GB2401685A

GB2401685A - Measuring tape

Info

Publication number: GB2401685A
Application number: GB0403042A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Barry Howard Lee; Michael John Levick
Original assignee: Fisco Tools Ltd
Current assignee: Fisco Tools Ltd
Priority date: 2004-02-11
Filing date: 2004-02-11
Publication date: 2004-11-17
Also published as: GB0403042D0

Abstract

A measuring tape with end assembly comprises a tape 10, and an end assembly which has a lower plate member 30 and an upper plate member 50. The free end of the tape is shaped to provide two apertures 12 with a slot 14. The free end of the tape is looped back on itself to form a loop. The lower plate member 30 comprises arms 38, 40 which are placed in respective spaces 26 in the tape loop. Aperture 34 of the lower plate member is aligned with apertures 12 in the tape and a central spine 36 is received in the slot 14. The upper plate member has a coincident scale 52 with that on the tape. A post on the upper plate member is received through apertures 12, 34 by snap-fit engagement. Prong (labelled item 30 in figure) serves to clamp the tape with a greater force. The end assembly may alternately comprise a hook or an apertured end-piece.

Description

2401 685

MEASURING TAPE

The present invention relates to a measuring tape and to a method of assembling a measuring tape. Of particular interest here are long measuring tapes such as tapes for measuring distances of more than 10 metres.

Known measuring tapes include those of the type that may be wound up on a spool in a casing. Measuring tapes for measuring distances of more than 10 metres typically are not automatically retractable onto the spool using a spring but instead are retracted back into the casing by manual winding of the tape onto the spool.

There are known measuring tapes of this type having metallic and nonmetallic tapes. The measuring tapes typically have a measuring scale printed on one surface.

Non-metallic tapes formed of materials such as glass fibre reinforced plastics material (e.g. glass fibre reinforced PVC) are superior to metallic (e.g. steel) tapes due to their lower density and flexibility.

A tape of lower density allows the tape measure to be lightweight yet allows the tape itself to be long enough to measure large distances. Steel tape measures of similar length tend to be very heavy and also have a tendency to snap easily.

Tape measures of this type tend to have an end assembly attached to the free end of the tape (i.e. that end of the tape not attached to the spool inside the casing). The end assembly may include a hook (or "claw") for engaging with the ground or with an edge, allowing a distance measurement to be taken from that location. The end assembly may also include an apertured end piece, e.g. for engaging with projecting members such as posts, nails or other members from which a distance measurement is to be taken.

A known way to attach the end assembly to a non metallic tape is to fold or loop the tape though the end assembly and rivet the looped tape to itself. Such an arrangement is contemplated in EP-A-724133. However, it has been found by the present inventors that this arrangement may not be as durable as is required.

A known way to attach the end assembly to a metallic tape is shown in EPA-79096 and in Fisco's Satellite STlO/5 tape measure. In this arrangement, upper and lower plates are fixed over the free end of the tape. The two plates are attached to each other via rivet posts that are heat staked to join the upper and lower plates with the metallic tape (blade) securely trapped between them. The rivit posts extend through apertures in the tape. The hook and the apertured end piece are attached to the first plate. This arrangement has the advantage that the metallic tape is relatively strong and resists tearing or deformation at the apertures in the tape, and so the end assembly is firmly and durably attached to the tape.

The inventors have realised that simple application of the arrangement applied to metallic tape measures to non-metallic tape measures would not necessarily give rise to an advantageous arrangement. In particular this is because non-metallic tapes would tend to tear or deform at an aperture in the tape through which the end assembly is attached to the tape. In general this is due to load on the end assembly being transferred to the tape at the apertures.

The present invention has been made in order to address at least one of the above problems, and preferably to reduce, ameliorate or overcome at least one 1S of those problems.

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention provides a measuring tape having an end assembly attached at its free end, the end assembly having: an abutment surface over which the tape is looped back over itself to provide a tape loop having a looped-back portion of the tape; and securing means holding the looped-back portion of tape with respect to the remainder of the tape loop, wherein the abutment surface is held rigidly in the end assembly with respect to the securing means.

In this way, the engagement of the tape loop with the abutment surface can transfer load from the end assembly to the tape and the securing means can hold the end assembly firmly with respect to the tape.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a method of assembling an end assembly onto a free end of a tape measure including the steps: looping the tape over an abutment surface of the end assembly and over itself to form a tape loop with a looped-back portion of the tape; and securing the looped-back portion of the tape with respect to the remainder of the tape loop using securing means, wherein the abutment surface is held rigidly in the end assembly with respect to the securing means.

Preferred and/or optional features will now be set out. These are applicable independently or in combination with any aspect of the invention, unless the context demands otherwise.

Preferably, the looped-back portion of tape abuts directly against a portion of the remainder of the tape loop. The tape itself may be nonmetallic. Most preferably, the tape is formed from a fibre-reinforced plastics material.

Preferably, the abutment surface extends substantially transversely to the elongate direction of the tape. This allows the most efficient geometry for the transfer of longitudinal tension to the tape from the end assembly. The abutment surface may be provided by at least one transverse member. For example, the transverse member may be a pin (e.g. a loose pin) held transversely in the end assembly. Most preferably, however, the abutment surface is provided in two portions, by two transverse arms. The transverse arms may extend from a central spine portion of the end assembly.

In the case where the transverse member is a pin, the pin may be held in a corresponding hole in the central spine portion, two arms of the pin extending transversely from the central spine portion.

Preferably, the tape has an aperture formed in the looped-back portion and an aperture formed in the remainder of the tape loop. In the assembled tape measure, these apertures overlie each other and are shaped to receive the securing means. Preferably, the tape has a slot extending between the two apertures. The slot is located so that, when the tape is looped back over itself with the apertures overlying each other, the tape loop has two branches separated by the slot. Each branch may then be looped over a respective abutment surface. For example, each branch may be looped over a respective one of the two transversely extending arms of the end assembly.

The method of assembling the tape measure may include the step of forming an aperture in the looped back portion, forming an aperture in the remainder of the tape loop and lining these apertures up to overlie each other when forming the tape loop.

Furthermore, the method may include the step of forming a slot between the two apertures so that, when the tape is looped back over itself to overlie the apertures, the tape loop has two branches separated by the slot. Preferably, each branch is then looped over a respective abutment surface.

In an alternative, preferred method of assembly, the tape end is looped back over itself and secured. The securing may be done by ultrasonic welding or high frequency welding. This allows the tape loop to be formed at an accurate end position. Preferably, the aperture and slot are then cut through the tape loop to form the branches. Each branch may then be looped over a respective abutment surface.

Preferably, the securing means presses corresponding parts of the tape loop together. Most preferably, the securing means presses the tape loop tightly around the abutment surface. This can help to minimise any play in the end assembly with respect to the tape.

Typically, the securing means includes a first plate member and a second plate member. The first and second plate members are preferably clasped together from opposing sides of the tape loop. For example, the securing means may include a post extending from the first plate member, through an aperture in the tape loop and may be fixed with respect to an aperture in the second plate member.

One of the first and second plate members may have a lever extending from it. Preferably, this lever cooperates with a correspondingly-shaped recess in the other plate member when the plate members are secured together to increase the clamping force between the plate members. The lever may, for example, be an upstand or prong.

Preferably, the method of assembling the tape measure includes the step of clasping a first plate member of the securing means to a second plate member of the securing means from opposing sides of the tape loop, via the apertures in the tape.

Preferably, the first and second plate members together enclose the tape loop so that the edges of the part of the tape in contact with the abutment surface are not free to slide off the abutment surface. This can avoid accidental detachment of the tape loop from the end assembly.

The tape may be formed so that, at the tape loop, the transverse extent of the tape is less than the transverse extent of the remainder of the tape. Waisting of the tape in this way allows the end assembly also to be narrower than would otherwise be the case to enclose the tape loop.

One advantage of cutting apertures and a slot through the tape loop is that the visible edges of the tape can remain un-cut. The enclosure of the tape loop by the end assembly can force the outer edges of the tape loop towards each other, thus reducing the width of the slot in the tape loop. Once the first and second plate members are assembled, any fraying (e.g. due to exposed fibre strands) of the tape is covered and hidden from view.

The tape may have a reinforcement strip secured at the end portion of the tape. For example, a suitable reinforcement strip may be secured to about the first 10 cm of the tape. The reinforcement strip may be secured to the tape before the formation of the tape loop.

Preferably, the reinforcement strip is welded to the tape (e.g. by high frequency welding).

Preferably, the end assembly includes a hook for engaging the ground, the hook being pivotable between operable and inoperable positions. The hook may be attached to either the first or second plate member.

Preferably, the end assembly includes an apertured end piece. The apertured end piece may be attached to either the first or second plate member.

Preferably, the first and/or second plate member has, on a surface facing away from the tape, a measurement scale corresponding to a measurement scale on the tape.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a tape before attachment of the end assembly, for use in an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a first plate member (bottom plate) for attachment with the tape of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of the tape of Fig. 1 and the first plate member of Fig. 2 assembled with each other.

Fig. 4 shows a top view of a second plate member (top plate) for attachment with the tape of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of the second plate member of Fig. 4 in an alternative orientation.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic view of the tape of Fig. 1 assembled with the first and second plates.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic view of the tape of Fig. 1 assembled with the first and second plates in an alternative orientation.

Fig. 8 shows a side view of an embodiment of the invention, including the entire end assembly and part of the tape.

The present invention may be applied to many different forms of tape measure. However, the preferred embodiment contemplates the invention applied to a tape measure that is useful for measuring distances of more than 10 metres. Such tape measures usually employ a long tape with a measuring scale formed (e.g. printed) on at least one face of the tape. One end of the tape is attached to a reel in a housing and the tape may be spooled onto the reel by manually winding the reel. The tape in such tape measures is typically a flat tape, i.e. it has no concave shape formed into it, because there is typically no call for a long tape that has a standout capability. Such a tape measure is known and will not be described further here.

The present invention is concerned with the attachment of an end assembly to the free end of the tape, i.e. to the end of the tape that, in the preferred embodiment, is not attached to a reel. In what follows, similar features from drawing to drawings are given the same reference numerals.

Fig. 1 shows the free end of a measuring tape 10.

The tape is formed of glass fibre reinforced plastics material in this embodiment, but the tape may be formed of other materials, e.g. other nonmetallic materials known in the field. In one embodiment, the free end of the tape is shaped (e.g. by cutting) to provide two apertures 12 with a slot 14 extending longitudinally along the tape between the apertures 12. In practice, apertures 12 and slot 14 are formed together by cutting a long slot with rounded ends. The difference in width between apertures 12 and slot 14 is due to the outer edges of the tape loop being forced towards each other.

Thus, the tape has a portion 16 of slightly narrower overall width in the region where the slot 14 extends.

The free end of the tape is looped back over itself so that lower portion 18 abuts with upper portion 20. The tape loop is formed so that apertures 12 overlie each other. Slot 14 extends so that the tape loop has two legs 22, 24. Each leg 22, 24 has a space 26 between the upper and lower portions of the tape.

In a preferred embodiment, the tape is first reinforced by securing a reinforcement strip (not shown) to the first 100 mm of the tape. The tape is then looped back over itself and welded via high frequency welding.

Then a slot with a rounded end is formed through the tape loop, disposed centrally and longitudinally to provide two legs 22,24 of the tape loop.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic enlarged view of a lower plate member 30, having a plate surface 32, and an aperture 34. Extending along the plate surface 32 is a central spine portion 36. Projecting from either side of the central spine portion are transverse arms 38, 40.

Each arm provides an abutment surface for the tape loop, as is described in more detail below.

Fig. 3 shows the tape 10 of Fig. 1 assembled with the lower plate member 30 of Fig. 2. Each arm 3 8, 40 is placed through a respective space 26 in the tape loop.

Aperture 34 of the lower plate member is lined up to coincide with apertures 12 in the tape. Central spine portion 36 is received in slot 14 of the tape.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic enlarged view of an upper plate member 50. Upper plate member 50 has a measuring scale 52 formed on its upper surface, the scale being arranged to coincide with a measuring scale (not shown) formed on the tape. A cylindrical hole 54 is formed transversely through one end of the upper plate member.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic enlarged view of the upper plate member 50 in a different orientation. A plate surface 56 is provided on the opposing side of the upper plate member to the measuring scale 52. A hollow post 58 is upstanding from the plate surface 56.

Longitudinally extending walls 60 stand up from the plate surface. Between walls 60, the plate surface has a dented region 62 extending transversely across the plate surface. Also, a channel 64 is provided, extending longitudinally from the dented region 62 towards post 58.

