Tape measure with compact retraction system
First Claim
1. A tape measure comprising:
- a housing;
a tape reel rotatably mounted within the housing, the tape reel comprising a radially outward facing surface and a radially inward facing surface defining an interior reel cavity; and
an elongate tape blade wound around the radially outward facing surface of the tape reel;
wherein the tape reel comprises a diameter, D, measured across the radially outward facing surface of the tape reel, wherein the elongate tape blade has a total maximum extended length of TL, wherein TL/D is greater than 237.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A tool, such as a tape measure, including a spring-based retraction system is shown. Various spring-based retraction system embodiments are configured to decrease the size occupied by the spring within the tape measure housing, which consequently reduces tape measure housing size providing a more compact tape measure. Various spring-based retraction system embodiments are configured to control retraction of the tape measure in a manner that reduces whip or otherwise controls tape blade retraction. Some retraction system embodiments utilize a reduction gear train, and others utilize a compression spring and a transmission system that converts rotational movement of the tape reel to axial movement, which compresses the spring.
35 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A tape measure comprising:
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a housing; a tape reel rotatably mounted within the housing, the tape reel comprising a radially outward facing surface and a radially inward facing surface defining an interior reel cavity; and an elongate tape blade wound around the radially outward facing surface of the tape reel; wherein the tape reel comprises a diameter, D, measured across the radially outward facing surface of the tape reel, wherein the elongate tape blade has a total maximum extended length of TL, wherein TL/D is greater than 237. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification