CA1214028A - Security seals - Google Patents
Security sealsInfo
- Publication number
- CA1214028A CA1214028A CA000412032A CA412032A CA1214028A CA 1214028 A CA1214028 A CA 1214028A CA 000412032 A CA000412032 A CA 000412032A CA 412032 A CA412032 A CA 412032A CA 1214028 A CA1214028 A CA 1214028A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- strap
- reduced thickness
- tab
- security seal
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F3/00—Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
- G09F3/02—Forms or constructions
- G09F3/03—Forms or constructions of security seals
- G09F3/0305—Forms or constructions of security seals characterised by the type of seal used
- G09F3/037—Forms or constructions of security seals characterised by the type of seal used having tie-wrap sealing means
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L3/00—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets
- F16L3/22—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting a number of parallel pipes at intervals
- F16L3/23—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting a number of parallel pipes at intervals for a bundle of pipes or a plurality of pipes placed side by side in contact with each other
- F16L3/233—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting a number of parallel pipes at intervals for a bundle of pipes or a plurality of pipes placed side by side in contact with each other by means of a flexible band
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/14—Bale and package ties, hose clamps
- Y10T24/1498—Plastic band
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/15—Bag fasteners
- Y10T24/153—Plastic band bag tie
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T292/00—Closure fasteners
- Y10T292/48—Seals
- Y10T292/4945—Rigid shackle ends
- Y10T292/496—Resilient engaging means
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T292/00—Closure fasteners
- Y10T292/48—Seals
- Y10T292/50—Single piece, spring catch
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Package Frames And Binding Bands (AREA)
- Bag Frames (AREA)
- Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)
- Casings For Electric Apparatus (AREA)
Abstract
SECURITY SEALS
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
Disclosed is a one-piece plastic security seal comprising a housing having a passageway therein, a tab extending generally transversely to the housing, and a flexible strap extending generally transversely to the housing, with the strap being connected to the tab and the tab being frangibly connected to the housing by at least a first line of reduced thickness and a second line of reduced thickness. The tab includes a single aperture with the housing bridging just a central part of the aperture to leave a pair of spaced-apart end openings on opposite sides of the housing. At least the first of the lines of reduced thickness extend directly between the pair of spaced-apart end openings on the side of the housing opposite the strap. A free end of the flexible strap is receivable by the passageway extending through the housing, the strap carrying a series of teeth of non-rectangular outline, when viewed along the length of the strap, with at least a part of the passageway having an outline complementary to that of the strap and the teeth carried thereby. The passageway is offset along its length in the region of a resiliently deformable stop for permitting movement of the teeth through the passageway in one direction, but not the other.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
Disclosed is a one-piece plastic security seal comprising a housing having a passageway therein, a tab extending generally transversely to the housing, and a flexible strap extending generally transversely to the housing, with the strap being connected to the tab and the tab being frangibly connected to the housing by at least a first line of reduced thickness and a second line of reduced thickness. The tab includes a single aperture with the housing bridging just a central part of the aperture to leave a pair of spaced-apart end openings on opposite sides of the housing. At least the first of the lines of reduced thickness extend directly between the pair of spaced-apart end openings on the side of the housing opposite the strap. A free end of the flexible strap is receivable by the passageway extending through the housing, the strap carrying a series of teeth of non-rectangular outline, when viewed along the length of the strap, with at least a part of the passageway having an outline complementary to that of the strap and the teeth carried thereby. The passageway is offset along its length in the region of a resiliently deformable stop for permitting movement of the teeth through the passageway in one direction, but not the other.
Description
SECURITY SEALS
The present invention is concerned with security seals of the kind that may be secured tightly around the necks of cash bags, for example, to act as seals which must be broken before the cash bags can be opened.
Many proposals have been made for deterring theft by the use of such security seals.
It is known, by providing portions of extreme weakness, to make a security seal so sensitive that it immediately breaks when tampered with by a thief. However, the problem is that it may also break merely as a result of rough handling, and it may not then be possible to establish the time and place of any subsequent theft. On the other hand, if the security seal is not so sensitive, its removal by authorized personnel may be awkward or even difficult without special equipment.
A first aim has thus been to provide a security seal which, while maintaining an ability to break during any deliberate attempt at removal, is unlikely to break accidentally in use, yet after use can be readily removed by hand in a particularly simple and easy manner.
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a security seal comprising a housing having a passageway therein, a tab extending generally transversely to the housing and having an aperture therein, and a flexible strap extending generally transversely to both the tab and the housing. The strap is connected to the tab, and the housing bridges a central part of the aperture to leave a pair of spaced-apar,t end openings on opposite sides of the housing, the housing being frangibly connected to ., J, ~
the tab by at least two lines of reduced thickness connected to the end openings, whereby removal of the housing leaves the strap still connected to the tab.
The advantage of this arrangement is that, during removal, it is not necessary to hold the strap to stop it twisting. This would be difficult if the strap is lying tightly against the neck of a cash bag yet would be necessary if the strap had been frangibly connected directly to the housing. Instead, it is merely necessary to move the tab with respect to the housing to exert a significant leverage on, and thus readily break, the frangible connection between the tab and the housing.
As well as the above-described conflicting require-ments with regard to breaking of the security seal, there are other conflicting requirements with regard to the complexity of means for locking the security seal.
If the locking means is too simple and accessible there is an unacceptable risk that a thief could use a blade or other tool to open the locking means. ~his would permit undetectable removal of the security seal and access to any valuables protected by the security seal.
On the other hand, if the locking means is too complex and shielded there are increased manufacturing difficulties leading to unacceptable additional expense.
A second aim has thus been to provide a security seal which has locking means that is extremely difficult to open, without causing visible damage, but is nevertheless extremely easy to manufacture, resulting in the twin benefits of cheapness and reliability.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, a security seal comprises a housing and a flexible strap which is secured at one end with ~espect to the housing . , ~, .
~....
~2~
with the other end of the strap being receivable by a passageway extending through the housing, the strap carrying a series of teeth of non-rectangular outline, when viewed along the length of the strap, with at least a part of the passageway having an outline complementary to that of the strap and the teeth carried thereby, and the passageway being offset along its length in the region of a resiliently deformable stop for permitting movement of the teeth through the passageway in one direction, but not the other.
In a further combined embodiment the invention contemplates a security seal which comprises a housing having a passageway therein, a tab extending generally transversely to the housing, and a flexible strap extending generally transversely to the housing, with the strap being connected to the tab and the tab being frangibly connected to the housing, whereby removal of the housing leaves the strap still connected to the tab, and the flexible strap being secured at one end with respect to the housing with the other end of the strap being receivable by the passageway extending through the housing, the strap carrying a series of teeth of non-rectangular outline, when viewed along the length of the strap, with at least a part of the passage-way having an outline complementary to that of the strap and the teeth carried thereby, and the passageway being offset along its length in the region of a resiliently deformable stop for permitting movement of the teeth through the passageway in one direction, but not the other.
. ~
~2~
It will be appreciated that the specially shaped teeth, the specially shaped passageway and the resiliently deformable stop together constitute simple ye-t secure locking means.
Preferably, of course, a security seal in accordance with the present invention incorporates both of the sets of features defined hereinabove.
Indeed, the security seal is pre-ferably so arranged that the flexible strap extends generally transversely to both the tab and the housing.
The tab may be frangibly connected to the housing by two lines of reduced thickness, More particularly, the tab can be regarded as presenting a single aperture, with the housing bridging just a central part of said aperture to leave a pair of spaced-apart end openings. The lines of reduced thickness may extend directly between said pair of spaced-apart end openings and isolate the housing therebetween.
It has also been found, however, that the action of tearing and releasing the security seal is very much easier if one of the lines of reduced thickness is replaced by two further lines of reduced thickness, each connecting one of the spaced-apart end openings to a peripheral location on the security seal~
Preferably, the two further lines of weakness are located closer to the strap than the remaining line of weakness from the original example. Also preferably, both of the two further lines of weakness open to the periphery of the security seal on the same side of the strap, considered with respect to the length of the strap.
Preferably, all three lines of weakness are formed by grooves extending into the same face of the tab.
Two security seals, in accoxdance with the present invention, will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 is a plan vie~ of the first security seal in its as-moulded condition;
Figures 2 and 3 are cross-sectional views taken along the lines II-II and III-III respectively of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary end view taken in the direction of the arrow IV of Figure 2;
Figure 5 schematically illustrates the action of the teeth on the strap with the stop in the housing of the first security seal prior to locking;
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI of Figure 5;
Figure 7 schematically illustrates the action of the teeth on the strap with the stop in the housing of the first security seal at the moment of locking;
Figure 8 is a plan view of the second security seal in its as-moulded condition; and Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IX-IX of Figure 8.
~eferring initially to Figures 1 to 7, a first security seal is shown in accordance with the present invention. The security seal may be integrally moulded of a plastics material such as polypropylene which is resistant to repair by adhesives. The security seal as shown includes a flexible strap 10, a tab 12, and a housing 14.
The strap 10 is formed as a ge~erallyrectangular strip extending generally transversely to both the tab 12 and the housing 14. The strap 10 has three sections. The section closest to the tab 12 has several spikes 16 projecting therefrom for use in gripping the neck of a cash bag and holding the security seal in position. A central section of ~he strap 10 carries a series of teeth 18 of curved outline when viewed along the length of the strap.
Each of the teeth 1~ has a flat face 20 and a part-spherical face 22 which act as a ratchet. The sectionfurthest from the tab 12, at the free end of the strap 10, has ribbed finger grips 24.
The strap 10 is connected to the tab 12 without any area of weakening. The tab 12 is frangibly connected to the housing 14, ho~rever, at two lines 26 of reduced thickness of the plastics material. An identification number or other reference (not shown) may be moulded or otherwise displayed on the tab 12, The housing 14 is formed as a generally rectangular body extending generally trans~ersely to both the strap 10 and the tab 12. A passageway 23 extends through the housing 14 - the passageway 28 being offset along its length in the region of a resiliently deformable stop 30.
An entrance part 32 of the passageway is of rectangular outline but an exit part 34 of the passageway has an outline complementary to that of the strap 10 and the teeth 18 carried therehy, The exit part 34 of the passage-way is thus defined in part by a concave surface 36 matching the convex outline of the part-spherical surfaces 22 of the teeth 18. The stop 30, which is in the form of a plate of uniform thickness having a chamfered end 38, can be regarded as being located longitudinally between the entrance and exit parts of the passageway 28. The longitudinally extending transverse edges of the stop 30 may be rigidly connected to the adjacent sides of the housing 14. Indeed, proYided it was possible to pull the strap through the housing by making the housing sufficiently resilient, the stop 30 need not be in the form of a plate protruding into the passageway 28, but could be in the form of a rigid tooth.
In use, the security seal is wrapped tightly around the neck o-f a cash bag.
More particularly, the housing 14 is held against the neck of the cash bag and the free end of the strap lO is wrapped loosely around the neck of the cash bag before being inserted into the entrance part 32 of the passageway 28. The strap 10 is then fed through the passageway 28 until the free end of the strap 10 emerges from the exit part 34 of the passageway 28. By grasping the finger grips .. _ _ . . . .
24 on the free end of the strap 10 and pulling, the strap lO is tightened around the neck of the cash bag, causing the spikes 16 to penetrate or at least grip the material of the cash bag.
During this tightening operation, some of the teeth 18 are pulled past the stop 30 in the passageway 28 with a ratchet action. Each time that the stop 30 is passed by one of the teeth 1~, the stop 30 is first deflected by the part-spherical face 22 of said tooth (Figures 5 and 6), before the stop 30 snaps back to its original position and the chamfered end 38 of the stop 30 abuts the flat face 20 of said tooth (Figure 7). The strap 10 can thus be moved through the passageway 28 only in the direction tending to tighten the security seal around the neck of the cash bag but not in the other direction.
It is now extremely difficult even to gain access to the stop 30 because the exit part 34 of the passageway 28 is blocked by the strap 10 and the teeth 18. The presence o~ the cash bag prevents access to the stop 30 from the entrance part 32 of the passageway 28. Even if a thin curved blade is inserted into the passageway 28, from either direction, that blade cannot then be deformed in a different plane to cause the stop 3~ to take up the curved outline of the teeth 18. Naturally, both the entrance part 32 and the exit part 34 of the passageway 28 should be as long as is conveniently possible. It is still extremely easy for authorised personnel to remove the security seal, however, because it is merely necessary for the tab 12 to be pulled away from the cash bag. This tears the frangible connection between the tab 12 and the housing 14 at the lines 26 of reduc~d thickness of the plastics material.
~ eferring now to ~igures 8 and 9, a second security seal is shown in accordance with the present invention.
The second security seal is so similar to the first security seal that a full discussion will not be necessary. The differences in the second security seal are as follows:-a) the free end of the strap 10 no longer has finger grips but instead h~s a sparked finish;
b) the spikes 16 are more pronounced; and c) that line of reduced thickness closer to the strap 10 has been replaced by two further lines of reduced thickness.
There are thus now three lines of weakness viz X
connecting end opening 40 to a peripheral par~ of the tab 12, Y connecting end opening 40 to end opening 42, and Z
connecting end opening 42 to a peripheral part of the tab 12 at its junction with the strap.
In use, which is essentially as described herein-before with reference to the first security seal, the tab 12 is twisted around its longitudinal axis to tear X, is then manipulated to tear Y, and is finally pulled back on itself to tear ~, thereby releasing the housing 14.
It will be appreciated that the second security seal may but need not necessarily incorporate the specially shaped teeth 18, the specially shaped passageway 28 and the resiliently deformable stop 30 of the first security seal.
Indeed, security seals with either of the above-defined tab release arrangements need not incorporate any features at all of the non-rectangular tooth locking arrangement and vice versa. The ~lexible strap may thus alternatively be securable within the passageway b~ other standard locking means if the new release means is utilised.
Conversely, the flexible strap may thus alternatively be removable by other standard release means if the new locking means is utilised.
The present invention is concerned with security seals of the kind that may be secured tightly around the necks of cash bags, for example, to act as seals which must be broken before the cash bags can be opened.
Many proposals have been made for deterring theft by the use of such security seals.
It is known, by providing portions of extreme weakness, to make a security seal so sensitive that it immediately breaks when tampered with by a thief. However, the problem is that it may also break merely as a result of rough handling, and it may not then be possible to establish the time and place of any subsequent theft. On the other hand, if the security seal is not so sensitive, its removal by authorized personnel may be awkward or even difficult without special equipment.
A first aim has thus been to provide a security seal which, while maintaining an ability to break during any deliberate attempt at removal, is unlikely to break accidentally in use, yet after use can be readily removed by hand in a particularly simple and easy manner.
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a security seal comprising a housing having a passageway therein, a tab extending generally transversely to the housing and having an aperture therein, and a flexible strap extending generally transversely to both the tab and the housing. The strap is connected to the tab, and the housing bridges a central part of the aperture to leave a pair of spaced-apar,t end openings on opposite sides of the housing, the housing being frangibly connected to ., J, ~
the tab by at least two lines of reduced thickness connected to the end openings, whereby removal of the housing leaves the strap still connected to the tab.
The advantage of this arrangement is that, during removal, it is not necessary to hold the strap to stop it twisting. This would be difficult if the strap is lying tightly against the neck of a cash bag yet would be necessary if the strap had been frangibly connected directly to the housing. Instead, it is merely necessary to move the tab with respect to the housing to exert a significant leverage on, and thus readily break, the frangible connection between the tab and the housing.
As well as the above-described conflicting require-ments with regard to breaking of the security seal, there are other conflicting requirements with regard to the complexity of means for locking the security seal.
If the locking means is too simple and accessible there is an unacceptable risk that a thief could use a blade or other tool to open the locking means. ~his would permit undetectable removal of the security seal and access to any valuables protected by the security seal.
On the other hand, if the locking means is too complex and shielded there are increased manufacturing difficulties leading to unacceptable additional expense.
A second aim has thus been to provide a security seal which has locking means that is extremely difficult to open, without causing visible damage, but is nevertheless extremely easy to manufacture, resulting in the twin benefits of cheapness and reliability.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, a security seal comprises a housing and a flexible strap which is secured at one end with ~espect to the housing . , ~, .
~....
~2~
with the other end of the strap being receivable by a passageway extending through the housing, the strap carrying a series of teeth of non-rectangular outline, when viewed along the length of the strap, with at least a part of the passageway having an outline complementary to that of the strap and the teeth carried thereby, and the passageway being offset along its length in the region of a resiliently deformable stop for permitting movement of the teeth through the passageway in one direction, but not the other.
In a further combined embodiment the invention contemplates a security seal which comprises a housing having a passageway therein, a tab extending generally transversely to the housing, and a flexible strap extending generally transversely to the housing, with the strap being connected to the tab and the tab being frangibly connected to the housing, whereby removal of the housing leaves the strap still connected to the tab, and the flexible strap being secured at one end with respect to the housing with the other end of the strap being receivable by the passageway extending through the housing, the strap carrying a series of teeth of non-rectangular outline, when viewed along the length of the strap, with at least a part of the passage-way having an outline complementary to that of the strap and the teeth carried thereby, and the passageway being offset along its length in the region of a resiliently deformable stop for permitting movement of the teeth through the passageway in one direction, but not the other.
. ~
~2~
It will be appreciated that the specially shaped teeth, the specially shaped passageway and the resiliently deformable stop together constitute simple ye-t secure locking means.
Preferably, of course, a security seal in accordance with the present invention incorporates both of the sets of features defined hereinabove.
Indeed, the security seal is pre-ferably so arranged that the flexible strap extends generally transversely to both the tab and the housing.
The tab may be frangibly connected to the housing by two lines of reduced thickness, More particularly, the tab can be regarded as presenting a single aperture, with the housing bridging just a central part of said aperture to leave a pair of spaced-apart end openings. The lines of reduced thickness may extend directly between said pair of spaced-apart end openings and isolate the housing therebetween.
It has also been found, however, that the action of tearing and releasing the security seal is very much easier if one of the lines of reduced thickness is replaced by two further lines of reduced thickness, each connecting one of the spaced-apart end openings to a peripheral location on the security seal~
Preferably, the two further lines of weakness are located closer to the strap than the remaining line of weakness from the original example. Also preferably, both of the two further lines of weakness open to the periphery of the security seal on the same side of the strap, considered with respect to the length of the strap.
Preferably, all three lines of weakness are formed by grooves extending into the same face of the tab.
Two security seals, in accoxdance with the present invention, will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 is a plan vie~ of the first security seal in its as-moulded condition;
Figures 2 and 3 are cross-sectional views taken along the lines II-II and III-III respectively of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary end view taken in the direction of the arrow IV of Figure 2;
Figure 5 schematically illustrates the action of the teeth on the strap with the stop in the housing of the first security seal prior to locking;
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI of Figure 5;
Figure 7 schematically illustrates the action of the teeth on the strap with the stop in the housing of the first security seal at the moment of locking;
Figure 8 is a plan view of the second security seal in its as-moulded condition; and Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IX-IX of Figure 8.
~eferring initially to Figures 1 to 7, a first security seal is shown in accordance with the present invention. The security seal may be integrally moulded of a plastics material such as polypropylene which is resistant to repair by adhesives. The security seal as shown includes a flexible strap 10, a tab 12, and a housing 14.
The strap 10 is formed as a ge~erallyrectangular strip extending generally transversely to both the tab 12 and the housing 14. The strap 10 has three sections. The section closest to the tab 12 has several spikes 16 projecting therefrom for use in gripping the neck of a cash bag and holding the security seal in position. A central section of ~he strap 10 carries a series of teeth 18 of curved outline when viewed along the length of the strap.
Each of the teeth 1~ has a flat face 20 and a part-spherical face 22 which act as a ratchet. The sectionfurthest from the tab 12, at the free end of the strap 10, has ribbed finger grips 24.
The strap 10 is connected to the tab 12 without any area of weakening. The tab 12 is frangibly connected to the housing 14, ho~rever, at two lines 26 of reduced thickness of the plastics material. An identification number or other reference (not shown) may be moulded or otherwise displayed on the tab 12, The housing 14 is formed as a generally rectangular body extending generally trans~ersely to both the strap 10 and the tab 12. A passageway 23 extends through the housing 14 - the passageway 28 being offset along its length in the region of a resiliently deformable stop 30.
An entrance part 32 of the passageway is of rectangular outline but an exit part 34 of the passageway has an outline complementary to that of the strap 10 and the teeth 18 carried therehy, The exit part 34 of the passage-way is thus defined in part by a concave surface 36 matching the convex outline of the part-spherical surfaces 22 of the teeth 18. The stop 30, which is in the form of a plate of uniform thickness having a chamfered end 38, can be regarded as being located longitudinally between the entrance and exit parts of the passageway 28. The longitudinally extending transverse edges of the stop 30 may be rigidly connected to the adjacent sides of the housing 14. Indeed, proYided it was possible to pull the strap through the housing by making the housing sufficiently resilient, the stop 30 need not be in the form of a plate protruding into the passageway 28, but could be in the form of a rigid tooth.
In use, the security seal is wrapped tightly around the neck o-f a cash bag.
More particularly, the housing 14 is held against the neck of the cash bag and the free end of the strap lO is wrapped loosely around the neck of the cash bag before being inserted into the entrance part 32 of the passageway 28. The strap 10 is then fed through the passageway 28 until the free end of the strap 10 emerges from the exit part 34 of the passageway 28. By grasping the finger grips .. _ _ . . . .
24 on the free end of the strap 10 and pulling, the strap lO is tightened around the neck of the cash bag, causing the spikes 16 to penetrate or at least grip the material of the cash bag.
During this tightening operation, some of the teeth 18 are pulled past the stop 30 in the passageway 28 with a ratchet action. Each time that the stop 30 is passed by one of the teeth 1~, the stop 30 is first deflected by the part-spherical face 22 of said tooth (Figures 5 and 6), before the stop 30 snaps back to its original position and the chamfered end 38 of the stop 30 abuts the flat face 20 of said tooth (Figure 7). The strap 10 can thus be moved through the passageway 28 only in the direction tending to tighten the security seal around the neck of the cash bag but not in the other direction.
It is now extremely difficult even to gain access to the stop 30 because the exit part 34 of the passageway 28 is blocked by the strap 10 and the teeth 18. The presence o~ the cash bag prevents access to the stop 30 from the entrance part 32 of the passageway 28. Even if a thin curved blade is inserted into the passageway 28, from either direction, that blade cannot then be deformed in a different plane to cause the stop 3~ to take up the curved outline of the teeth 18. Naturally, both the entrance part 32 and the exit part 34 of the passageway 28 should be as long as is conveniently possible. It is still extremely easy for authorised personnel to remove the security seal, however, because it is merely necessary for the tab 12 to be pulled away from the cash bag. This tears the frangible connection between the tab 12 and the housing 14 at the lines 26 of reduc~d thickness of the plastics material.
~ eferring now to ~igures 8 and 9, a second security seal is shown in accordance with the present invention.
The second security seal is so similar to the first security seal that a full discussion will not be necessary. The differences in the second security seal are as follows:-a) the free end of the strap 10 no longer has finger grips but instead h~s a sparked finish;
b) the spikes 16 are more pronounced; and c) that line of reduced thickness closer to the strap 10 has been replaced by two further lines of reduced thickness.
There are thus now three lines of weakness viz X
connecting end opening 40 to a peripheral par~ of the tab 12, Y connecting end opening 40 to end opening 42, and Z
connecting end opening 42 to a peripheral part of the tab 12 at its junction with the strap.
In use, which is essentially as described herein-before with reference to the first security seal, the tab 12 is twisted around its longitudinal axis to tear X, is then manipulated to tear Y, and is finally pulled back on itself to tear ~, thereby releasing the housing 14.
It will be appreciated that the second security seal may but need not necessarily incorporate the specially shaped teeth 18, the specially shaped passageway 28 and the resiliently deformable stop 30 of the first security seal.
Indeed, security seals with either of the above-defined tab release arrangements need not incorporate any features at all of the non-rectangular tooth locking arrangement and vice versa. The ~lexible strap may thus alternatively be securable within the passageway b~ other standard locking means if the new release means is utilised.
Conversely, the flexible strap may thus alternatively be removable by other standard release means if the new locking means is utilised.
Claims (15)
1. A security seal comprising a housing having a passageway therein, a tab extending generally transversely to the housing and having an aperture therein, and a flexible strap extending generally transversely to both the tab and the housing, said strap being connected to the tab, and said housing bridging a central part of said aperture to leave a pair of spaced-apart end openings on opposite sides of said housing, said housing being frangibly connected to said tab by at least two lines of reduced thickness connected to said end openings whereby removal of the housing leaves the strap still connected to the tab.
2. A security seal according to Claim 1, in which there are two lines of reduced thickness, the two lines of reduced thickness extending directly between said pair of spaced-apart end openings isolating the housing therebetween.
3. A security seal according to Claim 1, in which the housing is frangibly connected to the seal by three lines of reduced thickness, one line of reduced thickness extending directly between said pair of spaced-apart openings and the other two lines of reduced thickness each connecting one of the spaced-apart end openings to a peripheral location on the security seal.
4. A security seal according to Claim 3, in which said two other lines of reduced thickness are located closer to the strap than said one line of reduced thickness.
5. A security seal according to Claim 3, in which said two lines of reduced thickness open to the periphery of the security seal on the same side of the strap, considered with respect to the length of the strap.
6. A security seal according to Claim 3, in which all three lines of weakness are formed by grooves extending into the same face of the tab.
7. A one-piece plastic security seal comprising a housing having a passageway therein, a tab extending generally transversely to the housing, and a flexible strap extending generally transversely to the housing, with the strap being connected to the tab and the tab being frangibly connected to the housing by at least a first line of reduced thickness and a second line of reduced thickness, said tab including a single aperture with said housing bridging just a central part of said aperture to leave a pair of spaced-apart end openings on opposite sides of said housing, at least said first of said lines of reduced thickness extending directly between said pair of spaced-apart end openings on the side of said housing opposite said strap.
8. A security seal according to Claim 7, in which said at least two lines of reduced thickness are formed by grooves extending into the same face of the tab.
9. A security seal according to Claim 7 wherein said seal includes a third line of reduced thickness whereby one of said second and third lines of reduced thickness is connected to and extends from one of the spaced-apart end openings to a peripheral location on the security seal and the other of said second and third lines of reduced thickness is connected to and extends from the other end opening to a peripheral edge of said seal.
10. A security seal according to Claim 9, wherein said second and third lines of reduced thickness are located closer to said strap than is said first line of reduced thickness.
11. A security seal according to Claim 10 wherein said second and third lines of reduced thickness extend sub-stantially to the periphery of the security seal on the same side of the strap, considered with respect to the length of the strap.
12. A security seal according to Claim 9, in which all three lines of reduced thickness are formed by grooves extending into the same face of the tab.
13. A security seal as defined in Claim 1, wherein a free end of the flexible strap is receivable by the passage-way extending through the housing, said strap carrying a series of teeth of non-rectangular outline, when viewed along the length of the strap, with at least a part of the passageway having an outline complementary to that of the strap and the teeth carried thereby, and the passageway being offset along its length in the region of a resiliently deformable stop for permitting movement of the teeth through the passageway in one direction, but not the other.
14. A security seal according to Claim 13, in which each of the teeth has a part-spherical surface defining a convex outline.
15. A security seal according to Claim 13 or Claim 14 in which the resiliently deformable stop is formed as a plate protruding into the passagway.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8129525 | 1981-09-30 | ||
| GB8129525 | 1981-09-30 | ||
| GB8204824 | 1982-02-18 | ||
| GB8204824 | 1982-02-18 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1214028A true CA1214028A (en) | 1986-11-18 |
Family
ID=26280853
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000412032A Expired CA1214028A (en) | 1981-09-30 | 1982-09-23 | Security seals |
Country Status (8)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4537432A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU562947B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR8205705A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1214028A (en) |
| ES (1) | ES277014Y (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2513705B1 (en) |
| IT (1) | IT1152661B (en) |
| NZ (1) | NZ202028A (en) |
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| BR8506415A (en) * | 1985-12-20 | 1987-07-07 | Elc Prod Seguranca Ind | SEAL SYSTEM AND SEAL SYSTEM |
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| US4730728A (en) * | 1986-04-14 | 1988-03-15 | Larkin Mark E | Golf accessory carrying device |
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| CA1325710C (en) * | 1987-03-11 | 1994-01-04 | Victor Robert Tritton | Seal |
| US4813416A (en) * | 1987-03-18 | 1989-03-21 | The Research Foundation Of State University Of New York | Bonding assembly and method for sternum closing |
| US4875647A (en) * | 1987-04-24 | 1989-10-24 | Daiwa Kasei Kogyo Kabushiki Kausha | Cable tie |
| US4811865A (en) * | 1987-09-24 | 1989-03-14 | Western Industries Inc. | Cap and spout assembly for a can |
| US4874151A (en) * | 1989-02-17 | 1989-10-17 | Terry Fritz | Gas pump lever holding device |
| US4951362A (en) * | 1989-09-11 | 1990-08-28 | Dek, Inc. | Low profile bag clamp |
| US5133470A (en) * | 1990-01-12 | 1992-07-28 | Capitol Vial, Inc. | Tamper-proof container and cap assembly |
| US5012941A (en) * | 1990-01-12 | 1991-05-07 | Robert S. Abrams | Tamper-proof container and cap assembly |
| US5135188A (en) * | 1990-02-06 | 1992-08-04 | Anderson Franklin R | Attachable bundling strap |
| US4978091A (en) * | 1990-02-06 | 1990-12-18 | Custom Molders Inc. | Bundling strap |
| US5031943A (en) * | 1990-04-02 | 1991-07-16 | Edge Technology Corporation | Closure strap for flexible containers |
| US5088159A (en) * | 1990-11-21 | 1992-02-18 | Serge Lafleur | Security seal bracelet |
| US5183301A (en) * | 1991-10-30 | 1993-02-02 | E. J. Brooks Co. | Locking or security seal |
| US5346311A (en) * | 1993-09-20 | 1994-09-13 | Siler Buzz L | Sealable open-mouth bag |
| US5462542A (en) * | 1994-01-24 | 1995-10-31 | United States Surgical Corporation | Sternum buckle with serrated strap |
| US5404621A (en) * | 1994-03-10 | 1995-04-11 | Heinke; Richard M. | Closure for plastic bags |
| US5524945A (en) * | 1994-04-06 | 1996-06-11 | E. J. Brooks Company | Thermoplastic security seal |
| CA2146828A1 (en) * | 1994-04-15 | 1995-10-16 | Peter M. Wells, Jr. | Cable tie having an improved strap body |
| GB9716017D0 (en) * | 1997-07-29 | 1997-10-01 | Itw Ltd | Tamper resistant seal |
| IT1314471B1 (en) * | 1999-01-25 | 2002-12-18 | Elc Prod Seguranca Ind | INJECTED PLASTIC MANUFACTURE WITH INDIVIDUAL IDENTIFICATION AND A MOLD FOR ITS MANUFACTURE |
| US6347434B1 (en) * | 1999-12-29 | 2002-02-19 | Arnold S. Newman | Security cable tie |
| US6161959A (en) * | 2000-02-10 | 2000-12-19 | Vipac, Inc. | Storage bag with lockable zipper |
| CA2401692C (en) * | 2000-04-03 | 2008-01-22 | Elc Produtos De Seguranca Industria E Comercio Ltda. | Fastening-type security seal |
| US6763555B2 (en) * | 2002-02-07 | 2004-07-20 | The United Seal Company | Uni-directional worm drive clamp |
| US20030201893A1 (en) * | 2002-04-30 | 2003-10-30 | George E. Florek | Security fastener and method of securing luggage |
| JP2004113392A (en) * | 2002-09-25 | 2004-04-15 | Koseki Ika Kk | Band for suturing sternum |
| WO2004111976A2 (en) * | 2003-06-19 | 2004-12-23 | Soldenhoff, Alexander | Security seal |
| US7478460B2 (en) * | 2004-02-24 | 2009-01-20 | Velcro Industries B.V. | Shear fasteners |
| WO2006038232A1 (en) * | 2004-10-05 | 2006-04-13 | Sapiselco S.R.L. | Safety seal |
| US20080093511A1 (en) * | 2004-11-05 | 2008-04-24 | Yasuki Wakabayashi | Harness Band |
| US7779515B2 (en) * | 2005-05-13 | 2010-08-24 | Panduit Corp. | Two-piece cable tie suitable for use in an automated cable tie installation tool |
| US7740210B2 (en) * | 2006-09-15 | 2010-06-22 | Newfrey Llc | Break-away bundling device |
| US20090051176A1 (en) * | 2007-05-16 | 2009-02-26 | Stoffel Seals Corporation | Security seal for latch and hasp closure |
| WO2009059599A2 (en) * | 2007-11-10 | 2009-05-14 | Scheibe, Marianne | Mounting element, mounting arrangement and tool for machining a mounting element |
| FR2929036B1 (en) | 2008-03-18 | 2010-04-09 | Caliplast | PLASTIC SEAL CONTAINING ONLY ONE BODY, A FLEXIBLE ROD, ROD RETENTION MEANS, AND MEANS FOR RECOVERING THE RETENTION MEANS. |
| US7934297B2 (en) * | 2008-09-22 | 2011-05-03 | Mark Kent Williams | Twist off tamper-proof fastener |
| DE202010004150U1 (en) * | 2009-04-08 | 2010-10-07 | Klingenberg, Uwe, Dipl.-Kfm. | Labeling tape for identifying a person |
| US9127486B2 (en) * | 2010-01-25 | 2015-09-08 | Vision Industries Group, Inc. | Sash window and door transportation clip assembly |
| US8555467B2 (en) * | 2010-06-16 | 2013-10-15 | Brooks Equipment Company, Inc. | Pull tight seal or cable tie with break-away tail |
| CN102486902B (en) * | 2010-12-01 | 2013-11-20 | 鸿富锦精密工业（深圳）有限公司 | Plastic sealing strip |
| TWM454875U (en) * | 2012-09-11 | 2013-06-11 | Taiwan Paiho Ltd | Cable tie |
| BR202012031675U2 (en) * | 2012-12-12 | 2014-11-11 | Plasticos Polyvig Ltda | CONSTRUCTIVE PROVISION APPLIED ON SAFETY SAFETY |
| US20150008686A1 (en) * | 2013-07-03 | 2015-01-08 | James Shearer | Adjustable Vehicle Window Support Device |
| US10366632B1 (en) * | 2014-01-07 | 2019-07-30 | Cambridge Security Seals LLC | Security seal |
| USD769704S1 (en) * | 2015-05-13 | 2016-10-25 | Gye S. Nitta | Pointed zip tie |
| US9751670B2 (en) | 2015-09-09 | 2017-09-05 | F. Balwyker Investments, LLC | Twist off cable tie fastener |
| US10293971B2 (en) | 2016-10-11 | 2019-05-21 | Velcro BVBA | Reclosable paperboard carton |
| RU177352U1 (en) * | 2017-03-10 | 2018-02-16 | ООО "СотекКомЦентр" | PLASTIC SEAL |
| US10836498B2 (en) * | 2017-03-22 | 2020-11-17 | Goodrich Corporation | Light weight variable force restraint |
| US10259627B2 (en) | 2017-05-11 | 2019-04-16 | Marking Services Incorporated | Fastening system |
| WO2020165958A1 (en) * | 2019-02-12 | 2020-08-20 | 株式会社高木工業所 | Sealing band |
| US11439123B2 (en) * | 2020-02-27 | 2022-09-13 | Afimilk Agricultural Cooperative Ltd. | Livestock tag strap |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US736024A (en) * | 1903-04-27 | 1903-08-11 | James Channon | Seal-lock. |
| US1380038A (en) * | 1919-12-11 | 1921-05-31 | Winfred M Brooks | Sealing mechanism |
| US1416683A (en) * | 1921-09-24 | 1922-05-23 | Brooks Winfred Mudge | Sealing means |
| US1830950A (en) * | 1929-08-02 | 1931-11-10 | Preferred Utilities Mfg Corp | Safety seal |
| US2913274A (en) * | 1957-03-13 | 1959-11-17 | Brooks Co E J | Loop seal |
| US2977145A (en) * | 1958-09-19 | 1961-03-28 | Rifkin & Co A | Seal construction having plural female elements |
| FR1489466A (en) * | 1966-08-12 | 1967-07-21 | Thomas & Betts Corp | Unit packaging links |
| US3488813A (en) * | 1968-08-22 | 1970-01-13 | Thomas & Betts Corp | Bundling strap |
| US3568262A (en) * | 1969-01-15 | 1971-03-09 | Thomas & Betts Corp | Pre-mountable bundling strap |
| US3965538A (en) * | 1969-05-05 | 1976-06-29 | Panduit Corporation | Integral cable tie |
| US3712655A (en) * | 1970-11-16 | 1973-01-23 | Stoffel Steel Corp | Plastic seal |
| US3718355A (en) * | 1971-08-27 | 1973-02-27 | R Canter | Seal |
| US3748697A (en) * | 1971-12-20 | 1973-07-31 | L Marchese | Clamp assembly for hose, pipe and like articles |
| FR2191634A5 (en) * | 1972-07-05 | 1974-02-01 | Muller Yvette | |
| US4001919A (en) * | 1974-05-22 | 1977-01-11 | E. J. Brooks Company | Seal |
| US4135749A (en) * | 1977-01-19 | 1979-01-23 | Panduit Corp. | Cable tie |
| AU527031B2 (en) * | 1978-06-15 | 1983-02-10 | W.A. Deutsher Pty Ltd | Security seal |
| US4263697A (en) * | 1979-06-04 | 1981-04-28 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Security seal |
| GB2081798B (en) * | 1980-07-24 | 1984-06-06 | American Casting & Manufacturi | Improvements in security seals |
| AU544390B2 (en) * | 1981-08-27 | 1985-05-23 | Envopak Ltd. | Disposable one-piece security sealing device |
-
1982
- 1982-09-23 CA CA000412032A patent/CA1214028A/en not_active Expired
- 1982-09-27 US US06/423,754 patent/US4537432A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1982-09-28 AU AU88790/82A patent/AU562947B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1982-09-28 IT IT2346882A patent/IT1152661B/en active
- 1982-09-29 BR BR8205705A patent/BR8205705A/en unknown
- 1982-09-29 NZ NZ202028A patent/NZ202028A/en unknown
- 1982-09-29 FR FR8216376A patent/FR2513705B1/en not_active Expired
- 1982-09-29 ES ES1982277014U patent/ES277014Y/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU8879082A (en) | 1983-04-14 |
| NZ202028A (en) | 1986-05-09 |
| IT8223468A0 (en) | 1982-09-28 |
| IT1152661B (en) | 1987-01-07 |
| US4537432A (en) | 1985-08-27 |
| ES277014U (en) | 1984-07-01 |
| AU562947B2 (en) | 1987-06-25 |
| FR2513705B1 (en) | 1988-04-08 |
| ES277014Y (en) | 1985-02-01 |
| BR8205705A (en) | 1983-08-30 |
| FR2513705A1 (en) | 1983-04-01 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |