Patent ID: 6053447
Filing Date: 2000-04-25
Classification: G01B

Abstract:
A tape measure comprising:(a) a first plate having an interior surface, the first plate including a plurality of upright posts extending from the periphery of the first plate interior surface and including a cylindrical hub extending upward from the center of the first plate interior surface; the hub, the first plate and the posts being integrally formed from a single piece of plastic material;(b) a second plate having an interior surface, the second plate including an annular hub retention member located at the center of the second plate interior surface, the retention member sized to engage the first plate hub, the second plate further including a plurality of holes; the retention member and the second plate being integrally formed from a single piece of elastomeric material;(c) a spool assembly having a spiral spring and a tape, the spool assembly being positioned between the first and second plates, the spiral spring having an inner end that engages the first plate hub and an outer end connected to the tape;(d) a braking assembly connected between the first and second plates to maintain the tape in an extended position; and(e) a plurality of fasteners for connecting the second plate to the first plate at the first plate posts,wherein the spool assembly includes a spring-retaining disc having a central hole and an upright intermediate wall with a slot opening, the spool assembly further including an upper disc and a connector having a first end with a tongue and a second end with an opening; wherein the tape includes a first end having at tongue;as assembled, the spiral spring inner end engages the hub, the connector first end tongue engages the spiral spring outer end opening, the connector second end extends through the upright intermediate wall slot opening and engages the tape first end tongue; the connector second end being held outward of the wall slot in a manner prohibiting its passage back therethrough during use.