Description:DESCRIPTION

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a patent of addition of Indian patent application numbered 202347034827, which is national phase application originating out of PCT application numbered PCT/IB2022/055403.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to being prior art by inclusion in this section.
Field
[0003] The subject matter in general relates to security packaging solutions. More particularly, but not exclusively, the subject matter relates to at least partially reusable security packaging solutions.
Discussion of the related art
[0004] Pull-tight plastic ties are among the most used security packaging solutions. Pull-tight plastic ties, also known as zip ties, are commonly used for securing the packages against tampering This application is particularly important in logistics industries such as e-commerce, courier, postal and shipping, where bags and containers are frequently used to transport and store goods.
[0005] These fasteners consist of a flexible strap or tape with teeth on one side and a ratchet or locking mechanism on the other. Once the strap is tightened, it cannot be loosened without cutting it, making plastic seals a one-time use product.
[0006] The use of pull-tight ties has become ubiquitous in many industries due to their convenience, versatility, and low cost. However, the one-time use nature of cable ties also results in a significant amount of single-use waste, as used ties are typically discarded after a single application. This contributes to environmental concerns as discarded cable ties can end up in landfills, oceans, and other natural habitats, where they can take decades or even centuries to degrade.
[0007] Moreover, the frequent need to replace cable ties in various applications can also lead to additional costs for consumers and businesses in terms of the expense of purchasing new ties.
[0008] In recent years, there has been growing interest in developing more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional cable ties. Therefore, there is a need for innovations in the field of cable ties that address both the cost and environmental impact of these products. This patent application aims to provide a solution that meets this need through the development of a partially reusable device for securing packaging that is cost-effective, easy to use, and environmentally friendly.
[0009] Parent application discloses full and partially reusable seals. These seals are implemented by a separable portion of lock and security members. In fully reusable versions, access controller is used. Security member can be adhesive label, tamper evident label, disk with spatial orientation, liner-less labels or simply a suitable interlocking fixture. Change in security member can be by destructive (tearing/peeling/breaking/cutting) or non-destructive (change in spatial orientation without any physical change or destruction in security member).
[0010] Reusable seals need to be return-friendly and to minimize possible return-loss, it is important to avoid multi-part design or improve design for maximally integrated version.
[0011] Secondly to ensure long term reusability, friction-less locking becomes equally important. Friction happens from rachet action when strap of seal is inserted in lock and pulled.

[0012] Reusable Seals should not increase operation time in closing and opening the seals and that can also be achieved by more integrated version
[0013] Some use cases, due to the adoption barrier one may prefer semi-reusable device instead of fully reusable. In semi-reusable versions, unique ID can be printed/marked in single-use part such that there is no additional adoption barrier to accommodate reusability of unique ID.
[0014] To address these requirements incremental invention is necessitated and such invention is being disclosed in this application.
SUMMARY
[0015] The present invention captures reusable device those secures the packages either being in partially-reusable or fully-reusable format. Invention proposes improvement for making these devices more operation-friendly, return-friendly ensuring very long-term reusability In both format devices comprise a body, an elongated tie extending from the body, and a lock that allows the tie to pass through it in one direction to form a loop and prevents it from passing through in the opposite direction. In partially reusable devices at least one of the lock portions is disengage-able from the body to release the tie, and once disengaged, the single-use portion cannot be re-engaged to the body. In another version of partially reusable device strap portion is single-use while in another only small portion of interlocking clip is single-use. Both format of devices are presented with alternate embodiments improved with friction-less locking. Fully reusable devices are further improved with integrated design such that separable parts do not get missed during return for next reuse.
[0016] In its one of embodiment, the lock comprises a first and second lock portion that define a receiving opening between them. The first and second lock portions each have projecting teeth that allow the tie to pass through the receiving opening in the first direction and prevent it from passing through in the opposite direction. The first lock portion may be integral to the body, while the second lock portion may be operably engaged to and disengaged from the body.
[0017] The engagement portion of the dis-engageable lock portion may be severable to enable disengagement from the body. The body may also define an engagement slot to receive a portion of the engagement portion, with a part of the engagement portion extending out of the slot to enable it to be severed. A security label may also be applied to the body to reflect disengagement of the lock portion.
[0018] The lock portion may be inserted in a vertical or lateral direction relative to the body for engagement with the body. Additionally, the body may define a ridge that interfaces with the first or second lock portion.
[0019] In alternate embodiment for both fully a partially reusable devices, friction-less locking is provisioned by implementing step-down in path between entry and exit slot such that when strap becomes flat (or sufficiently engaged) upon insertion of slider, its ridges get fully locked within step-down. For integrated version, there is mechanism that blocks Slider further movement (once label is peeled) in exit direction.
[0020] Overall, the present invention provides a secure and reusable device for securing packaging, reducing waste, improving operational-efficiency, cost-effectiveness and ensuring higher return rate due to the integrated design of returnable asset.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0021] Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 is an isometric view illustrating a first side 108 of a partially reusable device 100 for securing packaging, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 2 is another isometric view illustrating a second side 110 of the device 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the device 100 of FIG. 1 in which a second lock portion 116 is inserted in a vertical direction relative to a body 102 for engagement with the body 102, in accordance with one embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a loop 406 formed by an elongated tie of the device 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the device 100 of FIG. 1 in which the second lock portion 116 is inserted in a lateral direction relative to a body 102 for engagement with the body 102, in accordance with one embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a housing 112 of the device 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the device 100 of FIG. 1 in which a first lock portion 114 and the second lock portion 116 are non-integral to the body 102, in accordance with one embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a lock 106 of the device 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 9A illustrates a security label 902 engaged to a lock on the first side 108 of the device 100, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 9B illustrates the security label 902 engaged to the lock on the second side 110 of the device 100, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 10A illustrate a top view of an alternate embodiment of the device 100, in which a secondary lock is provided for added stability of strap and primary lock by employing a hybrid strap;
[0033] FIG. 10B illustrate a side view of the device 100 of FIG. 10A, in which the elongated tie 104 is engaged by the secondary lock 1002 and the lock (primary) 106, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0034] Fig. 11 illustrates a top view of an alternate embodiment of device wherein strap portion 1103 is single-use and gets inserted in slot 1102 (and can be pulled up-to its head 1104) upon base portion 1100 and then gets locked in locking slot 1101;
[0035] Fig. 12 illustrates a isometric view for base of reusable seals in accordance to one of embodiment wherein strap enters from either of entry slots 1201 or 1202 and finally makes a u-bend and exits towards bottom through slot 1204 (slot 1204 has a step-down at 1203) and once strap becomes flat (or sufficiently engaged) once slider is inserted its teeth/ridges gets locked against this step-down at 1203. 1207 shows exploded view of step-down at edge of the exit slot. If step-down is on path between entry and exit slot it can be groove to engage with the ridge on strap;
[0036] Fig. 13 illustrates side view of locked reusable with single u-bend in accordance with one of the embodiments wherein strap enters from slot 1301 and exits through 1302 and its teeth/ridges gets locked against stepdown on internal side of slot 1302 (shown as 1203 in Fig 12);
[0037] Fig. 14 shows top and side view of reusable seals with friction-less locking in accordance to one of embodiment. 1403 illustrates the interlocking clip that is single-use component and needs to be cut or broken to open the seal. 1403 may contain unique ID of seal. 1402 is slot with a step-down wherein once strap is flat (or sufficiently engaged) after inserting interlocking clip its ridges get locked against step-down;
[0038] Fig. 15 shows isometric view of friction-less locking reusable seal. strap of seal shown to entry-slot 1505 making u-bend and finally exiting through slot 1504 wherein it remains locked with step-down as long as the strap remains in desired spatial position with respect to base;
[0039] Fig. 16 shows top view once interlocking clip flexible snaps are locked on seal-base as shown in 1601. 1602 shows the point wherein interlocking clip can be cut to release the strap and open the seal;
[0040] Fig. 17 shows top view of front face of integrated embodiment wherein slider remains integrated within c-channel of base once flexible arm of peeler hits and blocked by the extended portion (1702 and 1206 in Fig. 12); and
[0041] Fig.18 shows top view of bottom face of integrated embodiment wherein slider remains integrated within c-channel. of base once flexible arm of peeler (1802 and 1803) hits and blocked by the extended portion (shown as 1801, 1702 and 1206). 1804 is slider bottom face and 1805 is flexible arm of peeler that peels the label upon slider movement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0042] The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the detailed description. The drawings show illustrations in accordance with example embodiments. These example embodiments are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter. However, it may be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practised without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments. The embodiments can be combined, other embodiments can be utilized, or structural and logical changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
[0043] In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one. In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a non-exclusive “or”, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B”, “B but not A”, and “A and B”, unless otherwise indicated.
