Measuring wheel with telescopic handle

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 shaft; and a housing to which the handle assembly and the wheel assembly may be operably coupled. The shaft may include a first tube and a second tube that may be telescopically operatively coupled to each other at an extension joint. The extension joint is operable between a locked position, in which the shaft is securable in position, and an unlocked position, in which the shaft is retractable to change the length of the shaft. The extension joint may include a bushing, a cam lever, and a pin. The bushing may extend around an outer surface of the shaft. The cam lever may be pivotally operably coupled to the bushing via a pin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Exemplary embodiments generally relate to measuring devices, and more specifically to measuring apparatuses having telescopic handles. Background Technology

[0002] Typical measuring tools, such as wheel markers and measuring wheels, can be used for measurement, movement, and other activities. Some measuring wheels may have an axle extending upwards from the wheel assembly to allow operator control of the measuring wheel. Some capabilities for starting, stopping, and resetting the measurement function can be performed at the handle gripped by the operator or at 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 to adjust the height of the handle to operate the measuring wheel effectively. Therefore, adjusting the height of the handle should not be a strenuous task and should be done quickly, anywhere, without the use of tools.

[0003] When the measuring wheel is not under the operator's active control, it can be suspended for storage, or it can include a fixed support for independent standing. Therefore, it may be desirable to adjust the height of the handle used to store the measuring wheel to ensure that it does not occupy more space than is preferred in other methods.

[0004] Therefore, it may be desirable to provide a new design for a telescopic handle for measuring wheels, which has an improved latch to allow for handle adjustment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] 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 shaft; and a housing to which the handle assembly and wheel assembly are operatively coupled. The shaft may include a first tube and a second tube that are retractably operatively coupled to each other at an extension joint. The extension joint is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position, in which the shaft is fixed in place and in which the shaft is retractable to change its length. The extension joint may include a bushing, a cam rod, and a pin. The bushing may extend around an outer surface of the shaft. The cam rod may be pivotally operatively coupled to the bushing via the pin.

[0006] In another exemplary embodiment, a handle assembly for measuring a wheel can be provided. The handle assembly may include a handle, a shaft, and an extension joint. The handle may be disposed at a first end of the handle assembly, the shaft may operatively connect the handle to a housing disposed at a distal end of the shaft, the wheel assembly may be operatively connected to the housing, and the extension joint may be disposed on the shaft between the housing and the handle. The shaft may include a first tube and a second tube, which may be retractably operatively connected to each other at the extension joint. The extension joint is operable between a locked position, in which the shaft is fixed in place, and in an unlocked position, the shaft is retractable to change its length. The extension joint may include a bushing, a cam rod, and a pin. The bushing may extend around an outer surface of the shaft. The cam rod may be pivotally operatively connected to the bushing via the pin.

[0007] In another exemplary embodiment, a measuring wheel may be provided. 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 shaft; and a housing to which the handle assembly and the wheel assembly may be operatively coupled. The shaft may include a first tube and a second tube that may be operatively and telescopically coupled to each other at an extension joint. The extension joint is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position, in which the shaft is fixed in place and in which the shaft is telescopic to change its length. The extension joint may consist substantially of a one-piece bushing, a one-piece cam rod, and a one-piece pin. The bushing may extend about an outer surface of the shaft. The cam rod is pivotally and operatively coupled to the bushing via the pin. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Having thus given a general description of some exemplary embodiments, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:

[0009] Figure 1 A perspective view of a measuring wheel according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0010] Figure 2 A perspective view of an extension connector according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0011] Figure 3 A side perspective view of the bushing of the extension joint according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0012] Figure 4 A perspective view of the cam rod of the extension joint according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0013] Figure 5 A perspective view of an extension connector according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0014] Figure 6 A perspective view of an extension joint disposed on a shaft according to an exemplary embodiment is shown; and

[0015] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a bushing disposed on a shaft according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0016] 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” will be interpreted as a logical operator that results in a truth value whenever one or more of its operands are true. As used herein, operative coupling should be understood to involve direct or indirect connections that, in either case, enable functional interconnection of components operatively coupled to each other.

