A tape measure including a tape measure blade having an edge design to increase tape blade durability is provided. The metal portion of the tape blade may include lateral edge surface sections that have a non-planar, tear reducing shape. The metal portion of the tape blade may include lateral edge surface sections that include a tear reducing surface treatment such as a polished lateral edge surface section.

A tape measure including a tape measure blade having an edge design to increase tape blade durability is provided. The metal portion of the tape blade may include lateral edge surface sections that have a non-planar, tear reducing shape. The metal portion of the tape blade may include lateral edge surface sections that include a tear reducing surface treatment such as a polished lateral edge surface section.

A deployable device includes a supporting structure, a deployable structure capable of switching from a configuration wound around a first axis to a configuration deployed according to a second axis substantially at right angles to the first axis, by being deployed by a length defined in a frame of reference of the supporting structure, wherein it further comprises a deployed length control device comprising a sensor and a computer linked to the sensor, a first conductive track electrically linked to the sensor extending on the deployable structure, substantially along the perimeter of the deployable structure, and forming one or more turns of a first coil in the wound configuration, and in that the sensor is configured to measure an electrical parameter from the first electrically conductive track which varies with the deployed length of the deployable structure and the computer is configured to determine the deployed length of the deployable structure.

A method of packaging a measuring tape device such that an internal feature of the measuring tape device is exposed may include supporting a housing of the measuring tape device on a base portion of an internal feature exposing holder, and proximate to a backing portion of the internal feature exposing holder, extending a portion of a blade of the measuring tape device from the housing to engage a hook capturing edge of an extension portion, and retaining the housing with the base portion and the backing portion such that a portion of the blade remains exposed.

A measuring instrument that reads a measure including a plurality of reading patterns arranged in a length direction of the measure, each reading pattern including a plurality of patterns arranged in a width direction of the measure, includes: a flattening member that increases a flatness of the measure; and a first reader that optically reads the plurality of patterns arranged in the width direction included in a single reading pattern from the measure in a state where the flatness is increased by the flattening member.

A tool, such as a tape measure, including a retraction system is shown. The tape measure includes a magnetic retraction speed controller. The magnetic retraction speed controller includes a magnet that induces an eddy current in a conductive component of the tool and slows a retraction speed.

A tool, such as a tape measure, including a retraction system is shown. The tape measure includes a magnetic retraction speed controller. The magnetic retraction speed controller includes a magnet that induces an eddy current in a conductive component of the tool and slows a retraction speed.

A non-planer measurement system allows for a tape measure or ruler to nest in along the top surface of an object such as a roof panel. The tape has cutouts to fit the pattern so that the whole edge with the cutouts nests with the surface of the roof panel. The tape then allows for accurate distance measurements along the tape.

A non-planer measurement system allows for a tape measure or ruler to nest in along the top surface of an object such as a roof panel. The tape has cutouts to fit the pattern so that the whole edge with the cutouts nests with the surface of the roof panel. The tape then allows for accurate distance measurements along the tape.

An apparatus is configured to employ with a retractable tape measure including a flexible measuring tape. The apparatus includes an electronic system including a laser receiver and a body configured to house the electronic system therein. The laser receiver is configured to detect a laser projected in at least one of a red wavelength and a green wavelength. The body includes an arcuate-shaped cavity configured to receive the flexible measuring tape in a sliding engagement, and a top surface oriented to face in a direction from which the flexible measuring tape is read with the flexible measuring tape received in the cavity. The top surface includes a port configured to align with the laser receiver.