GB2185065A - Security clips - Google Patents

Abstract

A clip 10 comprising at least two members 12,14 pivotally attached by a hinge 16, each of said members including respective locking means 42,20; said members 12,14 being capable of pivoting relative to one another from an open position, wherein said members are positioned substantially apart from one another, to a closed position, wherein said members are brought together such that their respective locking means 42,20 are engaged one with the other; and said members being so formed that in said closed position a passage is formed passing through said clip; said passage being partially bounded by the hinge 16 which may be formed with ridges directed into the passage, and said passage being further partially bounded by inter-located ends 24,32 of respective series of ribs 22,28 on the members 14,12 which form a wall from which teeth may be directed into the passage. Spigot 42 may include frangible portions which allow the spigot to break off if the clip is forced open. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Clips, particularly security clips This invention relates generally to clips, and more particularly to security clips which are to be located around one or more articles and cannot then be removed ortampered with without leaving some evidence of such removal ortampering.

There is often a need to secure articles in a manner such that any tampering with the articles is evident.

For example, it is often necessary to secure together a pair of cords or two different lengths of the same cord to hold the mouth of a bag closed. This may be done by means of a clip which securestogetherport- ions ofthe cords relative to one another and to the closed bag. A clip which is capable of indicating whether there has been anytampering with or open ing ofthe bag, or any tampering with or removal of the clip, may be of considerable advantage in some situations. This may be the case when the contents of the bag are valuable or confidential orwhen the bag is onlyto be opened once it has reached a particular destination or person. An example of thins is there quirement for mail bags to remain closed from their departure point until they reach their destination.

There is considerable advantage in providing some means to indicatewhetherthe bag has been opened ortamperedwith in anyway intransit. Traditionally, this has been done bywayofa lead orwaxseal applied around the cords which are required to be secured together. These methods are both expensive and inconvenient. More sophisticated types of clips have been available, but they are generally expensive, complicated to manufacture and use, and often do not provide a means by which tampering with or opening of the bag or clip may be detected.

According to one aspect ofthe present invention, a clip comprises at least two members pivotally attached by a hinge, each of said members including respective locking means; said members being capable of pivoting relative to one another from an open position, wherein said members are positioned sub stantiallyapartfrom oneanother,toaclosedposi- tion, wherein said members are broughttogether such that their respective locking meansareenga- ged one with the other; and said members being so formed that in said closed position a passage is formed passing through said clip.

It will be appreciated that clips in accordance with the present invention can be suitable for use as security clips, which are intended to be non-releasably securable with one or more articles or are at least intended to provide a visible indication in the event of being tampered with or opened by cutting or deformation, and can moreover be inexpensive to make and easy to use.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method of securing a clip relative to one or more articles includes locating an at least partially open clip about said one or more articles, said clip comprising at least two members pivotally attached buy a hinge, each of said members including respective locking means, and thereafter pivoting said members relative to one another from an open position, wherein said members are located substantially apart from one another, to a closed position, wherein their respective locking means are engaged one with the other, said members being soformed that in said closed position a passage is formed passing through said clip, said one or more articles extending through and being retained within said passage.

Preferably: said locking means are such that a first memberofsaid clip is provided with at least one socket in at least one face thereof and a second member of said clip is provided with at least one protrusion extending outwardly from at least one face thereof; the or each of said sockets of said locking means is provided with at least one ledge portion, and the or each of said protrusions of said locking means is provided with an enlarged end portion which, on engagement within a respective socket, extends beyond said at least one ledge portion thereof; and the or each of said protrusions of said locking means is connected to the second member by at least one frangible portion intended to break if said clip is forced open from said closed position.

Inner faces offirst and second members of said clip may be provided with respective series of ribs, said ribs being so located that when said members are in said closed position a substantial interface between said innerfaces of said first and second members is created, at least some of said ribs provided on said first member being located within troughs formed between said ribs provided on said second member.

