Patent · US Expired

Removable attachment device for tape measure

US6663153B2 · kind B2 · utility

32Cited by
14References
6Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateDec 13, 2001
Grant dateDec 16, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 13, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01B2003/1076
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A compact, lightweight and small removable device enhances the operation and utility of a tape measure when measuring metallic or nonmetallic structures. The device comprises a flat base, a small, powerful rare earth magnet secured to one side of the base, and a spring clip that extends from a bottom edge of the base and up its other side and includes a curved surface normally contacting the base to provide a pocket having an entrance slot for insertion of the zero hook. The zero hook is clamped between the base and the spring clip when inserted through the entry slot into the pocket. The small powerful magnet enables use with metallic surfaces behind wallboard, and above, below and beside the zero hook. A plurality of friction enhancing tangs extend from the spring clip in a direction opposite the magnet for gripping nonmetallic surfaces. The device can also be used to retrieve remote metal tools and other objects. The device is selectively and easily manually attached to and removed from the zero hook, and easily stored in a worker's pocket.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.