Patent Publication Number: US-9851193-B2

Title: Tape measure apparatus with a rotating and sliding catch

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/086,155, filed Nov. 21, 2013 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,163,918 on Oct. 20, 2015), which is a continuation of PCT Patent Application Serial No. PCT/US2012/066774 with international filing date Nov. 28, 2012, which application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/306,684, filed Nov. 29, 2011 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,590,171 on Nov. 26, 2013), which are each incorporated herein by reference, and to which priority is hereby claimed. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/086,155, filed Nov. 21, 2013, is also a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/306,684, filed Nov. 29, 2011 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,590,171 on Nov. 26, 2013), which is incorporated herein by reference, and to which priority is hereby claimed. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable 
     REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX” 
     Not applicable 
     BACKGROUND 
     One embodiment relates generally to carpentry tools and, more specifically, to an improved tape measure apparatus which includes a rotating and sliding catch. 
     Standard tape measures include a length of tape wound on a spool with a spring return mechanism so that after the tape is taken out of a housing, the spring return mechanism automatically retracts the tape into the housing. A locking mechanism, typically a sliding button, locks the tape for the purpose of reading the length of the deployed tape. 
     Numerous tape measures have been provided in prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,624,120 to Mills; U.S. Pat. No. 4,574,486 to Drechsler; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,426 to Hull are illustrative of the prior art and incorporated herein by reference to show the conventional construction of tape measures. While these units may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described. Tape measures are well adapted for measuring distances but their utility is usually restricted to this single function. 
     In order to make catches or end hooks connected to the measuring tape as an entity, and to prevent inconvenience of carrying the tape measures, the areas of end hooks are small as possible. However, since the catches or end hooks are used to grab/hook onto an edge portion of an article being measured, and the rule blade pulled out to the second dimension being measured, small area catches/end hooks make it difficult to grab/hook onto the article being measured with the catches/end hooks tending to slide away causing rewinding of the rule blade and irritation to the user. Additionally, because conventionally available catches/end hooks point downwardly relative to the tops of rule blades, measurements requiring grabbing/hooking by the catches are limited to situations where the rule blade is facing up. This situation makes it inconvenient for users wishing to grab/hook onto the underside edge of an object to be measured. 
     In certain instances the catches or end hooks to tape measures actually inhibit proper measurements. In these instances catches which can both slide and rotate to accommodate restrictions in the item/surface being measured would be desirable. In the instant application catch and end hook are intended to be synonymous terms and will be used interchangeably. 
     While certain novel features of the invention shown and described below are pointed out in the annexed claims, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details specified, since a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. No feature of the invention is critical or essential unless it is expressly stated as being “critical” or “essential.” 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The apparatus of the present invention solves the problems confronted in the art in a simple and straightforward manner. What is provided in one embodiment is a tape measure with a catch that is both rotatable and slidable relative to the rule blade. 
     In this application rotation and sliding are to be considered different types of movements. In this application rotation of the catch occurs when the catch rotates or pivots relative to the rule blade. The term slide is intended to mean relative movement of the catch with respect to the rule blade which is different from rotation. Of course both types of movement of the catch can occur simultaneously and/or sequentially to allow the catch to move from a first position relative to the rule blade to a second position relative to the rule blade. 
     In one embodiment the catch is slidable when after the rule blade has been extended past the user&#39;s arm span. In one embodiment this slidability occurs by using the rule blade to place a force on the catch/end hood in contact with another surface (such as by tapping the catch on the surface to position the catch relative to the rule blade). 
     In one embodiment the catch can be moved by force applied on the catch from the rule blade itself. 
     In one embodiment is provided a tape measure apparatus comprising: 
     a) a casing having two side walls, a bottom wall, a rear wall, and a front wall defining an enclosure, the front wall having a blade aperture adjacent the bottom wall; 
     b) a rule blade having inner and outer end portions and being retractably stored in a coiled condition within said enclosure of the casing, the inner end of the rule blade secured within the enclosure, the outer end of the rule blade protruding through the blade aperture when extended during use, and when extended during use the rule blade having a longitudinal axis; 
     c) graduated indicia markings along the length of said rule blade, functioning as a measuring scale; 
     d) a catch operatively connected to the outer end of the rule blade, the catch being slidable relative to the outer end of the rule blade in a plane which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rule blade. 
     In one embodiment the catch can be rotatable relative to the outer end of the rule blade in the plane which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rule blade, and wherein rotation can exceed 270 degrees and can be about points which include the geometric center of the face of the catch along with points which are offset from the geometric center of the face of the catch. 
     In one embodiment the catch can includes a slot, and the slot is operatively connected to the rule blade with a fastener. 
     In one embodiment the catch can include first and second faces, the second face facing the rule blade, the first face having a peripheral recessed area on either side of the slot, the fastener including a head, and the head being accommodated by the recess so that it does not protrude beyond the first face. 
     In one embodiment the catch can include a cover which covers the peripheral recessed area and the head. 
     In one embodiment the catch can have a maximum dimension and the catch is slidable relative to the rule blade at least about 50 percent of the maximum dimension. In other embodiments at least about 25, 30, 35, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 92, 94, 96, 97, 98, and 99 percent of the maximum dimension. In other embodiments the range of slidability is between any two of the above specified percentages. 
     In one embodiment the rule blade has upper and lower surfaces, and when the catch is slid to one extreme of its sliding motion, the catch is flush with the lower surface of the rule blade. 
     In one embodiment the catch can be circular in shape, the slot is located on a diameter of the catch and in the middle of the diameter. In other embodiments the catch can be non-circular in shape such as elliptical, diamond, triangular, rectangular, square, polygonal, regular polygonal, or other shape. In various embodiments the shape of the catch can be symmetrical about a line. In various embodiments the shape of the catch can be non-symmetrical. In various embodiments the upper and lower edges of the catch can be cut off to provide a straight or level surface. For example, in one embodiment an originally circular catch can have upper and lower edges horizontally cut where the upper and lower cut edges are parallel to each other. 
     In one embodiment the catch can include a magnetized surface on its first face. 
     In one embodiment the catch can include a magnetized surface on its second face. 
     In one embodiment the catch can be frictionally held in place relative to the rule blade. 
     In one embodiment when the rule blade is extended more than twelve inches, a force can be imposed on the tape measure casing or rule blade causing the catch to slide relative to the rule blade in the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. 
     In one embodiment the catch can be frictionally held in place relative to the rule blade. 
     In one embodiment when the rule blade is extended more than twelve inches, force can be imposed on the tape measure casing or rule blade causing the catch to both slide and rotate relative to the rule blade in the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. 
     In one embodiment the catch can be frictionally held in place regarding sliding relative to the rule blade, and a force between the catch and the rule blade is required to begin sliding of the catch relative to the rule blade. In various embodiments the force required is less than about 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 0.09, 0.08, 0.07, 0.06, 0.05, 0.04, 0.03, 0.02, 0.01, 0.005, and 0.001 pounds (44.5, 35.6, 26.6, 22.2, 17.8, 13.3, 8.9, 4.4, 4, 3.6, 3.1, 2.7, 2.2, 1.8, 1.3, 0.9, 0.44, 0.40, 0.36, 0.31, 0.27, 0.22, 0.18, 0.13, 0.09, 0.044, 0.022, and 0.004 newtons) force. In other embodiments the force required to begin sliding is between about any two of the above specified forces. 
     In various embodiments the force required is greater than about 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 0.09, 0.08, 0.07, 0.06, 0.05, 0.04, 0.03, 0.02, 0.01, 0.005, and 0.001 pounds (44.5, 35.6, 26.6, 22.2, 17.8, 13.3, 8.9, 4.4, 4.0, 3.6, 3.1, 2.7, 2.2, 1.8, 1.3, 0.9, 0.44, 0.40, 0.36, 0.31, 0.27, 0.22, 0.18, 0.13, 0.09, 0.044, 0.022, and 0.004 newtons) force. In other embodiments the force required to begin sliding is between about any two of the above specified forces. 