[0017] Figure 1 A perspective view of a measuring wheel 100 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. Figure 2-7 Further views of the extension joint 140 are shown to facilitate further discussion of the structure related to the measuring wheel 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1-7 In the diagram, some parts of the measuring wheel 100 are shown with dashed lines, which are only used to distinguish the different parts of the measuring wheel 100. The dashed lines have no other meaning.

[0018] The measuring wheel 100 may include a first wheel 110, a housing 120, and a handle assembly 130. In some cases, the measuring wheel 100 may include a second wheel 112, which may be combined with the first wheel 110 to define a wheel assembly, while in other cases, the wheel assembly may include only the first wheel 110. In some embodiments, the first and second wheels 110 and 112 may each include a tire portion 115, which may surround a rim portion 116. However, in some examples, the rim portion 116 and the tire portion 115 may be combined. If the rim portion 116 is included, the rim portion 116 may be operatively coupled to a hub 117 via one or more spoke assemblies 118. The spoke assemblies 118 may include individual spoke members arranged to form at least three spoke assemblies 118 spaced apart from each other. The spoke assemblies 118 may be combined to form a Y-shape, wherein three similarly shaped structures extend between the hub 117 and the rim portion 116. In an exemplary embodiment, a rotation axis 119 may be defined for each of the first wheel 110 and the second wheel 112. The rotation axis 119 may be defined to extend along or through the axle 119' about which the first wheel 110 and the second wheel 112 rotate.

[0019] The axle 119' about which the first wheel 110 and the second wheel 112 rotate may extend through a housing 120, which may accommodate one or more functional components of the measuring wheel 100. The functional components may include a function button 122 and / or a display. The function button 122 may be used to control the operation of an accessory, which may be housed in the housing 120 or otherwise operatively coupled to the housing. The accessory may be, for example, a counter, 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 exemplary embodiment where the accessory is a pneumatic tool, the accessory may be, for example, a pile driver, a nail gun, etc. An operator may press the function button 122 to begin performing a function (e.g., counting, applying markings, etc.) and release the function button 122 to stop performing the function. However, in other cases, the function button 122 may be operated to reset a counter or start / stop various other functions of the measuring wheel 100.

[0020] In some cases, function button 122 can power on / off the display and / or reset the information displayed on it. The display can be a digital or analog display, which includes digital components mounted to rotating wheels connected to each other via gears.

[0021] In some embodiments, the measuring wheel 100 may include a distance counter disposed within the housing 120 and operatively coupled to a display. The distance counter may be configured to determine distances, such as the distance traveled by the measuring wheel 100. The distance counter may be gear-driven and operatively coupled to one or both of the first wheel 110 and the second wheel 112 to provide distance determination based on the number of rotations performed by one or both of the first wheel 110 and the second wheel 112. In an exemplary embodiment, the measuring wheel 100 may include a wheel lock to prevent travel of the first wheel 110 and the second wheel 112 when the distance counter is not activated or when the measuring wheel 100 is stationary (i.e., in an inoperable state).

[0022] The measuring wheel 100 may also include a handle assembly 130, which may be defined by a handle 132 and a shaft 134. The handle 132 may be positioned at the distal end of the shaft 134, away from the housing 120, close to the operator of the measuring wheel 100, allowing the operator to properly operate the measuring wheel 100. In some cases, the handle assembly 130 may further include one or more extension joints 140, which may allow the shaft 134 to extend or retract in length. In this respect, in the example employing the extension joint 140, the shaft 134 may include two or more tubes that are telescoping relative to each other to change the length of the shaft 134 via one or more extension joints 140. Thus, each extension joint 140 is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position to secure and release the shaft 134, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, the direction of extension of the shaft 134 may be substantially perpendicular to the wheel axle 129' about which the first and second wheels 110 and 112 rotate.

