Patent Description:
Tape measures are often configured to receive a length of windable material having measuring gradations thereon, wound around a reel, so as to store the material in a compact form. The windable material may be unwound from the reel, for use thereof. While the windable material is generally in the form of a thin metal tape (including but not limited to a blade or measuring tape), other windable materials including measuring gradations may alternatively be utilized including but not limited to composite, or any other appropriate material). Accordingly, while such devices are commonly known in the art as "tape measures," or "measuring tape rule devices," it may be appreciated that while the windable material with gradations utilized therein may be referred to as "tape," the material of the tape can be varied. While some tape measures are configured to be manually wound, other tape measures are configured as retractable, with a spring bias configured to wind the windable material into the tape measure. An example of this latter configuration of tape measure may be found in <CIT>.

<CIT> discloses a tape measure having a case enclosing a center post and a wind-up return spring about the center post.

<CIT> discloses a tape measure having a rotatable shaft in the outer casing inside the central tape measure and two springs coiled and fixed to the shaft.

<CIT> discloses a reel for winding an electric cable for a vacuum cleaner. The reel comprises two springs for retracting the cable.

<CIT> discloses a reel having a spring actuated automatic rewind mechanism.

<CIT> discloses a spring loaded reel for tolling up measure tapes, hoses, cables, roller blinds and the like.

<CIT> discloses a portable tape measure that stores a coil spring in the inner space of a limited case.

In some tape rule devices, to support a spring torque that facilitates complete retraction, the spring may occupy more space (e.g., it may be wider or longer) than what is desired.

In some other tape measures, to ensure complete retraction of the windable material therein, the spring may require a large torque profile, which may overcome friction of the windable material as it winds onto the reel. For example, some windable materials of tape measures may generally have a concave configuration, so as to resist deformation along a length of the windable material as it is extended from the reel. As the windable material is further wound around the reel, the concave configuration in interior windings of the windable material may flatten due to the force applied from exterior windings of the windable material. Such flattening of the otherwise concave configuration may further cause frictional resistance to winding or unwinding the windable material. The longer the windable material extraction from a stored state, the more progressive the torque demand to retract the windable material around the reel, and the greater the spring torque profile required to ensure complete retraction. It may be appreciated that excessive spring torque beyond that required to overcome frictional resistance of the windable member may result in a higher retraction speed than what might be desired.

Among other things, the present application relates to an improved measuring tape design.

These and other objects, features, and characteristics of the present invention, 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, whereby <FIG> shows an embodiment according to the invention, the <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrating embodiments not according to the invention, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. In one embodiment of the invention, the structural components illustrated herein are drawn to scale. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In addition, it should be appreciated that structural features shown or described in any one embodiment herein can be used in other embodiments as well. 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.

Features of the tape measure in accordance with one or more embodiments are shown in the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like elements. The drawings form part of this original disclosure in which:.

The claimed invention is illustrated in <FIG>. <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are examples that are not according to the invention.

<FIG> illustrates a cross sectional view of a reel assembly <NUM> of a tape measure of the present disclosure. The reel assembly <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> configured to support a rotatable reel <NUM> therein. It may be appreciated that a tape or windable member <NUM> may be wound around the reel <NUM>. The windable member <NUM> may be of any appropriate construction or configuration. Accordingly, as used herein, the term "tape" or "windable material" can refer to a variety of different constructions or materials that are arranged to carry or display gradations that have been applied to a surface thereof, by any appropriate manner. In various embodiments, the gradations may be applied to the surface of the tape or windable material by paint, etching, stenciling, combinations thereof, or through other applicable processes. In some embodiments the housing <NUM> may enclose the reel <NUM> (e.g., substantially surrounds the reel <NUM>). Such enclosure of the reel <NUM> by the housing <NUM>, may be such that the windable member <NUM> is retractable from the reel <NUM> (and thus the housing <NUM>). For example, in an embodiment the housing <NUM> may include an opening through which the windable member <NUM> can be extended outside the housing <NUM>. Conventionally tape measures have such an opening, so the windable member (i.e., the tape) thereof may be pulled from a portion extending from the opening (e.g., a tape hook coupled to the windable member), to extend the windable member from the housing. An example of such a tape measure is disclosed in <CIT>). The windable member <NUM> of the reel assembly <NUM> may be of any appropriate construction or configuration, including but not limited to being a tape, or a cable, having measurement gradations thereon. Likewise the housing <NUM> may be of any appropriate construction or configuration. For example, in an embodiment the housing <NUM> may be formed from metal, plastic, or any other appropriate material, and may be integrally formed or may comprise an assembly. For example, in an embodiment the housing <NUM> may be formed from clamshell halves or other discrete components that are secured together to surround the reel <NUM> (and the windable member <NUM> when wound around the reel <NUM>). Such securing together of the components of the housing <NUM> may be by any appropriate mechanism, including but not limited to being secured by fasteners, snap fitting together, being adhered or otherwise fused together, or so on.

As shown, the reel <NUM> may contain an aperture <NUM> therein, and through which a rotatable axle <NUM> may extend through. The rotatable axle <NUM> extends along an axis of rotation (axis "A") common to the reel <NUM> and the rotatable axle <NUM>. As shown, in the embodiment of <FIG>, the rotatable axle <NUM> may include one or more connection portions <NUM>. In the shown embodiment, the connection portions <NUM> are on both opposite end portions of the rotatable axle <NUM>. In another embodiment, it is contemplated that only one end of the rotatable axle <NUM> need be provided with a connection portion <NUM>. The connection portion <NUM> enables the rotatable axle <NUM> to be rotatably coupled to the housing <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection portions <NUM> are in the form of flanged portions that are received in corresponding receptacles <NUM> in the interior surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. It may be appreciated that the flanged portions <NUM> being received in the receptacles <NUM> may prevent or constrain undesired movement or displacement between the reel <NUM> and the rotatable axle <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>, while allowing for rotation of both within the housing <NUM>.

Coupling the rotatable axle <NUM> to the housing <NUM> is a first spring <NUM>. As shown, the first spring <NUM> has one end portion thereof connected to a first side 60a of the rotatable axle <NUM>, and an opposite end portion thereof connected to a connection portion <NUM> fixed relative to the housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, such as that illustrated, the connection portion <NUM> may be integrally formed with the housing <NUM>. Other configurations are alternatively possible. For example, connector portion <NUM> may be a separately formed structure that is connected, fastened, or joined to the interior surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first spring <NUM> may comprise a flat spiral spring, which is wound around the first side 60a of the rotatable axle <NUM>, with one end secured to the first side 60a, and the opposite end secured to the connection portion <NUM>. In an embodiment, the flat spiral spring, or other configurations of the first spring <NUM>, comprise spring steel. It may be appreciated that other configurations of the first spring <NUM> are alternatively possible.

The reel assembly <NUM> further includes a second spring <NUM> coupled between the rotatable axle <NUM> and the reel <NUM>. Specifically, the second spring <NUM> has one end portion thereof connected to a second side 60b of the rotatable axle <NUM>, and the opposite end portion thereof connected to the reel <NUM>. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the second spring <NUM> comprises a flat spiral spring which is wound around the second side 60b of the rotatable axle <NUM>, with one end secured to the second side 60b, and the opposite end secured to the reel <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first spring <NUM> has a first end (outer end) connected to the connection portion <NUM>, and a second end (inner end) connected to the rotatable axle <NUM>. The first spring <NUM> is wound counterclockwise from the outside connection to the inside connection when viewed from the right side of <FIG> (viewed along the axis A. The second spring <NUM> has a first end (outer end) connected to the reel <NUM> and its second end (inner end) connected with the axle. The spring <NUM> is wound clockwise from the outside connection to the inside connection when viewed from the right side of <FIG> (viewing along the axis A).

In an embodiment, the second spring <NUM> has a lower spring constant (k) so as to apply a lower winding force than the first spring <NUM>, which has a greater spring constant (k). In other embodiments, however, the second spring <NUM> has a greater spring constant (k) than the first spring <NUM>. Such a configuration may be utilized because the springs are coupled in series, so the weaker spring, having a lower spring constant (k), will unwind before the stronger spring having a greater spring constant (k), in embodiments where the two spring constants differ.

It may be appreciated that the first spring <NUM> and the second spring <NUM> are coupled to one another, to the reel <NUM>, and to the housing <NUM> (through the connection portion <NUM>) in such a manner so as to transfer turns of the reel <NUM> from one spring to the other. For example, the first spring <NUM> is wound around the rotatable axle <NUM> in an opposite direction to the second spring <NUM>. Such a coupling allows the reel assembly <NUM> to store turns on both the first spring <NUM> and the second spring <NUM>, where available potential turns for the reel <NUM> is through a combination of turns on each of the first spring <NUM> and the second spring <NUM>. It may be appreciated that by linking the first spring <NUM> and the second spring <NUM> in this manner, the reel assembly <NUM> is formed in a compact arrangement. In one embodiment, a diameter of first and second spring chambers 120a and 120b of the reel assembly <NUM> (i.e., the spaces of the reel assembly <NUM> where the first spring <NUM> and second spring <NUM> respectively reside) are smaller than a comparable spring chamber housing a single larger spring wound therein to maintain the same amount of potential energy for retracting the windable member <NUM>. This is accomplished because the first spring <NUM> and the second spring <NUM> each have a smaller diameter, and are positioned alongside one another (e.g., sharing a common axis), facilitating a housing <NUM> having spring chambers that are defined by the smaller diameter of each of the first spring <NUM> and the second spring <NUM>, while a single larger spring would necessitate a single larger spring chamber defined by the larger diameter of the larger spring.

In the illustrated embodiment the spring chambers 120a and 120b are positioned within the reel <NUM>, and thus the springs <NUM> and <NUM> are themselves located within the reel <NUM>. Specifically, the first spring chamber 120a is defined by a side of the reel <NUM> surrounding the first side 60a of the rotatable axle <NUM>, while the second spring chamber 120b is defined by a side of the reel <NUM> surrounding the second side 60b of the rotatable axle <NUM>. While in the illustrated embodiment the first spring chamber 120a and the second spring chamber 120b are positioned entirely within the reel <NUM>, in other embodiments, spring chambers associated with the first spring <NUM> and/or the second spring <NUM> are located elsewhere in the reel assembly <NUM>. For example, the first spring <NUM> and/or the second spring <NUM> are located completely within, partially within, or outside of a volume defined by the extremities of the reel <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the spring chambers 120a and 120b are sized based on the spring therein. In an embodiment where each of the spring chambers 120a and 120b are defined by the reel <NUM>, the spring chambers 120a and 120b are sized based on the first spring <NUM> and/or the second spring <NUM>. While in some embodiments the first spring <NUM> and the second spring <NUM> are of similar construction or configuration (albeit with opposite direction of winding in the illustrated embodiment), in other embodiments, the first spring <NUM> and the second spring <NUM> have different characteristics from one another, depending on a desired performance over a cycle of retraction. The material, torque profile, thickness, hardness, and width of the flat configuration of spring may differ from the first spring <NUM> and the second spring <NUM>. As described in greater detail below, such varied configuration may facilitate a faster retraction of the windable member <NUM> during the initial retraction, however a slower retraction of the windable member <NUM> thereafter. For example, where the windable member <NUM> is terminated by a hook (e.g., a tape hook on a measuring tape blade), a slower subsequent retraction may reduce an amount of force placed on the hook when the hook engages the housing <NUM> to prevent further retraction.

During operation of the reel assembly <NUM>, it may be appreciated that as the reel <NUM> is turned (e.g., when extending the windable member <NUM>), the second spring <NUM> is tensioned from the exterior of the diameter of the second spring <NUM> (e.g., pulling from the outside end of the second spring <NUM> to tension the second spring <NUM>), which in turn drives the rotatable axle <NUM> in the same rotational direction as the reel <NUM>. This movement of the rotatable axle <NUM> is thus transferred to the first spring <NUM>, tensioning the first spring <NUM> around the rotatable axle <NUM> from the interior of the diameter of the first spring <NUM> (e.g., pulling from the inside end of the first spring <NUM> to tension the first spring <NUM>). The reel assembly <NUM> therefore stores rotations of the reel <NUM> on both the first spring <NUM> and the second spring <NUM> as the windable member <NUM> is extended. When the windable member <NUM> is released, the reel <NUM> and rotatable axle <NUM> of the reel assembly <NUM> would spin under the force of the first spring <NUM> and the second spring <NUM>, retracting the windable member <NUM> to be wound around the reel <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the reel is configured to be supported alongside the housing. <FIG> illustrates an embodiment of a reel assembly <NUM> comprising a housing <NUM> configured to support a reel <NUM> alongside the housing <NUM>. Similarly to the reel assembly <NUM>, the reel assembly <NUM> includes a rotatable axle <NUM> configured for rotation relative to the housing <NUM>. Specifically, the rotatable axle <NUM> may extend through an aperture <NUM> formed in the reel <NUM>. Additionally, a first spring <NUM> couples a first side 160a of the rotatable axle <NUM> to a connection member <NUM> fixed relative to the housing <NUM>. The connection member <NUM> is generally similar to the connection portion <NUM> of the reel assembly <NUM>, and accordingly, may be formed integrally to the housing <NUM>, or may be otherwise secured thereto. As second spring <NUM>, analogous to the second spring <NUM> of the reel assembly <NUM>, is coupled between a second side 160b of the rotatable axle <NUM> and the reel <NUM>. As shown, in an embodiment the reel <NUM> is held adjacent to the housing <NUM> by the rotatable axle <NUM>. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the reel <NUM> includes axle engaging portion <NUM>, with an aperture <NUM> therein configured to receive the rotatable axle <NUM>. As shown, each end of the rotatable axle <NUM> includes flanged portions <NUM> (e.g., flanged portion 230a associated with the first side 160a and flanged portion 230b associated with the second side 160b). Accordingly, engagement between the flanged portion 230b of the rotatable axle <NUM> and the smaller diameter of the aperture <NUM> limits movement of the reel <NUM> away from the rotatable axle <NUM>. Additionally, engagement between the flanged portion 230a of the rotatable axle <NUM> and the housing <NUM>, such as that shown, limits movement of the reel <NUM> (and the rotatable axle <NUM>) away from the housing <NUM>. Other mechanisms to support the reel <NUM> adjacent to the housing <NUM> are alternatively possible in other embodiments.

As indicated above, in various embodiments one or more of the springs are positioned outside of the volume defined by the reel. <FIG>, illustrates an embodiment of a reel assembly <NUM> according to the invention and comprising a reel <NUM> configured to be supported alongside a housing <NUM>. As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the reel <NUM> is shaped so that a first spring <NUM> is configured to couple a rotatable axle <NUM> to the housing <NUM> (e.g., via a connection member <NUM>). As shown, the connection of the first spring <NUM> is through a first side 280a of the rotatable axle <NUM>. A second spring <NUM> is accordingly be coupled between a second side 280b of the rotatable axle <NUM> and the reel <NUM>. As shown, the rotatable axle <NUM> extends through an aperture <NUM> formed in the reel <NUM>. As shown, the connection member <NUM> is configured to engage a groove <NUM> formed in the reel <NUM>, so as to limit pivotal motion between the reel <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. While in non-claimed examples the connection member <NUM> may have a post-configuration, in embodiments according to the invention, such as that illustrated, the connection member <NUM> has an annulus configuration, so as to provide at least two areas of contact between the groove <NUM> of the reel <NUM> and connection member <NUM>. It may be appreciated that in embodiments where the connection member <NUM> includes a post-configuration a second post may be positioned spaced from the connection member <NUM>, configured to additionally engage the groove <NUM> of the reel <NUM>, so as to further limit pivotal movement of the reel <NUM> at the rotatable axle <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment it may be appreciated that the reel <NUM> engages the rotatable axle <NUM> at an axle engaging portion <NUM>, similar to the axle engaging portion <NUM> described above (e.g., by engaging a flanged portion 330b associated with the second side 280b of the rotatable axle <NUM>). It may be appreciated that a flanged portion 330a associated with the first side 280a of the rotatable axle <NUM> engages the housing <NUM> in a manner that prevents movement of the reel <NUM> and the rotatable axle <NUM> away from the housing <NUM>, or the reel <NUM> is prevented from moving away from the housing <NUM> by any other appropriate mechanism.

In non claimed embodiments, additional springs are utilized in the reel assembly so as to further modify the retraction. In an embodiment, the additional springs are configured to allow for longer lengths of retraction without increasing a diameter of the reel assembly. <FIG> illustrates an embodiment of a reel assembly <NUM> having a reel <NUM> configured for rotation relative to a housing <NUM>. As shown, the reel assembly <NUM> includes a first spring <NUM>, a second spring <NUM> and a third spring <NUM>. The first spring <NUM> is coupled to the housing <NUM> via a connection member <NUM>. As in embodiments above, the connection member <NUM> may alternatively be integrally formed with the housing <NUM>, or may otherwise be secured thereto. The first spring <NUM> is also coupled to an intermediate member <NUM>, which further couples the first spring <NUM> to the second spring <NUM>. In any of the embodiments, the connections of the ends of the springs can be direct to the remaining structure of the reel assembly (e.g., the reel, axle, and/or housing), or may be indirect, through any intermediate securement. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate member <NUM> may be formed as a cup or other member configured for rotation about an axis of rotation for the reel <NUM>. In an embodiment, the intermediate member <NUM> may comprise an annular configuration, or other configuration which may receive a spring between the intermediate member <NUM> and a rotatable axle <NUM>, encircling the spring as the intermediate member <NUM> rotates about the axis of rotation. In some embodiments, the intermediate member <NUM> is configured to physically separate the first spring <NUM> and/or the second spring <NUM> from the reel <NUM>, which may prevent frictional engagement therebetween. Other configurations are alternatively possible. In the illustrated embodiment, the second spring <NUM> is coupled between the intermediate member <NUM> and the rotatable axle <NUM>. Specifically, the second spring <NUM> is coupled to a first side 420a of the rotatable axle <NUM>, while the third spring <NUM> is coupled between a second side 420b of the rotatable axle <NUM> and the reel <NUM>. It may be appreciated that the rotatable axle <NUM> may extend through an aperture <NUM> formed in the intermediate member <NUM>.

It may be appreciated that the first spring <NUM> and the third spring <NUM> may be wound in the same direction, while the second spring <NUM> may be wound in an opposite direction. As indicated in embodiments above, the first spring <NUM>, the second spring <NUM>, and the third spring <NUM> couple the reel <NUM>, the intermediate member <NUM>, and the rotatable axle <NUM> in a manner such that during operation of the reel assembly <NUM>, as the reel <NUM> is turned, the third spring <NUM> may be tensioned, which in turn drives the rotatable axle <NUM> in the same rotational direction as the reel <NUM>. This movement of the rotatable axle <NUM> is thus transferred to the second spring <NUM>, which causes rotational movement of the intermediate member <NUM>, which is transferred to the first spring <NUM>, anchored to the housing <NUM> by the connection member <NUM>. The tension applied through rotation of the reel <NUM> (e.g., to unwind a windable member thereon) is therefore transferred across the first spring <NUM>, the second spring <NUM>, and the third spring <NUM>.

In non claimed embodiments, additional rotatable axles and intermediate members may be utilized, scaling the ability for the reel assembly to retract a windable member, without increasing the diameter of the assembly. For example, <FIG> illustrates an embodiment of a reel system <NUM> having a reel <NUM> configured for rotation relative to a housing <NUM>. The reel system <NUM> includes a plurality of springs <NUM> (specifically springs 470a-g), a plurality of intermediate members <NUM> (specifically intermediate members 480a-c), and a plurality of rotatable axles <NUM> (specifically rotatable axles 490a-c). As shown, the spring 470a couples between a connection member <NUM> fixed relative to (e.g., integral with) the housing <NUM> and the intermediate member 480a. The spring 470b couples between the intermediate member 480a and the rotatable axle 490a. The spring 470c couples between the rotatable axle 490a and the intermediate member 480b. The spring 470d couples between the intermediate member 480b and the rotatable axle 490b. The spring 470d couples between the rotatable axle 490b and the intermediate member 480c. Such alternate couplings between the springs <NUM>, the intermediate members <NUM> and the rotatable axles <NUM> continue until a terminal spring (e.g., spring <NUM> in the illustrated embodiment) couples to the reel <NUM>. It may be appreciated that any number of intermediary members may be utilized, and that adjacent springs <NUM> may be wound in opposite directions to one another, as described above. Furthermore, it may be appreciated that due to space constraints, the last spring <NUM> couples between the reel <NUM> and one of the rotatable axles <NUM>, however alternative configurations may be utilized depending on the configuration of the intermediate members <NUM>.

It may be appreciated that in some non claimed embodiments, the springs may couple to spring coupling members that share the functions of both the intermediate members and the rotatable axles, as described above. <FIG> illustrates a non claimed embodiment of a reel system <NUM> including a reel <NUM> configured to rotate relative to a housing <NUM>. A first spring <NUM> is coupled between a connection member <NUM> fixed relative thereto (and in the illustrated embodiment, is integral therewith) and a spring coupling member <NUM>, described in greater detail below. A second spring <NUM> couples between the spring coupling member <NUM> and the reel <NUM>. As shown, the spring coupling member <NUM> may be configured with an intermediate member <NUM> configured to at least partially surround the first spring <NUM> (potentially isolating the first spring <NUM> from the reel <NUM>), and an axle portion <NUM> extending therefrom, which may provide a mounting surface for another spring, such as the second spring <NUM>. It may be appreciated that the intermediate member <NUM> and the axle portion <NUM> are fixed relative to one another, and rotate together. In some embodiments, the intermediate member <NUM> and the axle portion <NUM> of the spring coupling member <NUM> are formed integral to one another (e.g., of a one-piece construction). In some embodiments, the intermediate member <NUM> has an annular configuration, and completely encircle the spring received therein (e.g., the first spring <NUM>). As described above, the first spring <NUM> and the second spring <NUM> (as adjacent springs in the illustrated embodiment) are configured to be wound in opposite directions. The spring coupling member <NUM> of the illustrated embodiment is configured to rotate about the connection member <NUM>, by including an engaging recess <NUM> configured to receive a protruding end of the connection member <NUM>. As such, rotation of the reel <NUM> (i.e. to release lengths of the windable member received thereon) causes tensioning of the second spring <NUM>, transferred to the first spring <NUM> through rotational motion of the spring coupling member <NUM>. Although one spring coupling member <NUM> is shown in the illustrated embodiment, it may be appreciated that additional spring coupling members and associated springs may be further provided in other embodiments, so as to further scale the reel system without increasing a diameter thereof. In an embodiment the engaging recess <NUM> of one spring coupling member <NUM> receives a protruding portion of the axle portion <NUM> of another spring coupling member <NUM>, each with springs operatively coupled therebetween.

As indicated above, the reel assembly may be configured so that the springs thereof have different configurations. Such a varied spring configuration may provide a variable torque profile for retraction of the windable member. For example, the variable torque profile may facilitate a faster retraction of the windable member during the initial retraction, however a slower retraction of the windable member thereafter. In an embodiment, a "primary" spring having a lower initial torque potential than the other spring(s) rotate to become predominantly compressed, with an increasing resultant torque profile as a result of such compression. When the primary spring's torque profile exceeds the other spring(s) torque potential, a subsequent spring having the current lowest torque potential, coupled to the primary spring by rotatable members such as the rotatable axle, the intermediate member, or the spring coupling members described above, compress, increasing the subsequent spring's torque profile. Such action across a plurality of springs may therefore create a variable torque profile for the reel assembly. Accordingly, in an embodiment an initial torque of the combined primary and subsequent springs of the reel assembly may be greater than the torque of the primary spring alone.

It may be appreciated that characteristics of each spring may vary to create an associated torque profile for that spring. In an embodiment inner central axis diameters of the primary and sequential springs differ. In an embodiment, the springs are comprised of different material types or grades. As an example, the springs may be comprised of hot or cold rolled carbon steels, heat treated carbon spring steels, stainless steel, non-metallic composites, and/or any other appropriate material. In some embodiments, the primary spring is connected to a fixed axis (e.g., the connection member, as described above), while the subsequent spring(s) are connected to a non-fixed axis (e.g., the rotatable axle, the intermediate member, or the spring coupling members, as described above). In an embodiment, a cross sectional area or volume of the primary spring is different from that of a sequential spring. In an embodiment, the springs are of different lengths (e.g., the primary spring may be of a different length than the subsequent spring or springs). As one non-limiting example, one spring is <NUM> (<NUM> inches) in length, while another is <NUM> (<NUM> inches) in length, which provide a combined length for the spring system of <NUM> (<NUM> Inches). Other difference between the springs of the reel assembly may also vary the torque profile of each spring and of the reel assembly as a whole, and may be implemented in other embodiments.

As noted above, the springs utilized in various embodiments above may be of different constructions or configurations, including but not limited to being of different material choices. It may be appreciated that the materials utilized in the reel assemblies described herein may be of different constructions or configurations in various embodiments. For example, the housing, the reel, the windable member, the springs, and/or appurtenant structures associated therewith may each be constructed from a variety of materials, including but not limited to plastic, metal, rubber, elastomer, or any other appropriate material choice.

In some embodiments, one or more of the components disclosed herein, such as the tape, the housing (and its opening), the axle, or so on, can be made in accordance with the teachings of <CIT>.

It may be appreciated that the teachings disclosed herein may alternatively be utilized in other contexts, with other windable materials that do not have gradations thereon. For example, the material(s) wound around the reel utilizing the teachings herein may include cables, cords, wires, ropes, tubes, twine, or any other extendable and retractable medium. Specifically, in some embodiments, the teachings disclosed herein may be extended to reels configured to house power/electrical cables, data cables (e.g., phone, network, and peripheral cables), hoses/tubes, chalk reels, fishing line, and so on.

Claim 1:
A measuring tape rule device (<NUM>) comprising:
a tape rule housing (<NUM>), the housing (<NUM>) having a connection member (<NUM>) ;
an axle (<NUM>) within the housing (<NUM>), the axle (<NUM>) configured to rotate about an axis of rotation;
a reel (<NUM>) within the housing (<NUM>), the reel (<NUM>) configured to rotate about the axis of rotation and the axle (<NUM>);
an elongated tape (<NUM>) having gradations thereon and wound on the reel (<NUM>) ;
a first spring (<NUM>) coupled between the axle (<NUM>) and the connection member (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>); and
a second spring (<NUM>) coupled between the axle (<NUM>) and the reel (<NUM>);
wherein rotation of the reel (<NUM>) relative to the housing (<NUM>) in a direction tending to tension the second spring (<NUM>) transmits rotational movement to the axle through the tensioning of the second spring (<NUM>), and wherein such rotational movement of the axle (<NUM>) is applied to the first spring (<NUM>) to tension the first spring (<NUM>); and
characterized in that the connection member (<NUM>) has an annular configuration that is configured to engage a groove (<NUM>) formed in the reel (<NUM>); and
the measuring tape device further comprises a first spring chamber (120a) defined by the connection member (<NUM>), an interior wall of the housing (<NUM>), and an exterior wall of the reel (<NUM>);
a second spring chamber (120b) defined by interior walls of the reel (<NUM>); and
wherein the first spring (<NUM>) is disposed in the first chamber (120a) and the second spring (<NUM>) is disposed in the second chamber (120b), and wherein the first spring chamber (120a) is located on a first side of the axle (<NUM>) and the second spring chamber (120b) is located on a second side of the axle (<NUM>).