Receptacles – Closures – Tethered closure
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-23
2001-05-08
Shoap, Allan N. (Department: 3727)
Receptacles
Closures
Tethered closure
C138S09600T, C215S237000, C215S253000, C215S306000, C215S901000, C220S268000, C220S315000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06227399
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
This invention generally relates to a tamper-evident fastening assembly and a method for sealing an outlet of a conduit with the fastening assembly such that end users can readily tell if the outlet has been opened previously.
2. Description of Related Art
Tamper-proof caps are well known and commonly used in industrial applications. Such caps include a plug for closing an outlet and a one piece-molded flexible strap attached at one end to the plug and having a locking mechanism integral with the plug. The strap also includes at least one tooth at its free end to irreversibly insert into the locking mechanism. The strap forms a tight closed loop around a conduit with the plug covering the outlet. The strap must be broken in order to gain access to the outlet, thereby protecting the outlet before it is used and evidencing prior use or tampering if the strip is broken. See U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,012 to Tyson et al. for an example of a tamper-proof sealing plug assembly, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
However, a problem exists in the industry in that those outlets which have tamper-evident covers do not include any structure that remains after the cap is first removed. Therefore, once removed, the purchaser or user has no idea whether a cap was previously located in or on the outlet. This causes uncertainty on the part of the customer or user because of the lack of tamper-proofing.
Therefore, it is the object of this invention to produce an economic, easily-used outlet sealing assembly which provides tamper evidence. The device has a cap sized to cover the outlet and a strap connected to the cap. The strap has a plurality of locking mechanisms for irreversible insertion into a first locking mechanism. The strap is looped around the conduit and this first loop is tightened by inserting the strap through the first locking mechanism. A second locking mechanism is also provided so that the strap can be formed into a second loop around the conduit and then irreversibly inserted into the second locking mechanism after insertion through the first locking mechanism. The device thereby forms a double loop when engaged. The second loop is broken on first use to remove the cap. This leaves the first loop intact as evidence of tampering and retains the cap to the conduit and can be reused to protect the outlet.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3269575 (1966-08-01), Hammes
patent: 4339056 (1982-07-01), Berkstresser, Jr. et al.
patent: 5090583 (1992-02-01), Hoffman et al.
patent: 5397012 (1995-03-01), Tison et al.
patent: 5533767 (1996-07-01), Georgopoulos et al.
patent: 6059136 (2000-05-01), Lin
patent: 6070769 (2000-06-01), Hornsby
Angus Mark W.
Gray Dennis R.
Bunzl Plastics Inc.
Eloshway Niki M.
Oliff & Berridge PLC.
Shoap Allan N.
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