Reinforcement strip for roll-over resistant measuring tape
A blade for a measuring tape device may include a first end at which an end hook is configurable, a second end configured to be operably coupled to a reel assembly of the measuring tape device, a metallic strip of material extending between the first end and second end, and a reinforcement strip applied to a longitudinal centerline of a selected portion of the metallic strip proximate to the first end. The reinforcement strip may be applied to a top or bottom of the metallic strip. A width of the reinforcement strip may be between about 10% to about 100% of a width of the metallic strip and a thickness of the reinforcement strip may be between about 50% to about 300% a thickness of the metallic strip.
1 . A blade for a measuring tape device, the blade comprising:
a first end at which an end hook is configurable;
a second end configured to be operably coupled to a reel assembly of the measuring tape device;
a metallic strip of material extending between the first end and second end; and
a reinforcement strip applied to a longitudinal centerline of a selected portion of the metallic strip proximate to the first end,
wherein the reinforcement strip is applied to a top or bottom of the metallic strip,
wherein a width of the reinforcement strip is between about 10% to about 100% of a width of the metallic strip and a thickness of the reinforcement strip is between about 50% to about 300% a thickness of the metallic strip, and
wherein the reinforcement strip is retained adjacent to the metallic strip by being encapsulated in a polymeric coating that coats both the reinforcement strip and the metallic strip.
2 . The blade of claim 1 , wherein the reinforcement strip is applied to both the top and the bottom of the metallic strip.
3 . The blade of claim 1 , wherein the reinforcement strip is attached to the metallic strip via an adhesive.
4 . The blade of claim 1 , wherein a seam is formed at an outer edge of the reinforcement strip, and wherein the reinforcement strip is attached to the metallic strip via a seam weld along the seam.
5 . The blade of claim 1 , wherein a seam is formed at an outer edge of the reinforcement strip, and wherein the reinforcement strip is attached to the metallic strip via a plurality of spot welds formed along the seam.
6 . The blade of claim 1 , wherein the reinforcement strip is attached to the metallic strip via a plurality of fasteners that pass through both the reinforcement strip and the metallic strip.
7 . The blade of claim 1 , wherein the selected portion extends to a distance of about 12 inches to about 96 inches from the first end.
8 . The blade of claim 7 , wherein the selected portion is spaced apart from the first end by a distance of less than about 24 inches.
9 . The blade of claim 1 , wherein the reinforcement strip is continuous over the selected portion of the metallic strip.
10 . The blade of claim 1 , wherein the reinforcement strip is formed of a plurality of individual strips that combine to extend over the selected portion of the metallic strip.
11 . The blade of claim 1 , wherein the reinforcement strip is made of steel or another metallic material.
12 . The blade of claim 1 , wherein the reinforcement strip and the metallic strip are each cupped, and
wherein a curvature of the reinforcement strip substantially matches a curvature of an apex portion of the metallic strip.
13 . A measuring tape device comprising:
a housing having an aperture;
a reel assembly enclosed within the housing; and
a blade formed from a metallic strip of material having a first end configured to extend from the housing through the aperture and a second end configured to be wound on the reel assembly,
wherein the blade further comprises a reinforcement strip applied to a longitudinal centerline of a selected portion of the metallic strip proximate to the first end,
wherein the reinforcement strip is applied to a top or bottom of the metallic strip,
wherein a width of the reinforcement strip is between about 10% to about 100% of a width of the metallic strip and a thickness of the reinforcement strip is between about 50% to about 300% a thickness of the metallic strip, and
wherein a seam is formed at an outer edge of the reinforcement strip, and wherein the reinforcement strip is attached to the metallic strip via a seam weld along the seam.
14 . The device of claim 13 , wherein the reinforcement strip is applied to both the top and the bottom of the metallic strip.
15 . The device of claim 13 , wherein a seam is formed at an outer edge of the reinforcement strip, and
wherein the reinforcement strip is attached to the metallic strip via:
an adhesive,
a plurality of spot welds formed along the seam,
a plurality of fasteners that pass through both the reinforcement strip and the metallic strip, or
being encapsulated in a polymeric coating that coats both the reinforcement strip and the metallic strip.
16 . The device of claim 13 , wherein the selected portion extends to a distance of about 12 inches to about 96 inches from the first end.
17 . The device of claim 16 , wherein the selected portion is spaced apart from the first end by a distance of less than about 24 inches.
18 . The device of claim 13 , wherein the reinforcement strip is continuous over the selected portion of the metallic strip, or
wherein the reinforcement strip is formed of a plurality of individual strips that combine to extend over the selected portion of the metallic strip.
19 . The device of claim 13 , wherein the reinforcement strip and the metallic strip are each cupped, and
wherein a curvature of the reinforcement strip substantially matches a curvature of an apex portion of the metallic strip.
20 . A blade for a measuring tape device, the blade comprising:
a first end at which an end hook is configurable;
a second end configured to be operably coupled to a reel assembly of the measuring tape device;
a metallic strip of material extending between the first end and second end; and
a reinforcement strip applied to a longitudinal centerline of a selected portion of the metallic strip proximate to the first end,
wherein the reinforcement strip is applied to a top or bottom of the metallic strip,
wherein a width of the reinforcement strip is between about 10% to about 100% of a width of the metallic strip and a thickness of the reinforcement strip is between about 50% to about 300% a thickness of the metallic strip, and
wherein a seam is formed at an outer edge of the reinforcement strip, and wherein the reinforcement strip is attached to the metallic strip via a seam weld along the seam, extending from the first end.