Handle assembly of measuring wheel

Abstract

A measuring wheel may include a wheel assembly that may include at least one wheel; a handle assembly that may include a handle and a handle shaft; a housing to which the handle assembly and the wheel assembly are operably coupled; and an analog counting assembly that can convert rotation of the at least one wheel into measurement of a distance traveled by the wheel. The analog counting assembly may include a counter disposed at a handle of the measuring wheel, a first gear engagement portion disposed at the handle and operably coupled to the counter, a handle alignment member that may support the first gear engagement portion proximate the counter, a second gear engagement portion operably coupled to the wheel assembly, and a handle alignment member that may support the second gear engagement portion proximate the handle alignment member. And a flexible cable mechanically operable to couple the counter to the wheel assembly through the first and second gear meshes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The example embodiments generally relate to measuring devices, and in particular to measuring wheels. Background Technology

[0002] Typical measuring tools—such as wheel markers and measuring wheels—are used in surveying, sports, and other activities. Some measuring wheels may have an axle extending upwards from the wheel assembly to allow the operator to control the measuring wheel. Some features for starting, stopping, and resetting measurements may be available—either at the handle held by the operator or in the housing located near the wheel assembly. Other functions may also be provided at the housing or handle. However, when the measuring wheel is under the active control of the operator, the operator may need easy access to the total distance measured in order to operate the measuring wheel effectively. Therefore, reading the distance counter should not be a daunting task but should be quick and easy, anywhere.

[0003] Therefore, it may be desirable to provide a new design for a measuring wheel counting assembly. Furthermore, it may be desirable for the new design to be more robust, reliable, accurate, cost-effective, and / or easier to manufacture compared to existing measuring wheels. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Some example embodiments may provide a measuring wheel. The measuring wheel may include: a wheel assembly that may include at least one wheel; a handle assembly that may include a handle and a handle shaft; a housing to which the handle assembly and wheel assembly are operatively coupled; and an analog counting assembly that converts rotation of at least one wheel into a distance traveled by the measuring wheel. The analog counting assembly may include: a counter disposed at the handle of the measuring wheel; a first gear engagement disposed at the handle and operatively coupled to the counter; a handle alignment member that supports the first gear engagement near the counter; a second gear engagement operatively coupled to the wheel assembly; and a flexible cable mechanically operatively coupled to the counter to the wheel assembly via the first and second gear engagements.

[0005] Some example embodiments may provide a handle assembly for a measuring wheel. The handle assembly may include: a handle disposed at a distal end of the measuring wheel; and a handle shaft operatively connecting the handle to the wheel assembly of the measuring wheel. The handle assembly may be operatively connected to an analog counting component that converts rotation of the wheel assembly into the distance traveled by the measuring wheel. The analog counting component may include: a counter disposed at the handle of the measuring wheel; a first gear engagement disposed at the handle and operatively connected to the counter; a handle alignment member supporting the first gear engagement near the counter; a second gear engagement operatively connected to the wheel assembly; and a flexible cable mechanically operatively connecting the counter to the wheel assembly via the first and second gear engagements. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Some exemplary embodiments have been described in general terms. Now, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which: Figure 1 A perspective view of the measuring wheel according to an example embodiment is shown; Figure 2 A perspective view of the measuring wheel handle according to an example embodiment is shown; Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the measuring wheel handle according to an example embodiment is shown; Figure 4 A close-up perspective view of the first gear meshing portion according to an example embodiment is shown; Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the measuring wheel handle according to an example embodiment is shown; Figure 6 A perspective view of a wheel assembly according to an example embodiment is shown; Figure 7 A close-up perspective view of the second gear meshing portion according to an example embodiment is shown; Figure 8 A perspective view of the second gear meshing portion according to an example embodiment is shown; Figure 9 A perspective view of the second gear meshing portion according to an example embodiment is shown; Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of a third bevel gear according to an example embodiment is shown; Figure 11 A perspective view of a hinge assembly according to an example embodiment is shown; Figure 12 A perspective view of a hinge assembly according to an example embodiment is shown; Figure 13 A perspective view of the first set of rings according to an example embodiment is shown; Figure 14 A side view of a hinge assembly according to an example embodiment is shown; Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of the measuring wheel handle according to an example embodiment is shown; Figure 16 A close-up perspective view of the first gear meshing portion according to an example embodiment is shown; Figure 17 A perspective view of a hinge assembly according to an example embodiment is shown; Figure 18 An exploded view of a hinge assembly according to an example embodiment is shown; and Figure 19 A perspective view of the first ring according to an example embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0007] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some, but not all, of the exemplary embodiments. In fact, the examples described and depicted herein should not be construed as limiting the scope, applicability, or configuration of this disclosure. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided to enable this disclosure to meet applicable legal requirements. The same reference numerals consistently denote the same elements. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “or” should be interpreted as a logical operator whose result is true whenever one or more of its operands are true. As used herein, operatively coupled should be understood to involve direct or indirect connections, in either case, that enable functional interconnection of components operatively coupled to each other.

[0008] Figure 1 A perspective view of a measuring wheel 100 according to an example embodiment is shown. Figures 2 to 5 Additional views of the handle assembly 130 are shown according to an example embodiment to facilitate further discussion of the structure—in relation to the measuring wheel 100. Figures 6 to 10 A view of the second gear mesh 158 is shown according to an example embodiment to facilitate further discussion of the structure related to the measuring wheel 100. Figures 11 to 14 A view of the hinge assembly 140 is shown according to an example embodiment to facilitate further discussion of the structure—in relation to the measuring wheel 100. Figure 15 and Figure 16 An alternative embodiment of the handle assembly 130 and the first gear engagement portion 156 having a support bracket 574 is depicted. Figures 17 to 19 An alternative embodiment of the hinge assembly 640 with an additional hinge lug 645 is depicted.

[0009] refer to Figure 1 The measuring wheel 100 may include a wheel assembly 110, a housing 120, and a handle assembly 130. In some cases, the wheel assembly 110 may include at least one wheel 112. The at least one wheel 112 may include a tire portion 115 surrounding a rim portion 116 in some embodiments. However, the rim portion 116 and the tire portion 115 may be combined in some examples. If the rim portion 116 is included, it may be operatively coupled to a hub via one or more spoke assemblies 118, wherein the hub is located at the center of at least one wheel 112. The spoke assembly 118 may include individual spoke members spaced apart from each other. The spoke assembly 118 may be formed into a variety of different shapes and patterns. Figure 1In one embodiment, the spoke assembly 118 may be elliptical in shape, extending between the hub and rim portions 116 in a similarly shaped configuration. In an example embodiment, at least one wheel 112 may rotate or swivel about a rotation axis 119. This rotation axis 119 may be defined as extending along or through an axle, about which at least one wheel 112 rotates.

[0010] At least one wheel 112 has an axle about which it rotates that extends through a housing 120, which houses one or more functional components of the measuring wheel 100. The functional components may include a function button. This function button can be used to control the operation of an accessory—received in or otherwise operably coupled to the housing 120. The accessory may be, for example, a marking device, a pneumatic tool, a camera, etc. In an example embodiment where the accessory is a marking device, the marking device may include chalk, paint, and / or the like. In an example embodiment where the accessory is a pneumatic tool, the accessory may be, for example, a stake driver, a nail gun, etc. An operator can press the function button to begin performing a function (e.g., applying markings, etc.) and release the function button to stop performing the function. However, in other cases, the function button can be operated to start / stop various other functions of the measuring wheel 100. The function button and other functional components may alternatively or additionally be located in a handle assembly 130, such as a handle 132, as described below.

[0011] The measuring wheel 100 may also include a handle assembly 130, which may include a handle 132 and a handle shaft 134. The handle 132 may be positioned at the distal end of the handle shaft 134 away from the housing 120, close to the operator of the measuring wheel 100, so that the operator can properly operate the measuring wheel 100. In some cases, the handle assembly 130 may also include a hinge assembly 140 that allows the handle shaft 134 to pivot alternately between an extended and a compacted state. In this regard, in the example employing the hinge assembly 140, the handle shaft 134 may include two or more portions that can pivot relative to each other via the hinge assembly 140 to change the overall length of the measuring wheel 100. For example, in the extended state, when the operator operates the measuring wheel 100, the first portion 136 and the second portion 138 of the handle shaft 134 may be positioned end-to-end and coaxial about the shaft axis 139. On the other hand, the operator may wish to store the measuring wheel 100 when it is not in use. To minimize the space occupied by the measuring wheel 100, the handle shaft 134 can be positioned in a compact state, in which the first portion 136 and the second portion 138 can be arranged side-by-side and substantially parallel to each other. Furthermore, when the handle shaft 134 is in an extended state, the handle 132 can be positioned at the distal end of the handle shaft 134 away from the housing 120; when the handle shaft 134 is in a compact state, the handle 132 can be positioned close to the housing 120 and the wheel assembly 110. Therefore, the hinge assembly 140 is operable between the extended and compact states to change the length of the handle shaft 134.

[0012] In some embodiments, the measuring wheel 100 may include an analog counting assembly 150. The analog counting assembly 150 may be configured to convert rotation of the wheel assembly 110 into a distance traveled by the measuring wheel 100. The analog counting assembly 150 may include a counter 151, a counter shaft 152, a flexible cable 154, a first gear engagement 156, and a second gear engagement 158. The flexible cable 154 mechanically conveys rotation of the wheel assembly 110 to the counter 151, as will be referred to below. Figures 2 to 10 The discussion.

[0013] Figures 2 to 7 Various views of an analog counting component 150 according to an example embodiment are depicted. As described above, the analog counting component 150 can convert the rotation of the wheel assembly 110 into a measurement of the distance traveled by the wheel 100. In some cases, for example... Figures 2 to 7 The illustrated embodiment can be achieved mechanically by rotating the components, wherein the components are operatively connected to each other. For example... Figure 2As shown, counter 151 may be located at handle 132. Therefore, counter 151 is closer to the operator, making it easier for the operator to read the value corresponding to the distance traveled by measuring wheel 100 on the display of counter 151, and in some embodiments, the counter can be more easily reset to zero by operating a reset button located on handle 132. In some cases, the display may be digital, with the distance traveled shown by a digital number. In this case, counter 151 may include a power source (i.e., a battery) to power the display as needed. In other cases, the display may be analog, with the distance traveled shown by a physical rotation number. In any case, counter 151 is operatively coupled to counter shaft 152, which provides input rotation to counter 151. Counter 151 then converts the input rotation from counter shaft 152 into a value corresponding to the distance traveled by measuring wheel 100, via the digital or analog display described above.

[0014] like Figure 3 As shown, the handle 132 may include a gripping portion 131 and a counting portion 133. The gripping portion 131 and the counting portion 133 may converge at a junction 135 of the handle 132, and the handle 132 may also be operatively connected to a handle shaft 134 at the junction 135. In some cases, the junction 135 of the handle 132 may form a right angle between the gripping portion 131 and the counting portion 133. The counter shaft 152 may be operatively connected to a flexible cable 154 via a first gear engagement portion 156, which may be disposed at the junction 135 of the handle 132. In this respect, the first gear engagement portion 156 may include: a first bevel gear 160—operatively connected to a first end of the flexible cable 154, and a second bevel gear 162—operatively connected to the counter shaft 152. The first and second bevel gears 160, 162 are oriented approximately 90° apart within the first gear engagement 156, such that the flexible cable 154 extends substantially perpendicular to the counter shaft 152 and downwards along the handle shaft 134 toward the wheel assembly 110. In this respect, the counter shaft 152 is rotatable about a rotation axis 152'—in response to the flexible cable 154 rotating about its own rotation axis 154', which is substantially perpendicular to the counter shaft rotation axis 152'. Therefore, the first and second bevel gears 160, 162 are rotatably and operably connected by teeth—provided on each of the first and second bevel gears 160, 162. The flexible cable 154 can thus transmit rotational force from the wheel assembly 110 via the first gear engagement 156 to the counter shaft 152, and the counter 151 can thus convert the rotation of the counter shaft 152 into the distance traveled by the measuring wheel 100.

[0015] Figure 4 and Figure 5 Two different perspective views of the first gear engagement portion 156 according to an example embodiment are depicted. Figure 4 In this configuration, the first gear engagement portion 156 may be shown supported by a handle alignment member 170. The handle alignment member 170 supports the first gear engagement portion 156 near the counter 151, such that the first gear engagement portion 156 operatively connects the flexible cable 154 to the counter shaft 152. In other words, the handle alignment member 170 supports the first bevel gear 160, ensuring that the first bevel gear 160 is precisely positioned to operatively engage with the second bevel gear 162 to transmit the rotational motion of the flexible cable 154 to the counter shaft 152 and ultimately to the counter 151. Therefore, the handle alignment member 170 may be located at the junction 135 of the counting portion 133 and the gripping portion 131 of the handle 132. The handle alignment member 170 may include a tongue 172 having a groove 174 at its end. The groove 174 can accommodate a portion of the first bevel gear 160 therein, so that the first bevel gear 160 can rotate freely with the flexible cable 154, but is also held in place to be operatively engaged with the second bevel gear 162, which is located at the counter shaft 152.

[0016] exist Figure 5 In some embodiments, the handle 132 may include a support member 180 that operatively engages the first bevel gear 160 with the handle alignment member 170 to properly position the first bevel gear 160 within a recess 174 of the handle alignment member 170. In some cases, the support member 180 may be an extension of the handle 132, positioned to bias the first bevel gear 160 into the recess 174 to prevent the first bevel gear 160 from disengaging from the recess 174 and disengaging from the operative engagement with the second bevel gear 162. In this respect, the support member 180 may also serve as a bearing surface for the flexible cable 154, since the first bevel gear 160 is rotatable relative to the support member 180 and the recess 174 to transmit rotational motion from the flexible cable 154 to the counter shaft.

[0017] Still Figure 4 and Figure 5As seen in the image, the handle alignment member 170 may further include a pair of locating pins 176. These locating pins 176 are operatively engaged with a pair of locating orifices 182 in the handle 132 in response to the assembly of the handle 132. In response to the operative engagement of the pair of locating pins 176 in the handle alignment member 170 with corresponding orifices in the pair of locating orifices 182, the support member 180 is operatively engaged with the first bevel gear 160 to retain the first bevel gear 160 within the recess 174. In other words, the pair of locating pins 176 are operatively engaged with the pair of locating orifices 182 to aid in aligning the support member 180 with the first bevel gear 160, ensuring proper engagement and operation of the first gear meshing portion 156.

[0018] like Figure 4 As seen, in the first gear engagement portion 156, the second bevel gear 162 can extend substantially perpendicular to the first bevel gear 160 to form a T-shaped engagement of the first and second bevel gears 160, 162. In other words, the second bevel gear 162 can be arranged substantially horizontally (i.e., parallel) to the ground plane, where the measuring wheel 100 can operate along the ground plane, and the first bevel gear 160 can be arranged substantially vertically (i.e., orthogonally) to the ground plane. Therefore, the second bevel gear 162 can engage with the first bevel gear 160—on the side of the first bevel gear 160 opposite to the tongue 172. This particular orientation—for the purpose of rotational direction within the counting assembly 150—can be advantageous. For example, when the measuring wheel 100 moves forward in a directional direction during use, the flexible cable 154 can rotate clockwise. Therefore, in order for the counter 151 to grow proportionally to the distance covered by the measuring wheel 100, the second bevel gear 162 can also rotate clockwise. However, in some other embodiments, the counter 151 may be configured to grow counterclockwise. In this case, the second bevel gear 162 may mesh with the first bevel gear 160—located on the side directly opposite the first bevel gear 160—such that the first bevel gear 160 can rotate the second bevel gear 162 counterclockwise. The second bevel gear 162 (which may be pinned to the counter shaft 152) may also help bias the first bevel gear 160 into the groove 174 of the tongue 172 by applying a biasing force parallel to the counter shaft 152 and pointing towards the counter 151. In this respect, the second bevel gear 162 may be axially fixed—through its operable connection to the counter shaft 152. The counter 151, which is also disposed in the handle and secured in place by further support structures (e.g., ribs), may apply a biasing force to the first bevel gear 160 via the counter shaft 152 and the second bevel gear 162. This orientation of the first gear engagement portion 156 can result in a more stable support for the first gear engagement portion 156 via the tongue 172.

[0019] Figure 6and Figure 7 Various views of the housing 120, the second gear engagement portion 158, and the wheel assembly 110 according to an example embodiment are depicted. Figure 6 As shown, the second gear engagement 158 ​​can operatively connect the flexible cable 154 to the wheel assembly 110 via a third bevel gear 164 and a fourth bevel gear 166. In some cases, the third bevel gear 164 is operatively connected to a second end of the flexible cable 154, and the fourth bevel gear 166 is operatively connected to the wheel assembly 110. In this respect, the wheel assembly 110 can be rotatably and operatively connected to the fourth bevel gear 166 via a shaft that can be configured to rotate about a wheel rotation axis 119 that passes through the center of the wheel assembly 110 and also through the center of the fourth bevel gear 166. Therefore, the wheel assembly 110 and the fourth bevel gear 166 can rotate together and about the same rotation axis 119.

[0020] In some cases, to balance considerations of cost, manufacturability, size, functionality, and ergonomics, the diameter of at least one wheel 112 of wheel assembly 110 can range from 11.75 inches to 12.25 inches. To optimize measurement accuracy, production time, and cost, the counter, gear ratio, and the exact diameter of wheel 112 can be selected to obtain gear ratios for the first, second, third, and fourth bevel gears 160, 162, 164, and 166 that require a minimum number of teeth machined on each bevel gear 160, 162, 164, and 166 while maintaining measurement accuracy between the wheel travel distance and the counter display. In this regard, the diameter of wheel 112 can be approximately 11.9 inches. In the example embodiment, the 11.9-inch wheel is important because it allows for precise measurements—using a first bevel gear 160 with 21 teeth, a second bevel gear 162 with 23 teeth, a third bevel gear 164 with 15 teeth, and a fourth bevel gear 166 with 45 teeth—which is likely the most efficient possible result in terms of gear ratio for a measuring wheel 100 sold as a 12-inch diameter wheel, in terms of both measurement accuracy and manufacturing time and cost per gear. In other words, in some embodiments, the gear ratio of the driving gear to the driven gear of the measuring wheel 100 is approximately 21:23 for the first gear engagement 156 and approximately 3:1 for the second gear engagement 158.

[0021] The third bevel gear 164 may be disposed near the fourth bevel gear 166 and may be secured in place by the gear alignment member 190. Similar to the handle alignment member 170 for the first gear engagement portion 156, the gear alignment member 190 may support the third bevel gear 164 in a precise position to maintain the operable engagement of the third bevel gear 164 and the fourth bevel gear 166 by means of the teeth provided on each gear 164, 166. Also similar to the handle alignment member 170, the gear alignment member 190 may be operably engaged with the third bevel gear 164 in such a manner that the third bevel gear 164 may rotate relative to the gear alignment member 190.

[0022] Therefore, in some embodiments, in response to at least one wheel of the wheel assembly 110 rotating about its axis of rotation 119, the second gear engagement 158 ​​can cause the flexible cable 154 to rotate about its axis of rotation 154'. The wheel axis of rotation 119 can be substantially perpendicular to the flexible cable axis of rotation 154'. In response to the flexible cable 154 rotating about its axis of rotation 154', the first gear engagement 156 can cause the counter shaft 152 to rotate about its axis of rotation 152'. The counter shaft axis of rotation 152' can be substantially perpendicular to the flexible cable axis of rotation 154' and substantially parallel to the wheel axis of rotation 119. In other words, the wheel axis of rotation 119 and the counter shaft axis of rotation 152' can be substantially parallel to the surface along which the measuring wheel 100 travels, while the flexible cable axis of rotation 154' can be substantially perpendicular to the surface along which the measuring wheel 100 travels.

[0023] Figures 8 to 10 A perspective view of a third bevel gear 164 according to an exemplary embodiment is depicted. The third bevel gear 164 may include a cable tension relief assembly disposed therein. In this respect, the third bevel gear 164 may include a cylindrical body 200 that extends in the direction of the flexible cable rotation axis 154'. In some embodiments, the body 200 may include a hollow core 210 that extends into the body 200—also in the direction of the flexible cable rotation axis 154'. In this respect, the flexible cable 154 is operatively coupled to the third bevel gear 164 by a sliding engagement at a second end of the flexible cable 154, within the hollow core 210. This sliding engagement allows the flexible cable 154 to move axially within the hollow core 210 along the flexible cable rotation axis 154' while maintaining the ability of the flexible cable 154 to transmit rotation from the third bevel gear 164 to the first bevel gear 160. Thus, the operative coupling of the flexible cable 154 to the third bevel gear 164 relieves tension in the flexible cable 154.

