Abstract: An anchor base for integral plastic structures includes an articulated series of lever arms joined together in at least one joint by means of a living hinge in order to establish a preferred point of articulation. The leverage is such that, as a first pair of the lever arms are squeezed together to insert them into a mounting hole in a chassis, a second pair of lever arms, for giving lateral support, are initially pulled down. As the anchor base penetrates the mounting hole, the entire lever system pivots while lateral support levers are pushed up to spread the first pair of arms. Shoulders on the first pair of arms are forced under the lower side of the chassis, in order to capture the anchor base and to resist its removal. If the first pair of arms are thereafter squeezed together below the underside of the chassis, it is easy to remove the anchor base.

Abstract: The inventive cable tie gun uses simple slides and lever arms and does not require common linkages, toggles, or other complex mechanical actions that are subject to malfunction. Near the end of the tensioning slide travel, there is a mechanical interference between two moving parts (i.e. between a cable tensioning slide and a cable severing lever arm having a blade attached thereto.) However, if the cable tie tension exceeds the pulling capability of the tensioning slide, one of the moving parts is immobilized and the interference does not occur. Thereafter, the cable severing lever arm may take a full stroke and cut off the strap end while the tensioning slide is being held at midstroke position by the tension in the cable tie strap. The performance of the cable tie gun is greatly improved by a correct choice of cam surfaces, whereby the parts help and do not oppose each other.