Retractable tape measure and securing same

Various tape measures and devices for stabilizing and securing such tape measures during use are described. Some tape measures may include a tang that extends from a back side of the tape measure. The extended tang may secure the tape measure to the object being measured. The tang may further provide lateral stabilization. Some tape measures may include a horizontal reel that lowers the center of gravity and increases stability of the tape measure. Further tape measures may incorporate extendable stabilizers that increase an effective width of the tape measure and thus its lateral stability during use.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments relate to a retractable tape measure, and more particularly, to enhancements for securing or stabilizing a retractable tape measure during use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A retractable tape measure may include a body, a tape reel, and a measuring tape blade. The body houses the reel and at least a portion of the measuring tape blade that is wound around the reel. The body further includes a slot through which a distal end of measuring tape blade extends from the body. A tab or hook may be affixed to the distal end of the measuring tape blade. The tab may permit the distal end of the measuring tape blade to be secured to an object.

Such a retractable tape measure may permit a craftsperson to measure objects having dimensions that far exceed the wingspan of the craftsperson. For example, the craftsperson may secure the tab to one end of an object and carry the tape measure to the other end of the object. Assuming the tab remains secured to the object, moving the tape measure to the other end of the object will cause the measuring tape blade to be unwound from the reel and further extended from the body. The craftsperson may then view measurement markings on the measuring tape blade to determine the length of the extended measuring tape blade and therefore the length of the object being measured.

Alternatively, the craftsperson may place the body of the tape measure at one end of the object and carry the distal end of the measuring tape blade to the other end of the object. Assuming the body remains at the end of the object, moving the distal end of the measuring tape blade causes the measuring tape blade to be unwound from the reel and further extended from the body. The craftsperson may then view measurement markings on the measuring tape blade to determine the length of the extended measuring tape blade and therefore the length of the object being measured.

Regardless of which approach the craftsperson chooses, the tape body and the distal end of the measuring tape blade must remain in position in order for the craftsperson to obtain an accurate measure. Unfortunately, existing tape bodies and distal ends commonly do not remain in position throughout the measuring process. As such, a craftsperson may be required to repeat the process or enlist the aid of a colleague to hold one end of the retractable measuring tape blade in order to obtain an accurate measure.

Limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches should become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems with aspects of the present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present application.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Tape measures and manners of securing or stabilizing such tape measures during use are substantially shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, and are set forth more completely in the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention are generally related to retractable tape measures. More specifically, certain embodiments of the present invention relate to securing or stabilizing a retractable tape measure when measuring an object. Such securing or stabilizing of a retractable tape measure may help a craftsperson to measure an object that is longer than the craftsperson's wingspan without enlisting the aid of another person.

Referring now toFIG. 1, a vertical-reel, retractable tape measure10is shown. The tape measure10may include an outer casing or housing20defined by one or more outer walls. The casing20may generally define a front side23, a back side24opposite the front side23, a top side25, a bottom side26opposite the top side25, a left side27, and a right side28opposite the left side27of the retractable tape measure10. The tape measure10may further include a measuring tape blade30that extends through a horizontal slot29in the front side23of the casing20.

The blade30may comprise a long, narrow strip of metal or other flexible material such as, for example, cloth, plastic, or fiber glass. The blade30may have a long length L (e.g., 25 feet), a narrow width W (e.g., 1 inch), and a minor thickness T (e.g., 0.1 millimeters) that define a major upper surface32and a major lower surface33of the blade30. The blade30may further include measurement markings34on the upper surface32, the lower surface33, or both. The markings34may be spaced at regular intervals (e.g., every sixteenth of an inch) and may have associated labels35to assist a craftsperson in obtaining a measurement reading.

The blade30may further include a hook or tab36that is attached to a distal end38. A craftsperson may use the tab36to secure the distal end38of the blade30to an object to be measured. Moreover, the tab36may be dimensioned such that the tab36is too large to pass through the slot29in the front side23of the casing20. Such dimensioning of the slot29and hook36ensures that a spring-loaded reel (described below) does not retract the distal end38of the blade30into an interior of the casing20.

As explained in detail below, the back side24of the tape measure10may include one or more securing assemblies (obscured inFIG. 1).

Referring now toFIGS. 2 and 3, the retractable tape measure10is shown with a securing assembly50. As shown, the securing assembly50may comprise a retractable member60that may be pivoted between a retracted position (e.g.,FIG. 2) and an extended position (e.g.,FIG. 3). The casing20may include a recess61sized to receive the retractable member60when rotated from the extended position to the retracted position and to permit rotation of the retractable member60from the retracted position to the extended position. As shown, the recess61may extend along a lower portion of the left, back edge of the casing20. Alternatively, the recess61may extend along a lower portion of the right, back edge63of the casing20. Further still, the securing assembly50may include two retractable members60, one associated with the left, back edge and another associated with the right, back edge63.

The retractable member60may comprise a lever or bar62having a proximal end64and a distal end65. The proximal end64may include a pivotal coupling66associated with the left, back edge of the casing20. In particular, the pivotal coupling66may define an axis of rotation that is normal to the back side24and that permits proximal end64of the bar62to be rotated in a clockwise and counterclockwise manner about the axis. In some embodiments, the recess61is sized to prevent over rotation of the lever62when moving from the extended position to the retracted position or from the retracted position to the extended position. In other embodiments, the casing20and pivotal coupling66may further may include stops, detents, or both that interact with one another to prevent over-rotation or to provide a resistive force that holds the lever62in the retracted position and the extended position till overcome by an external force (e.g., a craftsperson manually rotating the lever62between positions).

When in the extended position, the distal end65of the lever62extends through a plane defined by the bottom side24of the casing. Thus, when in the extended position, the lever62may engage an edge of an object (e.g., a wooden board) to be measured. By engaging the object, the lever62may help secure the tape measure10to the object and may help hold the tape measure10in place while a craftsperson extracts the measuring tape blade30from the front side23. Such securing of the back side24of the tape measure10to the object via the lever62is especially helpful when the dimension to be measured exceeds the craftsperson's wingspan.

Referring now toFIGS. 4-7, the retractable tape measure10is shown with a securing assembly80. As shown, the securing assembly80may comprise a retractable member in the form of a cylindrical post82that may be moved between a retracted position (e.g.,FIG. 4) and an extended position (e.g.,FIG. 5). The casing20may include a recess83and an opening or bore84. The recess83may extend along a bottom, back edge of the casing20thus forming a bottom surface86that is raised above the bottom side26of the casing20. The raised bottom surface86permits a distal end87of the post82, when in the retracted position, to extend from the casing20but not into a plane defined by the bottom side26of the casing20. However, when in the extended position, the distal end87may extend through the plane defined by the bottom side26that permitting the back side24to be secured to an object via the post82.

As shown, the bore84may extend through the bottom surface86of the recess83. Moreover, an inner surface of the bore84may engage an outer, side surface88of the post82in a manner that permits the outer side surface88to slide against the inner surface89of the bore84. In one embodiment, the bore84provides a friction-fit sufficient to prevent the post82from sliding into the extended position ofFIGS. 5 and 7due to gravity. The back side24of the casing20further includes a vertical slot or channel92that exposes an upper portion of the bore84. The channel92may receive a tab90that is coupled to a proximal end91of the post82. In particular, the tab90may extend through the back side24via the channel92to provide a lever that projects outward from the back side24. A craftsperson may apply a force to the tab90to move the post82. By pushing down on the tab90toward the bottom side26of casing20, a craftsperson may exert a force sufficient to overcome the friction-fit and cause the post82to slide into the extended position ofFIGS. 5 and 7. Conversely, by pushing up on the tab90toward the top side25of the casing20, a craftsperson may exert a force sufficient to overcome the friction-fit and cause the post82to slide into the retracted position ofFIGS. 4 and 6.

Furthermore, a lower end93and an upper end94of the channel92may provide stops for the post82. In particular, the channel92may prevent or stop the tab90from moving beyond the lower end93. By stopping the tab90at the lower end93, the channel92may prevent the post82from being over-extended and completely removed from the casing20as the craftsperson manually extends the post82. Conversely, the channel92may prevent or stop the tab90from moving beyond the upper end94. By stopping the tab90at the upper end94, the channel92may prevent the post82from being over-retracted into the casing20as the craftsperson manually retracts the post82into the bore84.

Referring now toFIGS. 8 and 9, the retractable tape measure10is shown with a securing assembly100. As shown, the securing assembly100may comprise a retractable member in the form of a cylindrical post102that may be moved between a retracted position (e.g.,FIG. 8) and an extended position (e.g.,FIG. 9). The casing20may include a recess103and an opening or bore104. The recess103may extend along a bottom, back edge of the casing20thus forming a bottom surface106that is raised above the bottom side26of the casing20. The raised bottom surface106permits a distal end107of the post102, when in the retracted position, to extend from the casing20but not into a plane defined by the bottom side26of the casing20. However, when in the extended position, the distal end107may extend through the plane defined by the bottom side26thus permitting the back side24to be secured to an object via the post102.

As shown, the bore104may extend through the bottom surface106of the recess103. Moreover, an inner surface of the bore104may engage an outer surface108of the post82in a manner that permits the outer surface108to slide against the inner surface of the bore104. In one embodiment, the bore104provides a friction-fit sufficient to prevent the post82from sliding into the extended position ofFIG. 9due to gravity. The recess103may be large enough to permit a craftsperson to grab the distal end107of the post102with their fingers and manually extend the post102. Moreover, a proximal end of the post82may include stops that prevent the post102from being over-extended and completely removed from the casing20as the craftsperson manually extends the post102. Similarly, the stops may prevent the post102from being over-retracted and completely inserted into the casing20as the craftsperson manually retracts the post102into the bore104.

While the post102in one embodiment may be manually retracted and extended, the post102in another embodiment may be spring loaded. In such an embodiment, the securing assembly100may include a spring and latch that operate similar to a pushbutton on/off switch. When in the retracted position ofFIG. 8, the craftsperson may push on the distal end107of the post102to cause the post102to retract slightly into the casing20and release a catch. With the catch released, the associated spring may move the post102into the extended position. The craftsperson may latter push on the distal end107to cause the post102to retract back into the bore104far enough to re-engage the catch and retain the post102in the retracted position.

Referring now toFIGS. 10 and 11, the retractable tape measure10is shown with a securing assembly120. As shown, the securing assembly120may include a retractable member in the form of a rectangular hook or tab122that may be moved between a retracted position (e.g.,FIG. 10) and an extended position (e.g.,FIG. 11). The casing20may include a recess123and an opening or slot124. The recess123may extend along a bottom, back edge of the casing20thus forming a bottom surface126that is raised above the bottom side26of the casing20. The raised bottom surface126permits a distal end127of the tab122, when in the retracted position, to extend from the casing20but not into a plane defined by the bottom side26of the casing20. However, when in the extended position, the distal end127may extend through the plane defined by the bottom side26and permit the back side24to be secured to an object via the tab122.

As shown, the slot124may extend through the bottom surface126of the recess123. Moreover, inner surfaces of the slot124may engage outer surfaces128of the tab122in a manner that permits the outer surfaces128to slide against the inner surfaces of the slot124. In one embodiment, the slot124provides a friction-fit sufficient to prevent the tab122from sliding into the extended position ofFIG. 11due to gravity. The recess123may be large enough to permit a craftsperson to grab the distal end127of the tab122with their fingers and manually extend the tab122. Moreover, a proximal end of the tab122may include stops that prevent the tab122from being over-extended and completely removed from the casing20as the craftsperson manually extends the tab122. Similarly, the stops may prevent the tab122from being over-retracted and completely inserted into the casing20as the craftsperson manually retracts the tab122into the slot124.

While the tab122in one embodiment may be manually retracted and extended, the tab122in another embodiment may be spring loaded. In particular, a craftsperson may push on the distal end127of the tab122to release a catch and permit an associated spring to move the tab122into the extended position. The craftsperson may latter push on the distal end127to cause the tab122to retract back into the slot124far enough to re-engage a catch and retain the tab122in the retracted position.

Referring now toFIGS. 12 and 13, the retractable tape measure10is shown with a securing assembly140. As shown, the securing assembly140may include a retractable member in the form of a wired loop142that may be moved between a retracted position (e.g.,FIG. 12) and an extended position (e.g.,FIG. 13). The casing20may include a recess143and openings144. The recess123may extend along a bottom, back edge145of the casing20thus forming a bottom surface146that is raised above the bottom side26of the casing20. The raised bottom surface146permits a distal end147of the wire loop142, when in the retracted position, to extend from the casing20but not into a plane defined by the bottom side26of the casing20. However, when in the extended position, the distal end147may extend through the plane defined by the bottom side26and permit the back side24to be secured to an object via the wire loop142.

As shown, the openings144may extend through the bottom surface146of the recess143. Moreover, inner surfaces of the openings144may engage outer surfaces148of the wire loop142in a manner that permits the outer surfaces148to slide against the inner surfaces of the openings144. In one embodiment, the openings144provide a friction-fit sufficient to prevent the wire loop142from sliding into the extended position ofFIG. 13due to gravity. The recess143may be large enough to permit a craftsperson to grab the distal end147of the wire loop142with their fingers and manually extend the wire loop142. Moreover, a proximal end of the wire loop142may include stops that prevent the wire loop102from being over-extended and completely removed from the casing20as the craftsperson manually extends the wire loop142. Similarly, the stops may prevent the wire loop142from being over-retracted and completely inserted into the casing20as the craftsperson manually retracts the wire loop142into the openings144.

While the wire loop142in one embodiment may be manually retracted and extended, the wire loop142in another embodiment may be spring loaded. In particular, a craftsperson may push on the distal end147of the wire loop142to release a catch and permit an associated spring to move the wire loop142into the extended position. The craftsperson may latter push on the distal end147to cause the wire loop142to retract back into the openings144far enough to re-engage a catch and retain the wire loop142in the retracted position.

Referring now toFIGS. 14-19, an embodiment of a horizontal-reel, retractable tape measure210is shown. The tape measure210may include an outer casing or housing220defined by one or more outer walls222. The walls222may generally define a front side223, a back side224, a top side225, a bottom side226, a left side227, and a right side228of the retractable tape measure210. The tape measure210may further include a measuring tape blade230that extends through a horizontal slot229in the front side223of the casing220.

The blade230may comprise a long, narrow strip of metal or other flexible material. In particular, the blade230, like blade30described above, may include a long length L (e.g., 25 feet), a narrow width W (e.g., 1 inch), and a minor thickness T (e.g., 0.1 millimeters) that define a major upper surface and a major lower surface of the blade230. The blade230, also like blade30, may further include measurement markings on the upper surface, the lower surface, or both. The measurement markings may be spaced at regular intervals (e.g., every sixteenth of an inch) and may have associated labels to assist a craftsperson in obtaining a measurement reading.

The blade230may further include a hook or tab236that is attached to a distal end238. A craftsperson may use the tab236to secure the distal end238of the blade230to an object to be measured. Moreover, the tab236may be dimensioned such that the tab236is too large to pass through the slot229in the front side223of the casing220. Such dimensioning of the slot229and hook236ensures that a reel (described below) does not over-retract the distal end238of the blade230into an interior of the casing220.

The retractable tape measure210may further include a vertical axle240and a tape reel242mounted on the vertical axle240. As shown, the vertical axle240may extend centrally, between the top side225and bottom side226of the casing220. The vertical axle240may further provide the tape reel242with a vertical axis of rotation that is normal to the top side225and the bottom side226of the casing220.

The tape reel242may be generally shaped as a right, circular cylinder having a larger diameter D than height H. Moreover, the casing220may generally conform to the shape of the tape reel242, resulting in the tape measure210likewise having a larger diameter than height. Conversely, the tape measures10ofFIGS. 1-13include a similarly shaped tape reel that is mounted to a horizontal axle that extends centrally, between a left side27and right side28of the tape measure10. The tape measures10likewise include casings20that generally conform to the shape of their respective tape reels. As such, the ratio of surface area of the bottom side226of tape measure210to the surface area of its front, back, left, or right side is larger than the ratio of the surface area of the bottom side26of tape measure10to the surface area of its front, back left, or right side. The proportionally larger bottom side226and smaller height generally results in the tape measure210with a lower center of gravity and thus more stable and less likely to tip over during measurement than the tape measures10ofFIGS. 1-13.

A proximal end of the blade230may be attached to the reel242. A central portion243of the blade230may be wound around the reel242. A distal end238of the blade230may extend through a horizontal slot229in the front side223of the casing220. The slot229may be positioned in the front side223of the casing220toward the bottom side226. The slot229may also be elongated such that a longitudinal axis of the slot229runs parallel or substantially parallel with the bottom side226. Moreover, the measuring tape blade230may be directed through the slot229such that the width W of the blade240, which is parallel with the vertical axle240when the blade240is wound around the reel242, is twisted such that the width is perpendicular to the vertical axle240and thus parallel with the longitudinal axis of the slot229and the bottom side226of the casing220. As a result, the blade230may extend through the slot229such that the measuring tape blade230generally extends along a plane defined by the bottom side226of the casing220.

The tape measure210may further include a slide250that projects through the casing220to operate a brake. The brake, when actuated via slide250, may engage the measuring tape blade230, the reel242, or both to maintain the blade230in an extended position. Conversely, when de-actuated via slide250, the brake may permit a retraction force to be applied by the tape reel242to retract and recoil the blade230. In one embodiment, the tape reel242has an associated spring or springs which apply the retraction force. However, in other embodiments, the reel242may be coupled to a handle of the tape measure210. A craftsperson may use the handle to manually crank the reel242and retract and recoil the blade240.

The tape measure10may further include a securing assembly300that is associated with the back side224of the casing220. The securing assembly300may take many different forms such as those shown inFIGS. 2-13. However, the securing assembly300, in one embodiment, may include a spring-loaded release button310and a spring-loaded, retractable member in the form of a tang352. The spring-loaded release button310may include a button surface312, legs313, and catch314. The legs313may extend perpendicularly from the button surface312through a button opening261in the casing220. The catch314may run parallel to the button surface312and may join central portions of the legs313. The catch314may further provide a spring mount326that may receive an associated spring327that applies a force that directs the spring-loaded button310outward from the casing320.

Each leg313of the button310may include barbs318that are angled away from the end of the respective leg313. In particular, the angled barbs318may engage catches in the casing320and compress the ends of legs313toward one another such that the barbed ends may pass by the catches when the release button310is initially inserted through the button opening361during manufacturing. After the barbs318pass by the catches, the legs313may return to the position depicted inFIG. 18. The barbs318may then engage the catches and prevent the associated spring327from expelling the release button310from the button opening361. Due to the above arrangement, a user may press the button surface312to move the button310in an inward direction and the spring327may move the button310in an outward direction when the user ceases to press the button surface312.

As depicted inFIGS. 16 and 17, the securing assembly300may further include a vertical channel336that is integrated into the back side224of the casing220. As shown inFIG. 16, the vertical channel336may completely receive a tang352when the tang352is in a retracted position. The channel336may further guide the tang352as associated spring353forces the tang352to move from the retracted position ofFIG. 16to the extended position ofFIG. 17after actuating the release button310. Similarly, the channel336may guide the tang352into the retracted position ofFIG. 16when a craftsperson applies sufficient force to the extended tang352to overcome the springs353.

As shown inFIG. 19, the tang352may further include a latch360that extends from a proximal end362of the tang352. Moreover, the proximal end362may provide a seat or surface364against which springs353may exert a downward force. In one embodiment, the securing assembly300includes two springs353, which each extend along opposite sides of the latch360.

As shown inFIGS. 16 and 17, the latch360may include a hook364. The hook364is configured to engage and grasp the catch314of the button310when the tang352is in the retracted position. As depicted inFIGS. 16 and 17, a bottom surface of the catch314may be angled in order to help guide the hook364past the catch314when the tang352is being retracted. Once past the catch314, the hook364may engage an upper surface of the catch314and retain the tang352in the retracted position as shown inFIG. 16. To release the tang352, a craftsperson may press the button310thus causing the catch314to slide past the hook364, thus releasing the latch360and permitting the springs357to move the tang352into the retracted position.

Besides the latch360, the tang352may further include one or more integrated marking devices354. As depicted inFIG. 19, a distal end376of the tang352may integrate a marking device378into each corner379. For example, each corner379may be sharpened to permit marking an object by scratching or scoring a surface of the object. In another embodiment, each corner379may include a roller comprised of or covered with a marking compound such as graphite that may be used to mark a surface of an object. Alternatively or additionally, the rollers may be knurled so as to score a surface of the object.

Another securing assembly400for a tape measure410is shown inFIGS. 20-23. While the tape measure410is depicted inFIGS. 20-23as a vertical-reel, tape measure similar to the tape measure10ofFIGS. 1-13, the securing assembly400is further suitable for a horizontal-reel, tape measure similar to the tape measure210shown inFIGS. 14-19.

The securing assembly400may include a retractable member in the form of a tang420. The tang420may be attached to a back side413of the tape measure410via rails460, fixed pivot470, and spring-loaded detent490. The tang420generally comprises a thin, metal plate422. However, the plate422may be made of other rigid and sturdy materials. As depicted, the plate422has a generally-rectangular perimeter and a narrow thickness which define a front face and back face of the tang420. For the convenience of discussion, the plate422is described as having a left edge431, a right edge432, a top edge433, and a bottom edge434which correspond to a left, right, top, bottom edge of the plate422when the plate422is in the retracted position420ofFIG. 20. The plate422, however, may be rotated about fixed pivot470during operating thus resulting in sides of the plate422no longer aligning with the viewer's perspective of left, right, top, and bottom. For example, the plate422, inFIGS. 22 and 23, is rotated 90° with respect to the plate422, inFIGS. 20 and 21. As such, the top edge423is depicted toward the viewer's right inFIGS. 22 and 23.

Referring toFIGS. 20 and 21, the plate422may include a longitudinal track440and a lateral track450that crosses the longitudinal track440at a central point439. The longitudinal track440may provide a fixed-width opening that extends through the plate422and runs in a longitudinal direction across the plate422. In particular, the longitudinal track440may run from a central point439of the plate422to an upper endpoint442toward the top edge433. The longitudinal track440may further run from the central point439to a lower end point444toward the bottom edge434.

Similarly, the lateral track450may provide a fixed-width opening that extends through the plate422, but runs in a lateral direction across the plate422. In particular, the lateral track450may run from the central point439toward a left endpoint452toward the left edge431. The lateral track430may further run from the central point439to a right endpoint454toward the right edge432.

In one embodiment, the tracks440,450generally provide the fixed pivot470a straight path between the respective endpoints. Moreover, the fixed-width of the openings provided by the tracks440,450are the same and are sized to correspond to a diameter of the fixed pivot470.

The fixed pivot470may include a head472and cylindrical body. In particular, the cylindrical pivot body may have diameter that permits the body to pass through the openings provided by tracks440,450and attach the pivot470to a back side413of the tape measure410. In some embodiments, the diameter of the pivot body closely matches the width of the tracks440,450and the diameter of the pivot head472exceeds the width of the tracks440,450. The pivot body may therefore engage the tracks440,450and permit the fixed pivot470to slide along the tracks440,450, while the pivot head472slides along a front face of the plate422and helps retain the plate422to the back side413of the tape measure410.

The plate422may further include retention holes461,462,463, and464. Each of the retention holes461-464may be sized to receive the spring-loaded detent490that extends from the back side413of the tape measure410. In one embodiment, the spring-loaded detent490is positioned toward the lower, left of the back side413. The spring-loaded detent490may be positioned at other locations of the back side413. As will become apparent fromFIGS. 20-23, the spring-loaded detent490is generally positioned offset from the tracks440,450to avoid engaging the tracks440,450during movement of the tang420from one desired position to another. Moreover, the detent490is positioned such that the detent490can engage the tang420in each of the desired positions ofFIGS. 20-23when the detent490is extended. Since, the wide, extended position ofFIG. 23is the lowest desired position in one embodiment, the detent490in such an embodiment is positioned low enough on the back side413that the detent490still engages the tang420as shown inFIG. 23.

As noted above, the tracks440,450have endpoints442,444,452, and454and the fixed pivot470may travel along the tracks440,450between the various endpoints443,444,452,454. In one embodiment, each of the endpoints442,444,452, and454generally corresponds to a final destination for the fixed pivot470when the tang420is placed in one of the desired positions. More specifically,FIG. 20depicts the tang420in a retracted position where the tang420does not extend into a plane defined by a bottom side414of the tape measure410. Moreover, when in the retracted position, the fixed pivot470is generally aligned with the lower endpoint444of track440and the detent490is engaged with the retention hole461.

FIG. 21depicts the tang420in an extended position where the tang420extends through the plane defined by a plane defined by a bottom side414of the tape measure410, thus permitting the tang420to secure the tape measure410to an object being measured. Moreover, when in the normal, extended position ofFIG. 21, the fixed pivot470is near the upper endpoint442of track440and the detent490is engaged with the retention hole462. Since the fixed pivot470follows the longitudinal track440when the tang420moves from the retracted position ofFIG. 20to the normal, extended position ofFIG. 21, the retention holes461,462define endpoints along a line that generally parallels the track440.

FIG. 22depicts the tang420in a stabilizing position where the tang420does not extend through the plane defined by a plane defined by a bottom side414. Instead, the right side432of the tang420is aligned with the bottom side414of the tape measure. In this position, the tang420effectively laterally extends the bottom side414of the tape measure410, thus providing additional lateral support. Moreover, the fixed pivot470generally aligns with the right endpoint454of track450and the detent490is engaged with the retention hole463. Thus, the right endpoint454, in one embodiment is positioned in the plate422, such that the distance between the right endpoint454and the first side432of the plate422equals the distance between the fixed pivot470and the bottom side414of the tape measure410.

