CN108688982B

CN108688982B - Retainer

Info

Publication number: CN108688982B
Application number: CN201810448674.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 丹尼尔·J·马丁森; 理查德·N·卡斯; 博登·奥姆斯比
Original assignee: Nite Ize Inc
Current assignee: Nite Ize Inc
Priority date: 2011-08-02
Filing date: 2011-08-02
Publication date: 2020-06-05
Anticipated expiration: 2031-08-02
Also published as: CN103842711A; WO2013019218A1; CN103842711B; CN108688982A

Abstract

The invention provides a retainer. The retainer includes a body, a first strap, and a second strap. The body has a first cylindrical retainer and a second cylindrical retainer. The first belt includes an elongated member of shape-retaining deformable material and a covering that covers the shape-retaining deformable material along the length of the elongated member. The covering and the shape-retaining deformable material are joined along their length. A first portion of the first strap passes through the first cylindrical holder and a second portion of the first strap passes through the second cylindrical holder such that a first coil is formed between the body and the first strap that is elongated from the first cylindrical holder to the second cylindrical holder. The first portion of the second strap passes through a third cylindrical holder in the body and the second portion of the second strap passes through a fourth cylindrical holder in the body such that a second coil is formed between the body and the second strap that is elongated from the third cylindrical holder to the fourth cylindrical holder.

Description

Retainer

The invention is a divisional application of an invention patent application with the application date of 2011, 8 and 2, the application number of 201180073958.8(PCT/US2011/046304) and the name of 'a winding object for bundling objects'.

Background

Ties are well known in the art and are generally not suitable for supporting heavy objects or binding large objects. The twist ties are typically seen on packaging such as bread wrapping paper. These ties are typically plastic or paper coverings that cover the wires within the tie. The plastic or paper coating is not bonded to the wire and can be easily removed. In addition, the coating provides a weak grip to the object around which the tie is wrapped. The coating cannot grip itself.

Us patent No.6,113,170 shows a wrap for bundling objects comprising a wire covered by a flexible tube, but without a coupling between the wire and the tube. The patented invention also lacks a surface to enhance the grip of the wrap as it is wrapped around itself or another object.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments and configurations including a cable tie device are shown herein. The device has an elongated member that shape retains the deformable material. The cover covers the shape-retaining deformable material along the length of the elongated member. The covering has a bond between the elongated member and the covering. The bond between the covering and the elongate member is along the entire inner surface of the covering. The outer cover may be joined to the cover.

The outer cover may have a gripping surface and a non-gripping surface. The gripping surface will provide a stronger grip for the band device when it is wrapped around itself and will provide a stronger grip when it is wrapped around an object. A non-gripping surface, which is generally smoother than the gripping surface, is suitable for containing indicia.

In one embodiment, a method of making a banding device includes providing an elongated member of shape-retaining deformable material and heating the shape-retaining deformable material. The method includes co-extruding a covering so as to surround an elongated member of a shape-retaining deformable material such that a bond is formed between the shape-retaining deformable material and the covering. The method includes injection molding an end cap over a length of the elongated member that extends beyond the shape-retaining deformable material.

In one embodiment, a retainer includes a body and a cylindrical retainer interconnected with the body. The retainer further includes a strap including an elongated member shape retaining the deformable material and a cover covering the shape retaining deformable material along a length of the elongated member; the covering and the shape-retaining deformable material are joined along their length; the belt is located in a cylindrical holder; and the cylindrical holder has a first circular cross-section substantially identical to a second circular cross-section of the band. Optionally, the cylindrical holder comprises an aperture along the length of the cylindrical holder, the aperture being narrower than the width of the band, such that when compressed the band can move through the aperture, thereby releasing the band from the cylindrical holder. Alternatively, the body includes a slot for receiving a clip. In another alternative, the body is integrated into the housing of the object. Optionally, the body comprises a connection mechanism for attachment to another object. In another alternative, a plurality of cylindrical holders are attached to the body, the cylindrical holder being one of the plurality of cylindrical holders. Optionally, the body has a first edge and a second edge; the first edge and the second edge are opposite to each other and parallel to each other; a cylindrical retainer on the first rim; the cylindrical holder has a first length parallel to the first circular cross-section; a first length of the cylindrical holder parallel to the first edge; a second cylindrical holder of the plurality of cylindrical holders is located on the second rim; the second cylindrical holder has a third circular cross-section and a second length parallel to the third circular cross-section; and a second length of the second cylindrical holder is parallel to the second edge. Alternatively, the strap is located in a second cylindrical holder and the first portion of the strap is elongated between the cylindrical holder and the second cylindrical holder; a second portion of the strap extends from the cylindrical holder opposite the first portion; and a third portion of the strap extends from the second cylindrical holder opposite the first portion. Optionally, the first portion of the strap is bent away from the body to form a support structure associated with the body. In another alternative, the second and third portions of the strap are bent substantially perpendicular to the body for insertion into the slot. In another alternative, the aperture is an exhaust port of an automobile. Optionally, the body has a first side and a second side; the first side and the second side are opposite to each other; a cylindrical holder is located on the first side; the cylindrical holder has a first length parallel to the first circular cross-section; a second cylindrical holder of the plurality of cylindrical holders is located on a second side; the second cylindrical holder has a third circular cross-section and a second length parallel to the third circular cross-section; and the second length of the second cylindrical holder is parallel to the first length of the cylindrical holder. Alternatively, the body comprises a cavity for the lighting module. Optionally, the holder further comprises a cap configured to cover the chamber. Alternatively, a third side of the body opposite the cap is curved so as to mimic the shape of a rod. Alternatively, the rod is a component of a bicycle.

In another embodiment, an attachable lighting device includes a lighting device having a body and a hole in the body. The attachable lighting device further includes a band including an elongated member shape-retaining deformable material and a cover covering the shape-retaining deformable material along a length of the elongated member; the covering and the shape-retaining deformable material are joined along their length; and the strap is attached to the lighting device through the aperture, wherein the strap is coiled around itself after passing through the aperture.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a strap apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4-6 illustrate an embodiment of a cable tie for bundling a plurality of objects;

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of an illumination device with an integrated tie;

FIG. 8A shows a cross-sectional view of the body of the lighting device of FIG. 7;

FIG. 8B shows a top view of the body of the lighting device of FIG. 7;

fig. 9 shows a rear view of the body of the lighting device of fig. 7;

fig. 10 shows the lighting device of fig. 7 positioned on a tube.

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of a twist tie integrated with a lighting device;

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of a receiving attachment including a strap for insertion into an exhaust of a vehicle;

FIG. 13 shows the receiving attachment of FIG. 12 arranged in an upright configuration;

FIG. 14 shows a top perspective view of an embodiment of a lighting device incorporating a strap;

fig. 15 shows a bottom perspective view of the lighting device of fig. 14;

figure 16 shows the lower body portion of the lighting device of figure 14;

FIG. 17 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a lighting device;

FIG. 18A shows a side view of one half of the attachment device of the lighting device of FIG. 17;

figure 18B shows a front view of one half of the attachment device of the lighting device of figure 17;

figure 19 shows a cross-sectional view of one half of the attachment device of the lighting device of figure 17;

fig. 20A shows a side view of the other half of the connection device of the lighting device of fig. 17;

fig. 20B shows a front view of the other half of the connection device of the lighting device of fig. 17;

fig. 21 shows a cross-section of the other half of the connecting means of the lighting device of fig. 17; and

figure 22 illustrates an exploded top perspective view of one embodiment of a lighting device.

Detailed Description

One embodiment of the tie device 10 includes an elongated member of shape-retaining deformable material, typically a wire 12. The wire 12 is typically a flexible steel wire. The wire 12 is flexible enough to be bent or tied into a particular shape required to accomplish a task but is also stiff enough to retain the shape it is bent into. The diameter of the wire 12 also affects flexibility and shape retention. A diameter of 0.62 inches (smaller size tapes using 18 gauge wire; larger tapes using 16 gauge wire) provides both flexibility and the required shape retention; however, other diameters may be used based on the application in which strap apparatus 10 is to be used. The cover 14 is attached to the wire 12 along its entire length. The covering is formed by co-extruding the wire 12 with a polymer through an extrusion head 16. First, the wire 12 is heated to about 300-400 ° f and then pulled through the extrusion head 16. As the filament 12 moves through the extrusion head 16, a layer of thermoplastic polymer is uniformly deposited around the filament 12 to form a tape layer (cover) 14 between the filament and the outer flexible TPE cover. In this process, the polymer forming the tape layer (cover) 14 adheres to the filament 12 through the chemicals therein that are bonded to the filament. This forms a bond around the entire diameter of the wire 12 and along the entire length of the wire 12. This bond prevents the wire 12 from slipping out of the cover 14. The polymer used to form the belt layer (cover) 14 is typically a solid thermoplastic polymer such as 85A Duro Exxon Santoprene 8291-85TL or similar types of polymers. Santoprene is a thermoplastic vulcanizate and is particularly suitable as a material for the cover 14 because santoprene is formulated to bond to metal; however, any "thermoplastic" resin having a chemical bonding agent formulated to bond the resin to the metal can be used. However, the coupling may not function well and thermoplastic vulcanizates may be used. The hardness of the santoprene cover 14 is 85A, and 85A is fairly hard but also soft. An advantage of using a solid polymer such as santoprene is its elasticity.

In one embodiment, the cable tie device includes an inner wire. The filaments have thereon a "tie polymer" which bonds the filaments to the outer layer of TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). The absence of a bond to place a very flexible rubber on the wire 12 will cause the rubber to slip off. During the preparation process, the coated wire 12 is heated to accomplish three purposes:

1. this helps to bond the wires to the rubber faster in the process, which allows for a more solid part.

2. This prevents the wire from acting as a heat sink as the wire is pulled through the extrusion die.

3. This lubricates the wire as it passes through the die, helping to prevent slipping and punctures in the die, which makes a better, more solid part.

Additionally, end caps 750 (see fig. 7) may be injection molded to join the polymer to the wire covering as part of the forming process. This provides an integral end cap 750, thereby improving the life and effectiveness of the tie 10. The cable tie 10 is placed in a mold that accommodates molding of the end caps and injection molding is performed.

The outer slipcover 20 can be co-extruded over the slipcover. Cover 20 is also typically a different material than cover 14. The material of the outer cover 20 is generally softer and of lower durometer. A suitable material for outer cover 20 is 15ADuro Teknor Apex Uniprene UN-2005 TPV. Uniprene TPV is a crosslinked elastomeric phase solid thermoplastic polymer. The lower hardness of the outer cover 20 provides a high friction face. The generally higher friction of the outer cover 20 may be further increased by extruding the ribs 24 into the outer surface as shown in fig. 3, thereby defining a textured gripping surface 25. Although ribs are shown, in alternative embodiments, no ribs may be used or ribs of various shapes may be used, including ribs that are bent, woven, or oriented in different directions. The gripping surface 25 extends between

points

26 and 27 on the left side of the tie device 10, as shown in fig. 3. The gripping surface 25 is also adapted to provide a strong grip when the strap apparatus 10 is wrapped around itself and to provide friction when the apparatus is wrapped around an object. The textured gripping surface 25 may have other raised patterns that provide a textured surface; however, the ribs 24 are also suitable for the extrusion process in which the cable tie device 10 is manufactured. The non-gripping face 28 extends between the

points

26 and 27 on the right side of the band device, as shown in fig. 3. Non-gripping surface 28 is distinguished from gripping surface 25 by a relatively smooth texture. Indicia (e.g., a trademark or other label) may be disposed on the non-gripping surface 28 and may be more easily read than disposed on the gripping surface 25. Alternatively, a 35a durometer TPE, known as Monprene, purchased from Teknor Apex is used for the larger gear belts and a 50a shore durometer Monprene is used for the smaller gear belts. The end cap is made of 50a durometer Monprene. If any polymer with a hardness greater than 35a to 40a is used for the larger gear belt, the belt will not bend and grip properly. When the above-mentioned stiff material is used and the band is twisted so as to create a strong hold, the material "settles" into itself more effectively. This has no significant effect on the smaller belts, as they hold a lighter load. A 15a durometer Uniprene may not have the same functional characteristics because it is too soft for stretching of the tape and material, and the shear strength is too low.

The cover 14 and the outer cover 20 are tightly joined so that water may not enter between the filaments 12 and the cover 14 or the cover 20. However, the ends of the wire 12 are not protected by either of the

covers

14, 20. The ends of the wires may be coated with a protective lacquer or clear coat to prevent corrosion of the ends of the wires 12, but this is not essential. Alternatively, the end cap is molded onto the product.

The use of tie 10 can begin with tie 10 in a substantially straight position. The items to be bundled can be gathered into manageable bundles as shown in fig. 4-6. The tie 10 may be wrapped around each bundle of articles and then tightened to form a coil around each bundle. Outer cover 20 will provide a high friction gripping surface that will prevent items contacting band 10 from slipping out of band 10. The soft outer cover 20 will not scratch the surface of the article within the tie 10. The tie 10 can be held in its tightened position about the bundle of articles for the desired time. The elastic covering 14 and the outer covering 20 will prevent a permanent setting from being used due to compression resulting from tightening the band 10 together or due to pressure exerted on the items within the band 10. Due to the durable configuration of cable tie 10, it can be effectively used at temperatures from-50 ° f to 200 ° f. Additionally, if the wire 12 breaks, the

covers

14 and 20 will prevent the tie 10 from breaking because the bond between the cover 14 and the wire 12 will prevent the wire 12 from exiting the

covers

14, 20. The integration of the inner and outer covers, the outer textured surface, and the end caps, coupled with the wire core provides a very useful belt. The belt becomes a single piece of material as the inner and outer covers are joined to the wire core. Thus, when the strap is bent and tightened, a firm hold is created and slippage of the strap material between itself is reduced. The outer textured surface also adds gripping functionality. The end cap also provides enhanced retention and grip because the end cap can be inserted into a plurality of channels or holes. A ridge at about a right angle between the body of the cord and the end cap can be used to grip the surface, which provides enhanced grip or retention.

Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of an illumination device with an integrated band 10. The lighting device 700 includes a body 705, a cap 710, a lighting mechanism 715, and a battery 720. Body 705 has two grooves 725, each groove 725 for receiving tie wrap 10. The groove 725 has a diameter approximately equal to the cross-sectional diameter of the tie 10. The opening of the recess is smaller than the diameter of the band 10. Band 10 may be inserted into groove 725 (as shown) by compressing the rubber coating and body 705 in combination. In some embodiments, the body 705 is some form of plastic. Optionally, a portion or all of the body 705 may be translucent. Alternatively, a portion or all of the body 705 may be transparent. Optionally, a portion or all of the cap 710 may be translucent. Alternatively, a portion or all of the cap 710 may be transparent. Various embodiments of integrated ties may be referred to as retainers, receivers, attachments and attachment mechanisms, receiving attachments, and the like.

Fig. 8A shows a cross-section of the body 705. In this example, the scale view shows the relative widths of the grooves 725 and the openings 810. A lip 815 for snap-fit attachment of the cap 710 is also seen. The position of the electronics housing 820 is also shown. Fig. 8B shows a top view and some of the same features. The dimensions of these scale views are merely exemplary, and a variety of widths and shapes may be used. The ratio of groove to opening need only be sufficient to prevent band 10 from releasing during normal use. Another feature of band 10 is end cap 750, with end cap 750 being extruded as part of the forming process such that band body 755 and end cap 750 are one piece of material. This ensures a reliable attachment. These end caps 750 prevent the tie 10 from sliding out in the longitudinal direction.

