Abstract:
A pipe or conduit labeler includes a saddle leg having an inside diameter equal to or slightly smaller than an outside diameter of a pipe or conduit to be labeled. The saddle leg is molded to a saddle stem which in turn is molded to a sign plate. A user either writes useful information directly on the sign plate or affixes a pre-made label to the plate. The sign plate optionally includes raised lettering or information such as an arrow pre-molded on the plate, or Braille characters. The labeler resiliently clips onto the pipe or conduit being labeled. More complex variations of the labeler include extending arms and moveable joints, enabling the identification of pipes or conduits which are at difficult angles or out of direct sight of a user. The labeler provides a means for quickly and clearly labeling pipes, conduit, tubes, and rods. The labeler can be mass produced as a single mold or in parts with different sign plates of varying size and construction. The sign plate provides a flat surface for writing. The labeler can be temporary, removable, or made permanent simply by applying an adhesive to the saddle portion prior to affixing the labeler.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of copending parent patent application Ser. No. 09/233,397, filed Jan. 19, 1999, entitled “LABELER FOR PIPES, CONDUITS, TUBES, AND RODS”. The aforementioned application is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The invention pertains to the field of identification and marking of wiring, plumbing, and control rods. More particularly, the invention pertains to a device for identifying pipes, conduits, cables, tubes, and rods with information as suits a user.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    The increasing complexity of communication, data, plumbing, gaseous, and electrical systems in use today necessitates the organization and clear labeling of such systems. Examples include communication systems with cables and conduits, laboratory tubing, fire suppression systems supplying a multitude of zones, irrigation systems, swimming pool circulation systems especially those which self-control their chlorine and pH levels, and zoned hot water heating systems in residential and commercial buildings. Labeling of piping used to transfer hazardous liquids and gases is common in industrial buildings and research facilities.  
           [0004]    Identification of flexible cords, grounded and ungrounded conductors, etc is required by the National Electric Code (NEC 110-21, 210-4(d), 215.8, 310-11, 333-22, 338-5, 340-6, 348-15(d), 363-17, 402-9, 504-80(b), 725-71(h), 727-5, 800-50, and 820-50), as well as by state and local laws. Complex wiring systems used in hospitals and health care facilities have specific identification requirements under the National Electric Code. In addition, NFPA and ANSI standards require marking of certain electrical wiring and plumbing such as pressure and vacuum piping, and piping used to transfer hazardous substances (NFPA 3-9, 2-7.7, 7.6.6, 7.7.6, 2-4.4, 2-4.3, and 4-6). Identification of valves used in fire suppression systems is required by NFPA as well (NFPA 4-2.8.1 through 4-2.8.3).  
           [0005]    Labeling of piping and wiring which is not required by national standards makes maintenance work easier, facilitates usage of specialized piping, and saves time in tracing the source or destination of wiring and piping. Information can also include who to call for service, maximum rated pressures, gas line identification, the purpose of a valve, how a valve relates to another valve, direction and rate of flow, emergency shut-off instructions, etc. Levels of safety are increased by providing cautionary markers on hazardous piping or directly on valves, for example, extreme temperatures. Such marking is extremely useful in emergencies since reading information prominently displayed on the pipe or valve of concern and immediately acting on the information closely parallels human thought processes that occur in an unexpected situation. This is of obvious interest to insurance companies.  
           [0006]    Labeling of cables and pipes in the past has included handwriting on the pipe surface, which is problematic in many ways. Writing on a round or curved surface is difficult, especially if the outside diameter is small, frequently producing a sloppy or illegible result. The total surface area available for labeling is limited and often not conveniently placed for easy reading. Repairs or replacement of the underlying pipe or conduit destroys any written information thereon. Painted markings, tied-on handling paper, plastic tags, or colored tape bands are subject to peeling and corrosion, easy removal, and require referring to a legend or master coding sheet.  
