WO2019195893A1

WO2019195893A1 - Measuring device

Info

Publication number: WO2019195893A1
Application number: PCT/AU2019/050329
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jake Edward Dean; Yuma Antoine Decaux
Original assignee: OSeyeris Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2018-04-12
Filing date: 2019-04-12
Publication date: 2019-10-17

Abstract

The present invention relates to a measuring device. In particular, the invention relates to a device for measuring length and storing the measured data. The invention provides an accessible method of measuring for visually impaired, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

Description

MEASURING DEVICE TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring device. In particular, the invention relates to a device for measuring length and storing the measured data. The invention provides an accessible method of measuring for visually impaired, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Tape measures have been around for at least 150 years. Essentially a tape measure is a flexible ruler, and in its most basic form consists of a strip with linear distance markings. There are tape measures routinely in use today in various industries that are little different from the basic form of the earliest tape measures. For example, the plastic tape measures used in the tailoring and dressmaking industries are simply a plastic or fibreglass strip with imperial and/or metric measurements and do not have any form of casing. Home handymen use a stiff metallic tape measure that is self-retracting into a casing by means of a spring mechanism. Whilst such tape measures are useful for measuring linear objects, they are not particularly useful for measuring non-linear (for example, curved) objects, nor are they particularly accessible for visually impaired.

[0003] Recent developments have resulted in digital tape measures. A particularly popular development has been digital laser measuring devices. Although these devices have a high level of accuracy, they are best suited to measuring longer distances, such as room dimensions. Again, these devices are not particularly useful for taking non-linear measurements, nor are they particularly accessible for visually impaired.

[0004] Another area the subject of developments in tape measures has been to enable visually impaired to obtain measurements. Standard tape measures can be difficult to read due to the small markings and graduations, and digital screens available on digital tape measures are not necessarily large and/or clear enough to enable someone who is visually impaired to read. There are also‘talking tape measures’, which announce the measured distance. However, generally these tape measures are stiff metallic tape measures, and therefore are not a particularly good option for taking measurements of an object with any sort of curvature. It would therefore be advantageous if a measuring device could not only provide a high level of accuracy for non linear measurements, but also provide accessible measurements for visually impaired.

[0005] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] The present invention is directed to a measuring device, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0007] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a device for measuring length comprising:

(i) a thread;

(ii) a tensioner spring;

(iii) a spindle, and

(iv) a sensor;

wherein the thread is wound around the spindle and has a free first end and a second end associated with the spindle such that pulling on the free first end results in rotation of the spindle and extension of the thread,

wherein the tensioner spring is associated with the spindle such that pulling on the free first end of the thread results in a simultaneous parallel movement of the tensioner spring as the spindle rotates, and

wherein the sensor senses the rotation of the spindle as the free first end of the thread is extended and the tensioner spring undergoes a simultaneous parallel movement.

[0008] In an alternative form, the present invention resides broadly in a device for measuring length comprising:

(i) a thread;

(ii) a tensioner spring;

(iii) a spindle;

(iv) a sensor; and

(v) a rotary damper;

wherein the tensioner spring is associated with the spindle such that pulling on the free first end of the thread results in a simultaneous parallel movement of the tensioner spring as the spindle rotates, wherein the sensor senses the rotation of the spindle as the free first end of the thread is extended and the tensioner spring undergoes a simultaneous parallel movement, and

wherein the rotary damper acts to control retraction of the thread.

[0009] In a further alternative form, the present invention resides broadly in a device for measuring length comprising:

(v) a tape;

(vi) a tensioner spring;

(vii) a spindle; and

(viii) a sensor;

wherein the tape is wound around the spindle and has a free first end and a second end associated with the spindle such that pulling on the free first end results in rotation of the spindle and extension of the tape,

wherein the tensioner spring is associated with the spindle such that pulling on the free first end of the tape results in a simultaneous parallel movement of the tensioner spring as the spindle rotates, and

wherein the sensor senses the rotation of the spindle as the free first end of the tape is extended and the tensioner spring undergoes a simultaneous parallel movement.

[0010] In an even further alternative form, the present invention resides broadly in a device for measuring length comprising:

(vi) a tape;

(vii) a tensioner spring;

(viii) a spindle;

(ix) a sensor; and

(x) a rotary damper;

wherein the tensioner spring is associated with the spindle such that pulling on the free first end of the tape results in a simultaneous parallel movement of the tensioner spring as the spindle rotates,

wherein the sensor senses the rotation of the spindle as the free first end of the tape is extended and the tensioner spring undergoes a simultaneous parallel movement, and

wherein the rotary damper acts to control retraction of the tape. [0011] Preferably, the device will be contained within a casing. The casing will have a least one small hole or eyelet for the thread or tape to pass through from the interior of the casing to the exterior. To prevent the thread or tape from fully retracting into the casing, the first free end of the thread or tape can comprise a tab. The tab can be any size or shape, as long as it has at least a portion that is sized such that it cannot enter the hole or eyelet and therefore cannot pass through to the interior of the casing as the thread or tape is retracted to within the casing. In a preferred embodiment, the tab comprises an‘L’ -shaped structure such that the tab can be hooked over the starting point for a measurement. In such an embodiment, preferably, the casing has a corresponding notch for the‘L’-shaped structure, such that when the thread or tape is fully retracted, the tab fits flush with the casing. Even more preferably, the tab has a magnetic clasp to ensure a secure fit with the casing when the thread or tape is fully retracted.

[0012] In an alternative embodiment, the tab comprises a hook-type structure. In such an embodiment, the hook-type structure is shaped such that it can hook onto the extended thread or tape to provide a circumferential measurement of an object (as opposed to a linear

measurement). In such an embodiment, the casing optionally has a corresponding notch for the hook-type structure, as an alternative means of taking the circumferential measurement of an object. To ensure accuracy of the measurement, in this alternative the device would be calibrated to include the distance between the eyelet and the corresponding notch, in addition to the length of extended thread or tape, as part of any measurement.

[0013] In a further alternative embodiment, the tab can be any shape that will act as a locking pin with a complementary structure, such as a notch or recess, on the casing. In such an embodiment, the tab can be fitted into the complementary structure on the casing, as an alternative means of taking the circumferential measurement of an object. To ensure accuracy of the measurement, in this alternative, the device would be calibrated to include the distance between the eyelet and the complementary structure, in addition to the length of extended thread or tape, as part of any measurement.

[0014] The thread or tape can be made from any suitable material, including natural fibres such as cotton, or synthetic fibres such as nylon. To ensure accuracy of any measurements, preferably the thread or tape is inextensible, that is, is a non-stretch thread or tape. However, to allow for measurement of non-planar objects, it is preferable that the thread or tape is flexible. The thread or tape can be any length, weight, width or thickness, dependent on the desired length of the tape measure.

[0015] Preferably, the tensioner spring is a spiral spring associated with the spindle, such that movement of the tensioner spring is coincident with movement of the thread or tape.

[0016] The sensor senses the rotation of the spindle as the free first end of the thread or tape is extended and the tensioner spring undergoes a simultaneous parallel movement. The rotation of the spindle is sensed by the sensor as angular displacement, and the angular displacement is converted to a measurement, corresponding to the length of extended thread or tape. The sensor can use any suitable means for measuring rotation of the spindle, including an encoder wheel, a potentiometer or a magnetometer. In a particularly preferred embodiment, rotation of the spindle is measured using a magnetometer.

[0017] As a result of the simultaneous parallel movement of the thread or tape, and the tensioner spring, the angular displacement of the spindle is less than the angular displacement that is observed with a standard reel tape measure. Reduction of angular displacement reduces any error associated with conversion of the rotation of the spindle to a distance measurement.

