Classifications

• • 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
  • B65D63/1018—Joints produced by application of integral securing members, e.g. buckles, wedges, tongue and slot, locking head and teeth or the like
• • 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
  • B65D63/1018—Joints produced by application of integral securing members, e.g. buckles, wedges, tongue and slot, locking head and teeth or the like
  • B65D63/1027—Joints produced by application of integral securing members, e.g. buckles, wedges, tongue and slot, locking head and teeth or the like the integral securing member being formed as a female and male locking member, e.g. locking head and locking teeth, or the like
  • B65D63/1063—Joints produced by application of integral securing members, e.g. buckles, wedges, tongue and slot, locking head and teeth or the like the integral securing member being formed as a female and male locking member, e.g. locking head and locking teeth, or the like the female locking member being provided with at least one plastic barb
  • B65D63/1072—Joints produced by application of integral securing members, e.g. buckles, wedges, tongue and slot, locking head and teeth or the like the integral securing member being formed as a female and male locking member, e.g. locking head and locking teeth, or the like the female locking member being provided with at least one plastic barb the barb having a plurality of serrations
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
  • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
  • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
  • Y10T24/14—Bale and package ties, hose clamps

Definitions

• the present invention generally pertains to a fastening system, more specifically to a fastening system that can be configured to any desired length.
• Cable fasteners are used to bind cables or other objects and are conventionally made by injection molding thermoplastic materials.
• Most cable fasteners comprise a strap with a head on one end and a plurality of teeth along the longitudinal axis of the strap.
• the head generally comprises an engaging surface to engage the teeth of the strap in a ratchet-like relation.
• Some of the benefits of the state of the art cable fasteners include ease of use and low cost. However, they are limited in use and function because they have, by design, pre- constructed and fixed heads. The length of the cable fastener is, therefore, predetermined. Should an end-user need a short cable fastener, he would have to either purchase a fastener to length, or cut a longer fastener, contributing to material waste.
• US Patent 7,337,502 discloses a fastening system that comprises an elongate strap body having a pair of opposed side portions and a top surface between the side portions.
• the fastening system also has a plurality of spaced male protrusions extending from the top surface of the elongate strap body a protrusion height.
• Each protrusion has two faces and a protrusion axis, which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
• the fastening system comprises the ability to form a slit in the top surface of the strap body at almost any location.
• the slit may generally extend between the pair of side portions, substantially parallel to the protrusion axis and between adjacent male protrusions.
• the slit may also have end segments extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate strap body, forming a "tongue".
• This patent suffers from a critical limitation which is the ability to stand a stretching force which is more than 2 kilogram-force in a standard LOOP TEST. This ability is very important for a proper performance of the fastener.
• the present invention discloses an improved fastener.
• the fastener comprises:
• An elongate strap body having a longitudinal axis and a pair of opposed side portions, a top surface between the side portions and a bottom surface between the side portions.
• each protrusion comprises a first face and an opposed second face and a protrusion axis, which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate strap body.
• At least one slit generally extending between the pair of side portions, substantially parallel to the protrusion axis.
• the location of the slit is customizable and located between adjacent male protrusions extending from the top surface.
• the slit further comprises end segments extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, such that a tongue is formed in the elongate strap body.
• An end portion of the elongate strap body is positionable through the slit to form a loop with the elongate strap body.
• the loop is adapted to be constricted, such that a portion of the tongue is adapted to slide on the respective first faces of the male protrusions extending from the top surface proximate to the tongue.
• the loop is further adapted to be in a FIXED configuration.
• the FIXED configuration is achieved by a stretching force outwardly directed relative to the center of the loop, adapted to expand the loop.
• the loop is adapted to cause a portion of the tongue to engage on at least one of the second faces of the male protrusions extending from the top surface adjacent the tongue, and by that to fixate the loop.
• the improvement of the fastener comprises: a plurality of spaced cuts at the bottom surface of the elongate strap substantially parallel to the protrusion axis.
