Tool and fastener marking system

Abstract

The present invention is a comprehensive system, method, and apparatus for marking tools, and other related objects, to be able to quickly identify the nearest size tool, or other object, regardless of the standard a tool, or other object, is manufactured according to.

Claims

1. A set of hand tools marked according to a unified system, the set comprising: a first subset of the set of hand tools, each of the hand tools within the first subset having a metric size indicator thereon; a second subset of the set of hand tools, each of the hand tools within the second subset having a standard size indicator thereon; and sequential relative size markings on each of the hand tools within the set to identify a size of each of the hand tools from smallest to largest within the set and independent of whether the hand tool has a metric size indicator thereon or a standard size indicator thereon.

2. The set of hand tools of claim 1 wherein the sequential relative size markings consist of letters and numbers.

3. The set of hand tools of claim 2 wherein the metric size indicator is expressed in millimeters.

4. The set of hand tools of claim 2 wherein the standard size indicator is expressed in inches.

5. The set of hand tools of claim 2 wherein each of the hand tools is a wrench.

6. The set of hand tools of claim 1 wherein each of the hand tools within the first subset has a first color marking and wherein each of the hand tools within the second subset has a second color marking, the first color marking differing from the second color marking.

7. The set of hand tools of claim 1 wherein: the first subset of the set of hand tools includes a first metric size hand tool and a second metric size hand tool; the second subset of the set of hand tools includes a first standard size hand tool and a second standard size hand tool; and the sequential relative size markings identify that the first metric size hand tool is bigger than the first standard size hand tool, the first standard size hand tool is bigger than the second metric size hand tool, and the second metric size hand tool is bigger than the second standard size hand tool.

8. A set of hand tools marked according to a unified system, the set comprising: a first subset of the set of hand tools, each of the hand tools within the first subset having a metric size and an metric size indicator thereon, the metric size indicator indicating the metric size; a second subset of the set of hand tools, each of the hand tools within the second subset having a standard size and a standard size indicator thereon, the standard size indicator indicating the standard size; and sequential relative size markings on each of the hand tools within the set to identify a size of each of the hand tools from smallest to largest within the set and independent of whether the hand tool has a metric size indicator thereon or a standard size indicator thereon; wherein each of the sequential relative size markings is not a metric size indicator; wherein each of the sequential relative size markings is not a standard size indicator.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1A is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 1B is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 1C is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(5) FIG. 2A is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(6) FIG. 2B is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(7) FIG. 2C is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(8) FIG. 3A is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(9) FIG. 3B is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(10) FIG. 3C is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(11) FIG. 4A is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(12) FIG. 4B is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(13) FIG. 4C is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(14) FIG. 5A is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(15) FIG. 5B is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(16) FIG. 5C is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(17) FIG. 6A is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(18) FIG. 6B is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(19) FIG. 6C is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(20) FIG. 7A is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(21) FIG. 7B is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(22) FIG. 7C is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(23) FIG. 8A is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(24) FIG. 8B is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(25) FIG. 8C is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(26) FIG. 9A is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(27) FIG. 9B is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(28) FIG. 9C is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(29) FIG. 10A is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(30) FIG. 10B is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(31) FIG. 10C is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(32) FIG. 11A is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(33) FIG. 11B is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(34) FIG. 11C is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(35) FIG. 12A is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(36) FIG. 12B is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(37) FIG. 12C is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(38) FIG. 13A is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(39) FIG. 13B is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(40) FIG. 13C is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(41) FIG. 14A is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(42) FIG. 14B is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(43) FIG. 14C is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(44) FIG. 15A is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(45) FIG. 15B is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(46) FIG. 15C is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(47) FIG. 16A is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(48) FIG. 16B is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(49) FIG. 16C is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(50) FIG. 17A is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(51) FIG. 17B is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

(52) FIG. 17C is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

(53) The preset invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a new and improved, unified method for marking fasteners and tools, such as, but not limited to open end wrenches, box end wrenches, combination wrenches, wrenches with a socket on one end, sockets, etc. The present invention for marking tools, allows a user to quickly determine the size of tools in mixed sets, which are manufactured according to more than one standard, such as, but not limited to, SAE, metric, Whitworth, etc.

(54) In the primary embodiment of the present invention, a unified marking system for tool sets that include tools manufactured according to the SAE and metric standards, which are further identified using the present invention, to sequentially number a combined SAE-metric tool set to indicate the sequential size of each wrench end, socket, etc, from smallest to largest.

(55) In the secondary embodiment of the present invention, a unified marking system for tool sets that include tools manufactured according to the SAE and metric standards, which are further identified using the present invention to mark a combined SAE-metric tool set to indicate the relative size of each wrench end, socket, etc, from smallest to largest.

(56) In a third embodiment of the present invention, a unified marking system for tool sets that include tools manufactured according to the SAE and metric standards, which are further identified using the present invention to sequentially letter a combined SAE-metric tool set to indicate the sequential size of each wrench end, socket, etc, from smallest to largest.

