Abstract:
An attachable/detachable workpiece grip-enhancing device which is removably attachable and detachable in different ways to the trans-axially extending blade in a conventional measuring-tape end element. In one embodiment, central connection structure in the device frictionally attaches to, and detaches from, such a blade under the influence of reversible linear relative translational motion. In another embodiment, attachment is enabled via undirectional relative linear translational movement, and detachment is promoted by either-direction relative rotation between a blade and the device. In a third embodiment, detent-like pseudo-locking attachment takes place.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation from application Ser. No. 09/810,084, filed Mar. 16, 2001 for an invention titled “Linear Measurement Workpiece Gripping Device”, which prior application claims priority to Provisional Application Serial No. 60/221,290, filed Jul. 27, 2000, and titled “Linear Measurement Workpiece Gripping Device”. The entire disclosures of each of these two prior applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    This invention relates to a workpiece gripping (or grip-enhancing) device which is usable on the outer end of an otherwise conventional extensible tape measure. Specifically it relates to such a device which furnishes a special kind of workpiece-gripping surface that eases the single-handed use of measuring tapes under circumstances where the length of measurement being performed causes the user to be out of reach of the outer end of the tape, and where a normal tape-measure end element might unexpectedly slip away from engagement with the workpiece that is being measured. In a more particular sense, the present invention relates to a device of the type just generally described which possesses unique and special attachable/detachable connection structure formed as part of the device, which structure enables easy mounting and demounting of the device on the usual L-shaped (in side profile) tape-end element.  
           [0003]    Those who are familiar with various kinds of wood-construction projects know that, with respect to a conventional tape measure, it is common that, on the free end of that measure, there is a small device, generally L-shaped, which includes a trans-axially extending generally planar blade that is intended to catch onto the end or edge of a workpiece during a measurement procedure. The term “trans-axially” employed herein refers to the fact that the blade in such a tape-end element normally extends in a plane which is substantially normal to what can be thought of as the tape&#39;s longitudinal long axis.  
           [0004]    The present invention, as was suggested above, offers a novel device which can be freely attached and detached to such a tape-end element to enable long-distance measurement, with little likelihood that the outer end of a measuring tape will slip free from the workpiece that is being measured. In the context of providing the grip-enhancing device of this invention, it is important that the device be easily and securely attachable to a tape&#39;s outer end element in a manner which will prevent the device from being separated inadvertently from the tape&#39;s end element, yet with the device nonetheless being easily removable at any time when so desired.  
           [0005]    According to the present invention, three embodiments of which are specifically illustrated and described herein, one of these embodiments takes the form of a generally circular planar structure having a central body portion with a perimeter defined by plural, distributed, tooth-like projections that extend generally normally relative to the plane of the central body portion. Formed in the central body portion is a novel attachment/detachment connection structure which enables the device quickly and easily to be installed removably on the outer end tape element in a conventional measuring tape. In this embodiment of the invention, the connection structure is formed in the central body portion of the device as an elongate, punched-out, belt-loop-like band whose opposite long sides have been sheared clear of the remainder of the device&#39;s central body portion. This belt-loop-like configuration forms an appropriate passage for the reversible reception of the blade in a tape-end end element, such as the blade mentioned hereinabove. Installation of the device on a tape-end element is produced by introducing relative translational linear motion between that tape-end device and the belt-loop-like passage, whereby a received blade is held frictionally in place with respect to the attached device. Removal of this form of the device of this invention is performed simply by reversing the direction of motion which was employed to accomplish mounting, with the blade in the tape-end element sliding frictionally free and clear of the device, thus to enable easy separation.  
           [0006]    The second embodiment of the invention, which is considered to be the preferred embodiment thereof, possesses all of the structural features just mentioned for the first-discussed embodiment above, and in addition, includes yet another punched-out portion which is punched out to form a generally scoop-like projection effectively centrally within the punched-out belt-loop-like band structure just mentioned above. As will be more fully discussed, the scoop-like structure possesses an angular surface region which can act like a camming ramp surface. This belt-loop-like band structure cooperates to form the same kind of blade-reception passage as was mentioned above. Additionally, this configuration is designed to receive the blade in a conventional tape-end end element of the type which has a central aperture, whereby that aperture engages the scoop-like projection just mentioned to become captured in a kind of edge-to-edge locking contact with the tape-end end element.  
           [0007]    Installation of this form of the device of this invention is accomplished in substantially the same manner described earlier for the other device embodiment. However, there is an important different action and behavior which takes place during attachment with respect to this embodiment of the invention, and that is that the scoop-like punched-out projection enters the usual central aperture provided in a tape end element blade. With the two units ready to be inter-connected, inter-connection takes place through introducing linear translational relative motion causing the tape-end element blade to slide into the device&#39;s receiving passage and to become caught (latched) therein in the manner just mentioned above.  
           [0008]    Separation of these two elements, with respect to this embodiment of the invention, cannot take place by reversing the direction of relative straight translational motion which is employed to attach the two. Rather, with this embodiment of the invention, removal of the device of the invention from the tape-end end element is accomplished by producing relative counter rotation, in either direction, generally about an axis which parallels the long axis of the measuring tape. Such relative rotational motion causes portions of the perimeter edge of the central aperture in the tape end element to ride with a camming-like engagement between this edge structure and the ramp-like surface area of the scoop-like projection, causing enough appropriate material deflection to occur whereby the latched condition between the device and the tape-end element blade is un-done.  
           [0009]    The third illustrated embodiment is somewhat like the second, except that here a bump-like domed mound (mound-like region) is punch formed in the belt-loop-like band structure. This mound “pops” into and out of the aperture in a tape end device with a kind of pseudo-locking detent-like action. Installation and removal can be accomplished with various combinations of linear translational and rotational motions.  
           [0010]    Various other features and advantages which are offered by the present invention will become more fully apparent as the description that now following is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]    [0011]FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, simplified side elevation of the outer end of one form of a conventional measuring tape which carries a generally L-shaped end element of one variety typically found on such a tape end.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 2 is a fragmentary isometric view of the same tape shown in FIG. 1, with dash-double-dot lines illustrating the generally circular outline which represents the use position of a workpiece grip-enhancing device made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 3 is somewhat like FIG. 2, except that here one actual embodiment of the present invention is shown attached to the end element in the tape measure of FIGS. 1 and 2.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 4 is an isometric view taken generally from the far side of FIG. 3, illustrating a view of that side of the device of the invention pictured in FIG. 3, and in a condition non-attached to a tape-end end element.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 5 is an enlarged, diametral, cross-sectional view of the device of FIGS. 3 and 4 showing portions of the central, generally circular and planar body portion of the device formed with a punch-shifted central region which forms a belt-loop-type connection structure that is provided in this device. The measuring tape is not shown in this view.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 6 is a front elevation of another embodiment (the preferred embodiment) of a device made in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIGS. 7 and 8 are enlarged cross-sectional views taken generally along the lines  77  and  8 - 8  in FIG. 6.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 9 is a front elevation of another form of tape-end end element, this form having a generally central aperture. FIGS. 6, 7 and  9  collectively help illustrate how the device of FIGS.  6 - 8 , inclusive, may be attached and detached to and from the tape end element pictured in FIG. 9.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 10 is a view like that presented in FIG. 7, but here showing a third embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0020]    Turning attention to the drawings, and referring first of all to FIGS.  1 - 5  inclusive, indicated fragmentarily and generally at  10  in FIGS. 1, 2, and  3  is the outer end of a conventional elongate measuring tape. Included in this tape is the usual elongate measuring tape element  12  which has what is referred to herein as a nominal long axis  12   a.    
         [0021]    Mounted by suitable and conventional attaching structure (see particularly FIGS. 1 and 2), adjacent the outer end (the left end in FIGS. 1, 2 and  3 ) of tape element  12 , is a generally L-shaped, side-profile tape-end end element  14  which includes a down-turned, trans-axially projecting, generally planar blade  14 a that nominally occupies a plane which is approximately at a right angle relative to axis  12   a.    
         [0022]    Focussing attention especially on FIGS.  2 - 5  inclusive, shown symbolically in dashdouble-dot lines in FIG. 2, and in solid lines in FIGS. 3, 4 and  5 , is a workpiece grip-enhancing device  16  which is constructed in accordance with one modification of the present invention.  
         [0023]    Device  16  herein, which is a completely unitary and single-material device herein, has a central, substantially circular, and generally planar central body portion  16   a , which central portion includes a ringing perimeter of plural, side-by-side adjacent, projecting teeth, such as teeth  16   b . In FIG. 3, these teeth, also referred to as tooth-like projections, project somewhat to the right and away from the viewer in FIG. 3. These same teeth project somewhat toward the viewer in FIG. 4, and to the right in FIG. 5.  
         [0024]    Formed in any suitable fashion, such as punching and shearing, and located generally centrally in body portion  16   a , is an elongate band  16   c  (see particularly FIGS.  3 - 5 , inclusive). Band  16   c  is also referred to herein as being part of a belt-loop-like structure, and as also being part of attachment/detachment connection structure. Band  16   c  is generally planar between its opposite ends, and is disposed generally to occupy a plane shown at  16   d  in FIG. 5. Plane  16   d  lies closely spaced from and is substantially parallel to another plane  16   e  (see FIG. 5) which is generally the plane within which most of central region  16   a  lies. As can be seen especially in FIGS. 4 and 5, band  16   c  has been punched-out generally in the direction in which teeth  16   b  project from the perimeter of central body portion. Further, one can see that where the upper and lower long edges of band  16   c  have been sheared from the central body portion, a situation exists where band  16   c  and the remaining (upper and lower) portions of body portion  16   a , which portions are also referred to herein both as side regions, and as side regions of adjacency, define a passage  17 . Passage  17  effectively lies in another plane  16   f  that is intermediate planes  16   d ,  16   e . It is this passage, as will now become very apparent, which is adapted, in accordance with the invention, frictionally and slideably to receive a tape-end end element blade, such as blade  14   a . In FIG. 3, wherein a condition of device attachment is pictured, one can see that blade  14   a  extends downwardly through the passage just mentioned to become caught frictionally between band  16   c  and the just above mentioned side regions in central body portion  16   a.    
         [0025]    Installation of device  16  with respect to blade  14   a  takes place through relative translational linear motion between these two components, as indicated generally by upwardly pointing straight arrow  18  in FIG. 3. Detachment of these two components takes place through reverse translational motion, as is indicated by downwardly pointing arrow  20  in FIG. 3.  
         [0026]    Turning attention now to FIGS.  6 - 9 , inclusive, indicated generally at  30  in FIGS.  6 - 8 , inclusive, is another form of a workpiece grip-enhancing device which has been constructed in accordance with the present invention. This form of the device is considered to be the preferred embodiment of the invention.  
         [0027]    Device  30  includes a generally circular, planar central body portion  30   a , and a ringing perimeter of projecting teeth, such as teeth  30   b , which are much like previously discussed teeth  16   b . In device  30 , as was true with respect to the construction of previously mentioned and described device  16 , by a punching and shearing action, an elongate band  30   c  is formed which, as can be seen especially well in FIG. 6, has a somewhat trapezoidal perimeter outline. This trapezoidal outline conveniently accommodates, fittingly, the angled lateral edges of many current tape-end elements such as the one which will shortly be discussed with reference to FIG. 9.  
         [0028]    Punched-out generally centrally within band  30   c  is another punched-out structure  30   d  which has what is referred to herein as a somewhat scoop-like island structure. The outer surface area of this structure (that surface which faces the viewer in FIG. 6, faces to the left in FIG. 7, and faces downwardly in FIG. 8) is inclined at different shallow angles with respect to the plane containing band  30   c . This surface, which is also referred to herein as a camming ramp structure, extends to an edge  30   e  which faces downwardly in FIGS. 6 and 7. Whereas band  30   c  is punched-out generally in the direction toward which teeth  30   b  point, punched-out structure  30   d  projects in the opposite direction. Band  30   c  and island  30   d  constitute portions of attachment/detachment connection structure in device  30 .  
         [0029]    In device  30 , there are three generally parallel and closely spaced planes which are shown at  32 ,  34 ,  36  in FIGS. 7 and 8. Plane  32  contains substantially all of central portion  30   a , save the central region where the punched-out structures exist. Plane  34  is occupied by portions of punched-out structure  30   d , with this plane also substantially containing a passage  38  which lies between body portion  32   a  and band  30   c . It is this passage which is designed to receive another type of conventional tape-end end element which includes a blade with a central aperture. Such a blade is illustrated in FIG. 9 at  39 , and its central aperture is shown at  40  in this same figure. Plane  36  is the plane which is substantially occupied by all central portions of band  30   c , except punched-out structure  30   d.    
         [0030]    Returning for just a moment to FIG. 9, the tape-end device which includes blade  39 , has an L-shaped side profile and is suitably attached to the outer end of an elongate, extensible measuring tape  42 . Tape  42  has a long axis which extends normally into the plane of FIG. 9, and is generally pictured in this figure at the vertical offset location marked  42   a . Blade  39  lies in the plane of FIG. 9.  
         [0031]    With reference now focussed on FIGS. 6, 7 and  9  collectively, reading FIGS. 6 and 9 together, blade  39  and device  30  are shown separated, and poised for attachment. Such attachment takes place by introducing relative linear translational motion between the blade and the device, as indicated by double-ended straight arrow  43  (which extends vertically between FIGS. 6 and 9), to cause the blade to extend into passage  38 . Because of the presence of punched-out structure  30   d  in band  30   c , appropriate slight deflections take place in the central structure of device  30  to allow blade  39  to pass completely into through passage  38 . When a correct attached condition is established between the blade and device  30 , punched-out structure  30   d  extends into central aperture  40  in blade  39 , with edge  30   e  positively locking the two connected elements against any disassembly simply by reverse translational motion.  
         [0032]    Rather, and according to an important feature of this modification of the invention, detachment of device  30  from a tape-end end-element blade, such as blade  39 , can only be accomplished by introducing relative rotational motion, in either direction, of device  30  generally about an axis  30   f  which substantially parallels tape axis  42   a . Such rotational motion possibilities about axis  30   f , are illustrated by the two curved arrows  44 ,  46  provided in FIG. 6. When such relative rotational motion occurs, the ramp surface, or surfaces, of punched-out structure  30   d  furnish a camming action for interaction between the blade and device  30 , which camming action produces an appropriate amount of deflection of band  30   c  relative to body portion  30   a  so as to allow the central aperture in the blade to shift free and clear of being caught by edge  30   e.    
         [0033]    Thus, in this modified form of the invention, an even more secure attachment than that described earlier herein, takes place between a device like device  30 , and a blade, like blade  39 . Two different kinds of relative motion are therefore necessary to be employed with respect to attaching and detaching such a device.  
         [0034]    Turning finally to FIG. 10, which has a point of view like that taken in FIG. 7, shown here generally at  50  is a third form of a workpiece grip-enhancing device which has been constructed in accordance with the present invention. Except with respect to the presence of certain punch-deformed structure which is distinctly and differently present in this form of the invention, all other components of device  50  are essentially the same as similarly located and shaped components in just-described device  30  pictured in FIGS.  6 - 8 , inclusive. Accordingly, number/lower-case designators including the number  50  in FIG. 10 are to be understood, except where pointed out to be different, to be like counterpart components similarly marked with respect to device  30 .  
         [0035]    Given this large arena of likeness, discussion now proceeds simply with respect to distinguishing structure that sets device  50  distinctly apart from device  30 . Thus, formed as by punch deformation generally centrally within elongate band  50   c  is a kind of bump-like domed mound  50   g  which projects (to the left in FIG. 10) from band  50   c  in the same direction that structure  30   d  projects from band  30   c  in device  30 . In FIG. 10, which illustrates device  50  mounted on blade  39  in a tape end device (from FIG. 9), which blade has previously mentioned central aperture  40 , mound  50   g  is seen to extend into this aperture. Blade  39  as shown in FIG. 10 extends in the same general kind of passage  38  which also exists in device  30  (see FIG. 7). Such a condition produces a kind of pseudo-locked condition between device  50  and blade  39 —a condition of “locking” which can be engaged and dis-engaged by various combinations of linear translational and rotational relative motions to produce a kind of detent-like popping into and out of aperture  40  by mound  50   g.    
         [0036]    Accordingly, device  50  has some of the qualities of behavior found in both of the other embodiments described earlier herein. Namely, device  50 , when mounted in place, is held in place by a combination both of frictional engagement between inter-contacting components, and the kind of pseudo-locking through detent action just mentioned.  
         [0037]    Accordingly, it will now be appreciated how the novel workpiece grip-enhancing device of this invention meets all of the objectives stated earlier herein. The device is easily mounted and demounted in two different manners of attachment and detachment depending upon the specific invention modification employed. When attached, the device is either held in place strictly by frictional engagement, as with respect to the device shown in FIGS.  1 - 5 , by a kind of positive locking or latching, as with respect to the device shown in FIGS.  6 - 8 , inclusive, or by a detent-like pseudo-locking action as illustrated in FIG. 10.  
         [0038]    Thus, while a preferred embodiment, and two modifications, of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it is appreciated that other variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of this invention.