Tape measure with replaceable blade cartridge

A method for removing and replacing a blade cartridge of a retractable rule assembly, the retractable rule assembly comprising a housing, the housing having a displaceable panel, the displaceable panel configured to be selectively moved between a closed position and an open position;

• a coil spring assembly disposed in the housing, the coil spring assembly including a coil spring and a first coupler;
• the blade cartridge includes a replaceable blade cartridge configured to be selectively mounted in the housing, the replaceable blade cartridge comprising an elongated blade, a reel, and a second coupler, the blade being wound on the reel and constructed and arranged to extend outwardly through an opening in the housing, the method comprising:
• moving the displaceable panel of the retractable rule assembly from the closed position to the open position;
• removing the replaceable blade cartridge from the housing when the displaceable panel is in the open position, the removing the replaceable blade cartridge from the housing includes disengaging the second coupler of the replaceable blade cartridge from the first coupler of the coil spring assembly disposed in the housing;
• and
• positioning a new replaceable blade cartridge in the housing when the displaceable panel is in the open position, the new replaceable blade cartridge comprising a new elongated blade, a new reel, and a new second coupler, the new blade being wound on the new reel and constructed and arranged to extend outwardly through the opening in the housing, the positioning the new replaceable blade cartridge in the housing includes engaging the new second coupler of the new replaceable blade cartridge with the first coupler of the coil spring assembly disposed in the housing, such that the first coupler and the new second coupler become rotatably coupled,
• wherein, when the first coupler and the new second coupler are rotatably coupled, the coil spring assembly is biased to rotate the new replaceable blade cartridge in a direction that winds the new blade onto the new reel when the new blade is extending outwardly of the housing.