Patent Document

BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    One of the more versatile tools used by mechanics and the like is the ratchet wrench. As is known, ratchet wrenches include a handle and a working head. Some ratchet wrenches directly engage a work piece, such as a nut or bolt head. Other ratchet wrenches have a drive stud projecting from a rotatable drive member, also sometimes referred to as a ratchet wheel. This drive stud is typically integral with the drive member. A ratchet mechanism selectively engages the drive member to permit rotation of the drive member in one direction while preventing rotation in a second, opposite rotational direction. The ratchet mechanism is actuable so as to selectively permit rotation of the drive member in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Usually, a lever is provided on the working head to allow the user to select the desired rotation of the drive stud. 
         [0002]    The drive stud, in turn, receives a selected one of a plurality of sockets, socket adapters, extenders, and the like, which may be referred to as a work piece that engages the nut or bolt head. A socket, for example, has an opening sized and adapted to receive the drive stud. A second opening is located oppositely of the drive stud opening with this second opening having teeth and an opening sized to receive a nut, bolt head and the like. A set of such sockets is usually provided allowing the user to interchange sockets for differently sized nuts and bolts. Adapters and extenders have an opening to receive the drive stud and an opposite drive stud to receive a socket or other piece. 
         [0003]    As an example, professional mechanics, racing team mechanics, shade-tree mechanics and the like all rely on the ratchet wrench. In addition, individuals who work on cars, trucks, motorcycles, aircraft, and generally vehicles of all types, often hold a loyalty to a particular brand of tool, racing team, or make of vehicle. As such mechanics often display logos or other indicia of their favorite brands on their toolboxes. Combining the importance of the ratchet wrench and the mechanics brand loyalty presents an opportunity to brand the ratchet with a logo, emblem, symbol, name or other indicia. 
         [0004]    One disadvantage of existing ratchet wrenches is that, typically, portions of the operative mechanism project through the upper surface of the working head. These protruding mechanical elements act to increase the effective thickness of the working head. In addition, they can sometimes interfere with the use of the wrench, especially in confined spaces. Moreover, the protruding elements clutter the working head upper surface and do not permit the upper surface to receive identifying indicia, logos, emblems or other desired designations. 
         [0005]    The drive stud on the working or “ratchet head” also often employs a ball detent to retain the selected socket, adapter or extender on the drive stud. To remove the socket, the user typically grips the head of the wrench in one hand and the socket in the other in order to separate the socket from the wrench head. Sometimes, removal of the socket from the drive stud is difficult. This can arise should dirt affect the actuation of the ball detent. Other times, should the user&#39;s hands be oily or greasy, it is difficult to obtain sufficient grip on the cylindrical socket in order to effect separation. Indeed, small variations due to manufacturing tolerances can exacerbate the difficulty of removal of the socket, adapter, extender, etc. 
         [0006]    In order to ease the procedure of removing a socket from the drive stud, it is known to provide ratchet wrenches with a “quick release” mechanism. An early example of a quick release mechanism is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,208,318 issued Sep. 28, 1965 to Roberts. Here, the detent ball interacts with a cavity on a release pin, which is axially disposed in the drive stud and is reciprocal in the longitudinal direction. The release pin has a head that protrudes from the wrench, opposite the drive stud, to provide a button whereby a user can depress the release pin against the force of a return spring. Depressing the release pin moves the cavity into registration with the detent ball so that there is no spring actuated force on the detent ball allowing the socket to be easily removed. When released, the release pin is biased so that it presses against the detent ball thereby retaining the socket on the drive stud. Another example of a quick release mechanism is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,420,995 issued Dec. 20, 1983 to Roberts. Here, the reciprocating release pin is rotatable to provide a positive locking structure for the detent ball. 
         [0007]    While the above-described mechanisms are reliable and effective in use, the possibility exists that, under some conditions, a user may inadvertently depress the release pin while using the wrench. This can happen, for example, if the head of the wrench is placed in the palm of the users hand since the hand can come in contact with the button or head of the release pin and can inadvertently depress the same while the wrench is used thereby inadvertently releasing the socket. 
         [0008]    In order to overcome these drawbacks, a slide actuator for the release pin is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,109,140 issued Aug. 29, 2000 to Roberts et al. In this structure, the head of the release pin is not exposed exteriorly of the working head. Rather, a slide actuator projects upwardly from the drive head directly above the release pin and reciprocates in a direction transverse to the rotational axis of the drive stud and thus the longitudinal axis of the release pin. The slide actuator has a ramp face, which attacks the head of the release pin so that reciprocation of the slide actuator acts to depress or release the release pin. U.S. Pat. No. 5,582,080 issued Dec. 10, 1996 to Barmore discloses a similar structure for actuating the release pin. 
         [0009]    Again, the structure disclosed in the &#39;140 patent is generally reliable and effective. However, the slide actuator requires that the user adjust his/her grip on the handle or use his/her other hand while gripping the wrench in order to employ the quick release. In addition, the wrench disclosed in the &#39;140 patent has the ratchet reversing lever located on the head of the wrench which results in multiple mechanisms presenting a cluttered appearance for the head. In addition, since the slide actuator projects upwardly from the working head, it can interfere with using the wrench in confined spaces. 
         [0010]    Accordingly, there is a need for improved ratchet wrenches having a more streamlined appearance including generally flat and generally uninterrupted upper surfaces. There is also a need for ratchet wrenches having quick release mechanisms wherein the working head has a reduced profile. There is a further need for a ratchet wrench having an uninterrupted surface to provide an area for selected designs, logos, emblems, or indicia. An uninterrupted surface would also be useful for providing an attachment point for accessories such as lights, mirrors, and belt clips. It is also desirable to have such an uninterrupted surface in the form of a replaceable ratchet wrench cover or alternatively, a permanent ratchet wrench cover that easily snaps into position. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0011]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and useful head cap for a wrench and a wrench incorporating such a head cap. 
         [0012]    According to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the head cap provides indicia for the wrench, and in other embodiments, the head cap provides structure for mounting an accessory onto a wrench. 
         [0013]    It is an aspect of the exemplary embodiments to provide a head cap that mounts on the working head of a wrench so as to provide an exposed upper surface therefore. 
         [0014]    One aspect of these embodiments is a head cap that provides an exposed surface that is generally uninterrupted. 
         [0015]    Another aspect of the exemplary embodiments is a head cap that snap fits onto the working head of a wrench, such as a ratchet wrench. 
         [0016]    Still a further aspect of these embodiments is to provide structure so that a head cap may be mounted on the working head of a wrench, such as a ratchet wrench, in a releasable and interchangeable manner so that different head caps may be selected for a common wrench construction. 
         [0017]    Another aspect of the exemplary embodiments is to provide a head cap for a ratchet wrench wherein the head cap also serves to secure some of the components of the drive mechanism and/or a ratchet control mechanism within the working head. 
         [0018]    According to these exemplary embodiments, then, an improvement is disclosed in the form of a head cap for the working head of a wrench, such as a ratchet wrench, wherein the wrench includes a forwardly located working head having a lower tool piece and a surrounding side wall extending between an upper edge and a lower edge that is opposite the upper edge. The wrench includes a handle that extends longitudinally and rearwardly of the working head along the longitudinal axis. The head cap is securable to the working head in a mounted state with the head cap having an exposed surface that forms an upper surface for the working head when in the mounted state. 
         [0019]    In the exemplary embodiments, the head cap includes a generally flat plate portion that spans a majority of the region surrounded by the upper edge of the working head of the wrench. To this end, the head cap may have a peripheral edge that is substantially co-extensive with the upper edge of the working head when in the mounted state. This exposed surface may then be provided with selected indicia thereon. In some embodiments, the exposed surface has a recess formed therein and includes an insert piece that is sized and adapted to nest in this recess. In other embodiments, the head cap includes a mounting element disposed on the upper surface with this mounting element being configured to releasably attach a selected accessory to the head cap and therefore to the wrench. In some embodiments, the peripheral edge portion includes a peripheral shoulder that defines a central portion that may engage a rim that surrounds the upper edge of the working head. This shoulder provides a way of locating the head cap on the working head in a manner that resists a lateral displacement. 
         [0020]    In the exemplary embodiments, the head cap is constructed of a stiff, resilient material. In these embodiments, at least one wing or skirt portion is described. In several embodiments, first and second wing portions project downwardly from the peripheral edge of the flat plate portion in a downwardly depending manner so as to engage the surrounding sidewall of the working head when in the mounted state. Here, the working head of the wrench has wing recesses corresponding to the downwardly depending wing portions of the head cap so that the wing portions may mate in these wing recesses. As described, a pair of side wing portions may downwardly depend from the peripheral edge portion in opposed relation to one another. Additionally, if desired, a downwardly depending front wing portion may be located forwardly of each of the first and second wing portion (the side wing portions). The front wing portion is also operative to engage the surrounding side wall of the working head when in the mounted state. The side wing portions may be oriented at a small acute angle relative to a longitudinal plane that is perpendicular to the flat plate portion to assist and “snap-locking” the head cap to the working head. 
