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 tape dispenser that includes a gripper pad and a tape reel. The tape reel includes a spool around which a tape is wound. The spool is enclosed in a housing that includes an opening through which a free end of the tape is allowed to pass through. The free end of the tape includes a fastener such as a hook. The housing also includes a tape lock and a roller handle. The gripper pad includes at least one suction pad, receiving means for a stake, or both. The tape reel and the gripper pad each include receiving means for a connecting means. The connecting means is a wedge connector, a magnetic connector, or the like, and combinations thereof. The tape reel is allowed to freely rotate while the gripper pad remains affixed onto a surface such as a floor, a lawn or a turf.

A tape dispenser that includes a gripper pad and a tape reel. The tape reel includes a spool around which a tape is wound. The spool is enclosed in a housing that includes an opening through which a free end of the tape is allowed to pass through. The free end of the tape includes a fastener such as a hook. The housing also includes a tape lock and a roller handle. The gripper pad includes at least one suction pad, receiving means for a stake, or both. The tape reel and the gripper pad each include receiving means for a connecting means. The connecting means is a wedge connector, a magnetic connector, or the like, and combinations thereof. The tape reel is allowed to freely rotate while the gripper pad remains affixed onto a surface such as a floor, a lawn or a turf.

A multi-tool assembly includes a first housing and a tape measure that is integrated into the first housing. The tape measure is drawable outwardly from the first housing to facilitate distance to be measured. A second housing is hingedly coupled to the first housing and the second housing is positionable in a deployed position and a folded position. A blade slide is slidably integrated into the second housing and the blade slide is urgeable between an extending position and a retracting position. A blade is insertable into the blade slide and the blade extends outwardly from the second housing when the blade slide is positioned in the extending position for cutting. The blade is retracted within the second housing when the blade slide is positioned in the retracting position.

A multi-tool assembly includes a first housing and a tape measure that is integrated into the first housing. The tape measure is drawable outwardly from the first housing to facilitate distance to be measured. A second housing is hingedly coupled to the first housing and the second housing is positionable in a deployed position and a folded position. A blade slide is slidably integrated into the second housing and the blade slide is urgeable between an extending position and a retracting position. A blade is insertable into the blade slide and the blade extends outwardly from the second housing when the blade slide is positioned in the extending position for cutting. The blade is retracted within the second housing when the blade slide is positioned in the retracting position.

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 combination measuring tape/chalk marker holder includes a main housing and a chalk retention pocket. The main housing has a main housing shell with a base and a back plate. The main housing is an equilateral triangular prismatic body with two outwardly curved lateral walls meeting at an apex. Within the housing, a locking reel holding a flexible measuring tape is releasably engaged with a locking hub formed on the back plate. The measuring tape extends through a portal formed in one of the outwardly curved lateral walls. The chalk retention pocket is fixed to and extends from the back plate. The pocket has a base parallel to and coextensive with the main housing base, two parallel lateral walls, and a flexible chalk retention member. The chalk retention pocket is flexible and removably retains a convex lensate marking body. A rotatable foot enables the holder to stand erect.

A combination measuring tape/chalk marker holder includes a main housing and a chalk retention pocket. The main housing has a main housing shell with a base and a back plate. The main housing is an equilateral triangular prismatic body with two outwardly curved lateral walls meeting at an apex. Within the housing, a locking reel holding a flexible measuring tape is releasably engaged with a locking hub formed on the back plate. The measuring tape extends through a portal formed in one of the outwardly curved lateral walls. The chalk retention pocket is fixed to and extends from the back plate. The pocket has a base parallel to and coextensive with the main housing base, two parallel lateral walls, and a flexible chalk retention member. The chalk retention pocket is flexible and removably retains a convex lensate marking body. A rotatable foot enables the holder to stand erect.

A tape measuring device includes a housing having a first case half, a second case half, and an aperture. The device also includes a reel assembly disposed in the housing, a tape having a first end operably coupled to an end hook and configured to extend from the housing through the aperture and having a second end configured to be wound on the reel assembly, and a retraction assembly configured to interface with the reel assembly to enable the tape, after extension from the housing, to be wound onto the reel assembly. The first case half includes a first metallic case plate operably coupled thereto without a fastener, and the second case half includes a second metallic case plate operably coupled thereto without a fastener. The first and second case halves may be operably coupled together via one or more fasteners operably coupling the first metallic case plate to the second metallic case plate.

A tape measuring device includes a housing having a first case half, a second case half, and an aperture. The device also includes a reel assembly disposed in the housing, a tape having a first end operably coupled to an end hook and configured to extend from the housing through the aperture and having a second end configured to be wound on the reel assembly, and a retraction assembly configured to interface with the reel assembly to enable the tape, after extension from the housing, to be wound onto the reel assembly. The first case half includes a first metallic case plate operably coupled thereto without a fastener, and the second case half includes a second metallic case plate operably coupled thereto without a fastener. The first and second case halves may be operably coupled together via one or more fasteners operably coupling the first metallic case plate to the second metallic case plate.