[0044] The below presented disclosure presents a partially reusable device for securing packaging. It comprises a body, an elongated tie, and a lock that includes a first lock portion and a second lock portion accommodated by the body. The lock allows the elongated tie to pass through the lock in a first direction to form a loop and prevents the elongated tie from passing in a second direction, generally opposite the first direction. At least one of the first lock portion and the second lock portion is disengage-able from the body to allow the elongated tie to be released from the lock, and disengagement can be achieved by various means. The device may also include a security label to provide a visual indication of the device's status.
[0045] We will now discuss the device in greater detail. Referring to the figures, more specifically to FIGs. 1-3, a partially reusable device 100 for securing packaging that is cost-effective, easy to use, and environmentally friendly is disclosed. The device 100 comprises a body 102, an elongated tie 104, and a lock 106.
[0046] The body 102 of the device 100 can be made of any suitable material, such as plastic, metal, or composite material. The body 102 may have any suitable shape or size, depending on the intended use of the device 100. The body 102 may also include any suitable features, such as ridges or grooves (discussed later), that provide additional stability or grip. The body 102 may include a first side 108 and a second side 110 opposite the first side. The body 102 further comprises a housing 112. The housing 112 may extend from the second side 110. The housing 112 accommodates the lock 106 (discussed in detail later).
[0047] The elongated tie (or strap) 104 extends from the body 102 and can be made of any suitable material, such as plastic or nylon. The tie 104 may have any suitable length, width, or thickness, depending on the intended use of the device 100. The tie 104 may also include any suitable features, such as teeth, ridges or may be plain, that enhance its gripping ability or prevent slippage
[0048] Referring also to FIG. 3, the lock 106 comprises a first lock portion 114 and a second lock portion 116 that are accommodated by the body 102 in the housing 112. Referring further to FIG. 4, the lock 106 allows the elongated tie to pass through the lock in a first direction 402 to form a loop 406 and prevents the elongated tie 104 from passing in a second direction 406, generally opposite the first direction 404.
[0049] In this embodiment, the first lock portion 114 is integral to the body 102, whereas the second lock portion 116 is operably engaged to and disengaged from the body 102 (housing 112). The disengagement of the second lock portion 116 from the housing 112 of the body 102 allows the elongated tie 104 to be released from the lock 106. Once disengaged, the second lock portion 116 loses its ability to be reengaged to the body 102. Therefore, in this embodiment, except for the second lock portion 116, the rest of the device 100 is reusable.
[0050] The second lock portion 116 may be inserted in a vertical direction relative to the body 102 for engagement with the body 102, as can be seen in FIG. 3. Alternatively, referring to FIG. 5, the second lock portion 116 may be inserted in a lateral direction relative to the body 102 for engagement with the body 102.
[0051] The engagement and disengagement of the second lock portion 116 is now discussed in greater detail. Referring again to FIG. 3, and the second lock portion 116 which is operable to be disengaged, comprises an engagement portion 118 that is severable to enable disengagement from the body 102 (housing 112). The body 102 (housing 112) defines an engagement slot 120, wherein at least a portion of the engagement portion 118 is received by the engagement slot 120. A part of the engagement portion 118 extends out of the engagement slot 120, wherein the extension of the part enables the part to be severed.
[0052] Referring now to FIG. 6, the housing 112 may include a support portion 602 and a ridge 604. The support portion 602 may provide the support to the second lock portion 116, and if the first lock portion 114 is not integral to the body 102, then to the first lock portion 114 as well. The ridge 604, may function as a barrier once the second lock portion 116 is engaged to the housing 112. The ridge 604 interfaces with the first lock portion 114 (if not integral) and the second lock portion 116, which is disengage-able, wherein the ridge 604 stabilizes the disengage-able portion 114 and/or 116 in its position in the body 102 (housing 112).
