MXPA05013289A - Tie strips - Google Patents

Abstract

A flexible, integrally formed tie strip for forming a loop when passed through itself comprises a plurality of identical cells formed in a strip, the cells forming generally loop-shaped enclosed apertures (10) bounded by wall portions of the cells, each aperture allowing the passage of further cells through it. The cells are further provided with one or more latching members (11) allowing passage of one cell through another in one direction but preventing passage of the cell in the reverse direction. The walls (9) bounding the apertures can be folded to a saddle shape about radial and longitudinal axes, so as to increase the width of the aperture without stretching the material of the walls, thereby facilitating the passage of a penetrating cell through the aperture of another cell. Moreover the penetrating cell is designed to fold so as to pass through still more easily. This three-dimensional deformation is promoted by a notch (15) in the rear of each aperture wall.

Description

FASTENING TAPES FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to fastening tapes, for example, cable ties or fasteners of horticultural plants.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Cable ties and other forms of fastener tapes are used to hold items together quickly and easily. Exemplary uses include tying cables, sealing bags or joining plants to poles. A conventional type of fastener tape is a long thin plastic device, with a head with openings at one end, from which a thinner tail portion extends. By inserting the tail portion into the opening of the head portion, the head engages with one of a series of locks spaced along the tail, and through this prevents its removal. In this way, the tape forms a closed loop which can be tightened around objective articles to hold them together. An important disadvantage of said fastener tape is that the tail portion pulled through the head during adjustment is wasted, because it does not perform any function and can not be used again. Only the portion of tail that forms the closed loop finds utility.

Another main disadvantage of conventional fastening tapes is their constrictive nature. Said fastening tapes are easily tightened, but leave no room for the enclosed articles to grow, expand or deform. An alternative tape that reduces waste is found in prior art document DE 2,524,013, which describes a cord consisting of a plurality of cells with openings. However, in any fastener tape composed of a repetition of portions of unit cells, the transverse width of the tape will always exceed the relative transverse width of the openings of the unit cells. In order to form a closed loop, it is therefore necessary to either reduce the width of the tape and / or increase the width of the openings. The shape of the fastener tapes described in DE 2,524,013 solves this problem by placing apertures substantially longitudinally along the tape that are larger than the width of the tape. Subsequently, the tape can be inserted through itself at any opening point by twisting the front end of the tape through 90 °. The cord can be pulled around the target articles and secured in place through a 90 ° reverse torsion. The portion of unused glue of this fastener tape can be used again, if it is long enough, thus greatly reducing waste. Alternatively, prior art document US 3,438,095 uses a similar cell design, but without the need for any torsion, rather based on applied force and material deformation to obtain the threading. Other alternative concepts of waste reducing tape fasteners are found in US 3,913,178 and US 4,150,463, wherein a continuous flat tape narrows by virtue of being folded along its longitudinal axis, and utilizes perforated spines along the length of the center of the ribbon which engage with the residual openings formed from other pierced prongs in other portions of the ribbon, preferably once the cord is in a folded condition. No longitudinal deformation is possible. Another alternative fastener tape is found in the previous document of the inventor US 5,799,376. This cord is also formed of a plurality of cells with openings, but threading is achieved through the use of bending deformable spring portions extending from the belt. These allow the cells to expand and / or contract to facilitate the passage. This form of fastener tapes not only reduces waste, but also incorporates some longitudinal expansion by virtue of the spring portions projecting laterally from the longitudinal axis. The main problem with this form of fastener tape is the correct guarding of the mechanical properties of the spring portions to expand and contract laterally during the process of threaded and then return to a secure state after insertion.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, an integrally formed fastener tape is made of flexible material, for example, polymeric or rubber which consists of a plurality of cells spaced along the length of the tape, each cell being provided with one or more securing elements, the cells enclose openings circumscribed by wall portions; wherein each cell can be folded transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the belt in a saddle shape whose sides can be further bent outwardly to increase the width of the openings and allow the transit of other said cells and where during the threading or removal attempt, the wall portions and / or the securing elements of the penetrating cells preferably undulate around their longitudinal axes out of the plane of the tape to facilitate their threading and subsequent securing or to inhibit the removal. The rear cell wall (i.e., in the threaded direction) may have notches or may even be broken to increase the cell's flexibility. In the present invention a change is made in the shape of the cell portions by means of the passage of a cell through an opening so that the opening is bent around its lateral axis (transverse to the axis longitudinal and in the plane of the tape) in a curved double arch or saddle shape where the rear insertion of the first unitary cell portion causes the deformed opening to extend transversely, increasing its lateral width to facilitate the passage of the first cell portion. In addition, the lateral contraction of the first cell portion can be performed by rippling the contour walls and / or securing elements of the first cell outside the horizontal plane of the ribbon causing said cell portion to narrow laterally as which passes through the transverse opening of the second cell portion. Generally speaking, only penetrated and penetrating cells are twisted out of shape, all others at any time are simply reinforced longitudinally. After passage of the first cell portion through the opening of the second cell portion, any elastic property of the material can substantially restore the first and / or second cell to its original shape and serve to locate the protruding belay elements of the cell. the first cell in a position that prevents its removal through the threaded opening, thus forming a closed loop. Alternatively, any residual tension in the loop, or attempt to remove the first cell from the second, invokes a similar or additional waviness of the walls and / or securing elements of the first cell in a position preventing the removal of the opening. and / or the tension induces a complementary rotation of the walls of the second unit cell portion to present a suitable multidimensional configuration to obtain a superior assurance integrity than what can be obtained only through the first and / or second cell in a relaxed state. In addition, the tension in the belt can also perform the rotation of the securing elements around an axis (Z axis) perpendicular to the horizontal plane (XY) of the belt so that the securing elements move outwards under longitudinal tension, thus increasing the lateral width of the first unit cell portion to inhibit the removal. Preferably, during tapping, any undulation of the walls and / or securing elements is far from the tapping direction and internally towards the target articles which will be tied so that the securing elements are not erected from the tape during the threaded and therefore do not impede the passage. During any attempt to remove the first unit cell portion through the opening, preferably the opposite should be applied, with the securing elements rippling out away from the target articles tied so as to mesh with the wall portions of the second unit cell portion and prevent removal. The walls of the opening portion can be specially grooved for Help this procedure and ensure the undulations in the desired direction. Because the threading and securing system of the present invention is not based on the fact that the spring portions perform the deformation of the cells, it can be manufactured from materials that do not have pronounced intrinsic elastic or flexible properties, for example, flexible sheets of metal or plastic. However, a preferred embodiment of the invention makes use of elastic or rubber material to provide longitudinal expansion of the fastener tape and thus protect the tied articles within the closed fastener loop. Furthermore, it should be noted that the present invention need not be bent along its longitudinal axis, nor rotated axially by 90 °, to be inserted through any given opening, and the penetrating tape may then remain longitudinally rigid when it passes through through the opening of another cell. A preferred embodiment of the invention is a thin one-piece plastic tape, made of flexible material and consisting of a tongue portion at the re-entrant end to facilitate threading, and a plurality of unit cell portions configured in a manner that is flexible. similar that extend from the tongue with their respective securing elements oriented substantially away from the direction of the tongue end. Each of the unit cell portions is preferably generally circular or elliptical, with an aperture configured in a manner similar that passes vertically through or between the cells and horn-shaped securing elements projecting from either side of the cell. It is also possible to make a similar elliptical or circular cell design but cut from a thin sheet of material such as plastic or flexible metal. A shaped opening formed from a notched rear wall can be provided so that upon insertion of the tape through an opening in the cell, the preferential waviness of the penetrating cells is made through this channel. The anterior wall of the next cell closes the space formed by the notched back wall of the front cell, forming a closed opening. Any embodiment of the invention can also be produced as a continuous reel with or without re-entrant tongue portions included in the design.