     In one embodiment the catch can be frictionally held in place regarding rotation relative to the rule blade, and a torque between the catch and the rule blade is required to begin rotation of the catch relative to the rule blade. In various embodiments the force required is less than about 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 0.09, 0.08, 0.07, 0.06, 0.05, 0.04, 0.03, 0.02, 0.01, 0.005, and 0.001 inch-pounds (1751, 1401, 1051, 876, 701, 525, 350, 175, 158, 140, 123, 105, 88, 70, 53, 35, 18, 15.8, 14, 12.3, 10.5, 8.8, 7, 5.3, 3.5, 1.75, 0.876, and 0.175 meter-pounds) force of torque. In other embodiments the torque required to begin rotation is between about any two of the above specified torques. 
     In various embodiments the force required is greater than about 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 0.09, 0.08, 0.07, 0.06, 0.05, 0.04, 0.03, 0.02, 0.01, 0.005, and 0.001 inch-pounds (1751, 1401, 1051, 876, 701, 525, 350, 175, 158, 140, 123, 105, 88, 70, 53, 35, 18, 15.8, 14, 12.3, 10.5, 8.8, 7, 5.3, 3.5, 1.75, 0.876, and 0.175 meter-pounds) force of torque. In other embodiments the torque required to begin rotation is between about any two of the above specified torques. 
     In one embodiment the catch can also be slidable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rule blade. 
     For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements. However, the drawings are illustrative only, and changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded view of L-bracket version (including a backing plate to stabilize the main plate). 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of alternative version using a pin to mount the plate instead of rivet to an L bracket. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the catch portion of  FIG. 2  but viewed from the opposite view as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of assembled L bracket version. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of assembled alternative version. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of assembled L bracket version shown in  FIG. 3 , but viewed from the opposite side as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of assembled alternative version shown in  FIG. 4 , but viewed from the opposite side as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of L bracket version of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of alternative version of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 10  includes a retracted view of L bracket version of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 10A  shows an alternative version of a catch which includes straight upper and lower portions. 
         FIG. 11  includes a rear view schematically indicating attachment of the cover to the catch shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         FIG. 12  includes a perspective rear view schematically indicating attachment of the cover to the catch shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of the cover. 
         FIG. 14  is a top perspective view of the cover. 
         FIGS. 15-17  schematically indicate the allowable motions which can be made between the catch and the rule blade. 
         FIGS. 18 and 19  schematically indicate movement of the catch to measure a corner of a wall having free space behind the corner. 
         FIGS. 20 and 21  schematically indicate movement of the catch to measure a corner of a wall wherein the catch cannot move beyond the corner. 
         FIGS. 22 and 23  schematically indicate movement of the catch to measure a corner of a workpiece where the corner is partially restricted. 
         FIGS. 24 through 26  schematically indicate movement of the catch to measure a rounded object such as a pipe. 
         FIG. 27  shows the catch being used as a marking guide. 
         FIG. 28  shows the catch being used as a cutting guide. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     One embodiment provides a tape measure apparatus  10  which can include a conventional type tape measure  20  comprising a casing  40  having two side walls  60 , a top wall  80 , a bottom wall  100 , a rear wall  120  and a front wall  140  defining enclosure  160 . Front wall  140  has a rule blade aperture  180  adjacent to bottom wall  100 . 
     Rule blade  200  is normally retractably stored in a coiled condition within enclosure  160  of casing  40 . An inner end  205  of rule blade  200  is secured within enclosure  160 , while an outer end  210  of rule blade  200  protrudes through blade aperture  180  in casing  40 . A lock and automatic rewind switch  240  can be carried on top wall  80  or front wall  140  of casing  40 , to keep a portion of rule blade  200  in an extended locked position through blade aperture  180  in casing  40 . Switch  240  is manually operated to retract rule blade  200  into enclosure  160  of casing  40 . 
     Rule blade  200  is elongated, slightly concave and fabricated out of a substantially strong and durable material and can have a longitudinal axis  202 . Graduated indicia markings  220  along the length of the rule blade  200  function as a measuring scale, which can be positioned at any of a variety of English standard intervals, including 1″, ½, ¼″, and the like, as well as Metric standard intervals including 5 mm, 1 cm, 5 cm, and the like. Graduated indicia markings  220  can be of similar or different dimensions and shapes for aiding in identifying the respective measurement. In one embodiment the rule blade  200  has upper surface  201  (with upper edges  206 ) and lower  203  surface. 
