FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This present invention relates to color coding scheme, and particularly, to schematic and color scheme for differentiating the types and grades of oil lubricants and/or grease lubricants. The present invention also relates to a method of implementation a color schematic and color coding for lubricant and lubricant usage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Identification of different type of objects to be filled into a matching device may rely on the features of the object and recognisable coding of those features to identify the object. Pattern recognition with wordings may be subject to inaccuracies and not easily identification.

WO91/01855 discloses a color coding system primarily for implements, including tools, instruments or other hand-manipulated devices, whereby individual colors are applied to tools of a series having diverse sizes, such diversity of size following an orderly scheme. The collection of implements comprises of a plurality of implement groups, each group having a plurality of sets of individual implements, each implement within a particular group having a size which bears a defined mathematical relationship to the size of every other implement within said particular group, each said set includes a distinct color arrangement provided its implements, each said set color arrangement being different from that of each of the other implement sets.

WO2008/001307 discloses an array of feminine hygiene articles wherein each feminine hygiene articles is associated with a specific color coding. The feminine hygiene articles comprise a primary package and individually wrapped absorbent articles. The color coding is present on the primary package and on the adhesive tape fastener of the individual wrapper. The user can associate the color coding with the functional characteristics of the absorbent articles without opening the individual wrapper. An elegant and aesthetic packaging system for feminine hygiene article is provided without additional costs.

US Patent No. 5944237 discloses a method of color coding the sizes of clothing displayed in retail clothing stores having a plurality of clothing lines for a plurality of consumer groups, wherein each consumer group includes individual consumers of

I similar physiology, said method providing a uniform color sizing code to assist individual consumers in locating items of clothing in different lines of clothing appropriate to their physiology, said method comprising: (a) classifying the individual items of clothing to be offered for sale into a plurality of clothing lines; (b) segregating each of said clothing lines into a plurality of graded sizes, said graded sizes having a plurality of common size designations that appear in all of said lines; (c) identifying graded sizes in different clothing lines that would be selected by a consumer selecting clothing appropriate for the same consumer physiology; (d) assigning a common color code to each graded size designation identified in step (c) above to form a matched set of graded sizes common to a specific consumer physiology for each clothing line in said retail store having clothing for that physiology; and (e) displaying the individual items of clothing on hangers having a color coded size cap mounted thereon, the color of said size cap conforming to the assigned common color code, whereby a consumer may move from an area displaying one line of clothing to another area within said retail store displaying other lines of clothing and find articles of clothing appropriate to their physiology identified by the same common color code in each of said lines of clothing. Inadvertent mixing of lubricants into machinery will degrade the lubrication performance due to adverse effects such as base oil viscosity change, additive precipitation, and seal incompatibility. In mild cases, which are usually indiscernible to human senses, the consequence is premature wear of the lubricated components, with the attendant increase in the risk of unplanned breakdown. In severe cases, the manifestations in machine operating conditions may be compelling enough to prompt immediate remedial actions such as changing out the lubricant, flushing the system, and replacing the seals. The biggest single cause of lubricant mixing is probably the lack of lubricant identification on both the lube-handling side (packaging containers like totes, drums pails, cans and cartridges, transfer and application devices like transfer containers, greasing guns, and mobile filtration carts) and on the machine side (oil filler ports and greasing nipples). The answer is simple and cheap to implement - institute a schematic- and color-coding and tagging system. Once this is in place, the only chance of unplanned lubricant mixing comes from improper handling.

Again, it is easy to implement a comprehensive policy to manage transfer and storage practices. As far as lubricant storage issues are concerned, ensure that transfer equipment (pumps, containers, hoses, filter carts) are dedicated to lubricant types as much as possible, and when cross-use of equipment is unavoidable, proper flushing procedures are followed. Once good lubricant storage and handling practices are in place, virtually the only instances of mixing will come from planned lubricant changes, and with the benefit of foresight, these planned changes can be safely and properly carried out.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a color and shape coding scheme and method of schematic and color coding for lubricants and lubrication for matching devices, which is easily to be used and easily recognizable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A demonstrative embodiment of the present invention may include a method of identifying a pre-defined schematic and colors on an oil lubricant or a grease lubricant, to ensure that a right lubricant is placed into the right machine.

A main object of the present invention is to provide a color and shape coding scheme comprising (i) a plurality of color implement groups having a defined shape with a design indicating of functions; and (ii) each color and each schematic design providing specific type and grade of oil lubricant or grease lubricant to be used by a corresponding matching device.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a color and shape coding scheme, further comprising a generic oil lubricant schematic and a generic grease lubricant schematic, wherein each color contains a default number to assist in identification in dim environment, and a plurality of colors are provided for each schematic.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a color and shape coding scheme, wherein the colors differentiate the grades of each schematic-represented oil or grease type and the grade of oil and grease type includes ISO VG, NLGI number, Synthetics, EP and fire-retardancy. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a color and shape coding scheme, wherein one schematic with one color is provided to each type of device.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a color and shape coding scheme, wherein the 10 schematics relating the lubricant types to the machinery or component types the lubricant is used include: (1) Engines & Compressors (piston/cylinder), (2) Fans & Blowers, (3) Gears, (4) Hydraulic, (5) Journal Bearings, (6) Pumps, (7) generic Oil Lubricant, (8) Anti-Friction Bearings, (9) Electric Motors, and (10) generic Grease Lubricant. A further object of the present invention is to provide a color and shape coding scheme, wherein the schematic and color coding is formed on self-adhesive PET film which can be adhered to the machine (in the vicinity of oil filler ports and greasing nipples) and the corresponding oil lubricant or grease lubricant storage and handling devices.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a method of implementing schematic and color coding to lubricants comprising the steps of (i) distinguishing the type of lubricants or grease to be used in the schematic-represented machine or component type; (ii)matching a color coding to a schematic shape to denote the grade of the schematic-represented oil lubricants or grease lubricant; and (iii)providing a self-adhesive color-coded sheet onto the matching devices.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a method of implementing schematic and color coding to lubricants, wherein the self-adhesive schematic and color-coded sheet is available by self-printing on self-customised label, which is then encapsulated into a tag and be protected by a transparent clear uv-stabilised PET laminate film.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of using schematic and color coding having a plurality of tags comprising the steps of (i) choosing a tag of a desired schematic and color; (ii) providing lubricant information on a label; (iii) turning the tag over and flipping the folding flap at the two (2) short uncut lengths that serve as a hinge to expose the transparent clear window from the back of the tag; (iv) placing the label with lubricant information onto the tag window (the 'hinged' side provides a guide to position in the label) and flipping back the folding flap; and (v) taking the tag to the device or site and then peeling off the tag from the adhesive release liner at the back of the tag; and (vi) sticking the tag on to the chosen location firmly pressing over the surface of the entire tag.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a method of inserting a prepared coding label into a coding tag comprising the steps of (i) self-printing of self- customised coding label; (ir) inserting the coding label to the transparent window of the tag at the back of the PET film; (iii) arranging the printed face of the coding label to the clear window; (iv) encapsulating the coding label in the tag between the PET film and the surface on which the tag is affixed; and (v) protecting the coding label by the PET film against ultra violet radiation, industrial oils and greases, and industrial washes. Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a color and shape coding scheme, wherein each color schematic contains a default number in assisting identification in dim environment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with features and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanied drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a color and shape coding scheme having 10 schematics and 10 colors in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2A is the front view of a schematic tag in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B is the rear view of a schematic tag in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A shows section view of the self-adhesive schematic- and color-coded tag in accordance with the present invention. The transparent and ready-to-use pressure sensitive adhesive is covered by a release paper liner, which is peeled off at the time of use for the adhesive to tenaciously bond the tag to the surface to which it is affixed. White border and background, followed by the color schematic, are printed on the uncoated side (front side) of the PET printing substrate, which is then over laminated by another transparent PET film with a transparent clear adhesive to permanently bond it to the printing substrate. The printed white border and color schematic is protected by this over laminate against ultra violet radiation, industrial oils and greases, and industrial washes. The label, when inserted in the tag, is protected by both this over laminate and the printing substrate.

FIG. 3B shows section views of the self-adhesive schematic- and color-coded tag in accordance with the present invention, using a method of fabrication where there is in-house, on-site facilities to apply a ready-to-use, strong and transparent clear permanent pressure sensitive adhesive on to a transparent clear plastic film. In this case, an uncoated transparent PET film is used as the printing substrate that also doubles as an over laminate. The color schematic, followed by the white border and background, are printed on one side (back side) of the PET film. A strong and transparent clear permanent pressure sensitive adhesive is then applied over the entire back surface covering both the printed and un-printed areas. The adhesive needs to be treated to be ready-to-use before being covered with a release paper liner, which is peeled off at the time of use for the adhesive to tenaciously bond the tag to the surface to which.it is affixed. The printed white border and color schematic, as well as the label which is later inserted in the tag, is protected by the same layer of PET film. As this PET film also serves as an protective over laminate, there is no need to lay another transparent PET film over it.

Note that the ready-to-use pressure sensitive adhesive of the tag serves to provide tenacious permanent bonding of the tag to the surface to which it is affixed. Where a removable, re-attachable and re-positionable adhesive is desired for repeated re-use on lubricant packaging containers, use the tag with an Adhesive Conversion Plate.

FIG. 4A shows the front view of the adhesive conversion plate in accordance with the present invention. A tag of a chosen schematic and color, with a coding label already inserted therein, is affixed on to the front face of the adhesive conversion plate. The tag's adhesive permanently bonds it to the front face of the plate. The other side of the plate has an adhesive that allows it to be removable, re-attachable and re- positionable.

In accordance with the present invention, the adhesive conversion plate is 1 mm wider than the tag all around. There are locator markings on the plate to align with those on the tag to facilitate accurate positioning of the tag on to the plate. The printed wordings 'Removable & Re-positionable' on the right shoulder of the front face of the plate remains visible under the transparent clear adhesive border of the tag (i.e. the area of the transparent PET print substrate film that has no white nor color ink print). Visually the 'Removable & Re-positionable' wordings appear on the right shoulder of the tag outside the Oil Drop' or 'Thickened Oil Drop' shape. Like the inserted coding label, these wordings are also protected by the tag's PET film.

FIG. 4B is a section view of the adhesive conversion plate of FIG. 4A in accordance with the present invention, wherein reference 40 is a clear PET film, reference 42 is a removable and re-positionable acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive, and reference 44 is a releasing paper liner, which is an opaque white, having a thickness of 0.15 mm.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a tie plate 80 with integral lug, retaining ring and greasing nipple cap in accordance with the present invention. The first purpose of the tie plate 80 is to enable the tag to be attached to the machinery with a wire or cable tie (not shown), where this method of attachment is preferred or necessitated in some cases over self-adhesive sticking of the tag on to the machinery surface (e.g. the surface area of the chosen location is not big enough to stick the tag properly, the chosen location may be hard to access or not readily visible, the surface temperature exceeds the 70 degrees celsus maximum service temperature of the self-adhesive (tag). The tag on its own lacks structural rigidity for it to be attached by tying with a wire or cable tie. In this case, the tag is first affixed on to the tie plate 80 to permanently bond itself to the tie plate reference 80 which is structurally rigid enough to be attached to the machinery by a wire or cable tie.

The second purpose is to enable a similarly color-coded greasing nipple cap to be integrated with the tie plate 80. In this case, the tie plate 80 shall incorporate a retaining ring and a greasing nipple cap. The retaining ring attaches directly to a greasing nipple without the need for a wire or cable tie. The integral cap shields the greasing nipple from atmospheric dust particles, moisture and corrosive contaminants. The entire tie plate 80, including the integral retaining ring and greasing nipple cap, shall be similarly color coded as the schematic- and color- coding system.

The tie plate shall be made of a suitable plastic material, with a lug at its top and an integral strap connecting it to the retaining ring.

Where the integral greasing nipple cap is not required, such as when attaching the tag to an oil lubricant filler port, it may be easily cut off using a blade or a pair of scissors. The tie plate, with the tag bonded on to it, may then be attached to the machinery either directly on its retaining ring, or with the use of a cable tie through the retaining ring. If the strap turns out to be too long for a particular attachment, the strap too may easily be cut off using a blade or a pair of scissors. In this case, the tie plate 80 is attached with the use of a cable tie through the lug.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, various embodiments of the invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific examples are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of at least one embodiment of the invention. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that other embodiments of the invention are not limited to the examples described herein. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure embodiments of the invention described herein.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic and color coding scheme in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In this scheme, there are altogether 10 schematics, comprising of anti-friction bearing schematic, engine and compressor schematic, fans and blowers schematic, gear schematic, grease lubricants, schematic, hydraulic schematic, journal bearing schematic, motors schematic, oil lubricants schematic, and pumps schematic.

The color and shape coding scheme of the present invention includes (1) Engines & Compressors (piston/cylinder), (2) Fans & Blowers, (3) Gears, (4) Hydraulic, (5) Journal Bearings, (6) Pumps, (7) generic Oil Lubricant, (8) Anti-Friction Bearings, (9) Electric Motors, and (10) generic Grease Lubricant.

Table 1 below indicates the 10 schematics and their individual drawing reference as Annex Number to the FIG. 1 of the present invention. Schematics 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, & 10 have the same color-printed oil drop shape as shown on FIG. 1. Schematics 1 , 5 & 8 have the same color-printed "thickened oil drop" shape as shown also in FIG. 1. Both the oil drop shapes have the same outline when including the transparent clear adhesive border, and have the same major dimensions of 63mm horizontally, and 67mm vertically.

Table 1

In the above table, 7 of the schematics (2, 3, 4, 6, 7,9 & 10) have the same oil drop shaped as shown in FIG. 1. The other three schematics (1 , 5 & 8) have a "thicken oil drop" shape as shown also in FIG. 1. However both the shapes have the same outline/shape that includes the transparent clear adhesive border, with major dimension of 63mm horizontally and 67mm vertically.

In accordance with the present invention, color inks and their default numbers of the color coding are shown in Table 2. A vendor needs to confirm the corresponding colours to be the same or closest as the Pantone colors.

Table 2

Colour Inks & their Default Numbers

Table 3 shows margins and spacing between tags on A4-size sheet in accordance with the present invention: Table 3

Referring to FIG. 2A, there is shown the front view of the color coding of one schematic in accordance with the present invention. The drawing depicts a gear schematic tag. A number is indicated showing the default number for individual color ink. In the preferred embodiment, below the gear logo, there is a transparent clear window which is used for the placement of a label from the back of the tag. The dotted areas denote transparent clear areas with no ink printing but with transparent clear adhesive at the back of the tag. There is kiss cut, all around the outline that includes the transparent clear adhesive border, from the front of the schematic, through the PET lamination film through to the pressure sensitive adhesive at the back of the PET print substrate. There is no kiss cut on the release paper liner.

FIG. 3A shows section views of the self-adhesive schematic- and color-coded tag in accordance with the present invention. This method of fabrication is used where there is no in-house on-site facilities to apply a ready-to-use tenacious and transparent clear permanent pressure sensitive adhesive onto a transparent plastic film. In this case, a transparent PET film that has been pre-coated on one side (back side) with a strong permanent and transparent clear pressure sensitive adhesive is used as the printing substrate. The adhesive is transparent and ready- to-use, and is covered by a release paper liner, which is peeled off at the time of use for the adhesive to tenaciously bond the tag to the surface to which it is affixed. White border and background, followed by the color schematic, are printed on the uncoated side (front side) of the PET printing substrate, which is then over laminated by another transparent PET film with a transparent clear adhesive to permanently bond it to the printing substrate. The printed white border and color schematic is protected by this over laminate against ultra violet radiation, industrial oils and greases, and industrial washes. The label, when inserted in the tag, is protected by both this over laminate and the printing substrate.

FIG. 3B shows section views of the self-adhesive schematic- and color-coded tag in accordance with the present invention, fabricated by this method where there is in- house on-site facilities to apply a ready-to-use, strong and transparent clear permanent pressure sensitive adhesive on to a transparent plastic film. In this case, an uncoated transparent PET film is used as the printing substrate that also serves as an over laminate. The color schematic, followed by the white border and background, are printed on one side (back side) of the PET film. A strong and transparent clear permanent pressure sensitive adhesive is then applied over the entire back surface covering both the printed and un-printed areas. The adhesive needs to be made ready-to-use before being covered with a release paper liner, which is peeled off at the time of use for the adhesive to tenaciously bond the tag to the surface to which it is affixed. The printed white border and color schematic, as well as the label which is later inserted in the tag, is protected by the same layer of PET film. As this PET film also serves as an over laminate, there is no need to lay another transparent PET film over it.

Note that the ready-to-use pressure sensitive adhesive serves to provide tenacious permanent bonding of the tag to the surface to which it is affixed. Where a removable, re-attachable and re-positionable adhesive is desired for repeated re-use on lubricant packaging containers, use the tag with an adhesive conversion plate. FIG. 4A is the front view of an adhesive conversion plate in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B shows the section views of the removable, re-attachable and re-positionable self-adhesive conversion plate.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the schematic tags shall be supplied on A-size sheets with 12 number tags of the same schematic and color per sheet, and the tags are to be positioned 3 numbers per row horizontally over the entire width and 4 numbers per row vertically over the entire height. For each of the schematic, there are 10 colors. The schematic and color coding scheme is used for the oil lubricants and grease lubricants. The 10 schematics include a generic oil lubricant schematic and a generic grease lubricant schematic.

In this system, the color coding scheme for lubricants for various device are designated by the number 1 through 10. In accordance with the present invention a code, preferably a visual code such as a color code is assigned to a particular lubricant for a specific machine or component.

In use, a lubrication maintenance head would determine which lubricant would give to the appropriate engine or targets. The kind of lubricant which fits the kind of machine or component is done by the decision made by the lubrication maintenance head.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method of using schematic and color coding having a plurality of tags. The method comprises the steps of (i) choosing a tag of a desired schematic and color; (ii) providing lubricant information on a label which is self-customisable and self-printing; (iii) turning the tag over and flipping the folding flap at the two (2) short uncut lengths that serve as a hinge to expose the transparent clear window from the back of the tag; (iv) placing the label with lubricant information onto the tag window (the 'hinged' side serves as a guide to position in the label) and flipping back the folding flap; and (v) taking the tag to the device or site, and then peeling off the tag from the adhesive release paper liner (33) at the back of the tag; (vi) sticking the tag on to the chosen location, firmly pressing over the surface of the entire tag.

The size of the label in the preferred embodiment of the present invention are 35mm x 20mm and are supplied on A4-size paper sheet, 60 pieces in a sheet. The front or the printed side of the label is non-adhesive but the back of the label is self-adhesive. After flipping the folding flap at the back of the tag, the prepared label is inserted face-down over the transparent clear window from the back of the tag. After removing the adhesive release paper liner on the back of the tag, the tag is affixed on to the chosen location. The entire tag surface is then pressed down firmly to smoothen the tag and avoid air bubbles, and the edges of the tag are pressed down again. The label is now encapsulated in the tag between the PET print laminate and the substrate surface on which it is affixed, and is protected by both the PET printing laminate and the PET over laminate. FIG. 3A shows section views of the self-adhesive schematic- and color-coded tag in accordance with the present invention. This method of fabrication is used where there is no in-house on-site facilities to apply a ready-to-use tenacious and transparent clear permanent pressure sensitive adhesive onto a transparent plastic film. In this case, a transparent PET film that has been pre-coated on one side (back side) with a strong permanent and transparent clear pressure sensitive adhesive is used as the printing substrate. The adhesive is transparent and ready-to-use, and is covered by a release paper liner, which is peeled off at the time of use for the adhesive to tenaciously bond the tag to the surface to which it is affixed. White border and background, followed by the color schematic, are printed on the uncoated side (front side) of the PET printing substrate, which is then over laminated by another transparent PET film with a transparent clear adhesive to permanently bond it to the printing substrate. The printed white border and color schematic is protected by this over laminate against ultra violet radiation, industrial oils and greases, and industrial washes. The label, when inserted in the tag, is protected by both this over laminate and the printing substrate.

FIG. 3B shows section views of the self-adhesive schematic- and color-coded tag in accordance with the present invention, fabricated by this method where there is in- house on-site facilities to apply a ready-to-use, strong and transparent clear permanent pressure sensitive adhesive on to a transparent plastic film. In this case, an uncoated transparent PET film is used as the printing substrate that also serves as an over laminate. The color schematic, followed by the white border and background, are printed on one side (back side) of the PET film. A strong and transparent clear permanent pressure sensitive adhesive is then applied over the entire back surface covering both the printed and un-printed areas. The adhesive needs to be made ready-to-use before being covered with a release paper liner, which is peeled off at the time of use for the adhesive to tenaciously bond the tag to the surface to which it is affixed. The printed white border and color schematic, as well as the label which is later inserted in the tag, is protected by the same layer of PET film. As this PET film also serves as an over laminate, there is no need to lay another transparent PET film over it.

FIG. 4A shows the front view of the adhesive conversion plate in accordance with the present invention. A tag of a chosen schematic and color, with a coding label already inserted therein, is affixed on to the front face of the adhesive conversion plate. The tag's adhesive permanently bonds it to the front face of the Plate. The other side of the plate has an adhesive that allows it to be removable, re-attachable and re- positionable.

In accordance with the present invention, the adhesive conversion plate is 1 mm wider than the tag all around. There are locator markings on the plate to align with those on the tag to facilitate accurate positioning of the tag on to the plate. The printed wordings 'Removable & Re-positionable' on the right shoulder of the front face of the plate remains visible under the transparent clear adhesive border of the tag (i.e. the area of the transparent PET print substrate film where there is no white nor color ink print). Visually the 'Removable & Re-positionable' wordings appear on the right shoulder of the tag outside the Oil drop' or 'thickened oil drop' shape. Like the inserted coding label, the wordings are also protected by the tag's PET film.

FIG. 4B is a section view of the adhesive conversion plate of FIG. 4A in accordance with the present invention, wherein reference 40 is a clear PET film, reference 42 is a removable and re-positionable acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive, and reference 44 is a releasing paper liner, which is an opaque white, having a thickness of 0.15 mm.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a schematic view of a tie plate 80 with integral lug, retaining ring and greasing nipple cap in accordance with the present invention.

The first purpose of the tie plate 80 is to enable the tag to be attached to the machinery with a wire or cable tie (not shown), where this method of attachment is preferred or necessitated in some cases over self-adhesive sticking of the tag on to the machinery surface(e.g. the surface area of the chosen location is not big enough to stick the tag properly, the chosen location may be hard to access or not readily visible, the surface temperature exceeds the 70 degrees Celsus maximum service temperature of the self-adhesive (tag).The tag on its own lacks structural rigidity for it to be attached by tying with a wire or cable tie. In this case, the tag is first affixed on to the tie plate 80 to permanently bond itself to the tie plate reference 80 which is structurally rigid enough to be attached to the machinery by a wire or cable tie.

The second purpose is to enable a similarly color-coded greasing nipple cap to be integrated with the tie plate 80. In this case, the tie plate 80 shall incorporate a retaining ring and greasing nipple cap to directly attach to a greasing nipple without the need for a wire or cable tie. The integral cap shields the greasing nipple from atmospheric dust particles, moisture and corrosive contaminants. The entire tie plate 80, including the integral retaining ring and greasing nipple cap, shall be similarly color coded as the schematic- and color-coding system. The tie plate 80 shall be made of a suitable plastic material, with a lug at its top and an integral strap connecting it to the retaining ring.

Where the integral greasing nipple cap is not required such as when attaching the tag to an oil lubricant filler port, it may be easily cut off using a blade or a pair of scissors. The plate may then be attached to the machinery either directly on its retaining ring, or with the use of a cable tie through the retaining ring. If the strap turns out to be too long for a particular attachment, the strap too may be easily cut off using a blade or a pair of scissors. In this case, the plate 80 is attached with the use of a cable tie through the lug. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method of inserting a prepared coding label into a coding tag comprising the steps of (i) self-printing of self- customised coding label; (ii) inserting a coding label to the transparent window of the tag at the back of the PET film; (iii) arranging the printed face of the coding label to the clear window; and (iv) encapsulating the coding label in the tag between the PET film and the surface on which the tag is affixed; and (v) protecting the coding label by the PET film against ultra violet radiation, industrial oils and greases, and industrial washes.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that embodiments of the invention are not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of at least one embodiment of the invention is defined by the claims below.