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the invention, embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying diagrams and drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a conventional waste reducing fastener tape using a plurality of cells, when in a state relaxed; Figure 2 shows a conventional waste reducing fastener tape when in a tensioned state; Figure 3 shows a conventional waste reducing fastener tape during a threading process; Figure 4 shows the cell deformations that occur in conventional waste reducing tape fasteners, where a) shows a relaxed cell; b) shows a cell under longitudinal tension; c) shows an open cell during penetration of its opening; and d) shows a narrowed cell during insertion through an opening, Fig. 5 shows a first embodiment of the invention in a relaxed state; Figure 6 shows a first preferred embodiment of the invention in a tensioned state; Figure 7 shows a second preferred embodiment of the invention in a relaxed state; Figure 8 shows a second preferred embodiment of the invention in a tensioned state; Figure 9 shows a preferred technique for adjusting the fastener tape; Figure 10 shows a representation of the "double curve / arch" shape or saddle shape produced during the initial threading procedure; Figure 11 shows a representation of the "double curve" or saddle shape that opens as the threading process proceeds; Figure 12 shows three stages in the threading procedure; Figure 13 shows the undulation of the securing elements during the low angle screwing stage; Figure 14 shows the crimping of the securing elements during the high angle tapping step; Figure 15 shows the opposite ripple effect of a properly grooved opening; Figure 16 shows a properly grooved opening to promote the undulation of the lock inward, in a relaxed state; Figure 17 shows a slot duly grooved to promote the undulation of the lock inward, in a tensioned state; Figure 18 shows the cells and securing elements returned to a predetermined position after tapping; Figure 19 shows the undulation of the securing elements made through the attempted removal of the threaded cells; Fig. 20 shows a side view of the preferred outward undulation of the securing elements when the fastener tape is correctly fitted around the target articles; Figure 21 shows a rear view of two securing elements that are joined when the tape is subjected to a high longitudinal tension; and Figure 22 shows a removal technique that preferably uses the notch cut in the back walls of the cell portions, together with the internal ripple locks produced through this procedure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 illustrates a portion of a waste-free fastener tape in a relaxed state 1 according to existing designs (eg, prior art US 5,799,376) in which an opening 2 is circumscribed by internally curved wall portions 3, from the which extend the securing elements 4. When longitudinal tension is applied, the rear wall of each cell is bent outwards 5 and the tape generally contracts transverse and extends longitudinally, as shown in figure 2. The elements of side wall are also capable of bending out 6 and this occurs during the insertion of one cell 7 into another 8 (figure 3). It should be noted that in this design, the inserted (penetrating) cell 7 generally contracts laterally while the penetrated cell 8 generally expands laterally. After the successful penetration of one cell through another, the wall portions return to an internally oriented state and the securing elements of the inserted cell serve to prevent their removal. The total scale of two-dimensional cell deformations used in this prior art is presented in Figure 4. Now, in embodiments of the present invention, a fastener tape configured in a similar manner is formed, but with the walls 9 of the cells already formed in a expanded or approximately elliptical state (see figures 5 and 6, and compare with figure 4c). The cells are generally elliptical or are in the form of a ring (or ring), with an aperture substantially similar in shape across the center of each, that is, with an approximately constant wall thickness or cross section. One or more securing elements 11 are attached to the sides of the cell, facing rearward. They can be considered as a continuation of the generally semicircular anterior wall 9b of the cell, with radial arms connecting the anterior wall with the thicker posterior wall. These cells are joined together to form the tail of the belt, the front wall 9b of a cell forming or fusing with the wall posterior 9a of the next. After a suitable length, it can be terminated at the re-entrant end with a tongue portion 12 to assist in threading. Preferably, the fastener tape is made from a single piece of material such as elastic plastic (e.g., nylon, polypropylene or polyurethane), rubber or a suitable metal (e.g., spring steel). The injection molding or stamping from sheet are the preferred manufacturing modes. Advantageously, the tapes should have around 5 to 30 mm in width, 1 to 5 mm in thickness, and up to 500 mm in length, perhaps more in special cases. In this dimensional scale, the material selected should preferably have a Shore hardness of about S80 to S90 or D40 to D60 (as determined by ASTM D2240), a flexural modulus of about O.OIGPa to O.IGPa ( in accordance with ASTM D790), high tear strength of approximately 100KN / m or more (in accordance with ASTM D624), and as high a tensile strength as possible, preferably exceeding 25 MPa at break (in accordance with ASTM D412). For embodiments of the present invention at smaller scales, it is convenient to use more rigid materials (ie, a higher flexural modulus) with a higher tensile strength than those mentioned above; and vice versa for embodiments of the present invention at larger scales, where weaker and more flexible materials may be sufficient. Examples of materials with suitable advantageous properties (for dimensions previously given) can be found on the Elastollan and Texin scales of polyurethanes offered by BASF and the Bayer Corporation, respectively. As with known fastener tapes, the tape of the present one experiences a slight transverse contraction and a more noticeable longitudinal extension when subjected to longitudinal tension (Figure 6). It can also be noted that the securing elements 11 undergo a rotation about an axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the belt 13 (the Z axis), which causes them to extend laterally (the Y direction). This lateral extension of the securing elements 13 serves to prevent the screwing of tensed cells through the openings of other cells, therefore the locks in conventional fastening tapes are generally kept small. Also, the contraction and lateral constriction of the openings 14 also serves to prevent the operation, so that in conventional designs the openings become as wide as possible and the walls as thin as possible, with a corresponding loss of strength. However, these problems can be solved with the present invention, using a multi-stage topological method, through which the cells with the same shape are made to deform in different ways depending on their part in the adjustment procedure. Preferably, the fastener tape is adjusted by always inserting the tab at the re-entrant end (if provided), through the rear cell portion 17 (Figure 9). The entire tape can then be pulled to through this opening leaving a small loop 18 around the objective articles 19. In this way, the residual tape 20 can be removed and used again and again, with the tab portion still attached, thus greatly reducing waste. The first stage is the insertion of a cell through an opening, as characterized in figures 10, 11 and 12. (Note that for purposes of simplicity, figures 10 and 11 show only two elliptical cells without assurance elements, channels of configured openings or other characteristics that can be described elsewhere). In figure 10, a first portion of penetrating unit cell 21 is pressed against the opening of a second, unitary, outer cell portion 22 resulting in the bending of the second unitary cell portion along the transverse axis to a saddle shape with the spine in the Y direction of the tape. The continuous insertion of the first unit cell portion increases this bending to a point where the portions of the lateral lobe 23 create a "double curve" or double arch shape and subsequently begin to bend outwards (FIG. 11). This causes a lateral extension of the opening without relying on the spring portions dependent on the material as described in other fastener tape designs. (Of course, the effect can be demonstrated with non-elastic materials such as paper or cardboard).

