CN117320971A

CN117320971A - Adjustable tightening device

Info

Publication number: CN117320971A
Application number: CN202280016178.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: G·R·麦克道尔三世
Original assignee: Kml Holdings Group Ltd
Current assignee: Kml Holdings Group Ltd
Priority date: 2021-02-22
Filing date: 2022-02-22
Publication date: 2023-12-29
Also published as: WO2022178435A1; CA3209010A1; EP4294742A1

Abstract

A tie for securing articles therein which may be loosened or released to allow removal of articles therefrom and which can be reused. The tie comprises an elongate strap with teeth formed thereon which engage with teeth in the locking head to allow movement (tightening) in only one direction. When the release tab is depressed, the release tab in combination with the back plate enables the teeth in the locking head to disengage from the teeth on the elongate strap so that the strap can be moved (removed) in the opposite direction. The release tab and back panel are configured to face away from the items secured within the strap to provide more room for engagement (e.g., by the user's hand) and provide the necessary leverage to release the cable tie without the need to press the tie against other items (e.g., cable, chassis).

Description

Adjustable tightening device

Background

Ties are used to tie, fasten and/or attach various items. For example, a tie may be used to secure multiple cable loops (e.g., power cords) together for storage. The tie may be used to secure different cables (e.g., power lines, data cables, other cables) that together traverse similar paths for organization. The tie may be used to secure the cable to other objects, such as desks, cabinets, etc., in which the tie is being utilized. The tie, commonly referred to as a harness strap, is designed for convenient application. The harness strap may include an elongated body having teeth and a head through which the body may pass in a single direction associated with tightening the strap. The harness strap may be placed around the cables to be secured together or around the cables and the object to which the cables are to be secured, and then the harness strap may be tensioned by placing the body through the head until the desired tightness is reached. Typical harness straps are not releasable or removable and are therefore designed for single use.

Therefore, to remove or loosen the harness strap, it must be cut. Removal or loosening of the harness straps may be required for various reasons including, for example, removing the cable from the cable bundle, re-routing one or more cables from the cable bundle, or adding cables to the cable bundle. If the cable still needs to be bundled and/or secured in place, a new harness must be used. The process of cutting and removing the existing tie and routing and securing the new tie is not only inconvenient and costly, but may also result in damage to the cables secured therein. For example, damaging one or more cables in a harness (cable harness) may require replacement of the entire harness. Replacement of wiring harnesses is a problem for large production operations (e.g., large airliners) because airlines may include electrical/data cables that are many miles long that need replacement, rewiring, and retooling.

Releasable cable ties have been proposed, but they are not designed to be easily released when they are used to secure multiple cables in confined spaces and the user may wear gloves. Typical releasable cable ties do not provide for such a configuration: this configuration provides an arrangement in which the release mechanism faces away from the cable secured therein to provide more room for the user's hand to release the cable tie, the release mechanism provides a configuration in which the user can engage the release mechanism whether or not wearing gloves, and/or the release mechanism provides the necessary leverage for the user to release the cable tie. What is needed is a releasable cable tie that provides these functions.

Drawings

The structure, objects and advantages of the releasable cable tie will be understood by reference to the exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the detailed description of the attached technical figures, wherein:

1A-B illustrate top views of an exemplary releasable cable tie in an open configuration, according to one embodiment.

Fig. 2A-B illustrate a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary releasable cable tie in an open configuration according to one embodiment.

Fig. 3 illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary releasable cable tie in an open configuration, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary releasable cable tie in a closed (cinched) configuration according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary releasable cable tie in a closed (cinched) configuration utilizing two finger release according to one embodiment.

Fig. 6A-B illustrate a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary releasable cable tie in a closed configuration in which excess strap is tucked into an opening in the back plate of the locking head, according to various embodiments.

Fig. 6C illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary releasable cable tie in a closed configuration in which an opening in the back plate of the locking head is used to hang the tie, according to one embodiment.

Fig. 7A-C illustrate bottom views of exemplary releasable cable ties having different friction bottom surfaces, in accordance with various embodiments.

Fig. 8A-D illustrate top views of exemplary releasable straps with various connection devices secured to their locking heads, according to various embodiments.

Figures 8E-F illustrate cross-sectional side and top views of an exemplary releasable strap secured to an object according to various embodiments.

Fig. 9A-C illustrate top views of exemplary releasable straps in which a tag is secured to its locking head and used to identify an article secured therein, according to various embodiments.