     Catch or end hook  600  can be slidably and rotatably connected to outer end  210  of rule blade  200 . Catch or end hook  600  can adapted to be normally laid over an edge  300  of a workpiece  320  to be measured, such as an item of wood, sheetrock, or other material. In one embodiment the catch  600  can also be slidable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis  204  of the rule blade  200 . In one embodiment when the catch  600  is slid to one extreme of its sliding motion, the catch  600  is flush with the lower surface  220  of the rule blade  200 . 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded view of L-bracket version of support  820  for rotating and sliding catch  600 , including a backing plate  830  for support  820  to stabilize catch  600  and limit its wobble.  FIG. 4  is a perspective view of assembled L bracket version of support  820 .  FIG. 6  is a perspective view of assembled L bracket support  820  version shown in  FIG. 3 , but viewed from the opposite side as shown in  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 8  is a side view of L bracket support  820  version of  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 10  includes a retracted view of rule blade  200  for L bracket support  820  version. 
     With backing plate  830  raised with respect to first or top face  201  of rule blade  200 , this embodiment has the advantage of allowing catch to slide vertically upward (schematically indicated by arrow in  FIG. 4 ) so that becomes flush with second or bottom face  202  of rule blade  200 . 
     Catch  600  can comprise first face  610  and second face  620 , and can be disk shaped. Catch  600  can include slot  700  having first  710  and second  720  ends, which slot  700  can include recessed peripheral area  730  on first face  610 . 
     Catch  600  can be slidably and rotatably connected to rule blade  200  using fastener  800 , which includes head and rod  804 . In one embodiment fastener  800  can be a rivet or threaded fastener. Fastener  800  can connect catch  600  to rule blade  200  by connecting to connector support  820 . Connector support  820  can include base  830  with opening  834 . Connector  820  itself can be attached to rule blade  200  using a plurality of rivets  860 . In one embodiment connector  820  can shift along the longitudinal axis  202  of rule blade  200  to accommodate the overall thickness of catch  600  depending on whether first face  610  or second face  620  contacts the workpiece being measured. In one embodiment spacer or washer  810  can be used between fastener  800  and catch  600  where spacer or washer  810  is a little less than the overall width of peripheral recessed area  730 . 
     As schematically shown in  FIG. 6 , in one embodiment the catch  600  can have a maximum dimension H 1  and the catch  600  is slidable relative to the rule blade  200  at least about 50 percent of the maximum dimension. Here the amount of slidability would be controlled by the distance between first and second edges  710 , 720  of slot  700  relative to the amount of vertical space connector  800  takes up in slot  700 . This maximum slidability is schematically indicated as H 2 . In  FIG. 6 , P indicates the amount of sliding from its uppermost position at position  710  of slot  700 .  FIG. 7  shows a P which is larger than the P shown in  FIG. 6  indicating that the catch  600  has been slid upwardly or in the direction of arrow  1280  (although catch  600  can continue to be slid upwardly in the direction of arrow  1280  until connector  800  contacts end  720  of slot  700 ). In other embodiments the catch  600  can be slidable relative to the rule blade  200  at least about 25, 30, 35, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 92, 94, 96, 97, 98, and 99 percent of the maximum dimension. In other embodiments the range of slidability between the catch  600  and the rule blade  200  is between any two of the above specified percentages. 
     In one embodiment the catch  600  can be circular in shape, the slot  700  is located on a diameter of the catch  600  and in the middle of the diameter. 
     In one embodiment the catch  600  can include a magnetized surface on its first face  610 . In one embodiment the catch  600  can include a magnetized surface on its second face  620 . In one embodiment catch  600  can includes a plurality of seats  750  for a plurality of magnets  950 . In one embodiment seats  750  in catch  600  can be slightly smaller than magnets  950  which fit into seats  750 . Magnets  950  can assist catch  600  in maintaining contact with a metal workpiece to be measures. In one embodiment magnets  950  can assist in maintaining the position of catch  600  relative to casing  40  of tape measure  20 . 
     In one embodiment, catch  600  can include a cover  900  which conceals first side  610  of catch  600 . Cover  900  can include first side  910 , second side  920 , upper connector portion  930 , and lower connector portion  934 . Cover  940  can also include a plurality of openings  940 , which openings are preferably smaller than the sizes of plurality of magnets  950 .  FIG. 11  includes a rear view schematically indicating attachment of the cover  900  to the catch  600 .  FIG. 12  includes a perspective rear view schematically indicating attachment of the cover  900  to the catch  600 .  FIG. 13  is a side view of the cover  900 .  FIG. 14  is a top perspective view of the cover  900 . 
     In one embodiment catch  600  can include a frictional gripping surface, such as being rubber coated, on its first  610  and/or second  620  faces and/or its perimeter edge. The frictional gripping surface can resist slippage of catch  600  with respect to an item being measured. In one embodiment the gripping surface for the first face  610  of catch can be included on the front and perimeter of cover  900 . Preferably, the gripping surface will be used without magnets as it is believed that the extra thickness of the gripping surface will substantially reduce the amount of magnetized pull from magnets  950  reducing their effectiveness. In one embodiment a rubber coating of a predefined thickness can itself for the recess  730  for positioning slot  700  and connector  800  (which recess  730  is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded view of alternative version of connector  820 ′ using a pin  800 ′ to mount the catch  600  instead of rivet  800 . In this embodiment inclined portion  805  can be provided to resist snagging items to be measured when first or top face  201  of rule blade  200  is adjacent a surface to be measured.  FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the catch  600  but viewed from the opposite view as shown in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 5  is a perspective view of assembled alternative version of support  820 .  FIG. 7  is a perspective view of assembled alternative support  820 ′ version shown in  FIG. 4 , but viewed from the opposite side as shown in  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 9  is a side view of alternative support  820 ′ version of  FIG. 5 . 
       FIGS. 15-17  schematically indicate the allowable sliding and/or rotating motions which can be made between the catch  600  and rule blade  200 .  FIG. 15  schematically indicates rotation in the direction of arrow  1200 .  FIG. 16  schematically indicates sliding in the direction of arrows  1210  (indicating that either direction of vertical sliding is available).  FIG. 16  schematically indicates sliding in the direction of arrows  1220  (indicating that either direction of horizontal sliding is available). In various embodiments one or more of the movements schematically indicated in either  FIGS. 15, 16 , and/or  17  can be combined at different times. For example, rotation can be made with sliding following. As another example, sliding can be made with rotation following. As another example, rotation can be combined with sliding. In different embodiments sliding can be in different directions compared to strictly vertical or strictly horizontal. In different embodiments the amount of sliding is restricted by the length of the slot compared to the size of the fastener. 
     In various embodiments the catch  600  is frictionally held in place regarding sliding and/or rotation relative to rule blade  200 , however, application of a force to rule blade  200  can overcome such frictional resistance causing relative movement between the catch  600  (sliding and/or rotation) relative to the rule blade  200 . In one embodiment the catch  600  is slidable when after the rule blade  200  has been extended past the user&#39;s arm span. In one embodiment this slidability occurs by using the rule blade  200  to place a force on the catch/end hook  600  in contact with another surface (such as by tapping the catch  600  on the surface to position the catch relative to the rule blade  200 ). In one embodiment the catch  600  can be moved relative to the rule blade  200  by force applied on the catch  600  from the rule blade  200  itself. 
     In one embodiment the catch  600  can be frictionally held in place regarding sliding relative to the rule blade  200 , and a predetermined force between the catch  600  and the rule blade  200  to overcome this frictional resistance required to begin sliding of the catch  600  relative to the rule blade  200 . In various embodiments the predetermined force required to overcome frictional resistance and begin sliding is less than about 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 0.09, 0.08, 0.07, 0.06, 0.05, 0.04, 0.03, 0.02, 0.01, 0.005, and/or 0.001 pounds (44.5, 35.6, 26.6, 22.2, 17.8, 13.3, 8.9, 4.4, 4, 3.6, 3.1, 2.7, 2.2, 1.8, 1.3, 0.9, 0.44, 0.40, 0.36, 0.31, 0.27, 0.22, 0.18, 0.13, 0.09, 0.044, 0.022 and/or 0.004 newtons) force. In other embodiments this predetermined force required to overcome frictional resistance and begin relative sliding between catch  600  and rule blade  200  is between about any two of the above specified predetermined forces. 
     In one embodiment the catch  600  can be frictionally held in place regarding sliding relative to the rule blade  200 , and a predetermined force between the catch  600  and the rule blade  200  to overcome this frictional resistance required to begin sliding of the catch  600  relative to the rule blade  200 . In various embodiments the predetermined force required to overcome frictional resistance and begin sliding is greater than about 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 0.09, 0.08, 0.07, 0.06, 0.05, 0.04, 0.03, 0.02, 0.01, 0.005, and/or 0.001 pounds (44.5, 35.6, 26.6, 22.2, 17.8, 13.3, 8.9, 4.4, 4, 3.6, 3.1, 2.7, 2.2, 1.8, 1.3, 0.9, 0.44, 0.40, 0.36, 0.31, 0.27, 0.22, 0.18, 0.13, 0.09, 0.044, 0.022, and/or 0.004 newtons) force. In other embodiments this predetermined force required to overcome frictional resistance and begin relative sliding between catch  600  and rule blade  200  is between about any two of the above specified predetermined forces. 
