Adjustable tightening device

Abstract

A cable tie for securing articles therein can be loosened or released to allow articles to be removed therefrom and the cable tie can be reused. The cable tie includes an elongated strap having teeth formed thereon that engage teeth in a locking head to allow movement (tightening) in only one direction. When a release tab is depressed, the release tab in combination with a back plate allows the teeth in the locking head to disengage from the teeth on the elongated strap so that the strap can move in the opposite direction (removal). The release tab and back plate are configured to face away from the articles secured within the strap to provide more engagement space (e.g., by a user's hand) and provide the necessary leverage to release the cable tie without the need to press the cable tie against other articles (e.g., cables, enclosures).

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Cable ties are used to knot, fasten, and / or connect various items. For example, cable ties can be used to secure multiple cable loops (e.g., power cords) together for storage. Cable ties can be used to organize different cables (e.g., power cords, data cables, other cables) that travel together along similar paths. Cable ties can be used to secure cables to other objects in which they are being used, such as tables, chassis, etc. Cable ties, often called cable management ties, are designed for ease of application. Cable management ties may include an elongated body with teeth and a head that can pass through the head in a single direction associated with tightening the cable tie. The cable management ties can be placed around the cables to be secured together, or around the cables and the object to which they are to be secured, and then tightened by passing the body through the head until the desired tightness is achieved. Typical cable management ties cannot be loosened or removed and are therefore designed for single use.

[0002] Therefore, to remove or loosen cable ties, they must be cut. Cable ties may need to be removed or loosened for various reasons, including, for example, removing cables from a cable bundle, rewiring one or more cables from a cable bundle, or adding cables to a cable bundle. If the cables still need to be bundled and / or secured in place, new cable ties must be used. The process of cutting and removing existing cable ties, as well as wiring and securing new cable ties, is not only inconvenient and costly, but can also damage the cables held within. For example, damaging one or more cables in a cable bundle may require replacing the entire bundle. Cable bundle replacement is a problem for large production operations (such as large passenger aircraft) because airlines may have miles of electrical / data cables that need to be replaced, rewiring, and resecured.

[0003] Releasable cable ties have been proposed, but they are not designed for easy release when used to secure multiple cables in confined spaces and when the user may be wearing gloves. Typical releasable cable ties do not provide a configuration in which the release mechanism is positioned away from the cables secured therein to provide more space for the user's hand to release the cable tie; the release mechanism is configured to engage with the user regardless of whether gloves are worn; and / or the release mechanism provides the necessary leverage for the user to release the cable tie. What is needed is a releasable cable tie that provides these functions. Attached Figure Description

[0004] The structure, purpose, and advantages of the releasable cable tie will be understood by referring to the exemplary embodiments and the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying technical drawings, wherein:

[0005] Figure 1A-B shows a top view of an exemplary releasable cable tie in an open configuration according to one embodiment.

[0006] Figure 2A -B shows a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary releasable cable tie in an open configuration according to one embodiment.

[0007] Figure 3 A bottom view of an exemplary releasable cable tie in an open configuration, according to one embodiment, is shown.

[0008] Figure 4 A cross-sectional side view of an exemplary releasable cable tie in a closed (tightened) configuration according to one embodiment is shown.

[0009] Figure 5 A cross-sectional side view of an exemplary releasable cable tie in a closed (tightened) configuration, according to one embodiment, is shown, released using two fingers.

[0010] Figure 6A -B shows a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary releasable cable tie in a closed configuration according to various embodiments, wherein excess strip is tucked into an opening in the back plate of the locking head.

[0011] Figure 6C A cross-sectional side view of an exemplary releasable cable tie in a closed configuration according to one embodiment is shown, wherein an opening in the back plate of the locking head is used to suspend the cable tie.

[0012] Figure 7A -C shows a bottom view of an exemplary releasable cable tie with different frictional bottom surfaces according to various embodiments.

[0013] Figure 8A -D shows a top view of an exemplary releasable cable tie according to various embodiments, wherein various connecting devices are secured to their locking heads.

[0014] Figure 8E -F shows a cross-sectional side view and top view of an exemplary releasable cable tie fixed to an object according to various embodiments.

[0015] Figure 9A -C shows a top view of an exemplary releasable cable tie according to various implementations, wherein a tag is attached to its locking head and the tag is used to identify the item attached therein.

[0016] Figure 10A -B shows a top view of an exemplary releasable cable tie with a handle according to one embodiment, and a cross-sectional side view of using the handle to carry an item fixed therein.

[0017] Figure 11A -G illustrates a top / side view of an exemplary releasable cable tie according to various embodiments, the cable tie having a through-hole formed in the strip that allows the cable tie to be secured to an object before use. Invention Details

[0019] Cable ties used to secure items within them can be loosened and / or released to allow for removal and reuse of the items. The cable tie includes an elongated strip with teeth formed thereon, which engage with teeth in a locking head to allow movement (tensioning) in only one direction. The locking head also includes a release mechanism that disengages the teeth in the locking head from the teeth on the elongated strip, allowing the strip to move in the opposite direction, thereby enabling the strip to be loosened or removed. The release mechanism is configured to face away from the item secured within the strip to provide more engagement space (e.g., through the user's hand), allowing the user to engage the release mechanism regardless of whether gloves are worn, providing the necessary leverage to release the cable tie without pressing it onto other items (e.g., cables, chassis), and providing the option to secure excess strip within it.

[0020] Figure 1A A top view is shown. Figure 1B A close-up top view of an exemplary releasable cable tie 10, which can be used as an adjustable tightening device, is shown. The cable tie 10 includes an elongated planar strip 20 and a releasable locking head 60. The strip 20 has an elongated length 22 extending from a first end 24 to a second end 26. A first side (e.g., the top side) of the strip 20 includes teeth 28 formed within a guide rail 30. The strip teeth 28 may be serrated, with one side flat and the other angled. The first end 24 is connected to the locking head 60. The second end 26 of the strip 20 includes a tongue 32 (without teeth) that helps guide the strip 20 into the locking head 60 and requires a minimum amount of the strip 20 to pass through the locking head 60 before it is secured therein (to prevent removal).

[0021] The locking head 60 includes a body 62 (wider than the strip 20) having an opening 64 formed therein, sized to allow the strip 20 to pass through. As the strip 20 passes through the opening 64, the locking teeth 28 point towards the distal end of the opening 64 (away from the end of the strip 20). One or more teeth 66 extend from the distal end of the opening 64 into the opening 64 and point towards the proximal end (near the end of the strip) to engage with the strip teeth 28. It should be noted that the one or more locking head teeth 66 and the strip teeth 28 within the opening 64... Figure 1A -B is not visible in the top view. The engagement of one or more locking head teeth 66 and strip teeth 28 within the opening 64 allows the strip 20 to pass through the opening 64 in a first direction (tightening) but not in a second direction (loosening, removing).

[0022] Release flap 68 extends from the upper side (top) of body 62 in a direction away from strip 20 (e.g., substantially parallel to strip 20 in a stable state). The distal end of body 62 includes an open portion that allows a first side 70 of release flap 68 to extend into opening 64 and connect to one or more locking teeth 66. A second side 72 of release flap 68 is wider than the first side 70 to provide a larger surface for receiving at least a portion of a user's finger (e.g., thumb). The second side 72 of release flap 68 may include corrugated strips (protrusions) 74 to provide the user with an indication of where their finger is located and potentially prevent the user's finger from slipping and / or help keep the user's finger on it. While in Figure 1A -Not visible in B, when the release flap 68 engages (presses down), the first side 70 pivots upward and outward from the opening 64, and one or more locking teeth 66 pivot toward the distal end of the opening 64, thereby disengaging from the strip teeth 28 and enabling the strip 20 to move through the opening 64 in the second direction (release, remove).

[0023] A backplate 76 extends from the underside (bottom) of the body 62 in a direction away from the strip 20 (e.g., substantially parallel to the strip 20, and also substantially parallel to the release flap 68 when not compressed). The backplate 76 may be attached to and extend from the bottom of the side of the body 62. According to one embodiment, the backplate 76 may become wider as it extends from the body 62. The backplate 76 may be wider and longer than the release protrusion 68, and have substantially the same shape. To provide support for the backplate 76, sidewalls 78 may extend from the side of the body 62 and be attached to the backplate 76. The sidewalls 78 may be angled downwards from the body 62, as more clearly seen in the side view.

[0024] The backplate 76 is configured to receive at least a portion of a user's finger (e.g., index finger) to provide support (e.g., resistance) when the release flap 68 is pressed down. According to one embodiment, the backplate 76 may include an opening 80 formed therein. The opening 80 may be larger than the release flap 68 and have substantially the same shape as the release flap 68. The opening 80 ensures that the backplate 76 does not interfere with the pressing of the release flap 68. The opening 80 may also provide edges for securing the user's finger thereto, potentially preventing the user's finger from slipping and / or helping to hold the user's finger thereto.

[0025] Figure 2A A cross-sectional side view is shown. Figure 2BA close-up cross-sectional side view of an exemplary releasable cable tie 10 is shown. One or more locking teeth 66 (two shown, but not limited to) extend from the distal side of an opening 64 into the opening 64 and point towards the proximal side of the opening 64. The one or more locking teeth 66 are connected to a first end 70 of a release flap 68, which is laterally away from the body 62 and the strip 20. The release flap 68 includes a corrugated strip 74 at its second end 72. The release flap 68 may include a centrally located support wall 82 extending diagonally from a point near the second end 72 to a fulcrum 84 located below the one or more locking teeth 66. The fulcrum 84 serves as a pivot point such that when the release flap 68 is depressed, the one or more locking teeth 66 move further upward and backward until they disengage from the one or more strip teeth 28. When the teeth 66 and 28 disengage, the strip 20 can move in a second direction (the release or removable direction).

[0026] The backplate 76 extends from the body 62 through the release flap 68. An opening 80 in the backplate 76 extends from the body 62 (or near the body 62) until it passes the release flap 68, so as not to interfere with the release flap 68 being pressed down and to provide other potential benefits discussed above.

[0027] Figure 3 A bottom view of an exemplary releasable cable tie 10 is shown. It is clearly shown that the opening 80 in the back panel 76 is larger than the release flap 68. The opening 80 allows excess cable tie 20 to be secured therein (see example...). Figure 6A -B) or can be used to secure releasable cable ties to hooks, connectors, flaps, etc. 200 (see example) Figure 6C The last of one or more locking teeth 66 can be seen extending into the opening 64. The fulcrum 84 can be seen located in front of the opening 64, below the first end of one or more locking teeth and the release flap 68. The support wall 82 is shown extending to the fulcrum 84. The lower side 34 of the strip 10, opposite the teeth 28 on the top side, can be smooth.

[0028] Figure 4 A cross-sectional side view of an exemplary releasable strap 10 in the locked position is shown. As the strap 20 passes through the locking head 60, a loop 90 is formed for tightening around an item (not shown) to, for example, secure them together or hold them in place. Strap teeth 28 are located outside the loop 90, and the bottom 34 of the strap faces the loop 90 and the item secured therein. As shown, the bottom 34 is smooth so that it does not affect the item when tightened. The release flaps 68 and backplate 76 of the locking head 30 extend substantially perpendicular to the strap 20 in a direction away from the loop 90. The position of the release flaps 68 and backplate 76 allows easy access to them by the user.

[0029] Figure 5A cross-sectional side view of the strip 10 in its closed configuration is shown, in which a first finger pushes the release flap 68 downwards while a second finger is positioned below the back plate 76 to provide support (leverage). Once the release flap 68 is pressed down and the teeth 66 disengage from the teeth 28, the strip 20 can be moved in the release direction to unfold the ring 90 or to remove the strip 20 from the locking head 60. When the locking head 60 is held with two fingers, the locking head 60 can actually move relative to the strip 20. As shown, the locking head 60 can be moved in an upward direction to expand the ring 90, and the locking head 60 can be removed from the strip 20 if necessary. The use of the release flap 68 extending away from the ring 90 and the back plate 76 for easy access, and their relatively large size to accommodate the fingers, allows the releasable cable tie 10 to be easily attached and detached as needed. Furthermore, the releasable cable tie 10 can be operated in confined spaces and can be operated regardless of whether the user is wearing gloves.

[0030] The exemplary releasable cable tie 10 is preferably integrally molded from a thermoplastic material such as nylon or polypropylene and has sufficient strength and elasticity to allow for its desired operation as well as desired locking and releasing.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the opening 80 allows excess strip 20 (the portion of strip 20 that passes through the locking head 60) to be secured therein. Figure 6A As shown, the excess strip 20 is wrapped back and tucked into the opening 80. This arrangement provides a barrier in case the release flap 68 is accidentally pressed down and the release strip 20 is released. Figure 6B As shown, the excess strip 20 is wrapped around the item it secures and tucked into the opening 80. According to one embodiment, as... Figure 6C As shown, the opening 80 can be used to secure the releasable cable tie 10 to hooks, connectors, flaps, etc. 200 that can be installed on walls, ceilings, chassis, etc. 210.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the bottom of the releasable cable tie 10 may be a surface that provides friction to prevent it from slipping off the secured item. The friction surface may be molded into the cable tie 10 or may be formed in some way (e.g., glued, etc.). (Sew) the friction material to the bottom of the cable tie 10.

[0033] Figure 7A -C shows a bottom view of several embodiments of an exemplary cable tie with a friction bottom surface. Figure 7A An exemplary cable tie is shown, wherein the friction surface 220 is located below the locking head (on the bottom of the back plate 76). Figure 7B An exemplary cable tie is shown, wherein the friction surface 230 is located below the strip 20. Figure 7CAn exemplary cable tie is shown, wherein the friction surface 240 is located below the locking head 60 and the strip 20.

[0034] Friction surfaces 220, 230, and 240 are shown as cross-hatched lines, hexagons, and squares, but are not limited thereto. Any surface capable of providing friction can be friction surface 220, 230, or 240, which may be formed into the lower surface during the manufacture of the releasable cable tie 10. Alternatively, friction surfaces 220, 230, and 240 may be formed in the lower surface after the cable tie 10 is formed (e.g., machined into the lower surface). According to one embodiment, friction surfaces 220, 230, and 240 may be formed in some way (e.g., with adhesive, etc.). (Sewed) to a separate component attached to the lower surface.

[0035] Figure 8A -D shows a top view of an exemplary releasable cable tie with an added connecting mechanism. The connecting mechanism allows the cable tie and any contents therein to be secured to an object (e.g., a wall, ceiling, chassis, cabinet, table). The connecting mechanism can be secured to a locking head 60. The connecting mechanism can be a body (e.g., a flap, eyelet, etc.) extending from the locking head 60, having holes formed therein allowing the cable tie to be attached to the object using screws, nails, rivets, etc., or to a hook, etc., mounted to the object. Alternatively, the connecting mechanism can be a protrusion (e.g., a screw, pin, rivet, etc.) extending from it, which can be used for mounting to the object.

[0036] Figure 8A A top view of an exemplary cable tie is shown, which includes a body (eyelet 110) extending from a locking head 60 (particularly an unnumbered backplate). The eyelet 110 can be used to receive screws, nails, rivets, etc., passing through it to secure the cable tie to an object (e.g., a chassis). Alternatively, the eyelet 110 can be used to secure around hooks, flaps, pins, etc., extending from the object to which the cable tie is to be secured. Figure 8B A top view of an exemplary cable tie is shown, which includes a body (mounting head 120) extending from a locking head 60 (back plate). The mounting head 120 includes a hole formed therethrough to allow screws or the like to secure the cable tie to an object or to be positioned around hooks or the like extending from the object to which the cable tie is to be secured.

[0037] Figure 8C A top view of an exemplary releasable cable tie is shown, which includes a screw mount 130 extending from a locking head 60 (backplate). The screw mount 130 can be used to secure the cable tie to an object (e.g., a chassis) by screwing it into a threaded hole formed in the object. Figure 8DA top view of an exemplary cable tie is shown, which includes a protrusion (push-mount 140) extending from a locking head 60 (backplate). The push-mount 140 may include a flange (not numbered at its end). The push-mount 140 can be used to secure the cable tie to an object (e.g., a chassis) by pushing the push-mount 140 through a hole formed in the object, wherein the flange secures the cable tie within the hole.

[0038] Figure 8E A cross-sectional side view of an exemplary releasable cable tie having a protrusion (screw mount 130) secured to an object (e.g., ceiling, chassis) 250 is shown. The screw mount 130 is formed on the end of a backplate 76. The screw mount 130 is screwed into a threaded hole in the object 250. Figure 8F A front view of an exemplary cable tie is shown, having a body (mounting head 120) for securing the cable tie to an object (e.g., ceiling, chassis) 265. Mounting head 120 is formed on an end of a backplate 76. Mounting head 120 has a strip 270 for fastening through a hole, and the other side of strip 270 is secured to a screw / washer 260, which secures the object 265.

[0039] Figure 9A -B illustrates an exemplary releasable cable tie including tags 150 and 160 extending respectively from a backplate (unnumbered) of a locking head 60. Tags 150 and 160 can be used to identify items secured therein. Tag 150 may extend directly from the backplate (…). Figure 9A Alternatively, wing 162 may extend from the backplate and label 160 may extend from wing 162. Figure 9B ).

[0040] Figure 10A A top view of an exemplary releasable cable tie is shown, which includes a handle 180 extending from the back plate (unnumbered) of the locking head 60. The handle 180 can be used to carry items that have been bundled together. For example, the handle 180 can be used to carry power cords that have been wrapped and secured together with the cable tie. Figure 10B A cross-sectional side view of a handle 180 for carrying a strip and any items (not shown) secured therein is shown.

[0041] Figure 11AA top view of an exemplary releasable cable tie is shown, which includes a through-hole 170 formed on a portion of a strip 20 prior to a locking head 60. The through-hole 170 allows the strip 20 to pass through it, for example, to secure the cable tie to an item to be used with before tightening the device in use. For example, the cable tie can be secured to one end of a power cord by passing the strip 20 through the through-hole 170, such that the cable tie is on the power cord when it is in use and is in place when the power cord is wound for storage. As another embodiment, the cable tie can be secured to an item through which multiple cables will pass (e.g., a chassis, a table). Once the cables are laid, the cable tie can be used to secure the cables to the item in an orderly manner.

[0042] Figure 11B A cross-sectional side view is shown of an example cable tie wrapped around item 280 using through-hole 170 before it is releasably secured to itself or other items. For example, item 280 could be a power cord, to which the cable tie is secured before the power cord is wrapped and secured together by passing strip 20 through locking head 60. Item 280 could be part of a chassis or table, allowing the cable tie to be secured in place and then used when other items (e.g., cables, wires) extend and are secured using releasable cable ties. Figure 11C A cross-sectional side view of an example cable tie is shown, which is wrapped around article 280 by passing the strip 20 through the through-hole 170 and then around other articles 290 by passing the strip 20 through the locking head 60. It should be noted that article 280 may be the same as article 290 (e.g., both may be power cords) or may be different (e.g., chassis and cables). Article 290 may be all the same (e.g., a single rope wrapped multiple times) or may be different articles (e.g., different cables and / or ropes extending within a chassis).

[0043] Figure 11A The through-piece 170 shown in -C does not include any means for securing the strip 20 therein. That is, the strip 20 can pass through the through-piece in either direction and be removed in either direction. Therefore, the cable tie may detach from the item 280 on which it is placed. According to one embodiment, the through-piece 170 may include means for holding the strip 20 in place on the item 280.

[0044] Figure 11DA top view of an exemplary releasable cable tie is shown, wherein the through-piece 170 includes one or more teeth 172 extending into an opening in the through-piece 170. As shown, the one or more teeth 172 enter the opening from the distal side (the side closest to the locking head 60). This allows the strip 20 to enter in a direction facing the distal end of the opening, such that it engages with the teeth 172. Therefore, the strip 20 can traverse the through-piece in a first (tightening) direction, but cannot traverse the through-piece in a second (loosening, removal) direction. Figure 11E A cross-sectional side view of an exemplary cable tie is shown, illustrating how teeth 172 engage with teeth 28 in the strip 20 to secure the cable tie to the article 280. Furthermore, although not fully shown, the cable tie is also wrapped around the article 290 by passing the strip 20 through the locking head 60 (teeth 66 engaging teeth 28).

[0045] Figure 11D The through-hole 170 shown in -E allows the cable tie to be secured to the item 280 to prevent accidental removal. However, once the cable tie is placed on the item 280, it cannot be removed (e.g., acting as a permanent cable tie). Therefore, the cable tie 170 is essentially a disposable (or one-piece item 280) cable tie. According to one embodiment, the through-hole 170 may include means for releasing the strip 20 from the through-hole 170 once the strip 20 is in place on the item 280.

[0046] Figure 11F A top view of an exemplary releasable cable tie is shown, wherein the through-piece 170 includes an opening 174 therein, which allows the rear side of one or more teeth 172 to be pressed down, causing the teeth 172 to rotate upward and backward and disengage from the strip teeth 28, and allowing the strip 170 to be removed from the article 280. Figure 11G A cross-sectional side view of an example cable tie is shown, illustrating the use of tool 176 within opening 174 to disengage tooth 172 from tooth 28. Although not fully shown, the cable tie is also wrapped around article 290 by passing strip 20 through locking head 60 (tooth 66 engaging tooth 28).

[0047] The exemplary releasable cable ties described herein may include additional features without departing from their scope. While exemplary releasable cable ties have been described with respect to items for securing cables together and / or through which cables pass, releasable cable ties are by no means intended to be limited thereto. Rather, releasable cable ties can be used to secure any type of item together or to other items without departing from the present scope, as the use of release flaps and backing provides comfortable two-finger release regardless of whether the user is wearing gloves or has arthritis or any other condition that restricts the use of the user's fingers. For example, releasable cable ties can be used to secure luggage to a roof rack, tie the ends of materials together, attach tags to equipment, and / or secure bags with broken zippers together.

[0048] According to one implementation, releasable cable ties can be used in the medical field. For example, a releasable cable tie can be used as a tourniquet. Users can easily tighten or loosen the band around the limb as needed to apply the necessary pressure to control venous and arterial circulation. Once the required tension is reached, the band will easily lock into place, maintaining pressure on the limb for any period of time. Users can then reduce or tighten the pressure as needed to prevent tissue damage.

[0049] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it is obvious that the invention is not limited thereto, as various changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the scope. References to "one embodiment" or "implementation" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described herein is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" appearing in various places throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0050] Various implementations are intended to be broadly protected within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An adjustable tightening device, comprising: A slender planar strip having a plurality of strip teeth formed on a first side and a friction surface on a second side opposite to the strip teeth; as well as A releasable locking head is formed adjacent to the first end of the strip, wherein the locking head comprises: A body having a first opening therethrough to receive a second end of the strip in a locking direction to form a loop for securing around one or more articles, such that the strip teeth are positioned outside the loop and away from the one or more articles, and wherein the amount of the strip passing through the first opening controls the size of the loop; At least one locking head tooth extends into the first opening and complements the plurality of strip teeth when the second end of the strip enters the first opening, wherein the at least one locking head tooth is adapted to engage with at least one strip tooth to prevent movement of the strip in the release direction; A release flap, the release flap engaging with a first side of the body and having a first side connected to the at least one locking tooth and a second side extending away from the first side of the strip, wherein the second side of the release flap is wider than the first side and includes a corrugated strip adjacent to its second side; and A backplate that engages with a first side of the body and has a first side adjacent to the first opening and a second side extending away from the first side of the strip, wherein the backplate is substantially parallel to the release wing, wherein the backplate is wider and longer than the release wing, and wherein the backplate includes a second opening therethrough that is larger than the release wing. Wherein, when the strip is located in the first opening and accessible to the user, the release flap and backplate extend away from the ring fixed around one or more items, wherein the release flap is configured to be pressed down by the user's first finger, and the corrugated strip is used to engage the first finger to prevent the first finger from slipping, wherein the backplate is configured to accommodate the user's second finger to provide resistance when the release flap is pressed against the backplate by the first finger, wherein the second opening in the backplate is used to engage the second finger to prevent the second finger from slipping, wherein the pressing down of the release flap is used to release the at least one locking head tooth without engaging the at least one strip tooth to allow the strip to move in the release direction; and wherein when the strip is secured in the locking head, a second end of the strip extending through the locking head can pass through the second opening in the backplate to secure the second end of the strip therein.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Access to the release flap is blocked when the second end of the strip is secured within the second opening in the back plate.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The locking head also includes a body extending from the back plate, the body having holes formed therein to allow the device to be secured to an object.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The locking head also includes a protrusion extending from the back plate, which allows the device to be secured to an object.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The protrusion is a screw.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The protrusion includes a flange.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The locking head also includes a tag extending therefrom to identify one or more items fixed therein.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The locking head also includes a handle extending therefrom for carrying one or more items fixed therein.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The strip includes a through-hole to allow the strip to pass through, thereby securing the device to an article to be used with it.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The through member includes one or more through teeth to engage the strip teeth and lock the strip to the article.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The penetrator also includes an arrangement that allows a tool to disengage the one or more penetrating teeth and allows the strip to be removed from the article.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The friction surface is formed therein during the manufacture of the device.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The friction surface is formed separately and fixed to the strip.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The backplate includes a friction surface on the side opposite to the side facing the release wing.

15. A method of providing a releasable tightening device around one or more articles, the method comprising: An elongated planar strip is provided, the elongated planar strip having a plurality of strip teeth formed on a first side, a friction surface on a second side opposite to the strip teeth, and a locking head formed at a first end; The strip is secured around the one or more articles in the following manner: The second end of the strip is inserted into the first opening in the locking head along the locking direction to form a ring for receiving the one or more items, wherein the plurality of strip teeth are positioned outside the ring and away from the one or more items, and wherein the amount of the strip passing through the first opening controls the size of the ring; The strip is locked in the locking head by engaging at least one locking tooth formed in an opening extending into the locking head with at least one of the complementary strip teeth to prevent the strip from moving in the release direction; as well as If the second end of the strip extends sufficiently beyond the locking head when the strip is secured in the back of the locking head, then the second end of the strip is wrapped back toward the locking head and passed through a second opening formed in the back plate of the locking head to secure the second end of the strip inside the locking head. as well as The strip is released from around the one or more items when the one or more items are to be released in the following manner: If the second end of the strip passes through the second opening in the back plate of the locking head, then the second end of the strip is removed therefrom; Press down the release flap pivotally connected to the at least one locking tooth with the first finger, while placing the second finger on the back plate located below the release flap to provide resistance, and press down the release flap to disengage the at least one locking tooth from at least one of the plurality of strip teeth; as well as Secure the releasable latch between the first and second fingers, and pull the releasable latch away from the ring.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: The releasable tightening device is installed onto the object using a mounting device extending from the locking head.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising: By looping the strip through the through-hole formed in the strip, the device is positioned with the article before being used to secure the one or more articles, thereby securing the releasable tightening device to the article.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: The releasable tightening device is released from the article by using a tool to disengage the through teeth from the strip teeth.

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