FIELD OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to the field of security seals,
and, more particularly, to a tamper proof push fit security seal with double anchor
internal locking mechanism.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is well known that many utility meter (e.g., electricity meter, gas meter, water
meter, fuel meter etc.) are generally installed at a physical structure (e.g.,
official/residential/commercial building, home, etc.). in use, utility meters are
employed to monitor usage of resources (e.g., electricity, gas, water, fuel) therein.
Subsequently, it is crucial that utility meters are not tempered with so that proper
usage can be monitored.
To prevent tampering of the utility meter, a security seal may be provided to secure
the utility meter. If the utility meter has been tampered with, the security seal may
be compromised (e.g., broken, damaged). The compromised security seal may be
detected during periodic (e.g., monthly, weekly, daily, yearly) inspection of the
utility meter.
As per presently available solutions, tempering of utility meters can be prevented
by employing ultrasonic welding, chemical bonding and using different type of
security seals. However, such present solutions suffer from multiple
disadvantages, such as, for example, but not limited to the fact that existing
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technologies can be easily tampered by the consumer. In many cases, the
tempering may not be easily visible from the front side of the product, but may
eventually lead to theft of electricity, water, fuel etc.
Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for innovative, novel, cost-effective
and efficient solutions providing a tamper proof security seal with double anchor
internal locking mechanism.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a push fit security seal providing tamper
proof locking mechanism, including, a female locking member forming a main body
of the security seal; a male locking member including the tamper proof locking
mechanism, the male locking member being sized to be inserted into the female
locking member; a locking wire protruding out of a first end of the male locking
member, the locking wire connecting the male member with the female member;
and, a circular hole formed on a front surface of the female locking member, the a
circular hole being sized to receive the locking wire.
The embodiments of the present disclosure have several features, no single one
of which is solely responsible for their desirable attributes. Without limiting the
scope of the present embodiments as expressed by the claims that follow, their
more prominent features will now be discussed briefly. After considering this
discussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled “Detailed
Description”, one will understand how the features of the present embodiments
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provide advantages, which include providing a tamper proof push fit security seal
with double anchor internal locking mechanism.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates multiple views of the push fit security seal in an open position,
according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 illustrates multiple views of the push fit security seal in a closed position,
according to an embodiment of the invention; and,
FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a male locking member of the push fit security
seal, according to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Various embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein below, which
relate to a tamper proof push fit security seal with double anchor internal locking
mechanism, and corresponding methods thereof.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the novel and
innovative push fit security seal as disclosed herein is aimed at stopping tempering
of utility meters so that the utility meter cannot be opened without damaging it and
tampering can be easily visible from the front and due to this, theft of electricity etc.
can be stopped.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, with a view to provide
full proof from tempering that can be easily visible from the front, the push fit and
double anchor type, temper evident, polycarbonate seal with twisted Stainless
Steel wire is disclosed herein, which can be used on the meter case-cover
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boundary. In use, once the security seal of instant invention that is made from
polycarbonate is broken to open, it cannot be used again.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the push fit security
seal as disclosed herein is a Polycarbonate Seal having tamper proof “double
anchor” internal locking mechanism that permanently secures the wire upon
closing. In use, the mechanism as designed in such a way that its original position
can’t be restored after any effort of tamper or breaking of seals.
FIG. 1 illustrates multiple views of the push fit security seal 100 in an open position,
according to an embodiment of the invention; and, FIG. 2 illustrates multiple views
of the push fit security seal 100 in a closed position, according to an embodiment
of the invention.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a push fit security seal
100 providing tamper proof locking mechanism includes, a female locking member
102 forming a main body 104 of the security seal 100; a male locking member 106
including the tamper proof locking mechanism, the male locking member 106 being
sized to be inserted into the female locking member 102; a locking wire 108
protruding out of a first end 110 of the male locking member 106, the locking wire
108 connecting the male member 106 with the female locking member 102; and,
a circular hole 112 formed on a front surface 114 of the female locking member
102, the a circular hole 112 being sized to receive the locking wire 108.
In use, the female locking member 102 includes an upper section 116 and a lower
section 118. Also, the locking wire 108 is connected to the upper section 116 of
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the female locking member 102. Additionally, the male locking member 106
includes the first end 110 and a second end 120.
Moreover, the tamper proof locking mechanism of the male locking member 106
includes multiple anchors, which forms the double anchor locking mechanism,
which further includes a first anchor 122 and a second anchor 124. In use, the first
anchor 122 is positioned away from the first end 110 of the male locking member
106. In further use, the second anchor 124 is positioned in proximity of the second
end 120 of the male locking member 106.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the female locking
member 102 includes multiple openings to receive the multiple anchors of the male
locking member 106. In use, the tamper proof locking mechanism is formed when
the multiple anchors are locked inside the multiple openings of the female locking
member 102. Specifically, multiple openings of the female locking member 102
include a first opening 126 and a second opening 128. In operation, the first
opening 126 of the female locking member 102 is configured to receive the first
anchor 122 of the male locking member 106, and the second opening 128 of the
female locking member 102 is configured to receive the second anchor 124 of the
male locking member 106.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the tamper proof
locking mechanism is designed in such a way that once the security seal 100 is
closed, it cannot be opened as the two parts, i.e. the male locking member 106
and the female locking member 102 can’t be separated. In use, the tamper proof
locking mechanism can be sealed without using any pliers or tools.
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In further use, the locking wire 108 provides significantly improved properties over
prior art, such as, for example, but not limited to, non-corrosive, non-magnetic
stainless steel twisted wire fixed to the seal 100 which remains intact in a manner
such that it cannot be damaged or unlocked or pulled out (either manually or
through any sharp instrument etc. under normal conditions) after sealing of the
security seal 100. The locking wire 108 is generally made of SS grade 304,
however, any other suitable material may also be used to make the locking wire
108.
Those of ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the security seal 100 further
includes a numbering module whereby a serial number is projected by using the
numbering module. In use, the serial number is projected using multiple
techniques, such as, for example, but not limited to, laser etching, embossment,
and any of the other similar techniques that may be used for this purpose.
Generally, the serial number is projected on the main body 104 of the female
locking member 102. In use, the same serial number is also projected on the male
locking member 106. In further use, a logo is also projected on the security seal
100.
Furthermore, the security seal 100 is embodied as a transparent or a clear seal. In
certain embodiments, the security seal 100 is alternatively embodied as a coloured
seal, an opaque seal, and the like. In use, the security seal 100 is embodied using
a UV resistant material, such as, for example, but not limited to, Polycarbonate.
Any other suitable material can also be used to embody the security seal 100.
FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the male locking member 106 of the push fit
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security seal 100, according to an embodiment of the invention.
Novelty and Inventive Step
In operation, the double anchor locking mechanism is formed when the locking
wire 108 is entered through the circular hole 112 and subsequently, the male
locking member 106 is pushed inside the female locking member 102. Thereafter,
the temper proof lock is formed when the first anchor 122 of the male locking
member 106 fits with the first opening 126 of the female locking member 102, and
the second anchor 124 of the male locking member 106 fits with the second
opening 128 of the female locking member 102. Henceforth, during the closing of
the security seal 100, the male locking member 106 pushes the locking wire
(already passing through the circular hole 112) in a downward direction inside the
female locking member 102, thereby forming the temper proof double anchor
locking mechanism.
As may be seen from above, the security seal 100 as disclosed hereinabove is
novel and inventive, and possess significant differences over existing solutions,
such as, for example, but not limited to:
(a) Providing multiple anchors (two or more anchors) as a part of the male
locking member 106;
(b) Providing multiple openings (two or more openings) as a part of female
locking member 102 for receiving multiple anchors (two or more anchors) of the
male locking member 106;
(c) Angle of about 20o (degrees) to 30o (degrees) in the anchors of the male
locking member 106. In use, the angle of the first anchor 122 is about 20o (degrees)
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and the angle of the second anchor 124 is about 29o (degrees), as illustrated in
FIG. 3;
(d) Unique shape of openings of the female locking member 102;
(e) Material of the locking wire 108 and security seal 100; and,
(f) Option to provide serial number either as laser etched or embossed by
using the numbering module.
Industrial Application
Those of ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the present invention provides
significant advantages over existing solutions, such as, for example, but not limited
to, stopping theft of the electricity and preventing utility losses by providing a full
proof security seal that cannot be tempered, and avoids duplication with twisted
stainless steel wire with unique features, including, break to open, one time use
only, and the like.
The security seal 100, as disclosed herein, is employed across multiple energy
sectors, such as, for example, but not limited to, utility meters (electricity, water,
gas etc.), fuel meters (petrol, diesel etc.), and the like.
Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,”
“may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise
understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain
embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features,
elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended
to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or
more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for
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deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features,
elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular
embodiment. The terms "comprising," "including," 'having," and the like are
synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not
exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term
"or" is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when
used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term "or" means one, some,
or all of the elements in the list.
While there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment of the
instant invention it is to be appreciated that the invention may be embodied
otherwise than is herein specifically shown and described and that, within said
embodiment, certain changes may be made in the form and arrangement of the
parts without departing from the underlying ideas or principles of this invention as
set forth in the Claims appended herewith. Therefore, the appended claims are to
be construed to cover all equivalents falling within the true scope and spirit of the
invention.

Claims
We Claim,
1. A push fit security seal 100 providing tamper proof locking mechanism, said
security seal 100 comprising:
a female locking member 102 forming a main body 104 of said security seal
100;
a male locking member 106 comprising said tamper proof locking
mechanism, said male locking member 106 being sized to be inserted into said
female locking member 102;
a locking wire 108 protruding out of a first end 110 of said male locking
member 106, said locking wire 108 connecting said male member 106 with said
female member 102; and,
a circular hole 112 formed on a front surface 114 of said female locking
member 102, said a circular hole 112 being sized to receive said locking wire 108.
2. The push fit security seal 100 as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said female
locking member 102 comprises an upper section 116 and a lower section 118.
3. The push fit security seal 100 as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said locking
wire 108 is connected to said upper section 116 of said female locking member
102.
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4. The push fit security seal 100 as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said male
locking member 106 comprises said first end 110 and a second end 120.
5. The push fit security seal 100 as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said tamper
proof locking mechanism of said male locking member 106 is a double anchor
locking mechanism comprising a plurality of anchors.
6. The push fit security seal 100 as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said plurality
of anchors comprises a first anchor 122 and a second anchor 124.
7. The push fit security seal 100 as claimed in Claim 6, wherein said first
anchor 122 is positioned away from said first end 110 of said male locking member
106.
8. The push fit security seal 100 as claimed in Claim 7, wherein said second
anchor 124 is positioned in proximity of said second end 120 of said male locking
member 106.
9. The push fit security seal 100 as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said female
locking member 102 comprises a plurality of openings to receive said plurality of
anchors of said male locking member 106.
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10. The push fit security seal 100 as claimed in Claim 9, wherein said tamper
proof locking mechanism is formed when said plurality of anchors are locked inside
said plurality of openings of said female locking member 102.
11. The push fit security seal 100 as claimed in Claim 9, wherein said plurality
of openings of said female locking member 120 comprises a first opening 126 and
a second opening 128.
12. The push fit security seal 100 as claimed in Claim 11, wherein said first
opening 126 of said female locking member 102 is configured to receive said first
anchor 122 of said male locking member 106.
13. The push fit security seal 100 as claimed in Claim 11, wherein said second
opening 128 of said female locking member 102 is configured to receive said
second anchor 124 of said male locking member 106, wherein said double anchor
locking mechanism is formed when said locking wire 108 is entered through said
circular hole 112 and subsequently, said male locking member 106 is pushed
inside said female locking member 102, when said first anchor 122 of said male
locking member 106 fits with said first opening 126 of said female locking member
102, and said second anchor 124 of said male locking member 106 fits with said
second opening 128 of said female locking member 102, and wherein during
closing of said security seal 100, said male locking member 106 pushes said
locking wire (already passing through said circular hole 112) in a downward
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direction inside said female locking member 102, thereby forming said temper
proof double anchor locking mechanism.
14. The push fit security seal 100 as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said security
seal 100 further comprises a numbering module whereby a serial number is
projected by using multiple techniques, such as, for example, but not limited to,
laser etching, embossment, and the like, and wherein said serial number is
projected on said main body 104 of said female locking member 102 and male
locking member 106, and wherein a logo is also projected on said security seal
100.
15. The push fit security seal 100 as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said security
seal 100 is embodied as a transparent or a clear seal or a coloured seal, or an
opaque seal, and the like.
16. The push fit security seal 100 as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said security
seal 100 is embodied using a UV resistant material, such as, for example, but not
limited to, Polycarbonate, and said security seal is employed across multiple
energy sectors, such as, for example, but not limited to, utility meters (electricity,
water, gas etc.), fuel meters (petrol, diesel etc.), and the like.