Fig. 10A-B illustrate a top view of an exemplary releasable strap having a handle and a cross-sectional side view of using the handle to carry an article secured therein, according to one embodiment.

11A-G illustrate top/side views of an exemplary releasable strap having a penetration formed in the strap that enables the strap to be secured to an object prior to use of the strap, according to various embodiments.

Detailed Description

The harness strap for securing the article therein may be loosened and/or released to allow the article to be removed therefrom and then reused. The harness strap includes an elongate strap with teeth formed thereon that engage with teeth in the locking head to allow movement (tightening) in only one direction. The locking head further comprises a release mechanism that enables the teeth in the locking head to disengage from the teeth on the elongate strap, enabling the strap to move in the opposite direction, enabling the strap to be loosened or removed. The release mechanism is configured to face away from the items secured within the strap to provide more room for engagement (e.g., by the user's hand) so that the user can engage the release mechanism whether or not wearing gloves, provide the necessary leverage to release the cable tie, eliminate the need to press the tie against other items (e.g., cable, cabinet), and provide the option of securing the excess strap therein.

Fig. 1A shows a top view and fig. 1B shows a close-up top view of an exemplary releasable strap 10 that may be used as an adjustable tightening device. The tie 10 includes an elongate planar strap 20 and a releasable locking head 60. The strap 20 has an elongated length 22 traversing from a first end 24 to a second end 26. A first side (e.g., top side) of the strap 20 includes teeth 28 formed within a guide rail 30. The strap teeth 28 may be saw-tooth shaped with one side flat and the other side angled. The first end 24 is connected to a locking head 60. The second end 26 of the strap 20 includes a tongue 32 (without teeth), the tongue 32 helping to guide the strap 20 into the locking head 60 and requiring a minimum amount of strap 20 to pass through the locking head 60 (to prevent removal) before the strap 20 is secured therein.

The locking head 60 includes a body 62 (wider than the strap 20), the body 62 having an opening 64 formed therein, the opening 64 being sized to allow the strap 20 to pass therethrough. As the strap 20 passes through the opening 64, the locking tooth 28 will be directed toward the distal end of the opening 64 (away from the end of the strap 20). One or more teeth 66 extend into the opening 64 from the distal end of the opening 64 and are directed proximally (near the end of the strap) to engage the strap teeth 28. It should be noted that one or more of the locking head teeth 66 and strap teeth 28 within the opening 64 are not visible in the top view of fig. 1A-B. Engagement of the one or more locking head teeth 66 and strap teeth 28 within the opening 64 enables the strap 20 to pass through the opening 64 in a first direction (cinch) but not in a second direction (unclamp, remove).

The release tab 68 extends from the upper side (top) of the body 62 in a direction away from the strap 20 (e.g., substantially parallel to the strap 20 in a steady state). The distal end of the body 62 includes an open portion that enables a first side 70 of the release tab 68 to extend into the opening 64 and connect to one or more locking head teeth 66. The second side 72 of the release tab 68 is wider than the first side 70 to provide a larger surface for receiving at least a portion of a user's finger (e.g., thumb). The second side 72 of the release tab 68 may include a corrugated strip (raised portion) 74 to provide an indication to the user that their finger is at the end thereof and potentially prevent the user's finger from slipping off and/or to help keep the user on top. 1A-B, when the release tab 68 is engaged (depressed downwardly), the first side 70 pivots upwardly and outwardly from the opening 64, and the one or more locking head teeth 66 pivot toward the distal end of the opening 64, thereby disengaging the strap teeth 28 and enabling the strap 20 to move through the opening 64 in the second direction (unclamped, removed).

The back plate 76 extends from the underside (bottom) of the body 62 in a direction away from the strap 20 (e.g., substantially parallel to the strap 20, and also substantially parallel to the release tab 68 when not depressed). The back plate 76 may be connected to and extend from the bottom of the sides of the body 62. According to one embodiment, the back plate 76 may become wider as it extends from the body 62. The back plate 76 may be wider and longer than the release tab 68 and have substantially the same shape. To provide support to the back plate 76, side walls 78 may extend from the sides of the body 62 and connect to the back plate 76. The side walls 78 may be angled downwardly from the body 62 as more clearly seen in side view.

The back plate 76 is configured to receive at least a portion of a user's finger (e.g., index finger) to enable a user to provide support (e.g., resistance) when the release tab 68 is depressed. According to one embodiment, the back plate 76 may include an opening 80 formed therein. The opening 80 may be larger than the release tab 68 and have substantially the same shape as the release tab 68. The opening 80 ensures that the back plate 76 does not interfere with the pressing of the release tab 68. The opening 80 may also provide an edge for securing a user's finger thereto to potentially prevent the user's finger from slipping off and/or to help retain the user's finger thereon.

Fig. 2A illustrates a cross-sectional side view and fig. 2B illustrates a close-up cross-sectional side view of the exemplary releasable strap 10. One or more locking head teeth 66 (two shown, but not limited thereto) extend into the opening 64 from a distal side of the opening 64 and point proximally of the opening 64. One or more locking head teeth 66 are connected to a first end 70 of the release tab 68, the first end 70 being laterally remote from the body 62 and the strap 20. The release tab 68 includes a corrugated strip 74 at its second end 72. The release tab 68 may include a centrally located support wall 82, the support wall 82 extending diagonally from a point near the second end 72 to a fulcrum 84 located below the one or more locking head teeth 66. The fulcrum 84 acts as a pivot point such that when the release tab 68 is depressed, the one or more locking head teeth 66 are further upward and rearward until they disengage from the one or more strap teeth 28. When the teeth 66 and 28 are disengaged, the strap 20 may move in a second direction (release or removable direction).

The back plate 78 extends from the body 62 past the release tab 68. An opening 80 in the back plate 78 extends from the body 62 (or adjacent the body 62) until past the release tab 66 so as not to interfere with the depression of the release tab 68 and provide the other potential benefits discussed above.

Fig. 3 illustrates a bottom view of the exemplary releasable strap 10. The opening 80 in the back plate 78 is clearly shown to be larger than the release tab 68. The openings 80 may enable the excess strap 20 to be secured therein (see, e.g., fig. 6A-B) or may be used to secure the releasable strap to hooks, connectors, tabs, etc. 100 (see, e.g., fig. 6C). The last of the one or more locking head teeth 66 can be seen to extend into the opening 64. Fulcrum 84 is seen to be located forward of opening 64, below the first end of one or more of the locking teeth and release tab 68. The support wall 82 is shown extending to a fulcrum 84. The underside 34 of the strip 10 opposite the teeth 28 on the top side may be smooth.

Fig. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the exemplary releasable strap 10 in a locked position. As the strap 20 passes through the locking head 60, a loop 90 is formed for tightening around an article (not shown) to, for example, secure them together or in place. The strap teeth 28 are located on the outside of the ring 90 and the bottom 34 of the strap faces the ring 90 and the article secured therein. As shown, the bottom 34 is smooth and therefore does not affect the article when tightened. The release tab 68 and the back plate 76 of the locking head 30 extend substantially perpendicular to the strap 20 in a direction away from the ring 90. The location of the release tab 68 and the back plate 76 allow easy access to them by a user.

Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional side view of the strap 10 in a closed configuration, with the release tab 68 pushed downwardly with the first finger and the second finger positioned below the back panel 76 to provide support (leverage) thereto. Once release tab 68 is depressed and teeth 66 are disengaged from teeth 28, strap 20 may be moved in a release direction to unwind ring 90 or remove strap 20 from locking head 60. When the locking head 60 is held with two fingers, the locking head 60 is actually movable relative to the strap 20. As shown, the locking head 60 may be moved in an upward direction to expand the ring 90 and, if desired, the locking head 60 may be removed from the strap 20. The release tab 68 and back plate 76 extending away from the ring 90 are used to facilitate access and are relatively large in size to accommodate a finger so that the releasable strap 10 can be easily attached and released as desired. Furthermore, the releasable strap 10 can be operated in confined spaces and can be operated regardless of whether the user wears gloves or not.

The exemplary releasable strap 10 is preferably integrally molded as one piece from a thermoplastic such as nylon or polypropylene and has sufficient strength and resiliency to allow its desired operation and desired locking and release.

According to one embodiment, the opening 80 may enable the excess strap 20 (the portion of the strap 20 passing through the locking head 60) to be secured therein. As shown in fig. 6A, the excess strip 20 is wrapped around and tucked into the opening 80. This arrangement may provide a barrier to the release tab 68 being inadvertently depressed and releasing the strap 20. As shown in fig. 6B, the excess strap 20 is wrapped around the article to be secured thereto and is tucked into the opening 80. According to one embodiment, as shown in fig. 6C, the opening 80 may be used to secure the releasable strap 10 to a hook, connector, tab, etc. 200 that may be mounted to a wall, ceiling, cabinet, etc. 210.