[0018] Advantageously, the conversion of angular displacement to a distance measurement can be individually calibrated for each device, thus further increasing the level of accuracy of measurements. It can happen that with time, measuring devices are no longer as accurate as they were at the time of initial production. As each measuring device of the present invention can be individually calibrated to ensure accuracy irrespective of manufacturing differences and inherent differences in magnetometers and other rotation sensors, the devices can be periodically re calibrated to ensure continued accuracy.

[0019] Preferably, a measuring device according to the invention comprises a rotary damper. The rotary damper functions such that once a measurement is taken and the thread or tape is released, the thread or tape returns to its original position wound around the spindle at a constant speed. In other words, the rotary damper acts to modulate the effect of the tensioner spring during retraction of the thread or tape.

[0020] A measuring device according to the invention can further comprise one or more controllers. Each controller is preferably in the form of a button or push switch that can be pressed by an operator to activate one or more functions of the measuring device. Such functions include, but are not limited to, turning the device on or off, turning a display on the device on or off, locking the position of the thread or tape (to prevent extension or retraction), unlocking the position of the thread or tape (to enable further extension or retraction), or announcing the measured distance.

[0021] Optionally, a measuring device according to the invention can comprise a display. The display can be a liquid-crystal display (LCD) screen or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screen. Alternatively, the display can be a touch screen. The display can provide a visual display of the status of the measuring device, a measurement, and/or can be used to control the device.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the measuring device can comprise one or more buttons and a display or touch screen. In such embodiments, the one or more buttons can control the same functions as can be controlled by the touch screen, thus providing the user with a choice of how to operate the device. Alternatively, the one or more buttons can control different functions to those controlled by the touch screen, thus providing complementary controls.

[0023] A measuring device according to the invention can optionally comprise a speaker, through which the device can‘announce’ a measurement. This is particularly useful where the device is being used in low-light conditions, and/or the user is visually impaired. Alternatively, the measuring device can be in wireless Bluetooth™ communication with a speaker through which measurements can be announced.

[0024] Optionally, a measuring device according to the invention can comprise a data storage facility for storing measurements. The measuring device can also further comprise the ability to connect to another device or system, such as another measuring device, an electronic device such as a mobile phone or a tablet, or to a cloud storage service, via Bluetooth™ connectivity to transfer data to the other device or system.

[0025] A measuring device according to the invention can optionally comprise a microphone. The microphone can act as an enabler for voice-recognition, such that the measuring device can be controlled by a user speaking instructions. The microphone can alternatively, or also, be used to as a means for data input, with the microphone having connectivity to the data storage facility of the device, or to external devices via Bluetooth™ connectivity.

[0026] Typically, a measuring device according the invention will comprise a battery. The battery can be rechargeable in situ via any suitable means known in the art. Such means include via a USB port on the measuring device, or using wireless power transfer such as an inductive charging pad.

[0027] Optionally, a measuring device according to the invention can comprise a vibrational motor. The vibrational motor operates similarly to a vibrating alert on a mobile phone, and alerts the user of the device to a particular status of the device. For example, the alert could be when the device is ready to take a measurement, or when a measurement has been made.

[0028] A further optional feature of measuring devices according to the invention is the incorporation of a long range distance sensor. Although the devices are primarily intended for measuring smaller distances, a device can optionally include a long range distance sensor that uses for example, infrared, time-of-flight infrared, or ultrasonic means, for measuring distance. The device can additionally, or alternatively, comprise a laser for measuring long distances.

[0029] In summary, a measuring device according to the invention can have an electrical controller, such as a microcontroller or processor for controlling operation of the device. The electrical controller can therefore control the sensor, and functions such as data storage, and data transfer.

[0030] In the measuring device according to the invention, thread or tape is pulled out and the extent of rotation of the spindle is measured. Determining the exact rotation of the spindle allows calculation of how much of the thread or tape has been pulled out. In some embodiments, the measuring device comprises high resolution sensors that measure small amounts of rotation which allows adjustment of the amount that the spindle turns per millimetre pulled out.

