WO2006096908A1

WO2006096908A1 - Tamper indicating device

Info

Publication number: WO2006096908A1
Application number: PCT/AU2006/000330
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lynette Irene Moore
Original assignee: Lynette Irene Moore
Priority date: 2005-03-14
Filing date: 2006-03-14
Publication date: 2006-09-21

Abstract

A tamper indicating device (10) comprising a portion of a length of adhesive tape (12); said adhesive tape (12) indelibly inscribed with indicia (14) uniquely identifying said portion; said adhesive tape (12) adapted fox application to an enclosure (24) such that access to said enclosure (24) subsequent to said application requires visible damage or removal of said adhesive tape (12).

Description

TAMPER INDICATING DEVICE

The present invention relates to security devices for luggage and other enclosures and, more particularly, to devices which indicate that an item of luggage or an enclosure has been tampered with.

BACKGROUND

Security of unattended luggage, or parcels in transit has always been a matter of concern to travellers. That concern resided in the fear of loss of items from an article of luggage, or parcel, whilst the article was in the care of others, or otherwise not under the control of the owner,

In more recent times, an additional cause for concern has arisen, not of items being taken out, but rather of illicit items being secretly inserted for the purpose of smuggling. In particular, where such smuggling involves narcotics, the consequences for the unwitting owner of the luggage may be very serious, even to the point of incurring a death penalty in some jurisdictions, when such an inserted item is discovered by authorities.

It is an object of the present invention to address or at least ameliorate some of the above disadvantages . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Accordingly, in a first broad form of the invention, there is provided a tamper indicating device comprising a portion of a length of adhesive tape; said adhesive tape indelibly inscribed with indicia uniquely identifying said portion; said adhesive tape adapted for application to ax. enclosure such that access to said enclosure subsequent to said application requires visible damage or removal of said adhesive tape,

Preferably, said adhesive tape is further provided with uniquely identifying graphic imagery.

Preferably, said uniquely identifying imagery is in the form of holograms .

Preferably, said uniquely identifying imagery is in the form of a barcode.

Preferably, said indicia and said graphic imagery are repeated at intervals along said length of adhesive tape.

Preferably, said indicia comprises a multiple digit number,

Preferably, said indicia comprises an alphanumeric string of characters.

Preferably, said adhesive tape is further provided with advertising indicia at said intervals. Preferably, said adhesive tape comprises a plastic strip; said strip provided with an adhesive layer on a side of said strip opposite to a side bearing said indicia and said graphic imagery.

Preferably, at least one edge of said adhesive tape is provided with, lines of decreased thickness or tear points, said tear points extending inwardly from said at least one edge for a portion of the width of said tape, said lines providing break or tear points for indicating tampering with said tape.

Preferably, said tear points further provide for tearing across said strip so as to detach a desired portion of said adhesive tape from said length of adhesive tape.

Preferably, said length of adhesive tape is supplied in a roll; said roll being one of a plurality of rolls available for purchase.

Preferably, said indicia and said imagery are unique for each of said plurality of rolls.

Preferably, a said roll of said adhesive tape is supplied in a dispensing enclosure.

Preferably, said dispensing disclosure displays a duplicate of said indicia arid said graphic imagery provided on said roll of adhesive tape. Preferably, said adhesive tape is provided as a plurality of pre-cut lengths in a carry-case; each of said lengths attached to a carry bar by a frangible connection.

Preferably, said carry bar is attached to an inside surface of said carry-case; said carry bar provided with a duplicate of said indicia and said imagery.

Preferably, said adhesive tape is provided in a sequential range of colours; each colour in said sequential range indicating a period of issue of said adhesive tape.

Preferably, said period of issue is one year.

In a further broad form of the invention there is provided a method for securing an enclosure such that any attempt at unauthorised opening of said enclosure is visible by inspection; said method including the steps of:

(a) adhesively applying a length of adhesive tape to said enclosure; said tape provided with repeating instances of a uniquely identifying indicia, such that said enclosure cannot be opened without evidently disturbing or damaging said tape.

Preferably said method further including:

(b) retaining a duplicate of each of said indicia and said graphic image. Preferably, said uniquely identifying indicia are provided repeatedly at intervals along said length of said adhesive tape.

Preferably, said adhesive tape is provided as a roll of adhesive tape.

Preferably, said roll of adhesive tape is provided in a dispensing enclosure.

Preferably, said roll of adhesive tape is one of a plurality of rolls of said adhesive tape; said rolls available for purchase by users .

Preferably, said duplicate of each said indicia is inscribed on said dispensing enclosure.

Preferably said uniquely identifying indicia includes a graphic image.

Preferably, said adhesive tape is provided as a plurality of pre-cut lengths of said tape in a carry-case,

Preferably, said pre-cut lengths are attached by frangible connections to a carry bar in said carry-case.

Preferably, each said uniquely identifying indicia is an identical multiple digit number.

Preferably, said uniquely identifying indicia is an alphanumeric string of characters. Preferably, said, graphic image is a holographic image.

Preferably, said uniquely identifying indicia includes a barcode.

Accordingly in a further broad form of the invention there is provided a security system for an article of luggage comprising an opener securing means attached to an opener of said, article; said securing means uniquely identifiable as one of a set of said securing means .

In one particular preferred form said, opener securing means comprises of a said tamper indicating device referred to earlier in the form of a length of adhesive tape which is formed into a closed, loop.

Preferably said set of said securing means comprises a plurality of cable ties releasably attached to a carrier,

Preferably each of said plurality of cable ties is provided with one of a sequence of identifying indicia indelibly applied to a portion of said cable ties.

Preferably said carrier is provided with a duplicate of each of said identifying indicia adjacent to respective each said releasably attached cable tie location.

Preferably each of said plurality of cable ties is identifiable by a combination of distinctively formed head portion and colour. Preferably said carrier retains a duplicate of said distinctively formed head portion.

Preferably said carrier is one of a plurality of carriers available for purchase.

Preferably said sequence of identifying indicia of each carrier of said plurality of carriers is a unique sequence,

Preferably said identifying indicia is embossed onto material of said cable tie.

Preferably said identifying indicia is engraved into material of said cable tie.

Preferably sets of said plurality of cable ties are formed in a wide variety of distinctively formed head portions and colour combinations.

Preferably said cable tie is provided with, a frangible section; said frangible section adapted to allow a parting of said cable tie when said section is manipulated.

Accordingly in yet a further broad _. form of the invention there is provided a method of securing an article of luggage; said method including the steps of:

(c) purchasing a set of cable ties releasably attached to a carrier, (d) removing one of. said cable ties front said carrier,

(e) attaching one of said cable ties to an. opener means of said article of luggage.

Preferably each of said cable ties is provided with a means of identification.

Preferably said means of identification is an identifying indicium indelibly applied to said cable tie.

Preferably said identifying indicium is one of a sequence of identifying indicia; said sequence comprising a unique identifier for each of said cable ties of one said carrier.

Preferably said opener means is a zip fastener of said article of luggage.

Preferably said opener means is a securing belt buckle arranged around said article of luggage.

Preferably said opener means is a neck of a bag provided with, a draw string.

In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a method of indicating unauthorised interference with an article of luggage; said method including the steps of: (a) purchasing a set of cable ties releasably attached to a carrier,

(b) removing one of said cable ties from said carrier,

(c) attaching one of said cable ties to an opener- means of said article of luggage.

Preferably each of said cable ties is provided with a means of identification.

Preferably said means of identification is an identifying indicium embossed onto material of said cable tie.

Preferably said means of identification is an identifying indicium engraved into material of said cable tie.

Preferably said identifying indicium is one of a sequence of identifying indicia; said sequence comprising a unique identifier for each of said cable ties of one said carrier,,

Preferably said opener means is a zip fastener of said article of luggage.

Preferably said opener means is a neck of a bag provided with, a draw string. In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a method for signalling unauthorised access to an enclosure; said method including the steps of:

(a) providing a cable tie identified by a unique identifier,

(b) applying said cable tie to an opener means of said enclosure so as to prevent operation of said opener means except by removal of said cable tie,

(c) retaining a duplicate of said unique identifier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 shows a portion of a length of adhesive tape of a tamper indicating device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, Figure 2 is a perspective view of a length of the adhesive tape of Fig. 1 when supplied in a roll,

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an article of luggage to which portions of the length of adhesive tape of Fig. 1 have been applied Figure 4 is a perspective view of a dispensing enclosure for the roll of Fig, 2.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a carry-case containing a plurality of pre-cut lengths of adhesive strips.

Figures 6 and 7 are examples of arrangements of indicia and images

Figure 8 illustrates an alternative arrangement of indicia and images, Figure 9 is a perspective view of a resilient element according to an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention,

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the resilient element of Fig. 9 when looped into a secured state, Figure 11 is a perspective view of a set of resilient elements attached to a carrier and provided in a carry folder,

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the resilient elements of any of Figs. 9 to 11 when applied to an opener means of an article of luggage.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a resilient element according to a. further preferred embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

First Preferred Embodiment

With reference to Fig. 1, a .tamper indicating device 10 is comprised of a length of adhesive tape 12. Indelibly inscribed, at regular intervals along the length of adhesive tape 12, are indicia in the form of a uniquely identifying multiple digit number or alphanumeric string of characters 14. Also provided along the length of the tape 12 and preferably at the same intervals, are unique graphic images, preferably though not necessarily, in the form of a holographic image 16. Additionally, and again at the same intervals, the tape may be inscribed with advertising indicia (not shown) . Advertising indicia may identify and promote the supplier of the- tape or a third party.

Each length of the adhesive tape 12 of the present invention made available for purchase to users, is provided with its own unique identifying indicia repeated along the length of the tape. This feature together with the images, particularly where these images are holograms, renders the length of adhesive tape applied to an article of luggage, or to some other enclosure, proof against unauthorised replacement. Furthermore, once applied, the tape cannot be removed from the article except by disturbing and/or damaging it to an extent where it is visibly obvious that interference with the article has occurred. Adhesive tape 12 is preferably formed as a strong plastic strip, provided with an adhesive layer 18 on the side opposite the inscribed indicia and graphic images. Preferably, the tape 12 is provided as a roll 20, as shown in Fig. 2, of sufficient length to allow detached portions of the length of the tape to be strapped to at least several articles of luggage, or other enclosures.

Again with reference to Fig. 1, adhesive tape 12 is provided with scored lines 22 or lines of reduced thickness, along at least one edge of the tape and extending part way across its width. These weakened sections or "tear points" are arranged so that any attempt to dislodge the tape will be visibly evident. As well, the tear points allow a user to tear or break the strip to detach a desired portion of the adhesive tape for application to the article of luggage or enclosure.

In use, as shown in Fig. 3, the owner or another authorised person, applies a portion or portions of the adhesive tape 12 to the article 24 to be secured, prior to the article passing out of his or her supervision. The remaining length, or at least so much of the tape as displaying at least one instance each of the identifying indicia and image, is retained in the possession of that person who is ultimately responsible for recovering the article at the end of the period during which the article was out of their control . An indication that the article has not been interfered with, may then be ascertained, firstly by the absence of damage to or removal of the tape and, secondly by comparing the identifying indicia and images of the applied tape with those on the retained, portion.

Preferably, an end portion of a purchased length of adhesive tape which has at least one instance of the indicia and of the image, and which is intended for retention by a user, is differentiated from the remainder to alert the user that this portion should be retained as a record of the indicia and images of the portions of the tape which have been used.

Second Preferred Embodiment in this second preferred embodiment with reference to Fig. 4, the adhesive tape of the invention as described for the first embodiment above, is provided as a roll housed in a dispensing enclosure 30. The adhesive tape 12 is drawn from the roll retained in the enclosure through an aperture 32.

In this embodiment, a duplicate of the identifying indicia 14 and of the images 16 is provided on an outer surface 34 of the enclosure 30. Third Preferred Embodiment

With reference to Fig, 5, pre-cut lengths 40 of adhesive tape 12 are provided in an elongate carry-case 42. The lengths of tape 40 are sufficiently long to be applied securely across the opening section of articles of luggage, or to be wound around the closure of a draw-string bag for example. preferably each length. 40 is provided with at least two instances each of identifying indicia and imagery as previously described, in this embodiment, the adhesive layer of each length of tape 40 is protected prior to use by a peel-off strip 44.

Each length of tape 40 is attached to a carrier bar 46, which in turn is attached to the inside of the carry- case 42. All the lengths of adhesive tape 40 provided in the carry-case 42 have the same identifying indicia 14 and images 16, with a duplicate of that indicia and image provided on the carrier bar 46.

Lengths 40 are attached to the carrier bar with a frangible connection 48 so as to allow a length 40 to be readily detached as required. Each carry-case may contain a number of layers of attached lengths 40 as may be seen in

Fig. 5. Fourth Preferred Embodiment in this embodiment of the invention, lengths of adhesive tap.e provided with indicia and imagery are again provided as described for any of the first three embodiments above. However, an additional identifier is added to lengths of tape in the form of the colour of the tape. The particular colour of any tape is one of a sequence of colours which change according to periods of issue. Thus lengths of tape provided in, successive periods, for example years, may cycle from one colour to the next in the sequence with each passing year.

Examples of Particular Embodiments

Figures 6, 7 and 8 are representations of particular- embodiments of tamper indicating tapes. In these examples the unique identifiers of a seven digit numbers and hologram image are further accompanied by indicia indicating the origin or source of the tamper indicating device from which further information can be obtained. Figure 8 illustrates a version wherein the graphic image of the hologram is replaced by a barcode 50,

In Use

In use the tape 12 or equivalent resilient strip is applied to a portion of an article for which protection is required. Most preferably it is applied so as to seal across an openable portion of the article. In the case of luggage it may seal across a zipper. In the case of a letter or parcel it may seal across the closure flap. In alternative versions it may simply seal around the entire article. In the event of any evidence of tampering the person who initially applied the tape has a separate portion or other record indicating- a match, with the identifying indicia and/or images as referred to previously.

Fifth Preferred Embodiment - locking loop

With reference to figures 9 to 13 there is illustrated a locking loop form of the earlier described embodiments wherein the tape is replaced by a resilient strip 110 which can be in the form of a cable tie although other forms of resilient strip can be contemplated.

The resilient strip 110 can incorporate the combination of a uniquely identifying indicia 125 which. correspond to the uniquely identifying indicia 14 of earlier described embodiments. In addition, in a particularly preferred form the indicia can include images 150 which can. take the form of a hologram or barcode for example. These images 150 correspond to the previously described images 16 of earlier embodiments. First Version With reference to Fig. 9, a cable tie 110 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, is comprised of an elongate strap member 112 and a head member 114. Head member 114 is provided with passage 116 adapted to receive end portion 118 of elongate strap member 112. At least a portion. 120 of elongate strap member 112 is provided with ridge structures 122 adapted for one-way engagement with internal structures 124 of passage 16 in such a manner that once one or more of the ridge structures 122 have passed through passage 116 (as shown in Fig, 10) elongate strap member 112 cannot be withdrawn from the passage. Cable tie 110 is further, provided with a unique identifying indicium 126, on a portion of the tie. The application of the identifying indicia is such as to render it secure from tampering, for example by being embossed on the plastic material of the tie, or deeply engraved, so that any attempt at changing the indicia will be apparent .

With reference now to Fig. 11, a set 130 of cable ties 110 is provided, releasably attached to a carrier 132 by frangible lugs 133. Lugs 133 are sufficiently weak so as to allow a cable tie to be twisted free of carrier 132. Conveniently, carrier 132 may be in the form of a small folder 134 as shown in Fig. 10. Each cable tie 110 attached to carrier 132 is provided with one of a sequence of unique identifying indicia. In the example shown the five cable ties are identified by alpha-numeric sequence AF5426B to AF5430B. Associated with, each cable tie position on carrier 132 is a copy 125 of the identifying indicium 126. By this means, when a cable tie is released from carrier 132, a record is maintained indicating that a cable tie so identified is in use or has been used.

Fig. 12 shows a portion of an article, of luggage 140 with a typical opener system comprising opposing zipper fasteners 142 and 144. A cable tie 146 has been passed through the apertures 143 and 145 respectively of the pull tabs of zipper fasteners 142 and 144 and secured as previously described and in the manner illustrated in Fig.

10. It will be clear that when so secured, no items can be added to the contents of the luggage article 140 without either removing the cable tie 146 or causing obvious damage to the article.

The cable ties for use with preferred embodiments of the present invention also lend themselves to the securing of bags of sporting and camping equipment which are often provided with closure means in the form of a simple draw string around the neck of the bag. in this case the cable tie may be secured directly around the drawn together neck of the bag, preventing any access to its interior.

In at least one preferred embodiment of the invention, carrier 132 may be provided with an area adjacent each cable tie in which some record of which article of luggage, or to which opener means on that article, the cable tie has been attached. This space may also be used for example, for affixing an adhesive sticker, sometimes provide by a transport carrier as a record of receipt of the luggage article. Second Version

In this preferred embodiment, cable ties as previously described, may not be provided with unique identifying indicia, but be distinguished from other sets of cable ties by a particular configuration and/or colour of the ties. Thus for example, the periphery of the head portion may be given a distinctive shape such as that of a flower head.

Again, ties may be offered as a set releasably attached to a carrier and moulded in a particular colour, in this embodiment, the portions of the carrier to which the heads of the ties are attached by frangible lugs have the same shape as the head and of course the same colour. Sets are provided for purchase in a wide range of unique head patterns and colour combinations so as to reduce the possibility of fraudulent substitution.

Third Version

Although the cable ties as described in the above embodiments are so constructed that a deliberate attempt must be made for their removal once installed, in this third preferred embodiment a portion of the elongate strap member 112, as shown in Fig. 13, is provided with a frangible section 140 arranged so that a certain amount of manipulation allows a parting at that point.

Thus a missing cable tie will still indicate that interference has taken place, but the frangible section does allow an owner of the luggage item to access its contents when desired without having to resort to a sharp cutting implement;

In Use Prior to embarkation on a mode of transport, in particular air travel, the owner of the luggage may select one or more of the resilient elements described with reference to Figs 9 to 13 from the set of cable ties depending on the number of articles or article opener means which are to be secured. The ties are released from the carrier which retains a record of the indicia, or identifying configuration and colour, of each of the ties now in use. The ties are suitably affixed to opener means of the articles of luggage. This may be done, if required, after the luggage has been presented either for manual or machine inspection, but while the luggage is still under supervision of its owner.

At the destination it will be apparent, as soon as the owner is reunited with the article, whether or not it has been interfered with, and will permit him or her to refus.e to take possession of it until an appropriate authority has been alerted. Since it is clearly absurd that an owner of an article of luggage would him or herself add an illicit item and then draw attention to it . the system here described should provide at least prima facie defence against a wrongful arrest or conviction for drug smuggling.

As well as serving as a passive defence mechanism, the system of the present invention, as described in the first and second preferred embodiments, acts also as a deterrent to a would-be smuggler seeking to take advantage of another's luggage. Cable ties are almost impossible to remove once installed, except by cutting with a very sharp knife or cutting callipers. Cutting implements are now relatively closely controlled at airports and it is unlikely that the would-be smuggler will be so equipped, thus lessening the possibility that one's luggage will be so violated.

The above describes only some embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tamper indicating device comprising a portion of a length of adhesive tape; said adhesive tape indelibly inscribed with indicia uniquely identifying said portion; said adhesive tape adapted for application to an enclosure such that access to said enclosure subsequent to said application requires visible damage or removal of said adhesive tape.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said adhesive tape is further provided with uniquely identifying graphic imagery.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein said uniquely identifying imagery is in the form of holograms.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein said uniquely identifying imagery is in the form of a barcode.

5. The device of claim 2 or 3 wherein said indicia and said graphic imagery are repeated at intervals along said length of adhesive tape.

6. The device of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said indicia comprises a multiple digit number.

7. The device of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said indicia comprises an alphanumeric string of characters .

8. The device of any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said adhesive tape is further provided with advertising indicia at said intervals,

9. The device of any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein said adhesive tape comprises a plastic strip; said strip provided with an adhesive layer on a side of said strip opposite to a side bearing said indicia and said graphic imagery.

10. The device of any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein at least one edge of said adhesive tape is provided with lines of decreased thickness or tear points; said tear points extending inwardly from said at least one edge for a portion of the width, of said tape; said lines providing break or tear points for indicating tampering with said tape.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein said tear points further provide for tearing across said strip so as to detach a desired portion of said adhesive tape from said length of adhesive tape.

12. The device of any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein said length of adhesive tape is supplied in a roll; said roll being one of a plurality of rolls available for purchase.

13. The device of claim 12 wherein said indicia and said imagery are unique for each of said plurality of rolls.

14. The device of claim 12 or 13 wherein a said roll of said adhesive tape is supplied in a dispensing enclosure.

15. The device of claim 14 wherein said dispensing disclosure displays a duplicate of said indicia and said graphic imagery provided on said roll of adhesive tape.

16. The device of any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein said adhesive tape is provided as a plurality of pre-cut lengths in a carry-case; each of said lengths attached to a carry bar by a frangible connection.

17. The device of claim 16 wherein said carry bar, is attached to an inside surface of said carry-case; said carry bar provided with a duplicate of said indicia and said imagery.

18. The device of any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein said . adhesive tape is provided in a sequential range of colours; each colour in said sequential range indicating a period of issue of said adhesive tape.

19. The device of claim 18 wherein said period of issue is one year.

20. A method for securing an enclosure such, that any attempt at unauthorised, opening of said enclosure is visible by inspection; said method including the steps of:

(a) adhesively applying a length of adhesive tape to said enclosure; said tape provided with repeating instances of a uniquely identifying indicia and a graphic image, such that said enclosure cannot be opened without evidently disturbing or damaging said tape.

21. The method of claim 20, said method further including the step of retaining a duplicate of each of said indicia and said graphic image.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein said uniquely identifying indicia and said graphic image are provided repeatedly at intervals along said length of said adhesive tape.

23. The method of claim 21 or 22 wherein said adhesive tape is provided as a roll of adhesive tape.

24. The method of claim 23 wherein said roll of adhesive tape is provided in a dispensing enclosure.

25. The method of claim 23 or 24 wherein said roll of adhesive tape is one of a. plurality of rolls of said adhesive tape; said rolls available for purchase by- users.

26. The method of claim 24 or 25 wherein said duplicate of each said indicia and said graphic imagery is inscribed on said dispensing enclosure.

27. The method of claim 21 or • 22 wherein said adhesive tape is provided as a plurality of pre-cut lengths of said tape in a carry-case.

28. The method of claim 27 wherein said pre-cut lengths are attached by frangible connections to a carry bar in said carry-case.

29. The method of any one of claims 21 to 28 wherein each said uniquely identifying indicia is an identical multiple digit number.

30. The method of any one of claims 21 to 28 wherein said uniquely identifying indicia is an alphanumeric string of characters .

31, The method of any one of claims 21 to 30 wherein said graphic image is a holographic image.

32. A length, of adhesive tape for securing an enclosure against tampering as herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings .

33. A security system for an article of luggage comprising an opener securing means attached to an opener of said article; said securing means uniquely identifiable as one of a eat of said securing means; said opener securing means comprising the tamper indicating device of any one of claims 1 to 21.

34. A security system for an article of luggage comprising an opener securing means attached to an opener of said article, said securing means uniquely identifiable as one of a set of said securing means .

35. The system of claim 34 wherein said set of said securing means comprises a plurality of cable ties releasably attached to a carrier.

36. The system of claim 35 wherein each of said plurality of cable ties is provided with one of a sequence of identifying indicia indelibly applied to a portion of said cable ties.

37. The system of claim 36 wherein said carrier is provided with a duplicate of each of said identifying indicia adjacent to respective each said releasably attached cable tie location.

38. The system of claim 35 wherein each of said plurality of cable ties is identifiable by a combination of distinctively formed head portion and colour.

39. The system of claim 38 wherein said carrier retains a duplicate of said distinctively formed head portion.

40. The system of any one of claims 35 to 39 wherein said carrier is one of a plurality of carriers available for purchase.

41. The system of claim 40 wherein said sequence of identifying indicia of each carrier of said plurality of carriers is a unique sequence.

42. The system of claim 40 or 41 wherein said identifying indicia is embossed onto material of said cable tie.

43. The system of claim 40 or 41 wherein said identifying indicia is engraved into material of said cable tie.

44. The system of any one of claims 38 to 40 wherein sets of said plurality of cable ties are formed in a wide variety of distinctively formed head portions and colour combinations.

45. The system of any one of claims 34 to 44 wherein said cable tie is provided with a frangible section; said frangible section, adapted to allow a parting of said cable tie when said section is manipulated.

46. A method of securing an article of luggage; said method including the steps of:

(a) purchasing a set of cable ties releasably attached to a carrier,

(b) removing one of . said cable ties from said carrier,

(c) attaching one of said cable ties to an opener means of said article of luggage.

47. The method of claim 46 wherein each of said cable ties is provided with a means of identification.

48. The method of claim 47 wherein εaid means of identification is an identifying indicium indelibly applied . to said cable tie .

49. The method of claim 48 wherein said identifying indicium is one of a sequence of identifying indicia; said sequence comprising a unique identifier for each of said cable ties of one said carrier.

50. The method of any one of claims 46 to 49 wherein said opener means is a zip fastener of said article of luggage.

51. The method of any one of claims 46 to 49 wherein said opener means is a securing belt buckle arranged around said article of luggage.

52. The method of any one of. claims 46 to 49 wherein said opener means is a neck of a bag provided with a draw string.

53. A method of indicating unauthorised interference with an article of luggage; said method including the steps of:

(a) purchasing a set of cable ties releasably attached to a carrier,

(b) removing one of said cable ties from said carrier,

54. The method of claim 53 wherein each of said cable ties is provided with a means of identification.

55. The method of claim 54 wherein said, means of identification is an identifying indicium embossed onto material of said cable tie..

56. The method of claim 54 wherein said means of identification is an identifying indicium engraved into material of said cable tie.

57. The method of any one of claims 53 to 56 wherein said identifying indicium is one of a sequence of identifying indicia; said sequence comprising a unique identifier for each of said cable ties of one said carrier.

58. The method of any one of claims 53 to 57 wherein said opener means is a zip fastener of said article of luggage.

59. The method of any one of claims 53 to 57 wherein said opener means is a securing belt buckle arranged around said article of luggage.

60. The method of any one of claims 53 to 57 wherein said opener means is a neck of a bag provided with a draw string.

61. A method for signalling unauthorised access to an enclosure; said method including the steps of: (a) providing a cable tie identified by a unique identifier,

(c) retaining a duplicate of said unique identifier.