Abstract:
A security seal has an outer body, a locking insert, and a shackle. The locking insert and shackle are received within a cavity of the outer body to be locked therein. Once the locking insert is engaged with the outer body, they cannot be disengaged without showing evidence of the disengagement. The evidence of the disengagement can be in the form of damage to any component of the security seal, in the form of mismatching of marked components of the security seal, or in any other suitable form showing evidence of the disengagement.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/219,548, filed Jun. 23, 2009. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to the field of security seals, and more specifically to a security seal that discourages tampering therewith by being configured in a manner such that any tampering therewith will be evident upon visual inspection of the security seal. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Security seals are commonly used to secure closure of utility meters, postal boxes, or other receptacles or devices where it is desired to prevent tampering therewith. Such seals may include a plastic body with a pair of apertures opening at one end of the body and a shackle formed of a piece of U-shaped wire having legs with reversibly bent end portions. When the seal is put into use, the shackle legs are first threaded through a structure to be secured, such as a retaining ring fitted around a cover for an electric meter. The shackle legs are then inserted into the body apertures whereby the reversibly bent end portions engage some form of inner structure of the body for permanent retention. A lateral pulling force on the shackle only forces the reversibly bent end portions into stronger engagement with the body. Thus, the shackle must be severed or otherwise broken, or the seal body must be damaged to open the seal. 
         [0004]    In addition to the usual locking mechanisms, security seals typically include some form of tamper-indicating structure. Generally, tamper-indicating structures are designed such that any significant attempts to defeat or tamper with the seal will normally result in altering the seal in such a manner that the attempt will be readily detectable. For example, if any attempt to tamper with the seal is made, portions of the seal may be permanently damaged. Such damage in the seal is typically readily apparent, thereby indicating evidence of tampering. 
         [0005]    Although such devices have served the purpose, they have not provided entirely satisfactory results, because some efforts to defeat such structures by picking have proved successful. One such method of picking involves inserting a picking tool into the seal body through openings or spaces where the shackle legs enter the seal body and deforming or cutting the shackle legs to an extent that the legs can be freely withdrawn from the sealed body, reformed, and later replaced in the seal body. Such tools also can be used to deform or cut parts of the seal body securing the shackle 
         [0006]    Other tampering methods may include dissolving the shackle wire with acid, removing the security seal to tamper with the previously sealed meter, receptacle or device, and replacing the security seal using a replacement shackle. 
         [0007]    Embodiments of a security seal according to the present disclosure provide improved security by discouraging tampering therewith by being configured in a manner such that any tampering therewith will be evident upon visual inspection of the security seal. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    Embodiments of a security seal that provides improved security by discouraging tampering therewith by being configured in a manner such that any tampering therewith will be evident upon visual inspection of the security seal are disclosed herein. 
         [0009]    The security seal generally includes a female outer body, a male locking insert configured to be engaged with the female outer body, and a shackle retained between the female outer body and the male locking insert. Once the male locking insert is engaged with the female outer body, they cannot be disengaged without showing evidence of the disengagement. The evidence of the disengagement can be in the form of damage to any component of the security seal, in the form of mismatching of marked components of the security seal, or in any other suitable form showing evidence of the disengagement. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a security seal according to the present disclosure; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the security seal according to  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a perspective exploded view of the shackle, locking insert, and outer body of the security seal according to  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a perspective exploded view of the shackle assembled with the locking insert, and the outer body of the security seal according to  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the security seal according to  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the security seal according to  FIG. 1 , and taken along lines  6 - 6  of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a top view of the security seal according to  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the security seal according to  FIG. 1 , and taken along lines  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the security seal according to  FIG. 1 , and taken along the same plane as lines  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7 , and showing the security seal in a partially assembled configuration; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a security seal according to the present disclosure; 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of the security seal according to  FIG. 10  shown in a partially assembled configuration; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a rear perspective view of the security seal according to  FIG. 10  shown in a partially assembled configuration. 
       
    
    
       [0023]    It should be noted that the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, but instead are drawn to provide a better understanding of the components thereof, and are not intended to be limiting in scope, but rather to provide exemplary illustrations. It should further be noted that the figures illustrate exemplary embodiments of a security seal and the components thereof, and in no way limit the structures or configurations of a security seal and components thereof according to the present disclosure. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A. Detailed Description of a First Embodiment of a Security Seal 
       [0024]    An embodiment of a security seal  100  according to the present disclosure is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . The security seal  100  generally includes three components, an outer body  102 , a locking insert  120 , and a shackle  150 . 
         [0025]    As best seen in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  5 ,  6 , and  9 , the shackle  150  and locking insert  120  are assembled together and are received and retained within the outer body  102 , in a manner to be more fully discussed below. Once the components of the security seal  100  are assembled, the configuration of the security seal  100  discourages tampering therewith, since the unauthorized disassembly thereof will provide clear indication of tampering with the security seal  100 , as discussed more fully below. 
         [0026]    As best seen in  FIGS. 2-4 , the outer body  102  includes a base  104  at a first end thereof and a profiled opening  106  at a second end thereof, the profiled opening communicating with a cavity  108  defined within the outer body  102 . In this manner, the outer body  102  is generally formed as a female part for receiving therein a male insert plug body  122  of the locking insert  120 . The outer body  102  can be formed from any suitable material, such as metal or plastic. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer body  102  is formed of a transparent plastic material, so that any damage to the locking insert  120  or internal components of the outer body  102  can readily be discerned. 
         [0027]    As can be seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the cavity  108  includes structures configured to cooperate with the insert plug body  122  of the locking insert  120 . In particular, a guide projection  112  is provided on an inner wall of the cavity  108 . 
         [0028]    As shown in  FIGS. 6 ,  8 , and  9 , the guide projection  112  cooperates with a guide slot  126  formed on the locking insert  120  to ensure that the locking insert  120  is properly aligned and engaged with the outer body  102 . 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the cavity  108  also includes locking abutments  114  formed along an inner side wall thereof for cooperating in a locking manner with respective locking fingers  136  formed on the locking insert  120 . 
         [0030]    As mentioned above, the outer body  102  includes a profiled opening  106 , as best seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The profiled opening  106  is complementary shaped to a correspondingly profiled insert cover  138  of the locking insert  120 . In the exemplary embodiment, the profiled opening  106  can include shackle leg clearance closing tabs  110  that cooperate to fill in shackle leg clearances  140  in the profiled insert cover  138  of the locking insert  120  to eliminate gaps in the security seal where a tool may be inserted to tamper with the security seal (see  FIGS. 1 ,  7 , and  8 ). While there will be small clearance/tolerance gaps in the security seal to allow assembly thereof, there will be no gaps of a sufficient size to allow a tool to be inserted to tamper with the security seal. 
         [0031]    As shown in  FIGS. 2-6 , the profiled opening  106  is also configured to help guide the insert plug body  122  of the locking insert  120  into the cavity  108  for ease of assembly of the security seal. In particular, the exemplary profiled opening  106  can include gradually curved edges at the top of the cavity  108  that are curved towards the inside of the cavity  108 . Preferably, the insert plug body of the locking insert is configured so that it can be assembled with the outer body  102  in a single orientation only to ensure proper assembly. 
         [0032]    As is also shown best in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the outer body  102  includes some unique indicia, or a unique identification number  116 . While the identification number  116  is shown positioned on the bottom of the base  104  of the outer body  102 , the identification number or other indicia  116  can be provided in any suitable position on the outer body  102 . While the identification number  116  is shown on the exterior of the outer body  102 , if the outer body is formed of a transparent material, the identification number  116  can be formed inside the outer body  102  or even within the material of the outer body  102 . The identification number  116  can be formed in any suitable manner, such as by being integrally molded with the outer body  102 . 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the identification number or indicia  116  corresponds to a matching unique identification number or indicia  142  formed on the locking insert  120 . The identification number or indicia  142  formed on the locking insert  120  can be formed on any suitable area of the locking insert  120  that is received within the outer body  102 . In this manner, the locking insert  120  and outer body  102  form a unique security seal  100 , such that removal and replacement of one of the locking insert  120  and outer body  102  will provide indication of tampering therewith, due to a mismatch between the identification number or indicia  116  of the outer body  102  and the indicia  142  formed on the locking insert  120 . 
         [0034]    The structure of the locking insert  120  is further shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , as well as  FIGS. 1-4 . The locking insert  120  can be formed from any suitable materials, such as, for example, metal or plastic. The locking insert  120  includes a male insert plug body  122  that is defined by an insert plug body rear wall  124 . A number of structures, discussed in detail below, are formed on the insert plug body rear wall  124 . 
         [0035]    In particular, a first shackle hook receiver  128  and a shackle leg offset portion retainer  130  are positioned along a first side of the insert plug body  122  and are formed as projecting portions from the insert plug body rear wall  124 . The first shackle hook receiver  128  and the shackle leg offset portion retainer  130  cooperate with a first shackle hook  156  and an offset portion  154  of a first shackle leg  152  to allow the shackle  150  to be engaged with the locking insert  120 . 
         [0036]    The male insert plug body  122  also includes a second shackle hook receiver  132 , an insert bulkhead or wall  134  located just below and aligned with the receiver  132 , and locking fingers  136  formed along a second side of the insert plug body  122  and formed as projecting portions from the insert plug body rear wall  124 . The second shackle hook receiver  132  cooperates with a second shackle hook  160  of a second shackle leg  158  to allow the shackle  150  to be engaged with the locking insert  120 . 
         [0037]    The male insert plug body  122  also includes a guide slot  126  formed from projections extending from the insert plug body rear wall  124 . The guide slot  126  extends from the distal or lower end of the insert plug body  122  towards the upper portion or insert cover  138  of the insert plug body  122 . The insert plug body rear wall  124  is slightly offset from the center of the male insert plug body  122 , such that the male insert plug body  122  can only be inserted into the cavity  108  of the outer body  102  if the guide slot  126  is aligned with the guide projection  112 . In this manner, the locking insert  120  can only be inserted into the cavity  108  of the outer body  102  in one way, with the guide slot  126  aligned with the guide projection  112 . If the male insert plug body  122  is rotated 180 degrees, the insert plug body rear wall  124  will contact the guide projection  112  to prevent the insertion of the insert plug body  122  into the cavity  108  of the outer body  102 . 
         [0038]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  8 , and  9 , the locking fingers  136  positioned along the second side of the insert plug body rear wall  124  cooperate with the locking abutments  114  formed along the inner side wall of the cavity  108  of the outer body  102  to prevent the removal of the locking insert  120  from the outer body  102  without damage once the locking insert  120  is engaged with the outer body  102 . As can be seen, the locking fingers  136  are formed at an angle to the insert plug body  122 , and are resilient, so that the locking fingers  136  pass over the locking abutments  114  when the male insert plug body  122  is inserted into the cavity  108  of the outer body  102 . Once the locking fingers  136  have passed over the locking abutments  114 , the ends of the locking fingers  136  abut against the locking abutments  114  to prevent the withdrawal of the locking insert  120  from the outer body  102  without damage to the security seal  100 . 
         [0039]    The upper portion of the locking insert  120  is formed into a profiled insert cover  138  that is complementary shaped to the profiled opening  106  of the outer body  102 . The profiled insert cover  138  can include gradually curved surfaces that mate with the curved surfaces of the profiled opening  106  so that the locking insert  120  seats within the cavity  108  of the outer body  102 , like a drawer. The locking insert  120  thus is received in a flush manner within the cavity  108  of the outer body  102 . 
         [0040]    The profiled insert cover  138  includes shackle leg clearances  140  that allow the first and second shackle legs  152 ,  158  to be assembled with and to pass through the insert cover  138  into the insert plug body  122  along the insert plug body rear wall  124 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 7 , when the security seal  100  is assembled in a locking position, and the shackle legs  152 ,  158  are retained between outer body  102  and the locking insert  120 , the shackle leg clearance closing tabs  110  cooperate with the shackle leg clearances  140  such that there are no exterior gaps (larger than necessary clearance/tolerance gaps for assembly thereof) between the shackle legs  152 ,  158  and the outer body  102  and the locking insert  120 . In this manner, the security seal  100  is configured to prevent the insertion of a tool into the security seal, thus discouraging tampering. Further, if a tool is used to attempt to remove the shackle  150 , since there are no gaps (other than clearance/tolerance gaps) for the insertion of a tool, either the outer body  102  or the locking insert  120  will show evidence (damage, such as scratches or gouges) of the tool insertion. 
         [0041]    Additionally, if someone attempts to remove the second shackle leg  158 , for example with acid, the insert bulkhead  134  prevents the insertion of a tool into the cavity  108  of the outer body  102  to manipulate the locking fingers  136 . Thus, even if the shackle  150  is removed, the locking insert  120  cannot be removed from the cavity  108  of the outer body  102  without causing damage to either the locking insert  120  or the outer body  102 . 
         [0042]    As shown in the Figures, and in particular  FIGS. 3 ,  8 , and  9 , and as substantially described above, the shackle  150  has a generally truncated U-shaped configuration with first and second shackle legs  152 ,  158  extending therefrom. The first shackle leg  152  also includes an offset portion  154  at the end thereof for insertion into the insert plug body  122 . While the shackle  150  is shown having a generally truncated U-shaped configuration, it will be recognized that any suitable shape can be utilized. The shackle  150  can be formed from any suitable material, such as a metal wire. Exemplary metals can include any steel or aluminum alloy. 
         [0043]    As already mentioned above, the first and second shackle legs  152 ,  158  each have respective first and second shackle hooks  156 ,  160  formed at the distal ends thereof. The first and second shackle legs  152 ,  158 , or at least one of the shackle legs, also each have pre-weakened zones  162  formed therein. 
         [0044]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , when the security seal is assembled, the pre-weakened zone or zones  162  are positioned within the body of the security seal  100  so as to be hidden from view. If attempts are made to bend the shackle  150 , the pre-weakened zones  162  will either cause the shackle  150  to break, and thus indicate tampering, or the shackle legs  152 ,  158  will permanently deform at the pre-weakened zones  162 , and thus indicate tampering. 
         [0045]    Turning back to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  8 , the security seal  100  can be shipped or provided in a disassembled, or in a partially assembled manner. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the first shackle hook  156  can be inserted into the first shackle hook receiver  128  and the offset portion  154  of the first shackle leg  152  is retained by the shackle leg offset portion retainer  130 . The shackle leg offset portion retainer  130  is configured to allow the offset portion  154  of the first shackle leg  152  to rotate therein so that the second shackle hook  160  can be positioned outside of the shackle leg clearance  140  in the insert cover  138 . In this manner, the locking insert  120  can be prevented from accidental engagement with the outer body  102 . 
         [0046]    When it is desired to further assemble the security seal  100 , as shown in  FIG. 9 , the second shackle hook  160  can be secured within the second shackle hook receiver  132 . Then, the locking insert  120  can be inserted into the cavity  108  of the outer body  102  until one of the locking fingers  136  passes over and abuts with the first locking abutment  114 . In this configuration, the second shackle hook  160  can be removed from within the second shackle hook receiver  132  to allow the shackle to be connected to the meter, receptacle, or other device. 
         [0047]    Once the shackle has been secured to the device, the second shackle hook  160  can again be secured within the second shackle hook receiver  132 , and the locking insert  120  fully inserted into the cavity  108  of the outer body  102  until both locking fingers  136  have passed over and abut the locking abutments  114 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0048]    As previously discussed, once the locking insert  120  is fully inserted into the cavity  108  of the outer body  102 , the locking fingers  136  and locking abutments  114  cooperate to prevent the removal of the locking insert  120  from the cavity  108 , without causing damage to the security seal  100 . 
         [0049]    Further, since there are no gaps, other than the necessary clearance/tolerance gaps, between the shackle legs  152 ,  158  and the outer body  102  and the locking insert  120 , a tool cannot be used to remove the shackle  150  without causing damage to the security seal  100 . 
         [0050]    Even further still, even if the shackle  150  is removed, the insert bulkhead  134  prevents the locking insert  120  from being removed from the cavity  108  of the outer body  102  without causing damage to either the locking insert  120  or the outer body  102 . 
         [0051]    Still further, even if the locking insert  120  is removed from the cavity  108  of the outer body  102 , without causing damage to the outer body, there will inherently be damage to the locking insert  120 . However, the matching indicia or identification numbers  116 ,  142  on the outer body  102  and the locking insert  120  prevent the simple replacement of the damaged locking insert  120  with a new locking insert. 
         [0052]    Even further still, the pre-weakened zones  162  in the shackle legs  152 ,  158  will show evidence of tampering via breakage or permanent deformation if the shackle  150  is bent. In other words, the shackle  150  cannot first be bent from the original configuration and then be bent back into the original configuration, since pre-weakened zones  162  in the shackle legs  152 ,  158  will show evidence of tampering via breakage or permanent deformation thereof. 
       B. Detailed Description of a Second Embodiment of a Security Seal 
       [0053]    Another embodiment of a security seal  200  in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . The features of this embodiment of a security seal  200  are substantially similar to the embodiment discussed above. 
         [0054]    In particular, like security seal  100 , the security seal  200  generally includes three components, an outer body  202 , a locking insert  220 , and a shackle  250 , which may have any desired shape, but is shown having a generally rectangular U-shape. The security seal  200  can include all of the security features discussed above, including transparent components and unique identification number or indicia. Further, the assembly of the security seal  200 , including the internal components formed on the locking insert  220  and the internal features of the outer body  202 , such as guide slots, locking fingers, guide projections, and locking abutments, are the same as discussed above with respect to the security seal  100 , and these features are not further discussed here. 
         [0055]    Like the security seal  100 , the outer body  202  of the security seal  200  includes a base  204 , and a profiled opening  206  leading into a cavity  208 , which generally forms a female portion of the security seal  200 . As with security seal  100 , a guide projection and locking abutments can be formed within the cavity  208 . 
         [0056]    As best seen in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a mating surface  212  is formed at the top portion of the outer body  202  around the periphery of the profiled opening  206 . At opposed sides of the profiled opening  206  shackle leg clearance closing tabs  210  extend partially into the profiled opening  206 , as well as above the mating surface  212  in order to form projecting portions. As discussed in more detail below, the shackle leg clearance closing tabs  210  are configured to eliminate gaps in the assembled security seal  200  (other than clearance/tolerance gaps). 
         [0057]    As seen in  FIGS. 10-12 , the locking insert  220  (generally forming a male portion of the security seal  200 ) includes an insert plug body  222  generally formed as previously discussed with respect to the insert plug body  122 , including features such as a guide slot, first and second shackle hook receivers, insert bulkhead, and locking fingers. 
         [0058]    As can be seen in  FIG. 12 , the insert plug body  222  includes an insert plug body rear wall  224 , which may include a rear wall ledge  226 . The rear wall ledge  226  may cooperate with a projection within the cavity  208  in order to aid with limiting the extent that the insert plug body  222  is inserted into the cavity  208 , and can provide an additional mechanism to prevent the insertion of a tool within the cavity by eliminating any gap between the insert plug body  222  and the inner wall of the cavity  208 . 
         [0059]    As best seen in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the insert plug body  222  also includes an insert cover/cap portion  228 . The cap portion  228  has a mating surface  230  on the underside thereof, which, when the insert plug body  222  is inserted into the cavity  208  of the outer body  202  closely mates with the mating surface  212  of the outer body  202  ( FIG. 12 ) in order to prevent the insertion of any tool within the cavity  208 . 
         [0060]    Located beneath the mating surface  230  is a profiled portion  232  that is complementary shaped to the profiled opening  206  leading into the cavity  208  of the outer body  202 . The profiled portion  232  may include a separation edge  234  formed between the profiled portion  232  and the mating surface  230 , which edge may be generally perpendicularly oriented with respect to the mating surface  230 . In the drawings, this separation edge  234  is shown in an exaggerated size in order to better illustrate the edge  234 . The edge  234  may also be generally sloped, as opposed to perpendicularly oriented, in order to provide a cleaner transition between the mating surface  230  and the profiled portion  232 , or in an alternative configuration, there may be no separation edge provided between the mating surface  230  and the profiled portion  232 , such that the profiled portion  232  is generally contiguously formed extending from the mating surface  230 . 
         [0061]    As can be seen in  FIG. 10 , shackle leg clearances or slots  240  are provided in the cap portion  228  to accommodate the first and second shackle legs  252 ,  258 . When the locking insert  220  is assembled with the outer body  202  of the security seal, the first and second shackle legs  252 ,  258  are positioned within the shackle leg clearances  240 , which clearances are then closed off by the shackle leg clearance closing tabs  210 , which project above the mating surface  212 . Thus, when the security seal  200  is assembled, there are no exterior gaps (larger than necessary clearance/tolerance gaps for assembly thereof) between the shackle legs  252 ,  258  and the outer body  202  and the locking insert  220 . In this manner, the security seal  200  is configured to prevent the insertion of a tool into the security seal, thus discouraging tampering. 
         [0062]    With this configuration of the embodiment of the security seal  200  shown in  FIGS. 10-12 , and in particular, the complimentary shapes of the profiled opening  206 , the profiled portion  232 , the separation edge  234 , and the mating surfaces  212 ,  230 , it is very difficult to insert a tool between the locking insert  220  and the outer body  202  of the security seal  200 . Additionally, even if a tool is able to be inserted between the mating surface  212  of the outer body  202  and the mating surface  230  of the cap portion  228 , because of the separation edge  234  and profiled portion  232 , and further due to the close fit between the complementary shaped profile portion  232  and profiled opening  206 , it is extremely difficult to insert a tool beyond the separation edge  234  and into the internal cavity  208  of the outer body  202  of the security seal  200 . 
         [0063]    Thus, and in particular in view of the internal configuration of the security seal  200 , as described above in detail with respect to the security seal  100 , even if a tool were inserted between the locking insert  220  and the outer body  202  of the security seal  200 , the two pieces cannot be separated from each other without damage to one or both pieces, which damage will be visually detectable. Similarly, if acid is used to dissolve the shackle legs  252 ,  258 , a new shackle cannot be inserted without disassembling the locking insert  220  from the outer body  202  of the security seal  200 , which as previously discussed, will damage one or both of the locking insert  220  and the outer body  202 . 
         [0064]    Therefore, it can be seen that the embodiments of the security seals  100 ,  200  described herein provide improved security seals to prevent tampering. 
       C. Conclusion 
       [0065]    It will be recognized that the security seals described herein are appropriately sized so as to be manipulated by hand, and may even be manipulated using a single hand. However, it is understood that the size of the disclosed embodiments and the components thereof can be adjusted within the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0066]    It is also understood that the locations of various structural features may be altered from the positions as illustrated herein. In particular, the position of the guide groove and guide slot can be alternated. 
         [0067]    Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all objects or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. 
         [0068]    The skilled artisan will recognize the interchangeability of various disclosed features from the disclosed embodiments and variations. In addition to any variations described herein, other known equivalents for each feature can be mixed and matched by one of ordinary skill in this art to construct a security seal in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         [0069]    Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of exemplary embodiments and examples, it therefore will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.