US20080196265A1 - Tape Measure with Moving Tape Exit Port - Google Patents
Tape Measure with Moving Tape Exit Port Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080196265A1 US20080196265A1 US11/675,853 US67585307A US2008196265A1 US 20080196265 A1 US20080196265 A1 US 20080196265A1 US 67585307 A US67585307 A US 67585307A US 2008196265 A1 US2008196265 A1 US 2008196265A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tape
- exit port
- frame
- tape measure
- housing
- Prior art date
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
- G01B3/00—Measuring instruments characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
- G01B3/10—Measuring tapes
- G01B3/1041—Measuring tapes characterised by casings
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
- G01B3/00—Measuring instruments characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
- G01B3/10—Measuring tapes
- G01B3/1041—Measuring tapes characterised by casings
- G01B2003/1053—Tape exit slots, e.g. shape or exit direction
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a tape measure that utilizes a flexible tape blade that is deployable and retractable relative to an associated housing for taking distance measurements.
- Tape measures typically include a housing and a measuring tape.
- the tape is selectively deployable from, and retractable into, the associated housing for taking a measurement and storage, respectively.
- the measuring tape is typically stored as a convolute coil inside the housing, with the lead section of the tape being routed through an opening in the housing called the mouth or tape exit port.
- the tape may experience stresses due to various geometrical relationships, and may tend to whip back and forth, particularly as the last portions of the tape are retracted.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,698,679 which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses that a sliding grip element may be used to help cushion the tape during retraction.
- a tape measure comprises a housing comprising a frame and a rotating body rotatingly mounted to the frame; the rotating body defining an external wall of the housing and comprising a tape exit port defined in the external wall.
- a measuring tape is supported by the housing and selectively deployable from the housing via the exit port.
- the rotating body may include an external recess aligned with the exit port and disposed downstream therefrom. While the rotating body is advantageously rotatable at least 20°, the frame and rotating body may include features that interact to limit the amount of rotation of the rotating body.
- the rotating body may be formed by two portions secured together, and the two portions may be substantially identical.
- a tape measure comprises a casing; a reel supported by the casing for rotation about a first axis; and a mouthpiece body rotatably mounted to the casing for rotation about a second axis spaced from the first axis.
- the mouthpiece body comprises an exit channel extending along an exit axis and is upstream bounded by a tape exit port.
- the tape exit port is rotationally moveable relative to the second axis.
- a measuring tape forms a convolute coil of multiple layers about the reel. The number of layers changes as the tape is deployed or retracted through the exit port. Therefore, the convolute coil has a first configuration of N layers when the tape is fully retracted and a second configuration of fewer layers when the tape is deployed.
- the exit axis is oriented tangent to the convolute coil for both the first and second configurations, with the exit axis oriented closer to the first axis when the convolute coil assumes the second configuration than when the convolute coil assumes the first configuration.
- the casing may comprise a handle spaced from the first axis, with the first axis disposed between the handle and the mouthpiece body.
- a tape measure comprises a housing comprising a frame and a mouthpiece body mounted to the frame for rotation about a first axis.
- the mouthpiece body defines an external wall of the housing and comprising a tape exit port defined in the external wall.
- the mouthpiece body further comprises an exit channel extending along an exit axis and upstream bounded by the tape exit port.
- a reel supported by the housing for rotation about a second axis, and a measuring tape forms a convolute coil about the reel and is selectively deployable through the tape exit port.
- a first theoretical line extends through the first and second axes.
- the mouthpiece body is mounted to the housing such that an angular relationship between the exit axis and the line varies depending on an amount of the tape forming the coil on the reel.
- a method of operating a tape measure comprises deploying a measuring tape from a housing at a tape exit port; the housing having a frame and a mouthpiece body moveably mounted to the frame; the mouthpiece body forming the exit port; retracting the deployed tape and thereby increasing a size of a convolute coil of the measuring tape associated with the housing; and moving the mouthpiece body relative to the frame in response to changes in size of the convolute coil during the retracting.
- Moving the mouthpiece body may comprise rotating the mouthpiece body or otherwise.
- the tape advantageously extends through the exit port along a theoretical line that is tangent to the coil.
- a tape measure comprises a housing comprising a frame and a mouthpiece body moveably mounted to the frame; the mouthpiece body comprising a tape exit port; a reel rotatably supported by the frame; a measuring tape forming a convolute coil about the reel and selectively deployable through the tape exit port; the mouthpiece body moving relative to the frame in response to changes in size of the convolute coil.
- the frame may include a track, and the mouthpiece body may comprise a slider constrained to move along the track.
- the mouthpiece body may be rotatably mounted to the frame.
- the tape, between the exit port and the convolute coil may extend along a theoretical line from the tape exit port to the convolute coil that is tangent to the convolute coil, and the tape, downstream from the exit port, advantageously extends along the theoretical line.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a tape measure with the tape in a deployed position.
- FIG. 2 shows a front view of a tape measure employing a relatively large reel at the center of the tape coil with a portion of the housing removed for clarity.
- FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a portion of a tape, including the end portion, with a tape coupler attached.
- FIG. 4 shows a top view of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 5 shows an exploded perspective view of an end fitting attached to the tape.
- FIG. 6 shows a top view of the end fitting of FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 7 shows a side view of the end fitting of FIG. 5 attached to a tape and in conjunction with a spike.
- FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of another end fitting embodiment.
- FIG. 9 shows a side view of the end fitting of FIG. 8 with the hook portion in the deployed position.
- FIG. 10 shows a side view of the end fitting of FIG. 8 with the hook portion in the storage position.
- FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of another end fitting embodiment.
- FIG. 12 shows a side view of the end fitting of FIG. 11 with the hook portion in the deployed position.
- FIG. 13 shows a side view of the end fitting of FIG. 11 with the hook portion in the storage position.
- FIG. 14 shows a rear view of a tape measure embodiment with integrated spike storage capability.
- FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a rotating body suitable for forming the tape mouth port for the tape measure of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 16 shows a rear exploded perspective view of the rotating body of FIG. 15 .
- FIG. 17 shows how the rotating body of FIG. 15 may be rotatably coupled to a tape measure housing.
- FIG. 18 shows the tape coil in a fully retracted configuration, with the tape measure employing a small reel at the center of the tape coil.
- FIG. 19 is similar to FIG. 18 , but with the tape coil in a second substantially deployed configuration.
- FIG. 20 shows another embodiment of a tape measure employing another embodiment of a moveable mouthpiece body, with the tape coil in a substantially retracted configuration.
- FIG. 21 is similar to FIG. 20 , but with the tape coil in a substantially deployed configuration.
- the present invention relates generally to a tape measure that employs a moving body to define the tape exit port.
