Tape measure

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Self-retracting pocket tape measure
Self-retracting pocket tape measure
plastic tape measure
plastic tape measure

A tape measure or measuring tape is a ribbon of cloth, plastic, or metal with linear-measure markings, often in both imperial and metric units. Surveyors use tape measures in lengths on the order of hectometres. It is a convenient measuring tool. Its flexibility allows for a measure of great length to be easily carried in pocket or toolkit and permits one to measure around curves or corners.

Tape measures intended for use in tailoring or dressmaking are typically made of flexible cloth or plastic, while those designed for carpentry or construction often use a stiff, curved metallic ribbon that can remain stiff and straight when extended, but retracts into a coil for convenient storage. This type of tape measure will have a floating tang on the end to aid measuring. The tang will float a distance equal to its thickness, to allow accurate measurement whether the tape is in tension or compression. A tape measure of 25 or even 1000 feet can wind into a relatively small container.

For many purposes tape measures are indispensable. Almost any home or shop can be expected to have several of one sort or another.

Metal tape measures, usually Stanley Works brand, are also convenient for use as directional antennas for both robotic and satellite communications because of their parabolic shape, low cost, and simple conversion into motorized extensible and retractable format.

The design on which most modern spring tape measures are built on was patented by New Haven, Connecticut resident Alvin J. Fellows on 14 July, 1868. According to the text of his patent, Alvin's tape measure was only an improvement on other versions previously designed.[1]

The spring tape measure has been extant since Fellows patent, but did not come into wide useage until the early 1940's, when it slowly began to supplant the folding wood carpenter's ruler. Today, it is ubiquitous, even appearing in miniature form as a keychain fob, or novelty item.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Letters Patent No. 79,965. Text accessed 26 February 2006.


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