Tape measure system with primary and secondary locking assemblies

A tape measure system with primary and secondary locking assemblies. A housing has a first face and a second face with a peripheral wall therebetween. A slot is provided in at least one linear extent on the peripheral wall. A length of flexible, essentially inextensible tape, is adapted to be rolled up in a spool-like configuration within the housing. The tape is formed of a flexible material with an arcuate cross-sectional configuration and has a central axis of rotation extending perpendicularly through central extents of the first and second faces, an interior end and a free exterior end extending through the slot to exterior of the housing, and a generally rigid stopper to preclude the exterior end of the tape from entering the housing. A locking assembly includes a first component operatively coupled with respect to the linear extent of the housing and a second component positionable in spaced operative proximity to the fixed component for the positioning of a portion of the tape therebetween. A connecting member couples at least one edge of the second component and one adjacent edge of the second component for allowing the frictional securing of a portion of the tape between the components.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
 1. Field of the Invention
 The present invention relates to a tape measure system with primary and
 secondary locking assemblies and more particularly pertains to
 facilitating the convenient and accurate use of a tape measure system when
 measuring, particularly heights.
 2. Description of the Prior Art
 The use of tape measures of known designs and configurations is known in
 the prior art. More specifically, tape measures of known designs and
 configurations heretofore devised and utilized for the purpose of
 facilitating the convenient and accurate measuring of objects through
 known methods and apparatuses are known to consist basically of familiar,
 expected, and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the
 myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which has been
 developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.
 By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,367,785 to Benarroch discloses a locking
 and measure device. U.S. Pat. No. 5,606,803 to O'Sullivan discloses a tape
 measure and fixture. Lastly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,782,007 to Harris discloses a
 tool guiding tape measure.
 While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and
 requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describe a tape measure
 system with primary and secondary locking assemblies that allows
 facilitating the convenient and accurate use of a tape measure system when
 measuring, particularly heights.
 In this respect, the tape measure system with primary and secondary locking
 assemblies according to the present invention substantially departs from
 the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so
 provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of facilitating
 the convenient and accurate use of a tape measure system when measuring,
 particularly heights.
 Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for a
 new and improved tape measure system with primary and secondary locking
 assemblies which can be used for facilitating the convenient and accurate
 use of a tape measure system when measuring, particularly heights. In this
 regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need.
 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
 In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of tape
 measures of known designs and configurations now present in the prior art,
 the present invention provides an improved tape measure system with
 primary and secondary locking assemblies. As such, the general purpose of
 the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater
 detail, is to provide a new and improved tape measure system with primary
 and secondary locking assemblies and method which has all the advantages
 of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.
 To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a plurality of
 components. Such components in their broadest context include a housing, a
 length of flexible, essentially inextensible tape, and a locking assembly.
 Such components are individually configured and correlated with respect to
 each other so as to attain the desired objective. First provided is a
 housing. The housing has a planar front first face and a planar rear
 second face essentially parallel with respect to each other. A peripheral
 wall is located therebetween. The peripheral wall has at least one linear
 extent. A slot is provided at an end thereof. A length of flexible,
 essentially inextensible tape is adapted to be rolled up in a spool-like
 configuration within the housing. The tape has a central axis of rotation
 extending perpendicularly through central extents of the front and rear
 faces. The tape also has an interior end located adjacent to the center of
 the spool. A free exterior end extends through the slot to exterior of the
 housing. A generally rigid L-shaped stopper is provided and functions to
 preclude the exterior end of the tape from entering the housing through
 the slot. The stopper is adapted to be grasped by a user for withdrawing
 an extent of tape from the housing for inserting the length of the tape
 into the housing. The tape is formed of a flexible material with an
 arcuate cross-sectional configuration of a width of between about 1/2
 inches and 11/2 inches, preferably about 1 inch. These sizes are
 illustrative only and a great latitude in the size could be utilized as
 long as the function is continued. The preferred material for the tape in
 conventional tape measures is metal, but other materials could be readily
 utilized as is appropriate. The radius of curvature of the tape is between
 about 1/4 inch and 1 inch, preferably about 5/8 inch. A primary locking
 assembly includes interior components adapted to contact and restrain
 motion of the tape when contacted thereagainst. An exterior component
 external to the housing under the control of an operator functions to move
 the interior component into contact with the tape for locking material.
 The exterior component also functions to move the interior component out
 of contact with the tape to allow the withdrawal and insertion of tape
 with respect to the housing. A secondary locking assembly includes a fixed
 component operatively coupled with respect to the linear extent of the
 housing. The fixed component has a length of between about 1 inch and 4
 inches, preferably about 3 inches. The fixed component has a width of
 between about 1/2 inch and 11/2 inches, preferably about 1 inch. The
 radius of curvature of the fixed component is essentially equal to that of
 the tape. A movable friction component is provided and is positionable in
 operative proximity to the fixed component. The friction component is
 movable between an operative and storage position adjacent to the primary
 component and an inoperative position located remote from the primary
 component. The secondary locking component has a length and a width and an
 interior radius of curvature essentially equal to the primary fixed
 component. The side of the friction component remote from the radius of
 curvature is flat and essentially parallel with the linear extent of the
 housing. The secondary locking assembly also has a shiftable U-shaped
 connecting member with generally parallel resilient legs. The legs have
 exterior ends coupled to the edges of the movable component for guiding
 the motion thereof in a linear path toward and away from the fixed
 component. The connecting member has interior ends slidabley received in
 dove-tail slots formed in the housing along the first and second faces
 thereof perpendicular to the linear extent. An elongated projection is
 adapted to be received in an elongated recess to hold the movable
 component. In this manner the tape is held in a fixed position adjacent to
 the housing. In a second position, the movable component is remote from
 the housing to allow the insertion and movement of tape therebetween. In
 this manner a length of tape is withdrawn from the housing and bent
 thereover at essentially 180 degrees on the side of the housing adjacent
 to the secondary locking assembly and positioned between the components of
 the secondary locking assembly, an operator may conveniently hold the
 housing and tape in a fixed position for accurately determining
 measurements, including, in particular, heights. A belt clip is coupled to
 the first face. A rectangular cutout is formed in the leg adjacent to the
 clip.
 In an alternate embodiment, the locking assembly has a shiftable L-shaped
 connecting member. An exterior end is coupled to an edge of the movable
 component for guiding the motion thereof in a linear path toward and away
 from the fixed component. The connecting member has interior ends
 slidabley received in a dove-tail slot formed in the housing along the
 rear face thereof perpendicular to the linear extent. An elongated
 projection is adapted to be received in an elongated recess to hold the
 tape in a fixed position adjacent to the housing. A second position remote
 from the housing allows the insertion of tape past a lateral opening
 therebetween. In this manner when a length of tape is withdrawn from the
 housing and bent thereover at 180 degrees on the side of the housing
 adjacent to the slot and positioned between the components of the second
 locking assembly, an operator may hold conveniently the housing and tape
 in a fixed position for accurately determining measurements, including, in
 particular, heights or other vertical dimensions or extensions.
 In still another alternate embodiment, the locking assembly includes a
 fixed first component. The fixed first component is operatively coupled
 with respect to the linear extent of the housing having a length and a
 width, and a radius of curvature slightly greater than that of the tape.
 The secondary locking assembly also includes a second component fixedly
 positioned in operative proximity to the first component. The second
 component has a length and a width and a flat surface facing the radius of
 curvature of the first component. The secondary locking assembly also has
 a fixed connecting member. Ends are coupled to an edge of the first and
 second components to form a lateral opening therebetween.
 There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features
 of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that
 follows may be better understood and in order that the present
 contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course,
 additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter
 and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
 In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention
 in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its
 application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the
 components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the
 drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being
 practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood
 that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose
 of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.
 As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon
 which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the
 designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the
 several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore,
 that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions
 insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present
 invention.
 It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and
 improved tape measure system with primary and secondary locking assemblies
 which has all of the advantages of the prior art tape measures of known
 designs and configurations and none of the disadvantages.
 It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved
 tape measure system with primary and secondary locking assemblies which
 may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.
 It is further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved
 tape measure system with primary and secondary locking assemblies which is
 of durable and reliable constructions.
 An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and
 improved tape measure system with primary and secondary locking assemblies
 which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both
 materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low
 prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such tape measure
 system with primary and secondary locking assemblies economically
 available to the buying public.