Increasing the amount of spindle rotation per millimetre of thread or tape that is pulled out of the device results in a higher resolution reading. Positioning the tape or thread to be pulled out adjacent to the spring ensures the highest possible ratio of spindle rotation to millimetre tape or thread pulled out.

[0031] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0032] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [0034] Figure l is a perspective view of a measuring device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0035] Figure 2A is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 1 with the thread slightly extended.

[0036] Figure 2B is a side view of the measuring device of Figure 2A.

[0037] Figure 3 A is a top view of a spindle for use in an embodiment of the invention.

[0038] Figure 3B is a cross-section through A-A of Figure 3A.

[0039] Figure 4A is a top view of the measuring device of Figure 2A without the casing.

[0040] Figure 4B is a bottom view of the measuring device of Figure 2A without the casing.

[0041] Figure 4C is a cross-section through A-A of Figure 4A.

[0042] Figures 5A-5C are views of a measuring device according to an embodiment of the invention during stages of using the device for measuring angles.

[0043] Figure 6 is a cross-section view of a portion of a measuring device showing how angles are measured according to one embodiment.

[0044] Figure 7 is a side view of a measuring device according to an embodiment of the invention without the casing.

[0045] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the measuring device of Figure 7.

[0046] Figure 9 is a view of a measuring device according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0047] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a measuring device according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0048] Figures 11A-11C show views of a measuring device according to yet another embodiment of the invention. Figure 11 A is a front view, Figure 11B is a front cross-section view through A-A of Figure 11C, and Figure 11C is a top view of the measuring device.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0049] The present invention in one form, resides broadly in a measuring device. In a particular embodiment of the invention, there is provided a device for measuring length and storing the measured data. The device provides accurate measurements for linear and non-linear (including curved) distances, and is accessible for visually impaired. Throughout the Figures, like features are numbered similarly.

[0050] A perspective view of a measuring device 10 according to one embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 1. The device 10 has a casing 12 with an eyelet 14, through which the thread (not visible) passes from the interior of the casing 12 to the exterior. In the configuration shown in Figure 1, the thread is fully retracted and therefore fully contained within the casing 12. The thread (not visible) terminates in a tab 16. The tab 16 has a magnetic clasp and is shaped to fit into a corresponding notch on the casing 12, such that in the configuration shown in Figure 1, the tab 16 sits flush with the casing 12.

[0051] The device 10 has a display screen 18 on which measurements are displayed. The device 10 also has buttons 20 for activating and controlling functions of the device 10.

[0052] A perspective view of the measuring device 10 of Figure 1 is shown in Figure 2A, except that the device 10 is shown in a configuration with the thread 22 slightly extended. From this view, it can be seen that the thread 22 passes from the interior of the casing 12 to the exterior via the eyelet 14. It can also be seen that the tab 16 is of such a size and shape as to not be able to pass through the eyelet 14 into the interior of the casing 12.

[0053] From the perspective view of Figure 2A, a notch 24 that is complementary to the tab 16 can be seen on the exterior of the casing 12. When the thread 22 is fully retracted, the tab 16 fits into the notch 24 for neat storage of the tab 16.

[0054] Figure 2B is a side view of the measuring device 10 of Figure 2 A, in the same configuration with the thread 22 slightly extended. From this view, it can be seen that the tab 16 comprises an‘L’ -shaped structure such that the tab 16 can be hooked over the starting point for a measurement. The tab 16 thus has a hook 26 which can be used as the starting point for a measurement. The junction 28 of the thread 22 and tab 16 can also be used as the starting point for a measurement. A user of the device 10 can select the hook 26 or the thread-tab junction 28 as the starting point for a measurement, dependent on the object to be measured.

[0055] Figure 3A is a top view of a spindle 30 for use in an embodiment of the invention. The spindle 30 has a cylindrical core 32 around which the thread 22 (not visible) and tensioner spring 34 (not visible) are wound. [0056] A cross-section of the spindle 30 through A-A of Figure 3 A is shown in Figure 3B, showing the position of the thread 22 in relation to the tensioner spring 34.

[0057] A top view of the measuring device 10 of Figure 2A without the casing 12 is shown in Figure 4A. From this view, the tensioner spring 34 can be seen as a coil.

[0058] A bottom view of the measuring device 10 of Figure 2A without the casing 12 is shown in Figure 4B. From this view, the thread 22 can be seen coiled around the cylindrical core 32 of the spindle 30.

[0059] A cross-section of the measuring device 10 through A-A of Figure 4A is shown in Figure 4C. The thread 22 is coiled around the cylindrical core 32 of the spindle 30, and the tensioner spring 34 is also coiled around the spindle 30, but adjacent to the thread 22. This positioning of the tensioner spring 34 with respect to the thread 22 results in simultaneous parallel movement of the tensioner spring 34 and the thread 22 as the spindle 30 rotates, leading to increased accuracy of resultant measurements. It also increases the amount of rotation of spindle 30.

[0060] Figures 5A-5C are views of a measuring device 10 according to an embodiment of the invention during stages of using the device 10 for measuring angles.

[0061] Specifically, the configuration of the measuring device 10 in Figure 5 A can be considered a starting position. In this position, the thread 22 is partially extended along one side of the desired angle. Considering the device 10 as a circle, with the centre of the circle as the vertex of the desired angle, the device 10 is rotated about the vertex to a final position as shown in Figure 5B, where the thread 22 is now extended along the second side of the desired angle.

[0062] Measurement of the angle as the device 10 is rotated about the vertex (as illustrated from the position in Figure 5A to the position in Figure 5B) can be achieved by any suitable means, including a magnetometer, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, or a combination thereof.

[0063] In an alternative method of using the device 10 for measuring angles, taking the configuration of Figure 5 A as the starting position, with the thread 22 partially extended along one side of the desired angle. The tab 16 can be moved to a final position as shown in Figure 5C, where the thread 22 is now extended along the second side of the desired angle. In this alternative method, the device 10 remains in the same position, and the eyelet 14 is the vertex of the angle. [0064] Measurement of the angle as the tab 16 is moved from the starting position in Figure 5A to the final position in Figure 5C can be achieved using a magnetic sensor with a magnet positioned on or in the tab 16. Alternatively, the angle can be measured using a wireless sensor system. For example, an ultrasonic transmitter, RFID transmitter or light emitter on the tab 16, in combination with a receiver positioned on the device 10. Alternatively, the device 10 could have an ultrasonic transmitter, RFID transmitter or light emitter positioned near the eyelet 14, with a receiver positioned on the tab 16.

[0065] A further alternative for measuring the angle as the tab 16 is moved from the starting position in Figure 5A to the final position in Figure 5C is shown in the cross-section of a portion of a measuring device 10 in Figure 6.

[0066] The portion of the device 10 shows portions of the casing 12 that are adjacent to where the thread 22 passes from the interior of the device 10 to the exterior of the device 10. The device 10 has two force sensors 36 in the interior of the device 10 which are on either side of the thread 22, just prior to where the thread 22 exits the casing 12. The force sensors 36 measure the change in force on the thread 22 from the starting position in Figure 5A to the final position in Figure 5C, and from that change, calculate the angle.

[0067] A side view of a measuring device according to an embodiment of the invention without the casing is shown in Figure 7. This particular embodiment has a rotary damper 38 which acts in association with the spindle 30 to control retraction of the thread (not shown). Essentially, the rotary damper 38 acts to modulate the effect of the tensioner spring during retraction of the thread.

[0068] A perspective view of the measuring device of Figure 7 is shown in Figure 8 with like features numbered similarly.

[0069] Figure 9 is a view of a measuring device 10 according to another embodiment of the invention. The measuring device 10 in Figure 9 is similar to the device in Figure 5A except the device 10 in Figure 9 has a first magnet 40 on tab 16 near junction 28 and a second magnet 42 on casing 12 near eyelet 14. In use, magnets 40 and 42 allow a user to loop thread 22 around an object then clip or otherwise connect tab 16 to the casing 12 without having to hook anything in. Magnetics 40 and 42 enable precise positioning of the measuring device for accurate round or curved measurements.