If the lateral extension of the opening is sufficient, then all the portions of penetrating unit cells can pass substantially unimpeded, as shown in three stages in Figure 12. However, auxiliary to this mechanism, there is a means for contracting the penetrating cells, so that they can pass through the openings, expanded or not. This involves undulating the penetrating cells as they pass through the opening of another cell, and this is advisable to build the cells of the fastener tape in a way that also promotes and controls this technique, in addition to the "saddle fold". "discussed earlier. When the re-entrant end of a penetrating cell 24 enters the opening of another penetrated cell 25, the securing elements 26 of the penetrating cell are forced to undulate, outside the main horizontal plane (X-Y) of the belt. (Compare with figure 19). It is convenient to regulate the direction of the ripple (up or down) and if the fastener tape is made entirely three-dimensional (instead of a two-dimensional shape of finite thickness), then it is possible to incorporate geometric features on the upper surfaces e. lower to control this ripple. However, these modifications make the tape unnecessarily complicated to manufacture and force the tape to be an asymmetric product that requires a "mouth" feature to work In addition, it is necessary that the ripple effect makes a switch from upward to downward ripple in different parts of the adjustment procedure, and this is contrary to an asymmetric design.A simple way to obtain this desired control without resorting The three-dimensional geometry is to adjust the penetration angle manually, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14. Generally, at low thread angles - such as those found in the first stages of threading - the securing elements 26 will be rippled outward from the target and towards the operator (figure 13), while at steeper angles of insertion, the securing elements will rip inward (27) towards the target, and away from the operator (figure 14) .This is particularly noticeable as that the loop closes on the target, because at this stage, the tape is usually pulled sharply against the back wall of the penis cell it is effectively breaking the back of the tape. This is illustrated in Figure 14. This last internal direction is the one which is most convenient during the threading step because subsequently it is this relatively smooth bottom side which slides on the back wall of the penetrated cell 28. In contrast, if the securing elements are curled outwards (as in Figure 13) then they are the ones that have to slide against the rear wall, and this causes a ratchet action which inherently requires more force from the operator to perform the transit of the penetrating cells. Accordingly, the user of said fastener tapes could adjust the insertion angle so that the fastening elements always curl inward, and a uniform sliding condition is maintained. However, this often involves using both hands to slide the loop into position, and a superior solution is to modify the openings in the cells to provide a specially configured channel that promotes correct internal corrugation even at low insertion angles. Figure 15 illustrates this point in comparison with Figure 13. Therefore, in a preferred alternative embodiment of the present invention (Figures 7 and 8) a small notch 15, 16 is cut into the back wall of the cell. This important modification requires a combination of the cells, so that a complete opening is only formed by two adjacent cells, and this transforms the openings into configured channels that serve several purposes, as will be explained below. In its simplest form, this configured channel involves a substantially V-shaped or U-shaped notch, either in a tensioned or relaxed 30 state, extending from the opening to the rear wall of each cell (Figures 16 and 17) .

