Patent Abstract:
A tool comprises a surface area, the area being printed in one of two different first colors for identifying the tool as one labeled in either the British system or the metric system, and a numeral as a representation of a size of the tool disposed in the area, the numeral having a second color different from the first color of the area for providing a contrast of the numeral to other portions of both the area and the tool. The correct size of the tool thus can be quickly identified. Moreover, a number of embodiments are made possible.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to tools and more particularly to a tool having an arrangement for easily identifying a size thereof by different colors and other techniques. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   Conventionally, a tool is classified by size of the metric system or the British system. It is typical for a user to visually identify the size of a tool. This is a time consuming process. Further, a user may not be able to easily locate and identify the correct size since both the size and the tool have the same color. For solving the above problem, a number of documents have been disclosed as detailed below. 
   A Taiwanese Patent Published No. 77,210,372 as shown in  FIG. 1  disclosed a sleeve  10  having its size labeled in the metric system (or a sleeve  11  having its size labeled in the British system). An annular recess  101  is formed around the sleeve  10  and an annular recess  111  is formed around the sleeve  11  respectively. An annular band  102  of a first color is adhered on the recess  101  and an annular band  112  of a second color different from the first color is adhered on the recess  111  respectively. Thus, it is easy to distinguish the size of the metric system from the size of the British system. Further, band  102  of one size has a width different from that of the band of an adjacent size for being easily identified. However, width change technique is not practical because a user can hardly distinguish one size from an adjacent size due to very small width change therebetween. That is, width change can be observed only between a size and another distal size. Unfortunately, this is not necessary since a visual observation is sufficient. In fact, a correct size can be identified only by a visual observation on the color band by slowly turning the sleeve. Thus, the first prior art is not advantageous. 
   Another Taiwanese Patent Published No. 77,210,372A01 as shown in  FIG. 2  is a continuation-in-part of the first prior art. The second prior art substantially has same structure as the first one. The characteristics of the second prior art are detailed below. For a sleeve  12 , an annular band  122 , having the same color as the color band  121  but having a width smaller than the color band  121 , is adhered on an annular recess above the color band  121 . Likewise, for a sleeve  13 , an annular band  132 , having the same color as the color band  131  but having a width smaller than the color band  131 , is adhered on an annular recess above the color band  131 . The provision of the color bands  122  and  132  aims at identifying odd and even numbered sizes of the metric system and ⅛″ and 1/16″ of the British system respectively. However, it is preferred to have a simple color band combination from a user&#39;s point of view. As such, the second prior art can cause confusion for an ordinary user. Thus, it is impractical. Moreover, it is important for a user to correctly identify the correct size. Unfortunately, the second prior art fails to achieve the above goal. In other words, it is unnecessary. 
   Still another Taiwanese Patent Published No. 92,205,833 is shown in  FIG. 3 . It disclosed color bands  161  and  171  printed around metal sleeves  16  and  17  respectively. On the color band  161  a rectangular area  162  having a color  163  different from that of the band  161  is formed. As shown, a numeral  22 , as an example of the metric system, is formed on the area  162 . Likewise, on the color band  171  a rectangular area  172  having a color  173  different from that of the band  171  is formed. As shown, a numeral ⅞″, as an example of the British system, is formed on the area  172 . It is easy to distinguish the sleeve  16  of the metric system from the sleeve  17  of the British system since the band  161  has a color different from that of the band  171 . Next, it is possible of quickly, easily finding the area  162  (or  172 ) by identify the color  163  (or  173 ). This facilitates to read the correct size. However, such arrangement may be too complicated, resulting in an increase in the manufacturing cost. Thus, the need for improvement still exists. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a tool comprising an area disposed on an outer surface, the area being printed in one of two different first colors for identifying the tool as one labeled in either the British system or the metric system; and a numeral as a representation of a size of the tool disposed in the area, the numeral being a stencil so as to expose a metal color of the tool, wherein the numeral has a second color different from the first color of the area for providing a contrast of the numeral to other portions of both the area and the tool. By utilizing the present invention, it is possible of quickly identifying the correct size of the tool prior to use or storage. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a tool comprising an area disposed on an outer surface, the area being printed in one of two different first colors for identifying the tool as one labeled in either the British system or the metric system; and a numeral as a representation of a size of the tool disposed in the area, the numeral being a stencil and having a color different from the first color of the are printed therein so as to provide a contrast of the numeral to other portions of both the area and the tool. By utilizing the present invention, it is possible of quickly identifying the correct size of the tool. 
   It is still another object of the present invention to provide a tool comprising an enclosed embossment disposed on an outer surface, the embossment being printed in one of two different first colors for identifying the tool as one labeled in either the British system or the metric system; and a numeral as a representation of a size of the tool disposed in the area by printing, the numeral having a second color different from the first color of the embossment for providing a contrast of the numeral to other portions of both the area and the tool. By utilizing the present invention, it is possible of quickly identifying the correct size of the tool. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide a tool comprising an area disposed on an outer surface, the area being printed in one of two different first colors for identifying the tool as one labeled in either the British system or the metric system; a numeral as a representation of a size of the tool disposed in the area, the numeral having a second color different from the first color of the area for providing a contrast of the numeral to other portions of both the area and the tool; and a trademark being formed by cutting through the area or printing on the area, the trademark having a third color different from both the first color of the area and the second color. By utilizing the present invention, it is possible of quickly identifying the correct size of the tool and the trademark. 
   The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of two typical examples of tool having an arrangement for easily identifying a size thereof according to first prior art; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of two typical examples of tool having an arrangement for easily identifying a size thereof according to second prior art; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of two typical examples of tool having an arrangement for easily identifying a size thereof according to third prior art; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of two exemplary examples of tool having an arrangement for easily identifying a size thereof according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a detailed view of the areas in circles A and B in  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of two exemplary examples of tool having an arrangement for easily identifying a size thereof according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of two exemplary examples of tool having an arrangement for easily identifying a size thereof according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 8  is a detailed view of the areas in circles C and D in  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of two exemplary examples of tool having an arrangement for easily identifying a size thereof according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of two exemplary examples of tool having an arrangement for easily identifying a size thereof according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 11  is a detailed view of the areas in circles E and F in  FIG. 10 ; 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of two exemplary examples of tool having an arrangement for easily identifying a size thereof according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of two exemplary examples of tool having an arrangement for easily identifying a size thereof according to a seventh preferred embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of two exemplary examples of tool having an arrangement for easily identifying a size thereof according to an eighth preferred embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 15  is a detailed view of the areas in circles G and H in  FIG. 14 ; 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view of two exemplary examples of tool having an arrangement for easily identifying a size thereof according to a ninth preferred embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 17  is a detailed view of the areas in circles I and J in  FIG. 16 ; 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view of two exemplary examples of tool having an arrangement for easily identifying a size thereof according to a tenth preferred embodiment of the invention; and 
       FIG. 19  is a detailed view of the area in circle K in  FIG. 18 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , there is shown a tool (e.g., sleeve) having an arrangement for easily identifying a size thereof in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention. A rectangular area  181  having a color different from that of the remaining portion of the sleeve  18  of the metric system is printed on an outer surface of the sleeve  18 . A numeral  182  (e.g.,  22  as shown) is formed by cutting through the rectangular area  181  so as to form a stencil for exposing the color of the metal sleeve  18  and providing a contrast of the numeral  182  to other portions of the sleeve  18 . Likewise, A rectangular area  191  having a color different from that of the remaining portion of the sleeve  19  of the British system is printed on an outer surface of the sleeve  19 . A numeral  192  (e.g., ⅞″ as shown) is formed by cutting through the rectangular area  191  so as to form a stencil for exposing the color of the metal sleeve  19  and providing a contrast of the numeral  192  to other portions of the sleeve  19 . The rectangular areas  181  and  191  have different colors. As such, a user not only can easily distinguish the sleeve  18  of the metric system from the sleeve  19  of the British system but also can quickly identify the correct size (e.g., the numeral) prior to use or storage. 
   Referring to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a tool (e.g., sleeve) having an arrangement for easily identifying a size thereof in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the invention. An annular recess  201  is formed around the sleeve  20  of the metric system. A rectangular area  202  having a color different from that of the remaining portion of the sleeve  20  is printed on a portion of the recess  201 . A numeral  203  (e.g.,  22  as shown) is formed by cutting through the rectangular area  202  so as to form a stencil for exposing and providing a contrast of the numeral  203  to other portions of the sleeve  20 . Likewise, an annular recess  211  is formed around the sleeve  21  of the British system. A rectangular area  212  having a color different from that of the remaining portion of the sleeve  21  is printed on a portion of the recess  211 . A numeral  213  (e.g., ⅞″ as shown) is formed by cutting through the rectangular area  212  so as to form a stencil for exposing the color of the metal sleeve  21  and providing a contrast of the numeral  213  to other portions of the sleeve  21 . The rectangular areas  202  and  212  have different colors. This embodiment has the same advantages as the above one. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , there is shown a tool (e.g., sleeve) having an arrangement for easily identifying a size thereof in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the invention. A rectangular area  221  having a color different from that of the remaining portion of the sleeve  22  of the metric system is printed on an outer surface of the sleeve  22 . A numeral  222  (e.g.,  22  as shown) is formed by cutting through the rectangular area  221  so as to form a stencil. Further, color different from the color of the rectangular area  221  is printed on the numeral  222  so as to provide a contrast of the numeral  222  to other portions of the sleeve  22 . Likewise, a rectangular area  231  having a color different from that of the remaining portion of the sleeve  23  of the British system is printed on an outer surface of the sleeve  23 . A numeral  232  (e.g., ⅞″ as shown) is formed by cutting through the rectangular area  231  so as to form a stencil. Further, color different from the color of the rectangular area  231  is printed on the numeral  232  so as to provide a contrast of the numeral  232  to other portions of the sleeve  23 . This embodiment has the same advantages as the above one. 
   Referring to  FIG. 9 , there is shown a tool (e.g., sleeve) having an arrangement for easily identifying a size thereof in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention. An annular recess  241  is formed around the sleeve  24  of the metric system. A rectangular area  242  having a color different from that of the remaining portion of the sleeve  24  is printed on a portion of the recess  241 . A numeral  243  (e.g.,  22  as shown) is formed by cutting through the rectangular area  242  so as to form a stencil. Further, color different from the color of the rectangular area  242  is printed on the numeral  243  so as to provide a contrast of the numeral  243  to other portions of the sleeve  24 . Likewise, an annular recess  251  is formed around the sleeve  25  of the British system. A rectangular area  252  having a color different from that of the remaining portion of the sleeve  25  is printed on a portion of the recess  251 . A numeral  253  (e.g., ⅞″ as shown) is formed by cutting through the rectangular area  252  so as to form a stencil. Further, color different from the color of the rectangular area  252  is printed on the numeral  253  so as to provide a contrast of the numeral  253  to other portions of the sleeve  25 . The rectangular areas  242  and  252  have different colors. This embodiment has the same advantages as the above one. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , there is shown a tool (e.g., sleeve) having an arrangement for easily identifying a size thereof in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention. A hollow rectangle  261  having a color different from that of the remaining portion of the sleeve  26  of the metric system is embossed on an outer surface of the sleeve  26 . A numeral  262  (e.g.,  22  as shown) is printed within the rectangle  261 . The numeral  262  has a color different from that of the rectangle  261  and that of the sleeve  26  so as to provide a contrast of the numeral  262  to other portions of the sleeve  26 . Likewise, a hollow rectangle  271  having a color different from that of the remaining portion of the sleeve  27  of the British system is embossed on an outer surface of the sleeve  27 . A numeral  272  (e.g., ⅞″ as shown) is printed within the rectangle  271 . The numeral  272  has a color different from that of the rectangle  271  and that of the sleeve  27  so as to provide a contrast of the numeral  272  to other portions of the sleeve  27 . This embodiment has the same advantages as the above one. 
   Referring to  FIG. 12 , there is shown a tool (e.g., sleeve) having an arrangement for easily identifying a size thereof in accordance with a sixth preferred embodiment of the invention. An annular recess  281  is formed around the sleeve  28  of the metric system. A hollow rectangle  282  having a color different from that of the remaining portion of the sleeve  28  is embossed on a portion of the recess  281 . A numeral  283  (e.g.,  22  as shown) is printed within the rectangle  282 . The numeral  283  has a color different from that of the rectangle  282  and that of the sleeve  28  so as to provide a contrast of the numeral  283  to other portions of the sleeve  28 . Likewise, an annular recess  291  is formed around the sleeve  29  of the British system. A hollow rectangle  292  having a color different from that of the remaining portion of the sleeve  29  is embossed on a portion of the recess  291 . A numeral  293  (e.g., ⅞″ as shown) is printed within the rectangle  292 . The numeral  293  has a color different from that of the rectangle  292  and that of the sleeve  29  so as to provide a contrast of the numeral  293  to other portions of the sleeve  29 . This embodiment has the same advantages as the above one. 
   Referring to  FIG. 13 , there is shown a tool (e.g., sleeve) having an arrangement for easily identifying a size thereof in accordance with a seventh preferred embodiment of the invention. A rectangular area  301  having a color different from that of the remaining portion of the sleeve  30  of the metric system is printed on an outer surface of the sleeve  30 . A numeral  302  (e.g.,  22  as shown) is printed on the rectangular area  301 . The numeral  302  has a color different from that of the rectangular area  301  so as to provide a contrast of the numeral  302  to other portions of the sleeve  30 . Likewise, a rectangular area  311  having a color different from that of the remaining portion of the sleeve  31  of the British system is printed on an outer surface of the sleeve  31 . A numeral  312  (e.g., ⅞″ as shown) is printed on the rectangular area  311 . The numeral  312  has a color different from that of the rectangular area  311  and that of the sleeve  31  so as to provide a contrast of the numeral  312  to other portions of the sleeve  31 . This embodiment has the same advantages as the above one. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , there is shown a tool (e.g., combination box and open end wrench) having an arrangement for easily identifying a size thereof in accordance with an eighth preferred embodiment of the invention. A rectangular area  321  having a color different from that of the remaining portion of the wrench  32  of the metric system is printed on a handle of the wrench  32 . A numeral  322  (e.g.,  22  as shown) is formed by cutting through the rectangular area  321  so as to form a stencil for exposing the color of the metal wrench  32  and providing a contrast of the numeral  322  to other portions of the wrench  32 . Likewise, a rectangular area  331  having a color different from that of the remaining portion of the wrench  33  of the British system is printed on a handle of the wrench  33 . A numeral  332  (e.g., ⅞″ as shown) is formed by cutting through the rectangular area  331  so as to form a stencil for exposing the color of the metal wrench  33  and providing a contrast of the numeral  332  to other portions of the wrench  33 . This embodiment has the same advantages as the above one. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , there is shown a tool (e.g., 6-point wrench) having an arrangement for easily identifying a size thereof in accordance with a ninth preferred embodiment of the invention. A rectangular area  341  having a color different from that of the remaining portion of the wrench  34  of the metric system is printed on a handle of the wrench  34 . A numeral  342  (e.g.,  22  as shown) is formed by cutting through the rectangular area  341  so as to form a stencil for exposing the color of the metal wrench  34  and providing a contrast of the numeral  342  to other portions of the wrench  34 . Likewise, a rectangular area  351  having a color different from that of the remaining portion of the wrench  35  of the British system is printed on a handle of the wrench  35 . A numeral  352  (e.g., ⅞″ as shown) is formed by cutting through the rectangular area  351  so as to form a stencil for exposing the color of the metal wrench  35  and providing a contrast of the numeral  352  to other portions of the wrench  35 . This embodiment has the same advantages as the above one. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , there is shown a tool (e.g., sleeve) having an arrangement for easily identifying a size thereof in accordance with a tenth preferred embodiment of the invention. The tenth embodiment substantially has same structure and advantages as the first embodiment. The additional characteristic of the tenth embodiment is detailed below. Trademarks  183  and  193  are carved on left top corners of the rectangular areas  181  and  191  respectively for product distinguishing purpose. 
   While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention set forth in the claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8