Patent ID: 6371539
Filing Date: 2002-04-16
Classification: G09F,Y10T

Abstract:
A tamper-evident seal comprising an engaging-element and two catch-elements, said engaging-element being adapted to lockably engage either, or both, of said catch-elements, said engaging-element having a midsection and an identification element attached thereto, said engaging-element further having two linear ratchets, each said linear ratchet comprising a plurality of abruptly-shouldered sub-elements, each said plurality having a unique member that is closer to said midsection than any other member, said abruptly-shouldered sub-elements being individually capable of passing through either of said catch-elements, said passing of said abruptly-shouldered sub-elements through either of said catch-elements being permitted in one direction but, after having occurred, being obstructed from occurring in the opposite direction, said midsection of said engaging-element being adapted to pass in its entirety through one of said catch-elements after one of the said linear ratchets has been severed from the said engaging-element, said engaging element being adapted to facilitate said severing preferentially to occur between said unique member and said midsection, and after the said identification element has been removed from said engaging-element.