[0023] Figure 2-7 Various views of the extension connector 140 according to an exemplary embodiment are shown. Figure 2-7 In some embodiments, the extension joint 140 may include a bushing 150, a cam rod 160, and a pin 170. In an exemplary embodiment, the bushing 150 may be disposed around the outer surface of the shaft 134. In an exemplary embodiment, the shaft 134 may be cylindrical, and therefore its outer surface may be correspondingly circular. In some other cases, the shaft 134 may be substantially rounded rectangular, and in still other cases, the shaft 134 may be rectangular, hexagonal, or any other suitable cross-sectional shape. In any case, the bushing 150 may be shaped to surround and operatively engage with the outer surface of the shaft 134. In an exemplary embodiment, the extension joint 140 consists only or substantially of a one-piece bushing 150, a one-piece cam rod 160, and a one-piece pin 170, thereby providing the advantages of lower cost and / or improved ease of manufacture compared to the design of the adjustable handle 132 of the conventional measuring wheel 100.

[0024] In particular, Figure 2A perspective view of an extension joint 140 according to an example embodiment is depicted. A cam rod 160 is operatively coupled to a bushing 150 via a pin 170. At this point, the cam rod 160 is pivotable relative to the bushing 150 about a pivot axis 175 that extends axially through the pin 170. The pin 170 can operatively engage the cam rod 160 to the bushing 150 in a manner similar to a hinge. For example, in some cases, the bushing 150 may include a first protrusion 152 and a second protrusion 154, each disposed on an outer surface of the bushing 150. The first and second protrusions (152, 154) may each include a hole 155 to receive the pin 170 passing through it. The first and second protrusions (152, 154) may be spaced apart such that the cam rod 160 can be fitted between the first and second protrusions (152, 154), possibly like a joint on a hinge. In this respect, the cam rod 160 may also include a hole 165 disposed therein, near a first end of the cam rod 160 operably coupled to the bushing 150. Thus, the cam rod 160 can be inserted between the first and second protrusions (152, 154) and aligned with them along their respective holes (155, 165) such that a pin 170 can be inserted into the aligned holes (155, 165) to operably couple the cam rod 160 to the bushing 150. Therefore, the cam rod 160 can pivot relative to the bushing 150 about a pivot axis 175 axially disposed along the pin 170.

[0025] Therefore, the first end of the cam rod 160 can be close to the bushing 150. At the second end of the cam rod 160, away from the first end, the cam rod 160 may include a contact point 162, at which the operator of the measuring wheel 100 can grasp the cam rod 160 to pivot it relative to the bushing 150. Thus, due to the arcuate shape of the cam rod 160, the contact point 162 provides increased leverage on the cam rod 160, allowing the operator to easily pivot the cam rod 160. At this point, the cam rod 160 can be pivoted relatively easily by the operator relative to the bushing 150, requiring only their hands and no additional tools.

[0026] As described above, the extension joint 140 is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In other words, the cam rod 160 is pivotable between a locked position and an unlocked position. At this point, the extension joint 140 is in the locked position when the cam rod 160 pivots closer to the bushing 150. With the cam rod 160 in the locked position, the shaft 134 is fixed in place by the extension joint 140 and is not adjustable. On the other hand, as the cam rod 160 pivots outward away from the bushing 150, the extension joint 140 is in the unlocked position. With the cam rod 160 in the unlocked position, the shaft 134 is adjustable and can be fixed in place without the extension joint 140.

[0027] Figure 3 A side view of the bushing 150 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. Figure 4 A perspective view of a cam lever 160 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. Figure 3 As shown, the bushing 150 may include a locking tab 156, and as Figure 4 As shown, the cam rod 160 may include a cam convex angle 164. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking tab 156 may be formed of the same material as the bushing 150 and may be rectangular in shape. In this respect, the locking tab 156 may be integrally connected to the bushing 150 on one side of the rectangular shape. Therefore, the other three sides of the locking tab 156 may be free. Thus, the locking tab 156 can be considered as a cantilever beam, wherein the locking tab 156 may be pressed down at its distal end from its fixed connection to the bushing 150 toward the interior of the bushing 150. In this respect, for example, the locking tab 156 may exhibit spring-like characteristics. However, in some cases, the locking tab 156 may not be rectangular. The locking tab 156 may be any suitable shape for operating in a similar manner and being pressed down toward the shaft 134, which may be located in the interior region of the bushing 150.