[0070] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a measuring device 10 according to another embodiment of the invention. The device in Figure 10 has a dual spindle 56 such that the device has two threads 16 and 54 extending out of casing 12. A magnet 58 is also present on spindle 56. The device in Figure 10 allows for increased measurement accuracy as the rotational amount per millimetre of threads 16 and 54 pulled out decreases, as well as being able to be wrapped around an object to measure the expansion and contraction of the object. The illustrated features of the device in Figure 10 may be combined with the devices of Figures 9 and 11 A-l 1C.

[0071] Figures 11A to 11C show views of a measuring device 10 according to another embodiment of the invention. The device 10 in Figures 11 A to 11C is similar to the device in Figures 3A and 3B and therefore the same reference numerals have been used where the same features are present in both devices 10. Unlike the device in Figure 3B, the device in Figures 11A to 11C has a first magnet sensor (not shown) on the interior of the casing and a first magnet 48 on spindle 30. The device 10 in Figures 11 A to 11C also has a second spindle 52 attached to the main or first spindle 30. Second spindle 52 has a second magnet 50 and a second magnet sensor (not shown) on the interior of the casing for reading the angular position of second spindle 52. Alternatively, a potentiometer, an encoder wheel or any standard electrically charged element capable of determining the rotational position of the second spindle 52 may be used instead of second magnet 50 and a second magnet sensor. The presence of second spindle 52, second magnet 50, and a second magnet sensor allows much finer detailed movements to be measured (even below one millimetre) as the thread 22 or tape is pulled out of the device 10 during use.

[0072] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word‘comprising’ and its derivatives including‘comprises’ and‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0073] Reference throughout this specification to‘one embodiment’ or‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases‘in one embodiment’ or‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0074] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A device for measuring length comprising:

(i) a thread;

(ii) a tensioner spring;

(iii) a spindle, and

(iv) a sensor;

2. A device for measuring length comprising:

(i) a thread;

(ii) a tensioner spring;

(iii) a spindle;

(iv) a sensor; and

(v) a rotary damper;

wherein the tensioner spring is associated with the spindle such that pulling on the free first end of the thread results in a simultaneous parallel movement of the tensioner spring as the spindle rotates,

wherein the sensor senses the rotation of the spindle as the free first end of the thread is extended and the tensioner spring undergoes a simultaneous parallel movement, and

wherein the rotary damper acts to control retraction of the thread.

3 A device for measuring length comprising:

(i) a tape;

(ii) a tensioner spring;

(iii) a spindle; and (iv) a sensor;

4. A device for measuring length comprising:

(i) a tape;

(ii) a tensioner spring;

(iii) a spindle;

(iv) a sensor; and

(v) a rotary damper;

wherein the rotary damper acts to control retraction of the tape.

5. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the thread or tape is positioned adjacent to the tensioner spring.

6. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein:

the thread or tape is coiled around the spindle; and

the tensioner spring is coiled around the spindle.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the spindle comprises a cylindrical core, and the tensioner spring and the thread or tape are coiled around the cylindrical core

8. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the tensioner spring is a spiral spnng.

9. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the sensor is selected from the group consisting of an encoder wheel, a potentiometer and a magnetometer.

10. The device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a casing for containing the tensioner spring and the spindle.

11. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the thread or tape is made from natural fibres, preferably cotton, or is made from synthetic fibres, preferably nylon.

12. The device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a display screen for displaying measurements.

13. The device according to any preceding claim, further comprising one or more controllers for controlling one or more functions of the device.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein the one or more controllers is a button or push switch and the one or more functions are selected from the group consisting of turning the device on or off, turning a display on the device on or off, locking the position of the thread or tape to prevent extension or retraction, unlocking the position of the thread or tape to enable further extension or retraction, or announcing the measured distance.