(57) In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a unified marking system for tool sets that include tools manufactured according to the SAE, metric, and Whitworth standards, which are further identified using the present invention to mark a combined SAE-metric-Whitworth tool set to indicate the sequential size of each wrench end, socket, etc, from smallest to largest.

(58) In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a unified marking system for tool sets that include tools manufactured according to the SAE, metric, and Whitworth standards, which are further identified using the present invention to mark a combined SAE-metric-Whitworth tool set to indicate the relative size of each wrench end, socket, etc, from smallest to largest.

(59) The various embodiments of the present invention can be combined with one or more features to further enhance utility for a user, such as but not limited to, color, texture, etc.

(60) In addition, the present invention's unified marking system can be applied to fasteners such as, but not limited to, screws, nuts, bolts

(61) The following patents, or patent applications, include a means for measurement that can be incorporated as a useful feature for use in conjunction with the present invention.

(62) U.S. Pat. No. 7,013,763, to Chih-Ching Hseln, includes a means for measurement, and is hereby incorporated by reference.

(63) US Patent Application 2010/0077553, James D. Davidson, includes a means for measurement, and is hereby incorporated by reference.

(64) US Patent Application, 2007/0157484, to Michael J. Grubler, includes a means for measurement, and is hereby incorporated by reference.

(65) US Patent Application 2007/0051211, Stewart et al, includes a means for measurement, and is hereby incorporated by reference.

(66) Chart 1 illustrates one method of the present invention's unified marking system for SAE and metric standard tools. Chart 1 illustrates a sequential marking system that ranks SAE and metric tools from smallest to largest.

(67) One method of using the unified marking system indicia in Chart 1 is illustrated in FIG. 1A for a combination SAE-metric standard double open end wrench.

(68) FIGS. 1B and 1C illustrate the unified marking system indicia in Chart 1 for an SAE double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 1B, and for a metric standard double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 1C.

(69) A user working on a machine, object, etc, could easily conclude which wrench, is the nearest size up or down, from the wrench they incorrectly chose when trying to size the right wrench to a fastener, regardless of whether the fastener is sized according to an SAE or metric standard.

(70) TABLE-US-00001 CHART 1 SEQUENTIAL MARKING FOR COMBINATION SAE - METRIC WRENCH OR SOCKET SETS SAE METRIC (Distance (Distance Across Flats) Across Flats) PRESENT INVENTION (Inches) (mm) (Sequential Marking) 5/32 1 4 2 3/16 3 5 4 7/32 5 6 6 7 7 8 9/32 9 5/16 10 8 11 9 12 13 10 14 11 15 7/16 16 12 17 18 13 19 14 21 9/16 22 15 23 24 16 25 17 26 11/16 27 18 28 19 29 30 20 31 13/16 32 21 33 22 34 35 23 36 15/16 37 24 38 25 39 1 40 26 41

(71) Chart 2 illustrates one method of the present invention's unified marking system for SAE and metric standard tools. Chart 2 illustrates a sequential marking system that ranks SAE and metric tools from smallest to largest. Chart 2 also includes a letter m added to the sequential indicia to indicate whether the tool is sized for the metric system.

(72) One method of using the unified marking system indicia in Chart 2 is illustrated in FIG. 2A for a combination SAE-metric standard double open end wrench.

(73) FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate the unified marking system indicia in Chart 2 for an SAE double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 2B, and for a metric standard double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 2C.

(74) A user working on a machine, object, etc, could easily conclude which wrench, is the nearest size up or down, from the wrench they incorrectly chose when trying to size the right wrench to a fastener, regardless of whether the fastener is sized according to an SAE or metric standard.

(75) TABLE-US-00002 CHART 2 SEQUENTIAL MARKING FOR COMBINATION SAE - METRIC WRENCH OR SOCKET SETS PRESENT INVENTION SAE METRIC (Distance (Alternative Sequential (Distance Across Flats) Across Flats) Marking Where m (Inches) (mm) indicates Metric) 5/32 1 4 2 m 3/16 3 5 4 m 7/32 5 6 6 m 7 7 8 m 9/32 9 5/16 10 8 11 m 9 12 m 13 10 14 m 11 15 m 7/16 16 12 17 m 18 13 19 m 14 21 9/16 22 15 23 m 24 16 25 m 17 26 m 11/16 27 18 28 m 19 29 m 30 20 31 m 13/16 32 21 33 m 22 34 m 35 23 36 m 15/16 37 24 38 m 25 39 m 1 40 26 41 m

(76) Chart 3 illustrates one method of the present invention's unified marking system for SAE and metric standard tools. Chart 3 illustrates a sequential marking system that ranks SAE and metric tools from smallest to largest. Chart 3 also includes a two color code to indicate whether the tool is sized for the SAE or metric system. As an example in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the color green indicates the tool is sized for SAE, and the color red indicates the tool is sized for metric.

(77) One method of using the unified marking system indicia in Chart 3 is illustrated in FIG. 3A for a combination SAE-metric standard double open end wrench.

(78) FIGS. 3B and 3C illustrate the unified marking system indicia in Chart 3 for an SAE double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 3B, and for a metric standard double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 3C.

(79) A user working on a machine, object, etc, could easily conclude which wrench, is the nearest size up or down, from the wrench they incorrectly chose when trying to size the right wrench to a fastener, regardless of whether the fastener is sized according to an SAE or metric standard.

(80) TABLE-US-00003 CHART 3 SEQUENTIAL MARKING FOR COMBINATION SAE - METRIC WRENCH OR SOCKET SETS SAE METRIC PRESENT PRESENT (Distance Across (Distance Across INVENTION INVENTION Flats) Flats) (Sequential (Wrench Color (Inches) (mm) Marking) Marking) 5/32 1 Color A 4 2 Color B 3/16 3 Color A 5 4 Color B 7/32 5 Color A 6 6 Color B 7 Color A 7 8 Color B 9/32 9 Color A 5/16 10 Color A 8 11 Color B 9 12 Color B 13 Color A 10 14 Color B 11 15 Color B 7/16 16 Color A 12 17 Color B 18 Color A 13 19 Color B 14 21 Color B 9/16 22 Color A 15 23 Color B 24 Color A 16 25 Color B 17 26 Color B 11/16 27 Color A 18 28 Color B 19 29 Color B 30 Color A 20 31 Color B 13/16 32 Color A 21 33 Color B 22 34 Color B 35 Color A 23 36 Color B 15/16 37 Color A 24 38 Color B 25 39 Color B 1 40 Color A 26 41 Color B

(81) Chart 4 illustrates one method of the present invention's unified marking system for SAE and metric standard tools. Chart 4 illustrates a sequential marking system that ranks SAE and metric tools from smallest to largest. Chart 4 also includes a two color code to indicate whether the tool is sized for the SAE or metric system. As an example in FIG. 4B the color green indicates the tool is sized for SAE, and FIG. 4C the color red indicates the tool is sized for metric. Chart 4 also includes a letter m added to the sequential indicia to further indicate whether the tool is sized for the metric system.

(82) One method of using the unified marking system indicia in Chart 4 is illustrated in FIG. 4A for a combination SAE-metric standard double open end wrench.

(83) FIGS. 4B and 4C illustrate the unified marking system indicia in Chart 4 for an SAE double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 4B, and for a metric standard double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 4C.

(84) A user working on a machine, object, etc, could easily conclude which wrench, is the nearest size up or down, from the wrench they incorrectly chose when trying to size the right wrench to a fastener, regardless of whether the fastener is sized according to an SAE or metric standard.

(85) TABLE-US-00004 CHART 4 SEQUENTIAL MARKING FOR COMBINATION SAE - METRIC SOCKET SETS (Alternative SAE METRIC Sequential PRESENT (Distance Across (Distance Across Marking INVENTION Flats) Flats) Where m (Wrench Color (Inches) (mm) indicates Metric) Marking) 5/32 1 Color A 4 2 m Color B 3/16 3 Color A 5 4 m Color B 7/32 5 Color A 6 6 m Color B 7 Color A 7 8 m Color B 9/32 9 Color A 5/16 10 Color A 8 11 m Color B 9 12 m Color B 13 Color A 10 14 m Color B 11 15 m Color B 7/16 16 Color A 12 17 m Color B 18 Color A 13 19 m Color B 14 21 m Color B 9/16 22 Color A 15 23 m Color B 24 Color A 16 25 m Color B 17 26 m Color B 11/16 27 Color A 18 28 m Color B 19 29 m Color B 30 Color A 20 31 m Color B 13/16 32 Color A 21 33 m Color B 22 34 m Color B 35 Color A 23 36 m Color B 15/16 37 Color A 24 38 m Color B 25 39 m Color B 1 40 Color A 26 41 m Color B

(86) Chart 5 illustrates one method of the present invention's unified marking system for SAE and metric standard tools. As an example, Chart 5 illustrates a relative size marking system that ranks SAE and metric tools from smallest to largest. The chart also illustrates the relative size markings in millimeters times 10 (rounded off to the nearest millimeter).

(87) One method of using the unified marking system indicia in Chart 5 is illustrated in FIG. 5A for a combination SAE-metric standard double open end wrench.

(88) FIGS. 5B and 5C illustrate the unified marking system indicia in Chart 5 for an SAE double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 5B, and for a metric standard double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 5C.

(89) A user working on a machine, object, etc, could easily conclude which wrench, is the nearest size up or down, from the wrench they incorrectly chose when trying to size the right wrench to a fastener, regardless of whether the fastener is sized according to an SAE or metric standard.

(90) TABLE-US-00005 CHART 5 RELATIVE SIZE MARKING - (mm 10) FOR COMBINATION SAE - METRIC WRENCH OR SOCKET SETS SAE METRIC (Distance PRESENT INVENTION (Distance Across Flats) Across Flats) (Alternative Marking (inches) (mm) Relative Size - mm 10) 5/32 39 4 40 3/16 48 5 50 7/32 56 6 60 64 7 70 9/32 71 5/16 79 8 80 9 90 95 10 100 11 110 7/16 111 12 120 127 13 130 14 140 9/16 143 15 150 159 16 160 17 170 11/16 175 18 180 19 190 191 20 200 13/16 206 21 210 22 220 222 23 230 15/16 238 24 240 25 250 1 254 26 260

(91) Chart 6 illustrates one method of the present invention's unified marking system for SAE and metric standard tools. Chart 6 illustrates a relative size marking system that ranks SAE and metric tools from smallest to largest. Chart 6 also includes a letter m added to the sequential indicia to indicate whether the tool is sized for the metric system. The chart also illustrates the relative size markings in millimeters times 10 (rounded off to the nearest millimeter).

(92) One method of using the unified marking system indicia in Chart 6 is illustrated in FIG. 6A for a combination SAE-metric standard double open end wrench.

(93) FIGS. 6B and 6C illustrate the unified marking system indicia in Chart 6 for an SAE double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 6B, and for a metric standard double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 6C.

(94) A user working on a machine, object, etc, could easily conclude which wrench, is the nearest size up or down, from the wrench they incorrectly chose when trying to size the right wrench to a fastener, regardless of whether the fastener is sized according to an SAE or metric standard.

(95) TABLE-US-00006 CHART 6 RELATIVE SIZE MARKING - (mm 10) FOR COMBINATION SAE - METRIC WRENCH OR SOCKET SETS PRESENT INVENTION (Alternative Marking SAE METRIC (Distance Relative Size - mm 10, (Distance Across Flats) Across Flats) Where m Indicates (inches) (mm) Metric) 5/32 39 4 40 m 3/16 48 5 50 m 7/32 56 6 60 m 64 7 70 m 9/32 71 5/16 79 8 80 m 9 90 m 95 10 100 m 11 110 m 7/16 111 12 120 m 127 13 130 m 14 140 m 9/16 143 15 150 m 159 16 160 m 17 170 m 11/16 175 18 180 m 19 190 m 191 20 200 m 13/16 206 21 210 m 22 220 m 222 23 230 m 15/16 238 24 240 m 25 250 m 1 254 26 260 m

(96) Chart 7 illustrates one method of the present invention's unified marking system for SAE and metric standard tools. Chart 7 illustrates a relative size marking system that ranks SAE and metric tools from smallest to largest. The chart also illustrates the relative size markings in millimeters times 10 (rounded off to the nearest millimeter). Chart 7 also includes a two color code to indicate whether the tool is sized for the SAE or metric system. As an example in FIGS. 7B and 7C, the color green indicates the tool is sized for SAE, and the color red indicates the tool is sized for metric.

(97) One method of using the unified marking system indicia in Chart 7 is illustrated in FIG. 7A for a combination SAE-metric standard double open end wrench.

(98) FIGS. 7B and 7C illustrate the unified marking system indicia in Chart 7 for an SAE double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 7B, and for a metric standard double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 7C.

(99) A user working on a machine, object, etc, could easily conclude which wrench, is the nearest size up or down, from the wrench they incorrectly chose when trying to size the right wrench to a fastener, regardless of whether the fastener is sized according to an SAE or metric standard.

(100) TABLE-US-00007 CHART 7 RELATIVE SIZE MARKING - (mm 10) FOR COMBINATION SAE - METRIC WRENCH OR SOCKET SETS PRESENT SAE METRIC INVENTION PRESENT (Distance Across (Distance Across (Alternative INVENTION Flats) Flats) Marking Relative (Wrench Color (inches) (mm) Size - mm 10) Marking) 5/32 39 Color A 4 40 Color B 3/16 48 Color A 5 50 Color B 7/32 56 Color A 6 60 Color B 64 Color A 7 70 Color B 9/32 71 Color A 5/16 79 Color A 8 80 Color B 9 90 Color B 95 Color A 10 100 Color B 11 110 Color B 7/16 111 Color A 12 120 Color B 127 Color A 13 130 Color B 14 140 Color B 9/16 143 Color A 15 150 Color B 159 Color A 16 160 Color B 17 170 Color B 11/16 175 Color A 18 180 Color B 19 190 Color B 191 Color A 20 200 Color B 13/16 206 Color A 21 210 Color B 22 220 Color B 222 Color A 23 230 Color B 15/16 238 Color A 24 240 Color B 25 250 Color B 1 254 Color A 26 260 Color B

(101) Chart 8 illustrates one method of the present invention's unified marking system for SAE and metric standard tools. Chart 8 illustrates a relative size marking system that ranks SAE and metric tools from smallest to largest. Chart 8 also includes a two color code to indicate whether the tool is sized for the SAE or metric system. As an example in FIGS. 8B and 8C, the color green indicates the tool is sized for SAE, and the color red indicates the tool is sized for metric. Chart 8 also includes a letter m added to the sequential indicia to further indicate whether the tool is sized for the metric system. The chart also illustrates the relative size markings in millimeters times 10 (rounded off to the nearest millimeter).

(102) One method of using the unified marking system indicia in Chart 8 is illustrated in FIG. 8A for a combination SAE-metric standard double open end wrench.

(103) FIGS. 8B and 8C illustrate the unified marking system indicia in Chart 8 for an SAE double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 8B, and for a metric standard double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 8C.

(104) A user working on a machine, object, etc, could easily conclude which wrench, is the nearest size up or down, from the wrench they incorrectly chose when trying to size the right wrench to a fastener, regardless of whether the fastener is sized according to an SAE or metric standard.

(105) TABLE-US-00008 CHART 8 RELATIVE SIZE MARKING - (mm 10) FOR COMBINATION SAE - METRIC WRENCH OR SOCKET SETS PRESENT INVENTION SAE METRIC (Alternative Marking PRESENT (Distance Across (Distance Relative Size - mm INVENTION Flats) Across Flats) 10, Where m (Wrench Color (inches) (mm) Indicates Metric) Marking) 5/32 39 Color A 4 40 m Color B 3/16 48 Color A 5 50 m Color B 7/32 56 Color A 6 60 m Color B 64 Color A 7 70 m Color B 9/32 71 Color A 5/16 79 Color A 8 80 m Color B 9 90 m Color B 95 Color A 10 100 m Color B 11 110 m Color B 7/16 111 Color A 12 120 m Color B 127 Color A 13 130 m Color B 14 140 m Color B 9/16 143 Color A 15 150 m Color B 159 Color A 16 160 m Color B 17 170 m Color B 11/16 175 Color A 18 180 m Color B 19 190 m Color B 191 Color A 20 200 m Color B 13/16 206 Color A 21 210 m Color B 22 220 m Color B 222 Color A 23 230 m Color B 15/16 238 Color A 24 240 m Color B 25 250 m Color B 1 254 Color A 26 260 m Color B

(106) One method of using the unified marking system indicia in Chart 9 is illustrated in FIG. 9A for a combination SAE-metric standard double open end wrench.

(107) FIGS. 9B and 9C illustrate the unified marking system indicia in Chart 9 for an SAE double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 9B, and for a metric standard double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 9.

(108) A user working on a machine, object, etc, could easily conclude which wrench, is the nearest size up or down, from the wrench they incorrectly chose when trying to size the right wrench to a fastener, regardless of whether the fastener is sized according to an SAE or metric standard.

(109) TABLE-US-00009 CHART 9 SEQUENTIAL MARKING FOR COMBINATION SAE - METRIC WRENCH OR SOCKET SETS PRESENT SAE METRIC INVENTION (Distance Across Flats) (Distance Across Flats) (Sequential (Inches) (mm) Marking) 5/32 A 4 B 3/16 C 5 D 7/32 E 6 F G 7 H 9/32 I 5/16 J 8 K 9 L M 10 N 11 O 7/16 P 12 Q R 13 S 14 T 9/16 U 15 V W 16 X 17 Y 11/16 Z 18 AA 19 BB CC 20 DD 13/16 EE 21 FF 22 GG HH 23 II 15/16 JJ 24 KK 25 LL 1 MM 26 NN

(110) Chart 10 illustrates one method of the present invention's unified marking system for SAE and metric standard tools. Chart 10 illustrates a sequential marking system that ranks SAE and metric tools from smallest to largest. Chart 10 also includes a letter m added to the sequential indicia to indicate whether the tool is sized for the metric system.

(111) One method of using the unified marking system indicia in Chart 10 is illustrated in FIG. 10A for a combination SAE-metric standard double open end wrench.

(112) FIGS. 10B and 10C illustrate the unified marking system indicia in Chart 10 for an SAE double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 10B, and for a metric standard double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 10C.

(113) A user working on a machine, object, etc, could easily conclude which wrench, is the nearest size up or down, from the wrench they incorrectly chose when trying to size the right wrench to a fastener, regardless of whether the fastener is sized according to an SAE or metric standard.

(114) TABLE-US-00010 CHART 10 SEQUENTIAL MARKING FOR COMBINATION SAE - METRIC WRENCH OR SOCKET SETS PRESENT INVENTION (Alternative SAE METRIC Sequential (Distance Across Flats) (Distance Across Flats) Marking Where m (Inches) (mm) indicates Metric) 5/32 A 4 B m 3/16 C 5 D m 7/32 E 6 F m G 7 H m 9/32 I 5/16 J0 8 K m 9 L m M 10 N m 11 O m 7/16 P 12 Q m R 13 S m 14 T 9/16 U 15 V m W 16 X m 17 Y m 11/16 Z 18 AA m 19 BB m CC 20 DD m 13/16 EE 21 FF m 22 GG m HH 23 II m 15/16 JJ 24 KK m 25 LL m 1 MM 26 NN m

(115) Chart 11 illustrates one method of the present invention's unified marking system for SAE and metric standard tools. Chart 11 illustrates a sequential marking system that ranks SAE and metric tools from smallest to largest. Chart 11 also includes a two color code to indicate whether the tool is sized for the SAE or metric system. As an example, in FIG. 11B the color green indicates the tool is sized for SAE, and FIG. 11C, the color red indicates the tool is sized for metric.

(116) One method of using the unified marking system indicia in Chart 11 is illustrated in FIG. 11A for a combination SAE-metric standard double open end wrench.

(117) FIGS. 11B and 11C illustrate the unified marking system indicia in Chart 11 for an SAE double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 11B, and for a metric standard double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 11C.

(118) A user working on a machine, object, etc, could easily conclude which wrench, is the nearest size up or down, from the wrench they incorrectly chose when trying to size the right wrench to a fastener, regardless of whether the fastener is sized according to an SAE or metric standard.

(119) TABLE-US-00011 CHART 11 SEQUENTIAL MARKING FOR COMBINATION SAE - METRIC WRENCH OR SOCKET SETS SAE METRIC PRESENT PRESENT (Distance Across (Distance Across INVENTION INVENTION Flats) Flats) (Sequential (Wrench Color (Inches) (mm) Marking) Marking) 5/32 A Color A 4 B Color B 3/16 C Color A 5 D Color B 7/32 E Color A 6 F Color B G Color A 7 H Color B 9/32 I Color A 5/16 J0 Color A 8 K Color B 9 L Color B M Color A 10 N Color B 11 O Color B 7/16 P Color A 12 Q Color B R Color A 13 S Color B 14 T Color B 9/16 U Color A 15 V Color B W Color A 16 X Color B 17 Y Color B 11/16 Z Color A 18 AA Color B 19 BB Color B CC Color A 20 DD Color B 13/16 EE Color A 21 FF Color B 22 GG Color B HH Color A 23 II Color B 15/16 JJ Color A 24 KK Color B 25 LL Color B 1 MM Color A 26 NN Color B

(120) Chart 12 illustrates one method of the present invention's unified marking system for SAE and metric standard tools. Chart 12 illustrates a sequential marking system that ranks SAE and metric tools from smallest to largest. Chart 12 also includes a two color code to indicate whether the tool is sized for the SAE or metric system. As an example in FIG. 12B the color green indicates the tool is sized for SAE, and FIG. 12C the color red indicates the tool is sized for metric. Chart 12 also includes a letter m added to the sequential indicia to further indicate whether the tool is sized for the metric system.

(121) One method of using the unified marking system indicia in Chart 12 is illustrated in FIG. 12A for a combination SAE-metric standard double open end wrench.

(122) FIGS. 12B and 12C illustrate the unified marking system indicia in Chart 12 for an SAE double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 12B, and for a metric standard double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 12C.

(123) A user working on a machine, object, etc, could easily conclude which wrench, is the nearest size up or down, from the wrench they incorrectly chose when trying to size the right wrench to a fastener, regardless of whether the fastener is sized according to an SAE or metric standard.

(124) TABLE-US-00012 CHART 12 SEQUENTIAL MARKING FOR COMBINATION SAE - METRIC WRENCH OR SOCKET SETS SAE METRIC (Alternative PRESENT (Distance (Distance Across Sequential Marking INVENTION Across Flats) Flats) Where m (Wrench Color (Inches) (mm) indicates Metric) Marking) 5/32 A Color A 4 B m Color B 3/16 C Color A 5 D m Color B 7/32 E Color A 6 F m Color B G Color A 7 H m Color B 9/32 I Color A 5/16 J0 Color A 8 K m Color B 9 L m Color B M Color A 10 N m Color B 11 O m Color B 7/16 P Color A 12 Q m Color B R Color A 13 S m Color B 14 T Color B 9/16 U Color A 15 V m Color B W Color A 16 X m Color B 17 Y m Color B 11/16 Z Color A 18 AA m Color B 19 BB m Color B CC Color A 20 DD m Color B 13/16 EE Color A 21 FF m Color B 22 GG m Color B HH Color A 23 II m Color B 15/16 JJ Color A 24 KK m Color B 25 LL m Color B 1 MM Color A 26 NN m Color B

(125) Chart 13 illustrates one method of the present invention's unified marking system for SAE and metric standard tools. Chart 13 illustrates a relative size marking system that ranks SAE, metric, and Whitworth tools from smallest to largest.

(126) One method of using the unified marking system indicia in Chart 13 is illustrated in FIG. 13A for a combination standard double open end wrench.

(127) FIGS. 13B, 13C, and 13d illustrate the unified marking system indicia in Chart 13 for an SAE double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 13B, for a metric standard double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 13C, and for a Whitworth standard double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 13D,

(128) A user working on a machine, object, etc, could easily conclude which wrench, is the nearest size up or down, from the wrench they incorrectly chose when trying to size the right wrench to a fastener, regardless of whether the fastener is sized according to an SAE or metric standard.

(129) TABLE-US-00013 CHART 13 RELATIVE SIZE MARKING - (mm 10) PRESENT SAE METRIC INVENTION (Distance (Distance Across (Alternative Across Flats) Flats) WHITWORTH Marking Relative (Inches) (mm) DESIGNATION Size - mm 10) 5/32 39 4 40 7BA 44 3/16 48 6BA 49 5 50 7/32 55 5BA 56 6 60 4BA 63 64 7 70 9/32 71 3BA 72 5/16 79 8 80 2BA 82 9 90 1BA 93 95 10 100 0BA 105 11 110 7/16 111

(130) Chart 14 illustrates one method of the present invention's unified marking system for SAE and metric standard tools. As an example, Chart 14 illustrates a relative size marking system that ranks SAE and metric tools from smallest to largest. The chart also illustrates the relative size markings in decimal millimeters.

(131) One method of using the unified marking system indicia in Chart 14 is illustrated in FIG. 14A for a combination SAE-metric standard double open end wrench.

(132) FIGS. 14B and 14C illustrate the unified marking system indicia in Chart 5 for an SAE double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 14B, and for a metric standard double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 14C.

(133) A user working on a machine, object, etc, could easily conclude which wrench, is the nearest size up or down, from the wrench they incorrectly chose when trying to size the right wrench to a fastener, regardless of whether the fastener is sized according to an SAE or metric standard.

(134) TABLE-US-00014 CHART 14 RELATIVE SIZE MARKING - (mm 10) FOR COMBINATION SAE - METRIC WRENCH OR SOCKET SETS SAE METRIC (Distance Across Flats) (Distance Across Flats) PRESENT (inches) (mm) INVENTION 5/32 3.9 4 4.0 3/16 4.8 5 5.0 7/32 5.6 6 6.0 6.4 7 7.0 9/32 7.1 5/16 7.9 8 8.0 9 9.0 9.5 10 10.0 11 11.0 7/16 11.1 12 12.0 12.7 13 13.0 14 14.0 9/16 14.3 15 15.0 15.9 16 16.0 17 17.0 11/16 17.5 18 18.0 19 19.0 19.1 20 20.0 13/16 20.7 21 21.0 22 22.0 22.2 23 23.0 15/16 23.8 24 24.0 25 25.0 1 25.4 26 26.0

(135) Chart 15 illustrates one method of the present invention's unified marking system for SAE and metric standard tools. Chart 15 illustrates a relative size marking system that ranks SAE and metric tools from smallest to largest. Chart 15 also includes a letter m added to the sequential indicia to indicate whether the tool is sized for the metric system. The chart also illustrates the relative size markings in decimal millimeters. millimeter).

(136) One method of using the unified marking system indicia in Chart 15 is illustrated in FIG. 15A for a combination SAE-metric standard double open end wrench.

(137) FIGS. 15B and 15C illustrate the unified marking system indicia in Chart 15 for an SAE double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 15B, and for a metric standard double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 15C.

(138) A user working on a machine, object, etc, could easily conclude which wrench, is the nearest size up or down, from the wrench they incorrectly chose when trying to size the right wrench to a fastener, regardless of whether the fastener is sized according to an SAE or metric standard.

(139) TABLE-US-00015 CHART 15 RELATIVE SIZE MARKING - (mm 10) FOR COMBINATION SAE - METRIC WRENCH OR SOCKET SETS SAE METRIC (Distance Across Flats) (Distance Across Flats) PRESENT (inches) (mm) INVENTION 5/32 3.9 4 4.0 m 3/16 4.8 5 5.0 m 7/32 5.6 6 6.0 m 6.4 7 7.0 m 9/32 7.1 5/16 7.9 8 8.0 m 9 9.0 m 9.5 10 10.0 m 11 11.0 m 7/16 11.1 12 12.0 m 12.7 13 13.0 m 14 14.0 m 9/16 14.3 15 15.0 m 15.9 16 16.0 m 17 17.0 m 11/16 17.5 18 18.0 m 19 19.0 m 19.1 20 20.0 m 13/16 20.7 21 21.0 m 22 22.0 m 22.2 23 23.0 m 15/16 23.8 24 24.0 m 25 25.0 m 1 25.4 26 26.0 m

(140) Chart 16 illustrates one method of the present invention's unified marking system for SAE and metric standard tools. Chart 16 illustrates a relative size marking system that ranks SAE and metric tools from smallest to largest. The chart also illustrates the relative size markings in decimal millimeters. Chart 16 also includes a two color code to indicate whether the tool is sized for the SAE or metric system. As an example in FIGS. 16B and 16C, the color green indicates the tool is sized for SAE, and the color red indicates the tool is sized for metric.

(141) One method of using the unified marking system indicia in Chart 16 is illustrated in FIG. 16A for a combination SAE-metric standard double open end wrench.

(142) FIGS. 16B and 16C illustrate the unified marking system indicia in Chart 16 for an SAE double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 16B, and for a metric standard double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 16C.

(143) A user working on a machine, object, etc, could easily conclude which wrench, is the nearest size up or down, from the wrench they incorrectly chose when trying to size the right wrench to a fastener, regardless of whether the fastener is sized according to an SAE or metric standard.

(144) TABLE-US-00016 CHART 16 RELATIVE SIZE MARKING - (mm 10) FOR COMBINATION SAE - METRIC WRENCH OR SOCKET SETS SAE METRIC PRESENT (Distance Across (Distance Across INVENTION Flats) Flats) PRESENT (Wrench Color (inches) (mm) INVENTION Marking) 5/32 3.9 Color A 4 4.0 Color B 3/16 4.8 Color A 5 5.0 Color B 7/32 5.6 Color A 6 6.0 Color B 6.4 Color A 7 7.0 Color B 9/32 7.1 Color A 5/16 7.9 Color A 8 8.0 Color B 9 9.0 Color B 9.5 Color A 10 10.0 Color B 11 11.0 Color B 7/16 11.1 Color A 12 12.0 Color B 12.7 Color A 13 13.0 Color B 14 14.0 Color B 9/16 14.3 Color A 15 15.0 Color B 15.9 Color A 16 16.0 Color B 17 17.0 Color B 11/16 17.5 Color A 18 18.0 Color B 19 19.0 Color B 19.1 Color A 20 20.0 Color B 13/16 20.7 Color A 21 21.0 Color B 22 22.0 Color B 22.2 Color A 23 23.0 Color B 15/16 23.8 Color A 24 24.0 Color B 25 25.0 Color B 1 25.4 Color A 26 26.0 Color B

(145) Chart 17 illustrates one method of the present invention's unified marking system for SAE and metric standard tools. Chart 17 illustrates a relative size marking system that ranks SAE and metric tools from smallest to largest. Chart 17 also includes a two color code to indicate whether the tool is sized for the SAE or metric system. As an example in FIGS. 17B and 17C, the color green indicates the tool is sized for SAE, and the color red indicates the tool is sized for metric. Chart 17 also includes a letter m added to the sequential indicia to further indicate whether the tool is sized for the metric system. The chart also illustrates the relative size markings in decimal millimeters.

(146) One method of using the unified marking system indicia in Chart 17 is illustrated in FIG. 17A for a combination SAE-metric standard double open end wrench.

(147) FIGS. 17B and 17C illustrate the unified marking system indicia in Chart 17 for an SAE double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 17B, and for a metric standard double open end wrench as illustrated in FIG. 17C.

(148) A user working on a machine, object, etc, could easily conclude which wrench, is the nearest size up or down, from the wrench they incorrectly chose when trying to size the right wrench to a fastener, regardless of whether the fastener is sized according to an SAE or metric standard.

(149) TABLE-US-00017 CHART 17 RELATIVE SIZE MARKING - (mm 10) FOR COMBINATION SAE - METRIC WRENCH OR SOCKET SETS PRESENT INVENTION SAE METRIC (Alternative Marking PRESENT (Distance (Distance Across Relative Size - mm INVENTION Across Flats) Flats) 10, Where m (Wrench Color (inches) (mm) Indicates Metric) Marking) 5/32 3.9 Color A 4 4.0 m Color B 3/16 4.8 Color A 5 5.0 m Color B 7/32 5.6 Color A 6 6.0 m Color B 6.4 Color A 7 7.0 m Color B 9/32 7.1 Color A 5/16 7.9 Color A 8 8.0 m Color B 9 9.0 m Color B 9.5 Color A 10 10.0 m Color B 11 11.0 m Color B 7/16 11.1 Color A 12 12.0 m Color B 12.7 Color A 13 13.0 m Color B 14 14.0 m Color B 9/16 14.3 Color A 15 15.0 m Color B 15.9 Color A 16 16.0 m Color B 17 17.0 m Color B 11/16 17.5 Color A 18 18.0 m Color B 19 19.0 m Color B 19.1 Color A 20 20.0 m Color B 13/16 20.7 Color A 21 21.0 m Color B 22 22.0 m Color B 22.2 Color A 23 23.0 m Color B 15/16 23.8 Color A 24 24.0 m Color B 25 25.0 m Color B 1 25.4 Color A 26 26.0 m Color B

(150) Each of the FIGS. 1A through 17C can have texture added to the tool as a further aid in distinguishing between tools manufactured according to different standards. The texture may be achieved by a process such as, but not limited to, knurling.

(151) The present invention's unified marking system can be applied to tools such as, but not limited to, open end wrenches, box end wrenches, combination open end-box end wrenches, wrenches with a socket on one end, sockets, wrenches which include a SAE standard tool on one end, and a metric standard tool on the other end, offset wrenches, adjustable end wrenches to indicate the range of the jaws, pipe wrenches to indicate the range of the jaws, monkey wrenches to indicate the range of the jaws, ratcheting box wrenches, vise grips to indicate the range of the jaws, nut drivers, wrenches for use with internal sockets, etc.

(152) The present invention can also be used as a unified marking system to mark fasteners, fastener bins, etc.

(153) The present invention for a unified marking system can be used in conjunction with RFID tags that are embedded, or attached to a tool, fastener, etc.

(154) The present invention for a unified marking system can be used in conjunction with bar code tags that are attached to a tool, fastener, etc.

(155) These RFID tags and bar codes can be created according to EPCglobal standard for identification for RFID, or bar codes.

(156) The present invention may be applied during the manufacturing process as part of an operation, such as, but not limited to, forging, or pressing.

(157) The present invention may be applied after the manufacturing process as part of an operation, such as, but not limited to, stamping, or engraving.

(158) The present invention may be applied to a measurement device, such as a caliper with a digital readout, or a linear scale on a device such as, but not limited to, a ruler, the side of a wrench, etc.

(159) It will therefore be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those herein described, as well as many variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing description thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to a particular embodiment, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended or to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise to exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements.