A tape measure includes a housing with first and second housing portions; a reel configured to be secured between the first and second housing portions, the reel containing a tape blade wound thereon and partially extending therefrom terminating in a hook portion; and an integral component coupled to the first and second housing portions, including an aperture defining a finger brake, the finger brake exposing the tape blade for engagement by a user. The tape blade is biased to retract into the housing, winding around the reel, such that in a fully retracted position the hook portion abuts the portion of the mouth of the tape measure. In an extended position the tape blade is unwound from the reel such that the hook extends away from the integral component. An integral component including an aperture defining a tape measure mouth and a light emitter receiving slot is also disclosed.

A tape measure includes a housing with first and second housing portions; a reel configured to be secured between the first and second housing portions, the reel containing a tape blade wound thereon and partially extending therefrom terminating in a hook portion; and an integral component coupled to the first and second housing portions, including an aperture defining a finger brake, the finger brake exposing the tape blade for engagement by a user. The tape blade is biased to retract into the housing, winding around the reel, such that in a fully retracted position the hook portion abuts the portion of the mouth of the tape measure. In an extended position the tape blade is unwound from the reel such that the hook extends away from the integral component. An integral component including an aperture defining a tape measure mouth and a light emitter receiving slot is also disclosed.

A tape measure includes a housing with first and second housing portions; a reel configured to be secured between the first and second housing portions, the reel containing a tape blade wound thereon and partially extending therefrom terminating in a hook portion; and an integral component coupled to the first and second housing portions, including an aperture defining a finger brake, the finger brake exposing the tape blade for engagement by a user. The tape blade is biased to retract into the housing, winding around the reel, such that in a fully retracted position the hook portion abuts the portion of the mouth of the tape measure. In an extended position the tape blade is unwound from the reel such that the hook extends away from the integral component. An integral component including an aperture defining a tape measure mouth and a light emitter receiving slot is also disclosed.

This disclosure describes a self-contained, user-removable and replaceable tape and reel cartridge assembly that is easily loaded into a tape measure housing in a slide-in fashion. The spring of the reel is charged (tensioned) and is maintained in this state during the loading of the assembly so that the user does not need to adjust spring state during the replacement process. This is achieved by configuring the tape and reel cartridge assembly with a bracket that loops around the reel and is torsionally coupled to an arbor (the central hub) of the reel. The bracket prevents the tape from unwinding from the spool during the replacement operation. Once the tape and reel assembly is installed, the device housing is closed and the device is immediately available for use.

This disclosure describes a self-contained, user-removable and replaceable tape and reel cartridge assembly that is easily loaded into a tape measure housing in a slide-in fashion. The spring of the reel is charged (tensioned) and is maintained in this state during the loading of the assembly so that the user does not need to adjust spring state during the replacement process. This is achieved by configuring the tape and reel cartridge assembly with a bracket that loops around the reel and is torsionally coupled to an arbor (the central hub) of the reel. The bracket prevents the tape from unwinding from the spool during the replacement operation. Once the tape and reel assembly is installed, the device housing is closed and the device is immediately available for use.