Discsmark tm marker, a marker to locate and identify objects above and below ground

Abstract

A marker in the shape of a flat round disc that has varying permanent information (18) (for identifying different objects) imprinted upon the top of the marker that identifies the marker's use and areas for information to be permanently inscribed by a user with a portable electric en-graving tool or for temporary information to be placed thereon. The marker has a varying size holes(16), (17) through the center of the marker from top to bottom that allows different types and sizes of anchors to be used to attach the marker to varying surfaces or mounting devices or materials. The marker has an additional hole (15) for other means of attachment. The marker is solid and made of a plastic that will flex and give and is permanent and durable and is produced in varying colors for visibility and identifying different objects.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND

[0002] 1. Field of Invention

[0003] This invention relates to markers use to locate objects above and below ground, permanently or temporally.

[0004] 2. Description of Prior Art

[0005] There are objects above and below ground that could be marked to show their location and provide information of interest about such objects and the items they contain, as well as information about the marker itself.

[0006] Some objects, if located and marked when installed, would save money by not having to be located at a later date.

[0007] Other items could be marked to provide information for knowledge and convenience of identity.

[0008] Such objects would include property line; corners, transitions points, and benchmarks; underground utilities such as; water, sewer, electricity, gas, water drainage, telephone, and cable, storage tanks, septic tanks and field lines, trees, plants, and planted garden and plant seeds.

[0009] Most states require that surveyors identify property corners with permanent markers with the name of the surveyor. However this is not regulated. Usually, a one half inch by eighteen inch long reinforcing rod is used to mark a property corner, and this rod is usually driven into the ground flush or the top is left about a half inch above the ground surface. Where a property corner occurs in asphalt, a concrete or PK nail is usually used and the head of the nail is driven flush with the surface. Usually these markers are temporally marked with a wooden stake and usually are never permanently marked.

[0010] In the case of housing, new subdivision developments are laid out and the corners of the individual lots are marked with steel rods; but these markers are never permanently identified. If these markers were permanently identified and the markers were not moved, then the markers could be used to locate the property lines when houses may be built at a later date. However, whenever a new house is constructed, even when there are markers that are present to identify the property, a new survey is required because the markers are not identified. Therefore, if the markers were marked as they are required to be, and if the are not moved or removed, such marked or identified markers could be used and another costly survey may not be required.

[0011] A plastic cap, that fits onto the end of a reinforcing rod or a metal tag that attaches with a wire can be used to identify a marker. Both of these are easy to put on and easily taken off and both require that information, supplied by surveyors and engraved by a supplier (which is time delaying, time consuming, and expensive); and which, contributes to why surveyors do not permanently identify their markers. Neither of these items is suitable for use at asphalt areas.and

[0012] Providing an inexpensive marker that surveyors would use to do what they are required and are supposed to do; identify their markers, would benefit surveyors and those who use surveyors services.

[0013] An invention, U.S. Pat. No. 4,738,060(1988) to Gregory A. Marthaler, and Robert H. Marthaler, PERMANENT MARKER FOR UTILITIES, is a marker which claims a ground marker assembly for permanently locating buried objects which comprises a thin wall plastic, easily bendable marker and plastic stake assembly, which requires a special non-removable plastic rectangular body spike with flexible barbs. A thin wall body marker can easily vandalized with a knife or box cutter and cannot withstand vehicular traffic as well as a solid body marker. The marker claimed to have an opening to accommodate the rectangular stake, which means that if the stake is not properly oriented before driving the stake, the marker having directional indicia integrally formed thereon cannot be rotated to adjust for error if made when driving the stake. Additionally the indicia shown on this marker assembly has arrows aligned and pointing in opposite directions; which indicates the direction that the object is running. However, it does not indicate the direction of flow of an item inside that object; such as water, sewerage, gas, oil, electricity. Therefore, a single arrow, indicating both a direction the object is running and the direction of the flow of the item inside the object and would be better design. Also, this marker assembly claims to related to utilities underground and does not relate to objects above ground. This invention may not be on the market and would be costly, and certainly could not be used in asphalt.

[0014] Even if markers are found, one cannot be certain what they represent if they are not marked to identify themselves. This leads to expensive survey service and time delays. If permanent markers were installed as most states required, theses expenses and delays can be avoided. These expenses also occur every time a house is bought or sold or a home owner wants to add an addition or fence to their home, since this requires a survey showing the location of the property lines in order not to infringe upon setbacks and to avoid putting the fence on someone else's property. Existing found markers or pins, if not identified, may not be a reliable source to set property lines by.

[0015] In construction, these costs become more expensive if connections to existing utilities are required. Not only does someone have to locate the utilities so as not to damage them, information about the utilities has to be provided to connect to them. If the location and information about the utilities were marked when originally installed, this expense could be avoided.

[0016] Botanic and garden inclined people, could benefit from an inexpensive marker to mark to locate and identify trees, plants and planted garden and plant seeds.

SUMMARY

[0017] In accordance with the present invention, a marker for locating and identifying objects above and below ground and having information permanently imprinted on marker, and having areas for information to be permanently inscribed or engraved on the marker's top or having temporary information placed thereon and having holes for attachment with varying types and sizes of anchors provided by user.

[0018] Object and Advantages

[0019] Accordingly, besides the objects and advantages of the marker described in my above patent, several objects and advantages of the present invention are:

[0020] (a) to provide a marker to function for unlimited uses to locate and identify objects above and below ground.

[0021] (b) to provide a marker only; as opposed to a marker assembly that is for locating objects under ground; that require a special stake for attachment only to ground. The advantages are obvious; in that if the marker is for any use, a broader market for sales is created. By providing only a marker; design, tooling, and material cost; as well as packaging, storage, shipping, and inventory costs become less, thus permitting a lower marker cost.

[0022] (c) to provide a marker without the requirement of a special nor specific anchor for attachment.

[0023] (d) to provide a marker that can be permanently or temporally attached by making the design of the marker accept different types and sizes of anchors to be used to attach the marker. Thus giving the user choices of uses and attachments.

[0024] (e) to provide a marker whose body section is easily designed and tooled to produce a low cost marker. The body of the marker is formed by the bottom part of the mold, while the top part is a flat plate sealing the body cavities and only requires engraving. This means that only the bottom half of the mold needs tooling, while the top half can be thinner and also can be aluminium which is less expensive and easier to engrave.

[0025] (f) to provide a marker that has varying permanently information imprinted thereon to provide information about the particular object being located and identified, and different information areas for entering other information by the user.

[0026] (g) to provide a plastic, easily engrave able marker.

[0027] (h) to provide a marker that has varying colors to provide visibility and to distinguish different objects being located.

DRAWING FIGURES

[0028] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of marker of invention, with different types of anchors that the marker can accommodate.

[0029] FIG. 2 shows a top view of marker.

[0030] FIG. 3 shows a side view of marker.

[0031] FIG. 4 shows across section through marker.

[0032] FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of marker.

[0033] FIG. 6 shows a top view of marker with varying information permanently imprinted.

[0034] FIG. 7 shows a cross section of mold showing top and bottom part of mold.

[0035] FIG. 8 shows a top view of marker showing varying information permanently imprinted to identify different object.

[0036] FIG. 9 shows a top view of preferred embodiment with permanently imprinted information.

[0037] FIG. 10 shows a top view of additional embodiment with imprinted information.

[0038] FIG. 11 shows alternative embodiments.

[0039] FIG. 12 shows a marker with different types of anchors and devices that marker can be attached to.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS

[0040] 13 the marker of invention

[0041] 14 assortment of different types and sizes of anchors provided by user, that the marker can accommodate

[0042] 15 hole for attachment or stabilization of marker rotation

[0043] 16 smaller diameter hole at top side of marker

[0044] 17 larger diameter hole at bottom of marker connected to and centered on smaller diameter hole at top and center of marker

[0045] 18 varying information imprinted on top of marker to identify different objects

[0046] 19 top part of mold

[0047] 20 bottom part of mold

[0048] 21 mold marker body cavity

[0049] 22 various devices, provided by user, that marker can be mounted to

DESCRIPTION

[0050] FIG. 1-FIG. 9 Preferred Embodiment

[0051] A preferred embodiment of the marker 13 of this present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 (perspective), FIG. 2 (top view) with no information imprinted thereon, FIG. 3 (side view) by FIG. 4 (cross section) and FIG. 5 (bottom view) and FIG. 6 (top view) showing a variation of information permanently imprinted thereon. The preferred shape is a round flat disc 13 with a solid body with a varying size round hole through the center of the body to accommodate varying types and sizes of anchors to be provided by the user. A hole 16 at the center and top of the marker shall be approximately ⅛ inch in diameter and the connecting hole 17 at the bottom of the marker shall be approximately ½ inch in diameter. The center of these holes shall be aligned to center on each other. Another hole 15 can be used for attachment or stabilization.The flat embodiment provides for visibility and for an areas for information to be permanently imprinted on the top of the marker and to provide areas for information to be permanently engraved on by users or temporary information to be placed thereon.

[0052] The marker shall be made with high or low density polyethylene plastic which will flex and stretch without damage to the body; will be of a permanent nature, and will provide a surface that can be easily engraved.

[0053] The markers shall have colors that are used to distinguish different objects identified.

[0054] FIG. 10 Additional Embodiments

[0055] An additional embodiment is shown in FIG. 10 with permanent information imprinted thereon.

[0056] FIG. 11 Alternative Embodiments

[0057] There are various possibilities with regards to the disposition of shapes of the marker can be, as illustrated in FIG. 11.

