Patent Publication Number: US-2023133967-A1

Title: Tape Measure with Tape Blade Including End Protective Film

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/100,371, filed Nov. 20, 2020, which is a continuation of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2020/030719, filed Apr. 30, 2020, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/843,041, filed on May 3, 2019, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of tools. The present invention relates specifically to a tape measure, measuring tape, retractable rule, etc., that includes a relatively short reinforcing polymer film coupled to the end of the tape blade adjacent the outer hook end of the tape blade. 
     Tape measures are measurement tools used for a variety of measurement applications, including in the building and construction trades. Some tape measures include a graduated, marked blade wound on a reel and also include a retraction system for automatically retracting the blade onto the reel. In some typical tape measure designs, the retraction system is driven by a coil or spiral spring that is tensioned, storing energy as the tape is extended and that releases energy to spin the reel, winding the blade back onto the reel. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One embodiment of the invention relates to a tape measure including a reinforced tape blade. The tape blade includes a metal core, a first coating layer on an upper surface of the metal core, a second coating layer on the lower surface of the metal core. A hook assembly is coupled to a first end of the tape blade. The tape measure includes a protective polymer film adhered to an outer surface of least one of the first coating layer and the second coating layer adjacent the hook assembly such that a portion of the hook assembly extends over the protective film in the lengthwise direction of the tape blade. A longitudinal length of the protective film is less than 10 inches and specifically is 4 to 8 inches. In various embodiments an adhesive layer binds the protective film to the adjacent coating layer. In various embodiments, a peel strength of the protective film to the adjacent coating layer is greater than 9 lbs. 
     Another embodiment of the invention relates to a tape measure including a housing, a reel rotatably mounted within the housing and an elongate blade wound around the reel. The elongate blade has an inner end coupled to the reel and an outer end extending out of the housing. The tape measure includes a hook assembly coupled to the outer end of the elongate blade and a retraction system coupled to the reel. The retraction system drives rewinding of the elongate blade on to the reel. The elongate blade includes an elongate metal core having an upper surface and a lower surface, and the upper surface includes a concave curved section and the lower surface includes a convex curved section. The elongate blade includes an upper polymer coating layer covering at least a portion of the upper surface of the elongate metal core and a lower polymer coating layer covering at least a portion of the lower surface of the elongate metal core. The elongate blade includes an ink layer forming a series of measurement markings and is located between the upper surface of the elongate metal core and the upper polymer coating layer. The elongate blade includes a protective film coupled via an adhesive to an outer surface of the lower polymer coating layer adjacent to the outer end of the elongate blade, and the protective film has a length that is less than 20% of a total length of the elongate blade. 
     Another embodiment of the invention relates to a tape measure including a housing and a reel rotatably mounted within the housing. The tape measure includes an elongate blade wound around the reel, and the elongate blade has an inner end coupled to the reel and an outer end. The tape measure includes a hook assembly coupled to the outer end of the elongate blade and a retraction system coupled to the reel. The retraction system drives rewinding of the elongate blade on to the reel. The elongate blade includes an elongate metal core having an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface includes a concave curved section and the lower surface includes a convex curved section. The elongate blade includes a protective film coupled via an adhesive to the elongate metal core. The protective film has a length less than a total length of the elongate blade, and a peel strength between the protective film and an adjacent surface of the elongate blade is greater than 9 lbs. 
