CN112171568A

CN112171568A - Hand-held bundling tool

Info

Publication number: CN112171568A
Application number: CN202010630703.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 施雷姆·乔希; 拉温德拉·德赛; 纳格什·耐特克
Original assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Current assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Priority date: 2019-07-04
Filing date: 2020-07-03
Publication date: 2021-01-05
Also published as: DE102020117522B4; DE102020117522A1

Abstract

Methods for bundling and securing cable bundles are described. In one example, the handheld strapping tool includes a cable tie wrap to dispense a predetermined amount of cable tie. One end of the cable tie is led out of the distribution chamber to enclose the cable bundle. In one example, a loop that includes a drag hook engages a first face and an opposing second face of a cable tie. In another example, the cable tie is provided with a set of complementary protrusions or slots to effect interlocking or engagement of the cable tie. Further, a cutting mechanism is activated that cuts the excess cable tie at a location proximate the distal end of the barrel.

Description

Hand-held bundling tool

Technical Field

The present subject matter relates to a handheld strapping tool for securing a set of articles using a cable strap.

Background

Cable ties or bands are used to bundle or securely hold a group of linearly extending articles, such as wires or cables. For example, cable ties may be used on automotive assembly lines to secure fluid and electrical lines to the chassis of a vehicle. Generally, cable ties are in the form of flexible, linearly extending strips. Generally, the installation tool is designed such that the cable ties bundle and secure these items into a tight and secure bundle. Typically, a flexible cable tie includes a head and a tail extending from the head. The tail may be tied around the article or product to be secured and passed through the head. A locking or ratchet mechanism in the head holds the tail in place and secures the cable tie around the bundled article. Once the predetermined tension has been reached, the excess portion of the cable tie exiting from the head can be trimmed.

Drawings

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a handheld strapping tool according to an example;

FIG. 2 illustrates an enlarged view of a grommet used with a hand-held strapping tool according to an example;

fig. 3A-3B depict an example of a strapping band at different stages of engagement, such as by using any of the hand-held strapping tools disclosed herein, according to an example;

FIG. 4 depicts another example of a handheld strapping tool in accordance with an example;

fig. 5A-5B depict cable ties at various stages of engagement according to an example; and

fig. 6A-6B depict another cable tie at different stages of engagement according to another example.

Detailed Description

As mentioned above, cable ties or straps may be used to secure the bundled articles together. The article may be restrained by the cable tie using a hand-held tool that releases a predetermined length of cable tie. The cable tie may be looped around the bundle to be secured and may be cut in place. Such a hand-held tool enables an efficient and fast mechanism for securing the articles while bundling the bundled articles with a suitable number of cable ties, thereby reducing any waste. The hand-held tool may be mechanically powered, i.e., by manual actuation, or may be electrically powered. For a mechanically operated hand tool, the user or technician may have to manually actuate a lever or similar actuation mechanism in order to dispense a length of cable tie prior to use of the cable tie for securing an article. Some hand-held tools may be powered.

Regardless of whether the cable tie hand tool is mechanically or electrically operated, such hand tool has to accomplish certain specific tasks, which may vary depending on the production environment. It should be noted that as the production environment changes, the conditions under which the article is to be fixed may also change, and therefore certain limitations may be introduced. For example, handheld strapping tools may have to be used in difficult to access areas, while other handheld strapping tools may have to be operated during field work without any power access. Some hand-held strapping tools are large, having a barrel with a large cross-section, which prevents the tool from reaching locations where working space is limited. In addition, such hand-held bundling tools have complex mechanisms for paying out and cutting the cable ties. Other hand-held strapping tools may have complex crank arms, toggle links, selector switches, etc., making them too expensive or prone to wear or malfunction. Hand-held strapping tools with heavy parts and overly complicated mechanisms also increase friction and load and, therefore, may be prone to fatigue for the technician who is using the hand-held strapping tool.

Examples of a handheld strapping tool for strapping and securing a plurality of articles are described. Without intending to limit the scope of the present subject matter, which may be used to bundle or bundle any linearly extending article. Examples of such articles include, but are not limited to, fluid lines and electrical lines to be fitted to the chassis of a vehicle, or cables, conduits, optical fibers, connectors, pipes, etc., that may be used in electrical devices. The present set of examples is illustrative only. Other examples may also be used without departing from the scope of the present subject matter.

A hand-held strapping tool includes a housing. The housing is shaped such that it defines a handle and a dispensing chamber. The hand-held strapping tool may further include an electrically controlled motor. The motor may in turn be controlled by an actuation lever. In an example, the actuating lever may control the direction in which the cable tie being dispensed may move. The hand-held strapping tool may further include a cable tie wrap that may be mounted on the rotating shaft of the motor. The cable tie wrap may further include a continuously extending and severable cable tie. The cable tie may further include a series of successive adapters disposed on one of its surfaces. The adapter particularly enables the cable tie to engage with other internal components of the handheld strapping tool. The hand-held strapping tool may further include a grommet dispensing mechanism that dispenses grommets for securing a cable tie for strapping and bundling articles.

In operation, the actuating lever may activate the electronically controlled motor assembly. When activated, the motor assembly may rotate the cable tie wrap in a first direction to deploy and dispense a predetermined length of cable tie. The deployed cable tie may be directed through a dispensing chamber of the handheld strapping tool and then dispensed through an outlet disposed at a distal end of the dispensing chamber. When dispensing cable strap from the dispensing chamber, the cable strap passes through a grommet provided at an end of the dispensing chamber. The dispensing end of the cable tie may further extend from the distal end of the dispensing chamber. The dispensed portion of the cable tie exits from an outlet at the distal end of the dispensing chamber and may be manually directed to enclose the bundled article to be secured.

The dispensing end of the cable tie may be directed back to the dispensing chamber after enclosing the wiring harness. In an example, the dispensing end of the cable tie can be manually directed around the article and back into the dispensing chamber. The end is directed into the dispensing chamber and through the grommet. The grommet may further be provided with a locking feature that, when actuated, engages with a protrusion of a cable tie passing through the grommet. Thereafter, the cutting mechanism cuts the cable tie at the appropriate location, thereby securing the bundle of wires in question.

In another example, the cable tie may be provided with a complementary set of adapters on one face of the surface of the cable tie. In this case, the protrusions provided on the dispensed portion of the cable tie may engage and be received in the grooves present between the protrusions present on the reinsertion portion of the cable tie. The protrusion is received in a complementary groove to enable the two surfaces to interlock. In an example, where the cable tie is vertically reinserted into the handheld strapping tool, the cable tie may further be provided with a complementary set of adapters on both sides of the surface of the cable tie. In yet another example, the cable tie has a series of slits extending perpendicular to the length of the cable tie, the slits being disposed along the length. In this example, the slits on the cable ties are arranged to align together as the cable ties are wrapped around the wiring harness and reinserted into the locking mechanism present at the distal end of the dispensing chamber. When the slots are aligned, a locking clip is inserted through the aligned slots to securely hold the cable tie. In such an example, the locking clip may be secured by a locking mechanism. It may be noted that other mechanisms may be deployed to facilitate enabling locking of the locking clip to the cable tie. These and other aspects are further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings (i.e., fig. 1-6).

FIG. 1 depicts a hand-held strapping tool 100 according to one example of the present subject matter. The handheld strapping tool 100 may include a housing 102. The housing 102 may be configured to define a handle 104. Handle 104 facilitates manual grasping and use of handheld strapping tool 100 to secure a plurality of articles 106. The bundle of articles 106 (interchangeably referred to as articles 106) may include fluid lines and electrical lines to be assembled to the chassis of a vehicle, or cables, conduits, optical fibers, connectors, pipes, and the like that may be used in electrical devices. Other types of articles 106 may also be securely restrained using the handheld strapping tool 100.

The handheld strapping tool 100 may be directly connected to a power source (such as an AC mains) or may allow connection with one or more battery packs, which may be rechargeable. In the case of a battery pack, the handheld strapping tool 100 would provide better portability and ease of handling. In this case, the battery packs may be removable so that they may be recharged separately from the handheld strapping tool 100. In another example, the battery pack may be integrated within the housing 102 of the handheld strapping tool 100. In this case, the handheld strapping tool 100 may include an interface for connecting the handheld strapping tool 100 to a power source for charging the integrated battery pack.

The housing 102 may further define a dispensing chamber 108 such that the dispensing chamber 108 extends longitudinally from the handle 104. The dispensing chamber 108 may include a distal end 110. The hand-held strapping tool 100 may further include an actuation rod 112 and an electronically controlled motor assembly 114 that may be coupled to the actuation rod 112. The actuator lever 112 may be pivotally movable and attached to the housing. The actuation rod 112 may be used to actuate the motor assembly 114. The motor assembly 114 may further include a shaft (not shown in FIG. 1) to which a cable tie roll 116 may be mounted. The cable tie wrap 116 may further include a continuously extending severable cable tie 118. The cable tie 118 may be dispensed by the hand-held strapping tool 100 and then used to securely strap the article 106. Once a predetermined length of cable tie 118 is dispensed, a grommet 120 may be dispensed and secured to the cable tie 118.

The motor assembly 114 disposed in the hand-held strapping tool 100 will rotate in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) and a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise). When moving in the first direction, the motor assembly 114 may unwind the cable tie wrap 116 to dispense a predetermined length of cable tie 118. The cable tie 118 may then be pulled and guided through the dispensing chamber 108 by the guide mechanism 122. As the cable tie wrap 116 is deployed, the guide mechanism 122 may engage a surface of the cable tie 118, whereby the cable tie 118 may be pulled. Once the article 106 is secured, the cable tie 118 may be cut using the cutting mechanism 124. In operation, rotation of the cable tie roll 116 may be triggered by manual actuation of the actuation lever 112. The guide mechanism 122 guides the cable tie 118, which is then dispensed from an outlet disposed on the distal end 110 of the dispensing chamber 108. The dispensed portion (i.e., the dispensed portion 126) can be directed around the article 106 to secure the article.

The hand-held strapping tool 100 may further include a grommet dispensing mechanism (not shown in fig. 1) that may be disposed near the distal end 110 in the dispensing chamber 108. The grommet dispensing mechanism is used to dispense the grommet 120. Thereafter, the grommet 120 may be used to secure the dispensed portion 126 of the cable tie 118. In an example, the cable tie 118 can further include a series of protrusions 128. In an example, the protrusion 128 extends along a length of the cable tie 118. The protrusions 128 may engage with complementary features within the grommet 120 while being inserted into the grommet 120. When engaged, movement of the cable tie 118 is restricted. The manner in which the grommet 120 engages and secures the dispensed portion 126 is further discussed in conjunction with fig. 2.

Fig. 2 depicts an enlarged view of a portion of the cable tie 118 with a grommet 120. Grommet 120 further includes a body portion 202. The body portion 202 may further include a first channel 204 and a second channel 206 that may be parallel to each other. In an example, the cable tie 118 will pass through the first channel 204 of the grommet 120 when dispensed from the dispensing chamber 108. Grommet 120 may be retained within handheld strapping tool 100 at this stage. As the cable tie 118 is further directed out of the dispensing chamber 108, it passes through the first channel 204 and is dispensed as a dispensed portion 126 from the distal end 110 of the dispensing chamber 108. In an example, the first channel 204 of the grommet 120 can be such that it allows the cable tie 118 to move bi-directionally relative to the first channel 204 along the length of the cable tie 118.

The dispensed portion 126 can then be manually guided around the article 106 to be secured (as shown in fig. 1). Thereafter, the free end of the dispensed portion 126 may then be guided through the second passage 206 inside the dispensing chamber 108. The second passage 206 is such that it allows one-way movement of the dispensed portion 126 inside the dispensing chamber 108 and through the second passage 206. In an example, the second channel 206 can include a series of complementary protrusions to enable unidirectional movement of the dispensed portion 126 through the second channel 206. In this case, when the dispensed portion 126 is inserted into the second channel 206, the complementary protrusion will engage with the protrusion 128 provided on the surface of the dispensed portion 126.

As a result, once the dispensed portion 126 is inserted into the dispensing chamber 108 through the second passage 206, it cannot be pulled out. In an example, the degree to which the dispensed portion 126 is inserted may depend on the overall thickness of the bundled articles 106. In an example, the second channel 206 can include a corresponding complementary protrusion (not shown in fig. 2) that engages the protrusion 128 of the cable tie 118. In one example, the complementary protrusions provide a ratchet-type mechanism, thereby allowing the cable tie 118 to move in only one direction, i.e., only inward, relative to the second channel 206, as explained above.

Once the dispensed portion 126 is inserted through the second channel 206, the handheld strapping tool 100 may then begin tensioning the cable strap 118. In an example, the user may actuate the actuation lever 112. The actuation lever 112 may then activate the motor assembly 114 when actuated by another actuation motion from the user, which may then wind up the cable tie wrap 116 to withdraw the cable tie 118. As the cable tie 118 is withdrawn, i.e., pulled, into the dispensing chamber 108, a portion of the cable tie 118 may move back through the first channel 204 into the dispensing chamber 108. Pulling the cable tie 118 using the motor assembly 114 correspondingly increases the tension in the cable tie 118. As a result of this pulling, the tension in the dispensed portion 126 of the cable tie 118 increases to tightly secure the bundled product 106.

Once a certain degree of tension is achieved, the user may continue and deploy the pull hook 208 disposed on the body portion 202 of the grommet 120. In an example, the drag hook 208 may include a complementary protrusion on its bottom surface that engages the protrusion 128. When the draw hook 208 is in the pulled position (as depicted in fig. 2), the cable tie 118 may be moved through the first channel 204 in either direction along the length of the cable tie 118, allowing the width of the loop around the wire bundle 108 to be adjusted. When the draw hook 208 is pushed in or deployed, the complementary shaped protrusions on the draw hook 208 of the grommet 120 rigidly engage the protrusions 128 disposed in the cable tie 118, thereby locking the cable tie 118 around the product 106. Thereafter, the cutting mechanism 124 may cut the cable tie 118 at the appropriate location. It may be noted that the cutting mechanism 124 may cut the cable tie 118 in a manner to maintain the lead-in angle of the strap for securing the article 106. The entire process described above may be repeated to secure other such strands similar to the bundled articles 106.

In one example, handheld strapping tool 100 may be coupled with a loading mechanism (e.g., a cassette) loaded with a plurality of grommets, such as grommet 120. In one example, the cassette has a cylindrical shape to properly remove the grommet 120. In this case, the hand-held strapping tool 100 may remove the grommet 120 from such a loading mechanism to deploy the grommet onto the cable strap 118 using a grommet dispensing mechanism (not shown in fig. 1). In yet another example, the configuration of the protrusions provided on the cable tie 118 may be achieved by a variety of different methods. In one example, the cable tie 118 may have a series of complementary adapters disposed on one of the planar surfaces of the cable tie 118. In bundling the bundled articles 106, the adapter members may be aligned such that when engaged, the protrusions of the dispensed portion 126 may be received in the complementary grooves of the reinserted free end of the cable tie 118. These and other examples of engagement of the cable tie 118 may be further described in conjunction with fig. 3A-3B.

Fig. 3A-3B depict a portion of the dispensed portion 126 having interlocking adapters in the form of

protrusions

302, 304 according to one example. Although the present example depicts interlocking adapters in the form of

protrusions

302, 304, other examples of interlocking adapters may be used without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. In the example, the

protrusions

302, 304 are disposed on surfaces 306, 306'. The surfaces 306, 306' are part of the same assigned portion 126. As can be appreciated, after the dispensed portion 126 extends and is directed around the periphery of the bundled article 106, the inner surfaces of the dispensed portion 126 will face each other (shown as surfaces 306, 306') when it is reinserted into the dispensing chamber 108. As a result, the protrusions 304 (which are nothing else, but rather a continuously extending series of protrusions 302) will face the protrusions 302, as shown in FIG. 3A. Thus, the dispensed portion 126 will result in identical continuously extending surfaces 306, 306' facing each other, with the

projections

302, 304 arranged in the manner as illustrated.

In an example, the handheld strapping tool 100 may further include a locking mechanism present at the distal end 110 of the dispensing chamber 108. When actuated, the locking mechanism may push the surfaces 306, 306' against each other, thereby bringing the interlocking

projections

302, 304 together. In this case, a set of interlocking projections (i.e., projections 302) may face a corresponding projection 304. Thereafter, the locking mechanism may push the surfaces 306, 306' against each other, such that the projections 302 are received within the grooves between the projections 304 (as shown in FIG. 3B).

Fig. 4 depicts another exemplary hand-held strapping tool 400 (referred to as tool 400). Similar to the hand-held strapping tool 100 depicted in fig. 1, the hand-held strapping tool 400 depicted in fig. 4 may include a housing 402 defining a handle 404. The handle 404 allows a user to hold and use the handheld strapping tool 400 to secure a plurality of articles 406, such as fluid lines and electrical lines to be assembled to the chassis of a vehicle, or cables, optical fibers, connectors, conduits, etc., that may be used in an electrical device.

The housing 402 may further define a dispensing chamber 408 extending linearly from the handle 404 along the housing 402. The dispensing chamber 408 may include a distal end 410. The hand-held strapping tool 400 may further include an actuation rod 412 and a motor assembly 414 that may be coupled to and controlled by the actuation rod 412. The motor assembly 414 may further include a rotating shaft on which the cable tie wrap 416 is mounted such that the cable tie wrap 416 may rotate about a fixed axis that coincides with the shaft of the motor assembly 414. Similar to the hand-held strapping tool 100, the tool 400 further includes a gear assembly (not shown in FIG. 4) for mounting the cable tie wrap 416. The cable tie wrap 416 may further include a continuously extending and severable cable tie 418.

Similar to hand-held strapping tool 100, hand-held strapping tool 400 may be powered by a power source (such as an AC mains) or one or more battery packs (which may be rechargeable). When activated, the motor assembly 414 may unwind the cable tie wrap 416 and dispense a predetermined length of cable tie 418. The cable tie 418 may then be pulled and guided through the dispensing chamber 408 by the guide mechanism 422. As the cable tie wrap 416 is deployed, the guide mechanism 422 may engage a surface of the cable tie 418 so that the cable tie 418 may be pulled. Once the article 406 is secured, the cable tie 418 may be cut using a cutting mechanism 424. In operation, rotation of cable tie wrap 416 may be triggered by manual actuation of actuation lever 412. The guide mechanism 422 guides the cable strap 418, which is then dispensed as a dispensed portion 426 from an outlet disposed on the distal end 410 of the dispensing chamber 408.

In an example, the outlet of the dispensing chamber 108 may be further provided with an L-shaped channel 428 at the distal end 410 (referred to as channel 428). The channel 428 causes it to direct the dispensed portion 426 in a direction orthogonal to the dispensing chamber 108. The channel 428 may be open from one end, which allows the handheld strapping tool 400 to be moved away from the dispensed portion 426. As described above, the dispensed portion 426 can be manually directed around the article 106. The free end 430 of the dispensed portion 426 is then manually guided into the channel 428 (as shown in fig. 4). The free end 430 is inserted in a manner such that it is disposed between the dispensing portion 426 and the inner wall of the channel 428.

The handheld strapping tool 400 may further include a locking mechanism 420, which may be disposed near the distal end 410 of the dispensing chamber 408. The locking mechanism 420 is used to retain the free end 430 within the channel 428. Once the free end 430 is inserted, the actuation rod 412 may be actuated to increase the tension in the cable tie 418. In an example, the actuation lever 412 can activate the motor assembly 414, which can be tightened to draw the cable tie 418 inward into the dispensing chamber 408. As the motor assembly 414 pulls on the cable tie 418, the tension in the cable tie 118 increases. When the cable strap 418 reaches a predetermined tension, the locking mechanism 420 may be actuated to join the free end 430 with the dispensed portion 426 within the channel 428. Once the free end 430 is coupled to the dispensed portion 426, the cutting mechanism 424 can be actuated to sever the cable tie 418. Once the cable tie 418 is cut, the point at which the free end 430 joins the dispensed portion 426 can be withdrawn from the open end of the channel 428.

In an example, the combination of the dispensed portion 426 and the free end 430 can be implemented using a locking clip. In this case, the locking clip may secure the dispensed portion 426 and the free end 430. In another example, the cable tie 418 can be provided with a plurality of adapters, which can be present on either side of the cable tie 418. When the locking mechanism 420 is activated, the free end 430 may abut and be pushed against the dispensed portion 426. When pushed relative to each other, the adapters can interlock with each other to secure the free end 430 and the dispensed portion 426 together. These and other examples are further explained in conjunction with fig. 5-6.

Fig. 5A-5B depict enlarged views of a portion of the dispensed portion 426 and the free end 430. The distributed portion 426 may include a series of slits 502, with the slits 502 being disposed along the length of the cable tie 418 up to the free end 430. The slots 502 may be spaced across the width of the cable tie 418 and may be equidistant from one another. In an example, the latching clip 504 can be assembled to couple the free end 430 to the dispensed portion 426.

In an example, the locking clip 504 may include a first extension member 506 and a second extension member 508 (collectively extension members 506, 508) that may extend from a base portion 510. When the latching clip 504 is to be installed, the

extension members

506, 508 may be inserted through the slot 502 at the appropriate locations. For example, the locking clip 504, when inserted, causes the

extension members

506, 508 to pass through the slot 502 in the dispensed portion 426 and eventually to the free end 430. The ends of the

extension members

506, 508 may further be provided with raised protrusions 512 that allow the latching clip 504 to snap onto the dispensing portion 426. In addition, the raised boss 512 also prevents the latching clip 504 from being accidentally removed.

In an example, the latching clip 504 can be dispensed by the locking mechanism 420. Similar to the locking clip 504, the locking mechanism 420 can be further coupled to a dispensing cassette loaded with a plurality of clips. In operation, locking mechanism 420, when actuated, may dispense latching clip 504 and may urge latching clip 504 toward dispensed portion 426 and free end 430. Due to the urging of the locking mechanism 420, the

extension members

506, 508 of the locking clip 504 may be pushed through the slot 502 to grip and engage the dispensed portion 426 and the free end 430. Thereafter, the tabs 512 can engage the edges of the slot 502 to securely join the dispensed portion 426 and the free end 430.

In an example, the cable tie 418 (and thus the dispensed portion 426) can further include a set of complementary adapters in the form of

protrusions

602, 604. The

protrusions

602, 604 may be disposed on either side of the cable tie 418. Fig. 6A-6B depict a portion of the dispensed portion 426 having

complementary protrusions

602, 604 and the free end 430 according to one example. As shown, the first set of protrusions 602 may be disposed on a first side 606 of the cable tie 418. In a similar manner, a second set of protrusions 604 may be disposed on a second side 608 of the cable tie 418. When the free end 430 of the dispensed portion 426 is inserted into the channel 428, the first set of protrusions 602 faces the second set of protrusions 604 (as depicted in fig. 6A). The

projections

602, 604 may be staggered to define corresponding channels in which the

projections

602, 604 may be received when the dispensed portion 426 and the free end 430 are joined together.

Once free end 430 is inserted into channel 428, locking mechanism 420 (shown in FIG. 4) may be activated. The locking mechanism 420 may then push the dispensed portion 426 against the free end 430. As a result, the

protrusions

602, 604 are received in the grooves formed therein (shown in fig. 6B). It may be noted that by using the handheld strapping tool 400 in the manner explained herein, the bundled article 406 may be secured without the use of any additional locking mechanism or lock.

Although examples of the disclosure have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed and explained as examples of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A hand-held strapping tool, wherein the hand-held strapping tool comprises:

a housing having a handle;

a dispensing chamber coupled to and extending longitudinally from the handle, wherein the dispensing chamber comprises a distal end;

an actuation lever pivotally movable and attached to the housing;

an electrically controlled motor assembly coupled to a rotating shaft, wherein the motor assembly is configured to:

rotating the shaft in a first direction to dispense a portion of a cable strap through the dispensing chamber in response to a first actuation of the actuation lever;

rotating the shaft in a second direction to withdraw the cable tie inwardly in response to a second actuation of the actuation lever;

a cable tie roll mounted on the shaft, wherein the cable tie roll comprises a continuously extending cable tie; and

a grommet dispensing mechanism disposed on a distal end of the dispensing chamber, wherein the grommet dispensing mechanism dispenses a grommet to secure the dispensed portion of the cable tie.

2. The hand-held strapping tool of claim 1 wherein the tool further comprises a cutting mechanism disposed near a distal end of the dispensing chamber, wherein the cutting mechanism is to cut the cable strap at a location along a length of the cable strap.

3. The hand-held strapping tool of claim 1 wherein the grommet comprises:

a body portion having a first channel through which a portion of the cable tie passes when securing a bundled article, and a second channel parallel to the first channel; and

a draw hook coupled with the first channel, wherein the draw hook is for rigid engagement with a portion of the cable tie passing through the first channel when deployed.

4. The hand-held strapping tool of claim 3 wherein the first channel allows bi-directional movement of the cable strap, wherein the second channel allows unidirectional movement of the cable strap.

5. The hand-held strapping tool of claim 3 wherein the dispensed portion of the cable strap is:

manually guided around the bundle of articles to be secured; and

after guiding the dispensed portion around the bundled article, is inserted into the dispensing chamber through a second channel in the grommet.

6. The hand-held bundling tool of claim 5 wherein the cable bundling strap further comprises a series of protrusions, wherein when the dispensed portion is inserted into the second channel, the protrusions engage with complementary protrusions disposed within the second channel.

7. The hand-held strapping tool of claim 5 wherein the motor assembly is to adjust the tension of the cable strap on the dispensed end of the cable strap inserted into the second channel of the grommet.

8. The hand-held strapping tool of claim 1 wherein the cable strap further includes a plurality of interlocking adapters for further securing the dispensed portion of the cable strap.

9. The hand-held strapping tool of claim 1 further comprising:

an interface for connecting the hand-held strapping tool with a power source, wherein the power source is one of an external AC power source and a rechargeable battery pack enclosed in a housing of the tool.

10. A hand-held strapping tool comprising:

a housing having a handle for holding and using a hand-held strapping tool;

a pivotally movable actuation lever coupled to the housing;

a cable tie roll having a continuously extending and severable cable tie;

an electrically controlled motor assembly having a shaft carrying the cable tie roll, wherein the motor assembly is configured to:

rotating the shaft in a first direction to provide a dispensed portion of cable strap through the dispensing chamber in response to a first actuation of the actuation lever; and

in response to a second actuation of the actuation lever, rotating in a second direction to adjust tension by withdrawing the cable strap inwardly into the dispensing chamber;

a channel disposed at a distal end of the dispensing chamber, wherein the channel is to:

directing the dispensed portion in a direction orthogonal to the dispensing chamber;

receiving a free end of the dispensed portion, wherein the free end, when received by the channel, is received between a wall of the channel and the dispensed portion present in the channel; and

a locking mechanism disposed on a distal end of the dispensing chamber, wherein the locking mechanism is for engaging the free end present within the channel and the dispensed portion.

11. The hand-held strapping tool of claim 10 wherein the motor assembly is actuated when the free end is received by the channel to tighten the cable strap inwardly into the dispensing chamber.

12. The hand-held strapping tool of claim 10 wherein the cable strap includes a plurality of slits disposed along a length of the cable strap.

13. The hand-held strapping tool of claim 12 wherein the locking mechanism is to further:

a dispensing latching clip comprising a base portion, and first and second extension members extending from the base portion; and

urging the latching clip towards the free end and the dispensed portion within the channel such that the first and second extension members pass through the free end and the slit in the dispensed portion.

14. The hand-held strapping tool of claim 10 wherein each side of the cable strap includes a plurality of adapters disposed on a first side and a second side of the cable strap such that an adapter disposed on the first side faces an adapter disposed on the second side when the free end and the dispensed portion are present in the passageway.

15. The hand-held strapping tool of claim 14 wherein the locking mechanism is for urging the dispensed portion in the channel toward the free end in the channel, thereby causing interlocking of the plurality of adapters disposed on the first and second faces, respectively.