Patent Publication Number: US-8528222-B2

Title: Blade and hook assembly for tape rule

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This patent application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/206,623, filed on Aug. 10, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,375,595, which claims priority to provisional patent application 61/426,246 filed on Dec. 22, 2010, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     The present disclosure relates to rule assemblies. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     A typical tape rule assembly includes an elongated metal rule blade that is mounted on a reel rotatably disposed within a housing. The rule blade is retracted into the housing for storage by coiling it about the reel. To measure a work-piece, a length of the rule blade is pulled out of the housing to span the distance to be measured and the blade or hook is held against the work-piece so that gradation lines and numbers printed on the blade can be read against a point on the work-piece. To measure a distance between two objects or surfaces, an end hook at the free end of the blade may be temporarily secured or placed against an object or surface. In addition, long tape assemblies are known in which an elongated tape (not typically metal) is wound on a reel and can be extended to measure distances. These long tape assemblies may also utilize an end hook. 
     Some rule assemblies may also provide for attachments that may be attached at the end of the blade, for example, at the hook. The present disclosure provides benefits over the prior art devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect relates to a blade and hook assembly for a tape measure. The blade and hook assembly includes: an elongated blade; an end hook member attached to the elongated blade, the end hook member having a mounting portion and a hook portion, the end hook member capable of limited movement relative to the blade between an extended position and a retracted position; at least one rivet that connects the end hook member to the elongated blade, the at least one rivet extending through an associated hole in the blade, the at least one rivet having a bottom portion below the blade to facilitate securement of the rivet to the blade, an upper intermediate portion projecting above the mounting portion of the end hook and providing surfaces to which an attachment can be secured, and a top portion above the upper intermediate portion and having a cross sectional width greater than the upper intermediate portion. 
     These and other aspects of the present disclosure, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. In one example of the disclosure, the structural components illustrated herein can be considered drawn to scale. It is to be expressly understood, however, that many other configurations are possible and that the drawings are for the purpose of example, illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition or to limit the scope of the disclosure. It shall also be appreciated that the features of one embodiment disclosed herein can be used in other embodiments disclosed herein. As used in the specification and in the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a rule assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  shows a front of elevational view of the rule assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  shows a side of elevational view of the rule assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  shows a cross-sectional view of the tape rule assembly taken through the line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 2  showing a blade thereof in a fully retracted configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a view similar to  FIG. 4  except showing the blade in a fully extended configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view taken through the line  6 - 6  in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 7  shows a top view of an end hook member in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7A  a cross-sectional view taken through the line  1 A- 1 A in  FIG. 7  showing the end hook in a first (extended) position; 
         FIG. 7B  a cross-sectional view taken through the line  1 A- 1 A in  FIG. 7  showing the end hook in a second (retracted) position; 
         FIG. 8  shows a top view of an end hook member and magnet mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  shows a top view of the end hook member and magnet mechanism of  FIG. 8  on an end hook member of a rule assembly in a first (extended) position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  shows a cross-sectional view taken through the line  10 - 10  in  FIG. 9  of the end hook member and magnet mechanism with the end hook member in the extended position; 
         FIG. 11  shows a top view of the end hook member and magnet mechanism of  FIG. 8  on the end hook member in a second (retracted) position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  shows cross-sectional view taken through the line  12 - 12  in  FIG. 11  of the end hook member and magnet mechanism with the end hook member in a retracted position; 
         FIG. 13  shows a top view of an end hook member and magnet mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  shows a cross-sectional view of the magnet mechanism taken through the line  2 A- 2 A in  FIG. 13  of the end hook member and magnet mechanism on an end hook member of a rule assembly in a first (extended) position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 15  shows a cross-sectional view of the magnet mechanism taken through the line  2 A- 2 A in  FIG. 13  of the end hook member and magnet mechanism on the end hook member of the rule assembly in a second (retracted) position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 16  shows a front perspective view of an end hook member and magnet mechanism in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 17  shows a rear perspective view of the end hook member and magnet mechanism of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18  shows a top view of the end hook member and magnet mechanism of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 19  shows a front view of an end hook member and magnet mechanism of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 20  shows a cross-sectional view taken through the line  3 A- 3 A of the end hook member and magnet mechanism of  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 21  shows a top view of the end hook member and magnet mechanism of  FIG. 16  on an end hook member of a rule assembly in a first (extended) position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 22  shows a cross-sectional view taken through the line  22 - 22  in  FIG. 21  of the end hook member and magnet mechanism with the end hook member in the extended position; 
         FIG. 23  shows a top view of the end hook member and magnet mechanism of  FIG. 16  on the end hook member in a second (retracted) position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 24  shows cross-sectional view taken through the line  24 - 24  in  FIG. 23  of the end hook member and magnet mechanism with the end hook member in a retracted of position. 
         FIG. 25  shows a detailed view of the rivets and the mounting portion of the assembly shown in  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 26  shows a detailed view of another portion of the assembly of  FIG. 22 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1-6  show a rule assembly  10  in accordance with various embodiment of the present disclosure. The rule assembly shown in  FIGS. 1-6  can, for example, be of the type illustrated and described in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/898,352, filed on Oct. 5, 2010, entitled “Tape Rule and End Hook Therefore” and/or U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/299,224, filed on Jan. 28, 2010, both which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The reference numerals shown in  FIGS. 1-6  correspond to those found and described in the aforementioned &#39;352 application, with the corresponding description incorporated by reference herein for the purpose of showing one type of tape rule assembly that the magnetic assembly disclosed herein maybe applied to (with appropriate modification). It should be expressly recognized and appreciated, however, that such description and illustrations relating to  FIGS. 1-6  are examples only, and that the present disclosure applies much more broadly to elongated tape rule devices of many kinds and sizes, and having blades of different possible materials. 
     In general, the rule assembly  10  includes a housing  12 , a reel  14  (as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) rotatably mounted in the housing  12 , and an elongated blade  16  having an end hook member  34  on a free end  20  thereof. The elongated blade  16  is arranged to be wound on the reel  14  and to be extendable through an opening  22  in the housing  12 . 
       FIGS. 7-12  show different views of a tape rule blade  16  and an end hook member  34 . As shown in  FIGS. 7-12 , the end hook member  34  includes a mounting portion  150  and a hook portion  152  bent or disposed at a generally right angle from an end of the mounting portion  150 . In one embodiment, the end hook member  34  is formed of, for example, a sheet metal material (such as steel) of a predetermined thickness. 
     In one embodiment, the mounting portion  150  has a generally concavo-convex configuration (e.g., to match the concavo-convex curvature of the blade  16 ). In another embodiment, the mounting portion  150  has a generally flat configuration. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the end hook member  34  is mounted at the free end  20  of the blade  16  with the mounting portion  150  thereof secured in engagement with a concave (upper) side of the free end  20  of the blade  16  and in overlying relation thereto. 
     In one embodiment, the connection between the blade  16  and the mounting portion  150  may permit limiting sliding movement therebetween. 
     Specifically, as shown in  FIGS. 4 ,  7 ,  7 A, and  7 B, the mounting portion  150  is provided with holes  167  ( FIGS. 7A and 7B ) that may be substantially aligned with openings  156  in the elongated blade  16 . A plurality of rivets  169  extend through the holes  167  and openings  156  to slidably mount the end hook member  34  to the blade  16  for limited longitudinal relative movement between the end hook member  34  and the blade  16 . For example, in some embodiments, each rivet  169  comprises a bottom portion  164 , a shaft portion  166 , and a top portion  170 . In some embodiments, one or more of the rivets  169  may also comprise an upper or intermediate portion  168 . As shown in the Figures, bottom portion  164  is below the blade  16  to facilitate securement of the rivet to the blade. As shown, the bottom portion  164  is sized such that its cross sectional dimension (e.g., width or diameter) is greater than a diameter of opening  156  in elongated blade  16 . The shaft portion  166  is provided above the bottom portion  164  and extends through the blade  16 . In one embodiment, the cross sectional diameter of shaft portion  166  is smaller than the width or diameter of the bottom portion  164  such that it may be inserted through both openings  156  and holes  167 . The upper or intermediate portion  168  may comprise a diameter that is greater than of the shaft portion  166  and the opening  167 . The top portion  170  has a diameter that is greater than that of the intermediate portion  168  and the opening  167 . In some embodiments, the diameter of each hole  167  is greater than the diameter of the associated narrow portion of rivet  169  (e.g., shaft portion  166 ) by an amount approximately equal to the desired amount of hook movement.  FIGS. 7A and 7B  show the end hook member  34  in a first or extended position (extended away from an end of the blade  16 ) and in a second or retracted position (pushed toward an end of the blade  16 ), respectively. When the end hook member  34  is in the extended position, the inner surface  163  of hook portion  152  may be spaced from the elongated blade  16 . When the end hook member  34  is in the retracted position, the inner surface  163  of the hook portion  152  may be closer to or in contact with the elongated blade  16 . The end hook member  34  may be positioned in a retracted position when its outer or forward surface  161  is pushed against an object or a surface to which (or from which) a distance is measured. The limited sliding engagement allows the blade  16  to be measured externally from the outer surface  161  of the hook portion  152 , or internally from an internal surface  163  of the hook portion  152 . In other words, the sliding movement of the end hook member  34  allows an accurate measurement to be taken with either surface  161  or  163  in abutting relation with the work-piece. In an embodiment, the hook member  34  moves or slides longitudinally with respect to the blade  16  a distance approximately equal to the thickness of the hook portion  152  (where the thickness is measured from surface  161  to surface  163 ) so that a measurement taken with either surface  161  or  163  in abutting engagement with the work-piece will yield an accurate measurement. 
     The dimensions and features of the tape measure mechanism, housing, blade and/or hook member should not be limiting. Just for example, in an embodiment, the tape measure and hook portion  152  may comprise features as disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/898,352, filed on Oct. 5, 2010, entitled “Tape Rule and End Hook Therefore” and/or U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/299,224, filed on Jan. 28, 2010, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. For example, in some embodiments, the end hook member  34  may be designed with top catching capability, which generally refers to the ability of a portion of the end hook member  34  to hookingly engage with a work-piece to facilitate extension of the blade  16  and to temporarily secure the blade to the work-piece while a measurement is being taken. In such an embodiment, the portion of the end hook member  34  may be a) located above the blade  16  and/or b) located above and to the side of the blade  16 . In one embodiment, the hook portion  152  is U-shaped. In another embodiment, the hook portion  152  of the hook member  34  provides an under-catch structure and/or a side catch structure that can hookingly engage a work-piece to facilitate extension of the blade  16  and to temporarily secure the blade to the work-piece while a measurement is being taken. In yet another embodiment, the hook portion  152  may comprise burred portions (e.g., to provide a gripping attribute to edges of the hook member  34 ). Also, the spacing and depiction of the rivets  169  should not be limited to the illustrated embodiments. For example, the two or more rivets may be positioned such that they are equidistant. 
     When the blade  16  is fully retracted into the housing  12  (e.g., such as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  4 ), the blade  16  may be extracted by pulling the hook member  34  from behind its lower edge (i.e., below the blade  16 ). In one embodiment, the end hook member  34  gives the user access to extract the hook member  34  from its side edges as well. 
     In one embodiment, the end hook may be formed from various types of metal material. For example, in one embodiment, the end hook is formed from high carbon steel. 
     In accordance with various embodiments, the tape rule assembly  10  comprises a magnet assembly removably attachable to the elongated blade  16 .  FIGS. 8-15  illustrate different embodiments of magnet assemblies removably attachable to the elongated blade  16 . However, such embodiments are not intended to be limiting. As described in the illustrated embodiments below, for example, the magnet assembly comprises a mounting portion and a magnet. In an embodiment, the mounting portion is configured to removably fix the magnet assembly relative to the elongated blade  16  such that a forward surface of the magnet is removably fixed at a position that is aligned (lying in generally the same plane) with or approximately aligned with a forward surface  161  of the hook portion  151  with the end hook member  34  in its retracted position (e.g., see  FIG. 7B ). In some embodiments, the forward surface of the magnet is removably fixed at a position that is slightly recessed from (positioned rearwardly of a plane defined by) the forward surface  161  of the hook portion  151  with the end hook member  34  in its retracted position. 
     In some embodiments, the magnet assembly may be directly attached to (or in contact with) the elongated blade  16 . In other embodiments, the magnet assembly is removably attached to (or contacts) the elongated blade  16  through the end hook member  34 . For example, as described above, the end hook member  34  may be attached to the elongated blade  16  using rivets  169 . In accordance with various embodiments, the magnet assembly is removably attached to the rivets  169 . In any of such embodiments, it is possible to removably attach the magnet assembly to rivets  169  such that a forward surface of the magnet can be disposed in alignment with (lying in generally the same plane) or slightly recessed from (rearwardly of a plane defined by) the forward surface  161  of the hook portion  152 . 
     In various embodiments, when the magnet assembly is attached to the elongate blade  16  (e.g., via rivets  169 ), the magnet itself is spaced from the end hook member  34  and the blade  16 . For example, a magnet housing of the assembly may be configured to hold and/or position the magnet above and out of contact with the end hook member  34 . In one embodiment, the end hook member  34  is capable of limiting sliding movement relative to the blade  16  and to the magnet. 
     In some embodiments, the rivets  169  may be attachment rivets for receiving the magnet assembly. The number and position of rivets  169  along the blade and/or relative to each other should not be limited. For example, the plurality of rivets used to attach end hook member  34  and blade  16  may include a combination of types of rivets. In an embodiment, such as shown in  FIG. 7A , attachments rivets  169  and a forward-most rivet  172  are used to attach end hook member  34  and blade  16 . The attachment rivets  169  are configured to enable magnet assembly  400  to be attached thereto. For example, as will become further evident in the description below, attachment rivets  169  may include upper or intermediate portion  168  which secures the end hook member  34  and blade  16  together, and which can also provide an area (e.g., between a top surface of mounting portion  150  of end hook member  34  and a lower surface of top portion  170  of a rivet  169 ) for receiving the magnet assembly. A top of the forward-most rivet  172  may be positioned adjacent the mounting portion  150  of the end hook member  34 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a top view of a magnet assembly  400  in accordance with an embodiment with a magnet  402  and a mounting portion  404 . More specifically, in this illustrated embodiment, magnet assembly  400  comprises a housing  401  having at least side walls  412   a  and  412   b  extending from a back wall  414 . Housing  401  may further comprise a bottom wall and/or top wall. Magnet  402  may be secured within housing  401  to back wall  414  using a bolt, rivet, or other type of attachment  408 . In one embodiment, the magnet is over-molded with plastic or resilient material so as to be partially or wholly encapsulated therein. In some embodiments, magnet  402  and back wall  414  may be formed such that a hole or opening is provided in each to receive rivet  408  therethrough, for example. Alternatively, the magnet  402  may be secured to side walls  412   a  and  412   b  of housing  401 . It is also envisioned that other attachment devices (e.g., adhesive) may be used to secure magnet  402  within housing  401 . As described with respect to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , when the magnet assembly  400  is secured to the blade  16  or end hook member  34 , a forward surface  420  of the magnet  402  is removably fixed at a position that is aligned with or slightly recessed from a forward surface  161  of the hook portion  152  with the end hook member  34  in its retracted position. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 8  is mounting portion  404  of magnet assembly  400  which extends rearwardly laterally from housing  401 . Mounting portion  404  may be attached to one or more walls of housing  401  in any number of ways and should not be limiting. In an embodiment, mounting portion  404  may be attached to back wall  414  or to bottom wall (not shown). In another embodiment, mounting portion  404  may be integrally formed with housing  401 . 
     Mounting portion  404  is configured to removably fix the magnet assembly  400  relative to the elongated blade  16 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 8-12 , the mounting portion  404  of the magnet assembly  400  comprises spaced leg sections  416  and  418  configured to at least partially surround one or more of attachment rivets  169  used to attach the end hook member  34  to the elongated blade  16 . The spaced leg sections  416  and  418  may comprise a slot  406  therebetween. The slot  406  has lock areas  410  or openings. The number of lock areas  410  or openings should not be limited. In an embodiment, the number and/or position of lock areas  410  may correspond to the number and/or position of attachment rivets  169 . In another embodiment, less or more lock areas  410  than the attachment rivets  169  may be provided in the slot  406 . In an embodiment, each lock area  410  or opening comprises a shape complimentary to a shape of one or more of the attachment rivets  169 . For example, the lock areas  410  may be formed such that upper or intermediate portion  168  of rivets may be positioned therein, with the leg sections  416 ,  418  trapped between the top surface of the end hook mounting portion  150  and the under surface of the top portion (or head)  170  of rivets  169 . Alternatively, in other embodiments, the lock areas  410  may be formed to have shaft portions  166  positioned therein. The lock areas  410  may at least partially surround one or more rivets  169  when the magnet assembly  400  is removably fixed to the elongated blade  16 . For example, the lock areas  410  may comprise a substantially round or circular shape so as to surround at least a portion of a body (e.g., intermediate portion  168 ) of one or more of attachment rivets  169 . In an embodiment, spaced leg sections  416  and  418  are resilient members. For example, spaced leg sections  416  and  418  may be configured to flex slightly with respect to one or more rivets  169  during attachment (or removal) of the magnet assembly  400  to the elongated blade  16 . 
