Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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TAPE MEASURE
TECHNICAL HELD
[00011 This disclosure and the drawings submitted herewith relate generally
to measuring
devices and more specifically it relates to a tape measure that incorporates a
marking device and a
corresponding viewing indicator for allowing an individual to measure and
'mark a wide variety of
materials in a more efficient and accurate manner.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Various different forms and types of measuring devices are known to
the prior art. One
particular type of measuring device is known as a ((tape measure." Tape
measures typically comprise
a flexible tape resiliently coiled within a housing. The flexible tape is
normally printed with
incremental measuring marks for measuring distances. In use, the flexible tape
is uncoiled and
extended from the housing and placed on a surface to be measured. Distances
can then Fe marked
with a separate marking tool, such as a pencil, directly onto the surface
measured.
[0003] Numerous devices incorporating marking tools inside and outside tape
measure
housings are known in the prior art. These include devices which are affixed
to existing tape
measure housings, for instance the self adhesive scoring attachment of U.S.
Pat. No. 6041513
(Doak), and other marking devices (for instance U.S. Pat. Nos. 6698104
(Scarborough), 6701635
(Scarborough), 6637125 (Scarborough), 6701636 (Scarborough), 6910280
(Scarborough); 6941672
(Scarborough), 6971185(Scarborough), and 7334344 (Scarborough)). Marking
devices can also
include marking tools which are affixed to belt clips of existing tape measure
housings. In example,
U.S. Pat. No. 4760648 (Doak et al.) which discloses a marking device adapted
to be mounted on
one side of the tape measure, namely as a replacement belt clip. Marking
devices can also include
housings configured for receipt therethrough of marking means, such as pencils
or pens. In
example, U.S. Pat. No. 5735052 (Lin) discloses a tape measure having formed
therein a passage for
receiving therethrough the marking means. Marking devices can also include
marking tools which
arc integral with the tape measure housing. For instance, U.S. Pat. No.
5435074 (Holevas ct al.)
discloses a tape measure having a marker attached to the tape measures lock so
that depression of
the lock mechanism also extends the marker out of the housing of the tape
measure. Also, U.S.
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Pat. No. 4015337 (Taylor) discloses a marking device integrally formed into
the housing of the tape
measure. Marking devices can also include scoring means rather than marking
means utilizing
indicia (e.g., ink, graphite). For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 2649787
(Kobayashi), U.S. Pat. No.
3063157 (Keene), and U.S. Pat. No. 3526,64 (Clark, Jr.).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first exemplary tape measure.
[0005] Figure 2 is a front view of the first exemplary tape measure of
Figure 1.
[0006] Figure 3 is an environmental top view of the first exemplary tape
measure of Figure 1.
[0007] Figure 4 is an isolation side view detail of the indicator viewer of
the second exemplary
tape measure.
[0008] Figure 5 is a top view detail of the indicator viewer of the second
exemplary tape
measure of Figure 4, tilted to the left.
[0009] Figure 6 is an end view detail of the indicator viewer of the second
exemplary tape
measure of Figure 4, tilted to the left.
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[0010] Figure 7 is a top view detail of the indicator viewer of the second
exemplary tape
measure of Figure 4, untilted.
[0011] Figure 8 is an end view detail of the indicator viewer of the second
exemplary tape
measure of Figure 4, untilted.
[0012] Figure 9 is a top view detail of the indicator viewer of the second
exemplary tape
measure of Figure 4 tilted to the right.
[0013] Figure 10 is an end view detail of the indicator viewer of the
second exemplary tape
measure of Figure 4 tilted to the right.
[0014] Figure 11 is a first end, isometric view of the indicator viewer of
a third exemplary tape
measure.
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[0015] Figure 12 is a first schematic illustration of the indicator viewer
of Figure 11, tilted.
[0016] Figure 13 is a second schematic illustration of the indicator viewer
of Figure 11.
[0017] Figure 14 is a plan view of the indicator viewer of Figure 11,
tilted.
[0018] Figure 15 is a first end, isometric view of the indicator viewer of
a fourth exemplary
tape measure.
[0019] Figure 16 is a first schematic illustration of the indicator viewer
of Figure 15, tilted.
[0020] Figure 17 is a second schematic illustration of the indicator viewer
of Figure 15.
[0021] Figure 18 is a plan view of the indicator viewer of Figure 15,
tilted.
[0022] Figure 19 is a first end, isometric view of the indicator viewer of
a fourth exemplary
tape measure.
[0023] Figure 20 is a first schematic illustration of the indicator viewer
of Figure 19, tilted.
[0024] Figure 21 is a second schematic illustration of the indicator viewer
of Figure 19.
[0025] Figure 22 is a plan view of the indicator viewer of Figure 19,
tilted.
[0026] Figure 23 is a first end, isometric view of the indicator viewer of
a fifth exemplary tape
measure.
[0027] Figure 24 is an end view detail of the indicator viewer of a sixth
exemplary tape
measure.
[0028] Figure 25 is an end view detail of the indicator viewer of a seventh
exemplary tape
measure.
[0029] Figure 26 is an end view detail of the indicator viewer of an eighth
exemplary tape
measure.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] The following description and the referenced drawings provide
illustrative examples of
that which the inventor regards as his invention. As such, the embodiments
discussed herein are
merely exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the scope of the
invention, or its
protection, in any manner. Rather, the description and illustration of these
embodiments serve to
enable a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art to practice the
invention.
[00311 The use of "e.g.," "etc," "for instance," "in example," "for
example," and "or" and
grammatically related terms indicates non-exclusive alternatives without
limitation, unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise. The use of "including" and grammatically
related terms means
"including, but not limited to," unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. The use of the articles
"a," "an" and "the" are meant to be interpreted as referring to the singular
as well as the plural,
unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to
"indicia" includes two
or more such indicia, and the like. The use of "optionally," "alternatively,"
and grammatically
related terms means that the subsequently described element, event or
circumstance may or may
not be present/occur, and that the description includes instances where said
element, event or
circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. The use of "preferred,"
"preferably," and
grammatically related terms means that a specified element or technique is
more acceptable than
another, but not that such specified element or technique is a necessity,
unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise. The use of "exemplary" means "an example of" and is not
intended to convey a
meaning of an ideal or preferred embodiment. Words of approximation (e.g.,
"substantially,"
((generally"), as used in context of the specification and figures, are
intended to take on their
ordinary and customary meanings which denote approximation, unless the context
clearly dictates
otherwise.
