EP0255365B1 - Dispositif de bouchage de sécurité - Google Patents

Dispositif de bouchage de sécurité Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0255365B1
EP0255365B1 EP87306714A EP87306714A EP0255365B1 EP 0255365 B1 EP0255365 B1 EP 0255365B1 EP 87306714 A EP87306714 A EP 87306714A EP 87306714 A EP87306714 A EP 87306714A EP 0255365 B1 EP0255365 B1 EP 0255365B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
seal member
seal
channel portion
retaining
sliding
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 - Lifetime
Application number
EP87306714A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0255365A2 (fr
EP0255365A3 (en
Inventor
Donald Adamson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Envopak Group Ltd
Original Assignee
Envopak Group Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Envopak Group Ltd filed Critical Envopak Group Ltd
Priority to AT87306714T priority Critical patent/ATE87348T1/de
Publication of EP0255365A2 publication Critical patent/EP0255365A2/fr
Publication of EP0255365A3 publication Critical patent/EP0255365A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0255365B1 publication Critical patent/EP0255365B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D55/00—Accessories for container closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D55/02—Locking devices; Means for discouraging or indicating unauthorised opening or removal of closure

Definitions

  • This invention relates to an article having a locking mechanism including a tamper-evident seal assembly for use with a locking mechanism of the type described in the preamble of claim 1.
  • the tamper-evident seal assembly is particularly suited for sealing a locking mechanism on lids of boxes or on doors, but other applications are also possible.
  • Tamper-evident seals are generally known, their purpose being to indicate when any unauthorised attempt has been made to interfere with them. Seals previously used for securing items such as the lids of boxes have generally incorporated in their design some feature such as an arrowhead or barb. To provide tamper-evident properties, it is necessary for mating parts which engage the barbs to be within an enclosed housing. With such a design, it follows that there will be a point of transition between the outside of the housing, where the seal is on view and accessible, and the inside where the seal is hidden and inaccessible. At this transition point, it is theoretically possible for a seal to be cut through, thereby allowing the sealing device to be opened, followed by repairing the seal by either welding or use of adhesives. Since such a repair would be located in line with the mouth of the housing, it is possible for it to be overlooked at the time of inspection prior to opening of the seal by authorised personnel.
  • a further feature of many seals at present used for securing lids of boxes is that they include fasteners (such as toggle fasteners which require the use of wire or string on which the ultimate seal is fixed.
  • fasteners such as toggle fasteners which require the use of wire or string on which the ultimate seal is fixed.
  • the use of such ancillary tying media is undesirable in the security seal field.
  • US-A-1 367 647 discloses a sealed padlock. In the locked position, a movable element holds a breakable seal in position so as to prevent access to the keyhole without breaking the seal.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a tamper-evident seal for use such as the securing of lids or doors without the disadvantages referred to above.
  • the present invention accordingly provides an article having a locking mechanism including a tamper-evident seal assembly, the locking mechanism comprising a retaining member which is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the retaining member having a transversely projecting peg portion, the seal assembly comprising a channel portion, and a disposable breakable seal member which is longitudinally slidable in the channel portion, the channel portion defining in its base a slot through which the peg portion protrudes, and the seal member having means for engagement with the protruding peg portion, such that, in the locked position of the retaining member, retaining parts of the channel portion prevent lifting of the seal member, whilst engagement between the seal member and the peg portion prevents sliding withdrawal of the seal member, whereby the retaining member is held in the locked position until the seal member is broken, characterised in that the retaining member is slidable between the locked and unlocked positions, and the slot is longitudinally aligned in the sliding direction of the retaining member, such that, in the unlocked position
  • the tamper-evident seal assembly according to the invention can be used with any kind of locking mechanism which includes a sliding member slidable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the sliding member having an upstanding peg or handle portion.
  • a locking mechanism which includes a sliding member slidable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the sliding member having an upstanding peg or handle portion.
  • FIGs 1A and 1B An example of such a locking mechanism, applied to the locking of the lid of a box, is shown in Figures 1A and 1B.
  • the upstanding peg or handle portion has to be initially lifted to permit unlocking by retraction of the sliding member and has to be depressed to permit locking by sliding forward the sliding member.
  • Figures 6A and 6B An alternative example is shown in Figures 6A and 6B in which no lifting or depressing of the sliding member peg is necessary. It should be understood that these examples are only for purposes of illustration, and the seal assembly according to the invention can be used with any kind of locking mechanism having the
  • a box 1 has a lid 2.
  • One edge of the lid has a projecting portion 3 capable of engaging with a corresponding channel portion 4 near the top of one inside wall of the box.
  • Locking of the lid to the box is effected by a sliding bolt 5 which, in the locked position, engages beneath an overhanging portion 6 of an inside wall of the box.
  • the bolt 5 has laterally extending trunnions 7 which engage for sliding and rotational movement in longitudinal slots 8 in the lid.
  • the upper surface of the bolt 5 has a resilient barb 9. This is adapted to engage with a downwardly directed cut-out portion 10 of the lid for retention of the bolt in the locked position.
  • An end of the bolt remote from the locking portion has an upwardly projecting peg portion 11 which projects through an opening in part of the top surface 12 of the lid.
  • the barb 9 is resiliently pressed by the underside portion of the lid against the top surface of the bolt, until it meets the retaining opening 10, at which point the barb resiliently swings out from the bolt to engage in the opening 10 and thereby retain the bolt in the locked position.
  • the purpose of the tamper-evident seal assembly according to the invention is to retain the bolt 5 in its locked position in such a way that it can only be unlocked by breakage of a seal member. Such breakage is only to be carried out by authorised personnel. The bolt cannot be unlocked without breakage of the seal, and any breakage and subsequent repair of the seal member would be immediately evident on inspection before authorised opening.
  • the seal assembly comprises a channel portion 20 which is integral with or permanently fixed to the upper surface 12 of the lid 2.
  • a longitudinally aligned slot 21 through which projects the peg portion 11 of the bolt 5.
  • a seal member 22 is of substantially rectangular plate shape and is adapted to slide longitudinally in the channel member.
  • the seal member has in its underside (see Figure 3A) a socket 23 which is adapted to receive the protruding peg portion 11 when the seal member is placed downwardly into the channel portion.
  • the socket 23 is dimensioned such that when the seal member 22 rests on the base of the channel portion 20, it depresses the peg portion 11 to the extent necessary to rotate the bolt 5 anti-clockwise until it is substantially horizontal. At this point, the peg portion 11 still protrudes through the slot 21 to a sufficient extent for it to be engaged within the socket 23.
