Patent ID: 7490500
Filing Date: 2009-02-17
Classification: G01B

Abstract:
1. A method of manufacturing an elongated blade for a tape measure device from a substantially flat strip of metallic material, said elongated blade having a predetermined cross-sectional curved configuration comprising a concave-convex segment and at least one planar segment adjoining edgewise the concave-convex segment to form a junction that extends substantially along the entire length of the elongated blade, said method comprising: passing a substantially flat metallic strip through a slit opening in a die, said slit opening having a configuration substantially conforming to said predetermined cross-sectional curved configuration; annealing said junction to avoid formation of a flaw or incipient fracture along the junction; where the annealing comprises passing said flat metallic strip lengthwise through the slit opening and heating to a temperature substantially above ambient temperature but below melting point of the metallic material, and where the flat strip of metallic material is heated prior to passing said strip through the slit opening, and, further, where the die is heated to a temperature substantially from 500 to 700 degrees Fahrenheit; and where the metallic material is selected from the group comprising chromium, nickel, carbon, and iron.