WO2023283691A1 - Tape measure with tension indicator - Google Patents
Tape measure with tension indicator Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2023283691A1 WO2023283691A1 PCT/AU2022/050741 AU2022050741W WO2023283691A1 WO 2023283691 A1 WO2023283691 A1 WO 2023283691A1 AU 2022050741 W AU2022050741 W AU 2022050741W WO 2023283691 A1 WO2023283691 A1 WO 2023283691A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- tension
- tape
- indicating device
- indicia
- measurement
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 35
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 210000001113 umbilicus Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- RKLLTEAEZIJBAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1,2-dichloro-4-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)benzene Chemical compound ClC1=CC(Cl)=CC=C1C1=CC=C(Cl)C(Cl)=C1 RKLLTEAEZIJBAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000005483 Hooke's law Effects 0.000 description 1
- WHXSMMKQMYFTQS-UHFFFAOYSA-N Lithium Chemical compound [Li] WHXSMMKQMYFTQS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000003484 anatomy Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000052 comparative effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037213 diet Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000005911 diet Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011152 fibreglass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052744 lithium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012806 monitoring device Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000011664 signaling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41H—APPLIANCES OR METHODS FOR MAKING CLOTHES, e.g. FOR DRESS-MAKING OR FOR TAILORING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A41H1/00—Measuring aids or methods
- A41H1/02—Devices for taking measurements on the human body
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/103—Detecting, measuring or recording devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
- A61B5/107—Measuring physical dimensions, e.g. size of the entire body or parts thereof
- A61B5/1072—Measuring physical dimensions, e.g. size of the entire body or parts thereof measuring distances on the body, e.g. measuring length, height or thickness
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/103—Detecting, measuring or recording devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
- A61B5/107—Measuring physical dimensions, e.g. size of the entire body or parts thereof
- A61B5/1075—Measuring physical dimensions, e.g. size of the entire body or parts thereof for measuring dimensions by non-invasive methods, e.g. for determining thickness of tissue layer
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
- A61B5/6801—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be attached to or worn on the body surface
- A61B5/6843—Monitoring or controlling sensor contact pressure
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
- G01B3/00—Measuring instruments characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
- G01B3/10—Measuring tapes
- G01B3/1003—Measuring tapes characterised by structure or material; characterised by layout or indicia
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
- G01B3/00—Measuring instruments characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
- G01B3/10—Measuring tapes
- G01B3/1003—Measuring tapes characterised by structure or material; characterised by layout or indicia
- G01B3/1004—Measuring tapes without casings
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
- G01B3/00—Measuring instruments characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
- G01B3/10—Measuring tapes
- G01B3/1061—Means for displaying or assisting reading of length measurement
- G01B3/1069—Electronic or mechanical display arrangements
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
- G01B3/00—Measuring instruments characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
- G01B3/10—Measuring tapes
- G01B3/1084—Tapes combined with arrangements for functions other than measuring lengths
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
- G01B5/00—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
- G01B5/02—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring length, width or thickness
- G01B5/025—Measuring of circumference; Measuring length of ring-shaped articles
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
- G01B3/00—Measuring instruments characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
- G01B3/10—Measuring tapes
- G01B3/1084—Tapes combined with arrangements for functions other than measuring lengths
- G01B2003/1087—Tapes combined with arrangements for functions other than measuring lengths for illuminating
Definitions
- This invention relates to means of a monitoring tension during the use of a tape measure for measuring the human body.
- this device is simple with the tape applied over a distance to be measured or around the circumference or along the axis (inner leg for example) of a body or body part.
- This type of measuring device has many applications but typically is used to provide measurement for clothing or alternately for the monitoring of dimensions for people gaining or losing weight or changing the shape of their body due to diet, exercise or illness.
- These tapes are generally able to be manufactured to an accuracy 1-2 mm per meter of tape. Nevertheless, there is a wide variation as to how the tape measure is applied, particularly when measuring girth or circumference.
- measurements are taken at recognisable anatomical landmarks. For example, a waist measurement is taken at the level of the umbilicus, or a hip measurement is taken at the level of the anterior superior iliac spines. Tailors and dressmakers have a number of different techniques for taking clothing measurements which suit their own particular method of providing clothing fit.
- the aim of the invention is to provide a tape measure that may be used in a familiar way, while providing an indication that a known amount of tension is being applied during the measurement process.
