摘要 |
<p>A one-piece molded plastic seal (10) has an elongated, flat, flexible strap (12) integral with a housing (14) at one end (12a). The other end (12b) of the strap (12) is conformally receivable in and movable through a passageway (20) in the housing (14) to form the strap (12) into a closed loop. A flexible pawl-like member in the passageway (20) cooperates with a plurality of ratchet-like teeth (52) on one surface (22) of the strap (12) to prevent reverse movement of the strap (12) from the passageway (20) after it is inserted untwisted into the proper end (20b) of the passageway (20). The pawl and the teeth (52) are unable to prevent reverse movement if the strap (12) is inserted into the proper end (20b) of the passageway (20) with a half twist or is inserted into the other passageway end (20a) without twisting. To prevent improper insertion of the strap (12) into the passageway (20) a groove is formed in the passageway (20). A surface feature (30) is formed on the surface (18) of the strap (12) opposite that (22) which carries the teeth (52). The surface feature (30), which preferably comprises a series of raised mesas (34), is conformally received in the groove when the strap (12) is properly inserted into the passageway (20) without twisting. When the strap (12) is properly inserted into the passageway (20) without twisting. When the strap (12) is improperly inserted, the passageway (20) interferes with and applies force to the mesas (34) to discolor and/or deform the strap (12), thus, providing a visual indication of improper insertion.</p> |