Cable tie

Abstract

A cable tie (10) comprising a head (12) having first and second apertures (18, 19). A first locking member (28) is located in the first aperture (18) and a second locking member (29) is located in the second aperture (19). A strap (14) is provided having a plurality of teeth (26) along a first side surface thereof such that the teeth (26) engage with the first locking member (28) and the second locking member (29) when inserted into the first and second apertures (18, 19). The first aperture (18) is provided with lugs (38) adjacent the second side surface positioned such that as the first end of the strap (14) is inserted into the first aperture (18), opposite edges of the first end of the strap (14) engage with the lugs (38).

Description

[0001] “Cable Tie”

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cable.

[0004] Background to the Invention

[0005]

[0002] Cable ties are used in a range of different applications to secure items together. Standard cable ties comprise a head having a strap which is passed through an aperture in the head. The aperture includes a lug to engage with teeth on the strap so that the head may only move in one direction through the head. The cable tie can then be tightened around an object to hold it in place. After the cable tie is tightened, the end of the strap is often cut off.

[0006]

[0003] If a cable tie needs to be removed, the strap is generally just cut and the cable tie is discarded. While it is possible to potentially remove a cable tie without cutting the strap, this generally involves using a tool to move the lug in the head to disengage it from the strap. Given the small cost of an individual cable tie and the difficulty in removing them, it is far more common for cable ties to be simply cut than removed. If the strap has previously been shortened by cutting, then re-using is often not possible anyway.

[0007]

[0004] The present invention relates to a cable tie aimed at reducing the wastage by allowing re-use of the cable tie after removal.

[0008] Summary of the Invention

[0009]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a cable tie comprising: a head having a first side surface and a second side surface; a first aperture extending through the head from the first side surface to the second side surface; a second aperture extending through the head from the first side surface to the second side surface; a first locking member located in the first aperture and a second locking member located in the second aperture; and a strap having a plurality of teeth along a first side surface thereof such that when a first end of the strap is inserted into the first aperture from the first side surface of the head, the first locking member restricts movement of the first end of the strap outwardly away from the first side surface and the second locking member engages with the teeth on the strap such that when a second end of the strap is inserted into the second aperture from the first side surface of the head, the second locking member restricts movement of the second end of the strap outwardly away from the first side surface; wherein the first aperture is provided with one or more lugs adjacent the second side surface positioned such that as the first end of the strap is inserted into the first aperture, opposite edges of the first end of the strap engage with the lugs.

[0010]

[0006] Preferably a pair of lugs are provided to engage with opposite edges of the strap, the lugs being flexible such that the lugs may be forced apart to push the first end of the strap further through the first aperture.

[0011]

[0007] Preferably each of the lugs comprises a base portion extending upwardly adjacent an end of the first aperture and a transverse end portion extending inwardly towards the first aperture.

[0012]

[0008] In one embodiment, the strap has a tapered end portion on an end thereof.

[0013]

[0009] Preferably the second aperture is provided with lugs adjacent the second side surface positioned such that as the first end of the strap is inserted into the first aperture, opposite edges of the first end of the strap engage with the lug.

[0010] Preferably the transverse end portions of each of the lugs include hinge portions adjacent proximal ends thereof to allow the transverse end portions to rotate away from the head with application of sufficient force.

[0014]

[0011] Preferably the first aperture is located generally between a centre of the head and a first end surface of the head and the second aperture is located generally between a centre of the head and a second end surface of the head.

[0015]

[0012] Preferably each of the first and second apertures are elongate in transverse cross-section to receive ends of the strap such that the portions of the strap received in the apertures are generally perpendicular to first and second edge surfaces of the head, being surfaces extending between adjacent ends of the first and second end surfaces.

[0016]

[0013] Preferably the first and second apertures are further apart at the first side surface than at the second side surface such that when the first end of the strap is inserted into the first aperture from the first side surface and the second end of the strap is inserted into the second aperture from the first side surface, the first and second ends of the straps angle towards each other.

[0017]

[0014] Preferably each of the first and second locking members comprises a flexible resilient arm extending outwardly from inner surfaces of the respective aperture having one or more teeth thereon to engage with the teeth on the strap.

[0018]

[0015] Preferably the teeth on the arms are sawtooth in shape in order to allow one-way movement of the ends of the strap through the apertures from the first side surface towards the second side surface.

[0019]

[0016] Preferably the teeth on the first side of the strap are symmetrical in cross section such that the teeth will engage with the teeth on the locking members in either direction.

[0017] Preferably the teeth on the strap each include a proximal portion in which opposed sides of the teeth are parallel and a distal portion tapering inwardly to a point such that the distal portions are generally triangular.

[0020]

[0018] Preferably a rib is provided between each adjacent pair of teeth on the strap.

[0021]

[0019] Preferably the ribs are triangular in shape and shorter in height than the proximal portions of the adjacent teeth.

[0022]

[0020] Preferably outer surfaces of each of the apertures include a curved portion adjacent the first side surface.

[0023] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

[0021] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0025]

[0022] Figure 1 is an upper perspective view of a cable tie in accordance with the present invention;

[0026]

[0023] Figure 2 is an upper perspective view of the cable tie of Figure 1 prior to engagement of the strap with the head;

[0027]

[0024] Figure 3a is a perspective view of the cable tie of Figure 1 ;

[0028]

[0025] Figure 3b is a close up view of Detail A of Figure 3a;

[0029]

[0026] Figure 4a is a side cross sectional view of the cable tie of Figure 1 ;

[0030]

[0027] Figure 4b is a close up view of Detail D of Figure 4a;

[0031]

[0028] Figure 5a is an upper perspective cross sectional view of the cable tie of

[0032] Figure 1 ;

[0033]

[0029] Figure 5b is a close up view of Detail E of Figure 5a;

[0034]

[0030] Figure 6 is an upper perspective view of a second embodiment of a cable tie in accordance with the present invention;

[0035]

[0031] Figure 7 is an upper perspective view of the cable tie of Figure 6 with the head engaged with the strap;

[0032] Figure 8 is an upper perspective view of the head of the cable tie of Figure 6;

[0036]

[0033] Figure 9 is a side view of the head of Figure 8;

[0037]

[0034] Figure 10 is an end view of the head of Figure 8;

[0038]

[0035] Figure 11 is a top view of the head of Figure 8;

[0039]

[0036] Figure 12 is a bottom view of the head of Figure 8;

[0040]

[0037] Figure 13 is a side cross sectional view of the head of Figure 8;

[0041]

[0038] Figure 14 is a perspective cross sectional view of the head of Figure 8;

[0042]

[0039] Figure 15a is an upper perspective view of the cable tie;

[0043]

[0040] Figure 15b is a close up view of Detail A of Figure 15a;

[0044]

[0041] Figure 16a is a side cross sectional view of the cable tie;

[0045]

[0042] Figure 16b is a close up view of Detail D of Figure 16a;

[0046]

[0043] Figure 17a is a perspective cross sectional view of the cable tie; and

[0044] Figure 17b is a close up view of Detail E of Figure 17a.

[0047] Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0048]

[0045] Referring to the Figures, there is shown a cable tie 10 comprising generally a head 12 and a strap 14. The head 12 and the strap 14 are separate parts and connectable together to be engaged with an item to be secured by the cable tie 10.

[0049]

[0046] The head 12 includes a first side surface 16 and an opposite second side surface 17. The head 12 includes a first aperture 18 extending through the head 12 from the first side surface 16 to the second side surface 17. The head 12 includes also a second aperture 19 extending through the head 12 from the first side surface 16 to the second side surface 17. The first and second apertures 18 and 19 are each provided to receive an end of the strap 14, as can be seen for example in Figure 1.

[0050]

[0047] In the embodiment shown, the first and second side surfaces 16 and 17 are generally planar and parallel to each other. The head 12 includes a connecting surface 20 extending between the periphery of the first side surface 16 and the periphery of the second side surface 17. In the embodiment shown, the connecting surface 20 comprises first and second edge surfaces 22 and 23 such that the first edge surface 22 connects between the first and second side surfaces 16 and 17 on a first longitudinal side thereof and a second edge surface 23 connects between the first and second side surfaces 16 and 17 on a second longitudinal side thereof. The connecting surface 20 includes also first and second end surfaces 24 and 25. The first end surface 24 connects between the first and second side surfaces 16 and 17 on a first end thereof and the second end surface 25 connects between the first and second side surfaces 16 and 17 on a second end thereof. Each of the first and second edge surfaces 22 and 23 in the first and second end surfaces 24 and 25 are generally planar in the embodiment shown.

[0051]

[0048] The first aperture 18 is located generally between a centre of the head 12 and the first end surface 24. The second aperture 19 is located generally between a centre of the head 12 and the second end surface 25. Each of the first and second apertures 18 and 19 are elongate in transverse cross-section to receive ends of the strap 14 such that the portions of the strap 14 received in the apertures 18 and 19 are generally perpendicular to the first and second edge surfaces 22 and 23. The first and second apertures 18 and 19 are slightly further apart at the first side surface 16 than at the second side surface 17. Therefore, when the first end of the strap 14 is inserted into the first aperture 18 from the first side surface 16 and a second end of the strap 14 is inserted into the second aperture 19 from the first side surface 16, the first and second ends of the straps 14 angle slightly towards each other (as can be seen in Figure 4).

[0052]

[0049] The first aperture 18 is provided with a movable first locking member 28 to engage with teeth 26 on the first side of the strap 14 when the strap 14 is inserted into the first aperture 18. The second aperture 19 is provided with a second locking member 29 provided to engage with the teeth 26 on the first side of the strap 14 when the second end of the strap 14 is inserted into the second aperture 19. The locking members 28 and 29 are provided to engage with the teeth 26 on the strap 14 such that ends of the straps 14 may be inserted into the first and second apertures 18 and 19 from the first side surface 16 towards the second side surface 17 but will be restricted from moving back outwardly from the first side surface 16 of the apertures 18 and 19. That is, opposite ends of the strap 14 may be inserted into the apertures 18 and 19 in the head 12 from the same side and can be pulled through but not pulled back outwardly. Pulling the ends of the strap 14 through either the first or second apertures 18 and 19 will allow a central portion of the strap 14 between the ends thereof to loop around and engage with an item to be secured.

[0053]

[0050] Each of the first and second locking members 28 and 29 comprises a flexible resilient arm 30 (as can be seen in Figure 4b). The arms 30 extend outwardly from inner surfaces of the apertures 18 and 19, being the surfaces located closest to the centre of the head 12. The arms 30 each include one or more teeth 32 thereon to engage with the teeth 26 on the strap 14. The teeth 32 on the arms 30 in the embodiment shown are sawtooth in shape in order to allow one-way movement of the ends of the strap 14 through the apertures 18 and 19 from the first side surface 16 towards the second side surface 17. As can be seen in Figure 4, distal ends of the arms 30 extend out past the second side surface 17.

[0054]

[0051] The teeth 26 on the first side of the strap 14 are symmetrical in cross section such that the teeth 26 will engage with the teeth 32 on the locking members 28 and 29 in either direction. The teeth 26 on the strap 14 each include a proximal portion 34 in which opposed sides of the teeth 26 are parallel. The teeth 26 on the strap 14 also each include a distal portion 35 tapering inwardly to a point such that the distal portions 35 are generally triangular. Further, a rib 36 is provided between each adjacent pair of teeth 26 on the strap 14. The ribs 36 are also triangular in shape and shorter in height than the proximal portions 34 of the adjacent teeth 26.

