U.S. patent application number 11/675853 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-21 for tape measure with moving tape exit port.
This patent application is currently assigned to COOPER BRANDS, INC.. Invention is credited to Christopher T. Cluff, Sean M. McEwan, Brian D. Westbrook.
Application Number | 20080196265 11/675853 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39427732 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080196265 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McEwan; Sean M. ; et
al. |
August 21, 2008 |
Tape Measure with Moving Tape Exit Port
Abstract
A tape measure includes a housing that includes a frame and a
mouthpiece body moveable mounted to the frame. The mouthpiece body
includes a tape exit port that is moveable, advantageously
rotatably, and may include an external recess aligned with the exit
port. A measuring tape is supported by the housing and selectively
deployable from the housing via the exit port. The movable exit
port may allow the tape to enter the housing along a line that is
tangent to the coil of tape rotatably supported by the housing.
This tangency is advantageously maintained as the size of the coil
changes due to the amount of tape therein. Other aspects and
methods are also disclosed.
Inventors: |
McEwan; Sean M.; (Raleigh,
NC) ; Cluff; Christopher T.; (Apex, NC) ;
Westbrook; Brian D.; (Raleigh, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
COATS & BENNETT, PLLC
1400 Crescent Green, Suite 300
Cary
NC
27518
US
|
Assignee: |
COOPER BRANDS, INC.
Houston
TX
|
Family ID: |
39427732 |
Appl. No.: |
11/675853 |
Filed: |
February 16, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
33/758 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01B 2003/1053 20130101;
G01B 3/1041 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
33/758 |
International
Class: |
G01B 3/10 20060101
G01B003/10 |
Claims
1. A tape measure, comprising: a housing comprising a frame and a
rotating body rotatingly mounted to said frame; said rotating body
defining an external wall of said housing and comprising a tape
exit port defined in said external wall; a measuring tape supported
by said housing and selectively deployable from said housing via
said exit port; said measuring tape forming a convolute coil within
said housing and extending away from said coil along a
substantially straight path that extends from a peripheral edge of
said coil to the exit port.
2. The tape measure of claim 1 wherein said rotating body includes
an external recess aligned with said exit port and disposed
downstream therefrom.
3. The tape measure of claim 1 wherein said rotating body is
rotatable at least 20.degree..
4. The tape measure of claim 1 wherein said rotating body comprises
first and second posts, and wherein said frame includes first and
second closed arcuate slots for engaging said first and second
posts, respectively.
5. The tape measure of claim 1 wherein said rotating body includes
a peripheral wall; and wherein said frame includes first and second
arcuate slots open on one end for receiving said peripheral
wall.
6. The tape measure of claim 1 wherein said rotating body rotates
about an axis, and wherein said rotating body further comprises a
peripheral wall that at least partially surrounds said axis and
forms a portion of said housing external wall.
7-10. (canceled)
11. The tape measure of claim 1: further comprising a crank
mechanism for manually retracting said tape into said housing;
wherein said rotating body includes an external recess aligned with
said exit port and disposed downstream therefrom; wherein said
rotating body further comprises a rear opening disposed upstream
from said exit port, said tape extending through said rear opening;
wherein said rotating body comprises first and second posts and a
peripheral wall; wherein said frame includes first and second
closed arcuate slots for engaging said first and second posts,
respectively; wherein said frame includes third and fourth arcuate
slots open on one end for receiving said peripheral wall; wherein
said frame comprises a pair of guides disposed upstream with
respect to said rotating body, said tape routed between said
guides; wherein said rotating body is rotatable at least
20.degree.; wherein said rotating body is formed by two portions
secured together.
12. A tape measure, comprising: a casing; a reel supported by said
casing for rotation about a first axis; a mouthpiece body rotatably
mounted to said casing for rotation about a second axis spaced from
said first axis; said mouthpiece body comprising an exit channel
extending along an exit axis and upstream bounded by a tape exit
port; said tape exit port rotationally moveable relative to said
second axis; a measuring tape forming a convolute coil of multiple
layers about said reel, wherein the number of layers changes as
said tape is deployed or retracted through said exit port; said
convolute coil having a first configuration of N layers when said
tape is fully retracted and a second configuration of fewer layers
when said tape is deployed; wherein said exit axis is oriented
tangent to said convolute coil for both said first and second
configurations; said exit axis oriented closer to said first axis
when said convolute coil assumes said second configuration than
when said convolute coil assumes said first configuration.
13. The tape measure of claim 12 wherein said mouthpiece body is
rotatable at least 35.degree..
14. The tape measure of claim 12 wherein said casing comprises a
handle spaced from said first axis; said first axis disposed
between said handle and said mouthpiece body.
15. (canceled)
16. The tape measure of claim 12 wherein said mouthpiece body
further comprises a rear opening disposed upstream from said tape
exit port, said tape extending through said rear opening; wherein
said casing comprises a pair of guides disposed upstream respect to
said rear opening of said mouthpiece body, said tape routed between
said guides.
17-18. (canceled)
19. A tape measure, comprising: a housing comprising a frame and a
mouthpiece body mounted to said frame for rotation about a first
axis; said mouthpiece body defining an external wall of said
housing and comprising a tape exit port defined in said external
wall; said mouthpiece body further comprising an exit channel
extending along an exit axis and upstream bounded by said tape exit
port; a reel supported by said housing for rotation about a second
axis; a measuring tape forming a convolute coil about said reel and
selectively deployable through said tape exit port; a first
theoretical line extending through said first and second axes;
wherein said mouthpiece body is mounted to said housing such that
an angular relationship between said exit axis and said line varies
depending on an amount of said tape forming said coil on said
reel.
20. (canceled)
21. The tape measure of claim 19 wherein said casing comprises a
handle spaced from said second axis; said second axis disposed
between said handle and said mouthpiece body.
22. The tape measure of claim 19 wherein said mouthpiece body
comprises first and second posts, and wherein said frame includes
first and second closed arcuate slots for engaging said first and
second posts, respectively.
23. The tape measure of claim 19 wherein said frame includes first
and second arcuate slots open on one end for receiving said
external wall.
24. The tape measure of claim 19 wherein said mouthpiece body
further comprises a rear opening disposed upstream from said tape
exit port, said tape extending through said rear opening.
25. The tape measure of claim 24 wherein said frame comprises a
pair of guides disposed upstream with respect to said rear opening
of said mouthpiece body, said tape routed between said guides.
26-27. (canceled)
28. A method of operating a tape measure, comprising: deploying a
measuring tape from a housing at a tape exit port; said housing
having a frame and a mouthpiece body moveably mounted to the frame;
said mouthpiece body forming said exit port; retracting said
deployed tape and thereby increasing a size of a convolute coil of
said measuring tape associated with said housing; moving said
mouthpiece body relative to said frame in response to changes in
size of said convolute coil during said retracting.
29. The method of claim 28 wherein said moving said mouthpiece body
comprises rotating said mouthpiece body.
30. The method of claim 28 wherein a tape extends through said exit
port along a theoretical line that is tangent to said coil.
31. A tape measure, comprising: a housing comprising a frame and a
mouthpiece body moveably mounted to said frame; said mouthpiece
body comprising a tape exit port; a reel rotatably supported by
said frame; a measuring tape forming a convolute coil about said
reel and selectively deployable through said tape exit port; and
wherein said mouthpiece body moves relative to said frame in
response to changes in size of said convolute coil.
32. (canceled)
33. The tape measure of claim 32 wherein said mouthpiece body
rotates relative to said frame depending on the size of said
convolute coil.
34-35. (canceled)
36. The tape measure of claim 52 wherein said mouthpiece body is
slidably mounted to said frame for linear movement.
37. The tape measure of claim 31 wherein said frame includes a
track, and wherein said mouthpiece body comprises a slider
constrained to move along said track.
38. The tape measure of claim 31 wherein said tape, between said
exit port and said convolute coil, extends along a theoretical line
from said tape exit port to said convolute coil that is tangent to
said convolute coil.
39. (canceled)
40. The tape measure of claim 1 wherein said rotating body further
comprises a rear opening disposed upstream from said exit port,
said tape extending through said rear opening.
41. The tape measure of claim 40 wherein said frame comprises a
pair of guides disposed upstream with respect to said rotating
body, said tape routed between said guides.
42. The tape measure of claim 1 wherein said rotating body is
formed by two portions secured together.
43. The tape measure of claim 42 wherein said two portions of said
rotating body are substantially identical.
44. The tape measure of claim 12 wherein said mouthpiece body
comprises first and second posts, and wherein said casing includes
first and second closed arcuate slots for engaging said first and
second posts, respectively.
45. The tape measure of claim 16 wherein said tape touches one of
said guides when said tape is in said first configuration.
46. The tape measure of claim 12 wherein said mouthpiece body is
formed by two portions secured together.
47. The tape measure of claim 19 wherein said angular relationship
is variable at least 35.degree..
48. The tape measure of claim 25 wherein said tape touches one of
said guides when said tape is fully retracted.
49. The tape measure of claim 19 wherein said mouthpiece body is
formed by two portions secured together.
50. The tape measure of claim 31 wherein said mouthpiece body is
rotatably mounted to said frame.
51. The tape measure of claim 31 wherein said convolute coil
comprises multiple layers, and wherein the number of layers changes
as said tape is deployed or retracted through said exit port; said
convolute coil having a first configuration of N layers and a
second configuration of fewer layers depending on the amount of
tape deployed; and wherein said mouthpiece body moves relative to
said frame in response to changes in the number of layers in said
convolute coil.
52. The tape measure of claim 31 wherein said mouthpiece body is
slidably mounted to said frame.
53. The tape measure of claim 38 wherein said tape, downstream from
said exit port, extends along said theoretical line.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 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.
[0002] 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.
SUMMARY
[0003] 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.degree., 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.
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a tape
measure with the tape in a deployed position.
[0010] 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.
[0011] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a portion of a tape,
including the end portion, with a tape coupler attached.
[0012] FIG. 4 shows a top view of FIG. 3.
[0013] FIG. 5 shows an exploded perspective view of an end fitting
attached to the tape.
[0014] FIG. 6 shows a top view of the end fitting of FIG. 5.
[0015] FIG. 7 shows a side view of the end fitting of FIG. 5
attached to a tape and in conjunction with a spike.
[0016] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of another end fitting
embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 9 shows a side view of the end fitting of FIG. 8 with
the hook portion in the deployed position.
[0018] FIG. 10 shows a side view of the end fitting of FIG. 8 with
the hook portion in the storage position.
[0019] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of another end fitting
embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 12 shows a side view of the end fitting of FIG. 11 with
the hook portion in the deployed position.
[0021] FIG. 13 shows a side view of the end fitting of FIG. 11 with
the hook portion in the storage position.
[0022] FIG. 14 shows a rear view of a tape measure embodiment with
integrated spike storage capability.
[0023] FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a rotating body suitable
for forming the tape mouth port for the tape measure of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 16 shows a rear exploded perspective view of the
rotating body of FIG. 15.
[0025] FIG. 17 shows how the rotating body of FIG. 15 may be
rotatably coupled to a tape measure housing.
[0026] 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.
[0027] FIG. 19 is similar to FIG. 18, but with the tape coil in a
second substantially deployed configuration.
[0028] 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.
[0029] FIG. 21 is similar to FIG. 20, but with the tape coil in a
substantially deployed configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] 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.
[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a manually wound tape measure,
generally designated 10, is shown constructed according to the
present invention. The tape measure 10 includes a housing 12, a
tape 80, a tape coupler 90, and a plurality of end fittings 110,
210, 310. The housing 12 includes a frame or shell 14, a tape reel
70, and a crank assembly. The frame 14 forms the main body of the
housing 12, and is typically formed by shell halves 14a, 14b that
are held together by screws 15, snap-fits, or the like. The frame
14 includes a central area 16, side arms 18, a handle 20, and a
lower arm 30. The side arms 18 extend laterally outward from the
central area 16, and may advantageously include suitable cushions
19 on their farthest extent. The handle 20 is disposed above the
central area 16 and provides a convenient means to hold the tape
measure 10. The lower arm 30 extends downward from the central area
18 and provides a means for controlling the routing of the tape 80
when being deployed or retracted.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, the tape reel 70 is rotatably supported
by shell 14 for rotation about rotational axis 71, which
advantageously lies along the vertical midline of housing 12. The
reel 70 typically takes the form of a simple frame structure with a
circular peripheral wall. The tape reel 70 may include suitable
features (not shown) for anchoring the trailing end 86 of tape 80,
as is known in the art. The tape reel 70 may be of any suitable
diameter, and it may be advantageous to use a larger diameter reel
70 for shorter length tapes 80, so as to both increase take-up
effectiveness and provide a fuller appearance for greater customer
acceptance.
[0033] Referring again to FIG. 1, the crank assembly 76 may take
any form known in the art, but typically extends through the
appropriate shell half 14a or 14b 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.
[0034] 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. Referring to FIGS. 3-4, 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. 2, the tape
80 is generally wound on the tape reel 70 in the form of a
convolute coil 72 of multiple layers 73. One end of the tape, the
anchor end 86, is anchored to the tape reel 70 in any suitable
conventional fashion. The opposing end of the tape, the free end
88, is routed out of housing lower arm 30. The tape coupler 90,
discussed below, is attached to the tape free end 88, typically via
a loop formed in the end of tape 80. This loop may be reinforced by
a suitable flexible reinforcing strip 89, which may advantageously
be made from an approximately 1/64 inch thick flexible vinyl
material, with or without external ribbing.
[0035] As pointed out above, the tape measure 10 includes a
plurality of end fittings 110, 210, 310 that are distinct from
housing 12. Each of these end fittings 110, 210, 310 is designed to
be releasably coupled to the tape 80 so that the user may select
the appropriate end fitting 110, 210, 310 for a particular job, and
configure the tape measure 10 accordingly. Thus, instead of having
only a single permanently attached end fitting (e.g., a single
permanently attached end hook), the tape measure 10 has a plurality
of interchangeable end fittings 110, 210, 310 that may be joined to
the 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, a tape coupler 90 is secured to tape free
end 88, and each of the end fittings 110, 210, 310 includes a
complementary coupling structure 79. Advantageously, 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. As can be appreciated, one end fitting 110, 210, 310
may be attached to the tape coupler 90 at a time.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 5-13, 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.
[0037] One embodiment of an end fitting is shown in FIGS. 5-7, and
generally indicated at 110. 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. When end fitting 110 is
lockingly engaged with coupler 90, clamping surface 118 abuts
against bearing surface 96 of tape coupler 90, and clamping surface
124 abuts against the front face of coupler 90. In this fashion,
coupler distal portion 92 is captured between clamping surfaces
118, 124 in order to lockingly hold end fitting 110 together with
tape coupler 90. Further, in embodiments employing an interference
fit between the relevant portions, the end fitting 110 may
advantageously be held firmly to coupler 90, without any
significant "wiggle".
[0038] 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. It should be noted
however that 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.
[0039] 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 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. Unlike unitary
distal portion 120 of 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, while 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. Further, 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). With this
arrangement, 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.
[0040] 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
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. Unlike the unitary distal
portion 120 of 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. As with end fitting 210, 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). Advantageously,
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.
[0041] While three illustrative end fitting embodiments 110, 210,
310 have been discussed, 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.
[0042] As noted above, 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.
Advantageously, 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. For
embodiments where abutment surface 224, 324 is formed by a pivoting
body, 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). Thus, 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.
Advantageously, the spacing is such that the abutment surface 130,
203, 330 is disposed at the zero point 84 of scale 82.
[0043] While not required in all embodiments, it should be noted
that 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.
[0044] While not required in all embodiments, 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. Indeed, 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. In addition, in some embodiments, 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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. For example, 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. If, as in some embodiments, 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. Advantageously, end fittings that
include relatively moveable parts (e.g., end fitting 210, 310) are
stored in a compact configuration.
[0047] While 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. In some 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).
[0048] Further, in some embodiments, the tape measure 10 may
include a spike 400 as generally described above. For such
embodiments, it may be advantageous for the housing 12 to include
suitable means for storing spike 400 in a secure fashion. For
example, as shown in FIG. 14, 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. Advantageously, the
spike head 405, when stored, is proximate where cover 26 pivots, so
as to avoid awkwardness when opening and closing storage
compartment 22.
[0049] 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 the tape measure
10 may advantageously include a moveable mouthpiece body. For
example, the housing 12 may include a rotating body 40 that is
rotatably mounted to lower arm 30 and defines the external mouth
(or tape exit port) 52 through which tape 80 is deployed/retracted
from/into housing body 12. Referring to FIGS. 15-16, the rotating
body 40 includes a peripheral wall 48, an exit channel 50, tape
exit port 52, and rear opening 54. While the peripheral wall 48 may
take a variety of shapes (e.g., pointed or tapering), the
peripheral wall 48 is advantageously consistently curved with a
center of curvature coinciding with the rotational axis 41 of
rotating body 40. This rotational axis 41 is advantageously
disposed along the midline of housing body 12. The peripheral wall
does not extend 3600 around rotating body 40, but instead stops
short thereof to help form rear opening 54. In addition, peripheral
wall 48 includes a recess that forms exit channel 50. The
peripheral wall 48 may include suitable external surface texturing
as is desired. The exit channel 50 extends along a channel axis 51,
and is bounded on its upstream end by exit port 52 and open on its
downstream end. As used herein, "upstream" means the direction of
tape movement during retraction of the tape 80 and "downstream"
means the direction of tape movement during deployment of the tape
80. The front and back sides of channel 50 may advantageously be
open, but this is not required in all embodiments. The exit channel
50 is advantageously sized to at least accept a substantial portion
of tape coupler 90 therein, with exit port 52 providing a
constriction smaller than coupler 90 so as to prevent
over-retraction of tape 80. See FIG. 17.
[0050] The rotating body 40 may be formed of a base 42a and a
complementary top 42b that are joined to form the generally
cylindrical rotating body 40. The base 42a may include a baseplate
44a, a pair of upwardly extending posts 46a, and a peripheral wall
portion 48a, with the latter two extending upward generally normal
to baseplate 44a. The top 42b is advantageously substantially
identical to base 42a, but oriented in an inverted fashion. Thus,
top 42b includes a baseplate 44b, posts 46b, and peripheral wall
portion 48b. The base 44a and top 44b may be secured together by
screws 49; but any other form of securing, such as snap-fitting and
the like, may be used.
[0051] As indicated above, rotating body 40 is mounted to be
rotatable with respect to frame 14 about rotation axis 41. See
FIGS. 17-19. In order to facilitate the desired rotation of
rotating body 40, lower arm 30 of each shell half 14a, 14b
advantageously includes a pair of arcuate open-ended slots 34 and a
pair of closed arcuate slots 32. The open-ended slots 34 are sized
and configured to accept corresponding portions of rotating body
peripheral wall 48, and closed slots 32 are sized and configured to
receive rotating body posts 46a,46b. Further, as with peripheral
wall 48, the slots 32,34 are advantageously curved with a center of
curvature at axis 41. The slots 32,34 have lengths appropriate to
allow the desired amount of rotation of the rotating body 40
relative to frame 14. Advantageously, the slots 32,34 are
configured so that peripheral wall 48 abuts the end of a slot 34
and the posts 46a,46b abut the end of slots 32 at the maximum
rotational positions of rotating body 40. Advantageously, the
rotating body 40 is able to rotate at least 20.degree., and
advantageously about 35.degree.-40.degree.. In addition, housing 12
may advantageously include arcuate ribs 36 with terminal guide
bosses 37 spaced from one another to form passage 38 therebetween.
It is intended that tape 80 will be routed from the convolute coil
72 formed on reel 70, through passage 38, and out through exit port
52, see FIG. 17. The guide bosses 37 may be advantageously
positioned such that the tape 80 just engages a respective guide
boss 37 when fully retracted (FIG. 18) and when fully paid-out
(FIG. 19).
[0052] As can be appreciated, the size of coil 72 changes as more
or less tape 80 is deployed. For example, when the tape 80 is fully
retracted, the coil 72 may be said to be in a first configuration
of N layers 73 (FIG. 18). As the tape 80 is paid-out, 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). Thus, 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. Thus,
channel axis 51 is oriented tangent to coil 72 for both
configurations. However, as can be seen by comparing FIG. 19 to
FIG. 18, channel axis 51 is oriented farther from reel axis 71 for
the first coil configuration than the second coil configuration. As
such, the relative angle .THETA. between channel axis 51 and a
theoretical line 74 between the reel rotational axis 71 and
rotating body axis 41 changes during deployment and retraction of
tape 80. This change in relative angle is achieved by allowing
rotating body 40 to rotate. This action allows the tape 80 to be
wound into, and paid-out from, convolute coil 72 on reel 70 with a
minimum of induced stress, advantageously without requiring any
re-direction of the tape 80 internal to housing 12.
[0053] In addition, 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.
[0054] The discussion above has assumed that 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. For example, 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 40a,40b, with the exit port 52 being between the space
between fingers 40a,40b. 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.
[0055] 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.
* * * * *