Tie-band for tying, containing or securing cables, pipes and various objects

Abstract

A device consisting of at least one flexible band, provided with means of interference, and at least one separate closing element that has at least one cavity comprising a sliding seat and an anchoring seat, provided with a sliding channel and an anchoring channel respectively, as well as a deployable element. Each seat has means of interference inside, acting in the respective channel, capable of engaging with those of the band to be inserted to form a slot with which to surround the objects to be enclosed. By inserting the band into the anchoring channel, the engagement between the relative means of interference is directly achieved, which prevents it from being released, as well as causing the displacement of the deployable element towards the inside of the sliding channel to achieve the engagement of the means of interference relating to the latter with those of the portion of the band inserted or to be inserted into the same, so that the slot, formed or to be formed, remains stably closed and can only be reduced in width.

Description

[0001] “TIE-BAND FOR TYING, CONTAINING OR SECURING CABLES,

[0002] PIPES AND VARIOUS OBJECTS”

[0003] Technical field of the invention

[0004] The present invention pertains to the solutions for tying, keeping grouped, or securing various objects, typically electric cables or pipes, through the union of closing elements initially separated between themselves. Diverse to analogous systems in which the tie-bands are made in a single piece with the closing elements, with the present invention it is possible to limit as much as possible, if not eliminate altogether, the waste produced, due to the fact that, after the aforementioned applications are used, made as a single piece with a pre-established length, very frequently there remains a considerable excess portion of the tie-band which will remain unused.

[0005] State of the Art

[0006] Various types of device composed of bands and closing elements originally separated exist, such as, for example, the discoveries referred to in the patent applications IT 102021000024454, US2003 / 066169, US4882813 e US4862561; GB2463499 e US4498507; WO02064442 e DE102008036324; WO2011141581. With regard to US4882813 and US4862561, so that they can be adequately easy to use, it is required that the tie-band be cut to the necessary length beforehand.

[0007] In this case, the aim of the invention is only partially achieved, since the tieband, in order to be applied, must have a length that is greater than the final width of the binding and, therefore, in addition to a lesser practicality of use that this entails it is, in any case, a waste of materials. With regard to GB2463499 and US4498507, they both foresee that the closing element is composed of a plurality of pieces or materials, for which a greater complexity of equipment and operations is necessary for their production, with a consequent increase in costs, in addition to the limits of recyclabilty imposed in the case of components made of different materials.

[0008] With regard to WO02064442, the application of the tie-band to the element of closure foresees the use of special dispensers or the completion of accessory operations aimed at avoiding, in the initial steps, the engagement of specific means of interference between the tie-band and the element of closure, which makes it burdensome or impractical for occasional or domestic use. The same applies to DEI 02008036324, where, for ease of use, the tie-band is not cut beforehand, which is why the considerations stated for US4882813 and US4862561 would therefore be repeated.

[0009] With regard to WO2011141581, in addition to the structural complexity of the element of closure, for which the observations made for GB2463499 and US4498507 apply, some variants require the user to carry out assembly operations on the closing element itself during the application of the invention.

[0010] For other variants however, the effectiveness of the means of engagement of the means of interference of the tie-band and the closing element depends on the length of the portion of the tie-band which is retained in the closing mechanism to constitute the blocked extremity.

[0011] It is not possible, however (due to, for example, the cutting of lengths of the tie-band during the production phase, or due to the result of the cutting of the tie-band made by the end user in the previous tying), to control the said length of that portion of the tie-band which acts on the means of interference of the closing mechanism that must couple with those of the tie-band in the sliding channel of the same in order to regulate and define the width of the binding.

[0012] As a result, the effectiveness of engagement of said means of interference could sometimes be insufficient and sometimes excessive, to the detriment of an adequate functioning, and the solution identified in said invention, which further complicates the structure of the means of interference of the parts of closure in the said sliding channel of the tie-band, does not adequately resolve the problem.

[0013] With regard to this last aspect, also in the case of IT102021000024454 the effectiveness of engagement of the means of interference of the tie-band with the complimentary means of interference would be reduced, to the point of annulling said contact, where the length of the portion of the tie-band, which can be contained in the mechanism of closure to constitute the blocked extremity, were not sufficient to activate (as in the case of and for the same reasons as explained above WO2011141581) the means of interference of the closing mechanism, which must couple with those of the tie-band in the sliding channel of the same in order to regulate and define the width of the binding.

[0014] In the case of US2003 / 066169, which does not have a channel for the free initial bi-directional sliding of the tie-band, a method of use of the device is presented that foresees that the section of the tie-band that constitutes the blocked extremity is first inserted into the mechanism of closure and that the other end is, subsequently, inserted into the unidirectional sliding channel. This makes it impossible to achieve an effective mechanization of the process of use because the tie-band could not be used in the form of a reel, but would have to be pre-cut from time to time, just as for US4882813 and US4862561, making the whole thing impractical and, in any case, wasteful.

[0015] With the present invention however, we wish to give a greater versatility to the device, in particular with regard to: the reliability, flexibility and ease of use, in both domestic and professional contexts; simplicity and cost-effectiveness of production; better recyclability.

[0016] Description of the invention

[0017] Reaching the aforementioned purpose is achieved by means of a device made of one or more bands of flexible material, as well as one or more closing elements originally separated from them.

[0018] In particular, the tie-bands represent the part that constitutes the ‘loop’ with which cables, pipes, or other objects are tied, grouped or fixed.

[0019] The closing elements, however, represent the part through which said loop is completed and closed because, through these, the joining of two sections of the same band is achieved in the case in which, for example, the device is made up of one or several bands and a closing element, respectively single or multiple, or the connection of two bands is effected two by two if the device is, for example, made up of several bands and the same number of closing elements.

[0020] More specifically: in their extension the tie-bands present, on one or more surfaces, indentations, serrations or, in any case, recesses and protrusions or any other similar known solutions, which constitute a means of interference of the tiebands, and which will be discussed later; the closing elements, each of which is composed of a single piece, are structurally made up of walls that form at least one cavity that includes a sliding seat and an anchoring seat, which have inside them, respectively, a sliding channel and an anchorage, suitable for inserting the band inside them, and in which there is an element that can be moved in order to occupy a certain position in said cavity during use, the function of which will be clarified below.

[0021] Both said seats are provided internally with their own means of interference, acting in the aforementioned respective ways, by such as indentations, serrations or, in any case, recesses and protrusions or any other similar known solutions, elastically connected to said seats and capable of engaging with the means of interference of the tie-bands.

[0022] In particular, said way of anchoring has a section that substantially coincides with the tie-band, that is defined by a special shaping of the internal sides of the walls of the closing element and has an entrance for inserting the tieband, corresponding to one of its ends, while its other end is, however, blocked by one or more means of arrest, acting as limiting points for the clamping band itself.

[0023] Before using the device, the anchoring channel is partially occupied by the relevant means of interference and by said element of displacement.

[0024] Regarding the sliding channel specifically, however, it has a larger section than that of the band, it is defined by a specific shaping of the internal sides of the walls of the closing element and communicates with the outside through a first opening, corresponding to one of its ends, and a second opening, corresponding to its other extremity.

[0025] Before using the device, the sliding channel is partially occupied by the relative means of interference but has a crossing channel that is still completely free, in which the tie-band can slide backwards and forwards.

[0026] Typically in the case of manual use of the invention, it may be useful to define the crossing channel by means of ribs protruding from the walls of the closing element, such as to create a guide that allows the band to pass into said crossing channel avoiding contact between its means of interference and those relative to the flow path.

[0027] The objective of the present invention can be achieved as described below.

[0028] The band is inserted into the sliding channel from said first opening, taking care that its means of interference and those relative to the sliding channel face each other and, where necessary, that they are oriented appropriately towards each other, it is then passed around the objects to be tied, contained or fixed, and its end is therefore inserted, substantially up to the said stopping means, in the anchoring channel, forming the aforementioned loop. The geometry of the means of interference of the band and those relative to the anchorage channel, which engage each other reciprocally, is arranged in such a way that the aforementioned extremity remains blocked inside.

[0029] As indicated above, the anchoring channel, the section of which can be superimposed on the band, is partially occupied by the means of interference relative to it, as well as by the displaceable element.

[0030] In order to have the necessary space to advance within the anchoring channel, the end of the band must, therefore, act against the means of interference and the displacement element.

[0031] As will become clearer in the subsequent description of some preferred embodiments, with regard to the means of interference relating to the anchoring channel, it is thanks to their flexible connection to the seat of anchorage that the said necessary passage space is created.

[0032] As for the displaceable element, it is intercepted in said anchoring channel by the band which is introduced there which, from its original resting position in said anchoring seat, determines its movement towards the sliding channel as well as arriving at a final position by virtue of which the useful passage section of said sliding channel is substantially reduced to the dimensions of the section of the band.

[0033] It follows that, in correspondence with said useful passage section, the means of interference relative to the sliding channel will be obliged to engage with the complementary means of interference of the band.

[0034] We should like to point out that the displaceable element is constituted by an independent and autonomously functional structure with respect to the said means of interference relating to the sliding channel.

[0035] We also wish to point out that, in the case of the option whereby the aforementioned ribs are inserted into the aforementioned crossing channel, they will be of appropriately small dimensions, so as to carry out their guiding functions but not to oppose, thanks also to the characteristics of flexibility of the band, substantial resistance to the action of the displaceable element when exerted directly against the band itself, thus not hindering the engagement between the means of interference of the latter and the means of interference relative to the scrolling pathway.

[0036] At this point the geometry of the means of interference of the band, and those relative to the sliding channel, specially prepared, will ensure that the loop formed can only be reduced, acting like a noose, according to the user’s needs.

[0037] Ultimately, by appropriately combining bands and closing elements, as mentioned above, stably closed and reduceable slots are obtained, through which the binding, containment or fixing of cables, pipes and various objects placed inside them is achieved, it being possible to use, for further similar operations, the parts of the band in excess combined with other closing elements.

[0038] Since the said device is implemented starting from distinct closing elements and bands, this allows, if necessary, each type of component to be created with different technologies and / or different materials suitable for the purpose, with the possibility of optimizing the performance of the device itself and / or the cost-effectiveness of its production. The advantages of this invention will become evident from the detailed description of some of the preferred implementation variants.

[0039] A brief description of the drawings

[0040] The present invention will now be described, as a purely illustrative and non-limiting example, with reference to its particular implementations shown in the attached drawings, in which:

[0041] FIG.l is a view of a portion of a band, relative to the variants of implementation described below;

[0042] FIG.2 is a sectional view of a closing element, relating to a first variant of implementation;

[0043] FIGS. 3 and 4 are sectional views relating to said first variant of implementation, of a closing element with the band inserted, respectively in the initial and final phases of application of the device referred to in the present description.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a closing element, relative to a second variant of implementation.

[0045] FIGS. 6 and 7 are sectional views, relating to said second variant of implementation, of a closing element with the band inserted, respectively in the initial and final phases of application of the invention.

[0046] Preferred embodiments of the invention

[0047] The figures show, purely by way of non-limiting example, some possible embodiments of the invention. In FIG.l a portion of band is shown, relating to both a first and second variant of implementation, represented by a flexible “tape” with a substantially rectangular section, equipped, on the face which develops in correspondence with one of the two longer sides of said section, with a series of equal teeth with a substantially quadrangular section, arranged at regular intervals transversely with respect to the longitudinal development of said band, which constitute the means of interference 2.

[0048] In FIG.2, according to said first variant of implementation, a closing element

[0049] 3 is shown, made of a single piece, consisting of a first pair of vertical walls

[0050] 4 opposite each other and perpendicular to a second pair of walls 5, also opposite each other, all defining a cavity 6.

[0051] Said cavity 6 includes a sliding seat 7 and an anchoring seat 8 which have inside them, respectively, a sliding channel 9 and an anchoring channel 10.

[0052] Said sliding channel 9 and anchoring channel 10, suitable for inserting the band 1 inside them, are defined by specific shapings 11 and 12 of the internal face of the pair of vertical walls 4.

[0053] The said shapings 11 form protrusions of limited thickness constituted by four substantially trapezoidal prisms, each of which is placed on an internal face of the pair of vertical walls 4, in correspondence with the intersection between the lower side and an external side of said face, with the longer side of the trapezoid lying on said external side and the inclined side facing upwards.

[0054] The shapings 12 are always protrusions of limited thickness constituted by two prisms, substantially rectangular, having their longer side vertically, each of which is placed in a substantially central position on the lower side of said internal face of the pair of vertical walls 4.

[0055] Furthermore, in the cavity 6 there is a displaceable element 13, consisting of a substantially rectangular prism, placed transversally with respect to the pair of vertical walls 4 in the direction of the shapings 12, which, in correspondence with the faces facing towards said walls 4, have wings which extend, parallel to each other, inside the anchoring channel 10, partially occupying it.

[0056] The lower face of the said prism continues downwards with a tongue of reduced thickness which connects to the vertical walls 4 at the base of the said shapings.

[0057] The sliding seat 7 and the anchoring seat 8 are equipped, inside, respectively, with means of interference 14 and 15. Each of the said means of interference is made up of a sort of block, also place transversely with respect to the pair of vertical walls 4, which presents, in correspondence with the surface facing towards the inside of the cavity 6, a group of three serrated teeth with a trapezoidal section, placed in sequence in the direction of their longest side.

[0058] Said means of interference 14 and 15 also include a small connection which develops, along its entire length, in correspondence with the upper side of the surface of each of the two blocks opposite to that on which the said serrated group is located.

[0059] By means of this connection, which confers elasticity to the structure composed by the block and the relative teeth, the structure itself is connected to the respective seat in correspondence with the nearest wall 5, remaining free from constraints over the entire rest of its surface, so that the said means of interference 14 and 15 can engage, in the manner of a ratchet, with the means of interference 2 of the bands 1.

[0060] The said means of interference 14 and 15 protrude, respectively, with their teeth, inside the sliding channel 9 and the anchoring channel 10, where they will carry out their function, partially occupying them.

[0061] With regard, in particular, to the anchoring channel 10, it has a section that substantially coincides with that of the band 1.

[0062] At the upper extremity of the said anchoring channel 10 there is an entrance for inserting the band 1 , while the opposite end is, instead, obstructed by two means of arrest 16.

[0063] Said means of arrest 16 are, in turn, made up of horizontal protrusions on each internal face of the pair of vertical walls 4, which connect the base of the shaping 11 and that of the shaping 12 placed on the same vertical wall 4, and act as limiting points to the band 1 itself, in this precise case with the function of preventing the possibility that a part of the band 1 comes out of the anchoring channel 10, effectively creating a waste of material in consideration of the irreversible engagement between the respective means of interference 2 and 15, that does not allow the aforementioned part to be recovered.

[0064] With specific regard to the sliding channel 9, instead, it communicates with the outside via a first opening 17, corresponding to its lower end, and a second opening 18, corresponding to its upper end.

[0065] Before using the device, the sliding channel 9 has a section that is larger than the band 1 and, although the passageway space is reduced by said partial occupation by the relative means of interference 14, inside it there still remains a crossing channel 19 that is completely free, in which the band 1 can slide backwards and forwards.

[0066] Said crossing channel is defined by small, thin ribs 20, protruding from said pair of vertical walls 4, in such a way as to create a guide that allows the band 1 to cross the sliding channel 9 while avoiding, in this phase, contact between its means of interference 2 and those relating to the sliding seat 7.

[0067] FIG: 3 shows, once again in reference to the first variant of implementation, the initial application phase of the device which is the subject of the present patent application.

[0068] FIG.4 shows, always with reference to the first variant of implementation, the final application phase of the device in question. As can be seen the band 1 is passed around the objects to be tied, contained, or fixed, not shown here, and, subsequently, its end is inserted into the anchoring channel 10, to form the aforementioned loop.

[0069] In particular, the band 1 is seen inserted into the sliding channel 9 with the means of interference 2 of said band 1 suitably facing the means of interference 14, in order to be able to engage with them at a later time.

[0070] It can be noted how, in this phase, the band 1 is still free to slide back and forth along the crossing channel 19 of the sliding channel 9. So, as already specified, the anchoring channel 10, whose section is substantially superimposable on the section of the band 1, is partially occupied by the means of interference 15 relative to it, as well as by the displaceable element 13.

[0071] In order to obtain the passageway space necessary for it to advance in the anchoring channel 10, the end of the band 1 must, therefore, act as follows against said means of interference 15 and the displaceable element 13.

[0072] The operation of inserting the band 1 into the anchoring channel 10 causes the relative means of interference 15 to bend, depending on the position of the surface of the latter sliding with that of the means of interference 2 of the band 1, which in this phase come into contact with said means of interference 15, thereby freeing the necessary space for the band 1 to proceed inside the anchoring channel 10.

[0073] According to the ratchet type methods of interaction, with each complete advancement of the means of interference 2 equal to the distance between the point of a tooth and the same point of the next tooth, the means of interference 15 tend to return to their initial position, ensuring, thanks to the engagement with the means of interference 2 as well as to the substantial coincidence between the section of the band 1 and that of the anchorage channel 10, that the same band 1 cannot retract and unhook from the anchoring seat 8.

[0074] As indicated in the description of FIG. 2, the displaceable element 13 originally occupies the anchoring channel 10 partially, and therefore comes inevitably into contact with the end of the band 1 when this last is inserted into said anchoring channel 10. The pronounced chamfer present on the top of the element of displacement

[0075] 13 facilitates the insertion of the band 1.

[0076] The mechanical effect of the action exerted by the band 1 translates into the displacement of the element of displacement 13 from its resting position, represented in FIGS. 2 and 3, to the position represented in this FIG. 4. This movement is designed to free up the further space necessary for the complete insertion of the end of the band 1 into the anchoring channel 10.

[0077] It is to be noted that, as a consequence of the aforementioned movement, the displaceable element 13, structurally independent and functionally autonomous with respect to the means of interference 14 of the sliding channel, will reduce the useful passage section of the sliding channel 9 mainly to the dimensions of the band 1 and, therefore, the means of interference 2 of the portion of the band 1 present in the sliding channel 9, in this phase, will be forced to engage with the means of interference 14 relative to said sliding channel 9.

[0078] At this point, due to the similar interaction mechanism of the ratchet type and for further reasons already highlighted in reference to the engagement between the means of interference 2 and 15 in the anchoring channel 10, the slot formed will remain stably closed and the band 1 can, at most, be pulled by the user to reduce the dimensions of the slot itself, according to his needs, only in the direction that goes from said second opening 18 to said first opening 17 of the sliding channel 9, while any excess part of the band 1 can be detached from the device with the use of suitable tools. In FIG. 5, relating to a second variant of implementation, a closing element 3 is shown, made in a single piece, consisting of a first pair of vertical walls 4 opposite each other and perpendicular to a second pair of walls 5, all defining a cavity 6.

[0079] Said cavity 6 includes a sliding seat 7 and an anchoring seat 8 which have, inside them, respectively, a sliding channel 9 and an anchoring channel 10.

[0080] Said sliding channel 9 and anchoring channel 10, suitable for inserting the band 1 inside them, are defined by the specific shapings 11 and 12 of the internal face of the pair of vertical walls 4.

[0081] The said shapings I la are relative to the sliding seat 7 and form protrusions of limited thickness, comprising two substantially trapezoidal prisms 11, each of which is placed on an internal face of the pair of vertical walls 4, in correspondence with the intersection between the lower side and the external side of said face, close to the sliding seat 7, with the longer side of the trapezoid lying on said external side and the inclined side facing upwards.

[0082] The shapings 11 also include, in a more central position on the lower side of the internal face of the vertical walls 4, two substantially rectangular prisms 11b, with a thickness equal to the prisms I la, which have the longest side positioned vertically.

[0083] Said protrusions 11b proceed upwards for a distance, to form the means of stopping 16 relating to the anchoring channel 10. The shapings 12 are relative to the anchoring seat 8 and form, on each internal face of the vertical walls 4, a pattern of protrusions made up of prisms with a substantially trapezoidal base 12ax, 12b, 12c, 12d and 12 e, alternating according to a checkerboard formation that is crossed substantially transversely by a free band that is a peripheral part of the anchoring channel 10.

[0084] As specifically regards the protrusion 12ax, it continues through the bar 12ay, a rectangular section at the bottom and flared at the top, which connects both walls 4.

[0085] In the cavity 6 there is, furthermore, a displaceable element 13, consisting of a thin structure with a transverse fold in the centre, placed transversally with respect to the pair of vertical walls 4 in correspondence with the protrusions 12b and 12c, which widens at the base and extends in the direction of the vertical walls 4, joining the closing element 3 in correspondence with the protrusion 12c.

[0086] The upper end of the element of displacement 13 forms, however, a head with a substantially curved profile with a downwards facing bevel.

[0087] Said displaceable element 13 intersects with the anchoring channel 10, partially occupying it, in correspondence with the central part of the latter.

[0088] The sliding seat 7 and the anchoring seat 8 are respectively provided internally with the means of interference 14 and 15.

[0089] Each of the said means of interference 14 and 15 is made up of a sort of block, also placed transversely with respect to the pair of vertical walls 4, which has a group of four serrated teeth, with a trapezoidal section, placed in sequence in the direction of their larger side.

[0090] In particular, with regard to the means of interference 14, said serrated group is placed in correspondence with the surface of the block facing towards the inside of the cavity 6, while with regard to the means of interference 15, the serrated group is placed in correspondence with the surface of the block facing upwards of the cavity 6 itself.

[0091] Said means of interference 14 and 15 also have a small connection which develops, respectively, along its entire length, in correspondence to the upper side and the external side of the surface of the block opposite to that on which the said serrated group is situated.

[0092] By means of this connection, that gives elasticity to the composite structure of the block and the relative teeth, the structure itself is connected to the respective seat in correspondence with the nearest wall 5, remaining free from constraints for the entire rest of its surface, so that the means of interference 14 and 15 can engage, in the ratchet type mode, with the means of interference 2 of the bands 1.

[0093] Said means of interference 14 and 15 protrude, respectively, with their teeth, inside the sliding channel 9 and the anchoring channel 10 where, partially occupying them, they will carry out their functions.

[0094] As regards, in particular, the anchoring channel 10, it has a section substantially coinciding with that of the band 1 itself. At its external end there is an entrance for the insertion of the band 1, while the opposite end is, however, obstructed by the said stopping means 16, acting as a limiting point for the same band 1, in this precise case with the function of preventing the band 1 from being introduced into the anchoring channel 10 to such an extent as to completely constrain the section of band 1 relating to the sliding channel 9 and the means of interference 14 of the sliding channel 9 itself, inhibiting their mutually interactive mechanism of the ratchet type, and, therefore, the possibility of restricting the width of the binding according to the user’s needs.

[0095] With specific regard to the sliding channel 9, however, it communicates, instead, with the outside via a first opening 17, corresponding to its lower end, and a second opening 18, corresponding to its upper end.

[0096] Before using the device, the sliding channel 9 has a larger section than the band 1, and although the passage space is reduced by the said partial occupation by the relative means of interference 14, inside it there still remains a crossing channel 19 that is completely free, and in which the band 1 can slide backwards and forwards.

[0097] Said crossing channel is defined by small, thin ribs 20 protruding from said pair of vertical walls 4, in such a way as to create a guide that allows the band 1 to cross the sliding seat 9, avoiding, in this phase, contact between its means of interference 2 and those relative to the sliding seat 7.

[0098] In FIG.6 is shown, again with reference to the second variant of implementation, the initial application phase of the device which is the subject of the present patent application.

[0099] In particular, the band 1 is seen inserted into the sliding channel 9 with the means of interference 2 of said band 1 suitably facing the means of interference 14, in order to be able to engage with them at a later time.

[0100] It is to be noted that, in this phase, the band 1 is still free to move backwards and forwards along the crossing channel 19 of the sliding channel 9.

[0101] In FIG. 7, always with reference to the second variant of implementation, the final application phase of the device in question is shown.

[0102] As can be seen, the band 1 is passed around the objects to be tied, contained or fixed, not shown here, and its end is, subsequently, inserted into the anchoring channel 10, to form the aforementioned loop.

[0103] So, as already specified, the anchoring channel 10, whose section is substantially superimposable on the section of the band 1, is partially occupied by the means of interference 15 relative to it, as well as by the displaceable element 13.

[0104] To obtain the passage space necessary for its advancement within the anchoring channel 10, the end of the band 1 must, therefore, act as follows against the said means of interference and the displaceable element 13.

[0105] The operation of insertion of the band 1 into the anchoring channel 10 causes the relative means of interference 15 to bend, depending on the position of the surface of the latter sliding with that of the means of interference 2 of the band 1, which in this phase come into contact with said means of interference 15, thereby freeing up the space necessary for the band 1 to proceed inside the anchoring channel 10.

[0106] According to the methods of interaction of the ratchet type, with each complete advancement of the means of interference 2 equal to the distance between a point of a notch and the same point of the next notch, the means of interference 15 tend to return towards their initial position, ensuring, as a result of the engagement with the means of interference 2 as well as the substantial coincidence between the band 1 and that of the anchoring channel 10, that the band 1 cannot recede and release itself from said anchoring seat 8.

[0107] As recalled in the description of FIG. 5, the displaceable element 13 originally occupies the anchoring channel 10 partially, and therefore inevitably comes into contact with the end of the band 1 when the latter is inserted into said anchoring channel 10.

[0108] The mechanical effect of the action exerted by the band 1 translates into the displacement of the displaceable element 13 from its resting position represented in FIGS. 5 and 6, to the position represented in this FIG. 7. This movement is designed to free up the further space that is necessary for the complete insertion of the band 1 into the anchoring channel 10.

[0109] It is to be noted that, as a consequence of the aforementioned movement, the displaceable element 13, structurally independent and functionally autonomous with respect to the means of interference 14 of the sliding channel, will reduce the useful section of the sliding channel 9, substantially to the dimensions of the band 1, and therefore the means of interference 2 of the portion of band 1 present in this phase in the sliding channel 9, will be forced to engage with the means of interference 14 relative to said sliding channel 9.

[0110] At this point, due to the similar interaction mechanism of the ratchet type, and the further reasons already highlighted in reference to the engagement between the means of interference 2 and 15 in the anchoring channel 10, the loop formed will remain stably closed and the band 1 can, at most, be pulled by the user to reduce the dimensions of the loop itself according to his needs, only in the direction that goes from said second opening 18 to said first opening 17 of the sliding channel 9, while any excess part of the band 1 can be detached from the device with the use of suitable tools.

[0111] The advantages of the present invention are evident to those skilled in the art.

[0112] Although the present invention has been amply illustrated in relation to some of its particular forms of implementation, a person skilled in the art will easily be able to identify various implementation modifications without, however, departing from the scope of protection conferred by this document.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A device for tying, fixing or containing objects or parts of them, composed of at least one flexible tie-band (1), of prevalent extension in length, furnished with a means of interference on at least one of its surfaces (2), together with at least one separate means of closure (3) created in a single piece, formed of walls (4, 5) that define at least one cavity (6), which comprises a sliding seat (7) and an anchoring seat (8), said sliding seats (7) and anchoring seats (8) being furnished with, respectively, a sliding channel (9) and an anchoring channel (10), both able to receive a length of tie-band inside them, together with means of interference (14, 15) connected elastically to their seats (7, 8) and able to engage with the means of interference (2) of said tie-band, in order to form a loop to surround said objects or parts of them, said sliding channel (9) being greater in section with respect to the tie-band (1) and in contact with the outside by means of a first opening (17) and a second opening (18) corresponding to its extremities, and which presents, between said openings (17, 18), a crossing channel (19) that is completely open, so as to allow, with the device not yet activated, the sliding of the tieband (1) backwards and forwards inside it, said anchoring channel (10) having only one side allowing the entrance of the tie-band (1) and that opposite being furnished with means of arrest (16), end-of-course means with regard to the tie-band (1), as well as having a section that is substantially the same as that of the tie-band (1) itself, characterized in that said anchoring seat (8) is furnished with a displaceable element (13),structurally independent from the means of interference (14) of the sliding seats (7) and able to be stretched by said tie-band(1), when inserted into the seat of anchorage (10), towards the sliding channel (9), in such a way as to reduce the useful section of the passage of this last and to obligate the means of interference (14) of said sliding seat (7) to join with the means of interference (2) of the portion of the tie-band (1) already present in, or to be inserted into, the sliding seat (7), so that the loop formed or being formed remains stably closed and can be exclusively reduced in size by pulling the tie-band (1) in the direction of said second (18) of said first opening (17) and in such a way as to free further space necessary for the complete insertion of the extremity of the tie-band (1) into the seat of anchorage (10).

2. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that said channel of passage (19) of said sliding channel (9) is furnished with ribs (20) that act as a guide for the tie-band (1), in such a way that said tie-band (1) can pass through said channel of passage (19) avoiding the contact of its means of interference(2) with the means of interference (14) of the sliding seat (7).

3. A device according to claim 2, characterized in that a plurality of elements of closure (3) are united between them in sequence.

4. A device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tie-band (1) and the element of closure (3) are made of different materials.

5. A device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said sliding channels (9) and channels of anchorage (10), suitable for the insertion of the tie-band (1) into them, are defined by specific shapes (11 and 12) of the internal face of the walls (4).

6. A device according to claim 5, characterized in that said shapes (11) form protrusions of limited thickness, constituted of four substantially trapezoidal prisms, each of which is positioned on an internal face of the walls (4), in correspondence with the intersection between the lower side and an external side of said wall-face, with the longer side of the trapezoid lying on said side and outer side inclined, facing upwards.

7. A device according to claim 6, characterized in that said shapes (12) are protrusions of limited thickness, constituted of two prisms, substantially rectangular, having the longer side vertical, each of which being in a substantially central position of the lower side of said internal face of the walls (4).

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