 Even still another object of the present invention is to provide a tape
 measure system with primary and secondary locking assemblies for
 facilitating the convenient and accurate use of a tape measure system when
 measuring, particularly heights.
 A further object of the invention is to improve the utility of tape
 measures, particularly when the tape is extended and utilized in an
 approximately 180 degree folded configuration.
 Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and
 improved tape measure system with primary and secondary locking
 assemblies. A housing has a first face and a second face with a peripheral
 wall therebetween. A slot is provided in at least one linear extent on the
 peripheral wall. A length of flexible, essentially inextensible tape, is
 adapted to be rolled up in a spool-like configuration within the housing.
 The tape is formed of a flexible material with an arcuate cross-sectional
 configuration and has a central axis of rotation extending perpendicularly
 through central extents of the first and second faces, an interior end and
 a free exterior end extending through the slot to exterior of the housing,
 and a generally rigid stopper to preclude the exterior end of the tape
 from entering the housing. A locking assembly includes a first component
 operatively coupled with respect to the linear extent of the housing and a
 second component positionable in spaced operative proximity to the fixed
 component for the positioning of a portion of the tape therebetween. A
 connecting member couples at least one edge of the second component and
 one adjacent edge of the second component for allowing the frictional
 securing of a portion of the tape between the components.
 These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various
 features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with
 particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this
 disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating
 advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should
 be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there
 is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

The same reference numerals refer to the same parts through the various
 Figures.
 DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
 With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1 thereof,
 the preferred embodiment of the new and improved tape measure system with
 primary and secondary locking assemblies embodying the principles and
 concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the
 reference numeral 10 will be described.
 The present invention, the tape measure system with primary and secondary
 locking assemblies 10 is comprised of a plurality of components. Such
 components in their broadest context include a housing, a length of
 flexible, essentially inextensible tape, and a locking assembly. Such
 components are individually configured and correlated with respect to each
 other so as to attain the desired objective.
 First provided is a housing 12. The housing has a planar front first face
 14 and a planar rear second face 16 essentially parallel with respect to
 each other. A peripheral wall 18 is located therebetween. The peripheral
 wall has at least one linear extent 20. A slot 22 is provided at an end
 thereof.
 A length of flexible, essentially inextensible tape 26 is adapted to be
 rolled up in a spool-like configuration within the housing. The tape has a
 central axis of rotation extending perpendicularly through central extents
 of the front and rear faces. The tape also has an interior end located
 adjacent to the center of the spool. A free exterior end 30 extends
 through the slot to exterior of the housing. A generally rigid L-shaped
 stopper 32 is provided and functions to preclude the exterior end of the
 tape from entering the housing through the slot. The stopper is adapted to
 be grasped by a user for withdrawing an extent of tape from the housing or
 for inserting the length of the tape into the housing. The tape is formed
 of a flexible material with an arcuate cross-sectional configuration of a
 width of between about 1/2 inches and 11/2 inches, preferably about 1
 inch. These sizes are illustrative only and a great latitude in the size
 could be utilized so long as the function is continued. The preferred
 material for the tape in conventional tape measures is metal, but other
 materials could be readily utilized as is appropriate. The radius of
 curvature of the tape is between about 1/4 inch and 1 inch, preferably
 about 5/8 inch.
 A primary locking assembly 36 includes interior components adapted to
 contact and restrain motion of the tape when contacted thereagainst. An
 exterior component 40 external to the housing under the control of an
 operator functions to move the interior component into contact with the
 tape for locking material. The exterior component also functions to move
 the interior component out of contact with the tape to allow the
 withdrawal and insertion of tape with respect to the housing.