• the spaced cuts are adapted to allow the tongue to be bent at an angle of between about 70° and about 90° relatively to the bottom surface, and by that to increase the contact area between at least a portion of a second face of at least one male protrusion extending from the top surface of the tongue and at least a portion of the second face of at least one male protrusion extending from the top surface of the elongate strap body adjacent to the tongue, and by that to improve the fixing mechanism of the fastener.
• the present invention also discloses an improved fastener, wherein the side portions adjacent to the slit are adapted to extend longitudinally and deform outwardly away from the top surface as the end portion of the elongate strap body is positioned through the slit such that an end portion of the elongate strap body can be positioned without substantial rotational movement.
• the present invention also discloses an improved fastener, wherein at least one of side portions on the end portion of the elongate strap body that is positioned through the slit is foldable inwardly toward the longitudinal axis such that the end portion of the elongate strap body can be positioned without substantial rotational movement.
• the present invention also discloses an improved fastener, wherein expansion of the loop is restricted by engaging at least a portion of a second face of at least one male protrusion extending from the top surface of the tongue with at least a portion of the second face of at least one male protrusion extending from the top surface of the elongate strap body adjacent to the tongue.
• the present invention also discloses an improved fastener, wherein the first face of the male protrusions extending from the top surface creates a predetermined first top face angle with the top surface.
• the present invention also discloses an improved fastener, wherein the predetermined first top face angle is from about 120° to about 150°.
• the present invention also discloses an improved fastener, wherein the predetermined first top face angle is about 125°.
• the present invention also discloses an improved fastener, wherein the second face of the male protrusions extending from the top surface creates a predetermined second top face angle with the top surface.
• the present invention also discloses an improved fastener, wherein the predetermined second top face angle is from about 60° to about 120°.
• the present invention also discloses an improved fastener, wherein the predetermined second top face angle is about 90°.
• the present invention also discloses an improved fastener which is further comprises a pair of elongate grooves extending substantially along the longitudinal length of the elongate strap body between the male protrusions extending from the top surface and each respective side portion, whereby the end segments of the slit formed in the top surface of the elongate strap body are formed in each respective elongate groove.
• the present invention also discloses an improved fastener, wherein the side portions extend upwardly above the top surface of the elongate strap body.
• the present invention also discloses an improved fastener, wherein the slit is formed by a slit forming mechanism selected from a group consisting of: a cutting mechanism, a stabbing mechanism, a punching mechanism, a pressing mechanism, a melting mechanism or any combination thereof.
• a slit forming mechanism selected from a group consisting of: a cutting mechanism, a stabbing mechanism, a punching mechanism, a pressing mechanism, a melting mechanism or any combination thereof.
• the present invention also discloses an improved fastener, wherein the slit forming mechanism comprises a knife.
• the present invention also discloses an improved fastener, wherein the elongate strap body further comprises a plurality of perforations formed through the elongate strap body substantially in a desired area of the slit.
• the present invention also discloses an improved fastener, wherein the spaced cuts at the bottom surface of the elongate strap are substantially uniformly spaced.
• the present invention also discloses an improved fastener, wherein the male protrusions extending from the top surface are substantially uniformly spaced over the length of the elongate strap body.
• the present invention also discloses an improved fastener, wherein the protrusion height of each protrusion is substantially equal over the length of the elongate strap body.
• the present invention also discloses an improved fastener, wherein the plurality of spaced cuts at the bottom surface of the elongate strap are shaped such that a plurality of spaced male protrusions extending from the bottom surface is formed, each protrusion comprises a first bottom face and an opposed second bottom face.
• the present invention also discloses an improved fastener, wherein the male protrusions extending from the bottom surface of the elongate strap body are located substantially underneath the male protrusions extending from the top surface of the elongate strap body.
• the present invention also discloses an improved fastener, wherein the first face of the male protrusions extending from the bottom surface at a predetermined first bottom face angle.
• the present invention also discloses an improved fastener, wherein the predetermined first bottom face angle is from about 120° to about 170°.
• the present invention also discloses an improved fastener, wherein the predetermined first bottom face angle is about 150°.
• the present invention also discloses an improved fastener, wherein the second face of the male protrusions extending from the bottom surface at a predetermined second bottom face angle.
• the present invention also discloses an improved fastener, wherein the predetermined second bottom face angle is from about 60° to about 120°.
• the present invention also discloses an improved fastener, wherein the predetermined second bottom face angle is about 90°.
• the present invention also discloses an improved fastener, wherein the slit is substantially H-shaped, such that the tongue and a second tongue are formed in the elongate strap body.
• the present invention also discloses an improved fastener, wherein the loop adapted to be constricted, such that a portion of the second tongue is adapted to slide on the respective first faces of the male protrusions extending from the bottom surface proximate to the second tongue.
• the loop is adapted to cause a portion of the second tongue to engage on at least one of the second faces of the male protrusions extending from the bottom surface adjacent the tongue, and by that to fixate the loop.
• the present invention also discloses an improved fastener, wherein the loop is adapted to stand a stretching force of at least about 8 kilogram-force in the FIXED configuration.
• the present invention also discloses an improved fastener, wherein the fastener has a width of about 2.9 millimeter between the side portions.
• the present invention also discloses an improved fastener, wherein the fastener has a height of about 1.3 millimeter of each the side portion.
• the present invention also discloses a method of manufacturing the improved fastener.
• the method comprises a step of extruding a thermoplastic material into a desired shape.
• the method of manufacturing the improved fastener further comprises a step of combining at least two plastic materials selected from a group consisting of: Polypropylene, Polyethylene, Nailon, or any combination thereof.
• the method of manufacturing the improved fastener further comprises a step of adding at least one longitudinal fiber for increasing the strength of the fastener from tearing, stretching, and cutting.
• the at least one fiber is selected from a group consisting of: Nailon fibers, PET fibers, Iron fibers, metal fibers, glass fibers or any combination thereof.
• the method of manufacturing the improved fastener further comprises a step of printing a label on the fastener.
• the present invention also discloses a method of manufacturing the improved fastener.
• the method comprises a step of molding a thermoplastic material into a desired shape by injection.
• the present invention also discloses a method of using an improved fastener. The method comprises steps of:
• the fastener comprises: i. An elongate strap body having a longitudinal axis and a pair of opposed side portions, a top surface between the side portions and a bottom surface between the side portions. ii. A plurality of spaced male protrusions extending from the top surface, each protrusion comprises a first face and an opposed second face and a protrusion axis, which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the strap body. iii. A plurality of spaced cuts at the bottom surface of the elongate strap substantially parallel to the protrusion axis.
• the slit generally extending between the pair of side portions, substantially parallel to the protrusion axis.
• the slit further comprises end segments extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, such that a tongue is formed in the elongate strap body.
• the present invention also discloses a method of using an improved fastener.
• the plurality of spaced cuts at the bottom surface of the elongate strap are shaped as a plurality of spaced male protrusions extending from the bottom surface, each protrusion comprises a first bottom face and an opposed second bottom face.
• the present invention also discloses a method of using an improved fastener.
• the slit is substantially H-shaped, such that the tongue and a second tongue is formed in the elongate strap body.
• the present invention also discloses a method of using an improved fastener. In the step of constricting the loop by causing a portion of the second tongue to slide on the respective first faces of the male protrusions extending from the bottom surface proximate to the second tongue.
• the present invention also discloses a method of using an improved fastener.
• the step of fixing the loop is by expanding the loop via a stretching force outwardly directed relative to the center of the loop, and by that causing a portion of the second tongue to engage on at least one of the second faces of the protrusions extending from the bottom surface adjacent the second tongue.
• the present invention also discloses an improved fixing mechanism within a fastener.
• the mechanism comprises:
• a plurality of spaced male protrusions extending from a top surface an elongate strap body having a longitudinal axis and a pair of opposed side portions, a top surface between the side portions and a bottom surface between the side portions.
• Each protrusion comprises a first face and an opposed second face and a protrusion axis, which is substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of the elongate strap body.
• a tongue which is formed by at least one slit generally extending between the pair of side portions, substantially parallel to the protrusion axis.
• the slit further comprises end segments and extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The location of the slit is customizable and located between adjacent male protrusions extending from the top surface.
• An end portion of the elongate strap body is positionable through the slit to form a loop with the elongate strap body.
• the loop is adapted to be constricted, such that a portion of the tongue is adapted to slide on the respective first faces of the male protrusions extending from the top surface proximate to the tongue.
• the loop is adapted to be in a FIXED configuration.
• the FIXED configuration is achieved by a stretching force outwardly directed relative to the center of the loop, adapted to expand the loop.
• the loop is adapted to cause a portion of the tongue to engage on at least one of said second faces of the male protrusions extending from the top surface adjacent the tongue, and by that to fixate the loop.
• the improvement of the mechanism comprises: a plurality of spaced cuts at the bottom surface of the elongate strap body substantially parallel to the protrusion axis.
• the loop in the FIXED configuration the spaced cuts are adapted to allow the tongue to be bent at an angle of between about 70° and about 90° relatively to the bottom surface, and by that to increase the contact area between at least a portion of a second face of at least one male protrusion extending from the top surface of the tongue and at least a portion of the second face of at least one male protrusion extending from the top surface of the elongate strap body adjacent to the tongue, and by that to improve the fixing mechanism of the fastener.
• Fig. 1 illustrates the improved fastener of the present invention.
• Fig. 2 illustrates a side cut away view of a portion of the improved fastener of the present invention.
• Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the improved fastener of the present invention.
• Fig. 4 illustrates a cut view of the fastener, wherein the cut in along the line of the side portions of the fastener.
• Fig. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention.
• a side cut away view of a portion of the improved fastener The plurality of spaced cuts at the bottom surface of the fastener is shaped such that a plurality of spaced male protrusions extending from the bottom surface is formed.
• Fig. 6 illustrates the fastener Fig. 5 in another prospective view.
• Fig. 7 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention.
• Fig. 8 illustrates the tensile test fixture used in a LOOP TEST.
• the fastener 10 comprises an elongate strap body 100 having a longitudinal axis L and a pair of opposed side portions 110, a top surface 120 between the side portions 110 and a bottom surface 130 between the side portions 110.
• the fastener 10 comprises a plurality of spaced male protrusions 140 extending from the top surface 120, and a plurality of spaced cuts 145 at the bottom surface 130 of the elongate strap body 100 substantially parallel to the protrusion axis P.
• a protrusion axis P is defined, in one example, as substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the elongate strap body 100.
• the plurality of spaced cuts 145 is the improvement of the present invention.
• the axis of the plurality of spaced cuts 145 at the bottom surface 130 of the elongate strap body 100 is P, similar to the protrusion axis.
• each protrusion has two opposed faces; a first face 142 and a second face 144 (shown in Fig. 3), which is substantially parallel to axis P.
• the male protrusions 140 are substantially evenly spaced. In another exemplary aspect, the male protrusions 140 are substantially evenly spaced over the length of the elongate strap body 100. In yet another aspect, the protrusion height of each protrusion is substantially equal. The spacing and the height of the male protrusions 140 can vary greatly according to the particular use of the fastener 10.
• the side portions 110 extend upwardly above the top surface 120 of the elongate strap body 100. They may, for example, extend above the top surface 120 a distance that is greater than the protrusion height of the male protrusions 140, however, and as one would appreciate, this is not a requirement of the fastening system.
• the fastener 10 of the present invention also comprises a slit 150 generally extending between the pair of side portions 110, substantially parallel to the protrusion axis P, the location of the slit 150 being customizable and located between adjacent male protrusions extending from the top surface 120.
• the slit 150 further comprises end segments 156 and 157 extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L, such that a tongue 154 is formed in the elongate strap body 100.
• An end portion (153 in Figure 2) of the elongate strap body 100 is positionable through the slit 150 to form a loop 165 with the elongate strap body 100.
• the loop is adapted to be constricted, such that a portion of the tongue 154 is adapted to slide on the respective first faces 142 of the male protrusions 140 extending from the top surface 120 proximate to the tongue 154.
• This action can be likened to the action of a ratchet type wrench.
• the loop 165 is adapted to be in a FIXED configuration, as presented in Figure 1.
• the loop 165 of the fastener 10 is constricted around an object 300 such that the fastener is in a FIXED configuration.
• the FIXED configuration of the fastener 10, as presented in Figure 1, is achieved by a stretching force F outwardly directed relative to the center of the loop 165, adapted to expand the loop 165.
• the loop 165 is adapted to cause a portion of the tongue 154 to engage on the second faces 144 (shown in Figure 3) of the male protrusions 140 extending from the top surface adjacent the tongue 154, and by that to fixate the loop 165.
• the improvement of the present invention is in the plurality of spaced cuts 145.
• the spaced cuts 145 are adapted to allow the tongue 154 to be bent at an angle of between about 70° and about 90° relatively to the bottom surface 130 of the elongate strap body 100. This angle is presented in Figure 1 , as ⁇ .
• the side portions adjacent the slit 150 deform outwardly away from the top surface 120 as the end portion of the elongate strap body 100 is positioned through the slit 150. In this way, the end portion of the elongate strap body 100 can be positioned through the slit 150 without substantial rotational movement.
• at least one of the side portions on the end portion of the elongate strap body 100 that is positioned through the slit 150 is foldable inwardly toward the longitudinal axis L.
• the side portions 110 need not, necessarily, deform outwardly away from the top surface of the strap body in order to alleviate the need to rotate the end portion of the strap body when positioning it through the slit 150 and allowing the end portion 160 of the strap body 100 and the portion of the strap body containing the slit 150 to be in substantially linearly intersecting planes.
• slit 150 there are various ways by which to form the slit 150. Examples include, but are not limited to, using a knife or other sharp instrument, or using conventional punching tools or pressing tools. In another embodiment, a plurality of perforations may be formed through the body substantially in a desired area of the slit during or after the manufacturing process.
• the fastener 10 in this Figure comprises an elongate strap body 100, a plurality of spaced male protrusions 140 extending from the top surface 120, and a plurality of spaced cuts 145 at the bottom surface 130 of the elongate strap 100.
• the fastener 10 of in Figure 2 also comprises a slit 150 such that a tongue 154 is formed in the elongate strap body 100.
• Loop 165 is formed by the end portion 153 of the elongate strap body 100 which is positioned through the slit 150.
• Figure 2 illustrates the improvement of the preset invention wherein tongue 153 is the tongue disclosed in US patent 7,337,502 (prior art) can be bent to at an angle ⁇ of between about 10° and about 30° relatively to the bottom surface 130.
• the spaced cuts 145 are adapted to allow the tongue 154 to be bent at an angle ⁇ of between about 70° and about 90° relatively to the bottom surface 130 of the elongate strap body 100.
• This improvement allows to increase the contact area between at least a portion of a second face of at least one male protrusion extending from the top surface of the tongue and at least a portion of the second face of at least one male protrusion extending from the top surface of the elongate strap body adjacent to the tongue, and by that to improve the fixing mechanism of the fastener.
• the contact area of tongue 154 with the fastener 10 is much larger that the contact area of tongue 153 with the fastener 10. Therefore, the magnitude of the angle ⁇ is directly connected with the ability of the fastener to stand a particular stretching force F outwardly directed relative to the center of the loop, adapted to expand the loop in the FIXED configuration.
• the fastener of US patent 7,337,502 does not comprise the plurality of spaced cuts 145, and therefore can stand a much lower stretching force F, in the FIXED configuration.
• the ability of a fastener to stand a particular stretching force F is an ability of the fastener's loop to stay in the FIXED configuration, without opening. A stretching force F which is too tight can cause the loop of the fastener to be opened.
• the fastener of US patent 7,337,502 in typical dimensions of 4.7 mm in width and 1.3 mm in thickness, can stand a stretching force of between about 1 kilogram-force and about 2 kilogram-force, and the fastener of the present invention, with the same dimensions, can stand a stretching force of at least about 8 kilogram-force. This ability is achieved by the ability of the tongue to be bent to large angle ⁇ , which improves the fixing mechanism of the fastener 10.
• the fastener 10 in this Figure comprises an elongate strap body 100 having a longitudinal axis L, a plurality of spaced male protrusions 140 extending from the top surface 120, and a plurality of spaced cuts 145 at the bottom surface 130 of the elongate strap 100.
• Each protrusion 140 has two opposed faces: a first face 142 and a second face 144.
• the first face 142 of the male protrusions 140 extending from the top surface 120 creates a predetermined first top face angle a with the top surface 120.
• the predetermined first top face angle a can be between about 120° and about 150°. In another aspect, the predetermined first top face angle a can be about 125°, 130°, 135°, 140°, or 145°. However, it is contemplated that a variety of angles for the first face angle would be sufficient. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first top face angle a is 125°.
• the second face 144 of the male protrusions 140 extending from the top surface 120 creates a predetermined second top face angle ⁇ with the top surface 120.
• the predetermined second top face angle ⁇ can be between about 60° and about 120°. In another aspect, the predetermined second top face angle ⁇ can be about 75°, 80°, 85°, 90°, 95°, 100°, or 105°. However, it is contemplated that a variety of angles for the second face angle ⁇ would be sufficient. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second top face angle ⁇ is 90°.
• FIG. 4 illustrated a perspective view of the elongate strap body 100 which is illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3.
• the fastener 10 in this figure comprises an elongate strap body 100 having a longitudinal axis L, a plurality of spaced male protrusions 140 extending from the top surface 120.
• the elongate strap body 100 may also comprise a pair of elongate grooves 180 extending from the top surface 120 along its longitudinal length between the plurality of male protrusions 140 and each respective side portion, and a pair of elongate grooves 185 extending from the bottom surface 130 along the longitudinal length, and which are substantially underneath the elongate grooves 180.
• the end segments 156 and 157 of the slit 150 (Fig. 1) formed therein the top surface 120 of the strap body can be formed therein each respective elongate groove 180.
• FIG. 5 a cut view of the elongate strap body 100 which is illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4, wherein the cut in along the line of the side portions 110 of the elongate strap body 100, parallel to axis P.
• the fastener 10 in this figure comprises an elongate strap body 100 having an axis P and a pair of opposed side portions 110, a top surface 120 between the side portions 110 and a bottom surface 130 between the side portions 110.
• the fastener 10 comprises a plurality of spaced male protrusions 140 extending from the top surface 120 of the elongate strap body 100, substantially parallel to the protrusion axis P.
• Figure 4 also illustrated the pair of elongate grooves 180 extending from the top surface 120 and the pair of elongate grooves 185 extending from the bottom surface 130.
• the fastener 11 in this Figure comprises an elongate strap body 200 having a longitudinal axis L, a plurality of spaced male protrusions 240 extending from the top surface 220, and a plurality of spaced cuts 245 at the bottom surface 230 of the elongate strap 200.
• the plurality of spaced cuts 245 at the bottom surface 230 of the elongate strap body 200 are shaped such that a plurality of spaced male protrusions 275 extending from the bottom surface 230 is formed.
• the male protrusions 275 extending from the bottom surface 230 of the elongate strap body 200 are located substantially underneath the male protrusions 245 extending from the top surface 220 of the elongate strap body 200.
• Each protrusion 275 two opposed faces: a first face 277 and a second face 278.
• the first face 277 of the male protrusions 275 extending from the bottom surface 230 creates a predetermined first bottom face angle ⁇ with the bottom surface 230.
