Marking device

A marking device for a conductor of fluids, electric energy, optical light waves, or the like, comprising:

• (a) a horizontal generally tubular shell (1) containing a through passage for receiving one of a plurality of conductors having different diametric sizes, said shell being horizontally divided to define upper (2) and lower (3) shell sections,
• (1) said upper shell section (2) having an inverted generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration defining a pair of first leg portions (2a,2b) joined by a first bridging portion (2c), said first leg portions having internal surfaces (10, 11) adjacent said bridging portion that are angularly inclined at an obtuse angle, thereby to define a conductor seat (S) that is centrally arranged relative to the vertical plane passing longitudinally through the shell;
• (2) said second shell section (3) having a generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration defining a pair of second leg portions (3a, 3b) joined by a second bridging portion (3c), said shell sections having pairs of adjacent longitudinal edge portions;
• (b) an indicia-bearing plate (5) supported by the external surface of said first shell section directly above said conductor;
• (c) hinge means (4) connecting a first pair of said longitudinal edge portions, thereby to permit pivotal movement of said lower shell section from a closed position toward an open position relative to said upper shell section, thereby to permit the lateral insertion of the conductor within said upper shell section adjacent said conductor seat;
• (d) locking means (7, 8, 9) for locking together the other pair of longitudinal edge portions when said second section is in said closed position, and the conductor is enclosed within said shell;
• and
• (e) biasing means (6) carried by said second shell section for biasing the conductor laterally toward said conductor seat.