In a threading operation, this notch serves to promote the undulation of the securing elements because the rear wall between them is now less rigid. (Compare figures 5 and 7). In addition, the longitudinal center of the belt is inclined to slide in this notch, forcing the securing elements to undulate in the opposite direction, ie, away from the operator and toward the target, as desired. Now, once the tape has been tightened around the lens, the securing elements should be placed in a location that inhibits removal. In its simplest form, this can be carried out by using an elastically deformable material, wherein the cells return to a predetermined configuration once the longitudinal tension is eliminated. In figure 18, for example, the simple way this technique can operate is observed, with the securing elements 31 extending sideways to engage with the rear wall 32 of the penetrated cell. However, a more sophisticated methodology is to exploit the undulation of the securing elements 33 through a complementary upward rotation of the rear wall of the penetrated cell 34, as illustrated in Figure 19. If the securing elements are the sufficiently long, they can even extend over the top of the rear wall portion, obtaining an even greater resistance insurance. In addition, the rotation of the latches 13 out of the horizontal plane The main (see Figure 6) can also be used to improve the insurance resistance, because insurance goes even further. Said undulation of insurance is obtained by applying longitudinal tension in the opposite direction (ie, trying to remove penetrating cells instead of screwing them). Again, the additional notch 29 can greatly assist in this procedure because it promotes an easier insurance ripple, and this can only be upward because the enclosed objective 35 in fact prevents the bends from curling downwardly. Therefore, the advantageous upward ripple is mainly automatic at this stage (Figure 20). An additional benefit of the rear wall notch is to join the crimped belaying elements in this central channel, and if the latches are long enough, they can rest on one another 36 when they are subjected to sufficient removal tension (Figure 21). At this point, the undulation procedure is inhibited, and the two safeguards serve to reinforce each other, again increasing the overall resistance of the safety. (Full undulation on the securing elements is not normally advisable, because it results in a loss of securing ability and the slip of the fastener loop back through the opening. controlled amount of slippage in the design to prevent excessive stress from occurring).

