Stretching belt fixing piece

Abstract

A tensile belt fixture may include a first connector formed of a first inelastic material, a second connector formed of a second inelastic material, and a tensioning device formed of an elastic material. The first cable tie includes a first head including a first pawl mechanism and a first elongate strip having a plurality of first serrations. The second cable tie includes a first head including a second pawl mechanism and a second elongate strip having a plurality of second serrations. A tensioning device connects the first head to the second head and includes a first overmolded portion overmolded onto at least a portion of the first cable tie to form a first mechanical interlock and a second overmolded portion overmolded onto at least a portion of the second cable tie to form a second mechanical interlock. The second overmolded portion is overmolded over at least a portion of the second cable tie to form a second mechanical interlock.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 581,848, filed on September 11, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0002] Cargo straps are often used to secure a load (e.g., an object) relative to a support structure (e.g., a mounting surface, a mount, a vehicle chassis, a trailer, a transport platform (e.g., a pallet), a rack, etc.). Cargo straps can be used to combine one or more elongated objects (e.g., wires, wire harnesses, hoses, tubes, cables, etc.) into a bundle that can be secured to the support structure. The cargo strap includes a first connector for connecting to the support structure, a flexible elongated member (or flexible elongated member) (e.g., a chain, wire, strap, rope) for holding the object, and a second connector for connecting to the support structure. The flexible elongated member extends between the first connector and the second connector. The support structure can include one or more supports to which at least one of the first connector or the second connector is attached.

[0003] The cargo strap may include a tensioner configured to tension the flexible elongated member to apply a force to the load. An example of a cargo strap including a tensioner is a ratchet cargo strap including a ratchet device for tensioning the strap. In other aspects, the cargo strap includes an elastically flexible elongated member that provides the force applied to the load by stretching the elastically flexible elongated member. An example of an elastic cargo strap is a rubber tie strap that includes a metal hook at a first end and a metal hook at a second end. Summary of the invention

[0004] A stretch strap fastener is described herein. In some aspects, the stretch strap fastener is a stretchable cable tie assembly. The stretch strap fastener can be used as a cargo strap to secure a load relative to a support structure. In other aspects, the stretch strap fastener can be used to group one or more elongated objects into a bundle that can be attached to a support structure.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques and devices described herein relate to a stretch strap fastener, the stretch strap fastener comprising: a first cable tie formed of a non-elastic material, the first cable tie comprising a first head and a first elongated strip, the first head comprising a first ratchet mechanism, the first elongated strip having a plurality of first serrations, the first head being configured to receive the first elongated strip when the first ratchet mechanism engages the first serrations; a second cable tie formed of a non-elastic material, the second cable tie comprising a second head and a second elongated strip, the second head comprising a second ratchet mechanism, the second elongated strip having a plurality of first serrations, the first head being configured to receive the first elongated strip when the first ratchet mechanism engages the first serrations; The strap has a plurality of second serrations, the second head is configured to receive the second elongated strap with the second pawl mechanism engaging the second serrations; and a tensioner formed of an elastic material, the tensioner connecting the first head to the second head, the tensioner further comprising: a first overmold, the first overmold portion overmolded onto at least a portion of the first cable tie to form a first mechanical interlock (interlocking portion); and a second overmold portion overmolded onto at least a portion of the second cable tie to form a second mechanical interlock (interlocking portion);

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques and devices described herein relate to a stretch band fastener, which includes: a first connector, the first connector includes a first non-elastic material, the first connector includes an outer side opposite to the inner side, a first retaining member extending from the inner side of the first connector, and a first slender strip having a plurality of first serrations, the first connector also includes a first head, the first head includes: a first slot, the first slot is defined to pass through the first head and is configured to receive the first slender strip; and a first pawl mechanism hingedly disposed in the first slot, the first pawl includes a plurality of first pawl teeth, the first pawl teeth are configured to engage with the plurality of first serrations on the first slender strip when the first slender strip is disposed in the first slot; a second connector, the second connector includes a second non-elastic material, the second connector includes an outer side opposite to the inner side, a second retaining member extending from the inner side of the second connector , and a second elongated strip having a plurality of second serrations, the second connector further comprising a second head, the second head comprising: a second slot defined to pass through the second head and configured to receive the second elongated strip; and a second pawl mechanism hingedly disposed in the second slot, the second pawl comprising a plurality of second pawl teeth, the second pawl teeth being configured to engage with the plurality of second serrations on the second elongated strip when the second elongated strip is disposed in the second slot; and a tensioning device comprising an elastic material, the tensioning device connecting the inner side of the first connector to the inner side of the second connector, the tensioning device further comprising: a first overmolded portion, the first overmolded portion being overmolded onto at least a portion of the first retaining member to form a first mechanical interlocking member; and a second overmolded portion, the second overmolded portion being overmolded onto at least a portion of the second retaining member to form a second mechanical interlocking member.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques and devices described herein relate to a stretch band fastener, which includes: a first connector, the first connector includes a first non-elastic material, the first connector includes an outer side opposite to the inner side, a first retaining member extending from the inner side of the first connector, and a first slender strip having a plurality of first serrations, the first slender strip extending away from the outer side of the first connector, the first connector also includes a first head, the first head includes: a first slot, the first slot is defined to pass through the first head and is configured to receive the first slender strip; and a first pawl hingedly disposed in the first slot, the first pawl includes a plurality of first pawl teeth, the first pawl teeth are configured to engage with the plurality of first serrations on the first slender strip when the first slender strip is disposed in the first slot; a second connector, the second connector includes a second non-elastic material, the second connector includes an outer side opposite to the inner side, a second retaining member extending from the inner side of the second connector, and a second slender strip having a plurality of second serrations, the second slender strip extending away from the first The outer side of the second connector, the second connector also includes a second head, the second head includes: a second slot, the second slot is defined to pass through the second head and is configured to receive the second elongated strip; and a second pawl hingedly disposed in the second slot, the second pawl includes a plurality of second pawl teeth, the second pawl teeth are configured to engage with a plurality of second serrations on the second elongated strip when the second elongated strip is disposed in the second slot; and a tensioning device including an elastic material, the tensioning device connects the inner side of the first connector to the inner side of the second connector, the tensioning device also includes: a first overmolded portion, the first overmolded portion is overmolded onto at least a portion of the first retaining member to form a first mechanical interlocking member, the overmolding of the first overmolded portion chemically bonds the first overmolded portion to the tensioning device; a second overmolded portion, the second overmolded portion is overmolded onto at least a portion of the second retaining member to form a second mechanical interlocking member, the overmolding of the second overmolded portion chemically bonds the second overmolded portion to the tensioning device;

[0008] This summary is provided to introduce simplified concepts of a stretch strap fastener, which concepts are further described in the detailed description below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. This summary is neither intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The details of one or more aspects of the tension strap fastener are described with reference to the following drawings, wherein the same reference numerals may be used in different instances to represent similar features and / or components. In certain views, break lines are used to represent indefinite lengths.

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a tension band fixture.

[0011] Figure 2A yes Figure 1 A first detail diagram of an aspect of the invention.

[0012] Figure 2B yes Figure 1 A second detail view of an aspect of the invention.

[0013] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a tension band fixture.

[0014] Figure 4 is a plan view of an exemplary stretch strap fastener.

[0015] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Side view of a stretch strap fixture.

[0016] Figure 5A is along Figure 5 Cross-sectional view along the center line 5A-5A.

[0017] Fig. 6A yes Figure 4 Partial plan view of the stretch strap fixing.

[0018] Figure 6B yes Fig. 6A A partial stereoscopic view of a stretch belt fixing.

[0019] Figure 7 It is a partial stereoscopic view of the stretch band fixing.

[0020] Fig. 8A It is a partial stereoscopic view of the stretch band fixing.

[0021] Figure 8B It is a partial stereoscopic view of the stretch band fixing.

[0022] Figure 8C It is a partial stereoscopic view of the stretch band fixing.

[0023] Fig.8D It is a partial stereoscopic view of the stretch band fixing.

[0024] Fig. 8E It is a partial stereoscopic view of the stretch band fixing.

[0025] Fig. 9 It is a partial plan view of the tension belt fixing.

[0026] Fig.10 is a context diagram of an example stretch strap fixture.

[0027] Fig.11 is another context diagram of an example stretch strap fastener. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] This document describes techniques and apparatuses related to stretch strap fixtures. In various aspects, the stretch strap fixture includes a stretchable cable tie assembly. Optional features of one aspect described herein may be combined with other aspects to form additional aspects.

[0029] Unless the context indicates otherwise, the term "elastic" as used herein refers to a material that recovers from stretching or deformation in at least one direction (e.g., an "elastic material"). For example, elasticity can refer to a material that can be stretched from an original relaxed length when a biasing force is applied, and will substantially recover to the original relaxed length when the stretching elongation force is released.

[0030] Elastic materials can have isotropic (same in all directions) properties and a high Poisson's ratio. Poisson's ratio is a measure of the Poisson's effect - the deformation (expansion or contraction) of a material in a direction perpendicular to the direction of a particular load. The value of Poisson's ratio is the negative of the ratio of the transverse strain to the axial strain. For smaller values ​​of these variations, Poisson's ratio is the transverse extension divided by the axial compression (e.g., -Δ width (or -Δ thickness) / Δ length).

[0031] The elastic material can have high inherent stretchability (e.g., 500% elongation). The amorphous structure of a suitable elastic material can contain polymer chain entanglements or entropies that contain molecular chain voids or greater free volume between chains. During stretching, the molecular chains may reorient and align. When this occurs, the free volume between the molecular chains may decrease, the overall elastic material volume may decrease, and the density may increase - all due to increased chain orientation. During this transition, when the (one or more) elastic material portions are stretched and fixedly secured around the bundle, the friction grip strength performance may increase. In addition, the circumferential force of the stretch band fixture applied during installation of the assembly may be a factor that increases the normal force of the elastic material on the bundle, which further increases the friction grip strength.

[0032] In certain aspects, suitable elastomeric materials may have a minimum elongation of at least 100%, a Shore A hardness of about 50 to about 70, and a cyclic operating temperature of up to 125°C for in-hood applications.

[0033] The elastic material may be a thermoplastic elastomer high-stretch material (e.g., thermoplastic high-stretch elastomer). Examples of elastic materials for the stretch belt fastener disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, butyl rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM), polyisoprene, chloroprene rubber, fluororubber, ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyacrylic acid (PAA), latex, natural latex rubber, polyurethane, nitrile rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, styrene butadiene, styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), silicone rubber, polybutadiene, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) (e.g., thermoplastic rubber, styrene block copolymer (thermoplastic styrene) (TPS), thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer (thermoplastic elastomer) The invention relates to thermoplastic elastomers and the like. The invention relates to thermoplastic elastomers and the like. The invention relates to thermoplastic elastomers and the like. The invention relates to thermoplastic elastomers and the like. The invention relates to thermoplastic elastomers and the like.

[0034] As used herein, the term "inelastic" refers to any material that does not fall within the above definition of "elastic" (e.g., "inelastic material"). In various aspects, the inelastic material is a flexible (flexible), longitudinally tensile-resistant material. Examples of inelastic materials for stretch band fasteners disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, metals, polymer materials (e.g., polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetherketone (PEEK), polyaryletherketone (PAEK), ethylenetetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polyacetal (POM), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), UV-stabilized polyacetal (POMUV), cross-linked thermoplastics, partially cross-linked thermoplastics, high temperature resins, UV-resistant resins, other thermoplastic materials, etc., and copolymers, blends or alloys thereof). In various aspects, the non-elastic material may include one or more additives (e.g., thermal stabilizers (such as copper iodide), impact modifiers (such as polyolefins, polyurethanes, rubbers), UV stabilizers (such as carbon black, hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS)), flame retardants (such as nitrogen-based halogen-free flame retardants, melamine cyanurate, melamine borate, ammonium polyphosphate), colorants, etc.).

[0035] In various aspects, the elastic material and the non-elastic material used together in the stretch band fastener are chemically compatible and / or thermally compatible, capable of forming a chemical bond or other adhesive between the two materials. The chemical bond increases the strength of the connection and / or mechanical interlock between the two materials.

[0036] Various aspects of a stretch strap fastener are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The stretch strap fastener includes a first connector of a first inelastic material, a second connector of a second inelastic material, and a stretching device of an elastic material. The first inelastic material and the second inelastic material can be the same inelastic material or different inelastic materials. The connectors (e.g., the first connector, the second connector) can be formed of an inelastic material using known manufacturing techniques (e.g., an injection molding process). Similarly, the tensioning device can be formed of an elastic material using known manufacturing techniques (e.g., an injection molding process).

[0037] The first connector may include a first fastener portion configured to engage with the second fastener portion of the second connector to connect the first connector to the second connector. In other aspects, the first connector may not be configured to be connected to the second connector. In other aspects, the first connector is configured to be connected to itself and the second connector is configured to be connected to itself. The fastener portion may include one or more of a cable tie, a clamping member, a quick release connector, a fastener component, a mechanical fastener, a friction fit connection structure, an interference fit connector, a snap fit connector, etc., and may be configured to be connected to another object or surface or another fastener portion. The first connector and the second connector may be different connectors and / or different types of connectors. The first connector may be a first clamping member, the second connector may be a second clamping member, and the first clamping member and the second clamping member may be configured to be connected together (e.g., to form a loop). The first connector may be a first cable tie, the second connector may be a second cable tie, and the first cable tie and the second cable tie may be configured to be connected to themselves and / or connected together (e.g., to form a loop). In various aspects, multiple tension strap fixtures can be connected together to provide additional length, such as by connecting a first connector of a first tension strap fixture to a second connector of a second tension strap fixture. The first connector can be a cable tie configured to connect to itself (e.g., to form a loop), and the second connector can be another type of connector.

[0038] The stretch band fastener may include one or more mechanical interlocking members configured to interlock the connector to the tensioning device. The mechanical interlocking member may provide strength (e.g., in one or more of the axial direction or the lateral direction), safety, rigidity, and / or durability to the joint between the tensioning device and the connector. The mechanical interlocking member may include a mechanical interlocking portion defined on or by the connector (e.g., a first connector, a second connector). The mechanical interlocking portion may include one or more ribs, bosses, keys, indentations, undercuts, or other features on the surface of the base material of the connector, and / or an orifice defined to pass through the base material of the connector. The mechanical interlocking portion may also include an overmolded part that interlocks with another mechanical interlocking portion.

[0039] The tensioning device is connected between the first connector and the second connector. A connection between the tensioning device and the connector can be formed using known manufacturing techniques (e.g., an overmolding process) for use with the stretch band fastener described in the present disclosure. In an example overmolding process, an elastic material is injected into a mold cavity, at least a portion of a non-elastic substrate (e.g., a first connector, a second connector) is located within the mold cavity, and the elastic material is overmolded onto at least a portion of the non-elastic substrate. The overmolding process can be a multi-material molding process (e.g., a multiple injection molding process), in which a non-elastic substrate is first molded, the molding cavity of the substrate mold is changed or the substrate is moved to a second mold, and then an elastic material is injected into the mold to bond to at least a portion of the substrate and form the stretch band fastener.

[0040] In various aspects, the tensioner includes an overmolded portion that forms a mechanical interlocking portion. For example, the tensioner may include a first overmolded portion that is overmolded onto at least a portion of a first connector to form a first mechanical interlocking member, and the tensioner may also include a second overmolded portion that is overmolded onto at least a portion of a second connector to form a second mechanical interlocking member. By overmolding, the tensioner can be integrally formed with the first connector and / or the second connector. Through the overmolding process, the elastic material of the tensioner can be chemically bonded to the non-elastic material of the connector (e.g., the first connector, the second connector). In various aspects, the first overmolded portion is overmolded onto at least a portion of a first retaining member to form a first mechanical interlocking member, the first overmolded portion is chemically bonded to the tensioner, the second overmolded portion is overmolded onto at least a portion of a second retaining member to form a second mechanical interlocking member, and the second overmolded portion is chemically bonded to the tensioner.

[0041] Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2Bis a schematic diagram of an exemplary stretch band fastener 100. The stretch band fastener 100 includes a first connecting member 110 made of a first non-elastic material, a second connecting member 120 made of a second non-elastic material, and a stretching device 130 made of an elastic material. Figure 1 In the schematic diagram of , the first connector 110 includes a first fastener portion 118, which can be configured to engage with a second fastener portion 128 of the second connector 120 to connect the first connector 110 to the second connector 120. The first connector 110 can be a first cable tie, the second connector 120 can be a second cable tie, and the first cable tie and the second cable tie can be configured to be connected to themselves and / or connected together (e.g., to form a loop).

[0042] exist Figure 1 In the schematically illustrated tension band fixture 100, the first connector 110 includes an inner side 112 opposite to the outer side 114, and further includes a first retaining member 116 extending from the inner side 112. The second connector 120 includes an outer side 122 opposite to the inner side 124 and a second retaining member 126 extending from the inner side 124. The tension band fixture 100 includes one or more mechanical interlocking members configured to interlock the first connector 110 and / or the second connector 120 to the tensioning device 130. The first retaining member 116 may include at least one mechanical interlocking portion, and the second retaining member 126 may include at least one mechanical interlocking portion. The first retaining member 116 may include a first upper surface 244 opposite to the first lower surface 246, and the mechanical interlocking portion of the first retaining member 116 may include at least one first interlocking aperture (e.g., first interlocking aperture 248) defined between the first upper surface 244 and the first lower surface 246. In this configuration, the first interlocking aperture 248 extends through the first retainer 116. The second retainer 126 may include a second upper surface 254 opposite the second lower surface 256, and the mechanical interlocking portion of the second retainer 126 may include at least one second interlocking aperture (e.g., second interlocking aperture 258) defined between the second upper surface 254 and the second lower surface 256. In this configuration, the second interlocking aperture 258 extends through the second retainer 126.

[0043] The tensioner 130 is connected between the first connector 110 and the second connector 120. In various aspects, the tensioner 130 connects the inner side 112 of the first connector 110 to the inner side 124 of the second connector 120. In various aspects, the tensioner 130 includes an overmolded portion that forms a mechanical interlocking portion. For example, the tensioner 130 may include a first overmolded portion 132 that is overmolded onto at least a portion of the first retaining member 116 to form a first mechanical interlock or interlocking portion 134, and the tensioner 130 may include a second overmolded portion 136 that is overmolded onto at least a portion of the second retaining member 126 to form a second mechanical interlock or interlocking portion 138. By overmolding, the tensioner 130 may be integrally formed to the first connector 110 and / or the second connector 120. The elastic material of the tensioner 130 may extend through the first interlocking aperture 248 and / or through the second interlocking aperture 258. In this configuration, the overmolded (elastomeric) material fills the apertures 248 and 258 .

[0044] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a stretch band fastener 300. The stretch band fastener 300 is similar to Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2B The stretch strap fastener 100 shown and described above. Thus, the stretch strap fastener 300 comprises a first connecting member 310 of a first non-elastic material, a second connecting member 350 of a second non-elastic material and a tensioning device 330 of an elastic material. The tensioning device 330 is connected between the first connecting member 310 and the second connecting member 350.

[0045] In various aspects, the stretch band fixture 300 is a stretchable cable tie assembly including two cable ties. The cable ties can be tightened and set to be adjustable in length. As a result, the connection between the first connector 310 and itself, the connection between the second connector 350 and itself, and / or the connection between the first connector 310 and the second connector 350 is adjustable. The adjustability of the cable tie and / or the elastic properties of the tensioning device 330 can enable a user to change the amount of tension applied to the elongated object retained by the cable tie. In this way, the stretch band fixture 300 can provide adjustable tension. In addition, in this way, the stretch band fixture 300 can provide cushioning for the load (e.g., the elongated object) and minimize the impact on the load. In addition, the stretch band fixture 300 can absorb impact, thereby protecting the stretch band fixture 300 from damage.

[0046] exist Figure 3In the illustrated aspect, the first connector 310 is configured as a first cable tie and the second connector 350 is configured as a second cable tie. The first connector 310 includes a head 308 (e.g., a locking head) and a first elongated strip 302, the first elongated strip including a tail end 306 opposite the head 308. The second connector 350 includes a head 358 (e.g., a locking head) and a second elongated strip 352, the second elongated strip 352 including a tail end 356 opposite the head 358. The head 308 includes an outer side 304 opposite the inner side 312, and the head 358 includes an outer side 354 opposite the inner side 362. The first retaining member 322 extends from the inner side 312, and the second retaining member 376 extends from the inner side 362. The retaining members 322 and 376 are configured to retain the first connector 310 and the second connector 350 on the tensioning device 330, respectively.

[0047] The first elongated strip 302 has a plurality of serrations 318 on at least one longitudinal side thereof, while the second elongated strip 352 has a plurality of serrations 368 on at least another longitudinal side thereof. The serrations (serrations 318, 368) are configured to engage with a detent mechanism (e.g., detent mechanism 324, 374) located within the head (head 308, head 358). Figure 3 In the example of the embodiment of the present invention, the serrations are shown as being disposed on the bottom side of the elongated strap. In various aspects, the serrations are located on one of the top side, the bottom side, or both sides of the elongated strap. The plurality of serrations on the elongated strap enables a variable portion of the elongated strap to be inserted through the head, which provides the user with the ability to vary the amount of tension applied to the elongated object retained by the cable tie. In this way, the tension strap holder 300 can provide adjustable tension.

[0048] A pawl mechanism (e.g., pawl mechanism 324, pawl mechanism 374) can be disposed within the interior of the head and configured to engage with the saw teeth (e.g., saw teeth 318, saw teeth 368) of one of the elongated strips, as described in more detail below. In various aspects, the pawl has teeth that are configured to engage with the saw teeth of the elongated strips. The pawl mechanism 324 of the first elongated strip 302 can be configured to engage with the saw teeth 318 on the first elongated strip 402 and / or the saw teeth 368 on the second elongated strip 352. Similarly, the pawl mechanism 374 of the second elongated strip 352 can be configured to engage with the saw teeth 318 on the first elongated strip 302 and / or the saw teeth 368 on the second elongated strip 352. The plurality of saw teeth on the elongated strips enables a variable portion of the elongated strips that can be inserted through the head, which provides the user with the ability to change the length of the stretch band fastener 300. In this way, the length of the stretch band fastener 300 is adjustable.

[0049] The head 308 has a top side 314 and a bottom side 316, and a slot 320 extending through the head 308 is defined between the top side 314 and the bottom side 316. The head 358 has a top side 364 and a bottom side 366, and a slot 370 extending through the head 358 is defined between the top side 314 and the bottom side 316. In various aspects, the slots (slots 320, slots 370) can include a first channel and a second channel (e.g., as described below with respect to the stretch band fastener 400). The slots can be configured to receive an elongated strip (e.g., the first elongated strip 302, the second elongated strip 352). A detent mechanism (detent mechanism 324, detent mechanism 374) can be disposed within the slots so that when the elongated strip is disposed within the slots, the detent mechanism engages the elongated strip to allow the elongated strip to move unidirectionally through the slots in a first direction and resist movement of the elongated strip in an opposite direction.

[0050] The pawl of the pawl mechanism (e.g., pawl mechanism 324, pawl mechanism 374) can be connected to (e.g., bolted inside) the head (head 308, head 358). The pawl can be disposed within the second channel of the slot (e.g., slot 320, slot 370) and located inside the head (e.g., head 308, head 358). The pawl can include a plurality of pawl teeth defined on the front side of the pawl. In various aspects, the pawl teeth face the first channel and can be configured to engage with the serrations (e.g., serrations 318, serrations 368) on the elongated strip (e.g., first elongated strip 302, second elongated strip 352) when a portion of the elongated strip is disposed within the slot (e.g., slot 320, slot 370), such as within the first channel. In this configuration, the elongated strip can be used to form a loop around one or more elongated objects to form a bundle. When the elongated strap is formed into a bundle around one or more elongated objects, the elastic material of the tensioning device 330 can provide a clamping force on the bundle, which can prevent unwanted rotation of the bundle, which can be useful in applications where vibration or other movement of the tension strap securing assembly may occur.

[0051] The tensioning device 330 includes a first overmolded portion 332 overmolded onto at least a portion of the first retaining member 322, and a second overmolded portion 336 overmolded onto at least a portion of the second retaining member 326. In this manner, the tensioning device 330 can be integrally formed to the first connector 310 and / or the second connector 350, thereby increasing the strength of the tension band fastener 300. The overmolded portions (e.g., the first overmolded portion 332, the second overmolded portion 336) can form a mechanical interlocking member, as described above with reference to Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2BFor example, the tensioning device 330 may include: a first overmolded portion 332, which is overmolded onto at least a portion of the first retaining member 322 to form a first mechanical interlocking member 334; and a second overmolded portion 336, which is overmolded onto at least a portion of the second retaining member 326 to form a second mechanical interlocking member 338. In this way, the tensioning device 330 can be mechanically interlocked to the first connector 310 and / or the second connector 350, thereby increasing the strength of the tension band fastener 300.

[0052] The first retaining member 322 extends from the head 308 of the first connector 310, and the second retaining member 326 extends from the head 358 of the second connector 350. The head (e.g., head 308, head 358) has an inner side (e.g., inner side 312, inner side 362) opposite to the outer side (e.g., outer side 304, outer side 354). The elongated strips (e.g., first elongated strips 302, second elongated strips 352) extend away from the inner side (e.g., inner side 312, inner side 362), while the retaining members (e.g., first retaining member 322, second retaining member 326) extend away from the outer side (e.g., outer side 304, outer side 354). The first elongated strip 302 and the first retaining member 322 can be coplanar, and / or the second elongated strip 352 and the second retaining member 326 can be coplanar. In this way, a plurality of stretch band fasteners can be easily bundled for storage and / or packaging.

[0053] Figures 4 to 6B Another tension strap fixture 400 is shown in FIG. The tension strap fixture 400 is a stretchable dual cable tie assembly including two cable ties. The tension strap fixture 400 is a stretchable dual cable tie assembly including two cable ties. The tension strap fixture 400 is similar to the tension strap fixture 400 except as described in detail below. Figure 3 The stretch strap fastener 300 shown and described above. Thus, the stretch strap fastener 400 comprises a first connecting member 410 of a first non-elastic material, a second connecting member 450 of a second non-elastic material and a tensioning device 430 of an elastic material. The tensioning device 430 is connected between the first connecting member 410 and the second connecting member 450. The stretch band fastener 400 also includes a first elongated strip 402, an inner side 504, a tail end 406, a first head 408, an outer side 512, a top side 514, a bottom side 516, a serration 418, a first slot 420, a first retaining member 422, a pawl mechanism 424, a first overmolded portion 432, a first mechanical interlocking member 534, a second overmolded portion 436, a second mechanical interlocking member (not shown), a second elongated strip 452, an inner side 554, a tail end 456, a second head 458, an outer side 562, a top side 564, a bottom side 566, a serration 468, a second slot 470, a pawl mechanism 474 and a second retaining member 476.

[0054] The head (e.g., first head 408, second head 458) includes a slot (e.g., first slot 420, second slot 470) extending through the head. In the stretch band fastener 400, the slot includes a first channel (e.g., first channel 440, first channel 490) configured to hold a pawl mechanism (e.g., pawl mechanism 424, pawl mechanism 474) and a second channel (e.g., second channel 442, second channel 492) configured to receive an elongated strip (e.g., elongated strip 402, elongated strip 452). The pawl mechanism includes a pawl hingedly disposed in the second channel of the slot. The pawl may include one or more pawl teeth (e.g., pawl teeth 444, pawl teeth 446), the pawl teeth configured to engage with one or more saw teeth (e.g., saw teeth 418, saw teeth 468) on the elongated strip (e.g., elongated strip 402, elongated strip 452) when at least a portion of the elongated strip is disposed in the second channel. The serrations may be located on one or more sides of the elongated strip, and the pawls may be located on one or more sides of the slot. The pawls are hingedly disposed in the second channel of the slot, so that when the elongated strip is disposed in the second channel, the pawl mechanism engages with the serrations on the elongated strip to allow the elongated strip to move unidirectionally through the second channel in a first direction and block the elongated strip from moving in the opposite direction.

[0055] The pawl mechanism (e.g., pawl mechanism 424, pawl mechanism 474) can include a release feature 602 (e.g., an unlocking tab, an unlocking lever) extending from the top side of the pawl mechanism. The release feature 602 can be configured so that an operator can digitally manipulate (e.g., using an operator's finger, using a tool) the release feature 602 to disengage the pawl teeth on the pawl from the strap teeth. The separation of the pawl teeth from the strap teeth allows the elongated strap to be withdrawn from the head and the stretch strap fastener is removed from the state of securing the bundle. In this way, the stretch strap fastener can be reused without overstretching the stretch strap fastener to disengage the connector from the support structure.

[0056] The retaining members (e.g., the first retaining member 422, the second retaining member 476) can form at least one mechanical interlocking portion, as described above with reference to Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2B The stretch belt fixing member 400 is as follows. Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 5A , Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown. Figure 5A is along Figure 5The cross-sectional view along the center line 5A-5A shows the first overmolded portion 432 overmolded onto the first retaining member 422. The first retaining member 422 may include an upper surface 502 opposite the lower surface 604, and the first mechanical interlock 534 may include at least one interlocking aperture (e.g., interlocking aperture 505, interlocking aperture 506, interlocking aperture 508) defined between the upper surface 502 and the lower surface 604. In this configuration, the interlocking aperture extends through the retaining member.

[0057] The tensioner 430 includes an overmolded portion (e.g., first overmolded portion 432, second overmolded portion 436) overmolded onto at least a portion of a retainer (e.g., first retainer 422) to form a mechanical interlock (e.g., first mechanical interlock 534). Figure 5A In the embodiment of the present invention, the elastic material of the tensioner 430 is a first overmolded portion 432, which includes overmolding 510, overmolding 511, and overmolding 513, which extend through interlocking apertures 505, 506, and 508, respectively, to form a mechanical interlock. Through overmolding, the tensioner 430 can be integrally formed to the connector (e.g., first connector 410, second connector 450). In addition, the retainer (e.g., first retainer 422) can include one or more flanges (e.g., flange 520, flange 522) that are overmolded around to form a mechanical interlock.

[0058] The tensioner 430 may include an elongated length with a cross-sectional profile that is wider than its thickness. The tensioner 403 may also have fully radiused vertical flanges along the ends of the elongated length forming an I-beam or dog-bone cross-section.

[0059] Figure 7 Another aspect of the tension strap fastener 700 is shown. The tension strap fastener 700 is similar to the tension strap fastener 700 except as described in detail below. Figures 4 to 6BThe stretch band fixture 400 shown and described above. Thus, the stretch band fixture 700 includes a first connector 710 of a first non-elastic material, a second connector 750 of a second non-elastic material, and a tensioning device 730 of an elastic material. The tensioning device 730 is connected between the first connector 710 and the second connector 750. The tensioning device 730 includes a variable curve portion 702 located between a first overmolded portion 732 and a second overmolded portion 736, and the variable curve portion 702 can be elastically extended in the longitudinal direction of the tensioning device 730. In various aspects, the variable curve portion 702 follows a generally sinusoidal or corrugated shape. The variable curve portion 702 of the tensioning device 730 also allows the stretch band fixture 700 to be further adjustable to various bundle diameters, enabling the stretch band fixture 700 to be further stretched to secure the elongated items into a bundle while maintaining a compact shape.

[0060] Fig. 8A FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of a tension band fixture 800. The tension band fixture 800 is a stretchable cable tie assembly including at least one cable tie. Except as described in detail below, the tension band fixture 800 is similar to Figures 4 to 6B The stretch band fixture 800 shown and described above. Thus, the stretch band fixture 800 includes a first connector 804 of a first non-elastic material, a second connector of a second non-elastic material, and a tensioning device 810 of an elastic material. The tensioning device 810 is connected between the first connector 804 and the second connector. The stretch band fixture 800 also includes an elongated strip 802, a head 806, a retaining member 808, an overmolded portion 812, and a mechanical interlock 814. The overmolded portion 812 is overmolded onto at least a portion of the retaining member 808 to form the mechanical interlock 814. The retaining member 808 includes a plurality of hooks, ribs, bosses, keys, indentations, undercuts, or other features and / or apertures defined by the retaining member 808, around which and / or through which the overmolded material can flow to form the mechanical interlock 814. Fig. 8A An interlocking geometry is shown that may provide increased extraction strength (eg, pull-apart strength) of the overmolded connection.

[0061] Figure 8B FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of a tension band fixture 820. The tension band fixture 820 is a stretchable cable tie assembly including at least one cable tie. Except as described in detail below, the tension band fixture 820 is similar to Figures 4 to 6B820. Thus, the stretch band fixture 820 includes a first connector 824 of a first non-elastic material, a second connector of a second non-elastic material, and a tensioning device 830 of an elastic material. The tensioning device 830 is connected between the first connector 824 and the second connector. The stretch band fixture 820 also includes an elongated strip 822, a head 826, a retaining member 828, an overmolded portion 832, and a mechanical interlock 834. The overmolded portion 832 is overmolded onto at least a portion of the retaining member 828 to form the mechanical interlock 834. The retaining member 828 includes a plurality of hooks, ribs, bosses, keys, indentations, undercuts, or other features and / or apertures defined by the retaining member 828, around which and / or through which the overmolded material can flow to form the mechanical interlock 834. Figure 8B An interlocking geometry is shown that can provide increased extraction strength (eg, pull-apart strength) of the overmolded connection. In this figure, the vertical height of the hook is increased to increase the extraction (pull-apart) force.

[0062] Figure 8C FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of a tension strap fixture 840. The tension strap fixture 840 is a stretchable cable tie assembly including at least one cable tie. Except as described in detail below, the tension strap fixture 840 is similar to Figures 4 to 6B 840. Thus, the stretch band fixture 840 includes a first connector 844 of a first non-elastic material, a second connector of a second non-elastic material, and a tensioning device 850 of an elastic material. The tensioning device 850 is connected between the first connector 844 and the second connector. The stretch band fixture 840 also includes an elongated strip 842, a head 846, a retaining member 848, an overmolded portion 852, and a mechanical interlock 854. The overmolded portion 852 is overmolded onto at least a portion of the retaining member 848 to form the mechanical interlock 854. The retaining member 848 includes a plurality of hooks, ribs, bosses, keys, indentations, undercuts, or other features and / or apertures defined by the retaining member 848, around which and / or through which the overmolded material can flow to form the mechanical interlock 854. Figure 8C An interlocking geometry is shown that can provide increased extraction strength (eg, pull-apart strength) of an overmolded connection. In this figure, the height of the vertical face is increased to increase the extraction (pull-apart) force.

[0063] Fig.8D FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of a tension strap fixture 860. The tension strap fixture 860 is a stretchable cable tie assembly including at least one cable tie. Except as described in detail below, the tension strap fixture 860 is similar to Figures 4 to 6B860 is a stretch band fixture 400 as shown and described above. Thus, the stretch band fixture 860 includes a first connector 864 of a first non-elastic material, a second connector of a second non-elastic material, and a tensioning device 870 of an elastic material. The tensioning device 870 is connected between the first connector 864 and the second connector. The stretch band fixture 860 also includes an elongated strip 862, a head 866, a retaining member 868, an overmolded portion 872, and a mechanical interlock 874. The overmolded portion 872 is overmolded onto at least a portion of the retaining member 868 to form the mechanical interlock 874. The retaining member 868 includes a plurality of hooks, ribs, bosses, keys, indentations, undercuts, or other features and / or apertures defined by the retaining member 868, around which and / or through which the overmolded material can flow to form the mechanical interlock 874. Fig.8D An interlocking geometry is shown that can provide increased extraction strength (eg, pull-apart strength) of the overmolded connection. In this figure, the vertical height of the hook is increased to increase the extraction (pull-apart) force.

[0064] Fig. 8E FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of a tension strap fixture 880. The tension strap fixture 880 is a stretchable cable tie assembly including at least one cable tie. Except as described in detail below, the tension strap fixture 880 is similar to Figures 4 to 6B 880 is a stretch band fixture 400 as shown and described above. Thus, the stretch band fixture 880 includes a first connector 884 of a first non-elastic material, a second connector of a second non-elastic material, and a tensioning device 890 of an elastic material. The tensioning device 890 is connected between the first connector 884 and the second connector. The stretch band fixture 880 also includes an elongated strip 882, a head 886, a retaining member 888, an overmolded portion 892, and a mechanical interlock 894. The overmolded portion 892 is overmolded onto at least a portion of the retaining member 888 to form the mechanical interlock 894. The retaining member 888 includes a plurality of hooks, ribs, bosses, keys, indentations, undercuts, or other features and / or apertures defined by the retaining member 888, around which and / or through which the overmolded material can flow to form the mechanical interlock 894. Fig. 8E An interlocking geometry is shown that can provide increased extraction strength (eg, pull-apart strength) of an overmolded connection. In this figure, the height of the vertical face of the boss is increased to increase the extraction (pull-apart) force.

[0065] Fig. 9 FIG. 9 is a partial plan view of a tension strap fixture 900. The tension strap fixture 900 is a stretchable cable tie assembly including at least one cable tie. The tension strap fixture 900 is similar to the tension strap fixture 900 except as described in detail below. Figures 4 to 6BThe stretch band fastener 900 is similar to the stretch band fastener 400 shown and described above. Thus, the stretch band fastener 900 includes a first connector 910 of a first non-elastic material, a second connector of a second non-elastic material, and a tensioning device 930 of an elastic material. The tensioning device 930 is connected between the first connector 910 and the second connector. The stretch band fastener 900 also includes an elongated strap 902, a head 920, a retaining member 922, a pawl mechanism 924, and an overmolded portion 932.

[0066] The first connector 910 includes at least one buckle (first buckle 903, second buckle 904) defined through at least one of the retaining member 922 and / or the head 920. The buckle is sized to receive at least a portion of the elongated strip passing through the buckle so that excess length of the elongated strip can be inserted and retained therein. In this way, excess portion of the elongated strip can be stored rather than cutting off the excess portion of the elongated strip. In various aspects, a pair of buckles can be provided to enable the elongated strip to be looped in a first direction and then looped in a second direction to secure the elongated strip in the buckle, for example, as Fig.10 The buckle may also include one or more friction lugs (friction lugs 906, friction lugs 908, friction lugs 911, friction lugs 912) configured to engage or rub against the serrations on the elongated strap when securing smaller items to store loops of excess strap rather than cutting off excess strap. The buckle may be present in any aspect of the stretch strap fastener described herein.

[0067] Fig.10 is a context diagram of an example use case of the tension strap fixture 1000. The tension strap fixture 1000 is a stretchable dual cable tie assembly including two cable ties. Except as described in detail below, the tension strap fixture 1000 is similar to Figures 4 to 6B The stretch strap fastener 400 shown and described above. Thus, the stretch strap fastener 1000 includes a first connector 1010 of a first non-elastic material, a second connector 1050 of a second non-elastic material, and a tensioning device 1030 of an elastic material. The tensioning device 1030 is connected between the first connector 1010 and the second connector 1050. The stretch strap fastener 1000 also includes a first elongated strip 1002, a first head 1008, a first overmolded portion 1032, a second overmolded portion 1036, a second elongated strip 1052, and a second head 1058. Fig.10A support structure 1090 (e.g., a trailer bed) is shown having a first attachment 1092 and a second attachment 1094. The first attachment 1092 and the second attachment 1094 may be D-ring fasteners. In use, to secure an object 1098, the first elongated strap 1002 is looped around the first attachment 1092 and connected to the first head 1008, the tensioning device 1030 is stretched, and the second elongated strap 1052 is looped around the second attachment 1094 and connected to the second head 1058. In this use case, the tension strap fastener 1000 retains the object 1098 to the support structure 1090. This construction may also be used in use cases related to roof racks, attaching luggage to carts, cargo carriers, bike hitches, bike racks, motorcycle racks, trunk lids, tailgates, campers, RVs, ATVs, UTVs, pickup truck boxes, trailers, kayaks, canoes, skis, fishing gear, hiking equipment, camping equipment, backpacks, hunting equipment, scuba diving, securing lids to containers, securing cargo to paddle boards, securing awnings to support structures, and the like.

[0068] The tension strap fastener 1000 may include a buckle, such as the one shown in FIG. Fig. 9 The buckle is defined to pass through at least one of the retaining member and / or the head. The buckle is sized to receive at least a portion of the elongated strip passing through the buckle, so that the excess length of the elongated strip can be inserted therein and retained. In this way, the excess portion of the elongated strip can be stored instead of cutting off the excess portion of the elongated strip. In various aspects, a pair of buckles can be provided, so that the elongated strip can be looped in a first direction and then looped in a second direction to secure the elongated strip in the buckle.

[0069] Fig.11 is an environmental diagram of another example use case of the tension strap fixture 1100. The tension strap fixture 1100 is a stretchable dual cable tie assembly including two cable ties. Except as described in detail below, the tension strap fixture 1100 is similar to Figures 4 to 6B The stretch strap fastener 400 shown and described above. Thus, the stretch strap fastener 1100 includes a first connector 1110 of a first non-elastic material, a second connector 1150 of a second non-elastic material, and a tensioning device 1130 of an elastic material. The tensioning device 1130 is connected between the first connector 1110 and the second connector 1150. The stretch strap fastener 1100 also includes a first elongated strip 1102, a first head 1108, a first overmolded portion 1132, a second overmolded portion 1136, a second elongated strip 1152, and a second head 1158.

[0070] Fig.11An elevated support structure 1188 and an elevated support structure 1190 are shown. In this figure, the elevated support structure is shown as a tube or conduit. In other aspects, the elevated support structure can be another structure, including but not limited to mechanical fasteners, eye hooks, adhesive mounting bases, aluminum frame mounts, screw mounting bases, mounting plates, push mounts, masonry mounts, grip tie mounts, etc. In use, to secure an object 1198 (e.g., a heating and cooling duct, an air plenum), a first elongated strip 1102 is looped around the first elevated support structure 1188 and connected to a first head 1108, a tensioning device 1130 receives the object 1198, and a second elongated strip 1152 is looped around the elevated support structure 1190 and connected to a second head 1158. In this use case, the tension band fixture 1100 holds the object 1198 relative to the support structure 1188 (e.g., support structure 1188, support structure 1190). In this way, the tension strap fixture can dampen sound (e.g., expansion and contraction duct noise, fan speed noise, impact sound). In addition, the tension strap fixture can support objects while allowing expansion and contraction during heating and cooling cycles and providing precise lift height adjustment during incremental leveling of the duct system.

[0071] In other aspects, the stretch strap fastener 1100 can be configured so that the strap leaves one or both portions of the head facing away from the object. Fig. 9 As described, the tension band fastener 1100 may include a buckle defined to pass through at least one of the retainer and / or the head.

[0072] In another embodiment, a tension strap fastener can be used to fasten a large bundle, such as a pile of branches, together. In this use case, a first connector (e.g., a first elongated strap) is wrapped around the pile of branches, the tail of the first elongated strap is inserted into the head of a second connector (e.g., a second elongated strap), and the tail of the first elongated strap is pulled to apply circumferential tension to the tensioning device.

[0073] In another embodiment, a large bundle (e.g., a pile of branches) can be secured to a structure (e.g., a trailer bed) using a tension strap fastener. In this use case, a first connector (e.g., a first elongated strap) is wrapped around the pile of branches, the tail of the first elongated strap is looped through a surface mount on the trailer and inserted into the head of a second connector (e.g., a second elongated strap), and the tail of the first elongated strap is pulled to apply circumferential tension to the tensioning device. In this way, individual bundles can be secured for transport.

[0074] Included in the present disclosure and described above are techniques directed to stretch strap securements, including using stretch strap securements to form bundles, and using stretch strap securements to secure objects to a support structure.

[0075] Also included in the present disclosure and described above are techniques for the manufacture of a stretch band fastener. In one aspect, a method of manufacturing a stretch band fastener includes multiple operations. In a first operation, a first connector of a non-elastic material and a second connector of a non-elastic material are molded. The first connector and the second connector can be molded in the same operation or in separate operations. In a second operation, a tensioning device is molded from an elastic material, the tensioning device connecting the first connector to the second connector. The tensioning device includes: a first overmolded portion, which is overmolded onto at least a portion of the first connector to form a first mechanical interlocking member; and a second overmolded portion, which is overmolded onto at least a portion of the second connector to form a second mechanical interlocking member.

[0076] Some other examples of stretch strap fasteners are as follows:

[0077] Example 1. A tension strap fastener includes: a first cable tie formed of a non-elastic material, the first cable tie including a first head and a first elongated strip, the first head including a first detent mechanism, the first elongated strip having a plurality of first serrations, the first head being configured to receive the first elongated strip with the first detent mechanism engaging the first serrations; a second cable tie formed of a non-elastic material, the second cable tie including a second head and a second elongated strip, the second head including a second detent mechanism, the second elongated strip having a plurality of second serrations, the second head being configured to receive the second elongated strip with the second detent mechanism engaging the second serrations; and a tensioning device formed of an elastic material, the tensioning device connecting the first head to the second head, the tensioning device further including: a first overmolded portion overmolded onto at least a portion of the first cable tie to form a first mechanical interlock; and a second overmolded portion overmolded onto at least a portion of the second cable tie to form a second mechanical interlock.

[0078] Example 2. A stretch band fastener, comprising: a first connector, the first connector comprising a first non-elastic material, the first connector comprising an outer side opposite to the inner side, a first retaining member extending from the inner side of the first connector, and a first elongated strip having a plurality of first serrations, the first connector further comprising a first head, the first head comprising: a first slot, the first slot being defined to pass through the first head and configured to receive the first elongated strip; and a first pawl mechanism hingedly disposed in the first slot, the first pawl comprising a plurality of first pawl teeth, the first pawl teeth being configured to engage with a plurality of first serrations on the first elongated strip when the first elongated strip is disposed in the first slot; a second connector, the second connector comprising a second non-elastic material, the second connector comprising an outer side opposite to the inner side, a second retaining member extending from the inner side of the second connector, and a first elongated strip having a plurality of second serrations. A second elongated strip, the second connector also includes a second head, the second head includes: a second slot, the second slot is defined to pass through the second head and is configured to receive the second elongated strip; and a second pawl mechanism hingedly arranged in the second slot, the second pawl includes a plurality of second pawl teeth, the second pawl teeth are configured to engage with a plurality of second serrations on the second elongated strip when the second elongated strip is arranged in the second slot; and a tensioning device including an elastic material, the tensioning device connects the inner side of the first connector to the inner side of the second connector, the tensioning device also includes: a first overmolded portion, the first overmolded portion is overmolded onto at least a portion of the first retaining member to form a first mechanical interlocking member; and a second overmolded portion, the second overmolded portion is overmolded onto at least a portion of the second retaining member to form a second mechanical interlocking member.

[0079] Example 3. The stretch band fastener of Example 2, wherein the first retaining member includes a first upper surface opposite the first lower surface, the first mechanical interlocking member includes at least one first interlocking aperture defined between the first upper surface and the first lower surface, the first interlocking aperture extending through the first retaining member, and wherein the second retaining member includes a second upper surface opposite the second lower surface, the second mechanical interlocking member includes at least one second interlocking aperture defined between the second upper surface and the second lower surface, the second interlocking aperture extending through the second retaining member.

[0080] Example 4. The stretch strap fastener of Example 3, wherein the elastic material of the tensioning device extends through the first interlocking aperture to provide a first mechanical interlock and extends through the second interlocking aperture to provide a second mechanical interlock.

[0081] Example 5. The stretch band fastener of Example 2, wherein at least one of the following is present: the first retaining member further comprises at least one rib, boss, key, indentation or undercut, and the elastic material of the tensioning device extends around the at least one rib, boss, key, indentation or undercut to provide a first mechanical interlocking member, or the second retaining member further comprises at least one rib, boss, key, indentation or undercut, and the elastic material of the tensioning device extends around the at least one rib, boss, key, indentation or undercut to provide a second mechanical interlocking member.

[0082] Example 6. The stretch band fastener of Example 2, wherein the elastic material comprises at least one of butyl rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM), polyisoprene, chloroprene rubber, fluororubber, ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyester (acrylic) (PAA), latex, natural latex rubber, polyurethane, nitrile rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, styrene butadiene, styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), silicone rubber, or polybutadiene.

[0083] Example 7. The stretch band fastener of Example 2, wherein the first inelastic material and the second inelastic material are the same inelastic material.

[0084] Example 8. The stretch band fastener of Example 7, wherein the same non-elastic material is at least one of polyamide, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyphenylene sulfide, polyetherketone, polyaryletherketone, polyacetal, polybutylene terephthalate, or copolymers, blends, or alloys thereof.

