Tape measure
AssigneeInvenco Inc.
InventorKyoung-Soo Choi
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A tape measure is provided capable of controlling the retracting movement and speed of a tape with a friction force. The tape measure includes a case, a reel, a spiral spring, a tape, a pivot member, a friction member and a resilient member. The reel is rotatably retained within the case. The spiral spring resiliently urges the reel to rotate in a rewinding direction. The pivot member is pivotally mounted within the case. The friction member is operably coupled to the pivot member and makes contact with the tape wound on the outer circumference of the reel, thereby applying a friction force to the tape. The resilient member resiliently biases the pivot member to rotate in such a direction as to bring the friction member into contact with the tape.
Claims13
A tape measure, comprising:
- a case having an opening at one side;
- a reel rotatably mounted within the case, the reel having an outer circumference;
- a spiral spring for elastically biasing the reel to rotate in a rewinding direction, the spiral spring having a first end fixedly secured to the case and a second end fixedly coupled to the reel;
- a tape wound on the outer circumference of the reel, the tape having a proximal end fixedly secured to the outer circumference of the reel and a distal end exposed through of the opening of the case, the tape having a maximum winding diameter in a fully retracted initial position;
- a pivot member pivotally mounted with the case;
- a friction member carried by the pivot member for making contact with the tape to apply a friction force to the tape when the tape is in the initial position;
- and
- a resilient member retained in the case for elastically biasing the pivot member to rotate in such a direction as to cause the friction member to make contact with the tape.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.