AU2012101672A4 - An Indicator - Google Patents

Abstract

An indicator includes a carrier having an obverse surface that defines an indicia zone and a contrasting zone. A first pigment is arranged on the indicia zone and a second pigment is arranged on the contrasting zone. The first and second pigments are selected to be visually contrasting and the contrasting zone is larger than the indicia zone and the indicia zone is located at least partially within the contrasting zone. Indicia are arranged on the indicia zone, the indicia being of a third pigment that is selected to contrast visually with respect to the first pigment. rrUU I--M I o 00 ;-V CCIA co wfl u Q M cl

Description

I AN INDICATOR FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to an indicator. More particularly, the invention relates to an indicator, to a labelling system and to a method of labelling an article or object with fixed and variable information. The invention extends to a kit for labelling an article or object with fixed and variable information. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0002] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an indicator that comprises a carrier having an obverse surface that defines an indicia zone and a contrasting zone, a first pigment being arranged on the indicia zone and a second pigment being arranged on the contrasting zone, the first and second pigments being selected to be visually contrasting, the contrasting zone being larger than the indicia zone and the indicia zone being located at least partially within the contrasting zone; and indicia being arranged on the indicia zone, the indicia being of a third pigment that is selected to contrast visually with respect to the first pigment. [0003] It is to be appreciated that the pigments can be selected from a wide range within the above constraints. For example, the first and second pigments can be yellow and red, respectively, or yellow and green, respectively, or any other combination that provides a visual contrast. Also, the first and third pigments can be yellow and black, respectively. The inventor has found that this provides an indicator of enhanced visibility, particularly drawing an observer's vision to the indicia. [0004] The carrier may be a rectangular, with the indicia zone extending centrally from one side to an opposite side. The indicia zone may then be interposed between two parts or portions of the contrasting zone. The carrier may be elongate with the indicia zone extending from one minor side to an opposed minor side. Likewise, the portions of the contrasting zone may extend from one minor side to the opposed minor side. [0005] The carrier may be of a flexible, sheet like material. The carrier may be mountable on a surface of an object or article that is associated with information represented by the indicia. Thus, the carrier can be in the form of a label that can be 2 adhered or otherwise attached to the object. A layer of adhesive may be arranged on an attachment side of the carrier. The adhesive may be of the type that is usually covered by some form of backing layer so that the backing layer can be removed and the carrier simply pressed onto the object. [0006] The carrier may be in the form of a length of the sheet like material. For example, the carrier may be provided as a roll of the sheet like material. The length may be demarcated by a series of transverse zones of weakness such as score lines so that the length can be separated into different parts. The score lines may be positioned so that the parts or sub lengths can have differing lengths to suit the indicia required in the respective indicia zones. For example, one sub length can be of sufficient length to carry indicia representing information regarding a particular action, such as, "best by", "use by", "inspected", etc. Another sub length can be of sufficient length to carry indicia representing a year, such as, "2012". Yet other sub lengths can be dimensioned to carry indicia representing months and days. Thus, a user can unroll a length and divide it according to the information required to be displayed. Furthermore, it can be a relatively simple task to remove parts of the attached carrier and replace them with other parts. Thus, the carrier may be provided in different lengths, where convenient. [0007] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a labelling system which comprises a plurality of labels, each label having an obverse surface that has applied thereto at least two colours, one colour designating a time and the other colour designating an event. [0008] The labelling system may include a variable, such as time, colour code carrier that includes a plurality of time colours designating time in years respectively, from which selected time colours a user may select the one colour applied to the obverse surface of the label. Instead of time, the colour may be associated with some other variable, depending on the application. The time colour code carrier may include ten selected time colours corresponding to years in a decade respectively. [0009] The labelling system may also include a fixed information code colour carrier, such as an event colour code carrier that includes selected event colours designating events respectively. The event colours may include two event colours, one colour designating a past event and the other colour designating a future event.

3 [0010] Moreover, the label may include signage or indicia applied to its obverse surface that indicates subdivisions of the time designated by the time colour. [0011] The label may include an elongated label body having an obverse surface and a self-adhesive reverse surface. The elongated label body may be generally laminar and rectangular in outline. [0012] The label body may define longitudinally spaced signage or indicia zones, each indicia zone bearing information that indicates subdivisions of the time designated by the time colour. The information that indicates subdivisions of the time designated by the time colour may include numeral digits applied to the obverse surface within the indicia zones, which numeral digits may be selected to designate a year, and/or months of a year, and/or days of a month. [0013] The label body may include an obverse surface having applied thereto a background colour corresponding to the selected time colour and a foreground colour corresponding to the selected event colour. The foreground colour may be applied to the obverse surface of the label in the form of an elongated colour strip extending longitudinally across the obverse surface intermediate long side edges of the label body, so as to define two elongated time colour strips flanking the elongated intermediate event colour strip. [0014] The label body may define between selected indicia zones a transverse score line or perforated line that extends transversely across the label body to facilitate removal of part of the label that bears unwanted month or day numerals prior to application of the label to an article. [0015] The invention also relates to a method of labelling an article, which method includes: selecting a colour that represents variable information and applying the colour to at least part of an obverse surface of a label; selecting another colour that designates fixed information that is associated with the variable information, and applying the other colour to another part of the obverse surface of the label; and applying the label to the article.

4 [0016] Selecting a colour that designates the variable information may include selecting a colour that designates a time and that step may include providing a time colour code carrier that includes a plurality of colours, each colour being associated with a year, and selecting a colour that designates a year. [0017] Selecting another colour that designates the fixed information may include selecting another colour that designates an event an event and may include providing an event colour code carrier that includes at least two colours, one colour designating a past event and the other colour designating a future event. [0018] The method may include applying indicia or signage to the obverse surface, which indicia may designate months and/or days of the year. [0019] The invention also relates to a labelling kit that includes: at least one label having an obverse surface that has applied thereto at least two colours, one colour designating variable information and the other colour designating fixed information; and a colour code carrier defining the fixed information designation and the variable information designation of the colours. [0020] The at least one label may include any one or more of the optional features as defined in the first aspect of the invention. [0021] The colour code carrier may include any one or more of the optional features as defined in the first and second aspects of the invention. [0022] Embodiments of an indicator and a labelling system may manifest themselves in a variety of forms. It is convenient to describe several embodiments of the invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The purpose of providing this detailed description is to instruct persons having an interest in the subject matter of the invention how to carry the invention into practical effect. However it is to be clearly understood that the specific nature of this detailed description does not supersede the generality of the preceding broad description and the appended claims.

5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0023] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional view of a roll of self-adhesive tape comprising labels or indicators forming part of a labelling system, in accordance with the invention. [0024] Figure 2 is a plan view of part of the tape in Figure 1. [0025] Figure 3 is a plan view of part of a self-adhesive tape incorporating another embodiment of a label. [0026] Figure 4 is a plan view of part of a self-adhesive tape incorporating yet another embodiment of a label. [0027] Figure 5 is a plan view of part of a self-adhesive tape incorporating a further embodiment of a label. [0028] Figure 6 is a plan view of part of a self-adhesive tape incorporating yet a further embodiment of a label. [0029] Figure 7 is a plan view of part of a self-adhesive tape incorporating even yet a further embodiment of a label; [0030] Figure 8 is a plan view of a colour code carrier forming part of the labelling system. [0031] Figure 9 is a three-dimensional view of an article having applied thereto a label forming part of the labelling system. [0032] Figure 10 shows one embodiment of an indicator. [0033] Figure 11 shows another embodiment of an indicator. [0034] Figure 12 shows embodiments of an indicator carrying various indicia representing information. [0035] Figure 13 shows further embodiments of an indicator. [0036] Figure 14 shows further embodiments of an indicator. [0037] Figure 15 shows further embodiments of an indicator.

6 [0038] Figure 16 shows an embodiment of an indicator in the form of a length of carrier or tape. [0039] Figure 17 shows an embodiment of an indicator in the form of a length of carrier or tape. [0040] Figure 18 shows further embodiments of an indicator. [0041] Figure 19 shows an embodiment of an indicator in the form of a length of carrier or tape. [0042] Figure 20 shows further embodiments of an indicator. [0043] Figure 21 shows an embodiment of an indicator in the form of a length of carrier or tape. [0044] Figure 22 shows an embodiment of an indicator in the form of a length of carrier or tape. [0045] Figure 23 shows a side view of an indicator. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS [0046] In Figure 1, reference numeral 10 generally refers to roll of self adhesive tape that comprises a plurality of labels 12 that form part of a labelling system, in accordance with the invention. [0047] The labelling system, in this example, includes a labelling kit. The labelling kit includes a label, such as roll 10 comprising the labels 12 and a colour code carrier 14 (see Figure 8) as is explained in more detail below. The labelling system can include many different embodiments of labels as is explained in more detail below with reference to Figures 2 to 7. [0048] The label 12 includes a label body 16 having an obverse surface 18. Applied to the obverse surface 18 of the label body 16 are at least two pigments 20 and 22. One pigment is of a colour 20 that designates variable information in the form of a time and the other pigment 22 designates fixed information in the form of an event, the significance of which is explained below. The label body is generally rectangular in outline and its reverse or attachment surface is self-adhesive.

7 [0049] The colour code carrier 14 in this example of a labelling system is in the form of a colour code card that has a surface on which colour codes 24, 26 are provided. The colour code card 12 can, for example, form part of the packaging for the labels. [0050] In this example, the colour code card 14 includes a time colour code carrier 24 that includes a plurality of time colours 24 that forms a time colour legend that shows colours designating time in years respectively. Thus, a user can select a time colour corresponding to a year with which the user wishes to date an article or object, and then inspect the labels so as to select a label that includes a pigment of a time colour applied to its surface that corresponds to the selected year. The time colour code carrier 24 in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 8 includes ten time colours corresponding to years in a decade from 2009 to 2018 respectively. [0051] The colour code carrier 24 also includes an event colour code carrier 26 that includes an event colour code legend that includes selected event colours designating events respectively. The event colour code carrier 26 as illustrated in Figure 8, includes two event colours, one colour designating a past event, such as 'REPAIRED', and the other colour designating a future event, such as, 'TO BE REPAIRED'. [0052] To this end, the label 12 also includes signage or indicia 28 applied to its obverse surface 18 that indicates subdivisions of the time designated by the time colour. That is, the label 12 defines longitudinally spaced signage or indicia zones 30, within which each indicia zone 30 the signage or indicia is provided. The indicia 28 on label 12 includes numeral digits that designate months of a year, and numeral digits that designate the year, at 33, that corresponds to the time colour 20. [0053] The time colour 20 can be a background colour of label 12 and the event colour can be a foreground colour of the label 12. The foreground colour 22 of the label 12, in Figure 2, is applied to the obverse surface 18 of the label 12 in the form of an elongated colour strip extending longitudinally across the obverse surface 18 intermediate long side edges of the label body 16. That way, two elongated time colour strips 20 are defined that flank the elongated event colour strip 22 intermediate the long side edges. [0054] The label body 16 also defines between each indicia zone 30 a transverse score line or perforated line 32 that extends transversely across the label body 16. That 8 facilitates removal of part of the label 12 that bears unwanted month or day numerals, as the case may be, prior to application of the label 12 to an article. [0055] Figures 3 to 7 show other embodiments of labels forming part of the labelling system in accordance with the invention. In Figures 3 to 7 like parts are indicated with like numerals that are used in Figure 2. [0056] In Figure 3, a label 34 is shown that includes a pigment of the time colour 20 and a pigment of the event colour 22. The label 34 is essentially identical to the label 12, but it excludes the indicia zone, at 33, that carries the year numerals. [0057] In Figure 4, label 36 is shown. Each label 36 includes an indicia zone, at 38, that includes month numerals and an indicia zone, at 40, that includes year numerals that correspond to the year colour 20. [0058] Referring to Figure 5, label 42 is shown. Each label 42 includes three indicia zones, respectively, bearing day numerals at 44, month numerals at 46, and year numerals at 48, that correspond with the year colour 20. [0059] Another embodiment of a label 50 is shown in Figure 6. Label 50 is substantially identical to label 42, but includes, in addition, on each label 50, an indicia zone 52 for bearing an event descriptor. For example, the indicia zone 52 can include the word 'REPAIRED' corresponding to the event colour 22. [0060] Figure 7 shows another embodiment of a label 54 that includes a plurality of label members from which a user can select to apply to an article. The label 54 includes day label members 56 each including the time colour 20 and event colour 22 and numerals that are used, individually or in combination, to designate a day of a month. [0061] Also, label 54 includes month label members 58 that also include the time colour 20 and event colour 22 and numerals, which can be selected for designating a month of the year. [0062] Label members 60 include numerals that designate a year, and include the time colour 20 and event colour 22. [0063] Further, the label 54 includes event identifier label members 62 that bear event information that is associated with the event colour 22.

9 [0064] In use, if a user needs to label an article, such as the bottle 64 with a date and event information, then the user can select an appropriate label, in accordance with the invention. [0065] For example, if the bottle 64 needs to be labelled with a year and a month the user can use label 12. The user first selects the label, for example from a consumer outlet that includes the time colour that corresponds with the year with which the user needs to date the bottle 64. [0066] It will be appreciated that the labelling system may include a range of originally manufactured labels that include time colours corresponding to years, so that the colours are universally employed. That way, the colour codes can be standardised for ease of recognition by users in industry. [0067] The user then also considers the nature of the event and selects a label 12 that includes an event colour that is associated with the event. In this case, the label 12 is to be used for indicating a year and month after which the contents of the bottle expires for safe use. Thus, the user selects a label 12 that includes a red event colour, in which red designates a future event, with red being generally associated with a warning. [0068] The user then selects the month with which the user would like to label the bottle 64, and tears off the unwanted part of label 12 that bears the unwanted month numerals. The label 12 is then applied to the bottle 64. [0069] Instead, the user can select a roll of labels that includes labels 50. Such a roll that comprises labels 50 is particularly useful if a plurality of articles need to be labelled with the same date and event information. Conveniently, labels 50 include indicia zones 52 for bearing event descriptors. [0070] It will be appreciated that the word "label" is meant to include a carrier that bears said colours and signage, and that is associated with an article, and is not limited to something directly attached to an article. [0071] The labelling system as described uses defined colours to provide a visual and efficient way for recognising time and event information that is associated may an article to which the label is applied.

10 [0072] The colours can be selected and applied to labels when they are originally manufactured, and universally used so as to set a time colour standard for identifying years or events that are conveniently universally recognised by users in industry. [0073] Further, using a self-adhesive tape that is generally cost effective to manufacture provides a relatively low cost and fast system for labelling articles with time and event information. [0074] In addition, using colours on the labels to convey important information, such as information that may affect risk, health, or safety, is a conspicuous way to convey the information. [0075] In the above examples, the inventor has introduced a colour for each year and can utilise different colours to convey relevant messages. For example, the colour red can be used to convey warning or risk associated messages. The colour green can be used to convey general information and information with which a warning is not associated. For example, the green colour can display information relating to tasks completed, such as completed maintenance tasks. [0076] The inventor has found that juxtaposition of certain colours relative to each other can create distinctive zones that enhance visual recognition. By selecting indicia of certain colour to overlie the distinctive zones, the inventor has been able to enhance visibility of the information represented by the indicia. For example, visibility of an indicia zone is enhanced when the indicia zone is at least partially bounded by a contrasting zone. The indicia and contrasting zones can carry pigments of colours that are visually contrasting. For example, the indicia zone can carry a yellow pigment, while the contrasting zone can carry any pigment that contrasts with the yellow pigment. For example, the contrasting zone can carry a red or a green pigment. In that configuration, any indicia appearing in the indicia zone can be visibly enhanced when applied in a particular colour, for example, in a dark colour such as black or dark brown. [0077] In this example, and as can be seen in figures 10 to 22, a carrier in various forms can define an obverse surface 70 with a central indicia zone 72 and a pair of opposed contrasting zones 74, with the indicia zone 72 interposed between the contrasting zone 74.

11 [0078] The carrier, in this case, is elongate and rectangular. The central indicia zone 72 is elongate and rectangular and extends between minor sides 76. Each of the contrasting zones 74 is also elongate and rectangular and extends between the minor sides 76. Thus, the carrier effectively carries a central band of one pigment interposed between outer bands of a different pigment. The pigment representing the central band can be selected from a wide variety of colours, as can the pigment representing the outer bands. The constraint is that the central band pigment contrasts visually with the pigment of the outer bands. The inventor has discovered two combinations of pigments that are particularly effective. These are a yellow central band and red or green outer bands. These are also effective since green and red colours that society generally understands as conveying certain meanings. Furthermore, the yellow central band can serve to contrast a dark text or indicia applied to the yellow central band. The visibility of the indicia is enhanced further by the contrasting zones 74 defining the outer bands. [0079] In the specification, the words "yellow", "green", "red" are to be understood as colloquial references to colours. The inventor envisages that a particular type of "yellow" and associated colours such as ochre, light orange, should all be understood to fall within the definition of "yellow". The same applies to "green" and "red". In this example, the words "green", "red" are to be understood to refer to colours which would be recognised as having a certain connotation by an observer. For example, both red and orange are colours readily recognised as connoting a warning, such as a deadline, or an action required. Green and perhaps blue can be recognised as colours that have a more positive connotation then red or orange. It follows that the inventor envisages that various colours can be selected, depending on the application and the environment in which the carrier is to be used. A common requirement is that those colours contrast and the colour applied in the indicia zone 72 contrasts with any indicia to be applied to the zone 72. [0080] In figure 10, there is shown a label or indicator having a yellow indicia zone 72 carrying indicia representing a year. The indicia zone 72 is interposed between contrasting zones 74 of a green pigment. [0081] In figure 11, there is shown a label or indicator, also with a yellow indicia zone 72 interposed between a pair of contrasting zones 74 of a green pigment. The label of figure 11 has three score lines 78 that allow the label to be separated into four 12 different pieces. The score lines 78 are positioned so that one of the pieces can carry fixed information relating to a characteristic of the object or article to which the piece is to be attached. The "fixed information" refers to information that is generally invariable. For example, such information can be "best by", as can be seen in figure 11. One of the pieces can carry a number representing a month, while another of the pieces can carry a number representing a year. A further piece can be interposed between the month number and the year number to carry a separator such as a hyphen. [0082] In figure 12, there is shown a number of labels or indicators in which the contrasting zones 74 are of red or some other colour that represents a warning or danger or an action to be taken. In this example, the fixed information relating to the warning or danger can be represented by indicia on one piece displaying words such as "use by", "inspect", "remove", "replace", "service" and "warranty void". Each of these labels has a single score line so that the other piece can carry indicia representing a year associated with the fixed information. [0083] In figure 13, the structure of the labels is similar to that of those shown in figure 12. However, the contrasting zones 74 are of a green colour, or some other colour that has a similar connotation to green. Where the indicia zone carries a yellow pigment, the inventor has found that green contrasting zones provide a suitable level of visibility. In this example, the fixed information can be of a more positive nature, for example, can be represented by indicia on one piece displaying words such as "best by", "inspected", "made", "replaced", "serviced" and "warranty till". The other piece can carry indicia representing a year associated with the fixed information. [0084] In figure 14, the contrasting zones 74 are also of a green colour. However, the labels have two more score lines 78 that provide a further piece between the fixed information and the year to carry indicia representing a month and a separator, respectively. The fixed information can be the same as that of figure 13, or similar. [0085] In figure 15, the structure of the labels is similar to that of figure 14. However, the pigment of the contrasting zones 74 is of a red colour. The fixed information is the same as that shown in figure 12, or similar. [0086] In figure 16, there is shown a length 80 of indicating tape or label that defines a number of the score lines 78. The score lines demarcate labels in which indicia 13 representing a particular year are carried. The length 80 can be used in bulk operations where a large number of identical labels are required. [0087] In figure 17, there is shown a length 82 of indicating tape or label that also defines a number of the score lines 78. In this example, the score lines 78 are provided in sets 84. Each set 84 of score lines 78 divides the tape will label into consecutive pieces, with one piece 86 dimensioned to carry information relating to a year and other pieces 88 dimensioned to carry information relating to months of the year, such as numbers. Thus, the piece 86 will be longer than the pieces 88. This allows a user to create dates by tearing off and adhering relevant pieces 86, 88 to the article or object. It will be appreciated that the length 82 can be used to provide signs or labels as shown in figures 14 and 15. Thus, those figures should also be regarded as not including the score lines 78 but also assembled labels, each carrying unique information and displayed in a manner in which the visibility of that information is enhanced. [0088] In figure 18, there is shown two examples of a label. In one example, the label is simply a number which can represent a month of a year. In the other example, the label is provided to show the both the month and the year. [0089] In figure 19, there is shown a length of tape that is demarcated by a series of the score lines 78, with a series of numbers carried in the indicia zone 72 between consecutive score lines 78. Such a length can be provided for bulk applications. [0090] In figure 20, there is shown two examples of a label. In one example, the indicia zone 72 of the label carries a number representing a day and another number representing a month. In the other example, the indicia zone carries a day, a month and a year. [0091] In figure 21, there is shown a length of tape that is demarcated by a series of the score lines 78. The score lines 78 separate the length into different lengths suitable for carrying numbers relating to months and years, adjacent to each other. It will be appreciated that the lengths will be of different dimensions since numbers representing months are generally shorter than numbers representing years. [0092] In figure 22, there is shown a length of tape that is demarcated by a series of score lines that are positioned to divide the length into a series of sub lengths of equal length to carry identical dates, for bulk use.

14 [0093] It is to be appreciated that the label can be provided without indicia. For example, the label can be provided with just the indicia zone 72, bounded by the contrasting zones 74 in a situation or environment where observers would be familiar with the use of the label. [0094] The introduction of words representing the fixed information referred to above can include a wide variety of different phrases or single words. Usually, when the contrasting zones are of a green pigment, the words selected would be of a more positive nature then the words associated with contrasting zones of a red pigment. For example, the words "best by" would be associated with a green pigment while the words "use by" would be associated with a red pigment. [0095] Thus, the red pigment allows the identification of action required by an observer, as opposed to a suggestion or general advice, which may be associated with a green pigment. [0096] Use of the contrasting pigments allows an observer to identify objects or articles in respect of which action is required, rather than objects or articles in respect of which advice is provided. The contrasting pigments allow identification before the user or observer has ascertained the actual nature of the information, per se. Thus, where a plurality of the objects or articles are provided in a single area, an observer can identify those objects or articles in respect of which action is required. In other words, the contrasting pigments and manner of the application facilitates distinction between those articles which require action and those which do not. [0097] Use of the contrasting pigments, such as green, allows an observer to identify those objects or articles in respect of which a certain action has occurred. In that case, the fixed information would include words such as "inspected", "made" and the other words shown in figure 14. [0098] Use of the date information described above allows the observer to identify a date on which such action has occurred. [0099] It will be appreciated that the carrier can be in a number of different forms, such as tape, labels, stickers, stamps, posters, stamping equipment and licenses. The inventor envisages that further forms of carrier can also be provided.

15 [0100] Use of the score lines or zones of weakness or any other structure that allows separation allows a user to generate combinations of fixed information and of variable information, such as dates. Thus, a user can create or compose various labels, such as those shown in figures 12 to 15 to be applied to articles or objects depending on the status or otherwise of those articles or objects. Instead of the zones of weakness, the tape or labels can be supplied with demarcations for allowing a user to cut the tape or labels, accurately and consistently, to achieve desired compositions. [0101] For bulk operations, the tape can be supplied as a roll with identical sets of information, as shown in figures 16, 21 and 22. For domestic operations, the tape can be supplied as a roll of the tape shown in figure 17. Thus, a user can purchase a roll and generate a series of dates, as desired. An example of the roll of tape is also shown in figure 1. It will be appreciated that the embodiments shown in figures 10 to 23 can take the form of the embodiments shown in figures 1 to 9. [0102] The score lines 78 can be in the form of rows of perforations or any other arrangement suitable for facilitating separation of the pieces. [0103] The tape can be manufactured from paper, plastic or any commercially available material. Where an adhesive layer is provided, the adhesive can be configured to provide permanent or removable attachment to any surface such as wood, metal, plastic, paper etc. [0104] Figure 23 shows a side view of the carrier with a backing layer 86 partially removed to expose an adhesive layer 88 so that the carrier can be glued or adhered temporarily or permanently to the object or article. [0105] The pigments selected can be reflective or non-reflective. Furthermore, the pigments selected can be selected from the group which provide a luminescence. For example, the pigments can be similar to those used in highlighting pens or the like. Instead, when reflective, the pigmentation material can be provided with microscopic beads of reflective material, in a conventional manner, to provide the required level of reflectiveness. [0106] The tape can be of a wide variety of lengths and widths, depending on the application. Furthermore, the indicia zone can be between about 30% to 60% of the 16 width of the tape, for example, between about 40% to 60% of the width of the tape. As can be seen in the drawings, the two contrasting zones 74 have the same width. [0107] The use of the green and red pigmentation material allows the tape to be used with a low level of initial training. The reason for that is that society has a general understanding of the connotation of those colours. However, the inventor envisages that other colours can be used which are more specific to the environment in which the tape is to be applied. For example, a colour can be selected which is representative of a situation or material that is related to that colour in a particular zone or working area. However, common to such applications is the use of the contrasting colours to enhance visibility, as described above. [0108] Many warehouses and other goods handling areas operate on a first in first out basis. This means that oldest stock is moved first. The tape or indicator of the above embodiments will find particular application in such areas. The visibility of the tape or indicator allows users and observers to appreciate, in a relatively short time, how stock should be arranged. For example, presently, it is often necessary for users and observers to move close to the stock to identify dates and other information printed on the stock. Also, at present, barcodes and QR codes have become popular in such applications. The inventor believes that it is conceivable that the use of the colour combinations described above would be particularly useful for other forms of remote detection, such as those used with optical detectors such as laser-based detectors that are responsive to colour frequencies. [0109] The inventor has found that the use of dark indicia on a yellow background, such as that used for the indicia zone 72 enhances visibility of the indicia. This is further enhanced by the pigments selected for the contrasting zones 74. [0110] The inventor believes that the embodiments described above can enhance quality and safety management procedures. Furthermore, the embodiments described above find use in a large number of applications, such as supermarkets and retail areas, where the observers are members of the purchasing public. [0111] The inventor envisages that other colours could be chosen to suit conventions in particular areas or regions. For example, a supermarket could provide customers with a code carrier, as described above. Customers could readily use the 17 code carrier to identify goods which are subject to certain conditions. These conditions could include a sale price, an expiry date, and the like. [0112] Furthermore, when provided in a roll the tape or carrier can be of a material that allows the tape or carrier to carry out certain functions. For example, the carrier could be of a material suited for insulation, packaging or any other function. [0113] Throughout the specification, including the claims, where the context permits, the term "comprising" and variants thereof such as "comprise" or "comprises" are to be interpreted as including the stated integer or integers without necessarily excluding any other integers. [0114] It is to be understood that the terminology employed above is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The described embodiments are intended to be illustrative of the invention, without limiting the scope thereof. The invention is capable of being practised with various modifications and additions as will readily occur to those skilled in the art. [0115] Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter, are described herein, textually and/or graphically, including the best mode, if any, known to the inventors for carrying out the claimed subject matter. Variations (e.g., modifications and/or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, as permitted by law, the claimed subject matter includes and covers all equivalents of the claimed subject matter and all improvements to the claimed subject matter. Moreover, every combination of the above described elements, activities, and all possible variations thereof are encompassed by the claimed subject matter unless otherwise clearly indicated herein, clearly and specifically disclaimed, or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. [0116] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate one or more embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of any claimed subject matter unless otherwise 18 stated. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter. [0117] Thus, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, such as via explicit definition, assertion, or argument, or clearly contradicted by context, with respect to any claim, whether of this application and/or any claim of any application claiming priority hereto, and whether originally presented or otherwise: a. there is no requirement for the inclusion of any particular described or illustrated characteristic, function, activity, or element, any particular sequence of activities, or any particular interrelationship of elements; b. no characteristic, function, activity, or element is "essential"; c. any elements can be integrated, segregated, and/or duplicated; d. any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any activity can be performed in multiple jurisdictions; and e. any activity or element can be specifically excluded, the sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of elements can vary. [0118] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and/or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. [0119] Moreover, when any number or range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that number or range is approximate. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value and each separate subrange defined by such separate values is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. For example, if a range of 1 to 10 is described, that range includes all values therebetween, such as for 19 example, 1.1, 2.5, 3.335, 5, 6.179, 8.9999, etc., and includes all subranges therebetween, such as for example, 1 to 3.65, 2.8 to 8.14, 1.93 to 9, etc. [0120] Accordingly, every portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, other than the claims themselves, is to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive, and the scope of subject matter protected by any patent that issues based on this application is defined only by the claims of that patent.

Claims (5)

1. An indicator that comprises a carrier having an obverse surface that defines an indicia zone and a contrasting zone, a first pigment being arranged on the indicia zone and a second pigment being arranged on the contrasting zone, the first and second pigments being selected to be visually contrasting, the contrasting zone being larger than the indicia zone and the indicia zone being located at least partially within the contrasting zone; and indicia being arranged on the indicia zone, the indicia being of a third pigment that is selected to contrast visually with respect to the first pigment.

2. An indicator as claimed in claim 1, in which the carrier is elongate and rectangular, with the indicia zone extending centrally from one minor side to an opposite minor side and interposed between two parts or portions of the contrasting zone that extend from one minor side to the opposed minor side.

3. An indicator as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the carrier is of length of flexible, sheet like material mountable on a surface of an object or article that is associated with information represented by the indicia, the length being demarcated by a series of transverse zones of weakness such as score lines so that the length can be separated into different parts.

4. An indicator as claimed in claim 3, the zones of weakness being positioned so that the parts can have differing lengths to suit the indicia required in the respective indicia zones.

5. An indicator, substantially as described herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings.