System and Method for Making a Fluid Container with Integrated and Locking Measuring Tape

Abstract

The invention is a fluid container, such as a flask or canteen, positioned in previously unused spaces found in the housing of a measuring tape mechanism. The present invention possesses a fluid container or vessel place inside the external housing of a measuring tape component (with an opening and cap), which simultaneously encloses an internal integrated spooled measuring tape with spring-loaded retracting measuring tape with a locking mechanism. The present invention allows for the simultaneous placement of a fluid container inside previously unused space in a measuring tape housing to store fluids in an efficient and effective manner without requiring two separate vessels or components, to allow for a more efficient and effective incorporation of a useful fluid vessel in previously unused space in a measuring tape mechanism to provide storage of hydration or medicinal fluids in a more efficient and effective manner on construction or work sites.

Claims

1. A fluid container with integrated and locking measuring tape, comprising: a measuring tape housing having a bottom section and a left side and a right side, each with a beveled angle intersecting those two sections, said housing encloses an internal integrated spooled measuring tape with spring-loaded coiling spring, said spooled measuring tape extends on one end out of a tape slot in the front side of the measuring tape housing to allow one to measure a distance with said measuring tap, and said spring-loaded coiling spring being associated with a retractive locking mechanism that holds the measuring tape in place using the external locking button, the housing having top gripping ridges surrounded on both sides by beveled round edges; said measuring tape having an end with a downward clasp and having an button aperture, one or more rivets securing the end to the measuring tape and a curved right angle 1-shaped bend between the section having the rivets and the section having the downward clasp; a locking button positioned on the outside of said housing and having a set of gripping ridges, the locking button having a triangular section for better leverage on the transition of the button in the slot groove and the button receiver slot, said locking button secures the measuring tape by locking the coiling spring, which prevents the coiling spring from reeling and coiling back the measuring tape from an extended position outside the measuring tape reel; a fluid container positioned in previously unused spaces inside the housing of said measuring tape, said fluid container having a fluid container and an opening with a fitted cap to close the fluid container and said fluid container having a rounded internal wall to maintain a fluid in the container without creating an obstruction of the reel of the measuring tape as it is coiled around the coiling spring; the placement of said fluid container inside previously unused space in a measuring tape housing to store fluids in the fluid container with the curved internal wall, which prevents obstruction of the measuring tape coiled around the coiling spring, to provide storage of hydration or medicinal fluids in a more efficient and effective manner.

2. The fluid container set forth in claim 1 wherein said a fluid container has a small volume.

3. The fluid container set forth in claim 1 wherein said a fluid container has a large volume.

4. The fluid container set forth in claim 1 wherein the housing tapers and angles inwardly below the locking button at beveled angles.

5. The fluid container set forth in claim 1 wherein the housing extends forward at forward extension to accommodate the tape aperture slot, which is an aperture slot that allows the measuring tape to extend outwardly in a forward direction from the coiled or reeled internal position around the coiling spring.

6. The fluid container set forth in claim 1 wherein the measuring tape has a left side edge and a right side edge that extends from the slot, which is a slot that has a bottom edge.

7. The fluid container set forth in claim 1 further comprising an external cap section that is positioned on an angled cap plane of the housing.

8. A fluid container with integrated and locking measuring tape, comprising: a measuring tape housing that encloses an internal integrated spooled measuring tape with spring-loaded coiling spring, said spooled measuring tape extends on one end out of a tape slot in the front side of the measuring tape housing to allow one to measure a distance with said measuring tap, and said spring-loaded coiling spring being associated with a retractive locking mechanism that holds the tape in place using the external locking button; said measuring tape having a left side edge and a right side edge that extends from the slot, which is a slot that has a bottom edge, and said measure tape having an end with a downward clasp having an button aperture, rivets securing the end to the measuring tape and a curved right angle 1-shaped bend between the section having the rivets and the section having the downward clasp; a fluid container positioned in previously unused spaces inside the housing of said measuring tape, said fluid container having a fluid container and an opening with a fitted cap to close the fluid container and said fluid container having a rounded internal wall to maintain a fluid in the container without creating an obstruction of the reel of the measuring tape as it is coiled around the coiling spring; the placement of said fluid container inside previously unused space in a measuring tape housing to store fluids in the fluid container with the curved internal wall, which prevents obstruction of the measuring tape coiled around the coiling spring, to provide storage of hydration or medicinal fluids in a more efficient and effective manner.

9. The fluid container set forth in claim 1 wherein the housing has top gripping ridges surrounded on both sides by beveled round edges.

10. The fluid container set forth in claim 1 wherein the locking button has a set of gripping ridges.

11. The fluid container set forth in claim 1 wherein the locking button has a triangular section for better leverage on the transition of the button in the slot groove and the button receiver slot.

12. The fluid container set forth in claim 1 wherein the locking button secures the measuring tape by locking the coiling spring, which prevents the coiling spring from reeling and coiling back the measuring tape from an extended position outside the measuring tape reel.

13. The fluid container set forth in claim 1 wherein the housing has a bottom section and a left side and a right side, each with a beveled angle intersecting those two sections.

14. The fluid container set forth in claim 1 wherein the housing tapers and angles inwardly below the locking button at beveled angles.

15. The fluid container set forth in claim 1 wherein the housing extends forward at forward extension to accommodate the tape aperture slot, which is an aperture slot that allows the measuring tape to extend outwardly in a forward direction from the coiled or reeled internal position around the coiling spring.

16. The fluid container set forth in claim 1 further comprising an external cap section that is positioned on an angled cap plane of the housing.

17. A fluid container with integrated and locking measuring tape, comprising: a measuring tape housing that encloses an internal integrated spooled measuring tape with spring-loaded coiling spring, said spooled measuring tape extends on one end out of a tape slot in the front side of the measuring tape housing to allow one to measure a distance with said measuring tap, and said spring-loaded coiling spring being associated with a retractive locking mechanism that holds the tape in place using the external locking button; a fluid container positioned in previously unused spaces inside the housing of said measuring tape, said fluid container having a fluid container and an opening with a fitted cap to close the fluid container and said fluid container having a rounded internal wall to maintain a fluid in the container without creating an obstruction of the reel of the measuring tape as it is coiled around the coiling spring; the placement of said fluid container inside previously unused space in a measuring tape housing to store fluids in the fluid container with the curved internal wall, which prevents obstruction of the measuring tape coiled around the coiling spring, to provide storage of hydration or medicinal fluids in a more efficient and effective manner.

18. The fluid container set forth in claim 1 wherein the housing has top gripping ridges surrounded on both sides by beveled round edges.

19. The fluid container set forth in claim 1 wherein the locking button has a set of gripping ridges.

20. The fluid container set forth in claim 1 wherein the locking button has a triangular section for better leverage on the transition of the button in the slot groove and the button receiver slot.

21. The fluid container set forth in claim 1 wherein the locking button secures the measuring tape by locking the coiling spring, which prevents the coiling spring from reeling and coiling back the measuring tape from an extended position outside the measuring tape reel.

22. The fluid container set forth in claim 1 wherein the housing has a bottom section and a left side and a right side, each with a beveled angle intersecting those two sections.

23. The fluid container set forth in claim 1 wherein the housing tapers and angles inwardly below the locking button at beveled angles.

24. The fluid container set forth in claim 1 wherein the housing extends forward at forward extension to accommodate the tape aperture slot, which is an aperture slot that allows the measuring tape to extend outwardly in a forward direction from the coiled or reeled internal position around the coiling spring.

25. The fluid container set forth in claim 1 wherein the measuring tape has a left side edge and a right side edge that extends from the slot, which is a slot that has a bottom edge.

26. The fluid container set forth in claim 1 wherein the measure tape has an end with a downward clasp having an button aperture, rivets securing the end to the measuring tape and a curved right angle 1-shaped bend between the section having the rivets and the section having the downward clasp.

27. The fluid container set forth in claim 1 further comprising an external cap section that is positioned on an angled cap plane of the housing.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0038] The above, and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be understood upon consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention with cap detached;

[0040] FIG. 2 is a front view of view of the invention with cap detached;

[0041] FIG. 3 is a back view of the invention with cap detached;

[0042] FIG. 4 is a left side view of the invention with cap detached;

[0043] FIG. 5 is a right side view of the invention with cap detached;

[0044] FIG. 6 is a top view of the invention with cap detached;

[0045] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the invention with cap detached;

[0046] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the invention with cap attached;

[0047] The inventor will use descriptive drawings and text to describe the device and how it functions. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1, the invention is a fluid container 160, such as a flask or canteen, that is positioned in previously unused spaces found in the housing of a measuring tape mechanism 100 with a rounded internal wall to maintain a fluid in the container without creating an obstruction of the reel of the measuring tape 112a as it is coiled around the coiling spring 112b. The present invention possesses a fluid container or vessel 160 (which can have different volumes) placed inside the external housing 100 of a measuring tape component (with an opening 163 and cap 164), which is a housing that simultaneously encloses an internal integrated spooled measuring tape 112a with spring-loaded coiling spring 112b having a retractive locking mechanism that holds the tape in place using the external button 138.

[0049] The present invention allows for the simultaneous placement of a fluid container 160a inside previously unused space in a measuring tape housing 100 to store fluids in an efficient and effective manner without requiring two separate vessels or components, to allow for a more efficient and effective incorporation of a useful fluid vessel in previously unused space in a measuring tape mechanism where the fluid container has a curved internal wall 160b that prevents obstruction of the measuring tape 112a coiled around the coiling spring 112b, to provide storage of hydration or medicinal fluids in a more efficient and effective manner on construction or work sites.

[0050] The invention is particularly useful on construction sites and other fabrication areas where a fluid container can be used to prevent dehydration or other serious ailments due to fluid loss on the work day at the construction site. The fluid container 160 can retain a refreshing beverage of the user's choosing and according to that user's preferences, or it can contain medicinal liquids to support the health of the user. The goals achieved by the present invention are unrecognized, unrealized and not readily predictable as shown by a survey of the prior art measuring tape and fluid container art.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 1, the external housing 100 has a top gripping ridges 146 surrounded on both sides by beveled round edges 151 and 145. The enclosure housing 100 has a locking button 138 with gripping ridges 132 and a top portion 134, and has a triangular section 136 for better leverage on the transition of the button in the slot groove 130 and the button receiver slot 40. The locking button 138 secures the measuring tape by locking the coiling spring 112b, which prevents the coiling spring 112b from reeling and coiling back the measuring tape 112 from an extended position outside the measuring tape reel 112a. The housing 100 has a bottom section 120 and a side right side 158 with a beveled right angle 152 intersecting those two sections, a back right corner 154 and a rear right beveled angle 156.

[0052] The outer cover housing 100 has an exterior latch 136 to secure and “lock” the measuring tape 112 as extended from tape housing 100. The housing 100 has a rectangular box shape, but the housing could have other circular or rounded housing shapes. The cap 164 for the fluid container 160 extends outwardly from one side of the housing 100 and is positioned in an upward direction with a cover cap 150 being positioned over the cap 164.