  • forward sliding of the seal member 22 in the channel portion 20 causes the bolt 5 to slide forwardly to its locked position. The path taken by the seal member 22 on locking is thus initially downward into the channel portion 20, and then forward, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B.
  • the opposing inner longitudinal faces of the channel portion 20 have castellated projecting substantially semi-circular retaining parts 24.
  • the seal member 22 has on its opposing longitudinal edges correspondingly spaced and shaped indentations 25.
  • the socket 23 is positioned such that it fits over the protruding peg portion 11 at this point. Subsequent sliding forward of the seal member 22 causes the retaining parts 24 and indentations 25 to become out of register, the retaining parts 24 then overlapping the tops of the longitudinal edge portions of the seal member.
  • the seal member To facilitate breakage of the seal member, it has a central longitudinal portion 26 which is relatively thin, compared with the longitudinal outer portions.
  • the socket 23 is positioned in the relatively thick outer longitudinal portion, on one side of the central portion.
  • a "spare" socket may be positioned in the opposite side portion, so that the seal member 22 is symmetrical and can be positioned facing either longitudinal direction in the channel portion.
  • the base of the channel portion has a central undercut part 27 extending from about half way along and gradually sloping upwardly to the top surface at one end. This facilitates the insertion beneath the seal member 22 of a seal breaking tool or lever 28. This is introduced by authorised personnel when the seal member is to be broken.
  • the tool is introduced beneath the seal member and then levered upwardly to break the seal member along its thin central portion 26, as shown in Figure 4B.
  • the tool has an upper protective screen 29 which covers the top of the seal member at the time of breakage, to prevent accidental injury from parts of the broken seal member flying upwards.
  • the peg member 11 can then be lifted and used to slide the bolt backwards to the unlocked position. When the lid is to be locked again, a fresh seal member will have to be used.
  • the seal member 22 is preferably made of relatively rigid plastics material so as to exhibit easily discernible evidence if it is damaged. The features of engagement of the seal member and the channel portion are all clearly visible, thereby affording no opportunity for tampering which could be hidden.
  • the top surface of the seal member is a simple flat shape, and ideal for presentation of printed information and identification such as an individual bar code or sequential number. It will be noted that the non-expendable parts of the seal assembly are conveniently housed within an enclosure, and so ancillary tying media such as string or wire are necessary.
  • Figures 6A and 6B show a box 40 with a lid 41.
  • One edge of the lid has a projecting portion 42 capable of engaging with a channel portion 43 near the top of the box wall.
  • Locking of the lid to the box is effected by a sliding bolt 44 which in the locked position engages beneath an overhanging portion 45 of an inside wall of the box.
  • the bolt 44 has a peg or handle 46 projecting through a slot 47 in the lid permitting its operation by hand.
  • a sliding member 50 has a peg 51 which engages with a socket in the underside of the seal 48. This sliding member 50 is provided at its rearward end 55 with a resilient portion 52.
  • the seal is inserted in its channel and located on the peg 51. Forward movement of the seal causes the member 50 to slide in a direction lateral to the bolt 44 but closely adjacent to it until the resilient portion 52 springs into engagement against the lip 53 of the bolt 44.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Wrappers (AREA)
  • Sealing Battery Cases Or Jackets (AREA)
  • Materials For Medical Uses (AREA)
  • Refinement Of Pig-Iron, Manufacture Of Cast Iron, And Steel Manufacture Other Than In Revolving Furnaces (AREA)
  • Absorbent Articles And Supports Therefor (AREA)
  • Cartons (AREA)

