape measures are commonly used tools for measuring lengths and distances. One type of tape measure is a spring return pocket tape measure; this type of tape measure includes a housing for storing a length of measuring tape provided with linear measurement markings. The measuring tape is spooled within the housing and dispensed therefrom when a measurement is to be taken. The measuring tape can be returned into the housing via a spring mechanism. Tape measures can generally only be used to make one measurement at a time. However, there are many cases in which more than one measurement is required. For example, if one desires to drill a hole at a certain length and width of a workpiece, one must first use the tape measure to ascertain the length measurement, then take the width measurement from the measured length. Not only is this two-step process inefficient, but it is also more vulnerable to human error since the user must make two separate measurements. There are also cases where the same measurement, or a certain measurement interval along the measuring tape, needs to be made repeatedly. Having to make such measurements and calculate such measurement intervals repeatedly can also be time-consuming and inefficient, and prone to the introduction of human error. GENERAL DESCRIPTIONThe subject matter of the present patent specification is directed to a tape measure which is particularly useful for less straightforward measuring and/or measurement marking tasks, such as when two or more accurate measurements and/or markings are to be made, and 0288528532- potentially repeatedly. Although the disclosed tape measure facilitates the making of less straightforward measurements more efficiently and more accurately, the disclosed tape is also simple in construction and intuitive to use. In accordance with a first aspect of the present patent specification, there is disclosed a tape measure having two housings, each configured for retrievably dispensing respective lengths of measuring tape, the housings being movable relative to one another between: a parallel configuration in which the housings are aligned such that the respective measuring tapes dispensed therefrom run parallel to one another; and an angled configuration in which the housings are angled from one another so that an angle is formed between the respective tapes dispensed therefrom. In this way, the measuring tapes dispensible from the respective housings can be dispensed at an angle relative to one another, and two corresponding measurements can be made simultaneously. For example, if a certain operation (e.g., drilling) is to be performed at a specific width and length of an example workpiece (e.g., a wooden board), each measurement can be taken simultaneously by a respective measuring tape of the tape measure. In the angled configuration of the tape measure, the two dispensed measuring tapes may intersect whereby the measuring tape of one housing overlies the measuring tape of the other housing to form an angle between the two measuring tapes. In this way, it is also possible to measure and mark specific angles using the present tape measure. For example, if a right angle is to be ascertained, the housings can be moved to the angled configuration wherein the housings form a right angle with one another, and the intersection of the corresponding measuring tapes would indicate a right angle (e.g., on the workpiece thereunder). Each measuring tape may comprise a slot extending along the lengths thereof. In this way, it is possible not only to make measurement markings along the external edges of each measuring tape but also to make measurement markings through the elongate slots, which may be more desirable in certain measuring applications. It is envisaged that at the 0288528532- intersection of the two measuring tapes, the respective slots thereof can intersect to define a window through which an underlying surface being measured can be marked. When the tape measure is in the angled configuration, the angle that can be formed between the two dispensed measuring tapes may be manually adjusted between and inclusive of 5 degrees and 90 degrees. In this way, the tape measure can be used for measurements across a wide range of geometries and angles. In particular constructions, the housings of the tape measure are pivotal relative to one another between the angled and parallel configurations. For example, a simple hinge or hinge-like mechanism can interconnect the two housings so that the housings can be opened away from one another to assume the angled configuration, and closed toward one another to assume the parallel configuration. In one example, the housings may be hinged together at a location proximate to the respective tape dispensing ends thereof. In at least one embodiment, the housings may be hingedly movable between the parallel and open configurations about a pivot axis that extends generally perpendicular to the respective longitudinal axes of the measuring tapes. For ease of use and simplicity, it is envisaged that the angle between the housings corresponds with the angle between the measuring tapes. To the extent that the tape measure comprises a hinge mechanism for effecting the hinged movement of the housings, it is envisaged that the hinge mechanism may also include a visual indicator for indicating an angle between the housings. In this way, a user can accurately visually gauge and control the angle formed between the housings, and thereby the angle formed between the dispensed measuring tapes. In certain embodiments, the visual indicator may also comprise a lockable dial operable to vary the angle between the housings. For example, a user may manually rotate the lockable dial relative to the visual indicator to selectively adjust the angle formed between the two housings. Once the desired angle is reached, the dial can be locked in place so as to releasably fix the angle between the housings, and thus the dispensed measuring tapes. Of course, if the angle is to be varied, the 0288528532- user can simply manually unlock the dial and rotate it to the next desired angle where it can be locked in position. It is envisaged that at least one of the measuring tapes of the dual-housing tape measure may be provided with a measurement indicator that is slidably lockable therealong so as to maintain its position thereon. In this way, a user need not repeatedly ascertain a desired measurement by visually scanning the length of the measuring tape. Instead, the measurement indicator can be locked at a desired location of the measuring tape, and a user can repeatedly locate the desired measurement based on the location of the measurement indicator. The measurement indicator may comprise an opening that is alignable over the slot of the measuring tape so that the underlying surface being measured can be marked through both the slot and the opening aligned thereover. In this way, the presence of the measurement indicator need not physically obstruct the user’s ability to make measurement markings since markings can be readily made through the opening of the indicator. In certain embodiments, the measurement indicator may comprise a band for snugly receiving the measuring tape therethrough. For example, the measurement indicator may function like a relatively tight-fitting sleeve that slides over and along a length of the measuring tape. An upper face of the sleeve-like band may comprise one or more viewing windows overlying measurement markings of the measuring tape. The viewing windows may furthermore be aligned and/or point to the opening of the measurement indicator such that a measured distance of the opening of the measurement indicator along the measuring tape can be read through the viewing windows. Where a measuring tape of the tape measure comprises a slot extending longitudinally therethrough, it can be considered that the measuring tape comprises a pair of spaced apart measuring lengths running parallel to one another, separated by the longitudinal slot. In such embodiments, the measurement indicator may be formed with a pair of laterally spaced apart 0288528532- through holes, each through hole being sized to snugly receive therethrough the respective measuring lengths of the measuring tape. The measurement indicator may be configured such that it is retrievable into the housing with the measuring tape along which it is slidable. For example, the measurement indicator may be selectively lockable to the measuring tape so as to maintain its position thereon when the measuring tape is retrieved into the housing. In this way, if a position of the measurement indicator on the measuring tape is to be maintained, a user need not keep the measuring tape dispensed, which can be cumbersome if the tape measure needs to be transported or moved to various locations where measurements are to be taken. Instead, the measuring tape can simply be retracted into the housing with the position of the measurement indicator locked thereto, such that when the measuring tape is dispensed yet again, the desired measurement location is still easily identified by the measurement indicator which remains locked at that desired location along the measuring tape. In accordance with a second aspect of the present patent specification, there is disclosed a tape measure comprising: a housing for retrievably dispensing measuring tape therefrom; a measuring tape retrievably dispensable from the housing; and a measurement indicator being slidable along the length of the measuring tape and being lockable thereto so as to maintain a position thereon. As such, a user need not repeatedly ascertain a desired measurement by visually scanning the length of the measuring tape. Instead, the measurement indicator can be locked at a desired location of the measuring tape, and a user can repeatedly locate the desired measurement based on the location of the measurement indicator. The measuring tape may comprise a slot extending along a length thereof through which an underlying surface being measured can be marked. For example, the slot may extend along the central longitudinal axis of the tape measure. In this way, it is possible not 0288528532- only to make measurement markings along the external edges of the measuring tape but also through the elongate slot, which may be more desirable in certain measuring applications. The measurement indicator may comprise an opening that is alignable over the slot so that the surface being measured can be marked through both the slot and the opening aligned thereover. As such, the presence of the measurement indicator need not physically obstruct the user’s ability to make measurement markings since such markings can also be made through the opening of the indicator which is aligned with the central longitudinal slot of the measuring tape. The measurement indicator may comprise a band for snugly receiving the measuring tape therethrough. In this way, the measurement indicator may function like a sleeve that slides over and along a length of the measuring tape. An upper face of the sleeve-like band may comprise one or more viewing windows overlying measurement markings of the measuring tape. These viewing windows may be aligned and/or point to the opening of the measurement indicator such that a measured distance of the opening along the measuring tape can be readily viewed through the viewing windows. In embodiments where the measuring tape comprises a slot extending longitudinally