 A secondary locking assembly 42 includes a fixed component 44 operatively
 coupled with respect to the linear extent of the housing. The fixed
 component has a length of between about 1 inch and 4 inches, preferably
 about 3 inches. The fixed component has a width of between about 1/2 inch
 and 11/2 inches, preferably about 1 inch. These sizes are illustrative
 only and a great latitude in the size could be utilized so long as the
 function is continued. The radius of curvature 43 of the fixed component
 is essentially equal to that of the tape. A movable friction component 45
 is provided and is positionable in operative proximity to the fixed
 component. The friction component is movable between an operative and
 storage position adjacent to the primary component and an inoperative
 position located remote from the primary component. The secondary locking
 component has a length and a width and an interior radius of curvature 46
 essentially equal to the primary fixed component. The side 47 of the
 friction component remote from the radius of curvature is flat and
 essentially parallel with the linear extent of the housing. The secondary
 locking assembly also has a shiftable U-shaped connecting member 48 with
 generally parallel resilient legs. The legs have exterior ends 50 coupled
 to the edges of the movable component for guiding the motion thereof in a
 linear path toward and away from the fixed component. The connecting
 member has interior ends 52 slidabley received in dove-tail slots 54
 formed in the housing along the first and second faces thereof
 perpendicular to the linear extent. An elongated projection 56 is adapted
 to be received in an elongated recess 58 to hold the movable component. In
 this manner the tape is held in a fixed position adjacent to the housing.
 In a second position, the movable component is remote from the housing to
 allow the insertion and movement of tape therebetween. In this manner a
 length of tape is withdrawn from the housing and bent thereover at
 essentially 180 degrees on the side of the housing adjacent to the
 secondary locking assembly and positioned between the components of the
 secondary locking assembly, an operator may conveniently hold the housing
 and tape in a fixed position for accurately determining measurements,
 including, in particular, heights or other vertical dimensions or
 extensions.
 A supplemental set of recesses 59 are formed in the housing to hold the
 projections 56 at an intermediate location of openness whereby the tape
 may be readily slid through the opening. In this manner the moveable
 friction component of the secondary locking assembly may be pulled fully
 away from the housing whereby the housing, when formed in two separable
 parts as is frequently utilized, may be taken apart for repair or
 reconstruction purposes.
 A belt clip 62 is coupled to the first face. A rectangular cutout 64 is
 formed in the leg adjacent to the clip.
 In an alternate embodiment, the locking assembly has a shiftable L-shaped
 connecting member 68. An exterior end is coupled to an edge of the movable
 component for guiding the motion thereof in a linear path toward and away
 from the fixed component. The connecting member has interior ends
 slidabley received in a dove-tail slot formed in the housing along the
 rear face thereof perpendicular to the linear extent. An elongated
 projection is adapted to be received in an elongated recess to hold the
 tape in a fixed position adjacent to the housing. A second position remote
 from the housing allows the insertion of tape past a lateral opening 70
 therebetween. In this manner when a length of tape is withdrawn from the
 housing and bent thereover at 180 degrees on the side of the housing
 adjacent to the slot and positioned between the components of the second
 locking assembly, an operator may hold conveniently the housing and tape
 in a fixed position for accurately determining measurements, including, in
 particular, heights or other vertical dimensions or extensions.
 In still another alternate embodiment, the locking assembly includes a
 fixed first component 74. The fixed first component is operatively coupled
 with respect to the linear extent of the housing having a length and a
 width, and a radius of curvature 76 slightly greater than that of the
 tape. The secondary locking assembly also includes a second component 78
 fixedly positioned in operative proximity to the first component. The
 second component has a length and a width and a flat surface 80 facing the
 radius of curvature of the first component. The secondary locking assembly
 also has a fixed connecting member 82. Ends are coupled to an edge of the
 first and second components to form a lateral opening 84 therebetween.
 The present invention has particular utility when used for measuring
 vertical extents during engineering operations since it allows the holding
 of a tape measure in a fixed position with one hand while moving it from
 location to location. Note is taken that the present invention is also
 capable of holding great lengths of flexible tape material from a tape
 measure in a horizontal orientation, in some instances up to 8 feet in
 length or longer with a central extent supported on the housing. When
 moving the device from one location to another while shooting a grade, it
 has been found that providing the second or moveable locking component of
 a contrasting color from the color of the tape upon which the numbers are
 placed makes it easier for a person viewing the device when shooting a
 grade to look for merely the top or one edge of the color, a predetermined
 height, rather than trying the read the numbers themselves. It should also
 be noted that the markings on the tape could be engineering markings or
 architectural markings, as for example, having the measurements in metric
 or inch/foot designations, or in fractional parts of the measurement such
 as the inch, or in tenths thereof.
 As to the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same
 should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further
 discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.
 With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the
 optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to
 include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of
 operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to
 one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those
 illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are
 intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
 Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the
 principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and
 changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired
 to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and
 described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may
 be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.