     For example, as shown by the arrows in  FIG. 8 , when the magnet assembly  400  is removably attached to the attachment rivets  169  of the blade  16  by moving or sliding mounting portion  150  in a longitudinal direction with respect to the blade  16 , the spaced leg sections  416  and  418  may flex outwardly during attachment and may be resiliently biased so as to surround a body of one or more of the attachment rivets  169  after the magnet assembly  400  is attached to the blade  16 . The spaced leg sections  416  and  418  may be configured to surround one or more of the rivets  169  at a position above and adjacent to the end hook member  34 , for example. A top portion  170  of each of the rivets  169  may be positioned above the spaced leg sections  416  and  418 . As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a front lock area  410  may comprise a slot that is configured to frictionally fit around a forwardly positioned attachment rivet  169 , and also or alternatively provide a shape locking type connection. A back lock area  410  may comprise a complimentary substantially round or circular shape that surrounds at least a part of attachment rivet  169 . 
     The spaced leg sections  416  and  418  may be made from any number of materials. For example, in an embodiment, the spaced leg sections  416  and  418  comprise spring steel material. In accordance with another embodiment, other resilient materials, such as plastic or rubber, may also be used. Moreover, in an embodiment, the material used to form the spaced leg sections  416  and  418  is not resilient. 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate a top view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of an end of the elongated blade  16  with end hook member  34  attached thereto using rivets  169 . The end hook member  34  is in an extended position (such as shown in  FIG. 7A ). Also shown in this embodiment is magnet assembly  400  attached to attachment rivets  169  and adjacent the end hook member  34 . When the end hook member  34  in its extended position, forward surface  420  of the magnet  402  is removably fixed at a position that is at least slightly recessed from forward surface  161  of the hook portion  152 . 
     As previously described, in accordance with an embodiment, end hook member  34  is capable of limited movement relative to the blade  16  between an extended position (see  FIG. 7A ) and a retracted position (see  FIG. 7B ).  FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate a top view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of the end hook member  34  of the elongated blade  16  in a retracted position (e.g., in contact with an object or surface). The removably attachable magnet assembly  400 , when attached to attachment rivets  169 , is configured to remain fixed relative to the blade  16  when the end hook member  34  is moved. When the end hook member  34  is moved to its retracted position, forward surface  420  of the magnet  402  is removably fixed at a position that is aligned with or, alternatively, slightly recessed from forward surface  161  of the hook portion  152 . The end hook member  34  retains this ability to slide relative to the blade  16  when the magnet assembly  400  is removably attached to the blade  16 . In some embodiments, the mounting portion  404  is configured to removably fix the magnet assembly  400  such that the forward surface  420  of the magnet  402  is aligned with the forward surface  161  of the hook portion  152  with the end hook member  34  in its retracted position. 
     In other embodiments, the forward surface  420  of the magnet is slightly recessed from the forward surface  161  when hook portion  152  is retracted, but sufficiently close to magnetically adhere to a metal object. 
     When the magnet assembly  400  is not desired to be used, it can be removed. Specifically, the magnet assembly  400  may be moved in a lateral direction and/or upward direction relative to the blade  16 . When the magnet assembly is moved away from rivets  169  (e.g., in an opposite direction as shown by the arrows of  FIG. 8 ), one or both of the spaced leg sections  416  and/or  418  may be slightly biased outwardly from one or more rivets  169 . The movement in the lateral direction releases front attachment rivet  169  from its friction fit with front lock area  410  and into slot  406 . A back attachment rivet  169  is unlatched from back lock area  410  and out of position from spaced leg sections  416  and  418 . The magnet assembly  400  may then be moved or lifted from the elongated blade  16 . 
     In some embodiments, the magnet  402  has sufficiently high Gauss level in relation to the weight of all of the components of the tape rule assembly  10 , such that the entire tape rule assembly can be self-supportedly attached to a ferrous metallic object. In one example, with the blade  16  locked within the housing  12 , the magnet  402  can be adhered to an overhead, horizontally disposed magnetic metallic material, and the magnetic attraction can be sufficiently strong to adhere to the entire tape measure assembly  10  (include its entire own weight) to the surface. It should be appreciated, however, that lesser strength magnets can also be used. 
       FIGS. 13-15  illustrate other embodiments of a magnet assembly  450  with a magnet  454  and a mounting portion  460 . More specifically, in this illustrated embodiment, magnet assembly  450  comprises a housing  452  having top wall, bottom wall, side walls and a back wall. Magnet  454  may be secured within housing  452 . The magnet assembly  450  further comprises a resilient member  456  that biases the magnet  454  in a forward direction such that a forward surface  464  of the magnet  454  is removably fixed at a position that is aligned with or slightly recessed from forward surface  161  of the hook portion  152  with the end hook member  34  in its retracted position. The end hook member  34  retains this ability to slide relative to the blade  16  when the magnet assembly  450  is attached. The magnet  454  may be attached to the resilient  456  member using an attachment device, such as adhesive. In an embodiment, the resilient member  456  is a coil spring. The coil spring  456  may be biased in a forward direction within housing  452  such that magnet  454  extends forwardly therefrom. The magnet  454  may be moveable in an axial direction with respect to housing  452 . For example, the coil spring  456  may enable magnet  454  to move in a rearward direction with respect to housing  452  (e.g., move within housing). The magnet  454  and coil spring  456  may absorb an impact force (such as if tape rule assembly  10  was dropped). The coil spring  456  may allow for movement of the magnet  454  when approach angles of the end of the blade  16  vary. In an embodiment, the coil spring  456  is substantially enclosed within housing  452 . 
