1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a tag structure for attachment to an article cast from molten material, to a method for labeling an article cast from a molten material and to an article cast from molten material including a tag having human or machine readable markings relative to the article, such as article identification.
Upon completing the manufacture of an article cast from a molten material, there is a need to provide the subsequent user with a clear identification and other information relating to the article. For example, if the article is in its usable final form, product information such as price and weight may be useful. If the article is utilized in combination with various other items, a clear description of its individual function may be required. Further, production schedules may require inventory information to be displayed on the article. If the article is simply in an intermediate form to be subjected to further processing, information regarding the individual article's composition may be required for the final processing steps.
2. Description of The Prior Art
Certain methods are known for providing a display of information on articles in general. One method, perhaps the most common method, includes the application of a label coated with an adhesive backing which is adhered to the article. Unfortunately, many of these labels lack sufficient adherence to provide a reliable bond between the label and the article for extended periods of time.
Another method includes the attachment of a label in the form of a structural tag to the article by physically driving retaining projections which are integral with the tag into the article. An example of such a tag and process is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,673,717. Use of tags with these projections in such a process may subject the article to unwanted damage or at least create stresses within the article. Further, the hardness of the article to be labeled may preclude use of this method. This is especially likely in articles which are cast from molten material, such as aluminum, for example.
Another method, specific to cast molten material articles, includes the attachment of a label or tag before solidification of the molten material. An example of such a process is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 1,561,427. The process disclosed in this patent includes assembling individual characters on a strip to form a number or word, embedding the entire strip into a mold and casting the metal in the mold.
Regarding this process, it should be noted that a number of individual characters must be arranged to create the marking. This may be time consuming and laborious, especially if much information is to be conveyed. Further, computer bar codes which are often used in many of today's products cannot be embedded in this manner. Also, repeated impression of the markings into the mold may eventually cause damage to the mold surface.
Stenciling and riveting are also known methods used with cast articles after the articles are made.
It can be seen that labeling an article can proceed during the making of the article or after the article is made, with the latter being the predominate mode.