Measuring tape

Abstract

A tape measure includes: a housing having a first housing portion and a second housing portion; a reel configured to be fixed between the first housing portion and the second housing portion, the reel including a tape sheet wound on the reel and partially extending from the reel and terminating in a hook portion; and a one-piece component coupled to the first housing portion and the second housing portion, the one-piece component including an aperture defining a finger brake exposing the tape blade for engagement by a user. The tape blade is biased to retract into the housing so as to be wound around the spool such that, in a fully retracted position, the hook portion abuts against a portion of the mouth of the tape. In the extended position, the tape blade is unwound from the spool such that the hook extends away from the unitary member. Also disclosed is a one-piece component including an aperture defining a tape mouth and a light emitter receiving slot.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 292,410, filed on December 21, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The utility model relates to a type of tape measure, which comprises a shell body for accommodating a coiled slender flexible measuring ruler. The measuring ruler can be extended from the shell body and automatically retracted into the shell body. Background Art

[0004] Conventional finger stop openings create a weak point on the tape measure housing due to the lack of structure therein. Thus, dropping the tape measure at the junction between the wear plate and the finger stop opening may result in a fracture of the junction due to the transfer of force pushing the wear plate into the finger stop opening or the tape measure mouth opening. Furthermore, the present disclosure improves upon known finger stops on tape measures and known wear plates on tape measures. Utility Model Content

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a tape measure includes: a housing including a first housing portion and a second housing portion; a spool configured to be fixed between the first housing portion and the second housing portion, the spool including (containing) a tape blade wound on the spool and partially extending from the spool, the tape blade terminating in a hook portion; and an integral component coupled to the first housing portion and the second housing portion, the integral component including a hole defining a finger brake that exposes the tape blade for engagement by a user. The tape blade is biased to retract into the housing and wind around the spool so that in a fully retracted position, the hook portion abuts against a portion of a mouth of the tape measure. In an extended position, the tape blade is unwound from the spool so that the hook extends away from the integral component.

[0006] According to another embodiment, a tape measure includes: a housing including a first housing portion and a second housing portion; a spool configured to be fixed between the first housing portion and the second housing portion, the spool including a tape blade wound on the spool and partially extending from the spool, the tape blade terminating in a hook portion; and an integral component coupled to the first housing portion and the second housing portion, the integral component including an aperture defining a mouth of the tape measure and including a first slot shaped to receive a light emitter. The tape blade is biased to retract into the housing and wind around the spool such that in a fully retracted position, the hook portion abuts against a portion of the mouth of the tape measure. In an extended position, the tape blade is unwound from the spool such that the hook extends away from the integral component.

[0007] These and other objects, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the relevant elements of the structure and the economy of combination and manufacture of the components will become more apparent by considering the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein the same figure numerals represent corresponding components in the various drawings. In one embodiment of the present invention, the structural components shown herein are drawn to scale. However, it should be clearly understood that the drawings are only for the purpose of illustration and description and are not intended to be used as a definition of limitations of the present invention. In addition, it should be understood that the structural features shown or described in any one of the embodiments herein may also be used in other embodiments. As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms of "one", "an" and "the" include plural indicators unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Features of a tape measure according to one or more embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements. The accompanying drawings form a part of this original disclosure, in which:

[0009] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a tape measure of the present disclosure having a component defining and surrounding a finger stop opening thereof;

[0010] Figure 2 Depicted Figure 1 An isolated perspective view of an embodiment of the components of;

[0011] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 The exploded subassemblies of the components of the embodiment can be joined during assembly Figure 1 A perspective view of the housing side of the tape measure;

[0012] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 An exploded side view of an embodiment of a tape measure of wherein components of the tape measure and a housing side are separated from the remainder of the tape measure;

[0013] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a tape measure of the present disclosure including a component defining and surrounding a finger stop opening thereof and providing a receiving portion for a light;

[0014] Fig. 6A Shows Figure 5 a perspective view of a subassembly of components and a light mount therein;

[0015] Figure 6B Shows Fig. 6Aan exploded perspective view of a subassembly of with the components in a separated state and a lens for a lamp positioned for insertion therein;

[0016] Figure 7 Shows Figure 5 An isolated side view of a subassembly of a tape measure showing the components, housing portions and wiring channels therein;

[0017] Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 Another view of a subassembly of wherein the components are transparent to show the photovoltaic panels therein;

[0018] Fig. 9 shows a bottom perspective view of another embodiment of a tape measure of the present disclosure, the tape measure including a central unitary housing component sandwiched between opposing housing sides defining a finger stop;

[0019] Fig.10 Shows Fig. 9 A top-down perspective view of a measuring tape;

[0020] Fig.11 Shows Fig. 9 a rear perspective view of the measuring tape; and

[0021] Fig.12 Shows Fig. 9 Exploded perspective view of a measuring tape. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] One aspect of the invention may include a tape measure including a finger stopper opening that facilitates a user to press a portion of a strap through an opening in a housing of the tape measure. In particular, the finger stopper opening may be formed by a single component that surrounds the opening in the housing and forms a seamless region thereat that extends between housing sides that otherwise have a seam between them. In some embodiments, the component may also define a wear plate that supports a mouth of the tape measure from which the measuring tape extends and against which the hook of the tape measure is retracted.

[0023] like Figure 1As shown, the tape measure 10 may include a housing 20 that houses a tape blade 30 that may terminate in a hook 40. In some embodiments, the hook 40 may be secured to the tape blade 30 by one or more rivets 45. The housing 20 may be made of any suitable material, and may typically be formed of plastic, such as housing sides 20a and 20b connected together by fasteners 20c, such that the housing sides 20a and 20b have a defined seam 20d therebetween. The tape blade 30 may be extended from and retracted into the mouth 50 of the tape measure. The tape blade 30 may be spring loaded or otherwise capable of automatically retracting into the housing 20. The hook 40 may prevent the tape blade 30 from being fully pulled into the housing 20 by abutting against surrounding structures of the mouth 50, as described in more detail below. A locking mechanism, such as a sliding lock 60, may also selectively clamp the tape blade 30 to an extended position, such as protruding from the mouth 50. As further shown in the illustrated embodiment, the finger brake opening 70 can expose a substantially flat area of ​​the tape blade 30 and facilitate a user to use their finger to press the tape blade 30 against the housing 20 or other internal features of the tape measure 10 to prevent the tape blade 30 from automatically retracting into the housing 20 without separate actuation of the slide lock 60 or a similar locking mechanism.

[0024] One aspect of the present disclosure is that the structure surrounding the finger brake opening 70 can be formed from a single piece of material. In some embodiments, the structure can further define at least a portion of the mouth 50. In some embodiments, it will be appreciated that a portion of the mouth 50 can be reinforced to act as a wear plate that can prevent excessive wear on the mouth 50 or the hook 40 when the strap 30 is automatically retracted and the hook 40 is repeatedly biased into the mouth 50. In this way, and as in Figure 2 , the component 80 can be configured to define and surround the finger brake opening 70. In one embodiment, the component 80 can include both the mouth portion 90 and the finger brake portion 100. The entire component 80 can be formed from a single piece of material. For example, in one embodiment, the component 80 can be formed from plastic, or can be formed from metal, such as cast metal, stamped metal or molded metal, 3D printed metal, or formed in other such processes. In some such embodiments, the component 80 can be formed from zinc.

[0025] In some embodiments, component 80 may include one or more mounting features 110 that may help retain component 80 within housing 20 of tape measure 10, as described below with reference to FIG. Figure 3In some embodiments, component 80 may include a strap guide feature that may limit the movement of strap 30 to prevent strap 30 from rubbing against housing 20 when strap 30 is retracted. For example, component 80 may include a strap guide feature 120a that extends above the top of mouth portion 90 to define mouth 50 between strap guide feature 120a and mouth portion 90. Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the strap guide features 120a extending above the top of the mouth portion 90 may not be connected to each other, so that a portion of the housing 20 further defines the mouth 50. Additional strap guide features 120b may be formed on the mouth portion 90, which may match and support the contour of the strap 30, and / or may be configured to provide impact support strength to the component 80. In some embodiments, the strap guide features 120b may define a raised portion for supporting the strap, and a recessed portion for receiving the rivet 45 that secures the hook 40 to the strap 30.

