GB2602990A

GB2602990A - Multi component fastening system

Info

Publication number: GB2602990A
Application number: GB2100876.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alan Fry David
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-01-22
Filing date: 2021-01-22
Publication date: 2022-07-27
Also published as: GB202100876D0

Abstract

A flexible elongate member 1 with teeth 3 on one side; and a joining member 2 with two openings, each with a protrusion 4 to engage the teeth. There can be teeth projecting from both sides. Teeth can projects perpendicularly or be angled like a saw tooth. The teeth on opposite sides can slant in opposite directions. The two holes can be parallel and separated by a common wall. Both protrusions can be formed on the common wall; both on external walls 15; or one on each. There can be a third parallel opening. The protrusions can be resiliently manually movable by a lever away from the engaged position. The protrusion can be at the narrowest point of each opening. The flexible elongate member can be first cut from a supply; then inserted into one opening so that the protrusions engage its teeth; then wound around/through the item(s) to be fastened; then inserted into the other opening so that the protrusions engage its teeth.

Description

MULTI COMPONENT FASTENING SYSTEM

FIELD AND BACKGROUND

10001] The present invention relates particularly, but not exclusively, to a multi component fastening system. Specifically, an invention described herein may be used in electrical applications where it is desirable to collect together cables and wires.

[0002] It is known in the electrical industry to use cable ties (also known as zip ties) for collecting cables and wires. A known cable tie comprises an elongate member comprising a plurality of teeth on one side of the elongate member. At a first end of the cable tie, a locking head is formed integrally with the elongate member. The locking head has a channel extending through it. The channel comprises a catch which is configured to engage with the plurality of teeth on the one side of the elongate member.

[0003] In order to collect together cables or wires therefore, the user wraps the elongate member around the cables or wires to be collected together. The second end of the cable tie distal from the first end comprising the block is then fed through the channel of the block and pulled until the elongate member is wrapped tightly around the cables or wires. The interaction between the catch and the plurality of teeth works like a ratchet system in that the engagement of the catch with the teeth allows movement of the elongate member in one direction but prevents the elongate member from being extracted in the opposite direction to which it is inserted.

[0004] The loose end of the elongate member which has been pulled through the locking head is then often cut off close to the block. The cut off part of the elongate member is then disposed of. Alternatively, the loose end of the elongate member which has been inserted through the block remains attached. When the user wants to remove the cable tie from the cables or wires, part of the elongate member which is wrapped around the cables or wires is cut. The cable tie cannot be reused once it has been cut so is thrown away.

[0005] Thus, the use of cable ties, although providing a reliable way in which to collect together cables or wires, results in a large amount of waste. The part of the elongate member which is cut off cannot be reused. Furthermore, once the cable tie has been cut to remove it from the cables or wires, it also cannot be reused.

[0006] Although cable ties come in a number of lengths, often only a very small length is required to hold together a small number of cables or wires. Thus there is often a large amount of the elongate member that is cut off and thrown away or that is unusable. There is a desire to be able to reduce this waste.

[0007] The inventor has identified a system for reliably fastening components together as with a known cable tie whilst minimising the waste.

[0008] It will be recognised from the disclosure herein that the invention is also suitable for use in other applications. For example, the invention may be used in any application where it is desirable to reliably fasten objects together or hold components in place, such as in packaging, the motor trade and DIY.

SUMMARY

[0009] Particular aspects and embodiments are set out in the appended claims.

100101 Viewed from a first aspect, there is provided a multi component fastening system. The fastening system comprises a flexible elongate member comprising a first side and a second side. At least one of the first side and the second side comprises a plurality of teeth extending away from a respective side of the elongate member. The fastening system additionally comprises a joining member. The joining member comprises at least two openings extending through the joining member for receiving the elongate member. Each of the openings comprises a protrusion for engagement with the plurality of teeth.

[0011] Each of the plurality of teeth may be formed between adjacent recesses or slots in the surface of the elongate member along the length of the elongate member, with each of the plurality of teeth being formed between two adjacent recesses. Described in another way, at least one of the first and second sides of the elongate member comprises a plurality of recesses along its length. In other examples, the elongate member may comprise a plurality of teeth extending from a face of the elongate member.

[0012] The protrusions act to cooperate with the recesses/teeth to allow movement in one direction and prevent movement in the other direction. In effect, each protrusion forms a catch. The end of the protrusion/catch interacts with a side of each of the plurality of teeth/recesses as the elongate member is inserted into the respective opening. As the elongate member is inserted into each opening, the catch is biased against the elongate member.

10013] Each end of the elongate member is fed into one of the at least two openings so that the teeth of the elongate member interact with the protrusion in the opening. The protrusion is flexible in order to allow the movement of the elongate member through the opening in a first direction. The protrusion in each opening is configured so that it engages with the teeth so that the elongate member can be inserted in the first direction but cannot be extracted in the opposite direction. When the elongate member is pulled in a direction opposite to that in which it was inserted, an end of the protrusion is forced against a side of one of the plurality of teeth/one of the recesses, preventing movement of the elongate member in that direction.

10014] Thus, the elongate member can be adjustably used to reliably fasten a number of components together. The use of the ratchet like system means that the elongate member cannot be removed from the joining member without cutting the elongate member.

10015] Since the elongate member and joining member are formed separately from one another, it is possible for both of these to be reused. A user may be provided with, for example, a spool or extended length of the elongate member. The user may then cut off the desired length of elongate member for using with the joining member. Any excess length of the elongate member may be cut off and used with another joining member in a different application. Furthermore, the elongate member may be extracted from the joining member and both may be reused in a different application. This is done by cutting the elongate member into two when it is attached to the joining member and feeding the resulting two parts of the elongate member through the openings in the same direction to which they were inserted. Thus, these two parts of elongate member and the joining member can be reused and waste is reduced. Additionally, in order to attach multiple components together, a large length of the elongate member may be cut from the spool and combined with a single joining member. This is advantageous over existing cable or zip ties where multiple separate cable ties are attached together in order to achieve a desired length.

10016] Both the first side and the second side of the elongate member may comprise a plurality of teeth.

[0017] As discussed above, the teeth may be formed by a plurality of recesses/slots along each side of the elongate member. For example, both sets of teeth may extend from the elongate member in a direction perpendicular to the elongate axis of the elongate member. In this way, it does not matter which way the elongate member is inserted into the joining member. The user does not need to check which side of the opening the protrusions are formed on. Thus room for error by the user is reduced.

10018] In another example, one of the first side and the second side of the elongate member may comprise a plurality of teeth.

10019] Thus, the elongate member may be inserted into the openings with the teeth facing inwards or outwards, depending on the position of the protrusions in the openings. When the teeth are pointing inwards, the components to be gathered together may be more securely gripped or held in place by the teeth interacting with these components. Thus movement between these is less likely to happen. On the other hand, when a number of delicate parts are to be gathered together, it may be preferable to have the teeth facing outwards so that they do not dig into or mark these delicate parts. Thus, depending on the application, a different joining member may be used with the protrusions located in different positions.

10020] The plurality of teeth may extend away from the elongate member in a direction substantially perpendicular to an elongate axis of the elongate member.

[0021] The perpendicular teeth may each be formed between adjacent recesses in the elongate member. In this way, the distal end of each of the plurality of teeth forms part of the flat surface of the elongate member, and the sides of the elongate teeth/recesses is perpendicular to this distal end. This enables a secure interaction between the plurality of teeth and the protrusion in the opening.

10022] The plurality of teeth may extend away from the elongate member at an acute angle with respect to an elongate axis of the elongate member to form saw-tooth like projections. When viewed in cross section, therefore, the elongate member may have a serrated edge.

