Abstract: A security seal has an elongated flexible strap integral with a housing at one end. The other end of the strap can be moved through a passageway in the housing to form the strap into a closed loop. Facilities in the housing and on one surface of the strap permit movement of the strap out of the passageway and prevent reverse movement of the strap if the strap is properly inserted without a half-twist and into the proper end of the passageway. These facilities are ineffective to prevent reverse movement if the strap is improperly inserted. The seal is improved by forming a groove longitudinally in the passageway. A surface feature on the other surface of the strap is conformally received in the groove when the strap is properly inserted into the passageway without twisting. If the strap is improperly inserted, the passageway interferes with and applies force to the surface feature. This force discolors or deforms the surface feature to provide a visual indication of improper insertion.
Abstract: A tamper-indicating seal of the type having a bolt retained in a lock body, wherein the lock body is surrounded by a shroud of frangible, brittle material and provided with a grooved outer surface and flanged entrance way for receiving and surrounding the bolt end, whereby the shroud is easily fractured, thus providing visual indication of tampering. Visual detection of tampering may be enhanced by a coating applied to the outer surface of the shroud. A surface feature on the between its point of entry into the lock body and its point of entry into the flange is in interfering relationship with a surface feature within the flange, so that an attempted removal of the lock body from the shroud is indicated by cracking, chipping, or fracturing of the flange or the shroud.
Abstract: A security seal has a band mounting a protrusion at one end and a housing at the other end. The end of the protrusion may be first passed through apertures in a latch or closure and then may be inserted into, and held by gripping facilities within the housing. The portion of the protrusion extending away from the housing resides in the apertures and prevents operation of the latch or closure absent damage to or disintegration of the seal. Vibratory and oscillatory motion which occurs during shipping or handling of an item bearing the seal can cause the aperture walls to cut or saw through the protrusion, giving a false indication of tampering. A protective shroud is provided which surrounds the protrusion and is interposed between it and the apertures to prevent cutting or sawing of the protrusion.
Abstract: A rotatable seal which includes two inter-fitted relatively rotatable members. A sealing wire is passed through a hasp and through aligned apertures in the members. Relative rotation of the members causes the sealing wire to be wrapped at least partially around one of the members. Relative axial displacement of the members causes the apertures to be mis-aligned and the seal to be locked.