           [0007]    Other pipe identification systems include wrapping straps attached to an information plate around piping, such as the pipe identification system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,246,712. This method is subject to many limitations. For example, the method does not allow for the labeling of surface mounted piping or conduit, as there is no space to wrap the straps. It does not allow for an adjustable multi-position labeling surface. It is not usable in installations where pliers are necessary to tighten adequately the straps. It is subject to loosening and rotation from mechanical, vehicular or natural vibration. It is also subject to lateral slippage along a vertical pipe or a horizontal pipe from such vibration, thus becoming improperly located with possible disastrous results. Also, this method makes it more difficult to change a label if so desired.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    Briefly stated, a pipe or conduit labeler includes a saddle leg having an inside diameter equal to or slightly smaller than an outside diameter of a pipe or conduit to be labeled. The saddle leg is molded to a saddle stem which in turn is molded to a sign plate. A user either writes useful information directly on the sign plate or affixes a pre-made label to the plate. The sign plate optionally includes raised lettering or information such as an arrow pre-molded on the plate, or Braille characters. The labeler resiliently clips onto the pipe or conduit being labeled. More complex variations of the labeler include extending arms and moveable joints, enabling the identification of pipes or conduits which are at difficult angles or out of direct sight of a user. The labeler provides a means for quickly and clearly labeling pipes, conduit, tubes, and rods. The labeler can be mass produced as a single mold or in parts with different sign plates of varying size and construction. The sign plate provides a flat surface for writing. The labeler can be applied in a temporary, removable manner, or can be made permanent simply by applying an adhesive to the saddle portion prior to affixing the labeler to the pipe.  
           [0009]    A user may place information on the sign plate by (a) hand writing it directly on the plate, (b) placing on the sign plate&#39;s surface a piece of paper containing the desired information, either hand written or typed, before covering it with an optional clear plastic cover, (c) sticking to the sign plate&#39;s surface a preprinted sticker of vinyl or other material produced for that job by the user, architect, or project engineer, or (d) by utilizing a premanufactured sign plate with raised molded information on it (such as an arrow and the words “flow direction”).  
           [0010]    The labeler is preferably a molded PVC part, like any other PVC fitting. PVC as used herein means PVC, CPVC, gray electrical PVC, and any other type of plastic or polymer out of which pipe and conduit are manufactured.  
           [0011]    The present invention overcomes all the previously mentioned problems of labeling. It provides a flat surface for writing. It is not affected by vibration nor is it prone to rotation or lateral slippage. The labeler requires no tools to install. The sign surface can be rigid or fixed in position, or can be adjustable vis-a-vis the pipe being labeled. It can be attached to any piping or conduit, be it free standing or surface mounted. The labeler can be installed in a removable manner as in its basic clip-on use or in a permanent manner simply by applying an adhesive to the saddle portion prior to its application. The invention provides a means of identifying, informing, or cautioning persons about plumbing and electrical systems. It is useful for those workers originally installing these systems as well as for those who maintain them in the following months and years. It enables those operating or maintaining a system to readily identify which pipe goes where, what function each valve has, how the valve interrelates with another valve, and any other information deemed appropriate. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]    [0012]FIG. 1A shows an end view of a labeling device according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of the labeling device of the embodiment of FIG. 1A.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a variation of the labeling device of FIG. 1A.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 3A shows an end view of a variation of the labeling device according to the present invention.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of a variation of the labeling device of FIG. 3A.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 3C shows a perspective view of a variation of the labeling device according to the present invention.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 4A shows a top view of a labeling device according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 4B shows an end view of a labeler according to the present invention premolded with a valve.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 5A shows a cross-sectional view of a labeling device according to an embodiment of the present invention in which a sign plate connects to a saddle stem via a ball and socket joint.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 5B shows a cross-sectional view of a labeling device according to an embodiment of the present invention in which a sign plate connects to a saddle stem via a ball and knuckle joint.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a labeling device according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of a labeling device according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 7B shows a perspective view of a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 7A.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a labeling device according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 9A shows a flexible connector used in conjunction with some of the embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 9B shows the flexible connector of FIG. 9A in an extended and bent condition.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 10A shows a saddle “T” fitting used as part of an embodiment of a labeler according to the present invention.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 10B shows a saddle “T” fitting with an angled top according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 10C shows a sign plate with an angled pipe portion that fits into a saddle “T” fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of the present invention with a removable sign plate and additional sign plates that attach to the first sign plate.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 12A shows an end view of a clear plastic cover that fits over the sign plate of the present invention.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 12B shows a bottom view of the clear plastic cover of FIG. 12A.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a labeler according to the present invention.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 14 shows the sign plate molded with the saddle fitting as a single compact body in a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0036]    For the purpose of this description and claims, “pipe” or “piping” means piping, conduit, tubing, or other generally cylindrically shaped hollow construction, whether rigid or flexible, for conveying a substance, wiring, or fiber optic from one point to another point, as well as solid rods and levers.  
