Measuring tape shell with extension opening and finger braking opening
By designing a shared tape opening with a seamless area and a finger braking structure on the tape measure housing, the problem of the tape measure housing being prone to breakage under impact is solved, achieving higher wear resistance and impact resistance.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202390000324.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-04-29
- Filing Date
- 2023-04-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-16
- Estimated Expiration
- 2033-04-27
AI Technical Summary
The lack of structure at the finger brake opening of conventional measuring tapes creates a weak point in the tape casing, making it prone to breakage under unintended impacts. Furthermore, existing seams can easily cause the tape opening and finger brake to separate.
A tape measure housing is designed, comprising first and second housing parts connected by a seam to form a shared tape opening and finger braking structure for a seamless area. The housing strength is enhanced by the joining features and reinforcing structure to prevent breakage.
The wear resistance and impact resistance of the measuring tape casing have been improved, preventing the measuring tape from breaking when accidentally dropped or impacted, thus enhancing the stability of the structure.
Smart Images
Figure CN223807744U_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Cross-references to related applications
[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 336,728, filed April 29, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field
[0003] This utility model relates to a type of measuring tape, which includes a housing for accommodating a coiled, slender, flexible measuring tape, the measuring tape being able to extend from the housing and automatically retract back into the housing. Background Technology
[0004] Due to the relative lack of structure at the tape measure housing, conventional finger brake openings can create weaknesses in the tape measure housing. Thus, a dropped tape measure at the joint between the abrasion plate and the finger brake opening may break at the joint due to the transmission of force pushing the tape opening and the finger brake defining structure into the finger brake opening or tape opening, leading to structural failure. In such conventional tape measures, the existing seam separating the tape opening and the finger brake defining structure may contribute to breakage at this structural point when subjected to unintended impacts. Furthermore, this disclosure improves upon known finger brakes and known abrasion plates on tape measures. Utility Model Content
[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a measuring tape includes a housing comprising a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the first and second housing portions together defining an opening and separated by a seam. The measuring tape also includes a spool configured to be fixed between the first and second housing portions, the spool including a tape strip wound on the spool and extending partially through the opening, the tape strip terminating at a hook. A seam is formed above and on the side of the opening such that the structure of the first housing portion extends at least substantially the entire width of the opening below the tape strip. The tape strip is biased to retract into the housing and wound around the spool such that, in the fully retracted position, the hook abuts against the structure of the first housing portion. In the extended position, the tape strip unwound from the spool such that the hook extends away from the opening.
[0006] These and other objects, features, and characteristics of the present utility, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. In one embodiment of the present utility, the structural components illustrated herein are drawn to scale. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not a definition of limits of the utility. In addition, it should be appreciated that structural features shown or described in any one embodiment herein can be used in other embodiments as well. As used in the description and the claims, the singular "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0007] Features of tape measures according to one or more embodiments are illustrated in the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like elements. The drawings form a part of this original disclosure wherein:
[0008] Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of a tape measure of the present disclosure is shown having its extended finger brake opening;
[0009] Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a tape measure of Figure 1 is depicted;
[0010] Figure 3 An enlarged separate exploded perspective view of a housing of a tape measure is shown showing portions of the finger brake defining structure associated with each of the first and second housing sides; and
[0011] FIGS. 4A-4C show separate, enlarged, and assembled views of another embodiment of a housing of a tape measure showing portions of the finger brake defining structure associated with each of the first and second housing sides. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] One aspect of the present utility can include a tape measure including a finger brake opening that facilitates a user pressing a portion of the tape through an opening in the housing of the tape measure. Specifically, a structure defining the mouth of the tape measure and the finger brake opening (e.g., extending across the entire tape blade) can be formed on a side of the housing such that the shared tape mouth and finger brake structure includes a seamless area at the shared tape mouth and finger brake structure. In some embodiments, the structure can also define a wear plate that supports the mouth of the tape measure from which the tape extends and against which the hook of the tape measure retracts.
[0013] like Figure 1 As shown, the measuring tape 10 may include a housing 20 that houses a tape strip 30, which terminates at a hook 40. The housing 20 may be made of any suitable material and is typically formed of plastic, such as housing sides 20a and 20b joined together by fasteners 20c, such that housing sides 20a and 20b have a defined seam 20d therebetween. In embodiments, the seam 20d may substantially bisect the measuring tape housing 20, unless otherwise described herein. The tape strip 30 may extend from and retract into the opening 50 of the measuring tape 10. The tape strip 30 may be spring-loaded or otherwise capable of automatically retracting into the housing 20. The hook 40 may prevent the tape strip 30 from being fully pulled into the housing 20 by abutting against surrounding structures of the opening 50, as described in more detail below. A locking mechanism (e.g., a sliding lock 60) may also selectively clamp the tape strip 30 to, for example, an extended position protruding from the opening 50. As further shown in the illustrated embodiment, the finger brake opening 70 exposes a generally flat area of the tape strip 30 and allows the user to press the tape strip 30 against the housing 20 or other internal features of the measuring tape 10 with their fingers in order to prevent the tape strip 30 from automatically retracting into the housing 20 without the separate actuation of the sliding lock 60 or a similar locking mechanism.
[0014] One aspect of this disclosure is that the housing 20 includes a housing side portion 20a, which is fixed to a housing side portion 20b such that a seam 20d is formed between the housing side portions 20a and 20b, thereby facilitating the assembly of the housing 20 around the spool of the tape strip 30 within the housing side portion 20a. Another aspect of this disclosure is that a common tape notch and finger brake structure 80 is formed together with the housing side portion 20a, and the common tape notch and finger brake structure 80 is configured to extend over the width of the tape strip 30 such that the common tape notch and finger brake structure 80 is substantially seamless over the width of the tape strip 30. Therefore, the common tape notch and finger brake structure 80 includes a seamless region where the seam 20d between the housing side portions 20a and 20b extends over one side of the width of the tape strip 30 at the common tape notch and finger brake structure 80. In some embodiments, it is understood that a portion of the shared tape notch and finger brake structure 80 can be reinforced to serve as an abrasion plate, which can prevent excessive wear on the notch 50 or the hook 40 when the tape strip 30 retracts automatically and when the hook 40 is repeatedly biased into the notch 50. The common tape notch and finger brake structure 80 is described in more detail below.
[0015] For example, in the exploded view depicting the prominent components of the measuring tape 10 Figure 2As seen in greater detail, the housing 20 can be separable at the seam 20d by removing a fastener 20c (not shown), which would typically be inserted into one of the housing side 20a and the housing side 20b and extend across the seam 20d to secure the housing side 20a to the housing side 20b. As further shown, in some embodiments, included within the housing 20 can be a slide lock 60. Other implementations of the tape measure 10 can utilize other locking mechanisms to selectively lock the tape blade 30 (in Figure 2 omitted) in the extended position, such as an automatic locking feature. In the illustrated implementation, also shown is a tape reel 85 upon which the tape blade 30 can be wound. The tape reel 85 can include a spring therein and function as a tape motor to facilitate automatic retraction of the tape blade 30 as it is extended from the mouth 50.
[0016] Turning to Figure 3 , the common tape mouth and finger brake structure 80 can be understood in greater detail. As shown in the enlarged view of the housing side 20a and the housing side 20b facing one another, the common tape mouth and finger brake structure 80 can be formed on the first housing side 20a and extend under at least substantially the entire width of the mouth 50, which allows the tape blade 30 to extend through the common tape mouth and finger brake structure 80.
[0017] As shown, in embodiments, an engagement feature 90 can be formed on an end of the structure 80 distal from the body of the housing side 20a, and can engage an engagement feature 100 formed on the housing side 20b. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement feature 90 formed on the structure 80 of the housing side 20a is a recess, while the engagement feature 100 on the housing side 20b is a protrusion that is received in the recess of the engagement feature 90. In other embodiments, the engagement feature 90 can be a protrusion, while the engagement feature 100 is a recess.
[0018] As further shown, in embodiments, the terminal side 110 of the structure 80 can define an exterior of the housing side 20a that faces substantially in the same direction as an exterior of the housing side 20b. In this way, the structure 80 can define a portion of both opposing sides of the housing 20 (e.g., the side formed by the housing side 20a and the side substantially formed by the housing side 20b).
[0019] Figure 3Other housing side engagement features are also shown, such as protrusion 120 and recess 130. In the illustrated embodiment, protrusion 120 is formed on housing side 20b and is received in recess 130 formed on housing side 20a. It can be appreciated that protrusion 120 and recess 130 can comprise apertures that form a common path for insertion of fastener 20c into one side and extending and securing to the other side. It can be appreciated that the positioning of protrusion 120 and recess 130 can be reversed on housing sides 20a and 20b. It can also be appreciated that other interengaging securing structures can be utilized in other embodiments.
