US 4,439,927 A · Tape measure

Abstract

A tape measuring device including an outer casing and a coiled metal tape disposed within the casing which may be retracted or withdrawn through a slot in the front of the casing. In addition, a consumable marker and a scriber are disposed within the casing immediately forward of and along side of the slot through which the coiled tape is withdrawn. Either the consumable marker or the scriber may be positioned via manual actuating means to mark an object being measured at a preselected point along the length of the extended tape. Braking means are disposed within the casing which, when actuated, engage the tape and lock it into position relative to the casing. The braking mechanism is automatically activated when either the consumable marker or the scriber is positioned for marking the object being measured. In addition, the braking means may be activated without marking or engraving the object being measured. A plurality of feed segments disposed within the casing operate to insure that the marker continues to contact the workpiece even though its length is diminished over a period of usage.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A tape measuring device comprising:

a casing;
a coiled metal tape disposed within the casing, said coiled tape bearing indicia for ascertaining the length thereof;
a slot in the casing from which said coiled tape may be withdrawn and retracted;
marking means disposed within the casing for marking an article being measured;
braking means disposed within the casing and above the tape, said braking means including a member pivotally mounted within the casing and having a brake portion adapted to press downwardly on an upper surface of the tape for maintaining said coiled tape in a fixed position relative to the casing;
and
actuating means adapted to contact the marking means and an end portion of the member spaced from the brake portion, for simultaneously positioning the marking means and pivoting the brake member so as to bring the brake portion into contact with the upper tape surface to secure the metal tape at a preselected position.

4 more elements

A tape measuring device comprising:

a casing;
a coiled metal tape disposed within the casing, said tape bearing indicia for ascertaining the length thereof;
a slot in said casing from which said coiled tape may be withdrawn and retracted;
braking means disposed within the casing for maintaining said coiled tape in a fixed position relative to the casing;
a carrier unit disposed within the casing;
consumable marking means located within the carrier unit for marking an article being measured;
actuating means for movably positioning the consumable marking means in order to mark an article and simultaneously activating said braking means to secure the metal tape at a preselected position;
space supplanting means for filling the space created in the carrier above the consumable marking means as the consumable marking means is consumed;
securing means for maintaining the consumable marking means in a fixed position relative to the carrier;
whereby, as the consumable marking means is diminished in length, the space supplanting means will transmit the positioning force applied to the actuating means to the consumable marking means.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Tape measure

Life of this patent

Tape measure

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11