One-piece security seal

Details One-piece security seal One-piece security seal

1998-04-14

2001-09-04

Estremsky, Gary W. (Department: 3627)

Closure fasteners

Seals

Resilient shackle ends

C292S322000, C292S30700B

Reexamination Certificate

active

06283517

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a one-piece security seal which is often used to secure closure of meter or postal boxes because the seal cannot be opened without being broken, thus providing evidence of tampering. More specifically, the invention relates to such a security seal with a superior ergonomic design which makes the seal easier to put into place and lock.
2. Description of the Related Art
Wire security seals in general are well known having been previously disclosed in patents and put in the public domain. These known wire seals have various designs, most having a stud shaped for nonremovable engagement with a capsule. These known wire seals have several shortcomings. Firstly, they are difficult to close with one hand and particularly with gloved hands. Secondly, the wire may be pulled out and pushed back in without leaving evidence of tampering.
Ref cited:
3,591,223
1971
Castro Neto
292#320
4,106,801
1978
Castro Neto
292#307R
4,175,782
1979
Castro Neto
292#307R
4,818,002
1989
Castro Neto
292#307R
4,722,562
1988
Burt
292#318
5,180,200
1993
Geogropoulos
292#326
5,348,180
1994
Shepard
220#214
5,402,958
1995
Mahaney
242#388.1
5,489,034
1996
Netto
215#212
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a user-friendly one-piece security seal of superior ergonomic design of the type having a capsule and a locking member. The capsule and locking member are connected by an arm. The capsule has apertures through which a wire, which is permanently connected to the security seal, may be threaded.
The apertures are formed in a wall of the capsule which defines an open end and a closed end. A first connection fitting is formed within the capsule. The locking member has an insertion end which is insertable into the open end of the capsule. When the insertion end is inserted into the capsule, a space having a bent path is created between the locking member and the capsule. The insertion end includes a second connection fitting which is designed to cooperate with the first connection fitting of the capsule to provide an irreversible connection between the locking member and the capsule.
The security seal is locked by passing a free end of the wire through the apertures of the capsule and subsequently inserting the insertion end of the locking member into the open end of the capsule such that the second connection fitting is irreversibly engaged by the first connection fitting. This forces the wire to conform to the bent path between the locking member and the capsule and forms a plurality of crimps in the wire whereby the wire is secured between the capsule and the locking member.
This improved seal bears the following ergonomic improvements: it can be closed with one hand; it is internally “self-threading” and thus can be closed by a gloved hand; the wire cannot be pulled out; and, if the wire is cut, it cannot be pushed back in.


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