AU2016100087A4 - Pipe marker - Google Patents

Abstract

A pipe marker for use in a mine or other environment with high levels of dust or other airborne particles, the pipe marker being in the form of a sleeve formed from a flexible sheet applied around the pipe with adjacent end portions then being secured together to form the sleeve, the sleeve displaying indicia relating to the pipe, wherein the sheet has, at opposite ends thereof, interengageable components of a multiple hook and loop fastener. Figure 1

Description

H: \zi\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\MZI\9329261_1.docx-1/02/2016 PIPE MARKER FIELD OF THE INVENTION 5 The present invention relates to a pipe marker. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a pipe marker for use in a mine or other environment with high levels of dust or other airborne particles. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 10 In working environments having high levels of dust or other airborne particles, such as an underground mine for example, visible surfaces can often be covered in dirt, dust or whatever airborne particle is prevalent in the environment. This can make identification difficult for articles such as plant and equipment located within the environment. 15 In particular, pipes installed within such environments can become caked in particles so as to obscure any labels or identification means fixed thereto. This presents problems for service technicians or other mine workers that are required to make use of or service such pipes. 20 Previously proposed pipe markers have required adhesion to the pipe, which is virtually impossible once the pipe has been in the environment for some time. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a pipe marker that can be quickly and easily secured to a pipe and which is clearly visible once fitted. 25 Examples of the invention seek to solve, or at least ameliorate, one or more disadvantages of previous pipe markers.

H: \zi\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\MZI\9329261_1.docx-1/02/2016 -2 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, there is provided a pipe marker for use in a mine or other environment with high levels of dust or other airborne particles, the pipe marker 5 being in the form of a sleeve formed from a flexible sheet applied around the pipe with adjacent end portions then being secured together to form the sleeve, the sleeve displaying indicia relating to the pipe. According to a preferred embodiment, the sheet has, at opposite ends thereof, 10 interengageable components of a multiple hook and loop fastener. The sleeve may be formed of a canvas. In alternative embodiments, the sleeve may be formed of a plastic material. 15 According to the present invention, there is also provided a pipe having a pipe marker of the above described type fixed thereto. According to the present invention, there is also provided a kit comprising a plurality of pipe markers of the above described type, each pipe marker having different indicia for 20 identifying different characteristics of the pipe to be identified. According to the present invention, there is also provided a method of marking a pipe, comprising the steps: providing a pipe marker in the form of a sleeve formed from a flexible sheet; applying the sheet around the pipe; and securing adjacent end portions of 25 the sheet together. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of the invention will be further described, by way of non-limiting 30 example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: H: \zi\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\MZI\9329261_1.docx-1/02/2016 -3 Figure 1 is a perspective photograph of a pipe marker of one embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a photograph of pipe markers fitted to an air and water pipe; and Figure 3 is a photograph of a kit of different pipe markers. 5 DETAILED DESCRIPTION With reference to Figure 1, there is shown a pipe marker 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The pipe marker 10 is configured for use in a mine 10 or other environment with high levels of dust or other airborne particles. Figure 2 illustrates two pipe markers 10 applied to air and water pipes 20a, 20b. Each pipe marker 10 is in the form of a sleeve formed from a flexible sheet 12 applied around the pipe 20a, 20b with adjacent end portions 14, 16 then being secured together to form the 15 sleeve. Each pipe marker 10 is provided with indicia 18 on the sleeve relating to the pipe 20a, 20b. The sheet 12 of each pipe marker 20a, 20b has, at opposite ends thereof, interengageable components of a multiple hook and loop fastener, such as a Velcro fastener for example. 20 In this regard, on one end of the sheet 12 there is fixed a hook component of the fastener, with the loop component of the fastener being fixed to an opposite end of the sheet and on the opposite side so that as the sheet 12 is applied around the pipe, the hook component is brought into engagement with the loop component. The hook and loop components may be fixed along opposite end edges of the sheet or near to the edges, and may be sewn, 25 glued, or otherwise adhered to the sheet 12. In alternative forms, one of either the hook or the loop component may be fixed to the sheet at an intermediate location, i.e. away or spaced from the edge. Although the pipe marker 10 is described as including a hook and loop fastener, which 30 advantageously can be provided relatively cheaply and is fast, generally reliable and easy to use, it will be appreciated that other commercially available releasable fastening means, H: \zi\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\MZI\9329261_1.docx-1/02/2016 -4 such as buttons or quick connect connectors for example, may similarly be used. To allow adjustability of the pipe marker so that pipes of a different diameter range can be accommodated, the hook portion of the fastener is preferably larger than the loop portion 5 and is formed of a strip of material approximately twice the width of a strip used to form the loop portion. To provide additional adjustability, for either the hook or the loop component, multiple offset strips of like material may be provided so that the sheet can be secured at different locations for pipes of different diameters. 10 The indicia 18 formed on the sheet is provided to identify the type of pipe or contents therein. Preferably, the indicia 18 includes text spelling out the contents or type of pipe, or providing an abbreviation thereof The indicia may also be provided for communicating a message relating to the service status of the pipe or the work being carried out. Examples of such indicia include the text "out of order", "under service" or "do not use". In a 15 preferred form, the indicia includes a colour portion so that differently configured pipe markers are colour coded. The coloured portion may be a solid colour portion or may be colouring applied to the text, or combinations thereof In some forms, the indicia may include symbols and/or be raised to provide tactile feedback. The indicia 18 may be repeated multiple times or at multiple locations so as to be viewable from different angles. 20 The pipe marker 10 is preferably formed of commercially available materials that are flexible, easy to work with and that can readily be printed on. In one example, the pipe marker 10 is formed of a canvas material. In alternative embodiments, the sleeve is formed of a plastic material, such as PVC for example, a composite mater material, or 25 combinations thereof, though it will be appreciated that other commercially available materials that are waterproof and can easily be cleaned may also be suitable. As illustrated in Figure 3, a kit may be provided comprising a plurality of pipe markers 10 of the above described type. The pipe markers 10 may be divided into groups having 30 different indicia for identifying different characteristics of the pipe to be identified. As can be seen in the illustration, each of the indicia are configured to be visually distinct so as to H: \zi\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\MZI\9329261_1.docx-1/02/2016 -5 reduce the potential for confusion or misinterpretation. In the illustrated kit, a group of markers 10a are labelled with "pressure reducer" on a red background, another group of pipe markers l0b are labelled with "air" on a blue background, another group of pipe markers 10c are labelled with "pump line" on a green background and another group of 5 pipe markers 10d are labelled with "water" on a green background. It will be appreciated that the colours used may be differently applied to other pipe markers in a group and may be substituted with other colours not shown. 10 In use, the pipe marker 10 is used in a method of marking a pipe including the steps of providing a pipe marker in the form of a sleeve formed from a flexible sheet; applying the sheet around the pipe; and securing adjacent end portions of the sheet together. As described above, securing adjacent end portions together is preferably performed by bringing interengagable portions of a multiple hook and loop fastener together. 15 Removal of pipe marker 10 from the pipe is performed in the reverse order. In applying the sheet around the pipe, tension may be applied to secure the pipe marker 10 to the pipe or it may be applied loosely so as to be movable, if required. 20 The embodiments have been described by way of example only and modifications are possible within the scope of the invention disclosed. Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires 25 otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), 30 or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived H: \mzi\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\MZI\9329261_1.docx-1/02/2016 -6 from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims (5)

1. A pipe marker for use in a mine or other environment with high levels of dust or other airborne particles, the pipe marker being in the form of a sleeve formed from a 5 flexible sheet applied around the pipe with adjacent end portions then being secured together to form the sleeve, the sleeve displaying indicia relating to the pipe.

2. A pipe marker according to claim 1, wherein the sheet has, at opposite ends thereof, interengageable components of a multiple hook and loop fastener.

3. A pipe having a pipe marker fixed thereto, the pipe marker according to claim 1 or 10 claim 2.

4. A kit comprising a plurality of pipe markers according to claim 1 or claim 2, each pipe marker having different indicia for identifying different characteristics of the pipe to be identified.

5. A method of marking a pipe, comprising the steps: providing a pipe marker in the 15 form of a sleeve formed from a flexible sheet; applying the sheet around the pipe; and securing adjacent end portions of the sheet together.