DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to fastening devices and more particularly, to cable ties used for bundling together a plurality of cables, wires, pipes etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Cable ties, also known as bundling ties are harnessing devices, commonly used in the art to bundle together a plurality of objects, such as wires, cables or pipes etc. Cable ties of conventional construction are elongated members having a flexible substantially flat strap having an apertured head at one end and a tail at the other end. The tail end of the strap is of narrowed width adapted for insertion through the apertured head to form a closed loop thereby locking the strap.

[003] The head is attached to one end of the strap using welding or riveting, and the free end of the strap is tail end. During use of cable tie, the strap is wrapped around bundles of wires or hydraulic tubing and the tail is inserted through the aperture in the head. The head(also referred hereafter as buckle) of the cable tie further includes a locking element which engages with the strap so that when the tail is pulled through the aperture in the head, the locking element secures the strap to bundle the objects.

[004] Several types of cable ties available in the market have similar construction which includes a buckle and a strap; however they differ mainly on the type of locking mechanisms used. Some commonly available locking mechanisms used in cable ties are ladder type, saw tooth type, ball or roller type, punch type, etc. For example, in the ladder type cable tie, the buckle includes a locking element which engages with the strap so that when the tail is pulled through the aperture in the buckle, the locking element secures against transverse teeth provided along the width of the strap. The ball type cable tie includes a ball in an enclosed groove on the buckle and when the strap is passed through the buckle the ball moves inside the groove and strap gets locked. The friction between the strap, ball and enclosed groove provides the necessary force to hold the strap locked in position.

[005] Another cable tie is punch type cable tie, in which external tool is used to form a dent on the strap located inside the buckle to lock the strap in position.

[006] Different locking mechanisms provide different functionality, however such types of cable ties have certain drawbacks. One such drawback is slip back during installation. In the ball type cable tie, the ball travels a distance in the enclosed groove to lock the strap. Similarly in case of ladder or saw tooth type cable ties, the steps of the ladder or tooth of saw tooth respectively keep scope of locking only at certain points with significant distance between them. In case of applications where this slip back may be crucial and strictly not needed, above mentioned cable ties do not effectively serve the purpose.

[007] Another drawback is slippage issue after installation over a period of time. The locked cable ties are continuously under the tensile force exerted by the weight of the objects being bundled. After a period of time, the locking arrangement of ball or ladder type may gradually lead to slippage of the strap thereby making the joint loose. In such cases the strap needs to be tightened again by using external tools.

[008] Presently zero slipping of the strap is achieved by using the punch type locking mechanism in buckle which makes a deformation using heavy tools on strap. Further tools are employed to tighten the wrapping of the strap around the bundle of objects, secure or lock the free end of the strap relative to the buckle and cut any excess portion of the strip. These tools further perform the tightening, locking and cutting functions that are primarily manual, pneumatic or electric in nature. In the case of pneumatic or electric tools, limited or reduced physical effort is required by the operator as compared to most manual tools.

[008] The punch type cable ties though provide effective prevention of slip back during installation and no slippage over the period of time, however the dependency on heavy, complex and expensive tools is a major drawback. Using the said tool requires proper training for the operator, thereby increasing the installation cost and also causing fatigue to the operators.

[0009] In view of the limitations inherent in the available cable ties, there exists a need for an cable tie locking mechanism which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and which can be used in a simple, cost effective, reliable, secure and environmental friendly manner.

[009] The present invention fulfils this need and provides further advantages as described.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior arts, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide an improved combination of convenience and utility, to include the advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein.

[0011] A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a cable tie which is simple, easy to install and cost effective.

[0012] In one aspect, the present invention provides a cable tie that comprises a strap having a first end and a tail end, a buckle having an aperture to allow passing of the tail end of the strap and the first end of the strap is anchored to the buckle and a locking mechanism including a slit in the buckle, a nail disposed in the slit, and a bottom hole in the buckle.

[0013] In another aspect of the present invention, the buckle has a C-shaped cross section, such that the open end edges of the C-shape form the slit.

[0014] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the slit extends along the length of the buckle parallel to the strap.

[0015] In a further aspect of the present invention, the nail is coaxial to an axis of the bottom hole of the buckle.

[0016] In one aspect of the present invention, the nail is disposed perpendicular to the slit and includes a nail top, a shank and a tip.

[0017] In another aspect of the present invention, the nail is disposed in the slit, such that the nail is held hanging in the buckle with the nail top in the slit and the tip in the aperture above the bottom hole.

[0018] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the nail is adapted to move axially in the bottom hole on application of an external impact force on the nail top.

[0019] In a further aspect of the present invention, the tip moves and reaches inside the bottom hole and stays in same position.

[0020] In one aspect of the present invention, the tail end of the strap is passed from the aperture and an external impact force is applied on the nail top, such that the nail moves axially and the tip pierces the strap and reaches inside the bottom hole and stays in same position to lock the cable tie.

[0021] In another aspect of the present invention, the pierced hole in the strap and the tip in the bottom hole provides a visual indication of correct installation of the cable tie.

[0022] These together with other aspects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the description annexed hereto and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a cable tie, according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross sectional view of the buckle with nail, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Like reference names refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

[0028] As used herein, the term ‘plurality’ refers to the presence of more than one of the referenced item and the terms ‘a’, ‘an’, and ‘at least’ do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

[0029] Reference herein to “one embodiment” or “another embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Further, the diagrams representing one or more embodiments of the invention do not inherently indicate any particular order nor imply any limitations in the invention.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, that illustrates a perspective view of a cable tie 10, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The cable tie 10 includes a strap 12 having a first end 12F and a tail end 12T, a buckle 14 having an aperture 16 to allow passing of the tail end 12T of the strap with the first end 12F of the strap anchored to the buckle 14 and a locking mechanism including a slit 18 in the buckle, a nail 20 disposed in the slit, and a bottom hole 22 (shown in FIG.2) in the buckle.

[0031] The first end 12F of the strap is anchored to the buckle 14 by rivet, welding or any other mechanism such that it is attached to the buckle 14 and will not come out even on application of large force. For using the cable tie 10, the strap 12 is wrapped around the objects to be bundled by the cable tie 10 and its tail end 12T is then passed through the aperture 16 and after achieving the required tightening, the strap 12 is locked in position using the locking mechanism.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, that illustrates a cross sectional view of the buckle 14 with nail 20, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The buckle 14 has a C-shaped cross section, such that an open end edges of the C-shape form the slit 18. The slit 18 extends along the length of the buckle 14 parallel to the strap 12. In one embodiment of the present invention, the length of the slit 18 is same as the length of the buckle 14. The open space of C shape forms the aperture 16, which is like a through hole in the buckle that allows the tail end 12T of strap to pass through it after wrapping the bundle of objects.

[0033] The nail 20 is disposed perpendicular to the slit 18 and includes a nail top 24, a shank 26 and a tip 28. The nail 20 is like a screw or bolt, with a nail top 24 as screw head, a shank 26 which is the cylindrical portion and a lower converging portion called tip 28 with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the slit 18. The lower portion of the nail 20 is converging along the length from top to bottom portion of the nail forming a tip 28. The tip 28 is of a conical shape with sufficient pointedness adapted to pierce through the strap 12 when an external impact force is applied.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nail 20 is disposed in the slit 18, such that the nail is held hanging in the buckle 14 with the nail top 24 in the slit 18 and the tip 28 in the aperture 16 above the bottom hole 22. The nail top 24 of the nail resembles like a screw/nail head and is aligned on the top surface of the buckle 14 in the slit 18. The length of the shank 26 is such that, when the nail top 24 is held in the slit 18 the tip 28 is disposed in the aperture 16 above the bottom hole 22 of the buckle 14 keeping space for the strap 12 to be passed between the tip 28 and the bottom portion of the buckle 14. The nail 20 may slide along the length of the slit 18, however it is mounted at the mid-point of the length of the slit 18, such that the nail 20 is coaxial to the axis of the bottom hole 22 of the buckle and a portion of the slit 18 is closed by the nail top 24.

[0035] The buckle 14 includes a bottom hole 22 on its bottom face, which is opposite to the face including the nail top 24. The bottom hole 22 is aligned exactly opposite to the nail top 24, such that the nail top 24 and the bottom hole 22 have same center and same axis. The dimension of the bottom hole 22 corresponds with the dimensions of the nail top 24. In one embodiment of the present invention the bottom hole 22 diameter is equal to the nail top 24 diameter.

[0036] In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the nail 20 is attached to the buckle 14 at the slit 18 and is manufactured as an integral part of the buckle 14. The tip 28 of the nail is located in the aperture 16 with sufficient space between the tip 16 and lower inner surface of the buckle, such that the strap 12 can be easily inserted in that space during installation of the cable tie 10. In another embodiment the nail 20 may be made as detachable which is mounted in the slit during installation.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nail 20 is adapted to move axially in the bottom hole 22 on application of an external impact force on the nail top 24. The external impact force may be applied by a simple hammer or any tool known in the art. As the nail 20 moves by application of the external impact force, the tip 28 moves and reaches inside the bottom hole 22 and stays in same position. A plastic deformation takes place due to impact force (say by hammer stroke), which bends the upper portion of the buckle 14 and positions the nail tip 28 in the bottom hole 22.

[0038] For installation of the cable tie 10, the tail end 12T of the strap is wrapped over the bundle of objects, its inserted in the aperture 16 under the tip 28 of the nail and pulled for desired tightening force. When the desired tightness is achieved and the location of the strap 12 in the buckle 14 is finalized, a hammer or other similar tool is used to apply the external impact force on the nail top 24. The impact pushes the tip 28 of nail and cuts a through hole in the strap 12 below it to form a circular ring from the cut portion of the strap 12 along the inner periphery of the bottom hole 22. This concave cut portion ring of the strap 12 in the bottom hole 22 prevents any relative motion of the strap and the nail 20 further add to the strength of the locking. The strap 12 is held between the tip 28 of the nail and bottom hole 22, thereby locking the cable tie 10. The impact blow applied should be such that, the nail 20 moves down and the tip 28 pierces through the strap and fits in the bottom hole 22.

[0039] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pierced hole in the strap 12 and the tip 28 in the bottom hole after installation of the cable tie 10 of the present invention provides a visual indication of correct installation of the cable tie. An operator installing the cable tie 10, needs to apply the impact till he visually sees the tip 28 piercing through the strap 12 and coming out from the bottom hole 22. When an operator sees the tip 28 in or below the bottom hole 22, he can be sure that correct installation has been done and has to to stop applying more impact force on the nail top 24.

[0040] The friction between the inner surface of the bottom face of the buckle 14 and the deformed portion of strap 12 in the bottom hole 22 with the nail tip 28 in it, prevents any relative motion of the strap 12, thereby locking it in position. During the process, the open edges of the C shape of the buckle 14 may also deform slightly along with the nail 20. This plastic deformation keeps the nail 20 in place and will not loosen the strap 12 preventing any slippage during use over a period of time.

[0041] The impact force applied onto the nail 20 is needed to be applied on the nail top 24 only and not to affect the top surface of the buckle 14. The slit 18 provided on the top portion of the buckle 14, helps to converge the impact force to the nail top only. The convergence of the impact force on the nail top 24 provides better deformation of the strap 12, resulting in improved locking for proper bundling of objects.

[0042] It is to be noted that the nail top 24 is shown in circular shape in the accompanying drawings, however it may be made in rectangular, square, hexagonal or any shape which serves the purpose of the nail top for the present invention.

[0043] A simple hammer, a plier type tool or any tool used to give impact force available in art may be used for installation of the cable tie 10. This eliminates the use of any expensive and complex tools.

[0044] The cable tie 10 of the present invention may be made of any material, such as plastic, nylon or any metal more preferably, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, etc. The buckle 14 of the cable tie may be made by casting, cutting a sheet and bending it to achieve the shape or extrusion.

[0045] The cable tie 10 of the present invention may provide advantages as below:
- No Slip Back: The nail type mechanism on buckle 14 gives zero slip back during installation
- Reliability: Maximum holding strength due to deformed shape of the strap 12 and friction between nail 20 and strap 12, prevents any slippage during use over a period of time
- Ease of installation: Need of simple hammer and manual installation of cable tie 10 makes it fast with minimum effort
- High Strength: The two way holding one by the circular cut portion of strap 12 held in the bottom hole 22 and second by the nail tip 28 gives maximum strength for locking the cable tie 10
- Tools: No expensive or complex tools needed for locking cable tie 10
- Visual Indication: The installation also gives visual indication on correct installation of the cable tie 10

[0046] Although a particular exemplary embodiment of the invention has been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognized to those skilled in the art that variations or modifications of the disclosed invention, including the rearrangement in the configurations of the parts, changes in steps and their sequences may be possible. Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as may fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0047] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.

[0048] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:

1. A cable tie comprising:
- a strap having a first end and a tail end;
- a buckle having an aperture to allow passing of the tail end of the strap, the first end of the strap is anchored to the buckle; and
- a locking mechanism including a slit in the buckle, a nail disposed in the slit, and a bottom hole in the buckle.

2. The cable tie according to claim 1, wherein the buckle has a C-shaped cross section, such that an open end edges of the C-shape form the slit.

3. The cable tie according to claim 1, wherein the slit extends along the length of the buckle parallel to the strap.

4. The cable tie according to claim 1, wherein, the nail is coaxial to an axis of the bottom hole of the buckle.

5. The cable tie according to claim 1, wherein the nail is disposed perpendicular to the slit and includes a nail top, a shank and a tip.

6. The cable tie according to claim 5, wherein the nail is disposed in the slit, such that the nail is held hanging in the buckle with the nail top in the slit and the tip in the aperture above the bottom hole.

7. The cable tie according to claim 5, wherein the nail is adapted to move axially in the bottom hole on application of an external impact force on the nail top.

8. The cable tie according to claim 7, wherein the tip moves and reaches inside the bottom hole and stays in same position.

9. The cable tie according to claim 5, wherein the tail end of the strap is passed from the aperture and an external impact force is applied on the nail top, such that the nail moves axially and the tip pierces the strap and reaches inside the bottom hole and stays in same position to lock the cable tie.

10. The cable tie according to claim 9, wherein the pierced hole in the strap and the tip in the bottom hole provides a visual indication of correct installation of the cable tie.