Upper plate member is assembled with the combination of the tape and the lower plate member so that the respective plate surfaces of the upper plate member and the lower plate member abut the tape. Post 58 is received through apertures 12, 34 and is fixed in place with respect to aperture 34, e.g. by clickable engagement or by other means such as ultrasonic welding or heat staking. The combination is shown in Fig. 6 in one orientation and in Fig. 7 in another orientation.

The tape looped over arms 38, 40 is received between walls 60 in dented region 62. The shape of the opposed plate surfaces acts to press the tape loop tighter and thereby hold the tape more firmly against the arms 38, 40.

The fixing of post 58 with respect to aperture 34 holds the remainder of the tape loop with respect to the arms 38, 40. Prong 39 nests into a suitably shaped hole 61 above dented region 62 and acts as a lever to clamp the tape with great force when the top and bottom plates are fixed using post 58.

Fig. 8 shows a side view of the end assembly including an apertured end piece (loop) 70 and a ground hook 72 fixed to the upper plate member 50 via a pivot pin 74 through hole 54. Suitable apertured end pieces and ground hooks are known. Both are able to pivot about the upper plate member 50 as required by the user.

Typically, the upper plate member, the lower plate member and the apertured end piece are rigid and are injection moulded from plastics material. The ground hook is typically formed from steel.

The above embodiment has been described by way of example only. On reading this disclosure, modifications of this embodiment, further embodiments and modifications thereof will be apparent to the skilled person and as such are within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A measuring tape having an end assembly attached at its free end, the end assembly having: an abutment surface over which the tape is looped back over itself to provide a tape loop having a looped-back portion of the tape; and securing means holding the looped-back portion of tape with respect to the remainder of the tape loop, wherein the abutment surface is held rigidly in the end assembly with respect to the securing means.

2. A measuring tape according to claim l wherein the looped-back portion of tape abuts directly against a portion of the remainder of the tape loop.

3. A measuring tape according to claim l or claim 2 wherein the tape is formed from a fibre-reinforced plastics material.

4. A measuring tape according to any one of claims l to 3 wherein the abutment surface extends substantially transversely to the elongate direction of the tape.

5. A measuring tape according to claim 4 wherein the abutment surface is provided in two portions, by two transverse arms.

6. A measuring tape according to claim 5 wherein the tape loop has two branches separated by a slot, each branch being looped over a respective one of the two transversely extending arms.

7. A measuring tape according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the securing means presses corresponding parts of the tape loop together.

8. A measuring tape according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the securing means includes a first plate member and a second plate member clasped together from opposing sides of the tape loop.

9. A measuring tape according to claim 8 wherein the securing means includes one or more posts extending from the first plate member, through an aperture in the tape loop and fixed with respect to an aperture in the second plate member.

10. A measuring tape according to claim 8 or claim 9 wherein the first and second plate members together enclose the tape loop so that the edges of the part of the tape in contact with the abutment surface are not free to slide off the abutment surface.

11. A measuring tape according to any one of claims 1 to wherein the tape is formed so that, at the tape loop, the transverse extent of the tape is less than the transverse extent of the remainder of the tape. s

12. A measuring tape according to any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the end assembly includes a hook for engaging the ground, the hook being pivotable between operable and inoperable positions.

13. A measuring tape according to any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the end assembly includes an apertured end piece.

14. A method of assembling an end assembly onto a free end of a tape measure including the steps: looping the tape over an abutment surface of the end assembly and over itself to form a tape loop with a looped-back portion of the tape; and securing the looped-back portion of the tape with respect to the remainder of the tape loop using securing means, wherein the abutment surface is held rigidly in the end assembly with respect to the securing means.

15. A method according to claim 14 including the step of forming an aperture in the looped-back portion, forming an aperture in the remainder of the tape loop and lining these apertures up to overlie each other when forming the tape loop.

16. A method according to claim 15 including the step of forming a slot between the two apertures so that, when the tape is looped back over itself to overlie the apertures, the tape loop has two branches separated by the slot.

17. A method according to claim 14 including the step of forming an elongate slot in the looped-back portion of the tape after forming the looped-back portion of tape so that the tape loop has two branches separated by the elongate slot.

18. A method according to any one of claims 15 to 17 including the step of clasping a first plate member of the securing means to a second plate member of the securing means from opposing sides of the tape loop, via the apertures or slot in the tape.