WO2011066494A2

WO2011066494A2 - Cable seal

Info

Publication number: WO2011066494A2
Application number: PCT/US2010/058157
Authority: WO
Inventors: Zachary M. Dresser; Mark L. Downing
Original assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Priority date: 2009-11-30
Filing date: 2010-11-29
Publication date: 2011-06-03
Also published as: WO2011066494A3

Abstract

A cable seal includes first and second metal toothed wheels that are moved away from one another to allow insertion of a cable, and are pulled toward each other when cable extraction is attempted. If the cable seal is breached, one of the toothed wheels blocks the cable aperture to inhibit cable reinsertion.

Description

CABLE SEAL

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[01] The present application claims the benefits of United States Provisional

Application Serial No. 61/265,173 filed November 30, 2009.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[02] The present invention relates generally to shipping container and truck trailer seals, and, more particularly to single use cable seals used with cables or wires through latches to indicate if a container has been opened after sealing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[03] It is known to provide seals on shipping containers, trailers and the like to indicate whether or not the container has been opened after sealing and the possibility that the contents thereof have been compromised in some way. For example, on shipping containers, semi trailer containers, consumable liquid holding trailers, hazardous materials packages, sensitive materials shipments and the like for which a strict record of access for inventory purposes is required, it is known to provide a lock or other securing device and a tamper indicating seal that is connected through the latch. The seal is installed when the container is closed and cannot be removed without, in some way, destroying or altering the seal in such a way as clearly to indicate that it has been breached or at least tampered with.

[04] A known type of seal for shipping containers and the like captures ends of a cable or cord looped through the latch such that the seal is broken or the cable or cord is cut when the seal is removed to open the latch when accessing the contents in the container. Cable seals of this type work well for many applications and uses. However, known single-use cable seals sometimes can be defeated by an individual with malicious intent who has knowledge of the cable seal construction and is intent on gaining access to the container contents. [05] It is desirable to provide improved cable seals having enhanced tamper resistant configurations that are not easily defeated by individuals with malicious intent.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[06] The improved cable seal described herein provides a more secure capture of a cable to prevent withdrawal of the cable, and thwarts attempted re-insertion if the seal is compromised.

[07] In one aspect of a form thereof, a cable seal is provided with a cable seal body and a cable having one end anchored in the cable seal body and a distal end extending outwardly of the cable seal body. A re-entry cable aperture in the cable seal body is provided for receiving a distal portion of the cable inserted therethrough, with a loop formed in the cable outwardly of the cable seal body. First and second cable gripping members disposed in the body are configured for accommodating insertion of the distal portion of the cable between the first and second cable gripping members while inhibiting withdrawal of the distal portion of the cable from between the first and second cable gripping members.

[08] In another aspect of a form thereof, a cable seal is provided with a cable seal body and a cable having an end held in the cable seal body and a potion outwardly of the cable seal body. First and second cable gripping members disposed in the body and configured for accommodating passage of the cable in one direction while inhibiting withdrawal of the cable in an opposite direction include a first fixed metal member and a second movable metal member.

[09] In still another aspect of a form thereof, a cable seal is provided with a cable seal body and a cable having an end held in the cable seal body and extending outwardly of the cable seal body through a first cable aperture. A second cable aperture and a third cable aperture are provided on opposite ends of the cable seal body. The body defines a path for the cable to pass through the cable seal body including through the second and third cable apertures. A first metal toothed wheel is in fixed position within the cable seal body. A second metal toothed wheel is disposed in the body so as to move away from the first toothed wheel upon movement of the cable between the first and second toothed wheels in the direction from the second cable aperture to the third cable aperture, and to move toward the first toothed wheel upon movement of the cable from the third cable aperture toward the second cable aperture.

[10] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and drawings in which like numerals are used to designate like features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[11] Fig. 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of a cable seal;

[12] Fig. 2 is a plan view of the face opposite the face of the embodiment of a cable seal shown in Fig. 1 ;

[13] Fig. 3 is an elevational view of one side of the cable seal shown in Figs. 1 and 2;

[14] Fig. 4 is an elevational view of the end of the cable seal in which the loop cable is inserted;

[15] Fig. 5 is an elevational view of the end of the cable seal from which a distal cable portion extends;

[16] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the cable seal with an enclosure plate removed to expose the internal construction of the cable seal, and showing a loop cable installed in the cable seal;

[17] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the portion of the cable seal body shown in

Fig. 6, without the cable installed and with various other internal components removed to better illustrate internal construction;

[18] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the enclosure plate for the cable seal body;

[19] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the portion of the cable seal body shown in

Fig. 7, and further showing a cable installed therein;

[20] Fig. 10 is another perspective view of the cable seal body shown in Fig. 9, and also showing other internal components in the cable seal body;

[21] Fig. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the cable seal body prior to cable insertion;

[22] Fig. 12 is another enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the cable seal body with a cable installed therein; [23] Fig. 13 is a perspective view similar to that of Fig. 12 but with internal components of the cable seal at an alternate position attained when the cable seal is pulled or tugged and tension is applied to the looped cable;

[24] Fig. 14 is an internal perspective view of another embodiment for a cable seal;

[25] Fig. 15 is an internal perspective view of still another embodiment for a cable seal;

[26] Fig. 16 is an internal perspective view of the embodiment shown in Fig.

15, but having a cable installed therein;

[27] Fig.17 is an internal perspective view of yet another embodiment for a cable seal; and

[28] Fig. 18 is an internal perspective view of the embodiment shown in Fig.

17, but having a cable installed therein.

[29] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use herein of "including", "comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items and equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[30] Referring now more particularly to the drawings, an embodiment of a cable seal of the present invention is shown and designated by the number 100. Cable seal 100 includes a cable seal body 102 and an enclosure plate or cover 104 that can be affixed to cable seal body 102 by sonic welding, adhesives or other suitable fixing means. Cable seal body 102 and enclosure plate 104 can be made from injection molded plastic. Cable seal 100 is configured to receive and retain therein one end of a cable 106 while further receiving and clamping a segment near a distal opposite end of the cable after the cable has been looped through a latch, lock or other structure of a container on which the cable seal is used. Accordingly, cable seal body 102 is provided with a first cable aperture or hole 108 and re-entry second cable aperture or hole 110 both at one end of the cable seal body for receiving the looped cable, and a single third cable aperture or opening 112 at the opposite end of cable seal body 102 through which the distal free end of the cable extends.

[31] Cable seal body 102 is provided with concave knurled or textured side elements 114, 116 on the outer surface thereof, making the cable seal easily grasped between the thumb and forefinger of one hand of an installer even if the installer is wearing gloves. Cable seal 100 is relatively thin from the front face thereof to the back face thereof so that it will sit flat against a container on which it is installed. The front and back face surfaces of cable seal 100 provide sufficient flattened area for receiving printed indicia such as bar codes or the like. A through hole 118 extending through the front and back of cable seal 100 is provided for sequential packaging of a plurality of cable seals 100 on a wire, peg, cord or other suitable packaging retainer.

[32] With reference now particularly to Figs. 6 through 13, the structure by which cable 106 is held securely in cable seal 100 will be described. Cable seal body 102 is provided with a pocket 120 and enclosure plate 104 is provided with a corresponding pocket depression 121 on the inside thereof overlying pocket 120 together forming a cavity for receiving a cleat, knob or other enlargement 122 on one end of cable 106, with the cable then extended outwardly through first cable aperture 108. Accordingly, cable seal 100 can be provided with cable 106 preinstalled therein, with the cable retained by enlargement 122 held in and by pocket 120 and pocket depression 121. After being looped through the latch or other structure of the container being secured, the cable is reinserted into cable seal 100 via re-entry second cable aperture 110, and is passed through the cable seal. The distal free end of cable 106 passes completely through cable seal 100 and exits via third cable aperture or opening 112. To facilitate the insertion of cable 106 into re-entry second cable aperture 110, the surface of cable seal body 102 immediately surrounding re-entry second cable aperture 110 is chamfered or concave, forming a well 124 angling inwardly toward re-entry second cable aperture 110 so that the cable can be inserted easily through re-entry second cable aperture 110.

[33] Cable seal 100 is provided with first and second cable gripping members in the way of a metal stationary toothed wheel 130 and a metal movable toothed wheel 132, respectively. A portion of cable 106 is held securely between toothed wheels 130, 132. Movable toothed wheel 132 is operable along a channel 134 in cable seal body 102 and an overlying channel depression 135 in enclosure plate 104. Channel 134 is defined partially by an outer wall 136 angularly disposed relative to a cable path 138 through cable seal 100. In the exemplary illustration, channel 134 and wall 136 are at an angle of about 24.5 degrees to the cable path. A spring 140 is retained at one end thereof in a spring shaft 142 in body 102 and an overlying spring shaft depression 143 in enclosure plate 104. Spring 140 is disposed against movable toothed wheel 132 at the opposite, free end of spring 140. Spring 140 biases movable toothed wheel 132 toward re-entry cable aperture 110. A frangible barrier 144, which may be a breakable wall or post, limits the travel of movable toothed wheel 132 within channel 134 prior to use of cable seal 100.

[34] Cable 106 is pinched between toothed wheels 130, 132 in the installed condition of cable seal 100. Stationary toothed wheel 130 is fixed in both position and rotation, and need not be a circular toothed wheel but may be, for example, a serrated formation, teeth or projections on an edge or wall in cable seal body 102. However, for simplification of manufacture and assembly, stationary toothed wheel 130 and movable toothed wheel 132 can be manufactured as interchangeable parts. Stationary toothed wheel 130 is received in a circular well 146 in cable seal body 102 below an overlying well depression 147 in enclosure plate 104. Well 146 may be of slightly smaller diameter than the tooth tip diameter of stationary toothed wheel 130 so that the teeth thereof embed in the wall-like surface defining well 146. Some teeth of stationary toothed wheel 130 are exposed to cable 106 between re-entry second cable aperture 110 and cable path 138 and can be embedded into cable 106 when the cable is pinched there against by movable toothed wheel 132. Accordingly, pinching force exerted against stationary toothed wheel 130 is transmitted to and dispersed through cable seal body 102.

[35] Stationary toothed wheel 130 functions as a backing body against which movable toothed wheel 132 pinches cable 106. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that other types of backing structures for the pinch point capture of cable 106 can be used. An advantageous feature of the preferred embodiments shown and described is that cable 106 is pinched between the two metal toothed wheels 130, 132, rather than against and between one metal component and a plastic part. Accordingly, it is believed advantages can be obtained if the backing part is a metal insert in cable seal body 102, even if it is not a stationary toothed wheel as shown.

[36] With movable toothed wheel 132 urged against frangible barrier 144 by spring 140, the spacing between stationary toothed wheel 130 and movable toothed wheel 132 is only slightly less than the diameter of cable 106. As the end of cable 106 is inserted through second cable aperture 110, the cable moves toward and along cable path 138, first moving movable toothed wheel downward slightly against the force exerted by spring 140 so that the cable can pass between toothed wheels 130 and 132 and exit through third cable aperture 112. Spring 140 urges movable toothed wheel 132 against cable 106, which is urged against stationary toothed wheel 130. The tips of the teeth of toothed wheels 130 and 132 engage cable 106 so that the cable is held between toothed wheels 130, 132 and does not become dislodged therefrom. If pulling force is applied against the cable seal 100 in a manner to apply tension in the loop of cable 106, in an attempt to withdraw the distal end of cable 106 from cable seal 100, movable toothed wheel 132 traverses along channel 134, engaged against and walking along wall 136 of the channel. Movable toothed wheel 132 thereby moves closer to stationary toothed wheel 130 further decreasing the space between the toothed wheels such that the cable is pinched more tightly between the toothed wheels. As movable toothed wheel 132 encounters frangible barrier 144, force exerted against frangible barrier 144 breaks the barrier, allowing movable toothed wheel 132 to traverse toward the end channel 134. A distance between outer wall 136 and stationary toothed wheel 130 near the end of channel 134 at re-entry second cable aperture 110 is less than the diameter of movable toothed wheel 132 so that the teeth of movable toothed wheel 132 embed into wall 136 when movable toothed wheel 132 is moved to the end of channel 134.

[37] If sufficient force is applied to sever cable 106 between stationary toothed wheel 130 and movable toothed wheel 132, movable toothed wheel 132 remains at the end of channel 134 with some teeth of the toothed wheel 132 embedded in wall 136. Toothed wheel 132 is held near re-entry second cable aperture 110, blocking the cable aperture and preventing re-insertion of the cable, as shown in Fig. 13. Further, if cable 106 is forcibly withdrawn from cable seal 100, the distal end of cable 106 will be frayed as it is pulled through the narrow opening between stationary toothed wheel 130 and movable toothed wheel 132 when movable toothed wheel 132 has been pulled nearest to re-entry second cable aperture 110. The frayed cable end is difficult to re-insert into cable seal 100, and provides visible evidence of tampering.

[38] Enclosure plate 104 can be provided with a sealing lip 150, and is received within and upon a ledge 152 in cable seal body 104.

[39] Frangible barrier 144 is not required in all applications and uses for cable seal 100, and Fig. 14 illustrates a cable seal 200 having a cable seal body 202 that is otherwise similar to cable seal 100 and cable seal body 102 except that cable seal body 202 does not include frangible barrier 144. Components of cable seal 200 that correspond to similar components in cable seal 100 have been identified with the same reference numerals as those used for cable seal 100.

[40] Still further modifications are contemplated. Cable seal 300 illustrated in

Figs. 15 & 16 is similar to cable seal 200 described above. Accordingly, components of cable seal 300 similar to components in cable seals 100 and 200 are identified with the same reference numerals. Cable seal 300 includes a cable seal body 302 having a modified spring retention shaft 342 that includes an outer edge protrusion 343 at the opening to spring retention shaft 342. Protrusion 343 urges the exposed portion of spring 140 toward cable 106 so that the rolling movement of movable toothed wheel 132 along wall 136 as a spring 140 is compressed does not cause spring 140 to be pulled over. Protrusion 343 provides improved lateral stability in the portions of the spring 140 that are exposed outwardly of spring retention shaft 342. By offsetting the contact point between spring 140 and movable toothed wheel 132, during initial rotation of movable toothed wheel 132 when cable 106 is inserted, friction between spring 140 and movable toothed wheel 132 causes the axis of spring 140 to align more closely with the path that the wheel must travel during insertion of cable 106. As a result, the spring compresses in a more straight line toward and into spring retention shaft 342.

[41] A still further construction for offsetting the contact between a spring 140 and movable toothed wheel 132 is illustrated in Figs. 17 & 18. Cable seal 400 illustrated therein is similar to cable seals 100, 200 and 300 described previously. Accordingly, components of cable seal 400 similar to components in cable seals 100, 200 and 300 are identified with the same reference numerals. Cable seal 400 includes a cable seal body 402 having a further modified spring retention shaft 442 angled such as to offset the distal end of spring 140 from the diameter of movable toothed wheel 132. Accordingly, similarly to cable seal 300, during initial rotation of movable toothed wheel 132 when cable 106 is inserted, friction between spring 140 and movable toothed wheel 132 causes the axis of the spring to align more closely with the path that the wheel must travel during insertion of cable 106. As a result, the spring compresses in a straight line toward and into spring retention shaft 442.

[42] Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

[43] Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A cable seal comprising:

a cable seal body;

a cable having one end anchored in said cable seal body and a distal end extending outwardly of said cable seal body;

a re-entry cable aperture in said cable seal body for receiving a distal portion of said cable inserted therethrough, with a loop formed in said cable outwardly of said cable seal body; and

first and second cable gripping members disposed in said body and configured for accommodating insertion of said distal portion of said cable between said first and second cable gripping members while inhibiting withdrawal of said distal portion of said cable from between said first and second cable gripping members.

2. The cable seal of claim 1, said first and second cable gripping members being interchangeable metal toothed wheels.

3. The cable seal of claim 2, one of said toothed wheels being retained in a stationary position in said cable seal body and the other of said toothed wheels being movable away from said one of said toothed wheels upon insertion of said cable between said toothed wheels and said other of said toothed wheels being movable toward said one of said toothed wheels upon said cable being extracted from between said toothed wheels.

4. The cable seal of claim 3, including a spring biasing said movable toothed wheel toward said re-entry cable aperture.

5. The cable seal of claim 4, said spring contacting said movable toothed wheel at a position offset from centerlines of said movable toothed wheel.

6. The cable seal of claim 4, including a spring retention shaft receiving a portion of a length of said spring.

7. The cable seal of claim 6, said spring retention shaft disposed at an angle whereby said distal end of said spring contacts said movable toothed wheel away from a centerline of said movable toothed wheel.

8. The cable seal of claim 6, said spring retention shaft including a protrusion along the outside thereof bending said spring to a contact point against said movable toothed wheel away from a centerline of said movable toothed wheel.

9. The cable seal of claim 1, said first and second cable gripping members being a first toothed wheel stationary in said cable seal body and a second toothed wheel movable along a wall in said cable seal body in directions toward and away from said first toothed wheel upon movement of said cable between said toothed wheels.

10. The cable seal of claim 9, a portion of said wall near said reentry aperture being spaced from said stationary toothed wheel a distance less than the diameter of said movable toothed wheel.

11. A cable seal comprising:

a cable seal body;

a cable having an end held in said cable seal body and a potion outwardly of said cable seal body;

first and second cable gripping members disposed in said body and configured for accommodating passage of said cable in one direction while inhibiting withdrawal of said cable in an opposite direction; and

said first and second cable gripping members including a first fixed metal member and a second movable metal member.

12. The cable seal of claim 11, said first and second cable gripping members being interchangeable metal toothed wheels, one being fixed in both position and rotation and the other being movable both linearly and rotationally.

13. The cable seal of claim 12, including a spring biasing said movable toothed wheel in said opposite direction.

14. The cable seal of claim 13, said spring contacting said movable toothed wheel at a position offset from a centerline of said movable toothed wheel.

15. The cable seal of claim 13, including a spring retention shaft receiving a portion of a length of said spring.

16. The cable seal of claim 15, said spring retention shaft disposed at an angle whereby said distal end of said spring contacts said movable toothed wheel away from a centerline of said movable toothed wheel.

17. The cable seal of claim 15, said spring retention shaft including a protrusion along the outside thereof bending said spring to a contact point against said movable toothed wheel away from a centerline of said movable toothed wheel.

18. The cable seal of claim 11, said first and second cable gripping members being interchangeable metal toothed wheels, one toothed wheel being fixed in both position and rotation and the other being movable both linearly and rotationally along a wall in said body; and a portion of said wall being spaced from said one toothed wheel a distance less than the diameter of said other toothed wheel.

19. A cable seal, comprising:

a cable seal body; a cable having an end held in said cable seal body and extending outwardly of said cable seal body through a first cable aperture;

a second cable aperture and a third cable aperture provided on opposite ends of said cable seal body;

said body defining a path for said cable to pass through said cable seal body including through said second and third cable apertures;

a first metal toothed wheel in fixed position within said cable seal body; a second metal toothed wheel disposed in said body so as to move away from said first toothed wheel upon movement of said cable between said first and second toothed wheels in the direction from said second cable aperture to said third cable aperture, and to move toward said first toothed wheel upon movement of said cable between said first and second toothed wheels in the direction from said third cable aperture to said second cable aperture.

20. The cable seal of claim 19, said second metal toothed wheel being movable both linearly and rotationally along a wall in said body; and a portion of said wall being spaced from said first metal toothed wheel a distance less than the diameter of said second metal toothed wheel.