GB2121727A - Security seal - Google Patents

Abstract

A security seal of the type having a housing 14 with an opening to receive a flat strap type of shackle 12, in which the shackle has an aperture 20 near the end, and said housing has internal means 16 for engaging the shackle to prevent removal after the shackle is properly inserted. The internal means comprises deformable legs 32,38 which are so deformed by the insertion of the strap end that a free end 34 of one locking leg is caused to move through the aperture of the inserted strap to lock it against removal. In one embodiment of the invention the locking leg has hook means 40 on the free end engaging a stationary portion 28 of the internal structure after it has passed through the strap opening. In other embodiment of the invention two sets of deformable legs are provided so that both ends of a shackle may be engaged in the housing, thereby allowing the user of the seal to provide his own shackles with his own numbering system. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Security seal The invention relates to security seals.

Atype of security seal commonly known as a "ball seal" is widely used to seal the doors of railroad freight cars, trucks and other containers. Such seals comprise a metal housing with a metal strap shackle having one end secured to the housing. The other end of the shackle is insertable into the housing through an aperture into locking engagement with suitable internal locking means.

Although such seals are widely used, improvements in reliability and tamper resistance are always desirable.

The invention accordingly provides a seal body comprising a housing having means for receiving an apertured shackle end in locking non-removable engagement, the means comprising deformable means initially positioned in the path of the inserted shackle end and being deformable by shackle end insertion, and locking means associated with the deformable means so that deformation of the deformable means by the insertion of the shackle end causes the locking means to extend through the shackle end aperture to thereby prevent movement of the shackle out of the housing.

The means in the housing can comprise a base forming a slot for receiving the shackle end, a deformable leg having an upwardly extending medial portion and a free end extending into the path of the entering shackle end, so that on insertion of the shackle, the end thereof engages a suitable detent on the free end of the leg, and moves the free end rearwardly to cause the leg to straighten so as to move the upwardly extending portion downwardly.

The locking leg can extend downwardly from the medial portion of the deformable leg. The lower end of the locking leg is originally positioned above the plane of the entering shackle, and is moved downwardly with the downward movement of the medial portion so that it passes through the hole in the forward end of the shackle and through an aperture in the base to protrude below the base. The end of the locking leg can be provided with suitable hook means for catching on the edge of the base aperture to prevent reverse movement of the shackle. The forward end of the deformable leg can also be provided with a suitable tang or hookfor engaging in an aperture in the base when the leg has deformed the desired amount.

Also, it has been found that some seal users would prefer to provide their own shackles, and apply their own identification numbers, for greater security, which is not possible at present since one end of the shackle is permanently attached to the seal body.

Numbering of such seals is generally a time consuming hand operation.

The invention accordingly also provides that the housing can have like means for receiving a second apertured shackle end in locking non-removable engagement. Thus, both ends of a separate shackle may be engaged with the housing.

For a better understanding of the invention, reference may be made to the following illustrative description and accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seal embodying the invention, with the housing thereof partly broken away for clarity; Figure 2 is a side view of the seal of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 illustrating the deformation of the internal structure of the seal as the shackle thereof enters the seal body; Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 in which the shackle has completely entered the seal body; Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4, illustrating the action of the locking leg when the shackle has been pulled outwardly; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a modified form of seal embodying the invention; Figure 7 is a side view, partly in section, of the seal of Figure 6;; Figure 8 is a plan view of the seal of Figure 6; Figure 9 is a view in section taken on line 9-9 of Figure 8; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the internal structure of another modified form of seal embody ing the invention; Figure 11 is a view in section taken on line ll-ll of Figure 10; Figure 12 is a view in section of the seal of Figures 10 and 11 prior pair to priortoassemblyoftheshackle; Figure 13 is a view similar to Figure 12, with the shackle inserted; Figure 14 is a view similar to Figure 12 showing the effect of the application of a retracting force applied to the shackle.

Figures 1-5 of the drawing illustrate a security seal comprising a seal body 10 and a shackle 12. The body 10 comprises a hollow housing 14 and an internal structure 16 for receiving and retaining an end portion 18 of the shackle, the end portion having an aperture 20 therein for a purpose to appear hereinafter.

One end of the shackle 12 is fastened to or integral with the internal structure 16, and the other end is initially free for insertion through a closure mechanism (not shown) such as the staple of a door latch, and for insertion into the housing 14 into locking engagement with the internal structure as will now be described.

The internal structure 16 is made of a single piece of sheet metal and comprises an elongated platform made up of upper, middle and lower plates 24,26 and 28. The upper plate overlies the middle plate, and the middle and lower plates are spaced apart vertically to form a passage 30 to receive the end portion 18 of the shackle as explained below.

The upper plate 24 is provided with a deformable leg which is formed out of the material of the upper plate. The leg 32 is attached to the upper plate 24 at the forward end, from which it is inclined upwardly to an apex and then is inclined downwardly to a free end 34 which has a tang 36 formed thereon for a purpose to appear hereinafter. Depending from a position on the leg 32 near the apex is a locking leg 38 which has a lower free end formed with a hook-like member 40. Directly below the end of the locking leg 38 apertures 42 and 44 are provided in the medial plate 26 and lower plate 28 respectively, for a purpose to appear hereinafter.

The middle plate 26 is also provided with an aperture 46, and the lower plate 28 is provided with a depressed portion 48 forming a recess 50. An aperture 52 is provided at the rear end of the depressed portion, which co-operates with an upwardly inclined portion 54 atthe rear end of aperture 42 in the middle plate 26 to cause the end 34 of the leg 32 to lock over the edge of the depressed portion 46 as will now be described.

As the shackle end portion 18 is inserted into the passage 30, the shackle end engages the free end 34 of leg 32 behind the tang 36 and causes the free end to move rearwardly (to the right in Figures 1-5). This rearward motion causes the leg 32 to tend to straighten, whereby the apex of the leg and the locking leg 38 move downwardly. As the motion of the shackle end portion 18 continues, the end of the locking leg 38 moves downwardly through apertures 42 and 44 in the middle and lower plates and through the aperture 20 of the shackle so that the hook 40 on the end of the locking leg is disposed below the lower plate. (See Figure 3). Thereafter the end 34 of the deformable leg 32 enters the space between the inclined tab 54 and the rear edge 58 of the depressed portion 48.This space may be slightly narrower, in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the tab 54, than the length of the tang plus the thickness of the metal of which the leg 32 is formed, so that as the free end 34 passes under the tab 54, the tab flexes upwardly, so that the tang 36 snaps behind the rear edge 58.

At this time the end of the locking leg 38 extends a desired distance below the bottom plate 28. Therefore if the shackle is pulled outwardly, the edge of the aperture 20 of the shackle engages the leg 38 and pulls it against the forward edge 60 of the aperture 28 in the lower plate 28, so that the hook 40 catches under this plate, preventing further outward movement of the shackle.

In the embodiment of Figures 1-5 the shackle 12 is permanently attached to or is an integral part of the internal structure 16. However in applications in which the ultimate user of the seal wishes to provide his own identifying numbers or other indicia on the shackle, and wishes to manufacture his own shackles, the seal of Figures 6-9 may be used.

The seal of Figures 6-9 comprise a body 110 and a shackle 112. The body comprises a hollow housing 114 and an internal structure 116 which is arranged to receive and engage both ends 118 and 119 of the shackle, the shackle ends having respective apertures 120 and 121 positioned as in the shackle 12 of Figures 1-5. Also as in the previous embodiment, the internal structure 116 may comprise a platform formed of a single piece of sheet metal to have upper, middle and lower plates 124,126 and 128 which are formed into first and second shackle engaging portions A and B so that both ends of the shackle 112 may be non-removably engaged with the internal structure 116.

