Patent ID: 6497050
Filing Date: 2002-12-24
Classification: B25H,G01B

Abstract:
A tape measure apparatus comprising:a) a casing having two side walls, a top wall, a bottom wall, a rear wall and a front wall defining an enclosure, the front wall having a blade aperture adjacent the bottom wall; b) a rule blade having inner and outer end portions and being retractably stored in a coiled condition within said enclosure of the casing, the inner end of the rule blade secured within the enclosure, the outer end of the rule blade protruding through the blade aperture when extended during use; c) graduated indicia markings along the length of said rule blade, functioning as a measuring scale; d) an end hook attached to the outer end of the rule blade; e) an insert slidably connected to the casing through the blade aperture and under the rule blade and movable between retracted and extended positions; and f) when in the extended position, the bottom side of the insert providing a gripping surface, the insert comprising: i) a base; ii) a guide attached to the base and generally parallel to the graduated markings of the rule blade, the rule blade being slidable relative to the base when the guide is substantially perpendicular to the base.