Tape Measure Launch

I spotted a heavy yellow casing resting flat near the corner of the rug! A tiny black lever jutted out of its side. I trotted over, gripped the sturdy tab, and gave a solid tug. Zzzzt! A bright yellow ribbon of thin metal slid right out, curving overhead like a mini bridge! I balanced carefully on the metal tape, taking two bouncy steps along its bendy curve until my foot bumped the lock button. Thwip! The whole ribbon zipped right back into the shell with a lightning-fast snap, tossing me gently into the soft wool rug. What an awesome spring mechanism!