US20050039307A1

US20050039307A1 - Tamper indicative clamp

Info

Publication number: US20050039307A1
Application number: US10/914,656
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert Loughlin; John Loughlin
Original assignee: Stanton Concepts Inc
Current assignee: Stanton Concepts Inc
Priority date: 2003-08-11
Filing date: 2004-08-09
Publication date: 2005-02-24

Abstract

A device for clamping a strap, the device having a first surface and a second surface connected to the first surface by a hinge. The first surface having an edge including a tab member extending away from the first surface and toward the second surface. A strap may be placed between the first surface and the second surface such that when the first surface and the second surface are brought in close proximity to each other to a closed position, the strap may be secured therebetween. The tab member may prevent the device from being slid along the strap by friction created between the tab member and the strap.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/494,348, filed Aug. 11, 2003, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference as if fully disclosed herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to clamps, specifically to clamps that may be used with tamper indicative devices or locks to repeatedly secure, fasten and grip a strap, belt or similar object, and possibly when released indicate that the clamp has been opened or tampered with. Alternatively, the clamp may be of the one-time-use type, including integral frangible elements.
Devices such as laptop computers, luggage, portable radios, hand-held computers, cell phones, PDA's, and other devices are often secured by straps such as a Velcro® strap. Velcro® is a trademark of Velcro Industries B.V., Castorue, 22-24, Curacoan, Netherlands Antilles. Such items may also be secured by belts or similar articles. However, such conventional articles may be unlatched, untied or released without indicating that the article was opened, unfastened or tampered with.
Today, safety concerns mandate that people know whether personal property has been tampered with. For example, many travelers use tamper indicative seals, such as PrivaSeal®, to mark and secure their luggage, by, for example, threading a seal through adjacent zipper pulls on zipper-open luggage. PrivaSeal® is a registered trademark of Stanton Concepts, Inc., P.O. Box 139, Stanton, N.J. 08885 USA. Tamper indicative seals such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,712,655 issued to Fuehrer and hereby incorporated herein by reference may also be utilized. Such application represents an inexpensive and effective way to mark and secure luggage and travel bags.
Tamper indicative seals are popular because of the ease and convenience of their application to a variety of objects, including luggage, electrical appliances, and household items. However, such seals are typically used to secure and fasten articles that have holes or openings present to accommodate the tamper indicative seal, so the seal may be threaded therethrough. When an object is fastened, secured or confined by a strap or belt, it would be advantageous to be able to secure or fasten the strap or belt with a device, which if opened, would indicate that the strap or belt securing the object had been tampered with.
Tamper indicative clamps typically are used for numerous applications. For example, they may serve as a convenient means to secure, fasten, and clamp straps, belts, or similar articles, objects and materials and thus are advantageous to travelers, homeowners, students, businesspersons, and medical industry personnel, among others. Furthermore, such clamps may advantageously serve as a means to detect evidence of tampering or use.
Clamps of the type shown in U.S. Pat. No. 1,284,981, issued to Glassburn are known in the art and serve a useful purpose in securing a belt or strap while providing evidence of tampering, if combined with a seal or lock. Notwithstanding, devices such as those disclosed by Glassburn suffer from substantial drawbacks. For example, in order to effectively secure the belt or strap, the Glassburn device includes teeth or serrations throughout the entire interior surface of the device to bite into the strap. These surface irregularities mar the belt or strap, often in an undesirable manner. Further, the Glassburn device requires the use of a separate seal or lock to be effective against tampering. It would be beneficial to provide an improved clamp having integral means for locking the clamp and indicating tampering, such as may be provided in a one-time use device. Finally, advances in materials and manufacturing since the advent of the Glassburn clamp allow for integrally molded clamps to be manufactured much more efficiently and inexpensively than the arrangement of individual parts shown in Glassburn. The present invention addresses these needs in varying amounts throughout the several embodiments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a device for clamping a strap is disclosed. The device may comprise a relatively smooth first surface and a relatively smooth second surface connected to the first surface by a hinge. The first surface may have an edge including a tab member extending away from the first surface and toward the second surface. A strap may be placed between the first surface and the second surface such that when the first surface and the second surface are brought in close proximity to each other to a closed position, the strap may be secured therebetween with the tabbed member preventing the device from being slid along the strap by friction created between the tabbed member and the strap.
The first surface may further comprise a first latch having a first aperture and the second surface may further comprise a second latch having a second aperture, the first aperture and the second aperture being in registration when the device is in the closed position.
The device may further comprise a locking element adapted to be threaded through the first and the second aperture in the closed position of the device to prevent opening thereof.
opening thereof.
The locking element may be either a lock or a frangible seal.
The device may further comprise break-lines in the first surface, wherein the first surface may be ruptured at the break-lines upon application of sufficient force upon the break-lines.
The device may further comprise a pull-tab associated with the first surface, wherein application of sufficient tension upon the pull-tab ruptures the break-lines.
The first surface may include either surface deformations or hook-and-loop type fasteners.
The first surface may further comprise an aperture therethrough and the second surface may further comprise a knob, the knob adapted so as to engage the aperture when the device is in the closed position to retain the device in the closed position.
The aperture may be adapted to capture the knob upon entrance therein such that the knob may not be removed from the aperture without causing physical damage to the knob or the aperture.
The first surface may further comprise an adhesive portion. The adhesive portion may be adapted to adhere to the second surface when the device is placed in the closed position.
The second surface may further comprise a second adhesive portion, the second adhesive portion contacting the adhesive portion of the first surface when the device is placed in the closed position.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a device for clamping a strap may comprise a first surface and a second surface connected to the first surface by a hinge, the first surface may include surface irregularities covering less than the entire first surface, wherein a strap may be placed between the first surface and the second surface such that when the first surface and the second surface are brought in close proximity to each other to a closed position, the strap may be secured therebetween, the surface irregularities preventing the device from being slid along the strap.
The first surface may further comprise a first latch having a first aperture and the second surface may further comprise a second latch having a second aperture, the first aperture and the second aperture being in registration when the device is in the closed position.
The device may further comprise a locking element adapted to be threaded through the first and the second aperture in the closed position of the device.
The locking element may be either a lock or a frangible seal.
The device may further comprise break-lines in the first surface, wherein the first surface may be ruptured upon application of sufficient force upon the break-lines.
The device may further comprise a pull-tab associated with the first surface, wherein application of sufficient tension upon the pull-tab ruptures the break-lines.
The first surface may include either a tab extending from an edge of the first surface toward the second surface or hook-and-loop type fasteners.
The first surface may further comprise an aperture therethrough and the second surface may further comprise a knob, the knob adapted so as to engage the aperture when the device is in the closed position.
The aperture may be adapted to capture the knob upon entrance such that the knob may not be removed from the aperture without causing physical damage to the knob or the aperture.
The first surface may further comprise an adhesive portion, the adhesive portion adapted to adhere to the second surface when the device is placed in the closed position.
The second surface may further comprise a second adhesive portion, the second adhesive portion contacting the adhesive portion of the first surface when the device is placed in the closed position.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a clamp for securing the end of a strap to the body of the strap may comprise a first surface integrally molded to a second surface with a living hinge therebetween, the clamp may have an open position in which the first surface is spaced from the second surface and a closed position in which the first surface is directly adjacent the second surface such that a strap end and strap body may be secured between the first surface and the second surface.
The first surface may further comprise a first surface latch and the second surface may further comprise a second surface latch, each of the first surface latch and the second surface latch may have apertures therethrough. The apertures may align when the clamp is in the closed position such that a locking device may be threaded therethrough to prevent the clamp from being placed in the open position.
The locking device may be integrally molded to the clamp.
The locking device may comprise a head portion adapted to be inserted freely into the apertures, but which may only be removed from the apertures destructively.
The clamp may further comprise score lines associated with the first surface to permit the clamp to be severed along the score lines using less force than required in areas of the clamp not including score lines.
