Security seal

摘要

The application describes a seal of the type comprising a housing (1) and a J- or U- shaped hasp (2), the housing (1) having first and second openings (3,4) to receive the legs (8,9) of the hasp (2). The first opening (3) communicating with a third opening (5) of the housing (1) to form a channel (6) for a first leg (8) of the hasp. A locking mechanism is provided within the housing (1) which is biased to resist withdrawal of the first leg (8) of the hasp (2) through the first opening (3). The hasp (2) being lockable within the housing (1) such that it can only be removed by cutting of the first leg (8) of the hasp. The legs of the hasp (8,9) are substantially rigid and are connected together by a resilient hinge (10) such that in a first, relaxed position the legs (8,9) adopt a position in which they are not parallel, the legs being movable to a second, parallel position against the resilient force of the hinge for insertion into the housing. The housing (1) may be formed of a main body and a cover, the cover being sealed onto the body part, the cover having at least one protrusion which engages in a corresponding recess within the body part, and the protrusion having an aperture therethrough which in use receives one leg (8,9) of the hasp.