According to one embodiment, the bottom of the releasable strap 10 may be a surface that provides friction to prevent it from sliding off of the secured article. The friction surface may be molded into the tie 10 or may be molded in some manner (e.g., glued,Stitched) to the bottom of the tie 10.

Fig. 7A-C illustrate bottom views of several embodiments of an exemplary tie having a friction bottom surface. Fig. 7A shows an exemplary tie in which friction surface 220 is located below the locking head (on the bottom of back plate 76). Fig. 7B shows an exemplary tie in which friction surface 230 is located below strap 20. Fig. 7C shows an exemplary tie in which friction surface 240 is located below locking head 60 and strap 20.

The friction surfaces 220, 230, 240 are shown as cross-hatched, hexagonal, and square, but are not limited thereto. Any surface capable of providing friction may be the friction surface 220, 230, 240, and the friction surface 220, 230, 240 may be formed into the lower surface when the releasable strap 10 is manufactured. Alternatively, frictionThe surfaces 220, 230, 240 may be formed in the lower surface (e.g., machined into the lower surface) after the tie 10 is formed. According to one embodiment, the friction surfaces 220, 230, 240 may be formed in a manner (e.g., glue,Stitched) to the lower surface.

Fig. 8A-D show top views of exemplary releasable straps with attachment mechanisms added. The attachment mechanism may enable the tie and any contents secured therein to be secured to an object (e.g., wall, ceiling, cabinet, desk). The attachment mechanism may be secured to the locking head 60. The attachment mechanism may be a body (e.g., tab, eyelet, etc.) extending from the locking head 60 having a hole formed therein that enables the strap to be attached to an object with a screw, nail, rivet, etc., or to a hook or the like mounted to the object. Alternatively, the attachment mechanism may be a protrusion (e.g., screw, pin, rivet, etc.) extending therefrom that is available for mounting to an object.

Fig. 8A shows a top view of an exemplary tie including a body (eyelet ring 110) extending from the locking head 60 (particularly an unnumbered back plate). The eyelet 110 may be used to receive a screw, nail, rivet, etc. therethrough to secure the strap to an object (e.g., a chassis). Alternatively, the eyelet ring 110 may be used to be secured around hooks, tabs, pins, etc. extending from the object to which the tie is to be secured. Fig. 8B shows a top view of an exemplary tie including a body (mounting head 120) extending from a locking head 60 (back plate). The mounting head 120 includes holes formed therethrough to enable screws or the like to secure the tie to an object or to be placed around hooks or the like extending from the object to which the tie is to be secured.

Fig. 8C shows a top view of an exemplary releasable strap including a screw mount 130 extending from the locking head 60 (back plate). The screw mount 130 may be used to secure a strap to an object (e.g., a chassis) by threading the screw mount 130 into a threaded hole formed in the object. Fig. 8D shows a top view of an exemplary tie including a tab (pin push mount 140) extending from the locking head 60 (back plate). The pin-push mount 140 may include a flange (not numbered at its end). The pin-push mount 140 may be used to secure the strap to an object (e.g., a chassis) by pushing the push mount 140 through an aperture formed in the object, with a flange securing the strap within the aperture.

Fig. 8E shows a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary releasable strap with a tab (screw mount 130) secured to an object (e.g., ceiling, chassis) 250. Screw mounts 130 are formed on the ends of the back plate 76. Screw mount 130 is screwed into a threaded hole of object 250. Fig. 8F shows a front view of an exemplary tie having a body (mounting head 120) for securing the tie to an object (e.g., ceiling, cabinet) 265. A mounting head 120 is formed on an end of the back plate 76. The mounting head 120 has a strap 270 that is tied through the hole, and the other side of the strap 270 is secured to a screw/washer 260, the screw/washer 260 being secured to the object 265.

Fig. 9A-B illustrate an exemplary releasable strap that includes labels 150, 160 extending from a back plate (not numbered) of the locking head 60, respectively. The tags 150, 160 may be used to identify the items secured therein. The label 150 may extend directly from the back plate (fig. 9A), or the tab 162 may extend from the back plate and the label 160 may extend from the tab 162 (fig. 9B).

Fig. 10A shows a top view of an exemplary releasable strap including a handle 180 extending from a back plate (not numbered) of the locking head 60. The handle 180 may be used to carry items that have been bundled together. For example, handle 180 may be used to carry a power cord that has been wrapped with a tie and secured together. Fig. 10B shows a cross-sectional side view of a handle 180 for carrying a strap and any items (not shown) secured therein.

Fig. 11A shows a top view of an exemplary releasable strap including a penetration 170 formed on a portion of strap 20 prior to locking head 60. The penetration 170 may enable the strap 20 to pass therethrough, for example to secure a strap to an article with which the device is to be used prior to tightening in use. For example, the tie may be secured to one end of the power cord by threading the strap 20 through the penetration 170 such that the tie is positioned on the power cord when the power cord is in use and already in place when the power cord is wound for storage. As another example, the tie may be secured to an article (e.g., chassis, desk) through which a plurality of cables are to be routed. Once the cabling is complete, the cable may be secured to the articles in an orderly fashion using a tie.

FIG. 11B illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an example tie wrapped around an article 280 using a penetration 170 prior to releasably securing the article to itself or other articles using the tie. For example, the article 280 may be a power cord to which the tie is secured prior to wrapping and securing the power cord together by passing the strap 20 through the locking head 60. The article 280 may be part of a cabinet or desk such that the tie is secured in place and then ready for use when other articles (e.g., cables, wires) are extended and secured using a releasable tie. Fig. 11C shows a cross-sectional side view of an example tie wrapped around an article 280 by passing strap 20 through penetrator 170 and then wrapped around other articles 290 by passing strap 20 through locking head 60. It should be noted that the item 280 may be the same as the item 290 (e.g., both may be power cords) or may be different (e.g., chassis and cable). The items 290 may all be the same (e.g., one cord wrapped multiple times) or may be different items (e.g., different cables and/or cords extending in the chassis).

The penetrations 170 shown in fig. 11A-C do not include any means for securing the strap 20 therein. That is, the strap 20 may be passed through the penetrator in either direction and removed in either direction. Thus, the tie may be loosened from the article 280 on which it is placed. According to one embodiment, the penetrator 170 may include means for holding the strap 20 in place on the article 280.

Fig. 11D shows a top view of an exemplary releasable strap in which the feedthrough 170 includes one or more teeth 172 that extend into an opening of the feedthrough 170. As shown, one or more teeth 172 enter the opening distally (the side closest to the head of the lock 60). This allows the strips 20 to enter in the direction of the teeth 28 facing the open distal end so that they engage with the teeth 172. Thus, the strap 20 may traverse the penetrating member in a first (tightening) direction, but not in a second (loosening, removal) direction. Fig. 11E illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary tie showing teeth 172 engaged with teeth 28 in strap 20 to secure the tie to an article 280. Further, although not fully shown, the tie is also wrapped around article 290 by passing strap 20 through locking head 60 (teeth 66 engaging teeth 28).

The penetrations 170 shown in fig. 11D-E enable the tie to be secured to the article 280 to prevent its unintended removal. However, once the tie is placed on the article 280, it cannot be removed (e.g., act as a permanent tie). Thus, the strap 170 is essentially a disposable (or one piece of article 280) strap. According to one embodiment, the penetrator 170 may include means for releasing the strap 20 from the penetrator 170 once the strap 20 is in place on the article 280.

Fig. 11F shows a top view of an exemplary releasable strap in which the penetration 170 includes an opening 174 therein, the opening 174 enabling the rear side of one or more teeth 172 to be depressed, thereby causing the teeth 172 to rotate upward and rearward and disengage from the strap teeth 28, and enabling the strap 170 to be removed from the article 280. FIG. 11G illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an example tie showing the use of a tool 176 within the opening 174 to disengage the teeth 172 from the teeth 28. Although not fully shown, the tie is also wrapped around article 290 by passing strap 20 through locking head 60 (teeth 66 engaging teeth 28).

The example releasable straps described herein may include additional features without departing from the scope thereof. Although the exemplary releasable strap has been described with respect to articles securing the cables together and/or passing the cables through, the releasable strap is in no way intended to be limited thereto. Instead, the releasable strap may be used to secure any type of article together or to other articles without departing from the current scope, as the use of the release tab and back plate provides a comfortable two-finger release, whether the user is wearing a glove or not, and whether the user has arthritis or any other condition that limits the use of the user's fingers. For example, releasable straps may be used to secure luggage to roof racks, tie ends of material together, secure labels to equipment, and/or secure bags with broken zippers together.

