Cable retention system

Abstract

A cable retention system includes a cable tie and a storage and installation tool. The cable tie includes an elongated band having head and tail ends. The inner surface of the band includes spaced grooves offset toward the tail end to render it more flexible than the head end. Teeth along the inner surface of the band adjacent the head end and along the outer surface of the band adjacent the tail end engage in a circumferential direction when the head end overlaps the tail end. The tool has an annular configuration with an elongated longitudinal opening and an inner raceway for receiving cables. The opening enables the tube to be slipped over a group of cables and moved along the cables. As the tube is moved along the cables, the ties are slipped off and onto the cables at selected spaced locations for securing the cables into a bundle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/359,867 entitled CABLE RETENTION DEVICE filed Feb. 7, 2003, which is based on Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/333,255,430 entitled CABLE RETENTION DEVICE filed on Feb. 8, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to retaining devices and, more particularly to a tie for securing one or more objects such as cables, wires or conduits in a bundle or to another object.

Existing cable ties take several forms. The most elementary example is a wire which is either bare or is coated with insulation and which is twisted around one or more cables which it is desired to bundle together. A more popular cable tie which is now used is a preformed plastic strip having teeth which pass through a catch box, where the teeth engage a complemental restraint which locks the end of the tie in place.

The disadvantages of the prior art devices described above are several, First, and foremost, with many types of cable, especially low voltage computer cables, the cable is sensitive to binding and it is frequently the case that the cable tie is tightened too tightly so that it adversely affects the performance of the equipment being fed by the cable. If an uncoated wire is utilized as the tie, significant damage to the cable or cables being secured may result.

Flexible conduits such as hoses and tubing are similarly sensitive to binding. Their lumens may become narrowed or partially occluded if a cable tie is overtightened, diminishing the rate of flow of liquids or gases carried by the conduits.

Another disadvantage of the prior art, even when utilizing the more popular plastic cable ties described above, is that there is no way to judge when the tie is properly secured. Since there is no margin for error, the tie may be too tight and may adversely affect performance without the knowledge of the installer who applied the tie.

Another disadvantage of prior art ties is that for the most part, once they are tightened, they cannot be released without use of a cutting tool, which destroys the tie.

Another disadvantage of prior art ties is that, even when installed properly so as not to bind the cable during normal use, if the cable is bent around a corner there is the possibility of the cable becoming pinched and adversely affected, even though this was not the case when the cable was laid out in a straight line.

Still another disadvantage of prior art tie constructions is that for the most part they require two hands to bring the cable tie around the cable and secure it to other cables in the bundle or to another object.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a preformed cable tie which has a unique, non-binding configuration, which has a partially deformable inner surface and which can be secured using one hand to bring inter-engaging surfaces together. The device can also be secured in varying circumferences but with an outward spring force which is less likely to damage the cable than the “cinching action” of the prior art devices.

In one embodiment, the invention comprises an elongated band having a tail end and a head end. The band is formed in an arcuate configuration from a material having shape-retaining memory properties. Because of its shape-retaining memory properties, the band may be deformed under force and, when the force is released, it will return to its approximate original shape. There are a plurality of first locking elements which extend around the surface of the band and a plurality of second locking elements which complementally engage the first locking elements and extend around the outer surface of the band. This combination provides a band which may be compressed with one hand to form an opening to receive a plurality of cables and when the hand is released, the locking elements engage to retain the cables within the band.

The invention also encompasses a method of holding a plurality of small diameter elongated objects in a bundled configuration which comprises providing an elongaged band formed in a generally arcuate configuration from a material having shape-retaining properties. The band is constructed so that when it is deformed under force and released it will return to its approximate original shape. The method further comprises deforming the band with one hand to provide an opening for insertion of a bundle of elongated objects within the band, placing the bundle of elongated objects within the band, and then releasing the band to allow it to return to its approximate original shape. Finally, the method of the invention includes securing the two ends of the band together to hold the band in the referenced shape.

A cable retention system of the present invention includes a cable tie device and a storage and installation tool. The cable tie device includes an elongated band having a head end and a tail end. A plurality of spaced grooves are formed along a portion of the inner surface of the band and are offset toward the tail end to render the tail end relatively more flexible than the head end. A plurality of teeth are positioned along the inner surface of the band adjacent the head end and along the outer surface of the band adjacent the tail end. The teeth are configured for releasable mutual engagement in a circumferential direction when the head end overlaps the tail end.

