Conduit identification device

Abstract

The described conduit identifying device comprises a flexible strip that can be configured in an open state for placement around a conduit and then assumes a coiled state to securely retain the device around the conduit. The strip is preferably biased to the coiled state, ensuring it remains attached and preventing accidental dislodgment. The device may include a locking mechanism and the strip can be made from a bistable metallic core covered with nonmetallic, high visibility materials such as fluorescent fabrics, phosphorescent materials, or reflective tapes. An indicator marking on the strip may provide clear visual identification of the conduit type. The conduit identifying device addresses the shortcomings of current practices, such as the use of adhesive stickers, which can become dislodged, leading to potential hazards and operational inefficiencies. This device ensures reliable and visible conduit identification, enhancing safety and efficiency in various environments.

Description

Conduit Identification DeviceField of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to conduit identification systems and methods, particularly to devices designed for securely and visibly identifying conduits in various environments, including underground settings. The invention is particularly concerned with improving the reliability and durability of conduit identification to enhance safety and operational efficiency.Background of the Invention

[0002] In many industries, particularly those involving extensive conduit networks, effective identification of conduits is crucial for safety and operational efficiency. The current practice for identifying conduits, especially in underground environments, typically involves the application of adhesive stickers directly onto the conduits. These stickers are intended to provide visual identification and information about the conduit’s contents or purpose. However, adhesive stickers often become dislodged during use due to environmental factors, handling, and wear and tear. This leads to misidentification or loss of identification over time.

[0003] Inappropriately identified conduits can be highly inconvenient, causing delays and errors in maintenance and operation. More critically, improper identification can have catastrophic consequences. There have been incidents where connectors of highly pressurised pneumatic lines were accidentally detached under the mistaken belief that they were low-pressure water conduits. Such errors have resulted in severe injuries, highlighting the urgent need for a more reliable and durable method of conduit identification. Ensuring accurate and consistent conduit identification is therefore essential to prevent such hazardous incidents and to maintain safe and efficient operations.

[0004] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.Summary of the Disclosure

[0005] The described conduit identifying device comprises a flexible strip configurable in an open configuration to place it around a conduit in use, wherein the strip is configured to assume a coiled state to retain the device around the conduit.

[0006] Preferably, the strip is biased to the coiled state to ensure secure attachment to the conduit, preventing accidental dislodgment.

[0007] In an embodiment, the device includes a locking mechanism to lock the strip in the coiled state. This locking mechanism preferably comprises a tab and slot located at opposite ends of the strip, with the tab configured to protrude through the slot when the strip is coiled. The slot is preferably wider than the tab and oriented along the strip, and in an embodiment, the tab defines an aperture for a locking pin. The locking pin, which may comprise a straight section and a curved section, is designed to fit through the aperture, thereby enclosing the pin for enhanced security.

[0008] The strip is preferably bistable, capable of adopting both a coiled state and a straightened state. It may comprise a metallic core, such as spring steel, covered with a nonmetallic material like fabric or plastic. In an embodiment, the nonmetallic material is a high visibility material, including fluorescent fabric, phosphorescent material, or reflective tape. In embodiments, the high visibility material may integrate LEDs for active illumination, which is particularly advantageous in low-light or underground environments.

[0009] The strip may also comprise an indicator marking on its exterior surface, which is preferably centrally located to remain visible when the strip wraps over itself in the coiled configuration. This indicator marking provides a clear visual indication of the type of service associated with the conduit.

[0010] In practice, the conduit identifying device is used by first configuring the flexible strip in its open state to position it around a conduit. Once in place, the strip is allowed to snap into its coiled state, securely wrapping around the conduit. The strip’s inherent bias towards the coiled state ensures it remains firmly attached, preventing accidental dislodgment. For additional security, a locking mechanism may be employed, where a tab at one end of the strip is inserted through a slot at the otherend and secured with a locking pin. The device, optionally featuring high visibility materials and indicator markings, provides a clear visual indication of the conduit type, making it easily identifiable even in low-light conditions. Multiple devices can be strategically placed along various points of the conduit, such as near connectors, to enhance the identification and organisation of the conduit network. This practical application ensures efficient and reliable identification and maintenance of conduits in various environments.

[0011] According to one aspect, there is provided a conduit identifying device comprising a flexible strip configurable in an open configuration to place it around a conduit in use and wherein the strip is configured to assume a coiled state to retain the device around the conduit.

[0012] The strip may be biased to the coiled state to ensure that, upon placement, the device self-secures around the conduit without additional fastening means, providing enhanced reliability and ease of installation.

[0013] In some examples, the strip is bistable and capable of adopting both a coiled state and a straightened state. Preferably, the strip comprises a metallic core, such as spring steel, which may be covered in a nonmetallic material such as plastic or fabric. The bistability offers the advantage of manual ease in applying the device while maintaining a strong grip once coiled. The nonmetallic material may comprise a high visibility material, including but not limited to fluorescent fabric, phosphorescent material, or reflective tape, optionally with integrated LEDs and a battery supply for active illumination, thereby enabling visibility in dark or subterranean environments.

[0014] According to one aspect, the device includes a locking mechanism configured to lock the strip in the coiled state. The locking mechanism may comprise a tab and slot located at opposite ends of the strip, wherein the tab is configured to protrude through the slot. Preferably, the slot is wider than the tab and oriented longitudinally along the strip to accommodate various conduit diameters.

[0015] The tab may define an aperture in a portion extending through the slot, and a locking pin may be fitted through the aperture. The locking pin may comprise astraight section and a curved section that loops to enclose the pin, providing a secure yet simple fastening mechanism. In some examples, the locking mechanism is non- releasable unless physically damaged or destroyed, rendering tampering attempts evident and enhancing the security of the identification system.

[0016] The strip may include an indicator marking on its exterior surface, such as a printed or adhered label denoting the service type (e.g., fire, electrical, gas). The marking is preferably centrally located so it remains visible even when the strip overlaps itself, ensuring clear and consistent identification from all angles.

[0017] In further embodiments, the tab may locate at a proximal end of the slot when the strip is tightly coiled, thereby maximising the available travel of the tab within the slot. This arrangement allows the user to pull the strip in a controlled manner to loosen it, offering manual adjustment or removal with reduced risk of damage.

[0018] Preferably, the tab is shaped with an arrowhead profile, enabling easy insertion through the slot while resisting withdrawal due to its wider trailing edge. In some forms, a strain-evident dye may be applied to the tab or adjacent strip material, which visibly changes colour upon attempted withdrawal against the arrowhead profile, providing a passive indicator of tampering or disturbance.

[0019] In an alternative embodiment, the tab is elongate and configured to pass through the slot in a first orientation, whereafter it is rotated through 90 degrees into a locking orientation that prevents retraction. A one-way rotational mechanism such as interlocking ratchet teeth may be employed to prevent reverse rotation, thereby locking the device without the need for a separate fastener.

[0020] According to another aspect, the strip may comprise two tabs located at spaced intervals, each configured to pass through a corresponding slot. When installed, the exposed ends of both tabs may be engaged with a common locking implement, such as a locking ring or padlock, through aligned apertures. This arrangement offers robust physical security and prevents removal without access to the locking implement, making it particularly suited to high-risk or public environments.

[0021] According to another aspect, there is provided a system comprising a conduit and any one of the foregoing conduit identifying devices, wherein the device is applied to the conduit and wraps around it to provide visible identification. The device may be installed adjacent to a conduit connector such as a valve, T-junction, or elbow fitting. In some systems, two devices may be installed on either side of a connector to reinforce identification continuity across connected segments.

[0022] In one embodiment, the strip is configured to have a length corresponding to a known pipe circumference and includes a predetermined overlap, such as approximately 20% of the total strip length. This improves the alignment and fitment of the tab and slot, reduces slack, and accommodates tolerance variations in conduit dimensions. The system therefore offers precise and repeatable deployment for common pipe sizes used in utility and industrial networks.

[0023] According to a further aspect, a method of indicating a type of conduit involves applying the above-described device to a conduit so that the strip wraps itself around the conduit to provide a visible indication of its type. This method allows for rapid, tamper-resistant labelling in the field without reliance on adhesives or surface modification of the conduit itself.