According to one embodiment, the releasable strap may be used in the medical field. For example, a releasable strap may be used as the tourniquet. The user can easily tighten or loosen the straps around the limb as needed to apply the necessary pressure to control venous and arterial circulation. Once the desired tension is reached, the strap will be easily locked in place, maintaining pressure on the limb for any period of time. The user may then relieve or tighten the pressure as needed to avoid tissue damage.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it is apparent that the present invention is not limited thereto since various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope. Reference to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described herein is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

The various embodiments are intended to be broadly protected within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An adjustable tightening device comprising:

an elongated planar strip having a plurality of strip teeth formed on one side thereof; and a releasable locking head formed adjacent the first end of the strap, wherein the locking head comprises

A body having an opening therethrough to receive a second end of the strap in a locking direction to form a loop to secure around one or more items such that the strap teeth are positioned outside of the loop and away from the one or more items, and wherein an amount of the strap passing through the opening controls a size of the loop;

at least one locking head tooth extending into the opening and complementary to the plurality of strap teeth when the second end of the strap enters the opening, wherein the at least one locking head tooth is adapted to engage with at least one strap tooth for preventing movement of the strap in a release direction;

a release tab engaged with the first side of the body and having a first side connected to the at least one locking head tooth and a second side extending away from the first side of the strap, wherein the second side of the release tab is wider than the first side and includes a corrugated strap immediately adjacent to the second side thereof; and

a back panel engaged with the first side of the body and having a first side adjacent the opening and a second side extending away from the first side of the strip, wherein the back panel is substantially parallel to the release tab, wherein the back panel is wider than the release tab and longer than the release tab, and wherein the back panel includes a larger opening therethrough than the release tab;

wherein when the strap is positioned in the opening and is accessible by a user, the release tab and back plate extend away from the ring secured around one or more items, wherein the release tab is configured to be depressed by a first finger of the user and the corrugated strip is configured to engage the first finger to prevent the first finger from sliding off, wherein the back plate is configured to receive a second finger of the user to provide resistance when the release tab is pressed against the back plate by the first finger, wherein the opening in the back plate is configured to engage the second finger to prevent the second finger from sliding off, wherein depression of the release tab is configured to release the at least one locking head tooth without engaging the at least one strap tooth to allow the strap to move in the release direction.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein a second end of the strap extending beyond the locking head is securable within the opening in the back plate.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the locking head further comprises a body extending from the back plate, the body having a hole formed therein to enable the device to be secured to an object.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the locking head further comprises a protrusion extending from the back plate, the protrusion enabling the device to be secured to an object.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the protrusion is a screw.

6. The device of claim 4, wherein the protrusion comprises a flange.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the locking head further comprises a tag extending therefrom to identify one or more items secured therein.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the locking head further comprises a handle extending therefrom to carry one or more items secured therein.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the strap includes a through-penetration to enable the strap to pass therethrough to secure the device to an article with which it is to be used.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the penetration includes one or more penetration teeth to engage the strap teeth and lock the strap to the article.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the penetration further comprises an arrangement that enables a tool to disengage the one or more penetration teeth and enable the strap to be removed from the article.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the strap includes a friction surface on a side opposite the strap teeth.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the friction surface is formed therein at the time of manufacture of the device.

14. The device of claim 12, wherein the friction surface is separately formed and secured to the strap.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the back plate includes a friction surface on a side opposite a side facing the release tab.

16. A method of providing a releasable tightening apparatus around one or more items, the method comprising:

providing an elongated planar strip having a plurality of strip teeth formed on one side and a locking head formed on one end;

securing the strap around the one or more items to secure by:

inserting opposite ends of the strap into openings in the locking head in a locking direction and forming a loop to receive the one or more items, wherein the plurality of strap teeth are positioned outside of the loop and away from the one or more items, and wherein an amount of the strap passing through the openings controls a size of the loop; and

locking the strap in the locking head by engaging at least one locking tooth formed to extend into an opening in the locking head with at least one complementary strap tooth to prevent movement of the strap in a release direction; and

when the one or more items are to be released, the strip is released from around the one or more items by:

depressing a release tab pivotally connected to the at least one locking tooth with a first finger while placing a second finger on a back plate positioned below the release tab to provide resistance while depressing the release tab to disengage the at least one locking tooth from the at least one strap tooth; and

a releasable latch is secured between the first finger and the second finger and pulled in a direction away from the ring.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: one end of the strap passing through the locking head is looped back and secured within the open interior of the back plate.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: the releasable tightening means is mounted to an object with a mounting means extending from the locking head.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising: the releasable cinching device is secured to the article by looping the strap through a penetration formed in the strap so that the device can be positioned with the article prior to use in securing the one or more articles.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: the releasable tightening means is released from the article by disengaging the through tooth from the strap tooth using a tool.