Written by Humans love to measure things. Knowing the length, width, circumference, weight and temperature of things can see almost obsessive at times. In fact, there are so many different types of measurement and different standards for measurement that it could take several volumes just to explain all the basics. One common measuring tool that many people keep in their homes is a tape measure — and understanding that simple device has filled volumes by itself.
The original measuring tapes were created to assist dress makers in fitting garments. These tapes were usually made of cloth with regular markings for measurement. They were quickly adopted by tailors and other related craftsmen. Eventually their usefulness in measuring anything longer than a ruler made them popular for other household tasks. They possessed two very important features that set them apart from other measuring tools. The first was that they could easily measure angles, spheres, and irregularly shaped items. The second was that while they could be extended to measure distances in yards, they could be rolled up and fit in a small box, drawer, or pocket.
The common household measuring tape that most people know was patented in 1868 in New Haven, Connecticut. Alvin J. Fellows is credited with designing the first spring tape measure. This meant that instead of having to manually wide the tape back into a spool, users could simply push a button or lever and the spring would retract and roll the tape into its casing. By the early twenty-first century, measuring tools had evolved beyond the tape with lasers and ultrasonic readers being used in carpentry and household projects. However, the original tape measure is still commonly used in sewing, dress making and tailoring — though the tapes are usually made of plastic or fiberglass to prevent stretching and inaccurate measurements.