[0026] It will be appreciated that the mouth portion 90 may define at least the bottom of the mouth 50. In some embodiments, the mouth portion 90 may define the sides of the mouth 50 and / or may define the top of the mouth 50, either alone or in combination with portions of the housing 20. Thus, in some embodiments, the strap guide feature 120a and / or the strap guide feature 120b may be formed together as part of the mouth portion 90, integral with the component 80, and the mouth portion 90 may define the top and bottom surfaces around the mouth 50, and in some embodiments integral with each other. In some embodiments, the mouth portion 90 may define the entire mouth 50, such as by forming a perimeter of the mouth 50. In the same or other embodiments, the finger brake portion 100 may define the entire finger brake opening 70, such as by forming a perimeter of the finger brake opening 70.

[0027] like Figure 3 Views and Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, component 80 can be inserted into housing 20 so that it can extend through housing sides 20a and 20b and thus can create a seamless area at finger brake opening 70 and, in some embodiments, can also create a seamless area in the area of ​​housing 20 at opening 50. Figure 3As shown in FIG. 1 , housing sides 20 a and 20 b (although omitted from view) may include complementary mounting features 130 that may engage with and receive mounting features 110 of component 80 to retain component 80 sandwiched between housing side 20 a and housing side 20 b and thereby secure component 80 to the housing when tape measure 10 is assembled. While in the illustrated embodiment, component 80 is retained in housing 20 by engagement of mounting features 110 and mounting features 130, in other embodiments, fasteners, adhesives, or other suitable mechanisms may retain the component in the housing to interrupt the seam formed between housing side 20 a and housing side 20 b not only at mouth 50, but also throughout finger stop opening 70.

[0028] As described above, in some embodiments, the component 80 may form a perimeter of the mouth portion 90 , and in some embodiments, the component 80 may form a perimeter of the finger brake opening 70 . Figure 5 An example embodying both is depicted, wherein a tape measure 210 has a housing 220 formed of a housing side 220a and a housing side 220b that are secured together (e.g., using fasteners 220c) to form a defined seam 220d therebetween. Similar to tape measure 10, tape measure 210 may include a tape blade 30 that terminates in a hook 40 secured (e.g., by rivets 45) to tape blade 30. Tape measure 210 may include a finger brake opening 230 to allow a user to manually press their finger onto blade 30, thereby clamping blade 30 between their finger and the interior of tape measure 210 to slow or prevent movement of blade 30 independently of a slide lock 235 (which may be similar to slide lock 60 in some embodiments).

[0029] like Figure 5 As further shown in FIG. 2 , except as otherwise noted herein, a component 240, which may be substantially similar to the component 80 described above, may define both the tape measure opening 230 and the mouth 250 of the tape measure 210. As discussed in more detail below, the component 240 may define the perimeter of the mouth 250 and may define the perimeter of the tape measure opening 230. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown, the tape measure 210 may also include a light 260, which may be at least partially integrated into the component 240.

[0030] Can be Fig. 6A and Figure 6B Other aspects of component 240 can be understood from the separate views and subassembly views of FIG. Fig. 6AAs shown, component 240 may include mounting features 270 to secure and support the component in housing 220. In some embodiments, mounting features 270 may be similar to mounting features 110. In some embodiments, mounting features 270 may include one or more screw holes 270a (e.g., which may be pre-tapped holes to receive machine screws), or may be configured to receive self-tapping screws to create screw holes 270a. It will be appreciated that pre-formed screw holes 270a may facilitate housing alignment and strengthen the coupling between component 240 and housing 220. In some embodiments, one or more screw holes 270a may terminate in component 240, which in some embodiments may prevent component 240 from twisting or bending relative to housing 220. In the illustrated embodiment, screw holes 270a may be provided on opposite sides of component 240, which may allow component 240 to be fastened to each of half shells 220a and 220b, which may increase the durability of tape measure 210 by limiting the ability of component 240 to separate from housing 220 in the event that tape measure 210 is dropped.

[0031] As shown, in some embodiments, component 240 may also include a mouth portion 280 and a finger stop portion 290. Similar to mouth portion 90, mouth portion 280 may include a strap guide feature 300, which may be similar to strap guide feature 120 discussed above. For example, similar to feature 120b, strap guide feature 300 may include a protrusion around a recess to provide clearance for rivet 45 when the strap is received in housing 220.

[0032] As reference Figure 6BAs can be more clearly understood, in some embodiments, features of the light 260 can be received in the component 240. For example, the light 260 can include a lens 260a that directs light emitted by the light emitter 260b. In some embodiments, the component 240 can be formed of a transparent or translucent material (e.g., a transparent or translucent plastic) and can define an integrated lens 260a through which the light emitter 260b is illuminated. In the illustrated embodiment, the light emitter 260b includes a photovoltaic board, such as a printed circuit board (PCB) having a light emitting diode (LED) thereon, which is positioned to be illuminated through the lens 260a. It can be understood that in various embodiments, the lens 260a can direct light from the light emitter 260b downward in the direction of the tape blade 30, or can direct the light directly outward to illuminate the workspace. In one embodiment, the lens 260a can diffuse the light, and in some embodiments, the lens 260a can include a substantially transparent (transparent or translucent) glass or plastic so as to serve as a substantially transparent cover for the light emitter 260b. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the component 240 may include a light portion 310 adjacent to the mouth 280 (e.g., integrally formed above a hole in the component 280 that defines the mouth 250). In some such embodiments, the light portion 310 may include slots 320 for receiving components of the lamp 260, such as slot 320a for receiving the lens 260a, and slot 320b for receiving the light emitter 260b.

[0033] As described below, in some embodiments, holes 320c in light portion 310 facing the interior of housing 220 can facilitate wiring between batteries (eg, a compartment for replicable or rechargeable batteries) and light 260. Figure 7 An embodiment of the interior of the housing 220, namely the housing side 220a, is shown having components 240 and a light 260 mounted thereon. As shown, in an embodiment, the light 260 can be coupled to the battery 330 via wiring 340. In some embodiments, the battery 330 can be recharged via a charging port 350 (e.g., a USB charging port).

[0034] In some embodiments, the light 260 can be activated by a switch 350, which can be located near the battery 330. Thus, in some embodiments, wiring 340 can be routed between the light 260 and the switch 350, while in other embodiments, the switch can be housed in the light portion 310 (e.g., by depressing the lens 260a or by, for example, a switch protruding through the light portion 310 to activate the light emitter 260b). In some implementations, the light emitter 260b can be activated by extension or retraction of the tape blade 30 (e.g., on a timer that is activated or extended by movement of the tape blade 30), and the switch 360 can be a rotation switch or rotation detector. In other embodiments, a sensed disconnection between the component 250 and the hook 40 (e.g., a magnetic sensor, a conductive sensor, a motion sensor) can trigger activation of the light emitter 260b for a predetermined amount of time or until the hook 40 returns to the mouth 250. Regardless, in embodiments where the wiring 340 must be routed from a portion of the housing 220 adjacent to the mouth 250 to a portion of the housing 220 distal to the mouth 250, the wiring track 370 can be configured to engage and retain the wiring 340 so that it does not contact the tape measure spool housing the tape blade 30, the spring motor therein, or other rotatable components of the tape measure 210 or become worn due to movement of the tape measure spool. Thus, it can be appreciated that the wiring track 370 can prevent or prevent damage to the wiring 340 that could result in inoperability of the light 260.

[0035] It will be appreciated that by integrating the lens 260a and the light emitter 260b into an integrally formed component 240, the component 240 can prevent impact or drop damage to these components of the light 260, such as by limiting undesired movement between these components. In some embodiments, nesting the components of the light 260 into the light portion 310 of the component 240 can also facilitate assembly of the light 260 by reducing or eliminating the number of fasteners used to secure the components of the light 260, and by guiding the wiring 340 in a desired manner as it leaves the component 240.

[0036] It will be appreciated that a tape measure having an integral component defining the finger stop and the mouth of the tape measure may also have integral components that further define additional features of the tape measure. Figures 9 to 12 As shown in FIG. 4 , the tape measure 400 may include a central component 410 sandwiched between a first housing portion 420 and a second housing portion 430. As shown, a tape blade 440 having a hook 450 can be selectively extended from a mouth 460 defined by the component 410 and will be contained within the component 410 when not extended (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4 ). Fig.12400 ). The tape blade 440 can be locked in a given position relative to the member 410 using a slide lock 470. However, as shown, the member 410 also defines a finger brake opening 480 so that a user can slow down or prevent the retraction of the tape blade 440 into the central member 410 by clamping the tape blade 440 between their fingers and the central member 410 or other structure within the tape measure 400.

[0037] As further shown, in some embodiments, the first housing portion 420 and the second housing portion 430 can extend beyond the perimeter of the central member 410 to form a flange area of ​​the central member 410. As shown, in embodiments, a lanyard loop 490 can be formed to extend between the flange areas of the first housing portion 420 and the second housing portion 430. Such a lanyard loop can define a passage for a screw or other fastener to pass through to connect the first housing portion 420 and the second housing portion 430 to help secure the member 410 between the first housing portion 420 and the second housing portion 430. In some such embodiments, a gap 500 between the lanyard loop 490 and the central member 410 can allow a lanyard to be inserted into and looped around the lanyard loop 490.

[0038] As in Fig.11 can be seen more clearly in the rear view and refer to Fig.12 As can be appreciated from the exploded view of FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, the fastener 510 can be inserted through the second housing portion 430, through the hole 520 in the second housing portion 430, through the hole 530 extending through the central member 410, and received in the first housing portion 420 to secure and sandwich the central member 410 between the first housing portion 420 and the second housing portion 430. In other embodiments, the fastener can be secured through each of the first housing portion 420 and the second housing portion 430, terminating at the central member 410. In other embodiments, other mechanisms for securing the first housing portion 420 and the second housing portion 430 to the central member 410 can be utilized, including but not limited to snap fits, friction fits, adhesives, etc.

[0039] like Fig.12As further shown in FIG. 4 , the structure of the central component 410 can be configured with a hole that facilitates an integral connection between the mouth 450, the finger stop opening 480, and other features of the component 410, such that the component 410 surrounds the spool and the tape motor 465 (e.g., as a ring). For example, as shown, the one-piece component 410 can include a hole 540 having the structure of the central component 410 on all sides, which can receive an actuator for the sliding lock 470. Similarly, the structure of the central component 410 can surround the hole defining the mouth 460, such that the tape blade 440 is constrained by the central component 410 to be accessible through the mouth 460 (e.g., to extend the tape blade therethrough) and accessible through the finger stop opening 480 (e.g., to allow a user's finger to selectively slow or lock the tape blade). Although the central component 410 can be seamless, it is understood that it can be formed by additive, transfer molding, co-molding, or other such integral inventive processes.

[0040] In view of the description and drawings herein, the purposes, features and characteristics of the utility model, as well as the operation methods and functions of the relevant elements of the structure and the combination and economy of manufacture of the parts may be apparent, all of which form a part of this specification. In one embodiment of the utility model, the structural components shown herein are drawn to scale. However, it should be clearly understood that the drawings are only for the purpose of illustration and description and are not intended to be used as a definition of the limitations of the utility model. In addition, it should be understood that the structural features shown or described in any one embodiment herein may also be used in other embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms of "one", "a kind of" and "the" include plural indicators unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0041] In various embodiments, the tools and components thereof described herein may be formed of a combination of metal, plastic, ceramic, or any other suitable material. It is understood that the components described herein may have different configurations or configurations, including but not limited to one or more of different material selections. For example, the various components described herein may each be made of various materials, including but not limited to one or more of fabric, plastic, metal, rubber, elastomer, or any other suitable material selection, such as aluminum (e.g., machined aluminum), iron (e.g., steel), ceramic, or any other suitable material. In addition to the components disclosed above, the parts of the tools taught above may be formed of molded or 3D printed plastic, metal, or a combination thereof (e.g., plastic with a metal support or a fastener that more tenaciously connects the parts). In some embodiments, the structural and functional components may be formed of metal or hard plastic, and the outermost gripped component positioned to engage the palm of the gripping hand to provide a comfortable gripping surface to the palm may be made of a suitable molded plastic material or elastomeric material, and may generally be formed as a suitable molded plastic material of a dual material coated with an elastomeric material layer (e.g., a rubber-based material). In some embodiments, the material selection may vary from component to component. In various embodiments, some components may be integrally formed together, while other components may be assembled by any suitable mechanism including, but not limited to, fastening, welding, snap fits, friction fits, adhesive bonds, or other suitable fixations.

