Tape measure mounting clip

A method of assembling a tape measure comprising:

• providing a main case having retractable tape measure blade operatively coupled thereto;
• coupling a distinct lever arm to a base plate for pivoting movement of said lever arm relative to said base plate about a pivot axis between a closed position and an open position;
• said lever arm having a proximal actuation end rearward of said pivot axis and a distal gripping end forward of said pivot axis;
• said distal end disposed closer to said base plate in said closed position than in said open position;
• said lever arm having a first spring-receiving bay on a side generally facing said base plate and disposed rearward of said pivot axis;
• said base plate having a first fastener-receiving hole therein forward of said pivot axis, a second spring-receiving bay on a side generally facing said lever arm and disposed between said first hole and said pivot axis;
• said coupling comprising disposing a first end of a spring in said first bay and a second end of said spring in said second bay and thereafter securing said lever arm to said base plate;
• wherein said lever arm has a second hole disposed between said pivot axis and said distal end, forward of said pivot axis and forward of said spring;
• and wherein said securing said lever arm to said base plate comprises securing said lever arm to said base plate so that a centerline of said first hole extends through said second hole when said lever arm is in said closed position;
• biasing, by said spring, said lever arm to assume said closed position;
• and
• fastening said base plate to said tape measure housing with a fastener extending through said first hole.

A tape measure, comprising:

• a main case housing a retractable tape measure blade;
• a clip means attached to said main case for supporting said main case from a suitable external support, said clip means moveable about a pivot axis between a closed position and an open position;
• said clip means comprising first and second spring-receiving bays disposed on opposite sides of said pivot axis and moveable relative to each other;
• said clip means comprising a leaf spring entirely disposed closer to said main case than said pivot axis and having ends disposed in said first and second spring-receiving bays;
• said spring, in said closed position, comprising two bends having respective centers of curvature disposed on opposite sides of said spring;
• said spring biasing said clip means toward said closed position.