CA1299860C - Tape measure - Google Patents
Tape measureInfo
- Publication number
- CA1299860C CA1299860C CA000516766A CA516766A CA1299860C CA 1299860 C CA1299860 C CA 1299860C CA 000516766 A CA000516766 A CA 000516766A CA 516766 A CA516766 A CA 516766A CA 1299860 C CA1299860 C CA 1299860C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tape
- bracket
- attachment
- magnet
- tape measure
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Classifications
-
- 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
- G01B3/1071—Separate means for supporting or affixing measuring tapes
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
- G01B3/00—Measuring instruments characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
- G01B3/10—Measuring tapes
- G01B3/1084—Tapes combined with arrangements for functions other than measuring lengths
- G01B3/1092—Tapes combined with arrangements for functions other than measuring lengths for performing length measurements and at least one other measurement of a different nature, e.g. bubble-type level
-
- 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
- G01B3/1071—Separate means for supporting or affixing measuring tapes
- G01B2003/1076—Separate means for supporting or affixing measuring tapes associated with the end-hooks
-
- 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
- G01B3/1071—Separate means for supporting or affixing measuring tapes
- G01B2003/1079—Separate means for supporting or affixing measuring tapes associated with the tapes
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S33/00—Geometrical instruments
- Y10S33/01—Magnetic
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An attachment for a flexible tape measure. The tape measure includes a tape having calibrations marked on it. The attachment has a bracket slidably received with a frictional fit on the tape. The fit requires application of a slight force to move the bracket. A housing is formed in the bracket, and a magnet is received in the housing and positioned to align with an end of the tape, parallel with the calibration marks. The attachment allows multiple uses of the tape measure, for example, as a level and a square.
An attachment for a flexible tape measure. The tape measure includes a tape having calibrations marked on it. The attachment has a bracket slidably received with a frictional fit on the tape. The fit requires application of a slight force to move the bracket. A housing is formed in the bracket, and a magnet is received in the housing and positioned to align with an end of the tape, parallel with the calibration marks. The attachment allows multiple uses of the tape measure, for example, as a level and a square.
Description
1~9~860 This invention relates to an attachment for a flexible tape measure.
Flexible tape measures are well known and extremely useful. Probably the preferred commercial form comprises a tape that can be rolled upon a receiver located in a housing.
There may be a spring mechanism allowing retraction of the tape upon its release and, in better quality tape measures, a braking mechanism, typically in the form of a button that is pressed against the tape, to prevent the automatic return working. ~hese tapes typically include an end piece, adapted to engage behind an object to define a starting place for a measurement. Such an end piece is slidably positioned, typically by rivets, so that both the inner or outer face oE
the end piece, whichever is contacting the object, can be aligned with the zero point on the calibration mark on the tape.
However, to a very large extent, tape measures in the prior art are essentially only useful as measuring devices but it is always desirable to have a tool able to perfomr more than one task.
The prior art has suggested tape measures that are multi-functional. In particular the prior art describes tape measures provided in association with magnets but these measures have achieved very limited commercial success.
Examples of the prior art known to applicant include United States patents 4,353,167 to Martins; 3,611,576 to Quenot;
3,145,477 to Morrison; 3,100,937 to Burch; 3,063,791 to Siggelkow; and 992,170 to Crane.
However the present invention is unique in its simplicity and in its ability to impart a number of additional useful features to an already useful device.
Accordingly, the present invention is an attachment for a flexible tape measure, the tape measure including a tape having calibrations marked on it and an end piece located on an end of the tape, the attachment comprising a bracket slidably received with a frictional fit on the tape, the fit requiring application of a slight force to move the bracket; a housing formed in the bracket; a rectangular magnet received in the housing, positioned to align with an end of the tape, parallel with the calibration marks and extending beyond the sides of the tape.
The magnet should be able to exert sufficient force to support the weight of the tape measure.
Aspects of the invention are illustrated, merely by way of example, in the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a side elevation of a flexible tape measure, modified by the incorporation of an attachment according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is an end elevation of the tape measure of Figure l;
Figure 3 illustrates a detail of the operation of the device of Figures 1 and 2;
129986~
Figure 4 illustrates a further feature of the operation of the device;
Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a use of the tape measure of the invention; and Figure 7 shows the attachment process.
The drawings show an attachment for a flexible tape measure. The tape measure is conventional insofar as it includes a tape 2 having calibrations (not shown) marked on it and contained within a case 5. The tape 2 has a stop 4 found in it. A rivet is shown. The attachment comprises, as shown particularly in Figure 3, a bracket 6 carrying a magnet 8 and slidably received with a frictional fit on the tape 2. The fit of the bracket 6 on the tape 2 is such that the bracket 6 requires the application of a slight force to move it on the tape. Preferably the magnet is magnetized parallel to its length so that the face can attach to a magnetic object with maximum force.
The bracket 6 comprises a base member 10 to which is riveted, by a rivet 11, an upper member 12 defining a housing to receive magnet 8. The magnet 8 is positioned, as shown particularly in Figures 1 and 3, to align with an end of the tape 2, parallel with the calibration marks. Base number 10 is formed with a tab 14 able to contact stop 4 -see Figure 3.
The tape 2 desirably includes a conventional end piece 16, adapted to engage behind an object to define a starting place for a measurement for an outside measurement.
End piece 16, again as is conventional, is riveted to the 12~9860 tape by rivets 18. The arrangement of end piece 16 is conventional. It can move on rivets 18 by an amount equal to its thickness. This is conventional in the art and allows accurate measurement without having to allow for the thickness of end piece 16.
As shown most clearly in Figure 2 the tape 2 is bowed. The base member 10 has lugs 20 extending downwardly to grip the tape 2. As indicated above the grip of the lugs 20 should provide a relatively tight frictional fit so that, for example, mild hand force is required to move the bracket 6, and thus the magnet 8 on the tape 2. Lugs 20 are prefereably cut away at 21 as shown in Figure 7 to facilitate mounting bracket 6 on tape 2.
In its simplest use the attachment remains at the end of the tape, the position shown in Figure 3, and the magnet 8 is magnetically attached tc a flat ferro-magnetic surface to make an inside measurement. In this regard stop 4 and tab 14 are arranged so that when tab 14 abuts stop 4, as shown in Figure 3, the end face of magnet 8 aligns with the retracted outer face of end piece 16. End piece 16 retracts by moving on rivets 18. The end face of the magnet 8 performs the function of locating the end of the tape 2, to provide an accurate measurement. Alternatively, and as shown in Figure 4, the bracket 6 may be retracted and used to measure a distance from its leading surface to the end of the tape, for example the magnet may be abutted against a surface and an inward measurement, that is to the i2~
end of the tape 2, is then read by reading the calibration on the tape that aligns with the face of the magnet 8.
Outside measurements are carried out conventionally, using the inside face of catch 16 to contract the surface that defines the starting point for the measurement.
In a particularly preferred aspect the magnet may be attached to a magnetic surface 22 and suspended as shown in Figures 5 and 6. Extension of the tape 2 from the case 5 then allows the device to be used as a level.
If surface 22 is not level (see Figure 5) the tape
Flexible tape measures are well known and extremely useful. Probably the preferred commercial form comprises a tape that can be rolled upon a receiver located in a housing.
There may be a spring mechanism allowing retraction of the tape upon its release and, in better quality tape measures, a braking mechanism, typically in the form of a button that is pressed against the tape, to prevent the automatic return working. ~hese tapes typically include an end piece, adapted to engage behind an object to define a starting place for a measurement. Such an end piece is slidably positioned, typically by rivets, so that both the inner or outer face oE
the end piece, whichever is contacting the object, can be aligned with the zero point on the calibration mark on the tape.
However, to a very large extent, tape measures in the prior art are essentially only useful as measuring devices but it is always desirable to have a tool able to perfomr more than one task.
The prior art has suggested tape measures that are multi-functional. In particular the prior art describes tape measures provided in association with magnets but these measures have achieved very limited commercial success.
Examples of the prior art known to applicant include United States patents 4,353,167 to Martins; 3,611,576 to Quenot;
3,145,477 to Morrison; 3,100,937 to Burch; 3,063,791 to Siggelkow; and 992,170 to Crane.
However the present invention is unique in its simplicity and in its ability to impart a number of additional useful features to an already useful device.
Accordingly, the present invention is an attachment for a flexible tape measure, the tape measure including a tape having calibrations marked on it and an end piece located on an end of the tape, the attachment comprising a bracket slidably received with a frictional fit on the tape, the fit requiring application of a slight force to move the bracket; a housing formed in the bracket; a rectangular magnet received in the housing, positioned to align with an end of the tape, parallel with the calibration marks and extending beyond the sides of the tape.
The magnet should be able to exert sufficient force to support the weight of the tape measure.
Aspects of the invention are illustrated, merely by way of example, in the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a side elevation of a flexible tape measure, modified by the incorporation of an attachment according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is an end elevation of the tape measure of Figure l;
Figure 3 illustrates a detail of the operation of the device of Figures 1 and 2;
129986~
Figure 4 illustrates a further feature of the operation of the device;
Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a use of the tape measure of the invention; and Figure 7 shows the attachment process.
The drawings show an attachment for a flexible tape measure. The tape measure is conventional insofar as it includes a tape 2 having calibrations (not shown) marked on it and contained within a case 5. The tape 2 has a stop 4 found in it. A rivet is shown. The attachment comprises, as shown particularly in Figure 3, a bracket 6 carrying a magnet 8 and slidably received with a frictional fit on the tape 2. The fit of the bracket 6 on the tape 2 is such that the bracket 6 requires the application of a slight force to move it on the tape. Preferably the magnet is magnetized parallel to its length so that the face can attach to a magnetic object with maximum force.
The bracket 6 comprises a base member 10 to which is riveted, by a rivet 11, an upper member 12 defining a housing to receive magnet 8. The magnet 8 is positioned, as shown particularly in Figures 1 and 3, to align with an end of the tape 2, parallel with the calibration marks. Base number 10 is formed with a tab 14 able to contact stop 4 -see Figure 3.
The tape 2 desirably includes a conventional end piece 16, adapted to engage behind an object to define a starting place for a measurement for an outside measurement.
End piece 16, again as is conventional, is riveted to the 12~9860 tape by rivets 18. The arrangement of end piece 16 is conventional. It can move on rivets 18 by an amount equal to its thickness. This is conventional in the art and allows accurate measurement without having to allow for the thickness of end piece 16.
As shown most clearly in Figure 2 the tape 2 is bowed. The base member 10 has lugs 20 extending downwardly to grip the tape 2. As indicated above the grip of the lugs 20 should provide a relatively tight frictional fit so that, for example, mild hand force is required to move the bracket 6, and thus the magnet 8 on the tape 2. Lugs 20 are prefereably cut away at 21 as shown in Figure 7 to facilitate mounting bracket 6 on tape 2.
In its simplest use the attachment remains at the end of the tape, the position shown in Figure 3, and the magnet 8 is magnetically attached tc a flat ferro-magnetic surface to make an inside measurement. In this regard stop 4 and tab 14 are arranged so that when tab 14 abuts stop 4, as shown in Figure 3, the end face of magnet 8 aligns with the retracted outer face of end piece 16. End piece 16 retracts by moving on rivets 18. The end face of the magnet 8 performs the function of locating the end of the tape 2, to provide an accurate measurement. Alternatively, and as shown in Figure 4, the bracket 6 may be retracted and used to measure a distance from its leading surface to the end of the tape, for example the magnet may be abutted against a surface and an inward measurement, that is to the i2~
end of the tape 2, is then read by reading the calibration on the tape that aligns with the face of the magnet 8.
Outside measurements are carried out conventionally, using the inside face of catch 16 to contract the surface that defines the starting point for the measurement.
In a particularly preferred aspect the magnet may be attached to a magnetic surface 22 and suspended as shown in Figures 5 and 6. Extension of the tape 2 from the case 5 then allows the device to be used as a level.
If surface 22 is not level (see Figure 5) the tape
2 twists and the case 5 tilts to the lower end of the surface.
The position with level surface 22 is shown in figure 6. By ensuring that the magnet 8 is precisely perpendicular to the tape 2 the magnet may also be used as a square. If necessary the magnet for this use can be extended compared with the length shown in the drawings.
The magnet 8 is preferably a ceramic magnet, easily and cheaply available. It should, of course, be of sufficient strength to adhere to a metal surface with the tape measure suspended from it.
In addition to the above use the magnet can be used to pick up objects with the magnet, either simply by extending the tape, and thus deriving the benefit of the length to which the tape can be extended, or by extending the flexible tape around a corner.
The bracket 6 can be put on the tape during manu-facture or may be added later. The bracket 6 is positioned over the tape 2 and the lugs 20 pressed to the position 1~60 shown in Figure 2 until a quite tight frictional fit on the tape 2 is provided. Further the bracket 6 can be positioned by distorting tape 2 as shown in Figure 7 and fitting the formed brackets over the tape 2. The cutting away of the lug 20 at 21 helps.
If desired the magnet 8 and the upper member 12 can be marked with calibrations to assist in making precise measurement.
Although not shown the case 5 of the tape measure can be modified, if desired, to provide a housing for the magnet 8 when the tape measure is not in use. Such a modification will simply require an enlargement of opening 24 in the case 5.
Similarly the stop 4 and tab 14 need not be present.
The lugs 20 can simply abut the end piece 16 to define a starting point and to prevent the attachment sliding off the end of the tape. With this arrangement it may be necessary to adjust for the thickness of the end piece 16 when taking an inside measurement as pull on the tape may move the end piece outwardly longitudinally of the tape.
In place of rivet 11 the upper member 12 may be attached to base member 10 by welding or by the use of an adhesive. Similarly tab 14 may be separately formed (as shown in figure 7) and attached by adhesive or welding.
Thus the present invention provides a simple attachment that greatly extend the usefulness of a retract-able tape measure. The attachment does not interfere with normal use of the tape and can be removed from the tape if not needed.
12~9860 _UPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE_ _ _ In certain modifications of the attachment according to the present invention the upper member 12, defioing a housiDg, may be dispensed with. Furthermore the invention can be used with spiral spring tapes.
These modifications are shown in the accom-panyiog drawings in which:
Figure 8 is a partial isometric view of a modi-fication of the main invention;
Figure 9 is a side elevation of Figure 8;
Figure 10 illustrates a further modification of the invention; and Figure ll shows the use of the Figure 10 embodiment.
Figures 8 and 9 show a tape 102 having a stop 104. A bracket 106 is received on tape 102 with a fric-tional fit as described above. Bracket 106 has a magnet 108 directly to it, for example, by adhesive. Housing 12 of the previous embodiment is not present. Housing 12 facilitates accurate location of the magnet 8 but if care is taken in positioning the magnet on the bracket 106 housing 12 is not needed. Tab 114 projects from the underside of brscket 1~6 to ace as an abutment to abut '~ : ! r7 -- . .
12~860 6top 104. Lug~ 120 are shown.
Figures 10 and 11 illustrate an embodiment of the invention preci6ely the same as the embodiment of Figures 8 snd 9 except that the magnet is di6pensed with.
That is the embodiment consists of bracket 106 with tab 114 snd lugs 120.
The embodiment of Figure~ 10 and 11 finds par-ticular application in measures as described, for example, in Canadian patent 653,379 issued December 4, 1962 to Tigrett. The balanced tension springs described in that patent, when suitably calibrated, make ideal tape measure~ a6 they resile to a coiled position but can be extended and, provided the cross sectional curve is maintained, maintain the extended position. To roll the tape it is simply necessary to apply finger pressure to flatten the curved cross section and the tape then rolls automatically.
The di6advantage with these tapes is that they can roll automatically when it is not required that they do so, for example, when pressure is inadvertently applied. The embodiment of Figure~ 10 and 11 ensures that the curvature is maintained, by the lugs 120, so that the self-rolling action is inhibited by the cur-vature being maintained by the bracket. Thus the embodi-ment of Figures 10 and 11 prevents the tape measure coiling past the position of the bracket 106. Stop 104 _~
, . . .
~2~860 i8 present on the tape to prevent the bracket 106 sliding off the end of the tape.
Desirably the tape is calibrated on both sides - see Figure 9 - with the zeros of each scale at opposite ends of the tape.
The bracket 106 without the magnet can be used in conjunction with the bracket 106 including a magnet.
Indeed it is particularly desirable that it be 80 as the weight of the bracket, including the magnet, at one end of the tape can exert a force, when the tape is fully extended, tending to flatten the tape at one point and thus allowing the tape to roll when it is not desired thst it do so. By positioning the bracket at a position, easily determined by experiment, along the length of the tape this unwanted, automatic rewinding of the tape can be prevented.
~ '', q 12~9860 The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. An attachment for a flexible tape measure, the tape measure including a tape having calibration marked on it, the attachment comprising:
a bracket slidably received with a frictional fit force to move the bracket;
a housing formed in the bracket;
a magnet received in the housing and positioned to align with an end of the tape, parallel with the calibration marks and extending beyond the sides of the tape.
2. An attachment as claimed in claim 1 in which the tape measure includes a housing to receive the tape.
The position with level surface 22 is shown in figure 6. By ensuring that the magnet 8 is precisely perpendicular to the tape 2 the magnet may also be used as a square. If necessary the magnet for this use can be extended compared with the length shown in the drawings.
The magnet 8 is preferably a ceramic magnet, easily and cheaply available. It should, of course, be of sufficient strength to adhere to a metal surface with the tape measure suspended from it.
In addition to the above use the magnet can be used to pick up objects with the magnet, either simply by extending the tape, and thus deriving the benefit of the length to which the tape can be extended, or by extending the flexible tape around a corner.
The bracket 6 can be put on the tape during manu-facture or may be added later. The bracket 6 is positioned over the tape 2 and the lugs 20 pressed to the position 1~60 shown in Figure 2 until a quite tight frictional fit on the tape 2 is provided. Further the bracket 6 can be positioned by distorting tape 2 as shown in Figure 7 and fitting the formed brackets over the tape 2. The cutting away of the lug 20 at 21 helps.
If desired the magnet 8 and the upper member 12 can be marked with calibrations to assist in making precise measurement.
Although not shown the case 5 of the tape measure can be modified, if desired, to provide a housing for the magnet 8 when the tape measure is not in use. Such a modification will simply require an enlargement of opening 24 in the case 5.
Similarly the stop 4 and tab 14 need not be present.
The lugs 20 can simply abut the end piece 16 to define a starting point and to prevent the attachment sliding off the end of the tape. With this arrangement it may be necessary to adjust for the thickness of the end piece 16 when taking an inside measurement as pull on the tape may move the end piece outwardly longitudinally of the tape.
In place of rivet 11 the upper member 12 may be attached to base member 10 by welding or by the use of an adhesive. Similarly tab 14 may be separately formed (as shown in figure 7) and attached by adhesive or welding.
Thus the present invention provides a simple attachment that greatly extend the usefulness of a retract-able tape measure. The attachment does not interfere with normal use of the tape and can be removed from the tape if not needed.
12~9860 _UPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE_ _ _ In certain modifications of the attachment according to the present invention the upper member 12, defioing a housiDg, may be dispensed with. Furthermore the invention can be used with spiral spring tapes.
These modifications are shown in the accom-panyiog drawings in which:
Figure 8 is a partial isometric view of a modi-fication of the main invention;
Figure 9 is a side elevation of Figure 8;
Figure 10 illustrates a further modification of the invention; and Figure ll shows the use of the Figure 10 embodiment.
Figures 8 and 9 show a tape 102 having a stop 104. A bracket 106 is received on tape 102 with a fric-tional fit as described above. Bracket 106 has a magnet 108 directly to it, for example, by adhesive. Housing 12 of the previous embodiment is not present. Housing 12 facilitates accurate location of the magnet 8 but if care is taken in positioning the magnet on the bracket 106 housing 12 is not needed. Tab 114 projects from the underside of brscket 1~6 to ace as an abutment to abut '~ : ! r7 -- . .
12~860 6top 104. Lug~ 120 are shown.
Figures 10 and 11 illustrate an embodiment of the invention preci6ely the same as the embodiment of Figures 8 snd 9 except that the magnet is di6pensed with.
That is the embodiment consists of bracket 106 with tab 114 snd lugs 120.
The embodiment of Figure~ 10 and 11 finds par-ticular application in measures as described, for example, in Canadian patent 653,379 issued December 4, 1962 to Tigrett. The balanced tension springs described in that patent, when suitably calibrated, make ideal tape measure~ a6 they resile to a coiled position but can be extended and, provided the cross sectional curve is maintained, maintain the extended position. To roll the tape it is simply necessary to apply finger pressure to flatten the curved cross section and the tape then rolls automatically.
The di6advantage with these tapes is that they can roll automatically when it is not required that they do so, for example, when pressure is inadvertently applied. The embodiment of Figure~ 10 and 11 ensures that the curvature is maintained, by the lugs 120, so that the self-rolling action is inhibited by the cur-vature being maintained by the bracket. Thus the embodi-ment of Figures 10 and 11 prevents the tape measure coiling past the position of the bracket 106. Stop 104 _~
, . . .
~2~860 i8 present on the tape to prevent the bracket 106 sliding off the end of the tape.
Desirably the tape is calibrated on both sides - see Figure 9 - with the zeros of each scale at opposite ends of the tape.
The bracket 106 without the magnet can be used in conjunction with the bracket 106 including a magnet.
Indeed it is particularly desirable that it be 80 as the weight of the bracket, including the magnet, at one end of the tape can exert a force, when the tape is fully extended, tending to flatten the tape at one point and thus allowing the tape to roll when it is not desired thst it do so. By positioning the bracket at a position, easily determined by experiment, along the length of the tape this unwanted, automatic rewinding of the tape can be prevented.
~ '', q 12~9860 The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. An attachment for a flexible tape measure, the tape measure including a tape having calibration marked on it, the attachment comprising:
a bracket slidably received with a frictional fit force to move the bracket;
a housing formed in the bracket;
a magnet received in the housing and positioned to align with an end of the tape, parallel with the calibration marks and extending beyond the sides of the tape.
2. An attachment as claimed in claim 1 in which the tape measure includes a housing to receive the tape.
3. An attachment as claimed in claim 1 in which the tape includes an end piece, adapted to engage behind an object to define a starting place for measurement.
4. An attachment as claimed in claim 3 in which the bracket includes means to abut the end piece to ensure alignment of the magnet with the end of the tape.
5. An attachment as claimed in claim 1 in which the magnet is a ceramic magnet.
6. An attachment as claimed in claim 1 in which the bracket has lugs extending to grip the tape.
7. An attachment as claimed in claim 1 in which the tape has a stop;
an abutment or the bracket to abut the stop to control the start position for the attachment on the tape.
/~
an abutment or the bracket to abut the stop to control the start position for the attachment on the tape.
/~
Claims
CLAIMS SUPPORTED BY SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE
8. An attachment for a flexible tape measure, the tape measure including a calibrated tape and a stop adjacent one end of the tape, the attachment comprising:
a bracket slidably received with a frictional fit on the tape, the fit requiring application of a slight force to move the bracket;
an abutment on the bracket to contact the stop on the tape; and a magnet mounted on the bracket.
9, An attachment as claimed in claim 8 in which the tape has a curved cross-section but can flatten and in which the bracket is dimensioned to be able to hold the tape in the curved cross-section.
10. An attachment as claimed in claim 8 including lugs extending from the bracket to extend around the edges of the tape to locate the attachment on the tape.
11. An attachment as claimed in claim 8 in which the magnet is mounted by an adhesive.
8. An attachment for a flexible tape measure, the tape measure including a calibrated tape and a stop adjacent one end of the tape, the attachment comprising:
a bracket slidably received with a frictional fit on the tape, the fit requiring application of a slight force to move the bracket;
an abutment on the bracket to contact the stop on the tape; and a magnet mounted on the bracket.
9, An attachment as claimed in claim 8 in which the tape has a curved cross-section but can flatten and in which the bracket is dimensioned to be able to hold the tape in the curved cross-section.
10. An attachment as claimed in claim 8 including lugs extending from the bracket to extend around the edges of the tape to locate the attachment on the tape.
11. An attachment as claimed in claim 8 in which the magnet is mounted by an adhesive.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000516766A CA1299860C (en) | 1986-08-25 | 1986-08-25 | Tape measure |
| US07/151,607 US4827622A (en) | 1986-08-25 | 1988-02-02 | Tape measure |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000516766A CA1299860C (en) | 1986-08-25 | 1986-08-25 | Tape measure |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1299860C true CA1299860C (en) | 1992-05-05 |
Family
ID=4133799
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000516766A Expired - Lifetime CA1299860C (en) | 1986-08-25 | 1986-08-25 | Tape measure |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4827622A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1299860C (en) |
Families Citing this family (47)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5049218A (en) * | 1989-12-04 | 1991-09-17 | Geoffrey Martin | Magnetic support & transport system |
| US5481813A (en) * | 1994-05-16 | 1996-01-09 | Templeton; Harvey J. | Tape measure end retention apparatus |
| US6178655B1 (en) * | 1995-10-16 | 2001-01-30 | Michael D. Potter | Marking attachment for measuring system |
| US5809662A (en) * | 1996-09-09 | 1998-09-22 | Skinner; Ronald R. | Tape measure assembly |
| US5791581A (en) * | 1996-11-27 | 1998-08-11 | The Stanley Works | Tape rule blade hook shock absorbers |
| US5815940A (en) * | 1997-04-24 | 1998-10-06 | Valentine, Sr.; Cooper | Take-out meter for use in association with a conventional retractable measuring tape |
| DE29716231U1 (en) * | 1997-09-10 | 1999-01-14 | Strohmeyer Maschinenbau Gmbh | Measuring aid |
| US6442863B1 (en) * | 1997-12-09 | 2002-09-03 | T-Hook Associates | Tape measure endpiece |
| US6073359A (en) * | 1998-03-25 | 2000-06-13 | Lee; In Bok | Height measuring device |
| US6457252B1 (en) | 1998-05-22 | 2002-10-01 | Gary Patrick Kershner | Measuring tape with magnetic fastener and associated pouch |
| GB9908784D0 (en) * | 1999-04-16 | 1999-06-09 | Secretary Trade Ind Brit | Electronic tape measure |
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| US7024792B2 (en) * | 2003-05-08 | 2006-04-11 | Graham Braxton B | Measuring tape holding tool |
| DE102004040838B3 (en) * | 2004-08-23 | 2006-02-09 | Dieter Sinn | Dipstick with stop |
| WO2006052248A1 (en) * | 2004-11-09 | 2006-05-18 | Michael Jueneman | Magnetic tip for tape measure and method of use |
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| CN100480615C (en) * | 2006-12-29 | 2009-04-22 | 周晓刚 | Magnetic hook of band tape and manufacturing method and application thereof |
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| US7487600B1 (en) * | 2007-05-11 | 2009-02-10 | Cooper Jason D | Tape measure weight |
| US7475492B1 (en) * | 2007-08-01 | 2009-01-13 | Index Measuring Tape Co., Ltd. | Structure for end piece of a tape rule |
| US20090064525A1 (en) * | 2007-09-12 | 2009-03-12 | Michael Chen | Structure tape rule hook |
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| US7669347B1 (en) * | 2008-08-26 | 2010-03-02 | Index Measuring Tape Co., Ltd. | Structure of a measuring tape device |
| US7946053B2 (en) * | 2009-03-19 | 2011-05-24 | Index Measuring Tape Co., Ltd. | Structural improvement of an anti-slip hook piece of a measuring tape device |
| US7900370B1 (en) | 2009-10-01 | 2011-03-08 | Peter Joseph Treige | Tape measure attachment apparatus |
| US8375595B2 (en) | 2010-12-22 | 2013-02-19 | Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. | Tape rule with removable magnet assembly |
| US9032639B2 (en) | 2010-12-22 | 2015-05-19 | Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. | Blade and hook assembly for tape rule |
| US8601710B2 (en) * | 2012-05-11 | 2013-12-10 | Index Measuring Tape Co., Ltd. | Structural improvement of hook piece of a measuring tape device |
| US9592599B2 (en) * | 2012-06-06 | 2017-03-14 | Adam Pauze | Drywall tool and method of using the same |
| US9829299B1 (en) * | 2017-05-30 | 2017-11-28 | Bruce A. Bennett | Device and method for determining and comparing distances between balls in the game of bocce |
| US10788300B2 (en) | 2018-07-11 | 2020-09-29 | Nikolay Suvorov | Tape measure apparatus and method |
Family Cites Families (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2663941A (en) * | 1952-09-18 | 1953-12-29 | Dart Mfg Company | Measuring tape |
| US2704890A (en) * | 1953-08-31 | 1955-03-29 | Joseph R Welsch | Tool gauge |
| US3036791A (en) * | 1960-02-10 | 1962-05-29 | Hal P Kibbey | Tape or chalk line with magnetic holder |
| US3145477A (en) * | 1961-09-21 | 1964-08-25 | John C Morrison | Tape end holding means |
| DE1553997A1 (en) * | 1965-07-05 | 1970-04-09 | Dynamit Nobel Ag | Launching rack for missiles |
| US3744134A (en) * | 1972-07-20 | 1973-07-10 | J Zima | Metal tape abutment slide |
| US4294016A (en) * | 1976-10-08 | 1981-10-13 | Wilkerson Edward D | Automobile height gauge |
| US4353167A (en) * | 1981-03-30 | 1982-10-12 | Martin Bruce S | Apparatus for holding and positioning a measuring tape |
-
1986
- 1986-08-25 CA CA000516766A patent/CA1299860C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1988
- 1988-02-02 US US07/151,607 patent/US4827622A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US4827622A (en) | 1989-05-09 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| MKLA | Lapsed |