The storage and installation tool has a tubular or partially tubular configuration with an elongated longitudinal opening and a convex inner surface defining a raceway for receiving cables. A plurality of cable tie devices are positioned on the tool in side-by-side relation. The opening enables the tube to be slipped over a group of cables and moved along the cables. As the tube is moved along the cables, the ties are slipped off the tube and onto the cables at selected spaced locations and squeezed for securing the cables into a bundle.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a cable tie which is less likely to bind the cable or cables being secured as a result of both a unique locking mechanism and a surface construction which will be somewhat yielding to the pressure of the cable against it.

Another objective of this invention is to provide a cable tie which can be operated by one hand to bring one or more cables into a bundled configuration.

As a corollary of the foregoing object, one of the aims of this invention is to provide a cable tie which has a spring memory so that it will move in the direction of an engaged locking position once the cables to be retained are inside of it, but will yield to the cable to present an opening as the cable is being inserted.

An important aim of this invention is to provide a cable tie which provides a margin of error against being tightened too tight, the margin of error being in the form of an inner surface which is somewhat yielding and therefore avoids binding the cable even if tightened beyond what is necessary.

Another aim of this invention is to provide a cable tie which, if necessary, can be released by disengaging the locking mechanism without the need to destroy the tie with a cutting tool.

Still another one of the objects of the invention is to provide a cable tie which provides for a “sure lock” in the form of inter-engaging teeth to ensure that the tie will not come undone.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a cable tie which provides for positive engagement of the locking mechanism which can be felt by the user of the device so that he or she will know positive engagement has been obtained.

An important aim of the invention is to provide a cable tie which secures a bundle of cables with a positive outwardly directed “spring action” rather than an inwardly directed cinching action.

Various objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention.

The drawings including FIGS. 1-9 constitute a part of this specification, include exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cable tie in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view, with portions cut away and shown in cross section as the cable tie is moved into position to hold a bundle of cables.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the cable tie according to the present invention being held between the thumb and forefinger of one hand of a user and locked into position using only the one hand shown.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the cable tie taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2 and illustrating the manner in which a cable may be bent around it with out damage to the cable.

FIG. 5 is a greatly enlarged exploded side elevational view of the interchangeable teeth and body portions of the cable tie.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cable retention system embodying the present invention and including an alternate embodiment of a cable tie shown in association with a storage and installation tool in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of the system with a cable tie positioned on the tool as shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the cable tie shown in FIG. 6, with the ends shown moving into position to accept a bundle of cables.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the alternate cable tie of FIG. 6 installed in position surrounding a bundle of cables and being urged into a locking position by the thumb and forefinger of a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, the cable tie according to the present invention is designated generally by the numeral 10. Cable tie 10 comprises an annular support 12 of generally rectangular cross section and a generally convex inner face 14, which is integrally formed with annular support 12 around its circumference. The cross sectional area of the support 12 decreases significantly from one end to the other. It is desirable that the cross sectional area of the terminal end designated by the numeral 16 in FIG. 2 be 20 to 25 percent of the area of the opposite terminal end 18 (see FIG. 2). The gradually decreasing dimension of annular support 12 is indicated by broken line 20 in FIG. 2. It is also to be noted that portions of convex inner face 14 are formed by wings 22 which are integral with and project outwardly from support 12.

The construction of annular support 12 is further defined by a honeycomb structure comprising a plurality of spaced apart cross members 24 and a relatively flat planar section 26 (FIG. 1) which is parallel to a second planar section 28 which presents the outer surface of support 12. The two planar sections 26 and 28 are spaced apart to provide an open area 30 that completes the “honeycomb” effect. Of course, other cushioning structure could be employed between the planar sections 26 and 28 so that the section 26 will yield under force. It is to be understood that a first annular portion of support 12, extending over an area of approximately 180° is relatively rigid and inflexible. A second annular portion of support 12, extending over approximately 180° is relatively flexible and is formed so that it has a degree of built in memory which will cause it to be biased outwardly in the general direction of the first annular portion while still being yieldable to allow an object such as one or more cables to move past it. This characteristic of the second annular portion of support 12 will be a function of the particular resinous elastomeric material utilized and the cross sectional area of the second annular portion in comparison to the first annular portion. These parameters are well within the scope of knowledge of one skilled in the art.