[0053] Referring now to FIG. 7, in an embodiment, both the both the first lock portion 114 and second lock portion 116 are operable to be engaged to the housing 112 and disengaged from the housing 112 to allow the elongated tie 104 to be released from the lock 106. Once disengaged, the disengaged portions 114, 116 loose their ability to be reengaged to the body 102. In an embodiment, the first portion 114 and the second portion 116 may be a single part.
[0054] Having discussed the engagement and disengagement of the lock portion, we will now discuss the locking of the tie 104 by the lock 106. Referring now to FIG. 8 as well, the first lock portion 114 and the second lock portion 116, when accommodated by the body 102 (housing 112), define a receiving opening 802 therebetween. The first lock portion 114 and the second lock portion 116 define projecting teeth 804 extending into the receiving opening 802. The elongated tie 104 is operable to be received via the receiving opening 802 to form the loop 406 (FIG. 4). The first lock portion 114 and the second lock portion 116, when accommodated by the body 102, the projecting teeth 804 extending into the receiving opening 802 allows the elongated tie 104 to travel through the receiving opening 802 in the first direction 402 (FIG. 4) and prevents the elongated tie 104 from travelling through the receiving opening 302 in the second direction 404.
[0055] In view of the foregoing, it is understood that at least one of the first lock portion 114 and the second lock portion 116 is operable to be disengaged from the body 102 to allow the elongated tie 104 to be released from the lock 106. Once disengaged, the disengaged portion loses its ability to be re-engaged to the body 102. The disengagement can be achieved in various ways, such as by severing an engagement portion 118. It is to be noted provision of security label is purely optional and add-on.
[0056] In embodiment, referring to FIGs. 9A-9B, the device 100 may further comprise a security label 902 applied to the lock 106. Disengagement of the at least one of the first lock portion 114 and the second lock portion 116 is reflected by the security label 902. The security label 902 can provide a visual indication of the device's 100 status, such as whether it has been opened or tampered with. As an example, the security label 902 may be torn, location altered or other visual ques that are apparent to indicate tampering. The security label 902 may be applied to the first side 108 (FIG. 9A) or the second side 110 (FIG. 9B) or on both sides of the device 100.
[0057] Moving on, referring to FIGs. 10A and 10B, we now discuss an alternate embodiment of the device 100, in which a secondary lock 1002 is provided for added stability, in accordance with an embodiment. It may be appreciated that the lock 106, which may be a primary lock and/or strap may experience significant wear especially when the packaging is moved around since the loop 406 (refer FIG. 4) comes under stress, which is directly transferred to the lock 106. The teeth 804 (FIG. 8) of the lock 106, which may be metal may get damaged itself, and so may the tie 104 over cycles of reuse. The current embodiment addresses these issues.
[0058] It is to be noted if primary lock is based on rachet action then it may not get damaged or damage the tie until specified break force is applied. But since these locks can be tampered easily hence primary lock is based on metal-jaw in preferred embodiment.
[0059] The elongated tie 104 may be hybrid comprising a first portion 1004 and a second portion 1006, with the first portion being closer to the body 102. In other words, the first portion 1004 may be provided between the body 102 and the second portion 1006. The first portion 1004 includes a series of projecting teeth 1008, and the second portion 1006 may be non-ridged suitable for metal jaw locks
[0060] The body 102 of the device 100 further includes a secondary lock 1002 positioned between the first lock 106 and the elongated tie 104. The secondary lock 1002 may define a through hole, and may further include a projected portion, which may interface with the projecting teeth 1008 of the tie 104. Secondary lock gets engaged with ridges on first portion 1004 when tie/strap is inclined at angle equal or more then desired value.
[0061] The above discussed configuration enables the first portion 1004, with projecting teeth 1008, to interface with the secondary lock 1002, and the second portion 1006 to interface with the lock 106.
[0062] In operation, the end of the tie 104 is passed through the secondary lock 1002, thereby forming a first relatively larger loop 1010. The larger loop 1010 may be formed around an opening of a container/package/bag, which may have to be secured.