[0053] The internal components of the invention include a fluid container 160 with an internal fluid body retention vessel such that the fluid container 160 accommodates without interference the operation and coiling of the measuring tape 112a around the coiling spring 112b. The container 160 has an external spout 163 with a screw top 164 or other securing top 164, all covered by a housing cap or cap cover 150. A tape measure 112 is wound in a coiled position 112a on a recoil spring 112b having a spool or axle having that resides in the housing 100, and the tape measure 112 extends through a tape slot 114 in the housing 100 to extend outwardly from the housing 100. When extended out of the tape slot 114, measurements can be made with the tape measure 112. The recoil spring 112b having a spool of the measuring tape 112a coiled around is spring loaded to recoil the tape measure once the latch “locking” mechanism 138 is released. The latch locking mechanism 138 provides functional locking that holds the tape measure 112 and 112a in an extended manner while the latch “locking” mechanism 138 is engaged and activated.

[0054] The housing 100 tapers and angles inwardly below the locking button 138 at beveled angles 128 and 126, and housing 100 extends forward at forward extension 124 to accommodate the tape aperture slot 114, which is an aperture slot 114 that allows the measuring tape 112 to extend outwardly in a forward direction from the coiled or reeled 112a internal position around the coiling spring 112b. The measuring tape 112 has a left side edge 111 and a right side edge 110 that extends from the slot 114, which is a slot 114 that has a bottom edge of 118.

[0055] The measure tape 112 has an end 104 with a downward clasp 102 having a button aperture 103, rivets 106 and 108 securing the end 104 to the measuring tape 112 and a curved right angle 1-shaped bend between the section having the rivets and the section having the downward clasp.

[0056] The cap section 150 has a lower edge 170, a right side 169, a top ridge gripping section 166, a left beveled angle 167 and right beveled angle 168 and rear beveled angle 172. The internal opening 163 is shown with the cap 164 having a beveled edge 165, an internal fluid container 160, an outer lip extension 161 and a fluid container connector 168, positioned on an angled cap plane 159 of the housing 100.

[0057] As shown herein, the invention is a fluid container, such as a flask or canteen, positioned in previously unused spaces found in the housing of a measuring tape mechanism such that the fluid container 160 accommodates without interference the operation and coiling of the measuring tape 112a around the coiling spring 112b. The present invention possesses a fluid container or vessel place inside the external housing of a measuring tape component (with an opening and cap), which simultaneously encloses an internal integrated spooled measuring tape with spring-loaded retracting measuring tape with a locking mechanism.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 2, the external housing 200 front view is shown having top gripping ridges 246 surrounded on both sides by beveled round edges 251 and 245. The enclosure housing 200 has side screws 242, with one of the side screws 242 securing a belt clasp 243 with a flat belt plate 241 to the housing 200. The housing 200 also has a locking button 238 with gripping ridges 232 and a top portion 234 and a lower portion 239, and has a triangular section 236 for better leverage on the transition of the button in the slot groove 230 and the button receiver slot 240.

[0059] The locking button 238 locks the coiled measuring tape (shown by 112a in FIG. 1) by preventing the coiling spring (shown 112b in FIG. 1) from recoiling the measuring tape from its forward extended position. The housing 200 has a bottom section 220, right side 258 and a left side 257. The internal components of the invention include a fluid container (160 shown in FIG. 1) with an internal fluid body retention vessel such that the fluid container 160 accommodates without interference the operation and coiling of the measuring tape 112a around the coiling spring 112b. (Also shown in FIG. 1, the container 160 has an external spout 163 with a screw top 164 or other securing top 164 with a beveled edge 165, all covered by a housing cap or cap cover 150, and the tape measure 112 is wound in a coiled position 112a on a recoil spring 112b having a spool or axle having that resides in the housing 100, and the tape measure 112 extends through a tape slot 214 in the housing 200 to extend outwardly from the housing 200.)

[0060] When extended out of the tape slot 214, measurements can be made with the tape measure. The recoil spring 112b shown in FIG. 1 has a recoiled spool of the measuring tape 112a coiled around is spring loaded to recoil the tape measure once the latch “locking” mechanism 238 is released. The latch locking mechanism 238 provides functional locking that holds the tape measure 112 and 112a in an extended manner while the latch “locking” mechanism 238 is engaged and activated.

[0061] The method of making and constructing the invention includes: (1) providing one-half (right side 258 or left side 257) of the tape housing 200, (2) winding the tape measure 112a onto the recoil spring 112b having a tape spool, (3) inserting the wound measuring tape 112a in a wound condition onto the recoil spring 112b and locating these elements inside the housing 200, (4) extending the end 204 of the tape measure 112 through the tape slot 214, (5) inserting the latch locking mechanism 238 (with its spring-loaded) into the latching mechanism slots 230 so it can slide along groove 240 on the housing 200 to switch between an activated locking position and an un-activated unlocked position, (6) inserting the fluid vessel 160 into auxiliary unused space inside the housing 200 with the spout 163 extended outside the housing 200, (7) placing a cap 164 over the opening 163 of the fluid container 160; (8) placing the other side (left side 257 or right side 258) of the housing 200 into engagement with the reciprocal part of the housing, (9) securing the two halves of the housing 200 to each other with an adhesive or screws 242. Latches and belt loops 243 can also be attached to the side 257 of the housing 200, and an external cap or housing cap cover 250 can be placed over the cap 164 covering the opening 163 of the fluid vessel 160.

[0062] The housing 200 tapers and angles inwardly below the locking button 238 at beveled angles 228 and 226, and housing 200 extends forward at forward extension 224 to accommodate the tape aperture slot 214, which is an aperture slot 214 that allows the measuring tape to extend outwardly in a forward direction from the coiled or reeled 112a internal position shown in FIG. 1 around the coiling spring 112b shown in FIG. 1. The measuring tape has a left side edge 211 and a right side edge 210 that extends from the slot 214, which is a slot 214 that has a bottom edge of 218.

[0063] The measure tape has an end 204 with a downward clasp 202 having a button aperture 203, rivets 206 securing the end 204 to the measuring tape and a curved right angle 1-shaped bend between the section having the rivets and the section having the downward clasp.