It should also be noted that the notch in the back wall of the cell will help the wall to deform during this securing procedure. At first glance, this would imply a weakness, but because the cells are based on topological deformations to function, this weakening of the back wall can in fact increase the strength of the secured cord. Without said notch, the rear wall acts only as a rigid barrier (as in Figure 19), while with a notch, the rear wall can be bent around the penetrating elements of the penetrating cell, thereby increasing the surface area of the penetrating cell. contact and improving the resistance of the insurance. In addition, the notch in the back wall provides a benefit if the fastener tape needs to be removed. This is normally done by re-tapping the re-entrant end (with the tab, if present) 37 back through the opening of the penetrated cell 38, in the opposite direction to which the cord was originally screwed (FIG. 22). This procedure causes the tape to come loose, but requires adequate space in the openings to allow said double thickness of the fastener tape to thread therethrough. The additional notch in the back wall can provide this additional space if required, without greatly compromising its other functions. It should also be noted that because this removal technique is normally performed at a steep pull angle, the undulation of the securing elements 39 is internal towards the target locked. This serves to make the removal procedure very easy, requiring little force on the part of the operator.

Claims (13)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A flexible fastening tape, integrally formed to form a loop when passing through itself, comprising: a plurality of identical cells formed in a tape, the cells form enclosed openings generally in the form of a loop 10, 14 circumscribed by portions of wall of the cells, each opening allows the passage of additional cells through it, the cells are further provided with one or more securing elements 11, 13, 26, 27, 31, 33 that allow the passage of a cell to through another in one direction but which prevent passage of the cell in the reverse direction, where the walls circumscribing the openings can be folded into a saddle shape around transverse and longitudinal axes, in order to increase the width of the opening without stretching the material of the walls, thus facilitating the passage of a penetrating cell through the opening of another cell in use.

2. The flexible fastening tape according to claim 1, further characterized in that the opening is extended rearwardly by a notch in the rear wall portion circumscribing the opening.

3. The flexible fastening tape according to claim 1 or 2, further characterized in that the wall portion The back of an opening forms the anterior wall portion of a subsequent opening.

4. The flexible fastening tape according to any preceding claim, further characterized in that the front wall of each cell is generally semicircular and side walls are formed through short, approximately radial arms that abut the front wall.

5. The flexible fastener tape according to any preceding claim, further characterized in that a cell in the saddle-shaped configuration during threading is further adapted to fold out to extend the width of the enclosed openings to facilitate the passage of a penetrating cell.

6. The flexible fastening tape according to claim 4 or 5, further characterized in that the shape change of the penetrated cell is made in use by passing the penetrating cell.

7. The flexible fastener tape according to any preceding claim, further characterized in that in use during threading or removal intention, the wall portions and / or the fastening elements of the penetrating cell preferably ripple around their longitudinal axes thus altering the shape of the penetrating cell to facilitate the passage of the cell through another.

8. The flexible fastening tape according to claim 7, further characterized in that the contour walls and / or securing elements of the penetrating cell are corrugated outside the horizontal plane of the tape causing the lateral width of the penetrating cell to decrease, in use.

9. The flexible fastener tape according to any preceding claim, further characterized in that the cells are formed of elastic material, so that the cells are restored substantially to their original shape after one cell has passed through another.

10. The flexible fastening tape according to any of claims 7 to 9, further characterized in that the attempt to remove a cell which has penetrated another invokes the similar undulation of the walls and / or belay elements of the penetrating cell in a position that prevents removal.

11. The flexible fastening tape according to claim 10, further characterized in that in the attempt of removal, a complementary rotation of the wall of the penetrated cell additionally inhibits the removal of the penetrating cell, thus improving the integrity of the safety.

12. The flexible fastening tape according to any preceding claim, further characterized in that the tension in the belt causes the rotation of the securing elements around an axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane, so that the securing elements move outwardly. under longitudinal tension thus increasing the lateral width of the penetrating cell portion to inhibit the removal.

13. - The flexible fastening tape according to any preceding claim, further characterized in that the material of the tape has a Shore hardness in the scale of S80 to D60, a flexural modulus between

0. 01 GPa at 0.1 GPa, a tear strength exceeding 100KN / m, and a tensile strength exceeding 25MPa.