CABLE TIE

Abstract

Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for a cable tic. An apparatus includes a securing member and an elastic string coupled to the securing member such that at least two loops are formed, a first loop being smaller than a second loop of the at least two loops.

Description

FIELD

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to cable ties and more particularly relates to multi-band cable ties.

BACKGROUND

A cable tie (also known as a hose tie, zip tie, or tie wrap) is a type of fastener for holding items together such as electrical cables and wires. Cable ties help organize wiring systems by grouping cables together. Specific application fields include transportation, telecommunications, speaker wires, and home theater/equipment. They are constructed for indoor and outdoor use and vary in composition.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a securing member and an elastic string coupled to the securing member such that at least two loops are formed, a first loop being smaller than a second loop of the at least two loops.

In one embodiment, a system includes a securing member and an elastic string coupled to the securing member such that at least two loops are formed, a first loop being smaller than a second loop of the at least two loops. The system, in one embodiment, includes a tab member on at least one of the first and second loops for securing or removing the at least one of the first and second loops to or from the securing member and an attachment means coupled to the securing member, the attachment means configured to secure the securing member to another object.

In one embodiment, a method includes providing a securing member, providing an elastic string, and coupling the elastic string to the securing member such that at least two loops are formed, a first loop being smaller than a second loop of the at least two loops.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more particular description of the embodiments briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only some embodiments and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of scope, the embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a cable tie in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example of a cable tie installed on a cable in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 2B illustrates an example of a cable tie installed on a cable in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 3A illustrates an example of a cable tie with a tab in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 3B illustrates an example of a cable tie with a tab in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 4A illustrates an example of assembling a cable tie in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 4B illustrates an example of assembling a cable tie in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 5A illustrates an example of assembling a cable tie in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 5B illustrates an example of assembling a cable tie in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 5C illustrates an example of assembling a cable tie in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 5D illustrates an example of assembling a cable tie in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a cable tie in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 7A illustrates an example of a cap for a cable tie in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 7B illustrates an example of a cap for a cable tie in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 7C illustrates an example of a cap for a cable tie in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a cable tie with attachment means in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 9A illustrates an example of assembling a cable tie with attachment means in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 9B illustrates an example of assembling a cable tie with attachment means in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 10A illustrates an example of an adjustable cable tie in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 10B illustrates an example of an adjustable cable tie in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 11A illustrates an example of assembling a cable tie with attachment means in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 11B illustrates an example of assembling a cable tie with attachment means in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 11C illustrates an example of assembling a cable tie with attachment means in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 11D illustrates an example of assembling a cable tie with attachment means in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 11E illustrates an example of assembling a cable tie with attachment means in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 11F illustrates an example of assembling a cable tie with attachment means in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 11G illustrates an example of assembling a cable tie with attachment means in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 12 depicts one embodiment of a method in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

FIG. 13 depicts one embodiment of a method in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to cable ties for securing coiled cables. Oftentimes, conventional cable ties are easy to lose or misplace. The cable tie described herein is configured to be secured using a first band or loop at a location along the length of a cable so that the cable tie cannot be separately misplaced from the cable. Further, the cable tie includes a second band or loop for securing the cable when it is coiled.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a cable tie 100 in accordance with the subject matter disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the cable tie 100 includes a securing member 102, which may be embodied as a ball, knob, nub, protrusion, node, or the like, and a plurality of loops 104, 106 comprised of strings 103, cables, cords, ropes, laces, bands, or the like that are connected to the ball 102.

In one embodiment, the securing member 102 may take any shape, size, configuration, or the like. For instance, the securing member 102 may be shaped and sized as a sphere, cube, pyramid, cylinder, and/or the like. In certain embodiments, the securing member 102 may be made of different materials such as wood, plastic, metal, and/or the like. The securing member 102 may include different designs, may be customized based on specifications, and/or the like. In one embodiment, the securing member 102 may include a square shape, a half-sphere shape, or the like, and may be configured to install different designs, artwork, images, objects, or the like on the securing member 102, for customization.

In one embodiment, the securing member 102 may include attachment means for securing the securing member 102 to another object. The attachment means may include a clip, ring, carabiner, string, magnet, and/or the like. In one embodiment, the securing member 102 may include adjustment means, e.g., a button with a spring-loaded clamp, for adjusting the position of the securing member 102 along the string to adjust the sizes of the loops 104, 106.

In one embodiment, the string(s) 103 forming the loops 104, 106 is coupled to the securing member 102. For instance, a string 103 may be inserted into an opening in the securing member 102 and fixed to the inside of the securing member 102 using adhesives such as glue, mechanical means such as screws or staples, and/or the like. In one embodiment, the loops 104, 106 are portions of a single string 103 that is inserted and secured within the securing member 102, as shown in FIG. 4A below, to create two loops of different sizes.