The clamp may further comprise a pull tab associated with the first surface and the score lines, the pull tab may be adapted to sever the clamp along the score lines upon application of tension upon the pull tab.
In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention, a clamp for securing the end of a strap to the body of the strap may comprise a sheet of flexible material having a first side and a second side, and a first end and a second end. The first side may have a tab member extending therefrom at the first end. The clamp may have a first aperture extending therethrough at the second end. The first side may further comprise a portion between the first aperture and the second aperture having hook and loop type fasteners, the clamp having an open position in which the single sheet of flexible material is substantially flat and a closed position in which the single sheet of flexible material may be bent such that the tab member may penetrate the first aperture to enclose the end of the strap against the body of the strap.
The clamp may further comprise a second aperture extending at least partially through the clamp at a location between the first aperture and the tab member, the tab member penetrating the second aperture in the closed position.
The claim may further comprise a scored section, the scored section permitting the clamp to be severed readily.
The hook and loop type fasteners may be adapted to interact with the strap to prevent the clamp from sliding relative to the strap.
The tab member may be adapted to be readily insertable into the first aperture but may only be removed therefrom destructively.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a device for securing an end of a strap may comprise an elongate strip of flexible material having a first end and a second end, the first end having an adhesive disposed thereon, wherein the device has an open position in which the device is substantially flat and a closed position in which the device may be wrapped around the strap such that the adhesive may connect the first end of the device with another portion of the device.
The another portion of the device may comprise additional adhesive disposed thereon, the additional adhesive may interact with the adhesive to bond the two together.
The adhesive and the additional adhesive may be two components of a two-part bonding system, such that when brought together the adhesive and additional adhesive react to form a bonding agent.
The device may further comprise a score line, the device adapted to be severed along the score line to release the device from the closed position.
The device may further comprise a light adhesive layer, the light adhesive layer abutting the strap in the closed position such that the device may not slide with respect to the strap.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a plurality of devices for securing the end of a strap to the body of a strap may comprise an elongated strip of flexible material having a first end and a second end, the first end having an adhesive disposed thereon, wherein each of the devices has an open position in which the device is substantially flat and a closed position in which the device may be wrapped around the strap such that the adhesive may connect the first end of the device with another portion of the device.
Each of the devices may be stored in tandem on a roll.
The roll may include a barrier layer between layers of the devices on the roll.
Each of the devices may be stored adjacent to each other in a sheet.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a device for clamping the end of a strap to the body of a strap may comprise a first surface, a second surface, and means for arranging the surfaces around a strap body and a strap end to secure the strap end to the strap body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts a perspective view of a tamper indicative clamp in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention in an open position;
FIG. 1B depicts another embodiment of a clamp in accordance with the present invention, in a closed position, securing a belt or strap;
FIG. 2A depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of the clamp in accordance with the present invention in an open position;
FIG. 2B depicts a side view of yet another embodiment of a clamp in accordance with the present invention in a closed position;
FIG. 2C depicts a perspective view of the clamp of FIG. 2A in a closed position together with a tamper indicative seal securing the clamp;
FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a clamp in accordance with the present invention in a partially locked position;
FIG. 4A depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of a clamp in accordance with the present invention in an open position;
FIG. 4B depicts a perspective view of the clamp of FIG. 4A in a partially closed position;
FIG. 4C depicts a cross-sectional view of the clamp of FIG. 4A in a partially closed position;
FIG. 4D depicts a cross-sectional view of the clamp of FIG. 4A in a fully closed position together with a belt or strap fastened by the clamp;
FIG. 4E depicts a perspective view of the clamp of FIG. 4A together with a belt or strap fastened by the clamp;
FIG. 5A depicts a perspective view of a clamp in a closed position in accordance with a still further embodiment of the present invention together with a belt or strap fastened by the clamp;
FIG. 5B depicts a top view of the clamp of FIG. 5A in an open position;
FIG. 5C depicts a bottom view of the clamp of FIG. 5A in an open position; and
FIG. 5D depicts a cross-sectional view of the clamp of FIG. 5A in a closed condition together with a belt or strap fastened by the clamp.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing the preferred embodiments of the subject matter illustrated and to be described with respect to the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.
One aspect of the present invention provides a device for fastening, securing and clamping belts, straps, or similar articles and objects. The device, a tamper indicative clamp, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, may include a clamp lower surface upon which a strap, belt or similar article rests and a clamp upper surface that is placed over the strap, belt or similar object. The distal ends of both the clamp upper and lower surfaces may be connected by a traditional hinge, or alternatively may be connected by a living hinge. Thus, the clamp upper and lower surfaces may be moved into proximity with each other with the strap, belt or similar article sandwiched therebetween. The clamp upper and lower surfaces may be comprised of a rigid material, such as plastic or metal. Alternatively, the clamp may be made of flexible material, such as cloth or rubber.
Whether made of a rigid or flexible material, at least one knob and socket may be placed on the clamp upper and lower surfaces, respectively. For example, a knob may be positioned on either the clamp upper surface or the clamp lower surface. A corresponding knob socket for the knob may be positioned on the opposite surface. When a strap or belt is positioned on the clamp lower surface and the clamp upper surface is moved toward the lower surface, the placement of the knob into the knob socket may result in the clamping and securing of the strap or belt in the tamper indicative clamp. Preferably, the knob and socket are configured such that the knob may not be released from the knob socket without permanently damaging the clamp in a readily noticeable manner.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the clamp upper and lower surfaces may have, on one or both surfaces, side flanges. When the clamp upper and lower surfaces are moved in close proximity, a strap, belt or similar article located between the clamp upper and lower surfaces is secured by the side flanges, thereby preventing movement or slippage of the strap, belt or similar article, without marring the belt or strap greatly.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the clamp upper and lower surfaces may have, on one or both surfaces, raised projections on the interior lower surface and interior upper surface. Preferably, the raised projections cover less than the entire surface of the clamp interior, such that the belt or strap is not marred excessively. When the clamp upper and lower surfaces are moved in close proximity, a strap, belt or similar article present between the clamp upper and lower surfaces is secured by the raised projections, thereby preventing movement or slippage of the strap or belt. Alternatively, the tamper indicative clamp may have any combination of raised projections, side flanges and at least one knob and socket.
When the tamper indicative clamp is made of flexible material, such as a strip of cloth, rubber, paper, synthetic paper, or the like, the clamp may have a strong adhesive present at either end of the strip, or on both ends on opposite surfaces. Between each end, the intended interior portion may have a light or mild adhesive to prevent a belt or strap from sliding along the interior of the tamper indicative clamp made of flexible material when installed. It will be appreciated that the strong adhesive will secure the clamp such that tampering will compromise the clamp, making such tampering activity known to the user.
Referring now to the figures, FIGS. 1-5 depict various embodiments of the clamp device in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 1A, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, depicts a tamper indicative clamp 110 with upper surface 117 connected to lower surface 119 by a medium such as a hinge 112. The lower surface 119 may have at least one side flange 114 extending upward toward the upper surface 117. Alternatively, upper surface 117 may have at least one side flange 114 extending downward toward the lower surface 119, as shown in FIG. 1B, or both upper surface 117 and lower surface 119 have at least one flange 114. Upper latch 120 is attached to upper surface 117. It will be appreciated that the flanges 114 help to prevent the clamp 110 from being slid along the belt or strap when secured, without marring the belt or strap adversely. Lower latch 122 is attached to lower surface 119. In certain preferred embodiments, a plurality of upper latches 120 or lower latches 122 may be attached to upper surface 117 and lower surface 119, respectively.
FIG. 1B, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, depicts a tamper indicative clamp 110 securing a belt or strap 111. The clamp 110 may be positioned such that the strap 111, including the strap body 113 and strap end 115, is located between upper surface 117 and lower surface 119, as shown in FIG. 1B. It will be appreciated that in order to secure the ends of the belt or strap, the clamp 110 must be positioned over a portion of the strap 111 which is doubled-up, such as after the strap has been looped through a buckle and tightened against the subject object.
Upon moving upper surface 117 toward lower surface 119 by the rotation about the hinge 112, upper latches 120 and lower latch 122 align to form aligned latch apertures 118.
In FIG. 1B, the upper surface 117 has two side flanges 114 which extend toward the lower surface 119. The side flanges 114 engage the strap 111 to prevent sliding of the clamp 110, when positioned. The side flanges 114 locally depress the strap 111, but are not intended to penetrate the strap or cause permanent damage.
An object may be inserted into the aligned latch apertures 118 of the latches 120, 122 to secure the tamper indicative clamp 110. For example, a tamper indicative seal, such as a PrivaSeal® or a conventional lock, may be threaded through aligned latch apertures 118.
In this embodiment, the tamper indicative clamp 110 is preferably comprised of a rigid material, such as metal or hard plastic. Alternatively, the tamper indicative clamp 110 may be comprised of a flexible material, if so desired.
FIG. 2A, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, depicts a tamper indicative clamp 210 in an open position with raised projections 230 on the interior lower surface 228. Raised projections 230 may be present on interior lower surface 228 and interior upper surface 224, as shown in FIG. 2B. Alternatively, raised projections 230 may be present only on interior lower surface 228 or interior upper surface 224. In preferred embodiments, the raised projections 230 do not cover the entire surface area of the interior surfaces 224, 228. Ideally, the raised projections 230 are included only on the interior lower surface 228 so the visible areas of the strap or belt are not marred.
FIG. 2C depicts a closed tamper indicative clamp 210, wherein a tamper indicative seal 213 has been positioned through latch aperture 218 formed by the alignment of upper latch 220 and lower latches 222. FIG. 2B shows a side view of a clamp 210, wherein upper surface 217 and lower surface 219 are parallel, having been moved toward each other by rotation of hinge 212.
In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A-C, the clamp is preferably formed from plastic or similar material, and the hinge 212 is preferably a living hinge. Preferably, the hinge 212 is compliant enough such that the clamp 210 will have a long service life, without the hinge breaking after only a few uses.
FIG. 3 depicts yet another embodiment of a clamp in accordance with the present invention. In FIG. 3, the tamper indicative clamp 310 includes a pull-tab 334 attached to the upper surface 317. The clamp also includes a locking tab 338 connected to the upper latch 320 by a locking tab arm 336. Locking tab 338 may be inserted into latch aperture 318, thereby securing and locking the tamper indicative clamp 310.
Locking tab 338 preferably includes a mushroom shaped head 339 which may be inserted into the latch aperture 318, but which may not be removed without compromising the structure of the locking tab 338 in a destructive process. In this regard, latch aperture 318 may include an internal mechanism, such as a flange (not shown), which permits passage of the mushroom head in only a single direction.
In order to remove the tamper indicative clamp 310 from a strap, belt or similar object, the pull-tab 334 may be pulled upward to rupture break-lines 352 provided on the upper surface 317. This causes the upper surface 317 to fracture, thus permitting the tamper indicative clamp 310 to separate from the object it was secured to. The break lines are generally localized areas where the strength of the clamp 310 has been compromised. This may be achieved by providing a series of penetrations, such as perforations, or by other conventional means.
FIGS. 4A-E depict clamps in accordance with still further embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4A, a tamper indicative clamp 410 may include hook and loop fasteners 440 on the inside surface 441, upper knob sockets 442 extending through the clamp 410 at its second end 443, knobs 444 at a first end 445 of the clamp, and lower knob sockets 454 extending through the clamp 410 at its lower surface 419. FIG. 4B depicts the clamp of FIG. 4A in a partially closed position. Adjustment of hinge 412 moves upper exterior surface 416 and upper knob sockets 442 in close proximity to upper exterior surface 416′ and upper knobs 444 (not shown) located on the interior upper surface 424 at the first end 445 of the clamp. A break-line 452 may be positioned on the tamper indicative clamp 410 were desired. FIG. 4C shows a side view of the clamp 410 of FIG. 4B, where upper knob sockets 442 are aligned with lower knob sockets 454. To clamp, fasten, and secure the tamper indicative clamp 410, upper exterior surface 416 with knob 444 is moved about hinge 412 toward upper knob sockets 442 and then lower knob sockets 454. FIG. 4D depicts a cross-sectional view of the clamp of FIG. 4C, where the tamper indicative clamp 410 is closed around a belt or strap. To close the clamp, knobs 444 having mushroom shaped heads 445 are inserted first into upper knob sockets 442 and then lower knob sockets 454, in a one-way type connection. The one-way connection is achieved because of the configuration of the mushroom shaped head 445, wherein the head may be inserted into the knob sockets 442, 454, but may not be removed without noticeable deformation or fracturing. FIG. 4E depicts a tamper indicative clamp 410 securing and fastening a textured strap 411, by surrounding the strap body 413 and strap end 415. The inside surface 441 with hook and loop fasteners 440 may engage the textured strap 411 to prevent the clamp 410 from sliding once positioned (not shown). In this regard, the textured strap preferably includes hook and loop type fasteners which may mate with those hook and loop fasteners 440 found on the inside surface 441 of the strap 410 to prevent movement of the strap relative to the belt.
FIGS. 5A-D depicts yet another embodiment of the clamp of the present invention. In FIG. 5A, a tamper indicative clamp 510, formed from a compliant material, is clamped to a belt 511, so as to secure the belt body 513 and belt end 515. A break-line 552 is shown existing across the tamper indicative clamp 510 having ends secured using a strong adhesive. FIG. 5B depicts a top view of the clamp 510, in accordance with this embodiment. Clamp inner surface 548 may be smooth or have a light adhesive 556 coating. Depending on the use desired, the amount, width and length of light adhesive 556 used may vary. FIG. 5C depicts a bottom view of the clamp 510 in accordance with this embodiment. Clamp outer surface 550 may be smooth or textured. If desired, writing or other distinctive features may be placed on clamp outer surface 550. The writing may be of a nature particular to a specific group or individual, such as a trademark, logo or insignia. There may also be alphanumeric number sets printed on the clamp so the user can readily identify the clamp that the user installed. Finally, a blank area may be left so the user can sign his or her name, or place some other distinguishing mark.
Each end of the tamper indicative clamp 510 may have a section of strong adhesive 546, with the section of strong adhesive 546 on opposite sides of the clamp 510. In that regard, the clamp may have strong adhesive 546 on inner surface 548 at one end and strong adhesive 546 on outer surface 550 at the other end, or vice versa.
FIG. 5D shows a cross-sectional view of the clamp and strap of FIG. 5A, wherein the section of strong adhesive 546 of clamp outer surface 550 is in contact with the section of strong adhesive 546 of clamp inner surface 548 to secure the clamp 510 upon strap 511. Preferably, the inner surface 548 of the clamp 510 includes a light adhesive to prevent the clamp from being slid along the strap 511.
Although shown as a single strip, a series of clamps such as clamp 510 of FIGS. 5A-D may be provided on a roll, similar to a roll of tape. If so provided, the clamps may be connected at score lines, such that a single clamp may be selectively disconnected from the roll for use. Such score lines may preferably be weaker than the break line 552 within the limits of the clamp 510. The clamps provided on the roll are typically flexible, such that they may “hinge,” or bend, at a multitude of areas, rather than in a predetermined region.
In addition, it will be appreciated that a protective barrier made of plastic or similar material, may be placed between each layer of clamps within the roll to prevent them from sticking to each other. If provided in a roll, each clamp on a given roll may be stamped with a single identification number, or each clamp may be stamped with successive identification numbers, depending on the intended use.
As an alternate embodiment, the clamps 510 may be provided with only one section of strong adhesive, so long as the adhesive is of sufficient strength. If so provided, a roll of such clamps may not require a protective barrier between layers as two adhesive sections will not be in contact. Finally, if provided with two sections of strong adhesive, it will be appreciated that the adhesives may be pressure sensitive or may be a two-part type, such that they do not generate full adhesion until the application of pressure or a chemical reaction between the sections.
The preferred embodiments incorporate the novel elements of this invention to result in clamping, fastening and securing belts, straps or similar objects such that the belt, strap or similar object may be easily and quickly secured, while providing a construction that indicates tampering.
The tamper indicative clamp may be formed from metal, plastic, paper, synthetic paper or similar material. The strength and thickness of the material and construction may be determined based on manufacturing and economic criteria, and the particular embodiment.
The intended applications for these tamper indicative clamps involve uses to secure, fasten and clamp belts, straps and similar objects, while providing indication of breakage or tampering of the clamp. These applications require dependable and efficient fastening and clamping of the tamper indicative clamps. One objective of this invention is to provide a device to meet these requirements. The result may be seen as a reusable tamper indicative clamp providing the degree of usefulness required by the application, ease of use, functional reliability, cost effectiveness, and providing a novel operation. Alternatively, the tamper indicative clamp may be of one-time use. Such tamper indicative clamps would provide for a method of securing and fastening items with tamper indicative features not currently available.
Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
In addition, it will be appreciated that the teachings of any of the various embodiments may be employed throughout the remainder of the embodiments, such that a clamp in accordance with the teachings of the present invention may incorporate combinations of features not specifically described or referenced in combination herein. For example, a clamp may incorporate a combination of tabs 114 as shown in FIG. 1A and surface irregularities 230 as shown in FIG. 2A, even though that specific combination is not specifically reference herein.

Claims

1. A device for clamping a strap, said device comprising a relatively smooth first surface and a relatively smooth second surface connected to said first surface by a hinge, said first surface having an edge including a tab member extending away from said first surface and toward said second surface, wherein a strap may be placed between said first surface and said second surface such that when said first surface and said second surface are brought in close proximity to each other to a closed position, the strap may be secured therebetween, said tabbed member preventing said device from being slid along the strap by friction created between said tabbed member and the strap.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said first surface further comprises a first latch having a first aperture and said second surface further comprises a second latch having a second aperture, said first aperture and said second aperture being in registration when said device is in said closed position.

3. The device of claim 2, further comprising a locking element adapted to be threaded through said first and said second aperture in the closed position of said device to prevent opening thereof.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein said locking element is either a lock or a frangible seal.

5. The device of claim 1, further comprising break-lines in said first surface, wherein said first surface may be ruptured at said break-lines upon application of sufficient force upon said break-lines.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein said device further comprises a pull-tab associated with said first surface, wherein application of sufficient tension upon said pull-tab ruptures said break-lines.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein said first surface includes either surface deformations or hook-and-loop type fasteners.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein said first surface further comprises an aperture therethrough and said second surface further comprises a knob, said knob adapted so as to engage said aperture when said device is in said closed position to retain said device in the closed position.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein said aperture is adapted to capture said knob upon entrance therein such that said knob may not be removed from said aperture without causing physical damage to said knob or said aperture.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein said first surface further comprises an adhesive portion, said adhesive portion adapted to adhere to said second surface when said device is placed in said closed position.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein said second surface further comprises a second adhesive portion, said second adhesive portion contacting said adhesive portion of said first surface when said device is placed in said closed position.

12. A device for clamping a strap, said device comprising a first surface and a second surface connected to said first surface by a hinge, said first surface including surface irregularities covering less than the entire first surface, wherein a strap may be placed between said first surface and said second surface such that when said first surface and said second surface are brought in close proximity to each other to a closed position, the strap may be secured therebetween, said surface irregularities preventing said device from being slid along the strap.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein said first surface further comprises a first latch having a first aperture and said second surface further comprises a second latch having a second aperture, said first aperture and said second aperture being in registration when said device is in said closed position.

14. The device of claim 13, further comprising a locking element adapted to be threaded through said first and said second aperture in the closed position of said device.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein said locking element is either a lock or a frangible seal.

16. The device of claim 12, further comprising break-lines in said first surface, wherein said first surface may be ruptured upon application of sufficient force upon said break-lines.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein said device further comprises a pull-tab associated with said first surface, wherein application of sufficient tension upon said pull-tab ruptures said break-lines.

18. The device of claim 12, wherein said first surface includes either a tab extending from an edge of said first surface toward said second surface or hook-and-loop type fasteners.

19. The device of claim 12, wherein said first surface further comprises an aperture therethrough and said second surface further comprises a knob, said knob adapted so as to engage said aperture when said device is in said closed position.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein said aperture is adapted to capture said knob upon entrance such that said knob may not be removed from said aperture without causing physical damage to said knob or said aperture.

21. The device of claim 12, wherein said first surface further comprises an adhesive portion, said adhesive portion adapted to adhere to said second surface when said device is placed in said closed position.

22. The device of claim 21, wherein said second surface further comprises a second adhesive portion, said second adhesive portion contacting said adhesive portion of said first surface when said device is placed in said closed position.

23. A clamp for securing the end of a strap to the body of the strap, said clamp comprising a first surface integrally molded to a second surface with a living hinge therebetween, said clamp having an open position in which said first surface is spaced from said second surface and a closed position in which said first surface is directly adjacent said second surface such that a strap end and strap body may be secured between said first surface and said second surface.

24. The clamp of claim 23, wherein said first surface further comprises a first surface latch and said second surface further comprises a second surface latch, each of said first surface latch and said second surface latch having apertures therethrough, said apertures aligning when said clamp is in said closed position such that a locking device may be threaded therethrough to prevent said clamp from being placed in the open position.

25. The clamp of claim 24, wherein said locking device is integrally molded to said clamp.

26. The clamp of claim 25, wherein said locking device comprises a head portion adapted to be inserted freely into said apertures, but which may only be removed from said apertures destructively.

27. The clamp of claim 24, wherein said clamp further comprises score lines associated with said first surface to permit said clamp to be severed along said score lines using less force than required in areas of said clamp not including score lines.

28. The clamp of claim 27, wherein said clamp further comprises a pull tab associated with said first surface and said score lines, said pull tab adapted to sever said clamp along said score lines upon application of tension upon said pull tab.

29. A clamp for securing the end of a strap to the body of the strap, said clamp comprising a sheet of flexible material having a first side and a second side, and a first end and a second end, said first side having a tab member extending therefrom at said first end, said clamp having a first aperture extending therethrough at said second end, said first side further comprising a portion between said first aperture and said second aperture having hook and loop type fasteners, said clamp having an open position in which said single sheet of flexible material is substantially flat and a closed position in which said single sheet of flexible material may be bent such that said tab member may penetrate said first aperture to enclose the end of the strap against the body of the strap.

30. The clamp of claim 29, further comprising a second aperture extending at least partially through said clamp at a location between said first aperture and said tab member, said tab member penetrating said second aperture in said closed position.

31. The clamp of claim 29, further comprising a scored section, said scored section permitting said clamp to be severed readily.

32. The clamp of claim 29, wherein said hook and loop type fasteners are adapted to interact with said strap to prevent said clamp from sliding relative to said strap.

33. The clamp of claim 29, wherein said tab member is adapted to be readily insertable into said first aperture but may only be removed therefrom destructively.

34. A device for securing an end of a strap, said device comprising an elongate strip of flexible material having a first end and a second end, said first end having an adhesive disposed thereon, wherein said device has an open position in which said device is substantially flat and a closed position in which said device may be wrapped around the strap such that said adhesive may connect said first end of said device with another portion of said device.

35. The device of claim 34, wherein said another portion of said device comprises additional adhesive disposed thereon, said additional adhesive interacting with said adhesive to bond the two together.

36. The device of claim 35, wherein said adhesive and said additional adhesive are two components of a two-part bonding system, such that when brought together the adhesive and additional adhesive react to form a bonding agent.

37. The device of claim 34, wherein said device further comprises a score line, said device adapted to be severed along said score line to release said device from said closed position.

38. The device of claim 34, wherein said device further comprises a light adhesive layer, said light adhesive layer abutting the strap in said closed position such that said device may not slide with respect to said strap.

39. A plurality of devices for securing the end of a strap to the body of a strap, each of said devices comprising an elongated strip of flexible material having a first end and a second end, said first end having an adhesive disposed thereon, wherein each of said devices has an open position in which said device is substantially flat and a closed position in which said device may be wrapped around the strap such that said adhesive may connect said first end of said device with another portion of said device.

40. The plurality of devices claim in claim 49, wherein each of said devices is stored in tandem on a roll.

41. The plurality of devices claim in claim 40, wherein said roll includes a barrier layer between layers of said devices on said roll.

42. The plurality of devices claim in claim 39, wherein each of said devices is stored adjacent to each other in a sheet.

43. A device for clamping the end of a strap to the body of a strap, said device comprising a first surface, a second surface, and means for arranging said surfaces around a strap body and a strap end to secure the strap end to the strap body.