Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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HAND TOOL WITH RETRACTABLE TETHER
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] The
present invention relates generally to tools and tool accessories. More
particularly, the present invention relates to hand tools including a tether.
2. Description of the Prior Art
[0002]
Carpenters, designers, facilities maintenance personnel, and other workers
often use a tape measure, level, cordless drill, or other hand-held tool on
the job.
Figure 1 illustrates one embodiment of a tape measure 5 known in the art and
having
a tool housing 10 that contains a coiled tape 12. Tool housing 10 has a
substantially
planar first sidewall 14 and a substantially planar second sidewall 16 (not
visible)
spaced apart from and parallel to first sidewall 14. In many embodiments, a
clip 18 is
attached to first sidewall 14 of tool housing 10 and useful for attaching tape
measure 5
to a belt or clothing. Extending between first sidewall 14 and second sidewall
16 are a
front wall 20, a top wall, 22, a back wall 24 (not visible), and a bottom wall
26 (not
visible). Bottom wall 26 is typically planar to facilitate the worker in
setting tape
measure 5 on a surface when taking a measurement. Front wall 20, top wall 22,
and
back wall 24 are substantially planar in some embodiments, but are curved in
other
embodiments. Tape measure 5 includes a tape lock 30 that is moved into contact
with tape 12 to maintain tape 12 at a fixed length of extension from tool
housing 10.
Tape lock 30 may be a button, a sliding lock, or other type of lock. When lock
30 is a
sliding lock, it moves between an unlocked position (shown) and a locked
position (not
shown) by sliding lock 30 along a slot 32 in tool housing 10 in a direction
indicated by
arrow 34 toward tape 12.
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[0003] Between uses, the user may use the clip to attach the tape measure
to his
or her belt, pocket opening, or waistband. Instead of using the clip to attach
the tape
measure to a belt or the like, a worker may place it in a pocket or holder on
a tool belt
to secure and hold the tape measure between measurement tasks. One version of
a
tape measure holder is a relatively loose-fitting cloth pouch with a loop for
attaching
the pouch to a tool belt. The pouch is sized to accommodate the tape measure
and
has an open upper end for insertion and removal of the tape measure.
[0004] For more securely holding the tape measure between uses, some workers
use a tape measure holder with a shape that is more specific to the block
shape of a
tape measure. In one design, the tape measure holder has a horizontal strap
that
connects at each end to a belt and wraps around the tape measure in a
horizontal
direction. A second strap connects to the horizontal strap and wraps
vertically around
the bottom of the tape measure. In some designs, the vertical strap continues
around
the back and over the top of the tape measure with a loose end that closes on
itself
with a snap. The loose end of the vertical strap can be opened to release the
tape
measure and closed to retain the tape measure in the holder. In this design,
the
straps substantially enclose the entire tape measure. In some cases, lower
corners of
the tape measure holder are open to assist the user in pushing the tape
measure up
and out of the holder with the user's fingers.
[0005] Despite the many techniques available for holding a tape measure
between
uses, dropping a tape measure during use or inadvertently knocking it loose
from the
worker remains a safety concern. For example, after the user removes the tape
measure from a pouch or pocket, unexpectedly bumping one's hand against
another
object may cause the worker to drop the tape measure. In other cases, a worker
climbing on a ladder or scaffolding may bump the tape measure against the
structure,
knocking it loose from its clipped position on the user.
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[0006] Attempts to address the concern of dropped tape measures include
designs
that attach a tether or lanyard to the tape measure. In one design, a lanyard
has a
loop sized to hook onto the tape measure's clip. In another design, the tape
measure
housing has a pass-through opening through which a string is attached and
looped
around the user's wrist or connected to the user's clothing.
[0007] Another approach is a tape measure tool with lanyard as disclosed in US
patent no. 8,683,710 issued to Michael Johns. The Johns tape measure has a
single
housing containing two hubs, each hub having a coiled spring within the hub
and
connected to one central shaft. A flexible, retractable tape measure is coiled
around
the first hub. A retractable safety lanyard is coiled around the second hub.
The safety
lanyard is a length of cable that passes through an opening on the narrow face
of the
device opposite the opening for the tape measure on the front portion of the
housing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The tape measure holders and tape measures lanyards of the prior art do
not adequately solve the problem of tethering a tape measure during use.
Current
designs for tape measure holders are useful for securing the tape measure when
it is
not being used. These tape measure holders provide a location to store the
tape
measure, but require the user to remove the tape measure from the holder for
use at
which point it is no longer secure. Lanyards that attach to the clip of a tape
measure
also have disadvantages. Because the lanyard is attached to the clip of the
tape
measure, the lanyard may easily be pulled through the open end of the clip and
therefore does not reliably retain the tape measure if it is dropped. Another
disadvantage of attaching the lanyard to the tape measure's clip is that the
clip is
obstructed for attachment to a belt or clothing.
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[0009] Tape measures with a tool housing that features a through opening or
a
built-in connector for attaching a string also have disadvantages. The opening
for the
string may not be sized to accept a clip or other lanyard connector. Also,
strings
supplied by the manufacturer and attached through the opening are often not
useful
for securing the tape measure because the string is only long enough to loop
around
the worker's wrist. Strings supplied by the user must be tied in a knot to
secure it to
the tape measure, which has inconsistent reliability from worker to worker.
Additionally, workers who are accustomed to a particular make and model of
tape
measure may not be able to purchase the chosen tape measure equipped with an
opening in the tool housing. Further, tape measures attached to a lanyard of a
fixed
length between the tape measure and the user can be cumbersome to use since
the
lanyard often gets in the way or becomes tangled on the work piece or other
equipment. These problems also apply to other hand tools, including
carpenter's
levels, torpedo levels, cordless drills and other cordless power tools,
staplers, and
tools having a tool housing.
[0010] Based on the shortcomings of prior approaches to tethering hand
tools, a
need exists for hand tools with a retractable tether or lanyard. Therefore, an
object of
the present invention is to provide a hand tool that includes a retractable
tether. The
present invention achieves these and other objectives by providing a hand tool
with a
retractable tether assembly. In one aspect of the present invention, the hand
tool is a
tape measure with a tool housing that contains both a retractable tape
assembly and a
retractable tether assembly. In another aspect of the present invention, the
hand tool
is a level or cordless power tool, where the retractable tether assembly is
attached to
or retained by a tool body or tool housing.
[0011] In one embodiment, the hand tool is a tape measure where the tool
body is
a tool housing having a first sidewall portion, a second sidewall portion
spaced apart
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from and substantially parallel to the first sidewall portion, and a perimeter
sidewall
portion extending between and connecting the first sidewall portion to the
second
sidewall portion. The tool housing defines a tape opening and a tether
opening. A
tape spool axle extends from the first sidewall portion towards the second
sidewall
portion. A tape spool with a tape spool opening is disposed within the tool
housing
and rotatable about the tape spool axle. A flexible measuring tape is attached
at a
first tape end portion to the tape spool, where the tape spool is operable
between a
retracted or first tape position in which the flexible measuring tape is
substantially
coiled about the tape spool and an extended or second tape position in which
the
flexible measuring tape is at least partially uncoiled from the tape spool
with a second
tape end portion extending through the tape opening and away from the tool
housing.
A tape spool coil spring connected between the tape spool and the tape spool
axle
biases the tape spool towards the first tape position. A tether spool axle
extends
within the tool housing in a direction generally transverse to the tape spool
axle. The
tether spool axle is positioned so that it does not interfere with rotation of
the tape
spool axle. A tether spool is disposed within the housing and rotatable about
the
tether spool axle. A flexible tether is attached at a first tether end to the
tether spool.
The flexible tether is operable between a retracted or first tether position
in which the
flexible tether is substantially coiled about the tether spool and an extended
or second
tether position in which the flexible tether is at least partially uncoiled
from the tether
spool with the second tether end portion extending through the tether opening
and
away from the housing. A tether spool coil spring connected between the tether
spool
and the tether spool axle biases the tether spool towards the first tether
position.
[0012] In another embodiment, a partition or support structure is connected
to an
inside portion of the tool housing and disposed between the tape spool and the
tether
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spool. The tether spool axle is connected to and extends from the partition or
support
structure in some embodiments.
[0013] In another embodiment, a stop member is attached to the second
tether end
and disposed outside the tool housing, where the stop member has a size
sufficient to
prevent its passage through the tether opening.
[0014] In another embodiment, a tether connector defines a closed loop and
is
attached to the second tether end, where the tether connector is disposed
outside the
tool housing.
[0015] In one embodiment, the tape spool is disposed adjacent a rear
portion of
the perimeter sidewall. In one embodiment, the tether opening is in a rear end
portion
of the tool housing.
[0016] In another embodiment, the hand tool is a tape measure where the
tool
housing includes a first housing portion has a first sidewall, a second
sidewall spaced
apart from and substantially parallel to the first sidewall, and a perimeter
sidewall
extending between and connecting the first sidewall to the second sidewall.
The first
sidewall, the second sidewall and the perimeter sidewall define a tape spool
compartment. The housing defines a tape opening. A tether housing extends away
from the second sidewall of the first housing portion and defines a tether
spool
compartment between the tether housing and the second sidewall. The tether
housing defines a tether opening. A tape spool is disposed within the tape
spool
compartment and rotatable about a tape spool axle extending between the first
sidewall and the second sidewall. A flexible measuring tape is attached at a
first tape
end portion to the tape spool, where the measuring tape is operable between a
retracted or first tape position in which the flexible measuring tape is
substantially
coiled about the tape spool and an extended or second tape position in which
the
flexible measuring tape is at least partially uncoiled from the tape spool
with a second
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tape end portion extending through the tape opening and away from the housing.
A
tape spool coil spring is connected between the tape spool and the tape spool
axle,
where the tape spool coil spring biases the tape spool towards the first tape
position.
A tether spool is disposed within the tether spool compartment and rotatable
about a
tether spool axle extending into the tether spool compartment. A flexible
tether is
attached to the tether spool at a first tether end. A second tether end
extends through
the tether opening, where the tether spool is operable between a retracted or
first
tether position in which the flexible tether is substantially coiled about the
tether spool
and an extended or second tether position in which the flexible tether is at
least
partially uncoiled from the second spool with the second tether end portion
extending
through the tether opening and away from the housing. A tether spool coil
spring
connected between the tether spool and the tether spool axle biases the tether
spool
towards the first tether position.
[0017] In another embodiment, the tether spool axle is connected to and
extends
from the tether housing towards the second sidewall.
[0018] In another embodiment, the tether spool axle is coaxial with the
tape spool
axle. In some embodiments, the tether spool axle is spaced apart from the tape
spool
axle.
[0019] In another embodiment, the tether housing substantially encloses the
tether
spool compartment.
[0020] In another embodiment, the tether housing is removable from the
first
housing portion.
[0021] In another embodiment, the housing includes a guide member disposed
between the tape spool and the tether spool, wherein the guide member is
received in
the tape spool opening and engages the tether spool axle.
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[0022] In another aspect of the present invention, a hand tool has a tether
housing
attached to the tool body and defines a tether spool compartment. A tether
spool is
disposed in and rotatable within the tether spool compartment. A flexible
tether has a
tether body extending between a first tether end portion and a second tether
end
portion, where the first tether end portion is attached to the tether spool.
The tether
spool is operable between a first and second tether positions. In the first
tether
position, a tether body is coiled about the tether spool. In the second tether
position,
the tether body is at least partially uncoiled from the tether spool with the
second
tether end portion extending through the tether opening and away from the
tether
housing. A tether spool coil spring is connected to the tether spool and
biases the
tether spool to rotate towards the first tether position.
[0023] In another embodiment, the tool body is a tool housing of a tape
measure, a
level, or a power hand tool.
[0024] In another embodiment, the tool body is a portion of a cordless
drill.
[0025] In another embodiment, the hand tool body is a portion of a spirit
level
extending between a pair of spaced-apart, elongated rails, where the tether
spool
compartment is located between the pair of spaced-apart elongated rails.
[0026] Many
other uses and configurations of the hand tool with retractable tether
are contemplated within the scope of the present invention as will become
evident
from the figures and detailed description that follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a tape measure
known in the art.
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[0028] FIGURE 2 is a rear and side perspective view of one embodiment of a
tape
measure of the present invention showing the tool housing, retractable tape,
and
retractable tether.
[0029] FIGURE 3 is a front and side perspective view of the tape measure of
Fig. 2
showing the retractable tape and retractable tether both in a retracted
position.
[0030] FIGURE 4 is an exploded, perspective view of the tape measure of
Fig. 3 as
viewed looking at front and first sidewall portions of the tool housing.
[0031] FIGURE 5 is an exploded, perspective view of the tape measure of
Fig. 2 as
viewed looking at the rear and second sidewall portions of the tool housing.
[0032] FIGURE 6 is side elevational view of the tape measure of Fig. 2
shown
without the first sidewall portion for clarity purposes.
[0033] FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a tape
measure
of the present invention showing a tether housing on the second sidewall,
where the
tether housing houses the tether spool.
[0034] FIGURE 8 is an exploded, perspective view of the tape measure of
Fig. 7 as
viewed looking at the front and second sidewall portions.
[0035] FIGURE 9 is a perspective view looking into the housing second
portion and
showing the retractable tether assembly and guide member.
[0036] FIGURE 10 is an exploded, perspective view of one embodiment of a
retractable tape assembly of the present invention.
[0037] FIGURE 11 is an exploded, perspective view of one embodiment of a
retractable tether assembly of the present invention.
[0038] FIGURE 12 is a perspective view of another hand tool constructed
with a
retractable tether assembly, where the hand tool is a level.
[0039] FIGURE 13 is a side view of another hand tool constructed with a
retractable tether assembly, where the hand tool is a cordless drill.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0040] In this specification, the term "tool body" means that portion of a
hand tool
that contains and/or supports a functioning component of the hand tool, where
the
functioning component is essential to the hand tool's intended use. For
example, a
bubble vial is a functioning component of a level, a motor and drill chuck are
functioning components of a cordless drill, and a retractable tape is a
functioning
component of a tape measure.
[0041] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated
in Figs.
2-13. Figures 2 and 3 illustrate rear and front perspective views,
respectively, of one
embodiment of a hand tool 100 with retractable tape assembly 200 and a
retractable
tether assembly 300. In this embodiment, hand tool 100 is a tape measure that
includes a tool body or tool housing 110 with a first sidewall portion 112, a
second
sidewall portion 114 that is spaced apart from and substantially parallel to
first sidewall
portion 112, and a perimeter sidewall portion 116 that extends between and
connects
first sidewall portion 112 to second sidewall portion 114. Perimeter sidewall
portion
116 has a top portion 116a, a front portion 116b, a rear portion 116c, and a
bottom
portion 116d. Typically, bottom portion 116d is substantially planar so that
it may rest
flush against a surface to be measured. Top portion 116a may be curved or
angular
to define a geometric or irregular shape.
[0042] Tool housing 110 of the tape measure defines a tape opening 118 and
a
tether opening 120. Tether opening 120 is shown in other figures, but is
hidden from
view in Figs. 2-3 due to stop member 322 and tether connector 312. Tool
housing
110 also defines and encloses a spool compartment 122 (not visible; shown in
Fig. 4),
which communicates with tape opening 118 and tether opening 120. As used
herein,
terms top, front, rear, and bottom are for reference purposes only and
identify portions
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of hand tool 100 as it is commonly positioned during use. For example, Figs. 2-
3
show a tape measure as it is commonly positioned during use. These terms do
not
restrict the use or orientation of hand tool 100.
[0043] In one embodiment, tool housing 110 comprises a housing first
portion 110a
and a housing second portion 110b, where perimeter sidewall portion 116 is
divided
between housing first portion 110a and housing second portion 110b. For
example,
housing first portion 110a includes first sidewall portion 112 and part (e.g.,
about half)
of perimeter sidewall portion 116, and housing second portion 110b includes
second
sidewall portion 114 and another part (e.g., about half) of perimeter sidewall
portion
110b. Housing first portion 110a connects to housing second portion 110b, such
as
by a snap fit, fastener connection, adhesive, fusion, welding, or other
method. In one
embodiment, housing first portion 110a substantially mirrors housing second
portion
110b. In other embodiments, housing first portion 110a includes perimeter
sidewall
portion 116 and housing second portion 110b, which includes second sidewall
portion
114, attaches to housing first portion 110a like a lid or cover.
[0044] Referring now to Figure 4, an exploded, perspective view illustrates
the
hand tool 100 of Figs. 2-3, which is a tape measure, as viewed looking at
first sidewall
portion 112 and front portion 116b of sidewall portion 116. Tool housing 110
and
spool compartment 122 are split between housing first portion 110a shown in
the
lower portion of Fig. 4 and housing second portion 110b shown in the upper
portion of
Fig. 4. Housing second portion 110b shows inside surface 114b of second
sidewall
portion 114 and includes a guide member 140 protruding from inside surface
114b.
[0045] An optional partition 132 separates spool compartment 122 into a
tape
spool compartment 122a and a tether spool compartment 122b. Tape spool
compartment 122a is sized to house retractable tape assembly 200 with a
portion of
measuring tape 216 extending through tape opening 118. Tether spool
compartment
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122b is sized and positioned to house retractable tether assembly 300 with a
portion
of tether 316 extending through tether opening 120. In one embodiment, tether
spool
compartment 122b is adjacent rear portion 116c and/or top portion 116a of
perimeter
sidewall 116. For example, tether spool compartment 122b is positioned so that
at
least part of tape spool 202 is between tape opening 118 and tether spool 302.
In
some embodiments, tool housing 110 omits partition 132 and tape spool
compartment
122a and tether spool compartment 122b are defined by an imaginary line
between
tape spool 202 and tether spool 302.
[0046] In one
embodiment, partition 132 is split between housing first portion 110a
and housing second portion 110b. In one embodiment as shown in Fig. 4,
partition
132 extends between and connects to second sidewall portion 112, top portion
116a,
and bottom portion 116d of perimeter sidewall 116 in substantially parallel
relation to
rear portion 116c of perimeter wall 116. In other embodiments, partition
extends
across spool compartment 122 between and connecting first sidewall portion 112
and
second sidewall portion 114. Although partition 132 is shown as extending
completely
between opposing first and second sidewall portions 112, 114 and between
opposing
top and bottom portions 116a, 116d of perimeter sidewall 116, this is not
required. In
some embodiments, for example, partition 132 is replaced by a support
structure
within tool housing 110, such as a post, flange, bracket, or protrusion that
extends
from one or more walls of tool housing 110 sufficient to support and/or guide
the
rotation of a second spool 302 or tether spool 302. In yet other embodiments,
partition 132 is omitted and tether spool 302 is supported by and rotates
about a
fastener or other connector 304 connected to perimeter sidewall 116 and
extending
into tool housing 110. For example, rear portion 116c of perimeter sidewall
116
defines a fastener opening 123 to receive connector 304 for tether spool 302.
Optionally, a corresponding second fastener opening 123a in partition 132
aligns with
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fastener opening 123. One or both of fastener openings 123, 123a is optionally
threaded.
[0047] In one embodiment, a guide member 140 is attached to, formed with,
or
otherwise protrudes from inside face 114a of second sidewall portion 114 into
spool
compartment 122. Guide member 140, which may be one or a plurality of
individual
parts, extends from inside face 114a to guide the rotation of a tape spool
202. Guide
member 140 also may provide some support to tape spool 202. Guide member 140
in
one embodiment has a disk-shape and is sized both in diameter and thickness to
appropriately fit into corresponding structure of tape spool 202. For example,
guide
member 140 is a disk-shaped structure that protrudes from inside face 114a of
second
sidewall portion 114 and extends into a tape spring opening 206 (not visible;
shown in
Fig. 5). As another example, guide member 140 is a plurality of spaced-apart
tabs
that extend from inside face 114a of second sidewall portion 114. The spaced-
apart
tabs in one embodiment are evenly spaced along the path of a circle. The
spaced-
apart tabs extend into and engage tape spring opening 206.
[0048] In other embodiments, guide member 140 is a separate component from
tool housing 110 that fits into and guides rotation of tape spool 202. Guide
member
140 in some embodiments covers tape spool coil spring 230 and supports a
tether
spool axle 304 for rotation of tether spool 302.
[0049] Tape spool 202 includes a first flange 208 and a second flange 210
spaced
apart from first flange 208 by a spool hub 212, where each flange 208, 210 is
attached
or connected to opposite ends of spool hub 212. First flange 208 defines a
central
axle opening 214 for rotation about a tape spool axle 136 or other protrusion
received
therein from first sidewall portion 110. A measuring tape 216 is secured at a
first tape
end portion 218 (not visible) to spool hub 212. In its retracted or partially
retracted
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position, measuring tape 216 wraps on itself around spool hub 212. Second tape
end
portion 220 extends through tape opening 118 and includes tape catch 222.
[0050] Retractable tether assembly 300 includes a tether spool 302 similar
to tape
spool 202 that also includes a first flange 306 and a second flange 308 spaced
apart
from first flange 306 by a tether spool hub 310, where each flange 306, 308 is
attached or connected to ends of tether spool hub 310. A tether 316 attaches
to
tether spool hub 310 at a first tether end portion 318 (not visible) and wraps
around
tether spool hub 310 in a retracted position. A second tether end portion 320
extends
from tether spool 302 and through tether opening 120. Second tether end
portion 320
optionally includes a stop member 322 that is larger than tether opening 120
and
prevents second tether end portion 320 from passing through tether opening 120
into
tool housing 110 as tether 316 is retracted into tool housing 110. Stop member
322
may be a knot in tether 316, a bead, a ball, a crimp, a fastener, a connector,
or any
other object that is larger than tether opening 120 and appropriately sized
for use with
tape measure 100.
[0051] A portion of tether spool axle 304 is shown extending through tether
spool
hub 310. Tether spool axle 304 may be a fastener, pin, rod, split shaft, or
other item
about which tether spool 302 rotates. In some embodiments, tether spool axle
304 is
a threaded fastener and a washer and/or nut may be attached to tether spool
axle 304
to secure tether spool 302 to tool housing 110 at fastener opening 123. The
end of
tether spool axle 304 may be received by guide member 140. In other
embodiments,
tether spool axle 304 extends into and engages threaded second fastener
opening
123a in partition 132 or other support structure disposed within tool housing
110. In
yet other embodiments, tether spool axle 304 extends through partition 132 and
is
secured by a washer and nut (not shown) attached to tether spool axle 304. In
some
embodiments, tether spool axle 304 is a split shaft similar to tape spool axle
136 as
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shown in Fig. 5 and is fixed to partition 132 or tool housing 110 to support
and guide
the rotation of tether spool 302. In some embodiments, tether spool axle is
distinct
and separate component from tape spool axle 136.
[0052] In some embodiments, housing first portion 110a includes a
corresponding
portion (e.g., about half) of partition 132. In some embodiments, partition
132 extends
from housing second portion 110b so that it extends into and is received in
housing
first portion 110a. Of course, partition 132 may instead be attached to
housing first
portion 110 or first sidewall portion 112 and extend towards second sidewall
portion
114.
[0053] Although not shown in the embodiment of Figs. 2-3, tape measure 100
optionally includes a tape lock and release mechanism 128 as discussed below
with
reference to Fig. 8. For example, one embodiment of tape lock and release
mechanism 128 known in the art includes a locking pad (not shown) located
inside
tool housing 110. As measuring tape 116 is dispensed from tool housing 110 to
an
extended position, the locking pad presses measuring tape 116 against the
inside of
housing 116, such as against bottom portion 116d of perimeter sidewall 116.
When it
is desired to unlock measuring tape 116, a force applied by the user from the
sidewall
portion 112 or 114 causes the locking pad to lift out of its position in
contact with
measuring tape 116. This force may be supplied by a press button or lever.
Measuring tape 116 is then recoiled into the housing. In another embodiment,
tape
lock and release mechanism 128 has an integrally formed ratchet plate (not
shown).
The ratchet plate engages ratchet teeth that are integrally formed within the
inside
surface of tool housing 110 to provide for rotation of tape spool axle 136 to
load tape
spool coil spring 230. The ratchet teeth normally prevent rotation of the axle
to unload
tension of tape spool coil spring 230. A release mechanism (not shown), such
as a
push button or lever, allows tape spool axle 136 to move axially to disengage
the
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ratchet plate from the ratchet teeth and permit tape spool axle 230 to unload
tape
spool coil spring 230. A lock button with a thumb operating section on tool
housing
110 has a flexible section that regulates the pressure that the bottom end of
the lock
button exerts against the tape.
[0054] As shown in Fig. 4, housing first portion 110a includes first
sidewall portion
112, part of perimeter sidewall 116, and part of partition 132. First sidewall
portion
includes tape spool axle 136 extending into spool compartment 122 to rotatably
support tape spool 202. In some embodiments, tape spool axle 136 is fixed to
first
wall portion 112 and extends towards second sidewall portion 114. Tape spool
axle
136 may be secured to second sidewall portion 114 with a fastener extending
through
second sidewall portion 114 into tape spool axle 136. In other embodiments,
tape
spool axle 136 is a separate piece from first sidewall portion 112 and is held
in
abutment with first sidewall portion 112 by a fastener extending through first
sidewall
portion 112 into tape spool axle 136. In some embodiments, tape spool axle 136
has
a shaft opening 138, such as a groove, a slot, a hole, a recess, etc. that is
shaped to
connects to an end of a tape spool coil spring 230 (shown in Fig. 5).
[0055] Referring now to Figure 5, an exploded, perspective view illustrates
the tape
measure embodiment of hand tool 100 of Figs. 2-3 as viewed looking at first
sidewall
portion 112 and front portion 116b of perimeter sidewall portion 116. As in
Fig. 4, tool
housing 110 and spool compartment 122 are split between housing first portion
110a
(shown in the upper portion of Fig. 5) and housing second portion 110b (shown
in the
lower portion of Fig. 5).
[0056] Inside face 112a of first sidewall portion 112 includes tape spool
axle 136
extending into tool housing 110. As shown here, shaft opening 138 is a slot
extending
axially into tape spool axle 136. Retractable tape assembly 200, shown in the
middle
of Fig. 5, includes a tape spool coil spring 230 disposed within spool opening
206. A
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first end portion 232 of tape spool coil spring 230 is bent at an angle so
that it can
extend into or through shaft opening 138 of tape spool axle 136. Second end
portion
234 of tape spool coil spring 230 is secured to spool hub 212. Accordingly, as
measuring tape 216 is extended from tool housing 110, tape spool 202 spins
about
tape spool axle 136 and coils or uncoils tape spool coil spring 230 to develop
a spring
force that biases retractable tape assembly 200 to return to the retracted
state in
which measuring tape 216 is wrapped around tape spool 202 to the extent that
tape
catch 222 abuts tool housing 110 at tape opening 118.
[0057] In contrast to the embodiment as shown in Fig. 4, partition 132 of
Fig. 5
extends from first sidewall portion 112 beyond housing first portion 110 to be
received
in housing second portion 110b. When assembled, partition 132 abuts or nearly
abuts
second sidewall portion 114. In one embodiment, tether housing 110b includes
slots,
tabs, protrusions or other structures to guide and position partition 132 as
it is inserted
into tether housing 110b.
[0058] Tether spool axle 304 is shown installed through rear portion 116c
of
perimeter sidewall 116 and through partition 132. When assembled, tether spool
axle
304 extends into or through tether spool 302 and engages tether spool coil
spring 330
similar to as discussed above for tape spool coil spring 230. Thus, as tether
316 is
deployed through tether opening 120, tether spool 302 rotates about tether
spool axle
304. As it rotates, tether spool 302 coils or uncoils tether spool coil spring
330 to bias
tether spool 302 to retract tether 316.
[0059] For economy of space and convenience of use, tether spool 302 is
shown
with tether spool axis 340 extending along a front-to-back direction (i.e.,
perpendicular
to rear portion 116c) with tether spool 302 positioned adjacent rear portion
116c.
However, it is contemplated that tether spool 302 may be positioned in one of
many
orientations and locations within tool housing 110, depending on the size and
shape of
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tool housing 110. For example, tether spool axis 340 may extend
perpendicularly to
bottom portion 116d, top portion 116a of perimeter sidewall 116, or first or
second
sidewall portion(s) 112, 114. Tether spool axis 304 may also extend
transversely to
any of these housing portions as well.
[0060] Referring now to Figure 6, a side view of the tape measure
embodiment of
hand tool 100 is shown assembled with first sidewall portion 112 removed for
clarity.
Partition 132 defines tape spool compartment 122a and tether spool compartment
122b. Tape spool is retained in tape spool compartment 122a between rear
portion
116c of perimeter wall 116 and partition 132. Measuring tape 216 is in its
retracted
position with second tape end portion 220 extending slightly from tape opening
118
and tape catch 222 positioned to abut tool housing 110. Tape spool 202 is
guided
rotationally and supported by guide member 140. Tether spool 302 is housed in
tether spool compartment 122b, supported by tether spool axle 304 which
extends
through tether spool 302 and partition 132. Tether 316 is wrapped around
tether
spool 302. Tether 302 is in its retracted position with second tether end
portion 320
extending through tether opening 120. Stop member 322 prevent tether 316 from
passing through tether opening 120. In the retracted position of tether 316,
tether
connector 312 (when present) is captured between stop member 322 and tool
housing
110.
[0061] Referring now to Figure 7, a perspective view illustrates another
embodiment of hand tool 100 that includes tool housing 110, retractable tape
assembly 200, and retractable tether assembly 300. As shown in Fig. 7, hand
tool
100 is another embodiment of a tape measure. In this embodiment, tool housing
110
includes a tether housing 130 attached to second sidewall portion 114. Tether
housing 130 extends laterally from second sidewall portion 114 and defines
tether
spool compartment 122b.
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[0062]
Referring now to Figure 8, an exploded, perspective shows components of
the tape measure embodiment of hand tool 100 of Fig. 7. As with embodiments
discussed above, tool housing 110 is split between housing first portion 110a
(shown
near the top of Fig. 8) and housing second portion 110b (shown near the bottom
of
Fig. 8), where each housing portion 110a, 110b includes part (e.g. about half)
of
perimeter sidewall 116. Tool housing 110 includes a tape lock and release
mechanism 128 accessible to the user via a slide lock opening 129 in perimeter
sidewall 116. tape lock and release mechanism 128 in one embodiment is a slide
lock
that is movable along slide lock opening 129 to engage measuring tape 216 and
retain
its position whether extended or retracted.
[0063] For
example, in its first position, tape lock and release mechanism 128 is
positioned to abut and apply pressure to measuring tape 116. This abutment or
pressure provides a frictional force greater than the recoil force applied by
tape spool
coil spring 230. Accordingly, tape lock and release mechanism 128 is useful to
maintain measuring tape 116 in an extended position. In other embodiments,
tape
lock and release mechanism 128 is a push button that is pressed to engage
measuring tape 116 and prevent measuring tape 116 from moving into or out of
tool
housing 110. In still other embodiments, tape lock and release mechanism 128
includes a ratchet, pawl, and pawl release mechanism. The pawl engages the
ratchet
to maintain measuring tape 116 in an extended position. Pressing the release
mechanism, such as a push button, releases the pawl from engagement with the
ratchet, thereby allowing measuring tape 116 to return to a retracted
position. In yet
other embodiments, tape lock and release mechanism 128 includes a ratchet and
pawl where the pawl is unable to engage and lock the ratchet in position
unless the
ratchet is stopped or rotates below a predetermined speed. Thus, like a roller
window
shade, when tape measure 116 is extended from tool housing 110, the ratchet
rotates
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at a pace that prevents the pawl from locking the position. In this way,
measuring
tape 116 may be extended, locked in place, and then released and returned to
the
retracted position.
