Device for cutting cable ties with a smooth cut

Abstract

This document describes techniques, devices, and systems for cutting a cable tie with a flat cut. Using a cable tie cutting tool, a cable tie can be looped around an object and a tail portion received by a head assembly. An alignment indicator can be used to align the head of the cable tie to ensure a flat cut of a serrated portion of the cable tie at a limited distance from the head portion of the cable tie. A blade member can be shifted to cut the serrated portion of the cable tie and produce a flat cut without sharp edges. In this way, the possibility of wear damage caused by contact with the flat cut can be reduced.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 271,951, filed on October 26, 2021, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] Many systems require the use of wires to interconnect cooperating subsystems, necessitating complex wiring schemes within limited space constraints. Debugging or repairing connections may require visual inspection, including the use of human hands to touch, grasp, and otherwise navigate physical features in various applications. Cable ties are commonly used to bundle wires, cables, or other objects together as a way to perform cable management to group and organize items. However, cut cable ties may contain sharp edges that may cause abrasive damage to clothing or lead to injury when touching, grasping, or otherwise working in or around these and other physical features of a system. Summary of the invention

[0004] This document describes techniques, devices, and systems for cutting a cable tie with a prominent rounded cut. For example, the technology can produce a rounded cut on a serrated band portion of a cable tie using a cable tie cutting tool. The cable tie can be looped around an object, which can be elongated or bundled, such as a wire group or a cable group. The tail portion of the cable tie is at the opposite end from its head portion; the serrated portion is located between the head portion and the tail portion. The tail portion is received by a nosepiece assembly of the tool. The head of the cable tie can be aligned with the nosepiece assembly and blade member of the tool to ensure a rounded cut of the serrated portion at a limited distance from the head portion. To this end, the blade member can be displaced during activation of the tool to cut the serrated portion with sufficient force and produce a rounded cut without sharp edges. In addition, it is performed at a limited distance to ensure that a consistent amount of the serrated portion remains after cutting to help keep the loop secure. By utilizing the techniques, devices, and systems described herein, the likelihood of abrasion damage caused by the severed ends of a cable tie may be reduced.

[0005] In one example, a tool includes a housing and a head assembly coupled to the housing. The head assembly includes an upper portion, a side portion orthogonal to the upper portion and extending from the upper portion, and a front portion orthogonal to the upper portion and extending from the upper portion. The front portion includes a receiving element and a vertical track, the receiving element being configured to receive a tail portion of a cable tie through a slotted opening having a width at least the width of the tail portion of the cable tie, the vertical track protruding from the front portion and configured to cooperate with a channel of a blade member. The tool further includes a blade member configured to produce a flat cut along a serrated portion of the cable tie at a limited distance from the head portion of the cable tie, and the blade member includes a rear flat surface and a cutting edge, the rear flat surface defining a channel that cooperates with the vertical track of the head assembly, the cutting edge including a sharp curve starting and ending at the rear flat surface of the blade member.

[0006] In another example, an apparatus includes a head assembly configured to be coupled to a housing of a tool for severing a serrated portion of a cable tie with a flat cut at a limited distance from a head portion of the cable tie. The head assembly includes an upper portion, a side portion orthogonal to and extending from the upper portion, and a front portion orthogonal to and extending from the upper portion. The front portion includes a receiving element and a vertical track, the receiving element being configured to receive a tail portion of the cable tie through a slotted opening having a width at least the width of the tail portion of the cable tie, the vertical track protruding from the front portion and configured to cooperate with a channel of a blade member.

[0007] In another example, the device includes a blade member configured to produce a flat cut along a serrated portion of a cable tie at a limited distance from a head portion of the cable tie. The blade member includes a rear flat surface having a channel recessed from the rear flat surface that mates with a vertical track of a handpiece assembly, and a cutting edge including a sharp curve starting and ending at the rear flat surface of the blade member.

[0008] In various aspects, techniques, devices, and systems for cutting a cable tie with a flat cut are described with respect to various elements of a cable tie cutting tool, including a widely compatible head assembly, a blade member, and a fixing element. Therefore, it should be understood that the various elements described above can be utilized to provide specific functions that can be used in combination with each other in whole or in part and in combination with a large number of widely compatible cable tie cutting tools. In addition, additional aspects of one or more elements for cutting a cable tie with a flat cut are described below.

[0009] This Summary introduces simplified concepts related to cutting cable ties with a flat cut, as further described in the Detailed Description and Figures. This Summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] This document describes one or more aspects of cutting a cable tie with a smooth cut with reference to the following figure:

[0011] Figure 1 An example operating environment for severing a cable tie with a flat cut according to the techniques of the present invention is shown;

[0012] Figure 2 An example cable tie cutting tool is shown;

[0013] Figure 3 An example view of a handpiece assembly and a fixation element is shown;

[0014] Figure 4 An example view of a blade member is shown;

[0015] Figure 5 An example of an alignment indicator of a handpiece assembly is shown; and

[0016] Figure 6 A method for severing a cable tie with a flat cut in accordance with the present technology is shown.

[0017] The same or similar numbers may be used throughout the drawings to reference similar features and components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Overview

[0019] This document describes techniques, devices, and systems for cutting a cable tie with a flat cut. In one example of cutting a cable tie with a flat cut, a cable tie cutting tool is used to produce a flat cut on a serrated portion of the cable tie. In various aspects, the cable tie tool includes a head assembled on a housing. In addition, a blade member may be attached to the head assembly and connected to the housing via a blade link. These elements may be implemented together to work synergistically. For example, the housing may be configured to receive the head assembly via one or more fixing elements. The head assembly may receive and align the tail portion of the cable tie to allow the blade member to produce a flat cut when actuated by the blade link and started or activated by a trigger.

[0020] In some examples, the various elements can be used in combination with each other in whole or in part and in combination with a large number of widely compatible cable tie cutting tools. In various aspects, the head assembly can be divided into various parts, including an upper part, a side part, and a front part. The upper part may include a top flat surface and a bottom flat surface that cooperate with the shell. The side part may include an outer flat surface that is orthogonal to the bottom flat surface of the upper part and extends from the bottom flat surface. The side part can be used to fix the head assembly to the shell. Similarly, the front part of the head assembly can be defined as having an inner flat surface and an outer flat surface that are orthogonal to the bottom flat surface of the upper part and extend from the bottom flat surface.

[0021] In addition, the head assembly may include one or more elements, such as a receiving element and a side entrance or a vertical track, the receiving element being defined at the front portion and being configured to receive the tail portion of the cable tie, the side entrance being used to receive a serrated belt, and the vertical track protruding from the inner flat surface of the front portion and being configured to cooperate with the blade member. The head assembly may be compatible with a specific fixing element that secures the head assembly to the housing using an outer portion and an inner portion having a smaller flat surface. The fixing element may include a first boss and a second boss, the first boss and the second boss being mounted within an opening of the housing. The second boss may additionally include a threaded opening for securing the head assembly and the fixing element to the housing using one or more fasteners (e.g., screws).

[0022] Although the blade member is described as being configured to cooperate with the vertical track of the head assembly, it is understood that the blade member can be operated in conjunction with other compatible cable tie cutting tools, for example, replacing a head and blade connecting rod of an appropriately configured head. The blade member may include a rear flat surface having a recessed channel for cooperating with the vertical track of the head. In addition, the blade connecting rod opening may be defined through the blade member to initiate movement to utilize the cutting edge of the blade member. Specifically, the cutting edge can be implemented as a sharp edge having a curved shape to produce a flat cut. In one aspect, each of the above-mentioned elements acts synergistically as part of a cable tie cutting tool for cutting a cable tie with a flat cut.

[0023] Example Environment

[0024] Figure 1An example operating environment 100 for cutting a cable tie with a flat cut is shown. Specifically, a cable tie cutting tool 102 is implemented on a cable tie 104 that surrounds a group of electrical wires 106. In various aspects, the group of wires 106 is one of a plurality of groups of wires within an electrical system, and in some cases, the group of wires 106 is referred to as a wire harness. The use of cable ties is described in the context of cable management, and the cable ties and cable tie cutting tools can be used for various organizational or fastening purposes.

[0025] In one example of the cable tie cutting tool 102, the tool 102 includes a housing 108, a head assembly 110 that can be coupled to the housing 108, a blade member 112, a fixing element 114, and a blade link 116. In various aspects, the head assembly 110 can be fixed to the housing 108 by one or more fixing elements 114. The one or more fixing elements 114 can include any number of suitable fasteners, such as screws, bolts, etc., or any external elements that can be used to fix the head assembly 110 to the housing 108.

[0026] In one implementation of the cable tie cutting tool 102, the housing 108 includes a trigger 118 that is directly or indirectly attached to the blade link 116. In one aspect, the trigger 118 is configured for linear (e.g., horizontal or vertical) displacement or rotation (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise). The trigger 118 can be attached directly or through a lever arm to the blade link 116 connected to the blade member 112. The trigger 118 can be configured to cause vertical displacement of the blade link 116 at the point where it is connected to the blade member 112 when moved. As a result, the blade member 112 can be vertically displaced at the serrated portion and cut the cable tie 104.

[0027] In one aspect, the cable tie cutting tool 102 can be an automatic tool such that a motor is used to displace the blade member 112. In one aspect, the cable tie 104, when cut, produces a blunt cut 120 at the serrated portion of the cable tie 104 where the cable tie 104 surrounds the set of electrical conductors 106. Thus, the blunt cut 120 can be free of sharp edges and, therefore, minimize the potential for abrasive damage to a service technician and nearby conductors. It should be noted that the blunt cut 120 is displaced a limited distance 122 from the head portion 124 of the cable tie 104. In one aspect, the limited distance 122 left on the serrated portion of the cable tie 104 can provide additional security to prevent slippage or separation of the cable tie. For example, the distanced cut can ensure that a sufficient number of serrations are engaged to keep the cable tie securely looped. To this end, severing the cable tie with a non-angular cut may provide increased reliability of the cable tie 104 and minimize wear damage, with the added advantage of providing a cut that conveys via visual inspection that the cable tie loop is secure.

[0028] Example System

[0029] Figure 2 An example of a cable tie cutting tool 200 is shown, which is an example of the cable tie cutting tool 102. Specifically, the cable tie cutting tool 200 includes a housing 108, a head assembly 110, a blade member 112, a fixing element 114, and a blade link 116. In order to secure the head assembly 110 to the housing 108, a fixing element 114 can be used. In one aspect, the fixing element 114 includes an outer portion 210, an inner portion 212, a first boss 214, and a second boss 216. The outer portion 210 can create a lip around the inner portion 212, which fixes the head assembly 110 by allowing the inner portion 212 to be installed in an opening (not shown) of the head assembly 110 instead of the outer portion 210.

[0030] The first boss 214 and the second boss 216 can each be placed in a separate opening of the housing 108 to secure the head assembly 110 and the fixing element 114 to the housing 108. Either or both of the first boss 214 and the second boss 216 can include a threaded hole 218 configured to receive one or more fasteners to secure the fixing element 114 and the head assembly 110 to the housing 108.

[0031] It should be noted that while the nose assembly 110 can be secured to the housing 108 via the securing element 114, other implementations can secure the nose assembly 110 to the housing 108 via alternative methods. For example, one or more fasteners can be used to secure the nose assembly 110 to the housing 108. In this implementation, one or more threaded holes can be present in the nose assembly 110, the housing 108, or both.

[0032] Once secured to the housing 108, the nose assembly 110 can be used to provide various functions for the cable tie cutting tool. For example, the nose assembly 110 can be divided into various parts, including an upper part, a side part (not shown), and a front part. The upper part may include a top flat surface and a bottom flat surface, either of which may lean along a portion of the housing. In one example, the bottom flat surface of the upper part leans on the upper surface of the housing 108. The side part may include an outer flat surface orthogonal to the bottom flat surface of the upper part and extending from the bottom flat surface. In various aspects, the side part may include an opening for securing the nose assembly 110 to the housing. Similarly, the front part of the nose assembly 110 can be defined as having an inner flat surface and an outer flat surface orthogonal to the bottom flat surface of the upper part and extending from the bottom flat surface. In addition, the nose assembly 110 may include one or more elements, such as a receiving element 220 defined at the front part and configured to receive the tail portion of the cable tie.

[0033] The nose assembly 110 may include two vertical protrusions 222 (e.g., vertical protrusion 222-1, vertical protrusion 222-2) to align the head portion of the cable tie with the receiving element 220. In some implementations, the vertical protrusions 222 can be gradually tapered to better align the head portion of the cable tie with the receiving element 220. For example, the vertical protrusions 222 can be spaced apart from each other at an outer flat surface of the front portion of the nose assembly 110 by at least the width of the head portion of the cable tie. The vertical protrusions 222 can be gradually tapered at a certain distance from the outer flat surface of the front portion, so that the two vertical portions are farther away from each other at a greater distance from the outer flat surface of the front portion. Specifically, the distance between the vertical protrusions 222 can gradually increase along the protrusion from the outer flat surface of the front portion of the nose assembly 110.

[0034] The receiving element 220 of the head assembly 110 can be used to receive the tail portion of the cable tie. Similarly, the vertical protrusion 222 can be used to guide the tail portion of the cable tie into the receiving element 220. For example, the tapered vertical protrusion 222 can funnel or guide the head portion of the cable tie toward the receiving element 220 until it is flush with the front portion of the head assembly 110. As a result, the serrated portion of the cable tie can be centered within the receiving element 220. This can allow the blade member 112 to achieve a symmetrical cut, and in some implementations, a semicircular or nearly semicircular cut. For semicircular or nearly semicircular cuts, alignment of the cable tie is particularly important because misalignment can result in sharp edges on the serrated portion of the cable tie, which can cause wear damage. Therefore, a variety of alignment methods can be used to ensure the robustness and repeatability of the cable tie cutting process.

[0035] The alignment indicator 224 can additionally assist in aligning the head portion of the cable tie. For example, the top planar surface of the upper portion of the nose assembly can include a marking or protrusion at the center of the width dimension of the top planar surface. The marking can extend along the vertical dimension of the top planar surface. In one aspect, the alignment indicator provides a visual method for aligning the alignment indicator with the center of the head portion of the cable tie, thereby aligning the cut. Additionally, the nose assembly 110 may include a vertical track (not shown) protruding from (the middle portion of) the interior planar surface of the front portion and configured to mate with the blade member 112.

[0036] In one aspect, the blade link 116 includes a pin hole 202 that connects the blade link 116 to the housing 108. In some implementations, the blade link 116 is directly or indirectly connected to a mechanical trigger (e.g., the trigger 118) at the pin hole 228. In this implementation, movement of the trigger causes vertical displacement of the blade link 116 at the end portion 226. In an alternative implementation, the blade link 116 may be connected to a motor that drives the displacement of the blade link 116. The blade link 116 may be further connected to the blade member 112 by an opening 204 defined through the blade member 112. In one aspect, the end portion 226 of the blade link 116 may be inserted into the opening 204 of the blade member 112. As a result, the vertical displacement of the blade link 116 at the end portion 226 may cause the vertical displacement of the blade member 112.

[0037] Although the vertical displacement of the blade member 112 is described in the context of the blade link 116, in other implementations, it is possible to drive the displacement of the blade member 112 by alternative methods. For example, the blade member 112 can be displaced by using a mating gear that drives the vertical displacement by rotation. Alternatively, or in addition, a motor, electronic circuit system, or other electrical system can be used to drive the displacement of the blade member 112.

[0038] In addition, the displacement of the blade member 112 can be guided by using the channel 206, which is recessed in and defined by the rear flat surface 208 of the blade member 112. For example, the head assembly 110 may include a vertical track (not shown) that cooperates with the channel 206 of the blade member 112. Therefore, the vertical track can be used to guide the vertical displacement of the blade member 112 using the channel 206.

[0039] In one aspect, the head portion of the cable tie is placed flush with the front portion of the head assembly 110, which allows the tail portion of the cable tie to be received by the receiving element 220. Due to the curvature of the blade member 112, the vertical displacement of the blade member 112 can cause the serrated portion of the cable tie to be cut off with a flat cut at a limited distance from the head portion of the cable tie. Therefore, the cable tie may be more robust in terms of sliding. For example, the cut at a limited distance can allow an acceptable number of serrations to be engaged to keep the cable tie securely looped. For example, if only one or two serrations are engaged after a typical application cut, the cable tie may not be secure, or at least not appear as secure as when additional serrations are available for engagement after the flat cut. In addition, the head assembly 110 can provide additional functions with respect to the blade member 112. For example, the head assembly 110 can cover the blade member 112 to prevent accidental injuries caused by the displacement of the blade member 112 and protect the blade member 112 from impact.

[0040] Sample Head Assembly

[0041] Figure 3 Example views 300-1, 300-2, and 300-3 of the head assembly 110 and the fixing element 114 are shown. The first view 300-1 shows a left perspective view of the head assembly 110 and the fixing element 114. View 300-1 shows an upper portion 302 having a top planar surface 308. In one aspect, the top planar surface 308 includes an alignment indicator 224 defined along a length dimension of the top planar surface 308. Additionally, the alignment indicator 224 can be defined as being centered around a width dimension of the top planar surface 308. Alternatively, the alignment indicator 224 can be defined at other locations along the width dimension to align the head portion of the cable tie with the blade member 112 when activated.

[0042] Also shown in view 300-1 is an outer planar surface 306 of the front portion 310 of the head assembly 110. In one aspect, the outer planar surface 306 is orthogonal to and extends from the bottom planar surface 312 of the upper portion 302, as shown in the bottom view 300-3 of the head assembly 110. The bottom planar surface 312 can also include a length dimension and a width dimension.

[0043] View 300-3 also illustrates an interior planar surface 314 of the front portion 310 of the cable tie cutting tool, which may also be defined by a length dimension and a width dimension. In one aspect, the interior planar surface 314 is orthogonal to and extends from the bottom planar surface 312 of the upper portion 302. The nose assembly 110 may also include a side portion 304 shown in the right perspective view 300-2, which includes an exterior planar surface 316 having a length dimension and a width dimension. In one aspect, the exterior planar surface 316 is also orthogonal to and extends from the bottom planar surface 312 of the upper portion 302 (shown in view 300-3). Additionally, the side portion 304 may include an interior planar surface 318 having a length dimension and a width dimension. In some implementations, the side portion 304 may include an opening 320 (shown in view 300-2) that may be used to secure the head assembly 110 to the housing via the securing element 114. In one implementation, the opening 320 may be defined through the side portion 304 and configured to mount the securing element 114. In other implementations, the opening 320 may include a plurality of openings that may be used to secure the head assembly via one or more fasteners.

[0044] The fixing element 114 can be part of the nose assembly 110 or independent of the nose assembly 110. In one implementation, the fixing element 114 is a separate structure configured to be installed in the opening 320 of the nose assembly 110. In one aspect, the nose assembly 110 includes a countersunk hole having an outer opening 324 and an inner opening 326 located within the outer opening 324. In some implementations, the outer opening 324 is defined as having a length dimension and a width dimension, and the inner opening 326 is defined as having a smaller length dimension and a smaller width dimension. In this implementation, the smaller length and smaller width of the inner opening 326 compared to the outer opening 324 creates a lip that can be used to fix the nose assembly 110 when a separate fixing element 114 is used.

[0045] The fixation element 114 can be configured to fit within the counterbore of the opening 320. For example, the fixation element 114 (shown in view 300-1) can include an outer portion 210 having a larger flat surface configured to fit within an outer opening 324 of the handpiece assembly 110, rather than within an inner opening 326 of the handpiece assembly 110. Furthermore, the larger flat surface of the outer portion 210 of the fixation element 114 can be defined by a length dimension and a width dimension that are smaller than the length and width dimensions of the outer opening 324 but larger than the inner opening 326 of the handpiece assembly 110.

[0046] The fixation element 114 can additionally include an inner portion 212 that protrudes from the outer portion 210 and is defined by a smaller planar surface that is configured to fit within the inner opening 326 of the head assembly 110. The smaller planar surface can be defined by a length dimension and a width dimension that are smaller than the length dimension and the width dimension of the inner opening 326 of the head assembly 110.

[0047] One or more bosses may extend from the interior portion 212 of the fixing element 114. For example, a first boss 214 configured for placement within an opening of a housing may include a cylindrical protrusion from a smaller flat surface of the interior portion 212 of the fixing element 114. A second boss 216 configured for placement within a different opening of the housing may also include a cylindrical protrusion from a smaller flat surface of the interior portion 212 of the fixing element 114.

[0048] The fixing element 114 may include a threaded hole 218 (shown in view 300-2) defined through the outer portion 210, the inner portion 212 and the second boss 216. The threaded hole 218 may be configured to receive one or more fasteners to fix the fixing element 114 and the head assembly 110 to the housing. In addition, the housing may include a threaded hole, and the second boss 216 is installed at the threaded hole to allow the fastener to be fixed to the housing. In one aspect, the use of the first boss 214 and the second boss 216 fixes and aligns the head assembly 110 with the housing (e.g., prevents rotation, lateral movement). Additionally, the selected length and width of the inner portion 212 and the outer portion 210 may allow the outer portion 210 to fix the head assembly 110 by contacting the lip of the opening 320. Although the fixing element 114 has been described for a specific element, it should be noted that various features can be added or replaced. For example, the fixing element 114 may include only one boss in the first boss 214 and the second boss 216 or no boss. The fixation element may be defined by one portion rather than two portions (eg, inner portion 212 and outer portion 210 ). Additionally, any number of fasteners may be used to secure the handpiece assembly 110 via the fixation element 114 .

[0049] To receive the tail portion of the cable tie, the front portion 310 may include a receiving element 220 (shown in view 300-1) defined by the front portion 310. The receiving element 220 may be defined with a slotted opening 322, which is an optional side entry for receiving a strap having serrations having a width dimension no greater than the width dimension of the exterior planar surface 306 of the front portion 310. The receiving element may additionally include two vertical protrusions 222 (e.g., vertical protrusion 222-1 and vertical protrusion 222-2). The vertical protrusions 222 may extend from the exterior planar surface 306 of the front portion 310. The vertical protrusions 222-1 and the vertical protrusions 222-2 may be spaced apart from each other at the exterior planar surface 306 by a distance of at least the width of the head portion of the cable tie. Additionally, the vertical protrusions 222 can taper from the outer planar surface 306 of the front portion 310 of the nose assembly 110 to a certain distance so that the two vertical protrusions 22 are farther apart from each other at a greater distance from the outer planar surface 306. In one aspect, the tapered vertical protrusions 222 can guide and align the head portion of the cable tie within the receiving element 220.

[0050] The nose assembly 110 may also include one or more features that cooperate with other elements of the tool for cutting the cable tie with a non-angular cut. For example, the nose assembly 110 may include a vertical track 328 (shown in view 300-3) protruding from the inner flat surface 314 of the front portion 310. In various aspects, the vertical track 328 is configured to cooperate with the channel of the blade member (e.g., the channel 206 of the blade member 112) to guide the displacement of the blade member. The vertical track 328 may include a length dimension and a width dimension, and when the length dimension and the width dimension are appropriately sized, the vertical track 328 is allowed to be surrounded by the channel of the blade member. In one aspect, the length and width dimensions of the vertical track 328 are slightly smaller than the length and width dimensions of the channel of the blade member. Alternatively, the vertical track 328 may be recessed in the inner flat surface 314. In this implementation, the blade member may include a protrusion to be installed in the recessed vertical track 328.

[0051] The nose assembly 110 may include a cutting support 330 (shown in view 300-3). In some implementations, the cutting support 330 is defined at the interior flat surface 314 of the front portion 310, above the slotted opening 322 of the receiving element 220. In one aspect, the cutting support 330 may protrude from the interior flat surface 314. Alternatively, or in addition, the cutting support 330 may protrude from the bottom flat surface 312 of the upper portion 302. The cutting support 330 may have a perimeter of an arc that begins and ends at the interior flat surface 314 of the front portion 310. In one aspect, the arc of the cutting support 330 has a midpoint that is defined at a point along the arc that is equidistant from the beginning and end of the arc. In addition, the cutting support 330 may have a depth that is defined as the distance between the interior flat surface 314 and the midpoint of the arc. The cutting support 330 can be configured to fit within the cutting edge of a blade member (e.g., blade member 112) when the blade member is vertically displaced. Thus, the cutting support 330 can be shaped similar to the cutting edge of the blade member, and the cutting support 330 can have a depth that allows the cutting support 330 to be located within the cutting edge of the blade member. Thus, the cutting support 330 can provide support for the serrated portion of the cable tie when the serrated portion of the cable tie is received by the receiving element 220 and allow the blade member to cut the serrated portion of the cable tie in a clean and precise manner.

[0052] Example Blade Components

[0053] Figure 4Example views 400-1, 400-2, 400-3 and 400-4 of blade member 112 are shown. View 400-1 shows a side view of blade member 112. In one aspect, blade member 112 includes cutting edge 402 (shown in view 400-1). Cutting edge 402 can start and end at rear flat surface 208 (shown in view 400-2) of blade member 112. Example shapes of cutting edge 402 can be example view 400 of blade member 112. For example, cutting edge 402 can include sharp curve 404 that starts and ends at rear flat surface 208. In one aspect, cutting edge 402 can taper from larger curve 406 (shown in view 400-3) to sharp curve 404 to produce robust cutting edge 402. The sharp curve 404 of the cutting edge 402 can be additionally defined by a depth 408 between the middle portion of the sharp curve 404 and the rear flat surface 208. In an implementation utilizing a cutting support (e.g., a cutting support 330), the cutting edge 402 can be configured to surround the cutting support when the blade member 112 is vertically displaced. Additionally, the shape of the sharp curve 404 can be similar to the arc of the cutting support and have a depth 408 greater than the depth of the cutting support. In this way, the cutting support can be located within the cutting edge 402 when the blade member 112 is displaced.

[0054] In addition, the blade member 112 can taper as shown in view 400-4. In one aspect, the blade member tapers from mark 410 to a larger curve 406. In some implementations, the tapered blade member 112 can use less material and take up less space within the nose assembly. In addition, the tapered blade member 112 can gradually create a cutting edge 402. In order to provide clarity when orienting the blade member within the nose assembly, a chamfer 412 can be placed on one corner of the blade member 112 to indicate or guide the correct direction of installing the blade member 112 during installation in the nose assembly, or in other words, correctly guide the direction of the blade member 112.

[0055] The blade member 112 can further utilize the features designed for combining other elements of the tool for cutting the cable tie with a non-angular cut. For example, the blade member can include an opening 204 (shown in view 400-4) that is limited to pass through the blade member 112. In various aspects, the opening 204 can be configured to cooperate with the blade connecting rod so that the blade member 112 is vertically displaced. For example, the opening 204 of the blade member 112 can be installed to the end of the blade connecting rod. The end of the blade connecting rod can be inserted into the opening 204 to vertically displace the blade member 112 when the end of the blade connecting rod is vertically displaced. The vertical displacement of the blade member 112 can be guided by using a channel 206 (shown in view 400-4), and the channel 206 is configured to cooperate with the vertical track (e.g., vertical track 328) of the head assembly. The channel 206 can be recessed in the rear flat surface 208 of the blade member 112. The channel 206 can be defined by a length dimension and a width dimension. In some implementations, the length and width of the channel 206 can be slightly greater than the length and width of the vertical track. As a result, the channel 206 can surround the vertical track and be used to guide the vertical displacement of the blade member 112. In other implementations, the head assembly may include a recessed channel. In this implementation, the blade member 112 can include a vertical track with a smaller length and width. In this way, the blade member 112 includes a vertical track that is configured to be surrounded by the channel of the head assembly to guide the displacement of the blade member 112.

[0056] In a specific implementation, the shape of the sharp curve 404 of the cutting edge 402 can be semicircular or nearly semicircular. In this implementation, the vertical displacement of the blade member can produce a semicircular or nearly semicircular cut along the serrated portion of the cable tie. When using a tool for cutting a cable tie with a flat cut to produce a semicircular or nearly semicircular cut, it is very important to properly align the cable tie to reduce the possibility of sharp edges that can cause wear damage. To this end, one or more alignment methods can be used to align the cable tie.

[0057] Example alignment indicator

[0058] Figure 5 An example 500 of an alignment indicator of a handpiece assembly is shown. The alignment indicator 224 is displayed on the top planar surface 308 of the handpiece assembly 110. A first circle 502 is displayed in the middle of the width dimension of the top planar surface 308. A dashed line extends vertically along the length dimension of the top planar surface 308 to a second circle 504 displayed in the middle of the width dimension of the top planar surface 308. Alternatively, the alignment indicator can be positioned away from the middle of the width dimension of the top planar surface, but positioned in a manner that aligns with the center of the head portion (e.g., the serrated portion) of the cable tie.

[0059] The alignment indicator 224 can be represented as one or more shapes centered on the dotted line. For example, the alignment indicator 224 can include a line protruding from the top flat surface 308 along the dotted line. The alignment indicator 224 can include a rectangle recessed in the top flat surface 308 centered on the dotted line. The alignment indicator 224 can include two lines equidistant from the dotted line on opposite sides. It is not required that the alignment indicator 224 extend the full length dimension of the top flat surface 308. In addition, it should be understood that the alignment indicator 224 can be any number of unmentioned shapes, such as a circle or a diamond. It should also be understood that the alignment indicator 224 can be recessed or protruding from the top flat surface 308 of the head assembly 110. In one aspect, the alignment indicator provides a visual mark that can be used to align the head assembly 110 with the head portion of the cable tie. As a result, the serrated portion of the cable tie can be aligned in a receiving element (e.g., receiving element 220) and aligned with the blade member 112 to produce an appropriate cut along the serrated portion of the cable tie. In some implementations, the cutout can be a semicircular or nearly semicircular cutout.

[0060] Example Method

[0061] Figure 6 An example method 600 for cutting a cable tie with a flat cut is shown. The operations (or steps) of method 600 include operations 602 to 608; the steps of method 600 may be performed but are not necessarily limited to the order or combination of operations shown herein. In addition, any of one or more operations may be repeated, combined, or reorganized to provide other operations using the example techniques of the present disclosure. For ease of description, in Figure 1 Method 600 is described in the context of.

[0062] At 602, the tail portion of the looped cable tie 104 is positioned through a receiving element of the handpiece assembly 110. For example, a user may position the cable tie cutting tool 102 to encircle the serrated portion of the looped cable tie 104. In various aspects, the tail portion may be received through the handpiece assembly 110, and the cable tie cutting tool 102 may be moved or tensioned (e.g., from the trigger 118) until the head portion of the cable tie 102 is positioned at the handpiece assembly 110.

[0063] At 604, the head portion of the cable tie 104 is aligned with the handpiece assembly 110 using the alignment indicator 224. For example, the user may use the alignment indicator 224 to align the center of the head portion of the cable tie 104 with the alignment indicator 224. The user may continue to adjust the cable tie cutting tool 102 until the head portion of the cable tie 104 is aligned with the alignment indicator 224.

[0064] At 606, the blade member 112 is displaced to cut the serrated portion of the cable tie 104 with a flat cut at a limited distance from the head portion. For example, the user can move the trigger 118 to actuate a blade link connected to the blade member 112, which causes the blade member 112 to be vertically displaced. Alternatively, the cable tie cutting tool 102 can be an automatic tool including a motor. The user can actuate the motor through the trigger 118 and cause the blade member 112 to be vertically displaced. In various aspects, the flat cut is a semicircular or nearly semicircular cut. By using the method 600 or its variants to cut the cable tie with a flat cut, the sharp edges on the serrated portion of the cable tie can be reduced or avoided, which can reduce wear damage to nearby wires and maintenance technicians. Additionally, the cable tie can be cut in a manner that ensures the engagement of multiple serrations due to the distanced cutting. This can limit the possibility of the serrations of the looped cable tie being disengaged and prevent cable tie failure.

[0065] Additional Examples

[0066] Additional examples of cable ties that are cut with a smooth cut include:

[0067] Example 1: A device, comprising: a housing; a head assembly, the head assembly being coupled to the housing and comprising: an upper portion; a side portion, the side portion being orthogonal to the upper portion and extending from the upper portion; and a front portion, the front portion being orthogonal to the upper portion and extending from the upper portion and comprising: a receiving element, the receiving element being configured to receive a tail portion of a cable tie through a slotted opening, the slotted opening having a width at least the width of the tail portion of the cable tie; and a vertical track, the vertical track protruding from the front portion and being configured to cooperate with a channel of a blade member; and a blade member, the blade member being configured to produce a flat cut along a serrated portion of the cable tie at a limited distance from the head portion of the cable tie, the blade member comprising: a rear flat surface, the rear flat surface defining a channel that cooperates with the vertical track of the head assembly; and a cutting edge, the cutting edge comprising a sharp curve starting and ending at the rear flat surface of the blade member.

[0068] Example 2: A device as described in any of the previous examples, wherein the receiving element of the head assembly further includes: a cutting support, wherein the cutting support is defined as a protrusion from the upper portion of the head assembly, and the protrusion cooperates with the cutting edge of the blade assembly to support the serrated portion when the sharp curve of the cutting edge is cutting the cable tie.

[0069] Example 3: The device of any of the previous examples, wherein the head assembly further comprises: an indicator at an upper portion of the head assembly, the indicator providing an indication of alignment between the head assembly and a head portion of the cable tie.

[0070] Example 4: A device as in any of the previous examples, wherein the indicator at the upper portion of the handpiece assembly comprises a protrusion or a recess from the upper portion of the handpiece assembly.

[0071] Example 5: A device as in any of the previous examples, wherein the nose assembly is configured to receive the fixation element through a side portion of the nose.

[0072] Example 6: A device as described in any of the previous examples, wherein: the nose assembly includes a first opening, the first opening is configured to receive a fixing element in a countersunk hole of the nose assembly, the countersunk hole includes an outer opening and an inner opening in the outer opening; the fixing element is configured to be inserted into the first opening of the nose assembly to fix the nose assembly to the housing, the fixing element includes: an external portion, the external portion is installed in the outer opening of the countersunk hole, but not installed in the inner opening of the countersunk hole; an internal portion protruding from the external portion, the internal portion is installed in the inner opening of the countersunk hole; a boss, the first boss including a cylindrical protrusion from the inner portion, the cylindrical protrusion being configured to be placed in the first opening of the shell; and a second boss, the second boss including a different cylindrical protrusion from the inner portion, the different cylindrical protrusion being configured to be placed in the second opening of the shell to secure the head assembly to the shell; and the fixing element is further configured to receive one or more fasteners at a threaded hole defined through the outer portion, the inner portion and the second boss to secure the fixing element and the head assembly to the shell.

[0073] Example 7: A device as described in any of the previous examples, wherein the receiving element of the nose assembly further includes two vertical portions protruding from the front portion of the nose assembly, and the two vertical portions gradually become thinner relative to a certain distance from the front portion of the nose assembly, so that the two vertical portions are farther apart from each other at a greater distance from the front portion of the nose assembly.

[0074] Example 8: The device of any of the previous examples, wherein the blade member is further configured to receive a blade link through a hollow opening defined through the blade member.

[0075] Example 9: A device as described in any of the previous examples, wherein the sharp curve on the cutting edge of the blade member is semicircular or nearly semicircular, and the blade member is configured to use the sharp curve to produce a flat cut along the serrated portion of the cable tie at a limited distance from the head portion of the cable tie to produce a nearly semicircular cut along the serrated portion of the cable tie at a limited distance from the head portion of the cable tie.

[0076] Example 10: A device comprising: a head assembly configured to be coupled to a housing of a tool for cutting off a serrated portion of a cable tie with a flat cut at a limited distance from a head portion of the cable tie, the head assembly comprising: an upper portion; a side portion, the side portion being orthogonal to the upper portion and extending from the upper portion; and a front portion, the front portion being orthogonal to the upper portion and extending from the upper portion and comprising: a receiving element configured to receive a tail portion of the cable tie through a slotted opening having a width at least the width of the tail portion of the cable tie; and a vertical track protruding from the front portion and configured to cooperate with a channel of a blade member.

[0077] Example 11: A device as described in any of the previous examples, wherein the receiving element of the head assembly further includes: a cutting support, wherein the cutting support is defined as a protrusion from the upper portion of the head assembly, and the protrusion cooperates with the cutting edge of the blade member to support the serrated portion when the sharp curve of the cutting edge is cutting the cable tie.

[0078] Example 12: The device of any of the previous examples, wherein the handpiece assembly further comprises: an indicator at an upper portion of the handpiece assembly, the indicator providing an indication of alignment between the handpiece assembly and a head portion of the cable tie.

[0079] Example 13: The device of any of the previous examples, wherein the indicator at the upper portion of the handpiece assembly comprises a protrusion or a recess from the upper portion of the handpiece assembly.

[0080] Example 14: The device of any of the previous examples, wherein the nose assembly is configured to receive the fixation element through a side portion of the nose.

[0081] Example 15: A device as described in any of the previous examples, wherein the nose assembly is further configured to receive a fixing element at a first opening, the first opening comprising a countersunk hole of the nose assembly, the countersunk hole comprising an outer opening and an inner opening within the outer opening; the fixing element is configured to be inserted into the first opening of the nose assembly to fix the nose assembly to the housing, the fixing element comprising: an outer portion, the outer portion being mounted within the outer opening of the countersunk hole but not mounted within the inner opening of the countersunk hole; an inner portion protruding from the outer portion, the inner portion being mounted within the inner opening of the countersunk hole ; a first boss, the first boss comprising a cylindrical protrusion from the inner portion, the cylindrical protrusion being configured to be placed in the first opening of the shell; and a second boss, the second boss comprising a different cylindrical protrusion from the inner portion, the different cylindrical protrusion being configured to be placed in the second opening of the shell to secure the head assembly to the shell; and the fixing element is further configured to receive one or more fasteners at a threaded hole defined through the outer portion, the inner portion and the second boss to secure the fixing element and the head assembly to the shell.

[0082] Example 16: A device as described in any of the previous examples, wherein the receiving element of the nose assembly further includes two vertical portions protruding from the front portion of the nose assembly, and the two vertical portions gradually become thinner relative to a certain distance from the front portion of the nose assembly, so that the two vertical portions are farther apart from each other at a greater distance from the front portion of the nose assembly.

[0083] Example 17: A device comprising: a blade member configured to produce a flat cut along a serrated portion of a cable tie at a limited distance from a head portion of the cable tie, the blade member comprising: a rear flat surface having a channel recessed from the rear flat surface, the channel cooperating with a vertical track of a head assembly; and a cutting edge comprising a sharp curve starting and ending at the rear flat surface of the blade member.

[0084] Example 18: The device of any of the previous examples, wherein the blade member is further configured to receive a blade link through a hollow opening defined through the blade member.

[0085] Example 19: A device as described in any of the previous examples, wherein the sharp curve on the cutting edge of the blade member is semicircular or nearly semicircular, and the blade member is configured to: use the sharp curve to produce a flat cut along the serrated portion of the cable tie at a limited distance from the head portion of the cable tie, so as to produce a nearly semicircular cut along the serrated portion of the cable tie at a limited distance from the head portion of the cable tie.

[0086] Example 20: A device as described in any of the preceding examples, wherein the blade member further includes a chamfer to indicate the correct direction for installing the blade.

[0087] Conclusion

[0088] While various embodiments of the present disclosure are described in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto but may be implemented into practice in various ways within the scope of the following claims. From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the following claims. Problems associated with wear damage caused by severed cable ties may arise in electrical systems and other types of systems. Therefore, while the description is primarily for ease of description to reduce wear damage in electrical systems, the techniques described above may be applied to other types of systems including cable ties.

[0089] Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the use of "or" and grammatically related terms represents unlimited, non-exclusive alternatives. As used herein, a phrase referring to "at least one" of a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including individual members. As an example, "at least one of a, b, or c" is intended to cover: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, and abc, as well as any combination with multiple identical elements (e.g., aa, aaa, aab, aac, abb, acc, bb, bbb, bbc, cc, and ccc, or any other ordering of a, b, and c).

Claims

1. A device, comprising: A handpiece assembly configured to be coupled to a housing of a tool for severing a serrated portion of a cable tie with a flat cut at a limited distance from a head portion of the cable tie, the handpiece assembly comprising: an upper portion, wherein the upper portion includes an indicator that provides an indication of alignment between the handpiece assembly and the head portion of the cable tie, wherein the indicator includes a protrusion or a depression from a middle of the upper portion of the handpiece assembly; a side portion orthogonal to and extending from the upper portion; and a front portion, the front portion being orthogonal to the upper portion and extending from the upper portion and comprising: a receiving element configured to receive a tail portion of a cable tie through a slotted opening, the slotted opening having a width at least the width of the tail portion of the cable tie; and A vertical track projects from the front portion and is configured to mate with the channel of the blade member.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The receiving element of the head assembly also includes: A cutting support is defined as a projection from the upper portion of the handpiece assembly that cooperates with the cutting edge of the blade member to support the serrated portion as the sharp curve of the cutting edge is severing the cable tie.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The handpiece assembly is configured to receive a fixation element through the side portion of the handpiece.

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that The handpiece assembly is further configured to receive the fixation element at a first opening, the first opening comprising a counterbore of the handpiece assembly, the counterbore comprising an outer opening and an inner opening within the outer opening; The fixing element is configured to be inserted into the first opening of the head assembly to fix the head assembly to the housing, and the fixing element includes: an outer portion that fits within the outer opening of the counterbore but not within the inner opening of the counterbore; an inner portion protruding from the outer portion, the inner portion being mounted within the inner opening of the counterbore; a first boss comprising a cylindrical protrusion from the interior portion, the cylindrical protrusion configured to be placed within the first opening of the housing; and a second boss including a distinct cylindrical protrusion from the inner portion, the distinct cylindrical protrusion being configured to be placed within the second opening of the housing to secure the handpiece assembly to the housing; and The fixing element is also configured to receive one or more fasteners at threaded holes defined through the outer portion, the inner portion, and the second boss to secure the fixing element and the handpiece assembly to the housing.

5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The receiving element of the nose assembly also includes two vertical portions protruding from the front portion of the nose assembly, and the two vertical portions gradually become thinner relative to a certain distance from the front portion of the nose assembly, so that the two vertical portions are farther away from each other at a greater distance from the front portion of the nose assembly.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: a blade member configured to produce the flat cut along the serrated portion of the cable tie at a limited distance from the head portion of the cable tie, the blade member comprising: a rear planar surface having a channel recessed therefrom, the channel mating with the vertical track of the handpiece assembly; and A cutting edge includes a sharp curve beginning and ending at the rear planar surface of the blade member.

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that The blade member is also configured to receive a blade link through a hollow opening defined therethrough.

8. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that The sharp curve on the cutting edge of the blade member is semicircular or nearly semicircular, and the blade member is configured to: use the sharp curve to produce the smooth cut along the serrated portion of the cable tie at the limited distance from the head portion of the cable tie to produce a nearly semicircular cut along the serrated portion of the cable tie at the limited distance from the head portion of the cable tie.

9. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that The blade member also includes a chamfer to indicate the correct orientation for installing the blade.

10. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that The device also includes the housing.

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that The blade member is also configured to receive a blade link through a hollow opening defined therethrough.

12. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that The sharp curve on the cutting edge of the blade member is semicircular or nearly semicircular, and the blade member is configured to: use the sharp curve to produce the smooth cut along the serrated portion of the cable tie at the limited distance from the head portion of the cable tie to produce a nearly semicircular cut along the serrated portion of the cable tie at the limited distance from the head portion of the cable tie.

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