Systems and methods for manufacturing, implanting and using a magnetic tape measure mount to secure a tape measure or other related instrument magnetically to a user, to a user's belt, or work belt.

A sleeve for use in combination with a tape measure includes an elastomeric main body surrounding a cavity, the main body being sized and configured for snug fit engagement of the tape measure; a plurality of openings formed on the main body; a first one of the plurality of openings surrounding a tape opening of the tape measure, such that the tape may be selectively passed therethrough; a second one of the plurality of openings for surrounding a tape measure control of the tape measure, such that the tape measure control may be selectively actuated therethrough; a third one of the plurality of openings for surrounding a clip of the tape measure, such that the clip may be selectively operated therethrough; a metallic plate being structured and disposed for magnetically securing a magnet element of a writing instrument; and a pocket for receipt of the writing instrument.

A tape rule comprises a blade, a reel, a spring, a lock, and a housing. The blade comprises a substrate and a coating. The coating is configured to provide color, environmental protection, and/or abrasion resistance. In some embodiments, (1) the coating is formed from non-polymer materials; (2) the blade comprises reinforcements metallurgically bonded to the blade at or near a free end; (3) measurement indicia comprise laser marked portions of the substrate that create color contrasts with other portions of the substrate; (4) the measurement indicia comprise portions of the substrate visible through gaps in the coating; (5) the measurement indicia comprise voids in the substrate filled with a coating material having a contrasting color; and/or (6) the substrate has a surface texture configured to change an appearance of the coating relative to an appearance of the coating on an as-rolled surface finish of the metal substrate.

A tape measure includes a spool, a housing defining an opening, where the spool is rotatably coupled to the housing, and a blade including a first end and a second end, where the first end is connected to the spool and the second end is movable through the opening between a retracted position and an extended position. The manually retractable tape measure further includes a cleaning assembly positioned within the housing adjacent the opening such that the cleaning assembly is in contact with the blade to push away debris from the blade as the blade moves between the retracted position and the extended position.

An ergonomic tape measure having a side which has a protruding surface that fills at least a part of the gripping cavity of an operator's hand and provides a comfortable and secure feeling grip when holding the tape measure. The tape measure can have a grip swell surface which fills part or all of the gripping cavity of an operator's hand. The tape measure can have a grip swell side center region which protrudes from a grip swell plane and into the gripping cavity of an operator's hand.

A tape measure attachment with a brush and wiper element is shown and described. The tape measure attachment with a brush and wiper element includes a front section, wherein the front section has an aperture therein. The aperture contains a brush and wiper element therein. The aperture and the brush and wiper element are proportioned to accept a tape of a measuring tape therein. The front section is attached to a base at one end of the base. A pair of prongs are attached to the base near one end of the base, wherein the prongs are configured to frictionally engage a tape measure housing. A second pair of prongs are attached to the base near one end of the base, wherein the prongs are configured to frictionally engage a tape measure housing.

An ergonomic tape measure having a side which has a protruding surface that fills at least a part of the gripping cavity of an operator's hand and provides a comfortable and secure feeling grip when holding the tape measure. The tape measure can have a grip swell surface which fills part or all of the gripping cavity of an operator's hand. The tape measure can have a grip swell side center region which protrudes from a grip swell plane and into the gripping cavity of an operator's hand.

A tape measure attachment with a brush and wiper element is shown and described. The tape measure attachment with a brush and wiper element includes a front section, wherein the front section has an aperture therein. The aperture contains a brush and wiper element therein. The aperture and the brush and wiper element are proportioned to accept a tape of a measuring tape therein. The front section is attached to a base at one end of the base. A pair of prongs are attached to the base near one end of the base, wherein the prongs are configured to frictionally engage a tape measure housing. A second pair of prongs are attached to the base near one end of the base, wherein the prongs are configured to frictionally engage a tape measure housing.

A tape measure includes a spool, a housing defining an opening, where the spool is rotatably coupled to the housing, and a blade including a first end and a second end, where the first end is connected to the spool and the second end is movable through the opening between a retracted position and an extended position. The manually retractable tape measure further includes a cleaning assembly positioned within the housing adjacent the opening such that the cleaning assembly is in contact with the blade to push away debris from the blade as the blade moves between the retracted position and the extended position.

A tape measure includes a spool, a housing defining an opening, where the spool is rotatably coupled to the housing, and a blade including a first end and a second end, where the first end is connected to the spool and the second end is movable through the opening between a retracted position and an extended position. The manually retractable tape measure further includes a cleaning assembly positioned within the housing adjacent the opening such that the cleaning assembly is in contact with the blade to push away debris from the blade as the blade moves between the retracted position and the extended position.