Pawl locking device

Abstract

Techniques and apparatuses for improved pawl locking devices are described in this application. The disclosed techniques and apparatuses provide a pawl locking device having a pawl configured to avoid sink and warp issues that exist in some conventional injection molding processes. In aspects, the pawl locking device includes a pawl having at least one of a pivot member including a notch, a release feature on the pawl spaced apart from a front and side of the pawl, a groove defined in a top of the pawl, and / or a groove defined in a bottom of the pawl.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application entitled "Pawl Locking Device", filed on May 20, 2022, with national application number 202210556584.5.

[0002] By referencing and incorporating

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 257,047, filed October 18, 2021; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 214,142, filed June 23, 2021; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 213,606, filed June 22, 2021, pursuant to 35 USC § 119(e), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background Technology

[0004] Pawl-latching devices (e.g., cable ties, clips, clamps) are plastic injection-molded parts with a long history of use for securing long, thin items (e.g., wires, cables, hoses, tubes, conduits) into bundles. Various types of defects can occur in molded parts produced using conventional injection molding processes.

[0005] The first type of defect is commonly referred to as a "warping defect" or simply "warping." Molded parts with uneven wall thickness can experience warping defects due to stress in the stepped transitions between different wall thicknesses (e.g., in the wall sections of a part), where the thicker portion of the molded part cools more slowly and is located near a thinner portion (which cools faster), causing the thinner portion to warp. The thicker portion will shrink more than the thinner portion, causing the thinner portion to be pulled towards (warping toward) the thicker portion. The second type of defect is commonly referred to as a warping "dent" or "dent mark." As the molded part cools, the plastic first solidifies at the surface of the mold and then solidifies inwards into the part until the entire part is solidified. The thicker the part, the longer it will take to solidify. As a result, when the part ejects from the mold, the center of the thickest part may still be molten. During the cooling of the thickest part of the molded part, inward pulling stresses can be generated, causing a dent to be defined on the outer surface of the part. Defects in molded parts, especially those affecting functional features, can affect the performance of the parts.

[0006] To avoid these types of defects, manufacturers may spend considerable time monitoring the quality of parts ejected from the mold to determine if such deformation exists and what changes need to be made to the molding process to prevent it. These changes may include, for example, adjusting (e.g., increasing) the holding time, adjusting the holding pressure, adjusting the mold's cooling temperature, etc. Such changes can slow down part production and reduce output.

[0007] In the molding of pawl locking devices, warping and denting defects in the pawl tooth profile are undesirable because they affect the visual appearance of the manufactured product. Furthermore, as discussed above, such warping and denting can further lead to poor product performance, for example, by potentially reducing the engagement of the pawl teeth with the serrations, and possibly reducing the retaining strength provided by the pawl locking device when secured around slender articles. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This document describes the technology and apparatus for an improved pawl locking device.

[0009] In one aspect, a pawl locking device is disclosed, comprising a head and an elongated band having a plurality of serrations. The head includes a groove, a pawl, and a pivot member. The groove extends through the head and includes a first channel communicating with a second channel. The first channel is configured to receive the elongated band. The pawl is disposed within the second channel of the groove, positioned inside the head. The pawl includes a front side, a first side, a second side, a back side, a top side, and a bottom side. The pawl further has a plurality of pawl teeth defined in the front side, the plurality of pawl teeth being configured to engage a plurality of serrations on the elongated band when the elongated band is disposed within the first channel. The pawl is connected to the head at a hinged connection. The hinged connection defines a hinge axis relative to the head for the pawl to rotate about thereabout. The pivot member is defined in the bottom side of the pawl. The pivot member has a stop surface configured to contact the rear wall of the second channel when the elongated band is disposed within the first channel and the pawl teeth engage the plurality of serrations in the elongated band. The pivot member has a left side opposite to the right side, and a notch in the central portion defined between the left and right sides.

[0010] In another aspect, a pawl locking device is disclosed, comprising a head and an elongated band having a plurality of serrations. The head includes a groove extending through the head. The groove has a first channel communicating with a second channel. The first channel is configured to receive the elongated band. The head further includes a pawl disposed within the second channel of the groove. The pawl is positioned within the head and includes a front side, a first side, a second side, a back side, a top side, and a bottom side. The pawl further includes a plurality of pawl teeth defined in the front side; the pawl teeth are configured to engage the plurality of serrations on the elongated band when it is disposed within the first channel. The pawl is connected to the head at a hinged connection. The hinged connection defines a hinge axis, and the pawl is configured to pivot relative to the head. A pivot member is defined in the bottom side of the pawl. The pivot member has a stop surface configured to contact the rear wall of the second channel (e.g., a flange of the pawl hinge) when the elongated band is disposed within the first channel and the pawl teeth engage the plurality of serrations in the elongated band. The pivot member has a left side opposite to the right side, and a central portion is defined between the left and right sides. The pivot member further has a length extending generally parallel to the hinge axis, wherein a notch is defined along the length in the central portion. The pawl further includes a release feature extending from the top side of the pawl, the release feature being spaced apart from the front side, second side, and first side of the pawl.

[0011] This invention provides a simplified concept for an improved ratchet locking device, which will be further described below in the detailed description and accompanying drawings. This invention is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to define the scope of the claimed subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The following figures illustrate details of one or more aspects of the technology and apparatus for the improved pawl locking device, wherein the use of the same numbers in different instances may indicate similar features and / or components.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a top perspective view of a first example implementation of an improved pawl locking device according to the implementation described herein; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial top-view perspective view of the pawl locking device; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial bottom perspective view of the pawl locking device; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A top plan view of the locking head of the pawl locking device; Figure 5 It was cut along section line 5-5. Figure 4 A side cross-sectional view of the locked head; Figure 6A yes Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of the pawl locking device that is surrounded and tensioned; Figure 6B yes Figure 6A The enlarged view of the pawl locking device shown is for magnification purposes.

[0014] Figure 7A yes Figure 6A A side-section surround view of the pawl locking device, showing the operation of the release feature; Figure 7B yes Figure 7A The enlarged view of the pawl locking device shown is for magnification purposes.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a top perspective view of a second example implementation of the improved pawl locking device according to the implementation described herein; Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A partial top-view perspective view of the pawl locking device; Figure 10 yes Figure 8 A partial bottom perspective view of the pawl locking device; Figure 11 yes Figure 8 A top plan view of the locking head of the pawl locking device; Figure 12 It was cut along section line 12-12. Figure 11 A side cross-sectional view of the locked head; Figure 13 It was taken along section line 13-13. Figure 11 A side cross-sectional view of the locked head; Figure 14A yes Figure 8 A side cross-sectional view of the pawl locking device that is surrounded and tensioned; Figure 14B yes Figure 14A The enlarged view of the pawl locking device shown is for magnification purposes.

[0016] Figure 15 This is a top perspective view of a third example implementation of an improved pawl locking device based on the implementation described herein; Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A partial top-view perspective view of the pawl locking device; Figure 17 yes Figure 15 A partial bottom perspective view of the pawl locking device; Figure 18 yes Figure 15 A top plan view of the locking head of the pawl locking device; Figure 19 It was cut along section line 19-19. Figure 18 A side cross-sectional view of the locked head; Figure 20A yes Figure 15 A side-section view of the pawl locking device, both surrounding and tensioned; and Figure 20B yes Figure 20A The enlarged view of the pawl locking device shown is for magnification purposes. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Overview

[0018] This document describes the technology and apparatus for improving injection-molded ratchet locking devices. Aspects of this disclosure further address technical problems associated with warping defects and depressions in the ratchet tooth profile, and specifically, enable one or more of the following to: maintain the engagement of the ratchet teeth with the serrated teeth of the ratchet locking device; maintain the retaining strength provided by the ratchet locking device when secured around elongated articles; reduce the manufacturing costs associated with injection-molded ratchet locking devices; and / or increase the production speed of injection-molded ratchet locking devices.

[0019] This document describes an example ratchet locking device comprising a head end and a tail end. The head end includes a locking head, and the tail end includes an elongated band extending from the locking head. The elongated band may be configured to be inserted through the locking head to form a loop (e.g., a loop around a bundle of elongated objects). As used herein, the term "bundle" refers to any one or more objects that can be secured by the ratchet locking device. Common examples of bundles that can be secured via the example ratchet locking device include a bundle of wires, cables, lines, hoses, pipes, conduits, or other objects (e.g., elongated objects) that need to be secured. Additional example implementations of securing bundles include securing vines to a trellis, securing a sapling to a stake, securing an animal enclosure to a post, etc. The locking head may include a ratchet mechanism configured to engage serrations defined on the elongated band, thereby retaining the band relative to the locking head. The locking head may include a release feature (e.g., an unlocking tab, an unlocking lever) configured to allow the pawl mechanism to disengage from engagement with the banded teeth of the belt, thereby enabling the pawl locking device to be removed from the secured bundle. The release feature may be configured to allow an operator to digitally manipulate (e.g., using an operator's finger, using a tool) the release feature to disengage the pawl teeth from the banded teeth. Disengagement of the pawl teeth from the banded teeth allows the slender belt to be withdrawn from the locking head and allows the pawl locking device to be removed from the secured bundle.

[0020] A pawl locking device can be formed to include at least one notch defined in a portion of the pivoting member of the pawl for reducing warping defects and depressions in the pawl tooth profile. Furthermore, the pawl locking device can be formed to include an opening defined in the bottom of the pawl for reducing warping defects and depressions in the pawl tooth profile. Additionally, the pawl locking device can be formed to provide a substantially uniform wall thickness in the pawl for reducing warping defects and depressions in the pawl tooth profile. In various aspects, the pawl locking device can be formed with a release feature structure configured to reduce warping defects and depressions in the pawl tooth profile. In other aspects, the pawl locking device can be formed to include a support and a channel defined on the back side of the pawl for reducing warping defects and depressions in the pawl tooth profile. In a further aspect, the pawl locking device can be configured to include a downwardly extending channel defined within the body of the pawl's defining beam therebetween, for reducing warping defects and depressions in the pawl tooth profile. As described in detail below, one or more of these pawl locking devices can reduce the occurrence of warping defects and depressions in the pawl tooth profile in injection-molded pawl locking devices, thereby improving the engagement strength (also known as circumferential tensile strength) of the pawl with the serrated teeth relative to conventional cable tie pawls. These are merely a few examples of how the described techniques and apparatus can reduce warping defects and depressions in the pawl tooth profile in injection-molded pawl locking devices. Other examples and implementations are described throughout this document.

[0021] Pawl locking device

[0022] Figures 1 to 7B A first example implementation of an injection-molded ratchet locking device 100 (e.g., a cable tie assembly) is shown, configured to reduce warping defects and dents in the ratchet tooth profile. The ratchet locking device 100 includes an elongated band 102 (or strip) having a head end 104 and a tail end 106 opposite to the head end 104. The ratchet locking device 100 also includes a locking head 108 integrally connected to the head end 104 of the band 102. The band 102 also includes a plurality of serrations on at least one longitudinal side of the band 102, said serrations being configured to engage a ratchet mechanism 110 within the locking head 108. For example, the plurality of serrations in… Figure 6B The serration 602 is shown as being disposed on the underside of the band 102. As described in more detail below, the pawl mechanism 110 is disposed within the locking head 108. The pawl locking device 100 described herein is merely an example of a pawl locking device that can be implemented; any suitable pawl locking device, such as clamps and grippers, can be used to implement a pawl locking device.

[0023] The locking head 108 has a top side 202 and a bottom side 204, wherein a groove 206 is defined between the top side 202 and the bottom side 204. The groove 206 has a first channel 208 and a second channel 210 connected to the first channel 208. The groove 206 extends through the locking head 108. The first channel 208 may be configured to receive an elongated band 102, such as the tail end 106 of the band 102. The groove 206 may include a rear wall 232 opposite to the front wall 234. A pawl mechanism 110 may be disposed within the second channel 210 of the groove 206 such that when the band 102 is disposed within the first channel 208, the pawl mechanism 110 engages the band 102 to allow unidirectional movement of the band 102 in a first direction through the first channel 208 and prevents movement of the band 102 in the opposite direction. The locking head 108 may further include a latch 212 defining a latch channel 214 through the locking head 108. The latch 212 provides replaceable attachment points, for example, as slots for an elongated band configured to receive another pawl locking device (not shown).

[0024] The pawl mechanism 110 includes a pawl 216 that is connected to (e.g., latched inside) a locking head 108, and forms a hinged connection 218 within a second channel 210 of a slot 206. Figure 4 As shown, the hinged connection 218 defines the hinge axis (H). Figure 6B As shown, the pawl 216 can be configured to pivot relative to the locking head 108 at the hinge axis. The pawl 216 can be disposed within the second channel 210 of the slot 206 and positioned inside the locking head 108. The pawl 216 includes a plurality of pawl teeth 220 defined on its front side 222. The pawl teeth 220 face the first channel 208. The pawl teeth 220 include projections extending from the pawl 216 toward the first channel 208 and can be angled toward one end of the first channel 208, such as toward the top side 202 (outer surface) of the locking head 108. Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown, the ratchet teeth 220 can be configured such that when a portion of the tail end 106 of the elongated band 102 is disposed within the first channel 208, they engage a plurality of serrations 602 on the tail end 106 of the elongated band 102. Figure 6B (As shown in the diagram). The pawl 216 further includes a dorsal side 224 opposite to the front side 222, a first side 226 opposite to the second side 228, and a top side 230 opposite to the bottom side 302.

[0025] The pivot member 304 may be defined at or within the bottom side 302 of the pawl 216. When a moderate band tension is applied, the pivot member 304 may be used to prevent the bottom of the pawl from moving beyond the vertical boss to which the hinge is attached, to anchor the base of the pawl against the boss, to reinforce the thin hinge to increase band tension, to transform into a fulcrum or pivot for further pawl rotation under higher applied circumferential tension, and to add an additional wedge to the pawl to achieve optimal applied tension (at this highest tension level, the pivot compresses and deforms and the hinge extends, and the pivot provides a cam effect).

[0026] The pivot member 304 has a stop surface 306, which is configured to contact the rear wall 232 of the groove 206 (e.g., the boss of a pawl hinge) when the elongated band 102 is positioned within the first channel 208, and as Figure 6B As shown, the ratchet teeth 220 engage multiple serrations 602 in the elongated belt 102 under load (e.g., when the belt is moderately tensioned around the bundle). Figure 3 In this configuration, the pivot member 304 has a length (L). This length can extend such that it is generally parallel to the hinge axis (H). The pivot member 304 can be a single element or can be divided into two or more segments (e.g., by forking to form two or more segments, by forming notches to form two or more segments). Figure 3 In the aspects shown, the pivot member 304 has a left side 308 opposite to the right side 310, wherein a central portion 312 is defined between the left side 308 and the right side 310. The pivot member 304 may further include a notch 314, which may be defined along the length of the central portion 312. In various aspects, the notch 314 may be radially located on the hinge axis (H). Including a notch 314 in the pivot member 304 can result in geometry that avoids dents and warping, while enabling the pivot member 304 to function as a constraint on the rotation of the pawl 216 relative to the locking head 108. In various aspects, the notch may not be present in the pivot member.

[0027] Pawl 216 can be positioned inside the locking head 108 such that pawl 216 (e.g., release feature 236 of pawl 216) does not extend above the top side 202 of the locking head 108 (e.g., pawl 216 does not protrude longitudinally beyond the slot 206 / second channel 210) and / or such that pawl 216 (e.g., bottom side 302, pivot member 304) does not extend below the bottom side 204 of the locking head 108 (e.g., pawl 216 does not protrude longitudinally beyond the slot 206 / second channel 210). Figures 1 to 7BIn this configuration shown, the release feature 236 may be generally flush with or recessed below the top side 202 of the locking head 108 and the pawl 216, which is at least substantially contained within the locking head 108. In other respects (not shown), one or more of the pawl or release features may extend beyond the top side of the locking head, such that the pawl and / or the locking head protrude longitudinally beyond the second channel.

[0028] The pawl 216 may include a release feature 236 defined by a wall structure 238 integrally connected to the pawl 216 at its top side 230. The wall structure 238 may be spaced apart from at least one of the front sides 222 of the pawl 216 to define a recess 240 for receiving a user's fingertip (in...). Figure 7A and Figure 7B (As further shown), the tip of a release tool (e.g., an industry-standard flathead screwdriver), or another object that can be used to release the pawl mechanism 110 from engagement with the serrated teeth 602 of the elongated band 102. Any suitable shape for the wall structure 238 can be used. Figures 1 to 7B In this embodiment, wall structure 238 is shown as a multi-walled structure (e.g., a three-walled structure) having a front wall 242, a first side wall 248, and a second side wall 250. In various aspects, the front wall 242 merges with the upper portions of the first side wall 248 and the second side wall 250 to form a U-shaped structure defining a feature channel 502, which is defined in the back wall 246 of the release feature 236, extending to the back side 224 of the pawl 216. The presence of the feature channel 502 can result in geometry that avoids dents and warping. In other examples, wall structure 238 may be a single wall, may include two walls forming a V-shape, may include four or more walls forming a shape suitable for the contours of a mating release tool, and so on.

[0029] Release feature 236 extends from the top side 230 of pawl 216. Release feature 236 (e.g., wall structure 238) may be spaced apart from one or more of the front side 222, the first side 226, and the second side 228 of pawl 216. The spacing between release feature 236 (e.g., wall structure 238) and one or more of the front side 222, the second side 228, or the first side 226 results in a geometry that avoids dents and warping.

[0030] A first sidewall 248 and a second sidewall 250 can extend from the top side 230 of the pawl 216 along the back side 224 of the pawl 216 to the hinged connection 218. The elongated first sidewall 248 and elongated second sidewall 250 can serve as struts configured to reinforce the connection between the pawl 216 and the hinged connection 218, thereby providing increased wedging strength during high circumferential tensile strength applications. For example, the first sidewall 248 can define a first strut 252 on the back side 224 of the pawl 216, extending from the hinged connection 218 to the top side 230 of the pawl 216. Similarly, the second sidewall 250 can define a second strut 254 on the back side 224 of the pawl 216, extending from the hinged connection 218 to the top side 230 of the pawl 216. In various respects, the second pillar 254 may be spaced apart from the first pillar 252, thereby defining at least one channel 256 between the first pillar 252 and the second pillar 254. The front wall 242 may also be configured to reinforce the first sidewall 248 and the second sidewall 250 to provide increased wedging strength during high circumferential tensile strength applications. Furthermore, the integration of the first sidewall 248, the second sidewall 250, and the front wall 242 provides enhanced strength to the front wall 242 for disengaging the pawl teeth 220 when compressively engaging with the serrations 602 on the tail end 106 of the belt 102 and when the user's finger or release tool applies force to the front wall 242 of the release feature 236 to disengage the pawl teeth 220 away from the belt 102.

[0031] Figure 6A and Figure 6B The diagram illustrates that when the pawl locking device 100 is secured around the bundle 604, and a portion of the tail end 106 of the belt 102 is positioned within the first channel 208, the pawl teeth 220 engage with the serrations 602 on the tail end 106 of the elongated belt 102. The belt 102 of the pawl locking device 100 is shown wound around the bundle 604, and the tail end 106 of the belt 102 is inserted through the first channel 208 in a first direction, such that the serrations 602 on the belt 102 face the pawl teeth 220 of the pawl 216 located in the second channel 210. In this configuration, as the belt 102 moves longitudinally through the first channel 208 (as indicated by arrow 606), the angled portion of the serrations 602 engages the angled portion of the pawl teeth 220 on the pawl 216, causing the pawl 216 to rotate away from the belt 102 about its hinged connection 218 with the locking head 108, as indicated by arrow 608.

[0032] Figure 7A and Figure 7BAn example operation of releasing the pawl mechanism 110 is shown, wherein a user's fingertip presses against the release feature 236, causing the pawl 216 to hinge relative to the locking head 108 at the hinged connection 218, disengaging the pawl teeth 220 of the pawl 216 from the serrations 602 of the tail end 106 of the pawl locking device 100. In various respects, the tip of a release tool (e.g., an industry-standard flathead screwdriver) or another object may be used to release the pawl mechanism 110 from engagement with the serrations 602 of the elongated band 102.

[0033] Figures 8 to 14B A second example implementation of an injection-molded pawl locking device 800 is shown, which is configured to reduce warping defects and dents in the pawl tooth profile. The second example implementation is similar to... Figures 1 to 7B The first example implementation of the pawl locking device 100 shown and described above is, in addition to the details described below. Therefore, the pawl locking device 800 includes an elongated band 102, a head end 104, and a tail end 106 (with a plurality of serrations 602). Figure 14B (as shown), locking head 108 (having top side 202, bottom side 204, groove 206, first channel 208, second channel 210, rear wall 232 and front wall 234) and buckle 212 (having buckle channel 214).

[0034] The pawl locking device 800 further includes a pawl mechanism 810 within the locking head 108. The pawl mechanism 810 has a pawl 816, which has pawl teeth 820, a front side 822, a back side 824, a first side 826, a second side 828, a top side 830, a bottom side 802, a pivot member 804, a stop surface 806, a left side of the pivot member 808, a right side of the pivot member 811, a central portion of the pivot member 812, and a pivot member recess 814. In various respects, the recess may not be present in the pivot member.

[0035] The pawl 816 is connected to the locking head 108 (e.g., latched inside the locking head 108), thereby forming a hinged connection 818 within the second channel 210 of the slot 206. Figure 11 As shown, the hinged connection 818 defines the hinge axis (H2). Figure 14B As shown, the pawl 816 can be configured to pivot about a hinge axis relative to the locking head 108. Including a notch 814 in the pivot member 804 prevents denting and warping, while also enabling the pivot member 804 to enhance the rotation of the pawl 816 relative to the locking head 108.

[0036] The pawl teeth 820 of the pawl locking device 800 can be configured to engage a plurality of serrations 602 on the tail end 106 of the elongated band 102 when a portion of the tail end 106 of the elongated band 102 can be positioned within the first channel 208. For example, when the pawl locking device 800 is secured around the bundle 604, as... Figure 14A and Figure 14B As shown. The pawl locking device 800 has a strap 102 configured to wrap around a bundle 604, and the tail end 106 of the strap 102 can be inserted through a first channel 208 in a first direction, such that the serrations 602 on the strap 102 face the pawl teeth 820 of the pawl 816 located in the second channel 210. In this configuration, when the strap 102 moves longitudinally through the first channel 208 (as shown), the pawl lock device 800 has a strap 102 configured to wrap around a bundle 604, and the tail end 106 of the strap 102 can be inserted through a first channel 208 in a first direction, such that the serrations 602 on the strap 102 face the pawl teeth 820 of the pawl 816 located in the second channel 210. Figure 14A When the arrow 1406 indicates that the serration 602 engages the pawl tooth 820 on the pawl 816, the pawl 816 rotates away from the belt 102 about its hinged connection 818 with the locking head 108 (as indicated by the arrow 1406 in the image), the angled portion of the serration 602 engages the angled portion of the pawl tooth 820 on the pawl 816, thereby causing the pawl 816 to rotate away from the belt 102 about its hinged connection 818 with the locking head 108 (as indicated by the arrow 1406 in the image). Figure 14B (Indicated by arrow 1408 in the image).

[0037] The pawl 816 may include a release feature 836 (e.g., Figure 2 Release characteristics 236). In Figures 8 to 14B In the aspects shown, the release feature 836 may be defined by an unlocking tab 838 extending from the top side 830 of the pawl 816, spaced apart from at least one of the front side 822, the second side 828, and the first side 826 of the pawl 816. The spacing between the unlocking tab 838 and one or more of the front side 822, the second side 828, or the first side 826 prevents or otherwise results in geometry that avoids dents and warping. Any suitable shape can be used for the unlocking tab 838. Figures 8 to 14B In the diagram, the unlocking tab 838 is shown as a single wall. The unlocking tab 838 can be a multi-walled structure (e.g., a three-walled structure having a front wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall), wherein the upper portions of the front wall merge with the upper portions of the first and second side walls to form a U-shaped structure defined around at least one feature channel in the back of the release feature, the at least one feature channel extending to the back side of the pawl, as shown in reference... Figures 1 to 7B As shown in the image. In other examples, the unlocking tab 838 may be in the shape of an "I" shaped beam. In further examples, the unlocking tab 838 may include two walls forming a V-shape, or four or more walls forming a shape suitable for conforming to the contours of a release tool, and so on. The unlocking tab 838 may be spaced apart from the front side 822 of the pawl 816 to define a recess 840 for receiving the user's fingertip (as shown in the image). Figure 7A and Figure 7BThe pawl mechanism 810 may be a tip of a release tool (e.g., an industry-standard flathead screwdriver) or another object that can be used to release the pawl mechanism 810 from engagement with the serrated teeth 602 of the elongated band 102, as shown in the reference pawl locking device 100.

[0038] exist Figures 8 to 14B In the configuration shown, the top side 830 may be substantially flush with or recessed below the top side 202 of the locking head, and the pawl 816 is at least substantially contained within the locking head 108. In other respects (not shown), one or more of the pawls or release features may extend beyond the top side of the locking head, such that the pawls and / or the locking head protrude longitudinally beyond the second channel.

[0039] exist Figures 8 to 14B As shown, a first channel 813 and a second channel 815 may be defined in a pawl 816. The first channel 813 extends from a top side 830 toward a bottom side 802 of the pawl 816. The second channel 815 extends from a top side 830 toward a bottom side 802 of the pawl 816. The first channel 813 and the second channel 815 define a support wall 817 between them, which connects at a first end to a front portion 819 of the pawl 816 and at a second end to a rear portion 821 of the pawl 816. Pawl teeth 820 may be defined in the front portion 819. In this configuration, the pawl 816 includes an I-beam structure.

[0040] The inclusion of first channel 813 and second channel 815 prevents geometrical changes that could lead to dents and warping. Support wall 817 can reinforce front portion 819 relative to rear portion 821 to provide increased wedging strength during high circumferential tensile strength applications. This can provide enhanced strength to pawl 816 for disengaging the pawl teeth 820, such as when the pawl teeth 820 compressively engage with the serrations 602 on the tail end 106 of the belt 102 and when the user's fingers or release tool apply force to release feature 836 to move the pawl 216 away from the belt 102.

[0041] The pawl mechanism 810 of the pawl locking device 800 can be configured to... Figure 7A and Figure 7B The release of the pawl mechanism 110 of the pawl locking device 100 shown operates similarly, wherein the user's fingertip is illustrated as pressing against the release feature, causing the pawl to hinge relative to the locking head at the hinged connection, and disengaging the pawl teeth from the serrations at the tail end of the pawl locking device. In various respects, the tip of a release tool (e.g., an industry-standard flathead screwdriver) or another object can be used in place of the user's fingertip.

[0042] Figures 15 to 20BA third example implementation of an injection-molded pawl locking device 1500 is shown, which is configured to reduce warping defects and dents in the pawl tooth profile. The third example implementation is similar to... Figures 1 to 7B The first example implementation of the pawl locking device 100 shown and described above is shown in the figure, in addition to those detailed below. Thus, the pawl locking device 1500 includes an elongated band 102, a head end 104, a tail end 106 (with a plurality of serrations 602) and a locking head 108 (with a top side 202, a bottom side 204, a groove 206, a first channel 208, a second channel 210, a rear wall 232 and a front wall 234).

[0043] The pawl locking device 1500 further includes a pawl mechanism 1510 within the locking head 108. The pawl mechanism 1510 has a pawl 1516, which has pawl teeth 1520, a front side 1522, a back side 1524, a first side 1526, a second side 1528, a top side 1530, a bottom side 1502, a pivot member 1504, a stop surface 1506, a left side of the pivot member 1508, a right side of the pivot member 1511, a central portion of the pivot member 1512, and a pivot member recess 1514. In various respects, the recess may not be present in the pivot member.

[0044] The pawl 1516 is connected to the locking head 108 (e.g., latched inside the locking head 108), thereby forming a hinged connection 1518 within the second channel 210 of the slot 206. Figure 18 As shown, the hinged connection 1518 defines the hinge axis (H3). Figure 20B As shown, the pawl 1516 can be configured to pivot relative to the locking head 108 at the hinge axis. Including a pivot member notch 1514 in the pivot member 1504 can result in a geometry that avoids dents and warping, while enabling the pivot member 1504 to limit the rotation of the pawl 1516 relative to the locking head 108.

[0045] In various aspects, the pawl locking device 1500 may include an opening 1550 defined in the pawl 1516, for example, as Figure 17 , Figure 19 and Figure 20BAs shown. An opening 1550 can extend from the bottom 1552 of the opening in the recess 1514 into the pawl 1516 in the direction of the top side 1530. The opening 1550 may include a top wall 1554 defined in the top portion 1556 of the pawl 1516, the top wall 1554 being opposite the bottom 1552 of the opening. The opening 1550 may further include a back wall 1558 opposite the front wall 1560 and a first side wall 1562 opposite the second side wall 1564. In all respects, the back wall 1558, the front wall 1560, the first side wall 1562, and the second side wall 1564 are connected to the top wall 1554 to define the opening 1550. The thickness of the back wall 1558 may be substantially the same as the thickness of at least one of the front wall 1560, the first side wall 1562, or the second side wall 1564. The thickness of the first sidewall 1562 may be substantially the same as the thickness of at least one of the back wall 1558, the front wall 1560, or the second sidewall 1564. In all respects, the thicknesses of the back wall 1558, the front wall 1560, the first sidewall 1562, and the second sidewall 1564 are substantially the same. Including an opening 1550 in the pawl 1516 can result in a geometry that avoids indentation and warping.

[0046] The pawl teeth 1520 of the pawl locking device 1500 can be configured to engage a plurality of serrations 602 on the tail end 106 of the elongated band 102 when a portion of the tail end 106 of the elongated band 102 is positioned within the first channel 208. For example, when the pawl locking device 1500 is secured around the bundle 604, as... Figure 20A and Figure 20B As shown. The pawl locking device 1500 has a strap 102 configured to wrap around a bundle 604, and the tail end 106 of the strap 102 is inserted through a first channel 208 in a first direction, such that the serrations 602 on the strap 102 face the pawl teeth 1520 of the pawl 1516 located in a second channel 210. In this configuration, when the strap 102 moves longitudinally through the first channel 208 (as shown), the pawl lock device 1500 is locked in a second direction. Figure 20A When the arrow 2006 in the diagram indicates that the angled portion of the serration 602 engages the angled portion of the pawl tooth 1520 on the pawl 1516, the pawl 1516 rotates away from the belt 102 about its hinged connection 1518 with the locking head 108 (as indicated by the arrow 2006 in the diagram). Figure 20B (As indicated by the arrow in 2008).

[0047] Pawl 1516 may include release feature 1536 (e.g., Figure 2 Release characteristics 236). In Figures 15 to 20BIn the aspects shown, the release feature 1536 may be defined by a flange 1538 extending from the top side 1530 of the pawl 1516, spaced apart from at least one of the front side 1522, the second side 1528, and the first side 1526 of the pawl 1516. The spacing between the flange 1538 and one or more of the front side 1522, the second side 1528, or the first side 1526 results in a geometry that avoids dents and warping. Any suitable shape can be used for the flange 1538. Figures 15 to 20B In the diagram, flange 1538 is shown as a single wall. Flange 1538 may be a multi-walled structure (e.g., a three-walled structure having a front wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall), wherein the upper portions of the front wall merge with the upper portions of the first and second side walls to form a U-shaped structure that defines at least one feature channel on the rear side of the release feature, the at least one feature channel extending to the rear side of the pawl, as shown in reference. Figures 1 to 7B As shown in the example. In other examples, flange 1538 may include two walls forming a V-shape, or four or more walls forming a shape suitable for conforming to the profile of a release tool, and so on.

[0048] exist Figures 15 to 20B In the configuration shown, the top side 1530 may be substantially flush with or recessed below the top side 202 of the locking head, and the pawl 1516 is at least substantially contained within the locking head 108. In other respects (not shown), one or more of the pawls or release features may extend beyond the top side of the locking head, such that the pawls and / or the locking head protrude longitudinally beyond the second channel.

[0049] Flange 1538 may be spaced apart from the front side 1522 of pawl 1516 to define recess 1540, recess 1540 for receiving the user's fingertip (as in...). Figure 7A The pawl mechanism 1510, as shown in Figure 7B with reference to the pawl locking device 100, can be the tip of a release tool (e.g., an industry-standard flathead screwdriver) or another object that can be used to release the pawl mechanism 1510 from engagement with the serrated teeth 602 of the elongated band 102. The pawl mechanism 1510 of the pawl locking device 1500 can be configured to... Figure 7A and Figure 7B The release of the pawl mechanism 110 of the pawl locking device 100 shown operates similarly, wherein the user's fingertip is illustrated as pressing against the release feature, causing the pawl to hinge relative to the locking head at the hinged connection, and disengaging the pawl teeth from the serrations at the tail end of the pawl locking device. In various respects, the tip of a release tool (e.g., an industry-standard flathead screwdriver) or another object can be used in place of the user's fingertip.

[0050] After the pawl locking device 100 is secured and tensioned around the bundle 604, a portion of the tail end 106 of the pawl locking device 100 can be removed, for example, by using a tensioning and cutting cable tie tool or other such installation tool (not shown). For example, tension can be applied to the pawl locking device using an installation tool, and excess length of the tape extending above the top side of the locking head can also be cut. Such an installation tool is operated by applying tension to the pawl locking device by pulling the tape while pushing the top side of the locking head and cutting the tape with a blade. In such an operation, the pawl rotates toward the tape, causing the pawl teeth on the pawl to engage the serrations on the tape and secure the pawl locking device in place. Because the pawl locking device is tensioned around the bundle, when the tape is cut, the remaining tape tension is temporarily released until the pawl teeth engage the serrations on the tape; thus causing the tape to move in the opposite direction through the first channel toward the bundle. Furthermore, since the pawl and release feature are located inside the locking head, the installation tool can cut the band to make it substantially flush with the top side of the locking head, thereby substantially removing any protruding, sharp edges on the band that could pose a risk of injury to the user or damage to adjacent bundles, hoses, etc.

[0051] Additional examples

[0052] The following are additional examples of technologies and devices for pawl lock devices.

[0053] Example 1: A pawl locking device comprising: an elongated band including a plurality of serrations; and a head including: a groove extending through the head, the groove including a first channel connected to a second channel configured to receive the elongated band; and a pawl disposed within the second channel of the groove, the pawl being positioned within the head, the pawl including: a front side, a first side, a second side, a back side, a top side, and a bottom side; the pawl having a plurality of pawl teeth defined in the front side and configured to... When the belt is positioned within the first channel, it engages a plurality of serrations on the elongated belt; a pawl is connected to the head at a hinged connection, wherein the hinged connection defines a hinge axis relative to the head for the pawl to pivot about the hinge axis; and a pivoting member is defined in the bottom side, the pivoting member having a stop surface configured to contact the rear wall of the second channel when the elongated belt is positioned within the first channel and the pawl teeth engage the plurality of serrations in the elongated belt, the pivoting member having a left side opposite to the right side, and a notch in a central portion defined between the left and right sides.

[0054] Example 2: The pawl locking device of Example 1, wherein the pivot member has a length that extends substantially parallel to the hinge axis.

[0055] Example 3: A pawl locking device of Example 1 or 2, wherein the notch is defined along the length in the central portion.

[0056] Example 4: A pawl locking device of any of Examples 1-3, further comprising an opening defined in a pawl, the opening extending from a notch and in a direction toward the top side of the pawl into the pawl.

[0057] Example 5: A pawl locking device of any one of Examples 1-4, wherein the opening further includes: a top wall defined in the top portion of the pawl and opposite the bottom of the opening in the recess, wherein the opening further includes: a back wall connected to the top wall, the back wall opposite the front wall; and a first side wall opposite the second side wall.

[0058] Example 6: A pawl locking device of any of Examples 1-5, wherein the thickness of the back wall is substantially the same as the thickness of at least one of the front wall, the first side wall, or the second side wall; or wherein the thickness of the first side wall is substantially the same as the thickness of at least one of the back wall, the front wall, or the second side wall.

[0059] Example 7: A pawl locking device of any of Examples 1-6, wherein the back wall, front wall, first side wall and second side wall are of approximately the same thickness.

[0060] Example 8: A pawl locking device of any one of Examples 1-7, wherein the pawl further includes: a release feature extending from the top side of the pawl and spaced apart from the front side, second side and first side of the pawl.

[0061] Example 9: A pawl locking device of any of Examples 1-8, wherein the top side is recessed below the top side of the head.

[0062] Example 10: The pawl locking device of Example 8 or 9, wherein the release feature is recessed below the top side of the head.

[0063] Example 11: A pawl locking device of any of Examples 8-10, wherein the release feature further includes: a front wall facing the front wall of the slot; a back wall facing the rear wall of the slot; and a feature channel defined in the back wall.

[0064] Example 12: A pawl locking device of any of Examples 8-11, wherein the release feature is generally U-shaped.

[0065] Example 13: A pawl locking device of any one of Examples 1-12, further comprising: a first support post on the back side of the pawl and extending from the hinged connection to the top side of the pawl.

[0066] Example 14: The pawl locking device of Example 13 further includes: a second pillar on the back side of the pawl and extending from the hinged connection to the top side of the pawl, wherein the second pillar is spaced apart from the first pillar and defines a channel between the first pillar and the second pillar.

[0067] Example 15: A pawl locking device of any one of Examples 1-14, wherein the pawl further comprises: a first channel defined in the pawl, the first channel extending from a top side of the pawl toward a bottom side; and a second channel defined in the pawl, the second channel extending from a top side of the pawl toward a bottom side, wherein the first channel and the second channel define a support wall therebetween, the support wall being connected at a first end to a front portion of the pawl and at a second end to a rear portion of the pawl.

[0068] Example 16: A pawl locking device comprising: an elongated band including a plurality of serrations; and a head including: a groove extending through the head, the groove including a first channel connected to a second channel configured to receive the elongated band; and a pawl disposed within the second channel of the groove, the pawl being positioned within the head, the pawl including: a front side, a first side, a second side, a back side, a top side, and a bottom side; the pawl having a plurality of pawl teeth defined in the front side, the pawl teeth being configured to engage the plurality of serrations on the elongated band when the elongated band is disposed within the first channel; the pawl being connected to the head at a hinged connection, wherein the hinge... The connecting portion defines a hinge axis, and the pawl is configured to pivot relative to the head; a pivot member defined in the bottom side, the pivot member having a stop surface configured to contact the rear wall of the second channel when the elongated band is disposed in the first channel and the pawl teeth engage a plurality of serrations in the elongated band, the pivot member having a left side opposite to the right side, wherein a central portion is defined between the left and right sides, the pivot member having a length extending generally parallel to the hinge axis, and the pivot member further including a notch defined in the central portion along the length; and a release feature extending from the top side of the pawl and spaced apart from the front side, second side and first side of the pawl.

[0069] Example 17: The pawl locking device of Example 16 further includes: an opening that is defined in the pawl and extends from the notch in a direction toward the top side of the pawl into the pawl.

[0070] Example 18: A pawl locking device of Example 16 or 17, wherein the opening further comprises: a top wall defined in a top portion of the pawl, the top wall being opposite to the bottom of the opening, the bottom of the opening being in a recess; a back wall being opposite to a front wall; and a first side wall being opposite to a second side wall, wherein the thickness of the back wall is consistent with the thickness of at least one of the front wall, the first side wall, or the second side wall.

[0071] Example 19: A pawl locking device of any one of Examples 16-18, further comprising: a first pillar on the back side of the pawl and extending from the hinged connection to the top side of the pawl; and a second pillar on the back side of the pawl and extending from the hinged connection to the top side of the pawl, the second pillar being spaced apart from the first pillar and defining a channel between the first pillar and the second pillar.

[0072] Example 20: A pawl locking device of any one of Examples 16-19, wherein the pawl further comprises: a first channel defined in the pawl and extending from a top side of the pawl toward a bottom side; and a second channel defined in the pawl and extending from a top side of the pawl toward a bottom side, wherein the first channel and the second channel define a support wall therebetween, and the support wall is connected at a first end to a front portion of the pawl and further to a rear portion of the pawl at a second end.

[0073] Conclusion

[0074] While various aspects of the ratchet locking device have been described in the foregoing description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited thereto, but can be practiced in various ways within the scope of the following claims. It will be apparent from the foregoing description that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the following claims. Furthermore, the specific features and methods disclosed are exemplary implementations of the ratchet locking device, and other equivalent features and methods are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. Additionally, various different aspects have been described, and it should be understood that each described aspect can be implemented independently or in combination with one or more other described aspects or portions thereof.

[0075] Unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, the use of "or" and grammatically related terms indicates an unrestricted, non-exclusive alternative. As used herein, the phrase referring to "at least one" of a list of items means any combination of those items, including a single member. For 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 for pawl locking, the device comprising: The belt includes a plurality of serrations; as well as A head, the head comprising: A slot extending through the head, the slot including a channel configured to receive the strip; and A pawl, wherein the pawl is disposed within the channel of the groove, the pawl is positioned inside the head, and the pawl includes: Front side, first side, second side, back side, top side, and bottom side; The pawl has a plurality of pawl teeth defined in the front side and configured to engage the plurality of serrations on the belt when the belt is disposed within the channel; The pawl connects to the head at the hinged connection; and A pivot member defined in the bottom side, the pivot member having a left side opposite to the right side, and a notch defined in a central portion between the left side and the right side.

2. The apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that... , The hinged connection defines a hinge axis relative to the head, allowing the pawl to pivot about the hinge axis, and The length of the pivot member extends approximately parallel to the hinge axis.

3. The apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The notch is defined along the length of the central portion.

4. The apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that... Further includes: An opening is defined in the pawl and extends from the notch toward the top side of the pawl into the pawl.

5. The apparatus as described in claim 4, characterized in that... The oral cavity further includes: A top wall, defined within the top portion of the pawl and opposite the bottom of the opening in the recess, wherein the opening further includes connections to the top wall: Back wall, which is opposite to the front wall; and The first sidewall is opposite to the second sidewall.

6. The apparatus as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The thickness of the back wall is substantially the same as the thickness of at least one of the front wall, the first side wall, or the second side wall; and / or The thickness of the first sidewall is substantially the same as the thickness of at least one of the back wall, the front wall, or the second sidewall.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The back wall, the front wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall have approximately the same thickness.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The pawl further includes: A release feature extends from the top side of the pawl and is spaced apart from the front side, the second side, and the first side of the pawl.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The top side is recessed below the top side of the head.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The release feature is recessed below the top side of the head.

11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The release feature further includes: Front wall, the front wall facing the front wall of the groove; A back wall, the back wall facing the rear wall of the groove; and Feature channel, which is defined in the back wall.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The release feature is generally U-shaped.

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, Further includes: A first support post is located on the back side of the pawl and extends from the hinged connection to the top side of the pawl.

14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that, Further includes: A second support post is located on the back side of the pawl and extends from the hinged connection to the top side of the pawl, wherein the second support post is spaced apart from the first support post and defines a channel between the first support post and the second support post.

15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The pawl further includes: A first channel, defined within the pawl, extending from the top side of the pawl toward the bottom side of the pawl; and A second channel, defined within the pawl, extends from the top side of the pawl toward the bottom side of the pawl. A support wall is defined between the first channel and the second channel of the pawl. The support wall is connected to the front portion of the pawl at a first end and to the rear portion of the pawl at a second end.

16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that, Further includes: The pivot member has a stop surface configured to contact the rear wall of the second channel when the belt is disposed within the channel and the pawl teeth engage the plurality of serrations in the belt.

17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16, characterized in that, The hinged connection defines a hinge axis relative to the head, allowing the pawl to pivot about the hinge axis, and The length of the pivot member extends approximately parallel to the hinge axis.

18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16, characterized in that, Further includes: An opening is defined in the pawl and extends from the notch toward the top side of the pawl into the pawl.

19. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16, characterized in that, The pawl further includes: A release feature extends from the top side of the pawl and is spaced apart from the front side, the second side, and the first side of the pawl.

20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 19, characterized in that, The release feature is generally U-shaped.

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