Patent Abstract:
An enclosure assembly for enclosing a tamper-evident security seal sealing a hasp assembly comprises a first enclosure portion and a second enclosure portion. A post is coupled to the first enclosure portion for extending through the generally aligned holes of the hasp members of the hasp assembly to secure the hasp members together and position the first enclosure portion behind the security seal. The second enclosure portion includes an aperture formed therein for receiving the post so that the second enclosure member engages the first enclosure portion and covers the security seal. In this manner, the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion cooperate to at least substantially enclose the security seal. A latching member secures the second enclosure portion to the first enclosure to limit unauthorized access to the security seal.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/512,589, filed Oct. 17, 2003 and Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/551,513, filed Mar. 9, 2004. Said U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 60/512,589 and 60/551,513 are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention generally relates to security devices for cargo carrying vehicles and shipping containers having a cargo door including a latching assembly comprising a vertical locking bar and a horizontally extending locking arm pivotally attached to the vertical locking bar and held against the cargo door via a hasp assembly which may be secured by a security seal extending through the hasp assembly, and more particularly to an enclosure for enclosing and protecting the security seal. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Conventional cargo carrying vehicles and shipping containers have swing-out cargo doors that include a latching assembly comprised of a vertical locking bar and a horizontally extending locking arm pivotally attached to the vertical bar. The vertical locking bar includes a locking cam that engages a corresponding keeper in the frame surrounding the cargo door when the cargo door is closed and the locking arm is in a position parallel with the door. The locking cam is disengaged from the keeper when the locking arm is rotated to a position perpendicular to the cargo door allowing the door to be opened. Such a latching assembly  100  is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , the locking arm  102  of the latching assembly  100  is secured in a horizontal position parallel to the cargo door  104  by a hasp assembly  106 . The hasp assembly  106  includes a backing plate  108  that is secured to the cargo door  104 . Upper and lower hasp members  110  and  112  are connected to the backing plate  108 . The lower hasp member  112 , or staple, which is stationary, receives and supports the lever arm  102  in a horizontal position (shown) and includes a generally horizontal flange  114  protruding outwardly from the backing plate  108  away from the cargo door  104 . The upper hasp member  110  includes an upper end  116  that is pivotally connected to the backing plate  108  so that the upper hasp member  110  pivots or rotates within a plane generally parallel to the cargo door  104 . The upper hasp member  110  further includes a lower end  118  that extends over the lever arm  102  when the lever arm  102  is supported by the lower hasp member  112  (shown) and a second generally horizontal flange  120  protruding outwardly from the lower end  118  away from the backing plate  108  and cargo door  104 . The horizontal flanges  120  and  114  of the upper and lower hasp members  110  and  112  are provided with aligned holes  122  and  124  for receiving the shackle of a padlock (not shown) for securing the lever arm  102  within the hasp assembly  106  and preventing the cargo door  104  from being opened. 
   Where access to the cargo is to be limited, such as when the cargo comprises foods, chemicals, hazardous wastes, or the like, a tamper-evident security seal  126  such as a ribbon seal, a padlock seal, a cable seal, or the like is installed through the aligned holes  122  and  124  of the hasp assembly  106 . This seal  126  must be broken prior to opening the cargo doors  104  allowing unauthorized entry into the cargo container to be detected. However, because the security seal  126  is exposed to the environment it is subject to being damaged accidentally during transport or to being cut by a vandal when the cargo carrying vehicle or shipping container is left unattended. Consequently, even if no tampering or theft occurs, the security of the cargo may be questioned resulting in added expense to the shipper and owner of the cargo, since the cargo must be inspected to verify that no tampering or theft has occurred, diverted to less profitable uses, or destroyed. 
   Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an enclosure for enclosing and protecting tamper-evident security seals used for securing the latching assembly of the cargo doors of cargo carrying vehicles and cargo containers thereby preventing the seal from being damaged accidentally during transport or from being cut by a vandal when the cargo carrying vehicle or shipping container is left unattended. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is directed to an enclosure assembly for enclosing a tamper-evident security seal sealing a hasp assembly of the latch assembly employed, for example, by the cargo doors of a cargo carrying vehicle, a cargo container, or the like, wherein the security seal extends though generally aligned holes formed in first and second hasp members of the hasp assembly. In exemplary embodiments, the enclosure comprises a first enclosure portion and a second enclosure portion. A post is coupled to the first enclosure portion for extending through the first and second generally aligned holes of the first and second hasp members to secure the first and second hasp members together and position the first enclosure portion behind the security seal. The second enclosure portion includes an aperture formed therein for receiving the post so that the second enclosure member engages the first enclosure portion and covers the security seal. In this manner, the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion cooperate to at least substantially enclose the security seal. A latching member secures the second enclosure portion to the first enclosure to limit unauthorized access to the security seal. 