[0032] The use of "indicia," means a marking, point, dot, tinting, sign,
color, symbol, shape,
light reflective material, line, pattern, decal, or the like, visible on or
within a component,
including but not limited to indicia applied to and/or formed upon on the
surface of a
component, indicia embedded into a component, paint as indicia, and the like,
or unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise.
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[0033] The use of "tape measure" means, a measuring device, including but
not limited to
digital measuring devices, laser rangefinders, laser measuring tools,
proximity sensors, optical
sensors, tape measures, GPS, magnetic, and sonar, unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise.
[0034] Tape measures can be prone to inaccuracy which is caused by the
parallax that is
created between the cupped blade of the tape measure and the surface being
measured and
marked. To address this issue, an operator can manually push the cupped
measuring blade down
flat to the surface being marked, in order to eliminate that parallax before
making the mark.
Curved or cupped measuring blades are common because a cupped blade will stand
out from the
tape measure housing much further than a flat blade. It is widely accepted
that blade standout is a
valuable feature when measuring and marking, but this feature causes the edge
of the cupped blade
to be raised off the surface that is being measured.
[0035] Another issue with conventional marking/measuring devices (such as
tape measures)
with cupped measuring blades is that if a marking device is attached to the
tape measure housing,
it then requires an indicator that is over the measuring blade in alignment
with the marking
device. That results in a parallax effect between the indicator and the blade
surface which can
cause inaccuracies if the eye of the person measuring is not directly aligned
above the indicator.
[0036] Described herein, and illustrated in the drawings, are exemplary
tape measures.
Referring initially to Figures 1 through 3, illustrated is a first exemplary
tape measure 10. The first
exemplary tape measure 10 comprises a measuring device 12 incorporating a
marking device 80.
The first exemplary tape measure 10 includes a housing 20, a coiled measuring
tape 40 having
measuring indicia thereon, a tape tip 42, a marking device 80, an indicator
viewer 50, and a lock
portion 44. The first exemplary tape measure 10 is configured to be used upon
a surface 100 to be
measured and marked. The surface 100 to be measured and marked can be of any
shape or size
material that would commonly be measured with a tape measure. The surface 100
to be measured
and marked may also be a structure or a combination of materials.
[00371 As illustrated in Figure 2, in the exemplary marking device
illustrated, the marking
device 80 further comprises a circular marking wheel 84. The circular marking
wheel having an
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aperture defined thereto for receiving an axle 81. The axle 81 may comprise
axle protrusions or
ends which are configured for rotational engagement with a portion of the
enclosure 83.
[0038] Exemplary marking devices may be configured for applying a marking
substance, such
as graphite, charcoal, wax, chalk, ink, paint, etc., via a marking applicator,
to the marking wheel.
For instance, a graphite pencil lead (the marking applicator) could be held
under tension or
compression against the surface of the marking wheel, which in turn is
configured for contacting
the surface to be measured and marked. Thus, rotation of the marking wheel
against the surface to
be measured and marked also results in rotation of the marking wheel against
the marking
applicator. This results in the transmission of the marking substance
(graphite) from the marking
applicator onto the wheel of the marking device. Then, continued movement of
the marking
device against the surface to be measured and marked results in the transfer
of the marking
substance to the surface to be measured and marked from the marking device.
The marking device
could further comprise or be partially comprised of, a material (e.g., rubber
material, porous
material) configured for allowing for easier application of such a marking
substance. Such a
material could more easily hold and carry to the surface to be marked the
marking substance.
[0039] Additionally, the marking device could be selectively engaged or
disengaged by the user
through use of an engagement/disengagement controller 85. This would allow the
user to decide
whether to also, or instead, apply a marking substance to the surface marked.
For instance, a spring
mechanism could be utilized whereby through pushing a button on the housing,
the marking
device could be activated or deactivated.
[0040] It is preferred that the marking wheel be made of a material able to
itself leave or create
a mark upon or into the surface to be marked. For instance, the wheel could be
made of a hard
metal, such as steel. The marking wheel may be hardened and/or ground at an
angle, similar to a
glass-cutting wheel. Such an angle may be configured to provide a narrow,
accurate mark or may be
configured and sharpened to actually serve as a cutting wheel. Thus, "marking"
is intended to
include marking by cutting. Exemplary marking wheels may further comprise a
rim for contacting
the surface to be marked, at least a portion of this rim extending out of the
enclosure. The
marking wheel could likewise be made of different materials for the different
purposes discussed
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within this application, including, but not limited to metal, composites,
rubber, plastic, natural
materials, foam, etc. Likewise, the shape of the marking wheel can be as
necessary, including but
not limited to: rounded, flat, angled, sharpened, solid, porous, etc. While
the marking device 80
illustrated is one particular configuration of a marking device, a skilled
artisan will be able to select
an appropriate marking device in a particular embodiment based on various
considerations,
including the intended usc of the tape measure, the intended arena within
which the tape measure
will be used, and the equipment and/or accessories with which the tape measure
is intended to be
used, among other considerations, including the marking devices disclosed in
the inventor's
related U.S. Patents, namely U.S. Pat, Nos. 6698104, 6701635, 6637125,
6701636, 6910280,
6941672, 6971185, and 7334344.
[0041] Some exemplary tape measures are configured for utilizing a
directional marking device
to make a mark upon the surface to be marked which is generally perpendicular
to the distance
measured, and confirming that the mark to be made is accurate through use of
the indicator
viewer. The exemplary tape measure 10 of Figures 1 through 3 utilizes a wheel-
based marking
device to accomplish this purpose. A skilled artisan will be able to select an
appropriate marking
device in a particular embodiment based on various considerations, including
the intended use of
the tape measure, the intended arena within which the tape measure will be
used, and the
equipment and/or accessories with which the tape measure is intended to be
used, among other
considerations. For instance, a skilled artisan could utilize other manners of
restricting the housing
itself to perpendicular movement while using a non-directional marking means,
for instance one or
more wheels located in the base of the measuring device.
[0042] The enclosure 83 for enclosing at least a portion of the marking
device 80. The
enclosure 83 is formed as part of the housing 20 (e.g., molded, attached
during manufacture,
attached after manufacture), or is configured for attachment to the housing
20, for instance
through use of adhesives, snap fits, mechanical fasteners, plastic welding,
magnets, etc.
[0043] The housing 20 is preferably an elongated square, a cylindrical
shape or a combination
thereof, as illustrated in the Figures. Many different shapes and styles of
tape measure housings are
known to the prior art and may be configured for use with an exemplary tape
measure. The
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housing 20 illustrated in Figures 1 through 3 having a first side wall 22
opposing a second side wall
24, a top wall 26, a base 28, a rear wall 30, and a front wall 32. These walls
defining an enclosure
for holding a coiled measuring tape 40. The front wall 32 having a tape blade
aperture 34 defined
therethrough for allowing the coiled measuring tape 40 to be extended. It is
preferred that the
housing 20 be made of a rigid material such as metal, plastic, rubber,
composite or a combination
thereof. One alternate housing further comprises at least one roller or
bearing located on the base
of the housing to facilitate perpendicular movement of the housing, to the
marking device, against
the surface to be measured and marked.
[0044] In the first exemplary tape measure 10, the coiled measuring tape 40
is an elongated
blade formed of a ribbon of metal or composite material coiled on a spooling
means (such as a
spool), with a retraction means (such as a spring mechanism). Such coiled
measuring tapes with
spring retraction means are common in the prior art. It is preferred that the
coiled measuring tape
be made of a resilient material, such as metal, plastic or a composite. The
uncoiled end of the
coiled measuring tape 40 terminates in a tape tip 42 configured for hooking
onto the edge 102 of
the surface 100 to be measured/marked, such as the edge of a board. Such tape
tips arc standard
for tape measures in the prior art.
[0045] The enclosure 83 illustrated in these Figures is preferably
generally elongated square in
shape, or a combination thereof, or any other shape that would effectively
house a marking device.
In certain exemplary tape measures, the enclosure can comprise an attachment
portion for
facilitating the attachment of the enclosure to the housing, whereas, in
certain other exemplary
tape measures, the enclosure may be integrally formed within the housing.
[0046] In use, particularly as illustrated in Figure 3, the tape tip 42 is
hooked on the edge 102
of the surface 100 to be measured/marked. The housing 20 then moved away from
the edge 102
thereby extending the coiled measuring tape 40. Side-to-side movement of the
housing 20 at the
desired mark location results in the marking device 80 making a mark on the
surface 100 to be
measured/marked generally perpendicular to the axis of the length of the
coiled measuring tape 40
(the direction the coiled measuring tape 40 can be extended out of the housing
20).
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[0047] It is preferred that an exemplary tape measure also comprise a lock
portion 44, as
illustrated in Figures 1 through 3. The lock portion 44 for enabling the
coiled measuring tape 40
to be locked in a particular position by a user of the tape measure 10. This
lock portion 44 has a
button section 46 that protrudes to from the exterior of the housing 20. Tape
measure locking
devices are known in the prior art. If an exemplary tape measure is desired to
have a locking
device, a skilled artisan will be able to select an appropriate locking device
for the tape measure in
a particular embodiment based on various considerations, including the
intended use of the tape
measure, the intended arena within which the tape measure will be used, and
the equipment
and/or accessories with which the tape measure is intended to be used, among
other
considerations.
[0048] The use of such a lock portion is completely optional, and exemplary
tape measures will
not have decreased functionality in the absence such a lock portion. This is
due to the fact that the
preferred marking device is directional, thereby enabling a user to create
generally a straight-line
mark generally perpendicular to the axis of the length of the coiled measuring
tape. Thus, once the
marking device is placed against the surface to he marked at the location of
the mark to be made,
the tape measure itself does not need to be locked into place (and could even
be retracted).
[0049] An exemplary indicator viewer is spaced apart from the bottom side
of the housing,
and is placed above the tape blade aperture. The indicator viewer also is
preferably aligned with the
marking device. The indicator viewer has at least one first indicia, and at
least one second indicia.
These indicia oriented parallel to the second direction. The indicator viewer
preferably configured
such that with correct eye alignment, the first indicia and the second indicia
appear to be aligned
with one another. Further, the indicator viewer preferably configured such
that with incorrect eye
alignment the first indicia and the second indicia appear to be misaligned
with one another.
[0050] As illustrated in Figures I, 2 and 3, in the first exemplary tape
measure 10, the housing
20 comprises an indicator viewer 50 that is in alignment with the marking
device 80. Thus, the
indicator viewer 50 gives the user of the first exemplary tape measure 10 a
precise indication of
where the marking device 80, such as marking wheel 84, is aligned, thereby
indicating the
alignment of the mark to be made by the marking device 80. In other exemplary
tape measures, the
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indicator viewer may include magnification means for magnifying the indicator
viewer. The first
indicator viewer 50 is illustrated in Figure 1 as extending across the entire
width of the tape 40. In
other exemplary tape measures, an exemplary indicator viewer may be shorter,
only extending
across a portion of the width of the tape 40, for instance the indicator
viewer 160 of Figure 24, and
indicator viewer 190 of Figure 25.
[0051] A second exemplary indicator viewer 60 is illustrated in Figures 4
through 10. The
second exemplary indicator viewer 60 could replace the first indicator viewer
50 illustrated in
Figure 1 in an exemplary tape measure. The second exemplary. indicator viewer
60 comprising
body 82 of rigid optical transparent material (e.g., plastic, composite,
glass, or a combination
thereof), first indicia 53, and second indicia 55. The body 82 having an upper
side 52 defining a
first longitudinal groove 51 defined therein, and having lower side 54
defining a second
longitudinal groove 57. The first indicia 53 comprising a first indicator line
within the first
longitudinal groove 51, whereas the second indicia 55 comprising a
corresponding second
indicator line within the second longitudinal groove 57. While such a
configuration is utilized in
the second exemplary indicator viewer 60, a skilled artisan will be able to
select an appropriate
configuration, including the type and number of indicia, in a particular
embodiment=based on
various considerations, including the intended use of the tape measure, the
intended arena within
which the tape measure will be used, and the equipment and/or accessories with
which the tape
measure is intended to be used, among other considerations.
[0052] In this exemplary indicator viewer 60, the first indicia 53 and the
second indicia 55 are
preferably separated by transparent space that is generally the thickness of
the indicator viewer 50.
In other exemplary indicatory viewers, more or less of a separation between
the first iridicia and
the second indicia may be present.
[0053] As illustrated in Figure 3, in use, the housing 20 may be brought
into contact with the
surface 100 to be measured and marked. The tape tip 42 is allowed to engage
the edge 102 of the
surface 100 to be measured and marked, while the housing 20 is pulled across
the surface 100 to
be measured and marked to the desired location as verified by the indicator
viewer 50.
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[0054] Turning now to Figure 4, the indicator viewer 60 can be utilized to
confirm to the user
that no parallax effect is occurring when the user views the indicator viewer
60. If the first indicia
53 and the second indicia 55 appear to be aligned with one another, as
illustrated by the overhead
perspective view 6 where the user has correct eye alignment, then no parallax
is present. This view
is further detailed in Figures 7 and 8. As viewed by the user, second indicia
55 would be effectively
hidden behind first indicia 53. The indicia (when aligned) pointing at marking
indicia on the tape
40 denoting the measurement of distance from the free end of the tape 40
(having the tape tip 42)
to the marking device 80.
[0055] If the first indicia 53 and the second indicia 55 do not appear to
be aligned with one
another, as illustrated by angled overhead perspective view 4 where the user
has incorrect eye
alignment, then parallax is present. This view is further detailed in Figures
5 and 6. As viewed by
the user, second indicia 55 would not be effectively hidden behind first
indicia 53, and would be
visible through the transparent indicator viewer 60.
[0056] If the first indicia 53 and the second indicia 55 do not appear to
be aligned with one
another, as illustrated by angled overhead perspective view 8 where the user
has incorrect eye
alignment, then parallax is present. This view is further detailed in Figures
9 and 10. As viewed by
the user, second indicia 55 would not be effectively hidden behind first
indicia 53, and would be
visible through the transparent indicator viewer 60.
[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the first indicia 53 and the second
indicia 55 are of
contrasting colors. For instance, the first indicia 53 could be black, and the
second indicia 55
could be red. In this format, the second indicia 55 would disappear from the
user's view when the
user viewing from a directly overhead perspective view 6 (as illustrated in
Figure 7) and the user
would only see the black first indicia 53. Once the absence of parallax has
been confirmed, the
marking device can be engaged, and the mark applied to the surface to be
marked.
[0058] Further, if the user has incorrect eye alignment (as illustrated as
angled overhead
perspective view 4 and angled overhead perspective view 8 in Figure 4), then
the second indicia 55
would be visible adjacent the black first indicia 53. The presence of parallax
would trigger the user
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to reorient the tape measure to eliminate the parallax before the marking
device can be engaged,
and the mark applied to the surface to be marked.
[0059] Referring now to Figures 11 through 14, illustrated is a third
indicator viewer 70. The
third indicator viewer 70 could replace the first indicator viewer 50
illustrated in Figure 1 in an
exemplary tape measure. The indicator viewer 70 is in alignment with the
marking device 80.
Thus, the indicator viewer 70 gives the user of an exemplary tape measure 10 a
precise indication
of where the marking device 80, such as marking wheel 84, is aligned, thereby
indicating the
alignment of the mark to be made by the marking device 80. The third indicator
viewer 70 having
a first edge having first indicia 71 applied to at least a portion thereof,
and a first side having
second indicia 72 applied to at least a portion thereof. Alternatively, the
third indicator viewer 70
could comprise a second side opposite the first side to which third indicia is
applied to at least a
portion thereof. In these figures, first indicia 71 is hatched for the color
black, and second indicia
72 is hatched for the color red. A skilled artisan will be able to select an
appropriate indicia,
including color thereof, in a particular embodiment based on various
considerations, including the
intended use of the tape measure the intended arena within which the tape
measure will be used,
and the equipment and/or accessories with which the tape measure is intended
to be used, among
other considerations.
[0060] The indicator viewer 70 can be utilized to confirm to the user that
no parallax effect is
occurring when the user views the indicator viewer 70. If the first indicia 71
and the second indicia
72 appear to be aligned with one another, as illustrated by the overhead
perspective view 6 of
Figures 13 where the user has correct eye alignment, then no parallax is
present. As viewed by the
user, second indicia 72 would be effectively hidden behind first indicia 71.
Again, the indicia
(when aligned) pointing at marking indicia on the tape 40 denoting the
measurement of distance
from the free end of the tape 40 (having the tape tip 42) to the marking
device 80. Once the
absence of parallax has been confirmed, the marking device can be engaged, and
the mark applied
to the surface to be marked.
[0061] If the first indicia 71 and the second indicia 72 do not appear to
be aligned with one
another, as illustrated by angled overhead perspective view 4 of Figures 12
and 14 where the user
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has incorrect eye alignment, then parallax is present. As viewed by the user,
second indicia 72
would not be effectively hidden behind first indicia 71, and would be visible.
[00621 Further, if the user has incorrect eye alignment (as illustrated as
angled overhead
perspective view 4 of Figures 12 and 14), then the red second indicia 72 would
be visible adjacent
the black first indicia 71. The presence of parallax would trigger the user to
reorient the tape
measure to eliminate the parallax before the marking device can be engaged,
and the mark applied
to the surface to be marked.
[0063] Referring now to Figures 15 through 18, illustrated is a fourth
indicator viewer 75. The
fourth indicator viewer 75 could replace the first indicator viewer 50
illustrated in Figure 1 in an
exemplary tape measure. The indicator viewer 75 is in alignment with the
marking device 80.
Thus, the indicator viewer 75 gives the user of an exemplary tape measure 10 a
precise indication
of where the marking device 80, such as marking wheel 84, is aligned, thereby
indicating the
alignment of the mark to be made by the marking device 80. The fourth
indicator viewer 75 having
a first horizontal edge having first indicia 76 applied to at least a portion
thereof, and a first
vertical side having second indicia 77 applied to at least a portion thereof.
These Figures illustrate
indicator viewer 75 further comprising a void 79 defined therethrough, or at
least a portion of the
way therethrough. The void 79 could also comprise a surface bearing indicia,
as illuStrated in
Figures 15 and 18. Exemplary fourth indicator viewers 75 could comprise one,
both or neither of
the side indicia (second indicia 77) and indicia in the void 79.
Alternatively, the fourth indicator
viewer 75 could comprise a second side opposite the first side to which third
indicia is applied to at
least a portion thereof. In these figures, first indicia 76 is hatched for the
color green, and second
indicia 77 is hatched for the color red. A skilled artisan will be able to
select an appropriate indicia,
including color thereof, in a particular embodiment based on various
considerations, including the
intended use of the tape measure the intended arena within which the tape
measure will be used,
and the equipment and/or accessories with which the tape measure is intended
to be used, among
other considerations.
[0064] The indicator viewer 75 can be utilized to confirm to the user that
no parallax effect is
occurring when the user views the indicator viewer 75. If the first indicia 76
and the second indicia
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77 appear to be aligned with one another, as illustrated by the overhead
perspective view 6 of
Figure 17 where the user has correct eye alignment, then no parallax is
present. As viewed by the
user, second indicia 77 would be effectively hidden behind first indicia 76.
Again, the indicia
(when, aligned) pointing at marking indicia on the tape 40 denoting the
measurement of distance
from the free end of the tape 40 (having the tape tip 42) to the marking
device 80. Once the
absence of parallax has been confirmed, the marking device can be engaged, and
the mark applied
to the surface to be marked.
[0065] If the first indicia 76 and the second indicia 77 do not appear to
be aligned with one
another, as illustrated by angled overhead perspective view 4 of Figures 16
and 18 where the user
has incorrect eye alignment, then parallax is present. As viewed by the user,
second indicia 77
would not be effectively hidden behind first indicia 76, and would be visible.
[0066] Further, if the user has incorrect eye alignment (as illustrated as
angled overhead
perspective view 4 of Figures 16 and 18), then the red second indicia 77 would
be visible adjacent
the green first indicia 76. The presence of parallax would trigger the user to
reorient the tape
measure to eliminate the parallax before the marking device can be engaged,
and the mark applied
to the surface to be marked.
[0067] Referring now to Figures 19 through 22, illustrated is a fifth
indicator viewer 90. The
fifth indicator viewer 90 could replace the first indicator viewer 50
illustrated in Figure 1 in an
exemplary tape measure. The indicator viewer 90 is in alignment with the
marking device 80.
Thus, the indicator viewer 90 gives the user of an exemplary tape measure 10 a
precise indication
of where the marking device 80, such as marking wheel 84, is aligned, thereby
indicating the
alignment of the mark to be made by the marking device 80. The fifth indicator
viewer 90 having a
first horizontal edge having first indicia 91 applied to at least a portion
thereof, and a void 95
defined therethrough, or at least a portion of the way therethrough. The void
95 comprising a
surface bearing second indicia 92, as illustrated in Figures 19 and 22.
Alternatively, the fifth
indicator viewer 90 could comprise a second side opposite the first side to
which third indicia is
applied to at least a portion thereof. In these figures, first indicia 91 is
hatched for the color green,
and second indicia 92 is hatched for the color red. A skilled artisan will be
able to select an
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appropriate indicia, including color thereof, in a particular embodiment based
on various
considerations, including the intended use of the tape measure the intended
arena within which
the tape measure will be used, and the equipment and/or accessories with which
the tape measure
is intended to be used, among other considerations.
[0068] The indicator viewer 90 can be utilized to confirm to the user that
no parallax effect is
occurring when the user views the indicator viewer 90. If the first indicia 91
and the second indicia
92 appear to be aligned with one another, as illustrated by the overhead
perspective view 6 of
Figure 21 where the user has correct eye alignment, then no parallax is
present. As viewed by the
user, second indicia 92 would be effectively hidden behind first indicia 91.
Again, the indicia
(when aligned) pointing at marking indicia on the tape 40 denoting the
measurement of distance
from the free end of the tape 40 (having the tape tip 42) to the marking
device 80. Once the
absence of parallax has been confirmed, the marking device can be engaged, and
the mark applied
to the surface to be marked.
[0069] If the first indicia 91 and the second indicia 92 do not appear to
be aligned with one
another, as illustrated by angled overhead perspective view 4 of Figures 20
and 22 where the user
has incorrect eye alignment, then parallax is present. As viewed by the user,
second indicia 92
would not be effectively hidden behind first indicia 91, and would be visible.
[0070] Further, if the user has incorrect eye alignment (as illustrated as
angled overhead
perspective view 4 of Figures 20 and 22, then the red second indicia 92 would
be visible adjacent
the black first indicia 91. The presence of parallax would trigger the user to
reorient the tape
measure to eliminate the parallax before the marking device can be engaged,
and the mark applied
to the surface to be marked.
[0071] Referring now to Figure 23, illustrated is a sixth indicator viewer
96. The sixth
indicator viewer 96 could replace the first indicator viewer 50 illustrated in
Figure 1 in an
exemplary tape measure. The indicator viewer 96 is in alignment with the
marking device 80.
Thus, the indicator viewer 96 gives the user of an exemplary tape measure 10 a
precise indication
of where the marking device 80, such as marking wheel 84, is aligned, thereby
indicating the
alignment of the mark to be made by the marking device 80. The sixth indicator
viewer 96 having
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first indicia 97, and second indicia 98. The first indicia 97 and the second
indicia 98 comprise
points of reference. In these figures, first indicia 97 is hatched for a first
color, and second indicia
98 is hatched for a second color. A skilled artisan will be able to select an
appropriate indicia,
including color thereof, in a particular embodiment based on various
considerations, including the
intended use of the tape measure the intended arena within which the tape
measure will be used,
and the equipment and/or accessories with which the tape measure is intended
to be used, among
other considerations.
[0072] The indicator viewer 96 can be utilized to confirm to the user that
no parallax effect is
occurring when the user views the indicator viewer 96. If the first indicia 97
and the second indicia
98 appear to be aligned with one another, then no parallax is present. As
viewed by the user,
second indicia 98 would he effectively hidden behind first indicia 97. Again,
the indicia (when
aligned) pointing at marking indicia on the tape 40 denoting the measurement
of distance from
the free end of the tape 40 (having the tape tip 42) to the marking device 80.
Once the absence of
parallax has been confirmed, the marking device can be engaged, and the mark
applied to the
surface to be marked.
[0073] If the first indicia 97 and the second indicia 98 do not appear to
be aligned with one
another, then parallax is present. As viewed by the user, second indicia 98
would not be effectively
hidden behind first indicia 97, and would be visible.
[0074] Referring now to Figure 24, illustrated is an end view detail of the
seventh exemplary
indicator viewer 160. The indicator viewer 160 could replace the first
indicator Viewer 50
illustrated in Figure 1 in an exemplary tape measure. The first indicator
viewer 50 is illustrated in
Figure 1 as extending across the entire width of the tape 40. Indicator viewer
160 could only
extend across a portion of the width of the tape 40. For instance, the
indicator viewer 160 has a
first side 151 opposite a second side 158, and a bottom side 154 opposite a
top side 152. The first
side 151 could attach to the housing of the tape measure, leaving the second
end 158 free.
[0075] The indicator viewer 160 is in alignment with the marking device 80.
Thus, the
indicator viewer 160 gives the user of an exemplary tape measure a precise
indication of where the
marking device 80, such as marking wheel 84, is aligned, thereby indicating
the alignment of the
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mark to be made by the marking device 80. The seventh indicator viewer 160
having first indicia
153, second indicia 155, and a transparent body. Preferably, first indicia 153
and second indicia
155 are of a color or colors contrasting to the transparent body. A skilled
artisan will be able to
select an appropriate indicia, including color thereof, in a particular
embodiment based on various
considerations, including the intended use of the tape measure the intended
arena within which
the tape measure will be used, and the equipment and/or accessories with which
the tape measure
is intended to be used, among other considerations.
[0076] The indicator viewer 160 can be utilized to confirm to the user that
no parallax effect is
occurring when the user views the indicator viewer 160. If the first indicia
153 and the second
indicia 155 appear to be aligned with one another, then no parallax is
present. As viewed by the
= user, second indicia 155 would be effectively hidden behind first indicia
153. Again, the indicia
(when aligned) pointing at marking indicia on the tape 40 denoting the
measurement of distance
from the free end of the tape 40 (having the tape tip 42) to the marking
device 80. Once the
absence of parallax has been confirmed, the marking device can be engaged, and
the mark applied
to the surface to be marked. If the first indicia 153 and the second indicia
155 are misaligned with
one another, then parallax is present.
[0077] Referring now to Figure 25, illustrated is an end view detail of the
seventh exemplary
indicator viewer 190. The indicator viewer 190 could replace the first
indicator viewer 50
illustrated in Figure 1 in an exemplary tape measure. The first indicator
viewer 50 is illustrated in
Figure 1 as extending across the entire width of the tape 40. Indicator viewer
190 could only
extend across a portion of the width of the tape 40. The indicator viewer 190
is in alignment with
the marking device 80. Thus, the indicator viewer 190 gives the user of an
exemplary tape measure
a precise indication of where the marking device 80, such as marking wheel 84,
is aligned, thereby
indicating the alignment of the mark to be made by the marking device 80.
[0078] The indicator viewer 190 having a first horizontal edge having first
indicia 191 applied
to at least a portion thereof, and a void 195 defined therethrough, or at
least a portion of the way
therethrough. The void 195 comprising surface bearing indicia 192. Preferably,
first indicia 191
and second indicia 192 are of contrasting colors. A skilled artisan will be
able to select an
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appropriate indicia, including color thereof, in a particular embodiment based
on various
considerations, including the intended use of the tape measure the intended
arena within which
the tape measure will be used, and the equipment and/or accessories with Which
the tape measure
is intended to be used, among other considerations.
[0079] The indicator viewer 190 can be utilized to confirm to the user that
no parallax effect is
occurring when the user views the indicator viewer 190. If the first indicia
191 and the second
indicia 195 appear to be aligned with one another, then no parallax is
present. As viewed by the
user, second indicia 195 would be effectively hidden behind first indicia 191.
Again, the indicia
(when aligned) pointing at marking indicia on the tape 40 denoting the
measurement of distance
from the free end of the tape 40 (having the tape tip 42) to the marking
device 80. Once the
absence of parallax has been confirmed, the marking device can be engaged, and
the mark applied
to the surface to be marked. If the first indicia 191 and the second indicia
195 are misaligned with
one another, then parallax is present.
[0080] Referring now to Figure 26, illustrated is an end view detail :of
another exemplary
indicator viewer 260. The indicator viewer 260 could replace the first
indicator viewer 50
illustrated in Figure 1 in an exemplary tape measure. The indicator viewer 260
is in alignment with
the marking device 80. Thus, the indicator viewer 260 gives the user of an
exemplary tape measure
a precise indication of where the marking device 80, such as marking wheel 84,
is aligned, thereby
indicating the alignment of the mark to be made by the marking device 80.
