Abstract:
A mechanical tamper evident security seal for sealing a cargo container door includes a metallic pin having a head at an upper end and circumferential indents at a second end. An upper banner includes a portion non-removably encasing the head of the metallic pin. The banner includes first identifying indicia unique to a particular one of a plurality of like mechanical seals. A lock receptacle receives the second end of the metallic pin therein and includes a lock housing retaining at least two locks therein. A first of the locks engaging a first of the circumferential indents and a second of the locks simultaneously engages a second of the circumferential indents. Any attempt to withdraw the metallic pin results in visually identifiable destruction of the seal. A lower banner extending from the lock receptacle includes second unalterable identifying indicia identical to the first identifying indicia. The seal is one element of a security seal tamper-evidencing kit providing a multi-layered approach to securing a cargo container.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to security seals in general and more particularly to a tamper-evident seal and associated components of a system for securing cargo-shipping containers. 
   2. Discussion of the Related Art 
   Unauthorized access to the interior of cargo shipping containers is a well-documented problem in the transportation industry. Such unauthorized access often leads to the theft of container contents, resulting in substantial financial losses for individuals, businesses and others involved in the transportation of goods. In addition to the theft of goods, such unauthorized access often leads to use of containers for the smuggling of contraband. Contraband smuggling has long been a well-documented problem in the transportation industry. Smugglers work very hard to enter containers on cargo vessels, airplanes and the like to conceal the illegal transportation of contraband. Not only does the smuggling of contraband create serious and devastating social problems, the transportation companies face significant government-imposed penalties including heavy fines and the confiscation of equipment in the event that the contraband is discovered. 
   As the transportation industry transitioned into the twenty-first century, terrorism has become an ever-increasing concern. With recent terrorist attacks occurring within the country, customs and immigration controls are becoming ever more stringent. Miscellaneous contraband is not the only subject of illegal import within the transportation industry. Weapons of all kinds including nuclear, biological, and chemical, collectively known as weapons of mass destruction (WMD), are now feared to be the subject of terrorist efforts. Clearly, shipping container security is a highly visible aspect of the current war on terrorism. 
   Seals of many types, including tamper-evident seals, have been designed for, or used in connection with, transportation containers. Unfortunately, thieves, smugglers and would-be terrorists have become ever more proficient and sophisticated when it comes to breaching conventional cargo container seals. Furthermore, security seals which intend to evidence tampering, and perform little function as a true lock, are often compromised by expert craftsmen who can break such seals and replace or prepare the broken parts in a manner that will avoid detection. Another common practice is the substitution of seals, including the substitution of one ISO-compliant seal with another ISO-compliant seal. The seals are broken and then substituted or re-sealed in such a manner that visual observation alone will not readily reveal that the container has been tampered with. 
   The dangers that such undiscovered tampering presents, has led government agencies responsible for securing our borders against illegal importation to issue ever more stringent requirements to ensure the integrity of a sealed container. Some initial security seals attempting to overcome smuggler&#39;s efforts to place contraband in shipping containers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,120,097 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,125,700. However, overcoming these seals can be the subject of a smuggler&#39;s efforts requiring additional security measures. Some of these requirements include time limitations on providing the government agencies shipping data within specified timelines, metal bolt to metal lock type seals, and additional tamper-evident features. 
   Thus what is needed is an improved security seal and method for sealing shipping containers to prevent unauthorized tampering with shipping containers. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   One aspect of the present invention is a mechanical security seal for sealing the hasp of a shipping container door having a pair of aligned openings adapted to receive a lock. The mechanical security seal comprises a metallic pin having a head at an upper end and a plurality of circumferential indents at a second end. An upper banner includes a portion non-removably encasing, and integrally molded to, the head of the metallic pin. The banner includes a first identifying indicia formed thereon wherein the first indicia is unique to a particular one of a plurality of like mechanical seals. Furthermore, the first indicia replicate corresponding second indicia provided on a lower banner of the seal. A lock receptacle receives the second end of the metallic pin therein and includes a lock housing retaining at least two locking levels therein. A first one of the locks engages a first of the circumferential indents and a second one of the locks simultaneously engages a second of the circumferential indents. A first one of the locks comprises a lock structure retained in the lock receptacle wherein the lock structure has an aperture therethrough defined by a cannular surface therein receiving the second end of the metallic pin. The aperture is marginally larger than a diameter of the metallic pin. The cannular surface further defines a circumferential recess therein and having an upper frusto-conical surface such that a lower diameter of the frusto-conical surface is greater than an upper diameter thereof. A radially expansive locking ring is disposed in the circumferential recess and has a relaxed diameter less than said metallic pin diameter. The locking ring becomes engaged in one of the metallic pin circumferential indents when the metallic pin is received in the lock receptacle such that an outer diameter of the locking ring engaged in the metallic pin circumferential indent is greater than the aperture diameter. A second one of the locks comprises a plurality of inwardly tapering resilient fingers. As the first circumferential indent engages the locking ring of the first lock, the second circumferential indent simultaneously engages the resilient fingers of the second lock. Any attempt to withdraw the metallic pin results in the frusto-conical surface forcing the locking ring against the metallic pin circumferential indent, as well as second indent permanently deforming the distal ends of the resilient fingers, thereby preventing withdrawal of the metallic pin from the lock receptacle without visually evident destruction of the seal. 
   Another aspect of the present invention is a security seal kit for sealing a shipping container door, the kit including a mechanical security seal further comprising a metallic pin having a head at an upper end and non-removably encased in an upper banner, the upper banner further having first identifying indicia formed thereon. The indicia are unique to a particular one of a plurality of like mechanical seals. In other words, seal identifiers, such as a series of numeric or alphanumeric indicia, are never repeated. The metallic pin has a plurality of circumferential indents at a second end thereof. A lock receptacle for receiving the second end of the metallic pin therein includes a lock housing retaining at least two locks therein. A first of the locks is provided for non-removable engagement of a first of the circumferential indents, and a second of the locks for non-removable engagement of a second of the circumferential indents. The lock receptacle further includes a substantially transparent lower banner extending therefrom and having encapsulated therein second identifying indicia identical to the first identifying indicia on the upper banner. The kit also includes a first security adhesive label incorporating at least one tamper-evident feature and also has a visual depiction of the mechanical security seal printed thereon, the visual depiction including the unique identifying indicia. A second adhesive label includes a visual depiction of the mechanical security seal printed thereon, the visual depiction including the unique identifying indicia. Also included is an electronic memory device adapted for electronic connection with a data processing device and having electronically stored therein a digital file of the visual depiction of the mechanical security seal including the unique identifying indicia. 
   Yet another aspect of the present invention is a method of security sealing a container for shipping, the method comprising a series of steps. A uniquely identified mechanical security seal is associated with a uniquely identified container. Next, a mechanical security seal metallic pin having an upper banner with unique identifying indicia formed thereon is inserted through a pair of aligned openings on a door closure structure of the container, such as a hasp, and is adapted to receive a lock such that the door cannot be opened without removing the metallic pin. A locking receptacle having a plurality of locks therein and a lower banner with identical identifying indicia are then sleeved over the metallic pin until all locks in the receptacle engage the metallic pin. A first security adhesive label is adhesively applied to an area of a doorframe interface area of the container such that opening the door will fracture the first security adhesive label. The first security adhesive label includes at least one tamper-evident feature as well as a visual depiction of the mechanical security seal printed thereon, wherein the visual depiction includes the unique identifying indicia. A second adhesive label is adhesively applied to a shipping document separate from the container, wherein the shipping document includes a unique identifier of the container and the adhesive label includes a visual depiction of the mechanical security seal printed thereon including a visual depiction of the unique identifying indicia. 
   These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a general view of a layered sealing system for sealing a shipping container embodying the present invention, wherein a mechanical seal is installed on a shipping container and additional features are incorporated to insure the integrity of the seal. 
       FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of a mechanical security seal installed on a shipping container. 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the mechanical security seal illustrating its various elements. 
       FIG. 4  is a partial cross-sectional front elevation view of the mechanical security seal. 
       FIG. 5  is an enlarged partial cross section view of the lock housing indicated by arrow  5 ,  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the mechanical security seal prior to installation on a shipping container. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the mechanical security seal after installation on the shipping container. 
       FIG. 8  is an elevation view of a sealing label affixed to the interface area of the door and frame of a shipping container indicated by arrow  8 ,  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 9  is an elevation view of the after an attempt by an unauthorized person to peel the sealing label from the container revealing an anti-tampering feature of the label. 
   

   Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 4 . However, one will understand that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
   Turning to the drawings, and initially to  FIGS. 3-5 , the drawings illustrate a mechanical security seal  100 , which is one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention and illustrates its various components. 
   As illustrated in  FIGS. 3-5 , mechanical security seal  100  has a metallic pin  120  preferably fabricated from steel. Pin  120  has a head  122  at an upper end thereof, a stem  124 , and a plurality of circumferential indents  128 ,  130  at a lower end  126 . A first tapered surface  136  is located below first circumferential indent  128  and a second tapered surface  134  is located below second circumferential indent  130 . Second circumferential indent  130  is at least partially defined by shoulder  132  immediately above second tapered surface  134 . 
   An upper banner  110  has a head encasement  116  defining a head cavity  117  for receiving head  122  of metallic pin  120 . Upper banner  110 , shown separated into halves  111  and  112  for illustrative purposes only, is integrally molded from a thermoplastic, such as polycarbonate, or any other suitable polymer, such that head  122  cannot be removed therefrom without visibly destroying unitary upper banner  110 . Upper banner  110  also includes an identification field  113  on which can be molded, or engraved as by laser engraving, unique identifying indicia  114  such as an alphanumeric serial number. As an additional tamper-evident feature, upper banner  110  can include fins  118  depending from field area  113  and on either side of head encasement  116 . Fins  118  depend below head  122 . In the event that a prying device is used in an attempt to remove security seal  100 , fins  118  would show evidence of crushing or deformation and thus indicate an attempt to tamper with security seal  100 . 
   A locking receptacle, shown generally as reference numeral  180 , has a locking body  188  formed from a substantially transparent thermoplastic such as polycarbonate. Locking body  188  in one form comprises a separately molded lock housing  183  and a lower banner  200 . Lower banner  200  is constructed of a molded banner plate  181 ,  182 , which has a recess  185  formed therein. Recess  185  is configured to receive therein a back rim  187  of lock housing  183 . Molded banner plate  181 ,  182  is, in turn, ultrasonically welded to back rim  187  of lock housing  183 . Lower banner  200  depends below lock housing  183  and has unique identifying indicia  204  embedded therein. Unique identifying indicia  204  are identical in content, such as an alphanumeric serial number, to identifying indicia  114  on upper banner  110 . Banner  200  can also include a machine-readable bar code  206  corresponding to unique identifying indicia  204 . In one embodiment, indicia  204  and bar code  206  are pre-printed on one or both sides of a thin film  202 , which is positioned upon an interior face of molded banner plate  182 . Subsequently, over-molded layer  181  is integrally formed thereon, resulting in the encapsulation, or embedding, of indicia  204  and bar code  206  within unitary lower banner  200 . Alternatively, in another embodiment, indicia  204  and bar code could be engraved or otherwise formed on the interior face of molded banner plate  182  with over molded layer  182  applied thereover. The formation of a unitary banner is a significant aspect of the invention. Since body  188  is formed of transparent thermoplastic, the embedded indicia  204  and bar code  206  remain readable after assembly. Any attempt to remove indicia  204  and bar code  206  would result in total destruction of lower banner  200  and of indicia  204  and bar code  206 , thus indicating that security seal  100  had been tampered with. 
   Lock housing  183  defines at an upper end of a lock receptacle aperture  199  having a diameter marginally greater than the diameter of stem  124  of metallic pin  120 . Lock housing  183  further defines a lock cavity  184 , which is divided into a first lock chamber  190  and a second lock chamber  192 . First lock  140  is supported in first lock chamber  190 , and second lock  160  is supported in second lock chamber  192 . Locks  140  and  160  are supported in a vertically spaced relationship such that lock  140  engages first circumferential indent on metallic pin  120  simultaneously with lock  160  engaging second circumferential indent  130  when second end  126  of metallic pin  120  is received in locking receptacle  180 . 
   First lock  140  comprises a lock structure  142 , one embodiment of which is a support plate  152  having a central aperture  154  therethrough abutted to a bottom surface of a resistance plate  143 . Resistance plate  143  has a central aperture  144  therethrough. Apertures  144  and  154  are marginally greater than the diameter of stem  124  of metallic pin  120 . The bottom surface of resistance plate  143  has a tapered counterbore extending upwardly and partially into aperture  144  such that an upper surface of the counterbore has a frusto-conical surface  146  with a lower diameter greater than an upper diameter thereof. The counterbore also has a lower cannular wall  148  having a diameter equal to the lower diameter of the frusto-conical surface  146 . The abutment of support plate  152  to the bottom surface of resistance plate  143  defines, in combination with frusto-conical surface  146  and cannular surface  148 , a circumferential groove  145  in lock structure  142 . 
   A radially expansive lock ring  150  is at least partially received in circumferential groove  145 . Lock ring  150  has a relaxed diameter less than the diameter of stem  124  of metallic pin  120  and preferably less than an inner diameter of first circumferential indent  128  defined in stem  124  of metallic pin  120 . Circumferential groove  145  in lock structure  140  has sufficient radial depth to receive the entire cross-sectional thickness of lock ring  150 . Support plate  152 , resistance plate  143 , and radially expansive ring  150  are all formed of metal such that the combination with metallic pin  120  results in a metal-to-metal lock. 
   Second lock  160  is formed as a split finger-locking ring and can be molded from a thermoplastic. Lock  160  includes a plurality of resilient fingers  162  in a circular arrangement and extending downward and inwardly wherein distal ends  164  of resilient fingers  162  define a central opening having a diameter smaller than the diameter of stem  124  of metallic pin  120 . 
   In use, as second end  126  of metallic pin  120  is inserted in locking receptacle  180  through aperture  199 , second tapered surface  134  gradually expands lock ring  150  into circumferential groove  145  and allows second end  126  of pin  120  to pass lock ring  150 . As metallic pin continues its insertion in locking receptacle  180 , second tapered surface  134  contacts resilient fingers  162  of lock  160  and gradually displaces distal ends  164  of resilient fingers  162  outward. Simultaneously, first tapered surface  136  gradually expands lock ring  150  into circumferential groove  145 . Upon full insertion of metallic pin  120  into locking receptacle  180 , lock ring  150  after passing first tapered surface  136  constricts into engagement with first circumferential indent  128  in metallic pin  120 . When engaged in first circumferential groove  128 , an outer diameter of lock ring  150  is substantially greater than the diameter of central aperture  144  of lock structure  142 , thus providing a primary metal-to-metal lock. Simultaneously, distal ends  164  of resilient fingers  162  pass second tapered surface  134  and engage shoulder  132  providing a second lock of metallic pin  120  within locking receptacle  180 . 
   In the event of an attempt to remove locking receptacle  180  from locking pin  120 , circumferential indent  128  carries lock ring upwardly against frusto-conical surface  146 . Frusto-conical surface  146  forces lock ring  150  against first circumferential indent  128  and as a result of the external diameter of engaged lock ring  150  being greater than aperture  144  of lock structure  142 , locking receptacle  180  is retained on metallic pin  120 . Likewise, an attempted withdrawal of locking receptacle  180  is secondarily prevented by distal ends  164  of resilient fingers  162  bearing on shoulder  132  of second circumferential indent  130 , since such an attempt would result in visually evident permanent deformation of the resilient fingers. 
   While mechanical security lock  100  provides substantial security to a shipping container, a kit including the security lock  100  and other related items can increase the integrity of the security seal. 
     FIG. 1  shows various interrelated elements of a kit for a layered approach to achieving a security seal on a shipping container  20  is another of the preferred embodiments of the present invention and illustrates its various components. A security sealing kit contains a metallic pin  120  having a head  122  encased in an upper banner  110  wherein the upper banner  110  includes unique indicia  114  formed thereon. For example, indicia  114  can be in the form of a unique serial number. Also provided in the kit is a locking receptacle  180  having a lower banner  200 , in which is embedded in a visible manner unique indicia  204  in the form of the identical indicia  114  on upper banner  110 , thereby providing a matched combination for installation on a shipping container  20 . 
   Also provided in the kit is a label  40 . Label  40  comprises a sealing label  41  and an identification label  52  removably affixed to sealing label  41 . Sealing label  41  (also see  FIGS. 8 and 9 ) is comprised of a thin flexible substrate upon which is printed (e.g., laser printed) a visual depiction  48  of mechanical security seal  100 . The mechanical security seal  100  visually depicted thereon includes the unique identifying indicia  114  and  204  shown in their respective locations on upper banner  110  and lower banner  200 . Sealing label  41  also includes a data recording field upon which can be manually entered in indelible ink such information as date and time of sealing and the identification of the individual sealing the container  20 . Sealing label  41  includes an inked border  42  wherein the border ink comprises solvent soluble ink. Although not shown, the border  42  preferably is in the form of a series of alternating colored rectangles or some other continuous pattern. In the event of an individual attempting to remove label  41  from a container  20  through the use of solvents, the inked border  42  would be visibly altered and present an indication of attempted tampering. The incorporation of a multi-colored repeated pattern functions to make the tampering even more evident. Additionally, slit lines or tear lines (not shown) may be provided at spaced apart intervals along the inked border  42  to cause visible tearing of the label during an attempted removal. Sealing label  41  can also have on a front thereof a unique message printed in infrared sensitive ink, which is normally invisible. Thus, as an added level of integrity for the sealing label  41 , a light source emitting infrared light can be directed on security label  41  at which time the message becomes visible. Sealing label  41  includes an adhesive backing layer  44  for affixation to an adherend surface of the container  20 . Adhesive backing layer  44  includes a tamper-evident message  46 , such as the repeated word “VOID,” included therein, such that an attempt to peel sealing label  41  off of the adherend surface results in the visible presence of the tamper-evident message  46 . 
   Identification label  52 , removable from label  40 , includes visual depictions  48  of security seal  100 . Identification label  52  also has an adhesive backing and can be permanently affixed to a shipping document  70  associated with the shipping container  20 . The shipping document  70  includes shipping information  72  pertaining to the shipping container  20 . 
   Also included in the kit is an electronic memory device  60 , such as a USB flash memory stick, having stored thereon multiple Hyper Text Mark-Up Language (HTML) text files. Each HTML text file comprises a specific seal&#39;s security indicia. For example, a kit including sixty seals would include a memory device having sixty HTML text files. When a customer opens a particular file, it automatically links to a secure database (e.g., maintained by the seal manufacturer), where the indicia are superimposed over a graphical image of the seal in its manufactured state. This feature of the invention provides a significant crosschecking function. Namely, even in instances where there is tampering with the seal and label, such tampering will be evident to the customer during this crosscheck operation. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  6 - 9 , in use, the methodology for using a security sealing kit would comprise closing and latching a door  24  on a filled shipping container  20 . Each shipping container  20  has a unique, non-repeated, serial number associated therewith for tracking of the shipment. Latch  26  securing door  24  in a closed position includes first and second latch members  32  and  34  having vertically aligned openings  33  and  35  therein for receiving a lock. The alignment of latch members  32  and  34  cooperate to secure a latch bar  36  in a closed position, preventing the opening of door  24 . Depending upon the individual container  20 , the particular configuration of latch  26  may differ from container  20  to container  20 . Stem  124  of metallic pin  120  is inserted through openings  33  and  35  and locking receptacle is then lockingly engaged with metallic pin  120  in the manner described above to mechanically secure container door  24  in a closed state. Any attempt to remove mechanical seal  100  will result in the activation of one or more of the tamper evident features of mechanical security seal  100  described above. 
   Identification label  52  is removed from label  40  and applied to a shipping document that has included thereon a unique serial number of the container  20  thereby associating the serial number of the mechanical locking seal with the serial number of the container  20 . 
   Security label  41  is affixed to container  20  by adhering adhesive layer  44  to an adherend surface of container  20 . The adherend surface can be the interface area  28  of an edge of door  24  and frame  22  ( FIGS. 1 ,  8 , and  9 ) or another area where opening of door  24  would cause the fracturing or tearing of security label  41 . Any attempt at peeling security label  41  from the adherend surface results in the tearing of substrate layer  43  and in the display of the tamper-evident message  46 . The person sealing container  20  can enter, in data recording field  45 , sealing information such as the time and date the container was sealed along with an identifying mark of the person sealing the container  20 . 
   Finally, the shipper or the individual sealing container  20  electronically connects memory device  60  to a data processing device  80  such as a computer. The pre-recorded digital file containing the visual depiction  48  of mechanical seal  100  associated with the container is accessed and attached or inserted in another digital file including the serial number of the associated container  20 . The digital file containing the visual depiction  48  and the container serial number could, for instance, be an e-mail that is subsequently electronically transmitted via a network such as the World Wide Web, to the destination of the container and all other associated parties (e.g., boarder control). Upon receipt of the container, the mechanical security seal  100  and the security label  41  can be inspected for evidence of tampering and the mechanical security seal  100  can be visually compared to the visual depictions  48  on security label  100 , the shipping document, and the electronically transmitted file. 
   In the foregoing description those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims, unless these claims expressly state otherwise.