[0064] The cap section 250 has a lower edge 270, a right side 269, a top ridge gripping section 266, and a left side 267. The inside of cap 250 shows a cap aperture wall 288 and 286 surrounding a cap accommodation aperture 287, and surrounded by a cap aperture support 285. As shown herein, the invention is a fluid container, such as a flask or canteen, positioned in previously unused spaces found in the housing of a measuring tape mechanism. The present invention possesses a fluid container or vessel place inside the external housing of a measuring tape component (with an opening and cap), which simultaneously encloses an internal integrated spooled measuring tape with spring-loaded retroactive locking mechanism such that the fluid container 160 accommodates without interference the operation and coiling of the measuring tape 112a around the coiling spring 112b.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 3, the external housing 300 back or rear view shown having gripping ridges 346 surrounded on both sides by beveled round edges 356. The enclosure housing 300 has side screws 342, with one of the side screws 342 securing a belt clasp 343 with a flat belt plate 341 to the housing 300. The locking button on the opposite side of the rear view of the housing 300 locks the coiled measuring tape (shown by 112a in FIG. 1) by preventing the coiling spring (shown 112b in FIG. 1) from recoiling the measuring tape from its forward extended position.

[0066] The housing 300 has a bottom section 354, a right side 358 and a left side 357. The internal components of the invention include a fluid container (160 shown in FIG. 1) with an internal fluid body retention vessel such that the fluid container 360 accomodates without interference the operation and coiling of the measuring tape 112a around the coiling spring 112b. (Also shown in FIG. 1, the container 160 has an external spout 363 with a screw top 364 or other securing top 364 with a beveled edge 365, all covered by a housing cap or cap cover 350, and the tape measure 112 is wound in a coiled position 112a on a recoil spring 112b having a spool or axle having that resides in the housing 300, and the tape measure 112 extends through a tape slot in the housing 300 to extend outwardly from the housing 300.

[0067] When extended out of the tape slot, measurements can be made with the tape measure 112. The recoil spring 112b shown in FIG. 1 has a recoiled spool of the measuring tape 112a coiled around is spring loaded to recoil the tape measure once the latch “locking” mechanism 238 is released. The latch locking mechanism provides functional locking that holds the tape measure 112 and 112a in an extended manner while the latch “locking” mechanism is engaged and activated.

[0068] The method of making and constructing the invention includes: (1) providing one-half (right side 358 or left side 357) of the tape housing 300, (2) winding the tape measure 112a onto the recoil spring 112b having a tape spool, (3) inserting the wound measuring tape 112a in a wound condition onto the recoil spring 112b and locating these elements inside the housing 300, (4) extending the end 304 of the tape measure 112 through the tape slot 214, (5) inserting the latch locking mechanism 238 (with its spring-loaded) into the latching mechanism slots 230 so it can slide along groove 240 on the housing 300 to switch between an activated locking position and an un-activated unlocked position, (6) inserting the fluid vessel 360 into auxiliary unused space inside the housing 300 with the spout or opening 363 extended outside the housing 300, (7) placing a cap 364 over the opening 363 of the fluid container 360; (8) placing the other side (left side 357 or right side 358) of the housing 300 into engagement with the reciprocal part of the housing, (9) securing the two halves of the housing 300 to each other with an adhesive or screws 342. Latches and belt loops 343 can also be attached to the side 357 of the housing 300, and an external cap or housing cap cover 350 can be placed over the cap 364 covering the opening 363 of the fluid vessel 360.

[0069] The housing 300 tapers and angles inwardly below the locking button 338 at beveled angles 328 and 326, and housing 300 extends forward at forward extension 324 to accommodate the tape aperture slot 214, which is an aperture slot 214 that allows the measuring tape to extend outwardly in a forward direction from the coiled or reeled 112a internal position shown in FIG. 1 around the coiling spring 112b shown in FIG. 1. The measuring tape has a left side edge 211 and a right side edge 210 that extends from the slot 214, which is a slot 214 that has a bottom edge of 218.

[0070] The measure tape has an end 204 with a downward clasp 302 having a button aperture 303, rivets 206 securing the end 204 to the measuring tape and a curved right angle 1-shaped bend between the section having the rivets and the section having the downward clasp.

[0071] The cap section 250 has a rear edge 372, a right side 367, and a top ridge gripping section 366, a left side 367 and a beveled exterior edge 368. The inside of cap 250 has a cap aperture wall 288 and 286 surrounding a cap accommodation aperture 287, and surrounded by a cap aperture support 285. As shown herein, the invention is a fluid container, such as a flask or canteen, positioned in previously unused spaces found in the housing of a measuring tape mechanism. The present invention possesses a fluid container or vessel place inside the external housing of a measuring tape component (with an opening and cap), which simultaneously encloses an internal integrated spooled measuring tape with spring-loaded retroactive locking mechanism such that the fluid container 360 accommodates without interference the operation and coiling of the measuring tape 112a around the coiling spring 112b.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 4, the external housing 400 left side view is shown having top gripping ridges 446 surrounded on the side by beveled round edge 445. The enclosure housing 400 has side screws 442, with one of the side screws 442 securing a belt clasp 443 with a flat belt plate 441 to the housing 400. The housing 400 also has a locking button 438 with gripping ridges 432 and a top portion 434 and a lower portion 439, and has a triangular section for better leverage on the transition of the button in the slot groove 230 and the button receiver slot 240.

[0073] The locking button 438 locks the coiled measuring tape (shown by 112a in FIG. 1) by preventing the coiling spring (shown 112b in FIG. 1) from recoiling the measuring tape from its forward extended position. The housing 400 has a bottom section 420 and a left side 457. The internal components of the invention include a fluid container (160 shown in FIG. 1) with an internal fluid body retention vessel such that the fluid container 460 accommodates without interference the operation and coiling of the measuring tape 112a around the coiling spring 112b. (Also shown in FIG. 1, the container 460 has an external spout 463 with a screw top 464 or other securing top 464 with beveled edge 465, all covered by a housing cap or cap cover 450, and the tape measure 112 is wound in a coiled position 112a on a recoil spring 112b having a spool or axle having that resides in the housing 400, and the tape measure 412 extends through a tape slot 214 in the housing 400 to extend outwardly from the housing 400.)

[0074] When extended out of the tape slot 214, measurements can be made with the tape measure. The recoil spring 112b shown in FIG. 1 has a recoiled spool of the measuring tape 112a coiled around is spring loaded to recoil the tape measure once the latch “locking” mechanism 238 is released. The latch locking mechanism 438 provides functional locking that holds the tape measure 112 and 112a in an extended manner while the latch “locking” mechanism 438 is engaged and activated.

[0075] The method of making and constructing the invention includes: (1) providing one-half (right side 258 or left side 457) of the tape housing 400, (2) winding the tape measure 112a onto the recoil spring 112b having a tape spool, (3) inserting the wound measuring tape 112a in a wound condition onto the recoil spring 112b and locating these elements inside the housing 400, (4) extending the end 404 of the tape measure 412 through the tape slot 214, (5) inserting the latch locking mechanism 438 (with its spring-loaded) into the latching mechanism slots 430 so it can slide along groove 440 on the housing 400 to switch between an activated locking position and an un-activated unlocked position, (6) inserting the fluid vessel 460 into auxiliary unused space inside the housing 400 with the spout 463 extended outside the housing 400, (7) placing a cap 464 over the opening 463 of the fluid container 460; (8) placing the other side (left side 457 or right side 258) of the housing 400 into engagement with the reciprocal part of the housing, (9) securing the two halves of the housing 400 to each other with an adhesive or screws 442. Latches and belt loops 443 can also be attached to the side 457 of the housing 400, and an external cap or housing cap cover 450 can be placed over the cap 464 covering the opening 463 of the fluid vessel 460.

[0076] The housing 400 tapers and angles inwardly below the locking button 438 at beveled angles 426, and housing 400 extends forward at forward extension 424 to accommodate the tape aperture slot 214, which is an aperture slot 214 that allows the measuring tape to extend outwardly in a forward direction from the coiled or reeled 112a internal position shown in FIG. 1 around the coiling spring 112b shown in FIG. 1. The measuring tape has a left side edge 411 and a right side edge 410 that extends from the slot 414, which is a slot 414 that has a bottom edge of 418.

[0077] The measure tape has an end 404 with a downward clasp 402 having a button aperture 403, rivets 406 securing the end 404 to the measuring tape and a curved right angle 1-shaped bend between the section having the rivets and the section having the downward clasp.

[0078] The cap section 450 has a lower edge 470, a right side 469, a top ridge gripping section 466, and a left side 467. The inside of cap 250 shows a cap aperture wall 288 and 286 surrounding a cap accommodation aperture 287, and surrounded by a cap aperture support 285. As shown herein, the invention is a fluid container, such as a flask or canteen, positioned in previously unused spaces found in the housing of a measuring tape mechanism. The present invention possesses a fluid container or vessel place inside the external housing of a measuring tape component (with an opening and cap), which simultaneously encloses an internal integrated spooled measuring tape with spring-loaded retroactive locking mechanism such that the fluid container 460 accommodates without interference the operation and coiling of the measuring tape 112a around the coiling spring 112b.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 5, the external housing 500 right side view is shown having top gripping ridges 546 surrounded on both sides by beveled round edges 551. The enclosure housing 500, with the internal components shown including the fluid container 560 having two fluid sizes, small 560a and larger 560b. The housing 500 also has a locking button 538 with gripping ridges 532 and a top portion 534 and a lower portion 539, and has a triangular section 536 for better leverage on the transition of the button in the slot groove 530 and the button receiver slot 540.

[0080] The locking button 538 locks the coiled measuring tape (shown by 512a) by preventing the coiling spring with spool or axle (shown 512b) from recoiling the measuring tape from its forward extended position. The housing 500 has a bottom section 520 and a right side 558. The internal components of the invention include a fluid container (560 with two different sizes, small container 560a and large container 560b) with an internal fluid body retention vessel 560 such that the fluid container 560 accommodates without interference the operation and coiling of the measuring tape 512a around the coiling spring 512b. Small volumes for the fluid container 560a may include 0.1 oz to 1 oz capacity, and larger volumes for the fluid container 560b include 1 oz to 5 oz capacity. The container 560 has an external spout 563 with a screw top 564 or other securing top 564, all covered by a housing cap or cap cover 550, and the tape measure 512 is wound in a coiled position 512a on a recoil spring 512b having a spool or axle having that resides in the housing 500, and the tape measure 512 extends through a tape slot 514 in the housing 500 to extend outwardly from the housing 500.

[0081] When extended out of the tape slot 514, measurements can be made with the tape measure. The recoil spring 512b shown in FIG. 5 has a recoiled spool of the measuring tape 512a coiled around is spring loaded to recoil the tape measure once the latch “locking” mechanism 538 is released. The latch locking mechanism 538 provides functional locking that holds the tape measure 512 and 512a in an extended manner while the latch “locking” mechanism 538 is engaged and activated.

