Marking device

Claim 1

In combination, a tape measure comprising a tape housing having a measuring tape coiled therein for extension therefrom through a tape-issuing opening, said housing having a top portion, bottom portion, forward end, rearward end, and opposite sides, said tape housing having a generally rectangular recessed area formed in one side thereof, a marking device mounted on said housing for marking an article being measured, said marking device comprising a support means secured within the recess in the side of said housing and extending forwardly therefrom, an elongated upstanding hollow tubular housing means positioned on the forward end of said support means and having upper and lower ends, the lower end of said tubular housing means being positioned laterally of said tape-issuing opening, the lower end of said tubular housing means having an opening formed therein, a marking member selectively vertically movably mounted in said tubular housing means, means for selectively vertically moving said marking member downwardly in said tubular housing means and through said opening in said tubular housing means so that the lower end of said marking member may be moved into marking contact with an article being measured, and means for moving said marking member upwardly in said tubular housing means so that said marking member is moved out of marking contact with an article being measured, an indicator means rigidly affixed to said marking device support means, for indicating the relationship of the lower end of said marking member with respect to said measuring tape, and a spring belt clip secured to said support means and said tape housing laterally of said recessed area and spaced away from said marking member.