• the predetermined first bottom face angle ⁇ can be between about 120° and about 170°.
• the predetermined first top face angle ⁇ can be about 125°, 130°, 135°, 140°,145°, 150°, 155°, 160°,165°, or 170°.
• the first top face angle a is 150°.
• the second face 278 of the male protrusions 275 extending from the bottom surface 230 creates a predetermined second bottom face angle ⁇ with the bottom surface 220.
• the predetermined second bottom face angle ⁇ can be between about 60° and about 120°. In another aspect, the predetermined second bottom face angle ⁇ can be about 75°, 80°, 85°, 90°, 95°,100°, or 105°. However, it is contemplated that a variety of angles for the second bottom face angle ⁇ would be sufficient. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second bottom face angle ⁇ is 90°.
• the fastener 11 of the present invention comprises H-shaped slit 250 generally extending between the pair of side portions 210, such that the tongue 154 and a second tongue 254 are formed in the elongate strap body 200.
• An end portion (not shown) of the elongate strap body 200 is positionable through the slit 250 to form a loop 265 with the elongate strap body 200.
• the loop 265 is adapted to be constricted, such that a portion of the tongue 154 is adapted to slide on the respective first faces 142 of the male protrusions 140 extending from the top surface 120 proximate to the tongue 154, and a portion of the second tongue 254 is adapted to slide on the respective first faces 277 of the male protrusions 275 extending from the bottom surface 230.
• the loop 265 is adapted to be in a FIXED configuration.
• the loop 265 of the fastener 11 is constricted around an object 300 such that the fastener is in a FIXED configuration.
• the FIXED configuration of the fastener 11, as presented in Figure 1, is achieved by a stretching force F outwardly directed relative to the center of the loop 265, adapted to expand the loop 265.
• the loop 265 is adapted to cause a portion of the tongue 154 to engage on the second faces 144 (shown in Figure 3) of the male protrusions 140 extending from the top surface adjacent the tongue 154, and a portion of the second tongue 254 to engage on the second faces 278 (shown in Figure 4) of the male protrusions 275 extending from the bottom surface adjacent the tongue 254 and by that to fixate the loop 265.
• the improved fastener 10 and the improved fastener 11, with a typical dimensions of about 2.9 mm in width and about 1.3 mm in thickness are adapted to stand a stretching force of at least about 8 kilogram-force in the FIXED configuration.
• This stretching force is applied on the loop of the fastener as part of a LOOP TEST which is adapted to check the strength of the fastener.
• the LOOP TEST is a test which is performed as part of the European Standards EN 4057-401 and EN 4057-100. Standard EN 4057-401 is related to test methods of Cable ties for harness.
• a tensile tester separates at a constant rate of 25 (+/- 2.5) mm/min and applies sufficient force to break the strap (the loop) or release the locking device.
• a suitable tensile test fixture which incorporates a split mandrel, is shown in Figure 8.
• the improved fastener of the present invention is able to stand (not to break or release) a sufficient force of at least about 8 kilogram-force, as mentioned above. This particular result is achieved with a fastener that has a width of about 2.9 millimeter between the side portions and a height of about 1.3 millimeter of each side portion.
• the fastening system of this invention may be manufactured in several ways.
• the manufacturing method comprises extruding a thermoplastic material into the desired shape.
• the fastening system may be . manufactured to almost any length. This way, the fastening system may be distributed in rolls, which would enable the end-user to cut the elongate strap body to practically any desired length. This advantage virtually eliminates the need to make several different sized strap bodies to accommodate various applications.
• extruding the fastening system 10 has the advantage of flexibility
• the fastening system may also be manufactured by injection molding a thermoplastic material into a desired shape, or by any other conventional method and/or process.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Clamps And Clips (AREA)
• Package Frames And Binding Bands (AREA)

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• 2010
  • 2010-09-06 WO PCT/IL2010/000733 patent/WO2011039742A1/en active Application Filing
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