MARKER FOR BURIED OBJECTS
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A marker for locating an underground object, the marker comprising:
- a flexible, elongate body having first and second end portions and an aperture formed in the first end portion, the aperture comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first aperture portion being elongated lengthwise of the marker and the second aperture portion being elongated widthwise of the marker and having a width that is greater than the width of the first aperture portion;
the aperture accommodating the passage of the terminal end of the first end portion such that the first end portion can be wrapped around the object and pulled through the aperture to secure the marker to the object; and
the aperture being configured such that a portion of the body adjacent the aperture severs when the marker is secured to the object and is subjected to a force greater than a predetermined threshold, allowing the marker to be pulled free of the object.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A marker for locating an underground object such as a utility line features an elongate, flexible body, with an aperture near one end. The aperture has a “keyhole” shape which imparts sufficient stiffness in the marker so that it does not readily bend or flex at the aperture when handling the marker, while also allowing the marker to break near the aperture when a firm force is applied to the marker.
11 Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A marker for locating an underground object, the marker comprising:
-
a flexible, elongate body having first and second end portions and an aperture formed in the first end portion, the aperture comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first aperture portion being elongated lengthwise of the marker and the second aperture portion being elongated widthwise of the marker and having a width that is greater than the width of the first aperture portion;
the aperture accommodating the passage of the terminal end of the first end portion such that the first end portion can be wrapped around the object and pulled through the aperture to secure the marker to the object; and
the aperture being configured such that a portion of the body adjacent the aperture severs when the marker is secured to the object and is subjected to a force greater than a predetermined threshold, allowing the marker to be pulled free of the object. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
-
-
12. A method of marking an underground object, the method comprising:
-
wrapping a first end portion of a marker around the object, the marker comprising a flexible, elongate body having first and second end portions and an aperture formed in the first end portion, the aperture comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first aperture portion being elongated lengthwise of the marker and the second portion being elongated widthwise of the marker and having a width that is greater than the width of the first portion; and
inserting the first end portion through the aperture. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
-
-
18. A marker for locating an underground object, the marker comprising:
-
a flexible, elongate body having first and second end portions and an aperture formed in the first end portion, the first end portion having a transverse cross-sectional area through the aperture in the range of about 0.0206 square inches to about 0.0270 square inches;
wherein the marker can be secured to the object by wrapping the first end portion around the object and pulling it through the aperture, the aperture being configured such that when the marker is secured to the object and the object is buried, the marker can break at a location adjacent the aperture when a force greater than a predetermined threshold is exerted on the marker. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
-
Specification