Tape measure apparatus with a rotating and sliding catch

摘要

An improved tape measure apparatus which includes a catch that is both slidable and rotatable relative to the rule blade in a plane which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rule blade when the rule blade is extended from the tape casing. In one embodiment the catch can both rotate and slide relative to the rule blade when frictional forces exceed a predefined minimum or are within a predefined range.

主权项

1. A tape measure apparatus comprising:
a) a casing having two side walls, a bottom wall, a rear wall, and a front wall defining an enclosure, the front wall having a blade aperture adjacent the bottom wall; b) a rule blade having inner and outer end portions and being retractably stored in a coiled condition within said enclosure of the casing, the inner end of the rule blade secured within the enclosure, the outer end of the rule blade protruding through the blade aperture when extended during use, and when extended during use the rule blade having a longitudinal axis; c) graduated indicia markings along the length of said rule blade, functioning as a measuring scale; d) a catch operatively connected to the outer end of the rule blade, the catch being slidable relative to the outer end of the rule blade in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rule blade.