Security seal

Abstract

A security seal includes a first seal member having a first locking portion and a first detection circuit portion. A second seal member has a second locking portion and a second detection circuit portion. The first locking portion is engageable to the second locking portion to engage and irretrievably lock together the first seal member to the second seal member. Engagement of the first seal member to the second seal member operatively connects the first detection circuit portion to the second detection circuit portion to provide a combined detection circuit throughout the security seal. The first seal member preferably includes a spear having the first locking portion, and the second seal member includes a sleeve having the second locking portion. The spear is insertible into the sleeve to engage the first locking portion to the second locking portion, and to thereby engage the first seal member and the first detection circuit portion to the second seal member and the second detection circuit portion. Breaking of the security seal will break continuity of the combined detection circuit portions, which continuity is checked for evidence of tampering. In an alternative embodiment, a conductive strip is embedded within an elongated stem extending from the first seal member. The stem is engageable to the second seal member to form the security seal. Contact points allow testing of the continuity of the conductive strip as evidence of tampering. The seal members are preferably formed from a clear material with embedded indicia to provide a visual indication of tampering.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to security seals for closures, especially the lids and doors of shipping containers, and relates more particularly to tamper-indicating security seals.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Smuggling of drugs and other contraband has become a well-documented problem in the transportation industry. Smugglers work very hard to enter containers on cargo vessels, airplanes and the like to conceal contraband for transportation purposes. Aside from the social problems which such smuggling causes, transportation companies face large government-imposed fines, and possible confiscation of equipment, if contraband is found and no adequate explanation for the presence of the contraband can be presented.

Locks of many types have been designed for, or used in connection with, transportation containers. Smugglers are often expert, however, at breaking into such locks in a manner which will permit concealment of contraband and which will avoid detection. Similarly, security seals which intend to evidence tampering, and perform little function as a true lock, are often compromised by expert craftsmen who can break such seals and replace or repair the broken parts in a manner which will avoid detection. The seals are opened, the contraband is hidden, and the container is resealed in such a manner that visual observation will not readily reveal that the container has been opened.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a security seal for large container closures which will readily reveal tampering.

It is another object of the invention to provide a security seal for large container closures with sufficient strength to withstand the rigors of transportation on ships, trucks, airplanes, trains and the like.

It is another object of the invention to provide a security seal for large container closures which can reveal tampering by several different methods of indication.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a security seal for large container closures with seal-identifying indicia that cannot readily be altered or replaced.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a security seal for large container closures which is relatively low in cost.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a security seal for large container closures which can be utilized by employees with limited training.

These and other objects are accomplished by a security seal having a first seal member with a first locking portion and a first detection circuit portion, and a second seal member having a second locking portion and a second detection circuit portion. The first locking portion can be engaged to the second locking portion to engage the first seal member to the second seal member. Structure is provided for connecting the first detection circuit portion to the second detection circuit portion. Engagement of the first seal member to the second seal member preferably also connects the first detection circuit portion to the second detection circuit portion to provide a combined detection circuit throughout the security seal.

Each of the first seal member and second seal member preferably comprise a base portion and a stem portion. The stem portion of the first seal member can be in the general form of a spear, and the stem portion of the second seal member can be in the general form of a sleeve adapted to receive the spear. The first and second locking portions are adapted such that when the spear is inserted into the sleeve it is irretrievably locked into the sleeve. The spear and sleeve can be positioned through the staple and over the hasp of a container and engaged to one another to form a locking stem. The base portions are dimensioned to prevent passage through the staple, such that engagement of the spear in the stem and through the staple will irremovably lock the security seal to the staple and the hasp. A frangible portion is preferably provided in the spear such that a portion of the spear will give way should there be an attempt to forcibly separate the first seal member from the second seal member.

The security seal is preferably formed of a strong and transparent material. Plastic materials such as polycarbonates and styrene butadiene resins are presently preferred. Matching serial numbers are preferably molded or otherwise embedded within the transparent material to provide security seal identification which is easily viewed, but which cannot easily be altered or replaced owing to its embedded position within the plastic.

