Patent attributes
An illuminated tape measure comprises a housing with an illuminable tape positioned in the housing. The illuminable tape is marked with a plurality of regularly spaced markings that form a linear measuring scale so the tape may be used as a measuring tape. The illuminable tape is made of an electroluminescent material operable to emit light when electrical power is provided to the material. A power source and an inverter are positioned in the housing for supplying power to the illuminable tape. The housing includes at least one wall having a transparent portion. Light from the illuminable tape may pass out of the housing through the transparent portion. In one embodiment, a mirror is provided in the housing for focusing the light within the housing into a light beam.