In one embodiment, the cable tie 100 includes at least two loops, a first loop 104 and a second loop 106. In one embodiment, the first loop 104 is larger than the second loop 106. However, the loops 104, 106 may have various diameters, lengths, thicknesses, coatings, and/or the like.

In one embodiment, the string(s) 103 forming the loops 104, 106 is made of stretchable, flexible, or elastic material (e.g., rubber or bungee) such that the loops 104, 106 can stretch or form around an object such as a cable and back around the securing member 102 to secure the loops 104, 106 around the object. In one embodiment, the smaller loop 106 is configured to anchor or fix the cable tie 100 to a position on a cable and the larger loop 104 is configured to wrap around the cable when the cable is coiled to secure the coiled cable.

In one embodiment, the cable tie 100 may include a tab 108A, 108B that is used to assist with securing at least one of the loops, e.g., securing the first loop 104 around the securing member 102 and/or removing the first loop 104 from the securing member 102 or securing the second loop 106 around a cable and the securing member 102 and/or removing the second loop 106 from the securing member 102.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict an embodiment of a coiled cable 202 that is secured with the cable tie 100. FIG. 2A illustrates one example embodiment of securing or anchoring a cable tie 100 to a cable 202. In such an embodiment, one of the loops, e.g., the second loop 106, is wrapped around to cable 202 and around the securing member 102 to secure the cable tie 100 to the cable 202.

After coiling the cable 202, as shown in FIG. 2B, the first loop 104, which may be larger to accommodate multiple rows, layers, coils, or the like of the coiled cable 202, is wrapped around the coiled cable 202, sometimes multiple times, and around the securing member 102 to secure the cable 202 in a coiled state, which may be beneficial for packing, traveling, and/or the like.

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict another embodiment of a cable tie. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3A, the securing member 302 is shaped as a die and the cable tie is secured to the cable 202 using the smaller loop 106. FIG. 3B shows the larger string or loop 104 wrapped around the coiled cable 202 and secured around the securing member 302 to secure the cable in a coiled state.

FIG. 4A depicts one embodiment of securing a string 402 to an anchor 404 that is used to secure the string 402 to the ball 102. In one embodiment, the string 402 is inserted into an anchor 404 such that two loops 104, 106 are formed, with one being smaller than the other. The anchor 404 with the attached string 402 is then inserted into an opening 406 in the securing member 102 and inset within the securing member 102 with securing means, e.g., an adhesive 414.

In the depicted embodiments, the anchor 404 includes a base member 408 and a securing bar 410. In one embodiment, the string 402 is inserted between the base member 408 and the securing bar 410 in a manner to create at least two loops 104, 106, e.g., one loop that is larger than the other loop.

In one embodiment, the base member 408 includes one or more holes 412, perforations, or openings to allow the attachment means, e.g., glue or other adhesive 414, that is used to secure the anchor 404 to the ball 102 to pass through the base member 408 and help secure the string 402 to the base member 408.

In one embodiment, the securing bar 410 includes a protruding member 416 that can be used to push or insert the anchor 404 into the securing member 102. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the securing bar 410 may be bendable such that when pressure is applied to the protruding member 416, e.g., using a tool 420, the securing bar 410 bends and pinches down on the string 402 to further secure the string 402 to the anchor 404, as shown in FIG. 4B.

FIG. 4B depicts the string 402 and anchor 404 being installed in the securing member 102. In one embodiment, adhesive 414 is placed in the opening 406 in the securing member 102. The bottom of the opening 406 may include grooves 422 or other texture to help the adhesive 414 adhere to the securing member 102 and the anchor 404 when the anchor 404 is installed in the securing member 102. The anchor 404 may be inserted and pushed into the securing member 102, via a tool 420 pushing on the protruding member 416, with enough force for the adhesive 414 to go through the openings 412 in the base member 408 and also to bend and pinch the securing bar 410 down on the string 402.

FIG. 5A depicts another embodiment of an anchor 500. In the depicted embodiment, the anchor 500 includes a base member 502 that includes an opening 506 in the center. The anchor 500 also includes a restraint member 504. In certain embodiments, the anchor 500 is sized and shaped to be inserted and inset into a securing member 102 to connect the securing member 102 to the anchor 500.

FIGS. 5B and 5C depict one embodiment of a string 508 being inserted into the anchor 500. In such an embodiment, the string 508 may be a continuous loop such that when inserted through the anchor 500, between the restraint member 504 and the base member 502, the string forms two loops, one on each side of the restraint member 504. Accordingly, the string 508 may be inserted such that one loop is smaller than the other loop, as described above.

FIG. 5D depicts one embodiment of the anchor 500 with the string 508 being inserted into the securing member 102 to connect the anchor 500 to the securing device 102, e.g., using attachment means such as adhesives, fasteners (e.g., staples, screws, or the like, which may secure the base member 502 to the securing member 102 using the opening 506, or the like.

FIG. 6 depicts another embodiment of a cable tie 600 where the strings forming the loops 104, 106 are integrated or formed into the securing member 102. In such an embodiment, the cable tie 600 may include a securing member 102 and strings or bands 602A, 602B that are formed of a plastic or rubber material such that the strings 602A, 602B and the securing member 602 are a unitary piece. In some embodiments, a tab 606 may also be formed into the band 604A, 604B to assist with securing and removing the band 604A, 604B to/from the securing member 602.

FIG. 7A depicts one embodiment of a cable tie 700 that shows an embodiment of a securing member 702 with a cap piece 704. The cap piece 704 may be selectively removable from the securing member 702 to provide access to the inside 706 of the securing member 702, e.g., for maintenance of the cable tie 700.

In certain embodiments, the cap piece 704 may include a logo, graphic, design, advertisement, brand, or the like for different companies, products, organizations, and/or the like.

In one embodiment, the cap piece 704 may be interchangeable with another cap piece 704. In such an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7B, the cap piece 704 may be connected to the securing member 702 using a friction fit, a snap fit, and/or the like. However, the cap piece 704 may be permanently affixed to the securing member 702, e.g., via an adhesive or other attachment means.

FIG. 7C depicts one embodiment of the cap piece 704 being removed from the securing member 702. In such an embodiment, the cap piece 704 may be removable to access the inside 706 of the securing member 702, e.g., to maintain or fix a broken string 708.

FIG. 8 depicts one embodiment of a cable tie 800 with attachment means for securing the securing member 102 to another object. In the depicted embodiment, the attachment means includes a clip 802. However, various attachment means may be used such as a ring (e.g., a key ring), carabiner, string, magnet, and/or the like.

FIG. 9A depicts one embodiment of a cable tie 900 with attachment means for securing the securing member 102 to another object. In one embodiment, the cable tie 900 includes a hook 902, loop, fastener, or the like for connecting attachment means to the securing member 102. In such an embodiment, the hook 902 is connected to the string(s) through the securing member 904 to hold or secure the string(s) within the securing member 904.

FIG. 9B depicts one embodiment of a cable tie 900 with a clip 908 for attaching the cable tie 900 to another object such as a backpack, a jacket, and/or the like. Other attachment means may be used such as magnets, snaps, carabiners, or the like.

FIGS. 10A and 10B depict another embodiment of a cable tie 1000. In the depicted embodiment, the string 1002 is inserted into an adjustable member 1006 that can be used to change the sizes of the loops 1008, 1010. For example, the adjustable member 1006 may include a button 1007 that the user presses to release pressure on the string so that the adjustable member 1006 can slide along the string 1002 to change the sizes of the loops 1008, 1010. In one embodiment, a string 1004 may be fixed to the adjustable member 1006 to be used as a secondary loop.

FIGS. 11A-11G depict another embodiment of a cable tie assembly. In one embodiment, shown in FIGS. 11A-11B, a crimping device 1102 is used to secure two ends of a string 1104 or band. The crimping device 1102 may include a plurality of teeth 1106 for gripping the string 1104 and may include a bendable portion 1108 that can be bent or folded after the string 1104 is seated within the crimping device 1102.

FIG. 11C shows an embodiment of the cable tie assembly where two ends of a string 1104 seated within a crimping device 1102. FIG. 11D shows an embodiment of the cable tie assembly where the crimping device 1102 is bent or folded such that the two ends of the string 1104 are parallel to one another. FIG. 11E shows an embodiment of the cable tie assembly where the teeth 1106 are bent into the string 1104 to secure the ends of the string 1104 within the crimping device 1102. FIG. 11F shows that heat 1110 may be applied to the ends of the string within the crimping device 1102 to further secure the ends of the string 1104 within the crimping device 1102.

FIG. 11G shows an embodiment of a cable tie 1100 according to the described assembly. In one embodiment, the ends of two strings 1104A-B are each separately coupled to a crimping device 1102A-B. The crimping devices 1102A-B are then inserted into the securing member 1112 and secured with attachment means such as adhesives or the like.

FIG. 12 depicts one embodiment of a method of using a cable tie as described herein. The cable tie, in one embodiment, includes a securing member with a string or band that forms a larger loop and a smaller loop. In one embodiment, the method 1200 begins and loops 1202 a smaller loop of the cable tie around a cable and secures the smaller loop around the securing member to secure the cable tie to the cable.

In one embodiment, the method coils 1204 the cable. In one embodiment, the method loops 1206 the larger loop around the coiled cable and secures the larger loop around the securing member to secure the coiled cable in a coiled state, and the method 1200 ends.

FIG. 13 depicts one embodiment of a method of assembling a cable tie as described herein. In one embodiment, the method 1300 begins and provides 1302 a securing member. In one embodiment, the method 1300 provides 1304 an elastic string. In one embodiment, the method 1300 couples 1306 the elastic string to the securing member such that at least two loops are formed, a first loop being smaller than a second loop of the at least two loops, and the method 1300 ends.

In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a securing member and an elastic string coupled to the securing member such that at least two loops are formed, a first loop being smaller than a second loop of the at least two loops.

In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an anchor that is used to couple the elastic string to an interior of the securing member.

In one embodiment, the anchor comprises a base member that is coupled to the interior of the securing member and a securing arm that is bent onto the string to secure the string to the anchor.

In one embodiment, the base member comprises a plurality of perforations.

In one embodiment, the anchor is coupled to an interior of the securing member using an adhesive.

In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a crimping device that is connected to a first end and a second end of the elastic string, the crimping device inserted into the securing member to form at least one of the first and second loops.

In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a tab member on at least one of the first and second loops for securing or removing the at least one of the first and second loops to or from the securing member.

In one embodiment, the securing member and the elastic string comprise a unitary piece.

In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an attachment means coupled to the securing member, the attachment means configured to secure the apparatus to another object.

In one embodiment, the attachment means comprises at least one of a clip, a ring, carabiner, a magnet, a snap, or a combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a hook that is connected to the securing member and the attachment means at a first end and the elastic string and a second end.

In one embodiment, the securing member comprises a cap piece that is selectively removable from the securing member.

In one embodiment, the securing member comprises an adjustable member that is actuated to change the sizes of the first and second loops.

In one embodiment, the securing member comprises a spherical shape.

In one embodiment, the securing member comprises a cubical shape.

In one embodiment, the securing member comprises a half-spherical shape.

In one embodiment, a system includes a securing member and an elastic string coupled to the securing member such that at least two loops are formed, a first loop being smaller than a second loop of the at least two loops. The system, in one embodiment, includes a tab member on at least one of the first and second loops for securing or removing the at least one of the first and second loops to or from the securing member and an attachment means coupled to the securing member, the attachment means configured to secure the securing member to another object.

In one embodiment, the attachment means comprises at least one of a clip, a ring, carabiner, a magnet, a snap, or a combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the securing member comprises a spherical shape, a cubical shape, or a half-spherical shape.

In one embodiment, a method includes providing a securing member, providing an elastic string, and coupling the elastic string to the securing member such that at least two loops are formed, a first loop being smaller than a second loop of the at least two loops.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to,” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of an embodiment.

It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more blocks, or portions thereof, of the illustrated Figures.

Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flowchart and/or block diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding embodiments. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the depicted embodiment. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted embodiment. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart diagrams, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and code.

The description of elements in each figure may refer to elements of proceeding figures. Like numbers refer to like elements in all figures, including alternate embodiments of like elements.

Embodiments may be practiced in other specific forms. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: a securing member; andan elastic string coupled to the securing member such that at least two loops are formed, a first loop being smaller than a second loop of the at least two loops.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an anchor that is used to couple the elastic string to an interior of the securing member.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the anchor comprises a base member that is coupled to the interior of the securing member and a securing arm that is bent onto the string to secure the string to the anchor.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the base member comprises a plurality of perforations.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the anchor is coupled to an interior of the securing member using an adhesive.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a crimping device that is connected to a first end and a second end of the elastic string, the crimping device inserted into the securing member to form at least one of the first and second loops.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a tab member on at least one of the first and second loops for securing or removing the at least one of the first and second loops to or from the securing member.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the securing member and the elastic string comprise a unitary piece.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an attachment means coupled to the securing member, the attachment means configured to secure the apparatus to another object.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the attachment means comprises at least one of a clip, a ring, carabiner, a magnet, a snap, or a combination thereof.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a hook that is connected to the securing member and the attachment means at a first end and the elastic string and a second end.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the securing member comprises a cap piece that is selectively removable from the securing member.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the securing member comprises an adjustable member that is actuated to change sizes of the first and second loops.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the securing member comprises a spherical shape.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the securing member comprises a cubical shape.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the securing member comprises a half-spherical shape.

17. A system, comprising: a securing member;an elastic string coupled to the securing member such that at least two loops are formed, a first loop being smaller than a second loop of the at least two loops;a tab member on at least one of the first and second loops for securing or removing the at least one of the first and second loops to or from the securing member; andan attachment means coupled to the securing member, the attachment means configured to secure the securing member to another object.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the attachment means comprises at least one of a clip, a ring, carabiner, a magnet, a snap, or a combination thereof.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein the securing member comprises a spherical shape, a cubical shape, or a half-spherical shape.

20. A method comprising: providing a securing member,providing an elastic string; andcoupling the elastic string to the securing member such that at least two loops are formed, a first loop being smaller than a second loop of the at least two loops.