         [0037]    Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a first embodiment of a labeler  10  includes a sign plate  15  permanently molded to a saddle stem  12  which in turn connects to a saddle fitting  11 . The inside diameter of saddle fitting  11  is preferably shaped as a section of a circle having a gap of less than 180°, such that when applied to a pipe, tube, or conduit having an outside diameter and an axial length, the inside diameter of the saddle fitting  11  is equal to or slightly smaller than the outside diameter of the pipe, tube or conduit and the inside diameter of the saddle fitting is in contact with the outside diameter of said pipe, tube, or conduit. Sign plate  15  is preferably of a size to allow legible identification of a pipe  16 , while being any shape or thickness. Marking of sign plate  15  can be as simple as writing directly on it with a magic marker, or by affixing a computer-produced label, or any other labeling method the user found suitable. For example, the engineers, designers and architects of complex systems can use a conjunctive add-on software program for CADD systems as they design a piping system, open and note window, and insert operational labels into the system construction plans where they deem them necessary. These labels can be printed directly onto stick-on vinyl sheets of labels, which can then be peeled off and affixed to sign plates  15  at the time of construction. The system can indicate what size and type of labeler  10  the designer desires at each location.  
         [0038]    Saddle stem  12  is rounded or angular, and its height is preferably ¼ an outside diameter of pipe  16 . For example, if pipe  16  is a cable which is 1″ in diameter, saddle stem  12  is ¼″ in height. Saddle stem  12  is larger or smaller than ¼ the outside diameter of pipe  16  depending on a user&#39;s desire. Saddle fitting  11  preferably has an inside diameter equal to or slightly smaller than the outside diameter of pipe  16 . For example, when pipe  16  is a copper pipe of outside diameter ½″, saddle fitting  11  has an inside diameter slightly smaller than ½″ so that saddle fitting  11  resiliently fits around pipe  16 . The resilient fitting of saddle fitting  11  around pipe  16  thus prevents accidental displacement of labeler  10 . If the user desires to permanently mount saddle fitting  11  on pipe  16 , a drop of adhesive is simply applied to the inside surface of saddle fitting  11  prior to securing it to pipe  16 .  
         [0039]    Saddle fitting  11  preferably extends slightly more than one-half of the way around pipe  16 . In addition, two edges  11   a  of saddle fitting  11  are preferably beveled so that saddle fitting  11  easily expands while being placed onto pipe  16 . Saddle fitting  11  can extend in an axial direction of pipe  16  either flush with saddle stem  12  or further if desired. In some situations, it might be desirable for saddle fitting  11  to be banded to pipe  16  on either side of saddle stem  12  with tightening bands or clamps for additional strength. It is also possible that labeler  10  can be used to repair a leak by adhering saddle stem  12  to pipe  16  directly over the leak with the appropriate notation made on sign plate  15 . In this circumstance, saddle fitting  11  would extend along both sides of saddle stem  12  to ensure an adequate surface for the pipe cement.  
         [0040]    Labeler  10  is preferably constructed of plastic PVC, although some metals have flexibility necessary for the tight fit over pipe  16 . PVC as used herein means PVC, CPVC, gray electrical PVC, bright blue plastic as used for flexible conduit, and any other type of plastic or polymer or resin out of which pipe and conduit are manufactured. Brass, copper, and aluminum are examples of metals which work as long as saddle fitting  11  is not too thick, i.e., so thick that saddle fitting  11  no longer has the required resiliency to fit over pipe  16 . Plastic is less expensive in the manufacturing process, easy to write on, and is resistant to many chemical environments. Metal would be a more common choice if outgassing of the material is of concern, as in a vacuum environment. In addition, metal would be a more logical choice if the labeler  10  is used in an area exposed to UV radiation. In some very specialized applications, labeler  10  can be made of any glass type, including fiberglass. Labeler  10 , in its first embodiment and associated variations, is preferably of unibody (one-piece) construction, while integral construction is optional. Labeler  10  can be made in any color necessary or desirable, such as when color codes which are known and used in particular applications are made part of the identification scheme using labeler  10 . In some specialized military applications, sign plate  15  can be molded with saddle fitting  11  as one extra-compact unibody without a distinct saddle stem in between.  
         [0041]    Although not depicted herein, labeler  10  can also be used over rods and levers. For example, control rods or actuator rods can be distinctively marked using labeler  10 .  
         [0042]    Referring to FIG. 2, a variation of the first embodiment is shown in which a saddle stem  22  connects a sign plate  25  to a saddle fitting  21 . Saddle fitting  21  includes two saddle legs,  27 ,  28  which are preferably an extension of the same material as saddle fitting  21 . As with saddle fitting  11 , an inside diameter of saddle fitting  21  and saddle legs  27 ,  28  is equal to or slightly smaller than the than the outside diameters of a pipe  24 . This embodiment is useful for large diameter pipe since it allows for more flexibility in saddle legs  27 ,  28  than in saddle fitting  11 . Flexibility in the fitting of saddle legs  27 ,  28  becomes more necessary as the size of pipe or conduit  24  increases. This embodiment also reduces the amount of material used in mass production of the invention. However, on smaller conduit or piping, the use of unibody construction as shown in FIG. 1 is desirable when flexibility is not an issue as it is more sturdy.  
         [0043]    Referring to FIGS.  3 A- 3 C, another variation of the first embodiment includes a saddle fitting  31  permanently molded to a saddle stem  32 . A sign plate  35  is permanently molded to saddle stem  32  so that a writing surface of sign plate  35  is perpendicular to an axial length of a pipe  36  as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. This is of use when a usual view of pipe  36  is along its lengthwise axis. Sign plate  35  is of a size appropriate for the user&#39;s need. FIG. 3C shows a sign plate  35 ′ permanently molded to a saddle stem  32  so that the plane of sign plate  35 ′ is parallel to the axial length of pipe  36 . This orientation is useful when the usual view of pipe  36  is head-on, i.e., perpendicular to the axis of pipe  36 .  
         [0044]    Referring to FIG. 4A, another variation of the first embodiment is shown in which a labeler  40  includes a sign plate  45  connected to two saddle legs  47 ,  48  via saddle stems  42 A,  42 B respectively. In this variation, saddle legs  47 ,  48  act as the saddle fittings shown in the previous variations of this embodiment. Saddle legs  47 ,  48  preferably have an inside diameter equal to or slightly smaller than an outside diameter of the pipes to which they are attached, which may be of uniform diameter or may be of differing sizes such as shown here with a pipe portion  46 A and a pipe portion  46 C. Valve  43  typically includes a curved pipe portion  46 B between pipe portions  46 A and  46 C. Sign plate  45  includes a curved portion  44  so that the handle of valve  43  can be turned without hindrance. Labeler  40  is positioned so that it does not interfere with the operation of valve  43 . In some circumstances, sign plate  45  optionally meets saddle stems  42 A,  42 B at a different angle (not shown) for better ease of use or better visibility. Sign plate  45  could be marked with information such as, for example, which sprinkler zone valve  43  controls. Such labeling is quite useful when repairing fire suppression systems, so that the entire system does not have to be shut down for maintenance work. In other variations, the sign plate can be molded to the saddle legs so that the saddle legs clip onto the pipe from the side, or the sign plate can be molded to the saddle legs so that the saddle legs clip onto the pipe from the front when there is little or no room at the side. The sign plate can be located on one or both sides of the valve assembly.  
         [0045]    Referring to FIG. 4B, a sign plate  45 ′ is pre-molded to valve assembly  46 ′. Sign plate  45 ′ is located so that it does not interfere with turning valve handle  43 ′. Valve assembly  46 ′ can be of any size or variation of valves commercially available, including shut-off valves, back-flow valves, ball valves, gate valves, and so forth. In this embodiment, sign plate  45 ′ can be easily removed from valve assembly  46 ′ if necessary. The sign plate can be located on one or both sides of the valve assembly.  
         [0046]    Referring to FIG. 5A, a second embodiment is shown in which a sign plate  55  of a labeler  50  is slightly adjustable. Sign plate  55  connects to a saddle stem  52  via a movable joint  54 . A socket portion  53   a  of joint  54  optionally includes a plurality of slots (not shown) therein to permit easy connection with a ball portion  53   b  of joint  54 . As with the previously described embodiments, saddle fitting  51  has an inside diameter equal to or slightly smaller than an outside diameter of a pipe  56 . Saddle fitting  51  optionally includes one or more saddle legs  57 . Joint  54  permits rotation adjustments and slight angling adjustments to be made to sign plate  55 .  
         [0047]    Referring to FIG. 5B, a variation of the second embodiment is shown wherein a sign plate  55 ′ of a labeler  50 ′ is connected to a saddle fitting  51 ′ by a ball &amp; knuckle joint  58 ′ which consists of a knuckle  54 ′ which fits over a ball  53 ′. Joint  58 ′ permits rotation and slight angling adjustments to be made to sign plate  55 ′. Knuckle  54 ′ optionally includes a plurality of slits or slots (not shown) that extend downward from sign plate  55 ′ the length of the joint and provide increased flexibility for joint knuckle  54 ′ to slip over ball  53 ′. Other types of movable joints can be used instead of the two described herein.  
         [0048]    Referring to FIG. 6, a third embodiment of the invention is shown which is adjustable. A labeler  60  includes a saddle fitting  61  permanently molded to a saddle stem  62 . Saddle fitting  61  optionally includes saddle legs  67 ,  68 , and an inside diameter of saddle fitting  61  and saddle legs  67 ,  68  is equal to or slightly smaller than a pipe (not shown). A first movable joint  63 A connects a first extension arm  64 A to saddle stem  62 . A second movable joint  63 B optionally connects a second extension arm  64 B to first extension arm  64 A. A third movable joint  63 C optionally connects a sign plate  65  to second extension arm  64 B. The basic configuration is sign plate  65  connected to first extension arm  64 A, either with or without movable joint  63 B. Other variations of extension arms and movable joints are possible. The movable joints shown in the figure are ball and knuckle joints, but any movable joint can be used.  
         [0049]    This embodiment allows for maximum flexibility in positioning sign plate  65 . This is of use in situations where space is tight or views are obscured. Extension arms  64 A,  64 B can vary in size, length, and diameter. If the pipe is sufficiently large, extension arms  64 A,  64 B can themselves be lengths of off-the-shelf PVC piping. Extension arms  64 A,  64 B are preferably of plastic or metal with sufficient strength and rigidity so as not to sag or droop over time. Moveable joints  63 A,  63 B should be stiff enough to prevent unwanted movement of sign plate  65 .  
         [0050]    Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a variation of the unibody first embodiment of the present invention is shown. A labeler  70  combines the present invention with an underlying pipe fitting  76 . A sign plate  75  is permanently molded to a fitting stem  72  which in turn is permanently molded to pipe fitting  76 . Pipe fitting  76  can be of any size or variation of angle typically sold in plumbing supply stores. As examples, a 90° elbow fitting is shown in FIG. 7A, and a 45° fitting is shown in FIG. 7B. Labeler  70  is intended to be manufactured and sold as a one-piece (unibody) or optionally integral unit.  
         [0051]    Referring to FIGS.  8 A- 8 B, a fourth embodiment of the present invention includes a labeler  80  with a removable sign plate  85 . As with the previously explained embodiments, a saddle stem  82  connects to a saddle fitting  81 . Optional saddle legs  87 ,  88  extend from saddle fitting  81 . An inside diameter of saddle fitting  81  and saddle legs  87 ,  88  is equal to or slightly less than an outside diameter of a pipe (not shown) over which labeler  80  is placed. Sign plate  85  is depicted with at least two grooves  83   a ,  83   b  on an underside thereof. Grooves  83   a ,  83   b  can extend entirely through sign plate  85 , but preferably do not extend through sign plate  85 , thereby leaving the surface (not shown) of sign plate  85  unblemished. Grooves  83   a ,  83   b  connect with similarly sized ridges  84   a ,  84   b  on saddle stem  82 . A size and location of grooves  83   a ,  83   b  and ridges  84   a ,  84   b  are such as to promote stability of sign plate  85  when attached to saddle stem  82 . A combination of pins and corresponding holes can optionally be used instead of a combination of grooves and ridges. Grooves  83   a ,  83   b  can optionally be in saddle stem  82  with corresponding ridges  84   a ,  84   b  on sign plate  85 . This embodiment with removable sign plate  85  can be combined with the other embodiments and variations discussed above.  