   It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the general description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
   It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not necessarily restrictive of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the general description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The numerous advantages of the present invention may be better understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying figures in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a partial isometric view illustrating a locking arm of a cargo door secured by a hasp assembly and a security seal; 
       FIG. 2  is a partial isometric view illustrating an enclosure assembly enclosing a security seal and a hasp assembly, for securing a locking arm of a cargo door, wherein the enclosure assembly includes a post and an Allen-head type latching member in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded isometric view illustrating the enclosure assembly shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a partial cross-sectional side elevation view of the enclosure assembly shown in  FIG. 2 , wherein a second enclosure portion is disengaged from a first enclosure portion; 
       FIG. 5  is a partial cross-sectional side elevation view of the enclosure assembly shown in  FIG. 2 , wherein the second enclosure portion is engaged with the first enclosure portion via the post and the Allen-head type latching member; 
       FIG. 6  is a partial isometric view illustrating an enclosure assembly enclosing a security seal and a hasp assembly, for securing a locking arm of a cargo door, wherein the enclosure assembly includes a post and a padlock type latching member in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  is an exploded isometric view illustrating the enclosure assembly shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a partial cross-sectional side elevation view of the enclosure assembly shown in  FIG. 6 , wherein a second enclosure portion is disengaged from a first enclosure portion; 
       FIG. 9  is a partial cross-sectional side elevation view of the enclosure assembly shown in  FIG. 6 , wherein the second enclosure portion is engaged with the first enclosure portion via the post and the padlock type latching member; 
       FIG. 10  is a partial isometric view illustrating an enclosure assembly enclosing a security seal and a hasp assembly, for securing a locking arm of a cargo door, wherein the enclosure assembly includes a post and a key lock type latching member in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 11  is an exploded isometric view illustrating the enclosure assembly shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
       FIG. 12  is a partial cross-sectional side elevation view of the enclosure assembly shown in  FIG. 10 , wherein a second enclosure portion is disengaged from a first enclosure portion; and 
       FIG. 13  is a partial cross-sectional side elevation view of the enclosure assembly shown in  FIG. 10 , wherein the second enclosure portion is engaged with the first enclosure portion via the post and the key lock type latching member. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
   Referring generally to  FIGS. 1 through 13 , an enclosure assembly for enclosing a hasp assembly for securing a locking arm of a cargo door is described. Conventional cargo carrying vehicles and shipping containers having swing-out cargo doors typically include a latching assembly comprised of a vertical locking bar and a horizontally extending locking arm pivotally attached to the vertical locking bar. The vertical locking bar includes a locking cam that engages a corresponding keeper in the frame surrounding the cargo door when the cargo door is closed and the locking arm is in a position parallel with the door. The locking cam is disengaged from the keeper when the locking arm is rotated to a position perpendicular to the cargo door allowing the door to be opened. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1 , the locking arm  102  of the latching assembly  100  is secured in a horizontal position parallel to the cargo door  104  by a hasp assembly  106 . The hasp assembly  106  includes a backing plate  108  that is secured to the cargo door  104 . Upper and lower hasp members  110  and  112  are connected to the backing plate  108 . The lower hasp member  112 , or staple, which is stationary, receives and supports the lever arm  102  in a horizontal position (shown) and includes a generally horizontal flange  114  protruding outwardly from the backing plate  108  away from the cargo door  104 . The upper hasp member  110  includes an upper end  116  that is pivotally connected to the backing plate  108  so that the upper hasp member  110  pivots or rotates within a plane generally parallel to the cargo door  104 . The upper hasp member  110  further includes a lower end  118  that extends over the lever arm  102  when the lever arm  102  is supported by the lower hasp member  112  (shown) and a second generally horizontal flange  120  protruding outwardly from the lower end  118  away from the backing plate  108  and cargo door  104 . The horizontal flanges  120  and  114  of the upper and lower hasp members  110  and  112  are provided with aligned holes  122  and  124  ( 124  not shown) for receiving the shackle of a padlock (not shown) for securing the lever arm  102  within the hasp assembly  106  and preventing the cargo door  104  from being opened. 
   Where access to the cargo is to be limited, a seal  126  such as a ribbon seal, a padlock seal, a cable seal, or the like is installed through the aligned holes  122  and  124  of the hasp assembly  106 . The seal  126  must be broken prior to opening the cargo doors  104 ; in this manner, unauthorized entry into a cargo container of a cargo carrying vehicle, a shipping container, or the like may be detected by examination of the seal  126 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 2 through 13 , an enclosure assembly  200  for enclosing a hasp assembly  106  securing a locking arm  102  of a cargo door  104  in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention is described. The enclosure assembly  200  includes a first enclosure portion  202  and a second enclosure portion  204 . The first enclosure portion  202  and the second enclosure portion  204  cooperate to enclose the hasp assembly  106 . In the exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying figures, the first enclosure portion  202  includes a rear member  206 , a bottom member  208 , and side members  210  and  212 . The rear member  206  includes an opening for receiving the hasp assembly  106 . The second enclosure portion  202  includes a front member  214  and a top member  216 . Together, members  206 ,  208 ,  210 ,  212 ,  214 , and  216  serve to form a rectangular prism type shape for enclosing the hasp assembly  106 . Such a rectangular prism type shape may be desirable for reducing the cost of manufacturing or simplifying the construction of an enclosure assembly  200 , providing a suitable amount of interior volume for the enclosure assembly  200 , or the like. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many other various shapes may be used for the first enclosure portion  202  and the second enclosure portion  204 . For example, the first enclosure portion  202  and the second enclosure portion  204  may include rounded or beveled corners, forming a generally circular prism, spherical type shape, or the like. Additionally, many other geometrically irregular or asymmetrical shapes may be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention. 
   The first enclosure portion  202  includes a post  218  for extending through the first and second generally aligned holes  122  and  124  ( FIG. 1 ) of the hasp assembly  106 , and through the second enclosure portion  204 . The first enclosure portion  202  is seated behind the second enclosure portion  204 . The second enclosure portion  204  is constructed with an aperture  220  or the like for encompassing the post  218  when it is seated on and in front of the first enclosure portion  202 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the post  218  may be shaped or formed with many different extruded type shapes and thicknesses. For instance, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the post  218  has a generally round cross section, matched with a generally round aperture  220  in the second enclosure portion  204 . However, it is contemplated that the post  218  may have square, rectangular, triangular, or any number of different alternate cross-sectional shapes, corresponding with differently shaped apertures  220  in the second enclosure portion  204 . For example, such an irregular shape may be desirable for aligning the second enclosure portion  204  up with the first enclosure portion  202 . 
   By extending through the first and second generally aligned holes  122  and  124  ( FIG. 1 ) of the hasp assembly  106  and through the second enclosure portion  204 , the post  218  of the first enclosure portion  202  serves to securely fasten the generally horizontal flanges  114  and  120  of the hasp assembly  106  together, securing the locking arm  102  in position. When a security seal  126  has been affixed through the first and second generally aligned holes  122  and  124  ( FIG. 1 ) of the hasp assembly  106 , the enclosure assembly  200  protects the integrity of the security seal  126  by substantially enclosing the security seal  126  and adding the additional securing function of the post  218  through the hasp assembly  106 . It is contemplated that the size and shape of the enclosure assembly  200  may be selected to at least substantially enclose the security seal  126 . For instance, the enclosure assembly  200  may be formed or manufactured to secure a wide variety of security seals of various shapes and sizes. Additionally, the post  218  may be formed to support the enclosure assembly  200  while it substantially encloses the security seal  126 , or the post  218  may be formed of a sturdier and/or more substantial material for providing additional securing force for affixing the first and second generally aligned holes  122  and  124  ( FIG. 1 ) of the hasp assembly  106  together and preventing accidental breakage of the security seal. Such an arrangement may have the added advantage of allowing the use of a security seal which heretofore may have been unallowable because of a lack of strength of said seal. It is further contemplated that a seal may be added to the enclosure assembly  200  providing for the possibility of more than one seal for the cargo door  104 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 2 through 5 , an enclosure assembly  200  including an Allen-head type latching member is described in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The Allen-head type latching member includes a threaded aperture  222 , such as the nut shown in the present embodiment, included with the first enclosure portion  202 , and a bolt guard assembly  224  included with the second enclosure portion  204 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the threaded aperture  222  may be attached to the first enclosure portion  202  or formed as part of the first enclosure portion without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. An Allen-head type fastener  226 , such as the bolt including the Allen-type bolt head shown in the current embodiment, is included for being inserted into the bolt guard assembly  224  of the second enclosure portion  204  and threaded through the threaded aperture  222  of the first enclosure portion  202 . An Allen wrench  228  or the like may be used to thread the Allen-head type fastener into the threaded aperture  222 . The Allen-head type latching member serves to lock the first enclosure portion  202  securely to the second enclosure portion  204 , preventing disengagement of the generally horizontal flanges  114  and  120  of the hasp assembly  106  and protecting the seal  126 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many various fastener types may be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention. For instance, a head-head type fastener, a fastener with a head for engaging with a standard type screwdriver, or the like may be provided. 
   Retaining tabs  238  may be included with the second side portion  204  for either of locking the second side portion  204  in place relative to the first side portion  204  or locking the enclosure assembly  200  in place relative to the hasp assembly  106 . By placing a retaining tab above the hasp assembly  106 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , the enclosure assembly  200  may be prevented from being pushed up against the security seal  126 . It is contemplated that a number of different retaining tab geometries and configurations may be used for preventing movement of the enclosure assembly  200 , the first side portion  202 , and the second side portion  204 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 6 through 9 , an enclosure assembly  200  including a padlock type latching member is described in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The padlock type latching member includes a padlock  230  having a hinged, U-shaped bar  232  or the like for insertion through a hasp  234  connected to the second enclosure portion  204 . The bottom member  208  of the first enclosure portion  202  includes a slot  236  through which the hasp  234  is inserted upon engagement of the second enclosure portion  202  with the first enclosure portion  204 . After the hasp  234  has been inserted through the slot  236 , the hinged, U-shaped bar  232  of the padlock  230  is inserted through the hasp  234  and then snapped shut in the body of the padlock  230 . The padlock type latching member serves to lock the first enclosure portion  202  securely to the second enclosure portion  204 , preventing disengagement of the generally horizontal flanges  114  and  120  of the hasp assembly  106  and protecting the seal  126 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many various padlock types may be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 10 through 13 , an enclosure assembly  200  including a key lock type latching member is described in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The key lock type latching member includes a keyed latch  240  included with the first enclosure portion  202 , and a latch receiving assembly  242  included with the second enclosure portion  204 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the keyed latch  240  may be attached to the first enclosure portion  202  or formed as part of the first enclosure portion without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. A key  244  is inserted into the keyed latch  240  of the first enclosure portion  202  and rotated within the keyed latch  240  for alternately engaging and releasing the latch of the keyed latch  240  from the latch receiving assembly  242  of the second enclosure portion  204 . The key lock type latching member serves to lock the first enclosure portion  202  securely to the second enclosure portion  204 , preventing disengagement of the generally horizontal flanges  114  and  120  of the hasp assembly  106  and protecting the seal  126 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various key lock types and configurations may be used without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention. For instance, the keyed latch  240  may be included as part of the second enclosure portion  204 , while the latch receiving assembly  242  may be included as part of the first enclosure portion  202 , or the like. 
   Retaining tabs  238  may be included with the second side portion  204  for either of locking the second side portion  204  in place relative to the first side portion  204  or locking the enclosure assembly  200  in place relative to the hasp assembly  106 . By placing a retaining tab above the hasp assembly  106 , as shown in  FIG. 13 , the enclosure assembly  200  may be prevented from being pushed up against the security seal  126 . It is contemplated that a number of different retaining tab geometries and configurations may be used for preventing movement of the enclosure assembly  200 , the first side portion  202 , and the second side portion  204 . 
   Based on the discussion of  FIGS. 1–13 , it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that seal enclosure assemblies in accordance with the present invention may employ latching members having locks or latches other than those specifically disclosed herein. For example, instead of a keyed latch  240  as shown in  FIGS. 10 through 13 , an exemplary enclosure assembly in accordance with the present invention may comprise a latching member employing a combination lock, a latching member employing an electronic lock which may be unlocked and/or locked by a keypad into which a identification code may be entered, or the like. 
   It is believed that the enclosure assembly of the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely an explanatory embodiment thereof, it is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8