Patent ID: 6220200
Filing Date: 2001-04-24
Classification: G09F,Y10T

Abstract:
A line marker comprising:an elongated tubular member having a first end configured to be inserted into the ground in an area of a utility line, a second end extending upwardly therefrom, and an exterior surface;a locking ring disposed on the exterior surface of the tubular member and having a longitudinal axis and at least one locking finger extending from the ring, the locking finger being bendable inwardly from the ring and towards the longitudinal axis;a tubular cap removably coupled to the locking ring, the cap having a cap wall defining a hollow therein, an open end for receiving the locking ring, and a protrusion extending into the hollow of the cap for contacting the locking finger and forcing the locking finger in towards the longitudinal axis; andcoupling means for receiving and engaging the locking ring at an interior surface of the cap and in contact with the protrusion for advancing the at least one locking finger; anda slot formed between the cap and the tubular member and extending substantially between the open end of the cap and the hollow in the cap to vent the hollow of the cap.