[0020] It can be appreciated that the entire housing side 20a, including the entire structure 80, can be formed from a single piece of material. For example, in embodiments, housing side 20a, including structure 80, can be formed from metal, such as cast, stamped or molded metal, 3D printed metal, or formed in other such processes. In other embodiments, housing side 20a, including structure 80, can be formed from plastic, such as 3D printed plastic, injection molded plastic, or formed in other such processes.
[0021] In some embodiments, housing side 20b can include a reinforcing structure 140 that can secure the region of terminal side 110 including engagement features 90 into housing side 20b, which can supplement the engagement between engagement features 90 on side 20a and engagement features 100 on side 20b. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a region 150 formed on terminal side 110 of structure 80 and including engagement features 90 thereon is formed with a recessed shape relative to the remainder of terminal side 110, such that region 150 is received within reinforcing structure 140 of side 20b. It can be appreciated that this interlocking between structure 80 and housing side 20b can prevent unwanted movement of the extension of structure 80 across mouth 50 (and at the front of finger stop opening 70 adjacent to mouth 50), and thus can prevent breakage of housing 20 at mouth 50 in the event of an accidental drop or impact shock of tape measure 10.
[0022] As shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), in some embodiments, the reinforcing structure 140 of the housing side 20a and the end side 110 of the structure 80 formed on the housing side 20a (e.g., at its region 150) can have a securing feature 155 thereat to further secure the housing side 20a to the housing side 20b at the structure 80. As shown, for example, in the illustrated embodiment, the securing feature 155 (e.g., formed on the reinforcing structure 140) on the housing side 20b can engage with the securing feature 155 on the housing side 20a (e') at the region 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the securing feature 155 includes a snap-fit engagement therebetween, as shown in FIG. 4(c), such that a ramped structure on one of the securing features 155 deflects or deforms around the other securing feature 155 and then expands to retrain the securing feature 155 and prevent unwanted separation of the housing side 20b and the housing side 20a. Other securing features 155 can alternatively or additionally be used, including but not limited to threaded fasteners, welds, etc. It can be appreciated that such additional engagement by the securing features 155 can prevent deformation of the overall housing and can close or eliminate a gap between the housing side 20a and the housing side 20b.
[0023] Returning to Figure 3 In some embodiments, the structure 80 can include a tape guide feature that can limit movement of the tape 30 so as to prevent the tape 30 from rubbing against the housing 20 as the tape 30 is retracted. For example, the structure 80 includes a tape guide feature 160 that defines a portion of the mouth 50, which can match and support the profile of the tape 30 and / or can be configured to provide impact support strength to the component 80. In some embodiments, while the bottom of the mouth 50 is entirely defined by the shape of the structure 80, the top of the mouth 50 can be partially defined by the side 20a and partially defined by the side 20b. Similarly, it can be appreciated that the perimeter of the finger brake opening 70 can be entirely defined by the structure 80 at the front side, entirely defined by the side 20a at one of its sides, and entirely defined by the side 20b at the other side, and defined by portions of the sides 20a and 20b at its back, with the seam 20d located between the sides 20a and 20b.
[0024] It can be appreciated that in various embodiments, the structures of the interengaging features on the sides 20a and 20b described herein can be inverted in configuration and location as described and illustrated herein. While in the illustrated embodiments, the securing of the housing sides 20a and 20b is by the interengaging features described, in other embodiments, fasteners, adhesives, or other suitable mechanisms can hold the seam 20d formed between the housing sides 20a and 20b closed.