The security seal of the invention provides several possible indications of tampering. The first and second detection circuit portions preferably comprise electrical conductors which make electrical contact when the respective seal members are engaged to one another. Should the security seal be cut or otherwise broken, the electrical continuity of the detection circuit will be broken. Detection circuits comprising electrical conductors can be readily tested by the provision of surface contacts and a simple electrical continuity tester. The transparent material from which the security seal is made will deform upon tampering to provide a visual indication of such tampering. Should there be any attempt to forcibly separate the first seal member from the second seal member, the frangible portion of the spear will give way, leaving a portion of the spear embedded in the sleeve as evidence of the removal. Further, the matching serial numbers embedded within the plastic, and which will be recorded by the transportation company, are difficult to alter owing to their embedded position within the transparent material and will thereby provide an indication of the removal and replacement of the security seal.

In an alternative embodiment, the first seal member includes an elongated stem, preferably shaped as a spear. A strip of conductive material is preferably embedded within the spear. The first seal member and the spear are locked to the second seal member to form the security seal. Openings in the security seal allow for testing the continuity of the conductive strip as an indication of tampering. In another alternative embodiment, detection circuit or conductive strip is omitted and tampering is indicated by visual inspection of interlocked clear-plastic security seal members, and/or by the inspection of identifying serial numbers or other indicia embedded within the plastic.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

There are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred, it being understood that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an unseparated seal member according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section taken along the line 3--3 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross-section taken along line 4--4 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a cross-section taken along line 5--5 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a cross-section taken along line 6--6 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a cross-section taken along line 7--7 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a cross-section taken along line 8--8 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a cross-section taken along line 9--9 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a cross-section taken along line 10--10 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view.

FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view illustrating an attachment of seal members to one another.

FIG. 14 is a side elevation.

FIG. 15 is a cross-section taken along line 15--15 in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a cross-section taken along line 16--16 in FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of engaged seal members.

FIG. 18 is a side elevation.

FIG. 19 is a cross-section taken along line 19--19 in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a cross-section taken along line 20--20 in FIG. 17.

FIG. 21 is a plan view of a seal member according to the invention during a first stage of assembly.

FIG. 22 is a cross-section taken along line 22--22 in FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a front elevation.

FIG. 24 is a cross-section taken along line 24--24 in FIG. 21.

FIG. 25 is a cross-section taken along line 25--25 in FIG. 21.

FIG. 26 is a cross-section taken along line 26--26 in FIG. 21.

FIG. 27 is a cross-section taken along line 27--27 in FIG. 21.

FIG. 28 is a cross-section taken along line 28--28 in FIG. 21.

FIG. 29 is a cross-section taken along line 29--29 in FIG. 21.

FIG. 30 is a plan view of a seal member at a second stage of assembly.

FIG. 31 is a rear elevation.

FIG. 32 is a cross-section taken along line 32--32 in FIG. 30.

FIG. 33 is a cross-section taken along line 33--33 in FIG. 30.

FIG. 34 is a cross-section taken along line 34--34 in FIG. 30.

FIG. 35 is a cross-section taken along line 35--35 in FIG. 30.

FIG. 36 is a cross-section taken along line 36--36 in FIG. 30.

FIG. 37 is a cross-section taken along line 37--37 in FIG. 30.

FIG. 38 is a cross-section taken along line 38--38 in FIG. 30.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a sleeve according to the invention.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a split-finger locking ring.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a card as utilized in a second method of manufacture, partially in phantom.

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a card as utilized in a third method of assembly.

FIG. 43 is a plan view of unseparated seal members at an intermediate stage of assembly, and according to a third method of manufacture.

FIG. 44 is a cross-section taken along line 44--44 in FIG. 43, partially in phantom.

FIG. 45 is a front elevation, partially in phantom.

FIG. 46 is a side elevation of an unassembled first alternative embodiment.

FIG. 47 is a top plan view.

FIG. 48 is a cross-section taken along line 48--48 in FIG. 47.

FIG. 49 is a cross-section taken along line 49--49 in FIG. 46.

FIG. 50 is a cross-section taken along line 50--50 in FIG. 46.

FIG. 51 is a cross-section taken along line 51--51 in FIG. 46.

FIG. 52 is a cross-section taken along line 52--52 in FIG. 47.

FIG. 53 is an exploded side elevation showing the assembly of the first alternative embodiment.

FIG. 54 is an exploded top plan view.

FIG. 55 is a side elevation of an assembled first alternative embodiment.

FIG. 56 is a top plan view.

FIG. 57 is a cross-section taken along line 57--57 in FIG. 56.

FIG. 58 is a cross-section taken along line 58--58 in FIG. 55.

FIG. 59 is a top plan view of a third alternative embodiment.

FIG. 60 is a side elevation.

FIG. 61 is a front elevation of an installed seal member according to the invention.

FIG. 62 is a side elevation.

FIG. 63 is a perspective view of identifying labels according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A security seal assembly according to the invention, as shown in the drawings, has a first seal member 10 and a second seal member 14. The first seal member 10 has a first locking portion 16 and a first detection circuit portion 18, and the second seal member 14 has a second locking portion 20 and a second detection circuit portion 22. The first locking portion 16 can be engaged to the second locking portion 20 to engage the first seal member 10 to the second seal member 14. The first detection circuit portion 18 is connectable to the second detection circuit portion 22. Engagement of the first seal member 10 to the second seal member 14 preferably connects the first detection circuit portion 18 to the second detection circuit portion 22 to provide a combined detection circuit throughout the security seal. Any attempt to break the security seal will break continuity of the detection circuit, which break in continuity can be detected either visually or with suitable continuity testing apparatus.

The first detection circuit portion 18 and second detection circuit portion 22 preferably comprise electrical conductors, Leads provided for each respective detection circuit contact one another when the first seal member 10 and second seal member 14 are engaged to one another, to form a combined detection circuit throughout the security seal. Any break in the continuity of this circuit can be detected by the application of a simple electrical continuity tester 23.

The first seal member 10 and second seal member 14 preferably each comprise an elongated stem portion. The first seal member 10 can include an elongated male fitting or spear 24 and a base 25, and the second seal member can include an elongated female fitting or sleeve 26 and a base 27. The male fitting or spear 24 is adapted for insertion into the female fitting or sleeve 26. This insertion engages the first locking portion 16 to the second locking portion 20, and connects the first detection circuit portion 18 to the second detection circuit portion 22.

The first locking portion 16 and second locking portion 20 can be selected from several suitable constructions. A presently preferred construction is shown in the figures, however, alternative locking structures are also possible. The first locking portion 16 preferably includes a plurality of ratchet portions 34, which include inclined surfaces 36 and locking surfaces 40. The second locking portion 20 preferably includes structure for flexibly receiving and locking the ratchet portions 34 when the spear 24 is inserted into the sleeve 26. Such structure can be selected from several possibilities, however, a preferred construction includes the split finger locking ring 44 which has a number of circumferentially arranged, flexible fingers 48 protruding inwardly and rearwardly relative to the long axis of the sleeve 26. A center opening 50 in the locking ring 44 permits the insertion of the spear 24 past the fingers 48. Additional locking ring assemblies such as the innermost split-finger locking ring 54 can be provided for additional engagement strength and additional security, as it is difficult to pry past two of the rings in series. The spear 24 preferably includes a frangible portion 30 which can be an area of reduced cross-sectional are relative to other portions of the spear 24.

The electrical conductors of the first detection circuit portion 18 and second detection circuit portion 22 can be respectively positioned in the first seal member 10 and second seal member 14 in many possible patterns. The detection circuit portions should traverse each of the first seal member 10 and second seal member 14 in a manner such that a substantial portion of either seal member cannot be removed without breaking a portion of the detection circuit and thereby disrupting continuity of the electrical circuit. It is preferred that the first detection circuit portion 18 and second detection circuit portion 22 substantially traverse respective peripheral portions of the first seal member 10 and second seal member 14, and that the detection circuit portions located in the base portions 25, 27 be substantially embedded within the seal members 10, 14 as shown particularly in FIGS. 3-4. Leads of the first detection circuit portion 18 preferably extend down each side of the spear 24 substantially to an end distal to the base 25, as at contact points 58, 60. The spear 24 preferably includes side flanges 59, 61 onto which the leads of the first detection circuit portion 18 are laid during the manufacturing process. The second detection circuit portion 22 extends to contacts 64, 66 within a lock housing 70 which forms part of the second locking portion 20. Opposite ends of the second detection circuit 22 can be provided as testing contacts 74, 76 for the application of the leads of a suitable continuity tester 23.

It is preferable that the first seal member 10 and second seal member 14 be constructed of a rigid and durable material. It is also preferable that the material be substantially transparent, so as to readily make evident any breakage and attempted repair. Durable, transparent plastics are presently preferred materials, and polycarbonates and styrene butadiene resins are typical.

It is desirable to encode indicia 80 for identifying a particular security seal member into each of the first seal member 10 and second seal member 14. It is preferred that the indicia on the first seal member 10 and second seal member 14 be substantially identical. In this manner, registration of each seal member is possible, and replacement with the properly encoded multi-digit identifying indicia is necessary to conceal tampering. The identifying indicia 80 are preferably substantially embedded within the material of the first seal member 10 and second seal member 14 to impair or prevent undetectable alteration of the identifying indicia. The indicia can be provided in alpha-numeric form, or in alterative forms such as bar code encoding systems.

The first seal member 10 and the second seal member 14 can be engaged together prior to use by frangible attachment portions 84, 86. Seal members having corresponding identifying indicia 80 will thereby be retained together during storage and before use. The frangible portions 84, 86 can be manually separated when it is desired to secure the respective seal members together. A cooperating key 90 and slot 92 can be provided on each locking portion 70 to facilitate the stacking several of the unseparated seal members for packing and shipping.

In operation, the seal-member identifying indicia 80 is recorded in connection with a particular container number prior to installation. Peel-off adhesive labels bearing the seal-member indicia can also be supplied and adhered directly to a shipping invoice or ledger for the particular container to facilitate the recordal of security seal numbers with container numbers. The first seal member 10 and second seal member 14 are then separated by breaking the frangible connecting portions 84, 86. The first seal member 10 is then inserted into the second seal member 14 by placing the spear 24 within the sleeve 26. It is possible to key the sleeve 26 with slots 96, 98 which are adapted to receive the flanges 59, 61 of the spear 24 so as to insure proper positioning of the spear 24 in the sleeve 26 (FIGS. 14-17). The spear 24 is then moved through the sleeve 26 until the ratchet portions 34 pass through the aperture 50 of the split-finger locking rings 44, 54. The aperture 50 is smaller in diameter than the largest diameter of the ratchet portions 34. The fingers 48 will elastically deform as they contact the inclined surfaces 36 of the ratchet portions 34 and will thereafter spring behind and engage the locking surfaces 40 of the ratchet portions 34 to securely engage the locking portion 16 of the first seal member 10 to the locking portion 20 of the second seal member 14 (FIGS. 19-20).

