I lllll llllllll Ill lllll lllll lllll lllll lllll 111111111111111111111111111111111
`US010422617Bl
`
`02) United States Patent
`Vitas et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.: US 10,422,617 Bl
`Sep.24,2019
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`(54) TAPE MEASURE WITH TAPE BLADE
`PROFILE INCREASING TAPE STANDOUT
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`(71) Applicant: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation,
`Brookfield, WI (US)
`
`(72)
`
`Inventors: Jonathan F. Vitas, Muskego. WI (US):
`Abhijeet A. Khangar, Pewaukee, WI
`(US)
`
`(73) Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation,
`Brookfield, WI (US)
`
`( *) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 16/455,337
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Jun. 27, 2019
`
`(63)
`
`(60)
`
`(51)
`
`(52)
`
`(58)
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`Continuation of application No. 16/113,695, filed on
`Aug. 27, 2018. which is a continuation of application
`No. PCT!US2018/047759, filed on Aug. 23. 2018.
`
`Provisional application No. 62/702,57 5, filed on Jul.
`24, 2018. provisional application No. 62/549.511,
`filed on Aug. 24, 2017.
`
`(2006.01)
`
`Int. Cl.
`GOJB 3110
`U.S. Cl.
`CPC ......... GOJB 311082 (2013.01); GOlB 311041
`(2013.01); GOJB 20031103 (2013.01); GOJB
`2003110311 (2013.01)
`Field of Classification Search
`ere ................ GOIR 1/00; GOIR 2om11m: GOIR
`2003/1053: GOIB 2003/1076; GOIB 3/06;
`GOIB 3/1005; GOIB 3/1041
`USPC ............................................................ 33/771
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`2,089,209 A
`2,303,368 A
`2,471,395 A
`RE23,133 E
`2,814,881 A
`3,121,957 A
`3,214,836 A
`3,330,709 A
`3,409,988 A
`3,439.428 A
`3,450,367 A
`3,889,897 A
`3,942,738 A
`4, 198,458 A
`4,286,387 A
`
`8/1937 Keuffel et al.
`1211942 Keuffel et al.
`511949 Keuffel
`711949 Kucffcl ct al.
`1211957 Ljungberg
`2/1964 nrown
`11/1965 West
`7/1967 Zelnick
`1 lil968 Zelnick
`411969 Zelnick
`611969 Edgell
`611975 Van Zelderen
`311976 Rutty
`4/1980 Mitsuishi et al.
`911981 Di Diego
`(Continued)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`CN
`CN
`
`612005
`2705772
`12/2011
`202066436
`(Continued)
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`U.S. Appl. No. 62/639,743. filed 'vla.r. 7, 2018, Khangar et al.
`(Continued)
`
`Primary Examiner - Yaritza Guadalupe-Mccall
`(74) Attorney, Agent. or Firm - Reinhart Boerner Van
`Deuren s.c.
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A tape measure, including a tape measure blade having a
`cross-sectional profile to increase standout is provided. The
`profile has a curved shape that increases standout. The tape
`blade may have a flat width greater than or equal to 29 nnn
`and less than 3 2 llllll.
`
`11 Claims, 16 Drawing Sheets
`
`14
`
`122
`
`APEX TOOL GROUP, LLC - EX. 1001-001
`
`

`

`US 10,422,617 Bl
`Page 2
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4,531,688 A
`4,835,870 A
`4,926,566 A
`5.471.761 A
`5.738.743 A
`5,820,057 A
`5,895,539 A
`5,979,238 A
`6,115,933 A
`6,148,534 A
`6,243,964 Bl
`6,249,986 Bl
`6.282,808 Bl *
`
`7/1985 Gall
`6/1989 Rauch et al.
`5/1990 McMurtry et al.
`12/1995 Cheng
`4/1998 Lee
`10'1998 Decarolis et al.
`4;1999 Hsu
`11! 1999 Boege et al.
`9/2000 Li
`11/2000 Li
`6/2001 Murray
`6/2001 Murray
`9/2001 Murray
`
`6,324,769 Bl* 12/2001 Murray
`
`6,367.161 Bl*
`
`4/2002 Murray
`
`6,440,502 Bl
`6,449,866 Bl"
`
`8/2002 Lee
`9/2002 Murray
`
`6,471,986 n1 * 11.2002 Sun .
`
`6,499,226 Bl
`12/2002 Reda
`6,637,124 B2
`10/2003 Pederson
`6,643,947 B2
`1L2003 Murray
`6,662,463 82 * 12/2003 Lee
`
`6,804,899 B2 * 10/2004 Murray
`
`6,907,676 82 *
`
`6/2005 Liao
`
`7,107,698 B2 •
`
`9/2006 Liao
`
`RE39,719 E *
`
`712007 Murray
`
`7,395,608 B2"
`
`7/2008 Liao
`
`7.198,604 m
`7,565,751 B2
`7,856,735 B2
`8,117,762 B2
`8,117,763 B2
`8,356,418 Bl
`8,584.373 B2
`
`7,2008 Murray
`7/2009 Murray
`12/2010 Allezy et al.
`2/2012 Cook
`2/2012 Cook
`1/2013 Hall
`1L2013 Black
`
`GOIB 3/1056
`331761
`GOIB 3.'1082
`331755
`GOIB 3/1082
`33/755
`
`GOIB3/10
`331755
`Gorn 1!1082
`33/755
`
`GOIB 311082
`33/755
`GOIB 3'1082
`331755
`GOIB 311082
`33/755
`GOIB 3/1082
`331755
`GOIB 311082
`331755
`GOIB 3/1082
`331757
`
`2001/0053436 Al
`2002/0073570 Al
`2002/0129509 Al
`2004/0071869 Al
`2006/0053649 Al
`2006/0059703 Al*
`
`12/2001 Li
`612002 Conder
`9/2002 E\·ans
`4/2004 Gilliam et al.
`312006 Greally
`312006 Hernandez, Jr.
`
`2006/0130352 Al
`2007/0074417 Al
`2007/0079520 Al
`2008/0010847 Al*
`
`612006 Huang
`4/2007 Sun
`4/2007 Hamilton et al.
`J/2008 Liao.
`
`2009/00900 16 A I
`2011!0232119 Al
`2012/0036727 Al
`2013/0067759 Al*
`
`4/2009 Roach
`9/2011 Smalls
`2/2012 McCarthy
`312013 Murray
`
`2013/0133215 Al*
`
`5/2013 Bridges .
`
`2018/0195847 Al•
`2019/0063893 Al*
`
`712018 Khan gar
`212019 Vilas
`
`GOIB 3/1082
`111757
`
`GOIB 311082
`331757
`
`GOIB 311082
`33/761
`GOIB 3/1005
`33.'70 l
`GOIB J/00
`GOIB 311041
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`CN
`CN
`CN
`CN
`DE
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`WO
`WO
`WO
`WO
`
`202432942
`202757538
`204612629
`205482653
`19628318
`0100138
`1411119
`1444479
`1647797
`2400258
`W002057710
`W003031903
`W02004063659
`W017172683
`
`9.'2012
`2/2013
`9/2015
`8/2016
`3/1998
`2/1984
`412004
`8/2004
`6/2012
`11.'2014
`7/2002
`4/2003
`7/2004
`1012017
`
`OTIIER PUBLICATIONS
`
`International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT/CS2018/
`047759. dated Dec. 7, 2018, 24 pages.
`Comparative prior art tape measures identified in Figs. 7-9 and
`11-13 and Tables I, 2 and 3 and discussed in the related paragraphs
`of Applicant's specification.
`* cited by examiner
`
`APEX TOOL GROUP, LLC - EX. 1001-002
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep.24,2019
`
`Sheet 1 of 16
`
`US 10,422,617 Bl
`
`54
`
`70
`
`74
`
`42
`
`38
`
`26
`
`FIG. 1
`
`,.,,--10
`
`46
`
`--------
`
`FIG. 2
`
`APEX TOOL GROUP, LLC - EX. 1001-003
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep.24,2019
`
`Sheet 2 of 16
`
`US 10,422,617 Bl
`
`112
`
`114
`
`T2
`
`FIG.3
`
`APEX TOOL GROUP, LLC - EX. 1001-004
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep.24,2019
`
`Sheet 3 of 16
`
`US 10,422,617 Bl
`
`18
`
`FIG. 4
`
`26
`
`,+ - - - - - - - -W l - - - - - - -
`F/G. 5
`
`122
`FIG. 6
`
`APEX TOOL GROUP, LLC - EX. 1001-005
`
`

`

`MILWAUKEE TOOLS BLADES -CURRENT AND FUTURE
`
`e .
`00 .
`
`-5
`
`-10
`-15
`--PROTOTYPE BLADE A
`------PROTOTYPE BLADED
`---------MILWAUKEE TOOL 48-22-7526
`
`0o
`15
`10
`----PROTOTYPE BLADE C
`----PROTOTYPE BLADE B
`----------------MILWAUKEE TOOL 48-22-7116 -- -- -- MILWAUKEE TOOL 48-22-7135
`
`5
`
`FIG.7
`
`APEX TOOL GROUP, LLC - EX. 1001-006
`
`

`

`e .
`00 .
`
`27mm FLAT WIDTH BLADE PROFILE COMPARISON
`9
`
`I
`
`I
`
`8
`7
`I
`\
`-,
`------------------------------,----- -~),,.__________________________________ ------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- ----------------------------!------- -------,.! ___________________________ _
`--\.' \
`\
`6
`II
`/,/'
`'·
`" /
`/
`/
`//
`
`\
`
`\
`
`° 0
`-5
`-10
`-15
`--PROTOTYPE BLADED ····-·····-·--MILWAUKEE TOOL 48-22-7116
`FIG. 8
`
`5
`
`10
`15
`-- -- -- MILWAUKEETOOL 48-22-7135
`
`APEX TOOL GROUP, LLC - EX. 1001-007
`
`

`

`e .
`00 .
`
`ROW TARGETED BLADES
`
`IU
`9
`8
`7
`
`) . .......................................
`
`6
`
`I///
`///
`j //
`1/7,~.:. ... .
`!/.'L/
`
`'
`'\(, \
`
`'\\
`...................................... \~:::
`'\.....................
`·~·····
`
`\
`
`\
`
`4
`',, :~
`_J///
`-------------------------------------- -----------~~""-,-----~-
`----------- --------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- ----------?/;T.!-~-------------- ---------------------------------------
`',,,
`3
`/ / /
`
`-15
`
`-10
`
`5
`
`° 0
`-5
`--PROTOTYPE BLADE A ----PROTOTYPE BLADE B ----PROTOTYPE BLADE C
`
`10
`
`15
`
`····-····MILWAUKEE TOOL 48-22-7526
`
`FIG. 9
`
`APEX TOOL GROUP, LLC - EX. 1001-008
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep.24,2019
`
`Sheet 7of16
`
`US 10,422,617 Bl
`
`.......
`
`CD
`U-1
`Q..
`
`0:::
`Q..
`
`U-1 = ::s
`0 -0
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`
`APEX TOOL GROUP, LLC - EX. 1001-009
`
`

`

`ALL BLADES
`
`e .
`00 .
`
`----PROTOTYPE BLADE C
`----PROTOTYPE BLADE B
`--PROTOTYPE BLADE A
`····--·····------MILWAUKEE TOOL 48-22-7116 -- -- -- MILWAUKEE TOOL 48-22-7135
`PROTOTYPE BLADED
`---------MILWAUKEE TOOL 48-22-7526 --PRIOR ART TAPE 2 @l 2ft
`- - - - PRIOR ART TAPE l @12h
`- - - PRIOR ART TAPE 3 @l 2ft
`
`FIG. 11
`
`APEX TOOL GROUP, LLC - EX. 1001-010
`
`

`

`IMPROVEMENT OVER PRIOR ART
`
`10
`
`e .
`.
`
`00
`
`---- PROTOTYPE BLADE B --PRIOR ARTTAPE 2 @12ft - - - - PRIOR ARTTAPE 1 @l 2ft - - - PRIOR ARTTAPE 3 @12ft
`
`FIG.12
`
`APEX TOOL GROUP, LLC - EX. 1001-011
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep.24,2019
`
`Sheet 10 of 16
`
`US 10,422,617 Bl
`
`-CAWB 78deg --CAW8 55deg
`
`···---·· 35 FW DEEP
`
`------------ 38 FW DEEP
`
`16
`
`FIG. 13
`
`APEX TOOL GROUP, LLC - EX. 1001-012
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep.24,2019
`
`Sheet 11 of 16
`
`US 10,422,617 Bl
`
`...... = 8
`.......
`::r::
`_..
`;:::;
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`_,.. -------------,.. -- _,. --------- ___ ,.. --------- ____ ,.. ------------- ___ ,.. ---------- -----------------------------.
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`-------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ ----~
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`......
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`......
`
`Cl:::
`
`APEX TOOL GROUP, LLC - EX. 1001-013
`
`

`

`e .
`00 .
`
`RADIUS
`(CENTER)
`
`ARC ANGLE
`(CENTER)
`
`RADIUS
`(CENTER)
`
`CENTER CURVATURE AREA
`
`ARC LENGTH
`-------------------------------------------lCENfERT-------------------------------------------
`
`FIG. 15
`
`APEX TOOL GROUP, LLC - EX. 1001-014
`
`

`

`d .
`00 .
`
`RAOIUS
`(EDGES)
`
`' ' '
`\A~~D~~f
`' '
`
`RADIUS
`{EDGES)
`
`EDGES CURVATURE
`AREA
`
`ARC LENGTH
`(LEG)*
`
`-
`
`- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
`
`-
`
`-
`
`-
`
`- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
`
`- - - -
`
`-
`
`- _______________ J
`
`' '
`
`*A "LEG" IS ONE SIDE OF THE EDGES PORTION
`
`FIG. 16
`
`APEX TOOL GROUP, LLC - EX. 1001-015
`
`

`

`e .
`00 .
`
`V: - J 60Q?y -I 41 Q ~l
`R2 = 0.9i 35
`
`t::.
`
`'
`
`/.:;.-,
`
`'{::,.
`
`210
`
`200
`
`_190
`~ .......
`::c:
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`'-' = =-180 -::::>
`0 c = ~ 170
`
`160
`
`150
`
`21
`
`21.5
`
`22
`
`22.5
`
`24
`23.5
`23
`CURVED WIDTH (mm)
`o 33mm FLAT WIDTH t::. 35mm FLAT WIDTH --LINEAR (35mm FLAT WIDTH) -----------LINEAR (35mm FLAT WIDTH)
`
`0........
`~ ~
`--------,
`~
`~
`Y= 8.2231x .. 363.17 ~ D
`R2 = 0.9 963 ~ ........
`~ ~)
`25
`25.5
`
`24.5
`
`26
`
`FIG. 17
`
`APEX TOOL GROUP, LLC - EX. 1001-016
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep.24,2019
`
`Sheet 15 of 16
`
`US 10,422,617 Bl
`
`I
`
`I
`
`>--·
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`APEX TOOL GROUP, LLC - EX. 1001-017
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep.24,2019
`
`Sheet 16 of 16
`
`US 10,422,617 Bl
`
`14
`
`FIG. 19
`
`DDl
`
`98
`
`FIG. 20
`
`APEX TOOL GROUP, LLC - EX. 1001-018
`
`

`

`US 10,422,617 Bl
`
`1
`TAPE MEASURE WITH TAPE BLADE
`PROFILE INCREASING TAPE STANDOUT
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT
`APPLICATIONS
`
`The present application is a continuation of U.S. appli(cid:173)
`cation Ser. No. 16/113,695, filed Aug. 27, 2018, which is a
`continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2018/
`047759, filed Aug. 23. 2018, which claims the benefit of and
`priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 621702,575,
`filed on Jul. 24, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Application No.
`62/549,511, filed on Aug. 24. 2017, all of which arc incor(cid:173)
`porated herein by reference in their entireties.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Tiie present invention relates generally lo the field of
`tools. The present invention relates specifically to a tape
`measure, measuring tape. retractable rnle, etc., that includes
`a tape measure blade with a profile shape that increases tape
`standout.
`Tape measures are measurement tools used for a variety
`of measurement applications, including in the building and
`constrnction trades. Some tape measures include a gradu(cid:173)
`ated, marked blade wound on a reel and also include a
`retraction system for automatically retracting the blade onto
`the reel. In some such tape measure designs, the retraction
`system is driven by a coil or spiral spring that is tensioned,
`storing energy as the tape is extended, and that releases
`energy to spin the reel, winding the blade back onto the reel
`such that automatic or non-manual tape retraction is pro(cid:173)
`vided. In some other tape measure designs, retraction of the
`tape is controlled via a manual crank and such tape measure
`blades tend to have a long length.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`One embodiment of the invention relates to a tape mea(cid:173)
`sure including a tape blade having a profiled cross-sectional
`shape to increase standout. In a specific embodiment, the
`tape blade has a flat width less than 27 .94 nnn and has
`standout of greater than 115 inches. specifically greater than
`120 inches, more specifically greater 125 inches and more
`specifically greater than 130 inches. In a specific embodi(cid:173)
`ment. the tape blade has a flat width less than 27.94 mm and
`a curved height greater than 6.3 mm. In a specific embodi(cid:173)
`ment, the tape blade has a Jlat width less than 27.94 nnn and
`a curved width less than 22.5 mm. ln some such embodi(cid:173)
`ments, the tape blade has an angle A (defined below) less
`than 90 degrees.
`Another embodiment relates to a tape measure including
`a tape blade having a profiled cross-sectional shape to
`increase standout along with a low tape blade steel thick(cid:173)
`ness. In a specific embodiment, the tape blade has a metal
`thickness of less than 0.13 nnn. specifically between 0.09
`nnn and 0.13 nnn, mid has standout of greater than 115
`inches, specifically greater than 120 inches, more specifi(cid:173)
`cally greater 125 inches and more specifically greater than
`130 inches. In a specific embodiment, the tape blade has a
`metal thickness of less than 0.13 nnn, specifically between
`0.09 nun and 0.13 nnn, and a curved height greater than 6.3
`mm. In a specific embodiment, the tape blade has a metal
`thickness of less than 0.13 mm, specifically between 0.09
`mm and 0.13 mm. and a curved width less than 22.5 nnn. In
`some such embodiments, the tape blade has an migle A
`(defined below) less than 90 degrees.
`
`2
`Another embodiment of the invention relates to a tape
`measure. The tape measure includes a housing, a reel
`rotatably mounted within the housing and an elongate blade
`wound around the reel. The elongate blade includes an
`elongate metal core having an upper surface, a lower surface
`and a first thickness, Tl. measured between the upper
`surface and the lower surface. The elongate blade includes
`an upper polymer coating coupled to the upper surface of the
`elongate metal core. the upper polymer coating having a
`IC' second thickness, T2. and an upper surface defining the
`uppermost surface of the elongate blade. The elongate blade
`includes a lower polymer coaling coupled lo the lower
`surface of the elongate metal core, the lower polymer
`15 coating having a third thickness, T3, and a lower surface
`defining the lowermost surface of the elongate blade. The
`elongate blade includes a curved profile such that the
`uppennost surface of the elongate blade defines a concave
`surface, the lowennost surface defines a convex surface. a
`2u curved width and a curved height. A flat width of the
`elongate metal core is less than 32 nun. A ratio of the curved
`width to a flat width of the elongate metal core is less than
`0.74. A ratio of the curved height to the flat width of the
`elongate metal core is greaterthan 0.29. A standout distance
`25 of the elongate blade from the housing is greater than I 50
`inches. The tape measure includes a retraction system
`coupled to the tape reel, and the retraction system drives
`rewinding of the elongate tape blade on to the tape reel.
`Another embodiment of the invention relates to a tape
`30 measure. The tape measure includes a housing, a reel
`rotatably mounted within the housing and an elongate blade
`wound around the reel. The elongate blade includes an
`elongate metal core having an upper surface, a lower surface
`35 and a first thickness, Tl, measured between the upper
`surface and the lower surface. The elongate blade includes
`an upper polymer coating coupled to the upper surface of the
`elongate metal core, the upper polymer coating having a
`second thickness. T2, and an upper surface defining the
`40 uppermost surface of the elongate blade. The elongate blade
`includes a lower polymer coating coupled to the lower
`surface of the elongate metal core, the lower polymer
`coating having a third thickness, T3, and a lower surface
`defining the lowermost surface of the elongate blade. The
`45 elongate blade includes a curved profile such that the
`uppermost surface of the elongate blade defines a concave
`surface. the lowermost surface defines a convex surface. a
`curved width mid a curved height. A Jlat width of the
`elongate metal core is 32 nun or greater. A ratio of the curved
`so width to a flat width of the elongate metal core is less than
`0.70. A ratio of the curved height to the flat width of the
`elongate metal core is greater than 0.31. A standout distance
`of the elongate blade from the housing is greater than 150
`inches. The tape measure includes a retraction system
`55 coupled to the tape reel, and the retraction system drives
`rewinding of the elongate tape blade on to the tape reel.
`Another embodiment of the invention relates lo a tape
`measure. Tiie tape measure includes a housing, a reel
`rotatably mounted within the housing and an elongate blade
`60 wound around the reel. The elongate blade includes an upper
`surface. a lower surface, a curved profile such that the upper
`surface of the elongate blade defines a concave surface and
`the lower surface defines a convex surface. The elongate
`blade includes a flat width of 30 mm or less, a curved width,
`65 wherein the curved width is less than the flat width and a
`standout distance of the elongate blade from the housing of
`at least 132 inches. The tape measure includes a retraction
`
`APEX TOOL GROUP, LLC - EX. 1001-019
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`

`US 10,422,617 Bl
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`3
`system coupled to the tape reel, and the retraction system
`drives rewinding of the elongate tape blade on to the tape
`reel.
`Another embodiment of the invention relates to a tape
`measure. The tape measure includes a housing. a reel
`rotatably mounted within the housing and an elongate blade
`wound around the reel. The elongate blade includes an upper
`surface, a lower surface and a curved profile such that the
`upper surface of the elongate blade defines a concave
`surface and the lower surface defines a convex surface. The IC'
`elongate blade includes a l1al width greater than or equal lo
`29 nnn and less than 32 nun. a curved width. wherein the
`curved width is less than the l1al width and a standout
`distance of the elongate blade from the housing of at least 15
`156 inches. The tape measure includes a retraction system
`coupled to the tape reel, and the retraction system drives
`rewinding of the elongate tape blade on to the tape reel.
`A.nother embodiment of the invention relates to a tape
`measure. The tape measure includes a housing, a reel 2u
`rotatably mounted within the housing and an elongate blade
`wound around the reel. The elongate blade includes an upper
`surface, a lower surface and a curved profile such that the
`upper surface of the elongate blade defines a concave
`surface and the lower surface defines a convex surface. The 25
`elongate blade includes a flat width greater than 32 nun. a
`curved width, wherein the curved width is less than the l1al
`width and a standout distance of the elongate blade from the
`housing of at least 168 inches. The tape measure includes a
`retraction system coupled to the tape reel. wherein the 30
`retraction system drives rewinding of the elongate tape blade
`on lo the tape reel.
`Additional feahires and advantages will be set forth in the
`detailed description which follows, and. in part, will be
`readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the descrip- 35
`lion or recognized by practicing the embodiments as
`described in the written description and claims hereof. as
`well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood that
`both the foregoing general description and the following
`detailed description are exemplary.
`TI1e accompanying drawings are included to provide
`further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute
`a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or
`more embodiments and. together with the description. serve
`lo explain principles and operation of the various embodi- 45
`ments.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. I is a left side perspective view of a tape measure,
`according to an exemplary embodiment.
`FIG. 2 is a left side perspective view of the tape measure
`of FIG. 1 with a portion of the tape measure housing
`removed, according to an exemplary embodiment.
`FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a polymer coated tape
`blade of the tape measure of FIG. 1. according to an
`exemplary embodiment.
`FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the tape measure of
`FIG. I with a portion of the tape blade extended from the
`tape housing, according to another exemplary embodiment.
`FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the profile of a
`tape blade, according to an exemplary embodiment.
`PIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the profile of a
`tape blade, according to an exemplary embodiment.
`FIG. 7 is a plot of four tape blade profiles of the present
`disclosure plotted relative lo the profiles of three prior art
`tape measures.
`
`4
`FIG. 8 is a plot of one of the tape blade profiles of the
`present disclosure plotted relative to the profiles of two prior
`art tape measures.
`FIG. 9 is a plot of four tape blade profiles of the present
`disclosure plotted relative to the profile of one prior art tape
`measures.
`FIG. 10 is a plot of two tape blade profiles of the present
`disclosure plotted relative to each other.
`FIG. 11 is a plot of four tape blade profiles of the present
`disclosure plotted relative to the profiles of six prior art tape
`measures.
`FIG. 12 is a plot of one of the tape blade profiles of the
`present disclosure plotted relative to the profiles of three
`prior art tape measures.
`PIG. 13 is a plot of two tape blade profiles of the present
`disclosure plotted relative to the profiles of two prior art tape
`measures.
`FIGS. 14-16 show an exemplary tape blade profile label(cid:173)
`ing the various dimensions listed in Table 3.
`FIG. 17 shows a plot of curved width vs. standout for tape
`blades having a 33 mm flat width and a 35 nnn flat width.
`FIG. 18 is a plot of the tape blade profiles for a 33 nnn flat
`width tape blade and a 35 nun flat width tape blade,
`according to an exemplary embodiment.
`FIGS. 19 and 20 arc photographs showing a droop mea(cid:173)
`surement test. according to an exemplary embodiment.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`Referring generally to the figures. various embodiments
`of a tape measure are shown. Various embodiments of the
`tape measure discussed herein include an innovative tape
`blade profile that Applicant believes greatly improves tape
`standout. In general. Applicant has determined that by
`shaping the tape blade to a relatively aggressive or steep
`curved profile shape (as discussed and quantified below),
`tape standout can be increased and tape droop can be
`decreased greatly even when utilizing relatively thin and/or
`relatively narrow pieces of steel for the tape blade. In some
`40 embodiments, the steep curved profile shape is fanned only
`along a relatively short lengthwise section of the tape blade
`that is positioned within a lengthwise zone in which a
`standard tape tends to buckle during standout. Without being
`bound by a particular theory, Applicant understands that the
`steep curved profile shape increases rigidity and buckle
`resistance. and
`in particular, tape standout is greatly
`increased by locating this curved profile shape within the
`zone where buckling lends lo occur.
`Further, Applicant has found that some steep or tight
`so curved shapes may impact readability of markings and
`numbers on the tape blade due to the relatively steep vertical
`positioning of the outer widthwise segments of the tape
`blade. Accordingly. in some embodiments, the tape blade
`profiles discussed herein may include outer widthwise seg-
`55 ments of the tape blade that arc somewhat flattened toward
`horizontal to provide improved readability of markings
`positioned thereon. In such embodiments. the central width(cid:173)
`wise portion of the tape blade includes a highly curved,
`rigidity increasing profile shape, while outer widthwise
`60 segments of the tape blade are slightly flattened back toward
`horizontal to improve readability of numbers positioned
`thereon. As discussed below, this readability improving
`shape is defined by angle A, shown in PIG. 5.
`Surprisingly, Applicant has further determined that stand-
`65 out can be increased by utilizing a compound curved shape,
`without increasing retraction torque requirements. In such
`embodiments, the center region of the tape blade profile has
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`US 10,422,617 Bl
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`5
`a more curved (e.g., smaller radius of curvature) shape than
`the edge regions. Applicant has found that such a shape may
`increase standout and improve readability of markings on
`the tape measure without increasing retraction torque
`requirement. In contrast to Applicant's understanding of
`conventional wisdom in the tape measure, the tape blade
`profiles discussed herein provide a combination of increased
`standout. lower retraction torque and/or increased readabil(cid:173)
`ity, while maintaining a relatively low thickness tape blade.
`In some embodiments, the tape blade profile may has a
`continuous curved shape, such as a parabolic or catenary
`curved shape. In such embodiments, Applicant has found
`that continuous curved tape blades may improve durability
`or tear resistance. For example, Applicant has determined.
`that at least for some designs, when a tape blade buckles.
`regions having a sharp change of shape within a compound
`cross-sectional curve profile are more likely to crack or
`break when compared to a tape blade with a continuous
`curve profile.
`Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a length measurement
`device, such as tape measure 10, is shown according to an
`exemplary embodiment. Tape measure 10 includes a coil(cid:173)
`ablc tape blade 14 and a housing 18. In general. tape blade
`14 is an elongate strip of material including a plurality of
`graduated measurement markings, and in specific embodi(cid:173)
`ments, tape blade 14 is an elongate strip of metal material
`(e.g., steel material) that includes an outer most end coupled
`to a hook assembly, shown as hook assembly 26. As dis(cid:173)
`cussed in more detail below, tape blade 14 may include
`various coatings (e.g .. polymer coating layers) to help pro(cid:173)
`tect tape blade 14 from cracking during whip or pinch.
`Further, tape blade 14 may include any combination of
`tape blade features of the various embodiments discussed
`herein. Specifically, in various embodiments, tape blade 14
`includes a steep curved profile shape as discussed below that
`improves tape standout performance. As shown in PIG. 1, a
`variable-length extended segment 22 of the tape blade 14 is
`retractable and extendable from the housing 18. A hook
`assembly 26 is fixedly coupled lo an outer end portion 30 of
`tape blade 14.
`As shown in FIG. 2, the non-extended portion of tape
`blade 14 is wound onto a reel 34, which is surrounded by
`housing 18. Reel 34 is rotatably disposed about an axis 38
`of tape measure 10, and a retraction mechanism 42 is
`coupled to reel 34 and configured to drive reel 34 about
`rotation axis 38 which in turn provides powered retraction of
`tape blade 14. Retraction mechanism 42 may include one or
`more elongated spiral springs that provide the retraction
`energy to retraction mechanism 42. A tape lock 46 is
`provided to selectively engage tape blade 14, which acts to sn
`restrain retraction mechanism 42 such that extended seg(cid:173)
`ment 22 of tape blade 14 remains at a desired length.
`Referring to FIG. 1, housing 18 includes a first side wall
`50, a second side wall 54, and a peripheral wall 58 c01mect(cid:173)
`ing first side wall 50 and second side wall 54. First side wall 55
`50, second side wall 54, and peripheral wall 58 define an
`internal cavity 62, shown in FIG. 2, in which reel 34 and
`retraction mechanism 42 are housed. Referring to FIG. 1,
`first side wall 50 and second side wall 54 have a substan(cid:173)
`tially circular profile 66. In other embodiments, the side 6C1
`walls may be rectangular, polygonal, or any other desired
`shape. Portions of the housing 18 may be co-molded or
`separately fom1ed of a resilient material, such as a natural or
`synthetic rubber. In the illustrated construction, housing 18
`is fanned with housing bumpers 70 and a support leg 74 65
`which extends from a lower portion 78 of the peripheral wall
`58.
`
`6
`A slot 82 is defined along a forward portion 86 of
`peripheral wall 58. Slot 82 provides an opening in the tape
`measure housing which allows tape lock 46 to extend into
`housing 18. In addition, slot 82 provides a length sufficient
`to allow tape lock 46 to be moved relative to housing 18
`between locked and unlocked positions.
`Below the slot 82, a tape port 90 is provided in peripheral
`wall 58. Tape port 90 has an arcuate shape 94, corresponding
`to an arcuate cross-sectional profile of tape blade 14. The
`1C1 tape port 90 allows for the retraction and extension of tape
`blade 14 to and from the internal cavity 62 defined within
`housing 18.
`As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, tape measure 10 includes a
`finger guard assembly 98. Finger guard assembly 98
`15 includes a guard 102 and a guard support member 106. As
`shown in FIG. 1, the portions of guard 102 external lo
`housing 18 are substantially U-shaped and extend downward
`from housing 18. As shown in PIG. 2, when tape 14 is in the
`retracted position, a rear surface of hook assembly 26 abuts
`2u guard 102.
`Referring to FIG. 3, a cross-sectional view of tape blade
`14 is shown. Tape blade 14 includes a core or inner layer 110
`formed from a thin, elongate strip of metal material. In a
`specific embodiment, i1mer layer 110 is formed from a strip
`2s of steel material. In a specific embodiment, inner layer 110
`has a thickness, Tl, ofless than 0.13 n1111 (with up to a 25%
`thickness variation), specifically 0.09 mm to less than 0.13
`mm (with up to a 25% thickness variation), and more
`specifically of 0.09 mm to 0.12 nnn (with up to a 25%
`30 thickness variation). In another specific embodiment, Tl is
`between 0.12 mm and 0.14 n1lll and more specifically is
`between 0.125 mm and 0.135 mm. Inner layer 110 may be
`formed in a concavo-convex configuration (as shown in
`FIG. 3), which provides for improved tape standout as
`35 discussed herein. hmer layer 110 may be an alloyed spring
`steel, alloyed high strength steel, etc. In one embodiment,
`the steel is of a hardness between 50-54 RHC. In another
`embodiment, the steel is of a hardness between 45-60 RHC.
`In various embodiments, tape blade 14 includes an upper
`40 coating layer 112 coupled to (e.g., attached, bonded, glued,
`etc.) the concave upper surface of inner metal layer 110 and
`a lower coating layer 114 coupled to (e.g., attached, bonded,
`glued, etc.) the convex lower surface of inner metal layer
`110. In general, coating layers 112 and 114 are formed from
`45 a polymer material, and in a specific embodiment, are
`formed from a nylon material. In specific embodiments,
`coating layers 112 and 114 are formed from a material that
`has a modulus of elasticity less than the modulus of elasticity
`of the metal material of inner layer 110. In specific embodi(cid:173)
`ments, coating layers 112 and 114 are formed from a
`material that has a hardness less than the hardness of the
`metal material of inner layer 110. In specific embodiments,
`the coating layers discussed herein are formed from a nylon
`12 material and/or a nylon 6/6 material.
`As shown in FIG. 3, coating layer 112 has a thickness, T2,
`and coating layer 114 has a thickness, T3. In specific
`embodiments, the total thi