         [0052]    Referring to FIGS.  9 A- 9 B, a connector  90  can be used to connect the sign plate to the saddle stem. A bellows section  92  permits expansion and bending as shown in FIG. 9B. Connector  90  connects to the sign plate (not shown) and the saddle stem (not shown) in any of the ways previously described, including movable joints and plug-in sockets. An alternate method of connection is via a threaded section  94  which screws into a corresponding threaded section recessed in the saddle stem or sign plate.  
         [0053]    Referring to FIG. 10A, a saddle “T” fitting is optionally used as part of the labeler of the present invention. A saddle stem  102  is molded with a saddle fitting  101 . A sign plate  105  can be affixed directly to a stem top  104  (not shown) or a pipe portion  106 , in which case pipe portion  106  fits into saddle stem  102 . A plurality of optional struts  107  are pre-molded as part of sign plate  105  for extra support. Sign plate  105  is shown with a plurality of optional serrations  108  which permit the user to snap off portions of sign plate  105  until it is the desired size.  
         [0054]    Referring to FIG. 10B, stem top  104 ′ can be angled instead of horizontal. The angle can be in any direction as necessary for sign plate  105  to be easily seen. Alternatively, a length of PVC piping (not shown) or the connector  90  of FIGS. 9A and 9B can be inserted into stem top  104  with sign plate  105  affixed to the end of connector  90  as previously described.  
         [0055]    Referring to FIG. 10C, a section of pipe portion  106 ′ of sign plate  105  can be angled so that sign plate  105  can be rotated for the best view. As with the other embodiments, pipe portion  106 ′ can be held in place within stem  102  by friction or permanently affixed using an adhesive.  
         [0056]    Referring to FIG. 11, another embodiment of a labeler  110  is shown. A stem  112  is premolded to a section of pipe  116 . Stem  112  includes holes (not shown) that correspond to a plurality of pins  114  molded to an underside of a sign plate  115 A. The number and placement of pins  114  is such as will promote strength and stability of sign plate  115 A. When sign plate  115 A proves too small for its intended purpose, an additional sign plate  115 B slips over sign plate  115 A such that two J-rails  117  on sign plate  115 B interlock with two edges  113  of sign plate  115 A. Edges  113  can be made with serrations or ridges to increase the interlock and prevent accidental slippage. This method of increasing the usable surface or the sign plate can be continued, as is shown, for example, by a sign plate  115 C that is sized to fit over sign plate  115 B.  
         [0057]    Referring to FIGS.  12 A- 12 B, a clear plastic cover  120  is shown that fits over the sign plate (not shown) of the present invention. Using cover  120  prevents accidental erasing or smudging of lettering on the sign plate that is written in a less than permanent medium, such as grease pencil or non-permanent marking pen. For outdoor use, cover  120  optionally contains UVA protectants to prevent the written information from being bleached by sunlight. Cover  120  includes two parallel J-rails  127  that slide over the edges of the sign plate. A third J-rail  129  provides an additional edge of contact between cover  120  and the sign plate. An optional locktab  128  at a front end of cover  120  prevents cover  120  from slipping off the sign plate once installed. Alternatively, locktab  128  and J-rail  129  are omitted and the edges of the sign plate are serrated or micro-notched as described with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 11 above.  
         [0058]    Referring to FIG. 13, a labeler  130  includes a saddle fitting  131  pre-molded with a hollow saddle stem  132  as is found in conventional saddle “T” PVC fittings. An expandable/adjustable (flexible) connector  133  such as shown in FIGS.  9 A- 9 B, but without the threads, fits into saddle stem  132 . A plurality of struts  137  are pre-molded as part of sign plate  135  for extra support. Sign plate  135  is shown with a plurality of serrations  138  which permit the user to snap off portions of sign plate  135  until it is the desired size.  
         [0059]    Referring to FIG. 14, the pipe labeler  200  is fabricated as a single piece. The saddle fitting  201  is molded to the sign plate  202  as one extra-compact unibody without a distinct saddle stem in between. This design is especially useful on naval ships to give a low profile method of labeling pipes on the walls. This design also has uses in factories. The sign plate  202  is preferably of various widths to accomodate industry standard industrial labels. In a preferred embodiment, a clear plastic cover (not shown) can be snapped over the sign plate  202 .  
         [0060]    Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of the illustrated embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves recite those features regarded as essential to the invention.