The contact surfaces 58, 60 of the first detection circuit portion 18 are positioned adjacent to the contact surfaces 64, 66 of the second detection circuit portion 22 upon engagement of the first locking portion 16 to the second locking portion 20, so as to provide an electrical connection between the first detection circuit portion 18 and the second detection circuit portion 22. This will provide a combined detection circuit throughout the security seal. Spring means 102 can be provided within the lock housing 70 to urge the contacts 58, 60 of the spear 24 against the contacts 64, 66 and to thereby improve continuity. The spring 102 can be substantially wedge-shaped and slightly off-center relative to the position of the side flanges 59, 61 when positioned within the lock housing 70. In this manner, the side flanges 59, 61 will contact the wedge-shaped spring 102 and will be urged toward the contacts 64, 66 as the spear 24 is pushed further through the sleeve 26 and into the lock housing 70. A seal 106 can be provided on the spear 24 to completely seal the opening of the sleeve 26 distal to the base 25 (FIG. 20) and to thereby prevent access to the locking rings.

The first seal member 10 and second seal member 14 can be positioned through the staple of a closure, and over the hasp, and thereafter engaged to one another to secure the seal member in position. Base portions 25, 27 are dimensioned so that they cannot pass through the staple, so that once the first seal member 10 and second seal member 14 are engaged to one another the seal member cannot be removed from the hasp. The seal member could also be connected from lids and doors to containers by other means, for example, through aligned openings in each.

The seal member of the invention provides several different indications of tampering. The transparent material of which the seal members are made will be visibly deformed, and will usually turn opaque, should the material be broken or severely stressed. Any attempt to cut the seal member will break continuity of the combined detection circuit portions 18 and 22, which break in continuity can be quickly determined by the application of a continuity tester 23 to the contacts 74, 76 (See FIG. 19). The seal member identifying indicia 80 can be recorded prior to shipping for the particular container number to which the seal member will be applied. The number of indicia is sufficiently large that it is very unlikely that a smuggler would have a duplicate on hand. The embedded position of the indicia 80 within the seal member material would require that a copy be independently manufactured, a process which cannot be accomplished in the short time available to the smuggler. Should an attempt be made to pry the first seal member 10 from the second seal member 14, the frangible portion 30 will give way, leaving the distal end of the spear 24 securely locked within the sleeve 26 as yet another indication of tampering. Finally, it is possible to embed a hologram within the material of the seal members, which hologram is difficult to duplicate without sophisticated equipment.

The seal members according to the invention can be manufactured by a number of suitable processes. One such process is illustrated in FIG. 21-40. An approximately one-half longitudinal section of the first seal member 10a and second seal member 14a is initially molded. Corresponding portions such as the spear portions 24a, base portions 25a, frangible portion 30a, ratchet portions 34a, and seal 106a are molded as part of the first seal member 10a, while corresponding features such as the lock housing portion 70a and base portion 27a are molded as part of the second seal member portion 14a. The first detection circuit portion 18 and second detection circuit portion 22 are then applied by suitable processes such as the roller application of conductive paints, vapor deposition of conductive materials, mechanical application of thin metal foils, and the like. It is possible that conductive polymer materials could also be utilized. The identifying indicia 80 can be applied by suitable processes including laser etching, hot stamping or ink jet printing. The indicia 80 on the first seal member portion 10a and second seal member portion 14a are preferably substantially mirror images of one another, such that when the portions are completely molded and locked together the indicia will be properly oriented for reading or decoding.

The first seal member portion 10a and second seal member portion 14a, with the first detection circuit portion 18 and second detection circuit portion 22 and identifying indicia 80 in place, are then over-molded to complete the piece. Corresponding portions 10b of the first seal member, including the spear portion 24b, base portion 25b, frangible portion 30b and ratchet portions 34b, are formed. Similarly, the second seal member portion 14b includes a corresponding base portion 27b, lock housing 70b, and spring 102. Apertures are formed in the plastic over the contacts 74 and 76, to permit access by the leads of a testing device. The completed, unseparated assembly after molding does not include all of the second locking portion 20. The sleeve 26 is preferably separately formed and includes an enlarged portion 110 (FIG. 39) which is adapted to retain the split-finger locking rings 44, 54. The split-finger locking rings 44, 54 are positioned in the enlarged portion 110, following which the enlarged portion 110 is inserted into the lock housing 70. A key surface 112 can be fitted into a corresponding slot formed on an interior surface of the lock housing 70 to insure proper positioning. Similarly, a slot 113 on the split-finger locking rings 44, 54 can be mated to a corresponding male key surface on the interior of the enlarged portion 110 of the sleeve 26 to insure proper positioning of the split-finger locking rings within the enlarged portion 110. Suitable attachment means, such as adhesives, solvents or sonic welding, can be utilized to secure the assembly together.