[0025] The objects, features and advantages of the present application can be apparent from the description and drawings, and it is the purpose of the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the application. In one embodiment of the present application, the structural components illustrated herein are drawn to scale. It should be clearly understood, however, that the drawings are merely for purposes of illustration and description and are not intended to limit the scope of the application in any aspect. Also, it should be understood that structural features illustrated or described in any one embodiment herein can be used in other embodiments as well. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0026] In various embodiments, the tools and components thereof described herein can be formed from metal, plastic, ceramic, or a combination of any other suitable material. It can be appreciated that the components described herein can have different configurations or arrangements, including but not limited to one or more comprised of different material selections. For example, various components described herein can each be comprised 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, portions of the tools utilizing the teachings described above can be formed from molded or 3D printed plastic, metal, or combinations thereof (e.g., plastic with metal supports or fasteners coupling portions more tenaciously). In some embodiments, structural and functional components can be formed from metal or hard plastic, while the outermost gripped components positioned to engage the palm of a gripping hand to provide a comfortable gripping surface to the palm can be made of a suitable molded plastic material or elastomeric material, and can generally be formed as a dual material suitable molded plastic material coated with a layer of elastomeric material (e.g., a rubber-based material). In some embodiments, the material selection can vary from component to component. In various embodiments, some components can be formed integrally together, while other components can be assembled through any suitable mechanism, including but not limited to fastening, welding, snap fitting, friction fitting, adhesive bonding, or other suitable securing.
[0027] While the application has been described in detail and with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it should be apparent that the detailed description and examples given herein are by way of illustration and example only. It is contemplated that the application is not limited to the particular combinations of parts and steps disclosed. Numerous modifications can be made to the application described and suggested herein, without departing from the true spirit and scope of the application, it is therefore intended that all such modifications and variations be included within the scope of the following claims.
Claims
1. A tape measure, characterized in that, Comprising: a housing including a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the first housing portion and the second housing portion together defining a mouth and being separated by a seam; and a spool configured to be secured between the first housing portion and the second housing portion, the spool containing a tape strip wound on the spool and partially extending from the spool through the mouth, the tape strip terminating in a hook portion; wherein the seam is formed at a side of the mouth and above the mouth such that a structure of the first housing portion extends at least substantially an entire width of the mouth below the tape strip; wherein the tape strip is biased to retract into the housing and be wound around the spool such that in a fully retracted position, the hook portion abuts the structure of the first housing portion; and wherein in an extended position, the tape strip is unwound from the spool such that the tape hook extends away from the mouth.
2. The tape measure of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising a finger brake opening formed between the first housing portion and the second housing portion.
3. The tape measure of claim 2, wherein, The structure of the first housing portion extending at least substantially an entire width of the mouth below the tape strip further defines a portion of the finger brake opening and forms a common tape strip mouth and finger brake structure.
4. The tape measure of claim 3, wherein, The seam is formed behind the finger brake opening, the seam extending away from both the mouth and the finger brake opening.
5. The tape measure of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising a first engagement feature formed on one of the structure and the second housing side and a second engagement feature formed on the other of the structure and the second housing side, the first engagement feature and the second engagement feature engaging at the seam at a side of the mouth.
6. The tape measure of claim 5, wherein, The first engagement feature is a protrusion and the second engagement feature is a recess.
7. The tape measure of claim 5, wherein, Further comprising a third engagement feature formed on the first housing portion and a fourth engagement feature formed on the second housing portion, the third engagement feature and the fourth engagement feature engaging at the seam above the mouth.
8. The tape measure of claim 7, wherein, One of the third engagement feature and the fourth engagement feature is a protrusion and the other of the third engagement feature and the fourth engagement feature is a recess.
9. The tape measure of claim 7, wherein, The third engagement feature and the fourth engagement feature each include a hole forming a common path to receive a fastener extending across the seam to secure the first housing portion and the second housing portion together.
10. The tape measure of claim 5, wherein, Further comprising a reinforcing structure on a terminal end of the structure to interlock the structure to the second housing portion.
11. The tape measure of claim 10, wherein, The reinforcing structure includes a first securing feature.
12. The tape measure of claim 11, wherein, The first securing feature includes a cantilevered structure configured to deflect or deform around a second securing feature on the second housing portion to snap fit interlock the first securing feature to the second securing feature.
13. The tape measure of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising a first engagement feature formed on the first housing portion and a second engagement feature formed on the second housing portion, the first engagement feature and the second engagement feature engaging at the seam above the mouth.
14. The tape measure of claim 13, wherein, One of the first and second engagement features is a protrusion and the other of the first and second engagement features is a recess.
15. The tape measure of claim 13, wherein, The first and second engagement features each include a hole forming a common path to receive a fastener extending across the seam to secure the first and second housing portions together.
16. The tape measure of claim 1, wherein, The structure extending adjacent to the mouth portion beneath the ruler blade is shaped to match and support the profile of the ruler blade.