Abstract:
A tape measure having an integral pencil sharpener specifically for square contractor pencils, and a retractable tape formed with opposing indexed metal edges flanking a central elongate transparent or translucent window for allowing a laser beam to shine centrally through.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application derives priority from U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/299,057 filed 28 Jan. 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to hand tools and, more particularly, to a laser-transparent measuring tape useful in combination with a laser for making precise measurements on construction projects. 
         [0004]    2. Discussion of the Related Art 
         [0005]    A plumb-bob or a plummet is a weight that is suspended from a string and used as a vertical reference line, or plumb-line. The plumb bob was used by the early Egyptians to ensure that constructions are “plumb”, or vertical. Tape measures are comparatively newer and yet more ubiquitous instruments. Tape measures typically comprise a coiled cloth or metal strip with linear-measurement markings. The flexibility allows for a measure of significant length to be easily carried in one&#39;s pocket or tool box, and it also permits measurement around curves or corners. A plumb-bob can be used with a tape measure to transcribe architectural measurements into markings on the work surfaces. 
         [0006]    Lasers are largely replacing plumb bobs in the construction trade. The three most common types of laser levels are Rotary Laser Levels, Line Laser Levels (or Line Generators) and Dot Laser Levels (or Multi-Point Lasers). The dot lasers emit one or more laser beams to produce solid dots on the work surface. The dots are reference marks, and can likewise be used to ensure that something is “plumb” or level. 
         [0007]    For example, to erect a support pole in a pole barn, a worker need only place the dot laser on the ground next to a post, climb up to the top with a tape measure and measure over to the laser beam. The result is usually more accurate than the ancient plumb bob which is susceptible to blowing in the wind. However, with a standard measuring tape, the worker often needs to see underneath the tape to view the laser dot. 
         [0008]    It would be far more advantageous to provide a tape measure with retractable tape that allows partial transmission of a laser beam there through, so that a laser beam shining on one side of the tape will appear as a dot on the other side of the tape. This would allow a worker to see the laser through the tape. 
         [0009]    The general concept of transparent rulers having grid lines is known from drafting instruments. For example, U.S. Pat. No. D522,889 to Wallace issued Jun. 13, 2006 shows an ornamental transparent measuring tape. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 304,245 to Thomas issued August 1884 shows a transparent ruler. 
         [0011]    Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,422 to Schafer issued Oct. 13, 1998 shows a transparent drafting and measuring device. 
         [0012]    However, these instruments are intended for measuring atop architectural drawings, and not for displaying a laser dot. None suggest a tape measure design adapted for laser pass-through, and none address the problem of making an extended coil of tape translucent while still preserving its flexibility, durability and wear-resistance. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide tape measure having a translucent window adapted for use with a dot laser and having a predetermined return loss (difference between power incident upon the tape and the power reflected from the tape) so that a laser beam shining on one side of the tape will appear as a dot in the window on the other side of the tape, thereby allowing a worker to see the laser through the tape. 
         [0014]    It is another object to provide a tape measure with the foregoing qualities that is also flexible, durable and wear-resistant. 
         [0015]    It is another object to provide a laser-translucent tape measure as described above with integral tape cleaner for cleaning the translucent window. 
         [0016]    It is another object to provide a laser-translucent tape measure as described above with slidable index clip mounted on the tape for more accurate measurement and for marking measurements. 
         [0017]    It is another object to provide a laser-translucent tape measure as described above with integral pencil and holder for marking measurements. 
         [0018]    It is still another object to provide a laser-translucent tape measure as described above with integral pencil sharpener for sharpening said pencil. 
         [0019]    In accordance with the foregoing objects, the present invention is a laser-translucent tape measure having a translucent window running lengthwise along the tape, and having a predetermined return loss so that a laser beam shining on one side of the tape will appear as a dot in the window on the other side of the tape, thereby allowing a worker to see the laser through the tape. In a preferred embodiment a split-tape is provided having opposing metal edges marked with measuring indicia, and a central translucent window between said edges. This construction preserves the flexibility, durability and wear-resistance needed for construction-grade tape measures. The laser-translucent tape disclosed herein is flexible and coiled onto a spring-biased bobbin inside a portable housing. It is withdrawn through a slot in the housing, and the slot/housing is equipped with an integral wiper for wiping the tape clean after use, and for preventing entry of dust and debris. To facilitate its laser application, the tape measure is also provided with a slidable transparent index clip mounted on the tape. The index clip can be moved overtop the dot laser position for more accurate measurement in tight places and for marking measurements. As an added convenience, the laser-translucent tape measure of the present invention is equipped with an integral pencil for marking measurements, pencil holder, and pencil sharpener. 
         [0020]    Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the laser-translucent tape measure  2  according one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a close-up perspective view of the laser-translucent tape measure  2  showing the wiper  16 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a close-up perspective view of the laser-translucent tape  10  construction. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a close-up perspective view of an alternate laser-translucent tape  100  construction. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is a top view of the slidable transparent index clip  40 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the slidable transparent index clip  40 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0028]    Reference will now be made in detail to preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. Hereinafter, a laser-translucent tape measure is described which is useful in taking or making measurements when using a construction laser, because the uncoiled tape allows partial transmission of a laser beam there through, so that a laser beam shining on one side of the tape will appear as a dot on the other side of the tape. This allows a worker to see the laser through the tape. 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the laser-translucent tape measure  2  according one embodiment of the present invention. The tape measure  2  generally includes a partially translucent tape  10  formed as a split tape with opposing opaque margins  12  marked with measuring indicia  13 , and an elongate translucent window  11  running lengthwise between the margins  12  along the entire length of the tape  10 . The margins  12  may be conventional resilient metallic strips formed as in conventional tape measures, with a notch (or plural notches) cut lengthwise up the center as will be described. The translucent window  11  is preferably a resilient substantially transparent plastic inlay affixed centrally in the notch(es) between the opaque margins  12  of the tape. The translucent window  11  plastic is preferably slightly colorized or textured to increase the contrast of the laser beam shining thereon, although colorization/texture is optional. Even substantially “transparent” plastic will have an inherent return loss, and a small return loss is all that is needed to ensure that a laser beam shining on one side of the tape will appear as a dot in the window on the other side of the tape, thereby allowing a worker to see the laser through the tape. 
         [0030]    The split-tape margins  12  along the length of the tape  10  are laminated with conventional measuring indicia  13  including numbers and gridlines forming an English or metric scale as desired. This split-tape  10  construction preserves the flexibility, durability and wear-resistance needed for construction-grade tape measures. The tape  10  is retractable from a housing  4  in conventional format, and is coiled about a spring-loaded spool contained therein in a conventional manner. A metallic stop-flange  7  is provided at the distal end of tape  10  to prevent over-retraction into the housing  4  and to anchor the extended tape  10  against work surfaces, and a conventional internal locking mechanism with external slide-lock button  6  is provided to lock the tape  10  in an extended position. 
         [0031]    The tape  10  enters the housing  4  through an aperture at the side bottom, and in accordance with the present invention the aperture is fitted with a slotted grommet  16  through which the tape  10  passes during retraction/extension. The slotted grommet  16  may be formed of rubber, Mylar™ or other synthetic sheet, and wipes the tape  10 , serving to keep the translucent window  11  clean as well as to prevent dust and debris from entering the housing  4 . 
         [0032]    To further facilitate its use with a dot laser, the tape measure  2  is provided with a slidable transparent index clip  40  mounted on the tape  10 . The index clip  40  can be moved left or right overtop the dot laser position on window  11  for more accurate measurement in tight places and for marking and retaining measurements for a time. 
         [0033]    As an added convenience, the laser-translucent tape measure of the present invention is equipped with an integral pencil  30  for marking measurements, pencil  30  friction-fitting within a molded alcove  34  in the side of the housing  4  that serves as a flush pencil holder. In addition, a pencil sharpener cartridge  20  is releasably loaded into a receptacle in the housing  4  for convenient sharpening of pencil  30 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 2  is a close-up perspective view of the laser-translucent tape measure  2  showing the slotted grommet wiper  16  at the tape aperture in housing  4 . The slotted grommet  16  may be held captive in the walls of housing  4  by a tongue-and-groove fit, and includes a transverse central slit through which the tape  10  passes inwardly. The resilient lips of the grommet wiper  16  surrounding the central slit abut the surfaces of the tape  10 , particularly window  11 , and wipe it clean during extension/retraction, thereby ensuring a clean viewing surface and as well sealing the housing  4  against dust and debris. One skilled in the art will readily understand that an inwardly-bristled brush-like O-ring would also suffice. 
         [0035]      FIG. 3  is a close-up perspective view of an exemplary laser-translucent tape  10  construction. The translucent tape  10  is herein formed as a split tape with opposing resilient metal margins  12  marked with the measuring indicia  13 . The elongate translucent window  11  runs lengthwise between the margins  12  along substantially the entire length of the tape  10 . The translucent window  11  may be affixed between the margins  12  as illustrated by bridging the groove between the margins at evenly-spaced intervals with cross-connectors  17 , and riveting or otherwise adhering the plastic strip of translucent window  11  to the cross-connectors  17 , so that the plastic strip of translucent window  11  is fixedly attached directly beneath the margins  12 . 
         [0036]    Alternatively or additionally, as seen in dotted lines in  FIG. 3 , the margins  12  may be formed as two substantially identical overlying layers  12 - 12 ′, effectively sandwiching the translucent window  11  there between. In this latter case the two-ply margins  12 - 12 ′ may be welded together peripherally and/or at cross-connectors  17  as shown. In this latter case the two-ply margins  12 - 12 ′ may be welded together peripherally and/or at cross-connectors  17  as shown. In all such cases the notch (or plural notches) as well as cross-connectors  17  if used) may be cut or stamped lengthwise up the center of tape  10  and the translucent window  11  affixed over the notch by any suitable means. 
         [0037]    Still another embodiment of tape  100  is shown in  FIG. 4 . In this embodiment, the entire tape  100  is formed as translucent resilient material such as semi-rigid vinyl, polycarbonate or cellulose propionate formed by extrusion molding. The entire tape  100  may be tinted or textured to increase laser contrast, and conventional measuring indicia  13  including numbers and gridlines forming an English or metric scale may be imprinted thereon during extrusion as desired. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 5 and 6  are a top view and side view, respectively, of the slidable transparent index clip  40 . The slidable transparent index clip  40  comprises a slightly convex transparent rectangular plastic member sized to span the tape  10 , and having peripheral flanges  47  that wrap around the edges of tape  10  gripping it there beneath. This tongue-in-groove fit leaves the clip freely slidable, subject to friction, along the entire length of the tape  10 . The major surface of the clip  40  is imprinted or ingrained with cross-hairs  43  converging to a central dot  45 . This way, when a user makes a measurement with the tape  10  using a laser dot as a reference, the user can slide the clip  40  along the tape  10  until the laser dot is sighted in the cross-hairs  43  and/or dot  45 . This capability helps to increase the accuracy of measurements and also provides a temporary bookmark of each measurement which is especially helpful in tight or awkward locations. 
         [0039]    Referring back to  FIG. 1 , the integral pencil  30  is an additional convenience useful for marking measurements, and in the preferred embodiment the pencil  30  is removably friction-fit within a molded alcove  34  in the side of the housing  4  that serves as a flush pencil holder. This type of mounting keeps the pencil out of the way, recessed flush within the housing, and protects it when not in use. However, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the pencil  30  may be attached exterior to the housing  4  by other means, such as hook and loop pads or a resilient clip protruding from housing  4 . The presence of pencil  30  facilitates transfer of each measurement from tape  10  to clip  40  to notebook. 
         [0040]    The pencil sharpener  20  for sharpening pencil  30  is preferably a small cartridge insert that may be inserted into a conforming aperture/receptacle in housing  4 , and held therein by an exterior detent lock  21  similar to those used in battery compartment covers. The pencil sharpener  20  cartridge preferably includes an on-board reservoir for the shavings, which reservoir may be emptied by removal of the cartridge  20 . 
         [0041]    In use of the laser-translucent tape measure  2  to, for example, install a ceiling bracket over a spot on the floor by measuring a plumb between two ceiling rafters, the red dot laser is placed on the floor and the laser is directed upward to the ceiling. The tape  10  of tape measure  2  is extracted and laid between rafters to measure over to the laser beam. The red dot laser is brightly visible within window  11  from overtop the tape. The user can then slide clip  40  to coincide, disembark the ladder, retrieve the measurement position of clip  40  and write in down using pencil  30 . The entire process is greatly simplified. 
         [0042]    It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.