[0023] The saw-tooth like projections may be formed on both sides of the elongate member and wherein the saw-tooth like projections may extend along the first side of the elongate member in a first direction and extend along the second side of the elongate member in a second direction, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

10024] The joining member may comprise a first opening and a second opening. The first and second openings may extend in parallel through the joining member, such that when the elongate member is received in each of the openings, the first side of the elongate member faces away from the other opening and the second side of the elongate member faces towards the other opening. The openings may be bound on one side by an internal wall of the joining member and on the other sides by an external wall of the joining member.

[0025] In other examples, the at least two openings may not be in parallel. For example, the openings may be perpendicular or at an angle to one another. The external wall of the joining member would be understood to mean the part which forms the outside face of the joining member. The internal wall of the joining member would be understood to mean the part which is fully enclosed within the body of the joining member.

[0026] The protrusions in each of the openings may be formed on the internal wall of the joining member. Specifically, the protrusions may extend from the internal wall into their respective opening.

10027] The protrusions in each of the openings may be formed on the external wall of the joining member. Specifically, the protrusions may extend from the inner facing part of the external wall into their respective opening.

[0028] The protrusion in one of the openings may be formed on the internal wall and the protrusion in the other of the openings may be formed on the external wall of the joining member.

[0029] The joining member may comprise a first opening, a second opening and a third opening, wherein the first, second and third openings extend in parallel through the joining member. In other examples, the three openings may not be parallel to one another. For example, they may be at an angle to one another.

[0030] In this way, the elongate member forms a figure of eight shape when it is inserted through the three openings such that two separate bundles of wires or other components can be gathered/joined together., [0031] At least one of the protrusions may be selectively movable between a first position where it engages with the plurality of teeth and a second position where it is disengaged from the plurality of teeth.

10032] This movement between the first and second positions may be achieved by use of a release lever being integrally formed with the protrusion. Thus, the elongate member may be removed from the joining member without having to cut the elongate member. Therefore, the entire length of the elongate member can be reused.

[0033] At least one of the protrusions may additionally comprise a locking feature configured to prevent the movement of the elongate member through the joining member. The joining member may additionally comprise a locking lever formed integrally with the protrusion comprising the locking feature, wherein the locking lever is for disengaging the protrusion from the plurality of teeth.

10034] In this way, the locking feature is selectively movable between a first position where it is located in a recess between the plurality of teeth and a second position where it is disengaged from the recess. Thus, the elongate member may only be movable through the joining member when the locking lever is depressed, i.e. in the second position. In this way, a user is able to choose the extent to which the elongate member is inserted through the joining member. Thus, the tightness to which the elongate member is wrapped around the components is controlled. This is beneficial when the fastening system is used in applications where it is desirable that the elongate member is not, accidentally or otherwise, tightened more than it should be this. These applications may include, for example, compressible or flexible pipes and in police use as handcuffs.

10035] The part of the locking lever which extends outside the joining member may be trimmed once the elongate member is inserted into the joining member to the desired extent. This prevents the joining member being tightened or loosened.

[0036] One or more of the openings may have a stepped width. A first portion of the opening may have a first width which is larger than a second width of a second portion of each opening. The protrusion is formed in the second portion of each opening.

10037] The width of the opening is intended to mean the dimension extending in the same direction as the internal wall between the external walls. The width of the first portion of the opening may be sized to receive the width of the elongate member. The width of the second portion of the opening may be sized to receive the width of the protrusion or catch extending from the wall. This reduced width part of the opening provides support to the flexible protrusion.

10038] Viewed from a second aspect there is provided a method of securing components together, the method comprising inserting a first end of a flexible elongate member comprising a first side and a second side through a first opening in a joining member, wherein at least one of the first side and the second side comprises a plurality of teeth extending away from a respective side of the elongate member, positioning the elongate member around or through the components to be secured together, inserting a second end of the elongate member through a second opening in the joining member, wherein each of the first and second openings of the joining member comprises a protrusion for engagement with the plurality of teeth.

[0039] As discussed above with respect to the first aspect, since the elongate member and joining member are formed separately from one another, it is possible for both of these to be reused.

[0040] The method may additionally comprise cutting the flexible elongate member from a supply before inserting a first end through the joining member.