Disposed on the inner surface of convex inner face 14 are a plurality of teeth 32 the configuration of which is best shown in FIG. 5. Each tooth 32 comprises a curvilinear surface 34 which terminates in a groove 36.

Complemental teeth 38 are formed along the outer surface of the second annular portion of support 12 as it approaches terminal end 16. Teeth 38 are presented by curvilinear surface 40, which mates with surface 34 and projection 42, which mates with groove 36.

A plurality of cables 44, 46 and 48 are shown in FIG. 2. Cable tie 10 may be moved into position to bundle the cables by holding it between the thumb and forefinger as shown in FIG. 3. This compresses the support 10 and provides an opening for insertion of the cables. The cables are moved to the interior of the band in the manner shown in FIG. 2. There is sufficient flexibility of the second annular portion of support 12 so that it will yield relative to the force of the cables being pushed against it. To this end, the relatively rigid nature of the first annular portion of support 12 facilitates movement of the cables 44-48 inside of the annulus formed by the support. Once the cable bundle is inside of the annulus as shown in FIG. 3, the ends 16 and 18 of tie 10 are moved toward each other so as to bring teeth 32 and 38 into complemental engagement. Once the user senses a reasonable amount of firm resistance to further movement of the ends of the tie, he or she may push with greater force to bring protrusions 42 into engagement with grooves 36 effecting the locking feature of the tie. Projections 42 are designed to snap in place with sufficient force so that the user can sense the engagement and know that locking has been achieved. The outward spring bias of the second half of support 12 helps to achieve positive locking action in a manner that minimizes any binding and without applying a tightening force to the cables beyond that needed to insert them into the device 10 and hold them in a bundled configuration. It is to be understood that various other locking means could be used instead of teeth 32-38, such as flexible pins, slots and grooves, and the like. One advantage of the invention is that teeth 32 and 38 releasably engage so that the cable tie can be removed from the bundled cables without destroying it. This is a direct result of the use of the complemental teeth to achieve the locking action. The term “cable” as used herein encompasses any small diameter elongated objects such as wires, filaments and tubes.

It will be appreciated that the honeycomb construction of annular support 12 provides a degree of resiliency and flexibility to inner face 14 to provide further insurance against the cables being pinched and damaged even if the degree of closure of tie 10 is excessive.

Referring to FIG. 4, a cable 44 is shown bent at nearly a 90° angle relative to tie 10. Convex surface 14, in cooperation with wings 22, accommodates this angular orientation without binding the cable.

A cable retention system in accordance with the invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 210 and is depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7 in association with a plurality of cables 212 to be retained in a bundle. The cable retention system 210 includes a cable bundler or tie 214 and a storage and installation tool 216. The cable tie 214 includes an elongated annular band 218 having a first or head end 220 and a second or tail end 222, a generally convex outer surface 224 and a generally concave inner surface 226 (FIGS. 8-9). The lateral margins or edges of the band 218 are curled or flared radially outwardly to form a pair of upstanding rims 228 defining a channel 230 (FIG. 7). The rims 228 are somewhat analogous to the wings 22 of the cable tie 10 previously described and function to guide the head end 220 into overlapping relation to the tail end 222. Additionally, the curled rims 228 provide radiused edges to the band 218 to avoid digging into the surface of a cable 212 which is bent in close proximity to a tie 214, in a manner similar to that illustrated in FIG. 4.

As best shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a portion of the inner surface 226 of the band 218 adjacent the head end 220 is equipped with a plurality of inwardly directed teeth 232. A portion of the outer surface 224 of the band adjacent the tail end 222 is equipped with a plurality of complemental outstanding teeth 234. The teeth 232 and 234 form band end engagement structure 235 and are generally triangular in shape when viewed in cross section, although it is foreseen that they may also be configured as depicted in FIG. 5 and previously described. The teeth are configured for projection directed away from the respective ends and surfaces 220 and 226 and 222 and 224, respectively. This construction enables the outer teeth 234 to function as a ratchet, with the complemental angular portions of the inner teeth 232 serving as pawls. The inner pawl teeth 232 slide over the outer ratchet teeth 234 when the band 218 is compressed between the thumb and forefinger of a user. Once engaged, the pawl teeth 232 catch in the complemental ratchet teeth 234, preventing backward slippage and loosening of the band.