- the present invention provides a measurement device for repeatable measurements of non- rigid bodies, the measurement device comprising a tape measure and a tension indicating device to indicate the tension within the tape measure.
- the tension indicating device is configured to indicate via indicia that the tension within the tape is within predetermined tension ranges.
- the measuring tape is divided into a first tape section connected to a first part of the tension indicating device and a second tape section connected to a second part of the tension indicating device, and wherein the connections of the tape sections to the tension indicating device results in a force applied between the first part and second part of the tension indicating device, wherein the first part of the tension indicating device is connected to the second part of the tension indicating device via a resilient member such that the first part of the indicating device moves with respect to the second part of the indicating device in proportion to the force applied across the tension indicating device.
- the movement of the first part of the tension indicating device with respect to the second part of the tension indicating device selectively effects the indicia.
- the first part of the tension indicating device may comprise the indicia in the form of differently coloured areas, and the second part of the tension indicating device comprises a windows through which the indicia are selectively revealed as the first part of the tensioning device moves with respect to the second part of the indicating device, or the first part of the tension indicating device may comprise the indicia in the form of different coloured LEDs, and the second part of the tension indicating device comprises an electrical contact to selectively energise the LEDs as the first part of the tensioning device moves with respect to the second part of the indicating device.
- the tension indicating device is configured to indicate via a first indicia that the tension within the tape is within a first predetermined tension range, and to indicate via a second indicia that the tension within the tape is within a second predetermined tension range being less than the first predetermined tension range, and to indicate via a third indicia that the tension within the tape is within a third predetermined tension range being greater than the first predetermined tension range.
- the first predetermined range includes 1 Newton
- the tape measure is configured to indicate a true length measurement when subjected to a force of 1 Newton.
- any one of the aspects mentioned above may include any of the features of any of the other aspects mentioned above and may include any of the features of any of the embodiments described below as appropriate.
- Figure 1 depicts a tape measure with a tension indicator according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 2 depicts the tape measure in use.
- Figure 3 is a perspective view of the tension indicator with lid removed.
- Figure 4 is an exploded illustration of the tension indicator.
- Figure 5 depicts the sliding plate of the tension indicator.
- Figure 6 depicts the housing of the tension indicator.
- Figure 7 A depicts the PCB of the tension indicator from an above perspective view.
- Figure 7B shows the underside of the PCB.
- Figure 8 provides a circuit diagram of the tension indicator.
- the present invention provides a tension indicating device comprising: a housing configured to be attached in continuity with a conventional measuring tape; a mechanism within the housing comprised of a spring system and sliding plate providing known tension forces at specified distances within the housing corresponding to predetermined tension on the tape with a means of indicating the presence of said forces.
- the present invention also provides a measuring tape incorporating a tension indicating device for improved measurement repeatability, the tension indicating device being attached in-line with the measuring tape wherein a first section of the measuring tape is attached to a first portion of the tension indicating device and a second section of the measuring tape is attached to a second portion of the device, wherein the first and second portions of the tension indicating device are slidably moveable relative to one another when tension is applied as between the first and second sections of the measuring tape, the sliding movement being governed by a spring system, the tension indicating device having an indicator configured to indicate to an operator when a predetermined tension force is applied.
- the invention is based on a modified dressmaker’s tape as previously described.
- the tape is divided close to its starting point.
- a tension monitoring device is arranged to be in mechanical continuity with the tension force of the tape.
- the device contains a spring arrangement, to allow a known amount of elongation of the tape attachment, which relates to the tension applied to the tape as known by Hooke’s law.
- the spring and tape measurement markings are calibrated such that the extension of the spring at 1 N force of tension causes the markings of the tape to be accurate when compared with a normal tape.
- the resulting constrictive force applied to the subject’ s anatomical landmark is such that the reading is accurate without deforming the subject’s anatomy.
- the device When in this position the device is able via electrical means to provide a signal to the user that a 1 N force has been applied to the tape.
- This signal may be in the form of an illuminated light for example, a green LED or the production of a specific audible tone, or the transmission of a digital or analogue signal suitable for being received by another device that has a user interface that can provide feedback via a display, audio or other means.
- the device has a similar means for signalling the presence of tension force below or above the 1 N force mentioned previously.
- a range of data may be generated by the signal so as a complete range of force is measured and displayed over the operative range of the spring. This could be typically from 0.25 - 2 Newtons.
- the indication of IN tension is provided by a green LED, tension less than this 0.75 to 0.25 N causes a yellow LED to illuminate and tensions above 1.25 N cause a red LED to illuminate.
- FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a measuring tape incorporating a tension indicating device 30 for improved measurement repeatability according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the tension indicating device is attached in-line with the measuring tape, wherein a proximal portion of the tape 51 is attached to the housing of the tension indicator and the proximal end of the distal portion of the tape 52 is attached to a sliding plate 25 of the tension indicator.
- FIG. 2 diagrammatically illustrates use of the measuring tape with tension indicating device in taking a measurement at the level of the umbilicus to provide a waist measurement.
- the measuring tape is positioned at the correct location and tension applied by the operator to the proximal end 51 of the tape relative to the distal portion 52. This tension is applied across the tension indicating device 30 which is configured to alert the operator when a predetermined tension has been reached. Details of the tension indicating device are provided below.
- Figure 3 provides a view of the tension indicator 30 with lid 10 removed, while Figure 4 provides an exploded view of the tension indicator.
- body 14 sliding plate 26, printed circuit board (PCB) 66, battery 11, springs 15, and cover 10.
- PCB printed circuit board
- Figure 5 further illustrates the sliding plate 26.
- the plate comprises preferably four tines; preferably two central tines 21 with conductive pads 22 for the purpose of making contact on the PCB, and preferably two distal tines 23 aligned in-plane with corresponding features 31 on housing ( Figure 6) for the purpose of restricting axial rotation around the axis normal to the plate. This allows for consistent and smooth linear sliding movement and consequently predictable contact with the conductive pads.
- Preferably two upright tines 24 for the purpose of capturing springs attaching the sliding plate to the housing.
- the distal portion 52 of the tape is, in use, attached to the main plate of the slider at its distal end 25.
- Figure 6 illustrates the body of the tension indicator.
- the proximal portion 51 of the tape is, in use, attached to a protrusion located at the proximal portion 32 of the housing, preferably at a distance of 5-10 cm or 2-4 inches from the beginning of the tape.
- the tape is placed into tension by the operator by applying traction on the proximal end of the plate and a distal portion of the tape located beyond the tension device.
- the device is attached via distal portion of the sliding mechanism onto the beginning of the tape.
- the operator would apply tension to the body of the tension device directly.
- the measurement would be taken from the body of the tension device referenced to the distal portion of the tape.
- the distal sliding movement of the plate 26 is resisted by an undamped resilient mechanism preferably consisting of two equivalent extension springs 15, linearly coupling the plate preferably via a pair of upright tines 24 (Figure 5) to a pair of corresponding features located at the distal end of the housing body 33 ( Figure 4), such that they are extended into tension by said sliding movement of the plate occurring when tension is applied between the distal part of the tape 51 and the proximal part of the tape 52 ( Figure 1).
- the same action is provided for by one or multiple compression springs captured between the sliding plate and the housing with spring rates selected accordingly.
- other types of resilient mechanism and mechanical arrangements can easily be envisaged.
- FIGS 7A and 7B illustrate the printed circuit board (PCB) of the tension indicator from above (i.e. components side) and below.
- the sliding plate electrical contacts 22, located at the distal portion of the central tines 21 are arranged to move linearly over a series of conductive pads 65 located on the underside of the PCB 66. Contact between the plate and the pads causes an electrical circuit to be completed and a coloured LED to illuminate.
- the pads are static within the housing of the device and are spaced such that contact is made with the sliding contacts at a linear distance that corresponds to the creation of 0.25, 1.0, 1.5 N of tension force on the sliding plate as dictated by the total spring constant of the spring system.
- Three LEDs 61, 62 and 63 situated on the topside of the PCB are configured to illuminate yellow 61, green 62 and red 63 respectively to the aforementioned tension values.
- the LEDs are preferably powered by a CR927 3 V lithium button cell battery 11.
- This battery is extremely compact allowing for the device to be constructed in a very compact form approximately the same width as the tape.
- Figure 8 shows a circuit diagram
- the colour and material of the housing 14 and cover 10 in the preferred embodiment of the invention are such that light emitted from the active LED is diffused, enabling the recognition of the light colour and thus the tension on the tape from all viewing angles thus ensuring effective indication to an operator using the device on his/her self or another.
- the housing is preferably white and comprises a polymer.
- the amount of tension provided to the tape is communicated to the operator is by a purely mechanical system comprised of coloured indicators, moveable by the sliding plate.
- coloured indicators moveable by the sliding plate.
- each colour is revealed consecutively through a hole in the housing. For example, when 1 N force is reached, indication is achieved as a green marking is revealed to the operator through the housing.
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Surgery (AREA)
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- Tape Measures (AREA)
Abstract
A measuring tape includes an inline tension indicator to indicate a nominal tension of 1 Newton in the tape to allow for repeatable measurement of a human body or other soft body without deformation. Further indicators are provided for higher and lower tension to guide the operator to adjust the tension to the nominal value.
Description
TAPE MEASURE WITH TENSION INDICATOR
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to means of a monitoring tension during the use of a tape measure for measuring the human body.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
The use of a dressmaker’s or tailor’s tape measure has been known for centuries. These are generally an inexpensive item and their method of use is obvious. In modern form the tape is made from durable, non-stretch fiberglass fabric, secured at either end along with metal fastenings. Older styles of tape measure used fabric or even paper. The flexible inelastic tape has been designed with many different units of measurement the most common being centimetres (metric) and inches (imperial).
The use of this device is simple with the tape applied over a distance to be measured or around the circumference or along the axis (inner leg for example) of a body or body part. This type of measuring device has many applications but typically is used to provide measurement for clothing or alternately for the monitoring of dimensions for people gaining or losing weight or changing the shape of their body due to diet, exercise or illness. These tapes are generally able to be manufactured to an accuracy 1-2 mm per meter of tape. Nevertheless, there is a wide variation as to how the tape measure is applied, particularly when measuring girth or circumference.
For comparative purposes, measurements are taken at recognisable anatomical landmarks. For example, a waist measurement is taken at the level of the umbilicus, or a hip measurement is taken at the level of the anterior superior iliac spines. Tailors and dressmakers have a number of different techniques for taking clothing measurements which suit their own particular method of providing clothing fit.
Due to the growth of e-commerce, retailers are increasingly relying on measurements taken by customers themselves to provide correctly sized clothing. Ensuring customers measure themselves reliably is essential to reduce the incidence of returns and subsequent economic loss. Similarly, measurements taken for the monitoring of body size for medical applications require a high level of repeatability. Repeatability when measuring in such a fashion is governed by two key factors, the location where the measurement is taken and the tension
placed on the tape. Whilst customers can be guided in the former with the aid of diagrams and written instructions, the latter is invariably less intuitive.
While it is possible to select a wide range of tension force to provide this functionality, it is important to avoid deforming body tissue during measurement. It is also important to provide enough tension to ensure the tape faithfully tracks around the body part to allow for the shortest circumference to be measured.
Studies performed by the inventor demonstrate that a force of between 0.25 and 3 Newtons is acceptable with 1 Newton being optimal.
The aim of the invention is to provide a tape measure that may be used in a familiar way, while providing an indication that a known amount of tension is being applied during the measurement process.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a measurement device for repeatable measurements of non- rigid bodies, the measurement device comprising a tape measure and a tension indicating device to indicate the tension within the tape measure.
Preferably the tension indicating device is configured to indicate via indicia that the tension within the tape is within predetermined tension ranges.
Preferably the measuring tape is divided into a first tape section connected to a first part of the tension indicating device and a second tape section connected to a second part of the tension indicating device, and wherein the connections of the tape sections to the tension indicating device results in a force applied between the first part and second part of the tension indicating device, wherein the first part of the tension indicating device is connected to the second part of the tension indicating device via a resilient member such that the first part of the indicating device moves with respect to the second part of the indicating device in proportion to the force applied across the tension indicating device.
In preference the movement of the first part of the tension indicating device with respect to the second part of the tension indicating device selectively effects the indicia.
The first part of the tension indicating device may comprise the indicia in the form of differently coloured areas, and the second part of the tension indicating device comprises a windows through which the indicia are selectively revealed as the first part of the tensioning device
moves with respect to the second part of the indicating device, or the first part of the tension indicating device may comprise the indicia in the form of different coloured LEDs, and the second part of the tension indicating device comprises an electrical contact to selectively energise the LEDs as the first part of the tensioning device moves with respect to the second part of the indicating device.
Preferably the tension indicating device is configured to indicate via a first indicia that the tension within the tape is within a first predetermined tension range, and to indicate via a second indicia that the tension within the tape is within a second predetermined tension range being less than the first predetermined tension range, and to indicate via a third indicia that the tension within the tape is within a third predetermined tension range being greater than the first predetermined tension range.
In preference the first predetermined range includes 1 Newton, and the tape measure is configured to indicate a true length measurement when subjected to a force of 1 Newton.
It should be noted that any one of the aspects mentioned above may include any of the features of any of the other aspects mentioned above and may include any of the features of any of the embodiments described below as appropriate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further disclosure, objects, advantages and aspects of the present invention may be better understood by those skilled in the relevant art by reference to the following description of preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only and thus not limitative of the present invention, and in which:
Figure 1 depicts a tape measure with a tension indicator according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 depicts the tape measure in use.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the tension indicator with lid removed.
Figure 4 is an exploded illustration of the tension indicator.
Figure 5 depicts the sliding plate of the tension indicator.
Figure 6 depicts the housing of the tension indicator.
Figure 7 A depicts the PCB of the tension indicator from an above perspective view.
Figure 7B shows the underside of the PCB.
Figure 8 provides a circuit diagram of the tension indicator.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the following description, where reference is made to the operator this is understood to mean the person operating the measuring device either on his/her self or another. Where reference is made to the subject this is understood to mean the person or animal being measured by the operator. Where reference is made to the proximal end of the tape this is understood to mean the portion or end of the device placed in tension by the hand of the operator.
The present invention provides a tension indicating device comprising: a housing configured to be attached in continuity with a conventional measuring tape; a mechanism within the housing comprised of a spring system and sliding plate providing known tension forces at specified distances within the housing corresponding to predetermined tension on the tape with a means of indicating the presence of said forces.
The present invention also provides a measuring tape incorporating a tension indicating device for improved measurement repeatability, the tension indicating device being attached in-line with the measuring tape wherein a first section of the measuring tape is attached to a first portion of the tension indicating device and a second section of the measuring tape is attached to a second portion of the device, wherein the first and second portions of the tension indicating device are slidably moveable relative to one another when tension is applied as between the first and second sections of the measuring tape, the sliding movement being governed by a spring system, the tension indicating device having an indicator configured to indicate to an operator when a predetermined tension force is applied.
The invention is based on a modified dressmaker’s tape as previously described. The tape is divided close to its starting point. A tension monitoring device is arranged to be in mechanical continuity with the tension force of the tape. The device contains a spring arrangement, to allow a known amount of elongation of the tape attachment, which relates to the tension applied to the tape as known by Hooke’s law. The spring and tape measurement markings are calibrated such that the extension of the spring at 1 N force of tension causes the markings of the tape to be accurate when compared with a normal tape. When the tape is placed into said tension the resulting constrictive force applied to the subject’ s anatomical landmark is such that the reading is accurate without deforming the subject’s anatomy. When in this position the device is able
via electrical means to provide a signal to the user that a 1 N force has been applied to the tape. This signal may be in the form of an illuminated light for example, a green LED or the production of a specific audible tone, or the transmission of a digital or analogue signal suitable for being received by another device that has a user interface that can provide feedback via a display, audio or other means. The device has a similar means for signalling the presence of tension force below or above the 1 N force mentioned previously. A range of data may be generated by the signal so as a complete range of force is measured and displayed over the operative range of the spring. This could be typically from 0.25 - 2 Newtons.
In the preferred embodiment the indication of IN tension is provided by a green LED, tension less than this 0.75 to 0.25 N causes a yellow LED to illuminate and tensions above 1.25 N cause a red LED to illuminate.
Figure 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a measuring tape incorporating a tension indicating device 30 for improved measurement repeatability according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the tension indicating device is attached in-line with the measuring tape, wherein a proximal portion of the tape 51 is attached to the housing of the tension indicator and the proximal end of the distal portion of the tape 52 is attached to a sliding plate 25 of the tension indicator.
Figure 2 diagrammatically illustrates use of the measuring tape with tension indicating device in taking a measurement at the level of the umbilicus to provide a waist measurement. In use, the measuring tape is positioned at the correct location and tension applied by the operator to the proximal end 51 of the tape relative to the distal portion 52. This tension is applied across the tension indicating device 30 which is configured to alert the operator when a predetermined tension has been reached. Details of the tension indicating device are provided below.
Figure 3 provides a view of the tension indicator 30 with lid 10 removed, while Figure 4 provides an exploded view of the tension indicator. In order from the bottom the components are: body 14, sliding plate 26, printed circuit board (PCB) 66, battery 11, springs 15, and cover 10.
Figure 5 further illustrates the sliding plate 26. The plate comprises preferably four tines; preferably two central tines 21 with conductive pads 22 for the purpose of making contact on the PCB, and preferably two distal tines 23 aligned in-plane with corresponding features 31 on housing (Figure 6) for the purpose of restricting axial rotation around the axis normal to the plate. This allows for consistent and smooth linear sliding movement and consequently
predictable contact with the conductive pads. Preferably two upright tines 24 for the purpose of capturing springs attaching the sliding plate to the housing. The distal portion 52 of the tape is, in use, attached to the main plate of the slider at its distal end 25.
Figure 6 illustrates the body of the tension indicator. The proximal portion 51 of the tape is, in use, attached to a protrusion located at the proximal portion 32 of the housing, preferably at a distance of 5-10 cm or 2-4 inches from the beginning of the tape. The tape is placed into tension by the operator by applying traction on the proximal end of the plate and a distal portion of the tape located beyond the tension device. In an alternative embodiment the device is attached via distal portion of the sliding mechanism onto the beginning of the tape. In this embodiment the operator would apply tension to the body of the tension device directly. The measurement would be taken from the body of the tension device referenced to the distal portion of the tape.
The distal sliding movement of the plate 26 is resisted by an undamped resilient mechanism preferably consisting of two equivalent extension springs 15, linearly coupling the plate preferably via a pair of upright tines 24 (Figure 5) to a pair of corresponding features located at the distal end of the housing body 33 (Figure 4), such that they are extended into tension by said sliding movement of the plate occurring when tension is applied between the distal part of the tape 51 and the proximal part of the tape 52 (Figure 1). In an alternative embodiment, the same action is provided for by one or multiple compression springs captured between the sliding plate and the housing with spring rates selected accordingly. Furthermore, other types of resilient mechanism and mechanical arrangements can easily be envisaged.
Figures 7A and 7B illustrate the printed circuit board (PCB) of the tension indicator from above (i.e. components side) and below. The sliding plate electrical contacts 22, located at the distal portion of the central tines 21 are arranged to move linearly over a series of conductive pads 65 located on the underside of the PCB 66. Contact between the plate and the pads causes an electrical circuit to be completed and a coloured LED to illuminate. The pads are static within the housing of the device and are spaced such that contact is made with the sliding contacts at a linear distance that corresponds to the creation of 0.25, 1.0, 1.5 N of tension force on the sliding plate as dictated by the total spring constant of the spring system. Three LEDs 61, 62 and 63 situated on the topside of the PCB are configured to illuminate yellow 61, green 62 and red 63 respectively to the aforementioned tension values.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention the LEDs are preferably powered by a CR927 3 V lithium button cell battery 11. This battery is extremely compact allowing for the device to
be constructed in a very compact form approximately the same width as the tape. There is a current limiting resistor 64 in series with the LEDs in order to provide correct brightness and operating conditions for the LEDs. Figure 8 shows a circuit diagram,
The colour and material of the housing 14 and cover 10 in the preferred embodiment of the invention are such that light emitted from the active LED is diffused, enabling the recognition of the light colour and thus the tension on the tape from all viewing angles thus ensuring effective indication to an operator using the device on his/her self or another. The housing is preferably white and comprises a polymer.
In an alternative embodiment, the amount of tension provided to the tape is communicated to the operator is by a purely mechanical system comprised of coloured indicators, moveable by the sliding plate. When tension is placed on the tape in the same manner as mentioned above, each colour is revealed consecutively through a hole in the housing. For example, when 1 N force is reached, indication is achieved as a green marking is revealed to the operator through the housing. It is clear to those skilled in the art that a number of alternative mechanical indicators could be envisaged.
The structure and implementation of embodiments of the invention has been described by way of non-limiting example only, and many additional modifications and variations may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention described. Any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention. It should not be taken as an admission that any of the material forms part of the prior art base or common general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia or elsewhere on or before the priority date of the disclosure and claims herein.
Claims
1. A measurement device for repeatable measurements of non-rigid bodies, the measurement device comprising a tape measure and a tension indicating device to indicate the tension within the tape measure.
2. A measurement device as in claim 1, wherein the tension indicating device is configured to indicate via indicia that the tension within the tape is within predetermined tension ranges.
3. A measurement device as in claim 2, wherein the measuring tape is divided into a first tape section connected to a first part of the tension indicating device and a second tape section connected to a second part of the tension indicating device, and wherein the connections of the tape sections to the tension indicating device results in a force applied between the first part and second part of the tension indicating device.
4. A measurement device as in claim 3, wherein the first part of the tension indicating device is connected to the second part of the tension indicating device via a resilient member such that the first part of the indicating device moves with respect to the second part of the indicating device in proportion to the force applied across the tension indicating device.
5. A measurement device as in claim 4, wherein the movement of the first part of the tension indicating device with respect to the second part of the tension indicating device selectively effects the indicia.
6. A measurement device as in claim 5, wherein the first part of the tension indicating device comprises the indicia in the form of differently coloured areas, and the second part of the tension indicating device comprises a windows through which the indicia are selectively revealed as the first part of the tensioning device moves with respect to the second part of the indicating device.
7. A measurement device as in claim 5, wherein the first part of the tension indicating device comprises the indicia in the form of different coloured LEDs, and the second part of the tension indicating device comprises an electrical contact to selectively energise the LEDs as the first part of the tensioning device moves with respect to the second part of the indicating device.
8. A measurement device as in any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the tension indicating device is configured to indicate via a first indicia that the tension within the tape is within a first predetermined tension range, and to indicate via a second indicia that the tension within the tape is within a second predetermined tension range being less than the first predetermined tension range, and to indicate via a third indicia that the tension within the tape is within a third predetermined tension range being greater than the first predetermined tension range.
9. A measurement device as in claim 8, wherein the first predetermined range includes 1 Newton.
10. A measurement device as in claim 9, wherein the tape measure is configured to indicate a true length measurement when subjected to a force of 1 Newton.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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AU2021902161A AU2021902161A0 (en) | 2021-07-14 | Tape measure with tension indicator | |
AU2021902161 | 2021-07-14 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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WO2023283691A1 true WO2023283691A1 (en) | 2023-01-19 |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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PCT/AU2022/050741 WO2023283691A1 (en) | 2021-07-14 | 2022-07-14 | Tape measure with tension indicator |
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GB834469A (en) * | 1957-04-10 | 1960-05-11 | Spirella Company Of Great Brit | Improved tape measure |
US4920659A (en) * | 1988-10-04 | 1990-05-01 | Reinhard Becher | Measuring apparatus for determining a circumferential length of a body |
JPH0894302A (en) * | 1994-09-20 | 1996-04-12 | Ohbayashi Corp | Tape measure |
GB2355386A (en) * | 1999-10-18 | 2001-04-25 | Global Bra Sizing Ltd | Measuring tape with separable fastener |
WO2001046642A1 (en) * | 1999-12-20 | 2001-06-28 | Maurice Kelvin Naidoo | Paediatric electronic device for measuring length |
EP1222438B1 (en) * | 1999-10-18 | 2007-04-18 | T-Bra Limited | Tape measure |
CN106885500A (en) * | 2017-02-20 | 2017-06-23 | 武汉冶钢结构有限责任公司 | A kind of steel tape measurement apparatus and measuring method based on fixture |
CN112504046A (en) * | 2020-12-01 | 2021-03-16 | 四川航天长征装备制造有限公司 | Constant tension curve length measuring device |
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2022
- 2022-07-14 WO PCT/AU2022/050741 patent/WO2023283691A1/en unknown
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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GB834469A (en) * | 1957-04-10 | 1960-05-11 | Spirella Company Of Great Brit | Improved tape measure |
US4920659A (en) * | 1988-10-04 | 1990-05-01 | Reinhard Becher | Measuring apparatus for determining a circumferential length of a body |
JPH0894302A (en) * | 1994-09-20 | 1996-04-12 | Ohbayashi Corp | Tape measure |
GB2355386A (en) * | 1999-10-18 | 2001-04-25 | Global Bra Sizing Ltd | Measuring tape with separable fastener |
EP1222438B1 (en) * | 1999-10-18 | 2007-04-18 | T-Bra Limited | Tape measure |
WO2001046642A1 (en) * | 1999-12-20 | 2001-06-28 | Maurice Kelvin Naidoo | Paediatric electronic device for measuring length |
CN106885500A (en) * | 2017-02-20 | 2017-06-23 | 武汉冶钢结构有限责任公司 | A kind of steel tape measurement apparatus and measuring method based on fixture |
CN112504046A (en) * | 2020-12-01 | 2021-03-16 | 四川航天长征装备制造有限公司 | Constant tension curve length measuring device |
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