GB2452248A - Tape measure and accessories - Google Patents

Abstract

A modified tape measure 20 having a housing 21 and a measuring ribbon 22. The measuring ribbon 22, normally coiled within the housing 21, has a free end 23 which is adapted to extend from the housing 21 when the tape measure 20 is in use. A ribbon connector 25 is provided at the free end 23 of the measuring ribbon 22 and is adapted to engage interchangeably with a complementary accessory (30), provided on each of a range of measuring accessories. A kit of parts includes the modified tape measure 20 and a range of measuring accessories. Each measuring accessory is provided with an accessory connector (31) which is complementary to and adapted to engage interchangeably with the ribbon connector 25 provided by the tape measure 20.

Description

Modified Tape Measure and Accessories This invention relates, in a first aspect, to a modified tape measure. A second aspect of the invention relates to a kit comprising a modified tape measure and a range of measuring accessories for attachment thereto.

The tape measure is an essential tool in many trades and professions, and is commonly used by builders, carpenters, glaziers, plumbers and the like as well as being indispensable for use in the home improvement or "do-it-yourself' (DIY) arena. With some minor variations, the basic design of the tape measure has remained essentially unchanged since the invention of the self-retracting io spring tape measure in the mid-l9th Century, as described for example in U.S. Patent No. 79,965.

A conventional tape measure consists of a housing having a length of curved metallic ribbon which is capable of remaining stiff and straight when extended for measuring, but which is spring-biased to remain coiled within the housing when not in use, and to retract back into the housing at the end of each use. A free end of the ribbon extends from the housing and is provided with a tang for hooking onto a work-piece to be measured. The tang also has the secondary function of preventing the free end from retracting into the housing.

Despite its ubiquitous presence in the toolboxes of both professional and amateur handymen, the conventional tape measure does suffer from at least one significant drawback. The capability of the tang to hook onto a work-piece is severely limited -and is essentially only of any use where the work-piece has an orthogonal edge on which the tang can bite. Even then, the tang occasionally slips off, making measuring time-consuming and frustrating.

The problem does not arise where the work-piece is relatively small, so that the measurer can hold the tang in position with one hand, whilst using his other hand to draw the ribbon out of the housing, either by pulling the ribbon itself or, if the tang is engaged on an edge of a work-piece, by pulling the housing along the extended ribbon, away from the tang. However, where the work-piece is larger than the measurer's arm-span, this method evidently cannot be employed. The problem clearly becomes particularly acute where the measurer is working alone and thus cannot simply make use of an assistant to hold the tang in place while the ribbon is drawn out of the housing. The larger the work-piece, the greater the problem becomes, as the measurer will be further away from the tang and so less able to exert influence to retain it in the desired position.

The present invention seeks to address the above issue by providing a modified tape measure adapted to engage interchangeably with each of a range of measuring accessories to enable the free end of the measuring ribbon to be temporarily secured to a large range of work- pieces of differing shapes, sizes and materials.

Therefore, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modified tape measure comprising: -a housing; -a measuring ribbon normally coiled within the housing, and having a free end adapted to extend from the housing when in use; and -a ribbon connector provided at the free end of the measuring ribbon and adapted to engage interchangeably with a complementary accessory connector provided on each of a range of measuring accessories.

It is envisaged that the modified tape measure of the present invention will most conveniently be supplied in kit form, with a range of differing accessories.

Therefore, according to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts comprising: -a modified tape measure comprising: a housing; a measuring ribbon normally coiled within the housing, and having a free end adapted to extend from the housing when in use; and a ribbon connector provided at the free end of the measuring ribbon; and -a range of measuring accessories, each provided with an accessory to connector complementary to the ribbon connector and adapted to engage interchangeably therewith.

The ribbon connector -and the selected accessory to which it attaches -effectively replaces the conventional tang. Clearly, it will be necessary to take into account the size of the ribbon connector and the accessory, and to calibrate the measuring ribbon accordingly.

The ribbon connector may either take the form of a male connector adapted to engage with a complementary female accessory connector, or a female connector adapted to engage with a complementary male accessory connector. Preferably, the male and female connectors constitute first and second components of a three-pronged flexible plastic spring clip assembly -also known as, and referred to herein, as a side squeeze buckle assembly. Most preferably, the ribbon connector is a male component of a side squeeze buckle assembly, and the accessory connector is a female component of a side squeeze buckle assembly.

The range of measuring accessories provided for attachment to the modified tape measure of the present invention may be selected from a range comprising accessories designated herein as surface accessories', cable accessories', pipe accessories, carpentry accessories', and corner accessories' (each of which will be described in more detail below) according to the aspect or configuration of the work-piece to which the particular category of accessory is adapted to be secured. Most preferably, the range of measuring accessories will comprise at least one accessory from each of the aforementioned categories.

A surface accessory' as defined herein is provided with surface attachment means adapted for temporarily securing said surface accessory to a smooth flat surface, such as a pane of glass, and is therefore intended primarily for use by glaziers. The surface attachment means preferably comprise a suction cap extending from the accessory connector and adapted to form a substantially air-tight seal with the surface. The surface accessory may preferably further comprise a support member extending from the accessory connector alongside the suction cap.

A cable accessory' as defined herein is provided with cable attachment means adapted for temporarily securing said cable accessory to a cable, rod, flex, wire or other similar work-piece, and is intended primarily for use by electricians. The cable attachment means preferably comprise one or more clips extending from the accessory connector and adapted to engage with said work-piece. Most preferably, the cable attachment means comprise a pair of spaced and aligned like clips.

A pipe accessory' as defined herein is provided with pipe attachment means adapted for temporarily securing said pipe accessory in an open end of a pipe, tube, duct or similar work-piece, and is intended primarily for use by plumbers. In one preferred embodiment, the pipe attachment means preferably comprise a stopper adapted to engage in said open end. In an alternative embodiment, the pipe attachment means may comprise an elongate member adapted for insertion into said open end.

A carpentry accessory' as defined herein is provided with carpentry attachment means adapted for temporarily securing said carpentry accessory to a timber work-piece. The carpentry attachment means preferably comprise a gripping member having a substantially L-shaped cross-section, and adapted to grip an edge of said timber work-piece. In one preferred embodiment, the carpentry accessory has an elongate profile extending outwardly to either side of the accessory connector. Alternatively, or additionally, the substantially L-shaped gripping member may have an elongate profile extending outwardly to either side of the accessory connector.

Where the carpentry accessory is elongate, the gripping member preferably comprises a pair of spaced substantially L-shaped feet disposed one to either end of said elongate carpentry accessory. A cut-out recess may be formed in the elongate carpentry accessory, between the spaced feet, to allow a A corner accessory' as defined herein is provided with attachment means adapted for temporarily securing said corner accessory to a corner of a work-piece. The corner accessory is preferably provided with a pair of arms joined at an angled junction, each said arm being adapted to embrace an adjacent edge of a work-piece, and wherein the accessory connector is located at or adjacent the junction. In one preferred embodiment, the arms form an angle of substantially 900 at the junction, said corner accessory thus being adapted to embrace a generally orthogonal corner of a work-piece.

Most preferably, the accessory connector is mounted for pivotal movement in the common plane defined by the arms.

In order that the present invention maybe fully understood, preferred embodiments thereof will now be described in detail, though only by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: io Figure 1 is a side view of a modified tape measure, according to a first aspect of the present invention; Figure 2 is a detailed view of the free end of the measuring ribbon of the modified tape measure of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view of a surface accessory for use in combination with the modified tape measure of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a side view of a cable accessory for use in combination with the modified tape measure of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a side view of a first embodiment of pipe accessory for use in combination with the modified tape measure of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a side view of a second embodiment of pipe accessory for use in combination with the modified tape measure of Figure 1 Figure 7 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of carpentry accessory for use in combination with the modified tape measure of Figure 1; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of carpentry accessory for use in combination with the modified tape measure of Figure 1; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of carpentry accessory for use with the modified tape measure of Figure 1; and Figure 10 is a plan view of a corner accessory for use in combination with the modified tape measure of Figure 1.

Referring first to Figure 1, there is shown a modified tape measure, generally indicated 20, according to a first aspect of the present invention, and constituting a first component of a kit of parts according to a second aspect of the present invention. The modified tape measure comprises a housing 21, and a measuring ribbon 22, which is biased by means of a spring (not shown) normally to remain coiled within the housing 21, except for a free end, generally indicated 23, which remains permanently outside the housing 21. The ribbon 22 is adapted to be drawn out of the housing 21 via an aperture 24 when the tape measure 20 is in use for the measuring of a work-piece (not shown).

The free end 23 of the measuring ribbon 22 is provided with a ribbon connector 25, in place of the tang normally found on conventional tape measures. The ribbon connector 25 is adapted to engage with a complementary accessory connector provided on each of a range of measuring accessories, as will be discussed in more detail below with reference to Figures 3 to 11.

As can best be seen from Figure 2, in preferred embodiments of the present invention, the ribbon connector 25 on the free end 23 of the measuring ribbon 22 takes the form of the male component of a side- squeeze buckle assembly. This component has a three-pronged construction comprising a rigid central prong 26 and two flexibly resilient shorter outer prongs 27 arranged one to either side of the central prong 26. The outer prongs 27 are each provided with a manually graspable portion 28, by means of which the outer prongs 27 can be squeezed so as temporarily to deform them inwardly towards the central prong 26. This enables the male ribbon connector 25 to be engaged in the cavity of a corresponding female accessory connector (not shown in Figure 2), before springing back to their normal position upon release of the manual squeezing force, thereby holding the ribbon connector 25 in place.

Examples of measuring accessories for use in combination with the modified tape measure 20 described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2 will now be described, with reference to Figures 3 to 11. The modified tape measure may be supplied either on its own, or in combination with any one or more measuring accessories. It is envisaged however, that the measure 20 will supplied together with a range of measuring accessories comprising examples of some or all of the categories of measuring accessories described below.

Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown a surface accessory, generally indicated 30, for use in combination with the modified tape measure 20 as hereinbefore described. In common with the other measuring accessories to be described below, the surface accessory 30 comprises an accessory connector 31 which takes the form of the female component of a side-squeeze buckle assembly, and is adapted to receive the male ribbon connector 25 in a complementary interlocking arrangement. To this end, the female accessory connector 31 has formed therein a cavity 32 (not visible in Figure 3) adapted to receive the male ribbon connector 25. As can be seen in Figure 3, access to the cavity 32 is obtained via an aperture 33 formed in the accessory connector 31, which is itself divided into three further apertures: a central aperture 34 adapted to receive the central prong 26 of the male ribbon connector 25; and two outer apertures 35, each adapted to receive one of the outer prongs 27 of the male ribbon connector 25.

The surface accessory 30 is intended to be temporarily secured to a smooth, flat surface such as a pane of glass, and for that purpose is provided with a suction cap 36 extending from the accessory connector 31. The suction cap 36 is adapted to form a substantially air-tight seal with a smooth, flat surface (not shown). A support rod 37 also extends from the accessory connector 31, alongside the suction cap 36 to assist in steadying the surface accessory 30 during affixing thereof to a surface.

Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown a cable accessory, generally indicated 40, for use in combination with the modified tape measure 20 as hereinbefore described. The cable accessory 40 has a female accessory connector 31 as hereinbefore described, adapted to receive the male ribbon connector 25 of the modified tape measure 20.

The cable accessory 40 is intended to be temporarily secured to a cable, rod, flex, wire or other similar work-piece 41, and for that purpose is provided with a pair of clips 42 of complementary shape to the profile of the cable work-piece 41. Although not apparent from the side view shown in Figure 4, this effectively means that the clips 42 have a generally semi-circular profile. As can be seen from Figure 4, the spaced and aligned clips 42 are carried on a bar 43, which is in turn mounted on the accessory connector 31 via an intermediate linkage 44.

Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown a first embodiment of pipe accessory, generally indicated 50, for use in combination with the modified tape measure 20, and having a female accessory connector 31 adapted to receive the male ribbon connector 25 of the modified tape measure 20.

The pipe accessory 50 is intended to be temporarily secured in an open end of a pipe 52, tube, duct or similar work-piece, and for that purpose is provided with a stopper 51 adapted to engage in said open end of the tubular In an alternative embodiment of pipe accessory, as shown in Figure 6 and generally indicated 55, the stopper 51 is replaced by an elongate member 56 adapted for insertion into said open end. The alternative embodiment 55 is io generally intended for use with pipes 57 of smaller diameter, whereas the first embodiment 50 is generally intended for use with pipes 52 of larger diameter.

It will be understood that the female accessory connector 31, having central and outer apertures 34, 35 -as provided on each of the surface accessory 30, the cable accessory 40, and the first and second embodiments of pipe accessory 50, 60 -interacts with the male ribbon connector 25 provided on the measuring ribbon 22, in the same way for each said accessory 30, 40, 50, 60.

Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown a first embodiment of carpentry accessory, generally indicated 60, for use in combination with the modified tape measure 20, and having a female accessory connector 31 adapted to receive the male ribbon connector 25 of the modified tape measure 20. From the perspective view shown in Figure 7 it can be seen how the central cavity 32 in the female accessory connector 31 is accessed via the aperture 33.

The carpentry accessory 60 is intended to be temporarily secured to a timber work-piece (not shown), and for that purpose is provided with a -11 -substantially L-shaped gripping member 61, adapted to grip an edge of said timber work-piece. The gripping member 61 has a vertical limb 62 adapted for abutting contact with an edge of said work-piece, and a horizontal limb 63, adapted to slide underneath the edge of said work-piece.

In the first embodiment of carpentry accessory 60 shown in Figure 7, the gripping member 61 has an elongate profile extending outwardly to either side of the accessory connector 31. This enables the carpentry accessory 60 to attach to an elongate edge of a timber work-piece, such as a skirting board, sheet ply' or similar. Alternatively, in a second embodiment of carpentry accessory, as io shown in Figure 8 and generally indicated 65, the substantially L-shaped gripping member 61 may have a short profile, of substantially equal length to the accessory connector 31, to enable the carpentry accessory 65 to attach to differing edges of work-pieces in a variety of locations.

Referring now to Figure 9, there is shown a third embodiment of carpentry accessory, generally indicated 70. Here, the carpentry accessory 70 itself, rather than the gripping member 61, is formed with an elongate profile, whilst the gripping member 61 is divided into a pair of spaced substantially L-shaped feet 71, disposed one to either end of said elongate carpentry accessory 70. A cut-out recess, generally indicated 72, is formed in the elongate carpentry accessory 70, between the spaced feet 71, to allow a work-piece (not shown) to be located therein for measuring.

Referring finally to Figure 10, there is shown a corner accessory, generally indicated 80, for use in combination with the modified tape measure 20, and having a female accessory connector 31 adapted to receive the male ribbon connector 25 of the modified tape measure 20. The corner accessory 80 is -12-intended to be temporarily secured to a corner of a work-piece (not shown), and for that purpose is provided with a pair of arms 81, each adapted to embrace an adjacent edge of the work-piece. The arms 81 are joined at a junction 82, which will typically form an angle of substantially 90°, as shown in Figure 10, so that the corner accessory 80 is adapted to embrace a generally orthogonal corner.

As can be seen, the accessory connector 31 is mounted adjacent the junction 82 via a bracket 83. In the preferred embodiment of corner accessory as shown in Figure 10, the accessory connector 31 is mounted on the bracket 83 at a pivot 84 to enable the accessory connector 31 to swivel in the common plane defined by the arms 81, as indicated by arrows a in Figure 10.

Claims (30)

-13 - CLAIMS

1. A modified tape measure comprising: -a housing; -a measuring ribbon normally coiled within the housing, and having a free end adapted to extend from the housing when in use; and -a ribbon connector provided at the free end of the measuring ribbon and adapted to engage interchangeably with a complementary accessory connector provided on each of a range of measuring accessories.

2. A modified tape measure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the ribbon connector is a male connector adapted to engage with a complementary female accessory connector.

3. A modified tape measure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the ribbon connector is a female connector adapted to engage with a complementary male accessory connector.

4. A modified tape measure as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the ribbon connector is a first component of a side squeeze buckle assembly, and is adapted to engage with an accessory connector constituting a second component of said assembly.

5. A modified tape measure as claimed in claim 1 and substantially as hereinbef ore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

6. A kit of parts comprising: -a modified tape measure comprising: a housing; a measuring ribbon normally coiled within the housing, and having a free end adapted to extend -14 -from the housing when in use; and a ribbon connector provided at the free end of the measuring ribbon; and -a range of measuring accessories, each provided with an accessory connector complementary to the ribbon connector and adapted to engage interchangeably therewith.

7. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 6, wherein the complementary ribbon and accessory connectors comprise complementary male and female connectors.

8. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the ribbon connector is a male connector and each complementary accessory connector is a female connector.

9. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the ribbon connector is a female connector and each complementary accessory connector is a male connector.

10. A kit of parts as claimed in any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the ribbon connector is a first component of a side squeeze buckle assembly and the complementary accessory connector is a second component of said assembly.

11. A kit of parts as claimed in any of claims 6 to 10, wherein said range of measuring accessories includes at least one surface accessory provided with surface attachment means adapted for temporarily securing said surface accessory to a smooth flat surface.

12. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 11, wherein said surface attachment means comprise a suction cap extending from the accessory connector and adapted to form a substantially air-tight seal with said surface. -15-

13. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 12, wherein said at least one surface accessory further comprises a support member extending from the accessory connector alongside the suction cap.

14. A kit of parts as claimed in any of claims 6 to 13, wherein said range of measuring accessories includes at least one cable accessory provided with cable attachment means adapted for temporarily securing said cable accessory to a cable, rod, flex, wire or other similar work-piece.

15. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 14, wherein said cable attachment means comprise one or more clips extending from the accessory connector and adapted to engage with said work-piece.

16. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 15, wherein said cable attachment means comprise a pair of spaced and aligned like clips.

17. A kit of parts as claimed in any of claims 6 to 16, wherein said range of measuring accessories includes at least one pipe accessory provided with attachment means adapted for temporarily securing said pipe accessory within an open end of a pipe, tube, duct or similar work-piece.

18. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 17, wherein said pipe attachment means comprise a stopper adapted to engage in said open end.

19. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 17, wherein said pipe attachment means comprise an elongate member adapted for insertion into said open end.

20. A kit of parts as claimed in any of claims 6 to 19, wherein said range of measuring accessories includes at least one carpentry accessory provided with carpentry attachment means adapted for temporarily securing said carpentry accessory to a timber work-piece. -16-

21. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 20, wherein said carpentry attachment means comprise a gripping member having a substantially L-shaped cross-section, and adapted to grip an edge of said timber work-piece.

22. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the carpentry accessory has an elongate profile extending outwardly to either side of the accessory connector.

23. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 22, wherein the substantially L-shaped gripping member has an elongate profile extending outwardly to either side of the accessory connector.

24. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 22, wherein the gripping member comprises a pair of spaced substantially L-shaped feet disposed one to either end of said elongate carpentry accessory.

25. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 24, wherein a cut-out recess is formed in the elongate carpentry accessory, between the spaced feet.

26. A kit of parts as claimed in any of claims 6 to 25, wherein said range of measuring accessories includes at least one corner accessory provided with attachment means adapted for temporarily securing said corner accessory to a corner of a work-piece.

27. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 26, wherein the corner accessory is provided with a pair of arms joined at an angled junction, each said arm being adapted to embrace an adjacent edge of a work-piece, and wherein the accessory connector is located at or adjacent the junction.

-17 -

28. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 27, wherein the arms form an angle of substantially 900 at the junction, said corner accessory thus being adapted to embrace a generally orthogonal corner of a work-piece.

29. A kit of part as claimed in claim 27 or claim 28, wherein the accessory connector is mounted for pivotal movement in the common plane defined by the arms.

30. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 6 and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.