Object binding device

Abstract

The invention relates to an object strapping device. An object strapping device includes an opening defining an engagement channel having an inner wall. At least one body engagement member is disposed on the inner wall, the at least one body engagement member having a retention surface laterally delimited by a first end and a second end. The retaining surface has a non-linear surface profile between the first end and the second end. A strap is adapted to pass through the opening in a direction of insertion, the strap having a plurality of strap engaging members. Each of the strip engaging members includes a contact surface laterally defined by a first strip end and a second strip end. The contact surface has a non-linear surface profile between the first strip end and the second strip end. The non-linear contact surface profile of the strip is configured to nest within the non-linear retention surface profile as the strip advances in a direction opposite the direction of insertion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The field of the present disclosure relates generally to object strapping systems and, more particularly, to object strapping devices having a non-linear contact surface profile. Background Art

[0002] Object bundling devices are used to collect or group multiple cables that are hung from a ceiling or other suitable suspension location, such as in a building or factory. The bundling or locking system may include a strap that is suitable for wrapping around the bundle of cables. The strap has a flexible single body with openings located along the strap.

[0003] In use, the strap is wrapped around the cable and one end of the strap is inserted through the opening and pulled through the opening in a first direction until the strap is positioned snugly against the collected cable. The strap includes an outwardly directed locking member that resists loose displacement of the strap end in a second direction and thus maintains the strap tightly against the cable.

[0004] Known straps are flexible. Therefore, over time, the weight of the cables causes the locking properties to degrade or fail to the structure, causing the strap to loosen or release the previously secured bundled cables. Since cable bundles are often maintained in ceilings or other difficult to access building locations, repairing object tie down devices can be difficult. There is a need for an object tie down device that can maintain support for a cable bundle over time. Summary of the invention

[0005] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, an object bundling device is disclosed. The device includes a body having an opening extending through the body, the opening defining an engagement channel having an inner wall. At least one body engagement member is disposed on the inner wall, the at least one body engagement member having a retaining surface, the retaining surface being laterally bounded by a first end and a second end. The retaining surface has a nonlinear surface profile between the first end and the second end. The strip is adapted to pass through the opening in the direction of insertion. The strip has a plurality of strip engagement members, each of the strip engagement members having a contact surface, the contact surface being laterally bounded by a first strip end and a second strip end. The contact surface has a nonlinear surface profile between the first strip end and the second strip end. The nonlinear contact surface profile of the strip is configured to be nested within the nonlinear retaining surface profile of the body when the strip advances in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion.

[0006] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, an object bundling device is disclosed. The device includes a body having an opening extending through the body, the opening defining an engagement channel having an inner wall. At least one body engagement member is disposed on the inner wall, the at least one body engagement member having a retaining surface, the retaining surface being laterally bounded by a first end and a second end. The retaining surface has a nonlinear surface profile between the first end and the second end. The strip is adapted to pass through the opening in the direction of insertion. The strip has a plurality of strip engagement members, each of the strip engagement members having a contact surface, the contact surface being laterally bounded by a first strip end and a second strip end. The contact surface has a nonlinear surface profile between the first strip end and the second strip end. The nonlinear contact surface profile of the strip is configured to abut against the nonlinear retaining surface profile of the body when the strip advances in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective top view of an object strapping device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0008] Figure 2 Picture shows Figure 1 A bottom view of an object bundling device;

[0009] Figure 3 Picture shows Figure 1 A bottom perspective view of an object bundling device;

[0010] Figure 4 The diagram shows the Figure 2 The line 3-3' is intercepted Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a main body of an object strapping device;

[0011] Figure 5 The diagram shows the Figure 1 The line 5-5' is intercepted Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a main body of an object strapping device;

[0012] Figure 6 The diagram is inserted into Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a strap in a main body of an object strapping device;

[0013] Figure 7 The diagram is inserted into Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a strap in a main body of an object strapping device;

[0014] Figure 8 illustrates a bottom perspective view of an object bundling device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Fig. 9 The diagram is inserted into Figure 8A cross-sectional view of a strap in a main body of an object strapping device;

[0016] Fig.10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an object bundling device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0017] Fig.11 A cross-sectional view of an object bundling device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0018] The reference numerals used in the drawings and their meanings are listed in summary form in the list of reference numerals. In principle, identical components are provided with the same reference numerals in the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In the following specification and claims, reference will be made to several terms which shall be defined to have the following meanings.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms "comprising", "including", and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements in addition to the listed elements. The terms "optional" or "optionally" mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and the description includes instances where the event occurs and instances where it does not occur.

[0021] As used herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the spatial terms "upper," "lower," "top," and "bottom" used in this disclosure will designate a component or element of a component that is located upstream or downstream relative to other components and elements of a component. The term "upper" or "top" will designate a component or element that is downstream of a component, and the term "lower" or "bottom" will designate a component or element that is upstream of a component. In the case of a component having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface is parallel to the bottom surface. Such relative spatial terms are used merely to facilitate description and are not intended to be limiting.

[0022] The present disclosure relates to embodiments of an object strapping device. The device includes a body having an opening extending through the body, the opening defining an engagement channel having an inner wall. At least one body engagement member is disposed on the inner wall, the at least one body engagement member having a retaining surface, the retaining surface being laterally bounded by a first end and a second end. The retaining surface has a nonlinear surface profile between the first end and the second end. The strip is adapted to pass through the opening in an insertion direction. The strip has a plurality of strip engagement members, each of the strip engagement members having a surface, the surface being laterally bounded by a first strip end and a second strip end. The surface has a nonlinear surface profile between the first strip end and the second strip end.

[0023] In some embodiments, the nonlinear surface profile of the strip is configured to nest within the nonlinear retention surface profile of the body as the strip is advanced in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion. In some embodiments, the nonlinear surface profile of the strip is configured to abut against the nonlinear retention surface profile of the body as the strip is advanced in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion.

[0024] As used herein, the terms "non-linear surface profile", "non-linear edge", "non-linear surface" and "non-linear" generally refer to a retaining surface and / or a leading surface having an edge that is not perpendicular to the length of the strip or head. The non-linear surface profile may be acutely angled relative to the length of the strip or head. The non-linear surface profile may be curved or may include one or more angled linear segments. The non-linear surface profile may include a combination of curved linear segments and one or more linear segments.

[0025] Figures 1 to 6 An object bundling device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 A top perspective view of an object strapping device 100 having a strap 110 and a body 150 is illustrated. Figure 2 The figure shows a bottom view of the object strapping device 100. Figure 3 The diagram shows the Figure 2 3 - 3 ′ is shown in FIG. 1 . Figure 4 The diagram shows the Figure 2 A perspective cross-sectional view of the body 150 taken along line 3-3' shown in FIG. Figure 5 The diagram shows the Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the body 150 taken along line 5 - 5 ′ is shown in FIG. Figure 6 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the strap 110 inserted into the insertion chamber 152 of the body 150 of the object strapping device 100. Figure 1 As shown in , the strip 110 is elongated, and the elongated strip 110 includes a first free end 114, a second end 116 integrally formed with the body 150, and a first lateral edge 118 and a second lateral edge 120, wherein the edges 118, 120 extend between the ends 114 and 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the strip 110 is integrally formed with the body 150 at the second end 116 of the strip 110, thereby forming a single body including the strip 110 and the body 150. In some embodiments, the strip 110 and the body 150 are discrete components. In some embodiments, the strip 110 and the body 150 are composed of a material selected from the group consisting of polymers, nylon, polyamide, heat-stabilized nylon, and UV-stabilized nylon.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom surface 125 of the strap 110 includes a middle portion 132 that is laterally bounded by the edges 118, 120 of the strap 110. The middle portion 132 includes a plurality of strap engagement members 126. Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown in , the middle portion 132 is recessed relative to the bottom surface 125. Figure 6 and Figure 7 Explained in further detail, when the first free end 114 of the strap 110 is advanced in the direction of insertion (indicated by arrow 101 in the figure) through the insertion chamber 152 of the body 150, the plurality of strap engagement members 126 of the strap 110 are configured to interlock with at least one body engagement member 170 of the body 150. In some embodiments, the plurality of strap engagement members 126 of the strap 110 are barbed teeth, each barbed tooth interlocking or engaging with at least one body engagement member 170 of the body 150. In some embodiments, the engagement members are configured as a ratchet mechanism, wherein the plurality of strap engagement members 126 of the strap 110 can be advanced in the direction of insertion 101, but are prevented from advancing in the opposite direction due to the engagement between the strap engagement members and the body engagement members 170.

[0027] like Figure 5 As best shown in FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, the plurality of strap engagement members 126 of the strap 110 include a retaining surface 128 and a leading surface 130. In some embodiments, the retaining surface 128 is substantially perpendicular relative to the bottom surface 125 of the strap 110, while the leading surface 130 is oriented at an angle relative to the substantially flat bottom surface 125 of the strap 110. In some embodiments, the leading surface 130 is directed toward and faces the first free end 114 of the strap 110, while the retaining surface 128 is in the direction of the second end 116.

[0028] like Figure 2 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the retaining surface 128 of the strip 110 has a non-linear surface profile 140 defined between the edges 118 , 120 of the strip 110 . Figures 1 to 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the nonlinear surface profile 140 is arcuate, however, in some embodiments, the nonlinear surface profile can have any shape. Figure 2 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the nonlinear surface profile 140 is convex relative to the second end 116 and the body 150 of the strip. In some embodiments, the nonlinear surface profile 140 can be concave relative to the second end 116 and the body 150, as will be explained in further detail below. In some embodiments, the leading surface 130 also has a curved nonlinear surface profile. In some embodiments, the leading surface 130 is concave or convex.

[0029] refer to Figures 1 to 5, the body 150 includes an insertion end 154 and a removal end 156 opposite the insertion end 154. In some embodiments, the removal end 156 of the body 150 and the top surface 124 of the strap 110 define the top surface of the object strapping device 100. In some embodiments, the leading end 154 of the body 150 and the bottom surface 125 of the strap 110 are planar. The body also includes a first channel wall 160, a second channel wall 162, and lateral sides 159, 161. The first channel wall 160, the second channel wall 162, and the lateral sides 159, 161 extend between the insertion end 154 and the removal end 156, and the first channel wall, the second channel wall, the lateral sides, and the insertion and removal ends together define an insertion chamber 152 adapted to receive the strap 110. The insertion chamber 152 extends through the body 150 from an insertion end 154 to a removal end 156, and the strip 110 is adapted to advance through the insertion chamber 152 in the direction of insertion 101 from the insertion end 154 of the body 150. The strip enters the insertion chamber through an opening 163 formed on the insertion end 154 and exits the insertion chamber through an opening 165 formed on the removal end 156.

[0030] like Figure 5 As best shown in FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, the second channel wall 162 includes a biasing member 164 that extends from the second channel wall 162 into the insertion chamber 152. The biasing member 164 is integrally formed with the second channel wall 162 adjacent the insertion end 154 and extends into the insertion chamber 152 toward the removal end 156 and terminates at a free end. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member 164 is a cantilever member whose ends are defined by and integrally formed with the second channel wall 162. As will be explained in further detail below, the biasing member 164 is adapted to apply a biasing force to the strip 110 when the strip 110 is inserted into the insertion chamber 152, such that the biasing member is urged toward the strip member and thereby maintains engagement between the body engagement member 170 and the strip engagement member 126.

[0031] refer to Figures 1 to 5 , the body 150 also includes at least one body engagement member 170 that is disposed on the biasing member 164 and directed toward the insertion chamber 152. In some embodiments, the at least one body engagement member 170 of the body 150 is a barbed tooth, each barbed tooth interlocking with the plurality of strap engagement members 126 of the strap 110. Figure 4 and Figure 5As best shown in FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, at least one body engagement member 170 includes a retaining surface 172 and a leading surface 174. The retaining surface 172 is laterally bounded by a first lateral biasing member side 176 and a second lateral biasing member side 178. In some embodiments, the retaining surface 172 is substantially parallel to the opening 163 on the insertion end 154. The leading surface 174 is oriented at an angle of less than ninety degrees relative to the corresponding retaining surface. The leading surface 174 extends between adjacent retaining surfaces in the direction of insertion 101.

[0032] like Figure 4 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the retaining surface 172 has a non-linear surface profile or contour 180 defined between a first end 176 and a second end 178. Figures 1 to 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the nonlinear surface profile 180 is arcuate, however, it should be understood that the nonlinear surface profile may have any shape. Figures 1 to 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the nonlinear surface profile 180 is concave relative to the direction of insertion 101 (eg, Figure 4 and Figure 7 101 ). In some embodiments, the non-linear surface profile 180 can be convex relative to the direction of insertion 101. In some embodiments, the leading surface 174 also has a curved non-linear surface profile. In some embodiments, the leading surface 174 is concave or convex. The body includes internal shoulder members 167 and 169 located in the insertion chamber 152. The shoulder member extends between the insertion end 154 and the removal end 156 and is adjacent to the first lateral biasing member side 176 and the second lateral biasing member side 178. When the strip is inserted into the insertion chamber, the bottom surface is supported on the shoulder and the strip middle portion 132 covers the biasing member 164 so that the strip and the body engagement member can effectively move to engage when the strip moves in the direction 101. See Figure 7 .

[0033] In operation, the strip 110 is advanced in the direction of insertion 101 until the object enclosed by the strip 110 is tightened to a desired torque or holding force, or until the strip 110 can no longer be advanced in the direction of insertion 101. Subsequently, the strip 110 is advanced in a second direction opposite to the direction of insertion 101, causing the retention surface 128 of the strip 110 to engage the retention surface 172 of the body 150, preventing further advancement of the strip 110 in the opposite direction, and irremovably locking the strip 110 to the body 150 and defining a locked state in which loose displacement of the strip 110 is hindered. The biasing member 164 is adapted to apply a biasing force to the strip 110 when the strip 110 is inserted into the insertion chamber 152, such that the inner wall 166 is biased against the strip 110.

[0034] When the first free end 114 of the strap 110 is inserted into the body 150, the leading surface 130 of the strap 110 first traverses the leading surface 174 of the body 150, and the retaining surface 128 of the strap 110 interlocks with the retaining surface 172 of the body 150. Figure 7 As best shown in FIG. 1 , after at least one of the retention surfaces 128 of the strap 110 traverses the retention surface 172 of the body 150 in the direction of insertion 101, the retention surface 128 of the strap 110 engages the retention surface 172 of the body 150 as the strap 110 advances in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion 101. The biasing member 164 contacts the strap, urging the strap toward the surface 160 and maintaining the body engagement member 170 proximate the strap engagement member 126, thereby resisting loose displacement of the strap 110 in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion 101. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 150 includes a plurality of strap engagement members 170 that form a ratchet mechanism, however it should be understood that a single engagement member 170 may form a ratchet mechanism with a plurality of strap engagement members 126 of the strap 110.

[0035] Figure 6 A side view of the strip 110 inserted into the insertion chamber 152 of the body 150 is shown. Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the strip 110 inserted into the insertion chamber 152 of the body 150 is illustrated. As shown, the strip 110 is integrally formed with the second end 116 and the body 150 such that the strip 110 can be looped around the body 150 and inserted from the insertion end 154 in the direction of insertion 101. The biasing member 164 applies a biasing force to the strip 110 such that the at least one body engagement member 170 of the body 150 engages with the plurality of strip engagement members 126 of the strip 110. Figure 7 The joining is also shown in FIG.

[0036] As previously described, the nonlinear surface profile 140 of the retaining surface 128 of the strip 110 is convex relative to the second end 116 and the body 150, and the nonlinear surface profile 180 is concave relative to the direction of insertion 101 (or relative to the insertion end 154 of the body 150). As the strip 110 loops through the body 150 from the insertion end 154, the convex nonlinear surface profile 140 of the strip 110 is oriented toward the insertion end 154 of the body 150. This configuration causes the convex nonlinear contact surface profile 140 of the strip 110 to abut against and engage the concave nonlinear retaining surface profile 180 of the body 150 as the strip 110 is advanced in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion 101. Due to the nonlinear profiles 140, 180 of the engaging members, only portions of the engaging members are in contact engagement. The areas where the contact surfaces are partially engaged are in contact engagement. Figure 7The center portion of the main body 150 is indicated as region A. The concentration of the holding force at region A achieves a stronger ratchet lock, which prevents the strap 110 from falling off from the main body 150.

[0037] As used herein, the term "abutting" with respect to an engaged surface profile indicates direct contact with a portion of the surface profile.

[0038] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 An object strapping device 200 is illustrated in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the object bundling device 200, and Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the main body 250 of the object strapping device 200 . Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The operation and Figures 1 to 7 The object strapping device 200 includes a strap 210 and a plurality of strap engaging members 226, similar to the object strapping device 100 of FIG. Figures 1 to 7 The strip 110 in the embodiment of the present invention and the main body 250 includes a ... Figures 1 to 7 At least one body engaging member 270 of the body 150.

[0039] The plurality of strap engagement members 226 of the strap 210 are disposed on the bottom surface 225 of the strap 210. The plurality of strap engagement members 226 of the strap 210 include a retaining surface 228 and a leading surface 230. In some embodiments, the retaining surface 228 is substantially perpendicular relative to the bottom surface 225 of the strap 210, and the leading surface 230 is oriented at an angle relative to the bottom surface 225 of the strap 210. The retaining surface 228 of the strap 110 has a nonlinear surface profile 240 defined between the edges 218, 220 of the strap 210. In some embodiments, the nonlinear surface profile 240 is arcuate. In the illustrated embodiment, the nonlinear surface profile 240 is concave relative to the second end 216 of the strap 210 and the body 250.

[0040] The at least one body engagement member 270 of the object strapping device 200 has the same non-linear surface profile 280 and the same orientation as the at least one body engagement member 170 of the object strapping device 100. Specifically, the at least one body engagement member 270 of the object strapping device 200 includes a retaining surface 272 in the direction of the removal end 256 of the body 250, and the non-linear surface profile 280 of the at least one body engagement member 270 is concave relative to the direction 101 of insertion.

[0041] like Fig. 9As shown in , the concave nonlinear surface profile 240 of the strip 210 is oriented toward the opening 265 of the insertion end 254 when the strip 210 is looped through the body 250 from the insertion end 254. This configuration allows the concave nonlinear contact surface profile 240 of the strip 210 to nest and engage with the concave nonlinear retention surface profile 280 of the body 250 when the strip 210 is advanced in a direction opposite to the insertion direction 101. As used herein, the term "nesting" with respect to engaging surface profiles indicates direct complementary contact of surface profiles, wherein each of the surface profiles substantially engages with each other. The nesting of the surfaces causes the retention force to be evenly distributed on the retention surfaces. The even distribution of the retention force reduces the stress on the retention surface, thereby reducing or preventing plastic deformation of the retention surface.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining surface (172, 272) of the body (150, 250) of the cable tie device (100, 200) has a concave nonlinear retaining surface profile (180, 280), and the retaining surface (128, 228) of the strap (110, 210) has a concave or convex nonlinear retaining surface profile (140, 240). In some embodiments, the retaining surface (172, 272) of the body (150, 250) can be concave or convex so that the complementary concave or convex nonlinear retaining surface profile (140, 240) of the strap (110, 210) abuts or nests with the nonlinear retaining surface profile (180, 280) of the body (150, 250).

[0043] Fig.10 and Fig.11 An embodiment of an object strapping device having angled side portions defining alternating non-linear surface profiles is illustrated. Fig.10 An object strapping device 300 having a V-shaped non-linear surface profile is illustrated, and Fig.11 An object strapping device 400 is illustrated having a non-linear surface profile defined by a flat mid-portion and angled side portions.

[0044] First go to Fig.10 In the object strapping device 300 shown in FIG. 1 , the strap 310 includes a plurality of strap engagement members 326 having a retaining surface 328 and a leading surface 330, which are similar to Figures 1 to 9 Similarly, the body 350 includes at least one body engagement member 370 having a retaining surface 372 and a leading surface 374, which is similar to Figures 1 to 9 At least one body engaging member (170, 270) of an object bundling device (100, 200) is shown.

[0045] The nonlinear surface profile 340 of the plurality of strip engagement components 326 of the strip 310 has a V-shaped surface profile extending between the first end 318 and the second end 320 of the strip 310. The V-shaped nonlinear surface profile 340 is defined by angled lateral portions 342 extending between the edges 318, 320 of the strip 310. In some embodiments, the angled lateral portions 342 intersect at an intermediate point 344, and the intermediate point 344 can be oriented toward the first free end (not shown) of the strip 110 or toward the second end 316 of the strip 310 and the body 350. The orientation of the intermediate point 344 depends on the orientation of the at least one body engagement component 370 of the body 350, such that the nonlinear surface profile 340 of the strip 310 abuts or nests with the at least one body engagement member 370 of the body 350, similar to the embodiment of the present invention. Figures 1 to 9 The object strapping devices (100, 200) are shown in an adjacent or nested configuration.

[0046] The nonlinear surface profile 380 of at least one body engaging member 370 of the body 350 has a V-shaped surface profile extending between a first lateral biasing member side 376 and a second lateral biasing member side 378 of the biasing member 364 of the body 350. The V-shaped nonlinear surface profile 380 is defined by angled lateral portions 382 extending between the lateral biasing member sides 376, 378 of the body 350. In some embodiments, the angled lateral portions 382 intersect at an intermediate point 384, and the intermediate point 384 can be oriented toward the insertion end 354 of the body 350 or toward the removal end 356 of the body 350. The orientation of the intermediate point 384 depends on the orientation of the plurality of strip engaging members 326 of the strip 310, such that the nonlinear surface profile 340 of the strip 310 abuts or nests with the at least one body engaging member 370 of the body 350, similar to Figures 1 to 9 The object strapping devices (100, 200) are shown in an adjacent or nested configuration.

[0047] Next go to Fig.11 In the object strapping device 400 shown in FIG. 1 , the strap 410 includes a plurality of strap engagement members 426 having a retaining surface 428 and a leading surface 430, which are similar to Figures 1 to 9 Similarly, the body 450 includes at least one body engagement member 470 having a retaining surface 472 and a leading surface 474, which is similar to Figures 1 to 9 At least one body engaging member (170, 270) of an object bundling device (100, 200) is shown.

[0048] The nonlinear surface profile 440 of the plurality of strip engagement members 426 of the strip 410 is defined by angled lateral portions 442 and a flat middle portion 444 extending between the first edge 418 and the second edge 420 of the strip 410. In some embodiments, the flat middle portion 444 can be oriented toward a first free end (not shown) of the strip 410 or toward the second end 416 of the strip 410 and the body 450. The orientation of the flat middle portion 444 depends on the orientation of the at least one body engagement member 470 of the body 450, such that the nonlinear surface profile 440 of the strip 410 abuts or nests with the at least one body engagement member 470 of the body 450, similar to Figures 1 to 9 The object strapping devices (100, 200) are shown in an adjacent or nested configuration.

[0049] The nonlinear surface profile 480 of the at least one body engaging member 470 of the body 450 is defined by angled lateral portions 482 and a flat middle portion 484 extending between the lateral biasing member sides 476, 478 of the body 450. In some embodiments, the flat middle portion 484 can be oriented toward the insertion end 454 of the body 450 or toward the removal end 456 of the body 450. The orientation of the flat middle portion 484 depends on the orientation of the plurality of strip engaging members 426 of the strip 410, such that the nonlinear surface profile 440 of the strip 410 abuts or nests with the at least one body engaging member 470 of the body 450, similar to Figures 1 to 9 The object strapping devices (100, 200) are shown in an adjacent or nested configuration.

[0050] Other variations of the disclosed embodiments may be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention by studying the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0051] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such illustration and description should be regarded as illustrative or exemplary, rather than restrictive. It should be understood that changes and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill within the scope of the following claims. In particular, the present invention encompasses additional embodiments having any combination of features from the above and below different embodiments. In addition, the statements characterizing the present invention herein refer to embodiments of the present invention, and not necessarily all embodiments.

[0052] The terms used in the claims should be interpreted as having the broadest reasonable interpretation consistent with the foregoing description. For example, the use of the article "one" or "the" when introducing an element should not be interpreted as excluding multiple elements. Similarly, the expression of "or" should be interpreted as inclusive, so the expression of "A or B" does not exclude "A and B", unless it is clear from the context or the foregoing description that only one of A and B is meant. In addition, the expression of "at least one of A, B and C" should be interpreted as one or more elements in a group of elements consisting of A, B and C, and should not be interpreted as requiring at least one element in each of the listed elements A, B and C, regardless of whether A, B and C are related as categories or otherwise related. In addition, the expression of "A, B and / or C" or "at least one of A, B or C" should be interpreted as including any single entity (e.g., A) in the listed elements, any subset (e.g., A and B) in the listed elements, or the entire list of elements A, B and C.

[0053] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. An object bundling device, include: a body having an opening extending therethrough, the opening defining an engagement channel having an inner wall; at least one body engagement member disposed on the inner wall, the at least one body engagement member comprising a retention surface laterally bounded by a first end and a second end, the retention surface having a non-linear surface profile between the first end and the second end; as well as a strip adapted to pass through the opening in a direction of insertion, the strip having a plurality of strip engagement members, each of the strip engagement members including a contact surface laterally bounded by a first strip end and a second strip end, the contact surface having a non-linear surface profile between the first strip end and the second strip end; wherein the non-linear contact surface profile of the strip is configured to nest within, or abut against, the non-linear retention surface profile of the body as the strip is advanced in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion.

2. The object strapping device of claim 1, wherein the retaining surface of the at least one body engaging member has a curved surface profile.

3. The object strapping device of claim 2, wherein the retaining surface of the at least one body engagement member has a concave surface profile relative to the direction of insertion.

4. The object strapping device of claim 2, wherein the retaining surface of the at least one body engagement member has a convex surface profile relative to the direction of insertion.

5. The object strapping device of claim 2, wherein the contact surfaces of the plurality of strap engaging members have a concave arcuate surface profile relative to the direction of insertion.

6. The object strapping device of claim 2, wherein the contact surfaces of the plurality of strap engaging members have a convex arcuate surface profile relative to the direction of insertion.

7. The object strapping device of claim 1, wherein the retaining surface of the at least one body engagement member has a V-shaped surface profile extending between the first end and the second end.

8. The object strapping device of claim 7, wherein the V-shaped surface profile is defined by angled lateral portions extending between the first end and the second end.

9. The object strapping device of claim 7, wherein the contact surface of the plurality of strap engagement members has a V-shaped surface profile extending between the first strap end and the second strap end.

10. The object strapping device of claim 9, wherein the V-shaped surface profile is defined by angled lateral portions extending between the first strap end and the second strap end.

11. The object strapping device of claim 1 , wherein the retaining surface of the at least one body engagement member has a surface profile defined by a flat middle portion and angled side portions extending from the flat middle portion to the first end and the second end.

12. The object strapping device of claim 11, wherein the contact surface of the plurality of strap engagement members has a surface profile defined by a flat middle portion and angled side portions extending from the flat middle portion to the first strap end and the second strap end.

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