[0042] Although the present invention has been described in detail for illustrative purposes based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it should be understood that such details are only used for this purpose, and the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements within the spirit and scope of the present invention as more specifically understood in the context of the above disclosure.

Claims

1. A tape measure, characterized in that: include: a housing, the housing comprising a first housing portion and a second housing portion; a spool configured to be fixed between the first housing portion and the second housing portion, the spool including a tape blade wound around the spool and partially extending from the spool, the tape blade terminating in a hook portion; an integral component coupled to the first housing portion and the second housing portion, the integral component including an aperture defining a finger stop that exposes the tape blade for engagement by a user; wherein the tape blade is biased to be retracted into the housing and wound around the spool such that in a fully retracted position the hook portion abuts a portion of the mouth of the tape measure; and Wherein, in the extended position, the tape blade is unwound from the spool such that the hook extends away from the integral component.

2. The tape measure according to claim 1, characterized in that The integral component also defines at least a portion of the mouth of the tape measure.

3. The tape measure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The one-piece component includes an integral aperture defining the mouth of the tape measure.

4. The tape measure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The unitary component includes a first slot shaped to receive a light emitter.

5. The tape measure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The integral component includes a second groove shaped to receive a lens for the light emitter.

6. The tape measure according to claim 5, characterized in that: One or more of the lens and the light emitter are configured to direct light from the light emitter onto the tape blade when the tape blade is in the extended position.

7. The tape measure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The integral component includes a hole facing the interior of the housing to facilitate wiring between the battery and the light emitter.

8. The measuring tape according to claim 6, characterized in that: A switch for activating the light emitter is coupled to the light emitter by wiring extending through a hole facing the interior of the housing.

9. The measuring tape according to claim 1, characterized in that: The integral component includes a hole configured to receive a portion of the sliding lock.

10. The tape measure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The one-piece member surrounds the spool.

11. The tape measure according to claim 9, characterized in that The integral component generally separates the first housing portion from the second housing portion.

12. The tape measure according to claim 1, wherein: The one-piece component is formed from one of cast metal, stamped metal, molded metal, or 3D printed metal.

13. The tape measure according to claim 1, characterized in that The one-piece component is formed from zinc.

14. The tape measure according to claim 1, characterized in that The integral component includes an integrally formed mounting feature configured to engage with a complementary mounting feature on one or more of the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

15. The tape measure according to claim 1, wherein: The integral component includes an integrally formed strap guide feature configured to match the contour of the strap.

16. The tape measure according to claim 2, characterized in that The integral component includes a recess adjacent the mouth to receive a rivet that secures the hook to the tape blade.

17. The tape measure according to claim 2, characterized in that The portion of the mouth defined by the one-piece component is reinforced to function as a wear plate.

18. A tape measure, characterized in that: include: a housing, the housing comprising a first housing portion and a second housing portion; a spool configured to be fixed between the first housing portion and the second housing portion, the spool including a tape blade wound around the spool and partially extending from the spool, the tape blade terminating in a hook portion; an integral component coupled to the first housing portion and the second housing portion, the integral component including an aperture defining a mouth of the tape measure and including a first slot shaped to receive a light emitter; wherein the tape blade is biased to be retracted into the housing and wound around the spool such that in a fully retracted position the hook portion abuts a portion of the mouth of the tape measure; and Wherein, in the extended position, the tape blade is unwound from the spool such that the hook extends away from the integral component.

19. The tape measure according to claim 18, characterized in that The integral component includes an aperture defining a finger stop that exposes the tape blade for engagement by a user.

20. The tape measure according to claim 18, wherein: The integral component includes a second groove shaped to receive a lens for the light emitter.

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