Patent ID: 7171830

Claim:
A method of locking an item, the method including locking the item with a padlock having a key-operated release mechanism; and sealing a key for the padlock to the padlock with a telltale device, the key being in a lock position in the padlock release mechanism, so that removing the key or operating the key to open the padlock damages or destroys the telltale device, sealing the key for the padlock to the padlock with the telltale device including covering the key of the padlock with the telltale device and covering at least a portion of a body of the padlock with the telltale device, covering the key of the padlock with the telltale device including inserting the padlock, unlocked, with the key in a lock position in the padlock release mechanism, key first into an open end of a jacket forming part of the telltale device.