10041] The supply may in the form of a spool of elongate member or a bundle. Thus, the user may only cut the desired amount of elongate member. This avoids wastage. Additionally, if the user cuts too much elongate member, the excess can be cut off and used with another joining member.

10042] Other aspects will also become apparent upon review of the present disclosure, in particular upon review of the Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description and Claims sections.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Examples of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [0044] Figures 1A to 1C show a multi component fastening system comprising an elongate member and block according to a first embodiment; [0045] Figures 1D to 1F show an alternative design for the block of the multi component fastening system of the first embodiment; [0046] Figures 1G and 1H show a further alternative design for the block of the multi component fastening system of the first embodiment; 10047] Figures 2A to 2C show a multi component fastening system comprising an elongate member and block according to a second embodiment; [0048] Figures 2D to 2F show an alternative design for the block of the multi component fastening system of the second embodiment; [0049] Figures 2G and 2H show a further alternative design for the block of the multi component fastening system of the second embodiment; [0050] Figures 3A to 3C show a multi component fastening system comprising an elongate member and block according to a third embodiment; [0051] Figures 3D to 3F show an alternative design for the block of the multi component fastening system of the third embodiment; 10052] Figures 3G and 3H show a further alternative design for the block of the multi component fastening system of the third embodiment; [0053] Figures 4A to 4C show a multi component fastening system comprising an elongate member and block according to a fourth embodiment; [0054] Figures 4D to 4F show an alternative design for the block of the multi component fastening system of the fourth embodiment; and [0055] Figures 5A and 5B show a multi component fastening system comprising an elongate member and block according to a fifth embodiment.

[0056] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific example approaches are shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood however that the drawings and detailed description attached hereto are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular form disclosed but rather the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.

[0057] As used in this specification, the words "comprises", "comprising", and similar words, are not to be interpreted in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. In other words, they are intended to mean "including, but not limited to".

[0058] It will be recognised that the features of the above-described examples of the disclosure can conveniently and interchangeably be used in any suitable combination. It will also be recognised that the invention covers not only individual embodiments but also combinations of the embodiments that have been discussed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] The present teaching relates generally to a multi component fastening system.

10060] Figure 1A shows a multi component fastening system 6 according to a first embodiment of the invention in exploded view. The fastening system 6 comprises a flexible elongate member 1 comprising a first side and a second side. A plurality of teeth 3 are arranged on one side of the elongate member 1, where the plurality of teeth 3 are formed by a plurality of protrusions or recesses in the surface of the one side of the elongate member 1. The plurality of teeth 3 in this embodiment extend in a substantially perpendicular direction from the elongate member 1. This can be seen best in figure 1B, discussed later.

[0061] The fastening system 6 also comprises a joining member 2 with two openings 7 which extend through the joining member 2. In the present example, the openings 7 run in parallel wherein the openings] are bound on one side by an internal wall 14 of the joining member 2 and on the other sides by an external wall 15 of the joining member 2. The elongate member 1 is configured to be inserted into the openings] in the direction shown by the arrows. In other examples, the openings] may not be arranged in parallel and may instead be perpendicular or at an angle with respect to each other.

[0062] The elongate member land the joining member 2 may be made of a type of plastic, for example nylon. These may be made by injection moulding. In other examples, the elongate member land joining member 2 may be made of a flexible metal 10063] Figure 1B shows cross sectional views of the elongate member 1 and the joining member 2 of the fastening system 6. As can be seen in this figure, flexible catches or protrusions 4 are formed in each of the openings 7 on the internal wall 14 of the joining member 2. The catches 4 extend outwardly at an acute angle to the wall in the direction of insertion of the elongate member 1. In the present example, the catches 4 extend at angle of between 25 and 40 degrees to the wall 14, for example at 30 degrees to the wall 14. However, the angle may be more or less than that.

[0064] When the ends of the elongate member 1 are fed through the openings 7, the catches 4 are biased against the elongate member 1 and interact with the plurality of teeth 3 as in a ratchet system. Due to the angle of each of the catches with respect to the plurality of teeth 3, the elongate member 1 can be fed into the joining member 2 in the direction of the arrows shown in figures 1A and 1B. Once the end of the elongate member 1 has been fed into one of the openings 7 and the catch 4 is interacting with the teeth 3, it cannot be pulled out in the opposite direction. This is because a distal end of the catch 4 locks into a recess between the teeth 3. This interaction between the distal end of the catch and the plurality of teeth 3 can be seen in figure 1C, discussed later.

POW As the plurality of teeth 3 are formed on a single side of the elongate member 1, the catch is formed within each of the openings on different sides of the openings. In the present example, and as discussed above, the catches are arranged on the internal wall 14 of the joining member 2 such that a first end 10 and a second end 11 of the elongate member 1 are configured to be inserted into the joining member 2 in the direction shown by the arrows with the teeth 3 facing inwards in order for the catches 4 to interact with the teeth 3.

[0066] Figure 1C shows the assembled fastening system 6 in cross section. The first end 10 of the elongate member 1 is fed through one of the openings on a first side of the joining member 2 until it exits the opening 7 on other side of the joining member 2.

10067] The fastening system 6 may be used to collect together cables or wires. Alternatively, the fastening system may be used to attach multiple components together. When the fastening system 6 is used to collect together cables or wires, the cables or wires (not shown) to be collected are located in the space 9. The second end 11 of the elongate member 1 is wrapped around these and is then fed through the other of the openings on the first side of the joining member 2. The second end 11 is pulled through the joining member 2 until the cables or wires (not shown) are securely held in place.

10068] When the elongate member 1 is in this position, there is a large amount of excess length of the elongate member 1 extending through the right hand opening as can be seen in figure 1C. In order to tidy this up and prevent this excess length of elongate member 1 catching on anything, the user may then cut the elongate member 1 at position 8. The offcut of elongate member 1 is then usable with another joining member 2 in another application. Thus the offcut is not wasted.

10069] Additionally, if the user wants to remove the fastening system 6 from the cables or wires, this can be done by cutting the part of the elongate member 1 extending around the elongate wires. The two cut pieces of the elongate member 1 can then be pulled through the joining member 2 and out the other side in the direction of the arrows shown in figures 1A and 18. The joining member 2 can then be reused with the same bit of elongate member 1 or a new bit of elongate member 1 elsewhere. Therefore, the joining member 2 can be used multiple times.

[0070] Figures 1D to 1F show cross sectional views of an alternative design for the joining member 2. The joining member 2 shown in these figures has an additional release lever 5 formed integrally with one of the catches 4. This enables the elongate member 1 to be removed from the joining member 2 without having to cut the elongate member 1 as is necessary with the joining member 2 of figures 1A to 1C.

[0071] Figures 1D to 1F show the release lever 5 being formed on only one of the catches in one of the openings of the joining member 2. However, a release lever 5 may be formed on both catches 4.

10072] The elongate member 1 is fed into both sides of the joining member 2 in the same way as in figures 1A to 1C. The catch 4 interacts with the teeth 3 on the elongate member 1. When a user wants to remove or undo the fastening system, he or she can press the lever Sin the direction shown in figure 1F. This releases the catch from the teeth 3 in the left hand opening 7. Thus, there is no interaction between the catch 4 and the teeth 3 in this opening 7 such that the elongate member 1 can be pulled out in the direction shown in the lower arrow in figure 1F.

10073] Once the elongate member 1 has been removed from the left hand opening 7 shown in figures 1E and 1F and in order to remove the elongate member 1 fully from the joining member 2, the elongate member 1 may be pulled all the way through the right hand opening 7 shown in figure 1F in the same direction as that which it was inserted (i.e. in the upwards direction in the figure). Alternatively, if a lever S has also been formed in this opening 7 (the right hand opening in the figure), this may be depressed in order to release the catch from the teeth 3 in this opening 7 too so that the elongate member 1 can be extracted in a downwards direction.

[0074] The elongate member land joining member 2 can then both be used again in a different application.

[0075] Figures 1G and 1H show cross sectional views of another alternative design for the joining member 2 of the present embodiment. In this design, a locking lever 12 is integrally formed with each catch 4. The catches 4 each comprise a locking feature 13. Each locking feature 13 protrudes in a direction substantially perpendicular to an elongate axis of the elongate member 1 when it is inserted into the opening 7 and substantially perpendicular to the internal wall 14 and external wall 15 of the joining member 2.

[0076] Figure 1G shows the locking features 13 in each opening 7 in engagement with the plurality of teeth 3. In this position the elongate member 1 cannot be fed through the opening 7 in either direction. In order to be able to feed the elongate member 1 through either opening 7 (either to connect the elongate member 1 and joining member 2, to assemble the fastening system 6 or to extract the elongate member 1 and disassemble the fastening system 6, the locking lever 12 in the opening 7 must be depressed as shown in figure 1H.

10077] In this way, the elongate member 1 of the fastening system 6 is, for example, wrapped around the wires or cables to be collected to the desired tightness and cannot be pulled further through the joining member 2 and thus made tighter without depressing the levers 12.

[0078] Although figures 1G and 1H show locking levers 12 with locking features 13 formed in both openings, a locking lever 12 and locking feature 13 may be just formed in one of the openings 7 7. The other opening may then have a catch 4 as shown in 1B or 1C or may have a catch 4 with a lever 5 as shown in figure 1D to 1F.

[0079] When a locking lever 12 is formed on one or both catches, the user may, when cutting off the excess elongate member 1 (as discussed above with respect to figure 1C), also trim off the part of the locking lever 12 which extends outside the joining member 2. This prevents the elongate member 1 being tightened or loosened inadvertently or otherwise.

[0080] As can be seen in figures 1A and 1D, each of the openings 7 of the joining member 2 has a stepped width; a first portion of each opening 7 has a first width which is larger than a second width of a second portion of each opening 7. The catches 4 are formed in the second portion each of opening, in the reduced width section. The walls of the opening in the reduced width section provide support to the catches 4. The first portion has a width big enough to receive the elongate member 1. In other examples, each opening 7 may have a constant width.

[0081] Figures 2A to 2C show a multi component fastening system according to a second embodiment of the invention. This system is similar to that of the first embodiment shown in figures 1A to 1C except that catches 4 are formed inside the openings 7 on the external walls 15 of the joining member 2, see figure 2B. The catches 4 extend inwardly at an acute angle to the wall 15 in the direction of insertion of the elongate member 1. As with the first embodiment, the catches may extend at an angle of between 25 and 40 degrees to the wall 15. Thus, the elongate member 1 is configured to be fed into the openings 7 with the plurality of teeth 3 facing outwards such that the teeth 3 engage with the catches 4.

[0082] Figures 2D to 2F show an alternative design for the joining member 2 of the second embodiment. These figures largely correspond to figures 1D to 1F but with the catches 4 formed on the outer walls 15 of the openings 7. As is shown in these figures, a levers is formed on one of the catches 4 so that the catch 4 can be released from the plurality of teeth 3 and the elongate member 1 extracted from the joining member 2. This functions in the same way as the lever of the first embodiment. As with the first embodiment, the lever can be formed on one or both of the catches.

10083] Figures 2G and 2H show another alternative design for the joining member 2 of the present embodiment. These figures largely correspond to figures 1G to 1H but with the catches 4 formed on the outer walls 15 of the openings 7. As is shown in these figures, a locking lever 12 is formed on both of the catches 4, where each catch 4 comprises a locking feature 13, so that the catch 4 can be released from the plurality of teeth 3 and the elongate member 1 inserted into or extracted from the joining member 2. These levers 12 function in the same way as the levers 12 of the first embodiment. As with the first embodiment, the levers 12 and locking features 13 can be formed on one or both of the catches 4.

10084] Figures 3A to 3C show a multi component fastening system according to a third embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is similar to the first and second embodiments except that one catch 4 is formed on an external wall 15 of the opening 7 (see the left hand opening 7 of figure 3B) and one catch is formed on the internal wall 14 of the opening 7 (see the right hand opening 7 of figure 3B). Although figures 3B and 3C show the left hand catch 4 being formed on the external wall 15 and the right hand catch 4 being formed on the internal wall 14, the inverse design is also possible. Specifically, in another example the left hand catch 4 may be formed on the internal wall 14 and the right hand catch 4 may be formed on the external wall 15.

[0085] Additionally, instead of the plurality of teeth 3 only being formed on one side of the elongate member 1, they are formed on both sides of the elongate member 1. This can be seen in figures 3B and 3C. As can also be seen from figures 3B and 3C, the teeth 3 extend in a substantially perpendicular direction from both sides of the elongate member 1.

[0086] Figures 3D to 3F show an alternative design for the joining member 2 of the third embodiment. These figures largely correspond to figures 1D to 1F and 2D to 2F but with one catch 4 formed on an outer wall 15 in an opening 7 and another catch formed on an inner wall 14 in an opening 7. As is shown in these figures, a lever 5 is formed on one of the catches 4 so that the catch 4 can be released from the plurality of teeth 3 and the elongate member 1 extracted from the joining member 2. This functions in the same way as the lever of the first and second embodiments. As with the earlier embodiments, the lever Scan be formed on one or both of the catches 4.

[0087] Figures 3G and 3H show another alternative design for the joining member 2 of the third embodiment. These figures largely correspond to figures 1G and 1H and figures 2G and 2H but for the positioning of the catches 4. As is shown in these figures, a locking lever 12 is formed on both of the catches 4, where each catch 4 comprises a locking feature 13 so that the catch 4 can be released from the plurality of teeth 3 and the elongate member 1 extracted from or inserted through the joining member 2. These levers 12 function in the same way as the levers 12 of the first and second embodiments. As with the earlier embodiments, the locking lever 12 and locking feature 13 can be formed on one or both of the catches 4.

[0088] Figures 4A to 4C show the multi component fastening system according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the elongate member 1 has a plurality of teeth 3 formed on both sides of the elongate member 1. Instead of the teeth 3 extending perpendicular to the elongate member 1 as in the first, second and third embodiments, the teeth 3 form serrated or saw-tooth like projections along the length of the elongate member 1.

[0089] The teeth 3 on a first side of the elongate member 1 are angled in a first direction and the teeth 3 on the other side of the elongate member 1 are angled in a second direction, opposite to the first direction. This can be seen from figures 4B and 4C.

10090] As can be seen from figure 4B, the catches 4 are formed in the same way as in the third embodiment, with one formed on an external wall 15 of the opening 7 (see the left hand opening 7 of figure 4B) and one formed on the internal wall 14 of the opening 7 (see the right hand opening 7 of figure 4B). Although figures 4B and 4C show the left hand catch 4 being formed on the external wall 15 and the right hand catch 4 being formed on the internal wall 14, the inverse design is also possible. Specifically, in another example the left hand catch 4 may be formed on the internal wall 14 and the right hand catch 4 may be formed on the external wall 15.

[0091] The elongate member 1 is inserted into the openings 7 such that the teeth 3 which will interact with the catches 4 are angled downwards. This can be seen in figure 4B.

[0092] Figures 4D to 4F show an alternative design for the joining member 2 of the fourth embodiment. These figures largely correspond to figures 3D to 3F but with the angled teeth 3 formed on both side of the elongate member 1 rather than the perpendicular teeth 3. The lever 5 shown in these figures functions in the same way as the lever of the earlier embodiments.

10093] Figures 5A and 58 show the multi component fastening system according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the joining member 2 has three openings 7. Each opening has a catch 4 formed on one of its walls. In the example shown in these figures, the elongate member 1 has a plurality of teeth 3 extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from one side of the elongate member 1, as in the first, second and third embodiments. As would be understood by the skilled person, the teeth 3 may extend at an angle from the elongate member 1 as in the fourth embodiment, with the positioning of the catches in the openings altered to interact with the teeth 3.

[0094] The system of the present invention may be used in a number of applications, with the dimensions of the parts of the system adapted based on the application and the expected loading. For example, when the system is used for gathering cables or wires, the width of the elongate member 1 may be about 5 mm and the thickness may be about 1.5 mm. In this example, and when the teeth 3 extend substantially perpendicularly from the elongate member 1, the distance between each of the plurality of teeth 3 and thickness of the plurality of teeth 3 may be about 2mm. The length of the plurality of teeth/depth of the recesses formed in the elongate member 1 may be up to half the depth of the elongate member 1. In the present example, the length of the plurality of teeth 3 may therefore be about 0.75 mm.

10095] In other examples, the elongate member 1 may have a width larger or smaller than 5 mm, where the other dimensions are altered based on this. For example, the width could be between 2 and 10 mm. In other examples, the width could be still larger than this.

10096] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A multi component fastening system, the fastening system comprising: a flexible elongate member comprising a first side and a second side, wherein at least one of the first side and the second side comprises a plurality of teeth extending away from a respective side of the elongate member; and a joining member, the joining member comprising at least two openings extending through the joining member for receiving the elongate member, wherein each of the openings comprises a protrusion for engagement with the plurality of teeth.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein both the first side and the second side of the elongate member comprise a plurality of teeth
3. The system of claims 1, wherein one of the first side and the second side of the elongate member comprises a plurality of teeth.
4. The system of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of teeth extend away from the elongate member in a direction substantially perpendicular to an elongate axis of the elongate member.
5. The system of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of teeth extend away from the elongate member at an angle with respect to an elongate axis of the elongate member to form saw-tooth like projections.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the saw-tooth like projections are formed on both sides of the elongate member and wherein the saw-tooth like projections extend along the first side of the elongate member in a first direction and extend along the second side of the elongate member in a second direction, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction.
7. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the joining member comprises a first opening and a second opening, wherein the first and second openings extend in parallel through the joining member, such that when the elongate member is received in each of the first and second openings, the first side of the elongate member faces away from the other of the first and second openings and the second side of the elongate member faces towards the other of the first and second openings.
8. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the openings are bound on one side by an internal wall of the joining member and on the other sides by an external wall of the joining member.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the protrusions in each of the openings are formed on the internal wall of the joining member.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein the protrusions in each of the openings are formed on the external wall of the joining member.
11. The system of claim 8, wherein the protrusion in one of the openings is formed on the internal wall and the protrusion in the other of the openings is formed on the external wall of the joining member.
12. The system of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the joining member comprises a first opening, a second opening and a third opening, wherein the first, second and third openings extend in parallel through the joining member.
13. The system of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the protrusions is selectively movable between a first position where it engages with the plurality of teeth and a second position where it is disengaged from the plurality of teeth.
14. The system of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the protrusions additionally comprises a locking feature configured to prevent the movement of the elongate member through the joining member and wherein the joining member additionally comprises a locking lever formed integrally with the protrusion comprising the locking feature, wherein the locking lever is for disengaging the locking feature from the plurality of teeth.
15. The system of any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the openings has a stepped width, wherein a first portion of the opening has a first width which is larger than a second width of a second portion of each opening, wherein the protrusion is formed in the second portion of each opening.
16. A method of securing components together, the method comprising: inserting a first end of a flexible elongate member comprising a first side and a second side through a first opening in a joining member, wherein at least one of the first side and the second side comprises a plurality of teeth extending away from a respective side of the elongate member, positioning the elongate member around or through the components to be secured together, inserting a second end of the elongate member through a second opening in the joining member, wherein each of the first and second openings of the joining member comprises a protrusion for engagement with the plurality of teeth.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising cutting the flexible elongate member from a supply before inserting a first end through the joining member.