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Tape measure
A tape measure or measuring tape is a long, flexible ruler used to measure length or distance. It usually consists of a ribbon of cloth, plastic, fibreglass, or metal (usually - hard steel alloy) strip with linear measurement markings.
Tape measures are often designed for specific uses or trades. Tapes may have different scales, be made of different materials, and be of different lengths depending on the intended use.
Tape measures used in tailoring are called "sewing tape". Originally made from flexible cloth or plastic, fiberglass is now the preferred material due to its resistance from stretching or tearing. Sewing tape is mainly used for the measuring of the subject's waist line. Measuring tapes designed for carpentry or construction often use a curved metallic ribbon that can remain stiff and straight when extended, but can also retract into a coil for convenient storage. This type of tape measure will have a hook on the end to aid measuring. The hook is connected to the tape with loose rivets through oval holes, and can move a distance equal to its thickness, to provide both inside and outside measurements that are accurate. Self-marking tape measures include a graphite tip, enabling the user to make accurate markings.
Surveying requires the measuring of large distances and require an increased need for accuracy. Due to this, measuring tapes used for surveying may be made out of invar because of its low rate of thermal expansion.
There are two basic types of cased measuring tapes: spring return tape measures and manual return tape measures. While spring return tape measures are compact and self-retracting, manual return measures are designed for longer distances and often require manual winding, often via hand crank.
Prior to the advent of standardized measuring tapes, tailors employed cloth tapes without any markings. These tapes were manually inscribed with notches to denote specific measurements, enabling tailors to record the proportions of their clients.
James Chesterman, a British metalworker, is credited with the invention of the first retractable tape measure in 1821. His design consisted of a spring-loaded cloth strip with marked measurements, housed within a compact case. Building upon his prior design, Chesterman would patent the first steel tape measure. By capitalizing on the declining popularity of crinoline dresses, Chesterman repurposed the surplus flat wire used in the dresses to create the flexible measuring tape.
On 6 December 1864, William H. Bangs received a patent for the first design of a spring return tape measure. Bang's design would later be improved upon by Alvin J. Fellows on July 14, 1868. Fellows' design differed from Bang's by allowing the tape to be held in place via a spring-click mechanism.
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Tape measure AI simulator
(@Tape measure_simulator)
Tape measure
A tape measure or measuring tape is a long, flexible ruler used to measure length or distance. It usually consists of a ribbon of cloth, plastic, fibreglass, or metal (usually - hard steel alloy) strip with linear measurement markings.
Tape measures are often designed for specific uses or trades. Tapes may have different scales, be made of different materials, and be of different lengths depending on the intended use.
Tape measures used in tailoring are called "sewing tape". Originally made from flexible cloth or plastic, fiberglass is now the preferred material due to its resistance from stretching or tearing. Sewing tape is mainly used for the measuring of the subject's waist line. Measuring tapes designed for carpentry or construction often use a curved metallic ribbon that can remain stiff and straight when extended, but can also retract into a coil for convenient storage. This type of tape measure will have a hook on the end to aid measuring. The hook is connected to the tape with loose rivets through oval holes, and can move a distance equal to its thickness, to provide both inside and outside measurements that are accurate. Self-marking tape measures include a graphite tip, enabling the user to make accurate markings.
Surveying requires the measuring of large distances and require an increased need for accuracy. Due to this, measuring tapes used for surveying may be made out of invar because of its low rate of thermal expansion.
There are two basic types of cased measuring tapes: spring return tape measures and manual return tape measures. While spring return tape measures are compact and self-retracting, manual return measures are designed for longer distances and often require manual winding, often via hand crank.
Prior to the advent of standardized measuring tapes, tailors employed cloth tapes without any markings. These tapes were manually inscribed with notches to denote specific measurements, enabling tailors to record the proportions of their clients.
James Chesterman, a British metalworker, is credited with the invention of the first retractable tape measure in 1821. His design consisted of a spring-loaded cloth strip with marked measurements, housed within a compact case. Building upon his prior design, Chesterman would patent the first steel tape measure. By capitalizing on the declining popularity of crinoline dresses, Chesterman repurposed the surplus flat wire used in the dresses to create the flexible measuring tape.
On 6 December 1864, William H. Bangs received a patent for the first design of a spring return tape measure. Bang's design would later be improved upon by Alvin J. Fellows on July 14, 1868. Fellows' design differed from Bang's by allowing the tape to be held in place via a spring-click mechanism.