U.S. patent number RE36,887 [Application Number 09/268,145] was granted by the patent office on 2000-10-03 for tape measure with finger grip and finger guard guide.
Invention is credited to Jay R Goldman.
United States Patent |
RE36,887 |
Goldman |
October 3, 2000 |
Tape measure with finger grip and finger guard guide
Abstract
A tape measure including a casing defining an enclosure with a
front wall having a blade aperture adjacent a bottom wall. A rule
blade is normally retractably stored in a coiled condition within
the enclosure having an inner end thereof secured within the
enclosure and an outer end protruding through the blade apreture.
Graduated indicia markings are positioned along the length of the
rule blade functioning as a measuring scale. A lock and automatic
rewind switch are carried on the front wall keeping a portion of
the rule blade in an extended locked until the switch is manually
operated retracting the rule blade into the enclosure. An end hook
is attached to the outer end of the rule blade and is adapted to be
normally laid over an edge of a flat item to be measured. A device
is positioned on the end hook for stabilizing a marking/cutting
tool allowing the marking/cutting tool to be grasped for making a
mark, score/cut line across the flat item. A device Is positioned
on the casing for protecting an index finger of a person holding
onto the casing being moved along an edge of the flat item when the
marking/cutting tool is making the mark, score/cut line across the
flat item. The stabilizing device includes a slightly concave tab
member fabricated out of a substantially strong, durable and
flexible material and a device for connecting the tab member to the
end hook.
Inventors: |
Goldman; Jay R (Woodbury,
NY) |
Family
ID: |
25232004 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/268,145 |
Filed: |
March 12, 1999 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
820899 |
Mar 19, 1997 |
05842284 |
Dec 1, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
33/760; 33/42;
33/759; 33/770 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01B
3/1041 (20130101); G01B 3/1056 (20130101); B43K
29/08 (20130101); G01B 3/1071 (20130101); G01B
2003/1076 (20130101); G01B 3/1089 (20200101); G01B
3/1048 (20200101); G01B 2003/1074 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B43K
29/00 (20060101); B43K 29/08 (20060101); G01B
3/10 (20060101); G01B 3/02 (20060101); G01B
003/10 (); B43L 013/02 () |
Field of
Search: |
;33/760,42,755,757,758,759,761,764,768,770,668,41.1,41.6 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Fulton; Christopher W.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Kroll; Michael I.
Claims
What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters
Patent is set forth in the appended claims:
1. A tape measure comprising:
a) a casing having two side walls, a top wall, a bottom wall, a
rear wall and a front wall defining an enclosure, said front wall
having a blade aperture adjacent said bottom wall;
b) a rule blade normally retractably stored in a coiled condition
within said enclosure of said casing, with an inner end of said
rule blade secured within said enclosure, while an outer end of
said rule blade protrudes through said blade apreture;
c) graduated indicia markings along the length of said rule blade,
so as to function as a measuring scale;
d) a lock and automatic rewind switch carried on said front wall of
said casing to keep a portion of said rule blade in an extended
locked position through said blade aperture in said casing, until
said switch is manually operated to retract said rule blade back
into said enclosure of said casing;
e) an end hook attached to said outer end of said rule blade,
whereby said end hook is adapted to be normally laid over an edge
of a flat item to be measured;
f) means on said end hook, for stabilizing a marking/cutting tool,
so that the marking/cutting tool can be grasped by fingers of a
first hand of a person to make a mark, score/cut line across the
flat item; and
g) means on said casing for protecting an index finger of a second
hand of the person holding onto said casing being moved along an
edge of the flat item when the marking/cutting tool is making the
mark, score/cut line across the flat item, wherein said stabilizing
means includes a tab member being slightly concave and fabricated
out of a substantially strong, durable and flexible material; and
means for connecting said tab member to said end hook.
2. A tape measure as recited in claim 1, wherein said rule blade is
elongated, slightly concave and fabricated out of a substantially
strong, durable and flexible material.
3. A tape measure as recited in claim 2, wherein said connecting
means is a hinge between said end hook and said tab member, so that
said tab member can fold down onto said rule blade when not being
used and said tab member can fold up into a vertical position when
being used.