[0024] To maintain accurate operation of the counter 151 in the measuring wheel 100, it may be desirable to keep the flexible cable 154 between a state of excessive tension and a state of excessive slack. For example, if the flexible cable 154—between the respective operable connections at its first and second ends (and thus between the first and second gear engagements 156, 158)—is excessively slack, it may not rotate accurately with the wheel assembly 110. In this respect, if the flexible cable 154 is excessively slack, it is more likely to twist rather than transmit rotational motion to the counter 151. Therefore, it may be desirable to minimize the slack in the flexible cable 154 to maintain the accuracy of the counter 151 in the measuring wheel 100. On the other hand, some example embodiments of the measuring wheel 100 may include a handle shaft 134 with a hinge assembly 140, which may be configured to allow the handle shaft 134 to fold substantially at the hinge assembly 140. In this configuration, the flexible cable 154, extending with a 180° bend around the handle shaft 134, may be stretched taut by the action of folding the handle shaft 134. Therefore, the tension relief assembly allows the second end of the flexible cable 154 to slide a predetermined distance relative to the third bevel gear 164 while remaining operatively engaged with the third bevel gear 164 to relieve some tension in the flexible cable 154 in response to folding the handle shaft 134 around the hinge assembly 140. In other words, the tension relief assembly provides just enough additional length of the flexible cable 154 to allow it to bend 180° when the handle shaft 134 is folded, but also prevents bending in the flexible cable 154 when the handle shaft 134 is fully extended and not folded. The predetermined distance the flexible cable 154 can slide is defined by the length of the hollow core 210 of the third bevel gear 164 and by the position of the hinge assembly 140. In example embodiments, the predetermined distance can range from 15 mm to 45 mm. In some cases, the predetermined distance can be approximately 28 mm. Therefore, the length of the hollow core 210 can be at least as long as the predetermined distance, but may be longer in many embodiments. The structure of the third bevel gear 164 will be referenced below. Figures 8 to 10 The structure of hinge assembly 140 will be discussed in more detail below. Figures 11 to 14 Let's discuss this in more detail.

[0025] Importantly, as described herein, the tension relief component may be located in the second gear engagement 158, and more specifically, in the third bevel gear 164. However, in some example embodiments, the tension relief component may also be located in the first gear engagement 156, or more specifically, in the first bevel gear 160. In other embodiments, there may be more than one tension relief component, wherein each gear engagement 156, 158 may include its respective tension relief component. In the current embodiment described herein, it may be advantageous to locate the tension relief component in the second gear engagement 158, because in this case the flexible cable 154 can work in cooperation with gravity rather than against gravity. In this respect, with the tension relief component located in the second gear engagement 158, the possibility of the flexible cable 154 accidentally separating from the hollow core 210 is smaller, because gravity may help pull the flexible cable 154 downward into the hollow core 210 of the third bevel gear 164. For example, if the tension relief assembly is located in the first gear engagement 156, and if the flexible cable is located in the first bevel gear 160, the flexible cable 154 is more likely to separate from the hollow core 210—due to gravity pulling the flexible cable 154 out of the hollow core 210. This separation could lead to inaccuracies within the counting assembly 150. Therefore, it may be advantageous to work in conjunction with gravity rather than against it.

[0026] therefore, Figure 8 and Figure 9 A perspective view can be depicted of the second gear meshing portion 158, wherein the flexible cable 154 is depicted as operably connected to the hollow core 210 of the third bevel gear 164. Figure 8 In this configuration, the flexible cable 154 is shown operably connected to the third bevel gear 164, with the handle assembly 130 in the extended position. In this configuration, the measuring wheel 100 is ready for operation, the hinge assembly 140 operably connects the first and second portions 136, 138 of the shaft end-to-end, and the flexible cable 154 extends in a substantially straight line along the flexible cable rotation axis 154' between the first and second gear meshing portions 156, 158. Therefore, the flexible cable 154 can be positioned relatively deeply within the hollow core 210 (i.e., a greater portion of the flexible cable 154 is located within the hollow core 210). Figure 9 In this configuration, the flexible cable 154 is shown operably connected to the third bevel gear 164, at which point the handle assembly 130 can be in a compact state. In response to the handle assembly 130 entering the compact state, in which the first and second shaft portions 136, 138 can pivot at the hinge assembly 140 to be substantially parallel to each other, the flexible cable 154 can be positioned shallowly within the hollow core 210 (i.e., a smaller portion of the flexible cable 154 is located within the hollow core 210).

[0027] The shallower position of the flexible cable 154 may be a result of tension on the flexible cable 154 caused by bending the flexible cable 154 180° around the hinge assembly 140 in response to the handle shaft 134 being in a compact state. In this respect, the flexible cable 154 may be able to "float" within the body 200 of the third bevel gear 164. In other words, the flexible cable 154 may not be operatively connected to a specific fixed position within the hollow core 210, but may slide within the hollow core 210 to provide a certain degree of tension relief and slack reduction for the flexible cable 154 depending on the position where the handle shaft 134 of the measuring wheel 100 can be positioned. For example, if there is excessive slack in the flexible cable 154, the second end of the flexible cable 154 may slide deeper into the hollow core 210 of the third bevel gear 164 due to the force from the slack acting on the second end of the flexible cable 154. On the other hand, if the flexible cable 154 requires more slack (i.e., the flexible cable 154 is tightened), then the flexible cable 154 may—by being pulled out by the rest of the flexible cable 154—partially slide out of the hollow core 210. In other words, the tension or lack thereof in the flexible cable 154 can be relieved—through the slidable, operable connection between the flexible cable 154 and the third bevel gear 164.

[0028] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the third bevel gear 164 according to an example embodiment is depicted. Figure 10 As seen, the hollow core 210 extends through the elongated cylindrical body 200 of the third bevel gear 164. In some cases, the hollow core 210 may include a protrusion 220 that prevents the flexible cable 154 from completely exiting the hollow core 210. In this respect, the protrusion 220 may be located near the open end of the hollow core 210 and may extend from the body 200 into the hollow core 210, encroaching on the hollow core 210. Thus, the protrusion 220 may define an exit channel of the hollow core having a reduced cross-sectional area through which the flexible cable 154 can slide. The protrusion 220 may also block the flexible cable 154 at a second end, preventing it from sliding out of the hollow core 210. In some cases, the flexible cable 154 may include a first diameter at a first end and a second diameter at a second end. In some cases, the second diameter may be larger than both the first diameter and the exit channel, so as to engage with the protrusion 220 within the hollow core.

[0029] In an example embodiment, both the hollow core 210 and the second end of the flexible cable 154 may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape. This may facilitate the transfer of rotational motion from the third bevel gear 164 to the flexible cable 154 while minimizing any slippage between the flexible cable 154 and the hollow core 210. Minimizing slippage in the analog counting assembly 150—for obtaining the most accurate distance measurement possible at the counter 151—may be desirable. In some cases, the entire flexible cable 154 may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape. In other cases, the rectangular cross-sectional shape may be reserved for specific locations on the flexible cable 154, such as the first and second ends, where the flexible cable 154 may be operatively engaged with the first and second gear engagement portions 156, 158, respectively. In other embodiments, the cross-sections of the hollow core 210 and the flexible cable 154 may have other polygonal shapes, such as hexagonal cross-sections. In some embodiments, the flexible cable 154 may include flexible metal or polymer rods in a protective sleeve, wherein the rods may be exposed at respective ends for operative engagement with first and third bevel gears 160, 164 and configured to rotate within the protective sleeve.

[0030] Figures 11 to 14 Various views of a hinge assembly 140 according to an exemplary embodiment are depicted. The hinge assembly 140 pivotally and operably connects a first portion 136 of a handle shaft 134 to a second portion 138 of the handle shaft 134. The first portion 136 is operably connected to a handle 132 at a first end and to the hinge assembly 140 at a second end. Conversely, the second portion 138 is operably connected to the hinge assembly 140 at a first end and to a housing at a second end. In this respect, the hinge assembly 140 may include a first collar 142 operably connected to the second end of the first portion 136, and a second collar 144 operably connected to the first end of the second portion 138. The first and second collars 142, 144 are pivotally and operably connected to each other to achieve a hinged action of the handle shaft 134. In some cases, the first and second collars 142, 144 may be operatively coupled to the outer surfaces of the first and second portions 136, 138 of the handle shaft 134, respectively. Therefore, the interiors of the first and second portions 136, 138 may be unobstructed. This may be desirable for improving the operation of the flexible cable 154—which may be located therein. In other words, if the flexible cable 154 is jammed, it may be inhibited from transferring rotational motion to the counter 151. Therefore, operatively coupling the first and second collars 142, 144 to the outer surfaces of the first and second portions 136, 138 improves the operation of the flexible cable 154.

[0031] like Figure 11 As shown, the hinge assembly 140 may further include a latch assembly 230. When the handle shaft 134 is in the extended state, the latch assembly 230 can physically and operably engage the first collar 142 to the second collar 144. In the closed state, the latch assembly 230 can be operably engaged with only one of the first or second collars 142, 144. In this respect, the latch assembly 230 can be operated between a locked state and an unlocked state and may include a latch 232 and a spring 234 or other form of biasing device. The latch 232 can be pivotally and operably engaged at its middle to either the first or second collar 142, 144, while the spring 234 can be disposed at one end of the latch 232, between the latch 232 and the collar 142 or 144. Therefore, in the locked state, the spring 234 can bias the other end of the latch 232 (opposite to the end to which the spring is located) into contact with the corresponding opposing collars 142, 144 (opposite to which the latch 232 is operably connected). In other words, the latch assembly 230 can be considered as a simple machine lever, where the latch 232 is the lever itself, and the latch 232 can be operably connected to the first or second collar 142 or 144 at the lever fulcrum. One end of the latch 232 may have a spring 234 disposed between the latch 232 and the collar 142 or 144, and the spring 234 can bias that end of the latch 232 away from the collar 142 or 144. When doing so, the opposite end of the latch 232 can be biased into contact with the opposing collar 142 or 144. Therefore, the end of the latch 232 that is operatively connected to the spring 234 can be pressed to release the latch 232 from the locked state and place it in the unlocked state. In the unlocked state, the hinge assembly 140 can freely rotate the handle shaft 134 from the extended state to the closed state.

[0032] Figure 12 A rear perspective view of a hinge assembly 140 according to an example embodiment is depicted. Figure 13A perspective view of a first collar 142 according to an exemplary embodiment is depicted. For hinged operability to be connected to each other, the first and second collars 142, 144 may each include at least one hinge lug 240, each hinge lug 240 including a bore 250 extending through the thickness of the hinge lug 240. In practice, each of the first and second collars 142, 144 may include a total of three hinge lugs 240, which is likely the minimum possible number to ensure that the first and second collars 142, 144 do not laterally separate. The hinge lugs 240 may be arranged into two distinct groups, separated by a cable relief channel 260 extending between each group. Thus, in some embodiments, each collar 142, 144 may include a first group of hinge lugs 240 and a second group of hinge lugs 240, wherein the first group may include the first hinge lug 240, and the second group may include both the second and third hinge lugs 240. However, it should be understood that in other cases, more or fewer hinge lugs 240 may be provided in general and / or in each set. In any case, the first set of hinge lugs 240 of the first collar 142 may be pivotally operably coupled to the second set of hinge lugs 240 of the second collar 144 by a first pin 270 extending through a bore 250 in each hinge lug 240. Similarly, the first set of hinge lugs 240 of the second collar 144 may be pivotally operably coupled to the second set of hinge lugs 240 of the first collar 142 by a second pin 280 extending through a bore 250 in each hinge lug 240. In the example embodiment, the first and second pins 270, 280 may be coaxially positioned on opposite sides of the cable relief channel 260 along the pivot axis 290. Therefore, the hinge assembly 140 may include two, or in some cases more, pins 270, 280 to pivotally and operably engage the first collar 142 to the second collar 144 via the hinge lug 240.

[0033] Therefore, as discussed above, the hinge assembly 140 is operable between an extended state and a compacted state, in which the first and second shaft portions 136, 138 can be coaxial and arranged end-to-end (e.g., Figure 11 As shown), in a compact configuration, the first and second shaft portions 136 and 138 can be substantially parallel and arranged side by side (as shown). Figure 14 (As shown). In the example embodiment, the first and second shaft portions 136, 138 can rotate up to 180º when exiting the extended state and entering the compact state.

[0034] Figure 13A perspective view of a first collar 142 according to an exemplary embodiment is depicted. In the exemplary embodiment, the first and second collars 142, 144 may be mirror images of each other. In other words, they may be identical components with the same features, simply flipped to be operatively coupled to each other. In some cases, each of the first and second collars 142, 144 may include a male positioning member 300 and a female positioning member 310. In this respect, in the extended state, the male positioning member 300 of the first collar 142 may be operatively coupled to the female positioning member 310 of the second collar 144, and the male positioning member 300 of the second collar 144 may be operatively coupled to the female positioning member 310 of the first collar 142. Thus, the male and female positioning members 300, 310 ensure proper alignment of the first and second collars 142, 144 when pivoting from a compact state to an extended state. In this configuration, the male and female positioning members 300 and 310 on each collar 142, 144 help keep the internal areas of the handle shaft 134 and hinge assembly 140 unobstructed, facilitating proper rotation of the flexible cable 154 disposed therein. In other words, in the extended state, the first shaft portion 136, the first collar 142, the second collar 144, and the second shaft portion 138 can form a hollow cylindrical tube through which the flexible cable 154 extends from the first gear engagement portion 156 to the second gear engagement portion 158. Conversely, in the compact state, the first collar 142 and the second collar 144 can form a 180° angle between the first and second shaft portions 136, 138. Therefore, in the compact state, the flexible cable 154 can bend 180° to extend through the first and second collars 142, 144.

[0035] Figure 13 A latch assembly 230 with the latch 232 removed is also depicted. The latch assembly 230 may also include a lip 236, to which the latch 232 is operably engaged via a snap-fit ​​when the latch assembly is in the locked state. Figure 13A spring retaining orifice 238 may also be shown, in which a spring 234 may be disposed when the latch assembly 230 is assembled on the hinge assembly 140; and a latch pin orifice 239 may also be shown, in which the latch 232 is pivotally operably coupled to the hinge assembly 140 by a pin. In this respect, the latch 232 may be pivotally operably coupled to the first collar 142 by a pin extending through the latch pin orifice 239, and the latch 232 may also be operably coupled to the second collar 144 by a snap-fit ​​engagement with the lip 236. In some embodiments, the latch assembly 230 may be reversed, with the latch 232 pivotally operably coupled to the second collar 144 by a pin extending through the latch pin orifice 239, and coupled to the first collar 142 by a snap-fit ​​engagement with the lip 236. The latch 232 is pivotally operably connected to the collar 142 or 144 via a pin, which may be the same collar 142 or 144 to which the spring 234 may be disposed in its spring retaining orifice 238.

