GB2362816A - Seal for a key ring - Google Patents

Abstract

A seal for a key ring comprises an attachment 2 which, when passed or threaded onto a key ring 1 and then adhered or crimped in place, prevents any object previously threaded onto the key ring being removed, sealing the key ring. The attachment may be provided with indicating markings 3 which become damaged if attempts are made to remove the attachment. The indica may allow each attachment to be uniquely identified. In use, the attachment may be attached to a split ring of sprung steel onto which the key or keys are threaded. One fully threaded onto the key ring the attachment prevents the split being opened. The unique tamper-evident indicating markings become damaged if an attempt is made to remove the attachment and also prevent one attachment being replaced with another.

Description

2362816 SEAL FOR A KEY RING This invention relates to a seal for a key

ring.

Key rings form a convenient method for linking keys together to form bunches of keys and for attaching the key or bunches of keys to an identifying tag or other fixed or movable object.

Key rings are designed to make adding the key or keys an easily accomplished task. However, it is equally as easy to remove the keys. For security or other purposes it is often necessary to prevent the key or keys being detached from the key ring.

The present invention involves putting an attachment over a key ring which prevents the key or keys being removed from the key ring and shows evidence of tampering if an attempt is made to remove the attachment.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing.

Fig 1 shows a key ring with an attachment in position but for the sake of clarity no keys or other objects are shown secured to the key ring.

Referring to the drawing a sleeve 2 is threaded onto a key ring 1 after the key or keys. The key ring 1 is usually made from a split ring of sprung steel onto which the key or keys are threaded. The sleeve 2, which can be made from metal or plastic is then added and also threaded onto the key ring behind the key or keys. Once fully threaded onto the key ring the sleeve 2 prevents the split in the key ring 1 from being opened. In order to prevent the sleeve 2 being unthreaded from the key ring, the sleeve 2 is fixed in place using adhesive or a crimping tool, which will prevent the sleeve 2 from being removed.

The sleeve 2 which now forms a seal around the key ring may optionally be marked with printed or engraved letters, numbers or other designs 3 either before being threaded onto the key ring or during the crimping process. If an attempt is made to remove the sleeve 2, these indicating markings 3 may become damaged which will show evidence that an attempt has been made to remove the sleeve 2.

The indicating markings 3 may be unique thereby preventing an attempt to replace the removed sleeve with another new sleeve.

1

Claims (1)

1. Claims

   1. An attachment which when passed or threaded onto a key ring and adhered or crimped in place prevents any object previously threaded onto the key ring being removed thereby sealing the key ring.

   An attachment as claimed in Claim 1 vAth indicating markings which become damaged if attempts are made to remove the attachment and thereby destroy the seal.

   An attachment as claimed in Claim 1 and 2 whereby the markings make each attachment uniquely identified.