4. A tape measure as recited in claim 3, further including
graduated indicia markings along the length of said tab member to
function as a measuring scale, so that when said tab member folds
down onto said rule blade said graduated indicia markings on said
tab member will match up with said graduated indicia markings on
said rule blade.
5. A tape measure as recited in claim 4, wherein said protecting
means
includes:
a) a finger guard guide; and
b) means for attaching in a pivotable manner said finger guard
guide to said side walls, at a juncture of said front wall with
said bottom wall of said casing.
6. A tape measure as recited in claim 5, wherein said finger guard
guide is a plate being slightly wider than said casing and having
curved side portions that extend back along said side walls of said
casing, so as to produce a smooth gliding motion when being moved
along the edge of the flat item, while keeping the index finger of
the second hand away from the edge of the flat item.
7. A tape measure as recited in claim 6, wherein said finger guard
guide is fabricated out of a substantially strong, durable and
stiff material.
8. A tape measure as recited in claim 7, wherein said attaching
means includes:
a) a pair of rotatable members, each said rotatable member being
integral with and extending up from one said curved side portion of
said plate; and
b) a pair of studs, each said stud extending through one said
rotatable member and into one said side wall of said casing, so
that said finger guard guide can fold up against said bottom wall
of said casing when not being used and said finger guard guide can
fold down into a vertical position when being used.
9. A tape measure as recited in claim 1, wherein said connecting
means is a hinge between said end hook and said tab member, so that
said tab member can fold down onto said rule blade when not being
used and said tab member can fold up into a vertical position when
being used.
10. A tape measure as recited in claim 9, further including
graduated indicia markings along the length of said tab member to
function as a measuring scale, so that when said tab member folds
down onto said rule blade said graduated indicia markings on said
tab member will match up with said graduated indicia markings on
said rule blade.
11. A tape measure as recited in claim 1, wherein said protecting
means includes:
a) a finger guard guide; and
b) means for attaching in a pivotable manner said finger guard
guide to said side walls, at a juncture of said front wall with
said bottom wall of said casing.
12. A tape measure as recited in claim 11, wherein said finger
guard guide is a plate being slightly wider than said casing and
having two curved side portions that extend back along said side
walls of said casing, so as to produce a smooth gliding motion when
being moved along the edge of the flat item, while keeping the
index finger of the second hand away from the edge of the flat
item.
13. A tape measure as recited in claim 1, wherein said finger guard
guide is fabricated out of a substantially strong, durable and
stiff material.
14. A tape measure as recited in claim 11, wherein said attaching
means includes:
a) a pair of rotatable members, each said rotatable member being
integral with and extending up from one said curved side portion of
said plate; and
b) a pair of studs, each said stud extending through one said
rotatable member and into one said side wall of said casing, so
that said finger guard guide can fold up against said bottom wall
of said casing when not being used and said finger guard guide can
fold down into a vertical position when being used. .Iadd.
15. A tape measure comprising:
a) a casing having two side walls, a top wall, a bottom wall, a
rear wall and a front wall defining an enclosure, said front wall
having a blade aperture adjacent said bottom wall;
b) a rule blade normally retractably stored in a coiled condition
within said enclosure of said casing, with an inner end of said
rule blade secured within said enclosure, while an outer end of
said rule blade protrudes through said blade aperture;
c) graduated indicia markings along the length of said rule blade,
so as to function as a measuring scale;
d) a lock and automatic rewind switch carried on said front wall of
said casing to keep a portion of said rule blade in an extended
locked position through said blade aperture in said casing until
said switch is manually operated to retract said rule blade back
into said enclosure of said casing; and
e) adjustable means on said casino pivoted adjacent the front wall
of said casing and adapted to be flipped between a first position
wherein said means lies parallel and immediately adjacent to and
with an inner surface against said bottom wall of said casing such
that said casino can lay flat upon a flat object being measured,
and a second position wherein said means lies perpendicular to said
bottom wall of said casing such that said means can be placed with
an outer surface flat against an edge of a flat object being
measured, said means being adapted to slide laterally alongside
said edge..Iaddend..Iadd.
16. A tape measure as defined in claim 15, wherein said adjustable
means includes
a) a finger guard guide; and
b) means for attaching said finger guard guide in a pivotable
manner to said side walls, at the juncture of said front wall with
said bottom wall of said casing..Iaddend..Iadd.17. A tape measure
as defined in claim 16, wherein said finger guard guide is a plate
which is slightly wider than said casing and has two curved side
portions that extend back along said side walls of said casing, so
as to allow a smooth gliding motion when moved along an edge of a
flat item, while protecting fingers of a user of said tape measure
from direct contact with the edge of the flat
item..Iaddend..Iadd.18. A tape measure as defined in claim 17,
wherein said finger guard guide is fabricated out of a
substantially strong,
durable and stiff material..Iaddend..Iadd.19. A tape measure as
defined in claim 18, wherein said attaching means includes:
a) a pair of rotatable members, each said rotatable member being
integral with and extending up from one said curved side portion of
said plate; and
b) a pair of studs, each said stud extending through one said
rotatable member and into one said side wall of said casing, so
that said finger guard guide can fold up into said first position
against said bottom wall of said casing when not being used and
said finger guard guide can fold down into said second, vertical
position when being used..Iaddend..Iadd.20. A tape measure as
defined in claim 19, wherein said rule blade is elongated and
slightly concave, and is fabricated out of a substantially strong,
durable and flexible material..Iaddend..Iadd.21. A tape measure as
defined in claim 20, further comprising an end hook attached to
said outer end of said rule blade, whereby said end hook is adapted
to be normally laid over an edge of a flat item to be
measured..Iaddend..Iadd.22. A tape measure as defined in claim 21,
further comprising means on said end hook for stabilizing a tool,
so that the tool can be used against the flat
item..Iaddend..Iadd. A tape measure as defined in claim 22, wherein
said stabilizing means includes:
a) a tab member, and
b) means for connecting said tab member to said end
hook..Iaddend..Iadd.24. A tape measure as defined in claim 23,
wherein said tab member is slightly concave and fabricated out of a
substantially strong, durable and flexible
material..Iaddend..Iadd.25. A tape measure as defined in claim 24,
wherein said connecting means is a hinge between said end hook and
said tab member, so that said tab member can fold down onto said
rule blade when not being used and said tab member can fold up into
a vertical position when being used..Iaddend..Iadd.26. A tape
measure as defined in claim 25, further including graduated indicia
markings along the length of said tab member to function as a
measuring scale, so that when said tab member folds down onto said
rule blade said graduated indicia marking on said tab member will
match up with said graduated indicia markings on said rule
blade..Iaddend..Iadd.27. A tape measure comprising:
a) a casing having two side walls, a top wall, a bottom wall, a
rear wall and a front wall defining an enclosure, said front wall
having a blade aperture adjacent said bottom wall;
b) a rule blade normally retractably stored in a coiled condition
within said enclosure of said casing, with an inner end of said
rule blade secured within said enclosure, while an outer end of
said rule blade protrudes through said blade aperture;
c) graduated indicia markings along the length of said rule blade,
so as to function as a measuring scale;
d) a lock and automatic rewind switch carried on said front wall of
said casing to keep a portion of said rule blade in an extended
locked position through said blade aperture in said casing, until
said switch is manually operated to retract said rule blade back
into said enclosure of said casing;
e) an end hook attached to said outer end of said rule blade,
whereby said end hook is adapted to be normally laid over an edge
of a flat item to be measured; and
f) means adjustably mounted on said end hook for stabilizing a
tool, so
that the tool can be used against the flat item..Iaddend..Iadd.28.
A tape measure as defined in claim 27, wherein said stabilizing
means includes:
a) a tab member; and
b) means for connecting said tab member to said end
hook..Iaddend..Iadd.29. A tape measure as defined in claim 28,
wherein said tab member is slightly concave and fabricated out of a
substantially strong, durable and flexible
material..Iaddend..Iadd.30. A tape measure as defined in claim 29,
wherein said connecting means is a hinge between said end hook and
said tab member, so that said tab member can fold down onto said
rule blade when not being used and said tab member can fold up into
a vertical position when being used..Iaddend..Iadd.31. A tape
measure as defined in claim 30, further including graduated indicia
markings along the length of said tab member to function as a
measuring scale, so that when said tab member folds down onto said
rule blade said graduated indicia marking on said tab member will
match up with said graduated indicia markings on said rule
blade..Iaddend..Iadd.32. A tape measure as defined in claim 30,
further comprising adjustable means on said casing adapted to be
flipped between a first position wherein said means lies parallel
and immediately adjacent to said bottom wall of said casing such
that said casing can lay flat upon a flat object being measured,
and a second position wherein said means lies perpendicular to said
bottom wall of said casing such that said means can be placed flat
against an edge of a flat object being measured, said means being
adapted to slide laterally alongside said edge..Iaddend..Iadd.33. A
tape measure as defined in claim 32, wherein said adjustable means
includes
a) a finger guard guide; and
b) means for attaching said finger guard guide in a pivotable
manner to said side walls, at the juncture of said front wall with
said bottom wall of said casing..Iaddend..Iadd.34. A tape measure
as defined in claim 33, wherein said finger guard guide is a plate
which is slightly wider than said casing and has two curved side
portions that extend back along said side walls of said casing, so
as to allow a smooth gliding motion when moved along an edge of a
flat item, while protecting fingers of a user of said tape measure
from direct contact with the edge of the flat
item..Iaddend..Iadd.35. A tape measure as defined in claim 34,
wherein said finger guard guide is fabricated out of a
substantially strong, durable and stiff material..Iaddend..Iadd.36.
A tape measure as defined in claim 35, wherein said attaching means
includes:
a) a pair of rotatable members, each said rotatable member being
integral with and extending up from one said curved side portion of
said plate; and
b) a pair of studs, each said stud extending through one said
rotatable member and into one said side wall of said casing, so
that said finger guard guide can fold up into said first position
against said bottom wall of said casing when not being used and
said finger guard guide can fold down into said second, vertical
position when being used..Iaddend..Iadd.37. A tape measure as
defined in claim 36, wherein said rule blade is elongated and
slightly concave, and is fabricated out of a substantially strong,
durable and flexible
material..Iaddend..Iadd. A tape measure comprising:
a) a casing having a bottom wall and a front wall connected at a
first end to said bottom wall, said front wall having an aperture
extending therethrough and positioned adjacent said connection to
said bottom wall;
b) a rule blade retractably stored within said casing, said rule
blade including:
i) a first end extending through said aperture; and
ii) graduated indicia markings along a length thereof;
c) an end hook connected to and extending perpendicularly from said
first end of said rule blade for releasably engaging an edge of an
object to be measured; and
d) means for stabilizing a marking/cutting tool pivotally connected
to said end hook, wherein said stabilizing means is movable between
a first position extending perpendicular to said end hook and along
said rule blade and a second position extending parallel to said
end hook on an opposing side of said rule blade, said stabilizing
means being receivable
within said casing when in said first position..Iaddend..Iadd.39.
The tape measure as claimed in claim 38, further comprising means
pivotally connected to said housing adjacent said connection
between said front wall and said bottom wall for protecting an
index finger of a user's hand when said tape measure is moved along
an edge of an object..Iaddend..Iadd.40. The tape measure as claimed
in claim 39, wherein said protecting means is movable between a
first position extending parallel to and mating with said bottom
wall and a second position extending below said aperture and
perpendicular to said bottom wall..Iaddend..Iadd.41. The tape
measure as claimed in claim 38, wherein said stabilizing means
includes a slightly concave tab member..Iaddend..Iadd.42. The tape
measure as claimed in claim 41, wherein said tab member is
fabricated out of a substantially strong, durable and flexible
material..Iaddend..Iadd.43. The tape measure as claimed in claim
38, further comprising a lock and automatic rewind switch
positioned on said front wall of said casing for locking said rule
blade in position at least partially extending through said
aperture..Iaddend..Iadd.44. The tape measure as claimed in claim
41, wherein said tab member includes indicia printed thereon so as
to align with said indicia on said rule blade when said stabilizing
means is in said first position..Iaddend..Iadd.45. The tape measure
as claimed in claim 38, further comprising a hinge for pivotally
connecting said
stabilizing means to said end hook..Iaddend..Iadd.46. A tape
measure comprising:
a) a casing having a bottom wall and a front wall connected at a
first end to said bottom wall, said front wall having an aperture
extending therethrough adjacent said connection to said bottom
wall;
b) a rule blade retractably stored within said casing, said rule
blade including:
i) a first end extending through said aperture; and
ii) graduated indicia markings along a length of said rule blade;
and
c) means pivotally connected to said bottom wall for protecting an
index finger of a user's hand when said tape measure is moved along
an edge of an object, said protecting means being movable between a
first position
extending parallel to and having an inner surface mating with said
bottom wall and a second position extending below said aperture and
perpendicular to said bottom wall and having an outer surface to
engage said edge of the
object..Iaddend..Iadd.47. The tape measure as claimed in claim 46,
further comprising
a) an end hook connected to and extending perpendicularly from said
first end of said rule blade for releasably engaging an edge of an
object to be measured; and
b) means for stabilizing a marking/cutting tool pivotally connected
to said first end of said rule blade, wherein said stabilizing
means is movable between a first position extending along said rule
blade and receivable within said casing and a second position
extending perpendicular to said end hook..Iaddend..Iadd.48. The
tape measure as claimed in claim 47, wherein said stabilizing means
includes a slightly concave tab
member..Iaddend..Iadd.49. The tape measure as claimed in claim 48,
wherein said tab member is fabricated out of a substantially
strong, durable and flexible material..Iaddend..Iadd.50. The tape
measure as claimed in claim 46, further comprising a lock and
automatic rewind switch positioned on said front wall of said
casing for locking said rule blade in position at least partially
extending through said aperture..Iaddend..Iadd.51. The tape measure
as claimed in claim 47, further comprising a hinge for pivotally
connecting said stabilizing means to said end hook..Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The instant invention relates generally to measuring instruments
and more specifically it relates to a tape measure with finger grip
and finger guard guide.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Numerous measuring instruments have been provided in prior art. For
example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,186,853 to Smith; 4,574.486 to Drechsler;
5367,785 to Benarroch and 5,390,426 to Hull all are illustrative of
such prior art. While these units may be suitable for the
particular purpose to which they address, they would not be as
suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore
described.
Smith, Edward F.
Rule
U.S. Pat. No. 1,186,853
In a measuring instrument a rigid terminal portion is cut away
along one edge adjacent to its end. A plate is pivotally attached
to the portion and has a finger adapted in one pivotal position of
the plate, to lie adjacent to the cut away edge in substantial
alignment with the edge. The plate has a stop adapted to contact
the end of the portion to align the finger with the end of the
portion when the plate is swung through ninety degrees.
Dreschler, Mark A.
Top Reading Rule Using Blades with Directional Arrows
U.S. Pat. No. 4,574,486
A top reading rule has a coilable blade with measuring indicia on
both surfaces thereof. On its surface visible through the top
reading window, the measuring indicia are offset from the outer end
thereof and includes a longitudinally extending central band of a
color distinct from the background and directional pointers spaced
along the length of the band of a color distinct from that of the
band. The pointers indicate the direction of increasing numbers so
that a user may readily determine the length represented by
graduations intermediate the numbers.
Benarroch, Isaac
Locking and Measuring Device
U.S. Pat. No. 5,367,785
A locking and measuring device which includes a housing having a
top wall, a bottom wall, a first spaced end wall and a second
spaced end wall. A first opening is in the first spaced end wall
and a second opening is in the top wall An extendable length of
substantially strong and durable, yet bendable material has a
terminal end. The length of material is normally, retractably
stored in the housing with the terminal end at all times exteriorly
accessible of the first opening. The terminal end of the length of
material includes a locking end zone to be inserted into the second
opening wherein it is matingly received and releasably captivated
until released. Along the length of material graduated indicia are
provided defining a measuring scale.
Hull, Anthony K.
Tape Measure Clip
U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,426
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a clip
for use with a tape measure comprising a generally U-shaped channel
sized to permit a standard tape measure to be retained in the
channel. The channel is provided with a horizontal slot cut in the
lower edge of opposite sides of the channel adjacent one end. The
slots are sized to permit the ruler of a square or other straight
edge to be inserted and held in place between the bottom of the
tape measure and the floor of the channel. This configuration
permits the square and tape to move as one, so that the tape may be
read as it passes over the outside edge of the edge of the blade of
the square. A mark may be scribed at any point across the top of
the material without hindrance and the user will have one hand free
to scribe the mark
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A primary object of the present invention is to provide a tape
measure with finger grip and finger guard guide that will overcome
the shortcomings of the prior art devices.
Another object is to provide a tape measure with finger grip and
finger guard guide, in which the finger grip being a tab member
with indicia markings is hinged to an end hook on the rule blade,
so that the tab member can be placed in a vertical position and
gripped by fingers of a first hand of a person to stabilize a
marking/cutting tool, such as a pencil or knife on a flat item to
make a mark, score or cut line thereon.
An additional object is to provide a tape measure with finger grip
and finger guard guide, in which the finger guard guide being
pivotally attached to a forward bottom edge of a casing of the tape
measure and pivoted to a vertical position will protect a finger of
a second hand of the person grasping the casing when the finger
guard guide is moved along an edge of the flat item, when the
marking/cutting tool is making the mark, score or cut line
thereon.
A further object is to provide a tape measure with finger grip and
finger guard guide that is simple and easy to use.
A still further object is to provide a tape measure with finger
grip and finger guard guide that is economical in cost to
manufacture.
Further objects of the invention will appear as the description
proceeds.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this
invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however,
that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be
made in the specific construction illustrated and described within
the scope of the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the
present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same
becomes better understood when considered in, conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate
the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and
wherein;
FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a flat item with the instant
invention in position to allow a marking/cutting tool, being a
pencil, to make a mark or score line upon the flat item.
FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a portion of the rule blade,
showing the tab member with graduated indicia markings ready to be
connected to the end hook by a hinge.
FIG. 3 is a side perspective view taken in the direction of arrow 3
in FIG. 1, showing the hands of a person engaging the instant
invention, so that the marking cutting tool, being a knife, will
make a score or cut line upon the flat item.
FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view taken in the direction of arrow
4 in FIG. 1 of the instant invention per se.
Similar reference characters denote corresponding features
consistently throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar
reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several
views. FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate a tape measure 10 comprising a
casing 12 having two side walls 14, a top wall 16, a bottom wall
18, a rear wall 20 and a front wall 22 defining an enclosure 24.
The front wall 22 has a blade aperture 26 adjacent the bottom wall
18. A rule blade 28 is normally retractably stored in a coiled
condition within the enclosure 24 of the casing 12. An inner end of
the rule blade 28 is secured within the enclosure 24, while an
outer end of the rule blade 28 protrudes through the blade aperture
26. (Graduated indicia markings 30 are along the length of the rule
blade 28, so as to function as a measuring scale.
A lock and automatic rewind switch 32 can be carried on the front
wall 22 of the casing 12, to keep a portion of the rule blade 28 in
an extended locked position through the blade aperture 26 in the
casing 12. The switch 32 is manually operated to retract the rule
blade 28 back into the enclosure 24 of the casing 12. An end hook
34 is attached to the outer end of the rule blade 28. The end hook
34 is adapted to be normally laid over an edge of a flat item 36,
such as a piece of plasterboard, to be measured.
An assembly 38 on the end hook 34, is for stabilizing a
marking/cutting tool 40, such as a pencil in FIG. 1, or a knife in
FIG. 3. The marking/cutting tool 40 can be grasped by fingers 42 of
a first hand 44 of a person, to make a mark, a score or cut line 46
across the flat item 36. A facility 48 on the casing 12, is for
protecting an index finger 50 of a second hand 52 of the person
holding onto the casing 12 being moved along an edge 54 of the flat
item 36, when the marking/cutting tool 40 is making the mark score
or cut line 46 across the flat item 36.
The rule blade 28 is elongated, slightly concave and fabricated out
of a substantially strong, durable and flexible material 56. The
stabilizing assembly 38 includes a tab member 58 and a component
60, for connecting the tab member 58 to the end hook 34. The tab
member 58 is slightly concave and fabricated out of the
substantially strong, durable and flexible material 56. The
component 60 can also connect the tab member 58 directly to the
outer end of the rule blade 28 without the end hook 34.
The connecting component 60 is a hinge 62 between the end hook 34
and the tab member 58. The tab member 58 can fold down onto the
rule blade 28 when not being used. The tab member 58 can fold up
into a vertical position when being used. Graduated indicia
markings 64 are along the length of the tab member 58 to function
as a measuring scale. When the tab member 58 folds down onto the
rule blade 28, the graduated indicia markings 64 on the tab member
58 will match up with the graduated indicia markings 30 on the rule
blade 28.
The protecting facility 48 consists of a finger guard guide 66. An
assemblage 67 is for attaching in a pivotable manner the finger
guard guide 66 to the side walls 14, at a juncture of the front
wall 22 with the bottom wall 18 of the casing 12. The finger guard
guide 66 is a plate 68 being slightly wider than the casing 12 and
having two curved side portions 70 that extend back along the side
walls 14 of the casing 12. The finger guard guide 66 produces a
smooth gliding motion when being moved along the edge 54 of the
flat item 36, while keeping the index finger 50 of the second hand
52 away from the edge 54 of the flat item 36. This makes it steady
and eliminates abrasion of the index finger 50, so that the index
finger 50 is not touching the edge 54.
The finger guard guide 66 is fabricated out of a substantially
strong, durable and stiff material 72. The attaching assemblage 67
comprises a pair of rotatable members 74. Each rotatable member 74
is integral with and extends up from one curved side portion 70 of
the plate 68. A pair of studs 76 are also provided. Each stud 76
extends through one rotatable member 74 and into one side wall 14
of the casing 12. The finger guard guide 66 can fold up against tie
bottom wall 18 of the casing 12 when not being used. The finger
guard guide 66 can fold down into a vertical position when being
used. Other types of attaching assemblages 67 can be utilized, such
as screws, rivets, springs or tongues and grooves, not shown in the
drawings.
OPERATION OF THE INVENTION
To use the tape measure 10, the following steps should be
taken:
1. Flip down the finger guard guide 66.
2. Grasp the casing 12 with the fingers 50 of the second hand
52.
3. Butt the finger guard guide 66 against the edge 54 of the flat
item 36.
4. Manually release the lock and automatic rewind switch 32, to
unlock the rule blade 28, if the tape measure 10 is provided with
the lock and automatic rewind switch 32.
5. Extend the rule blade 28 to the desired length needed and reset
switch 32.
6. Flip up the tab member 58.
7. Place the marking/cutting tool 40 against the end hook 34 and
tab member 58.
8. Hold the marking/cutting tool 40 and the tab member 58 with the
fingers 42 of the first hand 44.
9. Move the finger guard guide 66 along the edge 54 of the flat
item 36, so that the marking/cutting tool 40 will make the mark,
score or cut line 46 across the flat item 36.
______________________________________ LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS
______________________________________ 10 tape measure 12 casing of
10 14 side wall of 12 16 top wall of 12 18 bottom wall of 12 20
rear wall of 12 22 front wall of 12 24 enclosure in 12 26 blade
aperture in 22 28 rule blade of 10 30 graduated indicia markings on
28 32 lock and automatic rewind switch of 10 34 end hook of 10 on
28 36 flat item 38 stabilizing assembly of 10 on 34 40
marking/cutting tool (pencil or knife) 42 finger of 44 44 first
hand 46 mark, score or cut line on 36 48 protecting facility of 10
50 index finger of 52 52 second hand 54 edge of 36 56 strong,
durable and flexible material for 28 and 58 58 tab member of 38 60
connecting component of 38 62 hinge for 60 64 graduated indicia
markings on 58 66 finger guard guide of 48 67 attaching assemblage
of 48 68 plate for 66 70 curved side portion of 68 72 strong,
durable and stiff material for 66 74 rotatable member of 67 76 stud
of 67 ______________________________________
It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or
two or more together may also find a useful application in other
types of methods differing from the type described above.
While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and
described are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended
to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood
that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in
the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its
operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing
in any way from the spirit of the present invention.
Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the
gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current
knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without
omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly
constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific
aspects of this invention.
* * * * *