[0063] The tie 104, after passing through the secondary lock 1002, bends 1012 to pass through the lock 106. The distance between the lock 106 and the secondary lock 1002 is selected in such a way that the tie 104 bends 1012 at a desired angle to enable the first portion 1004 to be arrested effectively by the secondary lock 1002. The bend 1012 of the tie, presses the tie 104, specifically the first portion 1004, and more specifically the projecting teeth 1008, against the secondary lock 1002, which may have a projected portion therein, which interfaces with the projecting teeth 1008. Such an interface ensures that there is resistance offered, while the tie 104 is still bent, to the movement of the tie 104 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the tie 104 passed through initially. Such a configuration ensures that any stress (discussed earlier) on the loop 1010 is arrested by the secondary lock 1002, thereby limiting the stress on the primary lock 106, thereby improving the reusability of the device 100.
[0064] It may be noted that once the tie 104 is released by the primary lock 106, the bend 1012 may also be released, thereby releasing the arrested projecting teeth 1008 by the secondary lock 1002. The tie 104, with the bend 1012 absent, can now move out of the secondary lock 1002 in the direction opposite to the direction in which it was passed through at the time of locking.
[0065] Another alternate version of semi-reusable device is captured in Fig.11 wherein strap portion 1103 is single-use and base portion 1100 is reusable. Base portion has a slot that allows both insertion and de-insertion and a lock that allows only one-way insertion of the strap. Strap has bigger head 1004 that can not pass through slot 1102. Strap first enter the slot 1100 forms a loop (to secure the packaging) and then inserted in lock 1101 to finally lock the seal. To open the seal loop portion of strap is cut and portion of strap that has passed through lock can be pulled out in insertion direction. Head and loop potion anyway can be pulled out of slot 1102. Base can again be reused with another new strap 1103. Strap portion 1103 can have unique ID marked.
[0066] Now we move on to discuss embodiment of fully reusable device with friction-less locking. Friction-less locking is also further described with semi-reusable seals and to set context first fully reusable embodiment of invention is captured. Fully reusable devices are captured in parent application. We shall discuss those improved embodiments wherein access controller is in form of slider and security member in form of security-label. Base has c-channel wherein slider in inserted and that controls the access to locking portion as described in parent application. However Long-term reusability gets compromised due to the insertion-time friction as result of rachet action.
[0067] In improved version of friction-less version the one-way lock becomes optional. Strap enters the seal from bottom through either of slots 1201 or 1202, makes a u-bend and exit through slot 1204. Fig. 13 shows a lateral view of locked seal. Slot 1204 has a step-down at 1203. Since this embodiment has another layer of slider (access controller) and when said slider is inserted the strap (or tie) portion between entry and exit slots becomes flat (or sufficiently engaged). Once strap becomes flat (or sufficiently engaged) the step-down at 1203 gets locked against teeth/ridges of strap. Step-down in this or other embodiments captured in this disclosure though shown at exit slot, but it is obvious that it can be as well provided anywhere within channel between entry slot or exit slot or other suitable portion wherein portion of strap with ridges gets locked due to the specific spatial position and remain in same position as long as seal remains closed.
[0068] Friction-less locking with step-down is achieved by spatial positioning of strap (or tie) with respect to seal base. Upon acquiring such spatial position, the ridges/teeth on strap gets locked with step-down and this invention shows embodiment wherein step-down locking is realized when strap becomes flat (or sufficiently engaged) upon slider is inserted. Step-down lock does not have any friction of rachet action during insertion and this ensures very long-term reusability. It is worthwhile to mention that step-down that engages ridges on strap can be employed in path of strap wherever the strap is flattened. Those obvious derivations are well within scope of this invention.
[0069] For friction-less locking one can always insert the separable portion of lock after strap/tie has already pulled-in to make a loop so there is no rachet action during insertion of strap. But it also involves additional handling of separable portion of lock even at time of seal-closing (in addition to seal-opening) and also increase closing time of seal. Hence step-down locking become relevant as it does not need additional handling, no impact on seal-closing time and also locking component may not be necessary
[0070] Alternate embodiment of friction-less locking can also be exercised with semi-reusable seal embodiment as disclosed in Fig 14, 15 and 16. Fig. 14 shows top view and side view of such seal. 1401 is entry slot for strap and 1402 shown a step-down in exit slot (similar to 1203) that gets fully locked with ridges on strap once strap acquires a desired spatial position with respect to base. Desired spatial position means fundamentally ridges on strap should sufficiently engage with step-down direction.
[0071] 1402 is interlocking clip (or fixture) that keeps strap engaged with step-down until it is destructively removed (cut/broken) to open the seal. Interlocking clip is single-use and may have a unique ID (shown as barcode) in 1403.
[0072] Strap of reusable seal enters from first slot 1505, makes u-bend and finally exit at 1504 wherein step-down may be provisioned. For locking against step-down, strap needs to remain flat (ridge sufficiently engaged) and interlocking clip keep strap (and its ridge) engaged until seal is opened. Interlocking clip gets snap-fit in base part. Once inserted the seal cannot be opened until interlocking clip is destructively removed (cut/broken) at 1602. Side view of locked seal is illustrated in 1403. 1600 shows a flexible snap in interlocking clip and as clip is inserted the flexible snaps gets bended in exterior left and exterior right due to the structure 1604 and finally permanently locked because opposite bend in flexible snaps is blocked by structure 1604. This kind of snap fit design for interlocking clip is only for illustration. It is to be noted that multiple forms of snaps/interlock can be designed as those are well known in mechanical engineering and inventive concept is agnostic of type of interlocking fixture.
[0073] Now we turn our attention towards alternate embodiment of fully reusable embodiment discloses an integrated version in Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 wherein slider remains integrated with base. With integrated version slider (and attached peeler having a flexible arm) remains together with base and never gets lost during returns. Base has extended version of base that blocks further exit direction movement of slider is shown in 1206, 1702 and 1801 in different views of seal. Fig. 17 shows the top view with transparent slider fully inserted. Fig. 18 shows bottom view with slider pulled-out to maximum permissible range but still remaining within c-channel of base. Peeler (once peeled the security label) gets blocked for further movement as flexible peeler arm (1802/1803) hits extended portion.
[0074] Flexible peeler arm in its default position remains at an angle as shown in 1502. But it can be pressed inside. If one needs to take out slider to replace, flexible Peeler arm can be manually pressed inside such that it aligns with slider bottom surface and thereafter slider can be pulled out of c-channel of base. Another advantage of integrated version that it does not let the flexible arm of peeler exposed for any possible mis-handling. With non-integrated slider once exited from c-channel – Peeler becomes exposed and can be intentionally broken.
[0075] Core inventive concept to achieve integrate version is blocking the exit direction movement of slider by employing some sort of mechanism in slider/peeler/c-channel. This application illustrates by showing one of mechanism wherein peeler gets blocked by extended portion. Other obvious derivations that blocks exit movement of slider (with or without peeler) are well within scope of this invention.
[0076] The processes described above is described as a sequence of steps, this was done solely for the sake of illustration. Accordingly, it is contemplated that some steps may be added, some steps may be omitted, the order of the steps may be re-arranged, or some steps may be performed simultaneously.
[0077] Although embodiments have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the system and method described herein. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
[0078] Many alterations and modifications of the present invention will no doubt become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art after having read the foregoing description. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. It is to be understood that the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the personally preferred embodiments of this invention.
, Claims:I claim,
1. A partially reusable device for securing packaging, the device comprising:
a body;
an elongated tie extending from the body; and
a lock comprising a first lock portion and a second lock portion, wherein the lock is accommodated by the body, wherein,
the lock allows the elongated tie to pass through the lock in a first direction to form a loop and prevents the elongated tie from passing in a second direction, generally opposite the first direction; and
at least one of the first lock portion and the second lock portion is operable to be disengaged from the body to allow the elongated tie to be released from the lock, wherein, once disengaged, the disengaged portion loses its ability to be reengaged to the body.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein:
the first lock portion and the second lock portion, when accommodated by the body, defines a receiving opening there between;
one or more of the first lock portion and the second lock portion defines one or more projecting teeth extending into the receiving opening;
the elongated tie is operable to be received via the receiving opening to form the loop; and
the first lock portion and the second lock portion, when accommodated by the body, the one or more projecting teeth extending into the receiving opening allows the elongated tie to travel through the receiving opening in the first direction and prevents the elongated tie from travelling through the receiving opening in the second direction.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the first lock portion is integral to the body and the second lock portion is operably engaged to and disengaged from the body.

4. The device according to claim 2, wherein the first lock portion and the second lock portion are operably engaged to and disengaged from the body.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first lock portion and the second lock portion, which is operable to be disengaged, comprises an engagement portion that is severable to enable disengagement from the body.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the body defines an engagement slot, wherein at least a portion of the engagement portion is received by the engagement slot.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein a part of the engagement portion extends out of the engagement slot, wherein the extension of the part enables the part to be severed.

8. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a security label, applied to the lock, wherein disengagement of the at least one of the first lock portion and the second lock portion is reflected by the security label.

9. The device according to claim 1, the first lock portion or the second lock portion, which is disengage-able, is inserted:
in a vertical direction relative to the body for engagement with the body; or
in a lateral direction relative to the body for engagement with the body.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the body defines a ridge, wherein the ridge interfaces with the first lock portion or the second lock portion, which is disengage-able, wherein the ridge mechanically stabilizes the disengage-able portion in its position in the body.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein,
the elongated tie comprises a series of projecting teeth in a first potion;
the body comprises a secondary lock positioned between the lock and the elongated tie;
the elongated tie is configured to travel through the secondary lock and thereafter bend to pass through the lock; and
the secondary lock offers resistance, upon the bending, against movement of the elongated tie in a direction opposite to a direction in which the elongated tie passed through the secondary lock.

12. A partially reusable device for securing packaging, the device comprising:
a reusable base with slot that allows movement of strap in either direction;
at-least one lock that allows only forward movement in insertion direction;
and a single-use portion of strap with enlarged head;
wherein,
the strap first passes through a slot and can be pulled to extent until its head gets blocked in narrow slot thereafter it makes a loop while being inserted in the lock; and to open the seal the loop portion of strap is cut and thus, enabling the residual portion of strap that has already passed through the lock can be removed by pulling out in forward direction and base can be reused again with new strap.

13. A reusable device for securing the packages with friction-less locking during strap insertion, the device comprising:
a slider acing as access controller;
a peeler attached to the said access controller that peels the security label upon slider exit direction movement;
label as security member that gets peeled once said access controller is removed; and
entry and exit slot for strap; wherein,
the exit slot is provisioned with a step-down that acts like a lock against ridges on strap once strap ridge on strap becomes sufficiently engaged upon insertion of slider.

14. A integrated reusable device for securing the packages, the device comprising a slider acting as access controller and movable within c-channel; and
slider movement causing change in security member to indicate tampering;
wherein,
an extended portion on base of reusable device that blocks the further movement in exit direction of slider once security member has been changed is blocked by an extended portion on base and thus, slider remains integrated.

15. A semi-reusable device for securing the packages with friction-less locking,
the device comprising at-least two slots wherein strap makes u-bend between first entry slot and second exit slot;
at-least one step-down provisioned between path of strap between entry and exit slot to lock against the ridges of the strap in closed sate of the seal;
portion of strap with ridges between entry and exit slot remains in desired spatial position with respect to base such as to lock the ridge against step-down; and
at-least one interlocking fixture to keeps the portion of strap between entry and exit slot sufficiently engaged with step-down in desired spatial position with respect to the base of seal in closed state;
wherein,
interlocking fixture permanently closes the seal until interlocking fixture is destructively removed to open the seal by disengaging the ridges of strap from step-down.

16. A method of friction-less reusable locking for sealing devices wherein,
locking is activated upon specific spatial positioning of strap;
strap makes u-bend passing through at least two slots on base of seal;
ridges on said strap gets locked against step-down provisioned in path of strap between entry and exit slots; and
strap is enforced to remain in same spatial position by interlocking fixture that also keeps seal in closed state.

17. A method to minimize wear and tear of primary lock and strap in reusable sealing devices by employing a hybrid strap with at-least one secondary slot on base of seal wherein,
strap of seal has ridges in first portion suitable for secondary lock;
second portion is without ridge suitable for primary lock;
secondary slot allows reverse pulling of strap when strap is pulled perpendicularly with respect to base of seal;
strap gets locked against secondary lock at desired angle with respect to the base of seal;
said desired angle is achieved by configuring suitable distance between primary lock and secondary lock; and
secondary lock resists the transmission of stress of reverse pulling on primary lock and portion of the strap inside primary lock.