[0082] The method of making and constructing the invention includes: (1) providing one-half (right side 558) of the tape housing 500, (2) winding the tape measure 512a onto the recoil spring 512b having a tape spool, (3) inserting the wound measuring tape 512a in a wound condition onto the recoil spring 512b and locating these elements inside the housing 500, (4) extending the end 504 of the tape measure 512 through the tape slot 514, (5) inserting the latch locking mechanism 538 (with its spring-loaded) into the latching mechanism slots 530 so it can slide along groove 540 on the housing 500 to switch between an activated locking position and an un-activated unlocked position, (6) inserting the fluid vessel 560 into auxiliary unused space inside the housing 500 with the spout 563 extended outside the housing 500, (7) placing a cap 564 over the opening 563 of the fluid container 560; (8) placing the other side (left side 557 or right side 558) of the housing 500 into engagement with the reciprocal part of the housing, (9) securing the two halves of the housing 500 to each other with an adhesive or screws 542. Latches and belt loops 543 can also be attached to the side 557 of the housing 500, and an external cap or housing cap cover 550 can be placed over the cap 564 covering the opening 563 of the fluid vessel 560.

[0083] The housing 500 tapers and angles inwardly below the locking button 538 at beveled angles 528 and 526, and housing 500 extends forward at forward extension 524 to accommodate the tape aperture slot 514, which is an aperture slot 514 that allows the measuring tape to extend outwardly in a forward direction from the coiled or reeled 512a internal position around the coiling spring 512b. The measuring tape has a left side edge 511 and a right side edge 510 that extends from the slot 514, which is a slot 514 that has a bottom edge of 518. The measure tape has an end 504 with a downward clasp 502 having a button aperture, rivets securing the end 504 to the measuring tape and a curved right angle 1-shaped bend between the section having the rivets and the section having the downward clasp.

[0084] The cap section 550 has a lower edge 570, a right side 569, a top ridge gripping section 566, and a left side 567. As shown herein, the invention is a fluid container, such as a flask or canteen, positioned in previously unused spaces found in the housing of a measuring tape mechanism. The present invention possesses a fluid container or vessel place inside the external housing of a measuring tape component (with an opening and cap), which simultaneously encloses an internal integrated spooled measuring tape with spring-loaded retroactive locking mechanism such that the fluid container 560 accommodates without interference the operation and coiling of the measuring tape 512a around the coiling spring 512b.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 6, the external housing 600 top view is shown having top gripping ridges 646 surrounded on both sides by beveled round edges 651 and 645. The enclosure housing 600 has side screws 642, with one of the side screws 642 securing a belt clasp 643 with a flat belt plate 641 to the housing 600. The housing 600 also has a locking button 638 with gripping ridges 632 and a top portion 634 and a lower portion 639, and has a triangular section 636 for better leverage on the transition of the button in the slot groove 630 and the button receiver slot 640.

[0086] The locking button 638 locks the coiled measuring tape (shown by 112a in FIG. 1) by preventing the coiling spring (shown 112b in FIG. 1) from recoiling the measuring tape from its forward extended position. The housing 600 has a bottom section 620, right side 658 and a left side 657. The internal components of the invention include a fluid container (160 shown in FIG. 1) with an internal fluid body retention vessel such that the fluid container 660 accommodates without interference the operation and coiling of the measuring tape 112a around the coiling spring 112b. Also shown in FIG. 6 and supplemented by FIG. 1, the container 660 has an external spout 663 with a screw top 664 or other securing top 664 with a beveled edge 665, all covered by a housing cap or cap cover 650, and the tape measure 612 is wound in a coiled position 112a on a recoil spring 112b having a spool or axle having that resides in the housing 600, and the tape measure 612 extends through a tape slot 614 in the housing 600 to extend outwardly from the housing 600.

[0087] When extended out of the tape slot 614, measurements can be made with the tape measure. The recoil spring 112b shown in FIG. 1 has a recoiled spool of the measuring tape 112a coiled around is spring loaded to recoil the tape measure once the latch “locking” mechanism 638 is released. The latch locking mechanism 638 provides functional locking that holds the tape measure 612 and 112a in an extended manner while the latch “locking” mechanism 638 is engaged and activated.

[0088] The method of making and constructing the invention includes: (1) providing one-half (right side 658 or left side 657) of the tape housing 600, (2) winding the tape measure 112a onto the recoil spring 112b having a tape spool, (3) inserting the wound measuring tape 112a in a wound condition onto the recoil spring 112b and locating these elements inside the housing 600, (4) extending the end 604 of the tape measure 612 through the tape slot 614, (5) inserting the latch locking mechanism 638 (with its spring-loaded) into the latching mechanism slots 630 so it can slide along groove 640 on the housing 600 to switch between an activated locking position and an un-activated unlocked position, (6) inserting the fluid vessel 660 into auxiliary unused space inside the housing 600 with the spout 663 extended outside the housing 600, (7) placing a cap 664 over the opening 663 of the fluid container 660; (8) placing the other side (left side 657 or right side 658) of the housing 600 into engagement with the reciprocal part of the housing, (9) securing the two halves of the housing 600 to each other with an adhesive or screws 642. Latches and belt loops 643 can also be attached to the side 657 of the housing 600, and an external cap or housing cap cover 650 can be placed over the cap 664 covering the opening 663 of the fluid vessel 660.

[0089] The housing 600 tapers and angles inwardly below the locking button 638 at beveled angles 628 and 626, and housing 600 extends forward at forward extension 624 to accommodate the tape aperture slot 614, which is an aperture slot 614 that allows the measuring tape to extend outwardly in a forward direction from the coiled or reeled 112a internal position shown in FIG. 1 around the coiling spring 112b shown in FIG. 1. The measuring tape has a left side edge 611 and a right side edge 610 that extends from the slot 614, which is a slot 614 that has a bottom edge of 618.

[0090] The measure tape has an end 604 with a downward clasp 602 having a button aperture 603, rivets 606 and 608 securing the end 604 to the measuring tape and a curved right angle 1-shaped bend between the section having the rivets and the section having the downward clasp.

[0091] The cap section 650 has a lower edge 670, a right side 669, a top ridge gripping section 666, and a left side 667. The inside of cap 650 shows a cap aperture wall 688 and 686 surrounding a cap accommodation aperture 687, and surrounded by a cap aperture support 685. As shown herein, the invention is a fluid container, such as a flask or canteen, positioned in previously unused spaces found in the housing of a measuring tape mechanism. The present invention possesses a fluid container or vessel place inside the external housing of a measuring tape component (with an opening and cap), which simultaneously encloses an internal integrated spooled measuring tape with spring-loaded retroactive locking mechanism such that the fluid container 660 accommodates without interference the operation and coiling of the measuring tape 112a around the coiling spring 112b shown in FIG. 1.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 7, the external housing 700 bottom view is shown having top gripping ridges 746 surrounded on both sides by beveled round edges 751 and 745. The enclosure housing 700 has side screws 742, with one of the side screws 742 securing a belt clasp 743 with a flat belt plate 741 to the housing 700. The locking button locks the coiled measuring tape (shown by 112a in FIG. 1) by preventing the coiling spring (shown 112b in FIG. 1) from recoiling the measuring tape from its forward extended position.

[0093] The housing 700 has a bottom section 720, right side 758 and a left side 757. The internal components of the invention include a fluid container (160 shown in FIG. 1) with an internal fluid body retention vessel such that the fluid container accommodates without interference the operation and coiling of the measuring tape 112a around the coiling spring 112b. Also shown in FIG. 7 and supplemented by FIG. 1, the container has an external spout with a screw top or other securing top with a beveled edge, all covered by a housing cap or cap cover 750, and the tape measure 712 is wound in a coiled position 112a on a recoil spring 112b having a spool or axle having that resides in the housing 700, and the tape measure 712 extends through a tape slot 714 in the housing 700 to extend outwardly from the housing 700.

[0094] When extended out of the tape slot 714, measurements can be made with the tape measure. The recoil spring 112b shown in FIG. 1 has a recoiled spool of the measuring tape 112a coiled around is spring loaded to recoil the tape measure once the latch “locking” mechanism is released. The latch locking mechanism provides functional locking that holds the tape measure 712 and 112a in an extended manner while the latch “locking” mechanism is engaged and activated.

[0095] The method of making and constructing the invention includes: (1) providing one-half (right side 758 or left side 757) of the tape housing 700, (2) winding the tape measure 112a onto the recoil spring 112b having a tape spool, (3) inserting the wound measuring tape 112a in a wound condition onto the recoil spring 112b and locating these elements inside the housing 700, (4) extending the end 704 of the tape measure 712 through the tape slot 714, (5) inserting the latch locking mechanism (with its spring-loaded) into the latching mechanism slots so it can slide along groove on the housing 700 to switch between an activated locking position and an un-activated unlocked position, (6) inserting the fluid vessel 760 into auxiliary unused space inside the housing 700 with the spout 763 extended outside the housing 700, (7) placing a cap 764 over the opening 763 of the fluid container 760; (8) placing the other side (left side 757 or right side 758) of the housing 700 into engagement with the reciprocal part of the housing, (9) securing the two halves of the housing 700 to each other with an adhesive or screws 742. Latches and belt loops 743 can also be attached to the side 757 of the housing 700, and an external cap or housing cap cover 750 can be placed over the cap 764 covering the opening 763 of the fluid vessel 760.

[0096] The housing 700 tapers and angles inwardly below the locking button 738 at beveled angles 728 and 726, and housing 700 extends forward at forward extension 624 to accommodate the tape aperture slot 714, which is an aperture slot 714 that allows the measuring tape to extend outwardly in a forward direction from the coiled or reeled 112a internal position shown in FIG. 1 around the coiling spring 112b shown in FIG. 1. The measuring tape has a left side edge 711 and a right side edge 710 that extends from the slot 714, which is a slot 714 that has a bottom edge of 718.

[0097] The measure tape has an end 704 with a downward clasp 702 having a button aperture 703, rivets 706 and 708 securing the end 704 to the measuring tape and a curved right angle 1-shaped bend between the section having the rivets and the section having the downward clasp.

[0098] The cap section 750 has a lower edge 770, a right side 769, a top ridge gripping section 766, and a left side 767. The inside of cap 750 shows a cap aperture wall 788 and 786 surrounding a cap accommodation aperture 787, and surrounded by a cap aperture support 785. As shown herein, the invention is a fluid container, such as a flask or canteen, positioned in previously unused spaces found in the housing of a measuring tape mechanism. The present invention possesses a fluid container or vessel place inside the external housing of a measuring tape component (with an opening and cap), which simultaneously encloses an internal integrated spooled measuring tape with spring-loaded retroactive locking mechanism such that the fluid container 660 accommodates without interference the operation and coiling of the measuring tape 112a around the coiling spring 112b shown in FIG. 1.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 8, the external housing 800 is a perspective view with external cap 850 positioned on housing 800, and is shown having top gripping ridges 846 surrounded on both sides by beveled round edges 851 and 845. The housing 800 also has a locking button 838 with gripping ridges 832 and a top portion 834 and a lower portion 839, and has a triangular section 836 for better leverage on the transition of the button in the slot groove 830 and the button receiver slot 840. The locking button 838 locks the coiled measuring tape (shown by 112a in FIG. 1) by preventing the coiling spring (shown 112b in FIG. 1) from recoiling the measuring tape from its forward extended position.

