tape measure

Abstract

To provide a tape measure which allows a magnet to be stably attached to a case.SOLUTION: A tape measure 10 is provided, comprising a measuring tape MT, a case 1 configured to house the measuring tape MT such that the measuring tape can be pulled out and retracted, a metal bracket 2 attached to the case 1, and a magnet 4 attached to the metal bracket 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tape measure. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, some tape measures have a magnet attached to the case. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-242661 (Patent Document 1) describes a tape measure with a magnet attached to the case. In this publication, the magnet is fixed to the case with a member such as an insert, onsert, adhesive, screws, or double-sided tape. In this publication, a magnet is also attached to the claws of the measuring tape. Therefore, by fixing the case and claws to the iron material of the object to be measured with a magnet, it becomes possible for a single worker to perform measurements using the tape measure. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-242661 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the tape measure described in the above publication, the magnet is not attached properly to the case. Therefore, when the tape measure is attached to a steel wall or pillar with the magnet and then removed, the magnet may shift from its correct position on the case. This makes the attachment of the magnet to the case unstable.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a tape measure that allows the magnet to be stably attached to the case. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The tape measure of the present invention comprises a measuring tape, a case for accommodating the measuring tape removably, a metal bracket attached to the case, and a magnet attached to the metal bracket. The case has a back and a bottom. The metal bracket is L-shaped and is disposed along the back and bottom. The magnet is disposed along the bottom. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the tape measure of the present invention, the magnet can be stably attached to the case. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a tape measure according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a tape measure according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing a schematic configuration of the tape measure according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a tape measure according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a tape measure according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters, and their description will not be repeated unless particularly necessary.

[0010] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the tape measure 10 of this embodiment mainly includes a measuring tape MT, a case 1, a metal bracket 2, a yoke 3, a magnet 4, a first screw 5a, a second screw 5b, a cover 6, an attachment screw 7, a first adapter 8, and a second adapter 9.

[0011] The tape measure 10 is used to measure the length of an object using a measuring tape MT. The tape measure 10 is configured so that the measuring tape MT can be inserted into and removed from a case 1. The measuring tape MT may be curved in the width direction. The measuring tape MT may be made of steel. The measuring tape MT has a scale.

[0012] A claw portion CP is attached to the tip of the measuring tape MT. The claw portion CP is configured to be engaged with the opening / closing G of the case 1 when the measuring tape MT is housed in the case 1. The claw portion CP is exposed from the opening / closing G of the case 1 when the measuring tape MT is housed in the case 1. The claw portion CP has a magnet (claw portion magnet MG).

[0013] The case 1 is configured to accommodate the measuring tape MT in a removable manner. The case 1 has an opening G for inserting and removing the measuring tape MT. The case 1 is configured so that the measuring tape MT can be inserted and removed through the opening G in the direction of arrow A in Figure 1. The case 1 is preferably made of a resin. This resin preferably does not contain additives, plasticizers, or vulcanizing agents that make the resin flexible. This resin is, for example, ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin. The case 1 may also be made of a metal such as aluminum.

[0014] The case 1 has a front surface 1a, a side surface 1b, a rear surface 1c, and a bottom surface 1d. The side surface 1b is located between the front surface 1a and the rear surface 1c. A stopper SP is provided on the side surface 1b. The stopper SP is exposed through an opening OP of the cover 6. The stopper SP is configured to maintain the measuring tape MT pulled out from the case 1. The bottom surface 1d has a flat shape. The scale of the measuring tape MT is located on the side opposite the bottom surface 1d.

[0015] The metal bracket 2 is attached to the case 1. The metal bracket 2 is used to hold the yoke 3 and magnet 4 to the case 1. The material of the metal bracket 2 is metal. The rigidity of the metal bracket 2 is higher than the rigidity of the cover 6. In other words, the metal bracket 2 is less likely to deform than the cover 6. The metal bracket 2 is configured in an L-shape. The metal bracket 2 is arranged so as to follow the back surface 1c and bottom surface 1d of the case 1. The metal bracket 2 is arranged continuously from the back surface 1c to the bottom surface 1d of the case 1. The metal bracket 2 is configured in a plate shape.

[0016] The metal bracket 2 includes a side plate portion 2a, a bottom plate portion 2b, and a corner portion 2c. The side plate portion 2a is connected to the bottom plate portion 2b via the corner portion 2c. The side plate portion 2a is disposed at a substantially right angle to the bottom plate portion 2b. The width of the bottom plate portion 2b is greater than the width of the side plate portion 2a. The corner portion 2c is curved. This allows the corner portion 2c to function as a spring.

[0017] The side plate portion 2a is configured to fit along the back surface 1c of the case 1. The side plate portion 2a is in contact with the back surface 1c of the case 1. The bottom plate portion 2b is configured to fit along the bottom surface 1d of the case 1. The bottom plate portion 2b is in contact with the bottom surface 1d of the case 1. The corner portion 2c is configured to fit along the corner between the back surface 1c and the bottom surface 1d of the case 1.

[0018] The side plate portion 2a is attached to the rear surface 1c of the case 1 with mounting screws 7. The metal bracket 2 is attached to the case 1 by attaching the side plate portion 2a to the rear surface 1c of the case 1 with the mounting screws 7.

[0019] The yoke 3 is attached to the metal bracket 2. The material of the yoke 3 is, for example, iron. The yoke 3 is attached to the metal bracket 2 with first screws 5a. The yoke 3 is attached to the bottom plate portion 2b with the first screws 5a. Specifically, the yoke 3 is attached to the bottom plate portion 2b with two first screws 5a. The two first screws 5a are arranged at an interval from each other in the longitudinal direction of the yoke 3.

[0020] A groove 3a is provided in the bottom of the yoke 3. The groove 3a extends in the longitudinal direction of the yoke 3. The groove 3a extends continuously from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the yoke 3. A magnet 4 is inserted into the groove 3a of the yoke 3.

[0021] The magnet 4 is attached to the metal bracket 2. The magnet 4 is attached to the metal bracket 2 via the yoke 3. The magnet 4 is configured in a rectangular shape. The magnet 4 is attached to the yoke 3 with second screws 5b. Specifically, the magnet 4 is attached to the yoke 3 with two second screws 5b. The two second screws 5b are arranged at an interval from each other in the longitudinal direction of the magnet 4. The magnet 4 is arranged along the bottom surface 1d of the case 1.

[0022] The cover 6 is configured to cover the case 1 and the metal bracket 2. The cover 6 is intended to protect the tape measure 10 itself. The cover 6 is also intended to protect objects that come into contact with the tape measure 10. The cover 6 is also intended to prevent slipping. The cover 6 is preferably made of an elastic material. Specifically, the material of the cover 6 is preferably an elastic resin. Because this resin has elasticity, it contains at least one of an additive, a plasticizer, and a vulcanizing agent that give the resin flexibility. The resin is, for example, rubber or an elastomer resin.

[0023] The cover 6 has a front surface 6a, side surfaces 6b, a rear surface 6c, and a bottom surface 6d. The front surface 6a is configured to fit along the front surface 1a of the case 1. The side surfaces 6b are configured to fit along the side surfaces 1b of the case 1. The rear surface 6c is configured to fit along the rear surface 1c of the case 1. The bottom surface 6d is configured to fit along the bottom surface 1d of the case 1. The side surfaces 6b are disposed between the front surface 6a and the rear surface 6c. An opening OP is provided in the cover 6. An opening OP is provided in the side surfaces 6b. A through hole H is provided in the cover 6. A through hole H is provided in the bottom surface 6d.

[0024] The first adapter 8 is attached to the rear surface 6c of the cover 6. The first adapter 8 is arranged on the opposite side of the rear surface 6c from the rear surface 1c of the case 1. The first adapter 8 is made of a material such as metal. The second adapter 9 is attached to the first adapter 8. The second adapter 9 is arranged on the opposite side of the rear surface 6c from the first adapter 8. The second adapter 9 is configured so that a tape measure 10 can be attached to a tape measure holder (not shown). The second adapter 9 is made of a material such as metal. The first adapter 8 and the second adapter 9 are attached to the case 1 via the metal bracket 2 and the cover 6 with mounting screws 7.

[0025] 3 to 5, the yoke 3 and magnet 4 are arranged at the bottom of the tape measure 10. The yoke 3 is arranged in a through hole H provided in the bottom surface 6d of the cover 6. The magnet 4 is arranged in the through hole H of the cover 6. The yoke 3 and magnet 4 are exposed from the bottom surface 6d of the cover 6. The tip of the yoke 3 protrudes outward beyond the magnet 4 inserted in the groove 3a. The tip of the yoke 3 protrudes outward beyond the two second screws 5b.

[0026] The two first screws 5a are screwed from the metal bracket 2 toward the yoke 3. The two second screws 5b are screwed from the magnet 4 toward the yoke 3. The two first screws 5a are arranged between the two second screws 5b. The two first screws 5a are configured so that their tips do not penetrate the yoke 3 when their heads are arranged on the metal bracket 2. The two second screws 5b are configured so that their tips do not penetrate the yoke 3 when their heads are arranged on the magnet 4.

[0027] The plate PL is disposed on the front portion 6a of the cover 6. The plate PL is configured to display the manufacturer and product name of the tape measure 10. The plate PL functions as a nameplate. The plate PL has higher rigidity than the cover 6. In other words, the plate PL is less likely to deform than the cover 6. The material of the plate PL is preferably resin. However, the material of the plate PL may also be metal such as aluminum.

[0028] 6 and 7, the metal bracket 2 is disposed on the outside of the case 1. The metal bracket 2 is disposed on the inside of the cover 6. The metal bracket 2 is disposed between the case 1 and the cover 6. The metal bracket 2 is in contact with the case 1 and the cover 6.

[0029] The side plate portion 2a is configured to fit along the back surface 6c of the cover 6. The side plate portion 2a is in contact with the back surface 6c of the cover 6. The bottom plate portion 2b is configured to fit along the bottom surface 6d of the cover 6. The bottom plate portion 2b is in contact with the bottom surface 6d of the cover 6. The corner portion 2c is configured to fit along the corner between the back surface 6c and the bottom surface 6d of the cover 6. The corner portion 2c is in contact with the corner between the back surface 6c and the bottom surface 6d of the cover 6.

[0030] The tape measure 10 further includes a winding shaft 11, a bobbin 12, and a spiral spring 13. The winding shaft 11 is attached to the case 1. An attachment screw 7 is attached to the winding shaft 11. The bobbin 12 is configured to rotate around the winding shaft 11. A measuring tape MT is wound around the outer periphery of the bobbin 12. A spiral spring 13 is housed on the inner periphery of the bobbin 12. A base end of the spiral spring 13 is attached to the winding shaft 11. A tip end of the spiral spring 13 is attached to the base end of the measuring tape MT.

[0031] The measuring tape MT is biased by the spiral spring 13 so as to be wound around the winding shaft 11. Therefore, when the measuring tape MT is pulled out from the opening G of the case 1, the measuring tape MT is pulled out against the biasing force of the spiral spring 13. Therefore, when the force to pull out the measuring tape MT is released while the measuring tape MT is pulled out from the opening G of the case 1, the biasing force of the spiral spring 13 pulls the measuring tape MT back into the case 1. Furthermore, when the measuring tape MT is locked by the stopper SP, the stopper SP keeps the measuring tape MT pulled out of the case 1.

[0032] Next, the effects of the tape measure 10 according to this embodiment will be described. In the tape measure 10 according to this embodiment, the magnet 4 is attached to the metal bracket 2, which is attached to the case 1. In other words, the magnet 4 is attached to the case 1 via the metal bracket 2. This allows the magnet 4 to be securely attached to the case 1 by the metal bracket 2. This makes it possible to stably attach the magnet 4 to the case 1. This allows the tape measure 10 to be stably fixed to steel walls, pillars, etc. by the magnet 4, enabling accurate measurements to be made with the tape measure 10.

[0033] According to the tape measure 10 of this embodiment, the magnet 4 is attached to the metal bracket 2 via the yoke 3. Therefore, the attractive force of the magnet 4 can be amplified by the yoke 3.