Claims (8)

  1. Dispositif ayant un mécanisme de verrouillage comprenant un dispositif de bouchage de sécurité, le mécanisme de verrouillage comprenant une pièce formant une gâche (5,50) qui est mobile entre une position verrouillée et une position déverrouillée, la gâche ayant une partie en forme de cheville (11,51) saillante transversalement, le dispositif de bouchage comprenant une partie rainurée (20,49), et une pièce de sécurité (22,48) cassable, jetable qui est coulissante longitudinalement dans la partie rainurée (20,49), la partie rainurée (20,49) définissant dans sa base une fente (21) à travers laquelle dépasse la partie en forme de cheville (11,51), et la pièce de sécurité (22,48) ayant un moyen (23) pour s'encliqueter avec la partie saillante en forme de cheville (11,51), de sorte que, dans la position verrouillée de la gâche (5,50), les parties de blocage de la partie du rainurée (20,49), empêchent le soulèvement de la pièce de sécurité (22,48), alors que l'encliquetage de la pièce de sécurité (22,48) et avec la partie en forme de cheville (11,51) empêche le retrait glissant de la pièce de sécurité (22,48), grâce auquel la gâche (5,50) est maintenue dans une position verrouillée jusqu'à ce que la pièce de sécurité (22,48) soit cassée, caractérisé en ce que la gâche (5,50) est coulissante entre les positions verrouillées et déverrouillées, et la lente (21) est alignée longitudinalement dans la direction de coulissement de la gâche (5,50), de sorte que, dans la position déverrouillée, la pièce de sécurité (22,48) peut être placée dans la partie rainurée (20,49) et encliquetée avec la partie en forme de cheville (11,51), la pièce de sécurité (22,48) étant ensuite coulissante dans la partie rainurée (20,49) et l'encliquetage entre la pièce de sécurité (22,48) et la partie en forme de cheville (11,51) provoque le glissement correspondant de la gâche (5,50) dans sa position de verrouillage.
  2. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la pièce de sécurité (22,48) est essentiellement une plaque rectangulaire, dont les bords opposés sont adaptés pour s'enclencher par coulissement avec un moyen d'alignement longitudinal sur les cotés opposés d'une partie rainurée (20,49).
  3. Dispositif selon la revendication 2 dans lequel les cotés opposés de la partie rainurée (20) ont des parties (24) de retenue saillantes crénelées, et les bords opposés de la pièce de la pièce de sécurité (22) ont des crénelures (25) espacées en conséquence, par lesquelles la pièce de sécurité (22) peut être introduite dans la partie rainurée (20) lorsque les crénelures (25) coïncident avec les pièces de retenues (24), alors que le coulissement de la pièce de sécurité (22) dans la partie rainurée (20) conduit les crénelures (25) et les pièces de retenues (24) à ne plus coïncider, les pièces de retenues (24) empêchant ensuite le coulissement de la pièce de sécurité (22).
  4. Dispositif selon la revendication 3, dans lesquelles pièces de retenue (24) et les crénelures (25) sont essentiellement semi-circulaires.
  5. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel la partie rainurée (20) a une partie évidée par dessous (27) pour permettre d'introduire sous la pièce de sécurité (22) d'un outil (28) pour casser la pièce de sécurité.
  6. Dispositif selon toute revendication 1 à 5, dans lequel la partie longitudinale centrale (26) de la pièce de sécurité (22) est relativement mince pour faciliter la rupture.
  7. Dispositif selon toute revendication 1 à 6, dans lequel la gâche (5) doit être d'abord relevée pour permettre le coulissement de la position verrouillée à la position déverrouillée et doit être appuyée pour permettre le coulissement de la position déverrouillée vers la position verrouillée.
  8. Dispositif selon toute revendication 1 à 6, dans lequel la gâche (50), une seconde pièce de coulissement (44) et une pièce de sécurité (48) ont un lien entre elles de verrouillage dans la position verrouillée et elles ne peuvent être déverrouillées qu'en cassant la pièce de sécurité (48).
EP87306714A 1986-07-29 1987-07-29 Dispositif de bouchage de sécurité Expired - Lifetime EP0255365B1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT87306714T ATE87348T1 (de) 1986-07-29 1987-07-29 Sicherheitsverschluss.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB868618468A GB8618468D0 (en) 1986-07-29 1986-07-29 Tamper-evident seal assembly
GB8618468 1986-07-29

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0255365A2 EP0255365A2 (fr) 1988-02-03
EP0255365A3 EP0255365A3 (en) 1989-04-26
EP0255365B1 true EP0255365B1 (fr) 1993-03-24

Family

ID=10601860

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP87306714A Expired - Lifetime EP0255365B1 (fr) 1986-07-29 1987-07-29 Dispositif de bouchage de sécurité

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0255365B1 (fr)
AT (1) ATE87348T1 (fr)
DE (1) DE3784979T2 (fr)
ES (1) ES2038990T3 (fr)
GB (1) GB8618468D0 (fr)

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1367647A (en) * 1920-06-18 1921-02-08 Edwin C Washburn Sealed padlock
US1587651A (en) * 1925-07-23 1926-06-08 Presley B Johnson Lock seal

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0255365A2 (fr) 1988-02-03
ES2038990T3 (es) 1993-08-16
GB8618468D0 (en) 1986-09-03
DE3784979D1 (de) 1993-04-29
DE3784979T2 (de) 1993-07-01
ATE87348T1 (de) 1993-04-15
EP0255365A3 (en) 1989-04-26

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