The shackle engaging portion A is similar to the internal structure 16 of the seal of Figures 1-5 in comprising a deformable leg 132 with a locking tang 136 and a locking leg 138 having a locking hook 140 which co-operate with the apertures of the upper, middle and lower plates 124, 126 and 128, in the manner previously described, when a shackle end such as end 118 is inserted therein.

The shackle engaging portion B is spaced laterally on the internal structure from the shackle engaging portion A, and may be identified in structure to the shackle engaging portion A, except that the shackle engaging portion A extends upwardly from the plane of the platform, whereas the shackle engaging portion B extends downwardly from the plane of the platform, and comprises a deformable leg 232 having a locking tang 236, and a locking leg 238 having a locking hook 240, which operate in the manner previously described.

Although in the seal of Figures 6-9 both shackle ends are received in the same end of the housing 114, it may be desired that the ends of the shackle be received into opposite ends of the housing, in which case the position of the components of one shackle engaging portion may be reversed in relation to the components of the other.

The provision oftwo shackle engaging portions allows the shackle to be manufactured by the seal user, who can apply his own number or other indicia, thereby providing greater security.

Figures 10-13 illustrate a seal comprising a seal body 310 and a shackle 312. The body comprises a hollow housing 314 and an internal structure 316 which is designed to receive and engage ends 318 and 319 of the shackle, which has apertures 320,321 respectively positioned near the ends.

As in the seal of Figures 6-9, the internal structure 316 comprises a platform formed of a single piece of sheet metal. This platform comprises a lower plate 324 the outer edges of which have been turned inwardly to form a pair of upper plates 326 and 328.

The lower plate 324 has a centrally positioned longitudinal embossment which provides a ridge 330 on the upper side of the lower plate 328.

The ridge 330 provides a supportforthe opposing edges of the upper plates 326 and 328, and also forms an internal sidewall of slots 332 and 334 formed between the upper and lower plates to receive and guide the shackle ends.

As in the previous embodiments, each upper plate carries a deformable leg 336 formed out of the material of the upper plate, the leg being attached to the upper plate at the end nearest the housing opening from where it is inclined upwardly to an apex and then downwardly to a free end 338 which carries a hook 340. A locking leg 342 is formed from the material of the deformable leg 336 and extends downwardly therefrom, with the free end thereof projecting slightly below the plane of the lower plate 324 through an aperture 344 therein. The edge of the aperture 344 nearest the housing entrance is provided with an upwardly inclined tab 346 for a purpose to appear hereinafter.

When the shackle end 318 is inserted into the slot 332, the shackle end engages the locking leg 342 flexing it upwardly so that on further forward movement of the shackle the leg 342 snaps downwardly into the shackle aperture 320 and further forward movement of the shackle causes the deformable leg 336 to tend to straighten and move the locking leg 342 further downwardly through the shackle opening (see Figure 13).

Thereafter a withdrawal force applied to the shackle 312 will cause the locking leg 342 to be pulled back against the tab 346 so that the tab bends upwardly, preventing straightening of the locking leg that might allow the shackle to be pulled out of the housing.

In any embodiment of the invention, the shackle may be provided with a slit such as the slit 348 shown in Figures 10-14to weaken the shackle in tension, to insure that the shackle breaks if it is pulled in an attempt to release the shackle from the housing.

Claims (18)

1. A seal body comprising a housing having means for receiving an apertured shackle end in locking non-removable engagement, the means comprising deformable means initially positioned in the path of the inserted shackle end and being deformable by shackle end insertion, and locking means associated with the deformable means so that deformation of the deformable means by the insertion of the shackle end causes the locking means to extend through the shackle end aperture to thereby prevent movement of the shackle out of the housing.

2. A seal body as claimed in claim 1 wherein the deformable means comprises a deformable leg having a free end initially positioned in the path of the inserted shackle end and the locking means comprises a locking leg of which an end is extended through the shackle end aperture on deformation of the deformable leg.

3. A seal body as claimed in claim 2 wherein the means includes a channel for guiding the shackle end, the locking leg end being movable transversely through the channel.

4. A seal body of the ball type comprising a housing containing means for receiving an apertured shackle in non-removable engagement, the means comprising a support forming a channel to receive the end of the shackle, said support carrying a deformable leg having a free end projecting across said channel in position for being deformed by the insertion of the shackle end into the channel, and a locking leg having a free end, the locking leg being so associated with the channel that deformation of the deformable leg by the insertion of the shackle and into the channel causes the free end of the locking to move transversely through the channel and through the aperture in the shackle to lock the shackle in the housing.

5. A seal body as claimed in claim 3 or 4 wherein the channel is formed between a pair of spaced elongate plates and whereon an upper plate is disposed over the spaced plates, the deformable leg being formed from the upper plate.

6. A seal of the ball type comprising a housing having an aperture and means in the housing for receiving an apertured shackle end in locking nonremovable engagement, the means being formed of a single piece of sheet material and comprising a support formed of upper, middle and lower plates, the middle and lower plates being spaced apart to form a channel therebetween for receiving the apertured shackle end, a locking leg formed from the material of the upper plate and being positioned above aligned apertures in the middle and lower plates, and means responsive to the insertion of the shackle end into the channel to cause said locking leg to move downwardly through the aligned apertures and the shackle aperture.

7. A seal body as claimed in claim 6 wherein the means responsive to shackle end insertion comprises a deformable leg having a free end extending into the channel.

8. A seal body as claimed in claim 5 or 7 wherein the elongate plates and the free end of the deformable leg have co-operating means whereby when the free end of the deformable leg has moved in response to the shackle end insertion, the cooperating means engage to maintain the deformable leg in the deformed position.

9. A seal body as claimed in claim 5,7 or 8 in which the locking leg has hook means on the end positioned, after the leg has moved to extend through the shackle and plate apertures, to engage the edge of a plate aperture to prevent removal of the shackle from the housing.

10. A seal body as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 wherein the deformable leg has a medial portion and a free end extending in the path of a shackle end inserted into the channel whereby insertion of the shackle tends to straighten the deformable leg so that the medial portion thereof moves towards the channel, the locking leg being carried by the medial portion of the deformable leg and being movable by the deformation of the deformable leg to extend through the channel and the shackle aperture.

11. A seal body as claimed in claim 10 wherein the locking leg is formed from the material of the deformable leg and extends from the medial portion thereof.

12. A seal body as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the shackle is permanently secured to the means in the housing.

13. A seal body as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the housing has like means for receiving a second apertured shackle end in locking non-removable engagement.

14. A seal body as claimed in claim 3 or 4 wherein the means comprises a base plate and two upper plates formed by bending the outer portions of the base plate inwardly over the medial portion of the base plate to form the channel and a second like channel between the upper and lower plates to receive inserted shackle ends.

15. A seal body as claimed in claim 14 wherein the base plate has upwardly projecting means spacing the upper plate therefrom and forming guide means for the inserted shackle ends.

16. A seal body comprising a housing and means in the housing for receiving and engaging both ends of a shackle having an aperture near each end thereof, the means comprising a support forming a pair of channels to receive the shackle ends, a pair of deformable members carried by the support and each having a portion extending across a respective channel in the path of a shackle inserted therein, whereby insertion of a shackle causes deformation of a deformable means, and locking means associated with each deformable means, each locking means being responsive to the deformation of the associated deformable means to move through a channel transversely and through the aperture of the shackle end disposed therein.

17. A seal body as claimed in claim 16 wherein the support is formed of a single piece of sheet metal comprising three superimposed plates, a channel being disposed between the medial plate and each outer plate, a deformable means being formed from the material of each outer plate, and a locking leg being formed from the material of each deformable means.

18. A seal body substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 to 5, Figures 6 to 9 or Figures 10 to 14 of the accompanying drawings.