[0081] The indicator viewer 260 has a first side 251 defining a channel
therein. The channel
comprising at least two surfaces, namely a first surface and a second surface.
A least a portion of
the first surface comprises a first indica 253, whereas at least a portion of
the second surface
comprises second indicia 255. The indicator viewer 260 can be utilized to
confirm to the user that
no parallax effect is occurring when the user views the indicator viewer 260.
If the channel is wide,
when if the user can see both the first indicia 253 and the second indicia
155, the indicia are
aligned and no parallax is present. If the channel is narrow, when the user
can see neither the first
indicia 253, nor the second indicia 155, the indicia are aligned and no
parallax is present. Again,
the indicia (when aligned) pointing at marking indicia on the tape 40 denoting
the measurement
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of distance from the free end of the tape 40 (having the tape tip 42) to the
marking device 80.
Once the absence of parallax has been confirmed, the marking device can be
engaged, and the
mark applied to the surface to be marked. If only one of the first indicia 253
or the second indicia
255 is visible, then the two indicia are misaligned with one another, and
parallax is present.
[0082] Embodiment A. A second exemplary tape measure is described in this
paragraph. The
second exemplary tape measure comprises a housing and a measuring tape. The
housing for
containing a measuring tape therein. The housing having a bottom side and a
front side. The front
side having a bottom end adjacent the bottom side. The front side defining a
tape blade aperture
therethrough. The tape blade aperture located adjacent the bottom end. The
measuring tape
having measuring indicia thereon. The measuring tape extendable through the
tape blade aperture
in a first direction. The housing further comprises a marking device for
applying a mark in a
second direction to a surface to be marked. The second direction perpendicular
to the first
direction. The housing comprises an indicator viewer spaced apart from the
bottom side and above
the tape blade aperture. The indicator viewer aligned with the marking device.
The indicator
viewer comprises first indicia and second indicia. The first indicia and the
second indicia oriented
parallel to the second direction. The indicator viewer is configured such that
with correct eye
alignment the first indicia and the second indicia appear to be aligned with
one another; and with
incorrect eye alignment the first indicia and the second indicia appear to be
misaligned with one
another.
[0083] The second exemplary tape measure described in the preceding
paragraph could
optionally have none, some, or all of the optional elements, components,
structures and features
described in this paragraph. The indicator viewer could be generally
transparent. The indicator
viewer could comprise plastic. The indicator viewer could have a bottom
surface adjacent the tape
blade aperture, with the bottom surface opposite a top surface. The first
indicia could be located
on the top surface. The second indicia could be located on the bottom surface.
The first indicia
could be located on the top surface, and the second indicia could be located
on the bottom
surface. The first indicia could be recessed into the top surface. The second
indicia could be
recessed into the bottom surface. The first indicia could be embedded within
the indicator viewer.
The second indicia could be embedded within the indicator viewer. The first
indicia could
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comprise at least one line. The second indicia could comprise at least one
line. The tape measure
could further comprise transparent space between the first indicia and the
second indicia. The
second indicia could comprise at least one polygonal shape. The indicator
viewer could comprise a
third indicia oriented in a plane perpendicular to the first direction, the
third indicia comprises at
least one polygonal shape, the third indicia spaced apart from the second
.indicia, and the third
indicia spaced apart from the second indicia. The bottom side could define a
bottom side plane,
wherein the first indicia is spaced further from the bottom side plane than
the second indicia is
spaced from the bottom side plane.
[0084] Embodiment B. A third exemplary tape measure is described in this
paragraph. The
tape measure comprises a housing and a measuring tape. The housing contains a
measuring tape
therein. The housing has a bottom side and a front side. The front side has a
bottom end adjacent
the bottom side. The front side defines a tape blade aperture therethrough.
The tape blade
aperture located adjacent the bottom end. The measuring tape has measuring
indicia thereon. The
measuring tape is extendable through the tape blade aperture in a first
direction. The housing
further comprises a marking device for applying a mark in a second direction
to a surface to be
marked, the second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The housing
comprises a
transparent indicator viewer spaced apart from the bottom side and above the
tape blade aperture.
The indicator viewer aligned with the marking device. The indicator viewer
comprises first indicia,
second indicia, and transparent space located between the first indicia and
the second indicia. The
first indicia and the second indicia oriented parallel to the second
direction. The indicator viewer
configured such that with correct eye alignment the first indicia and the
second indicia appear to
be aligned with one another, and with incorrect eye alignment the first
indicia and the second
indicia appear to be misaligned with one another.
=
[0085] The exemplary tape measure described in the preceding paragraph
could optionally
have none, some, or all of the optional elements, components, structures and
features described in
this paragraph. The first indicia could comprise at least one line, and the
second indicia could
comprise at least one line.
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[0086] Embodiment C. A fourth exemplary tape measure is described in this
paragraph. The
tape measure comprises a housing and a measuring tape. The housing for
containing a measuring
tape therein. The housing having a bottom side and a front side. The front
side having a bottom
end adjacent the bottom side. The front side defining a tape blade aperture
therethrough. The
tape blade aperture located adjacent the bottom end. The measuring tape having
measuring
indicia thereon. The measuring tape extendable through the tape blade aperture
in a first
direction. The housing further comprises a marking device for applying a mark
in a second
direction to a surface to be marked, the second direction perpendicular to the
first direction. The
housing comprises a transparent indicator viewer spaced apart from the bottom
side and above the
tape blade aperture. The indicator viewer aligned with the marking device. The
indicator viewer
comprises a first indicia, a second indicia, and a third indicia. The first
indicia, the second indicia,
and the third indicia are oriented parallel to the second direction. The
indicator viewer is
configured such that with correct eye alignment the first indicia, the second
indicia, and the third
indicia appear to be aligned with one another. The indicator viewer is
configured such that with
incorrect eye alignment at least one of the first indicia and the second
indicia or the first indicia
and the third indicia appear to be misaligned with one another.