- a manually wound tape measure utilizing a non-self-supporting tape blade will be used below as a non-limiting illustrative example in order to provide an understanding of one or more embodiments of the invention.
- the tape measure may be a power return tape measure or a manually wound tape measure, and the relevant tape blade may be self-supporting with significant standout, or may be non-self-supporting, as is desired.
- crank assembly 76 may take any form known in the art, but typically extends through the appropriate shell half 14 a or 14 b and connects to reel 70 so as to control the rotation thereof.
- the crank mechanism 76 may include a crank and various gears (not shown) for causing the tape reel 70 to rotate when the crank is turned.
- the crank mechanism 76 may, if desired, take the form of the greater than 1:1 ratio gear mechanism described in either U.S. Pat. No. 6,464,160 or U.S. Pat. No. 4,813,625, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Of course, other greater than 1:1 ratio gear mechanisms may be used, such as ones with three planetary gears, etc. It should be noted that the particular details of crank mechanism 76 employed are not important to understanding the present invention.
- the tape 80 may take any suitable form known in the art, but advantageously takes the form of a fiberglass reinforced polyvinylchloride tape of approximately 3 ⁇ 4 inch width and fifty or one hundred foot length.
- the tape 80 includes at least one length measuring scale 82 visible thereon, and optionally more than one.
- This scale 82 may be associated with the tape 80 by printing, embossing, engraving, or any other method known in the art.
- the measuring scale 82 has a point where the scale reaches a value of zero, known in the art as the zero point 84 .
- This zero point 84 is advantageously not located on the tape 80 itself, but instead is located a short distance forward of the leading edge of tape 80 . See FIG. 4 . As shown in FIG.
- each of the end fittings 110 , 210 , 310 includes a complementary coupling structure 79 .
- the coupling structures 79 are substantially identical across the various end fittings 110 , 210 , 310 .
- the tape coupler 90 and the coupling structure 79 releasably interlock to secure the selected end fitting 110 , 210 , 310 to tape 80 .
- This releasable engagement may be somewhat similar to the releasable interlocking engagement of a so-called side-release buckle, but advantageously with an interference fit between the clamping/clamped surfaces of the connection 78 .
- one end fitting 110 , 210 , 310 may be attached to the tape coupler 90 at a time.
- the tape coupler 90 includes a distal portion 92 , a proximal portion 98 , and an intermediate portion 104 that are advantageously integrally formed.
- the distal portion 92 includes a opening 94 that faces away from tape 80 , and a bearing surface 96 disposed in spaced relation to opening 94 . Opening 94 leads to chamber 108 that extends through distal portion 92 and into intermediate portion 104 .
- Proximal portion 98 includes two rearwardly extending arms 100 and a cross-member 102 that extends between the arms 100 . This cross-member 102 is spaced from intermediate portion 104 , so that a gap is formed therebetween, through which tape 80 may be routed to attach coupler 90 to tape 80 .
- Intermediate portion 104 includes two lateral openings 106 that open into chamber 108 , and that are partially defined by the respective bearing surfaces 96 .
- the tape 80 may be looped around cross-member 102 and then secured to itself so as to permanently attach the tape coupler 90 to tape free end 88 .
- End fitting 110 includes a proximal portion 114 and a distal portion 120 disposed along an end fitting axis 112 .
- the proximal portion 114 includes a pair of rearwardly extending prongs 116 that bracket a rearwardly extending central post 119 .
- the prongs 116 include a barb 117 on their end, with a clamping surface 118 defined thereon.
- the central post 119 aids in inserting the proximal portion 114 of end fitting 110 into opening 98 , and may take any appropriate form known in the side-release buckle art.
- the distal portion 120 of end fitting 110 includes a frame 122 that extends forward from proximal portion 114 .
- a hole 126 extends through frame 122 and has a geometry that includes a larger diameter section 127 and a smaller diameter section 128 disposed forwardly therefrom. The forwardmost portion of hole 126 defines an abutment surface 130 that is disposed generally normal to axis 112 .
- a portion of frame 122 defines a rearwardly facing clamping surface 124 that is disposed in spaced relation to the clamping surfaces 118 of barbs 117 .
- the end fitting 110 may be used with a spike 400 to measure a distance.
- the spike 400 may take a variety of forms, but advantageously includes a shank 402 and a head 405 .
- the shank 402 may be generally cylindrical and terminate at a pointed tip 404 .
- the head 405 includes two spaced apart annular flanges 408 of larger diameter than shank 402 , and may optionally include a laterally extending hole 409 therethrough for a pull strap or the like.
- the annular flanges 408 are sized smaller than the larger diameter portion 127 of hole 126 in end fitting 110 .
- the spike 400 may be made from a suitable metallic material, such as aluminum. The spike 400 is intended to be driven into the ground, so as to provide one anchoring location for taking a measurement.
- the head 405 of spike 400 is inserted partially through hole 126 in end fitting 110 so that frame 122 is disposed between annular flanges 408 .
- Tension is then applied to tape 80 in order to pull end fitting 110 so that end fitting 110 moves backward relative to spike 400 thereby moving spike 400 into the smaller diameter section 128 of hole 126 and against abutment surface 130 .
- the annular flanges 408 then act to help keep end fitting 110 engaged on spike 400 while the tape 80 is further deployed from housing 12 in order to take the desired measurement.
- end fitting 110 does not require spike 400 in order to function. Indeed, the end fitting 110 may be used with a simple nail or other appropriate anchoring means, as is desired. However, use of the spike 400 is believed advantageous.
- end fitting 210 is similar to end fitting 110 in many respects, and similar reference numbers are therefore used for similar features, but incremented by one hundred.
- end fitting 210 includes a proximal portion 214 and a distal portion 220 disposed along an axis 212 .
- the proximal portion 214 is similarly configured to proximal portion 114 , and includes prongs 216 with barbs 217 having clamping surfaces 218 defined thereon, and a post 219 , which function as described above with reference to end fitting 110 .
- distal portion 220 of end fitting 210 includes a frame 240 and a hook portion 250 pivotally mounted to the frame 240 .
- the frame 240 may be substantially block-like, with recessed upper and lower surfaces if desired.
- the rear portion of frame 240 defines clamping surface 224
- the forward portion of frame 240 includes a laterally running pivot passage (not shown) that extends along pivot axis 242 .
- the hook portion 250 includes a generally planar hook plate 252 , optionally with a nail slot defined therein.
- a top flange 258 and respective side flanges 256 extend from the edges of hook plate 252 generally normal thereto.
- the side flanges 256 may include a plurality of teeth 257 that together form the abutment surface 230 .
- a pair of mounting legs 254 join hook portion 250 to frame 240 .
- a rivet or other suitable means may be used to pivotally connect hook portion 250 to frame 240 , with the rivet extending through the pivot passage and suitable holes in mounting legs 254 , and then deformed as appropriate.
- the hook portion 250 is moveable between a storage position where the hook plate 252 is disposed generally parallel to axis 212 ( FIG. 10 ), and a measuring position where the abutment surface 230 is disposed normal to axis 212 ( FIG. 9 ).
- This type end fitting 210 may be hooked on a suitable surface, such as an edge of a board, to help releasably anchor the tape free end 88 for measurement purposes.
- a suitable surface such as an edge of a board
- the forward face of the frame 240 is advantageously positioned to be, with hook portion in the storage position ( FIG. 10 ), on the same plane as abutment surface 230 with the hook portion in the measurement position ( FIG. 9 ).
- end fitting 210 may be used to take an “inside” measurement by abutting the forward face of frame 240 , with hook portion in the storage position, against the relevant measurement surface.
- end fitting 310 is similar to end fitting 110 in some respects, and similar reference numbers are therefore used for similar features, but incremented by two hundred.
- end fitting 310 includes a proximal portion 314 and a distal portion 320 disposed along an axis 312 .
- the proximal portion 314 is similarly configured to proximal portion 114 , and includes prongs 316 with barbs 317 having clamping surfaces 318 defined thereon, and a post 319 , which function as described above with reference to end fitting 110 .
- distal portion 320 of end fitting 310 includes a frame 360 and a hook portion 370 pivotally mounted to the frame 360 .
- a riveted or other suitable arrangement may be used to provide the desired pivoting connection between frame 360 and hook portion 370 .
- the frame 360 may be similar to frame 240 of end fitting 210 , but is advantageously shorter.
- the rear portion of frame 360 defines a clamping surface 324 , while the forward portion of frame 360 includes a laterally running pivot passage (not shown) that extends along pivot axis 366 .
- the hook portion 370 includes a rigid wire piece that appears generally U-shaped in front view and L-shaped in side view.
- the wire piece includes a shorter proximal leg 372 , a longer distal leg 390 , and a bend therebetween 392 .
- the proximal leg 372 may include a flattened area 374 having a hole 376 therein, with the hole aligned 376 with transverse pivot axis 366 .
- the proximal leg 372 advantageously extends beyond pivot axis 366 to form an extension section 388 .
- the distal leg 390 may be covered in a suitable “grippy” material, such as a vinyl coating.
- the inside face of the distal leg 390 defines abutment surface 330 .
- the hook portion 370 is moveable between a storage position where the distal leg 390 is disposed at a relatively small angle relative to axis 312 ( FIG. 13 ), and a measuring position where abutment surface 330 is disposed normal to the axis 312 ( FIG. 12 ).
- extension section 388 of hook portion 370 abuts against a stop boss 362 on frame 360 to positively stop the rotation of hook portion 370 at the appropriate location corresponding to the measuring position, while proximal leg 372 abuts against stop boss 362 to positively stop the rotation of hook portion 370 at the appropriate location corresponding to the storage position.
- the end fittings may have other configurations, as is desired. Further, the tape measure 10 does not require three end fittings 110 , 210 , 310 in all embodiments. For example, some embodiments of the tape measure 10 may have two end fittings, or four or more end fittings. Further, the tape measure 10 , in some embodiments, may have multiple iterations of the same end fitting configuration.
- each of the end fittings 110 , 210 , 310 includes an abutment surface 130 , 230 , 330 and a clamping surface 124 , 224 , 324 on the respective frames 122 , 240 , 360 .
- the longitudinal distance X (along the respective end fitting axis 112 , 212 , 312 ) between the respective pairs of clamping surface 124 , 224 , 324 and abutment surface 130 , 230 , 330 is constant across the various end fittings 110 , 210 , 310 .
- the distance X is measured with the body disposed in the measuring position, i.e., with the abutment surface 224 , 324 disposed normal to the corresponding axis 212 , 312 (see FIG. 9 , FIG. 12 ).
- the relevant abutment surface 130 , 230 , 330 is disposed a known consistent distance from tape free end 88 , and thus at a known point relative to measuring scale 82 , regardless of which end fitting 110 , 210 , 310 is attached to tape coupler 90 .
- the spacing is such that the abutment surface 130 , 203 , 330 is disposed at the zero point 84 of scale 82 .
- the interlocking male-female buckle connection 78 is advantageously inline with the tape blade 80 . More particularly, when the interlocking male-female buckle connection 78 is made, and normal measuring tension (e.g., 4.5 pounds-force) is applied to tape blade 80 , then the tape coupler 90 and the proximal portion 114 , 214 , or 314 of the corresponding connected end fitting 110 , 210 , or 310 advantageously lie along the plane of the tape blade 80 .
- normal measuring tension e.g., 4.5 pounds-force
- the use of the interlocking male-female buckle connection 78 beneficially allows the end fittings 110 , 210 , 310 to be easily coupled to the tape coupler 90 .
- the end fittings 110 , 210 , 310 advantageously may be joined to the tape coupler 90 when the tape 80 is in its fully retracted state ( FIG. 2 ), and advantageously with only one hand.
- an attached end fitting 110 , 210 , 310 may be disengaged from the tape coupler 90 , and therefore decoupled from the tape 80 , when the tape 80 is in its fully retracted state, again advantageously with only one hand.
- interlocking male-female buckle connection 78 is of the side-release buckle type, this is not required by all embodiments.
- the interlocking male-female buckle connection 78 may instead be of a center/top-release type, such as similar to the one described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,436.
- the housing 12 may advantageously include a storage compartment 22 for storing one or more, and advantageously all, of the end fittings 110 , 210 , 310 while not in use.
- the storage compartment 22 may be located as desired.
- the storage compartment 22 may be disposed in handle 20 , as shown in FIG. 2 .
- a cover 26 may be pivotally attached to handle 20 , and be moveable to open or close storage compartment 22 .
- a latch 28 may be disposed proximate the opposing end of cover 26 , with the latch 28 being moveable to engage cover 26 to holding cover closed or to allow cover 26 to be opened.
- the latch 28 may take any suitable form, and may be biased if desired, or simply held in place by sliding friction.
- the handle 20 is overmolded with an elastomer
- the cover 26 may advantageously be similarly overmolded and/or colored.
- the storage compartment 22 may advantageously include various zones 24 therewithin that are appropriately tailored to receive corresponding end fittings 110 , 210 , 310 , and to advantageously hold them to prevent undesirable rattling during transport.
- end fittings that include relatively moveable parts are stored in a compact configuration.
- the housing 12 may include a single common internal storage compartment 22 that is able to store all the end fittings 110 , 210 , 310 simultaneously, this is not required in all embodiments.
