Tamper-resistant marker and method of mounting same

Abstract

A tamper-resistant marker is formed of metal sheet material from a substantially planar blank thereof having a perimeter and two faces. The marker has a flange extending therefrom about the perimeter in a direction substantially perpendicular to the faces. The marker also has indicia with raised portions on one of the two faces, the raised portions being raised in a direction opposite to that of the flange. Methods of manufacturing the marker and of mounting it on a surface are also disclosed.

1 . A tamper-resistant marker comprising: 
 a blank of metal sheet material, said blank being substantially planar and having a perimeter and two faces, said blank having a flange extending therefrom about said perimeter in a direction substantially perpendicular to said faces, said blank further having indicia with raised portions on one of said two faces, said raised portions being opposite in direction to said flange.    
   
   
       2 . A tamper-resistant marker as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said blank is circular.  
   
   
       3 . A tamper-resistant marker as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said blank is domed convexly in a direction opposite to that of said flange.  
   
   
       4 . A tamper-resistant marker as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said blank is of a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, brass and stainless steel.  
   
   
       5 . A tamper-resistant marker as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said blank is 0.060 inch thick.  
   
   
       6 . A tamper-resistant marker as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said flange is 0.125 inch high.  
   
   
       7 . A tamper-resistant marker as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said face bearing said indicia with raised portions has a fine, uniform pattern of circular scratches.  
   
   
       8 . A tamper-resistant marker as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said face bearing said indicia with raised portions is covered with a paint.  
   
   
       9 . A tamper-resistant marker as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein said paint is removed from said raised portions of said indicia.  
   
   
       10 . A tamper-resistant marker as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein said paint is removed with an abrasive sanding disk.  
   
   
       11 . A tamper-resistant marker as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein said paint includes ultraviolet (UV) inhibitors.  
   
   
       12 . A tamper-resistant marker as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said face bearing said indicia with raised portions is screen-printed.