     Also shown in  FIGS. 13-15  is mounting portion  460  of magnet assembly  450  which extends laterally from housing  452 . Mounting portion  460  may be attached to one or more walls of housing  452  in any number of ways and should not be limiting. In an embodiment, mounting portion  460  may be attached to housing  452  via an upwardly extending portion  458 . For example, extending portion  458  may form a front wall of housing  452 . The upwardly extending portion  458  may have an opening therein such that magnet  454  extends therethrough in a forward direction. In another embodiment, mounting portion  460  may be integrally formed with housing  452 . 
     Mounting portion  460  is configured to removably fix the magnet assembly  450  relative to the elongated blade  16  (of an end hook member on a rule assembly, such as shown and described above). For example, in the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 13-15 , the mounting portion  460  of the magnet assembly  450  comprises at least one opening  462  for mounting on rivets  169  of end hook member  34 . The number of openings  462  should not be limited. In an embodiment, the number and/or position of openings  462  may correspond to the number and/or position of attachment rivets  169 . In another embodiment, less or more openings  462  than the attachment rivets  169  may be provided in mounting portion  460 . For illustrative purposes only, the mounting portion  460  in this embodiment comprises two openings  462  (see cross-sectional views in  FIGS. 14-15  for both openings, one opening of which is shown positioned below or underneath housing  452 ). In an embodiment, each opening  462  comprises a shape complimentary to a shape of one or more attachment rivets  169 . The one or more openings  462  may be configured to at least partially surround one or more attachment rivets  169  when the magnet assembly  450  is removably fixed to the elongated blade  16 . For example, the one or more openings  462  may comprise a substantially circular shape so as to surround at least a portion of a body (e.g., intermediate portion  168 ) of one or more of the attachment rivets  169 . 
     In an embodiment, mounting portion  460  is formed from a resilient material, such as plastic or rubber. When mounting portion  460  is mounted onto end hook member  34 , openings  462  may be substantially aligned with top portion  170  of rivets  129 . The mounting portion  460  may then be stretched and/or biased such that a top portion  170  of one or more rivets  169  may be positioned through the one or more openings  462  to removably attach the magnet assembly  450  to the elongated blade  16 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the magnet assembly  450  taken through the line  2 A- 2 A in  FIG. 13  of an end of the elongated blade  16  with end hook member  34  attached thereto using rivets  169 . The end hook member  34  is in an extended position (such as shown in  FIG. 7A ). Also shown in this embodiment is magnet assembly  450  removably attached to rivets  169  and adjacent the end hook member  34 . When the end hook member  34  in its extended position, forward surface  464  of the magnet  454  is removably fixed at a position that is at least slightly recessed from forward surface  161  of the hook portion  152 . 
     As previously described, in accordance with an embodiment, end hook member  34  is capable of limited movement relative to the blade  16  between an extended position (see  FIG. 7A ) and a retracted position (see  FIG. 7B ) when magnet assembly  450  is attached thereto.  FIG. 15  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the magnet assembly  450  taken through the line  2 A- 2 A in  FIG. 13  with the end hook member  34  in a retracted position (e.g., in contact with an object or surface). When the end hook member  34  is moved to its retracted position, the mounting portion  460  is configured to removably fix the magnet assembly  450  such that forward surface  464  of the magnet  454  is removably fixed at a position that is aligned with or slightly recessed from forward surface  161  of the hook portion  152 . 
     When the magnet assembly  450  is not desired to be used, it can be removed. Specifically, the magnet assembly  450  may be moved in a lateral direction and/or an upward direction relative to the blade  16 . 
     In some embodiments, when the magnet assembly  400  of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8-12  or magnet assembly  450  of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 13-15  is removably attached in place, the forward surface of the magnet (e.g., such as forward surface  420  of magnet  402  of magnet assembly  400  or forward surface  464  of magnet  454  of magnet assembly  450 ) is positioned at a theoretical zero point of the tape rule assembly  10 . The theoretical zero point is defined as a plane  430  defined at the outside or forward surface  161  of the hook portion  152  when the end hook member  34  is in a retracted position (see  FIGS. 12 and 15 ). Additionally and/or alternatively, the theoretical zero point is defined as a plane defined at the rearward or inner surface  163  of the hook portion  152  when the end hook member  34  is in an extended position. The theoretical zero point is not necessarily in exact alignment with the zero mark on the elongated blade  16 . In the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 13-15 , the resilient member  456  may be formed and configured such that the forward surface  464  of the magnet  454  is aligned with plane  430  (i.e., the zero point) when the end hook member  34  is retracted. Also, as shown in the illustrated embodiments, the magnet is not necessarily in exact alignment with the zero mark on the blade  16 . 
     Yet another embodiment of a removably attachable magnet assembly  466  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in  FIGS. 16-20 .  FIGS. 16 ,  17 , and  18  illustrate a front perspective view, a rear perspective view, and a top view, respectively, of magnet assembly  466  with a magnet  468  and a mounting portion  470 . More specifically, in this illustrated embodiment, magnet assembly  466  comprises a housing  472  having at least a top wall  474 , side walls  476   a  and  476   b , and a back wall  478 . In an embodiment, housing  472  may also comprise an attachment portion  484  extending from back wall  478 . Housing  472  may further comprise a bottom wall. In one embodiment, the magnet is over-molded with plastic or resilient material so as to be partially or wholly encapsulated therein. In an embodiment, magnet  468  may be secured within housing  472  to back wall  478  using a bolt, rivet, or other type of attachment  480 . In some embodiments, such as shown in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 20 , magnet  468  and back wall  478  may be formed such that a hole or opening is provided in each to receive rivet  480  therethrough, for example. In an embodiment, magnet  468  may be formed such that a front end of rivet  480  is flush with (lying in generally the same plane) or recessed from its forward surface  482  when the magnet  468  is connected to housing  472  (see  FIG. 20 ). Alternatively, magnet  468  may be secured to side walls  476   a  and  476   b  of housing  472 . It is also envisioned that other attachment devices (e.g., adhesive) may be used to secure magnet  468  within housing  472 . 
     Similar to the embodiment described with respect to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , for example, when the magnet assembly  400  is secured to a blade or an end hook (such as blade  16  or end hook member  34 ), forward surface  482  of magnet  468  can be removably fixed at a position that is aligned with (lying in generally the same plane) or slightly recessed from a forward surface  161  of the hook portion  152  with the end hook member  34  in its retracted position. 
     Also shown in  FIGS. 16-20  is mounting portion  470  of magnet assembly  466  which extends laterally from housing  472 . Mounting portion  470  may be attached to one or more walls of housing  472  in any number of ways and should not be limiting. In an embodiment, mounting portion  470  may be attached to housing  472  using side walls  476   a  and  476   b  and/or attachment portion  484 . For example, side walls  476   a  and  476   b  and attachment portion  484  may be configured to attach to mounting portion  470 . In another embodiment, mounting portion  470  may be integrally formed with housing  472 . In an embodiment, at least attachment portion  484  may be formed with one or more structures or openings  486  configured to align with one or more lock areas or openings  494  of the mounting portion  470  when housing  472  is attached thereto, such that the one or more lock areas  494  of mounting portion  470  are accessible and unobstructed for use. 
     Mounting portion  470  is configured to removably fix the magnet assembly  466  relative to an elongated blade, such as elongated blade  16 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 16-20 , mounting portion  470  of magnet assembly  466  comprises spaced leg sections  488  and  490  configured to at least partially surround one or more of attachment rivets (such as rivets  169  of  FIGS. 7 ,  7 A, and  7 B) used to attach end hook member  34  to elongated blade  16 . Spaced leg sections  488  and  490  may comprise a slot  492  therebetween. Slot  492  has lock areas  494  or openings. The number of lock areas  494  or openings should not be limited. In an embodiment, the number and/or position of lock areas  494  may correspond to the number and/or position of attachment rivets  169 . In another embodiment, less or more lock areas  494  than the attachment rivets  169  may be provided in the slot  492 . In an embodiment, each lock area  494  or opening comprises a shape complimentary to a shape of one or more of the attachment rivets  169 . For example, lock areas  494  may be formed such that upper or intermediate portion  168  of rivets may be positioned therein, with a portion of legs  488 ,  490  trapped between the top surface of end hook mounting portion  150  and the under surface of the top portion (or head)  170  of rivets  169 . Alternatively, in other embodiments, lock areas  494  may be formed to have shaft portions  166  positioned therein. Accordingly, it should be understood that fasteners or rivets with multiple cross sectional dimensions or contours may be provided in rule assembly  10  and such dimensions may be used for connection with the blade  16 , end hook member  34 , and a mounting portion of the magnet assembly. An exemplary embodiment of rivets  169  having three or more dimensions or cross-sectional diameters along its body are described later with reference to  FIGS. 25 and 26 . 
     Lock areas  494  may at least partially surround one or more rivets  169  when magnet assembly  466  is removably fixed to elongated blade  16 . For example, lock areas  494  may comprise a substantially round or circular shape so as to surround at least a portion of a body (e.g., intermediate portion  168 ) of one or more of attachment rivets  169 . In an embodiment, spaced leg sections  488  and  480  are resilient members. For example, spaced leg sections  488  and  490  may be configured to flex slightly with respect to one or more rivets  169  during attachment (or removal) of magnet assembly  466  to elongated blade  16 . 
     For example, as shown by the arrows in  FIG. 18 , when magnet assembly  466  is removably attached to attachment rivets  169  of blade  16  by moving or sliding mounting portion  470  in at least a longitudinal direction with respect to blade  16 , spaced leg sections  488  and  490  may flex outwardly during attachment and may be resiliently biased so as to surround a body or intermediate portion  168  of one or more of attachment rivets  169  after magnet assembly  466  is attached to the blade  16 . The spaced leg sections  488  and  490  may be configured to surround one or more of the rivets  169  at a position above and adjacent to the end hook member  34 , for example. A top portion  170  of each of the rivets  169  may be positioned above the spaced leg sections  488  and  490 . As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a front lock area  494  may comprise a slot that is configured to frictionally fit around a forwardly positioned attachment rivet  169 , and also or alternatively provide a shape locking type connection. A back lock area  494  may comprise a complimentary substantially round or circular shape that surrounds at least a part of attachment rivet  169 . 
     The spaced leg sections  488  and  490  may be made from any number of materials. For example, in an embodiment, the spaced leg sections  488  and  490  comprise spring steel material. In accordance with another embodiment, other resilient materials may also be used. Moreover, in an embodiment, the material used to form the spaced leg sections  488  and  490  is not resilient. 
       FIGS. 21 and 22  illustrate a top view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of an end of the elongated blade  16  with magnet assembly  466  removably attached to attachment rivets  169  and adjacent end hook member  34 . The end hook member  34  is in an extended position (such as shown in  FIG. 7A ). When the end hook member  34  is in its extended position, forward surface  482  of the magnet  468  is removably fixed at a position that is at least slightly recessed from forward surface  161  of the hook portion  152 . 
     As previously described, in accordance with an embodiment, end hook member  34  is capable of limited movement relative to the blade  16  between an extended position (see  FIG. 7A ) and a retracted position (see  FIG. 7B ).  FIGS. 23 and 24  illustrate a top view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of the end hook member  34  of the elongated blade  16  in a retracted position (e.g., in contact with an object or surface) with magnet assembly  466  removably attached thereto. The removably attachable magnet assembly  466 , when attached to attachment rivets  169 , is configured to remain fixed relative to the blade  16  when the end hook member  34  is moved. When the end hook member  34  is moved to its retracted position, forward surface  482  of the magnet  468  is removably fixed at a position that is aligned with or slightly recessed from forward surface  161  of the hook portion  152 . The end hook member  34  retains this ability to slide relative to the blade  16  when the magnet assembly  466  is attached. 
     In other embodiments, the forward surface  482  of the magnet is slightly recessed from the forward surface  161  when hook portion  152  is retracted, but sufficiently close to magnetically adhere to a magnetic metal object. 
     When the removably attachable magnet assembly  466  is not desired to be used, it can be removed. Specifically, the magnet assembly  466  may be moved in a lateral direction and/or upward direction relative to the blade  16 . When the magnet assembly is moved away from rivets  169  (e.g., in an opposite direction as shown by the arrows of  FIG. 18 ), one or both of the spaced leg sections  488  and/or  490  may be slightly biased outwardly from one or more rivets  169 . The movement in the lateral direction releases front attachment rivet  169  from its friction fit with front lock area  494  and into slot  492 . A back attachment rivet  169  is unlatched from back lock area  494  and out of position from spaced leg sections  488  and  490 . The magnet assembly  466  may then be moved or lifted from the elongated blade  16 . 
     In some embodiments, when the magnet assembly  466  is attached in place, the forward surface of the magnet (i.e., forward surface  482  of magnet  468 ) is positioned at a theoretical zero point of the tape rule assembly  10  (e.g., plane  430  at the outside or forward surface  161  of the hook portion  152  when the end hook member  34  is in a retracted position, shown in  FIG. 24 , or plane at inner surface  163  of the hook portion  152  when end hook member  34  is in an extended position). The theoretical zero point is not necessarily in exact alignment with the zero mark on the elongated blade  16 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 22 and 25 , the rivets  169  have different diameters or widths along the height thereof. In some embodiments, as shown, rivet  169  comprises a bottom portion  164 , a shaft portion  166 , an upper intermediate portion  168 , and a top portion  170 . As also shown in  FIG. 25 , in this embodiment, the shaft portion  166  includes a blade connection portion  155  and lower intermediate portion  187 . As shown, the connection portion  155  of shaft portion  166  has a relatively smaller diameter that passes through the hole  156  in the blade  16 , while the lower intermediate portion  187  of the shaft portion  166  has a diameter larger than the connection portion  155 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 25 , in the illustrated embodiment, the bottom portion  164  is provided below the blade  16  to facilitate securement of the rivet to the blade  16 . The bottom portion  164  has a diameter D 5  that is sized such that it is greater than a diameter of opening  156  in blade  16 . Blade connection portion  155  is above the bottom portion  164  and has a diameter D 4  that is configured to be received within opening  156  of blade  16 . Diameter D 4  of connection portion  155  is smaller than diameter D 5  of bottom portion  164  in accordance with the shown embodiment. Above the blade connection portion  155  is the lower intermediate portion  187 . The lower intermediate portion  187  of the shaft portion  166  is configured to pass through the mounting portion  150  of end hook member  34  as shown. The lower intermediate portion  187  of the shaft portion  166  is provided above the bottom portion  164 . More specifically, in an embodiment, lower intermediate portion  187  has a diameter D 3  that is configured for receipt within hole  167 . The hole  167  is larger than the lower intermediate portion  187 , as shown, to allow the end hook member  34  to be slidably mounted to the blade  16  for limited longitudinal relative movement between the end hook member  34  and the blade  16 . In some embodiments, a diameter of each hole  167  is greater than the diameter D 3  of the lower intermediate portion  187  by an amount approximately equal to the desired amount of hook movement. Diameter D 3  of lower intermediate portion  187  is larger than diameter D 4  of blade connection portion  155  in accordance with an embodiment. 
     The upper intermediate portion  168  is provided above shaft portion  166  and its lower intermediate portion  187 . As shown, the upper intermediate portion  168  projects above the mounting portion  150  of the end hook  34  and provides a surface(s) to which an attachment can be secured. For example, the upper intermediate portion  168  can be used to attach the magnet assembly as described previously. More specifically, as previously described, the mounting portion  470  can be mounted on or around upper intermediate portions  168  of rivets  169 . The upper intermediate portions have a diameter D 2  that is sized for receipt, for example, in openings  494  formed by leg sections  488  and  490 . The upper intermediate portion  168  has a diameter D 2  that is greater than the diameter D 3  of the shaft portion  166  and/or the hole  167  of end hook member  134 . 
     In one embodiment, rivet  169  has a transition portion T between shaft portion  166  and the upper intermediate portion  168 . This transition portion T may be angled as shown. 
     The top portion  170  is provided above the upper intermediate portion  168 . In the shown embodiment, the top portion  170  is sized to assist in maintaining the attachment  466  secured on the rivets  169 , and in particular such that the leg portions  488  and  490  cannot be substantially vertically pulled off of the rivets  169 . In the shown embodiment, the top portion  170  has a diameter D 1  that is greater than the diameter D 2  of the upper intermediate portion  168  and the hole  167  of end hook member  34 . 
       FIG. 26  shows a detailed view of an another rivet  269 . The rivet  269  comprises a bottom portion  164 , a blade connection portion  155 , a shaft portion  166 , and a top portion  170 . The rivet  269  is similar to rivet  169 , but does not include the transition section T or the upper intermediate portion  168 . Because section T and upper intermediate portion  168  are not provided, top portion  170  is positioned closer to the upper surface of the tape hook mounting portion  150 . This configuration maintains the blade hook member  34  positioned vertically downwardly, in close abutting relationship with the upper surface of blade  16 . Like rivets  169 , rivet  269  has a lower intermediate portion  187  with a diameter smaller than the diameter of hole  167  in the hook mounting portion  150  so as to accommodate the limited sliding movement of the blade hook  34  relative to the blade  16 . 
     In some embodiments, the forward surface of the magnet may be recessed from the plane defined by the forward surface of the hook portion (i.e., of the theoretical zero point). In such an embodiment, the magnet housing itself may be in alignment with or slightly recessed from the plane defined by the theoretical zero point (which is a plane defined by the forward or rearward (inner) surface of the vertical hook portion, depending if the hook is retracted or extended). That is, the magnet may be recessed within the magnet housing such that the forward surface of the magnet is not in alignment with the forward surface of the hook portion, but slightly recessed or behind that plane. In such instances, the magnet will not directly impact an object it is positioned adjacent to. This can reduce damage to the magnet itself allowing the magnet housing to absorb any impact with the object. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, a layer of cushioning material may be provided in front of the magnet in the magnet housing. For example, a shock absorbing, elastic, elastomeric, plastic, felt, or other material may be placed in front of the magnet to absorb impact with an object and reduce and/or prevent the magnet from directly contacting or hitting the object when it is attracted to the object surface. 
     In one embodiment, a forward surface of the magnet is removably fixed at a position that is aligned with the forward surface of the hook portion with the end hook member in its retracted position. In another embodiment, a forward surface of the magnet is removably fixed at a position that is approximately aligned with the forward surface of the hook portion with the end hook member in its retracted position, and in particular, the forward surface of the magnet may be fixed at a position that is slightly forward of the forward surface of the hook portion with the end hook member in its retracted position or slightly recessed of the forward surface of the hook portion with the end hook member in its retracted position. In the embodiment with the forward surface of the magnet is slightly recessed from the forward surface of the hook portion with the end hook member in its retracted position, the magnet is sufficiently close to a metal (magnetic) work surface to be measured and that is contacting the forward surface of the hook portion, so as to achieve the desired magnetic attraction functionality. 
     In accordance with yet another embodiment, the forward surface of the magnet can protrude slightly forward relative to (a plane defined by) the forward surface  161  of the hook portion  152 . 
     The type of magnet used in any of the disclosed magnet assemblies and its features are not intending to be limiting. In various embodiments, the magnet in the magnet housing is a rare earth magnet (e.g., neodymium based magnet). In some embodiments, the magnet  468  has sufficiently high Gauss level in relation to the weight of all of the components of the tape rule assembly  10 , such that the entire tape rule assembly can be self-supportedly attached to a ferrous metallic object. In one example, with the blade  16  locked within the housing  12 , the magnet  468  can be adhered to an overhead, horizontally disposed metallic material, and the magnetic attraction can be sufficiently strong to adhere to the entire tape measure assembly  10  (include its entire own weight) to the surface. For example, in an embodiment, the magnet may provide a minimum holding force of 1.4 ft-lbs. It should be appreciated, however, the lesser strength magnets can also be used. 
     Additionally, the materials and methods for manufacturing the magnet housing should not be limiting. As previously noted, the magnet housing may be formed from plastic material. The magnet housing may be injection molded, for example. In an embodiment, the housing is made from one or more relatively non-ferrous material(s). By using relatively non-ferrous materials, the magnet may not transfer its magnetism to the magnet housing (e.g., to the mounting portion or surrounding walls). This reduces the attraction of debris to the end of the tape rule. Also, it focuses the magnetic force of the magnet in a specific direction, which reduces or prevents inadvertent use of a backside of the magnet housing when taking measurements. 
     If so desired, a user may remove the magnet assembly from the elongated blade  16 . For example, a user may desire to use a magnet assembly when an end of the elongated blade is placed with/against ferrous material(s), but can remove the magnet assembly when the blade is placed with/against non-ferrous material(s). 
     The aspects described above of the end hook including the magnet mechanism should not be limited to the illustrated exemplary embodiments. For example, although the illustrated embodiments show exemplary devices for at least temporarily attaching a magnet to an elongated blade, the construction of such devices should not be limiting. For example, in accordance with an embodiment, the magnet assembly, when attached to the tape rule structure  10 , may enable attachment of an additional complimentary utility device. For example, in an embodiment, a scribing implement, tool, or instrument may be attached to the magnet assembly and/or blade. In another embodiment, a cutting blade, instrument, or tool may be attached to the magnet assembly and/or blade. In yet another embodiment, an additional device for positional securement of the magnet assembly relative to the elongated blade may be added. 
     Also, in some embodiments, such as the exemplary magnet mechanism  400 , the magnetic mechanism allows an operator to negate use of a magnet when so desired (i.e., the magnet mechanism may be moved to a second, retracted position such that the magnet is not operative when taking measurements). By moving the magnet mechanism to a second, retracted position and out of operation, the amount of ferrous particles build-up on a magnetic face of the magnet (e.g., front surface  420  of magnet  402 ) is limited and/or prevented, which can also, therefore, increase accuracy of measurements. 
     One skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment of the rule assembly  10  shown in the figures and described above is exemplary only and not intended to be limiting. It is within the scope of the disclosure to provide any known rule assembly with any or all of the features of the present disclosure. For example, the end hook constructed according to the principles of the present disclosure can be applied to any known rule assembly. It is also within the scope of the disclosure that the removably attachable magnet mechanism/assembly can be used with any measuring device; for example, long tape measures. 
     Additionally, the manner of connecting the magnet mechanism/assembly described herein is only an example and is not intended to be limiting. Other types of connections (e.g., not through rivets) can be utilized. 
     The term “blade” as used herein should be construed as a generic term to cover metal blades as well as non-metal blades (e.g., made of plastic, fabric, elastomer, and/or other materials or combinations thereof). 
     Although the disclosure has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. In addition, it is to be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.