- the housing includes multiple storage compartments (not shown), such as one for each end fitting 110 , 210 , 310 , which may be internal or external (i.e., always open to the outside).
- the tape measure 10 may include a spike 400 as generally described above.
- the housing 12 may include suitable means for storing spike 400 in a secure fashion.
- the housing 12 may include a covered recess 62 for receiving spike point 404 , with suitable supports 64 disposed in spaced relation, and an integral gripping clip structure 66 for releasably grasping spike 400 .
- the spike head 405 when stored, is proximate where cover 26 pivots, so as to avoid awkwardness when opening and closing storage compartment 22 .
- the rotating body 40 may be formed of a base 42 a and a complementary top 42 b that are joined to form the generally cylindrical rotating body 40 .
- the base 42 a may include a baseplate 44 a , a pair of upwardly extending posts 46 a , and a peripheral wall portion 48 a , with the latter two extending upward generally normal to baseplate 44 a .
- the top 42 b is advantageously substantially identical to base 42 a , but oriented in an inverted fashion. Thus, top 42 b includes a baseplate 44 b , posts 46 b , and peripheral wall portion 48 b .
- the base 44 a and top 44 b may be secured together by screws 49 ; but any other form of securing, such as snap-fitting and the like, may be used.
- the size of coil 72 changes as more or less tape 80 is deployed.
- the coil 72 may be said to be in a first configuration of N layers 73 ( FIG. 18 ).
- the number of layers 73 decreases, and the coil may be said to be in a second configuration with ⁇ N layers 73 ( FIG. 19 or other less paid-out configurations).
- the size of coil 72 shrinks as the coil 72 changes from the first configuration to the second configuration. Due to the ability of body 40 to rotate, exit channel 50 is able to change its angular orientation such that, despite this change in coil size, channel axis 51 remains tangent to coil 72 .
- the inclusion of the rotating body 40 may help prevent undesirable whipping of the tape 80 during retraction.
- the rotation of rotating body 40 allows the mouth 52 to be positioned at different angular orientations, thereby allowing the housing 12 to dynamically adapt to differing intake angles of the tape 80 . This action is believed to reduce the potential for the tape 80 to whip back and forth during retraction, which should help reduce potentially damaging stresses on the tape 80 .
- the moving body that defines the moveable tape exit port 52 is a rotating body 40 . While such is believed advantageous, a non-rotating body may alternatively be used in some embodiments.
- the moving body may take the form of a slider 40 ′ constrained to move along a track 31 in frame 14 , with the track 31 being either linear or arcuate and advantageously disposed in lower arm 30 .
- the slider 40 ′ would define the exit port 52 , such as by having two upright fingers 40 a , 40 b , with the exit port 52 being between the space between fingers 40 a , 40 b .
- Such a moving body 40 ′ would slide back and forth along the track 31 in order to allow the tape 80 to exit/return along a path that is tangent to coil 72 , whether the coil 72 is in the first mostly retracted configuration ( FIG. 20 ) or in a second mostly deployed configuration ( FIG. 21 ).
- the position of the slider 40 ′ along track 31 depends on the number of layers 73 in coil 72 , compare FIG. 20 to FIG. 21 , with the interaction with tape 80 causing the slider 40 ′ to move in response to changes in size of the coil 72 .
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a tape measure that utilizes a flexible tape blade that is deployable and retractable relative to an associated housing for taking distance measurements.
- Tape measures typically include a housing and a measuring tape. The tape is selectively deployable from, and retractable into, the associated housing for taking a measurement and storage, respectively. The measuring tape is typically stored as a convolute coil inside the housing, with the lead section of the tape being routed through an opening in the housing called the mouth or tape exit port. During retraction, the tape may experience stresses due to various geometrical relationships, and may tend to whip back and forth, particularly as the last portions of the tape are retracted. Several approaches have been proposed for dealing with this situation. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,698,679, which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses that a sliding grip element may be used to help cushion the tape during retraction. However, the approach of the '679 patent, and other prior art approaches, have not proven completely satisfactory for all situations. Thus, there remains a need for alternative designs of tape measures, advantageously ones that allow the mouth of the tape measure housing to assist in reducing stresses experienced by the tape during retraction.
- In one illustrative embodiment, a tape measure comprises a housing comprising a frame and a rotating body rotatingly mounted to the frame; the rotating body defining an external wall of the housing and comprising a tape exit port defined in the external wall. A measuring tape is supported by the housing and selectively deployable from the housing via the exit port. The rotating body may include an external recess aligned with the exit port and disposed downstream therefrom. While the rotating body is advantageously rotatable at least 20°, the frame and rotating body may include features that interact to limit the amount of rotation of the rotating body. The rotating body may be formed by two portions secured together, and the two portions may be substantially identical.
- In another embodiment, a tape measure comprises a casing; a reel supported by the casing for rotation about a first axis; and a mouthpiece body rotatably mounted to the casing for rotation about a second axis spaced from the first axis. The mouthpiece body comprises an exit channel extending along an exit axis and is upstream bounded by a tape exit port. The tape exit port is rotationally moveable relative to the second axis. A measuring tape forms a convolute coil of multiple layers about the reel. The number of layers changes as the tape is deployed or retracted through the exit port. Therefore, the convolute coil has a first configuration of N layers when the tape is fully retracted and a second configuration of fewer layers when the tape is deployed. The exit axis is oriented tangent to the convolute coil for both the first and second configurations, with the exit axis oriented closer to the first axis when the convolute coil assumes the second configuration than when the convolute coil assumes the first configuration. The casing may comprise a handle spaced from the first axis, with the first axis disposed between the handle and the mouthpiece body.
- In another embodiment, a tape measure comprises a housing comprising a frame and a mouthpiece body mounted to the frame for rotation about a first axis. The mouthpiece body defines an external wall of the housing and comprising a tape exit port defined in the external wall. The mouthpiece body further comprises an exit channel extending along an exit axis and upstream bounded by the tape exit port. A reel supported by the housing for rotation about a second axis, and a measuring tape forms a convolute coil about the reel and is selectively deployable through the tape exit port. A first theoretical line extends through the first and second axes. The mouthpiece body is mounted to the housing such that an angular relationship between the exit axis and the line varies depending on an amount of the tape forming the coil on the reel.
- In another embodiment, a method of operating a tape measure comprises deploying a measuring tape from a housing at a tape exit port; the housing having a frame and a mouthpiece body moveably mounted to the frame; the mouthpiece body forming the exit port; retracting the deployed tape and thereby increasing a size of a convolute coil of the measuring tape associated with the housing; and moving the mouthpiece body relative to the frame in response to changes in size of the convolute coil during the retracting. Moving the mouthpiece body may comprise rotating the mouthpiece body or otherwise. The tape advantageously extends through the exit port along a theoretical line that is tangent to the coil.
- In another embodiment, a tape measure comprises a housing comprising a frame and a mouthpiece body moveably mounted to the frame; the mouthpiece body comprising a tape exit port; a reel rotatably supported by the frame; a measuring tape forming a convolute coil about the reel and selectively deployable through the tape exit port; the mouthpiece body moving relative to the frame in response to changes in size of the convolute coil. The frame may include a track, and the mouthpiece body may comprise a slider constrained to move along the track. The mouthpiece body may be rotatably mounted to the frame. The tape, between the exit port and the convolute coil, may extend along a theoretical line from the tape exit port to the convolute coil that is tangent to the convolute coil, and the tape, downstream from the exit port, advantageously extends along the theoretical line.
- Other aspects of various embodiments of the inventive apparatus and related methods are also disclosed in the following description. The various aspects may be used alone or in any combination, as is desired.
-
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a tape measure with the tape in a deployed position. -
FIG. 2 shows a front view of a tape measure employing a relatively large reel at the center of the tape coil with a portion of the housing removed for clarity. -
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a portion of a tape, including the end portion, with a tape coupler attached. -
FIG. 4 shows a top view ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 5 shows an exploded perspective view of an end fitting attached to the tape. -
FIG. 6 shows a top view of the end fitting ofFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 7 shows a side view of the end fitting ofFIG. 5 attached to a tape and in conjunction with a spike. -
FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of another end fitting embodiment. -
FIG. 9 shows a side view of the end fitting ofFIG. 8 with the hook portion in the deployed position. -
FIG. 10 shows a side view of the end fitting ofFIG. 8 with the hook portion in the storage position. -
FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of another end fitting embodiment. -
FIG. 12 shows a side view of the end fitting ofFIG. 11 with the hook portion in the deployed position. -
FIG. 13 shows a side view of the end fitting ofFIG. 11 with the hook portion in the storage position. -
FIG. 14 shows a rear view of a tape measure embodiment with integrated spike storage capability. -
FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a rotating body suitable for forming the tape mouth port for the tape measure ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 16 shows a rear exploded perspective view of the rotating body ofFIG. 15 . -
FIG. 17 shows how the rotating body ofFIG. 15 may be rotatably coupled to a tape measure housing. -
FIG. 18 shows the tape coil in a fully retracted configuration, with the tape measure employing a small reel at the center of the tape coil. -
FIG. 19 is similar toFIG. 18 , but with the tape coil in a second substantially deployed configuration. -
FIG. 20 shows another embodiment of a tape measure employing another embodiment of a moveable mouthpiece body, with the tape coil in a substantially retracted configuration. -
FIG. 21 is similar toFIG. 20 , but with the tape coil in a substantially deployed configuration. - The present invention relates generally to a tape measure that employs a moving body to define the tape exit port. For simplicity, a manually wound tape measure utilizing a non-self-supporting tape blade will be used below as a non-limiting illustrative example in order to provide an understanding of one or more embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood that the tape measure may be a power return tape measure or a manually wound tape measure, and the relevant tape blade may be self-supporting with significant standout, or may be non-self-supporting, as is desired.
- As illustrated in
FIG. 1 , a manually wound tape measure, generally designated 10, is shown constructed according to the present invention. Thetape measure 10 includes ahousing 12, atape 80, atape coupler 90, and a plurality ofend fittings housing 12 includes a frame orshell 14, atape reel 70, and a crank assembly. Theframe 14 forms the main body of thehousing 12, and is typically formed byshell halves screws 15, snap-fits, or the like. Theframe 14 includes acentral area 16,side arms 18, ahandle 20, and alower arm 30. Theside arms 18 extend laterally outward from thecentral area 16, and may advantageously includesuitable cushions 19 on their farthest extent. Thehandle 20 is disposed above thecentral area 16 and provides a convenient means to hold thetape measure 10. Thelower arm 30 extends downward from thecentral area 18 and provides a means for controlling the routing of thetape 80 when being deployed or retracted. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , thetape reel 70 is rotatably supported byshell 14 for rotation aboutrotational axis 71, which advantageously lies along the vertical midline ofhousing 12. Thereel 70 typically takes the form of a simple frame structure with a circular peripheral wall. Thetape reel 70 may include suitable features (not shown) for anchoring the trailingend 86 oftape 80, as is known in the art. Thetape reel 70 may be of any suitable diameter, and it may be advantageous to use alarger diameter reel 70 forshorter length tapes 80, so as to both increase take-up effectiveness and provide a fuller appearance for greater customer acceptance. - Referring again to
FIG. 1 , thecrank assembly 76 may take any form known in the art, but typically extends through theappropriate shell half crank mechanism 76 may include a crank and various gears (not shown) for causing thetape reel 70 to rotate when the crank is turned. Thecrank mechanism 76 may, if desired, take the form of the greater than 1:1 ratio gear mechanism described in either U.S. Pat. No. 6,464,160 or U.S. Pat. No. 4,813,625, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Of course, other greater than 1:1 ratio gear mechanisms may be used, such as ones with three planetary gears, etc. It should be noted that the particular details ofcrank mechanism 76 employed are not important to understanding the present invention. - The
tape 80 may take any suitable form known in the art, but advantageously takes the form of a fiberglass reinforced polyvinylchloride tape of approximately ¾ inch width and fifty or one hundred foot length. Referring toFIGS. 3-4 , thetape 80 includes at least onelength measuring scale 82 visible thereon, and optionally more than one. Thisscale 82 may be associated with thetape 80 by printing, embossing, engraving, or any other method known in the art. The measuringscale 82 has a point where the scale reaches a value of zero, known in the art as the zeropoint 84. This zeropoint 84 is advantageously not located on thetape 80 itself, but instead is located a short distance forward of the leading edge oftape 80. SeeFIG. 4 . As shown inFIG. 2 , thetape 80 is generally wound on thetape reel 70 in the form of aconvolute coil 72 ofmultiple layers 73. One end of the tape, theanchor end 86, is anchored to thetape reel 70 in any suitable conventional fashion. The opposing end of the tape, thefree end 88, is routed out of housinglower arm 30. Thetape coupler 90, discussed below, is attached to the tapefree end 88, typically via a loop formed in the end oftape 80. This loop may be reinforced by a suitable flexible reinforcingstrip 89, which may advantageously be made from an approximately 1/64 inch thick flexible vinyl material, with or without external ribbing. - As pointed out above, the
tape measure 10 includes a plurality ofend fittings housing 12. Each of theseend fittings tape 80 so that the user may select the appropriate end fitting 110, 210, 310 for a particular job, and configure thetape measure 10 accordingly. Thus, instead of having only a single permanently attached end fitting (e.g., a single permanently attached end hook), thetape measure 10 has a plurality ofinterchangeable end fittings tape 80, one in place of another. In order to facilitate this, an interlocking male-female buckle connection 78 is provided. Examples of interlocking male-female buckle connections, in general, can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,222,279; 5,131,122; 4,949,436; and 4,639,982, which are each incorporated herein by reference. In particular, atape coupler 90 is secured to tapefree end 88, and each of theend fittings complementary coupling structure 79. Advantageously, thecoupling structures 79 are substantially identical across thevarious end fittings tape coupler 90 and thecoupling structure 79 releasably interlock to secure the selected end fitting 110, 210, 310 totape 80. This releasable engagement may be somewhat similar to the releasable interlocking engagement of a so-called side-release buckle, but advantageously with an interference fit between the clamping/clamped surfaces of theconnection 78. As can be appreciated, one end fitting 110, 210, 310 may be attached to thetape coupler 90 at a time. - Referring to
FIGS. 5-13 , thetape coupler 90 includes adistal portion 92, aproximal portion 98, and anintermediate portion 104 that are advantageously integrally formed. Thedistal portion 92 includes aopening 94 that faces away fromtape 80, and a bearingsurface 96 disposed in spaced relation toopening 94.Opening 94 leads tochamber 108 that extends throughdistal portion 92 and intointermediate portion 104.Proximal portion 98 includes two rearwardly extendingarms 100 and a cross-member 102 that extends between thearms 100. This cross-member 102 is spaced fromintermediate portion 104, so that a gap is formed therebetween, through whichtape 80 may be routed to attachcoupler 90 totape 80.Intermediate portion 104 includes twolateral openings 106 that open intochamber 108, and that are partially defined by the respective bearing surfaces 96. Thetape 80 may be looped aroundcross-member 102 and then secured to itself so as to permanently attach thetape coupler 90 to tapefree end 88. - One embodiment of an end fitting is shown in
FIGS. 5-7 , and generally indicated at 110. End fitting 110 includes aproximal portion 114 and adistal portion 120 disposed along an endfitting axis 112. Theproximal portion 114 includes a pair of rearwardly extendingprongs 116 that bracket a rearwardly extendingcentral post 119. Theprongs 116 include abarb 117 on their end, with a clampingsurface 118 defined thereon. Thecentral post 119 aids in inserting theproximal portion 114 of end fitting 110 intoopening 98, and may take any appropriate form known in the side-release buckle art. Thedistal portion 120 of end fitting 110 includes aframe 122 that extends forward fromproximal portion 114. Ahole 126 extends throughframe 122 and has a geometry that includes alarger diameter section 127 and asmaller diameter section 128 disposed forwardly therefrom. The forwardmost portion ofhole 126 defines anabutment surface 130 that is disposed generally normal toaxis 112. A portion offrame 122 defines a rearwardly facing clampingsurface 124 that is disposed in spaced relation to the clamping surfaces 118 ofbarbs 117. When end fitting 110 is lockingly engaged withcoupler 90, clampingsurface 118 abuts against bearingsurface 96 oftape coupler 90, and clampingsurface 124 abuts against the front face ofcoupler 90. In this fashion, couplerdistal portion 92 is captured between clampingsurfaces tape coupler 90. Further, in embodiments employing an interference fit between the relevant portions, the end fitting 110 may advantageously be held firmly tocoupler 90, without any significant “wiggle”. - The end fitting 110 may be used with a
spike 400 to measure a distance. Thespike 400 may take a variety of forms, but advantageously includes ashank 402 and ahead 405. Theshank 402 may be generally cylindrical and terminate at apointed tip 404. Thehead 405 includes two spaced apartannular flanges 408 of larger diameter thanshank 402, and may optionally include a laterally extendinghole 409 therethrough for a pull strap or the like. Theannular flanges 408 are sized smaller than thelarger diameter portion 127 ofhole 126 in end fitting 110. Thespike 400 may be made from a suitable metallic material, such as aluminum. Thespike 400 is intended to be driven into the ground, so as to provide one anchoring location for taking a measurement. Thehead 405 ofspike 400 is inserted partially throughhole 126 in end fitting 110 so thatframe 122 is disposed betweenannular flanges 408. Tension is then applied totape 80 in order to pull end fitting 110 so that end fitting 110 moves backward relative to spike 400 thereby movingspike 400 into thesmaller diameter section 128 ofhole 126 and againstabutment surface 130. Theannular flanges 408 then act to help keep end fitting 110 engaged onspike 400 while thetape 80 is further deployed fromhousing 12 in order to take the desired measurement. It should be noted however that end fitting 110 does not requirespike 400 in order to function. Indeed, the end fitting 110 may be used with a simple nail or other appropriate anchoring means, as is desired. However, use of thespike 400 is believed advantageous. - Another embodiment of an end fitting is shown in
FIGS. 8-10 , and generally indicated at 210. End fitting 210 is similar to end fitting 110 in many respects, and similar reference numbers are therefore used for similar features, but incremented by one hundred. Thus, as can be seen, end fitting 210 includes aproximal portion 214 and adistal portion 220 disposed along anaxis 212. Theproximal portion 214 is similarly configured toproximal portion 114, and includesprongs 216 withbarbs 217 having clampingsurfaces 218 defined thereon, and apost 219, which function as described above with reference to end fitting 110. Unlike unitarydistal portion 120 of end fitting 110,distal portion 220 of end fitting 210 includes aframe 240 and ahook portion 250 pivotally mounted to theframe 240. Theframe 240 may be substantially block-like, with recessed upper and lower surfaces if desired. The rear portion offrame 240 defines clampingsurface 224, while the forward portion offrame 240 includes a laterally running pivot passage (not shown) that extends alongpivot axis 242. Thehook portion 250 includes a generallyplanar hook plate 252, optionally with a nail slot defined therein. Atop flange 258 andrespective side flanges 256 extend from the edges ofhook plate 252 generally normal thereto. Theside flanges 256 may include a plurality ofteeth 257 that together form theabutment surface 230. A pair of mountinglegs 254join hook portion 250 to frame 240. A rivet or other suitable means may be used to pivotally connecthook portion 250 to frame 240, with the rivet extending through the pivot passage and suitable holes in mountinglegs 254, and then deformed as appropriate. Thehook portion 250 is moveable between a storage position where thehook plate 252 is disposed generally parallel to axis 212 (FIG. 10 ), and a measuring position where theabutment surface 230 is disposed normal to axis 212 (FIG. 9 ). This type end fitting 210 may be hooked on a suitable surface, such as an edge of a board, to help releasably anchor the tapefree end 88 for measurement purposes. Further, the forward face of theframe 240 is advantageously positioned to be, with hook portion in the storage position (FIG. 10 ), on the same plane asabutment surface 230 with the hook portion in the measurement position (FIG. 9 ). With this arrangement, end fitting 210 may be used to take an “inside” measurement by abutting the forward face offrame 240, with hook portion in the storage position, against the relevant measurement surface. - Another embodiment of an end fitting is shown in
FIGS. 11-13 , and generally indicated at 310. End fitting 310 is similar to end fitting 110 in some respects, and similar reference numbers are therefore used for similar features, but incremented by two hundred. Thus, end fitting 310 includes a proximal portion 314 and adistal portion 320 disposed along anaxis 312. The proximal portion 314 is similarly configured toproximal portion 114, and includesprongs 316 withbarbs 317 having clampingsurfaces 318 defined thereon, and apost 319, which function as described above with reference to end fitting 110. Unlike the unitarydistal portion 120 of end fitting 110,distal portion 320 of end fitting 310 includes aframe 360 and ahook portion 370 pivotally mounted to theframe 360. As with end fitting 210, a riveted or other suitable arrangement may be used to provide the desired pivoting connection betweenframe 360 andhook portion 370. Theframe 360 may be similar to frame 240 of end fitting 210, but is advantageously shorter. The rear portion offrame 360 defines aclamping surface 324, while the forward portion offrame 360 includes a laterally running pivot passage (not shown) that extends alongpivot axis 366. Thehook portion 370 includes a rigid wire piece that appears generally U-shaped in front view and L-shaped in side view. The wire piece includes a shorterproximal leg 372, a longerdistal leg 390, and abend therebetween 392. Theproximal leg 372 may include a flattenedarea 374 having ahole 376 therein, with the hole aligned 376 withtransverse pivot axis 366. Theproximal leg 372 advantageously extends beyondpivot axis 366 to form anextension section 388. Thedistal leg 390 may be covered in a suitable “grippy” material, such as a vinyl coating. The inside face of thedistal leg 390 definesabutment surface 330. Thehook portion 370 is moveable between a storage position where thedistal leg 390 is disposed at a relatively small angle relative to axis 312 (FIG. 13 ), and a measuring position whereabutment surface 330 is disposed normal to the axis 312 (FIG. 12 ). Advantageously,extension section 388 ofhook portion 370 abuts against astop boss 362 onframe 360 to positively stop the rotation ofhook portion 370 at the appropriate location corresponding to the measuring position, whileproximal leg 372 abuts againststop boss 362 to positively stop the rotation ofhook portion 370 at the appropriate location corresponding to the storage position. - While three illustrative end
fitting embodiments tape measure 10 does not require threeend fittings tape measure 10 may have two end fittings, or four or more end fittings. Further, thetape measure 10, in some embodiments, may have multiple iterations of the same end fitting configuration. - As noted above, each of the
end fittings abutment surface clamping surface respective frames fitting axis surface abutment surface various end fittings abutment surface abutment surface corresponding axis 212, 312 (seeFIG. 9 ,FIG. 12 ). Thus, therelevant abutment surface free end 88, and thus at a known point relative to measuringscale 82, regardless of which end fitting 110, 210, 310 is attached totape coupler 90. Advantageously, the spacing is such that theabutment surface point 84 ofscale 82. - While not required in all embodiments, it should be noted that the interlocking male-
female buckle connection 78 is advantageously inline with thetape blade 80. More particularly, when the interlocking male-female buckle connection 78 is made, and normal measuring tension (e.g., 4.5 pounds-force) is applied totape blade 80, then thetape coupler 90 and theproximal portion tape blade 80. - While not required in all embodiments, the use of the interlocking male-
female buckle connection 78 beneficially allows theend fittings tape coupler 90. Indeed, theend fittings tape coupler 90 when thetape 80 is in its fully retracted state (FIG. 2 ), and advantageously with only one hand. In addition, in some embodiments, an attached end fitting 110, 210, 310 may be disengaged from thetape coupler 90, and therefore decoupled from thetape 80, when thetape 80 is in its fully retracted state, again advantageously with only one hand. - While the interlocking male-
female buckle connection 78 described above is of the side-release buckle type, this is not required by all embodiments. For example, the interlocking male-female buckle connection 78 may instead be of a center/top-release type, such as similar to the one described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,436. - The
housing 12 may advantageously include astorage compartment 22 for storing one or more, and advantageously all, of theend fittings storage compartment 22 may be located as desired. For example, thestorage compartment 22 may be disposed inhandle 20, as shown inFIG. 2 . Acover 26 may be pivotally attached to handle 20, and be moveable to open orclose storage compartment 22. Alatch 28 may be disposed proximate the opposing end ofcover 26, with thelatch 28 being moveable to engagecover 26 to holding cover closed or to allowcover 26 to be opened. Thelatch 28 may take any suitable form, and may be biased if desired, or simply held in place by sliding friction. If, as in some embodiments, thehandle 20 is overmolded with an elastomer, thecover 26 may advantageously be similarly overmolded and/or colored. Thestorage compartment 22 may advantageously includevarious zones 24 therewithin that are appropriately tailored to receivecorresponding end fittings - While the
housing 12 may include a single commoninternal storage compartment 22 that is able to store all theend fittings - Further, in some embodiments, the
tape measure 10 may include aspike 400 as generally described above. For such embodiments, it may be advantageous for thehousing 12 to include suitable means for storingspike 400 in a secure fashion. For example, as shown inFIG. 14 , thehousing 12 may include a coveredrecess 62 for receivingspike point 404, withsuitable supports 64 disposed in spaced relation, and an integralgripping clip structure 66 for releasablygrasping spike 400. Advantageously, thespike head 405, when stored, is proximate wherecover 26 pivots, so as to avoid awkwardness when opening andclosing storage compartment 22. - The lower arm of
housing 12 may include a statically oriented mouth through with the tape is deployed/retracted, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,698,679, which is incorporated herein by reference. However, some embodiments of thetape measure 10 may advantageously include a moveable mouthpiece body. For example, thehousing 12 may include arotating body 40 that is rotatably mounted tolower arm 30 and defines the external mouth (or tape exit port) 52 through whichtape 80 is deployed/retracted from/intohousing body 12. Referring toFIGS. 15-16 , the rotatingbody 40 includes aperipheral wall 48, anexit channel 50,tape exit port 52, andrear opening 54. While theperipheral wall 48 may take a variety of shapes (e.g., pointed or tapering), theperipheral wall 48 is advantageously consistently curved with a center of curvature coinciding with therotational axis 41 of rotatingbody 40. Thisrotational axis 41 is advantageously disposed along the midline ofhousing body 12. The peripheral wall does not extend 3600 around rotatingbody 40, but instead stops short thereof to help formrear opening 54. In addition,peripheral wall 48 includes a recess that formsexit channel 50. Theperipheral wall 48 may include suitable external surface texturing as is desired. Theexit channel 50 extends along achannel axis 51, and is bounded on its upstream end byexit port 52 and open on its downstream end. As used herein, “upstream” means the direction of tape movement during retraction of thetape 80 and “downstream” means the direction of tape movement during deployment of thetape 80. The front and back sides ofchannel 50 may advantageously be open, but this is not required in all embodiments. Theexit channel 50 is advantageously sized to at least accept a substantial portion oftape coupler 90 therein, withexit port 52 providing a constriction smaller thancoupler 90 so as to prevent over-retraction oftape 80. SeeFIG. 17 . - The rotating
body 40 may be formed of a base 42 a and a complementary top 42 b that are joined to form the generally cylindricalrotating body 40. The base 42 a may include abaseplate 44 a, a pair of upwardly extendingposts 46 a, and a peripheral wall portion 48 a, with the latter two extending upward generally normal to baseplate 44 a. The top 42 b is advantageously substantially identical to base 42 a, but oriented in an inverted fashion. Thus, top 42 b includes abaseplate 44 b, posts 46 b, andperipheral wall portion 48 b. The base 44 a and top 44 b may be secured together byscrews 49; but any other form of securing, such as snap-fitting and the like, may be used. - As indicated above, rotating
body 40 is mounted to be rotatable with respect to frame 14 aboutrotation axis 41. SeeFIGS. 17-19 . In order to facilitate the desired rotation of rotatingbody 40,lower arm 30 of eachshell half slots 34 and a pair of closedarcuate slots 32. The open-endedslots 34 are sized and configured to accept corresponding portions of rotating bodyperipheral wall 48, and closedslots 32 are sized and configured to receive rotating body posts 46 a,46 b. Further, as withperipheral wall 48, theslots axis 41. Theslots rotating body 40 relative to frame 14. Advantageously, theslots peripheral wall 48 abuts the end of aslot 34 and theposts slots 32 at the maximum rotational positions of rotatingbody 40. Advantageously, the rotatingbody 40 is able to rotate at least 20°, and advantageously about 35°-40°. In addition,housing 12 may advantageously includearcuate ribs 36 withterminal guide bosses 37 spaced from one another to formpassage 38 therebetween. It is intended thattape 80 will be routed from theconvolute coil 72 formed onreel 70, throughpassage 38, and out throughexit port 52, seeFIG. 17 . Theguide bosses 37 may be advantageously positioned such that thetape 80 just engages arespective guide boss 37 when fully retracted (FIG. 18 ) and when fully paid-out (FIG. 19 ). - As can be appreciated, the size of
coil 72 changes as more orless tape 80 is deployed. For example, when thetape 80 is fully retracted, thecoil 72 may be said to be in a first configuration of N layers 73 (FIG. 18 ). As thetape 80 is paid-out, the number oflayers 73 decreases, and the coil may be said to be in a second configuration with <N layers 73 (FIG. 19 or other less paid-out configurations). Thus, the size ofcoil 72 shrinks as thecoil 72 changes from the first configuration to the second configuration. Due to the ability ofbody 40 to rotate, exitchannel 50 is able to change its angular orientation such that, despite this change in coil size,channel axis 51 remains tangent tocoil 72. Thus,channel axis 51 is oriented tangent tocoil 72 for both configurations. However, as can be seen by comparingFIG. 19 toFIG. 18 ,channel axis 51 is oriented farther fromreel axis 71 for the first coil configuration than the second coil configuration. As such, the relative angle Θ betweenchannel axis 51 and atheoretical line 74 between the reelrotational axis 71 androtating body axis 41 changes during deployment and retraction oftape 80. This change in relative angle is achieved by allowing rotatingbody 40 to rotate. This action allows thetape 80 to be wound into, and paid-out from,convolute coil 72 onreel 70 with a minimum of induced stress, advantageously without requiring any re-direction of thetape 80 internal tohousing 12. - In addition, the inclusion of the
rotating body 40 may help prevent undesirable whipping of thetape 80 during retraction. The rotation of rotatingbody 40 allows themouth 52 to be positioned at different angular orientations, thereby allowing thehousing 12 to dynamically adapt to differing intake angles of thetape 80. This action is believed to reduce the potential for thetape 80 to whip back and forth during retraction, which should help reduce potentially damaging stresses on thetape 80. - The discussion above has assumed that the moving body that defines the moveable
tape exit port 52 is arotating body 40. While such is believed advantageous, a non-rotating body may alternatively be used in some embodiments. For example, the moving body may take the form of aslider 40′ constrained to move along atrack 31 inframe 14, with thetrack 31 being either linear or arcuate and advantageously disposed inlower arm 30. Theslider 40′ would define theexit port 52, such as by having twoupright fingers exit port 52 being between the space betweenfingers body 40′ would slide back and forth along thetrack 31 in order to allow thetape 80 to exit/return along a path that is tangent tocoil 72, whether thecoil 72 is in the first mostly retracted configuration (FIG. 20 ) or in a second mostly deployed configuration (FIG. 21 ). The position of theslider 40′ alongtrack 31 depends on the number oflayers 73 incoil 72, compareFIG. 20 toFIG. 21 , with the interaction withtape 80 causing theslider 40′ to move in response to changes in size of thecoil 72. - The present invention may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and essential characteristics of the invention. Further, the various aspects of the disclosed device and method may be used alone or in any combination, as is desired. The disclosed embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.
Claims (47)
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TW097105480A TW200905161A (en) | 2007-02-16 | 2008-02-15 | Tape measure with moving tape exit port |
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USD524666S1 (en) * | 2005-01-19 | 2006-07-11 | Index Measuring Tape Co., Ltd | Tape rule |
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US5515617A (en) | 1995-01-03 | 1996-05-14 | Canfield; Gerald | Measuring, marking, and cutting tool |
US5845412A (en) | 1995-02-24 | 1998-12-08 | Arcand; Stephane | Tape adapter with interchangeable brackets |
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- 2007-02-16 US US11/675,853 patent/US7415778B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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- 2008-02-15 TW TW097105480A patent/TW200905161A/en unknown
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Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20090217541A1 (en) * | 2006-01-09 | 2009-09-03 | Fisco Tools Limited | Tape Measures |
US8020311B2 (en) * | 2006-01-09 | 2011-09-20 | Fisco Tools Limited | Tape measures |
CN107421408A (en) * | 2017-05-18 | 2017-12-01 | 宁波长城精工实业有限公司 | A kind of tape measure for changing tape direction |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2008100763A1 (en) | 2008-08-21 |
TW200905161A (en) | 2009-02-01 |
US7415778B1 (en) | 2008-08-26 |
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