     Another embodiment of the invention relates to a tape measure including a housing and a reel rotatably mounted within the housing. The tape measure includes an elongate blade wound around the reel, and the elongate blade has an inner end coupled to the reel and an outer end. The tape measure includes a hook assembly coupled to the outer end of the elongate blade and a retraction system coupled to the reel. The retraction system drives rewinding of the elongate blade on to the reel. The elongate blade includes an elongate metal core having an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface includes a concave curved section and the lower surface includes a convex curved section. The elongate tape blade includes an upper nylon coating layer covering at least a portion of the upper surface of the elongate metal core and a lower nylon coating layer covering at least a portion of the lower surface of the elongate metal core. The elongate blade includes an ink layer forming a series of measurement markings and is located between the upper surface of the elongate metal core and the upper nylon layer. The elongate blade includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer coupled to at least one of an outer surface of the upper nylon coating layer and an outer surface of the lower nylon coating layer. The elongate blade includes a protective film coupled to the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer adjacent to the outer end of the elongate blade. 
     Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and, in part, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description and claims hereof, as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary. 
     The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments, and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a left side perspective view of a tape measure, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    is a left side perspective view of the tape measure of  FIG.  1    with a portion of the tape measure housing removed, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  3    is a cross-sectional view of the hook end of a tape blade of the tape measure of  FIG.  1    showing a tape blade film located on the bottom of the tape blade, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  4    is a top view of the tape blade film of  FIG.  3   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of the tape blade film of  FIG.  4    located on a roll of adhesive protective film, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  6    is a cross-sectional view showing the tape blade film of  FIG.  5    located on the roll of release liner, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  7    is a cross-sectional view of the hook end of a tape blade of the tape measure of  FIG.  1    showing a tape blade film located on top of the tape blade, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIGS.  8  and  9    illustrate aspects of a test procedure for measuring the peel strength of various tape measures with tape blade film prototypes discussed herein as well as the films/coatings of commercially available tape measures for comparison. 
         FIG.  10    shows tensile strength and elongation at break for materials for a tape blade film, according to exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  11    shows cross-sectional images of the tape blade of Commercially Available Prior Art 1. 
         FIG.  12    shows cross-sectional images of the tape blade of Commercially Available Prior Art 2. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments of a tape measure are shown. Various embodiments of the tape measure discussed herein include an outer polymer film layer coupled to a relatively short length of the tape measure blade located adjacent to the hook end of the tape measure blade. Applicant has found that by reinforcing a relatively short length of tape blade adjacent the hook, the tape blade will be more resistant to wear, damage, cracking, etc. than tape blades without such reinforcement, while at the same time decreasing total tape coil diameter by limiting the reinforcing film to only a short section of the tape blade. Further, in some embodiments, Applicant has found that a protective film having relatively high stiffness, further protects the tape blade from whipping during tape blade retraction. 
     In addition, in various embodiments, Applicant has developed a tape measure blade with an adhered, short, hook-end protective film, with a very high peel strength or adherence to the adjacent layer of the tape blade. Through Applicant&#39;s testing, Applicant determined that a film applied to a short length of the tape blade may be subject to delamination during extend/retract cycles. Therefore, as discussed in various embodiments herein, Applicant&#39;s designs include very high levels of peel strength not believed present in commercially available tape measures. 
     In addition, Applicant has determined that the short, hook-end protective film discussed herein help to allow for fast retraction time (0.6-1 sec from 8′) as stiffness of the tape blade is increased by a film that helps resist whipping of tape blade upwards at faster speeds. In addition, Applicant has determined that the short, hook-end protective film discussed herein increases the fatigue life of the blade even when whipping does occur. In addition, Applicant has determined that the short, hook-end protective film discussed herein holds the blade together longer even if tape cracks film, which prevents it from hanging up on housing&#39;s components during retraction. 
     As noted below, in a specific embodiment, the short, hook-end protective film discussed herein is located on the bottom surface of the tape blade. In such embodiments, Applicant has determined that this placement has better performance in cold weather during tape whip. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1    and  FIG.  2   , a tape measure, such as tape measure  10 , is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Tape measure  10  includes a tape blade, shown as coilable tape blade  14 , and a housing  18 . In general, tape blade  14  is an elongate strip of material including a plurality of graduated measurement markings, and in specific embodiments, tape blade  14  is an elongate strip of metal material (e.g., steel material) that includes an outermost end coupled to a hook assembly, shown as hook assembly  26 . In one embodiment, hook assembly  26  includes one or more magnets to facilitate coupling of hook assembly  26  to a workpiece during measurement. As will be discussed in more detail below, tape blade  14  may include various coatings and layers (e.g., polymer coating layers, films, etc.) to help protect tape blade  14  and/or the graduated markings of the blade from wear, breakage, whipping, etc., particularly during tape blade retraction. In one embodiment, the first layer around steel is the paint, on which the measuring scale is printed, and then the polymer or lacquer coating, on which the PET film is pasted. 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , a variable-length extended segment  22  of the tape blade  14  is retractable and extendable from the housing  18 . Hook assembly  26  is fixedly coupled to an outer end portion  30  of tape blade  14 . In various embodiments, tape blade  18  has a maximum length that may be extended from the housing of between 10 ft. and 50 ft. 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , an inner end of tape blade  14  is coupled to a reel  34 , and the non-extended portion of tape blade  14  is wound onto reel  34 , which is surrounded by housing  18 . Reel  34  is rotatably disposed about an axis  38  of tape measure  10 , and a retraction system or mechanism  42  is coupled to reel  34  and configured to drive reel  34  about rotation axis  38  which in turn provides powered retraction of tape blade  14 . In general, retraction mechanism  42  drives rewinding of the elongate blade on to tape reel  34 . Retraction mechanism  42  may include one or more elongated spiral springs that provide the retraction energy to retraction mechanism  42 . In other embodiments, retraction mechanism  42  includes other mechanisms such as one or more electric motors. A tape lock  46  is provided to selectively engage tape blade  14 , which acts to restrain retraction mechanism  42  such that extended segment  22  of tape blade  14  remains at a desired length. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , housing  18  includes a first side wall  50 , a second side wall  54 , and a peripheral wall  58  connecting first side wall  50  and second side wall  54 . First side wall  50 , second side wall  54 , and peripheral wall  58  define an internal cavity  62 , shown in  FIG.  2   , in which reel  34  and retraction mechanism  42  are housed. Referring to  FIG.  1   , first side wall  50  and second side wall  54  have a substantially circular profile  66 . In other embodiments, the side walls may be rectangular, polygonal, or any other desired shape. Portions of the housing  18  may be co-molded or separately formed of a resilient material, such as a natural or synthetic rubber. In the illustrated construction, housing  18  is formed with housing bumpers  70  and a support leg  74 , which extends from a lower portion  78  of the peripheral wall  58 . 
     A slot  82  is defined along a forward portion  86  of peripheral wall  58 . Slot  82  provides an opening in the tape measure housing, which allows tape lock  46  to extend into housing  18 . In addition, slot  82  provides a length sufficient to allow tape lock  46  to be moved relative to housing  18  between locked and unlocked positions. 
     Below the slot  82 , a tape blade opening in the housing, shown as tape port  90 , is provided in peripheral wall  58 . Tape port  90  has an arcuate shape  94 , corresponding to an arcuate cross-sectional profile of tape blade  14 . The tape port  90  allows for the retraction and extension of tape blade  14  to and from the internal cavity  62  defined within housing  18 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , tape measure  10  includes a finger guard assembly  98 . Finger guard assembly  98  includes a guard  102  and a guard support member  106 . As shown in  FIG.  1   , the portions of guard  102  external to housing  18  are substantially U-shaped and extend downward from housing  18 . As shown in  FIG.  2   , when tape blade  14  is in the retracted position, a rear surface of the hook assembly  26  abuts guard  102 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  3  and  4   , a hook end  110  of tape blade  14  is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Tape blade  14  includes an elongate metal core or inner layer  112  formed from a thin, elongate strip of metal material. In a specific embodiment, inner layer  112  is formed from a strip of steel material. In a specific embodiment, inner layer  112  has a thickness, T 1 , between 0.09 mm and 0.2 mm, specifically, between 0.1 mm and 0.18 mm (with up to a 25% thickness variation), and more specifically of 0.11 mm to 0.13 mm. As will be understood inner layer  112  may be formed in a concavo-convex configuration, which provides for the curved shape of tape blade  14  shown in  FIG.  1   . In such an arrangement, the upper surface of tape blade  14  and inner layer  112  includes a concave curved section, and the lower surface of tape blade  14  and inner layer  112  includes a convex curved section. Inner layer  112  may be an alloyed spring steel, alloyed high strength steel, etc. In one embodiment, the steel is of a hardness between 50-54 RHC (Rockwell hardness C). In another embodiment, the steel is of a hardness between 45-60 RHC. 
     Tape blade  14  includes an upper coating layer  114  coupled to (e.g., attached, bonded, glued, etc.) onto the concave upper surface of inner metal layer  112  and a lower coating layer  116  coupled to (e.g., attached, bonded, glued, etc.) onto the convex lower surface of inner metal layer  112 . In general, coating layers  114  and  116  are formed from a polymer material, and in a specific embodiment, are formed from a nylon material. As shown, coating layer  114  has an upper surface  118  that defines the uppermost surface of tape blade  14 , and coating layer  116  has a lower surface  120  that defines the lowermost surface of the majority of tape blade  14 . Ink layers are located between coating layers  114  and  116  forming measurement markings or indicia, and specifically the ink layers are located on upper and lower surfaces of inner metal layer  112  between coating layers  114  and  116  respectively. In specific embodiments, the coating layers discussed herein are formed from a nylon 12 material and/or a nylon 6/6 material. In various embodiments, coating layers  114  and  116  may be applied as a lacquer, laminate, nylon extrusion, film attached with adhesive, or a power/spray on coating. 
     In one embodiment, coating layers  114  and  116  may be applied over the entire length of inner layer  112 . In one embodiment, coating layers  114  and  116  are applied over at least 6 feet of the length of inner layer  112 , specifically over at least 8 feet of the length of inner layer  112 , and more specifically over at least 10 feet of the length of inner layer  112 . In specific embodiments, these coating lengths are contiguous lengths of coating material. 
     In a specific embodiment, coating layers  114  and  116  are formed from a nylon lacquer and have relatively smooth outer surfaces  118  and  120  respectively. In at least some embodiments, it is believed that the nylon lacquer has a higher surface energy than a film or extruded layer, which leads to better bonding to the adhered polymer film. Compared to the nylon extrusion, lacquer has a smoother surface. Different polymers have different surface energies, which can change bond strength, and when combined with surface roughness will provide different low temperature performance. To get an improved performance and a higher bond/peel force which can be achieved by matching glue to the layer on which it is being applied. Thickness and type of glue also relate to peel force. In the case of a pressure sensitive adhesive, the pressure at which film is applied is also a factor related to peel strength. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , a tape blade film  122  is bonded or adhered to outer surface  120  of lower coating layer  116 . In such embodiments and without being bound by theory, Applicant believes that placement of film  122  on the lower surface provides reinforcement while at the same time reduces the chance of delamination due to the mechanics of the tape blade during whipping. When film is applied to the bottom side, the film is under tension vs. compression during tape whip. This helps with increased stiffness as well as low temperature performance of the film. In another embodiment, film  122  can be applied directly to the paint-print layer without a coating layer in between. 
     In general, tape blade film  122  is a reinforcing layer formed from a polymer material, and specifically a transparent polymer material to allow viewing of marking indicia located below film  122  in the tape blade construction. In various embodiments, tape blade film  122  is formed from a polymer material having a high stiffness that Applicant has determined reduces the likelihood of whip during tape blade retraction. In various embodiments, the stiffness of film  122  is selected to be higher than other commonly used tape blade materials to reduce whipping. In a specific embodiment, tape blade film  122  is formed from a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material, such as a PET material having relatively high stiffness. In specific embodiments, tensile modulus, flexural modulus and hardness will combine with thickness of the film to provide stiffness and when applied to tape, resists tape whipping during retraction.  FIG.  10    shows modulus and elongation at break data for materials that may be used for tape blade film  122 . In another embodiment, tape blade film  122  is formed from a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material. 
     Tape blade film  122  is located adjacent to hook end  110  such that it is overlapped by hook tab  124 . Unlike coating layers  114  and  116 , tape blade film  122  has a length L 1  such that tape blade film  122  extends a relatively short portion of the length of tape blade  14  from hook end  110 . In various embodiments, L 1  is less than 20% of the total length of tape blade  14 , specifically is less than 10% of the total length of tape blade  14 , and more specifically is 5% or less of the total length of tape blade  14 . In various embodiments, L 1  is 2 inches to 12 inches, specifically is 4 inches to 8 inches, and more specifically is 5 inches to 7 inches. In a specific embodiment, L 1  is 6 inches plus or minus 5%. Applicant has determined that a relatively short reinforcing layer such as tape blade film  122  provides for improved tape blade strength, wear, crack and whip resistance without unduly increasing the total thickness of the spooled tape blade. 
     In various embodiments, Applicant has determined that particular thicknesses of tape blade film  122  and of coating layers  114  and  116  provide for increased tape blade protection without unduly increasing tape spool diameter. As shown in  FIG.  3   , coating layer  114  has thickness, T 2 , coating layer  116  has a thickness, T 3 , and tape blade film  122  has a thickness T 4 . In various embodiments, T 4  is between 0.03 mm and 0.3 mm, specifically is between 0.1 mm and 0.2 mm, and more specifically is between 0.14 mm and 0.16 mm. In a specific embodiment, T 4  is 0.15 mm plus or minus 0.005 mm. In another specific embodiment, T 4  is between 0.14 mm and 0.25 mm. 
     In various embodiments, coating layers  114  and/or  116  formed from a polymer material, such as a polymer lacquer, and have thicknesses T 2  and/or T 3  between 0.01 mm and 0.03 mm and specifically is about 0.02 mm. In specific embodiments, coating layers  114  and/or  116  formed from a nylon lacquer having thicknesses T 2  and/or T 3  between 0.01 mm and 0.03 mm and specifically is about 0.02 mm. In a specific embodiment, steel thickness is 0.11, nylon lacquer is 0.02-0.03 thick on each side. 
     In specific embodiments, tape blade film  122  is adhered to the adjacent coating layer via a layer of adhesive material  126 . In various embodiments, adhesive layer  126  is formed from a polymeric adhesive such as a pressure sensitive adhesive. In a specific embodiment, adhesive layer  126  is a pressure sensitive acrylic material. 
     Applicant has determined that by balancing the thickness of tape blade film  122  and the thickness of adhesive layer  126 , a very high level of adhesion of tape blade film  122  to tape blade  14  can be achieved. In various embodiments, the thickness of adhesive layer  126  is 0.01 mm and 0.05 mm, specifically is 0.01 mm to 0.035, and more specifically is 0.02 mm plus or minus 5%. In various embodiments, the ratio of the adhesive layer thickness to T 4  is selected to provide improved adhesion/peel strength. In various embodiments, the ratio of the adhesive layer thickness to T 4  is between 0.05 and 0.25, specifically is between 0.1 and 0.15 and more specifically is between 0.13 and 0.14. 
     In specific embodiments, Applicant has determined that level of adhesion strength (as determined by the peel strength test defined by ASTMD3330 and described below) is substantially higher than commercially available tape measures tested by Applicant. Applicant has determined that this measured property of a tape blade protective layer correlates with the likelihood of delamination of the protective layer from the tape blade, which is one of the primary failure modes of a tape blade protective layer. In various embodiments, the peel strength between tape blade film  122  and the adjacent coating layer is greater than 9 lbs., specifically is greater than 10 lbs. and more specifically is greater than 11 lbs. In specific embodiments where coating layer  116  is a smooth layer of nylon lacquer, Applicant&#39;s designs achieve peel strengths greater than 18 lbs. (see e.g., examples in Table 1 below). 
     Referring to  FIG.  4   , dimensional details of tape blade film  122  are shown according to an exemplary embodiment. In the specific embodiment shown, tape blade film  122  is sized for attachment to an inner metal layer  112  having a width of 32 mm. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  3  and  4   , because of the positioning of tape blade film  122  adjacent hook assembly  26 , hook rivets  128  pass through tape blade film  122 . To accommodate hook rivets  128 , tape blade film  122  includes at least one opening for each hook rivet  128 . In the specific embodiment shown, hook assembly  26  includes two rivets  128 , and thus, tape blade film  122  includes a first rivet opening  130  and a second rivet opening  132 . To position rivet openings  130  and  132  adjacent to hook assembly  26 , rivet openings  130  and  132  are located in the first half, and specifically the first quarter, of the length of tape blade film  122 . In another embodiment, if PET film is applied before hole punching for rivets, film  122  and the other layers of the tape blade can be stamped at same time. 
     Referring to  FIG.  5   , multiple tape blade films  122  may be provided on a roll  140  of release liner  142 . During manufacture of tape blade  14 , one tape blade film  122  is removed from roll  140  and adhered via adhesive to each tape blade.  FIG.  6    shows a cross-sectional view of a particular embodiment of tape blade film  122  on the release liner  142 . In various embodiments, the thicknesses of tape blade film  122 , adhesive layer  126  and release liner  142  are shown in  FIG.  6   . In one embodiment, the thickness dimensions shown in  FIG.  5    are in inches, and in another embodiment, the thickness dimensions shown in  FIG.  5    are in millimeters. 
       FIG.  7    shows hook end  150  according to an exemplary embodiment. Hook end  150  is substantially the same as hook end  110 , except for the differences discussed herein. In the arrangement of hook end  150 , tape blade film  122  is coupled to outer surface  118  of upper coating layer  114 . In this arrangement, tape blade film  122  is located on the upper surface of tape blade  14 , and is positioned such that an outer surface of tape blade film  122  is in contact with an inner surface of hook tab  152 . 
     Tape Blade Film and Adhesive Materials 
     In various embodiments, Applicant has identified a variety of specific materials for tape blade film  122  and adhesive layer  126  that are believed to improve one or more of the performance characteristics of tape blade film  122  discussed herein. 
     In specific embodiments, tape blade film  122  is formed from a PET material. In general, Applicant has determined that the stiffer the material of tape blade film  122 , the more resistance it provides to stop tape blade  14  from whipping during retraction. Applicant has determined that PET is an especially stiff film compared to other potential polymers, while still being transparent. In a specific embodiment, tape blade film  122  is formed from PET film 75% CAS. NO. 931-36-2. 
     In a specific embodiment, tape blade film  122  is a PET film with acrylic glue forming layer  126 . In this embodiment, the film with glue has 75% PET, 12.5% polyurethane, 10% epoxy resin, 2.5% curing agent. 
     In specific embodiments, tape blade film  122  is formed from a polymer material, such as PET, having the following physical characteristics. Transparent in color, density in g/m3 of 1.395-1.405; Melting Point, GB/T 13541, 259.5°; Tensile Strength, MPA, GB/T 13541, 170/210; Elongation at Break,%, GB/T 13541, 130/110; Heat Shrinkage, %, GB/T 13541, 1.5/0.5); Continuous Use Temperature, −20° C.˜120° C.). 
     In various embodiments, the material that forms adhesive layer  126  is a pressure sensitive polymer adhesive and specifically is a pressure sensitive acrylic material. In a specific embodiment, the material that forms adhesive layer  126  is an acrylic glue that includes: polyurethane 12.5% (CAS. NO. 51852-81-4), modified epoxy tree ester modified epoxy resin 10% (CAS. NO. 25068-38-6); curing agent 2.5% CAS No. 931-36-2. 
     In a specific embodiment, the material that forms adhesive layer  126  includes one or more of the following properties: Initial adhesion, GF/INCH, FINAT 9, &gt;1000; 180° Peel Strength, GF/INCH, ASTM D3330, &gt;800; Permanent Adhesion, H, FINAT 8, &gt;24; Thickness, ASTM D3652, (0.03±0.002) MM; Continuous Use Temperature, −10° C.˜80° C. 
     Peel Strength and Test Procedure 
     As noted above, Applicant has determined that peel strength of tape blade film  122  formed as discussed herein has much higher peel strength as compared to commercially available prior art tape measures. Without wishing to be bound by theory, Applicant believes that the tape blade films discussed herein have increased peel strength due to the nature of the interface between the adjacent coating layer and the adhesive. In addition, the thickness of the tape blade film also appears to relate to peel strength. 
     Table 1 below shows the peel strength of two arrangements of tape blade  14  with tape blade film  122  discussed herein compared to two commercially available tape measures. The procedure for testing peel strength is set forth in ASTMD3330, and images of an example test procedure are shown in  FIGS.  8  and  9   . As shown in  FIG.  8   , Instron clamp  200  grips the film on tape blade  202 , and Instron clamp  204  secures the tape blade. For setup, the tape blade is located so that the folded over area of the film is within Instron clamp  200 . A one inch length of test sample tape blade  202  is clamped within Instron clamp  204 , and the base is located six inches from the edge.  FIG.  9    shows the clamping of the sample. The clamp is lowered so that the clamp can grip the fold over section, and the machine&#39;s extension is set to zero. In the test, the extension rate is set to 8 mm/s. Start is selected to run the test, and when the clamps have reached the maximum extension, return to zero is selected. The output data from the test run is machine extension distance and force, and the force measurements within different regions are averaged such as within a region of 75.0 mm to 225.00 mm. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Blade 
                   
                   
                   
                 Film 
                 Average 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Width 
                   
                 Film Material  
                   
                 Location 
                 Force 
                 Average 
               
               
                 Test Sample 
                 (mm) 
                 Blade Coating 
                 and Thickness 
                 Glue 
                 Top/Bottom 
                 (lb) 
                 (lb) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Prototype 1 
                 32 
                 Nylon Lacquer 
                 0.15 mm PET 
                 0.02 mm Pressure 
                 Top 
                 19.32 
                 19.04 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Sensitive Acrylic Glue 
                   
                 18.77 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 19.02 
                   
               
               
                 Prototype 2 
                 32 
                 Nylon Lacquer 
                 0.15 mm PET 
                 0.02 mm Pressure 
                 Bottom 
                 19.83 
                 18.73 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Sensitive Acrylic Glue 
                   
                 18.13 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 18.22 
                   
               
               
                 Commercially 
                 32 
                 Polyester 
                 0.14 mm 
                 .047 pressure sensitive 
                 Top 
                 8.67 
                 8.59 
               
               
                 Available Prior  
                   
                   
                 thermoplastic 
                 Acrylic glue 
                   
                 8.57 
                   
               
               
                 Art 1 
                   
                   
                 Polyurethane 
                   
                   
                 8.53 
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 (TPU) 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Commercially 
                 32 
                 Polyester 
                 0.13 mm TPU 
                 0.047 mm Pressure 
                 Top 
                 7.07 
                 6.77 
               
               
                 Available Prior  
                   
                   
                   
                 sensitive Acrylic glue 
                   
                 7.23 
                   
               
               
                 Art 2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 6.01 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Commercially Available Prior Art 1 and Commercially Available Prior Art 2 each have a blade that has a first film over the entire blade, and a second film at the first six inches that is overtop the first film. Commercially Available Prior Art 1 has thicker films than the Commercially Available Prior Art 2. For reference, labeled and annotated magnified photographs of Commercially Available Prior Art 1 and Commercially Available Prior Art 2 are shown in  FIGS.  11  and  12   , respectively 
     In addition to the peel strength testing discussed above, Applicant also tested the number of retractions of various tape blade that it took to cause delamination of the various tape blade protective layers. During this testing, Applicant took 10 samples of the 25 ft. version of Commercially Available Prior Art 2 tape measures and performed retraction tests. During this test, the tape is pulled out of the housing by 8′ and then the tape measure retracts the tape back into the housing. This is performed on a testing machine that holds each tape measure in the same position for each test and minimizes human variation. The Commercially Available Prior Art 2 tape measures took, on average, 0.75 seconds to retract the 8′ (range of 0.66-1.0 seconds) and averaged 162.4 cycles before the tape blade tore (range of 56-314 cycles). In addition, Applicant took 10 new samples of the 25 ft. version of Commercially Available Prior Art 2 tape measures, removed the protective film located on the first 6 inches or so, and performed the same retraction test. The Commercially Available Prior Art 2 without the film averaged 0.739 seconds to retract (range of 0.65-0.99 seconds) and averaged only 58.9 cycles before the blade tore (range of 14-111). Thus, for Commercially Available Prior Art 2 tape measures tested, the film on the first six inches increased the life by an average of 103.5 cycles. 
     Applicant also performed the same retraction tests with the 25 ft. versions Commercially Available Prior Art 1 tape measures (e.g., with 10 samples with the film and 10 samples without the film). With the film, Commercially Available Prior Art 1 tape measures averaged 0.698 seconds to retract (range of 0.63-0.79 seconds) and averaged 179.7 cycles before the tape blade tore (range of 22-683). Without the film, Commercially Available Prior Art 1 tape measures averaged 0.685 seconds to retract (range of 0.60-0.76 seconds) and averaged 75.8 cycles before the tape blade tore (range of 21-194 cycles). Thus, for Commercially Available Prior Art 1 tape measures, the film on the first six inches increased the life by an average of 103.9 cycles. 
     Applicant also performed the same retraction tests with the 25 ft. versions of Prototype 2. Applicant used a 25 ft. version of Prototype 2. Applicant tested three samples of Prototype 2 without the PET film on the first six inches, which had an average retraction time of 0.83 seconds (range of 0.83-0.84 seconds) and averaged 112 cycles before the tape tore (range of 65-173 cycles). Applicant then tested four samples of Prototype 2 that did have the PET film on the first six inches of the tape blade, and these had an average retraction time of 0.86 seconds (range of 0.83-0.87 seconds) but averaged 2,023.8 cycles before the tape blade tore (range of 1430-2331). Thus, the reinforcement of PET film on the tape blade of Prototype 2 increased the life of the blade in this test by over 1,911 cycles (i.e., lengthened the life by a factor of 18). 
     It should be understood that the figures illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for description purposes only and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only. The construction and arrangements, shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that any particular order be inferred. In addition, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more component or element, and is not intended to be construed as meaning only one. As used herein, “rigidly coupled” refers to two components being coupled in a manner such that the components move together in a fixed positional relationship when acted upon by a force. 
     Various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any of the features, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any of the features, elements or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be utilized alone or in combination with any of the features, elements or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.