WO1999035357A1

WO1999035357A1 - Improvements in or relating to packaging

Info

Publication number: WO1999035357A1
Application number: PCT/GB1998/003879
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert William Duffield; Frank Ainscow
Original assignee: Mmad Limited
Priority date: 1997-12-31
Filing date: 1998-12-22
Publication date: 1999-07-15
Also published as: GB9727545D0; AU1773599A; GB0016024D0; GB2349416A

Abstract

A gift for the millennium, or other specific time, is inserted in a container and is secured therein by wrapping a ribbon (20) therearound. One end of the ribbon (20) is permanently affixed to a housing (4) of a fastening device (2) and the free end (22) of the ribbon (20) is secured to the fastening device (2) by extending a bolt (8) through a loop in the end (22) of the ribbon. The bolt (8) is held in this position against the action of a spring (38) by way of a release mechanism comprising a trigger (40) and a releasable permanent magnet (42). A circuit is incorporated within the housing (4) to enable the current time to be displayed and also to hold in memory a predetermined date and time, for example the millennial hour, at which the package is to be opened. At the predetermined time, release pulses apply demagnetising current to the release coil of the magnet (42) whereby the trigger (40) is released so that the spring (38) is able to retract the bolt (8).

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO PACKAGING

The present invention relates to packaging and particularly to fastening means for packaging.

The packaging concerned may be, for example, a box or other container in which one or more items may be contained. Additionally and/or alternatively, the packaging may be a strap, ribbon, sheet or other wrapping for enclosing or encircling one or more items.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a fastening means for packaging, said fastening means comprising a timing device arranged to record real time and to prevent opening of the fastening means until the real time recorded by the timing device coincides with a predetermined time.

For example, the predetermined time may be the millennium hour or the stroke of midnight on 31 st December 1999.

Thus, the invention enables a gift to be contained in a gift box, for example, or to be secured by strapping. Fastening means of an embodiment of the invention secure the gift box or the encircling strapping and thus prevent access to the gift until the millennium hour. By this means, ordinary gifts can be made millennial specific.

In a similar manner, the invention enables gifts to be made specific to other times, for example such as birthdays, Christmas, and anniversaries.

It would also be possible to make the invention as a security device, for example, to prevent access to packages for a predetermined period, for example, whilst they are in transit.

The fastening means is preferably a lock which is openable and closable by any appropriate operating means. For example, the lock may be key operated and/or operated by a handle. The timing device may be arranged to prevent operation of the key or handle until the predetermined time. Additionally, if required, the timing device may be arranged to actuate operating means for the lock at the predetermined time.

Where the lock is a combination lock operated by the input of a number code, the timing device may similarly be arranged to prevent operation of the lock until the predetermined time. In addition, the fastening means may comprise display or indicating means arranged to display or indicate the number code which enables the combination lock to be operated.

The timing device may be comprised of any appropriate time piece arranged to record real time. Preferably, the time as recorded by the time piece is adjustable to enable the time to be adjusted for time zones and/or for accuracy.

The timing device may incorporate means to prevent operation of the lock, which means are movable, removable and/or rendered inoperable in response to the time piece recording the predetermined time. Additionally, the fastening means may incorporate means to actuate the operation of the lock in response to the time piece recording said predetermined time.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a fastening means for packaging, said fastening means comprising a timing device arranged to record real time, a lock movable between closed and open positions, a release mechanism actuable to open said lock, means for initiating opening of the lock by way of the release mechanism, and battery means for supplying power to the fastening means, wherein opening of the lock is initiated when the real time recorded by the timing device coincides with a predetermined time.

In an embodiment, said means for initiating opening of the lock comprises processor means with associated memory in which said predetermined time is stored, said processor means being arranged to apply release signals to said release mechanism when the real time and said predetermined time coincide.

Preferably, said fastening means further comprises display means for displaying the real time and/or the predetermined time and/or the time difference between the real time and the predetermined time. The display means may be a liquid crystal display (LCD).

A LCD is generally preferred as it is a relatively low power device. However, any other visual, or audio-visual, display may be used if preferred.

Where the fastening means is for packaging for a time specific gift, such as a millennial gift or a birthday gift, it is generally preferred that the display show at least two of the real time, the predetermined time and the countdown value, which is the time difference between the real time and the predetermined time. The display might show one or both times and the countdown value simultaneously or may be arranged to be toggled between two or three displays.

Where the packaging is used as a security device it might be required to keep the predetermined time, that is the time at which the package is openable, confidential, and in that circumstance, it would generally be preferred not to display the predetermined time and the countdown value.

In a preferred embodiment, said fastening means further comprises user interface means enabling a user to input signals to said processor means.

For example, the user interface means may enable a user to set or reset the predetermined time and/or to actuate the lock, or the release mechanism.

Where the packaging is intended for a millennial gift, for example, the predetermined time might be factory set or set on purchase. For other purposes, the user will probably set the predetermined time personally.

Again, for a millennial or birthday gift, opening of the fastening means until the predetermined time is generally to be prevented. The user interface means can be enabled to override this function, at least for setting up purposes.

Where the intention is that, once set, release of the lock will not be possible until the predetermined time, the user interface means may include the ability to check the functioning of the lock before it is finally set. Audio means arranged to provide audible signals may also be incorporated in fastening means of the invention. Such audible means may, for example, provide beeped warnings during the setting up of the device. The audible means may also be arranged to indicate when the packaging is about to be opened either by providing a warning sound at opening, and/or by providing countdown noises before the opening.

In a preferred embodiment, to conserve battery power, said processor means is arranged to be generally in a dormant mode, but to switch on periodically to perform functions required.

Preferably, said processor means is also arranged to switch on in response to operation of the user interface means and in response to the real time coinciding with the predetermined time.

Particularly where the packaging is for a millennial gift, for example, the battery means must support and sustain the operation of the timing device for an extended period, for example, of a year or more, and yet must retain sufficient power to reliably operate the release mechanism. Power savings can be made by putting the processor means generally in a dormant mode but waking it up periodically, for example, once per second, or in response to operation of the user interface means, to execute time keeping functions and change the displayed information.

In an embodiment, a clock rate correction is stored in memory associated with said processor means, and said processor means is arranged to correct the real time recorded by said timing device using said clock rate correction.

In one preferred embodiment, said lock comprises an elongate bolt, and said release mechanism comprises a permanent magnet with a release coil, said release mechanism being arranged such that said permanent magnet holds the bolt in its closed position, and such that the application of one or more release signals to said release coil nullifies the effect of the permanent magnet.

Preferably, said elongate bolt is held in its closed position against the force of biassing means. In an alternate preferred embodiment, said lock comprises an elongate bolt, and wherein said release mechanism comprises a motor coupled to said bolt such that driving said motor is arranged to move said bolt between its open and closed positions.

For example, said motor is preferably a dc motor, and the motor is coupled to the bolt such that rotation of the motor in one direction moves the bolt to its open position, and rotation of the motor in the other direction moves the bolt to its closed position.

The present invention also extends to packaging comprising a container, and fastening means as defined above for fastening the container.

In an embodiment of the packaging, the fastening means comprises a lock which is openable and closable, the lock being arranged in its closed position to hold the container locked. The fastening means preferably further comprises display means for displaying the real time and/or the predetermined time, the display means being arranged on an outer surface of the container to be visible when the container is locked.

According to a still further aspect of the invention there is provided packaging comprising elongate strapping, and fastening means as defined above for securing the two spaced ends of the strapping together.

In an embodiment, the fastening means comprises a housing to which a first one of the spaced ends of the strapping is secured, and wherein the fastening means further comprises a lock which is openable and closable, said lock being arranged, in its closed position, to secure the other one of the spaced ends of the strapping to said housing.

The strapping may be a ribbon having one end permanently affixed to the housing, and its other end removably secured to the housing by said fastening means.

The one end of the ribbon may be affixed to the housing by adhesive, for example. Alternatively, an end member, such as a plastics moulding, may be affixed to said one end, the end member being affixed to said housing by appropriate means. If required, the end member may be integrally formed with said housing.

Similarly, the other end of the ribbon may be secured to the fastening means directly, or through the intermediary of an end member affixed to said other end. For example, where the fastening means incorporates an elongate bolt reciprocabie along its length, the other end of the ribbon may be formed into a loop through which the bolt is arranged to extend when in its closed position. Alternatively, an end member, provided with a bore for receipt of the bolt in its closed position, may be affixed to said other end of the ribbon.

Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described, by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 a shows a front view of a fastening device of an embodiment of the invention,

Figure 1 b shows a plan view from above of the fastening device of Figure 1 a,

Figure 1 c shows a back view of the device of Figure 1 a showing the use of the device in conjunction with ribbon or other strapping,

Figure 2 shows schematically a vertical section through the device of Figures 1 a to 1 c illustrating the internal components thereof,

Figure 2a shows schematically a bolt and its associated release mechanism for utilisation in a device as shown in Figure 2, Figure 3 shows a vertical section through an alternative embodiment of a fastening device of the invention, and

Figure 4 shows a block diagram of an electronic circuit of a fastening device as shown in Figures 2 or 3.

In the following description, for simplicity, a fastening device of the invention is described as a millennial specific device. However, it will be appreciated that the fastening device is equally applicable for any other occasions on which it is wished to ensure that packaging is opened either at a certain time, or not before a certain time. For example, birthday gifts are required to be opened on a certain day and goods in transit, for example, are not required to be openable until after a certain period when they have reached their destination. The present invention is suitable for all such applications and the present invention is not limited to any specific application.

Everyone will wish to be involved in the millennium celebrations in some manner and many will wish to give gifts. The important time at the millennium will be the stroke of midnight on 31st December 1999. The present invention enables a gift to be made millennial specific in that a fastening means of the invention enables a gift to only be available at the millennium hour.

Thus, a gift for the millennium is inserted in a millennium container having fastening means in the form of a timer controlled lock thereon. The timer controlled lock incorporates a timing device, such as a clock, arranged to record real time, and the clock is adjusted to show the correct time for the time zone concerned. It is ensured that the clock is operating, and the lock is then fastened. The clock controls means arranged to prevent opening of the lock until the stroke of midnight on 31 st December 1999. In this respect, the timing device may simply display real time and/or it may have a display showing the countdown value, that is, the time remaining until the millennium hour.

In one embodiment, the timer controlled lock is any appropriate available lock. For example, the lock has a slider to operate, that is, to open and close the lock. The timing device is arranged to prevent sliding movement of the slider in the opening direction until the millennium hour. For example, a pawl may project into the path of the slider and retraction of the pawl may be prevented until the millennium hour. Alternatively, the timer controlled lock may incorporate actuating means to retract the pawl and/or to move the slider to its open position at the millennium hour.

In an alternative embodiment, the lock is a combination lock requiring a preset number code to be input to open the lock. In this embodiment, a display incorporated in the timing device is arranged to display the appropriate code when the millennium hour is recorded by the timing device.

The box or container is well designed and has some value in its own right.

The box preferably has a lid which is locked in the closed position by the timer controlled lock. If required, the lid may be kept closed against the force of biasing means. Thus, the lid may open automatically upon opening of the lock.

Figures 1a to 1c show a fastening device of the invention specifically designed for use with strapping or a ribbon to enclose a gift. However, it will be appreciated that the mechanism used in the device of Figures 1a to 1c may be used in a locking device for a container.

Figure 1a shows a front view of a fastening device 2 which is housed within a housing 4. The housing has a channel, indicated at 6, across which an elongate locking bolt 8 extends. In its extended position, as illustrated in Figures 1 a to 1 c, the bolt 8 is in its locked or closed position and it is arranged to be retracted, under certain conditions, to its open position. A thumb slide 10 is associated with the bolt 8 and is used to manually slide the bolt 8 into its locking position.

On the front of the housing 4 there is a display 12, preferably an LCD, and user interface keys 14. In the embodiment illustrated, the user interface keys 14 are comprised of four cursor keys 14.

Figure 1c shows a rear view of the housing 4 of the fastening device 2 illustrating how the device can be used to secure both ends of an elongate ribbon 20. Thus, one end 16 of the ribbon 20 is permanently affixed, for example by adhesive, to the housing 4. Various mouldings can be provided on the rear of the housing 4 to enable the ribbon 20 to be bent such that it extends substantially at 90° to its one end 16. The ribbon 20 has a spaced second end 22, and a length 18 of the ribbon extends between and joins the two ends 16 and 22. In the embodiment illustrated, the second end 22 of the ribbon 20 is formed into a loop through which the bolt 8 can extend.

As described above, the first end 16 of the ribbon 20 is secured to the fastening device 2. In use, the length 18 of the ribbon 20 is wound around a package to encircle the package and secure it. The free end 22 of the ribbon 20 is returned to the fastening device and positioned in the channel 6 with the bolt 8 retracted. If then the bolt 8 is extended, for example, by use of the thumb slide 10, the bolt 8 extends through the loop in the end 22 and is retained in its closed position. In this position, both ends 16 and 22 of the ribbon 20 are retained by the fastening device and thereby hold the package secure. The ribbon 20 also holds the fastening device to the package.

Figure 2 shows a vertical section through an embodiment of the fastening device 2 and shows the elongate bolt 8 extending across, and closing, the channel 6 in the housing 4. As is illustrated in Figure 2, the housing 4 receives a circuit board 30 on which a microprocessor (not shown) is mounted. The cursor keys 14 operate respective key pads indicated at 34. The display 12 is mounted within the housing 4 as are batteries 32 for powering all of the components. A buzzer 36 is also provided.

The elongate bolt 8 is held in its closed position against the action of a spring, schematically shown at 38, by way of a release mechanism comprising a pivotally mounted trigger 40 and a releasable permanent magnet 42. The trigger 40 has a pivot axis X and is held in its closed position against the action of a second, trigger spring (not visible). In this respect, the permanent magnet 42 may be a commercially available device, for example, as used to operate camera shutters which incorporates a release coil (not visible).

Initially, the elongate bolt 8 is in its open position because of the action of the spring 38 and of the spring biassed trigger 40. When it is to be locked, the bolt 8 is moved manually by way of the thumb slide 10 against the force of the spring 38. This movement is arranged to cock the trigger 40 against the force of the trigger spring whereby it engages with a flange 44 provided on the bolt 8. This brings part of the trigger 40 into contact with the permanent magnet 42 which thereby holds the trigger 40. In this position, the trigger 40 holds the bolt 8 in its extended position against the forces of the trigger spring and the spring 38.

Figure 2a shows a schematic view of the bolt 8 and of the trigger 40. Various positions of the pivotally mounted trigger 40 between its end position A, in which the bolt 8 is held closed, and its end position B, in which the bolt 8 is released and able to return to its open position, are illustrated in Figure 2a. in this respect, release of the magnetic attraction between the magnet 42 and the trigger 40 enables movement of the trigger 40 under the force of the trigger spring and this movement brings the trigger out of engagement with the flange 44, whereby retraction of the bolt 8 by the force of the spring 38 occurs. Use of two separate springs in the mechanism improves its shock resistance as compared to an arrangement provided with only a single spring.

Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of a fastening device having an alternative construction for the bolt 8 and its release mechanism. Thus, in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the bolt 8 is hollow and carries a nut 50 which screws onto a lead screw 52. This lead screw is coupled to a dc motor 54. It will be appreciated that rotation of the output shaft of the motor 54 in either direction will cause movement of the nut 50 along the lead screw 52. Rotation of the motor 54 in one direction will extend the bolt 8, whilst rotation in the opposite direction will retract the bolt 8. In this way, the bolt 8 can be moved between its open and closed positions.

Figure 4 shows a block diagram of the circuit incorporated within the housing 4 of the fastening device 2. Thus, the cursor keys 14 communicate with a microprocessor 60. This microprocessor 60 is in communication with a controller for the LCD 12 and with a real time clock. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, a single controller 62 provides basic timing functions and drives the LCD 12. The controller 62 receives clock signals from a crystal 64. The controller 62 is also arranged to provide drive signals for an audible warning, for example, the buzzer 36.

The microprocessor 60 also drives the release mechanism, indicated in

Figure 4 as 70. As earlier described, the release mechanism 70 may comprise the trigger and magnet mechanism 40, 42, or the motor and lead screw mechanism 52, 54, or indeed any other suitable arrangement.

The crystal 64 is preferably a standard 32.768 Khz crystal and it is connected to provide clock signals to the controller 62 which, in its turn, provides timing signals to the microprocessor 60. In this respect, the microprocessor 60 holds in memory the current date and time, a predetermined date and time, and a countdown value. This countdown value is the difference in days, hours, minutes and seconds between the predetermined target date and time, and the current date and time. The microprocessor 60 may cause any or all of the current time, the predetermined time, and the countdown value to be displayed by LCD 12.

The information stored by the microprocessor 60 is, in fact redundant as any of the values stored can be calculated from the other two. However, by storing all three sets of values, economy of programming and of execution time is provided.

Every second the current date and time value is incremented by one second and the countdown value is decremented by one second.

At intervals, for example at noon and midnight each, day, the microprocessor 60 performs a housekeeping operation which involves checking the consistency of the current and target dates and times with the countdown value.

It will be appreciated that the countdown value cannot be obtained by a straightforward subtraction because of the variability of month lengths. Appropriate programming and/or look up tables are therefore stored in the microprocessor 60 to enable it to generate an accurate countdown value for any combination of target time and date and current time and date.

The user interface keys 14, which, in the embodiment illustrated, are a set of four cursor keys, enable the user to set up the fastening device as required. In this respect, the degree of set up freedom allowed to the user can be chosen as required. In the embodiment illustrated, left and right arrow keys 14, for example, may be arranged to move the microprocessor 60 between states, whilst the up and down arrow keys may be arranged to enable the values for a particular state to be selected. In this respect, the set up information, and the choices which can be selected, will be displayed by the LCD 12.

When the device is purchased and batteries incorporated, the current time and date will be set using the cursor keys 14. A target time and date will then, usually, similarly be set. The fastening device will generally be provided with a test or demonstration mode which enables the bolt to be held closed for a short period, for example, for ten seconds, and then opened by operation of the release mechanism 70. This enables users to satisfy themselves that the release mechanism 70 is operational. Preferably, the fastening device is also provided with the ability to release the bolt from its closed state during a closing operation. For example, when the user initiates closing, there may be a ten second period, during which audible warnings are provided, where the actuation of any key 14 will unset and reopen the bolt. Thereafter, the bolt becomes locked in its closed position and cannot be unlocked until the target date and time and the current date and time coincide. Furthermore, resetting of the predetermined date and time is prevented. Once the fastening device has been set up and the bolt locked closed, response of the microprocessor 60 to some or all of the cursor keys 14 may be disabled. If the display 12 only displays a single item, however, operation of selected cursor keys 14 may enable the display to be toggled to selectively display current date and time, target date and time and the countdown value.

As indicated above, in its use as a millennial specific fastening device, it is expected that at the millennium hour, the bolt 8 will be retracted to thereby release the package around which the ribbon 20 has been affixed. In this respect, the microprocessor 60, on determining the coincidence of the target date and time with the current date and time will provide one or more release pulses to the release mechanism 70. The or each release pulse is arranged, for example, to apply demagnetising current to the release coil of the magnet 42, or to actuate the dc motor 54 to rotate in the bolt opening direction. It is preferably arranged that the provision of the release pulse(s) is repeated to ensure opening.

It will be appreciated that an inaccuracy of one part per million (ppm) in the clock rate will result in a timing error of one second in twelve days or ten seconds in about four months. The crystal 64 which may be used in a fastening device of the invention may have an accuracy of the order of ± 20 ppm. Thus, a significant error in timing may arise if the fastening device is not to be released, for example, for over a year. Such an error will be important if it is required to open the fastening device, for example, exactly at the millennium hour. To avoid such inaccuracy, therefore, a correction to the current time and date will be made by appropriate software. It will be appreciated that programming routines, function menus, and other software will need to be incorporated in the fastening device to enable it to perform the functions required and to enable the user to select those functions and set the current and target times and dates. The determination of the user settable parameters, of the functions available, and the provision of appropriate software is within the normal competence of those skilled in the art and will not be further described herein.

The combination of the potentially long duration but low power operation of the crystal 64 and the clock controller 62, with the short duration and high power operation of the release mechanism 70 presents difficulties in the choice of batteries. Thus, traditional batteries used for clock mechanisms of the type proposed to be utilised in the circuit of Figure 4 are not generally capable of providing the high current required by the release mechanism 70.

Batteries which are capable of providing the necessary current generally have a relatively high self-discharge current and, to ensure that the device is still powerful enough to operate the release mechanism when required, it is proposed that measures be taken to minimise the normal power consumed from the batteries.

For example, it is proposed that the microprocessor 60 be generally dormant but be woken once per second, or when a key 14 is depressed, to execute time keeping functions and change the displayed information. Other power saving measures may be implemented, and/or back up battery power may be provided.

It will be appreciated that other modifications and variations may be made to the devices described and illustrated within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fastening means for packaging, said fastening means comprising a timing device arranged to record real time and to prevent opening of the fastening means until the real time recorded by the timing device coincides with a predetermined time.

2. A fastening means as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the fastening means is a lock which is openable and closable by appropriate operating means.

3. A fastening means as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the timing device is arranged to actuate operating means for the lock at the predetermined time.

4. A fastening means as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising display or indicating means.

5. A fastening means as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said timing device is adjustable.

6. A fastening means for packaging, said fastening means comprising a timing device arranged to record real time, a lock movable between closed and open positions, a release mechanism actuable to open said lock, means for initiating opening of the lock by way of the release mechanism, and battery means for supplying power to the fastening means, wherein opening of the lock is initiated when the real time recorded by the timing device coincides with a predetermined time.

7. A fastening means as claimed in Claim 6, wherein said means for initiating opening of the lock comprises processor means with associated memory in which said predetermined time is stored, said processor means being arranged to apply release signals to said release mechanism when the real time and said predetermined time coincide.

8. A fastening means as claimed in Claim 7, further comprising display means for displaying the real time and/or the predetermined time, and/or the time difference between the real time and the predetermined time.

9. A fastening means as claimed in Claim 8, wherein said display means is an LCD.

10. A fastening means as claimed in any of Claims 7 to 9, further comprising user interface means enabling a user to input signals to said processor means.

11. A fastening means as claimed in any of Claims 7 to 10, further comprising audio means arranged to provide audible signals.

12. A fastening means as claimed in any of Claims 7 to 11 , wherein, to conserve battery power, said processor means is arranged to be generally in a dormant mode, but to switch on periodically to perform functions required.

13. A fastening means as-claimed in Claim 12, wherein said processor means is also arranged to switch on in response to operation of the user interface means and in response to the real time coinciding with the predetermined time.

14. A fastening means as claimed in any of Claims 7 to 13, wherein a clock rate correction is stored in memory associated with said processor means, and wherein said processor means is arranged to correct the real time recorded by said timing device using said clock rate correction.

15. A fastening means as claimed in any of Claims 6 to 14, wherein said lock comprises an elongate bolt, and wherein said release mechanism comprises a permanent magnet with a release coil, said release mechanism being arranged such that said permanent magnet holds the bolt in its closed position, and such that the application of one or more release signals to said release coil nullifies the effect of the permanent magnet.

16. A fastening means as claimed in Claim 15, wherein said elongate bolt is held in its closed position against the force of biassing means.

17. A fastening means as claimed in any of Claims 6 to 14, wherein said lock comprises an elongate bolt, and wherein said release mechanism comprises a motor coupled to said bolt such that driving said motor is arranged to move said bolt between its open and closed positions.

18. A fastening means as claimed in Claim 17, wherein said motor is a dc motor, and wherein the motor is coupled to the bolt such that rotation of the motor in one direction moves the bolt to its open position, and rotation of the motor in the other direction moves the bolt to its closed position.

19. Packaging comprising a container, and fastening means as claimed in any preceding claim for fastening the container.

20. Packaging as claimed in Claim 19, wherein the fastening means comprises a lock which is openable and closable, said lock being arranged in its closed position to hold the container locked, and wherein the fastening means further comprises display means for displaying the real time and/or the predetermined time, said display means being arranged on an outer surface of the container to be visible when the container is locked.

21. Packaging comprising elongate strapping, and fastening means as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 18 for securing the two spaced ends of the strapping together.

22. Packaging as claimed in Claim 21 , wherein the fastening means comprises a housing to which a first one of the spaced ends of the strapping is secured, and wherein the fastening means further comprises a lock which is openable and closable, said lock being arranged, in its closed position, to secure the other one of the spaced ends of the strapping to said housing.