[0036] Figure 14 A hinge assembly 140 is depicted pivoting to a compact state according to an example embodiment. (See also...) Figure 14 As shown, in the compact state, the cable relief channel 260 on the first collar 142 can be aligned with the cable relief channel 260 on the second collar 144 to form a bend to support the flexible cable 154 in the compact state. In other words, the cable relief channels 260 of each collar 142, 144 can be aligned with each other in response to the hinge assembly 140 entering the compact state. The cable relief channels 260 can be combined to form a bend on which the flexible cable 154 can rest in response to the handle shaft 134 entering the compact state. In some cases, by supporting the flexible cable 154 on one side of the same pivot axis 290 as the wheel assembly 110, this bend can—in response to the handle assembly 130 entering the compact state—relieve / prevent an increase in tension on the flexible cable 154. In other words, in response to the hinge assembly entering a compact state, the flexible cable 154 is not stretched above the pivot axis 290 of the hinge assembly 140, but rather the flexible cable 154 can pass through the pivot axis 290 and is supported by a bend formed by the combination of the cable relief channel 260. Figure 14 In this context, this transition can be indicated by depicting two flexible cables 154 and 154”. Importantly, depicting two flexible cables 154 and 154” can represent the same single flexible cable 154 in both its extended and compacted states. In this respect, the flexible cable 154 extending straight up and down can represent the flexible cable 154 in its extended state, while the curved flexible cable 154” can represent the flexible cable 154 in its compacted state.

[0037] Also in Figure 14As shown, in the compact state, the first and second collars 142, 144 are pivotable downwards, thereby exposing the orifices on each collar 142, 144. In the extended state, the orifices on each collar 142, 144 are close to each other and can therefore be closed within the hinge assembly 140. However, in the compact state, the orifices on each collar 142, 144 may no longer be closed within the hinge assembly 140. Therefore, in order to reduce the amount of debris that may enter the first and second portions 136, 138 of the handle shaft 134, the first and second collars 142, 144 may each include a shielding member that prevents debris from settling into the first and second portions 136, 138 of the handle shaft 134. For the same reason mentioned above regarding the alignment of the first collar 142 and the second collar 144, this may be desirable, i.e., efficient rotation of the flexible cable 154 may be desired. If debris enters the handle shaft 134, it may impede the rotation of the flexible cable 154 to transmit rotational motion from the wheel assembly 110 to the counter 151. Therefore, to ensure accurate operation of the measuring wheel 100, a shielding member may—in response to the hinge assembly 140 being in a compacted state—cover the first collar 142 and the second collar 144. Similarly, the cable relief channel 260 located at each collar 142, 144 may also include a shielding member to keep debris out of the hinge assembly 140 when the cable relief channel 260 is open as the hinge assembly 140 is in an extended state.

[0038] Figure 15 and Figure 16 An alternative embodiment of the analog counting component 550 is described—with Figures 3 to 5 Compared to the illustrated embodiment. For example... Figure 15As shown, the handle 132 may include a gripping portion 131 and a counting portion 133. The gripping portion 131 and the counting portion 133 may converge at a junction 135 of the handle 132, and the handle 132 may also be operably connected to a handle shaft 134 at the junction 135. In some cases, the junction 135 of the handle 132 may form a right angle between the gripping portion 131 and the counting portion 133. The counter shaft 552 may be operably connected to the flexible cable 154 via a first gear engagement 556. In this regard, the first gear engagement 556 may include: a first bevel gear 560—operably connected to a first end of the flexible cable 154, and a second bevel gear 562—operably connected to the counter shaft 552. The first and second bevel gears 560, 562 are oriented approximately 90° apart within the first gear meshing portion 556, such that the flexible cable 154 extends substantially perpendicular to the counter shaft 552 and downwards along the handle shaft 134 toward the wheel assembly 110. In this respect, the counter shaft 552 is rotatable about a rotation axis 552'—in response to the flexible cable 154 rotating about its own rotation axis 154', which is substantially perpendicular to the counter shaft rotation axis 552'. Therefore, the first and second bevel gears 560, 562 are rotatably and operably connected by teeth—provided on each of the first and second bevel gears 560, 562. The flexible cable 154 can thus transmit rotational force from the wheel assembly 110 via the first gear meshing portion 556 to the counter shaft 552, and the counter 551 can thus convert the rotation of the counter shaft 552 into the distance traveled by the measuring wheel 100.

[0039] Figure 16 A perspective view of a first gear engagement portion 556 according to an example embodiment is depicted. Figure 16In this configuration, the first gear engagement portion 556 may be shown supported by a handle alignment member 570. The handle alignment member 570 supports the first gear engagement portion 556 near the counter 551, such that the first gear engagement portion 556 operatively connects the flexible cable 154 to the counter shaft 552. In other words, the handle alignment member 570 supports the first bevel gear 560, ensuring that the first bevel gear 560 is precisely positioned to operatively engage with the second bevel gear 562 to transmit the rotational motion of the flexible cable 154 to the counter shaft 552 and ultimately to the counter 551. A support bracket 574 may be operatively connected to the first gear engagement portion 556 without in any way inhibiting the rotation of the first gear engagement portion 556. In some cases, the handle alignment member 570 may be located at the junction 135 of the handle 132—the counting portion 133 and the gripping portion 131. In this respect, the handle alignment member 570 may include a tab 572 and a support bracket 574 disposed at the end of the tab. The support bracket 574 may extend around a portion of the first bevel gear 560 and the second bevel gear 562 to operatively engage the first gear engagement portion 556 to the tab 572. In this respect, the first bevel gear 560 and the second bevel gear 562 may rotate freely with the flexible cable 154, but are also held in place to be operatively engaged to each other and to the counter shaft 552. Thus, the support bracket 574 can correctly position the first gear engagement portion 556.

[0040] The handle alignment member 570 may further include a first pair of fasteners 576. These first pair of fasteners 576 operatively connect a support bracket 574 to a tongue 572 to secure the first gear engagement portion 556 in place while allowing free rotation of the first bevel gear 560 and the second bevel gear 562. The first pair of fasteners 576 may extend from the junction 135 to the counting portion 133, and the support bracket 574 may be operatively connected to the first and second bevel gears 560, 562 to help maintain the operative engagement of the first gear engagement portion 556. The handle alignment member 570 may further include a second pair of fasteners 578 disposed near the bottom of the handle alignment member 570, close to the handle shaft 134. The second pair of fasteners 578 operatively connects the handle alignment member 570 to the handle 132. Thus, the second pair of fasteners 578 positions the handle alignment member 570 within the handle 132, aligning the support bracket 574 and the first gear engagement portion 156 with the counting assembly 550. The second pair of fasteners 578 may extend in a direction parallel to the first pair of fasteners 576. In some cases, the handle alignment member 570 and the support bracket 574 may—by reducing the complexity of the internal components of the handle 132—improve the efficiency of the assembly process of the measuring wheel 100.

[0041] like Figure 16As seen, in the first gear engagement portion 556, the second bevel gear 562 can extend substantially perpendicular to the first bevel gear 560 to form a T-shaped engagement of the first and second bevel gears 560, 562. In other words, the second bevel gear 562 can be arranged substantially horizontally (i.e., parallel) to the ground plane, where the measuring wheel 100 can operate along the ground plane, and the first bevel gear 560 can be arranged substantially vertically (i.e., orthogonally) to the ground plane. The second bevel gear 562 can mesh with the first bevel gear 560—on the side of the first bevel gear 560 opposite to the tongue 572. This particular orientation—for the purpose of rotational direction within the counting assembly 550—can be advantageous. For example, when the measuring wheel 100 moves forward in a directional manner during use, the flexible cable 154 can rotate clockwise. Therefore, in order for the counter 551 to grow proportionally to the distance covered by the measuring wheel 100, the second bevel gear 562 can also rotate clockwise. However, in some other embodiments, the counter 551 may be configured to grow counterclockwise. In this case, the second bevel gear 562 may mesh with the first bevel gear 560—located on the side directly opposite the first bevel gear 560—so that the first bevel gear 560 can rotate the second bevel gear 562 counterclockwise. The second bevel gear 562 (which may be pinned to the counter shaft 552) may also help bias the first bevel gear 560 against the tongue 572 by applying a biasing force parallel to the counter shaft 552 and pointing towards the counter 551. In this respect, the second bevel gear 562 may be axially fixed—through its operable connection to the counter shaft 552. The counter 551, which is also disposed in the handle and secured in place by further support structures (e.g., ribs), may apply the biasing force to the first bevel gear 560 via the counter shaft 552 and the second bevel gear 562. This orientation of the first gear engagement portion 556 results in a more robust support for the first gear engagement portion 556 via the tongue 572. In some cases, the counter 551 may also include a rotating member 555 disposed at the counting portion 133, and the rotating member 555 may be seen through the transparent display window 557 of the counting portion 133. The rotating member 555 may be operatively connected to the first gear engagement portion 556 via the counter shaft 552, and the counter shaft 552 may be coaxial with the rotating member 555 about the counter shaft rotation axis 552'.

[0042] Figures 17 to 19Various views of a hinge assembly 640 according to an example embodiment are depicted. The hinge assembly 640 pivotally and operably connects a first portion 136 of a handle shaft 134 to a second portion 138 of the handle shaft 134. The first portion 136 is operably connected to a handle 132 at a first end and to the hinge assembly 640 at a second end. Conversely, the second portion 138 is operably connected to the hinge assembly 640 at a first end and to a housing at a second end. In this respect, the hinge assembly 640 may include a first collar 642 operably connected to the second end of the first portion 136, and a second collar 644 operably connected to the first end of the second portion 138. The first and second collars 642, 644 are pivotally and operably connected to each other to achieve a hinged action of the handle shaft 134. In some cases, the first and second collars 642, 644 may be operatively coupled to the outer surfaces of the first and second portions 136, 138 of the handle shaft 134, respectively. Therefore, the interiors of the first and second portions 136, 138 may be unobstructed. This may be desirable for improving the operation of the flexible cable 154—which may be located therein. In other words, if the flexible cable 154 is jammed by something, it may be inhibited from transferring rotational motion to the counter 151. Therefore, operatively coupling the first and second collars 642, 644 to the outer surfaces of the first and second portions 136, 138 improves the operation of the flexible cable 154.

[0043] Figure 17 A rear perspective view of a hinge assembly 640 according to an example embodiment is depicted. Figure 18 A schematic diagram of the rear portion of the hinge assembly 640 is depicted. Figure 19 A perspective view of a first collar 642 according to an example embodiment is shown. For hinged operability to be connected to each other, the first and second collars 642, 644 may each include at least one hinge lug 645, each hinge lug 645 including a bore 650 extending through the hinge lug 645. In fact, in Figures 17 to 19In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second collars 642, 644 may include a total of four hinge lugs 645. The hinge lugs 645 may be arranged in two groups, separated by a cable relief channel 660 extending between each group. Thus, in some embodiments, each collar 642, 644 may include a first group of hinge lugs (the first group may include the first and second hinge lugs) and a second group of hinge lugs (the second group may include the third and fourth hinge lugs). However, it should be understood that in other cases, more or fewer hinge lugs 645 may be provided in general and / or in each group. In any case, the first group of hinge lugs of the first collar 642 may be pivotally operably coupled to the second group of hinge lugs of the second collar 644 via a first pin 670 extending through a bore 650 in each hinge lug 645.

[0044] In this respect, the hinge lugs 645 can engage with each other in an interlocking manner. For example, two consecutive hinge lugs 645 from the first collar 642 can be separated by a hinge lug 645 from the second collar 644. Thus, the first set of hinge lugs of the second collar 644 can be pivotally operably coupled to the second set of hinge lugs of the first collar 642 via a second pin 680 extending through a bore 650 in each hinge lug 645. In an example embodiment, the first and second pins 670, 680 can be coaxially positioned on opposite sides of the cable relief channel 660 along the pivot axis 690. Thus, the hinge assembly 640 can include two, or in some cases more, pins 670, 680 to pivotally operably engage the first collar 642 to the second collar 644 via the hinge lugs 645. In some cases, including a total of four lugs 645 can increase the robustness of the hinge assembly 640. In the example embodiment, including a total of four lugs 645 also reduces the number of gripping points. In other words, the chance of an operator or anyone who might interact with the measuring wheel getting their hand caught in the hinge assembly 640 is reduced.

[0045] Therefore, as discussed above, the hinge assembly 640 is operable between an extended state and a compacted state, in which the first and second shaft portions 136, 138 can be coaxial and arranged end-to-end (e.g., Figure 17 As shown), in a compact configuration, the first and second shaft portions 136 and 138 can be substantially parallel and arranged side by side (as shown). Figure 14 (As shown). In the example embodiment, the first and second shaft portions 136, 138 can rotate up to 180º when exiting the extended state and entering the compact state.

[0046] Figure 19A perspective view of a first collar 642 according to an exemplary embodiment is depicted. In the exemplary embodiment, the first and second collars 642, 644 may be mirror images of each other. In other words, they may be identical components with the same features, simply flipped to be operatively coupled to each other. In some cases, each of the first and second collars 642, 644 may include a male positioning member 700 and a female positioning member 710. In this respect, in the extended state, the male positioning member 700 of the first collar 642 may be operatively coupled to the female positioning member 710 of the second collar 644, and the male positioning member 700 of the second collar 644 may be operatively coupled to the female positioning member 710 of the first collar 642. Thus, the male and female positioning members 700, 710 ensure proper alignment of the first and second collars 642, 644 when pivoting from a compact state to an extended state. In this configuration, the male and female positioning members 700 and 710 on each collar 642, 644 help keep the internal areas of the handle shaft 134 and hinge assembly 640 unobstructed, facilitating proper rotation of the flexible cable 154 disposed therein. In other words, in the extended state, the first shaft portion 136, the first collar 642, the second collar 644, and the second shaft portion 138 can form a hollow cylindrical tube through which the flexible cable 154 extends from the first gear engagement portion 156 to the second gear engagement portion 158. Conversely, in the compact state, the first collar 642 and the second collar 644 can form a 180º angle between the first and second shaft portions 136, 138. Therefore, in the compact state, the flexible cable 154 can bend 180º to extend through the first and second collars 642, 644.