         [0021]    In the exemplary embodiments, each wing portion and the sidewall of the working head are provided with cooperative interlock structures that are operative to engage one another so as to secure the head cap to the working head. One of the interlock structures may be a cavity and the other may be a protrusion sized to mate with the cavity. In the exemplary embodiments, the surrounding sidewall of the working head is provided with a cavity and the wing portion or portions are provided with a protrusion to engage such cavity or cavities. Where wing recesses are provided to mate with the wing portions, the cavities are formed within the wing recess. Here, also, the wing portion or portions may have a notch formed therein to assist in releasing the head cap from the mounted state. The protrusions and the corresponding cavities to receive the protrusions, may take a variety of shapes, including a ramp-like shape. 
         [0022]    One aspect of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention is also directed to a method of providing a wrench with selected indicia wherein the wrench has a working head as described above. While this method may include any steps inherent in the exemplary embodiments, the method may broadly include providing a head cover that has a generally flat plate portion having a peripheral edge portion and opposite first and second surfaces and that has the selected indicia located on the first surface. The method then includes the step of securing the head cap to the working head in a mounted state such that the second surface confronts the working head with the first surface forming an exposed surface on the working head. Here, the flat plate portion is sized and configured so that it spans a majority of the region surrounded by the upper edge of the working head with the peripheral edge portion being substantially coextensive with that upper edge when in the mounted state. 
         [0023]    These and other aspects of the present invention will become more readily appreciated and understood from a consideration of the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  is a side view in elevation of a ratchet wrench according to a first exemplary embodiment; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the ratchet wrench of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view taken about section line  2 A- 2 A of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is an end view in elevation of the ratchet wrench of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is an exploded isometric view of a ratchet wrench according to the first exemplary embodiment; 
           [0029]      FIG. 4A  is an enlarged partial isometric view of the ratchet head as shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 5  is a is an isometric view of the ratchet wrench cover as viewed from the bottom of the cover shown in  FIGS. 14 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 6  is a is an isometric view of the ratchet wrench cover as viewed from the top of the cover of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 7  is a side view in elevation of the ratchet wrench cover; 
           [0033]      FIG. 8  is a top plan view of the ratchet wrench cover shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 9  is a bottom plan view of the ratchet wrench cover shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 10  is an end view in elevation of the ratchet wrench cover shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 11  is a side view in elevation similar to  FIG. 7  of another embodiment of the ratchet wrench cover; 
           [0037]      FIG. 12  is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of the ratchet wrench cover shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 13  is an end view in elevation of the embodiment of the ratchet wrench cover shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 14  is an enlarged partial view of the embodiment of the ratchet wrench cover illustrating the detail of the snap feature shown in  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 15A  is an isometric view of the ratchet wrench cover as viewed from the bottom of the cover showing an alternative embodiment of the snap feature; 
           [0041]      FIG. 15B  is an isometric view of the ratchet wrench cover as viewed from the bottom of the cover showing an alternative embodiment of the snap feature; 
           [0042]      FIG. 15C  is an isometric view of the ratchet wrench cover as viewed from the bottom of the cover showing an alternative embodiment of the snap feature; 
           [0043]      FIG. 16  is a partially exploded isometric view of a ratchet wrench showing another embodiment of the ratchet wrench cover; 
           [0044]      FIG. 17  is a side view in elevation of the ratchet wrench showing yet another embodiment of the ratchet wrench cover with a domed indicia surface; 
           [0045]      FIG. 18  is an isometric view of another embodiment of the ratchet wrench cover that includes an accessory attachment feature; 
           [0046]      FIG. 19  is an end view in elevation of the cover depicted in  FIG. 18 ; 
           [0047]      FIG. 20A  is an end view in elevation of the cover shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19  but with an alternative attachment feature; 
           [0048]      FIG. 20B  is an end view in elevation of the cover shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19  but with an alternative attachment feature; 
           [0049]    FIG.  20 CA is an end view in elevation of the cover shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19  but with an alternative attachment feature; 
           [0050]      FIG. 21  is an isometric exploded view of an embodiment of the cover shown in  FIG. 18  with an attached accessory in the form of a small flashlight; 
           [0051]      FIG. 22  is an exploded view in perspective showing another embodiment of the present invention used with a box end wrench; 
           [0052]      FIG. 23  is a bottom plan view of the head cap of  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0053]      FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional view taken about lines  24 - 24  of  FIG. 23 ; and 
           [0054]      FIG. 25  is a side view in elevation and partial cross-section of another embodiment of the present invention used with still a different type of wrench. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0055]    The present invention broadly concerns a head cap for a wrench and a wrench incorporating such a head cap. The invention also concerns a method for providing a wrench with indicia such as logos, trademarks, designs, names, or emblems. The exemplary embodiments of the invention are describe with respect to a ratchet wrench, but it should be understood that the invention is not strictly limited to only ratchet-type wrenches. 
         [0056]    Therefore, with reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3 , a ratchet wrench  10  is illustrated that is provided with an exemplary embodiment of the head cap of the present invention. Ratchet wrench  10  includes a handle  12  extending along a longitudinal axis L-L with a “working” or ratchet head  30  disposed at a distal end of the handle  12 . Attached to the ratchet  30  is ratchet head cap or cover  20 .  FIG. 4  shows a detailed and exploded view of ratchet wrench  10 . 
         [0057]    Ratchet head  30  is configured to receive drive mechanism components  16  that are operative to rotate a drive stud  14  in selected direction. Drive stud  14  may thus be considered a lower tool piece in this embodiment. Head portion  30  also receives control components, for example to control the direction of rotational ratcheting. The drive mechanism  16  and slide actuator  15  are described in my previous application PCT/US2005/047525 filed Dec. 20, 2005, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. Thus, ratchet head  30  includes a surrounding sidewall  13  having a lower edge  17  and an opposite upper edge  19  ( FIG. 2A ). 
         [0058]    As can be seen in  FIG. 4 , ratchet head cover  20  is engineered to engage ratchet head  30  via wing portions  21 . It should be noted that slide actuator  15  is retained in its operating position by ratchet head cover  20  includes a generally flat plate portion  23  with a surrounding peripheral edge portion  29  when ratchet head cover  20  is snapped into position. To this end, also, the interior, non-exposed surface  25  of ratchet head cover  20  may include a channel  55  configured to receive a portion of slide actuator  15  Ratchet head cover  20  also includes an exposed indicia surface  24  ( FIG. 6 ) for printing, embossing, or attaching logos, trademarks, designs, names, or emblems. The indicia may be silk-screened, hot-stamped, pad-printed, laser printed, decaled, embossed, or molded onto or into the indicia surface  24 . Indicia surface  24  may also include an attachment point for accessories. The ratchet head cover provided herein is also engineered to be removable or changeable. As described in detail below, the cover may be configured so that it is easily removed with a small screwdriver or such that removal requires a special tool or destruction of the cover. 
         [0059]    With reference to  FIG. 4A  it can be seen that wing recess  31  located on ratchet head  30  is sized and configured to receive wing  21  of the ratchet head cover  20 .  FIGS. 5-10  all illustrate the ratchet head cover  20  in greater detail. With reference to  FIGS. 2A ,  4 A, and  FIGS. 5-10  the installation of ratchet head cover  20  can be better appreciated. With reference again to  FIG. 4A , a top wall  33  is partially surrounded by retaining rim  34  that is proximate to upper edge  19 . Rim  34  and top wall  33  accordingly forms a shallow cover recess cavity  35 . Bottom surface  25  of the ratchet head cover  20  confronts surface  33  of the ratchet head  30  when in the mounted state. The perimeter of the ratchet head cover  20  has a shoulder  26  ( FIG. 5 ), which corresponds in size and configuration to the retaining rim  34  of ratchet head  30 . 
         [0060]    Upon assembly, shoulder  26  engages retaining rim  34  to ensure that the ratchet head cover  20  is centered on the ratchet head  30  and that lateral support is provided to the cover in the event that the ratchet is dropped or otherwise impacted. The outer perimeter of the head cover is provided with a radius “r” to prevent the head cover catching on surfaces when employing the ratchet wrench in tight spaces. 
         [0061]    Ratchet head cover wing portions  21  engage in recesses  31  located on the sides of ratchet head  30 . Each wing portion  21  includes cooperative interlocking features such as a snap feature or protrusion  22  that is sized and configured to engage snap cavity  32  located on the sides of the ratchet head  30  within the wing recess cavities  31 . Once engaged, protrusions  22  act to retain the ratchet head cover  20  in position (See  FIG. 2A ). 
         [0062]    With reference to  FIG. 10  it should be noted that wing portions  21  are formed at a small acute angle “a” relative to a longitudinal plane “P” that is perpendicular to the plane of flat plate portion  23 . This facilitates location of the ratchet head cover on the ratchet head, especially for automated assembly. Angle “a” also acts to wedge the ratchet head cover  20  onto the ratchet head  30 . Angle “a” may range from zero to approximately twenty degrees. The head portion  30  should include a mating angle that is less than or equal to the head cover angle “a”. In the case where ratchet head cover  20  is of a molded construction, angle “a” will also facilitate release from the mold. 
         [0063]    Ratchet head cover  20  may be formed of any material that is sufficiently flexible, when formed into the thin cross-section of wings  21 , to allow the wings to deflect without yielding such that the cover may be installed. Such materials include, for example, steel, aluminum, titanium, carbon fiber, fiberglass, and plastic. Preferably, the cover is molded from polymeric material that when polymerized is strong and stiff. An example of such a material is polyamide  66  plastic resin such as Dupont® Zytel®  101 . Fibers may also be added to the material to increase the strength. 
         [0064]    In reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , it can be seen that snap features  22  are of a rounded configuration, thus allowing the subsequent removal of the ratchet head cover  20 . To further facilitate the removal and replacement of the ratchet head cover  20  each wing portion  21  is provided with a removal notch  27 . Removal notch  27  is provided with an angled surface  28  which provides a surface against which the wing portion  21  may be pried away from the ratchet head  30  with a small tool, thereby releasing snap feature  22  from snap cavity  32  to release the ratchet head cover  20  from the ratchet head  30 . 
         [0065]      FIGS. 11 ,  12 , and  13  illustrate an alternative embodiment of the ratchet head cover  120 . In this embodiment, end portions  121  include a ramp-like protrusion or snap feature  122  that is configured to provide a permanent installation of a ratchet head cover  120 . Referencing  FIG. 14 , snap feature  122  includes a ramp portion for facilitating the installation of the ratchet head cover  120 . Snap feature  122  also includes lock surface  142  that mates with the ratchet head in a permanent fashion. Locking surface  142  may be flat or slightly angled to ensure that the snap feature is not easily removed from the snap cavity. In addition and with reference to  FIG. 11 , end portions  121  do not include a removal notch as in the previous embodiment. Again, a channel  155  may be provided to receive a portion of the slide actuator. 
         [0066]      FIGS. 15A ,  15 B, and  15 C show alternative embodiments of the snap feature.  FIG. 15A  illustrates a ratchet head cover  220  with a snap feature  222  that is oblong in shape having rounded end portions  229 .  FIG. 15B  illustrates a ratchet head cover  320  with a snap feature  322  that is rectangular in shape.  FIG. 15C  illustrates a ratchet head cover  420  with a snap feature  422  that is cylindrical in shape. With reference to  FIGS. 15A ,  15 B, and  15 C it should be understood that the head portion of the ratchet wrench would be provided with a snap recess that corresponds in size and shape to the snap features shown in the corresponding figures. It should also be understood that the head covers shown in  FIGS. 15A ,  15 B, and  15 C could be configured to be difficult to remove from the head, as is shown in the figures, or may be configured with a removal notch as best shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
         [0067]    Illustrated in  FIG. 16  is yet another embodiment of a ratchet wrench  510 . Ratchet head cover  520  includes two wing portions  521  and also a front wing portion  550 . Front wing portion  550  provides further support for the ratchet head cover  520 . Head portion  530  includes removal access holes  536  that allow access from the interior  538  (also see  38   FIG. 2A ) of head portion  530  to the bottom of snap recess  532 . Removal access holes  536  allow the tool manufacturer to remove ratchet head cover  520  by inserting a tool through the access holes  536  to push the snap features out of snap recesses  532 . Head cover  520  also includes a recess  556  sized and configured to receive an emblem  555 . Emblem  555  is a form of indicia that may be that of a tool brand, vehicle make, racing team, or the name of the tools owner. Emblem  555  may be secured to the head cover  520  with glue or it may be fastened with studs  560 . Head cover  520  also includes thru holes  561  sized to receive studs  560 . Studs  560  may be threaded in which case a nut may be assembled after insertion through holes  561 . Preferably, however, the studs  560  may be formed of a plastic that can be melted subsequent to insertion through holes  561  thereby retaining the emblem  555  in recess  556 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 17  illustrates a further embodiment of the ratchet head cover  620  where the indicia face  624  is of a domed shape. It is also contemplated that the indicia surface  624  could be formed in a variety of three-dimensional shapes including shapes that represent portions of an automobiles exterior design. 
         [0069]    In yet another embodiment of the ratchet head cover shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the cover  620  includes a mounting element  670  for attaching accessories to the wrench. Accessories that would be useful to attach to a ratchet wrench include, for example, a small flashlight, a laser, a mirror, a belt clip, or the like.  FIG. 19  depicts the attachment feature having a dovetail configuration. The dovetail feature has a length “L,” a width “w,” and a thickness “t.” The sides  672  of the dovetail have an acute angle “b” relative to indicia surface  624 . 
         [0070]      FIGS. 20A , B, and C show several possible configurations of the attachment feature The attachment feature  770  shown in  FIG. 20A  has a triangular groove where the sides of the groove  772  and  773  are formed at an angle “c” to each other. The attachment feature may be formed with a lengthwise rail  875  having a flat outer surface  876  as shown in  FIG. 20B . Similarly, with reference to  FIG. 20C , the lengthwise rail may be formed with a radiused outer edge  976  as is shown on attachment feature  970 .  FIG. 21  illustrates the attachment of a small flashlight  680  to the attachment feature  670  of cover  620 . Flashlight  680  includes a dovetail groove  682  that is sized and configured to mate with the dovetail configuration of attachment feature  670 . The flashlight  680  is attached to the cover  620  by sliding the flashlight onto the attachment feature as indicated in  FIG. 21 . 
         [0071]    In reference now to  FIGS. 22-24 , an alternative embodiment of a head cap or cover  920  is illustrated for use, for example, with a box end wrench  910 . This embodiment is provided to illustrate that the head cover according to the present invention may be used with wrenches other than ratchet wrenches. Here, head cover  920  includes a flat plate portion  922  from which a downwardly depending surrounding skirt  94  depends. Exposed surface  925  may be provided with indicia, as described above. Skirt  924  has an inwardly turned lip  926  so that it may be mounted over working head  930  of wrench  910  so as to encompass all of the lower surface thereof. To this end, a notch  932  is provided to accommodate handle  912 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 25  illustrates another embodiment in the form of a head cover  950  adapted to mount on wrench  960  that includes a handle  970 . Here, wrench  960  is in the form of a deep socket  964  that is permanently affixed to handle  962 . Head cover  970  includes a pair of side wings, such as side wing  972  which downwardly depend from flat plate portion  974 . Likewise, a front wing portion  976  depends downwardly from flat plate portion  974 . Suitable wing recesses are provided in a manner described above, so that such description is not again repeated. Again, intermating cooperative interlocking structures may be provided, all in the manner of that described with respect to the first embodiment. Head cover is again provided to show that a head cover may be used with other types of wrenches. 
         [0073]    From the foregoing, it should also be appreciated that the present invention contemplates a method of providing a wrench with selected indicia. This method may include any steps inherent in the above-described structures. Broadly, the method provides selected indicia wherein the wrench has a forwardly located working head with a surrounding sidewall extending between an upper edge and a lower edge that is opposite the upper edge. Furthermore, the wrench includes a handle extending longitudinally and rearwardly of the working head along a longitudinal axis. According to the broad method, a head cap is provided that includes a generally flat plate portion having a peripheral edge portion and opposite first and second surfaces and that has selected indicia located on the first surface. The method then includes the step of securing the head cap to the working head to define a mounted state such that the second surface confronts the working head with the first surface forming an exposed surface on the working head. Here, the flat plate portion is sized and configured so that it spans a majority of the region surrounded by the upper edge of the working head with the peripheral edge portion of the head cap being substantially co-extensive with the upper edge of the working head when in the mounted state. The method may also include the step of securing the head cap by providing a mounting structure that downwardly depends from the peripheral edge portion and mechanically engaging the surrounding sidewall of the working head with this mounting structure. It is noted, the method may include other steps contemplated by the forgoing structures. 
         [0074]    Accordingly, the present invention has been described with some degree of particularity directed to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It should be appreciated, though, that modifications or changes may be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention without departing from the inventive concepts contained herein. 
         [0075]    Accordingly, the present invention has been described with some degree of particularity directed to the exemplary embodiments. It should be appreciated, though, that modifications or changes may be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the inventive concepts contained herein.

Technology Category: b