[0087] Embodiment D. A fifth exemplary tape measure is described in this
paragraph. The
tape measure comprises a housing and a measuring tape. The housing for
containing a measuring
tape therein. The housing having a bottom side and a front side. The front
side having a bottom
end adjacent the bottom side. The front side defining a tape blade aperture
therethrough. The
tape blade aperture located adjacent the bottom end. The measuring tape having
measuring
indicia thereon. The measuring tape extendable through the tape blade aperture
in a first
direction. The housing further comprises a marking device for applying a mark
in a second
direction to a surface to be marked, the second direction perpendicular to the
first direction. The
housing comprises a transparent indicator viewer spaced apart from the bottom
side and above the
tape blade aperture. The indicator viewer aligned with the marking device. The
indicator viewer
comprises a first indicia, and a second indicia. The first indicia could
comprise a first point of
reference, and the second could comprise a second point of reference. The
indicator viewer is
configured such that with correct eye alignment the first indicia and the
second indicia appear to
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be aligned with one another. The indicator viewer is configured such that with
incorrect eye
alignment at least one of the first indicia and the second indicia or the
first indicia and the third
indicia appear to be misaligned with one another.
[0088] Embodiment E. A sixth exemplary tape measure is described in this
paragraph. The
tape measure comprises a housing and a measuring tape. The housing for
containing a measuring
tape therein. The housing haying a bottom side and a front side. The front
side having a bottom
end adjacent the bottom side. The front side defining a tape blade aperture
therethrough. The
tape blade aperture located adjacent the bottom end. The measuring tape having
measuring
indicia thereon. The measuring tape extendable through the tape blade aperture
in a first
direction. The housing further comprises a marking device for applying a mark
in a second
direction to a surface to be marked, the second direction perpendicular to the
first direction. The
housing comprises a transparent indicator viewer spaced apart from the bottom
side and above the
tape blade aperture. The indicator viewer aligned with the marking device. The
indicator viewer
comprises a first indicia, and a second indicia. The first indicia could
comprise a first plane of
reference, and the second could comprise a second plane of reference. The
indicator viewer is
configured such that with correct eye alignment the first indicia and the
second indicia appear to
be aligned with one another. The indicator viewer is configured such that with
incorrect eye
alignment at least one of the first indicia and the second indicia or the
first indicia and the third
indicia appear to be misaligned with one another.
[0089] Embodiment F. A seventh exemplary tape measure is described in this
paragraph. The
tape measure comprises a housing and a measuring tape. The housing for
containing a measuring
tape therein. The housing having a bottom side and a front side. The front
side having a bottom
end adjacent the bottom side. The front side defining a tape blade aperture
therethrough. The
tape blade aperture located adjacent the bottom end. The measuring tape haying
Measuring
indicia thereon. The measuring tape extendable through the tape blade aperture
in a first
direction. The housing further comprises a marking device for applying a mark
in a second
direction to a surface to be marked, the second direction perpendicular to the
first direction. The
housing comprises a transparent indicator viewer spaced apart from the bottom
side and above the
tape blade aperture. The indicator viewer aligned with the marking device. The
indicator viewer
=
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comprises a first indicia, and a second indicia. The first indicia could
comprise a first line of
. reference, and the second comprises a second line of reference. The
indicator viewer is configured
such that with correct eye alignment the first indicia and the second indicia
appear to be aligned
with one another. The indicator viewer is configured such that with incorrect
eye alignment at least
one of the first indicia and the second indicia or the first indicia and the
third indicia appear to be
misaligned with one another.
[00901 Embodiment G. An eighth exemplary tape measure is described in this
paragraph. The
tape measure comprises a housing and a measuring tape. The housing for
containing a measuring
tape therein. The housing having a bottom side and a front side. The front
side having a bottom
end adjacent the bottom side. The front side defining a tape blade aperture
therethrough. The
tape blade aperture located adjacent the bottom end. The measuring tape having
measuring
indicia thereon. The measuring tape extendable through the tape blade aperture
in a first
direction. The housing further comprises a marking device for applying a mark
in a second
direction to a surface to be marked, the second direction perpendicular to the
first direction. The
housing comprises a transparent indicator viewer spaced apart from the bottom
side and above the
tape blade aperture. The indicator viewer aligned with the marking device. The
indicator viewer
comprises first indicia, and second indicia. The first indicia could comprise
indicia selected from
the group consisting of at least one of a first line of reference, a first
plane of reference, and a first
point of reference. The second indicia could comprise indicia selected from
the group consisting of
at least one of a second line of reference, a second plane of reference, and a
second point of
reference. The indicator viewer is configured such that with correct eye
alignment the first indicia
and the second indicia appear to be aligned with one another. The indicator
viewer is configured
such that with incorrect eye alignment at least one of the first indicia and
the second indicia or the
first indicia and the third indicia appear to be misaligned with one another.
[00911 Again, the use of "tape measure" herein means, a measuring device,
including but not
limited to digital measuring devices, laser rangefinders, laser measuring
tools, proximity sensors,
optical sensors, tape measures, GPS, magnetic, and sonar, unless the context
clearly dictates
otherwise. Thus, non-tape measure marking devices are envisioned within this
disclosure of
exemplary "tape measures." Likewise reference to a "marking" tape measure is
not intended to
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serve as a requirement that an exemplary tape measure have a marking device
and/or marking
capabilities.
[0092] It is noted that all structure and features of the various described
and illustrated
embodiments can be combined in any suitable configuration for inclusion in a
tape measure
according to a particular embodiment. For example, a tape measure according a
particular
embodiment can include neither, one, or both of first, second and third
indicia described above.
[0093] The foregoing detailed description provides exemplary embodiments of
the invention
and includes the best mode for practicing the invention. The description and
illustration of these
embodiments is intended only to provide examples of the invention, and not to
limit the scope of
the invention, or its protection, in any manner.
=
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