GB2323584A

GB2323584A - Tagging System

Info

Publication number: GB2323584A
Application number: GB9706288A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Artingstoll; John Duncalf
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-03-26
Filing date: 1997-03-26
Publication date: 1998-09-30
Also published as: GB9706288D0

Abstract

An inspection tag is made from a permanently markable material or laminate and has means for attachment to an item, information marked thereon which can be read by the user and additional information which can be electronically read. The tag is attached to an item by means such as a crimped ring (fig. 1A) or a wire and lead crimp (fig. 1B) and is divided into separate areas 21 on which information such as the inspection date is marked using a tool e.g. a punch. In this manner a history of the item is established. Other information which is intended for the user may be the item identity 22. On the reverse of the label electronically readable information is applied such as a bar code 31. A tool for crimping and/or marking the tag is also disclosed (fig. 4).

Description

RIGGISTAG This invention relates to a tagging system for lifting equipment, machines or similar to enable communication of statutory inspection history.

All lifting equipment in the United Kingdom and we assume in other developed countries around the world, is required to be inspected at regular intervals by law. This inspection frequency can vary depending on the item. It is advisable and best practice to have some means of visually communicating to the user that it is within its statutory inspection period. Each item then has also to have a unique identifier on it. All the current systems have some form of drawback. Current methods include spray paints and cable ties. Spray paints rub off over a period of time and after several changes in colour it be comes difficult to distinguish the current colour. Cable ties are usually coloured and either leave a long tail or if the tail is snipped of then it leaves a sharp edge which could cut someone. There are problems with most of the systems in use to day, namely the majority rely on a colour code to show the inspection period. This colour system is of limited value if you have colour blind employees or are working in poor lighting conditions.

The RIGGINTAG eliminates the problems of current systems and allows lifting equipment to monitored directly by existing computer technology.

RIGGINTAG comprises of means of attaching the tag to the item, a means of visually communicating the inspection date and item identity to the user; and a means of electronically and uniquely identifying the item.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 Shows two example methods of attachment to an item.

Figure 2 Shows an example of the means visually communicating the inspection history and item identity to the user.

Figure 3 Shows an example of uniquely electronically identifying the tag and therefore the item to which it is secured.

Figure 4 Shows an example of a portable combined crimping and history marking tool to be used in conjunction with the tag.

Referring to the drawing the tag comprises of a permanently markable material, or laminate of materials, reasonably secured to an item of lifting equipment by, for example, crimped ring, cable tie, wired, adhesive or similar means (not shown). Two such possible devices are shown in figures lAand 1B.

In order for the tag to allow visual communication with the user one side of the tag contains markable inspection areas (21) and a location for the unique equipment number (22). The reverse side contains an area which can be used for a bar code, Radio frequency tag or similar means not shown for identifying the tag electronically (31).

Once a inspection has been carried out then the inspector marks the tag in one of the inspection areas (21) with the portable tool described below. The mark will be in the form of a date and/or initials of the inspector or similar means not shown.

The portable marking tool will be able to mark the tag easily, by means of embossing, punching, removing material or similar means not shown, and will be in the form of a hand tool, electromechanical device, punch or similar means not shown. It will also be capable of carrying out any requirements of the attachment device. Such a possible device is shown in figure 4

Claims

CLAIMS 1) RIGGINTAG inspection tag comprises of means of attaching the tag to the item, a means of visually communicating the inspection date to the user, a means of electronically and uniquely identifying the tag or item.

2) The Tag as claimed in claim 1 wherein suitable means of attachment are provided as part of the system in a number of sizes to suit a variety of applications, and are secured by the means of a crimp or other suitable method. Effected by the special tool described in claim 6.

3) The Tag as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a visual means of communicating the inspection history is provided on the tag.

4) The Tag as claimed in claim 1, wherein a means of electronically reading the tags identity is provided on the tag 5) The Tag as claimed in any preceding claim wherein identification of the tag or item is provided on the tag.

6) The Portable Marking tool comprises of a hand tool or tools which are for the use of securing the attachment device and/ or for marking the inspection date/ period on the tag.

7) A tagging system, tag or equipment substantially as describe herein with reference to Figures 1-4 of the accompanying drawing.