Other assembly methodologies are also possible. A card 114 can be provided with card portions 116, 118 (FIG. 41). The card 114 is embedded within the first seal member 10 and second seal member 14 (phantom lines) during subsequent molding operations. The first detection circuit portion 18 and second detection circuit portion 22 are applied to the card 114 by suitable methods. The identifying indicia 80 can also be formed directly on the card 114 at this stage. Subsequent molding operations apply remaining portions of the first seal member 10 and second seal member 14 such that the card portions 116, 118, together with the first detection circuit portion 18, second detection circuit portion 22 and any identifying indicia 80, are substantially embedded within the seal members. Apertures can be provided in the card 114 to permit the insertion of mechanical gripping means to facilitate proper positioning of the card 114 during the subsequent molding operations, and to allow for a flow of plastic through the card during molding to thoroughly embed the card in the plastic.

Still another methodology is presently preferred. A card 130, which can be substantially planar, includes a first portion 134 and a second portion 138 joined together by bridge portions 140, 142. The first circuit portion 18 and second circuit portion 22 are provided on the first portion 134 and second portion 138, respectively. This can be accomplished by providing a substantially continuous layer of conductive material on the card 130, and then etching portions of the conductive material away by suitable techniques such as laser etching. Other circuit forming techniques can also be utilized. Alpha-numeric indicia 140 and bar codes 142 can also be provided on the card 130. The alpha-numeric indicia 140 and bar code 142 can be formed utilizing the same etching techniques used for the conductive material, or can be separately formed using alternative processes such as stamping or printing. First portions of the seal members 10 and 14 are molded separately. The molded piece can, for example, represent a substantially one-half section of the final molded piece, wherein a portion 10a includes a spear portion 24a, a ratchet portion 34a, a base portion 25a and a seal portion 106a. A second seal member portion 14a can include a base portion 27a, a lock housing portion 70a and the spring 102. The card 130 is then positioned on the piece, and remaining portions of the first seal member 10 are molded (phantom lines in FIGS. 44-45) including the seal member portion 24b, the base portion 25b, the ratchet portion 34b and the seal portion 106b. A remaining portion 14b of the second seal member 14 is also molded and includes a base portion 27b and a lock housing 70b. The card 130, and particularly the first circuit portion 18 and second circuit portion 22, are thereby embedded within the first seal member 10 and second seal member 14.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is depicted in FIGS. 46-58. This embodiment can be formed of materials and from processes as have been previously described. A first seal member 180 comprises a base portion 184 and an elongated stem 186, preferably shaped like a spear. A strip 190 of a conductive material is embedded within the spear 186 and preferably extends into the base 184. Contact openings 194, 196 are provided in the first seal member 180 to permit access to the conductive strip 190 by the leads 222 of a suitable continuity tester 223, by which continuity of the conductive strip 190 can be tested.

A second seal member 200 has a base portion 202 and an elongated sleeve 206. The spear 186 has a locking portion such as the ratchet portions 210 which are adapted to engage cooperating locking structure such as the finger 212 of split-finger locking rings 214 in the second seal member 200. The split-finger locking rings can be provided in a lock housing 216, as described for previous embodiments. The spear 186 is inserted within the sleeve 206 and lock housing 216 during assembly, whereupon the ratchet portions 210 engage the fingers 212 to securely lock the first seal member 180 to the second seal member 200 (FIGS. 53-58). A groove 218 is preferably formed in an end of the sleeve 206 to permit leading edges 220 of the end to fit over corresponding portions of the base member 184 when the first seal member 180 is engaged to the second seal member 200. This will further protect the juncture of the spear 186 with the base 184, from deformations caused by tampering.

Insertion of the spear 186 in the sleeve 206 aligns an aperture 221 in the second seal member 200 with the aperture 196 in the spear 186 of the first seal member 180. This will provide access to the conductive strip 190 for continuity testing of the strip.

Features that have been previously described for other embodiments can be incorporated into this embodiment. The unassembled first seal members 180 and second seal members 200 can be initially connected by a strip of material 224, which is broken prior to assembly. The spear 186 can include a thinned portion 226, as previously described, to break away should an effort be made to forcibly remove the first seal member 180 from the second seal member 200.

The seal member 180 and second seal member 200 are preferably made of a clear plastic which will provide a visual indication of tampering due to the fact that, as previously described, the clear plastic material will visibly deform to an opaque color when stressed or broken. Matching alpha-numeric indicia 230 and/or bar codes 236, also as described above, can be embedded within the plastic material of each seal member. These indicia can be recorded to provide yet another indication of tampering. The spear 186 and sleeve 206 can be located off of center to the respective base portions 184, 202 in order to provide a convenient space for additional indicia, such as a corporate logo 240 and color identification spot 241, as well as to permit rotation in hasp to inspect both sides of the seal.

The interlocking clear plastic seal members and embedded alpha-numeric indicia 230 and/or bar codes 236 can, in some uses, provide a sufficient indication of tampering, without the necessity of a conductive strip 190 or detection circuits. Such an embodiment is shown in FIGS. 59-60, where corresponding features to the afore-mentioned alternative embodiment are referenced with like numerals bearing the superscript "'".

The security seal of the invention can be utilized in a number of different ways. One example is shown in FIGS. 61-62, where a first seal member 248 and second seal member 250 have been assembled through aligned openings in flanges 264, 266 of a container door assembly. Any attempt to enter the container will result in demonstrable evidence of tampering in the security seal, as previously described. Attempts to replace the seal with a similar-looking seal are impeded by the alpha-numeric indicia 270 and/or bar codes 274.

A card 280 with peel-off, self-adhering labels 284 bearing alpha-numeric indicia 270 and/or bar codes 274 which match those embedded within the security seals can also be utilized (FIG. 63). The self-adhering labels 284 can be removed from the card 280 and applied directly to a bill of lading or other document identifying the container to which the security seal with matching indicia has been applied. These can be compared at the destination to make certain that the security seal has not been replaced during shipping.

The invention provides a durable, tamper-resistant seal member which can be inexpensively manufactured for use on a large volume of shipping containers and other items requiring tamper-evident closures for lids and doors. The precise conformations, constructions, and methods of manufacture can be varied without departing from the spirit or essential attributes of the invention, and accordingly, reference should be had to the following claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A security seal, comprising:

a first seal member having a base portion and an elongated stem portion extending outward from said base portion, a first locking portion being provided substantially at an end of said stem portion distal to said base portion, and a conductive strip embedded within said stem portion and extending substantially from said base portion to said end of said stem portion; and

a second seal member having a second locking portion, said second locking portion being engagable to said first locking portion to secure said first seal member to said second seal member, contact portions of said conductive strip being provided substantially at opposite ends of said conductive strip for application of leads of a suitable continuity testing apparatus, whereby said continuity testing apparatus can be used to evidence breaking of said conductive strip and thereby tampering with said security seal.

2. The security seal of claim 1, wherein said conductive strip is embedded within said stem portion, openings in said first seal member being provided substantially at opposite ends of said conductive strip to expose contact portions of said conductive strip for application of said continuity testing apparatus.

3. The security seal of claim 2, wherein said first locking portion of said first seal member is formed substantially as a spear, and said second locking portion is female, said spear being insertable into said female locking portion to secure said first seal member to said second seal member, said opening in said first seal member for accessing said conductive strip being aligned with an opening in said second seal member when said spear is fully inserted into said female locking portion to permit access of the continuity testing apparatus to said conductive strip through said opening in said female locking portion and said spear opening.

4. The security seal of claim 3, wherein said first locking portion and said second locking portion comprise interlocking one-way catch portions.

5. The security seal of claim 4, wherein said interlocking one-way catch portions comprise a plurality of ratchet portions arranged sequentially on said spear, and flexible catch members in said female locking portion, said ratchet portions of said spear being insertible past said flexible catch members to secure said first seal member to said second seal member.

6. The security seal of claim 1, wherein said first seal member and said second seal member are formed from a rigid, transparent material.

7. The security seal of claim 6, further comprising indicia embedded within said transparent material.

8. The security seal of claim 7, wherein said indicia comprise alpha-numeric indicia.

9. The security seal of claim 7, wherein said identification indicia comprise bar code indicia.

10. A security locking mechanism for a container door having a pair of aligned openings adapted to receive a lock, said locking mechanism comprising:

a first member having a stem and a base connected to one end of said stem, said stem including conductive means wholly embedded therein;

a second member having a receptacle for lockably receiving said stem so that said conductive means is partially within said receptacle;

wherein one of said first or second members has identifying indicia wholly embedded therein;

a first access port within said first member for permitting electrical contact with said conductive means, and

a second access port within said second member permitting electrical contact with said conductive means when said stem is lockably engaged with said receptacle.

11. The invention according to claim 10 wherein said conductive means is metal.

12. The invention according to claim 11:

wherein said first member is fabricated by molding techniques; and

wherein said conductive means is between a molded and overmolded portion of said stem.

13. The invention according to claim 10:

wherein said first member is fabricated by molding techniques; and

wherein said conductive means is between a molded and an overmolded portion of said first member.

14. The invention according to claim 13 wherein said first and second access ports are sized to receive probes from a continuity tester.

15. The invention according to claim 10:

wherein said one member is fabricated by molding techniques; and

wherein said identifying indicia is between a molded and an overmolded portion of said one member.

16. The invention according to claim 15 wherein said one member is formed of rigid transparent plastic material.

17. The invention according to claim 10:

wherein said first and second members are fabricated by molding techniques; and

wherein said conductive means and said identifying indicia are between a molded and an overmolded portion of said first member.

18. The invention according to claim 17 wherein said first and second members are formed of rigid transparent plastic material.

19. The invention according to claim 10 wherein said first and second members are sized such that said stem will fit through said aligned openings when inserted into said receptacle, said base and second member further being sized so that said stem is prevented from being removed from said aligned openings without visually noticeable destruction.

20. A security locking mechanism for a container door having a pair of aligned openings adapted to receive a lock, said locking mechanism comprising:

a first member having a stem and a base connected to one end of said stem, said stem including conductive means therein;

a second member having a receptacle for lockably receiving said stem so that said conductive means is partially within said receptacle; wherein said stem includes said first access port at said one end and a third access port at the other end thereof, said second and third access ports being positioned to be aligned with one another when said receptacle lockably receives said stem.

21. The invention according to claim 20 wherein said conductive means is wholly embedded within said stem.

22. The invention according to claim 21 wherein said first and third ports are openings extending inward from the surface of said stem to said conductive means.

23. The invention according to claim 22 wherein said second port is an opening entirely through said second member.

24. The invention according to claim 23 wherein one of said first or second members has identifying indicia wholly embedded therein.

25. The invention according to claim 24:

wherein said one member is fabricated by molding techniques; and

wherein said identifying indicia is between a molded and an overmolded portion of said one member.

26. The invention according to claim 25 wherein said one member is formed of rigid transparent plastic material.

27. The invention according to claim 24:

wherein said first and second members are fabricated by molding techniques; and

wherein said conductive means and said identifying indicia are between a molded and an overmolded portion of said first member.

28. The invention according to claim 27 wherein said first and second members are formed of rigid transparent plastic material.