US3662969A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Measuring tape tightener
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-01-21
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Granted: 1972-05-16
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Expires: 1990-01-21
Abstract
Abstract A measuring tape tightener for tensioning reel-type tapes between two arbitrary points, as between a nail at the free end of the tape and a nail at the case end of the tape, comprising a tape-brake movably attached to the case of the tape, and a spring mounted anchor adapted to attach the case to a nail or the like under spring tension, with the spring tension actuating the brake to prevent the tape from further unreeling.
Inventors
- 👤 Harold M King
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 14:45
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01B; G01B3/00; G01B3/10; G01B3/1005; G01B3/1007; G01B2003/1015; G01B2003/1023; G01B2003/1025
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
106 words
A tape tensioner for tightly suspending a reel-type measuring tape assembly, having case means with an exit for the tape, between first and second arbitrary points comprising: means for attaching an extended portion of the tape to a said first point, tension-appliable tape brake means attached to said case means, and means extending to a said second point, adjacent the case means, on the opposite side from the case means exit, for resiliently connecting a portion of the tape brake means under tension at said second arbitrary point for thereby applying said tape brake means for locking and tensioning said tape assembly tightly between said points.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
106 words
A tape tensioner for tightly suspending a reel-type measuring tape assembly, having case means with an exit for the tape, between first and second arbitrary points comprising: means for attaching an extended portion of the tape to a said first point, tension-appliable tape brake means attached to said case means, and means extending to a said second point, adjacent the case means, on the opposite side from the case means exit, for resiliently connecting a portion of the tape brake means under tension at said second arbitrary point for thereby applying said tape brake means for locking and tensioning said tape assembly tightly between said points.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
A tape tensioner as recited in claim 1, wherein an extension of the case means is provided for containing a portion of said means for resiliently connecting a portion of the tape-brake means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
A tape tensioner as recited in claim 2, wherein the extension of the case means has an open end adjacent the case means exit for receiving and storing a portion of the means for braking the tape.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
49 words
A tape tensioner as recited in claim 3, wherein the extension of the case means has an open end adjacent said means extending to a point for resiliently connecting a portion of the tape brake means for receiving and storing a portion of the means for braking the tape.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
A tape tensioner as recited in claim 1, wherein said portion of the tape-brake means comprises an angled member for wedging against the tape in the exit in the case means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
A tape tensioner as recited in claim 5, wherein said tape-brake means portion has frictional means on a face thereof for gripping the tape.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
47 words
A tape tensioner as recited in claim 1, and means for preventing rotation of the tape-brake means relative to the case means, including a sloTted endplate, and plural slot-engaging means connecting the tape brake-means and the means for resiliently connecting a portion of the tape brake means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
59 words
A tape tensioner as recited in claim 5, wherein means for resiliently connecting a portion of the tape-brake means includes a compression spring, and wherein said portion of the tape brake means and the means for resiliently connecting a portion of the tape brake means have members extending respectively therefrom, and in part overlapping, for compressing the compression spring.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
A tape tensioner as recited in claim 1, wherein the means for resiliently connecting a portion of the tape brake means includes a tension spring proximately connected at an end thereof to the tape brake means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
A tape tensioner as recited in claim 2, wherein the case means extension is detachable from the case means and has a portion thereof adapted for fastener-attachment to the case means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
A tape tensioner as recited in claim 2, wherein the case means extension is detachable from the case means and has a portion thereof adapted for clamping attachment to the case means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
40 words
A tape tensioner as recited in claim 3, wherein at least one of said tape brake means and means for resiliently connecting a portion of the tape brake means has a protrusion therefrom for facilitating manual gripping of said means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
26 words
A tape tensioner as recited in claim 2, wherein the case means has a curved configuration and the case means extension is curved in accordance therewith.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
40 words
A tape tensioner as recited in claim 1, wherein the tape brake means comprises: a fixed brake shoe, and a movable brakeshoe opposed thereto and operatively attached to said means for resiliently connecting a portion of the tape brake means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
39 words
A tape tensioner as recited in claim 1, and a detainer for fixing the means for resiliently connecting a portion of the tape brake means in an extended position by pressure on the case means, thereby locking the tape.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-05-16 | 1975-11-15 | 1976-05-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-05-16 | 1979-11-15 | 1980-05-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-05-16 | 1983-11-15 | 1984-05-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |