US20160318679A1 - Accordian strap with formed waves - Google Patents
Accordian strap with formed waves Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160318679A1 US20160318679A1 US15/137,328 US201615137328A US2016318679A1 US 20160318679 A1 US20160318679 A1 US 20160318679A1 US 201615137328 A US201615137328 A US 201615137328A US 2016318679 A1 US2016318679 A1 US 2016318679A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- strap
- tie
- tail
- tie strap
- waves
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D63/00—Flexible elongated elements, e.g. straps, for bundling or supporting articles
- B65D63/02—Metallic straps, tapes, or bands; Joints between ends thereof
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D63/00—Flexible elongated elements, e.g. straps, for bundling or supporting articles
- B65D63/02—Metallic straps, tapes, or bands; Joints between ends thereof
- B65D63/06—Joints produced by application of separate securing members, e.g. by deformation thereof
- B65D63/08—Joints using buckles, wedges, or like locking members attached to the ends of the elements
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D63/00—Flexible elongated elements, e.g. straps, for bundling or supporting articles
- B65D63/10—Non-metallic straps, tapes, or bands; Filamentary elements, e.g. strings, threads or wires; Joints between ends thereof
- B65D63/14—Joints produced by application of separate securing members
- B65D63/16—Joints using buckles, wedges, or like locking members attached to the end of the element
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2563/00—Flexible elongated elements, e.g. straps for bundling or supporting atricles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2563/00—Flexible elongated elements, e.g. straps for bundling or supporting atricles
- B65D2563/10—Non-metallic straps, tapes or bands; Filamentary elements, e.g. strings, threads, wires; Joints between ends thereof
- B65D2563/101—Details of non-metallic straps, tapes or bands
- B65D2563/103—Details of non-metallic straps, tapes or bands details of the male locking member, e.g. locking teeth on the strap
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to bundling and attachment devices and more specifically to tie straps for securing about an article or articles to be secured.
- the present invention relates to what is referred to in the art as a “ball-lock” tie strap, which has a ball within a locking head of the tie strap for lockingly engaging the tie strap around the article or articles to be secured.
- the present invention relates to a ball-lock tie strap which includes a plurality of formed waves extending from a major plane of the strap body, serving to secure the locking head around the article or articles.
- Plastic tie straps have become increasingly popular for a variety of bundling and attachment applications because of their relatively low initial cost and ease of their installation. In many applications, however, it is desirable to use a metallic tie strap. For instance, metal ties are often used in underground, corrosive, nuclear, and heavy vibration environments and in other situations where they are exposed to harsh conditions.
- Metal tie straps may rely on a locking head which allows insertion of an elongate strap in a first direction but, after a slight movement in a second direction, the locking head locks the elongate strap in a “lock position” to keep the strap from further movement in the second direction and does not allow removal of the strap. If too much play exists in the tie strap, however, and depending upon the design of the tie strap and locking head (as well as the type of article or articles secured) the elongate strap may work its way out through various movements in different directions, allowing the article or articles secured by the tie strap to become loose.
- a need exists for a tie strap which has a means for preventing retrograde movement of the strap from its locked position and for taking up slack and maintaining tension on the strap, ensuring that the tie strap remains locked under all circumstances.
- the present invention addresses the above needs by providing a ball-lock tie strap for holding an article or group of articles together in a bundle.
- the tie strap includes an elongate strap having a locking head at one end and a tail at the other end, the elongate strap body there-between. The tail is insertable into the locking head for locking the strap around the article or articles.
- the tie strap itself is deformable to encompass the article or group of articles.
- the tie strap is formed of stainless steel (such as 304 stainless steel or 316 stainless steel), aluminum, brass, plastic, or any other material, and may be between 26 and 27 inches in length, or, alternately, between 200 mm and 680 mm.
- the width of the tie strap may be between 4.6 mm and 7.9 mm.
- the locking head contains a ball positioned within for lockingly engaging the tail upon insertion of the tail in a first direction, and for locking engagement upon movement of the tail in a second direction opposite the first direction, thereby retaining the tail in the locking head.
- the strap body is defined by a major plane and a diametrically opposite minor plane, with a plurality of formed waves extending from the major plane opposite the minor plane. In an embodiment of the invention, the formed waves do not extend from the minor plane. The plurality of waves provide a spring-like effect for providing resilient retention of the strap body about the article or articles upon locking engagement of the tail with the head.
