A tool, such as a tape measure, including a spring-based retraction system is shown. Various spring-based retraction system embodiments are configured to decrease the size occupied by the spring within the tape measure housing, which consequently reduces tape measure housing size providing a more compact tape measure. Various spring-based retraction system embodiments are configured to control retraction of the tape measure in a manner that reduces whip or otherwise controls tape blade retraction. Some retraction system embodiments utilize a reduction gear train, and others utilize a compression spring and a transmission system that converts rotational movement of the tape reel to axial movement, which compresses the spring.

A tool, such as a tape measure, including a spring-based retraction system is shown. The spring-based retraction system is driven by a spiral spring, that has a variable preformed stress profile along the length of the spring.

Disclosed is a tape measure, comprising: a tape measure housing (1) provided with an accommodating cavity; a tape core assembly (2) arranged in the accommodating cavity; and a tape belt assembly (3) wound around the tape core assembly (2). The tape measure housing (1) is further provided with a tape outlet for the tape belt assembly (3) to extend outwards. The tape measure further comprises a braking assembly (4) and a driving assembly (5), wherein the driving assembly (5) is movably mounted onto the tape measure housing (1); the tape core assembly (2) is provided with a braking face (201); the driving assembly (5) drives the braking assembly (4) to come into contact with the braking face (201) of the tape core assembly (2) and to press the same, thereby realizing braking. Abrasion of the scale on the surface of a tape belt is effectively prevented.

Various aspects of tape measures with one or more of a sensor, a motor, and a clutch, are shown. The sensors described herein detect, through various mechanisms, the position of the retraction system of a tape measure. The measurements by the sensors may be used to control a motor to adjust an amount of tension in the spiral spring of a tape measure. In various embodiments a motor interacts with the retraction system of the tape measure via a clutch, which moderates an amount of force that the motor can communicate to the retraction system.

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 tape measure including an elongate tape blade is shown. The tape measure includes a relatively short protective polymer film coupled to an end of the tape blade adjacent to the hook end of the tape blade.

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 tool, such as a tape measure, including a spring-based retraction system is shown. The retraction system utilizes an epicyclic gear train coupled between the tape blade winding reel and a rotating arbor or axle within the tape measure. A spiral spring has an outer end coupled to the reel and an inner end coupled to the axle. The gear train may be a reduction gear train such that the axle rotates slower than the reel. By coupling the spiral spring between the gear train input and gear train output, high energy density springs may be used, which may allow for decrease in housing size, increase in tape length or thickness for a given housing size, and/or advantageous retraction speed control.

A tape measure including an elongate tape blade is shown. The tape measure includes a protective bumper that extends below the tape opening. The bumper is shaped to allow the tape hook to pivot during drop or impact to reduce the impact force experienced by the tape hook.

A tape measure including an elongate tape blade is shown. The tape measure includes a protective bumper that extends below the tape opening. The bumper is shaped to allow the tape hook to pivot during drop or impact to reduce the impact force experienced by the tape hook.