[0058] Advantages

[0059] From the description above, a number of advantages of my marker become evident:

[0060] (a) An inexpensive marker to design, tool, manufacture, package inventory, store, and ship.

[0061] (b) A marker designed to allows user choice of usage and attachment.

[0062] (c) A marker that accommodates different types and sizes of anchors.

[0063] (d) A marker made of material easily engraved thereon.

[0064] (e) A marker that has color to give visibility and distinction of use.

[0065] (f) A marker that has a solid body to provide durability.

[0066] Operation—FIG. 12

[0067] The manner of using the marker will ultimately be determined by the user, as the marker Is designed to accommodate different type and sizes of mechanical anchors such as nails, screws, spikes, lag screws, bolt and nut; which are provided by the user. The marker can be permanently or temporarily attached. The degree of such attachment is also determined by the user.

[0068] A simple method of temporary attachment would be to use a double sided adhesive tape to stick to the back side of the marker and to another surface. Or simply use a push pin to attach to a tree or board, or a twist tie to hang from a branch or plant.

[0069] Another simple temporary attachment is to use a ⅛ inch diameter metal rod of any length and from one end, bend ½ inch of the rod 90 degrees to the length of the rod. From the back of the marker, insert the bent end of the rod into the holes 15 or 16 and tape the rod to the back of the marker. Insert the length of the rod into the ground. A more positive temporary attachment to the same rod would be be to form a ⅛ inch diameter hole at the end of the rod and attach the marker with a bolt and nut. Similarly, a screw and a wood or plastic dowel or tube could provide another method of mounting the marker.

[0070] An attachment to the ground would be to simply to place the marker on the ground, and drive a nail through the marker and into the ground until the head of the nail seats tightly to the top of the marker.

[0071] Additionally, if one desires that the marker doesn't rotate, a nail can be inserted through a hole 15 of the marker to further stabilize rotation of the marker.

[0072] Since the permanency of the marker anchor placement depends upon the soil condition, various methods of attachment can be used with various type and sizes of anchors. For example, a ⅜ inch diameter by 10 length nail could be used. To check for permanency, remove the nail. To reduce the nail removal, apply duct tape around a length of the nail and reinsert in the same hole. The removal of the nail from the hole will remove some of the oil that may be on the nail.

[0073] For a more permanent attachment of a survey corner, one may use a ⅜ inch diameter by 10 to 12 inch length lag screw. First drive a pilot hole into the ground with a ⅜ inch by 10 inch nail. Remove the nail from the hole and pour dry cement powder into the hole. Insert the lag screw through the marker by setting the marker on the ground and driving the lag screw through the marker at the center hole 16. Drive the lag screw into the cement filled hole, orient the marker to desired direction and drive the screw into ground until tight against top of marker. (The dry cement will solidify as it absorbs moisture from the ground). Again if desired, and additional nail may be inserted into a hole 15 to stabilize rotation of the marker.

[0074] A permanent attachment of the marker to a concrete or asphalt surface is simply to nail the marker to the surface with a concrete or PK nail.

[0075] Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope

[0076] Accordingly, the reader will see the marker of this invention can be used in unlimited ways. Furthermore, the marker has additional advantages in that:

[0077] it provides a marker that is unlimited in scope of use as it can be used for locating and identifying objects above and below ground;

[0078] it provides only a marker as opposed to a marker assembly consisting of a marker and and anchor, the production cost, packaging storage, shipping, and overall cost of the marker shall be less than a marker and anchor assembly;

[0079] it provides a solid body marker for durability which cannot be easily cut as a thin wall marker could be cut, and is more durable to to withstand vehicular traffic than a thin wall marker would be;

[0080] it allows the user a choice of how the marker is to be used;

[0081] it allows user to use many different types and sizes of anchors;

[0082] it allow the marker to used as a temporary or permanent marker;

[0083] it allows permanent information to be easily engraved with portable engraver;

[0084] it allows marker to be attached to many materials; concrete, asphalt, ground. wood, metal plastic, paper, glass, cardboard, any type of board, tree or plant.

[0085] Although the description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope but as merely as providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example, the marker can have other shapes, such as square triangular, a combination of round and angular

[0086] Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than the examples given.

Claims

1. A marker for locating and identifying objects above and below ground and having varying information for identifying different objects permanently imprinted on said marker, and having areas for information to be permanently inscribed or engraved on said marker.

2. The marker of claim 1, having a tapering size hole in said marker, for attaching said marker to other objects.

3. The marker of claim 1, being flattened for purpose of visibility, ease of readability and inscribing, and of shape and size not to be dislodged by vehicles or traffic.

4. The marker of claim 1, having color to identify different objects.

5. The marker of claim 1, being made of high or low density polyethylene for permanence and ability to flex to accommodate different anchor types and sizes, and ease of engraving thereon.

6. The marker of claim 1, having a solid body to provide durability.

7. The marker of claim 1, having a second hole through marker for attachment and stabilization.