Adhesive Measuring Tape

The present invention relates generally to the field of measuring tool. More specifically, the present invention relates to an adhesive measuring tape that has a bottom surface and a top surface. The bottom surface has an adhesive coating, while the top surface has a plurality of indicia such as at least one of a metric measurement, an imperial measurement, and a customizable measurement. In one embodiment, the invention includes a dispenser having an interior space, with at least one spool, at least one spring, at least one button, and at least one opening. The dispenser has at least one tear bar and at least one hinge.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of measuring tools. More specifically, the present invention relates to an adhesive measuring tape. The measuring tape has a bottom surface and a top surface. The bottom surface is provided with an adhesive coating, while the top surface has a plurality of indicia such as at least one set of metric measurement indicia, at least one imperial measurement indicia, and at least one customizable measurement or note area. In one embodiment, the measuring tape has a dispenser or housing that includes an interior space, at least one spool, at least one spring, at least one button, and at least one opening. The dispenser further includes at least one tear bar and at least one hinge. The measuring tape is advantageous as it provides users with the ability to take hands-free, precise measurements more efficiently. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Carpenters and laymen often must take measurements to ensure that their work or tasks are completed correctly. Being off even an eighth of an inch or a few millimeters when constructing something can prove to be catastrophic to the build. Ordinary tape measures can be frustrating to use when used by a single person due to the need to hold the tape measure as well as mark the distance for example to cut a piece of wood, tile, or other material. Further, existing tape measures have either imperial or metric measurements or markings and have no customizable options. Some carpenters use regular tape to mark surfaces to try and get around these issues, but regular tape can damage walls or other objects when it is removed.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved measuring device. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an adhesive measuring device that eliminates the need for a user to hold a tape measure while also taking the needed measurements. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for an adhesive measuring tape device that sticks, or otherwise adheres to surfaces for hands-free use and more accurate measuring. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for an adhesive measuring tape that can easily be applied to objects and removed without damaging the surface the device was placed on.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an adhesive measuring tape tool. In one embodiment, the device has a dispenser, which includes a housing, an interior space, at least one spool, a supply of material mounted on the spool, at least one spring, at least one tear bar, and a measuring tape. The dispenser allows for easy application of the measuring tape and ensures that the measuring tape remains intact.

The measuring tape has a top surface, with indicia such as metric, imperial, and customizable measurements. The measuring tape has a bottom surface with an adhesive coating that allows the tape to be stuck to a plurality of surfaces for convenient measuring. The top surface may have a light release coating to allow the supply of material, particular the adhesive, to easily unwind from the spool. The release coating may be writable to enable a user to apply additional markings to the top surface of the tape.

In this manner, the adhesive measuring tape device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides a novel means of taking measurements. Further, the device allows a user to be able to apply an adhesive measuring tape to any surface and be able to take accurate hands-free measurements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an adhesive measuring tape tool or accessory. In one embodiment, the device may have a supply of material such as a pre-configured measuring tape wrapped around a center member or a core. The measuring tape has a top surface, a bottom surface, and indicia. The top surface may have a coating of release material, such as silicone, wax, or clay. The release coating ranges from an easy release to a medium level release depending on the type of adhesive that is used on the tool.

The measuring tape has a top surface, and a bottom surface which includes an adhesive coating which may be applied as full coated adhesive pattern, a spot applied pattern, or other pattern. In the preferred embodiment, the bottom surface has an adhesive coating which allows a user to place the measuring tape onto a surface. The adhesive may also be an activable adhesive which can be triggered when needed. In the preferred embodiment, the top surface of the measuring tape is not provided with an adhesive coating but may be provided with a release coating. This non-stick top surface allows the user to easily write on the measuring tape as well as easily remove the measuring tape when the user is finished. The measuring tape may be provided with at least one separation line which may be perforation lines or tear lines. This provides the user with a way to tear portions of the measuring tape for use with minimal effort.

The measuring tape has indicia provided on at least the top surface. Indicia may also be provided on the bottom surface, such as the name of the manufacturer, reorder information, disposal instructions or other useful information. In the preferred embodiment, the indicia used are at least one imperial measurement, at least one metric measurement or combinations thereof, and at least one customizable measurement or note area. The measuring tool, in one embodiment, includes both imperial measurements and metric measurements to provide a user with the ability to use either measurement without switching between tools or other accessories. Further, the device has customizable measurements or a note area, in that the user may write in their own measurements to track the needed measurements more accurately for the specific job.

In one embodiment, the bottom surface of the measuring tape has a peelable member or a release liner. In this embodiment, the bottom surface of the measuring tape does not have the adhesive coating exposed until the peelable member or release liner is removed from the bottom surface. This prevents the measuring tape from becoming inadvertently stuck on surfaces that the user does not intend to stick the measuring tape to.

In one embodiment, the device may have a dispenser. The dispenser has a housing, which includes an interior space that holds the supply of measuring tape. The housing further includes at least one opening located at a terminus point of the housing. The opening allows a user to pull the measuring tape through the housing and out onto the desired area for measuring. The opening may include a tear bar so as to be able to tear off and remove the measuring tape for use.

The housing also has at least one lid. The lid can be maneuvered to access the opening. The lid is opened and closed via at least one hinge. The housing also has an interior space suitable in size to hold a supply of measuring tape. The interior space has at least one spool. The spool may be any shape or orientation known in the art that allows for the user to easily extend and retract the measuring tape. The spool may have at least one spring. The spring makes the spool spring loaded; in that it retracts with minimal effort.

The housing may have at least one button. In one embodiment, the button may be in the form of a pressable or depressible button that when pressed, measuring tape is able to advance or retract. In this embodiment, when the user pushes the button one time, it allows for the user to pull the measuring tape out to the desired in length. When the user presses the button a second time, it locks the measuring tape at the desired length. When the user presses the button a third time, it retracts the measuring tape all the way into the housing.

In another embodiment, there may be multiple buttons, where one button allows the measuring tape to be pulled to the desired length, another button locks the measuring tape, and another button automatically retracts the measuring tape back into the housing. In another embodiment, the button may be in the form of a switch, wherein at different orientations, the switch functions to extend, retract, or lock the measuring tape.

In varying embodiments, the housing may also have a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism allows the user to lock the measuring tape in place at the desired length. The locking mechanism is activated and operated via the button. Accordingly, the adhesive measuring tape device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides users with a way to take hands-free measurements with minimal effort. In this manner, the adhesive measuring tape device overcomes the limitations of existing measuring devices known in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved measuring device. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an adhesive measuring tool that eliminates the need for a user to hold a tape measure while taking measurements. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for an adhesive measuring tape that sticks to surfaces to allow for hands-free use and more accurate measuring of the surface. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for an adhesive measuring tape tool that can easily be applied to objects and removed without damaging the surface the tape was placed on.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of an adhesive measuring tape tool. The measuring tape further includes a supply of measuring tape material, at least one set of measurement indicia which may be imperial, metric, or combinations thereof, and at least one area to provide for a customizable measurement or to add customized or personalized notations. The measuring tape further includes a bottom surface that has an adhesive coating. The adhesive may be active, inactive, or activatable and may be provided on the entire surface area of the tape or in a predefined pattern, such as spots or lines along the length of the tape. In one embodiment, the device includes a housing, with at least one interior space, at least one button, at least one locking mechanism, and at least one tear bar. Within the interior space is at least one spool, a core on the spool, a supply of material, and at least one spring. The spool and spring allow for the material to be automatically retracted when the user presses the button, and the supply of material is provided on the core which allows for mounting on the spool.

Referring initially to the drawings,FIG.1illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of an adhesive measuring tape tool100of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed specification. The tool100has a body or housing110, which holds a measuring tape120, and the tape is wound on a core or center member130.

In one embodiment, the device100is a measuring tape120wrapped around a core or center member130. The center member or core130may be any size or shape known in the art but is preferably cylindrical. The center member or core130may further be manufactured from any material known in the art such as, but not limited to, plastic, cardboard, paper, wood, metal, etc. The measuring tape120can be any strip material known in the art such as, but not limited to: plastic, paper, laminate, cardstock, or combinations thereof. The material forming the substrate for the measuring tape120may be made from virgin material or produced from post-consumer waste or renewable materials.

FIG.2Aillustrates an enhanced perspective view of one potential embodiment of an adhesive measuring tape tool100of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed specification. The measuring tape120has a top surface122, a bottom surface124, and indicia140.

The measuring tape120has a top surface122, and a bottom surface124and the bottom surface has an adhesive coating160. In the preferred embodiment, the bottom surface124has an adhesive coating160which allows a user to adhere the measuring tape120onto a surface. The adhesive may be one of a removable, repositionable, or permanent adhesive. The adhesive coating160is preferably an acrylic adhesive but may be any adhesive known in the art that will not damage the desired surface. In the preferred embodiment, the top surface122of the measuring tape120is not provided with adhesive coating160but may have a release coating such as silicone, clay or wax deposited onto the surface so that the adhesive coating, if provided in a “liner-less” configuration, does not stick to the top surface while the tape is wound onto a roll. This non-stick top surface124allows the user to easily write on the measuring tape120as well as easily remove the measuring tape120when the user is finished. The measuring tape120may be provided with at least one separation line150which may be perforation lines or tear lines. The perforation line should include a series of cuts and ties, with the cuts ranging from about 0.8 mm to about 12 mm and the tie size (the portion of the substrate remaining in between each of the cuts) ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm.

The measuring tape120includes indicia140. In the preferred embodiment, the indicia140used are at least one of a first measurement, such as an imperial measurement144; a second measurement, such as a metric measurement142; a third measurement or customizable measurement, note, personalization area,146or some combination of the three types of measurements. In one embodiment, the tape may have a first measurement and a third measurement. In another embodiment, the tape may have a second measurement and a third measurement, or a first and a second measurement. Various other combinations are of course possible. The tape100, in one embodiment, has both imperial144and metric measurements142to provide a user with the ability to use either measurement without switching between different tools or devices having the specific measurement type that is desired. Further, the tape100has a customizable measurement, note, or personalization area146, in that the user may write in their own measurements to track the needed measurements more accurately for the specific job, add a note, such as the presence of a nail or knot in the wood or other notes, which may relate to the job or order being prepared141. The customization area146may include additional graphics125or other indicia that the user may add.

FIG.2Billustrates a perspective view of one potential liner-less embodiment of an adhesive measuring tape of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, in which the substrate183has a top surface181that is provided with a release coating180, such as silicone, clay or wax. The bottom surface185is provided with an active adhesive coating187. When the tape is wound onto itself, the exposed adhesive187of the bottom surface will not adhere to the top surface181of the tape layer due to the release coating180provided on the top surface181. The release coating180may have a thickness ranging from 0.1 mm to about 2 mm, with about 0.5 mm to 1 mm being preferred, for a light tack type of adhesive. Lines of perforation or tear lines182, are shown extending through the top surface, bottom surface, and substrate as well as any coating that may be applied on the surfaces. It should be understood that if a release liner or separation liner is provided to keep the surfaces from adhering together, the line of perforation or tear lines would extend through the liner as well. The tear lines or perforation lines are provided at regularly occurring intervals, such as every inch, every three inches, every twelve inches or any other combination that may be desired.

FIG.3illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of an adhesive measuring tape tool100of the present invention attached to a wall in accordance with the disclosed specification. The tool100is attached to the desired surface via the adhesive coating160located on the back surface124of the measuring tape120. The measuring tape120may be torn at the separation tabs or lines150and attached to the wall for measurement. The perforation line should include a series of cuts and ties, with the cuts ranging from about 0.8 mm to about 12 mm, and the tie size (the portion of the substrate remaining in between each of the cuts) ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm. Further, the user may write customized measurements146on the measuring tape120.

FIG.4illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of an adhesive measuring tape tool of the present invention with a peelable adhesive member or release liner in accordance with the disclosed specification. In one embodiment, the bottom surface124of the measuring tape120has a peelable member170releasably attached to the adhesive. In this embodiment, the bottom surface124of the measuring tape120does not have the adhesive coating160exposed until the peelable member or release liner170is removed from the bottom surface124. This prevents the measuring tape120from becoming inadvertently stuck on surfaces that the user does not intend to stick the measuring tape120to. Once a user peels back the peelable member or release liner170, the adhesive coating160is then exposed and the measuring tape120is ready to be adhered to the desired surface.

FIG.5illustrates an exploded side view of one potential embodiment of an adhesive measuring tape100in a dispenser200of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed specification. In one embodiment, the tool100may include a dispenser200. The dispenser200has a housing210with an interior space212that holds the supply of measuring tape120. In various embodiments, the housing210and all components may be made from a plurality of materials. One such material is a metal such as, but not limited to, brass, copper, aluminum, stainless steel, and combinations thereof. The preferred material is a rigid plastic such as, but not limited to: acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, thermoplastic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, low-density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylactic acid, acetal, nylon, fiberglass, recycled plastic, biodegradable plastic, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the housing may have at least one clip250. The clip250allows the dispenser and the device100to be attached to a user's pants or tool belt for easy and convenient access. The clip250may further be any clip known in the art.

The housing210further includes at least one opening230located in the housing210. The opening230allows a user to pull the measuring tape120through the housing110and out onto the desired area. The opening230may include a tear bar232so as to be able to tear off and remove the measuring tape120for use.

The housing210also has at least one lid234. The lid234can be maneuvered to access the opening230and interior space212. The lid232is opened and closed via at least one hinge236. In various embodiments, the hinge236may be any hinge type known in the art such as, but not limited to: an offset blind hinge, a knuckle hinge, a butt hinge, a rising butt hinge, a gravity pivot hinge, a ball bearing hinge, a barrel hinge, a concealed hinge, a knife hinge, a piano hinge, a strap hinge, a pivot hinge, a gas-piston hinge, an injection molded hinge, a locking hinge, etc.

The housing210has an interior space212suitable in size to hold a supply of measuring tape120. The interior space212has at least one spool220. The spool220may be any shape or orientation known in the art that allows for the user to easily extend and retract the measuring tape120. The spool220may have at least one spring222. The spring222makes the spool220spring loaded, in that it retracts with minimal effort. The spring222may be any spring or manufactured from any spring material known in the art.

The housing210may have at least one button240. In one embodiment, the button240may be in the form of a pressable or depressible button240that when pressed, measuring tape120either is able to extend or retract. In this embodiment, when the user pushes the button240one time, it allows for the user to pull the measuring tape120out to the desired in length. When the user presses the button240a second time, it locks the measuring tape120at the desired length. When the user presses the button240a third time, it retracts the measuring tape all the way into the housing210.

In another embodiment, there may be multiple buttons240, wherein one button240allows the measuring tape120to be pulled to the desired length, another button240locks the measuring tape120, and another button240automatically retracts the measuring tape120back into the housing210. In another embodiment, the button240may be in the form of a switch, wherein at different orientations, the switch functions to extend, retract, or lock the measuring tape.

In varying embodiments, the housing210may also have a locking mechanism242. The locking mechanism242allows the user to lock the measuring tape120in place at the desired length. The locking mechanism242is activated and operated via the button240. The locking mechanism240can be any locking mechanism known in the art such as, but not limited to: a padlock, a deadbolt lock, a cam lock, a rim/mortise lock, a euro profile cylinder lock, an interchangeable core cylinder lock, a furniture latch lock, a rim latch lock, a biometric fingerprint scanning lock, an RFID key fob lock, a mechanical dial lock, a numerical combination lock, a pedestal lock, a draw lock, a fixed core lock, etc.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the adhesive measuring tape100of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the adhesive measuring tape100as shown in the FIGS. Are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the adhesive measuring tape100are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the adhesive measuring tape100are important design parameters for user convenience, the adhesive measuring tape100may be of any size, shape and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.