Abstract: This document describes techniques and apparatuses, which include improved bi-directional buttonhead ties, techniques for manufacturing bi-directional buttonhead ties, and techniques for using bi-directional buttonhead ties. In aspects, a bi-directional buttonhead tie is configured for securing an elongated member to a support structure and includes a tie strap and a locking head. The tie strap includes a first side and a second side. The locking head includes an outer side opposite a panel side, the tie strap extending from the panel side of the locking head, the locking head further including a first slot extending through the locking head from the outer side to the panel side, the first slot configured to receive a portion of the tie strap therethrough, and a second slot extending through the locking head from the outer side to the panel side, the second slot configured to receive a portion of the tie strap therethrough.

Abstract: A cable tie cutting apparatus comprises a housing and a nosepiece assembly coupled to the housing. The nosepiece assembly comprises an upper portion, and a side portion and a front portion orthogonal to and extending from the upper portion. The front portion comprises a receiving element configured to receive a tail portion of a cable tie through a slotted opening and a vertical rail protruding from the front portion. The tool further comprises the blade member having a curved cutting edge and a rear planar surface that defines a channel that mates with the vertical rail of the nosepiece assembly.

Abstract: A cradle mount fixing that includes a cradle section, a mounting section, and a cable tie portion. The cradle section defines a channel that is configured for receiving a component. The cradle section includes a body section, a first cradle portion, and a second cradle portion. The first and second cradle portions define first and second cradles. The first and/or second cradle portions include cradle arms that may define inwardly extending retainer tabs that are configured for retaining the component in the first and/or second cradles. The mounting section is configured for attachment to a workpiece to secure the fixing to the workpiece. The mounting section connects to the cradle section. The cable tie portion may be integrally formed with the cradle section. The cable tie portion is configured to wrap around and secure the component to the body section.

Abstract: Techniques and apparatuses directed to improved pawl-latching devices are described in this document. The disclosed techniques and apparatuses provide pawl-latching devices with pawls structured to avoid the sinking and warping problems present in some conventional injection molding processes. In aspects, the pawl-latching devices include a pawl having at least one of a pivot member including a notch, a release feature on the pawl spaced apart from the front and sides of the pawl, a recess defined in the top of the pawl, and/or a recess defined in the bottom of the pawl.

Abstract: A cable tie application tool is described that includes an electro-mechanical tensioning system. When the electro-mechanical tensioning system is controlled by a processor to tighten a cable, a reactionary force through a drive nut that is pivotally mounted to a tension bar can be monitored and measured by a strain gauge, a load cell, or other sensing system. This reactionary force is an indication of tension on the cable tie and is monitored by the processor until the tension reaches a predetermined tension, at which point, the processor causes a motor in the tensioning system to stop increasing the tension on the cable tie. The processor activates a cut-off system to cut the cable tie that has been tightened to the predetermined tension.

Abstract: A cable duct assembly configured to retain an elongated cable is presented herein. The cable duct assembly includes a cover plate connected to a first sidewall and a second sidewall and a base plate pivotally connected to the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The first sidewall includes first arms that include lobe mechanisms and second arms that include rotation limiting portions.

Abstract: A stud-mount insert configured to be releasably retained by a mounting-tab of a wire-tray assembly. The stud-mount insert includes a flange and a body configured to rotate about a longitudinal-axis of a mounting-stud. The flange is configured to overlay an aperture defined by the mounting-tab such that the mounting-stud extends through the aperture into the body. The flange is further configured to engage a top-surface of the mounting-tab proximate a perimeter of the aperture.

Abstract: A cable tie application tool is described that includes an electro-mechanical tensioning system. When the electro-mechanical tensioning system is controlled by a processor to tighten a cable, a reactionary force through a drive nut that is pivotally mounted to a tension bar can be monitored and measured by a strain gauge, a load cell, or other sensing system. This reactionary force is an indication of tension on the cable tie and is monitored by the processor until the tension reaches a predetermined tension, at which point, the processor causes a motor in the tensioning system to stop increasing the tension on the cable tie. The processor activates a cut-off system to cut the cable tie that has been tightened to the predetermined tension.

Abstract: This document describes a saddle that adjusts to a bundle diameter. In some aspects, the saddle is a component of a cable-tie mounting assembly and forms a mounting surface, which is flexible to support a bundle. The saddle includes an aperture for receiving a cable tie. The saddle also includes at least one laterally-extending distal flexible tab that is flexible to conform to a bundle diameter based on a force applied by the cable tie disposed within the aperture and tensioned around the bundle to secure the bundle to the mounting surface of the saddle. The flexibility of the saddle surface to adjust into mating contact with the bundle (i) significantly reduces gaps created between the bundle, the cable tie, and the distal flexible tab and (ii) provides side support, preventing rotation and lateral movement of the secured bundle and reducing the likelihood of damage to the bundle.

Abstract: A grommet assembly configured to be disposed within an aperture in a panel having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface is presented herein. The grommet assembly includes a grommet frame configured to contact the first surface of the panel and an elastomeric region extending from the grommet frame and configured to be inserted within the aperture. The elastomeric region defines a plurality of ribs angled such that the ribs are configured to provide an insertion force when the elastomeric region is inserted within the aperture and provide a removal force greater than the insertion force when the elastomeric region is withdrawn from the aperture. A method of manufacturing the grommet assembly is also presented.

Abstract: A mounting bracket assembly for securement of elongate items, such as wires, cables, or other bundles items to a support structure. The mounting bracket assembly may include a clamp member defining a first clamp member and a second clamp member joined to the first clamp member by a hinge mechanism. The mounting bracket assembly may also include a locking mechanism, a wedge-shaped pawl having a plurality of teeth disposed within the slotted opening, and a mounting member defining a mounting aperture configured to receive an attachment feature therethrough.

Abstract: A fastener assembly includes a clamp body six channels extending therethrough configured to permit a cable tie or strap to be passed therethrough. A first channel is coplanar with and perpendicular to a second channel. A third channel is coplanar with and perpendicular to a fourth channel. A fifth channel is coplanar with and perpendicular to a sixth channel. The first and second channels are perpendicular to the third and fourth channels and parallel to the fifth and sixth channels. The fastener assembly includes a clamp body having an upper clamping arm, a lower ramp arm and a stress arm therebetween and a retaining segment slideably connected to the lower ramp arm. The lower ramp arm defines a pair of ramp ledges that are slideably received within a pair of wedge channels defined by the retaining segment.

Abstract: A cable tie includes a cable tie head; and a strap. The head is configured to receive the strap. A least part of the head comprises a deformable zone configured to deform when the strap is received in the cable tie head to secure the cable tie to an elongate article.

Abstract: This document describes an integrated release feature for pawl-latching devices. In particular, the integrated release feature is integrally connected to a pawl that is connected to a locking head of the pawl-latching device. The locking head defines a slot that extends through the locking head and includes a first channel conjoined with a second channel. The pawl is disposed within the second channel and positioned internally to the locking head. The pawl has multiple pawl teeth to engage serrations on an elongate strap when the elongate strap is disposed within the first channel. The integrated release feature includes at least one wall shaped to define multiple sides of an open cavity in a midsection of the pawl for receiving a release tool, and the wall has opposing ends that both face the first channel and have one or more additional pawl teeth.

Abstract: A stud-mount insert configured to be releasably retained by a mounting-tab of a wire-tray assembly. The stud-mount insert includes a flange and a body configured to rotate about a longitudinal-axis of a mounting-stud. The flange is configured to overlay an aperture defined by the mounting-tab such that the mounting-stud extends through the aperture into the body. The flange is further configured to engage a top-surface of the mounting-tab proximate a perimeter of the aperture.

Abstract: A two-piece grommet assembly is placed on opposite sides of an opening in a panel and secured thereto. The grommet pieces can be identical in construction. One piece of the grommet assembly is placed on a first side of the panel opening and the second piece of the grommet assembly is placed on the opposite side of the opening. They are applied in mirror orientation and thus “sandwich” the panel opening. The pair of grommets are secured within the opening and to each other with one or more grommet assembly cable ties. Each grommet has one or more saddle surfaces to support and retain one or more objects that pass through the grommet assembly. Each object may be secured to at least one grommet piece with a cable tie or similar device. A single piece grommet is also disclosed herein.