therethrough, it can be considered that the measuring tape comprises a pair of spaced apart measuring lengths running parallel to one another, which measuring lengths are separated by the longitudinal slot. In such embodiments, the measurement indicator may be formed with a pair of laterally spaced apart through holes, each being sized to snugly receive therethrough the respective measuring lengths of the measuring tape. In preferred embodiments of the tape measure, the measurement indicator may be configured such that it is retrievable into the housing with the measuring tape along which it is slidable. For example, the measurement indicator may be selectively locked to the measuring tape so as to maintain its position thereon when the measuring tape is retrieved into the housing. As such, if a position of the measurement indicator on the measuring tape is 0288528532- to be retained, a user need not need keep the measuring tape dispensed, which can be cumbersome if the tape measure needs to be packed away or moved between various measurement locations. Instead, the measuring tape can simply be retracted into the housing with the position of the measurement indicator locked thereto such that when the measuring tape is next dispensed, the desired measurement location is readily ascertained via the measurement indicator which is still locked at the desired location along the measuring tape. In particular constructions, the tape measure may comprise a second housing for retrievably dispensing a second measuring tape therefrom, the housings being movable relative to one another between: a parallel configuration in which the housings are aligned such that the respective measuring tapes dispensed therefrom run parallel to one another; and an angled configuration in which the housings are angled from one another so that an angle is formed between the respective tapes dispensed therefrom. As such, the measuring tapes dispensible from the respective housings can be dispensed at an angle relative to one another, and two corresponding measurements can be made simultaneously. In the angled configuration of the tape measure, the two dispensed measuring tapes may intersect whereby the measuring tape of one housing overlies the measuring tape of the other housing to form an angle between the two measuring tapes. In this way, it is also possible to measure and mark specific angles using the present tape measure. In the present embodiments wherein two housings are provided, each measuring tape may comprise a slot extending along the lengths thereof. At the intersection of the two measuring tapes, the respective slots thereof can intersect to define a window through which an underlying surface being measured can be marked. When the tape measure is in the angled configuration, it is envisaged that the angle that can be formed between the two dispensed measuring tapes can be manually adjusted between and inclusive of 5 degrees and 90 degrees. In this way, the tape measure can be used 0288528532- for measurements across a wide range of geometries and angles. Of course, other angles beyond this range are considered within the scope of the present specification. It is envisaged that the two housings of the tape measure may be pivotal relative to one another between the angled and parallel configurations. In one example, the housings may be hinged together at a location proximate to the respective tape dispensing ends thereof. In at least one embodiment, the housings may be hingedly movable between the parallel and open configurations about a pivot axis that extends generally perpendicular to the respective longitudinal axes of the measuring tapes. For ease of use and simplicity, it is envisaged that the angle between the housings corresponds with the angle between the measuring tapes. In at least one embodiment, the tape measure comprises a hinge mechanism for effecting the hinged movement of the housings. This hinge mechanism may also include a visual indicator for indicating an angle between the housings. As such, a user can visually gauge and control the angle formed between the housings, and thus the angle formed between the dispensed measuring tapes. The visual indicator may also comprise a lockable dial which is operable to vary the angle between the housings. For example, a user may manually rotate the dial relative to the visual indicator to selectively adjust the angle formed between the housings. Once the desired angle is obtained, the lockable dial can be locked in place to releasably fix the angle between the housings, and thus the angle between the dispensed measuring tapes. Similarly, if the angle is to be varied, the user can simply manually unlock the dial and rotate it to the next desired angle where it can be locked in position. It is further envisioned that the presently disclosed tape measure can also comprise a ruler pivotally and slidably mounted to a base of the housing for measurement of distances angled from the measuring tape. In this way, not only can the specific angle between the dispensed measuring tapes be ascertained, the angle of the tape measure itself (e.g., the or each housing thereof) can be ascertained relative to some external object or surface (e.g., a wall). 0288528532- BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSIn order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1A is a front perspective view of a tape measure according to a first embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter, the tape measure shown in an angled configuration; Fig. 1B is a rear perspective view of the tape measure of Fig. 1A; Fig. 2 is a close-up view of an intersection between two measuring tapes of the tape measure of Fig. 1A; Fig. 3A is a front perspective view of a tape measure according to a second embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter, the tape measure shown in an angled configuration and comprising a hinge mechanism; Fig. 3B is a rear perspective view of the hinge mechanism shown in Fig. 3A; Fig. 4 is a top perspective view of a tape measure according to a third embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter, shown with two measurement indicators; Fig. 5A is a close-up top perspective view of one of the measurement indicators of Fig. 4; and Fig. 5B is a close-up bottom perspective view of the measurement indicator of Fig. 5A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Figs. 1A and 1B show a tape measure 2 according to a first embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. Conceptually, the depicted tape measure 2 can be thought of as two spring return pocket tape measures movably associated with one another. The tape measure 2 comprises two housings 4, each being configured to store a respective length of measuring tape 6 spooled up therein, each measuring tape 6 being dispensable from the respective housings 4 for the taking of measurements, and returnable therein. In other words, each length of measuring tape 6 is retrievably dispensible from the respective housings 4. 0288528532- Each housing 4 is movable relative to the other such that the respective measuring tapes 6 can be dispensed at specific angles relative to one another. In particular, the housings are movable between: a parallel configuration in which the housings 4 are aligned with one another such that the respective measuring tapes 6 dispensed therefrom run parallel to one another; and an angled configuration in which the housings 4 are angled from one another so that an angle is formed between the respective tapes 6 dispensed therefrom. Fig. 1A shows the two housings 4 in an angled configuration. In particular, the housings 4 are at 90 degrees to one another, and thus an angle of 90 degrees is formed between the dispensed lengths of measuring tape 6. In other words, an angle of 90 degrees is formed between the respective rear faces 8 of each housing 4 (see Fig. 1B). Of course, the housings 4 can also be moved toward one another, thereby reducing the angle θ therebetween and thus correspondingly reducing the angle θ formed between the dispensed lengths of tape 6. It is envisaged that the angle θ formed between the housings 4, and thus the measuring tape 6, can vary from 90 degrees down to 0 degrees (i.e., the parallel configuration). Fig. 1B shows an example of how the two housings 4 may be movably associated with one another. In the depicted example, the two housings 4 are interconnected via a vertically extending hinge 10 therebetween. The two housings 4 are thus pivotal relative to one another about the hinge 10; the housings 4 can thus be manually opened away from one another into an angled configuration at a specific angle θ, or closed toward one another to assume the parallel configuration. Fig. 2 shows a close-up of Fig. 1A at the location where the two dispensed measuring tapes 6 intersect. When dispensed, one measuring tape 6 is configured to overlie the other, thereby forming a predetermined angle θ at the intersection of the two measuring tapes 6. In certain examples of the tape measure 2, it is envisaged that at least one of the measuring tapes may be at least partially transparent such that the measurement markings of the other measuring tape 6 can be seen therethrough. 0288528532- In the depicted embodiment, each measuring tape 6 is configured with a central longitudinal slot 12 running along a length thereof. As such, measurements can be marked not only adjacent to the outer edges of each measuring tape 6, as is conventional, measurements can also be marked through the longitudinal slot 12. Referring to Fig. 2, it can be seen that where the two measuring tapes 6 intersect such that one tape 6 underlies the other, the respective longitudinal slots 12 thereof also intersect such that the slot 12 of the underlying measuring tape underlies the slot 12 of the overlying measuring tape 6, the two slots 12 forming a window 14 through which, for example, an underlying workpiece or the like can be marked. In use, the present tape measure 2 can be used to take two measurements simultaneously to enable the marking of a desired and related location. For example, with the tape measure 2 opened up to form a 90-degree angle between the measuring tapes 6, a lengthwise measurement can be measured using one of the two measuring tapes 6 (i.e., measured from the end with the depicted end hook 16), and a corresponding widthwise measurement can be measured using the other of the two measuring tapes 6. The intersection of the two measuring tapes 6 can thus be marked (e.g., at the angled corner θ where the two tapes 6 intersect, or through the window 14 where the slots 12 intersect). Fig. 3A shows a second embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. The tape measure 202 of the second embodiment is conceptually similar to the first embodiment described with reference to Figs. 1A, 1B and 2, and utilises a hinge mechanism 218 to facilitate pivotal movement of the housings 204 relative to one another to effect adjustment of the angle formed between the respective lengths of measuring tape 206. Fig. 3B shows the hinge mechanism 218 detached from the housings 204 of the tape measure 202. The hinge mechanism 218 comprises a pair of generally rectangular-shaped plates 220a, 220b that are pivotal relative to one another about a hinge 210 interconnecting and extending vertically between them. Each plate 220a, 220b is configured to removably secure to a respective housing 204 to facilitate relative pivotal motion thereof. In the depicted embodiment, each plate 220a, 220b comprises a trapezoidal shaped central opening 2shaped to removably latch over a correspondingly shaped lip 224 protruding from a front of 0288528532- the respective housings 204, as shown in Fig. 3A. Each plate 220a, 220b is also provided with a clip 226 extending upwardly from a bottom of the respective trapezoidal opening 222, the clips 226 being configured to removably clip or latch to correspondingly-shaped features provided on the front of each housing 204. In this way, the hinge mechanism 218 can be secured to each housing 204 to form a tape measure 202 according to examples of the present subject matter. It is envisaged that if the dual and pivotally associated tape measure functionality is no longer desired, the hinge mechanism 218 may be detached from the housings 204 such that the housings 204 are no longer movably interconnected, in which case each housing 204 and corresponding measuring tapes 206 thereof can be used like regular tape measures. In examples of the present subject matter, the hinge mechanism 218 may also be provided with a visual indicator 228 for indicating an angle between the two plates 220a, 220b and thus housings 204, and/or control means 230 for manually and lockably adjusting an angle between the two housings 204. To this end, one of the plates 220a of the depicted hinge mechanism 218 is in mechanical communication with an upper indicator 228 having a circular face provided with a series of spaced apart radially extending grooves 232 (see Fig. 3B). Meanwhile, the other one of the plates 220b is in mechanical communication with an upper dial 230 which is manually rotatable about the axis of the hinge 210 so as to effect relative pivotal motion between the two plates 220a, 220b and thus the respective housings 204 to which they are attached. Referring to Fig. 3A, the dial 230 is provided with an indicating protrusion 234 extending from a circumference thereof, which protrusion 234 is configured to overlie the circular face of the indicator 228 and the grooves thereof 232. A user may thus visually ascertain an angle between the two plates 220a, 220b, and thus the respective housings 204, by observing the location of the protrusion 234 of the dial 2relative to the underlying grooves 232 of the upper indicator 228. To this end, each groove 232 may be associated with visual markings indicating the angle associated therewith. Referring to Fig. 3B, a lower circular face of the dial 230 may be provided with a series of radially extending and downwardly protruding ribs 236. In particular, each rib 236 is 0288528532- configured to be received in a respective groove 232 of the upper indicator 228, thereby locking an angle of the hinge mechanism 218 and thus housings 204 in place. A user can manually grasp and rotate the dial 230 so as to eject the ribs 236 from the grooves 232 and effect relative pivotal motion of the plates 220a, 220b and thus housings 204 of the tape measure 202. As the dial 230 is rotated, the hinge mechanism 218 alternatingly locks and unlocks at certain angles as the ribs 236 of the dial 230 are alternatingly received in and then exit respective grooves 232 as the dial 230 is turned. Fig. 4 shows a tape measure 302 according to a third embodiment. The tape measure 302 is also of the type comprising a housing 304 in which a spooled measuring tape 306 can be retrievably dispensed. The tape measure 302 also comprises one or more measurement indicators 338 which are slidable along the length of the measuring tape 306 to locate a target or desired measurement therealong. The measurement indicators 338 are releasably lockable to the measuring tape 306 so that they can maintain their position thereon. In this way, if a specific measurement is to be marked repeatedly across a workpiece, the measurement indicator 306 can simply be locked to the measuring tape 306 at the target measurement marking and the user can repeatedly mark the workpiece at or proximate to the measurement indicator 338 without needing to repeatedly take measurements via the smaller measurement markings provided on the tape measure 306. Moreover, if a fixed measurement interval from the initial measurement is also required to be repeatedly made, a second measurement indicator 338 can be fixed to a second location along the tape measure 306 and spaced from the first measurement indicator 338 by the desired measurement interval. In this way, a user need not repeatedly calculate what the interval measurement ought to be from the initial measurement. Of course, any number of measurement indicators 338 may be provided along the measuring tape 306. Figs. 5A and 5B show an example measurement indicator 338 that is slidable along and selectively lockable to the measuring tape 306 of the present tape measure 302. In this example, the measuring tape 306 is one that comprises a central longitudinal slot 3extending along the length thereof. In this way, the measuring tape 306 can be considered to 0288528532- have two parallel and longitudinally extending measuring lengths 306a, 306b separated by the longitudinal slot 312. While the slot 312 depicted in Fig. 4 is continuous, the slot may of course be discontinuous. In the depicted example, the measurement indicator 338 is in the form of a thin band shaped to snugly receive the measuring tape 306 therethrough. In particular, the measurement indicator 338 has a generally rectangular-shaped body and comprises a pair of laterally spaced apart through holes 340, each configured to receive a respective measuring length 306a, 306b of the measuring tape 306. The two through holes 340 are separated by a central body portion 342 of the band-like measurement indicator 338 which is sized to occupy the width of the slot 312 between the two measuring lengths 306a, 306b of the measuring tape 306. It is envisaged that the width of each through hole 340 extending through the band 3is substantially equal to, if not only slightly greater than, a width of the measuring lengths 306a, 306b such that the measuring lengths 306a, 306b are snugly contained within the respective through holes 340 and are not prone to movement relative to one another. The measurement indicators 338 may comprise a central opening 344 that extends through the central body portion 342 of the band 338 and thus through the longitudinal slot 312 extending between the two measuring lengths 306a, 306b of the measuring tape 306. In this way, a surface being measured can be marked through both the slot 312 and the opening aligned 344 thereover. Still referring to Figs. 5A and 5B, upper and lower faces of the measurement indicator band 338 are provided with laterally opposed viewing windows 346 positioned so as to overlie measurement markings of the measuring tape 306. In the depicted example, the viewing windows 346 comprise an arrowhead shape configured to point inwardly at the central opening 344 of the measurement indicator band 338. In this way, the measurement indicator 338 can be moved to a target measurement, which measurement can be verified by viewing the corresponding measurement marking through one or both viewing windows 346, 0288528532- and then the measurement can be marked through the opening 344 which is aligned with said viewing windows 346. In the depicted embodiment, the measurement indicators 338 are provided with a manually depressible tab or pin 348 extending through a through-hole of the measurement indicator band 338 which is configured to effect locking and unlocking of the measurement indicator 338 to the measuring tape 306. For example, with reference to Fig. 5A, it is envisaged that the circular pin 348 may be pressed downwardly so that it frictionally engages an upper surface of the measuring length 306a within the through hole 340 of the band 338, thereby locking the position of the measurement indicator 338 to the measuring tape 306. It is envisaged that the pin 348 can be pressed upwardly to disengage the frictional engagement, wherein the measurement indicator 338 can again be freely slid along the measuring tape 306. Of course, other means for selectively locking the measurement indicators 338 to the measuring tape 306 are within the scope of the present specification. For example, the measurement indicators 338 may be provided with adjustable flat screws which may be tightened in one direction to frictionally engage the measuring tape 306, thereby locking the position of the measurement indicator 338 along the measuring tape 306, and loosened in the opposite direction to release the frictional engagement, thereby permitting the measurement indicator 338 to slide along the measuring tape 306. Other selective locking means, including the use of magnets and the like, may also be employed. The measurement indicators 338 are preferably sufficiently thin, and only slightly thicker than that of the measuring tape 306, such that the measuring indicators 338 can also be retrieved into the housing 304 of the tape measure 302. Additionally, the measurement indicator 338 locking means employed are configured such that it is possible to maintain the locked configuration of the measurement indicators 338 even when the measuring tape 306 is retrieved into the housing 304 such that the position of the measurement indicators 338 along the retrieved measuring tape 306 remains fixed. In this way, a user need not keep the 0288528532- measuring tape 306 in a dispensed configuration in order to maintain the positions of the measurement indicators 338 therealong. If desired, the measuring tape 306 can be readily retrieved into the housing 304 with the measurement indicators 338 still locked at their target positions such that, if further and similar measurements are required, the measuring tape 3can simply be dispensed out of the housing 304 with the measurement indicators 338 already at the desired positions therealong. While various embodiments have been described herein, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present specification should not be limited by the embodiments described and depicted herein. For example, teachings relating to the measurement indicators 338 of the third embodiment of the tape measure 302 are applicable to the tape measures 2, 202 of the first and second embodiments. In other words, it is considered within the scope of the present specification that the tape measures 2, 202 of the first and second embodiments may also be provided with one or more of the measurement indicators 338 described and depicted herein. Similarly, teachings relating to the first and second embodiments of the present tape measure 2, 202 are also applicable to the tape measure 302 of the third embodiment. The different tape measure embodiments 2, 202, 302 disclosed herein may also be provided with a ruler member 350 pivotally mounted at a base of the housing 4, 204, 304 via which angles formed between the ruler 350 and the measuring tape 6, 206, 306 can be measured, as shown in Fig. 4. While not depicted, the presently disclosed tape measures 2, 202, 302 may be provided with a kit of stickers, magnets and the like which can be used as additional and/or alternative measurement markers. For example, stickers may be stuck to the measuring tape 0288528532- 6, 206, 306 at desired measurement markings. Where the measuring tape 6, 206, 306 is metallic, magnets may also be used to function as movable measurement indicators. Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims

1.- 18 - 0288528533- CLAIMS 1. A tape measure having two housings each configured for retrievably dispensing respective lengths of measuring tape, the housings being movable relative to one another between: a parallel configuration in which the housings are aligned such that the respective measuring tapes dispensed therefrom run parallel to one another; and an angled configuration in which the housings are angled from one another so that an angle is formed between the respective tapes dispensed therefrom.

2. The tape measure of claim 1, wherein in the angled configuration, the two dispensed measuring tapes intersect whereby the measuring tape of one housing overlies the measuring tape of the other housing to form an angle between the two measuring tapes.

3. The tape measure of claim 2, wherein each measuring tape comprises a slot extending along the lengths thereof, and wherein at the intersection of the two measuring tapes, the respective slots thereof intersect to define a window through which an underlying surface being measured can be marked.

4. The tape measure of any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the angled configuration, the angle formed between the two dispensed measuring tapes is between and inclusive of 5 degrees and 90 degrees.

5. The tape measure of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housings are pivotal relative to one another between the angled and parallel configurations.

6. The tape measure of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the angle between the housings corresponds with the angle between the measuring tapes. - 19 - 0288528533-

7. The tape measure of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housings are hinged together at a location proximate to the respective tape dispensing ends thereof.

8. The tape measure of claim 7, wherein the housings are hingedly movable between the parallel and open configurations about a pivot axis that is perpendicular to the respective longitudinal axes of the measuring tapes.

9. The tape measure of claim 8, further comprising a hinge mechanism for effecting the hinged movement of the housings, the mechanism including a visual indicator for indicating an angle between the housings.

10. The tape measure of claim 9, wherein the visual indicator comprises a lockable dial operable to vary the angle between the housings.

11. The tape of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the measuring tapes is provided with a measurement indicator that is slidably lockable therealong so as to maintain its position thereon.

12. The tape measure of claim 11 as appended to claim 3 or any one of claims 4 to 10 as appended thereto, wherein the measurement indicator comprises an opening that is alignable over the slot of the measuring tape provided with said measurement indicator so that the underlying surface being measured can be marked through both the slot and the opening aligned thereover.

13. The tape measure of claim 11 or 12, wherein the measurement indicator comprises a band for snugly receiving the measuring tape therethrough.

14. The tape measure of claim 13, wherein an upper face of the band comprises a viewing window overlying measurement markings of the measuring tape, the viewing window being - 20 - 0288528533- aligned with the opening of the measurement indicator such that a measured distance of the opening along the measuring tape can be read through the viewing window.

15. The tape measure of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein: at least one measuring tape comprises a pair of spaced apart measuring lengths running parallel to one another; and the measurement indicator comprises lateral through holes for snugly receiving therethrough the respective measuring lengths.

16. The tape measure of any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the measurement indicator is retrievable into the housing with the measuring tape along which it is slidable.

17. The tape measure of claim 16, wherein the measurement indicator is configured to be selectively lockable to the measuring tape so as to maintain its position thereon when the measuring tape is retrieved into the housing.

18. A tape measure comprising: a housing for retrievably dispensing measuring tape therefrom; a measuring tape retrievably dispensable from the housing; and a measurement indicator being slidable along the length of the measuring tape and being lockable thereto so as to maintain a position thereon.

19. The tape measure of claim 18, wherein the measuring tape comprises a slot extending along a length thereof through which an underlying surface being measured can be marked.

20.The tape measure of claim 19, wherein the measurement indicator comprises an opening that is alignable over the slot so that the surface being measured can be marked through both the slot and the opening aligned thereover. - 21 - 0288528533-

21. The tape measure of any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the measurement indicator comprises a band for snugly receiving the measuring tape therethrough.

22. The tape measure of claim 21, wherein an upper face of the band comprises a viewing window configured to overlie measurement markings of the measuring tape, the viewing window being aligned with the opening of the measurement indicator such that a measured distance of the opening along the measuring tape can be read through the viewing window.

23. The tape measure of any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein: the measuring tape comprises a pair of spaced apart measuring lengths running parallel to one another; and the measurement indicator comprises lateral through holes for snugly receiving therethrough the respective measuring lengths.

24. The tape measure of any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein the measurement indicator is retrievable into the housing with the measuring tape.

25. The tape measure of claim 24, wherein the measurement indicator is lockable to the measuring tape so as to maintain its position thereon when the measuring tape is retrieved into the housing.

26. The tape measure of any one of claims 18 to 25, further comprising a second housing for retrievably dispensing a second measuring tape therefrom, the housings being movable relative to one another between: a parallel configuration in which the housings are aligned such that the respective measuring tapes dispensed therefrom run parallel to one another; and an angled configuration in which the housings are angled from one another so that an angle is formed between the respective tapes dispensed therefrom. - 22 - 0288528533-

27. The tape measure of claim 26, wherein in the angled configuration, the dispensed measuring tapes intersect whereby the measuring tape of one housing overlies the measuring tape of the other housing so as to form an angle between the two measuring tapes.

28. The tape measure of claim 27 as appended to claim 19, wherein: the second measuring tape comprises a slot extending along a length thereof through which the underlying surface being measured can be marked; and at the intersection of the two measuring tapes, the respective slots thereof intersect to define a window through which the underlying surface can be marked.

29. The tape measure of any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein in the angled configuration, the angle formed between the two dispensed measuring tapes is between and inclusive of degrees and 90 degrees.

30. The tape measure of any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein the housings are pivotal relative to one another between the angled and parallel configurations.

31. The tape measure of any one of claims 26 to 30, wherein the angle between the housings corresponds with the angle between the measuring tapes.

32. The tape measure of any one of claims 26 to 31, wherein the housings are hinged together at a location proximate to the respective tape dispensing ends thereof.

33. The tape measure of claim 32, wherein the housings are hingedly movable between the parallel and open configurations about a pivot axis that is perpendicular to the respective longitudinal axes of the measuring tapes.

34. The tape measure of claim 33, further comprising a hinge mechanism for effecting the hinged movement of the housings, the mechanism including a visual indicator for indicating an angle between the housings. - 23 - 0288528533-

35. The tape measure of claim 34, wherein the visual indicator comprises a lockable dial operable to vary the angle between the housings.

36. The tape measure of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a ruler pivotally and slidably mounted to a base of the housing for measurement of distances angled from the measuring tape.