Protection means may be provided on at least one of said members to help protect said substantial interfacefrom exterior interference; and said protection means may include at least one skirt element ex- tending outwardly from at least part of a periphery of at least one of said members.

Preferably, said passage is at least partially bounded by a wall formed by adjacent ends of said series of ribs when said members are in said closed position, and said passage is at least partially bounded by said hinge. Said passage may be provided with a plurality of spaced apart projections extending thereinto, from at least one surface thereof. Preferably said projections comprise teeth projecting from said wall formed by adjacent ends of said ribs provided on said members, said teeth are continuations of either one or both of said series of ribs, and said teeth are of generally planar config u ration and lie in planes parallel to the lengths of said ribs, with said ribs being ofgenerallytriangularconfiguration in planes perpendicularto their lengths.Also preferably, said projections comprise ridges projecting from said hinge, and said ridges extend across an inner surface of said hinge from a position at or adjacent an inner end of a first member of id clip two a position at or adjacent an inner end of a second member of said clip.

More generally, said hinge maybe formed as an elongate strap whose thickness varies laterally thereof as well as varying longitudinally thereof, and said clip may be formed as an integral unit of a plastics material.

Several clips, and a method, in accordance with the present invention, will now be described, byway of example only, with reference to the accompany- ing drawings, in which Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first clip according to the present invention, in its open position; Figure 2 shows the clip as shown in Figure 1,loc- ated about elongate strips of material to be secured; Figure 3shows the clip as shown in Figure 2, in its closed position; Figure 4shows an underside view ofthe clip as shown in Figure 1; Figure shows a perspective view of a second clip according to the present invention, in its open position; Figure 6shows a pian view ofthe clip as shown in Figure 5;; Figure 7shows a perspectiveviewof a third clip according to the present invention, located about elongate strips of material to be secured; and Figure 8shows a longitudinai section through a fourth clip according to the present invention.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, Figures 1 to 4 show a clip 10 according to the present invention comprising a (second) member 12 and a (first) member 14 attached by a central hinge portion 16.The member 14includes an enlarged end portion 18 which has a socket 20 formed therein.

The member 14 also includes a plurality of ribs 22 formed on an upper (inner) face 23 thereof. The ribs 22 extend from an inner end 24 ofthe member 14 along the length of the member 14to a position corresponding to an inner end 26 of the enlarged end portion 18. The ribs 22 are substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the clip 10. Preferably, each ribisofatriangularcross-section,forming aplurality of regularly spaced elongatetroughstherebetween.

The troughs are also preferably of a triangular crosssection.

The member 12 similariy includes a plurality of ribs 28 on an upper (inner) face 29 thereof. The ribs 28 extend from an inner end 32 of the member 12, along the length ofthe member 12 to a position short of a spigot 42. Similarly, the ribs 28 are substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis ofthe clip 10, and each rib is of a triangular cross-section, forming a plurality of regularly spaced elongate troughs therebetween. Such troughs are preferably of a triangular cross-section.

While the ribs 22,28 and the troughs are described as being substantially triangular in cross-section, this is by waxy of example only, and the ribs and troughs can be of some other shape and configuration if desired.

The member 12 is further provided with an up standing skirt element or flange 30 extending at least partiallyaroundthe peripherythereof. Preferably, the flange 30 extends around three sides ofthe member 12, leaving the inner end 32 thereofsub- stantially open orfree at the hinge portion 16. The flange 30 includes side walls 34 and an end wall 36.

The spigot 42 extends outwardlyfromthe upper suiface 29 of the member 12, and is preferably spaced apart from the end wall 36 of the flange 30. The spigot 42 has an enlarged end portion 44, which ter minates in lower shoulders 46 and which is at ieast partiallytapered towards the centre thereof.

In the preferred form of the invention shown in Figure 1, the socket 20 is orientated so that it is elongate with respect to the longitudinal axis of the clip 10. Itis envisaged, however, that the socket 20 may be orientated so as to be transversely elongate, as will be further described hereinafter.

Extending into the socket 20, substantially from the upperface 23, are a pair of ledges 48. Said ledges 48 extend into said socket 20, and are inclined towards each other as they extend downwardly away from the upperface 23. The ledges 48 terminate in downwardly facing shoulders 54, as shown in Figure 4.

The hinge portion 16 is preferablythinnerthan either of the members 12 or 14. Thus, there is an elongate channel-like recess formed between the inner ends 24 and 32 ofthe members 12 and 14, the recess being open at its ends. The length of the hinge portion 16 is here regarded as being at rightanglesto the lengths of the ribs 22 and 28.

When the clip 10 is in the open position, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the lowerfacesofthe members 12 and 14 are substantially co-planar with the lowerface ofthe hinge portion 16.

In use, the clip 10 may be located about one or more elongate strips of material 58. The hinge portion 16may be located substantially adjacent the elongate strips of material 58 so that the elongate strips of material 58 are located between the inner ends 24 and 32 ofthe members 14 and 12. The members 12 and 14arethen moved substantially inthe direction indicated by the arrows A, as shown in Figure 2. The ribs 22 provided on the member 14and the ribs 28 provided on the member 12 are positioned such that when the members 12 and 14 are moved together, the ribs 22 are located within the troughs formed by the ribs 28, and at least some of the ribs 28 are located within troughs formed bythe ribs 22.

The spigot 42 is positioned and shaped such that when the members 12 and 14 are moved into the closed position, the spigot 42 engages within the socket 20. Byforcing the spigot 42 fully into the socket 20, the shoulders 46 of the spigot 42 are for ced pastthe shoulders 54 of the ledges 48, thus loca- ting the spigot 42 in the socket 20. Thus, thetwo members 12 and 14 are non-releasably engaged together.

The tapered end of the spigot 42 serves to guide the spigot 42 into the socket 20.

When the members 12 and 14 are engaged together, an interface is formed therebetween. This interface is not shown in the accompanying drawings, as the flange 30 ofthe member 12 extends around the free periphery of the member 14, and thus conceals the interface. This can be seen from Figure 3.

The widths of the members 12 and 14 are such that the inner faces of the side walls 34 oftheflange 30 substantially abut sides 38 of the member 14, when the members 12 and 14 are engaged. Furthermore, the lengths of the members 12 and 14 are such that the innerface ofthe end wall 36 ofthe flange 30 sub stantially abuts end wall 50 of the member 14. Thus, the periphery of the interface is concealed.

As the members 12 and 14 are moved into the closed position, the angular dispositions of the members 12 and 14 relative to the hinge portion 16 become more acute. This has the effect of pushing any article or articles lodged in the recess formed adjacentthe hinge portion 16atleast partiallyoutof the aforementioned recess and between the inner ends 24 and 32 ofthe members 14 and 12.

Furthermore, as the ribs 22 and 28 are located adjacent one another, the recess in which the elongate strips of material 58 are located becomes a closed passage, with open ends through which the strips of material 58 extend. Thus, the passage is bounded on one side by inner ends 24 and 32 ofthe members 14 and 12, and on the other side by the hinge portion 16.

Thus, the material 58 may be held within the passage, being at least partially gripped between the hinge portion 16 and the wall surface formed bythe inner ends 24 and 32. As the members 12 and 14 are moved into the fully engaged position, the hinge portion 16 is drawn towards the wall surface formed by the inner ends 24 and 32, thus reducing the crosssectional area of the passage. The elongate strips of material 58 are pinched together and retained within the passage. When the clip is fully engaged, the strips of material are preferably gripped sotightly that it is not possible to move the clip relative to the strips of material 58.

As previously mentioned, the clip 10 is designed such that once it is fuily engaged, it cannot be removed without cutting or deforming at least a part thereof. This may be achieved by, for example, the application of some tool or device. In some cases manual pressure or manipulations may suffice. Such an application, in orderto removeordeformtheclip, would inevitably cause some damage thereto,and thus give an indication that the clip had been tampered with. To assist in this, the width of the socket 20 is formed such that when the spigot42 is forced into the socket 20, the spigot 42 forces cross portion 60 in an outward direction. As the spigot42 locks behind the shoulders 54 of the socket 20, the portion 60 springs back into its original position.

When it is desired to remove the security clip, it may be cut, for example at location 62 as shown in Figure 3. Thus, the clip can be used once, andthen must be discarded.

The provision of the flange 30 extending over the interface between the members 12 and 14 prevents the insertion of a tool or similar device to force the members open. The flange 30 also assists in stiffening the member 12 and provides additional support forthe portion 60 when the clip is inthefullyenga- ged position.

Referring now to Figures 5, the hinge portion 16 is shown provided with a plurality of spaced apart ridges 56. This feature allows the clip lotto ac commodate a larger range ofthickness of strips of material to be secured by the clip 10.

As the ridges 56 extend into the passage, the ridges press against any strip of material within the passage and thus at least assist in securing the strip of material relative to the clip. Thus, if a strip of material happens to be of a lesserthickness than would generally be needed to provide a secure fit of at least one cord for example within the passage, the ridges 56 will extend into the passage and thus assist in securing the strip of material. As the ridges 56 extend into the passage, a required pressure will be placed on any strips of material located therewithin.

Referring furtherto Figure 5, the inner end 32 ofthe member 12 may optionally be provided with a plurality of spaced apart teeth or ribs 70. These teeth or ribs 70 (hereinafter referred to as 'teeth 70') extend outwardly from the inner end 32, and are positioned to extend substantially from the medial portion of each rib 28. The teeth 70 are interspaced between the ridges 56. This can be clearly seen from Figure 6 of the accompanying drawings.

In one form, the teeth 70 are substantiallytriangular in shape and are tapered towards the centre 72 ofthe hinge portion 16. The teeth 70 are also tap ered away from the hinge portion 1 6towards the medial portion ofthe corresponding rib 28.

The inner end 24ofthe member 14may also be provided with a plurality of spaced apartteeth or ribs 74. The teeth or ribs 74 (hereinafter referred to as 'teeth 74') are located so as to extend from a substantially medial portion of the ribs 22. Thus, as shown in Figure 6, the teeth 74 are preferably located above the ridges 56. As will be seen from Figure 5, the teeth 74 do not extend from the upper surface of the hinge portion 16, as do the teeth 70, but extend from the inner end 24 ofthe member 14, above the ridges 56.

The teeth 74 are also tapered towards the hinge portion 16.

As the members 12 and 14 are moved into the engaged position, substantially as described previously, the teeth 70 and 74 move between one another. Thus, as the members 12 and 14 are engaged, a passage through the clip 10 isformed and is at least partially bounded by the spaced apartteeth 70 and 74. The provision of the teeth 70 and 74, with or without the ridges 56, allowsforthe accommodation of a larger range of widths orthicknesses for strips of material 58to be secured by the clip 10. Thus, the teeth 70 and 74 assist in at least partially gripping the strips of material located within the passage, thereby locating the strips of material therewithin.The strips of material are pinched together and retained within the passage, in a manner such that it is not possible to move the strips of material relative to the clip.

As will be appreciated from the above description, if a strip of material to be secured by the clip 10 is of a lesserwidth orthickness than would generally be needed for the provision of a secure fit within the passage, the ridges 56 will extend into the passage and assist in securing the strip of material. Similarly, the teeth 70 and 74 extend into the passage and are capable of gripping or pressing against the strip of material located therewithin, so asto secure the same relative to the clip.

When the clip 10 is in the engaged position, the teeth 70 and 74 are interspaced between each other and are positioned such that as the members 12 and 14 are moved towards each other, the strip of material 58 located therebetween is forced at least partially between the teeth 70 and 74. Thus, the teeth 70 and 74 assist in retaining and securing the strip of material 58 located within the passage.

The provision of the ridges 56 and the teeth 70 and 74 is optional, and variationsthereof may also be provided. For example, the teeth 70 and 74 only may be provided, or the ridges 56 only may be provided.

Referring againto Figures 5 and 6,the hingepor- tion 16 may, in one form, be angied inwardlyfrom the inner ends 24 and 32 ofthe members 14 and 12, towards the centre 72, so that it is of a different and lesser thickness towards and adjacentthe centre or middle thereof. Thisfeature allows for the hinge to foid evenlywhen the members 12 and 14 are being moved towards each other for engagement.

Referring nowto Figure 7, a clip may be provided wherein a spigot 80 and a socket 82 are positioned so asto be transversely elongate relativetothe longitudinal axis ofthe clip. The clip operates in substantiallythe same manner as those described above, however the clip may be formed in a slightlydifferent configuration in orderto accommodate the trans- versely elongate socket and spigot. For example, end portion 84 of the member 14 is smaller than forthe clips described above.

Referring nowto Figure8,there may be provided one or more indents or recesses 90, located about or adjacent an end ofthe spigot 42, the indents or recesses leaving frangible portions which allowthe spigot 42to break off if the clip 10 is forced open. This meansthatthe clip 10 cannot be re-closed, which allows for an indication ofanytampering madewith the clip or the article to which it is attached.

It is envisaged that certain modifications and alterations may be possible. For example, it is envisaged that a plurality of engageable sockets and spigots may be provided. itis also envisaged that the socket may be closed at its lower end. Thus, when the clip 10 is in the engaged position, there would be no access to the socket 20. It is also envisaged that some types of clip may be provided with marking, indicating the origin ofthe article to which it is attached for example, or being marked with a number in a series such thatthe clip cannot be replaced by an identical clip without the proper authority.

Other modifications and alterations may invoive the passage formed through the clip when the mem bers are in their closed position.

For example, although it is envisaged thatthe lateral variation in the thickness ofthe hinge is a pro gressive reduction from both sides towards the long itudinally extending centre of the hinge, and aithough it is envisaged that the longitudinal vari ation in the thickness ofthe hinge is a result ofthe formation ofthe ridges extending thereacross, the lateral and longitudinal variations of hinge thickness may instead be a result oftheformation of spikes or other projections thereon for use in gripping one or more articles to be secured within the passage.

Moreover, the teeth, which are preferably integrally formed with and extend between the ends of the series of ribs and either the hinge orthe ridges on the hinge, preferably have at least a slighttaper in at least a direction upwardly of the hinge to assist in moulding, but are nontheless of a preferably planar configuration in comparison with the marked triangular configuration of each ofthe ribs.

The clip provided by this invention may be manufactured by any suitable technique and from any suitable material. For example, in one form of the invention the clip is manufactured ofathermo-plastics material. Moulding of a plastics material such as nylon or one of the well known polymers of ethylene, which is tough and yet sufficiently flexible that the members may be hinged at least once from the open position to the closed position, without the hinge portion 16 weakening or breaking, is an advantage.

Although the invention has been described with particular reference to use as a security clip in securing together a pair of elongate strips of material, such as may be used to hold together the mouth of a bag or container, it will be apparentthatthe invention may be applied to any suitable articles, for exaqmple, the invention can be used to attach or locate a clip relativelyto any one or more articles.

Thus by this invention there is provided a clip for securing at least one elongate strip of material relative to said clip, which is straightforward to use and manufacture and which cannot be easily moved or tampered with without leaving some evidence of such removal ortampering.

Claims (23)

1. A clip comprising at least two members pivotally attached by a hinge, each of said members including respective locking means; said members being capable of pivoting relative to one another from an open position, wherein said members are positioned substantiallyapartfrom one another, to a closed position, wherein said members are brought together such thattheir respective locking means are engaged one with the other; and said members being so formed that in said closed position a passage is formed passing through said clip.

2. Aclip as claimed in claim 1,wherein said locking means are such that a first member of said clip is provided with at least one socket in at least one face thereof and a second member of said clip is provided with at least one protrusion extending out wardlyfrom at least one face thereof.

3. A clip as claimed in claim 2, wherein the or each of said sockets of said locking means is provided with at least one ledge portion, and the or each of said protrusions of said locking means is provided with an enlarged end portion which, on engagement within a respective socket, extends beyond said at least one ledge portion thereof.

4. Aclipasclaimed inclaim2orclaim3,wherein the oreach of said protrusions of said locking means is connected to the second member by at least one frangible portion intended to break if said clip is forced open from said closed position.

5. Aclip as claimed in any one ofthe preceding claims, wherein innerfaces of first and second mem bers of said clip are provided with respective series of ribs, said ribs being so located thatwhen said members are in said closed position a substantial interface between said inner faces of said first and second members is created, at least some of said ribs provided on said first member being located within troughs formed between said ribs provided on said second member.

6. Aclip as claimed in claim 5,wherein protection means is provided on at least one of said members to help protect said substantial interface from exterior interference.

7. A clip as claimed in claim 6, wherein said protection means includes at least one skirt elementextending outwardly from at least part of a periphery of at least one of said members.

8. A clip as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 5to 7, wherein said passage is at least part ially bounded by a wall formed by adjacent ends of said series of ribs when said members are in said closed position.

9. A clip as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said passage is at least partially bounded by said hinge.

10. Aclipasclaimedin anyone ofthe preceding claims, wherein said passage is provided with a plurality of spaced apart projections extending thereinto, from at least one surface thereof.

11. Aclip as claimed in claim 8 and claim 10, wherein said projections comprise teeth projecting from said wall formed by adjacent ends of said ribs provided on said members.

12. A clip as claimed in claim 11, wherein said teeth are continuations of either one or both of said series of ribs.

13. Aclipasclaimed inclaim 12,whereinsaid teeth are of generally planar configuration and lie in planes parallel to the lengths of said ribs, with said ribs being ofgenerallytriangularconfigurationin planes perpendicularto their lengths.

14. A clip as claimed in claim 9 and any one ofthe preceding claims 10 to 13, wherein said projections comprise ridges projecting from said hinge.

15. Aclip as claimed in claim 14, wherein said ridges extend across an an inner surface of said hinge from a position at or adjacent an inner end of a first member of said clip orto a positionatoradja- cent an inner end of a second member of said clip.

16. A clip as claimed in any one ofthe preceding claims, wherein said hinge isformed as an elongate strap whose thickness varies laterally thereof.

17. Aclip as claimed in anyone ofthe preceding claims, wherein said hinge is formed as an elongate strap whose thickness varies longitudinallythereof.

18. Aclip as claimed in anyone ofthe preceding claims, wherein said clip is an integral unit.

19. Aclip as claimed in anyone ofthe preceding claims, wherein said clip is formed of a plastics material.

20. A clip substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to4, Figures5and6, Figure7 or Figure 8, of the accompanying drawings.

21. A method ofsecuring a clip relative to one or more articles, including locating an at least partially open clip aboutsaid one or more articles, saidclip comprising at least two members pivotallyattached by a hinge, each of said members including respective locking means, and thereafter pivoting said members relative to one anotherfrom an open position, wherein said members are located substantially apart from one another, to a closed position, wherein their respective locking means are engaged one with the other, said members being so formed that in said closed position a passage isformed passing through said clip, said one or more articles extending through and being retained within said passage.

22. A clip as claimed in any one ofthe preceding claims 1 to 20 which has been secured to one or more articles by a method as claimed in the preceding claim 21 and is removable from said one or more articles only by cutting or visible deformation of at least part of said clip.

23. Aclip as claimed in claim 22,wherein said one or more articles to which said clip is secured are a pairofoords ortwo different lengths ofthesame cord.