     In one embodiment the catch can be frictionally held in place regarding rotation relative to the rule blade, and a predetermined torque between the catch  600  and the rule blade  200  is required to begin rotation of the catch  600  relative to the rule blade  200 . In various embodiments the predetermined torque required to overcome frictional resistance and begin rotation between the catch  600  and the rule blade is less than about 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 0.09, 0.08, 0.07, 0.06, 0.05, 0.04, 0.03, 0.02, 0.01, 0.005, and/or 0.001 inch-pounds (1751, 1401, 1051, 876, 701, 525, 350, 175, 158, 140, 123, 105, 88, 70, 53, 35, 18, 15.8, 14, 12.3, 10.5, 8.8, 7, 5.3, 3.5, 1.75, 0.876, and 0.175 meter-pounds) force of torque. In other embodiments the predetermined torque required to overcome frictional resistance and begin relative rotation between the catch  600  and the rule blade  200  is between about any two of the above specified predetermined torques. 
     In various embodiments the predetermined torque required to overcome frictional resistance and begin rotation between the catch  600  and the rule blade is greater than about 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 0.09, 0.08, 0.07, 0.06, 0.05, 0.04, 0.03, 0.02, 0.01, 0.005, and/or 0.001 inch-pounds (1751, 1401, 1051, 876, 701, 525, 350, 175, 158, 140, 123, 105, 88, 70, 53, 35, 18, 15.8, 14, 12.3, 10.5, 8.8, 7, 5.3, 3.5, 1.75, 0.876, and 0.175 meter-pounds) force of torque. In other embodiments the predetermined torque required to overcome frictional resistance and begin relative rotation between the catch  600  and the rule blade  200  is between about any two of the above specified predetermined torques. 
     In one embodiment is provided a tape measure apparatus  10  comprising: 
     a) a casing  40  having two side walls  60 , 80 , a bottom wall  100 , a rear wall  120 , and a front wall  140  defining an enclosure, the front wall having a blade aperture  180  adjacent the bottom wall  100 ; 
     b) a rule blade  100  having inner and outer end portions and being retractably stored in a coiled condition within said enclosure of the casing  40 , the inner end of the rule blade  200  secured within the enclosure, the outer end of the rule blade  200  protruding through the blade aperture  180  when extended during use, and when extended during use the rule blade  200  having a longitudinal axis  204 ; 
     c) graduated indicia markings  220  along the length of said rule blade  200 , functioning as a measuring scale; 
     d) a catch  60  operatively connected to the outer end of the rule blade  200 , the catch  600  being slidable relative to the outer end of the rule blade  600  in a plane  208  which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  204  of the rule blade  200 . 
     In one embodiment the catch  600  can be rotatable relative to the outer end of the rule blade  200  in the plane  208  which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  204  of the rule blade  200 , and wherein rotation can exceed 180 degrees and can be about points which include the geometric center of the face of the catch along with points which are offset from the geometric center of the face of the catch  600 . In various embodiments the rotation between the catch  600  and the rule blade  200  can exceed about 180, 200, 220, 240, 260, 280, 300, 320, 340, and/or 360 degrees. In other embodiments the amount of rotation can be between about any two of the above specified angular rotations. 
     In various of the above referenced embodiments catch/end hook  600  can rotate and/or slide relative to rule blade  200  without the user touching catch/end hook  600 . For example, the user can apply force on rule blade  200  which caused force to be applied on catch  600  which force causes relative movement between catch  600  (rotation and/or sliding) and rule blade  200 . 
       FIGS. 18 and 19  schematically indicate movement of the catch to measure a corner of a wall having free space behind the corner. When measuring a vertical surface, catch/end hook  600  can both rotate and slide downwardly (schematically indicated by arrows  1250  and  1260 ) relative to rule blade  200  allowing rear portion  620  to contact edge  284 , along with allowing upper edges  206  of rule blade  200  to contact the surface being measured  280  (which is believed to reduce sliding of rule blade  200  relative to surface  280  compared to having bottom  203  in contact with surface  280 ). 
       FIGS. 20 and 21  illustrate a second application edge of base  1350  is completely blocked by wall  1300 , where the catch  600  cannot move beyond the corner between wall  1300  and base  1350 . Catch/end hook  600  can slide upwards allowing rule blade  200  to slide relatively downwards (schematically indicated by arrow  1260 ) relative to rule blade  200  allowing bottom  203  to contact base  1350  thereby allowing a more accurate measurement to be taken by limiting the amount of bowing of rule blade  200  between catch  600  and tape measure (with the user pushing rule blade  200  down towards base  1350 ). In this manner rule blade  200  maintains a parallel shape for the measuring portion of rule blade  200 . The movement in the direction of arrow  1260  reduces the distance “D” between bottom  203  of rule blade  200  and the top  282  of the workpiece to be measured. In this manner rule blade  200  maintains a parallel shape for the measuring portion of rule blade  200 . Additionally, support  820 ′ for catch  600  can shift in a line parallel to longitudinal axis  204  of rule blade  200  (schematically indicated by arrow  1210 ) an amount equal to the thickness of catch  600  (distance between first  610  and second  620  faces) to ensure that an accurate measurement is read (accommodating the thickness of catch  600  where front  610  face of catch  600  is blocked). Typically measurements are taken with second face  620  grabbing/hooking onto the edge of the workpiece. 
       FIG. 10A  shows an alternative version of a catch  600 ′ which includes straight upper  602  and lower  606  portions. In one embodiment the catch  600  can be circular in shape, the slot  700  is located on a diameter of the catch  600  and in the middle of the diameter. In other embodiments the catch  600 ′ can be non-circular in shape such as elliptical, diamond, triangular, rectangular, square, polygonal, regular polygonal, or other shape. In various embodiments the shape of the catch  600  can be symmetrical about a line. In various embodiments the shape  600  of the catch can be non-symmetrical. In various embodiments the upper  602  and lower  606  edges of the catch can be cut off to provide a straight or level surface. For example, in one embodiment an originally circular catch can have upper and lower edges horizontally cut where the upper and lower cut edges are parallel to each other. 
       FIGS. 22 and 23  schematically illustrate a third application where catch  600  is provided minimal depth to grab hold of the workpiece being measured. Catch/end hook  600  is shown in a position generally considered when using prior art catches/end hooks, but with the ability to slide up and down vertically relative to rule blade  200 . Here the catch or end hook  600  is projecting downward and placed with its second or rear face  620  grabbing/hooking onto edge  284  of workpiece  280 , but with a top  285  of second workpiece blocking downward movement of catch  600 . In this instance catch  600  can slide upwards allowing rule blade  200  to slide relatively downwards (schematically indicated by arrow  1260 ) allowing bottom  203  of rule blade  200  to contact top  282  of workpiece  280 ; and facilitating a more accurate measurement to be taken by limiting the amount of bowing of rule blade  200  between catch  600  and front wall  140  of tape measure (with the user pushing rule blade  200  down towards top  282  of workpiece  280 ). The movement in the direction of arrow  1260  reduces the distance “D” between bottom  203  of rule blade  200  and the top  282  of the workpiece to be measured. In this manner rule blade  200  maintains a parallel shape for the measuring portion of rule blade  200 . 
       FIGS. 24, 25, and 26  schematically illustrate a fourth application, indicating movement of the catch to measure a rounded object (e.g., a pipe). In this application catch/end hook  600  can both rotate (and slide downwardly (schematically indicated by arrows  1270  and  1280 ) relative to rule blade  200  allowing rule blade to move from the position shown in  FIG. 22  to the position shown in  FIG. 23 . Catch/end hook  600  can further rotate and slide downwardly allowing upper edge portions  206  of rule blade  200  to contact surface of pipe  1400 . 
       FIG. 27  shows the catch  600  being used as a marking guide. In this embodiment catch  6002  is slid upwardly relative to rule blade  200  such that bottom of catch  600  is raised to its uppermost extent. Catch  600  can be used as a base to grab and hold steady sip of marking instrument (e.g., pencil). In a preferred embodiment bottom of catch  600  is flush with second or bottom side  203  of rule blade so that a measured distance can be marked with tip of pencil  500 . In this embodiment catch steadies pencil  500  and tip of pencil can be flush with bottom  203  of rule blade  200  with bottom  203  of rule blade  200  touch the surface to be marked. 
       FIG. 28  shows the catch  600  being used as a cutting guide for a knife  550 . Catch  600  can be used as a base to grab and hold steady tip of knife  550 . In a preferred embodiment bottom of catch  600  is flush with second or bottom side  203  of rule blade so that a measured distance can be marked with tip of knife  550 . In this embodiment catch steadies knife  550  and tip of pencil can be flush with bottom  203  of rule blade  200  with bottom  203  of rule blade  200  touch the surface to be cut. 
     It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above. 
     Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention set forth in the appended claims: 
     The following is a Table of reference numerals used in this application: 
     
       
         
           
               
            
               
                   
               
               
                 REFERENCE NUMERAL LIST 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 Reference No. 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 10 
                 tape measure apparatus 
               
               
                 20 
                 tape measure 
               
               
                 40 
                 casing 
               
               
                 45 
                 casing screws 
               
               
                 60 
                 side wall of casing 
               
               
                 80 
                 top wall of casing 
               
               
                 100 
                 bottom wall of casing 
               
               
                 120 
                 rear wall of casing 
               
               
                 140 
                 front wall of casing 
               
               
                 142 
                 quick lock/quick unlock for catch (e.g., magnet) 
               
               
                 160 
                 enclosure in casing 
               
               
                 165 
                 front wall of enclosure 
               
               
                 170 
                 rear wall of enclosure 
               
               
                 180 
                 aperture in casing for rule blade 
               
               
                 182 
                 base of aperture in casing 
               
               
                 200 
                 rule blade of tape measure 
               
               
                 201 
                 first or top surface 
               
               
                 203 
                 second or bottom surface 
               
               
                 204 
                 longitudinal axis 
               
               
                 205 
                 inner end of rule blade 
               
               
                 206 
                 top edges of rule blade 
               
               
                 208 
                 perpendicular or orthogonal plane 
               
               
                 210 
                 outer end of rule blade 
               
               
                 220 
                 graduated indicia markings on rule blade 
               
               
                 240 
                 lock and automatic rewind switch of tape measure 
               
               
                 242 
                 rule blade locking bar 
               
               
                 243 
                 locking tabs 
               
               
                 260 
                 end hook of rule blade 
               
               
                 262 
                 rivets for end hook 
               
               
                 280 
                 work piece 
               
               
                 282 
                 top of work piece 
               
               
                 284 
                 edge of workpiece 
               
               
                 286 
                 top of second workpiece 
               
               
                 320 
                 top of workpiece 
               
               
                 360 
                 first hand 
               
               
                 380 
                 finger of first hand 
               
               
                 400 
                 index finger of first hand 
               
               
                 420 
                 thumb of first hand 
               
               
                 460 
                 second hand 
               
               
                 480 
                 fingers of second hand 
               
               
                 500 
                 pencil 
               
               
                 550 
                 knife 
               
               
                 600 
                 catch 
               
               
                 602 
                 top 
               
               
                 606 
                 bottom 
               
               
                 610 
                 first face 
               
               
                 620 
                 second face 
               
               
                 700 
                 positioning slot 
               
               
                 710 
                 first end of positioning slot 
               
               
                 720 
                 second end of positioning slot 
               
               
                 730 
                 recess area of positioning slot 
               
               
                 750 
                 plurality of openings 
               
               
                 760 
                 plurality of notches 
               
               
                 800 
                 connector for catch to rule blade 
               
               
                 804 
                 rod portion 
               
               
                 805 
                 inclined portion 
               
               
                 810 
                 washer 
               
               
                 820 
                 support 
               
               
                 824 
                 reinforcing plate or brace 
               
               
                 830 
                 base 
               
               
                 834 
                 opening 
               
               
                 850 
                 openings 
               
               
                 860 
                 plurality of fasteners 
               
               
                 900 
                 cover for catch 
               
               
                 910 
                 first side 
               
               
                 920 
                 second side 
               
               
                 930 
                 upper connector portion 
               
               
                 934 
                 lower connector portion 
               
               
                 940 
                 plurality of openings 
               
               
                 950 
                 plurality of magnets 
               
               
                 1000 
                 plurality of magnets 
               
               
                 1200 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 1210 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 1220 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 1230 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 1250 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 1260 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 1270 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 1280 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 1290 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 1300 
                 wall 
               
               
                 1310 
                 wall 
               
               
                 1350 
                 base 
               
               
                 1300 
                 wall 
               
               
                 1310 
                 wall 
               
               
                 1350 
                 base 
               
               
                 1400 
                 pipe 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     All materials used or intended to be used in a human being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise. The insert  560  and other items may be constructed of metal, plastic, injection molded plastic, wood, or any other material which is substantially strong and durable. 
     The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.