FIG. 23depicts the tang420in a wide, extended position where the tang420extends through the plane defined by the bottom side414of the tape measure410. Moreover, the tang420is rotated such that the top edge434and bottom edge434of the tang420extend beyond the sides of the tape measure410. In this position, the tang420may be secured to an object being measured. Moreover, the tang420may also provide additional lateral support to help prevent the tape measure410from tipping over during use.

As shown, the fixed pivot470generally aligns with the left endpoint452of track450and the detent490is engaged with the retention hole464. Since the fixed pivot470generally follows the lateral track450when the tang420moves from the stabilizing position ofFIG. 22to the wide, extended position ofFIG. 23, the retention holes463,464define endpoints of a line that generally parallels the track450.

As shown inFIGS. 20 and 21, the rails460may include grooves or channels that generally receive the tang420when the tang420is in the retracted and normal, extended positions. By receiving the tang420, the rails460provide the tang420with additional structural support and stability. However, such receiving also prevent rotation of the tang420when in the retracted and normal, extended positions.

As shown inFIG. 21, the longitudinal track440extends beyond the fixed pivot470to the upper endpoint442when in the normal, extended position. As a result of further extending the track440, the tang420may extend beyond the extended position ofFIG. 21until the fixed pivot470reaches the upper endpoint442. In one embodiment, the rails460extend roughly only half way down the back side414. Moreover, the upper endpoint442is positioned on the tang420such that tang420is free of the rails460when the fixed pivot470reaches the upper endpoint442. Thus, with the fixed pivot470aligned with the upper endpoint442, the tang420may be rotated clockwise to permit positioning the tang420into the stabilizing or wide, extended positions ofFIGS. 22 and 23.

WhileFIGS. 21-23depict one manner of stabilizing a tape measure via a retractable member such as back tang420,FIGS. 24 and 25depict another manner of stabilizing a tape measure510. While the tape measure510is depicted inFIGS. 24 and 25as a vertical-reel, tape measure similar to the tape measures ofFIGS. 1-13 and 21-23, the depicted stabilizing assembly530may also be suitable for horizontal-reel, tape measures similar to the tape measure210shown inFIGS. 14-19.

As depicted, the tape measure510may include an outer casing or housing512that generally defines a front side513, a back side514, a top side515, a bottom side516, a left side517, and a right side518of the tape measure10. The tape measure510may further include stabilizing assemblies530associated with the left side517and right side518of the tape measure510.

The stabilizing assembly530may include a stabilizer532which take various forms. As depicted, the stabilizer may comprise a wired loop that may be pivoted between a retracted position (e.g.,FIG. 24) and an extended position (e.g.,FIG. 25). However, the stabilizer532, in other embodiments, may comprise a tab, lever, tang, or some other projection that may be moved between retracted and extended positions.

As shown, the casing512may include a recess533in the right side518. The left side517may include a similar recess. The recess533may extend upward from a bottom edge of the casing512and be sized to receive the stabilizer523. The stabilizer532and the right side518may form a pivotal coupling534toward a bottom edge of the casing512. In one embodiment, the pivotal coupling534provides a friction-fit sufficient to retain the stabilizer532in the retracted position in the presence of gravity. Moreover, the pivotal coupling534may include stops that prevent the stabilizer532from pivoting beyond a plane defined by a bottom side516of the tape measure510. The pivotal coupling534may further include detents, latches, or other holding devices configured to retain the stabilizer532in the extended position ofFIG. 25. While in the extended position, the stabilizers532may effectively increase the operating width of the tape measure510and therefore may provide the tape measure510with additional lateral support. Such additional lateral support may help prevent the tape measure510from tipping over during use.

Various embodiments of the invention have been described herein by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures. In particular, various stabilizing assemblies and securing assemblies have been described which help stabilize and secure a tape measure being used to measure an object. Moreover, it should be appreciated that a craftsperson may enjoy the benefits of the above described stabilizing assemblies and securing assemblies without the aid of an external tool. In particular, the craftsperson does not need to use a screw driver, wrench, or other device in order to use the above stabilizing assemblies and securing assemblies. As such, the craftsperson may quickly and easily secure and stabilize the tape measure without the hassle of using a separate tool to actuate the securing or stabilizing assemblies.