[0028] like Figure 4As shown, the cam rod 160 may include a cam cam angle 164. The cam cam angle 164 can simply be a protrusion on the cam rod 160 near the bore 165. Thus, when the cam rod 160 pivots about a pivot axis 175 (which extends through the bore 165), the cam cam angle 164 can contact the locking tab 156 at a threshold angle relative to the bushing 150. This threshold angle can define a transition point between the locked and unlocked positions of the cam rod 160. At this point, in response to the cam rod 160 being pivoted to the locked position, the cam cam angle 164 can contact the locking tab 156 and thus apply a force to the locking tab 156. The force from the cam cam angle 164 pushing the locking tab 156 can bias the locking tab 156 into the bushing 150 and thus into contact with the shaft 134 disposed therein. Therefore, the locking tab 156 forces the shaft 134 into the opposing inner wall of the bushing 150, which generates friction between the shaft 134, the bushing 150, and the locking tab 156. The friction generated between the locking tab 156 and the shaft 134 due to the biasing force of the cam cam 164 can correspondingly fix the shaft 134 in place and prevent it from being adjusted. On the other hand, when the cam rod 160 is in the unlocked position, the cam cam 164 may not contact the locking tab 156, and therefore the locking tab 156 may not be biased into the shaft 134 to fix it in place. Therefore, the shaft 134 can be adjusted accordingly when the extension joint 140 is in the unlocked position. To maximize the contact area between the shaft 134 and the locking tab 156, and thus the coefficient of friction between the shaft 134 and the locking tab 156, the locking tab 156 can be shaped to conform to the external shape of the shaft 134. Therefore, in Figure 2 , 5 In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 7, the locking tab 156 may be arc-shaped.

[0029] Figure 5 A perspective view of the extension joint 140 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown, from which the interior of the bushing 150 can be seen. Figure 5 In some embodiments, bushing 150 may include engagement assembly 180 to operatively connect bushing 150 to shaft 134. In this respect, bushing 150 may telescopically connect a first tube 190 and a second tube 200 of shaft 134 together. In an exemplary embodiment, the first tube 190 may be operatively connected to bushing 150 at a first end and to handle 132 at a second end, and the second tube 200 may be operatively connected to housing 120 at a first end and to bushing 150 at a second end. In some cases, the first tube 190 may be operatively connected to bushing 150 via engagement assembly 180.

[0030] The engagement assembly 180 may include a first clamp 182 and a second clamp 184, which are operatively engaged with a first recess and a second recess provided on a first tube 190 of the shaft 134. Thus, the first and second clamps (182, 184) of the engagement assembly 180 at the bushing 150 can be operatively engaged with the first and second recesses or orifices on the first tube 190 by a snap-fit ​​engagement. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second clamps (182, 184) may be provided on opposite sides of the bushing 150. In this respect, the first tube 190 can be easily mounted into the engagement assembly 180 of the bushing 150 by sliding the first tube into place, but the first tube 190 cannot be removed from the engagement assembly 180 of the bushing 150 without intentionally opening the first and second clamps (182, 184) to release the first tube 190. Therefore, the first tube 190 can be fixed relative to the bushing 150, and the second tube 200 can correspondingly extend and retract within the internal region of the first tube 190. In this way, the locking tab 156 can be biased to contact the second tube 200 because the second tube 200 moves relative to the first tube 190, and the first tube 190 can remain fixed in the engagement assembly 180. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second clamps (182, 184) may be integrally formed with other portions of the bushing 150 and may be made of a resilient material, allowing them to bend slightly and snap back into the notch or hole for engagement with the first tube 190 via a snap-fit. In an exemplary embodiment, the engagement assembly 180 may be operatively engaged with the first tube 190 only via one or more clamps (182, 184), and no glue or other fasteners are available to engage the engagement assembly 180 with the first tube 190. It will be appreciated that such embodiments offer significant advantages in terms of reduced cost and ease of manufacture compared to conventional designs.

