Michael D Mariano

US Patent:

6367161, Apr 9, 2002

Filed:

Aug 4, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/366562

Inventors:

John C. Murray - Caton CT
Michael D. Mariano - Kensington CT

Assignee:

The Stanley Works - New Britain CT

International Classification:

G01B 310

US Classification:

33757, 33755, 33771

Abstract:

A coilable rule assembly having an increased standout in which an intermediate blade portion, which includes the normal breakpoint for a rule blade of the width, thickness, cross-sectional configuration, and material of the free end blade portion thereof and at least the increase in the standout contemplated, has a modified cross-sectional configuration with respect to the free end blade portion which is constructed and arranged to provide a greater resistance to bending into a flattened condition in the direction of the convex side thereof than the free end blade portion so as to increase the standout of the rule blade while allowing progressive movement into a flattened condition in the direction of the concave side during winding of the rule blade into the coiled state. The intermediate blade portion is formed with a rib structure extending longitudinally therein when in an uncoiled state which resists bending in the concave direction. The intermediate blade portion including the rib structure when in its flattened coiled configuration having a cross-section which lies within an elongated rectangle having a thickness slightly greater than the uniform thickness of the rule blade by virtue of the rib structure therein.