The band 218 may be constructed of any flexible, shape-retaining material such as a synthetic resin, rubber, metal, fibrous or other material configured to place the ends 220 and 222 in spaced proximate relationship. The band 218 has a generally uniform thickness, except where there are projecting teeth 232 and 234. In order to impart increased flexibility to the tail end portion of the band, an area of the inner surface 226 of the band 218 is equipped with a series of circumferentially spaced axial or transverse grooves or slots 236, shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The purpose for rendering the tail end 222 more flexible than the head end 220 is to facilitate one-handed engagement of the band 218 with the cables 212, as will be described below. The slots 236 are arrayed asymmetrically on the band 218 so that they are offset toward the tail end 222. The slots commence adjacent a center portion of the band at a first spaced distance from the inner teeth 232 and terminate at a second spaced distance from the tail end of the band 222. Since the purpose of the slots is to impart additional flexibility to the tail end 222 of the band, they are positioned so that the first spaced distance from the head end is greater than the second spaced distance from the tail end. Thus, if the band 218 were divided into head and tail half portions, there would be fewer slots on the head half portion than on the tail half portion of the band. It is also foreseen that the slots 236 may continue all the way to the tail end 222 in order to impart greater flexibility to the tail portion of the band 218.

While the slots 236 are depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9 in evenly spaced relation, the spacing between the slots 236 may be varied, with the slots on the tail portion of the band being spaced closer together, either consistently or in a gradually converging relation to the tail end 222. The slots 236 are also depicted as having a uniform, fairly narrow width and a relatively shallow depth in comparison with the overall thickness of the band 218. However either or both of the width and the depth of the slots may be varied in the slots as they approach the tail end 222 in order to achieve a preselected desired increased flexibility at the tail end 222 to permit overlap of the head end 220.

In use, the cable bundler or tie 214 is grasped between a thumb and finger of one hand of a user as generally shown in FIG. 9. In the standard sized devices as shown in FIG. 9, the thumb and finger may fit comfortably between the rims 228 to rest in the channel 230. In smaller devices, the thumb and forefinger rest astride the rims 228. While a user is most likely to employ the forefinger as shown, any other finger could also be used to oppose the thumb in grasping the device.

The user next positions the tie 214 so that the opening between the ends 220 and 222 is adjacent the cables 212 to be bundled (FIG. 8). The user next urges the tie 214 against the cables, causing the more flexible tail end 222 to deflect inwardly as shown in FIG. 8, enlarging the opening and permitting the cables to slide between the ends 220 and 222 and pass into the interior of the band 218. The user may also rotate the tie 214 slightly as it is urged against the cables 212, to facilitate this operation. In practice, and especially when large numbers of ties 214 are installed on a run of cables 212, the tie is positioned and urged against the cables in a continuous motion which causes the cables to pass quickly and smoothly into the interior of the band 218. Thus, the ties 214 can be efficiently slapped onto the cables 212 and quickly snapped into place to gather and secure the cables 212 in a one-handed operation.

Once the cables are encircled by the band 218 as shown in FIG. 9, the user squeezes the outer surface of the band 224 between the thumb and finger to close the tie, causing the head end 220 bearing the inner pawl teeth 232 to overlap the tail end 222 bearing the outer ratchet teeth 234 so that the teeth 232 and 234 matingly engage in a circumferential direction. The configuration of the engaged outstanding projecting teeth 232 and 234 and the shape-retaining characteristics of the band 218 cooperate to lock the band in place once it is in a closed position. The user may continue to exert circumferential pressure on the band 218 until it urges the encircled bundle of cables 212 into its most compact configuration with a selected degree of tightening force. Since the tie device includes no sharp edges, the inner surface of the band 226 may be snugged against a cable bundle 212 without damage, for example, to a flow of electrical current. In such snugged applications, the outward spring bias of the band 218 and the pressure of the cable bundle 212 against the inner surface 226 cooperatively serve to further reinforce the locking mechanism of the tie device 214. In addition to gathering the cables 212, the tie 214 may also encircle a fastener or part of a structural member (not shown) to locally secure the bundled cables 212 in place or a tag to identify the cables.

A user may unclasp the tie 214 for removal or to add additional cables 212 by squeezing as previously described to release the engaged teeth 232 and 234. Once the teeth are disengaged, the user releases pressure and permits the tail end 222 to slide away from the head end 220 to form an opening between the ends. Additional cables 212 may be added by urging the cables against the opening and, once the cables are encircled within the tie device 214, again squeezing to engage the ratchet and pawl teeth 234 and 232 to lock the device. If the tie is to be removed, once unclasped it can be rotated and easily pulled away from the cables for further reuse. Advantageously, the tie device may be installed, adjusted, released for addition of cables or removed entirely by a user in an entirely one-handed operation.

The cable retention system 210 also includes a storage and installation tool generally designated by the reference numeral 216 and designed for use in association with the one handed cable tie device 214 as depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7. The tool 216 is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 to include an elongated tubular sleeve or tube 238 formed by a tube wall 239 circumferentially formed into a partially tubular shape having a first end 240 and a second end 242, formed by end edges 241 of the tube wall 239, with a longitudinal opening or slot 244 extending therebetween. Each of the ends 240 and 242 is flared radially outwardly to form a low tie retaining lip or rim 246.

The sleeve 238 has a generally convex outer surface 248 and a generally concave inner surface 250, defining a raceway 252 for receiving a plurality of cables 212. The edges 243 of the slot 244 are flared or curled outwardly and partially rolled over to form a pair of flanges or lips 254, thereby defining a somewhat omega-shaped cross section. Each lip 254 cooperates with the convex outer surface 248 to form an exterior channel for receiving the ends 220 and 222 of the cable ties 214, and function as stops to prevent the ties 214 from sliding circumferentially about the tool 216. The illustrated convex outer surface 248 adjacent one of the lips 254 is relieved to form an indent, channel or groove 256 sized to receive the cable tie inner teeth 232 adjacent the head ends 220 when the cable ties 214 are mounted on the tool. The tool 216 also includes a pair of apertures 258 adjacent each of the ends 240 and 242 for transport or storage using a hanger such as a nail, peg, hook, loop or any other suitable means.

The tool 216 may be constructed of any suitable synthetic resin, metal or fibrous material that has shape-retaining characteristics yet is flexible. The outer surface 248 should be sufficiently smooth to permit sliding passage of the cable ties 214 and the groove 256 should be sufficiently deep to permit reception of the pawl teeth 232 and sliding passage of the teeth therealong. The tool 216 may be constructed in a variety of lengths, with shorter lengths being more suitable for tight spaces, and longer lengths being more suitable for long runs of cable. The diameter of the tool 216 is sized for reception of a plurality of cable ties 214 of a size that is preselected to correspond to the number and diameters of the cables 212 to be bundled. The lips 254 and rims 246 are proportioned to the diameter so that they function to retain stored cable ties 214 in place on the tool 216 while permitting them to be easily pushed off the ends 240 and 242 during use.

While the cable ties 214 and tools 216 are each are depicted as having a generally open, annular configuration, those skilled in the art will appreciate that cable tie devices and tools in accordance with the present invention may be constructed to form any suitable closed geometric configuration once fastened, including oblong and multilateral configurations and that any cable tie configuration having a pair of open ends is within the scope of this invention.

In use, a supply of cable ties 214 may be preloaded on the tool 216 in side-by-side relation for storage and use as needed. The tool 216 may be loaded from either or both ends 240 and/or 242 with a plurality of cable ties 214 by sliding the ties over one of the rims 246 (FIG. 6). All the ties 214 should be in the same orientation with the inner teeth 232 received in the groove 256. Once loaded, the tool may be stored until needed by engaging one of the apertures 258 with a hanger. Similarly, the stored cable ties 214 and tool 216 may be transported by hanging, as from the belt of a user.

In a method of use, a user first positions the loaded tool 216 with the slot 244 aligned generally parallel to and facing a plurality of adjacent cables 212 to be bundled. The user next urges the slot 244 against the cables 212, which slide easily past the rolled lips 254 and into the interior raceway 252. The tool 216 is thus positioned in surrounding and gathering relation to a bundle of cables 212. The user next slides the tool 216 in a relatively forward direction along the length of the cable bundle until it is desirable to secure the bundle with a tie 214. The construction and manner of use of the tool 216 cooperatively serve to preposition and orient the stored cable ties 214 over a bundle of cables for convenient access and installation at selected locations along the cables 212.

