CABLE TIE

Abstract

An improved cable tie to couple together a plurality of elongated objects. The improved cable tie includes a cable strap having a first end, a second end and a plurality of constraint structures. First and second locking wedges that receive the cable strap are disposed inversely to one another such that a first length of the cable strap disposed through the first locking wedge engages the first locking wedge by the plurality of constraint structures to form a first loop and a second length of the cable strap disposed through the second locking wedge engages the second locking wedge by the plurality of constraint structures to form a second loop.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/232,587 filed on Sep. 25, 2015, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an improved cable tie. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved cable tie to couple together a plurality of elongated objects.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Flexible ties for use in bundling elongated members such as wires, cables, and other similar items are well known. Cable ties, also known as bundling ties and harnessing devices, are well known devices commonly used in the art to couple together a plurality of elongated objects, such as wires, cables, or similar members. Cable tie typically include an elongated flexible strap made of suitable plastic material. The majority of cable ties are a one piece construction that is molded of a nylon polyamide plastic. Because of their low cost and ease of use, tie-wraps are ubiquitous, finding use in a wide range of other applications. Stainless steel versions, either naked or coated with a rugged plastic, cater for exterior applications and hazardous environments.

Generally, cable ties have a free end (tail) and a locking head at the opposite end. The strap is flexible; the free end (tail) is capable of being looped around back toward itself and inserted into the locking head after which the diameter of the loop formed by the strap can be adjusted to snugly fit in the desired manner over the intended bundle. Cable ties are generally viewed as single-use devices; they are typically cut off rather than loosened and reused. However, if a closed loop needs to be opened again, rather than destroying the cable tie by cutting, it may be possible to release the ratchet from the rack.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed an improved cable tie to couple together a plurality of elongated objects. The improved cable tie includes a cable strap having a first end, a second end and a plurality of constraint structures. First and second locking wedges that receive the cable strap are disposed inversely to one another such that a first length of the cable strap disposed through the first locking wedge engages the first locking wedge by the plurality of constraint structures to form a first loop and a second length of the cable strap disposed through the second locking wedge engages the second locking wedge by the plurality of constraint structures to form a second loop.

Further according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first locking wedge is secured to the first end of the cable strap.

Still further according to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of constraint structures are disposed between the first end and the second ends of the cable strap.

Still further according to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of constraint structures are a multitude of serrations extending between the first and second ends of the cable strap.

Moreover, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a guide portion is disposed on the second end of the cable strap, and the first and second locking wedges are secured on the first end of the cable strap.

Yet further according to an embodiment of the present invention, the guide portion has a first end mounted on the second end of the cable strap a second end narrower than the cable strap.

Further according to an embodiment of the present invention, the second end of the guide portion is adapted for insertion through the first and second locking wedges.

Still further according to an embodiment of the present invention, the guide portion is disposed through the first locking wedge and the plurality of constraint structures of the first length of the cable strap is engaged inside the first locking wedge.

Even further according to an embodiment of the present invention, the guide portion is disposed through the second locking wedge and the plurality of constraint structures of the second length of the cable strap is engaged inside the second locking wedge.

Still further according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first and second locking wedges include first and second channels, respectively, therethrough for receipt of the guide portion of the cable strap.

Further according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first channel of the first locking wedge includes a first opening into which the guide portion is inserted and a second opening through which the guide portion exits.

Even further according to an embodiment of the present invention, the second channel of the second locking wedge includes a first opening into which the guide portion is inserted and a second opening through which the guide portion exits.

Moreover, further according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first and second locking wedges are disposed inversely to one another, whereby the first opening of the first channel of the first locking wedge is disposed beneath the second opening of the second channel of the second locking wedge.

Even further according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first and second locking wedges are disposed inversely to one another, whereby the second opening of the first channel of the first locking wedge is disposed beneath the first opening of the second channel of the second locking wedge.

Further according to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the first and second locking wedges has an internal pawl disposed within each of the first and second channels, respectively.

Still further according to an embodiment of the present invention, the internal pawls within the first and second locking wedges are adapted to prevent the constraint structure on the cable strap, once inserted past the internal pawl, from being withdrawn therepast.

Yet further according to an embodiment of the present invention, the internal pawls within the first and second locking wedges are adapted to release the constraint structure on the cable strap, once inserted past the internal pawl.

Still further according to an embodiment of the present invention, the internal pawls are flexible to a degree such that if sufficient force is applied to the cable strap the constraint structures will release the cable strap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The structure, operation, and advantages of the present invention will become further apparent upon consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures (FIGs.). The figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Certain elements in some of the figures may be omitted, or illustrated not-to-scale, for illustrative clarity. The cross-sectional views may be in the form of “slices”, or “near-sighted” cross-sectional views, omitting certain background lines which would otherwise be visible in a “true” cross-sectional view, for illustrative clarity.

In the drawings accompanying the description that follows, both reference numerals and legends (labels, text descriptions) may be used to identify elements. If legends are provided, they are intended merely as an aid to the reader, and should not in any way be interpreted as limiting.

FIG. 1 is a front three dimensional view of the improved cable tie, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional view of the improved cable tie with the guide portion through the first locking wedge, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a three-dimensional view of the improved cable tie with the guide portion through the first and second locking wedges, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the description that follows, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations of these specific details are possible while still achieving the results of the present invention. Well-known processing steps are generally not described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obfuscating the description of the present invention.

In the description that follows, exemplary dimensions may be presented for an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The dimensions should not be interpreted as limiting. They are included to provide a sense of proportion. Generally speaking, it is the relationship between various elements, where they are located, their contrasting compositions, and sometimes their relative sizes that is of significance.

In the drawings accompanying the description that follows, often both reference numerals and legends (labels, text descriptions) will be used to identify elements. If legends are provided, they are intended merely as an aid to the reader, and should not in any way be interpreted as limiting.

Cable ties, also known as bundling ties and harnessing devices, are well known devices commonly used in the art to couple together a plurality of elongated objects, such as wires or cables. For example, cable ties are widely used in the electrical industry for bundling one or more electrical wires. Cable ties have traditionally been formed by an integral molding of a cable tie head and a cable strap.

The improved cable tie 10 is designed to improve the functionality and use of a traditional cable tie. Conventionally, cable ties have a single locking wedge, which engages the cable strap about a plurality of cables. The improved cable tie 10 is designed to utilize a multitude of locking wedges 12, such as first and second locking wedges 12a and 12b, to both engage a plurality of cables or any other desired members within the cable strap 16, while simultaneously engaging any other desired structure.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the improved cable tie 10 is directed to a one-piece cable tie. The improved cable tie 10 includes a cable strap 16, a guide portion 18 and integrally molded locking wedges 12a and 12b. However, it should be noted that any desired number of locking wedges 12 may be utilized. The strap 16 can include a first end 20, a second end 22 and a plurality of constraint structures 24. The first end 20 and the second end 22 are at opposite ends of the strap 16. The strap 16 is designed to extend from the first locking wedge 12a at the first end 20.

The plurality of constraint structures 24 is disposed between the first end 20 and the second end 22. The constraint structures 24 are a multitude of serrations or teeth formed along the length of the elongated strap 16. The multitude of serrations or teeth 24 are disposed in parallel relationship to each other. In addition, the guide portion 18 is disposed on the first end 20, and the locking wedges 12a and 12b are disposed on the second end 22.

The guide portion 18 is typically of narrowed width and adapted for insertion through the locking wedges 12a and 12b. The guide portion 18 has a first end 18a mounted on the second end 22 of the cable strap and a second end 18b narrower than the cable strap 16. The second end 18b of the guide portion 18 is adapted for insertion through the first and second locking wedges 12a and 12b.

The guide portion 18 can be driven to pass through the first and second locking wedges 12a and 12b, and the plurality of constraint structures 24 of the strap 16 is engaged inside the locking wedges, so as to tie up the objects with the improved cable tie 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the cable strap 16 led by the guide portion 18 passes through the first locking wedge 12a through first opening 13a, whereby a first length 16a of the cable strap forms a first loop 28a. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the cable strap 16 led by the guide portion 18 is passes through second opening 13b and loops back on itself. The cable strap 16 then passes through the second locking wedge 12b through a first opening 15a, whereby a second length 16b of the cable strap forms a second loop 28b. The cable strap 16 then passes out through second opening 15b.

The first and second locking wedges 12a and 12b each include a first and second channel 25a and 25b, respectively therethrough for receipt of the guide portion 18 of the strap 16 and for securing the strap therein after it has been coiled around the desired members. Typically, each of the first and second locking wedges 12a and 12b has an internal pawl 27a and 27b, respectively, disposed within each of the locking wedges. The internal pawls 27a and 27b are adapted to prevent a constraint structure 24 on the strap 1.6, once inserted past the internal pawl, from being withdrawn therepast.

It is further within the terms of the present embodiment that the internal pawls 27a and 27b within the first and second wedges 12a and 12b can be configured to release the constraint structure 24. For example, the internal pawls 27a and 27b may be flexible to a degree such that if sufficient force is applied to the cable strap 16 the constraint structures 24 will release the strap.

First and second locking wedges 12a and 12b are designed to be disposed inversely to one another such that the constraint structures 24 engage the first locking wedge 12a forming a first loop 28a, and then circle over through second locking wedge 12b forming second loop 28b.

In this manner, the engagement of the internal pawl with the serrated strap 16 is used to lock the cable tie in a closed loop configuration. After the guide portion 18 has been inserted through the first and second locking wedges 12a and 12b, respectively, a plurality of loops 28a and 28b are formed, as seen in FIG. 3.

Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain preferred embodiment or embodiments, certain equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (assemblies, devices, etc.) the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more features of the other embodiments as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

Claims

1. An improved cable tie to couple together a plurality of elongated objects, comprising:

a cable strap having a first end, a second end and a plurality of constraint structures; and

first and second locking wedges that receive the cable strap being disposed inversely to one another such that a first length of the cable strap disposed through the first locking wedge engages the first locking wedge by the plurality of constraint structures to form a first loop and a second length of the cable strap disposed through the second locking wedge engages the second locking wedge by the plurality of constraint structures to form a second loop.

2. The improved cable tie of claim 1 wherein the first locking wedge is secured to the first end of the cable strap.

3. The improved cable tie of claim 1 wherein the plurality of constraint structures are disposed between the first end and the second ends of the cable strap.

4. The improved cable tie of claim 3 wherein the plurality of constraint structures are a multitude of serrations extending between the first and second ends of the cable strap.

5. The improved cable tie of claim 1 wherein a guide portion is disposed on the second end of the cable strap, and the first and second locking wedges are secured on the first end of the cable strap.

6. The improved cable tie of claim 5 wherein the guide portion has a first end mounted on the second end of the cable strap a second end narrower than the cable strap.

7. The improved cable tie of claim 6 wherein the second end of the guide portion is adapted for insertion through the first and second locking wedges.

8. The improved cable tie of claim 6 wherein the guide portion is disposed through the first locking wedge and the plurality of constraint structures of the first length of the cable strap is engaged inside the first locking wedge.

9. The improved cable tie of claim 8 wherein the guide portion is disposed through the second locking wedge and the plurality of constraint structures of the second length of the cable strap is engaged inside the second locking wedge.

10. The improved cable tie of claim 9 wherein the first and second locking wedges include first and second channels, respectively, therethrough for receipt of the guide portion of the cable strap.

11. The improved cable tie of claim 10 wherein the first channel of the first locking wedge includes a first opening into which the guide portion is inserted and a second opening through which the guide portion exits.

12. The improved cable tie of claim 11 wherein the second channel of the second locking wedge includes a first opening into which the guide portion is inserted and a second opening through which the guide portion exits.

13. The improved cable tie of claim 12 wherein the first and second locking wedges are disposed inversely to one another, whereby the first opening of the first channel of the first locking wedge is disposed beneath the second opening of the second channel of the second locking wedge.

14. The improved cable tie of claim 13 wherein the first and second locking wedges are disposed inversely to one another, whereby the second opening of the first channel of the first locking wedge is disposed beneath the first opening of the second channel of the second locking wedge.

15. The improved cable tie of claim 10 wherein each of the first and second locking wedges has an internal pawl disposed within each of the first and second channels, respectively.

16. The improved cable tie of claim 15 wherein the internal pawls within the first and second locking wedges are adapted to prevent the constraint structure on the cable strap, once inserted past the internal pawl, from being withdrawn therepast.

17. The improved cable tie of claim 16 wherein the internal pawls within the first and second locking wedges are adapted to release the constraint structure on the cable strap, once inserted past the internal pawl.

18. The improved cable tie of claim 17 wherein the internal pawls are flexible to a degree such that if sufficient force is applied to the cable strap the constraint structures will release the cable strap.