Adhesive backed measuring tape

#The background of the invention will be discussed in two parts.

#1. Field of the Invention

#The invention relates to measurement tapes and particularly to a flexible removable and reusable adhesive backed tape constructed in the form of an elongate strip having measurement indicia printed on the non-adhesive surface thereof including sequentially repeated measurement sections.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the measurement tape embodying features of the invention and illustrating application to a flat surface;

#FIG. 2 is a top plan view illustrating the tape of FIG. 1 marked off in repeated sections of 12 inches.

#FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the tape of FIG. 1 marked off in repeated sections of 25 centimeters.

#In accordance with the invention there is provided a removable adhesive backed measurement tape in the form of an elongate strip having measurement indicia printed on the opposite non-adhesive surface. The indicia include sequential repetitive measurement sections such as conventional 12-inch sections with one-inch markings divided in 1/16 inch segments, thus essentially providing an “endless” tape. The material of the indicia surface permits easy placement of erasable markings thereon, and the adhesive backing material permits easy removal of the tape from surfaces to which it has been applied, thus making it reusable. The tape is inexpensive and thus may be readily disposed of when it becomes worn or when undesirable foreign material is picked up by the adhesive surface that may inhibit further use. Because of its repetitive measurement sections the tape may be torn at any convenient location either to dispose of a portion or to leave a portion on a work surface and further use the remainder at another location. Further, the flexibility of the tape is such that it may be rolled into a convenient size for handling and storage. A single user can apply the tape across or on a work surface to provide accurate measurements, provide a plumb line and level reference, and mark on the tape and the work surface as desired, all in one step.

#FIG. 1 is a depiction of the tape of the invention, generally designated 10, as it would be applied to a flat surface 30. The tape 10 is flat and flexible with an adhesive backing under-surface 11 and an upper or working surface 12. It extends longitudinally with generally parallel straight edges 13 and is generally constructed having a conventional width of ¾ inch. However, the width can be varied depending on the intended use of the tape, but in any case wide enough to accommodate the indicia on the working surface 12 in accordance with the invention. The tape 10 can be manufactured in a continuous roll, depending on its intended use with the working surface marked off with indicia as will be described.

#FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate tape 10 surface indicia including on both edges identically repeated marked off 12-inch measurement sections that are subdivided into 1/16-inch segments. The 12-inch sections are laid out identically on both edges having the same starting point with matched indicia. That is, located directly opposite each other are matching equilateral triangles 20 shown placed at the 4″ and 8″ locations, with directly opposite and matching larger triangles 21 placed at the 12″ locations, these triangles positioned to provide means for location of wall studs. Thus, the 12 inch sections and the triangles 20 and 21 are repeated identically on both edges so that respective distance measurements and triangles match up identically. Equilateral triangles 20 are shown with bases parallel to respective edges and with their apex pointing toward respective edges to denote the 4″ and 8″ locations. Equilateral triangles 21 are shown with bases parallel to respective edges and with their apex pointing toward respective edges to denote the 12″ locations. It is understood that other marked off and divided measurement sections may be sequentially indicated with markings along said tape for establishing other preselected references with other triangles or symbols located as may be desired for other uses in utilizing the repetitive features of the tape. The surface material of the tape 10 is selected to permit erasable marking or writing thereon. For instance, larger triangles 21 include ample space for writing in any particular number or letter reference in utilizing the repetitive features of the tape. Parallel straight-edges 13 are level or “laser” indicator lines that extend along the tape 10 to provide means for self-leveling of the tape 10. Straight edges 13 may include a stiffness feature to provide a more firm straight edge. Ample space is provided between edges 13 for marking or writing thereon in accordance with the invention. Further, a line such as a center line (not shown) may be provided as a level indicator line extending along the surface of the tape 10 to provide means for self-leveling of the tape 10. Since the adhesive backed tape 10 can be placed vertically as well as horizontally on a surface, it can be used to establish a reference plumb line. Thus, it can be used to establish a perpendicular condition or to measure 90-degree angles. Various colors or shading may be used to distinguish the symbols, and/or other indicia on the tape.