[0064] Tape spool axle 136 with shaft opening 138 extends from first
sidewall
portion 112 towards second sidewall portion 114 as discussed above. Tape spool
202
includes measuring tape 216 coiled thereon and tape spool coil spring 230
retained
within tape spring opening 206. Guide member 140, which has a disk shape in
some
embodiments, is received in tape spring opening 206 and is flush with second
flange
210.
[0065] Guide member 140 includes a central opening 142 that receives tether
spool axle 304 of tether spool 302. In one embodiment, central opening 142 of
guide
member 140 is threaded and threadably engages tether spool axle 304, which is
also
threaded. In other embodiments, guide member is retained on tether spool axle
304
by a snap fit, nut, or other engagement device between tether spool axle 304
and
central opening 142. In yet other embodiments, guide member 140 freely spins
on
tether spool axle 304 and functions as a spacer between tether spool 302 and
tape
spool 202. Similar to tape spool axle 136 as discussed above, tether spool
axle 304
may include a slot or other connector shaft opening 305 to engage first end
portion
330a of tether spool coil spring 330. Thus, tether spool 302 may rotate about
tether
spool axle 304. Even though guide member 140 may rotationally guide and
support
tape spool 202, tape spool 202 rotates about tape spool axle 136 independently
of
guide member 140. That is, guide member 140 is fixedly connected to tether
spool
axle 304 and remains stationary as tape spool 202 spins on tape spool axle
136.
Tether spool axle 304 extends through and engages tether housing 130
[0066] Since guide member 140 is received in tape spring opening 206 and
maintained in a predefined distance from second sidewall portion 114 by tether
spool
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axle 304, guide member 140 also functions to maintain the axial position of
tape spool
202 along tape spool axle 136. An optional axle boss or axle protrusion 139 on
tape
spool axle 136 may also be used to maintain the axial position of tape spool
202.
[0067] Referring now to Figure 9, a perspective view illustrates housing
second
portion 110b with retractable tether assembly 300 of Fig. 7 as viewed looking
into
tether housing 110b and at front portion 116b of perimeter sidewall 116.
Tether
housing 130 defines tether spool compartment 122b to retain tether spool 302.
Tether
spool axle 304 extends through tether housing 130 to engage guide member 140
at
central opening 142. Tether housing 130 defines tether opening 120 for passage
of
tether 316 to exit towards rear portion 116c of perimeter sidewall 116.
[0068] In one embodiment, second sidewall portion 114 defines a spool
opening
134 sized for tether spool 302. Tether housing 130 extends laterally beyond
second
sidewall portion 114 to define tether spool compartment 122b and enclose
tether
spool 302. Tether housing 130 may be integrally formed as a single, monolithic
structure with tool housing 110 or it may be a separate structure that
attaches
permanently or removably to tool housing 110. In some embodiments, it may be
desirable to remove tether housing 130 to repair retractable tether assembly
300.
[0069] In other embodiments, for example, tether housing 130 is a cover
attached
to second sidewall portion 114 or other portion of hand tool 100, where second
sidewall portion 114 may or may not include spool opening 134. In some
embodiments, second sidewall portion 114 includes fastener opening 123 sized
for
tether spool axle 304. By varying the position of tether housing 130 and
fastener
opening 123 in second sidewall portion 114, tether spool 302 may or may not be
coaxial with tape spool 202, depending on the desired configuration. In some
embodiments, both of tether spool 302 and tape spool 202 rotate about a
single, fixed
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axle, where coil spring 330, 230 of each spool 302, 202, respectively, engages
the
fixed axle to independently bias each spool 302, 202 towards a retracted
position.
[0070] Guide member 140 in its assembled form abuts inside surface 114a of
second sidewall portion 114. When second sidewall portion 114 defines spool
opening 134, guide member 140 is sized to extend across spool opening 134 and
engage inside surface 114a of second sidewall portion 114. Accordingly, guide
member 140 optionally functions as a nut or retaining member on tether spool
axle
304 that allows tether spool axle 304 to be tightened against tether housing
130 of tool
housing 110. In other embodiments, tether spool axle 304 is secured to tether
housing 130 at fastener opening 123 (shown in Fig. 8), such as by threaded
engagement or use of a retaining nut. In such embodiments, guide member 140
may
be installed on tether spool axle 304 in a tight or loose fitting manner.
[0071] Referring now to Figure 10, retractable tape assembly 200 is
illustrated in
an exploded, perspective view. As discussed above, tape spool 202 includes
flanges
208, 210 attached to spool hub 212. First spool flange 208 defines central
axle
opening 214. Second spool flange 210 defines tape spring opening 206. Tape
spool
coil spring 230 is received in tape spring opening 206 between spool flanges
208, 210
with first end portion 232 engaging tape spool axle 136 (shown in Fig. 5) and
second
end portion 234 attached to tape spool 202. Measuring tape 216 wraps around
tape
spool 202 and has first tape end portion 218 attached to spool hub 212 and
second
tape end portion 220 extended through tape opening 118 of tool housing 110
(shown
in Figs. 2-3). Guide member 140 is received in tape spring opening 206
adjacent tape
spool coil spring 230.
[0072] Referring now to Figure 11, retractable tether assembly 300 is
illustrated in
an exploded, perspective view. Similar to tape spool 202, tether spool 302
includes
first tether spool flange 306 and second tether spool flange 308 attached to
cylindrical
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tether spool hub 310. Second tether spool flange 308 defines a connector
opening
324. First tether spool flange 306 defines tether spool opening 326. Tether
spool coil
spring 330 is received in tether spool opening 326 between first and second
tether
spool flanges 306, 308. First tether coil spring end portion 330a engages
tether spool
axle 304. Second tether coil spring end portion 330b is attached to tether
spool 302.
Tether 316 wraps around tether spool 302 with first tether end portion 319
secured to
tether spool 302. Second tether end portion 320 extending from tether spool
302.
Optionally, second tether end portion 320 includes stop member 322 and/or
tether
connector 312.
[0073]
Referring now to Figure 12, a perspective view illustrates an embodiment of
hand tool 100 that is a spirit level constructed to include retractable tether
assembly
300. Hand tool 100 includes a tool housing 110 extending between and
connecting
parallel and spaced-apart rails 152. Tool housing 110 of the level houses or
retains a
plurality of sealed transparent bubble vials 154. As shown in Fig. 12, tether
housing
130 is defined by or constructed as part of tool housing 110 between rails 152
and
defines tether opening 120 for tether 116.
[0074]
Referring now to Figure 13, another embodiment of hand tool 100 is shown
in a side view of a cordless drill constructed to include retractable tether
assembly
300. Similar to tape measure hand tool 100 of Fig. 7, a tether housing 130 is
attached
to tool body or tool housing 100 of the drill to house retractable tether
assembly 300.
Preferably, tether housing 130 defines tether opening 120 facing towards rear
portion
116c of tool housing 110 so tether 316 is less likely to become entangled in a
rotating
drill bit (not shown). Similar to the tape measure hand tool of Fig. 6, other
embodiments of the drill have tether assembly 300 housed within rear portion
116c of
the drill's tool housing 110.
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[0075] In some embodiments, hand tool 100 optionally includes a tether
locking
mechanism (not shown) to temporarily fix the length of tether 316 extending
from tool
housing 110. Tether locking mechanism may be, for example, a push button or
slide
that causes a structure to frictionally or mechanically engage tether spool
302 and
prevent it from rotating. In other embodiments, a cord lock is installed on
tether 316
between tool housing 110 and stop member 322 so that the user can adjustably
set
the length of tether 316 extending from housing 110.
[0076] In yet other embodiments, retractable tether assembly 300 optionally
includes a braking mechanism (not shown) that resists deployment of tether 316
as
tether 316 approaches full deployment. The braking mechanism is useful to
reduce
the sudden impact when a falling hand tool 100 or other tool reaches the fully
deployed tether 316 and comes to a sudden stop. Instead, the braking mechanism
softens or eliminates a sudden stop by gradually increasing resistance on
tether spool
302 to bring it to a gradual stop at or before the point of full deployment.
[0077] In yet other embodiments, tool housing 110 includes a magnet
attached to
an outside surface of first sidewall portion 112 or second sidewall portion
114. A
receiving plate made of ferromagnetic material on the user's belt is
magnetically
attracted to the magnet on tool housing 110. For example, the receiving plate
has a J-
shape or U-shape that slips over a belt or waistband. Accordingly, in place of
a belt
clip on tape measure or other hand tool 100, the user may store hand tool 100
on the
receiving plate using magnetic attraction. The magnet on tool housing 110 is
sized for
the mass of hand tool 100. Preferably, the magnetic attraction between the
magnet
and the receiving plate resists inadvertent decoupling of hand tool 100 from
the
receiving plate, but allows the user to remove hand tool 100 for use.
[0078] In use, embodiments of hand tool 100 with retractor tether assembly
300
are useful for securing hand tool 100 to the user or to a structure in the
event hand
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tool 100 is dropped. Hand tool 100 can be, for example, a tape measure, a
level, a a
battery-powered saw, drill, grinder, cutter, sander, vacuum cleaner, heat gun,
a
battery-powered caulking gun, a multimeter, or other hand-held tool.
Particularly for
workers at height, retractable tether assembly 300 reduces or prevents injury
from
dropped hand tools by preventing hand tool 100 from falling to the ground when
dropped. Since tether 316 automatically retracts, tether 316 resists forming
loops in
the tether that may catch on objects or become tangled with power tools and
other
equipment. Also, since tether 316 is spring biased to a retracted position, a
dropped
hand tool 100 need not fall the entire length of tether 316 before being
"caught" by
tether 316. Instead, tether spool coil spring 330 reduces or eliminates
further
extension of tether 316 and in some cases retracts tether 316 after hand tool
100 has
been dropped. The result is that hand tool 100 generally falls or swings at a
distance
that is no greater than the length of tether 316 extending from hand tool 100.
Further,
when dropped, the fall of hand tool 100 is softened by the spring force of
tether spool
coil spring 330 absorbing some of the gravitational force of the falling hand
tool 100.
When hand tool 100 is a tape measure with tether spool 302 that rotates about
tether
spool axle 304 distinct from tape spool axle 136, hand tool 100 allows greater
flexibility in the placement of tether spool 302 as well as greater ease in
servicing
retractable tether assembly 300 if needed.
[0079] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been
described herein, the above description is merely illustrative. Further
modification of
the invention herein disclosed will occur to those skilled in the respective
arts and all
such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the invention as
defined by
the appended claims.