[0055]

[0052] As can be seen in Figure 4b, the shape of the teeth 26 on the strap 14 and the ribs 36 allow engagement with the teeth 32 on the locking members 28 and 29 in both directions. The points of the triangular teeth 32 on the locking members 28 and 29 engage between the proximal portions 34 of each tooth 26 and the adjacent side of the rib 36.

[0053] The first aperture 18 is provided also with lugs 38 adjacent the second side surface 17. The lugs 38 are positioned such that as the first end of the strap 14 is inserted into the first aperture 18, opposite edges of the first end of the strap 14 engage with the lug 38 (as best seen in Figure 3b). The lugs 38 thereby restrict further inward movement of the first end of the strap 14 into the first aperture 18. The lugs 38 are flexible such that the lugs 38 may be forced apart if it is desired to push the first end of the strap 14 further through the first aperture 18.

[0056]

[0054] In the embodiment shown, each of the lugs 38 comprises a base portion 40 extending upwardly adjacent an end of the first aperture 18 and a transverse end portion 42 extending inwardly towards the first aperture 18.

[0057]

[0055] In use, a length of strap 14 is selected for use with the particular item to be secured. The strap 14 may be provided as a continuous length on a roll and simply cut to the length required. The first end of the strap 14 is inserted into the first aperture 18 where it will engage with the lugs 38. The strap 14 is looped around the item to be secured and a second end thereof inserted into the second aperture 19. The second end of the strap 14 may be pulled through the second aperture 19 until the strap 14 engages sufficiently tightly around the item to be secured.

[0058]

[0056] If it is required to disconnect the item, the strap 14 may be cut between the first and second ends and each end pulled through the respective aperture 18 or 19 to disengage from the head 12. The head 12 may then still be reused to secure another item and the cut sections of strap 14 may also be used again if they are of sufficient length to secure another item.

[0059]

[0057] Figures 6 to 17 show a second embodiment of a cable tie 10 in accordance with the present invention. The cable tie 10 of Figures 6 to 17 is similar to the previous embodiment and like references are used to denote like parts.

[0060]

[0058] The strap 14 in the embodiment of Figures 6 to 17 includes a tapered end portion 44 on an end thereof. The tapered end portion 44 tapers inwardly to aid in inserting the end of the strap 14 into one of the apertures 18 or 19. In this embodiment, it is expected that the strap 14 will be provided in separate lengths of a suitable size rather than on a continuous roll. A length of the strap 14 will be connected to the head 12 and the portion extending through the head 12 to the tapered end portion 44 may be cut off and re-used after tightening.

[0061]

[0059] The head 12 of the cable tie 10 includes lugs 38 adjacent both of the first and second apertures 18 and 19 in this embodiment. The end of the strap 14 without the taper may therefore be first inserted into either of the first or second apertures 18 and 19 and will engage with the transverse end portions 42 of the lugs 38. Further, the transverse end portions 42 of each of the lugs 38 include hinge portions 46 adjacent proximal ends thereof. The hinge portions 46 comprise thinned sections of material, as can be seen for example in Figure 10. The transverse end portions 42 will therefore rotate upwardly with application of sufficient force. The transverse end portions 42 will engage with and restrict movement of the end of the strap 14 but the strap 14 may be pushed past the transverse end portions 42 by application of additional force.

[0062]

[0060] Referring to Figure 13, it can be seen that outer surfaces, being surfaces closest to the end surfaces 24 and 25 of the head 12 have a curved portion 50 adjacent the first side surface 16. The curved portion 50 is convex in shape to impart a smooth bend to the strap 14 at this location to reduce stress on the strap 14 as it loops around the item to be secured.

[0063]

[0061] The outer surfaces 48 of each of the apertures 18 and 19 also includes a central recessed portion 52 extending inwardly from the second side surface 17. The central recessed portions 52 are narrower than the width of the apertures 18 and 19 such that longitudinal edges of the strap engage with shoulder portions either side of the recessed portions 52 to hold the strap 14 in engagement with the teeth 32 of the locking member 28 or 29.

[0064]

[0062] It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that various modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing embodiments, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts of the present invention.

Claims

Claims1. A cable tie comprising: a head having a first side surface and a second side surface; a first aperture extending through the head from the first side surface to the second side surface; a second aperture extending through the head from the first side surface to the second side surface; a first locking member located in the first aperture and a second locking member located in the second aperture; and a strap having a plurality of teeth along a first side surface thereof such that when a first end of the strap is inserted into the first aperture from the first side surface of the head, the first locking member restricts movement of the first end of the strap outwardly away from the first side surface and the second locking member engages with the teeth on the strap such that when a second end of the strap is inserted into the second aperture from the first side surface of the head, the second locking member restricts movement of the second end of the strap outwardly away from the first side surface; wherein the first aperture is provided with one or more lugs adjacent the second side surface positioned such that as the first end of the strap is inserted into the first aperture, opposite edges of the first end of the strap engage with the lugs.

2. A cable tie in accordance with claim 11 , wherein a pair of lugs are provided to engage with opposite edges of the strap, the lugs being flexible such that the lugs may be forced apart to push the first end of the strap further through the first aperture.

3. A cable tie in accordance with claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the lugs comprises a base portion extending upwardly adjacent an end of the first aperture and a transverse end portion extending inwardly towards the first aperture.

4. A cable tie in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the strap has a tapered end portion on an end thereof.

5. A cable tie in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second aperture is provided with lugs adjacent the second side surface positioned such that as the first end of the strap is inserted into the first aperture, opposite edges of the first end of the strap engage with the lug.

6. A cable tie in accordance with any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the transverse end portions of each of the lugs include hinge portions adjacent proximal ends thereof to allow the transverse end portions to rotate away from the head with application of sufficient force.

7. A cable tie in accordance with claim any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first aperture is located generally between a centre of the head and a first end surface of the head and the second aperture is located generally between a centre of the head and a second end surface of the head.

8. A cable tie in accordance with claim 7, wherein each of the first and second apertures are elongate in transverse cross-section to receive ends of the strap such that the portions of the strap received in the apertures are generally perpendicular to first and second edge surfaces of the head, being surfaces extending between adjacent ends of the first and second end surfaces.

9. A cable tie in accordance with claim 8, wherein the first and second apertures are further apart at the first side surface than at the second side surface such that when the first end of the strap is inserted into the first aperture from the first side surface and the second end of the strap is inserted into the second aperture from the first side surface, the first and second ends of the straps angle towards each other.

10. A cable tie in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first and second locking members comprises a flexible resilient arm extending outwardly from inner surfaces of the respective aperture having one or more teeth thereon to engage with the teeth on the strap.

11. A cable tie in accordance with claim 10, wherein the teeth on the arms are sawtooth in shape in order to allow one-way movement of the ends of the strap through the apertures from the first side surface towards the second side surface.

12. A cable tie in accordance with claim 10 or 11 , wherein the teeth on the first side of the strap are symmetrical in cross section such that the teeth will engage with the teeth on the locking members in either direction.

13. A cable tie in accordance with claim 12, wherein the teeth on the strap each include a proximal portion in which opposed sides of the teeth are parallel and a distal portion tapering inwardly to a point such that the distal portions are generally triangular.

14. A cable tie in accordance with claim 13, wherein a rib is provided between each adjacent pair of teeth on the strap.

15. A cable tie in accordance with claim 15, wherein the ribs are triangular in shape and shorter in height than the proximal portions of the adjacent teeth.

16. A cable tie in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein outer surfaces of each of the apertures include a curved portion adjacent the first side surface.

Images