Fig. 9 shows a view of the back of the body 705. The body 705 has a curved surface 910 with a lip 915 on each end. Curved surface 910 is shaped to conform to a tubular structure. This is illustrated in fig. 10, where the lighting device 700 is located on the tube 1000. This configuration is designed to fit over a tube forming the structure of a bicycle, scooter, or other vehicle or article having a tubular support. After the lighting device is placed on tube 1000, band 10 is wrapped around tube 1000 to form a secure attachment.

Fig. 11 shows an embodiment of band 10 integrated with illumination device 1100. The lighting device 1100 basically includes a housing 1110 and a lamp 1120. The housing 1110 houses the lamp electronics and power supply. Housing 1110 includes aperture 1130, aperture 1130 being generally the size and shape of the cross-section of cable tie 10 (although apertures of various sizes are suitable). Ribbon 10 is passed through hole 1130 and then coiled around itself to form coil 1140. This provides a secure connection. The free end of tie 10 may then be arranged as shown to provide support to lighting device 1100. The illumination device 1100 is sufficiently light in weight so that the rigidity of the tie 10 can support the illumination device 1100. Freedom of band 10The ends can be tied around a variety of objects and used to position the lighting device 1100 in a convenient location for the user. The friction face of the twist tie 10 provides high friction and good retention around a plurality of items. The lighting device is

Microlight^TM(ii) a However, many different lighting devices may be substituted.

Fig. 12 shows a receiving attachment 1300 for integration with an object carrying a clip or other protrusion. The clamp portion of the device or case may be sized to be integrated into a clamp aperture 1310 oriented in the body 1305. In some embodiments, the clamp portion can include a protrusion at the bottom 1307 to lock the clamp into the clamp aperture 1310. Cylindrical retainers 1355, 1356 include apertures that are smaller than the width of tie wrap 10 so that cylindrical retainers 1355 bend and bend like tie wrap 10 to receive tie wrap 10 and hold tie wrap 10 securely in place. The cylindrical holders 1355, 1356 open in different directions to provide ease and flexibility of use. This configuration is advantageous in that the receiving attachment 1300 may be installed in an automobile exhaust vent or other area using the configuration shown in fig. 12. As shown in fig. 13, an upright configuration is formed by bending the tie 10 away from the bottom cylindrical retainer 1356. In the above-described embodiments that include a twist tie, the ends of the twist tie may be bent around a pole (e.g., a handlebar of a bicycle or other object) as with the illumination device 1100 described above. The cylindrical holder can be oriented in a plurality of positions and a large number of holders can be used. A number of other receiving mechanisms may replace the clamp bore 1310. The cylindrical holders 1355, 1356, body 1305, and twist tie 10 may be formed to mate with a plurality of objects by forming attachment mechanisms on either side of the body. The cylindrical holders 1355, 1356 and the body 1305 may be formed as part of the housing of a variety of objects, such as cases, flashlights, electronics, and virtually any object having a plastic housing. The twist tie 10 can then be fitted into the cylindrical holders 1355, 1356, thereby ensuring attachment to almost any object about which the twist tie 10 can be fitted or into which it can be fitted. The cylindrical holders 1355, 1356 are not limited to those shown in fig. 10, 13, and 14; and the various retainers for tie 10 can be implemented in a variety of locations and in a variety of configurations.

Fig. 14 also shows another embodiment of the apparatus incorporating cable tie 10. This embodiment includes a miniature lamp,

And a first band 10 and a second band 10. The apparatus includes an LED 1410 (alternatively, the LED 1410 can be a different illumination providing mechanism), an upper body 1405, an actuator 1415, a

lower body portion

1425, and

1420. fig. 15 is a view from the bottom of the lighting device. A lower body portion 1425 is shown including

supports

1430 and 1440. Fig. 16 shows the lower body portion 1425 with other portions removed. Belt supports 1430 and 1440 are clearly visible, with belt supports 1430 and 1440 being shaped and sized to hold wrap 10. The front upper body 1405 is slid into the front lower body portion 1145 and then the rear snap-fit into place by deflecting the front and rear snap-

fit projections

1450, 1455. In this manner, the upper body containing the illumination mechanism can be mounted on one of the twist ties 10 disposed in strap supports 1430 and 1440. Cap 710 prevents band 10 from slipping out. Straps 10 can be bent to erect or attach equipment to multiple objects and used

1420 allow the device to hook to multiple objects.

1420 is a device with a carabineer opening (carabineer gate) on each side, but may alternatively be replaced with a conventional carabineer catch or other hooking device. A plurality of other body forms may be made to retain tie 10, including for retention purposes10, or one or more seats or recesses.

Fig. 17 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a lighting device 1700. This illumination device provides a miniature lamp 1740 that is removably attached to a tie 1710 similar to that in fig. 14. The lighting device 1700 includes a first attachment 1720 and a second attachment 1730.

Fig. 18A illustrates a side view of one half of the connection device of the lighting device of fig. 17, and fig. 18B illustrates a front view of one half of the connection device of the lighting device of fig. 17. The second attachment 1730 is typically made of molded plastic; however, other materials such as metals may be used. The second attachment 1730 includes an open end 1820 for receiving the micro light 1740. Slot 1810 is sized to match a radius of tie 1710, tie 1710 having a capped end that substantially fits in slot 1815. When the first attachment 1720 and the second attachment 1730 are integrated, the end cap of the twist tie 1710 is held in place by the narrower slot 1810. The snap-in insert receiver 1825 provides a snap fit of the miniature lamp 1740.

Fig. 19 shows a cross-sectional view of one half of the connection device of the lighting device of fig. 17. Here, the opening 1920 for receiving the other half of the connecting means is clear. A slot 1815 defined by the ridge 1910 and the slot 1810 is shown.

Fig. 20 shows a side view of the other half 1720 of the connection device of the lighting device of fig. 17. The first attachment 1720 includes a snap-fit protrusion 2015 having a lip that fits into a snap-insert receiver 1825, the snap-insert receiver 1825 being a slot with a receiver for the protrusion and lip such that the protrusion bends and snaps into place with the lip holding the protrusion there. The external connector 2020 provides a mating fit into the open end 1820. End 2010 is sized to mate with slot 1810 and fit over slot 1810. Fig. 20B shows a front view of the other half of the connection device of the lighting device of fig. 17. Fig. 21 shows a cross-section of the other half of the connection device of the lighting device of fig. 17. Here, the lip on the snap-fit projection 2015 can be clearly seen.

Figure 22 illustrates an exploded top perspective view of one embodiment of a lighting device. This illumination device includes a tie 2210 as described herein. A connector 2230 having a narrow end attachment for receiving a twist tie 2210 provides attachment into a lighting mechanism that includes a top cover 2270, a bottom cover 2220, a lighting mechanism, and a battery, all mated together. The illumination mechanism described in U.S. patent No.7,683,275 may be used in this configuration and is incorporated herein by reference.

While certain embodiments have been described in detail in the foregoing detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure and the broad inventive principles thereof. It is understood, therefore, that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the particular examples and implementations described herein, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. It is noted that although specific embodiments are shown, the features of each attachment may be interchanged between embodiments.

Claims

1. A retainer, comprising:

(a) a body having a first cylindrical retainer and a second cylindrical retainer; and

(b) a first belt comprising an elongated member of a shape-retaining deformable material, a cover covering the shape-retaining deformable material along a length of the elongated member, and an outer cover covering the cover along a length of the cover; the cover and the shape-retaining deformable material are joined together along their length; the outer cover and the cover are joined together along their lengths, a first portion of the first strap passes through the first cylindrical holder, and a second portion of the first strap passes through the second cylindrical holder, such that a first coil is formed between the body and the first strap that is elongated from the first cylindrical holder to the second cylindrical holder.

2. The retainer of claim 1, wherein the first and second cylindrical retainers each include an aperture disposed along a length of the first and second cylindrical retainers, wherein the aperture is narrower than a width of the first band, such that, when the first band is compressed, the first band can move through the aperture, thereby releasing the first band from the first and second cylindrical retainers.