# US 10,767,971 B2 · Measuring tape with weatherproof seal > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,767,971 B2 - Document ID: US10767971B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 16/385,747 - Filed: 2019-04-16 - Published: 2019-08-08 - Granted: 2020-09-08 - Earliest claimed: 2014-07-05 - Assignees: Mucktape, LLC - Applicants: Mucktape LLC - Inventors: Joseph P. Zelenack, Jr. - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10767971B2 ## CPC - G01B 3/1041: characterised by casings - G01B 3/1084: Tapes combined with arrangements for functions other than measuring lengths - G01B 2003/1053: {Tape exit slots, e.g. shape or exit direction} - G01B 2003/1058: {Manufacturing or assembling methods} - G01B: MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS ## Abstract The present invention relates measuring tapes and methods for making thereof. In particular, the measuring tape of the present invention contains a wipe mechanism for cleaning the tape as it retracts into its housing. The wipe mechanism contains a top wipe and a bottom wipe for removing debris from the top and bottom surfaces of the tape, respectively, when it is retracted after use. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A measuring tape, comprising: a. a housing assembly; b. a tape disposed in the housing assembly, the housing assembly containing a tape port for the retraction and extension of the tape to and from an internal cavity of the housing assembly; and c. a wipe assembly attached to the housing assembly configured to clean the tape when it retracts into the housing assembly, the wipe assembly comprising i. an upper wipe blade positioned above the tape port engaging a top surface of the tape, and ii. a lower wipe blade positioned below the tape port and engaging a bottom surface the tape, the upper wipe blade and the lower wipe blade defining a concavo-convex slit through which the tape passes. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The measuring tape of claim 1, wherein the upper and lower wipe blades are made of a flexible, resilient material. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The measuring tape of claim 2, wherein the flexible, resilient material is a polyurethane. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The measuring tape of claim 3, wherein the upper wipe blade forms an angle with the top surface of the tape of 0° to about 45°. ### Claim 5 (depends on 3) The measuring tape of claim 3, wherein the lower wipe blade forms an angle with the bottom surface of the tape of 0° to about 45°. ### Claim 6 (depends on 3) The measuring tape of claim 3, wherein a first end of the tape comprises a hook assembly containing a hook body extending from the tape, and an attachment portion for attaching to the first end of the tape. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The measuring tape of claim 6, wherein the attachment portion floats in the direction of the tape an amount equivalent to the thickness of the hook body. ### Claim 8 (depends on 3) The measuring tape of claim 3, wherein the tape coils on a spool that is driven by a coiled spring which provides sufficient force to overcome the friction between the wipe assembly and the tape and to retract the tape. ### Claim 9 (depends on 3) The measuring tape of claim 3, wherein the housing assembly provides a set back wall where the tape port is located under a ledge. ### Claim 10 (depends on 3) The measuring tape of claim 3, wherein the tape is coiled in the internal cavity. ### Claim 11 A method for making a measuring tape, comprising the steps of: a. providing a tape; b. enclosing the tape inside a housing assembly with one end of the tape extending outside of the housing assembly through a tape port; c. attaching a wipe assembly to the housing assembly at the tape port, the wipe assembly comprises i. an upper wipe blade positioned above the tape port engaging a top surface of the tape, and ii. a lower wipe blade positioned below the tape port and engaging a bottom surface the tape, the upper wipe blade and the lower wipe blade defining a concavo-convex slit through which the tape passes. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The method of claim 11, wherein the upper and lower wipe blades are made of a flexible, resilient material. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The method of claim 12, wherein the flexible, resilient material is a polyurethane. ### Claim 14 (depends on 11) The method of claim 11, wherein the upper wipe blade forms an angle with the top surface of the tape of 0° to about 45°. ### Claim 15 (depends on 11) The method of claim 11, wherein the lower wipe blade forms an angle with the bottom surface of the tape of 0° to about 45°. ### Claim 16 (depends on 11) The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of attaching a hook assembly to the first end of the tape, the hook assembly contains a hook body extending approximately perpendicular to the tape, and an attachment portion for attaching to the first end of the tape. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The method of claim 16, wherein the housing assembly provides a set back wall where the tape port is located under a ledge.