Anti-tamper device

Abstract

Anti-tamper device 1 for use with a gas isolating tap or valve 2, the device having a body dimensioned and arranged to surround the tap or valve to inhibit access to the tap or valve to prevent it being used, a tamper-evident seal being provided when the device is deployed, and a unique identifier which identifies the device. The body may comprise two mirror imaged T-shaped body portions 4a, 4b each having hollow profiles or recesses shaped and dimensioned to lock and immobilise the tap or valve. The body portions may be connected to each other by a hinge, by dowels in one portion being received by holes in the other, or by a flexible zip-lock or cable tie 20 connector which includes the tamper-evident seal. The body may be formed from synthetic plastics like nylon, polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene (ABS), or a metal like steel or stainless steel. One body portion may have a magnet for attaching to the second. The body may be yellow. The tamper-evident seal may include a QR code or bar code. An authorised user may use an imaging means like a smartphone to scan the unique identifier and transmit to a receiver at a remote location for storage on a database.

Description

Field The present invention provides an anti-tamper device for use with a gas isolating tap or valve; a system comprising the anti-tamper device; and a method for production of the anti-tamper device. Background During servicing of gas appliances, such as for example gas boilers or gas fires, a gas service engineer may declare that the appliance is unsafe for further operation. For example, the appliance may need to be repaired or require new parts to be fitted. Whilst awaiting repair, the service engineer may require the appliance to be isolated to prevent its use in order to avoid explosions or suffocation resulting from carbon monoxide poisoning. Typically isolation of the appliance requires the gas isolating tap or valve to be closed by for example turning the tap or turning the valve using a flat headed screwdriver and capping it off with a blanking cap. As the process for isolating the appliance is straightforward and the valve or gas isolating tap are easily accessible, it has been known for unauthorised users or customers to re-open the gas isolating tap or valve. On some occasions this unauthorised re-opening of the valve or tap was dangerously hazardous, resulting in a gas explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning which sometimes led to devastating consequences including loss of life. Investigations into the subsequent gas explosions or carbon monoxide poisonings has also resulted in the service engineer being held responsible which has in turn resulted in their imprisonment for derogation of duties or even manslaughter. Furthermore, there are believed to be many thousands of unregistered service engineers or plumbers operating unlawfully in the UK who condemn appliances in order to profit from unnecessary repair or replacement of boilers and gas appliances. These unregistered service engineers or plumbers have also been known to repair appliances at high cost. Repairs by unregistered service engineers or rogue plumbers are known to cause dangerous defects in appliances which sometimes exposed consumers to increased risk. There is therefore a need for a device which can restrict unauthorised access to a gas isolating tap or valve once an appliance has been isolated by an authorised user. There is also a need for a device which is only able to be operated by a registered (or authorised) qualified user or heating engineer. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an anti-tamper device for use with a gas isolating tap or valve, the device has a body that is dimensioned and arranged to surround the gas isolating tap or valve which when deployed inhibits access to the gas isolating tap or valve thereby preventing it from being used; a tamper-evident seal is provided when the device is deployed; and a unique identifier which identifies the device. The device preferably further comprises a unique identifier (for example a unique QR (RTM) code and / or unique barcode). The unique identifier is preferably located on the device such that the identifier is accessible by a user when the device is, in a deployed configuration, surrounding a gas isolating tap or valve. Preferably, the unique identifier is located on an external part of the body of the device. Alternatively the unique identifier is located on a flexible connector or tie, such as a single use zip-tie or plastics connector. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for use in connection with a gas isolating tap or valve, the system comprising: an anti-tamper device as herein described comprising a unique identifier (for example a unique QR (RTM) code and / or unique barcode); a receiver at a remote location from the anti-tamper device, the receiver being configured for storage of data on a database; and an imaging means operable by an authorised user to scan the unique identifier of the anti-tamper device, and operable to transmit the unique identifier to the receiver for storage on the database. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of deploying an anti-tamper device as hereindescribed, the method comprising the steps of deploying the device to surround a gas isolating tap or valve; obtaining an image of the unique identifier on the deployed device; and transmitting the image to a remote receiver for storage. In one embodiment, the body of the device is formed from at least two body portions which have hollow profiles. The at least two body portions preferably include a pair of complementary or mirror imaged body portions. The at least two body portions preferably each have hollow profiles and recesses. In one embodiment, the least two body portions each include hollow profiles shaped and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of a gas pipe, to which the gas isolating tap or valve is connected. The at least two body portions are preferably moveable between: an open configuration providing at least one opening between the at least two body portions, in which the opening(s) is configured to enable the corresponding isolating gas valve or tap to be manoeuvred into the hollow profiles or recesses of the at least two body portions; and a deployed configuration in which the at least two body portions, and the hollow profiles and recesses thereof, are aligned to provide a body defining an internal recess for receiving an isolating gas valve or tap therein, in which the body is configured to prevent unauthorised access to the internal recess. The two body portions may be connected one to another by way of a hinge. For example, the hinge may be provided at or adjacent an edge of the at least two body portions extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the gas pipe. Preferably, in the deployed configuration, the body is a substantially continuous body. When deployed, the at least two body portions preferably engage with each other, for example are bonded together. In one embodiment, the at least two body portions have inter-engaging parts that interlock when the body portions are pressed together. The internal recess preferably comprises an elongate channel defining a longitudinal axis configured in use to be aligned with a longitudinal axis of a corresponding gas pipe. The internal recess may be T-shaped, comprising a first elongate channel defining a longitudinal axis configured in use to be aligned with a longitudinal axis of a corresponding gas pipe, and a second channel extending substantially perpendicular to the first elongate channel. The second channel is preferably configured in use to receive a gas isolating tap therein. In the open configuration, the at least two body portions are preferably separated from each other. Preferably, in the open configuration, the at least two body portions are preferably separated from each other along an edge configured in use to extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis defined by the gas pipe. In the deployed configuration, the at least two body portions preferably engage with each other, for example lock together, to encompass and immobilise the gas isolating tap or valve within the recess defined therein. The device preferably comprises a collet which enables the device to be used with at least two different sizes of gas isolating tap or valve. The collet is preferably located within the internal recess defined by the body (for example by the at least two body portions in the deployed configuration). The device may be formed of a strong, tough material. For example, the device may be formed from a synthetic plastics material. The synthetic plastics material may be selected from the group comprising nylon, polystyrene or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The body may be any suitable colour, for example yellow in colour. Preferably, the anti-tamper device comprises a tamper-evident seal. The device preferably comprises a unique identifier, for example a QR code or barcode with a unique identity. The unique identifier is preferably provided on the body. In one embodiment, the unique identifier may be located on a tamper-evident seal. The system preferably includes a processor configured to create a digital record for the or each device in a database. In one embodiment, the processor is configured to associate the or each unique identifier (for example, the unique code QR code and / or the unique barcode) with a corresponding authorised user with a corresponding digital record which is stored on the database. The receiver is preferably configured to receive time and date stamp data. The processor is preferably operative to include the time and date stamp data in the or each corresponding digital record. In one embodiment, the receiver is configured to receive GPS location data associated with the device. The processor is preferably operative to include the GPS location data in the or each corresponding digital record. The system preferably further comprises a transmitter. The transmitter is preferably configured to transmit the or each digital record data to an authorised user. The transmitter is preferably configured to transmit an acknowledgement receipt to the authorised user confirming receipt of data at the remote location. The imaging means is preferably incorporated on a mobile communications device, such as for example a smartphone, which operates in accordance with application specific software (APP). In one embodiment, the system is configured to notify a regulatory body of the compliance of the device with compliance regulations. A regulatory body may issue a compliance certificate to the authorised user on receipt of authenticated data (for example, data notifying compliance from the system). The system is preferably configured to receive a compliance certificate issued by a regulatory body. The transmitter is preferably configured to transmit a compliance certificate issued by a regulatory body, upon receipt of authenticated data, to the authorised user. Embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail in relation to the following Figures, in which: Brief Description of the Figures Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view from below of a body portion of the device according to one embodiment of the present invention in communication with a gas isolating tap on a gas pipe; Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a further perspective view from above of the body portion of the device of Figure 1; Figure 3 is photograph of a device according to one embodiment of the present invention when placed in the open configuration; Figures 4A to 4J show views of another embodiment of the invention which is shaped to surround a valve; Figures 5A to 5M show views of another embodiment of the invention which comprises two plates which inter-engage by way of inter-engaging means; Figures 6A to 6M show views of another embodiment of the invention which also comprises two plates which inter-engage by way of inter-engaging means which have locators formed thereon; Figures 7A to 7F show views of another embodiment of the invention which comprises two plates which inter-engage by way of inter-engaging means and which include a magnetic connector; Figures 8A to 8E show views of another embodiment of the invention with pockets which prevent rotation of the gas valve; Figures 9A to 9E show views of another embodiment of the invention with a dogleg plate and oval slot which allows movement of a cover of the gas valve; Figures 10A to 10P show views of another embodiment of the invention which can rotate when placed over a gas isolating tap or valve; Figures 11A to 11M show views of another embodiment of the invention which includes a dogleg plate; and Figures 12A to 12M show views of another embodiment of the invention which includes a cover deployed over a gas isolating tap . Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention With reference to the Figures, there is provided an anti-tamper device 1 for use in connection with a gas isolating tap or valve 2. The device 1 comprises two body portions 4a, 4b formed from yellow, synthetic polymer. Each body portion 4a, 4b has a hollow profile and are mirror images of each other. Each body portions 4a, 4b comprises a first end 6a, 6b and a second opposed end 8a, 8b defining a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The body portions 4a, 4b are substantially T-shaped in cross-section defining a substantially T-shaped recess. The T-shaped recess of each body portion 4a, 4b comprises a first channel 10 extending between the first and second ends 6a, 6b, 8a, 8b and a second channel 12 extending upwardly, substantially centrally, therefrom. It is however to be understood that the recess of each body portion may have any suitable shape depending on the particular circumstances. The device 1 further comprises a unique identifier (for example a unique QR code and / or unique barcode). The unique identifier is located on the device such that the identifier is accessible by a user when the device is, in a deployed configuration, surrounding a gas isolating tap or valve. The unique identifier is preferably located on an eternal body of the device. As shown in Figure 3, in the open configuration, the body portions 4a, 4b are arranged to enable the gas pipe and gas isolating tap to be received within the T-shaped recess of the body portions 4a, 4b. As shown in Figure 2, in the deployed configuration, the body portions 4a, 4b are aligned and define the body of the device 1. The body of the device 1 substantially surrounds the gas isolating tap and the surrounding portion of the gas pipe preventing access thereto. In one embodiment, a hinge may be provided between the body portions 4a, 4b, preferably along an edge extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first channel 10 and / or longitudinal axis defined by the gas Pipe- In use, once an appliance has been condemned by an authorised user, the authorised user turns the gas isolating tap or valve to the closed position. To prevent unauthorised opening of the tap or valve, the authorised user places the device 1 in the open configuration and locates the gas isolating tap or valve in a recess defined by one two body portions 4a, 4b such that the tap portion is received within the second channel 12 thereof. The authorised user then manoeuvres the device 1 to the deployed position (as shown in Figure 2) in which the two body portions 4a, 4b are aligned and the body substantially encompasses the gas isolating tap or valve and the adjacent portion of the gas pipe. The gas isolating tap or valve is therefore secured within the device 1 in the closed position and thereby preventing unauthorised access to the tap or valve. A tamper-evident seal is placed on the body to extend across a join formed between the two body portions 4a, 4b. Access to the recess of the body of the device 1 (and to the gas isolating tap or valve positioned therein) is prevented without damaging the seal. A unique identifier (not shown) in the form of a QR code is located on the tamper-evident seal. Each device is associated with a unique code and is registered to an authorised user (for example a gas-safe registered engineer). The authorised user scans the unique identifier using the imaging means, and transmits the corresponding information (including the information relating to the authorised user) and data to a receiver located remote from the device 1. The authorised user is therefore able to provide real time proof of qualified work associated with the closure of the gas isolating tap or valve for the appliance. The device 1 of the present invention therefore enables authorised users to safely conduct the relevant work whilst providing a full history log in relation to each appliance (and in particular the isolating gas valve or tap associated with the appliance). The data may include for example details providing the reason for the closure of the gas isolating tap or valve and details relating to the parts required to fix it. Other embodiments will now be briefly described with reference to the following Figures in which like parts have the same refence number as in Figures 1 to 3. Figures 4A to 4J show views of another embodiment of the invention which is shaped to slide over and surround an isolation valve and gas pipe, which is connected to a gas fire (not shown) for example. A cable tie 20 passes through apertures on the device and thereby secures the device 1 to a gas isolating tap or valve as the internal shape and profile of the device is dimensioned so as to surround the gas isolating tap or valve and immobile it. Figures 5A to 5M show views of another embodiment of the invention which comprises two plates which inter-engage by way of inter-engaging means which in the embodiment shown include dowels that fit into holes. The dowels and holes are sized and shaped so that the two plates inter-engage and interlock in a specific orientation thereby ensuring the plates surround a gas valve and prevent it from being turned. Again, when the plates are connected around the gas isolating tap, a tie 20 passes through apertures 5 that are formed in the plates in order to lock them together. Referring to Figures 6A to 6M which show views of another embodiment of the invention which also comprises two plates which inter-engage by way of inter-engaging means which have locators formed thereon. In this embodiment the surfaces of plates are coated or anodised, so that any attempt at forcing or prising them apart, shows as evidence of tampering. Figures 7A to 7F show views of another embodiment of the invention which comprises two plates which inter-engage in a similar manner to the embodiment described and shown above in Figures 6. The inter-engaging means includes a magnetic connector which assist in holding the two interconnecting parts together prior to insertion of the tamper evident tie 20. Such an embodiment may be used in areas of restricted access, or where the person deploying it may only have access to a restricted (or blind) space for example only with one hand. Referring now to Figures 8A to 8E which show views of another embodiment of the invention with pockets. The pockets prevent rotation of the gas valve which may be deployed in situations for example, where there is no handle on the gas valve or gas isolating tap . Figures 9A to 9E show views of another embodiment of the invention with a dogleg plate and oval slot which allows movement of a cover of the gas valve so as to accommodate a degree of lateral movement when the device is installed. This may be useful in areas where there is limited space. Figures 10A to 10P show views of another embodiment of the invention which can rotate when placed over a gas isolating tap or valve. Optionally the device is provided in two pieces which inter-engage to form a ring or torus. Dowels 78 are optionally provided to assist the two pieces to locate and interlock one with another. Once connected around a tap or valve this embodiment may rotate, for example around a pipe. Grooves or cut-out portions may be formed in one of the pieces so as to accommodate brackets or flanges of an appliance (not shown). Apertures for receiving the tie may be formed circumferentially on each piece and / or through the body of each piece thereby providing the person installing this embodiment with choices of where to insert and install a flexible cable tie or zip lock 20. Machined grooves around a circumference of each piece ensure that slack in the cable or tie is minimised. Figures 11A to 11M show views of another embodiment of the invention which includes a dogleg plate with an oval cut-out or aperture. An oval shaped cut-out is provided which receives a pipe and is sized and shaped to allow lateral movement thereby ensuring that once the gas isolating tap is entrapped, it is immobilised. Figures 12A to 12J show views of another embodiment of the invention which includes a cover in the form of a top hat which when deployed prevents access to a gas isolating tap or valve. Again a suitable cut-out shape is provided in the device to receive a key or gas valve deployed over a gas isolating tap. A base flange or rim is provided on the top hat cover to prevent the device form being pulled through a lock plate Includes two apertures 5a and 5b through which an anti-tamper means, such as a cable tie or zip lock cable or cable tie 20 with a suitable unique identifier (not shown) Once the appliance has been mended, an authorised user scans the unique identifier and updates the system with the necessary information including details of replacement parts, work conducted and reason for removing the device. The system updates with this real time information providing an accurate, up-to-date history of work for the appliance. The system and device of the present invention can be used efficiently with different authorised users whilst maintaining an up-to-date log of the work carried out on the appliance, with relevant associated details. The device and system of the present invention help to prevent work being carried out by unskilled, unregulated tradesmen reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisonings or explosions. Furthermore, the system and device of the present invention provide a history log which can be inspected should errors occur. On completion of the work, the system can notify a regulatory body of the compliance of the device with compliance regulations. A regulatory body can issue a compliance certificate to the authorised user on receipt of authenticated data (for example, data notifying compliance from the system). For example, an anti-tamper tag 20 may be in the form of a zip-lock such as those found in a cable-tie 20 which, once deployed, cannot be undone unless by another authorised user or service engineer, in which case a new anti-tamper device is fitted and the system is configured to link the two separate devices, for example by way of image processing means that links together the two anti-tamper devices, and the appliance, for example at the physical location of an appliance using a GPS identifier. The tag or zip-lock 20 has a unique identifier which may be a barcode and / or a QR code and is associated with a specific gas or service engineer. By way of example, one method of deploying the invention involves the steps of: • A registered gas engineer receives a call out. • On inspection of a gas appliance, the gas engineer condemns the appliance (not shown) if it is dangerous / substandard. • The gas engineer then places the anti-tamper device 1 onto a valve or a gas isolating tap of the condemned appliance. • The gas engineer then seals the appliance with a coded zip-lock / tag 20. • The code is then scanned. • An image of the appliance with the anti-tamper device deployed is obtained. • The image and code data are transmitted to a remote receiver. • The transmitted image and code data are stored at a remote location on a database. • The engineer signs off the condemned gas appliance and leaves a copy of relevant paperwork signed by the occupier. 5 The present invention therefore provides for improved security, data storage and management in relation to the gas appliance. The system of the present invention only enables the device to be used by authorised users. The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated 10 that variation may be made to the aforementioned examples without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. An anti-tamper device for use with a gas isolating tap or valve, the device has a body that is dimensioned and arranged to surround the gas isolating tap or valve which when deployed inhibits access to the gas isolating tap or valve thereby preventing it from being used; a tamper-evident seal is provided when the device is deployed; and a unique identifier which identifies the device.

2. An anti-tamper device according to claim 1 wherein the body is formed from at least two body portions which have hollow profiles.

3. An anti-tamper device according to claim 2 wherein the at least two body portions include a pair of complementary or mirror imaged body portions.

4. An anti-tamper device according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the at least two body portions have a hollow profile and / or recesses that are shaped and dimensioned to lock and immobilise the gas isolating tap or valve.

5. An anti-tamper device according to any of claims 2 to 4 wherein the least two body portions include hollow profiles shaped and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of a gas pipe, to which the gas isolating tap or valve is connected.

6. An anti-tamper device according to any of claims 2 to 5 wherein the two body portions are connected one to another by way of a hinge.

7. An anti-tamper device according to any of claims 2 to 5 wherein the two body portions are connected one to another by way of dowels in one body portion which are received by holes in another body portion.

8. An anti-tamper device according to any of claims 2 to 7 wherein the two body portions are connected one to another by way of a flexible connector which includes the tamper-evident seal.

9. An anti-tamper device according to any of claims 2 to 8 wherein the flexible connector is a zip-lock connector.

10. An anti-tamper device according to any preceding claim includes a collet which enables the device to be used with at least two different sizes of gas isolating tap or valve.

11. An anti-tamper device according to any preceding claim wherein the at least two body portions are bonded together when deployed.

12. An anti-tamper device according to any preceding claim wherein the at least two body portions have inter-engaging parts that interlock when the body portions are pressed together.

13. An anti-tamper device according to any preceding claim wherein the body is formed from a synthetic plastics material.

14. An anti-tamper device according to claim 13 wherein the synthetic plastics material is from the group comprising nylon, polystyrene or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

15. An anti-tamper device according to any of claims 1 to 12 wherein the at least two body portions are formed from a metal, such as steel or stainless steel.

16. An anti-tamper device according to claim 15 wherein a first body portion has recesses for receiving dowels that are provided in a second body portion.

17. An anti-tamper device according to claim 13 wherein at least one body portion has magnets for attaching to a second body portion.

18. An anti-tamper device according to any preceding claim wherein the body is yellow in colour.

19. An anti-tamper device according to any preceding claim wherein the tamper-evident seal includes a QR code with a unique identity.

20. An anti-tamper device according to claim 19 wherein the tamper-evident seal includes a bar code with a unique identity.

21. A system for use in connection with a gas isolating tap or valve, the system comprising:an anti-tamper device as claimed in according to any preceding claim;a receiver at a remote location from the anti-tamper device, the receiver being configured for storage of data on a database; andan imaging means operable by an authorised user to scan the unique identifier of the anti-tamper device, and operable to transmit the unique identifier to the receiver for storage on the database.

22. A system according to claim 21 includes a processor which associates the unique identifier with the authorised user and creates a digital record which is stored on the database.

23. A system according to either claim 21 or 22 wherein the receiver receives time and date stamp data, and the processor is operative to include the time and date stamp data in the digital record.

24. A system according to any of claims 21 to 23 wherein the receiver receives GPS location data, and the processor is operative to include the GPS location data in the digital record.

25. A system according to any of claims 21 to 24 wherein a transmitter transmits an acknowledgement receipt to the authorised user confirming receipt of data at the remote location.

26. A system according to claim 25 wherein the transmitter transmits the digital record data to an authorised user.“XI. K system according to any of claims 21 to 26 wherein the imaging means is incorporated on a mobile communications device, such as a smartphone, which operates in accordance with application specific software (APP).5 28. A system according to claim 27 wherein a regulatory body issues acompliance certificate, upon receipt of authenticated data, to the authorised user.

29. A method of deploying an anti-tamper device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20, the method comprising the steps of deploying the device to surround a gas io isolating tap or valve; obtaining an image of the unique identifier on the deployed device; and transmitting the image to a remote receiver for storage.17

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