- the plurality of waves allow for the elongate strap itself to have a degree of elasticity, compensating for a lack of elasticity if the article or articles encompassed are non-deformable and confirming the tail of the elongate strap does not move in the second direction which might dislodge the locking head, and loosen the article or articles.
- the number of formed waves number between four and seven. Each formed wave may form with other waves a sixty degree angle, an angle between fifty-five degrees and sixty-five degrees, a ninety degree angle, or any other angle.
- the formed waves are located adjacent the head, but the formed waves are located in other embodiments in any portion of the strap body, including adjacent to the tail, or in the middle of the strap body.
- all formed waves may have a combined length of less than one inch.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a representative tie strap embodying characteristics of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the tie strap illustrated in FIG. 1 embodying characteristics of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a representative tie strap embodying characteristics of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a portion of the tie strap illustrated in FIG. 1 embodying characteristics of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a portion of a tie strap showing an alternative embodiment of a plurality of formed waves formed in a strap body embodying characteristics of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a side elevational view, partially in section, of a tie strap showing another alternative embodiment of a plurality of formed waves formed in a strap body embodying characteristics of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the tie strap illustrated in FIG. 1 embodying characteristics of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a side elevational view, partially in section, of the tie strap illustrated in FIG. 1 embodying characteristics of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a side elevational view, partially in section, of the tie strap illustrated in FIG. 8 embodying characteristics of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of a tie strap embodying characteristics of the present invention.
- tie strap 10 is an elongate member including a locking head 16 at one end and a tail 46 at the other end.
- An elongate strap body 18 extends between the locking head 16 and the tail 46 .
- the tail 46 is insertable into the locking head 16 for locking the strap around the article or articles to be secured.
- the locking head 16 contains a ball 22 for retaining the elongate strap 18 and tail 46 .
- the tail 46 may be inserted into the locking head 16 in a first direction and retained via engagement of the locking head 16 and ball 22 upon movement in a second direction opposite the first direction, thereby retaining the tail 46 in the locking head 16 .
- the general structure and function of the tie strap discussed herein is more fully described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,235 issued Jun. 20, 2000, entitled “Cable Tie.” This patent application is incorporated by reference in its entirety here.
- a plurality of formed waves formed into the strap body 18 are utilized for enhancing the clenching of strap body 18 around article or articles 12 , 14 .
- the formed waves may number exactly four, five (as displayed at reference number 26 a ), six (displayed as reference number 26 b ), or seven (displayed 26 c ).
- the formed waves 26 a, 26 b, or 26 c may be formed near the tail 46 , the locking head 16 , or at any other location in the elongate strap 18 .
- the tie strap 10 presents the advantages of high tensile strength, is lightweight, has a long service life, and is simple and economical to manufacture.
- the locking head 16 , strap body 18 , ball 22 , and all other elements of the presently disclosed invention are formed of stainless steel to allow the tie strap to be used over a wide variety of temperature ranges and give the tie strap high tensile strength and excellent resistance to corrosion in harsh elements.
- Steel such as 304 stainless (known alternately as A2 stainless steel or 18/8 stainless steel), or 316 stainless may be utilized.
- the tie strap 10 may be constructed out of other materials such as other types of metals including aluminum, brass, copper, iron, or even plastic. Other configurations may be utilized, and all are contemplated as within the scope of the invention.
- the sphere 22 may be replaced with a generally cylindrical locking pin, which allows a similar locking engagement.
- Tie strap 10 of the present invention is preferably formed by first obtaining a suitable length of elongate strap 18 depending on application of tie strap 10 , from a spool of such (not shown).
- the elongate strap 18 has a length of between 26 and 27 inches for general purpose usability in many applications.
- the elongate strap 18 may have a length of 200 millimeters (“mm”), 260 mm, 360 mm, 520 mm, or 680 mm.
- the elongate strap 18 may have a length between 190 mm and 200 mm, between 250 and 270 mm, between 350 and 370 mm, between 500 and 540 mm, or between 650 and 700 mm.
- the width of the elongate strap 18 may be 4.6 mm, 7.9 mm, or any other (or, alternately, between 4 mm and 5 mm or between 7 and 8 mm).
- the next step in manufacturing the tie strap 10 is forming the formed waves 26 a, 26 b, or 26 c in the elongate strap 18 .
- a stamp of a die in a machine press is utilized to form the waves 26 a, 26 b, 26 c in the elongate strap 18 . It is most efficient, for manufacturing purposes, for each formed wave to form a sixty degree angle with other formed waves (as displayed in FIG.
- the elongate strap 18 is defined by a major plane 4 a and a diametrically opposed minor axis 4 b plane, as pictured in FIG. 6 .
- Locking head 16 is preferably next formed from a generally flat planar metal blank (not shown) which is substantially rectangular in shape.
- a roof 32 as shown in FIG. 6 , preferably in the form of a totally enclosed dome, is first formed in a central portion of the metal blank.
- opposing rectangular notches 34 a and 34 b are then formed through the metal blank on opposite edges 36 a and 36 b so that when opposite portions 38 a and 38 b of the blank, including notches 34 a and 34 b, are folded together away or beneath roof 32 such that notches 34 a and 34 b and edges 36 a and 36 b are in direct opposing relation, they define a bottom 40 of locking head 16 which underlies roof 32 .
- notches 34 a and 34 b cooperate to define a generally square hole 42 through bottom 40 .
- the respective areas of bend of the metal blank define sidewalls 44 a and 44 b of locking head 16 while the portion of the metal blank surrounding roof 32 and overlying bottom 40 defines ceiling 43 .
- sidewalls 44 a and 44 b interconnect ceiling 43 and bottom 40 .
- the roller means of tie strap 10 preferably in the form of sphere 22 , is inserted into the locking head 16 through hole 42 in bottom 40 .
- head 16 With the locking head 16 oriented so that sphere 22 remains suitably positioned inside of head 16 , head 16 is slidably mounted onto strap body 18 over the tail 46 such that bottom 40 is adjacent second surface 20 b.
- roof 32 and ceiling 43 overlie first surface 20 a of strap 18 , noting that sphere 22 is captively held within head 16 by roof 32 and strap 18 .
- First end 30 of strap 18 is folded over at perforation 66 and projection 28 is inserted and latched into hole 42 , thereby securing the locking head 16 to the strap 18 .
- locking head 16 includes a strap ingress end 50 , a strap egress end 52 , and a strap-receiving passageway 54 extending therebetween through locking head 16 which is partially defined by ceiling 43 , sidewalls 44 a and 44 b, and bottom 40 .
- Ceiling 43 may overlie bottom 40 in substantial parallel relation thereto.
- Roof 32 preferably includes first and second generally straight diverging portions 56 and 58 and a converging generally arcuate portion 60 .
- First and second diverging portions 56 and 58 and bottom 40 diverge from one another in the direction of egress end 52 .
- second diverging portion 58 has a lesser divergence angle than first diverging portion 56 .
- arcuate portion 60 and bottom 40 converge toward one another in the direction of egress end 52 .
- Egress end 52 of head 16 may also serve as a reaction surface for the nose of a conventional strap tightening tool (not shown).
- waves 26 a, 26 b, 26 c comprise a plurality of formed waves numbering four formed waves, five waves 26 a, six 26 b, seven 26 c, eight, or more.
- the plurality of formed waves 26 a, 26 b, 26 c may only extend from the major plane 4 a opposite the minor plane 4 b.
- the formed waves extend from both the major plane 4 a and the minor plane 4 b of the elongate strap 18 .
- each formed wave may form an angle with other formed waves between fifty-five degrees and sixty-five degrees, or exactly sixty degrees (as displayed 85 ).
- each formed wave forms an angle with other formed waves between eighty-five degrees and ninety-five degrees, or exactly ninety degrees (as displayed 85 ′).
- element 85 showing the sixty degree angle is shown with regard to five formed waves 26 a and that in FIG. 5 , element 85 ′ showing the ninety degree angle is also shown with regard to five formed waves 26 a ′, but note that the discussed angles may be used in connection with any number of formed waves formed in the elongate strap 18 .
- the waves may be formed adjacent the head or elsewhere. All formed waves may have a length of less than one inch, in an embodiment of the invention.
- roller means such as ball 22 is movable within locking head 12 from a threading position, shown in FIG. 8 , wherein ball 22 may be disposed against arcuate position 60 of roof 32 adjacent strap egress end 52 , toward a locking or locked position, shown in FIG. 9 wherein ball 22 is wedged between diverging portion 58 of roof 32 and strap 18 closer to strap ingress end 50 which, in turn, wedges the strap 18 against bottom 40 , thereby generally preventing retrograde movement of the strap 18 from its locked position in the locking head 16 .
- the terms “wedged” or “wedging” are to be accorded their broad meaning to simply indicate that in the locked position, the ball 22 and strap 18 are squeezed or compressed.
- tie 10 Operation of tie 10 is as follows: After strap 18 is deformed to encompass an article 12 or group of articles 14 , tail 46 of strap body 18 is inserted in a first direction, as shown by the direction of arrow A into locking head 16 through strap ingress end 50 . As threading continues in the direction of arrow A through passageway 54 , strap 18 engages ball 22 lifting and moving it toward its threading position shown in FIG. 8 . It will be appreciated that threading of the strap requires very low force as ball 22 can roll on the strap 18 during threading. This is to be contrasted with prior art ties requiring much higher threading force wherein a locking tongue, biased to its locking position, has to be forcefully deflected to its threading position.
- Strap 18 is pulled through locking head 16 until it tightly encircles the article 12 or bundle of articles 14 to a predetermined level as shown in FIG. 8 .
- the tightened position as shown in FIG. 9 results from insertion of the tail 46 in the head 16 and tightening of the strap 18 .
- tightening of the strap 18 may serve to extend the formed waves 26 a, 26 b, or 26 c in a spring-like fashion.
- the reactive force exerted by the formed waves 26 a, 26 b, 26 c upon being stretched is utilized to exert a substantial force in a second direction, as shown by arrow B, maintaining the locking engagement of the tie strap around the article or articles to be secured.
- the force associated with stretched formed waves 26 a, 26 b, 26 c as described above in the second direction shown by arrow B further enhances the prevention of ball 22 from rolling, thus enhancing the locking of the strap 18 within head 16 by contributing to the wedging of strap 18 against bottom 40 .
- the continuous force exerted by the formed waves 26 a, 26 b, or 26 c in the direction of arrow B also maintains the clenching of strap 18 around articles 12 or 14 .
- the ball 22 upon incipient locking, also effects permanent deformation of the strap 18 by indentation causing strap material previously underneath the ball 22 to cold flow in effect forming a rim about the indentation.
- FIG. 10 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention is designated generally as numeral 10 ′.
- Tie 10 ′ is substantially the same as tie 10 with the exception that formed wave 26 a, 26 b, or 26 c indicated as 26 a ′, 26 b ′, or 26 c ′ is positioned at another location on strap 18 , such as adjacent the head 16 .
- the formed waves may be located in the center, or approximately the center, of the strap 18 .
Abstract
A tie strap tie for holding an article or group of articles together includes an elongate strap having a locking head at one end and a tail at the other end and an elongate strap body therebetween. The tail is insertable into the locking head for locking the strap around the article or articles. The locking head contains a ball positioned for lockingly engaging said tail upon insertion via a first direction and for locking engagement therewith upon movement of the tail in a second direction opposite said first direction, thereby retaining said tail associated with said locking head. The strap body further defines a major plane and a diametrically opposite minor plane. A plurality of formed waves extends from the major plane opposite the minor plane of the strap body for providing resilient retention of the strap body about said articles or articles.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application 62/154,355, filed on Apr. 29, 2015.
- The present invention relates generally to bundling and attachment devices and more specifically to tie straps for securing about an article or articles to be secured. In even greater particularity, the present invention relates to what is referred to in the art as a “ball-lock” tie strap, which has a ball within a locking head of the tie strap for lockingly engaging the tie strap around the article or articles to be secured. Still, in even further specificity, the present invention relates to a ball-lock tie strap which includes a plurality of formed waves extending from a major plane of the strap body, serving to secure the locking head around the article or articles.
- Plastic tie straps have become increasingly popular for a variety of bundling and attachment applications because of their relatively low initial cost and ease of their installation. In many applications, however, it is desirable to use a metallic tie strap. For instance, metal ties are often used in underground, corrosive, nuclear, and heavy vibration environments and in other situations where they are exposed to harsh conditions.
- Metal tie straps may rely on a locking head which allows insertion of an elongate strap in a first direction but, after a slight movement in a second direction, the locking head locks the elongate strap in a “lock position” to keep the strap from further movement in the second direction and does not allow removal of the strap. If too much play exists in the tie strap, however, and depending upon the design of the tie strap and locking head (as well as the type of article or articles secured) the elongate strap may work its way out through various movements in different directions, allowing the article or articles secured by the tie strap to become loose.
- In view of the foregoing, a need exists for a tie strap which has a means for preventing retrograde movement of the strap from its locked position and for taking up slack and maintaining tension on the strap, ensuring that the tie strap remains locked under all circumstances.
- The present invention addresses the above needs by providing a ball-lock tie strap for holding an article or group of articles together in a bundle. The tie strap includes an elongate strap having a locking head at one end and a tail at the other end, the elongate strap body there-between. The tail is insertable into the locking head for locking the strap around the article or articles. The tie strap itself is deformable to encompass the article or group of articles. In various embodiments of the invention, the tie strap is formed of stainless steel (such as 304 stainless steel or 316 stainless steel), aluminum, brass, plastic, or any other material, and may be between 26 and 27 inches in length, or, alternately, between 200 mm and 680 mm. The width of the tie strap may be between 4.6 mm and 7.9 mm. The locking head contains a ball positioned within for lockingly engaging the tail upon insertion of the tail in a first direction, and for locking engagement upon movement of the tail in a second direction opposite the first direction, thereby retaining the tail in the locking head. The strap body is defined by a major plane and a diametrically opposite minor plane, with a plurality of formed waves extending from the major plane opposite the minor plane. In an embodiment of the invention, the formed waves do not extend from the minor plane. The plurality of waves provide a spring-like effect for providing resilient retention of the strap body about the article or articles upon locking engagement of the tail with the head. The plurality of waves allow for the elongate strap itself to have a degree of elasticity, compensating for a lack of elasticity if the article or articles encompassed are non-deformable and confirming the tail of the elongate strap does not move in the second direction which might dislodge the locking head, and loosen the article or articles. In various embodiments of the invention, the number of formed waves number between four and seven. Each formed wave may form with other waves a sixty degree angle, an angle between fifty-five degrees and sixty-five degrees, a ninety degree angle, or any other angle. In an embodiment of the invention the formed waves are located adjacent the head, but the formed waves are located in other embodiments in any portion of the strap body, including adjacent to the tail, or in the middle of the strap body. In still another embodiment of the invention, all formed waves may have a combined length of less than one inch.
- These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings where:
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a representative tie strap embodying characteristics of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the tie strap illustrated inFIG. 1 embodying characteristics of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a representative tie strap embodying characteristics of the present invention. -
FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a portion of the tie strap illustrated inFIG. 1 embodying characteristics of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a portion of a tie strap showing an alternative embodiment of a plurality of formed waves formed in a strap body embodying characteristics of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 is a side elevational view, partially in section, of a tie strap showing another alternative embodiment of a plurality of formed waves formed in a strap body embodying characteristics of the present invention. -
FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the tie strap illustrated inFIG. 1 embodying characteristics of the present invention. -
FIG. 8 is a side elevational view, partially in section, of the tie strap illustrated inFIG. 1 embodying characteristics of the present invention. -
FIG. 9 is a side elevational view, partially in section, of the tie strap illustrated inFIG. 8 embodying characteristics of the present invention. -
FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of a tie strap embodying characteristics of the present invention. - Referring now to the drawings for a better understanding of the present invention, a representative tie strap for encircling and securing an article or article generally indicated in
FIG. 1 et seq. byreference numeral 10. As displayed inFIG. 1 et seq.,tie strap 10 is an elongate member including alocking head 16 at one end and atail 46 at the other end. Anelongate strap body 18 extends between thelocking head 16 and thetail 46. Thetail 46 is insertable into thelocking head 16 for locking the strap around the article or articles to be secured. Thelocking head 16 contains aball 22 for retaining theelongate strap 18 andtail 46. Thetail 46 may be inserted into thelocking head 16 in a first direction and retained via engagement of thelocking head 16 andball 22 upon movement in a second direction opposite the first direction, thereby retaining thetail 46 in thelocking head 16. The general structure and function of the tie strap discussed herein is more fully described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,235 issued Jun. 20, 2000, entitled “Cable Tie.” This patent application is incorporated by reference in its entirety here. - When clenched around an article or article such as the bundle of
steel rods 14 orpipe 12, in order to prevent theball 22 from moving in thelocking head 16, thereby also preventing retrograde movement of the tail in the second direction and avoid thelocking head 16 from loosening, a plurality of formed waves formed into the strap body 18 (as displayed variously inFIG. 1 et seq. atreference numerals strap body 18 around article orarticles reference number 26 a), six (displayed asreference number 26 b), or seven (displayed 26 c). More or less formed waves are contemplated as well as being within the scope of the invention. Theformed waves tail 46, thelocking head 16, or at any other location in theelongate strap 18. Thetie strap 10 presents the advantages of high tensile strength, is lightweight, has a long service life, and is simple and economical to manufacture. - In a preferred embodiment, the
locking head 16,strap body 18,ball 22, and all other elements of the presently disclosed invention are formed of stainless steel to allow the tie strap to be used over a wide variety of temperature ranges and give the tie strap high tensile strength and excellent resistance to corrosion in harsh elements. Steel such as 304 stainless (known alternately as A2 stainless steel or 18/8 stainless steel), or 316 stainless may be utilized. It should be understood, however, that thetie strap 10 may be constructed out of other materials such as other types of metals including aluminum, brass, copper, iron, or even plastic. Other configurations may be utilized, and all are contemplated as within the scope of the invention. In an embodiment, for example, thesphere 22 may be replaced with a generally cylindrical locking pin, which allows a similar locking engagement. -
Tie strap 10 of the present invention is preferably formed by first obtaining a suitable length ofelongate strap 18 depending on application oftie strap 10, from a spool of such (not shown). In an embodiment of the invention, theelongate strap 18 has a length of between 26 and 27 inches for general purpose usability in many applications. Alternately, theelongate strap 18 may have a length of 200 millimeters (“mm”), 260 mm, 360 mm, 520 mm, or 680 mm. As still another alternate, theelongate strap 18 may have a length between 190 mm and 200 mm, between 250 and 270 mm, between 350 and 370 mm, between 500 and 540 mm, or between 650 and 700 mm. In various embodiments, the width of theelongate strap 18 may be 4.6 mm, 7.9 mm, or any other (or, alternately, between 4 mm and 5 mm or between 7 and 8 mm). The next step in manufacturing thetie strap 10 is forming the formed waves 26 a, 26 b, or 26 c in theelongate strap 18. In an embodiment, a stamp of a die in a machine press is utilized to form thewaves elongate strap 18. It is most efficient, for manufacturing purposes, for each formed wave to form a sixty degree angle with other formed waves (as displayed inFIG. 4 , reference numeral 85), or any angle between fifty-five degrees and sixty-five degrees, since such angles may be formed with one stamp of the die. An angle of ninety degrees (as displayed inFIG. 5 ,reference numeral 85′), or any angle between eighty-five degrees and ninety-five degrees may be utilized as well, for the sake of utilization of the presently disclosed invention, but forming such waves may require more than one stamp of theelongate strap 18 by the die. Theelongate strap 18 is defined by amajor plane 4 a and a diametrically opposedminor axis 4 b plane, as pictured inFIG. 6 . - Locking
head 16 is preferably next formed from a generally flat planar metal blank (not shown) which is substantially rectangular in shape. Aroof 32, as shown inFIG. 6 , preferably in the form of a totally enclosed dome, is first formed in a central portion of the metal blank. In a preferred embodiment, as best shown inFIG. 7 , opposingrectangular notches opposite edges opposite portions notches roof 32 such thatnotches head 16 which underliesroof 32. As such,notches square hole 42 throughbottom 40. The respective areas of bend of the metal blank define sidewalls 44 a and 44 b of lockinghead 16 while the portion of the metalblank surrounding roof 32 and overlying bottom 40 definesceiling 43. Thus, it can be seen that sidewalls 44 a and 44b interconnect ceiling 43 and bottom 40. - Next, the roller means of
tie strap 10, preferably in the form ofsphere 22, is inserted into the lockinghead 16 throughhole 42 inbottom 40. With the lockinghead 16 oriented so thatsphere 22 remains suitably positioned inside ofhead 16,head 16 is slidably mounted ontostrap body 18 over thetail 46 such that bottom 40 is adjacentsecond surface 20 b. In this position,roof 32 andceiling 43 overliefirst surface 20 a ofstrap 18, noting thatsphere 22 is captively held withinhead 16 byroof 32 andstrap 18. First end 30 ofstrap 18 is folded over atperforation 66 andprojection 28 is inserted and latched intohole 42, thereby securing the lockinghead 16 to thestrap 18. - As best shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7 , lockinghead 16 includes astrap ingress end 50, astrap egress end 52, and a strap-receivingpassageway 54 extending therebetween through lockinghead 16 which is partially defined byceiling 43, sidewalls 44 a and 44 b, and bottom 40.Ceiling 43 may overlie bottom 40 in substantial parallel relation thereto.Roof 32 preferably includes first and second generally straight divergingportions arcuate portion 60. First and second divergingportions egress end 52. In a preferred embodiment, second divergingportion 58 has a lesser divergence angle than first divergingportion 56. Conversely,arcuate portion 60 and bottom 40 converge toward one another in the direction ofegress end 52.Egress end 52 ofhead 16 may also serve as a reaction surface for the nose of a conventional strap tightening tool (not shown). - As shown in
FIGS. 1-6 and 8-10 , waves 26 a, 26 b, 26 c comprise a plurality of formed waves numbering four formed waves, fivewaves 26 a, six 26 b, seven 26 c, eight, or more. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of formedwaves major plane 4 a opposite theminor plane 4 b. In an alternate embodiment, the formed waves extend from both themajor plane 4 a and theminor plane 4 b of theelongate strap 18. As shown inFIG. 4 , in an embodiment of the invention, each formed wave may form an angle with other formed waves between fifty-five degrees and sixty-five degrees, or exactly sixty degrees (as displayed 85). In a separate embodiment as shown inFIG. 5 , each formed wave forms an angle with other formed waves between eighty-five degrees and ninety-five degrees, or exactly ninety degrees (as displayed 85′). Note that inFIG. 4 ,element 85 showing the sixty degree angle is shown with regard to five formedwaves 26 a and that inFIG. 5 ,element 85′ showing the ninety degree angle is also shown with regard to five formedwaves 26 a′, but note that the discussed angles may be used in connection with any number of formed waves formed in theelongate strap 18. The waves may be formed adjacent the head or elsewhere. All formed waves may have a length of less than one inch, in an embodiment of the invention. - Referring to
FIGS. 8-9 , roller means such asball 22 is movable within lockinghead 12 from a threading position, shown inFIG. 8 , whereinball 22 may be disposed againstarcuate position 60 ofroof 32 adjacentstrap egress end 52, toward a locking or locked position, shown inFIG. 9 whereinball 22 is wedged between divergingportion 58 ofroof 32 andstrap 18 closer to strapingress end 50 which, in turn, wedges thestrap 18 against bottom 40, thereby generally preventing retrograde movement of thestrap 18 from its locked position in the lockinghead 16. As used herein, the terms “wedged” or “wedging” are to be accorded their broad meaning to simply indicate that in the locked position, theball 22 andstrap 18 are squeezed or compressed. - Operation of
tie 10 is as follows: Afterstrap 18 is deformed to encompass anarticle 12 or group ofarticles 14,tail 46 ofstrap body 18 is inserted in a first direction, as shown by the direction of arrow A into lockinghead 16 throughstrap ingress end 50. As threading continues in the direction of arrow A throughpassageway 54,strap 18 engagesball 22 lifting and moving it toward its threading position shown inFIG. 8 . It will be appreciated that threading of the strap requires very low force asball 22 can roll on thestrap 18 during threading. This is to be contrasted with prior art ties requiring much higher threading force wherein a locking tongue, biased to its locking position, has to be forcefully deflected to its threading position. Continued threading in the first direction shown by arrow A throughpassageway 54 causes strap 18 to exit from the lockinghead 16 throughstrap egress end 52.Strap 18 is pulled through lockinghead 16 until it tightly encircles thearticle 12 or bundle ofarticles 14 to a predetermined level as shown inFIG. 8 . - The tightened position as shown in
FIG. 9 results from insertion of thetail 46 in thehead 16 and tightening of thestrap 18. As can be seen inFIGS. 3 and 8-9 , tightening of thestrap 18 may serve to extend the formed waves 26 a, 26 b, or 26 c in a spring-like fashion. The reactive force exerted by the formed waves 26 a, 26 b, 26 c upon being stretched is utilized to exert a substantial force in a second direction, as shown by arrow B, maintaining the locking engagement of the tie strap around the article or articles to be secured. - Referring to
FIG. 9 , afterstrap 18 is tightened to a predetermined level, release of thestrap 18 in conjunction with the force from formedwaves elongate strap 18 and theball 22 to move or recoil in the second direction as displayed by arrow B toward thestrap ingress end 50 until theball 22 simultaneously engagesroof 32 andstrap 18. As shown inFIGS. 8 and 9 , the travel ofball 22 between its threading position and locking position is very short. When theball 22 is in its locking position, the frictional engagement between theball 22 and theroof 32 and between theball 22 andstrap 18 is generally sufficient to prevent rolling of theball 22, thus causing the strap to be tightly wedged against bottom 40. In addition, the force associated with stretched formedwaves ball 22 from rolling, thus enhancing the locking of thestrap 18 withinhead 16 by contributing to the wedging ofstrap 18 againstbottom 40. The continuous force exerted by the formed waves 26 a, 26 b, or 26 c in the direction of arrow B also maintains the clenching ofstrap 18 aroundarticles ball 22, upon incipient locking, also effects permanent deformation of thestrap 18 by indentation causing strap material previously underneath theball 22 to cold flow in effect forming a rim about the indentation. -
FIG. 10 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention is designated generally as numeral 10′.Tie 10′ is substantially the same astie 10 with the exception that formedwave strap 18, such as adjacent thehead 16. In still a further embodiment, the formed waves may be located in the center, or approximately the center, of thestrap 18. - In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained. As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
Claims (15)
1. A tie strap for securing about an article or articles, comprising:
an elongate strap having a locking head at one end and a tail at the other end, the elongate strap body therebetween and the tail being insertable into the locking head for locking the strap around the article or articles; and
the locking head containing a ball positioned within said locking head for lockingly engaging said tail upon insertion via a first direction and for locking engagement therewith upon movement of the tail in a second direction opposite said first direction thereby retaining said tail associated with said locking head;
wherein the strap body further defines a major plane and a diametrically opposite minor plane, a plurality of formed waves extending from the major plane opposite the minor plane of the strap body for providing resilient retention of the strap body about said articles or articles upon said locking engagement of said tail with said head.
2. The tie strap of claim 1 , wherein the formed waves number four.
3. The tie strap of claim 1 , wherein the formed waves number five.
4. The tie strap of claim 1 , wherein each formed wave forms a sixty degree angle with other formed waves.
5. The tie strap of claim 1 , wherein each formed wave forms an angle with other formed waves, said angle between a fifty five degree angle and a sixty five degree angle.
6. The tie strap of claim 1 , wherein the tie strap is formed of stainless steel.
7. The tie strap of claim 1 , wherein the elongate strap has a length between 26 and 27 inches.
8. The tie strap of claim 1 , wherein the formed waves do not extend from the minor plane.
9. The tie strap of claim 8 , wherein the formed waves are located adjacent the head.
10. The tie strap of claim 1 , wherein all formed waves have a combined length of less than 1 inch.
11. The tie strap of claim 8 , wherein the formed waves are located adjacent the tail.
12. The tie strap of claim 1 , wherein the elongate strap has a length of between 200 mm and 680 mm.
13. The tie strap of claim 1 , wherein the elongate strap has a length of selectively one of the following: 200 mm, 260 mm, 360 mm, 520 mm, and 680 mm.
14. The tie strap of claim 6 , wherein the stainless steel is 304 stainless steel or 316 stainless steel.
15. The tie strap of claim 1 , wherein the elongate strap has a width of 4.6 mm or 7.9 mm.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/137,328 US20160318679A1 (en) | 2015-04-29 | 2016-04-25 | Accordian strap with formed waves |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201562154355P | 2015-04-29 | 2015-04-29 | |
US15/137,328 US20160318679A1 (en) | 2015-04-29 | 2016-04-25 | Accordian strap with formed waves |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20160318679A1 true US20160318679A1 (en) | 2016-11-03 |
Family
ID=55808957
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/137,328 Abandoned US20160318679A1 (en) | 2015-04-29 | 2016-04-25 | Accordian strap with formed waves |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20160318679A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3088324B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP6363127B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN106081342B (en) |
BR (1) | BR102016009745A2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2925671C (en) |
MX (1) | MX2016005578A (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2017059326A1 (en) * | 2015-10-02 | 2017-04-06 | Band-It-Idex, Inc. | Band clamp with improved buckle |
USD1007278S1 (en) * | 2022-06-07 | 2023-12-12 | Hui Ye | Portable door alarm lock |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN107472693A (en) * | 2017-08-28 | 2017-12-15 | 苏州惠华电子科技有限公司 | A kind of recognizable cable binding band |
DE102017131237A1 (en) * | 2017-12-22 | 2019-06-27 | Reinhard Müller | cable ties |
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- 2016-04-29 BR BR102016009745A patent/BR102016009745A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN106081342A (en) | 2016-11-09 |
CA2925671A1 (en) | 2016-10-29 |
JP2016210505A (en) | 2016-12-15 |
CA2925671C (en) | 2019-04-02 |
MX2016005578A (en) | 2017-03-03 |
CN106081342B (en) | 2018-09-18 |
EP3088324A1 (en) | 2016-11-02 |
BR102016009745A2 (en) | 2016-11-01 |
JP6363127B2 (en) | 2018-07-25 |
EP3088324B1 (en) | 2019-01-09 |
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