[0085] Example 9. The stretch band fastener of Example 2, wherein the first non-elastic material is at least one of polyamide, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyphenylene sulfide, polyetherketone, polyaryletherketone, polyacetal, polybutylene terephthalate, or copolymers, blends, or alloys thereof, and wherein the second non-elastic material is at least one of polyamide, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyphenylene sulfide, polyetherketone, polyaryletherketone, polyacetal, polybutylene terephthalate, or copolymers, blends, or alloys thereof.

[0086] Example 10. The stretch band fastener of Example 2, wherein the elastic material comprises a thermoplastic elastomer high stretch material, and the first non-elastic material and the second non-elastic material comprise polyamide.

[0087] Example 11. The stretch strap fastener of Example 2, wherein the first overmolded portion is overmolded onto at least a portion of the first retaining member to form a first mechanical interlock, the first overmolded portion is chemically bonded to the tensioning device, and wherein the second overmolded portion is overmolded onto at least a portion of the second retaining member to form a second mechanical interlock, the second overmolded portion is chemically bonded to the tensioning device.

[0088] Example 12. The tension band fastener of Example 2, wherein the first retaining member extends from the first head, and wherein the second retaining member extends from the second head.

[0089] Example 13. The stretch strap fastener of Example 2, wherein the first elongated strip extends away from an outer side of the first connector and the second elongated strip extends away from an outer side of the second connector.

[0090] Example 14. The stretch strap fixture of Example 13, wherein the first elongated strap, the tensioning device, and the second elongated strap are coplanar.

[0091] Example 15. The stretch band fastener of Example 2, wherein the first connector is configured to form a first loop around the first supporting structure, and the second connector is configured to form a second loop around the second supporting structure.

[0092] Example 16. The stretch band fastener of Example 2, wherein the first slot includes a first channel and a second channel, the second slot includes a third channel and a fourth channel, the first channel of the first slot is configured to receive a first elongated strip, the first pawl is hingedly disposed in the first channel, the first pawl teeth are configured to engage with a plurality of first serrations on the first elongated strip when the first elongated strip is disposed in the first channel, the third channel of the second slot is configured to receive a second elongated strip, the second pawl is hingedly disposed in the third channel, and the second pawl teeth are configured to engage with a plurality of second serrations on the second elongated strip when the second elongated strip is disposed in the third channel.

[0093] Example 17. A stretch band fastener, comprising: a first connector, the first connector comprising a first non-elastic material, the first connector comprising an outer side opposite to the inner side, a first retaining member extending from the inner side of the first connector, and a first elongated strip having a plurality of first serrations, the first elongated strip extending away from the outer side of the first connector, the first connector further comprising a first head, the first head comprising: a first slot, the first slot being defined to pass through the first head and configured to receive the first elongated strip; and a first pawl hingedly disposed in the first slot, the first pawl comprising a plurality of first pawl teeth, the first pawl teeth being configured to engage with a plurality of first serrations on the first elongated strip when the first elongated strip is disposed in the first slot; a second connector, the second connector comprising a second non-elastic material, the second connector comprising an outer side opposite to the inner side, a second retaining member extending from the inner side of the second connector, and a second elongated strip having a plurality of second serrations, the second elongated strip extending away from the outer side of the second connector, the second connector The member also includes a second head, the second head including: a second groove, the second groove is defined to pass through the second head and is configured to receive a second slender strip; and a second pawl hingedly disposed in the second groove, the second pawl including a plurality of second pawl teeth, the second pawl teeth being configured to engage with a plurality of second serrations on the second slender strip when the second slender strip is disposed in the second groove; and a tensioning device including an elastic material, the tensioning device connecting the inner side of the first connecting member to the inner side of the second connecting member, the tensioning device also including: a first overmolded portion, the first overmolded portion being overmolded onto at least a portion of the first retaining member to form a first mechanical interlocking member, the overmolding of the first overmolded portion chemically bonding the first overmolded portion to the tensioning device; a second overmolded portion, the second overmolded portion being overmolded onto at least a portion of the second retaining member to form a second mechanical interlocking member, the overmolding of the second overmolded portion chemically bonding the second overmolded portion to the tensioning device.

[0094] Example 18. The stretch strap fastener of Example 17, wherein the first retaining member includes a first upper surface opposite the first lower surface, the first mechanical interlock includes at least one first interlocking aperture defined between the first upper surface and the first lower surface, the first interlocking aperture extending through the first retaining member, wherein the second retaining member includes a second upper surface opposite the second lower surface, the second mechanical interlock includes at least one second interlocking aperture defined between the second upper surface and the second lower surface, the second interlocking aperture extending through the second retaining member, and wherein the elastic material of the tensioning device extends through the first interlocking aperture to provide the first mechanical interlock, and extends through the second interlocking aperture to provide the second mechanical interlock.

[0095] Example 19. The stretch band fastener of Example 17, wherein at least one of the following is present: the first retaining member further comprises at least one rib, boss, key, indentation or undercut, and the elastic material of the tensioning device extends around the at least one rib, boss, key, indentation or undercut to provide a first mechanical interlocking member, or the second retaining member further comprises at least one rib, boss, key, indentation or undercut, and the elastic material of the tensioning device extends around the at least one rib, boss, key, indentation or undercut to provide a second mechanical interlocking member.

[0096] Example 20. The stretch strap fastener of Example 17, wherein the elastic material comprises at least one of butyl rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM), polyisoprene, chloroprene rubber, fluororubber, ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyester (acrylic) (PAA), latex, natural latex rubber, polyurethane, nitrile rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, styrene butadiene, styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), silicone rubber, or polybutadiene, wherein the first inelastic material and the second inelastic material are the same inelastic material, wherein the same inelastic material is at least one of polyamide, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyphenylene sulfide, polyether ketone, polyaryletherketone, polyacetal, polybutylene terephthalate, or copolymers, blends, or alloys thereof.

[0097] Although embodiments of the stretch strap fastener have been described in language specific to certain features and / or methods, the subject matter of the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as example embodiments of the stretch strap fastener.

[0098] Unless the context dictates otherwise, the word "or" as used herein may be considered to be used as an "inclusive or," or a term that permits inclusion or application of one or more items linked by the word "or" (e.g., the phrase "A or B" may be interpreted as permitting only "A," only "B," or both "A" and "B"). In addition, as used herein, a phrase "at least one of..." referring to a series of items refers to any combination of those items, including a single component. For example, "at least one of a, b, or c" may encompass a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, and abc, as well as any combination with multiples of the same elements (e.g., aa, aaa, aab, aac, abb, acc, bb, bbb, bbc, cc, and ccc, or any other order of a, b, and c). In addition, the items represented in the drawings and the terms discussed herein may represent one or more items or terms, and thus may refer interchangeably to the single or plural forms of the items and terms in the description herein.

Claims

1. A stretch belt fixing member, comprising: a first cable tie formed of a non-elastic material, the first cable tie comprising a first head and a first elongated strap, the first head comprising a first detent mechanism, the first elongated strap having a plurality of first serrations, the first head being configured to receive the first elongated strap with the first detent mechanism engaging the first serrations; a second cable tie formed of a non-elastic material, the second cable tie comprising a second head and a second elongated strap, the second head comprising a second detent mechanism, the second elongated strap having a second plurality of serrations, the second head being configured to receive the second elongated strap with the second detent mechanism engaging the second serrations; as well as a tensioning device formed of an elastic material, the tensioning device connecting the first head to the second head, the tensioning device further comprising: a first overmold portion overmolded onto at least a portion of the first cable tie to form a first mechanical interlock; as well as A second overmold portion is overmolded onto at least a portion of the second cable tie to form a second mechanical interlock.

2. A stretch belt fixing member, comprising: A first connector, the first connector comprising a first non-elastic material, the first connector comprising an outer side opposite to the inner side, a first retaining member extending from the inner side of the first connector, and a first elongated strip having a plurality of first serrations, the first connector further comprising a first head, the first head comprising: a first slot defined through the first head and configured to receive the first elongated strap; and a first pawl mechanism hingedly disposed in the first slot, the first pawl comprising a plurality of first pawl teeth configured to engage with the plurality of first serrations on the first elongated strip when the first elongated strip is disposed in the first slot; A second connecting member, the second connecting member includes a second non-elastic material, the second connecting member includes an outer side opposite to the inner side, a second retaining member extending from the inner side of the second connecting member, and a second elongated strip having a plurality of second serrations, the second connecting member also includes a second head, the second head includes: a second slot defined through the second head and configured to receive the second elongated strip; and a second pawl mechanism hingedly disposed in the second slot, the second pawl comprising a plurality of second pawl teeth configured to engage with the plurality of second serrations on the second elongated strip when the second elongated strip is disposed in the second slot; and A tensioning device comprising an elastic material, the tensioning device connecting the inner side of the first connecting member to the inner side of the second connecting member, the tensioning device further comprising: a first overmold portion overmolded onto at least a portion of the first retaining member to form a first mechanical interlock; and A second overmold portion is overmolded onto at least a portion of the second retaining member to form a second mechanical interlock.

3. The stretch belt fixing member according to claim 2, characterized in that: in, The first retaining member includes a first upper surface opposite the first lower surface, the first mechanical interlock includes at least one first interlocking aperture defined between the first upper surface and the first lower surface, the at least one first interlocking aperture extending through the first retaining member, and Wherein, the second retaining member includes a second upper surface opposite to the second lower surface, and the second mechanical interlocking member includes at least one second interlocking aperture defined between the second upper surface and the second lower surface, and the at least one second interlocking aperture extends through the second retaining member.

4. The stretch belt fixing member according to claim 3, characterized in that: The resilient material of the tensioner extends through the first interlocking aperture to provide the first mechanical interlock and extends through the second interlocking aperture to provide the second mechanical interlock.

5. The stretch belt fixing member according to claim 2, characterized in that: At least one of the following options: The first retaining member further comprises at least one rib, boss, key, indentation or undercut, the elastic material of the tensioning device extending around the at least one rib, boss, key, indentation or undercut to provide the first mechanical interlock, or The second retaining member further comprises at least one rib, boss, key, indentation or undercut, and the resilient material of the tensioning device extends around the at least one rib, boss, key, indentation or undercut to provide the second mechanical interlock.

6. The stretch belt fastener according to claim 2, characterized in that: The elastic material includes at least one of butyl rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM), polyisoprene, chloroprene rubber, fluororubber, ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyacrylic acid (PAA), latex, natural latex rubber, polyurethane, nitrile rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, styrene butadiene, styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), silicone rubber or polybutadiene.

7. The stretch belt fastener according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first inelastic material and the second inelastic material are the same inelastic material.

8. The stretch belt fastener according to claim 7, characterized in that: The same non-elastic material is at least one of polyamide, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyphenylene sulfide, polyetherketone, polyaryletherketone, polyacetal, polybutylene terephthalate or copolymers, blends or alloys thereof.

9. The stretch belt fastener according to claim 2, characterized in that: in, The first non-elastic material is at least one of polyamide, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyphenylene sulfide, polyetherketone, polyaryletherketone, polyacetal, polybutylene terephthalate, or copolymers, blends, or alloys thereof; and The second non-elastic material is at least one of polyamide, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyphenylene sulfide, polyether ketone, polyaryletherketone, polyacetal, polybutylene terephthalate or copolymers, blends or alloys thereof.

10. The stretch belt fastener according to claim 2, characterized in that: The elastic material comprises a thermoplastic elastomer high stretch material, and the first and second non-elastic materials comprise polyamide.

11. The stretch belt fastener according to claim 2, characterized in that: Overmolding the first overmolded portion onto at least a portion of the first retaining member to form the first mechanical interlock is chemically bonding the first overmolded portion to the tensioning device, and Wherein, overmolding the second overmolded portion onto at least a portion of the second retaining member to form the second mechanical interlock is chemically bonding the second overmolded portion to the tensioning device.

12. The stretch belt fastener according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first retaining member extends from the first head, wherein the second retaining member extends from the second head.

13. The stretch belt fastener according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first elongated strip extends away from an outer side of the first connecting member, and the second elongated strip extends away from an outer side of the second connecting member.

14. The stretch belt fastener according to claim 13, characterized in that: The first elongated strap, the tensioning device and the second elongated strap are coplanar.

15. The stretch belt fastener according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first connecting member is configured to form a first loop around a first supporting structure, and the second connecting member is configured to form a second loop around a second supporting structure.

16. The stretch belt fastener according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first slot includes a first channel and a second channel; The second slot includes a third channel and a fourth channel; said first channel of said first slot being configured to receive said first elongated strip; The first pawl is hingedly disposed in the first channel; the first pawl tooth being configured to engage the plurality of first serrations on the first elongated strip when the first elongated strip is disposed within the first channel; said third channel of said second slot being configured to receive said second elongated strip; The second pawl is hingedly disposed within the third channel; and The second pawl teeth are configured to engage the plurality of second serrations on the second elongated strip when the second elongated strip is disposed within the third channel.

17. A stretch belt fixing member, comprising: A first connector, the first connector comprising a first non-elastic material, the first connector comprising an outer side opposite to the inner side, a first retaining member extending from the inner side of the first connector, and a first elongated strip having a plurality of first serrations, the first elongated strip extending away from the outer side of the first connector, the first connector further comprising a first head, the first head comprising: a first slot defined through the first head and configured to receive the first elongated strap; and a first pawl hingedly disposed in the first slot, the first pawl comprising a plurality of first pawl teeth configured to engage with the plurality of first serrations on the first elongated strip when the first elongated strip is disposed in the first slot; A second connector, the second connector comprising a second non-elastic material, the second connector comprising an outer side opposite to the inner side, a second retaining member extending from the inner side of the second connector, and a second elongated strip having a plurality of second serrations, the second elongated strip extending away from the outer side of the second connector, the second connector further comprising a second head, the second head comprising: a second slot defined through the second head and configured to receive the second elongated strip; and a second pawl hingedly disposed in the second slot, the second pawl comprising a second plurality of pawl teeth configured to engage the second plurality of serrations on the second elongated strip when the second elongated strip is disposed in the second slot; and A tensioning device comprising an elastic material, the tensioning device connecting the inner side of the first connecting member to the inner side of the second connecting member, the tensioning device further comprising: a first overmolded portion, the first overmolded portion being overmolded onto at least a portion of the first retaining member to form a first mechanical interlock, the overmolding of the first overmolded portion chemically bonding the first overmolded portion to the tensioner; and A second overmold portion is overmolded onto at least a portion of the second retainer to form a second mechanical interlock, the overmolding of the second overmold portion chemically bonding the second overmold portion to the tensioner.

18. The tension belt fastener according to claim 17, characterized in that: in, The first retaining member includes a first upper surface opposite the first lower surface, the first mechanical interlock includes at least one first interlocking aperture defined between the first upper surface and the first lower surface, the first interlocking aperture extending through the first retaining member, wherein the second retaining member includes a second upper surface opposite the second lower surface, the second mechanical interlocking member includes at least one second interlocking aperture defined between the second upper surface and the second lower surface, the second interlocking aperture extending through the second retaining member, and Wherein the elastic material of the tensioning device extends through the first interlocking aperture to provide a first mechanical interlock, and extends through the second interlocking aperture to provide a second mechanical interlock.

19. The stretch belt fastener according to claim 17, characterized in that: At least one of the following options: The first retaining member further comprises at least one rib, boss, key, indentation or undercut, the elastic material of the tensioning device extending around the at least one rib, boss, key, indentation or undercut to provide the first mechanical interlock, or The second retaining member further comprises at least one rib, boss, key, indentation or undercut, and the resilient material of the tensioning device extends around the at least one rib, boss, key, indentation or undercut to provide the second mechanical interlock.

20. The stretch belt fastener according to claim 17, characterized in that: in, The elastic material includes at least one of butyl rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM), polyisoprene, chloroprene rubber, fluororubber, ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyacrylic acid (PAA), latex, natural latex rubber, polyurethane, nitrile rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, styrene butadiene, styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), silicone rubber or polybutadiene, wherein the first inelastic material and the second inelastic material are the same inelastic material, and The same non-elastic material is at least one of polyamide, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyphenylene sulfide, polyetherketone, polyaryletherketone, polyacetal, polybutylene terephthalate or copolymers, blends or alloys thereof.

Images