[0031] Figure 6 A perspective view is depicted of an extension joint 140, shown as attached to a shaft 134, according to an exemplary embodiment. As described above, the extension joint 140, but more specifically, the bushing 150, is operatively capable of telescopically connecting a first tube 190 and a second tube 200 of the shaft 134 together. In this respect, the first tube 190 can accommodate the second tube 200 within the first tube 190 in response to shortening of the shaft 134. The bushing 150 can hold the second tube 200 near the first tube 190 in response to extension of the shaft 134. The second tube 200 may have an enlarged outer diameter 205 at a second end of the second tube 200 to maintain operative engagement of the second tube 200 with the bushing 150 and to prevent the second tube 200 from slipping out of the bushing 150.

[0032] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of an extension joint 140 according to an example embodiment is depicted. Figure 7In this configuration, the enlarged outer diameter 205 of the second tube 200 may be disposed above the first and second retaining lips (210, 212). The first and second retaining lips (210, 212) may support the first end of the first tube 190 and the second end of the second tube 200. At this point, the first and second retaining lips (210, 212) may function as stops for the second tube 200 and may define the maximum extension point of the shaft 134. In other words, the bushing 150 may include a first inner diameter surrounding the second tube 200 and a second inner diameter surrounding the first tube 190. The first and second retaining lips (210, 212) may be arranged at the transition between the first and second inner diameters of the bushing 150. At this point, the first inner diameter may be smaller than (i.e., less than) the second inner diameter. The enlarged diameter 205 may be larger than (i.e., more than) the first inner diameter and smaller than the second inner diameter.

[0033] Therefore, as described above, the locking protrusion 156 can be pressed down by the cam convex angle 164 in the direction toward the second tube 200 as indicated by arrow 220. The locking tab 156 can thereby reduce its effective first inner diameter, and a clamping force can be applied to the second tube 200 between the locking tab 156 and the bushing 150 to secure the second tube 200 in place. By securing the second tube 200 in place, the locking tab 156 prevents the second tube 200 from extending or retracting into or out of the first tube 190 to adjust the length of the handle assembly 130. In one exemplary embodiment, the enlarged outer diameter of the second tube 200 can have a 90° transition, such as... Figure 7 As shown, in some other cases, the enlarged outer diameter of the second tube 200 may have a more pronounced flared shape, and the diameter gradually increases from the main part of the second tube 200. In still other cases, the second tube 200 may simply include a pair of tabs on opposite sides of the second tube 200, which may engage with the first and second retaining lips (210, 212) in a manner similar to that described herein.

[0034] 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 shaft; and a housing to which the handle assembly and wheel assembly are operatively coupled. The shaft may include a first tube and a second tube that are retractably operatively coupled to each other at an extension joint. The extension joint is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position, in which the shaft is fixed in place and in which the shaft is retractable to change its length. The extension joint may include a bushing, a cam rod, and a pin. The bushing may extend around an outer surface of the shaft. The cam rod may be pivotally operatively coupled to the bushing via the pin.

[0035] Some embodiments of the measuring wheel may include additional features, modifications, additions, and / or similar features to achieve further purposes or enhance the performance of the measuring wheel. Additional features, modifications, additions, etc., can be added in any combination of each other. Below is a list of various additional features, modifications, and additions, each of which can be added individually or in any combination of each other. For example, the bushing may include a locking tab, and the cam rod may include a cam cam angle protruding from the locking tab. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking tab secures the shaft in place when the extension joint is in the locked position. In some cases, in response to the cam rod pivoting to the locked position, the cam cam angle may apply a force to the locking tab, which may bias the locking tab into contact with the shaft to secure the shaft in place. In an exemplary embodiment, in response to the cam rod pivoting to the unlocked position, the cam cam angle may pivot away from the locking tab, thereby releasing the force acting on the locking tab, which may disengage from the shaft to allow the shaft to extend or retract. In some cases, the bushing may include an engagement assembly operatively coupled to the shaft. In an exemplary embodiment, the engagement assembly may include a first clamp and a second clamp. In some cases, the first clamp and the second clamp may be disposed opposite to each other on a bushing. In an exemplary embodiment, the first clamp and the second clamp may each be operatively coupled to a notch that may be disposed at a first tube. In some cases, the first tube may be operatively coupled to a bushing at a first end and operatively coupled to a handle at a second end. In an exemplary embodiment, the second tube may be operatively coupled to a housing at a first end and operatively coupled to a bushing at a second end. In some cases, the second tube may be telescopic within the first tube. In an exemplary embodiment, the second end of the second tube may have an enlarged diameter to maintain operative coupling of the second tube to the bushing. In some cases, the bushing may include a first inner diameter and a second inner diameter. In an exemplary embodiment, the first inner diameter may be smaller than the second inner diameter. In some cases, the enlarged diameter of the second tube may be larger than the first inner diameter and smaller than the second inner diameter. In an exemplary embodiment, the extension joint can be operated by hand without the use of any tools. In some cases, the bushing may include an integrally formed clamp. In an exemplary embodiment, a clamp may be operatively engaged with a notch or hole provided in the first tube to secure the extension joint to an end of the first tube. In some cases, a second tube may be telescopic within the first tube. In an exemplary embodiment, a second end of the second tube may have an enlarged diameter to prevent the second tube from sliding through the extension joint. In some cases, the shaft may include a third tube and a second extension joint.

