Tape measure with manual and power tool assisted rewind handle
OwnerGlenn M. Sharpinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention provides an improved quick rewind tape measure having dual modes of manual and power tool assisted operation. A quick rewind tape measure is formed by rotatably placing in an outer case a reel for winding a tape, providing a handle oil the outer side of the case so that the reel can be rotated by the handle to rewind a measuring tape. The handle of the tape measure has dual modes of operation, both manual and power tool assisted. With the power tool assisted mode of operation, the measuring tape can be rewound in a high speed. Consequently, the tape measure has the advantage that an elongate measuring tape having a length of more than 10 m, particularly 50 m to 300 m can be rewound quickly.
Claims13
A dual-mode rewindable tape measure apparatus having manual and power tool assisted rewinding modes of operation, comprising:
- a tape measure housing;
- a spool rotatably supported by said housing about an axis;
- an elongated tape measure blade attached to said spool and wound thereabout;
- a rewind handle connected to said spool in a manner such that rotation of said rewind handle causes rotation of said spool about said axis and rewinding of said blade onto said spool in a manual mode of operation;
- and
- a drive fitting attached to said rewind handle in a manner such that rotation of a power tool driver engaged with said drive fitting causes rotation of said drive fitting and the attached rewind handle and spool to rewind said blade onto said spool in a power tool assisted mode of operation, wherein said rewind handle comprises a foldable handle that in an unfolded, open position allows said rewind handle to be rotated to rewind said tape measure blade by said manual mode of operation, and that in a folded, closed position, allows said power tool driver to engage said drive fitting attached to an outside of said folded rewind handle to rewind said tape measure blade by said power assisted mode of operation while said handle is folded.
A dual-mode rewindable tape measure apparatus having manual and power tool assisted rewinding modes of operation, comprising:
- a tape measure housing;
- a spool rotatably supported by said housing about an axis;
- an elongated tape measure blade attached to said spool and wound thereabout;
- a rewind handle connected to said spool in a manner such that rotation of said rewind handle causes rotation of said spool about said axis and rewinding of said blade onto said spool in a manual mode of operation;
- and
- a drive fitting attached to said rewind handle in a manner such that rotation of a power tool driver engaged with said drive fitting causes rotation of said drive fitting and the attached rewind handle and spool to rewind said blade onto said spool in a power tool assisted mode of operation, wherein said rewind handle comprises a foldable handle that in an unfolded, open position allows said rewind handle to be rotated to rewind said tape measure blade by said manual mode of operation, and allows said power tool driver to engage said drive fitting attached to said rewind handle to rewind said tape measure blade by said power assisted mode of operation, and that in a folded, closed position covers said drive fitting;
- wherein said drive fitting comprises a rivet nut fastened to said rewind handle and a screw engaging said rivet nut, and wherein said screw has a head that engages said power tool driver.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.