[0047] Some example embodiments may provide a measuring wheel. The measuring wheel may include: a wheel assembly that may include at least one wheel; a handle assembly that may include a handle and a handle shaft; a housing to which the handle assembly and wheel assembly are operatively coupled; and an analog counting assembly that converts rotation of at least one wheel into a distance traveled by the measuring wheel. The analog counting assembly may include: a counter disposed at the handle of the measuring wheel; a first gear engagement disposed at the handle and operatively coupled to the counter; a handle alignment member that supports the first gear engagement near the counter; a second gear engagement operatively coupled to the wheel assembly; and a flexible cable mechanically operatively coupled to the counter to the wheel assembly via the first and second gear engagements.

[0048] Some embodiments of the measuring wheel may include additional features, modifications, enhancements, and / or similar elements to achieve further objectives or improve the performance of the measuring wheel. Additional features, modifications, enhancements, and / or similar elements may be added in any combination of each other. Below is a list of various additional features, modifications, and enhancements, each of which may be added individually or in any combination of each other. For example, a handle may include a gripping portion and a counting portion. In an example embodiment, the gripping portion and the counting portion may converge at a junction of the handle. In some cases, a handle shaft may be operatively coupled to the handle at the junction. In an example embodiment, the junction may form a right angle between the gripping portion and the counting portion. In some cases, a handle alignment member may be provided at the junction. In an example embodiment, the handle alignment member may include a tongue and a support bracket. In some cases, a first gear engagement portion may be operatively coupled to the tongue via the support bracket. In an example embodiment, the support bracket may be operatively coupled to the tongue via a first fastener. In some cases, the first fastener may extend from the junction to the counting portion. In an example embodiment, the handle alignment member may be operatively coupled to the handle via a second fastener. In some cases, the second fastener may extend in a direction parallel to the first fastener. In an example embodiment, the support bracket may be operatively coupled to the first gear engagement portion without inhibiting rotation of the first gear engagement portion. In some cases, the counter may also include a rotating member disposed on the counting portion. In an example embodiment, the rotating member may be visible through a transparent display window of the counting portion. In some cases, the rotating member may be operatively coupled to the first gear engagement portion via a counter shaft. In an example embodiment, the counter shaft may be coaxial with the rotating member about a counter shaft rotation axis.

[0049] Some example embodiments may provide a handle assembly for a measuring wheel. The handle assembly may include: a handle disposed at a distal end of the measuring wheel; and a handle shaft operatively connecting the handle to the wheel assembly of the measuring wheel. The handle assembly may be operatively connected to an analog counting component that converts rotation of the wheel assembly into the distance traveled by the measuring wheel. The analog counting component may include: a counter disposed at the handle of the measuring wheel; a first gear engagement disposed at the handle and operatively connected to the counter; a handle alignment member supporting the first gear engagement near the counter; a second gear engagement operatively connected to the wheel assembly; and a flexible cable mechanically operatively connecting the counter to the wheel assembly via the first and second gear engagements.

[0050] Benefiting from the teachings presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings, those skilled in the art will conceive of many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, while the foregoing description and associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be understood that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, non-combinations of elements and / or functions are also contemplated as being possible in some of the appended claims compared to those explicitly described above. Where advantages, benefits, or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be understood that such advantages, benefits, and / or solutions may apply to some example embodiments but not necessarily to all example embodiments. Therefore, any advantages, benefits, or solutions described herein should not be considered critical, essential, or necessary to all embodiments or the solutions claimed herein. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used only in a general and descriptive sense and not for limiting purposes.

Claims

1. A measuring wheel, comprising: A wheel assembly, comprising at least one wheel; A handle assembly, comprising a handle and a handle shaft; A housing, the handle assembly and the wheel assembly are operably coupled to the housing; and An analog counting component configured to convert the rotation of the at least one wheel into the distance traveled by the measuring wheel. The analog counting component includes: A counter is provided at the handle of the measuring wheel. A first gear engagement part is provided at the handle and operably connected to the counter. The handle alignment member is used to support the first gear engagement portion near the counter. The second gear engagement portion, which is operably connected to the wheel assembly, and A flexible cable mechanically and operably connects the counter to the wheel assembly via a first gear engagement and a second gear engagement.

2. The measuring wheel according to claim 1, wherein, The handle includes a gripping part and a counting part. The gripping portion and the counting portion meet at the junction of the handle, and The handle shaft is operably connected to the handle at the junction.

3. The measuring wheel according to claim 2, wherein, The intersection forms a right angle between the gripping portion and the counting portion.

4. The measuring wheel according to claim 2, wherein, The handle alignment member is disposed at the junction.

5. The measuring wheel according to claim 4, wherein, The handle alignment component includes a tab and a support bracket, and The first gear meshing part is operably connected to the tongue via the support bracket.

6. The measuring wheel according to claim 5, wherein, The support bracket is operably connected to the tongue via a first fastener, and The first fastener extends from the junction to the counting portion.

7. The measuring wheel according to claim 6, wherein, The handle alignment member is operably connected to the handle via a second fastener, and The second fastener extends in a direction parallel to the first fastener.

8. The measuring wheel according to claim 5, wherein, The support bracket is operably connected to the first gear meshing portion without inhibiting the rotation of the first gear meshing portion.

9. The measuring wheel according to claim 2, wherein, The counter also includes a rotating component disposed in the counting section. The rotating component is visible through the transparent display window of the counting section.

10. The measuring wheel according to claim 9, wherein, The rotating component is operably connected to the first gear meshing part via a counter shaft. The counter shaft is coaxial with the rotating component around its rotation axis.

11. A handle assembly for a measuring wheel, the handle assembly comprising: A handle is located at the distal end of the measuring wheel; as well as A handle shaft that operably connects the handle to the wheel assembly of the measuring wheel. The handle assembly is operably coupled to an analog counting assembly configured to convert the rotation of the wheel assembly into the distance traveled by the measuring wheel. The analog counting component includes: A counter, which is located at the handle, A first gear engagement part is provided at the handle and operably connected to the counter. The handle alignment member is used to support the first gear engagement portion near the counter. The second gear engagement portion, which is operably connected to the wheel assembly, and A flexible cable mechanically and operably connects the counter to the wheel assembly via a first gear engagement and a second gear engagement.

12. The handle assembly of claim 11, wherein, The handle includes a gripping part and a counting part. The gripping portion and the counting portion meet at the junction of the handle, and The handle shaft is operably connected to the handle at the junction.

13. The handle assembly of claim 12, wherein, The intersection forms a right angle between the gripping portion and the counting portion.

14. The handle assembly of claim 12, wherein, The handle alignment member is disposed at the junction.

15. The handle assembly of claim 14, wherein, The handle alignment component includes a tab and a support bracket, and The first gear meshing part is operably connected to the tongue via the support bracket.

16. The handle assembly of claim 15, wherein, The support bracket is operably connected to the tongue via a first fastener, and The first fastener extends from the junction to the counting portion.

17. The handle assembly of claim 16, wherein, The handle alignment member is operably connected to the handle via a second fastener, and The second fastener extends in a direction parallel to the first fastener.

18. The handle assembly of claim 15, wherein, The support bracket is operably connected to the first gear meshing portion without inhibiting the rotation of the first gear meshing portion.

19. The handle assembly of claim 12, wherein, The counter also includes a rotating component disposed in the counting section. The rotating component is visible through the transparent display window of the counting section.

20. The handle assembly of claim 19, wherein, The rotating component is operably connected to the first gear meshing part via a counter shaft. The counter shaft is coaxial with the rotating component around its rotation axis.

Images