[0024] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0026] Figure 1 shows a plurality of conduit identifying devices located at various strategic conduit positions, including adjacent elbow connectors, T-connectors, and valves.

[0027] Figure 2 shows a plan view of the conduit identifying device in its open configuration, showing the flexible strip and the indicator marking.

[0028] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the conduit identifying device in its coiled state, retaining the device around a conduit.Description of Embodiments

[0029] Figure 2 shows a conduit identifying device 100 comprising a flexible strip 101 configurable in an open configuration, as shown in Figure 2, to enable it to be placed around a conduit 103 in use. The strip 101 is configured to assume a coiled state, as shown in Figure 3, to retain the device 100 around the conduit 103, as shown in Figure 1. The strip 101 is preferably configured to bias itself to the coiled state to ensure that the device 100 retains itself around the conduit 103 and cannot be accidentally dislodged. In accordance with this embodiment, if the strip 101 were pulled open, it would attempt to revert to the coiled configuration to thereby wrap itself around the conduit 103.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1 , a plurality of devices 100 may be located at various strategic conduit positions, typically adjacent to elbow connectors 104, T-connectors 105, and valves 106. In a preferred embodiment, the device 100 comprises a locking mechanism configured to lock the strip 101 in the coiled state. With reference to Figure 2, the locking mechanism comprises a tab 107 and a slot 108 located at opposite ends of the strip 101. The tab 107 is configured to protrude through the slot 108 when the strip 101 is in the coiled state. The slot 108 is preferably wider than the tab 107 and oriented along the strip 101 so that the tab 107 can locate the slot 108 for varying diameters of conduit 103. The length of the strip 101 and the position of the slot 108 may be configured to a known pipe dimension so that when wrapped around the pipe of the known dimension, the tab 107 locates within the slot 108, preferably exactly centrally. For example, the strip 101 may be configured for standard underground utility conduits such as 63 mm or 110 mm polyethylene pressure pipes, or 100 mm PVC stormwater or sewer pipes, ensuring accurate and repeatable alignment of the locking mechanism. The length of the strip 101 may therefore be selected according to the known circumference of the conduit and further configured to provide a predetermined overlap — such as 20% — between the ends of the strip 101 when coiled around the conduit. In this configuration, when the strip 101 is tightly coiled around the pipe, the tab 107 may be arranged to locate at the proximal end of the slot 108, meaning the end of the slot 108 that is furthest from the free tipof the strip 101. This positioning provides the greatest available distal travel of the tab 107 within the slot 108, thereby facilitating manual loosening of the device; as the user pulls on the strip 101 , the tab 107 is able to slide towards the distal end of the slot 108 in the direction of the corresponding distal end of the strip 101 , easing removal or adjustment.

[0031] The tab 107 may define an aperture in a portion of the tab 107 extending through the slot 108, which can be engaged by a locking pin (not shown). The locking pin may comprise a straight section configured to fit straight through the aperture 109 and a curved section adjoining the straight section and meeting at or near the end of the straight section to enclose the locking pin.

[0032] In embodiments, the locking mechanism may be designed to be non-releasable so that the only way to remove the device 100 would be to damage the locking mechanism in a tamper-evident manner or alternatively cut the strip 101.

[0033] In one example, the tab 107 may be shaped as an arrowhead and configured to deform inwardly for insertion through the slot 108, but due to its widened trailing profile, cannot be withdrawn back through the slot 108 without visible deformation or destruction. To further support tamper detection, a strain-evident dye may be applied to the tab 107 or adjacent portions of the strip 101 , wherein the dye changes colour when subjected to tension or strain beyond a predetermined threshold, thereby providing a visible indication of attempted removal by pulling the tab 107 back through the slot 108.

[0034] In another embodiment, the tab 107 may be generally elongate and configured to pass through the slot 108 in an aligned orientation, whereafter it is rotated through 90° to prevent its return through the slot 108. This rotation may be facilitated by a one-way engagement feature, such as a set of circumferentially oriented teeth or a ratchet-like mechanism, which allows the tab 107 to be turned in a locking direction but prevents counter-rotation back into alignment with the slot 108, thereby rendering removal without damage impractical.

[0035] In a further embodiment, the strip 101 may include two tabs 107 positioned at spaced locations along one end of the strip 101 , each configured to pass throughcorresponding separate slots 108 located along the opposite end of the strip 101. When the strip 101 is coiled around the conduit 103, both tabs 107 are inserted through their respective slots 108, such that the free ends of the tabs 107 protrude from the coiled configuration in parallel. These protruding ends may be engaged by a locking ring passed through both tabs 107 simultaneously, thereby preventing their withdrawal from the slots 108. In one implementation, the locking ring (preferably a tamper evident locking ring) may comprise a plastic or metal tie, and in another implementation, a keyed or combination padlock may be inserted through aligned apertures in the tabs 107 to prevent unauthorised removal. This arrangement enhances the tamper-resistance of the device 100 and provides a secure and verifiable locking mechanism that prevents disassembly without visible damage or removal of the locking implement.

[0036] Preferably, the strip 101 is bistable, able to take either the coiled state or a straightened state, as shown in Figure 2. In this regard, the strip 101 may comprise a metallic core, such as spring steel. The metallic core may be covered with a nonmetallic material, such as plastic or fabric. The strip 101 may exhibit cross- sectional curvature along its longitudinal extent — that is, it is transversely curved across its width — so that when in its straightened configuration, this curvature enhances rigidity and helps the strip 101 remain extended by resisting bending. However, when the strip 101 is coiled around a conduit, the cross-sectional curvature is flattened or eliminated, allowing the strip 101 to closely conform to the conduit surface and assume the coiled configuration. The nonmetallic material preferably comprises a high visibility material, especially one that can be seen in underground environments. In this regard, the high visibility material may comprise at least one fluorescent fabric, phosphorescent material, and reflective tape. In embodiments, the high visibility material includes integrated LEDs and a battery supply for active illumination.

[0037] In some embodiments, the metallic core may be further coated with a silicone- based product. The silicone coating may provide additional benefits such as improved resistance to corrosion, enhanced flexibility, or increased durability under exposureto environmental conditions such as moisture, chemicals, or temperature variations. The silicone coating may be applied directly to the metallic core prior to the addition of any outer nonmetallic covering, or it may be integrated as part of a composite layered structure.

[0038] The strip 101 comprises an indicator marking 110 on its exterior surface. With reference to Figure 2, this indicator marking 110 may indicate the type of service of the associated conduit, which, in the example provided, shows that the conduit 103 is a fire conduit. Preferably, the indicator marking 110 is substantially centrally located so that it remains visible when the ends of the strip 101 wrap over each other in the coiled configuration.

[0039] An exemplary method of use will now be described with reference to the components previously identified in accordance with preferred embodiments. The conduit identifying device 100 is initially provided in its straightened, open configuration as shown in Figure 2. In this state, the flexible strip 101 is sufficiently rigid due to its cross-sectional curvature and bistable nature to allow it to be easily handled and manipulated by an installer. The device 100 is positioned adjacent a selected section of the conduit 103, which may include conduit connectors such as elbow connectors 104, T-connectors 105, or valves 106, as shown in Figure 1.

[0040] The installer aligns the indicator marking 110 on the exterior surface of the strip 101 in a preferred orientation for visibility, such as facing upwards or towards the expected line of sight during maintenance. The strip 101 is then wrapped around the conduit 103, during which it progressively transitions from its straightened state to its coiled state. As the strip 101 coils, its cross-sectional curvature is overcome, allowing the strip 101 to closely conform to the outer surface of the conduit 103 and remain in a securely wrapped configuration.

[0041] As the strip 101 reaches its fully coiled state, the tab 107 located at one end of the strip 101 is aligned with and pushed through the slot 108 located at the opposite end. The width and orientation of the slot 108 accommodate alignment of the tab 107 for a range of conduit diameters. Where the strip 101 has been preconfigured for aknown conduit circumference, the tab 107 may preferably emerge at the central or proximal portion of the slot 108, as previously described.

[0042] Once the tab 107 is inserted through the slot 108, it may optionally be secured by a locking pin inserted through an aperture 109 in the portion of the tab 107 extending beyond the slot 108. In variants where the tab 107 is arrowhead-shaped or includes one-way locking engagement features, it may not be removable without visible deformation, or may be rotatable to prevent reverse alignment with the slot 108. In such configurations, the installer simply rotates the tab 107 through 90 degrees to engage locking teeth or a ratchet element that prevents counter-rotation.

[0043] In embodiments including a strain-evident dye, the installer may verify the absence of colour change around the tab 107 or strip 101 as an indication that the device 100 has not been previously tampered with. Once installed, the high visibility features of the strip 101 — such as fluorescent material, reflective elements, or LEDs — enhance the visibility of the conduit identification, particularly in low-light or underground environments. Multiple devices 100 may be applied along the length of the conduit 103 or on either side of a connector 104, 105, 106 to ensure consistent identification.

[0044] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practise the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed as obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims1. A conduit identifying device comprising a flexible strip configurable in an open configuration to place it around a conduit in use and wherein the strip is configured to assume a coiled state to retain the device around the conduit.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the strip is configured to bias itself to the coiled state.

3. The device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the device comprises a locking mechanism configured to lock the strip in the coiled state.

4. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a tab and slot located at opposite ends of the strip and wherein the tab is configured to protrude through the slot when the strip is in the coiled state.

5. The device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the slot is wider than the tab and is orientated along the strip.

6. The device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the tab defines an aperture in a portion of the tab extending through the slot.

7. The device as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a locking pin configured to fit through the aperture.

8. The device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the locking pin comprises a straight section and a curved section adjoining the straight section and meeting an end of the straight section to enclose the pin.

9. The device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the strip is bistable to take the coiled state and a straightened state.

10. The device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the strip comprises a metallic core.

11. The device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the metallic core comprises spring steel.

12. The device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the metallic core is covered in a nonmetallic material.

13. The device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the nonmetallic material is fabric.

14. The device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the nonmetallic material is plastic.

15. The device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the nonmetallic material is a high visibility material.

16. The device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the high visibility material comprises at least one fluorescent fabric, phosphorescent material and reflective tape.

17. The device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the high visibility material integratesLEDs.

18. The device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the strip comprises an indicator marking on an exterior surface thereof.

19. The device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the indicator marking is centrally located.

20. The device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the tab locates at a proximal end of the slot when the strip is tightly coiled around the conduit, the proximal end being furthest from a distal tip of the strip.

21. The device as claimed in claim 20, wherein the slot permits distal travel of the tab relative to the strip to facilitate manual loosening by sliding the tab towards a distal end of the slot.

22. The device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the tab is arrowhead-shaped and configured to deform inwardly for insertion through the slot but resists withdrawal through the slot due to its widened trailing profile.

23. The device as claimed in claim 22, wherein a strain-evident dye is applied to at least a portion of the tab or strip, the dye configured to change colour upon deformation indicative of tampering.

24. The device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the tab is elongate and configured to pass through the slot in a first orientation and is rotatable through 90 degrees to a second orientation to prevent return through the slot.

25. The device as claimed in claim 24, wherein the tab engages a one-way rotational mechanism that prevents counter-rotation back to the first orientation.

26. The device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the strip comprises two tabs, each configured to pass through corresponding separate slots, and wherein the tabs are adapted to receive a locking implement that engages both tabs to prevent their withdrawal from the slots.

27. A system comprising a conduit and the device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the device is applied to the conduit and wraps itself around the conduit to indicate the type of conduit.

28. The system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the device is applied adjacent a conduit connector.

29. The system as claimed in claim 28, wherein the system comprises devices on both sides of the conduit connector.

30. The system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a tab and slot located at opposite ends of the strip and wherein the tab is configured to protrude through the slot when the strip is in the coiled state, wherein the tab defines an aperture in a portion of the tab extending through the slot and further comprising a locking pin inserted through the aperture.

31. The system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the strip is configured to have a length corresponding to a known circumference of the conduit and further configured to provide a predetermined overlap between the ends of the strip when coiled around the conduit.

32. The system as claimed in claim 31 , wherein the predetermined overlap is approximately 20% of the total length of the strip.

33. A method of indicating a type of conduit involving the device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the method comprises applying the device to the conduit so that the device wraps itself around the conduit to provide a visible indication of the type of conduit.

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