Tape rule with resilient lock
US7398604B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 16, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jul 15, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 28, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01B2003/1015
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
One aspect of an invention disclosed herein relates to improved durability of the thumb engaging portion of a tape rule locking assembly. In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a retractable rule assembly comprising a housing assembly; a reel rotatably mounted in the housing assembly; and an elongated blade formed of a ribbon of metal being wound on the reel. The elongated blade has measuring indicia formed on a concave side thereof; and a coil spring formed of a ribbon of metal is constructed to rotate the reel in the housing assembly in a direction to wind up the elongated blade. A blade holding assembly for holding the blade in a position of extension outwardly of said housing, said blade holding assembly comprising a resilient thumb engaging portion and a receiving region behind the thumb engaging portion to enable the thumb engaging portion to deform into the receiving region to absorb impact.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.