Patent Abstract:
A tape measure includes a housing; a measuring tape deployable with respect to the housing between a fully retracted position and a deployed position; the tape having an anchored end and a free end; a first coupling portion secured to the tape free end; a plurality of measuring end fittings, each of the end fittings comprising a second coupling portion; the first and second coupling portions interockingly engageable to selectively couple the corresponding end fitting to the tape free end; wherein the first and second coupling portions are interlockingly engageable, and advantageously also disengageable, when the measuring tape free end is in the fully retracted position. Advantageously, each of the end fittings have a measuring abutment surface disposed aligned with a zero point of the tape&#39;s measuring scale when the corresponding end fitting is coupled to the measuring tape.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND 
   The present invention relates to a tape measure that utilizes a flexible tape blade that is deployable and retractable relative to an associated housing for taking distance measurements. 
   Modern tape measures may be generally divided into two classes—power return tape measures and manually wound tape measures. Tape measures of the former class typically include a metallic tape blade of not more than forty feet in length and a spring-based mechanism that acts to retract the tape blade into the tape measure housing unless a tape lock is engaged. In contrast, tape measures of the latter class typically use flexible fabric, fiberglass, and/or plastic tapes of fifty feet or more in length and do not include a powered return mechanism. Instead, the manually wound tape measures rely on some form of manually operated crank mechanism to rewind the tape into the tape measure housing. These manually wound tape measures are typically used for measuring relatively long distances, such as complete foundation walls, vehicle accident scenes, property lines, etc. 
   When measuring with a tape measure of either type, the leading end portion of the tape is typically temporarily secured to a relevant point (e.g., the edge of a board, the corner of a building, or a survey stake) and the user deploys the tape by moving the housing away from that point to “pull” the tape from the housing. Typically, the tape measure is provided with a single type of hooking end fitting, such as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,698,679. Such an arrangement may be suitable when the measuring tape is going to be used for only one type of measurement situation. However, different measurement situations may present different tape holding problems. For example, there may not be a suitable edge for hooking onto, or the like. As such, the single permanent hook arrangement of the prior art has not proven completely satisfactory for all situations. 
   Thus, there remains a need for alternative designs of tape measures, advantageously ones that allow the tape leading end to be temporarily secured to a wide variety of features. 
   SUMMARY 
   In one illustrative embodiment, a tape measure comprises a housing; a measuring tape deployable with respect to the housing between a fully retracted position and a deployed position; the tape having an anchored end and a free end; a first coupling portion secured to the tape free end; a plurality of measuring end fittings, each of the end fittings comprising a second coupling portion; the first and second coupling portions interockingly engageable to selectively couple the corresponding end fitting to the tape free end; wherein the first and second coupling portions are interlockingly engageable, and advantageously also disengageable, when the measuring tape free end is in the fully retracted position. The housing may comprise a recess, with the first coupling portion disposed at least partially in the recess when the measuring tape free end is in the fully retracted position. Also, the housing may comprise one or more storage compartments for storing the end fittings. Advantageously, each of the end fittings have a measuring abutment surface disposed aligned with a zero point of the tape&#39;s measuring scale when the corresponding end fitting is coupled to the measuring tape. 
   In another embodiment, a tape measure comprises a housing; a measuring tape having an anchored end and a free end, the free end deployable and retractable with respect to the housing; a first portion of a releasable buckle connection mounted to the tape free end; a plurality of measuring end fittings, each of the end fittings comprising a second portion of the releasable buckle connection; the first and second portions of the releasable buckle connection engageable to selectively couple the corresponding end fitting to the tape free end. The releasable buckle connection may comprise a side-release buckle connection, advantageously one where the relevant portions engage with an interference fit. 
   In another embodiment, a tape measure comprises a housing; a measuring tape having an anchored end and a free end, the free end deployable with respect to the housing; a first coupling portion secured to the tape free end and defining a longitudinal axis; a plurality of measuring end fittings, each of the end fittings comprising a second coupling portion; the first and second coupling portions interockingly engageable to selectively couple the corresponding end fitting to the tape free end; wherein the second coupling portion comprises at least a pair of clamping surfaces longitudinally spaced from one another for clamping a portion of the first coupling portion therebetween; the pair of clamping surfaces formed on a common integral body. The second coupling portion may comprise a deflectable prong that defines one of the pair of clamping surfaces. 
   In another embodiment, a tape measure comprises a housing; a measuring tape supported by the housing and having an anchored end and a free end, the free end deployable with respect to the housing; a first coupling portion secured to the tape free end; a plurality of measuring end fittings, each of the end fittings comprising a second coupling portion; the first and second coupling portions engageable to selectively couple the corresponding end fitting to the tape free end; each of the end fittings selectively moveable between a storage position contacting the housing and disengaged from the first coupling portion and a use position engaged with the first coupling portion. The housing advantageously comprises a storage compartment sized to accommodate the plurality of end fittings; the end fittings disposed in the compartment when in the storage position. 
   In another embodiment, a tape measure comprises a housing; a measuring tape supported by the housing and having an anchored end and a free end, the free end deployable and retractable with respect to the housing; the measuring tape having a measuring scale visible thereon; a tape coupler mounted, advantageously permanently, to the tape free end and defining a longitudinal axis; a plurality of measuring end fittings adapted to be selectively coupled to the tape coupler, one in place of another; each of the end fittings having a measuring abutment surface disposed generally normal to the longitudinal axis and aligned with a zero point of the measuring scale when the corresponding end fitting is coupled to the measuring tape. The plurality of end fittings may comprise at least three end fittings, each differently configured than the others. 
   Other aspects of various embodiments of the inventive apparatus and related methods are also disclosed in the following description. The various aspects may be used alone or in any combination, as is desired. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a tape measure with the tape in a deployed position. 
       FIG. 2  shows a front view of a tape measure employing a relatively large reel at the center of the tape coil with a portion of the housing removed for clarity. 
       FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a portion of a tape, including the end portion, with a tape coupler attached. 
       FIG. 4  shows a top view of  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 5  shows an exploded perspective view of an end fitting attached to the tape. 
       FIG. 6  shows a top view of the end fitting of  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 7  shows a side view of the end fitting of  FIG. 5  attached to a tape and in conjunction with a spike. 
       FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of another end fitting embodiment. 
       FIG. 9  shows a side view of the end fitting of  FIG. 8  with the hook portion in the deployed position. 
       FIG. 10  shows a side view of the end fitting of  FIG. 8  with the hook portion in the storage position. 
       FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of another end fitting embodiment. 
       FIG. 12  shows a side view of the end fitting of  FIG. 11  with the hook portion in the deployed position. 
       FIG. 13  shows a side view of the end fitting of  FIG. 11  with the hook portion in the storage position. 
       FIG. 14  shows a rear view of a tape measure embodiment with integrated spike storage capability. 
       FIG. 15  shows a perspective view of a rotating body suitable for forming the tape mouth port for the tape measure of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 16  shows a rear exploded perspective view of the rotating body of  FIG. 15 . 
       FIG. 17  shows how the rotating body of  FIG. 15  may be rotatably coupled to a tape measure housing. 
       FIG. 18  shows the tape coil in a fully retracted configuration, with the tape measure employing a small reel at the center of the tape coil. 
       FIG. 19  is similar to  FIG. 18 , but with the tape coil in a second substantially deployed configuration. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   The present invention relates generally to a tape measure that is able to employ a plurality of interchangeable end fittings for temporarily securing the end of the tape to a measurement point. The tape measure may be a power return tape measure or a manually wound tape measure, and the relevant tape blade may be self-supporting with significant standout, or may be non-self-supporting. However, for simplicity, a manually wound tape measure utilizing a non-self-supporting tape blade will be used below as a non-limiting illustrative example in order to provide an understanding of one or more embodiments of the invention. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a manually wound tape measure, generally designated  10 , is shown constructed according to the present invention. The tape measure  10  includes a housing  12 , a tape  80 , a tape coupler  90 , and a plurality of end fittings  110 ,  210 ,  310 . The housing  12  includes a frame or shell  14 , a tape reel  70 , and a crank assembly. The frame  14  forms the main body of the housing  12 , and is typically formed by shell halves  14   a , 14   b that are held together by screws  15 , snap-fits, or the like. The frame  14  includes a central area  16 , side arms  18 , a handle  20 , and a lower arm  30 . The side arms  18  extend laterally outward from the central area  16 , and may advantageously include suitable cushions  19  on their farthest extent. The handle  20  is disposed above the central area  16  and provides a convenient means to hold the tape measure  10 . The lower arm  30  extends downward from the central area  16  and provides a means for controlling the routing of the tape  80  when being deployed or retracted. 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , the tape reel  70  is rotatably supported by shell  14  for rotation about rotational axis  71 , which advantageously lies along the vertical midline of housing  12 . The reel  70  typically takes the form of a simple frame structure with a circular peripheral wall. The tape reel  70  may include suitable features (not shown) for anchoring the trailing end  86  of tape  80 , as is known in the art. The tape reel  70  may be of any suitable diameter, and it may be advantageous to use a larger diameter reel  70  for shorter length tapes  80 , so as to both increase take-up effectiveness and provide a fuller appearance for greater customer acceptance. 
   Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the crank assembly  76  may take any form known in the art, but typically extends through the appropriate shell half  14   a  or  14   b  and connects to reel  70  so as to control the rotation thereof. The crank mechanism  76  may include a crank and various gears (not shown) for causing the tape reel  70  to rotate when the crank is turned. The crank mechanism  76  may, if desired, take the form of the greater than 1:1 ratio gear mechanism described in either U.S. Pat. No. 6,464,160 or U.S. Pat. No. 4,813,625, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Of course, other greater than 1:1 ratio gear mechanisms may be used, such as ones with three planetary gears, etc. It should be noted that the particular details of crank mechanism  76  employed are not important to understanding the present invention. 
   The tape  80  may take any suitable form known in the art, but advantageously takes the form of a fiberglass reinforced polyvinylchloride tape of approximately ¾ inch width and fifty or one hundred foot length. Referring to  FIGS. 3-4 , the tape  80  includes at least one length measuring scale  82  visible thereon, and optionally more than one. This scale  82  may be associated with the tape  80  by printing, embossing, engraving, or any other method known in the art. The measuring scale  82  has a point where the scale reaches a value of zero, known in the art as the zero point  84 . This zero point  84  is advantageously not located on the tape  80  itself, but instead is located a short distance forward of the leading edge of tape  80 . See  FIG. 4 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the tape  80  is generally wound on the tape reel  70  in the form of a convolute coil  72  of multiple layers  73 . One end of the tape, the anchor end  86 , is anchored to the tape reel  70  in any suitable conventional fashion. The opposing end of the tape, the free end  88 , is routed out of housing lower arm  30 . The tape coupler  90 , discussed below, is attached to the tape free end  88 , typically via a loop formed in the end of tape  80 . This loop may be reinforced by a suitable flexible reinforcing strip  89 , which may advantageously be made from an approximately 1/64 inch thick flexible vinyl material, with or without external ribbing. 
   As pointed out above, the tape measure  10  includes a plurality of end fittings  110 ,  210 ,  310  that are distinct from housing  12 . Each of these end fittings  110 ,  210 ,  310  is designed to be releasably coupled to the tape  80  so that the user may select the appropriate end fitting  110 ,  210 ,  310  for a particular job, and configure the tape measure  10  accordingly. Thus, instead of having only a single permanently attached end fitting (e.g., a single permanently attached end hook), the tape measure  10  has a plurality of interchangeable end fittings  110 ,  210 ,  310  that may be joined to the tape  80 , one in place of another. In order to facilitate this, an interlocking male-female buckle connection  78  is provided. Examples of interlocking male-female buckle connections, in general, can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,222,279; 5,131,122; 4,949,436; and 4,639,982, which are each incorporated herein by reference. In particular, a tape coupler  90  is secured to tape free end  88 , and each of the end fittings  110 ,  210 ,  310  includes a complementary coupling structure  79 . Advantageously, the coupling structures  79  are substantially identical across the various end fittings  110 ,  210 ,  310 . The tape coupler  90  and the coupling structure  79  releasably interlock to secure the selected end fitting  110 ,  210 ,  310  to tape  80 . This releasable engagement may be somewhat similar to the releasable interlocking engagement of a so-called side-release buckle, but advantageously with an interference fit between the clamping/clamped surfaces of the connection  78 . As can be appreciated, one end fitting  110 ,  210 ,  310  may be attached to the tape coupler  90  at a time. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 5-13 , the tape coupler  90  includes a distal portion  92 , a proximal portion  98 , and an intermediate portion  104  that are advantageously integrally formed. The distal portion  92  includes a opening  94  that faces away from tape  80 , and a bearing surface  96  disposed in spaced relation to opening  94 . Opening  94  leads to chamber  108  that extends through distal portion  92  and into intermediate portion  104 . Proximal portion  98  includes two rearwardly extending arms  100  and a cross-member  102  that extends between the arms  100 . This cross-member  102  is spaced from intermediate portion  104 , so that a gap is formed therebetween, through which tape  80  may be routed to attach coupler  90  to tape  80 . Intermediate portion  104  includes two lateral openings  106  that open into chamber  108 , and that are partially defined by the respective bearing surfaces  96 . The tape  80  may be looped around cross-member  102  and then secured to itself so as to permanently attach the tape coupler  90  to tape free end  88 . 
   One embodiment of an end fitting is shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , and generally indicated at  110 . End fitting  110  includes a proximal portion  114  and a distal portion  120  disposed along an end fitting axis  112 . The proximal portion  114  includes a pair of rearwardly extending prongs  116  that bracket a rearwardly extending central post  119 . The prongs  116  include a barb  117  on their end, with a clamping surface  118  defined thereon. The central post  119  aids in inserting the proximal portion  114  of end fitting  110  into opening  98 , and may take any appropriate form known in the side-release buckle art. The distal portion  120  of end fitting  110  includes a frame  122  that extends forward from proximal portion  114 . A hole  126  extends through frame  122  and has a geometry that includes a larger diameter section  127  and a smaller diameter section  128  disposed forwardly therefrom. The forwardmost portion of hole  126  defines an abutment surface  130  that is disposed generally normal to axis  112 . A portion of frame  122  defines a rearwardly facing clamping surface  124  that is disposed in spaced relation to the clamping surfaces  118  of barbs  117 . When end fitting  110  is lockingly engaged with coupler  90 , clamping surface  118  abuts against bearing surface  96  of tape coupler  90 , and clamping surface  124  abuts against the front face of coupler  90 . In this fashion, coupler distal portion  92  is captured between clamping surfaces  118 , 124  in order to lockingly hold end fitting  110  together with tape coupler  90 . Further, in embodiments employing an interference fit between the relevant portions, the end fitting  110  may advantageously be held firmly to coupler  90 , without any significant “wiggle”. 
   The end fitting  110  may be used with a spike  400  to measure a distance. The spike  400  may take a variety of forms, but advantageously includes a shank  402  and a head  405 . The shank  402  may be generally cylindrical and terminate at a pointed tip  404 . The head  405  includes two spaced apart annular flanges  408  of larger diameter than shank  402 , and may optionally include a laterally extending hole  409  therethrough for a pull strap or the like. The annular flanges  408  are sized smaller than the larger diameter portion  127  of hole  126  in end fitting  110 . The spike  400  may be made from a suitable metallic material, such as aluminum. The spike  400  is intended to be driven into the ground, so as to provide one anchoring location for taking a measurement. The head  405  of spike  400  is inserted partially through hole  126  in end fitting  110  so that frame  122  is disposed between annular flanges  408 . Tension is then applied to tape  80  in order to pull end fitting  110  so that end fitting  110  moves backward relative to spike  400  thereby moving spike  400  into the smaller diameter section  128  of hole  126  and against abutment surface  130 . The annular flanges  408  then act to help keep end fitting  110  engaged on spike  400  while the tape  80  is further deployed from housing  12  in order to take the desired measurement. It should be noted however that end fitting  110  does not require spike  400  in order to function. Indeed, the end fitting  110  may be used with a simple nail or other appropriate anchoring means, as is desired. However, use of the spike  400  is believed advantageous. 
   Another embodiment of an end fitting is shown in  FIGS. 8-10 , and generally indicated at  210 . End fitting  210  is similar to end fitting  110  in many respects, and similar reference numbers are therefore used for similar features, but incremented by one hundred. Thus, as can be seen, end fitting  210  includes a proximal portion  214  and a distal portion  220  disposed along an axis  212 . The proximal portion  214  is similarly configured to proximal portion  114 , and includes prongs  216  with barbs  217  having clamping surfaces  218  defined thereon, and a post  219 , which function as described above with reference to end fitting  110 . Unlike unitary distal portion  120  of end fitting  110 , distal portion  220  of end fitting  210  includes a frame  240  and a hook portion  250  pivotally mounted to the frame  240 . The frame  240  may be substantially block-like, with recessed upper and lower surfaces if desired. The rear portion of frame  240  defines clamping surface  224 , while the forward portion of frame  240  includes a laterally running pivot passage (not shown) that extends along pivot axis  242 . The hook portion  250  includes a generally planar hook plate  252 , optionally with a nail slot defined therein. A top flange  258  and respective side flanges  256  extend from the edges of hook plate  252  generally normal thereto. The side flanges  256  may include a plurality of teeth  257  that together form the abutment surface  230 . A pair of mounting legs  254  join hook portion  250  to frame  240 . A rivet or other suitable means may be used to pivotally connect hook portion  250  to frame  240 , with the rivet extending through the pivot passage and suitable holes in mounting legs  254 , and then deformed as appropriate. The hook portion  250  is moveable between a storage position where the hook plate  252  is disposed generally parallel to axis  212  ( FIG. 10 ), and a measuring position where the abutment surface  230  is disposed normal to axis  212  ( FIG. 9 ). This type end fitting  210  may be hooked on a suitable surface, such as an edge of a board, to help releasably anchor the tape free end  88  for measurement purposes. Further, the forward face of the frame  240  is advantageously positioned to be, with hook portion in the storage position ( FIG. 10 ), on the same plane as abutment surface  230  with the hook portion in the measurement position ( FIG. 9 ). With this arrangement, end fitting  210  may be used to take an “inside” measurement by abutting the forward face of frame  240 , with hook portion in the storage position, against the relevant measurement surface. 
   Another embodiment of an end fitting is shown in  FIGS. 11-13 , and generally indicated at  310 . End fitting  310  is similar to end fitting  110  in some respects, and similar reference numbers are therefore used for similar features, but incremented by two hundred. Thus, end fitting  310  includes a proximal portion  314  and a distal portion  320  disposed along an axis  312 . The proximal portion  314  is similarly configured to proximal portion  114 , and includes prongs  316  with barbs  317  having clamping surfaces  318  defined thereon, and a post  319 , which function as described above with reference to end fitting  110 . Unlike the unitary distal portion  120  of end fitting  110 , distal portion  320  of end fitting  310  includes a frame  360  and a hook portion  370  pivotally mounted to the frame  360 . As with end fitting  210 , a riveted or other suitable arrangement may be used to provide the desired pivoting connection between frame  360  and hook portion  370 . The frame  360  may be similar to frame  240  of end fitting  210 , but is advantageously shorter. The rear portion of frame  360  defines a clamping surface  324 , while the forward portion of frame  360  includes a laterally running pivot passage (not shown) that extends along pivot axis  366 . The hook portion  370  includes a rigid wire piece that appears generally U-shaped in front view and L-shaped in side view. The wire piece includes a shorter proximal leg  372 , a longer distal leg  390 , and a bend therebetween  392 . The proximal leg  372  may include a flattened area  374  having a hole  376  therein, with the hole aligned  376  with transverse pivot axis  366 . The proximal leg  372  advantageously extends beyond pivot axis  366  to form an extension section  388 . The distal leg  390  may be covered in a suitable “grippy” material, such as a vinyl coating. The inside face of the distal leg  390  defines abutment surface  330 . The hook portion  370  is moveable between a storage position where the distal leg  390  is disposed at a relatively small angle relative to axis  312  ( FIG. 13 ), and a measuring position where abutment surface  330  is disposed normal to the axis  312  ( FIG. 12 ). Advantageously, extension section  388  of hook portion  370  abuts against a stop boss  362  on frame  360  to positively stop the rotation of hook portion  370  at the appropriate location corresponding to the measuring position, while proximal leg  372  abuts against stop boss  362  to positively stop the rotation of hook portion  370  at the appropriate location corresponding to the storage position. 
   While three illustrative end fitting embodiments  110 ,  210 ,  310  have been discussed, the end fittings may have other configurations, as is desired. Further, the tape measure  10  does not require three end fittings  110 ,  210 ,  310  in all embodiments. For example, some embodiments of the tape measure  10  may have two end fittings, or four or more end fittings. Further, the tape measure  10 , in some embodiments, may have multiple iterations of the same end fitting configuration. 
   As noted above, each of the end fittings  110 ,  210 ,  310  includes an abutment surface  130 ,  230 ,  330  and a clamping surface  124 ,  224 ,  324  on the respective frames  122 ,  240 ,  360 . Advantageously, the longitudinal distance X (along the respective end fitting axis  112 ,  212 ,  312 ) between the respective pairs of clamping surface  124 ,  224 ,  324  and abutment surface  130 ,  230 ,  330  is constant across the various end fittings  110 ,  210 ,  310 . For embodiments where abutment surface  224 ,  324  is formed by a pivoting body, the distance X is measured with the body disposed in the measuring position, i.e., with the abutment surface  224 ,  324  disposed normal to the corresponding axis  212 ,  312  (see  FIG. 9 ,  FIG. 12 ). Thus, the relevant abutment surface  130 ,  230 ,  330  is disposed a known consistent distance from tape free end  88 , and thus at a known point relative to measuring scale  82 , regardless of which end fitting  110 ,  210 ,  310  is attached to tape coupler  90 . Advantageously, the spacing is such that the abutment surface  130 ,  203 ,  330  is disposed at the zero point  84  of scale  82 . 
   While not required in all embodiments, it should be noted that the interlocking male-female buckle connection  78  is advantageously inline with the tape blade  80 . More particularly, when the interlocking male-female buckle connection  78  is made, and normal measuring tension (e.g., 4.5 pounds-force) is applied to tape blade  80 , then the tape coupler  90  and the proximal portion  114 ,  214 , or  314  of the corresponding connected end fitting  110 ,  210 , or  310  advantageously lie along the plane of the tape blade  80 . 
   While not required in all embodiments, the use of the interlocking male-female buckle connection  78  beneficially allows the end fittings  110 ,  210 ,  310  to be easily coupled to the tape coupler  90 . Indeed, the end fittings  110 ,  210 ,  310  advantageously may be joined to the tape coupler  90  when the tape  80  is in its fully retracted state ( FIG. 2 ), and advantageously with only one hand. In addition, in some embodiments, an attached end fitting  110 ,  210 ,  310  may be disengaged from the tape coupler  90 , and therefore decoupled from the tape  80 , when the tape  80  is in its fully retracted state, again advantageously with only one hand. 
   While the interlocking male-female buckle connection  78  described above is of the side-release buckle type, this is not required by all embodiments. For example, the interlocking male-female buckle connection  78  may instead be of a center/top-release type, such as similar to the one described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,436. 
   The housing  12  may advantageously include a storage compartment  22  for storing one or more, and advantageously all, of the end fittings  110 ,  210 ,  310  while not in use. The storage compartment  22  may be located as desired. For example, the storage compartment  22  may be disposed in handle  20 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . A cover  26  may be pivotally attached to handle  20 , and be moveable to open or close storage compartment  22 . A latch  28  may be disposed proximate the opposing end of cover  26 , with the latch  28  being moveable to engage cover  26  to holding cover closed or to allow cover  26  to be opened. The latch  28  may take any suitable form, and may be biased if desired, or simply held in place by sliding friction. If, as in some embodiments, the handle  20  is overmolded with an elastomer, the cover  26  may advantageously be similarly overmolded and/or colored. The storage compartment  22  may advantageously include various zones  24  therewithin that are appropriately tailored to receive corresponding end fittings  110 ,  210 ,  310 , and to advantageously hold them to prevent undesirable rattling during transport. Advantageously, end fittings that include relatively moveable parts (e.g., end fitting  210 ,  310 ) are stored in a compact configuration. 
   While the housing  12  may include a single common internal storage compartment  22  that is able to store all the end fittings  110 ,  210 ,  310  simultaneously, this is not required in all embodiments. In some embodiments, the housing includes multiple storage compartments (not shown), such as one for each end fitting  110 ,  210 ,  310 , which may be internal or external (i.e., always open to the outside). 
   Further, in some embodiments, the tape measure  10  may include a spike  400  as generally described above. For such embodiments, it may be advantageous for the housing  12  to include suitable means for storing spike  400  in a secure fashion. For example, as shown in  FIG. 14 , the housing  12  may include a covered recess  62  for receiving spike point  404 , with suitable supports  64  disposed in spaced relation, and an integral gripping clip structure  66  for releaseably grasping spike  400 . Advantageously, the spike head  405 , when stored, is proximate where cover  26  pivots, so as to avoid awkwardness when opening and closing storage compartment  22 . 
   The lower arm of housing  12  may include a statically oriented mouth through with the tape is deployed/retracted, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,698,679, which is incorporated herein by reference. However, some embodiments of the tape measure  10  may advantageously include a moveable mouthpiece body. For example, the housing  12  may include a rotating body  40  that is rotatably mounted to lower arm  30  and defines the external mouth (or tape exit port)  52  through which tape  80  is deployed/retracted from/into housing body  12 . Referring to  FIGS. 15-16 , the rotating body  40  includes a peripheral wall  48 , an exit channel  50 , tape exit port  52 , and rear opening  54 . The peripheral wall  48  is advantageously curved with a center of curvature coinciding with the rotational axis  41  of rotating body  40 . This rotational axis  41  is advantageously disposed along the midline of housing body  12 . The peripheral wall does not extend 360° around rotating body  40 , but instead stops short thereof to help form rear opening  54 . In addition, peripheral wall  48  includes a recess that forms exit channel  50 . The peripheral wall  48  may include suitable external surface texturing as is desired. The exit channel  50  extends along a channel axis  51 , and is bounded on its upstream end by exit port  52  and open on its downstream end. As used herein, “upstream” means the direction of tape movement during retraction of the tape  80  and “downstream” means the direction of tape movement during deployment of the tape  80 . The front and back sides of channel  50  may advantageously be open, but this is not required in all embodiments. The exit channel  50  is advantageously sized to at least accept a substantial portion of tape coupler  90  therein, with exit port  52  providing a constriction smaller than coupler  90  so as to prevent over-retraction of tape  80 . See  FIG. 17 . 
   The rotating body  40  may be formed of a base  42   a  and a complementary top  42   b  that are joined to form the generally cylindrical rotating body  40 . The base  42   a  may include a baseplate  44   a , a pair of upwardly extending posts  46   a , and a peripheral wall portion  48   a , with the latter two extending upward generally normal to baseplate  44   a . The top  42   b  is advantageously substantially identical to base  42   a , but oriented in an inverted fashion. Thus, top  42   b  includes a baseplate  44   b , posts  46   b , and peripheral wall portion  48   b . The base  44   a  and top  44   b  may be secured together by screws  49 ; but any other form of securing, such as snap-fitting and the like, may be used. 
   As indicated above, rotating body  40  is mounted to be rotatable with respect to frame  14  about rotation axis  41 . See  FIGS. 17-19 . In order to facilitate the desired rotation of rotating body  40 , lower arm  30  of each shell half  14   a ,  14   b  advantageously includes a pair of arcuate open-ended slots  34  and a pair of closed arcuate slots  32 . The open-ended slots  34  are sized and configured to accept corresponding portions of rotating body peripheral wall  48 , and closed slots  32  are sized and configured to receive rotating body posts  46   a,   46   b . Further, as with peripheral wall  48 , the slots  32 , 34  are advantageously curved with a center of curvature at axis  41 . The slots  32 , 34  have lengths appropriate to allow the desired amount of rotation of the rotating body  40  relative to frame  14 . Advantageously, the slots  32 , 34  are configured so that peripheral wall  48  abuts the end of a slot  34  and the posts  46   a , 46   b  abut the end of slots  32  at the maximum rotational positions of rotating body  40 . Advantageously, the rotating body  40  is able to rotate at least 20°, and advantageously about 35°-40°. In addition, housing  12  may advantageously include arcuate ribs  36  with terminal guide bosses  37  spaced from one another to form passage  38  therebetween. It is intended that tape  80  will be routed from the convolute coil  72  formed on reel  70 , through passage  38 , and out through exit port  52 , see  FIG. 17 . The guide bosses  37  may be advantageously positioned such that the tape  80  just engages a respective guide boss  37  when fully retracted ( FIG. 18 ) and when fully paid-out ( FIG. 19 ). 
   As can be appreciated, the size of coil  72  changes as more or less tape  80  is deployed. For example, when the tape  80  is fully retracted, the coil  72  may be said to be in a first configuration of N layers  73  ( FIG. 18 ). As the tape  80  is paid-out, the number of layers  73  decreases, and the coil may be said to be in a second configuration with &lt;N layers  73  ( FIG. 19  or other less paid-out configurations). Thus, the size of coil  72  shrinks as the coil  72  changes from the first configuration to the second configuration. Due to the ability of body  40  to rotate, exit channel  50  is able to change its angular orientation such that, despite this change in coil size, channel axis  51  remains tangent to coil  72 . Thus, channel axis  51  is oriented tangent to coil  72  for both configurations. However, as can be seen by comparing  FIG. 19  to  FIG. 18 , channel axis  51  is oriented farther from reel axis  71  for the first coil configuration than the second coil configuration. As such, the relative angle Θ between channel axis  51  and a theoretical line  74  between the reel rotational axis  71  and rotating body axis  41  changes during deployment and retraction of tape  80 . This change in relative angle is achieved by allowing rotating body  40  to rotate. This action allows the tape  80  to be wound into, and paid-out from, convolute coil  72  on reel  70  with a minimum of induced stress. 
   In addition, the inclusion of the rotating body  40  may help prevent undesirable whipping of the tape  80  during retraction. The rotation of rotating body  40  allows the mouth  52  to be positioned at different angular orientations, thereby allowing the housing  12  to dynamically adapt to differing intake angles of the tape  80 . This action is believed to reduce the potential for the tape  80  to whip back and forth during retraction, which should help reduce potentially damaging stresses on the tape  80 . 
   The present invention may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and essential characteristics of the invention. Further, the various aspects of the disclosed device and method may be used alone or in any combination, as is desired. The disclosed embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6