Patent ID: 8782917
Filing Date: 2014-07-22
Classification: F16D,G01B

Abstract:
1. A tape measure comprising: a housing; a tape reel rotatably mounted within the housing; a measuring tape at least partially coiled about the tape reel, the measuring tape being movable between an extended position in which at least a portion of the measuring tape extends outwardly of the housing and a retracted position in which the measuring tape is substantially coiled completely about the tape reel and disposed within the housing; a spring mechanism for biasing the tape reel to rotate so as to move the measuring tape from the extended position towards the retracted position; a disc brake mechanism for applying a frictional force to the tape reel to control rotation of the tape reel, the disc brake mechanism including a disc rotatably mounted within the housing, a first side of the disc functioning as a brake pad to engage the tape reel so as to apply the frictional force to the tape reel, and a second side of the disc having a plurality of inclined cam surfaces arranged in annular formation which interact with a plurality of corresponding inclined cam surfaces arranged in annular formation on an inner wall of the housing; and wherein rotation of the disc in a first direction causes the brake pad to move towards the tape reel and rotation of the disc in a second direction causes the brake pad to move away from the tape reel.