[0034] According to tape measure 10 of this embodiment, yoke 3 is attached to metal bracket 2 with first screw 5a. Therefore, yoke 3 can be securely attached to metal bracket 2 with first screw 5a.

[0035] According to the tape measure 10 of this embodiment, the magnet 4 is attached to the yoke 3 by the second screw 5b. Therefore, the magnet 4 can be firmly attached to the yoke 3 by the second screw 5b.

[0036] According to the tape measure 10 of this embodiment, the metal bracket 2 is configured in an L-shape and is arranged so as to follow the back surface 1c and the bottom surface 1d. This allows the metal bracket 2 to be arranged so as to follow the outer shape of the case 1. This prevents the tape measure 10 from becoming too large due to the metal bracket 2.

[0037] The magnet 4 is also arranged along the bottom surface 1d, so that when the tape measure 10 is attached to a steel wall or pillar with the magnet 4, the scale of the measuring tape MT, which is arranged on the opposite side of the bottom surface 1d, can be easily seen.

[0038] According to the tape measure 10 of this embodiment, the cover 6 is configured to cover the case 1 and the metal bracket 2. Therefore, the cover 6 can protect the case 1 and the metal bracket 2. The magnet 4 is disposed in the through hole H of the cover 6. Therefore, when the tape measure 10 is attached to a steel wall, pillar, or the like using the magnet 4, the cover 6 can prevent the case 1 and the metal bracket 2 from coming into contact with the steel wall, pillar, or the like.

[0039] Furthermore, if the yoke 3 or magnet 4 were attached to the cover 6, when the tape measure 10 was attached to a steel wall, pillar, or the like by the magnet and then removed, it is possible that the yoke 3 or magnet 4 would shift from its correct position on the cover 6 and that the cover 6 would stretch. As a result, it is possible that the tape measure 10 would wobble when attached to a steel wall, pillar, or the like by the magnet 4. In contrast, with the tape measure 10 according to this embodiment, the yoke 3 or magnet 4 is not attached to the cover 6, so the yoke 3 or magnet 4 will not shift from its correct position on the cover 6 and the cover 6 will not stretch. Therefore, based on these factors, the tape measure 10 will not wobble when attached to a steel wall, pillar, or the like by the magnet 4.

[0040] In the tape measure according to this embodiment, the metal bracket 2 is attached to the case 1 by the mounting screws 7 that attach the first adapter 8 and the second adapter 9 to the case 1. In other words, the mounting screws 7 that attach the first adapter 8 and the second adapter 9 to the case 1 can also be used to attach the metal bracket 2 to the case 1. This improves productivity compared to when a member is used solely for attaching the metal bracket 2 to the case 1.

[0041] In the above description, the magnet 4 is arranged along the bottom surface 1d of the case 1, but the arrangement of the magnet 4 is not limited to this. The magnet 4 may be arranged not only along the bottom surface 1d of the case 1, but also along the top and rear surfaces of the case 1. This improves the flexibility of attaching the tape measure 10 to steel walls, pillars, etc. using the magnet 4.

[0042] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 1 Case, 2 Metal bracket, 3 Yoke, 4 Magnet, 5a First screw, 5b Second screw, 6 Cover, 7 Mounting screw, 8 First adapter, 9 Second adapter, 10 Tape measure, H Through hole, MT Measuring tape.

Claims

1. Measuring tape and a case for accommodating the measuring tape in a removable manner; a metal bracket attached to the case; a magnet attached to the metal bracket; the case having a back surface and a bottom surface; The metal bracket is configured in an L-shape and is arranged along the back surface and the bottom surface, The magnet is arranged along the bottom surface of the tape measure.

2. Further equipped with a yoke, The yoke is attached to the metal bracket; The tape measure of claim 1 , wherein the magnet is attached to the metal bracket via the yoke.

3. Further comprising a first screw; The tape measure of claim 2 , wherein the yoke is attached to the metal bracket by the first screw.

4. Further comprising a second screw; The tape measure of claim 3 , wherein the magnet is attached to the yoke by the second screw.

5. Further comprising a cover provided with a through hole; the cover is configured to cover the case and the metal bracket; The tape measure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the magnet is disposed in the through hole of the cover.

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