The user then slides a cable tie 214 in a relatively rearward direction along the outer surface 248 of the sleeve 238 and slips it over the rim 246 and off the rearward end 242 of the tool 216. The user fastens the tie 214 using one hand as previously described. This can be accomplished while the user continues to shift the sleeve 238 forwardly, along the length of the cable bundle 212. When the supply of ties 214 is exhausted, the tool 216 may be removed by urging the sleeve 238 away from the cables until they slide out of the slot 244, and a new, fully loaded tool 216 may be installed as previously described.

In this manner, a supply of cable ties 214 may be shifted forwardly along the length of a run of cables 212, and the ties may be dropped off the rearward end 242 of the tool at preselected, spaced intervals and fastened using one hand, while the tool 234 is shifted forwardly using the other hand.

It is to be understood that while certain forms of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangement of parts described and shown.

Claims

1. A tie device for securing about first and second elongated members and comprising:

(a) an elongated band formed in an annular configuration of a flexible material with a shape retaining property, having an inner surface and an outer surface, and having a head end and an opposite tail end;

(b) a plurality of lateral grooves spaced along a portion of said inner surface at such locations as to render said tail end relatively more flexible than said head end to enable radially inward yielding of said rail end to receive said elongated members therein to thereby position said band in surrounding relation to said elongated members by a one-handed operation; and

(c) band end engagement structure on said inner surface of said head end and on said outer surface of said tail end, said band end engagement structure on said ends of said band cooperating to releasably and mutually engage to thereby secure said band about said elongated members with a selected degree of tightening.

2. A tie device as set forth in claim 1 wherein:

(a) said grooves are offset toward said tail end.

3. A tie device as set forth in claim 1 wherein:

(a) said band includes side edges which are outwardly curled to form side rims of said band.

4. A tie device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said band end engagement structure includes:

(a) a plurality of outer teeth projecting outwardly from said outer surface of said band at said head end thereof;

(b) a plurality of inner teeth projecting inwardly from said inner surface of said band at said tail end thereof; and

(c) said inner teeth and said outer teeth being configured to releasably and mutually engage in a circumferential direction, with said head end overlapping said tail end and said inner surface engaging said elongated members to thereby secure said band about said elongated members with a selected degree of tightening.

5. A tie device for securing about first and second elongated members and comprising:

(a) an elongated band formed in an annular configuration of a flexible material with a shape retaining property and having a convex inner surface and an outer surface;

(b) said band having a head end and an opposite tail end;

(c) a plurality of spaced grooves formed along a portion of said inner surface and offset toward said tail end, rendering said tail end relatively more flexible than said head end to enable radially inward yielding of said tail end to receive said elongated members therein to thereby position said convex inner surface of said band in surrounding relation thereto by a one-handed operation;

(d) a plurality of inner teeth formed along a portion of said inner surface at said head end and a plurality of outer teeth formed along a portion of said outer surface at said tail end; and

(e) said inner teeth and said outer teeth being configured to releasably and mutually engage in a circumferential direction, with said head end overlapping said tail end and said convex inner surface engaging said elongated members to enable securing said band about said elongated members with a selected degree of tightening.

6. A tie device as set forth in claim 5 wherein:

(a) said plurality of spaced grooves formed along a portion of said inner surface extends to said tail end.

7. A tie device as set forth in claim 5, wherein:

(a) the grooves formed along said inner surface are spaced more closely together as the tail end is approached.

8. A tie device as set forth in claim 5, wherein:

(a) the depth of the grooves formed along said inner surface increases as the tail end is approached.

9. A tie device as set forth in claim 5, wherein:

(a) said band includes a pair of transversely spaced outwardly curled rims.

10. A tool for storage and installation of a plurality of tie devices for securing about first and second elongated members, comprising:

(a) an elongated tube formed in an annular configuration of a flexible material with a shape retaining property and having a first end, a second end and an elongated opening therebetween;

(b) said tube having a convex inner surface defining a raceway and an outer surface;

(c) said elongated opening enabling reception of said tube about said first and second elongated members within said raceway; and

(d) said outer surface enabling storage of a plurality of said tie devices therein in side-by-side relation whereby as said tube is moved along said elongated members said tie devices may be slipped off said tube onto said elongated members at selected spaced locations therealong.

11. A tool as set forth in claim 10, wherein:

(a) each of said tie devices is adapted for one-handed clamping.

12. A tool as set forth in Clam 10, wherein:

(a) said outer surface includes a groove for receiving teeth formed along a portion of an inner surface of each of said tie devices.

13. A tool as set forth in claim 10, wherein:

(a) said first and second ends each include a low rim sized for retaining said tie devices in place while permitting passage of said tie devices over said rims and off said tube for securing about said elongated members.

14. A tool as set forth in claim 10, and further including:

(a) a pair of spaced outstanding flanges adjacent the sides of said opening for retaining the ends of the tie devices in place in an open, unfastened position.

15. A tool as set forth in claim 10, further including:

(a) an aperture formed in said tube adjacent one of said tube ends for receiving a mounting device.

16. A tool for storage and installation of a plurality of tie devices about first and second elongated members, each tie device being of an open annular shape with ends adapted for overlapping one end over an opposite end to secure said tie device about said elongated members, said tool comprising:

(a) an elongated tube defined by a tube wall having an inner tube surface and an outer tube surface, opposite slot edges, and opposite end edges, said tube wall being circumferentially formed into a partially tubular shape with said slot edges positioned in circumferentially spaced relation to define an elongated tube slot and said end edges forming open tube ends, said inner tube surface defining a raceway communicating with said tube ends and said tube slot;

(b) said tube wall being formed of a flexible material with a shape retaining property;

(c) said tube being sized relative to said tie devices to enable removable storage of a plurality of said tie devices on said outer tube surface in side-by-side relation; and

(d) said elongated slot enabling reception of said elongated members into said raceway to thereby preposition said tie devices stored on said tube in partial surrounding relation to said elongated members thereby enabling said tie devices to be successively slid off said tube onto said elongated members and secured thereabout at selectively spaced locations along said elongated members.

17. A tool as set forth in claim 16 wherein each of said tie devices has a set of inner teeth on an inner surface at one end thereof and wherein:

(a) said outer tube surface includes a groove for receiving said inner teeth of said tie devices.

18. A tool as set forth in claim 16 wherein:

(a) each of said tube ends includes a tie retaining rim for retaining said tie devices on said tube while enabling selective passage of said tie devices thereover for securing about said elongated members.

19. A tool as set forth in claim 16 and further including:

(a) said slot edges of said tube slot being curled outwardly to form flanges to be engaged by said ends of tie devices positioned on said tube to thereby to prevent said tie devices from sliding circumferentially about said tube.

20. A tool as set forth in claim 16 wherein:

(a) each of said tie devices has a set of inner teeth on an inner surface at one end thereof and said outer tube surface includes a groove for receiving said inner teeth of said tie devices;

(b) each of said tube ends includes a tie retaining rim for retaining said tie devices on said tube while enabling selective passage of said tie devices thereover for securing about said elongated members; and

(c) said slot edges at said tube slot are curled outwardly to form stops to be engaged by said ends of tie devices positioned on said tube to thereby to prevent said tie devices from sliding circumferentially about said tube.

21. A cable retention system for storage and installation of a plurality of tie devices about first and second elongated cables and comprising:

(a) a plurality of cable tie devices, each tie device being of an open annular shape with ends adapted for overlapping one end over an opposite end to secure said tie device about said elongated members;

(b) an elongated cable tie storage and installation tube defined by a tube wall having an inner tube surface and an outer tube surface, opposite slot edges, and opposite end edges, said tube wall being circumferentially formed into a partially tubular shape with said slot edges positioned in circumferentially spaced relation to define an elongated tube slot and said end edges forming open tube ends, said inner tube surface defining a raceway communicating with said tube ends and said tube slot;

(c) said tube wall being formed of a flexible material with a shape retaining property;

(d) said tube being sized relative to said tie devices to enable removable storage of a plurality of said tie devices on said outer tube surface in side-by-side relation;

(e) said elongated slot enabling reception of said cables into said raceway to thereby preposition said tie devices stored on said tube in partial surrounding relation to said elongated members thereby enabling said tie devices to be successively slid off said tube onto said cables and secured thereabout at selectively spaced locations along said elongated members;

(f) each of said tube ends including a tie retaining rim for retaining said tie devices on said tube while enabling selective passage of said tie devices thereover for securing about said elongated members; and

(g) said slot edges at said tube slot being curled outwardly to form stops to be engaged by said ends of tie devices positioned on said tube to thereby to prevent said tie devices from sliding circumferentially about said tube.

22. A system as set forth in claim 21 wherein each of said tie devices has a set of inner teeth on an inner surface at one end thereof and wherein:

(a) said outer tube surface includes a groove for receiving said inner teeth of said tie devices.

23. A system as set forth in claim 21 wherein each tie device includes:

(a) an elongated band formed in an annular configuration of a flexible material with a shape retaining property and having a convex inner surface and an outer surface;

(b) said band having a head end and an opposite tail end;

(c) a plurality of spaced grooves formed along a portion of said inner surface and offset toward said tail end, rendering said tail end relatively more flexible than said head end to enable radially inward yielding of said tail end to receive said cables therein to thereby position said convex inner surface of said band in surrounding relation thereto by a one-handed operation;

(d) a plurality of inner teeth formed along a portion of said inner surface at said head end and a plurality of outer teeth formed along a portion of said outer surface at said tail end; and

(e) said inner teeth and said outer teeth being configured to releasably and mutually engage in a circumferential direction, with said head end overlapping said tail end and said convex inner surface engaging said cables to enable securing said band thereabout with a selected degree of tightening.

24. A method for gathering and retaining first and second cables therealong and comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a plurality of cable tie devices, each tie device including a band having an open annular shape with ends adapted for overlapping one end over an opposite end to secure said cable tie device about said cables;

(b) providing a cable tie storage and installation tool including an elongated storage and installation tube defined by a tube wall having an inner tube surface and an outer tube surface, opposite slot edges, and opposite end edges, said tube wall being circumferentially formed into a partially tubular shape with said slot edges positioned in circumferentially spaced relation to define an elongated tube slot and said end edges forming open tube ends, said inner tube surface defining a raceway communicating with said tube ends and said tube slot and said tube wall being formed of a flexible material with a shape retaining property;

(c) positioning a plurality of said cable tie devices in side-by-side relation on said tube;

(d) positioning said tube with cable tie devices thereon in surrounding relation to said first and second cables, thereby prepositioning said cable tie devices in surrounding relation to said first and second cables;

(e) moving said tube along said first and second cables;

(f) slipping one of said cable tie devices off said tube at a selected location along said first and second cables; and

(g) clampingly securing said tie device around said first and second cables in said one-handed operation.

25. A method as set forth in claim 24 and including the steps of:

(a) moving said tube to a second location along said first and second cables;

(b) slipping another of said cable tie devices off said tube onto said first and second cables; and

(c) clampingly securing said cable tie device onto said first and second cables using said one-handed operation.

26. A method as set forth in claim 24 and including the step of:

(a) retaining said cable tie devices on said tube while enabling selective passage of said cable tie devices off said tube by providing a tie retaining rim on each of said tube ends of said tube.

27. A method as set forth in claim 24 and including the step of:

(a) preventing said cable tie devices from sliding circumferentially about said tube by curling said tube slot edges outwardly to form stops to be engaged by ends of said cable tie devices to thereby prevent the circumferential sliding.

28. A method as set forth in claim 24 wherein said step of providing a plurality of cable tie devices includes the step of:

(a) providing a plurality of cable tie devices, each tie device including: (1) an elongated band formed in an annular configuration of a flexible material with a shape retaining property and having a convex inner surface and an outer surface; (2) said band having a head end and an opposite tail end; (3) a plurality of spaced grooves formed along a portion of said inner surface and offset toward said tail end, rendering said tail end relatively more flexible than said head end to enable radially inward yielding of said tail end to receive said cables therein to thereby position said convex inner surface of said band in surrounding relation thereto by a one-handed operation; (4) a plurality of inner teeth formed along a portion of said inner surface at said head end and a plurality of outer teeth formed along a portion of said outer surface at said tail end; and (5) said inner teeth and said outer teeth being configured to releasably and mutually engage in a circumferential direction, with said head end overlapping said tail end and said convex inner surface engaging said cables to enable securing said band thereabout with a selected degree of tightening.