[0036] Some exemplary embodiments may provide a handle assembly for measuring a wheel. The handle assembly may include a handle, a shaft, and an extension joint. The handle may be disposed at a first end of the handle assembly, the shaft may operatively connect the handle to a housing disposed at a distal end of the shaft, the wheel assembly may be operatively connected to the housing, and the extension joint may be disposed on the shaft between the housing and the handle. The shaft may include a first tube and a second tube, which may be retractably operatively connected to each other at the extension joint. The extension joint is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position, in which the shaft is fixed in place and in which the shaft is retractable to change its length. The extension joint may include a bushing, a cam rod, and a pin. The bushing may extend around an outer surface of the shaft. The cam rod may be pivotally operatively connected to the bushing via the pin.

[0037] 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 shaft; and a housing to which the handle assembly and wheel assembly are operably coupled. The shaft may include a first tube and a second tube, which are retractably operably coupled to each other at an extension joint. The extension joint is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position, in which the shaft is fixed in place and in which the shaft is retractable to change its length. The extension joint may consist substantially of a one-piece bushing, a one-piece cam rod, and a one-piece pin. The bushing may extend around an outer surface of the shaft. The cam rod is pivotally operably coupled to the bushing via the pin.

[0038] 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, combinations of elements and / or functions different from those explicitly described above are also contemplated as being set forth in some of the appended claims. Where advantages, benefits, or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be understood that such advantages, benefits, and / or solutions may be applicable to some example embodiments but not necessarily to all example embodiments. Therefore, any advantages, benefits, or solutions described herein should not be considered critical, necessary, or essential to all embodiments or the embodiments 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: Wheel assembly, the wheel assembly including at least one wheel; A handle assembly, the handle assembly including a handle and a shaft; as well as The housing, the handle assembly, and the wheel assembly are operably coupled to the housing. The shaft includes a first tube and a second tube that are telescopically and operably connected to each other at an extension joint. The extension joint is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position, in which the shaft is fixed in place, and in the unlocked position, the shaft extends or retracts to change its length. The extension joint includes a bushing, a cam rod, and a pin. Wherein, the bushing extends around the outer surface of the shaft, and The cam rod is pivotally and operably connected to the bushing via the pin.

2. The measuring wheel according to claim 1, wherein, The bushing includes a locking tab, and the cam rod includes a cam convex angle adjacent to the locking tab. When the extension joint is in the locked position, the locking tab secures the shaft in place.

3. The measuring wheel according to claim 2, wherein, In response to the cam lever pivoting to the locked position, the cam cam lobes apply force to the locking tab to bias the locking tab into contact with the shaft, thereby securing the shaft in place. In response to the cam rod pivoting to the unlocked position, the cam cam angle pivots away from the locking cam, thereby releasing the force acting on the locking cam, and thus the locking cam disengages from the shaft to allow the shaft to extend and retract.

4. The measuring wheel of claim 1, wherein the bushing includes an engagement assembly for operably engaging with the shaft, and The engagement assembly includes a first clamp and a second clamp.

5. The measuring wheel according to claim 4, wherein the first clamp and the second clamp are arranged opposite to each other on the bushing, and The first clamp and the second clamp are each operably connected to a notch provided at the first tube.

6. The measuring wheel of claim 1, wherein the first tube is operably coupled to the extension joint at a first end and operably coupled to the handle at a second end of the first tube, and The second tube is operably connected to the housing at a first end and operably connected to the extension joint at a second end.

7. The measuring wheel according to claim 6, wherein, The second tube extends and retracts inside the first tube.

8. The measuring wheel of claim 6, wherein the second end of the second tube has an enlarged diameter to keep the second tube operably connected to the extension joint.

9. The measuring wheel according to claim 8, wherein, The bushing includes a first inner diameter and a second inner diameter. Wherein the first inner diameter is smaller than the second inner diameter, and The enlarged diameter of the second tube is greater than the first inner diameter and less than the second inner diameter.

10. A handle assembly for a measuring wheel, the handle assembly comprising: A handle, wherein the handle is disposed at a first end of the handle assembly; A shaft, the shaft operably connecting the handle to a housing located at the distal end of the shaft, and a wheel assembly operably connected to the shaft; and An extension joint is disposed on the shaft and located between the housing and the handle. The shaft includes a first tube and a second tube that are retractably and operably connected to each other at the extension joint. The extension joint is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position, in which the shaft is fixed in place, and in the unlocked position, the shaft extends or retracts to change its length. The extension joint includes a bushing, a cam rod, and a pin. Wherein, the bushing extends around the outer surface of the shaft, and The cam rod is pivotally and operably connected to the bushing via the pin.

11. The handle assembly of claim 10, wherein, The bushing includes a locking tab, and the cam rod includes a cam convex angle adjacent to the locking tab. When the extension joint is in the locked position, the locking tab secures the shaft in place.

12. The handle assembly of claim 11, wherein, In response to the cam lever pivoting to the locked position, the cam cam lobes apply force to the locking tab to bias the locking tab into contact with the shaft, thereby securing the shaft in place. In response to the cam rod pivoting to the unlocked position, the cam cam angle pivots away from the locking cam, thereby releasing the force acting on the locking cam, and thus the locking cam disengages from the shaft to allow the shaft to extend and retract.

13. The handle assembly of claim 10, wherein the bushing includes an engagement component for operably engaging with the shaft, and The engagement assembly includes a first clamp and a second clamp.

14. The handle assembly of claim 13, wherein the first clamp and the second clamp are disposed opposite to each other on the bushing, and The first clamp and the second clamp are each operably connected to a notch provided at the first tube.

15. The handle assembly of claim 10, wherein the first tube is operably coupled to the extension connector at a first end of the first tube and operably coupled to the handle at a second end of the first tube, and The second tube is operably connected to the housing at a first end and operably connected to the extension joint at a second end.

16. The handle assembly of claim 15, wherein the second end of the second tube has an enlarged diameter to keep the second tube operably connected to the extension joint.

17. A measuring wheel, comprising: Wheel assembly, the wheel assembly including at least one wheel; Handle assembly, the handle assembly including a handle and a shaft; and The shaft includes a first tube and a second tube that are telescopically and operably connected to each other at an extension joint. The extension joint is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position, in which the shaft is fixed in place, and in the unlocked position, the first tube and the second tube extend or retract relative to each other to change the length of the shaft. The extension joint is basically composed of a one-piece bushing, a one-piece cam rod, and a one-piece pin. Wherein, the bushing extends around the outer surface of the shaft, and The cam rod is pivotally and operably connected to the bushing via the pin.

18. The measuring wheel according to claim 17, wherein, The bushing includes an integrally formed clamp, wherein the clamp is operatively coupled to a notch or hole provided in the first tube to secure the extension joint to the end of the first tube.

19. The measuring wheel of claim 18, wherein the second tube extends and retracts inside the first tube; and wherein the second end of the second tube has an enlarged diameter to prevent the second tube from sliding through the extension joint.

20. The measuring wheel of claim 17, wherein the shaft comprises a third tube and a second extension joint.

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