[0100] The housing 800 has a bottom section 820, right side 858 and a left side 857. The internal components of the invention include a fluid container (160 shown in FIG. 1) with an internal fluid body retention vessel such that the fluid container 860 accommodates without interference the operation and coiling of the measuring tape 112a around the coiling spring 112b. Also shown in FIG. 8 and supplemented by FIG. 1, the container 860 has an external spout 863 with a screw top 864 or other securing top 864 with a beveled edge 865, all covered by a housing cap or cap cover 850, and the tape measure 812 is wound in a coiled position 112a on a recoil spring 112b having a spool or axle having that resides in the housing 800, and the tape measure 812 extends through a tape slot 814 in the housing 800 to extend outwardly from the housing 800.

[0101] When extended out of the tape slot 814, measurements can be made with the tape measure. The recoil spring 112b shown in FIG. 1 has a recoiled spool of the measuring tape 112a coiled around is spring loaded to recoil the tape measure once the latch “locking” mechanism 838 is released. The latch locking mechanism 838 provides functional locking that holds the tape measure 812 and 112a in an extended manner while the latch “locking” mechanism 838 is engaged and activated.

[0102] The method of making and constructing the invention includes: (1) providing one-half (right side 858 or left side 857) of the tape housing 800, (2) winding the tape measure 112a onto the recoil spring 112b having a tape spool, (3) inserting the wound measuring tape 112a in a wound condition onto the recoil spring 112b and locating these elements inside the housing 800, (4) extending the end 804 of the tape measure 812 through the tape slot 814, (5) inserting the latch locking mechanism 838 (with its spring-loaded) into the latching mechanism slots 830 so it can slide along groove 840 on the housing 800 to switch between an activated locking position and an un-activated unlocked position, (6) inserting the fluid vessel 860 into auxiliary unused space inside the housing 800 with the spout 863 extended outside the housing 800, (7) placing a cap 864 over the opening 863 of the fluid container 860; (8) placing the other side (left side 857 or right side 858) of the housing 800 into engagement with the reciprocal part of the housing, (9) securing the two halves of the housing 800 to each other with an adhesive or screws 842. Latches and belt loops 843 can also be attached to the side 857 of the housing 800, and an external cap or housing cap cover 850 can be placed over the cap 864 covering the opening 863 of the fluid vessel 860.

[0103] The housing 800 tapers and angles inwardly below the locking button 838 at beveled angles 828 and 826, and housing 800 extends forward at forward extension 824 to accommodate the tape aperture slot 814, which is an aperture slot 814 that allows the measuring tape to extend outwardly in a forward direction from the coiled or reeled 112a internal position shown in FIG. 1 around the coiling spring 112b shown in FIG. 1. The measuring tape has a left side edge 811 and a right side edge 810 that extends from the slot 814, which is a slot 814 that has a bottom edge of 818.

[0104] The measure tape has an end 804 with a downward clasp 802 having a button aperture 803, rivets 806 and 808 securing the end 804 to the measuring tape and a curved right angle 1-shaped bend between the section having the rivets and the section having the downward clasp.

[0105] The cap section 850 has a lower edge 870, a right side 869, a top ridge gripping section 866, and a left side 867. The inside of cap 850 shows a cap aperture wall 888 and 886 surrounding a cap accommodation aperture 887, and surrounded by a cap aperture support 885. As shown herein, the invention is a fluid container, such as a flask or canteen, positioned in previously unused spaces found in the housing of a measuring tape mechanism. The present invention possesses a fluid container or vessel place inside the external housing of a measuring tape component (with an opening and cap), which simultaneously encloses an internal integrated spooled measuring tape with spring-loaded retroactive locking mechanism such that the fluid container 660 accommodates without interference the operation and coiling of the measuring tape 112a around the coiling spring 112b shown in FIG. 1.

[0106] There is no indication that anyone has incorporated measuring tape mechanisms with medicinal fluid containers, or vice versa, that anyone has incorporated any type of fluid containers with any type of measuring tape mechanisms. The goals of the present invention are not readily apparent from the prior art uses of measuring tapes, or separately, fluid containers; and, the synergies achieved by incorporation of the useful, but unused, space in a measuring tape mechanism, to hold and maintain fluids, particularly medicinal fluids for human consumption, is not readily apparent from the prior art. The goals achieved by the present invention are unrecognized, unrealized and not readily predictable as shown by a survey of the prior art measuring tape and fluid container art.

[0107] The present invention allows for the simultaneous placement of a fluid container inside previously unused space in a measuring tape housing to store fluids in an efficient and effective manner without requiring two separate vessels or components, to allow for a more efficient and effective incorporation of a useful fluid vessel in previously unused space in a measuring tape mechanism to provide storage of hydration or medicinal fluids in a more efficient and effective manner on construction or work sites. The invention is particularly useful on construction sites and other fabrication areas where a fluid container can be used to prevent dehydration or other serious ailments due to fluid loss on the work day at the construction site. The fluid container can retain a refreshing beverage of the user's choosing and according to that user's preferences, or medicinal liquids to support the health of the user. The goals achieved by the present invention are unrecognized, unrealized and not readily predictable as shown by a survey of the prior art measuring tape and fluid container art.

[0108] There is no indication that anyone has incorporated measuring tape mechanisms with medicinal fluid containers, or vice versa, that anyone has incorporated any type of fluid containers with any type of measuring tape mechanisms. The goals of the present invention are not readily apparent from the prior art uses of measuring tapes, or separately, fluid containers; and, the synergies achieved by incorporation of the useful, but unused, space in a measuring tape mechanism, to hold and maintain fluids, particularly medicinal fluids for human consumption, is not readily apparent from the prior art. The goals achieved by the present invention are unrecognized, unrealized and not readily predictable as shown by a survey of the prior art measuring tape and fluid container art.

[0109] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and teachings of the invention. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only, and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations and modifications of the invention disclosed herein are possible and are within the scope of the invention; and, in fact, while the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in various terms of certain embodiments or modifications which it has presumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby, and such other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved, especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended.