Patent Application
20160061356
The present invention relates generally to fasteners, such as cable ties and more particularly to cable ties that include a fastener designed for fitted insertion through an opening in a panel.
Fasteners such as cable ties, also commonly known as bundling ties and harnessing devices, are well known devices that are widely used in the art to couple together a plurality of elongated objects, such as a group of parallel wires or cables. One type of fastener which is well known and commonly used in the art, comprises an elongated strap that is secured, at one of its ends, to an apertured head. The free end of the elongated strap is typically shaped to define a tail of narrowed width to facilitate insertion through the apertured head. A plurality of serrations, or teeth, is formed along one surface of the elongated strap along the majority of its length. Additionally, an internal pawl, or locking tang, is disposed within the apertured head and is adapted to sequentially engage the serrations on the strap.
A fastener of the type as described above is commonly used in the following manner to bundle together a plurality of parallel wires. Specifically, with the plurality of wires grouped together, the elongated strap of the fastener is wrapped around the bundle of wires and formed into a closed loop by inserting the free end of the serrated strap through the apertured head. With the fastener formed into a closed loop, the free end of the serrated strap is advanced through the apertured head to cinch the fastener tightly around the bundle, with the internal pawl lockably engaging the serrations of the strap to prevent withdrawal, or backing out, of the strap from the apertured head. In this manner, the engagement of the internal pawl onto the serrated strap secures the cinched cable tie in its closed loop configuration around the wire bundle.
In certain applications, it is desirable to retain a group of wires bundled with a fastener such as a cable tie securely against a flat surface. In particular, in the automotive industry, it is often desirable to retain a group of electrical wires bundled with a cable tie securely against an automotive panel in order to (i) route the bundle away from a region of the vehicle where it may be susceptible to damage (e.g., by extreme heat or sharpened objects), and/or (ii) preclude the bundle from moving (i.e., rattling) within the automotive body during operation of the vehicle.
Accordingly, fasteners such as cable ties are commonly provided with an insert, or push mount, fastener that is designed for fitted insertion through an opening in an automotive panel in order to fixedly secure the bundle to the panel. Insert fasteners are commonly constructed in a variety of different configurations.
One well known style of insert fastener is often referred to in the art as an arrowhead-type fastener due to its arrow-like head configuration. Examples of cable ties with arrowhead-type fasteners are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 8,282,047 to J. R. Franks and U.S. Pat. No. 5,333,822 to J. C. Benoit, et al., the disclosures of both patents being incorporated herein by reference.
An arrowhead-type fastener head typically includes a pair of opposing wings, or blades, with the inner end of each blade being fixedly mounted on a support structure, such as a common stem. The free ends of the pair of blades are designed to extend outward in opposing directions and are capable of inward deflection upon receiving a suitable force thereon.
In this manner, a fastener with an arrowhead-type fastener can be secured to a flat surface by simply pushing the fastener head through an opening in the surface. Specifically, referring now to
During the life of a vehicle, it is often necessary to separate a wire bundle, or harness, from an automotive panel (e.g., for maintenance or to access other components). In order to withdraw an arrowhead type fastener from the panel opening and thereby allow for the separation of the wire bundle from the panel, traditional cable ties, such as cable tie 11, require that the operator manually assert an inward compressive force onto the exposed outer surfaces of the deflectable wings of the fastener. While maintaining an inward compressive force on the fastener that is sufficient to disengage the deflectable wings from the panel, the fastener is backed out from the panel opening. Upon completion of the requisite task, the resilient construction of the fastener allows for its reinsertion through the opening in the panel.
However, it is to be understood that the exposed outer surfaces of the deflectable wings of an arrowhead type fastener are often rendered inaccessible to the user. In particular, the user typically has limited access behind an automotive panel as the rear side of the panel is typically enclosed by another portion of the automobile, such as the vehicle body, a layer of fabric or another similar element. Additionally, at least a portion of the cable tie typically covers the opening from the front side of the panel and thereby similarly renders the deflectable wings inaccessible from the front of the panel.
Because the user is provided with no means to access an arrowhead fastener secured to an automotive panel, removal of the fastener from the panel is typically achieved by severing, or otherwise permanently destroying, the fastener. As a result, the user is unable to reuse the fastener which, in turn, renders related aspects of automotive maintenance unnecessarily complicated and expensive.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved fastener that can be used to bundle together two or more items.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a fastener as described above that includes a fastener head that is particularly well suited for fitted insertion through an opening in an automotive panel in order to fixedly secure the fastener to the panel.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a fastener as described above that is designed to enable the fastener head to be easily removed from the automotive panel and reused, as needed.
It is yet still another object of the present invention to provide a fastener as described above that has a limited has a limited number of parts, is simple to use and is inexpensive to manufacture.
Accordingly, as one feature of the present invention, there is provided a fastener comprising (a) a locking head shaped to include an elongated strap accepting channel, the head comprising a locking tang which is disposed to project into the strap accepting channel, (b) a strap having a first end and a second end, the first end being formed onto the head, the strap being dimensioned for insertion into the strap accepting channel so the cable tie forms a closed loop, the strap being adapted to be engaged by the locking tang when the tie is formed into a closed loop, and (c) an insert fastener formed onto at least one of the head and the strap, the insert fastener comprising, (i) a platform shaped to define a transverse opening, (ii) a support member formed onto the platform, and (iii) a first retention wing pivotally coupled to the support member, wherein at least a portion of the first retention wing extends through the transverse opening in the platform.
As another feature of the present invention, there is provided an insert fastener comprising (a) a platform shaped to define a transverse opening, (b) a support member formed onto the platform, and (c) a first retention wing pivotally coupled to the support member, wherein at least a portion of the first retention wing extends through the transverse opening in the platform.
Various other features and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration, an embodiment for practicing the invention. The embodiment will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims.
In the drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like parts:
a)-(c) are a series of fragmentary, side views of a prior art cable tie with an arrowhead fastener, the cable tie being shown at various stages of insertion of its arrowhead fastener through an opening in a panel, the panel being shown in cross-section;
a) is an enlarged, fragmentary, front view of the cable tie shown in
b) is a fragmentary, section view of the cable tie shown in
a) is an enlarged, fragmentary, front view of the cable tie shown in
b) is a fragmentary, section view of the cable tie shown in
Referring now to
Fastener or cable tie 111 is a unitary member that comprises an elongated strap 113, a pawl 115 formed onto one end of elongated strap 113, and an aperture head 117 formed onto the pawl 115. As will be described in detail below, the particular construction of the aperture head 117 facilitates reuse of cable tie 111 and, as such, serves as a principal feature of the present invention.
Preferably, fastener or cable tie 111 or any other type of fastener of the like, is constructed from a durable and inexpensive plastic material, such as nylon, using conventional molding techniques. However, it is to be understood that fastener or cable tie 111 could be manufactured using a wide variety of alternative materials without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
Strap 113 is constructed as an elongated flexible band that has a generally uniform rectangular shape in lateral cross-section along the majority of its length. However, it is to be understood that strap 113 could be constructed in alternative shapes and configurations without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
Strap 113 comprises a first end 119, a second end 121, a substantially flat front surface 123, a bottom surface 125 and a pair of opposing, longitudinally extending side members, or rails, 127-1 and 127-2. As seen most clearly in
As seen most clearly in
As can be seen, first end 119 of strap 113 is integrally formed onto the outer surface of inner end wall 135 and extends generally orthogonally out therefrom. Furthermore, elongated channel 143 is generally rectangular in transverse cross-section and is appropriately dimensioned to fittingly receive a section of strap 113 when fastener 111 is formed into a closed loop.
Locking pawl 115 additionally comprises a locking mechanism 145 that is pivotally coupled to the inner surface of outer end wall 137 along front wall 131. Locking mechanism 145 of pawl 115 is naturally oriented to project into elongated channel 143 and selectively engage strap 113 when inserted into pawl 115, as will be explained further below.
Locking mechanism 145 of pawl 115 is represented herein as a generally block-shaped member that includes a plurality of ratchet-shaped teeth 147 formed towards its free end 149. As can be appreciated, cable tie 111 is designed such that multiple teeth 147 on locking mechanism 145 engage corresponding teeth 129 on strap 113 to maximize the strength of engagement between pawl 115 and strap 113 when formed into a closed loop configuration. However, it is to be understood that alternative styles of pawls, such as relatively flat, planar members, could be utilized in place of pawl 115 without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
Referring now to
Aperture head 117 comprises a substantially flat platform, or base, 151 that is integrally formed onto outer end wall 137 of pawl 115 and extends orthogonally outward therefrom. Platform 151 includes a substantially flat front surface 153, which is recessed slightly beneath front wall 131 of head 115, and a substantially flat rear surface 155, which lies generally flush with rear wall 133 of pawl 115. Platform 151 is additionally shaped to define a generally rectangular, central opening 157 that extends therethrough from front surface 153 to rear surface 155. As will be explained further below, the inclusion of opening 157 facilitates the release of the aperture head 117 from either side of a panel to which it is secured.
Aperture head 117 additionally includes a support member 159, which is formed onto rear surface 155 of platform 151 over opening 157, and a pair of opposing panel retention wings, or blades, 161-1 and 161-2, which are formed onto support member 159 and are capable of pivotal deflection relative thereto. Together, support member 159 and wings 161 are appropriately dimensioned for fitted insertion through a corresponding opening in an automotive panel, with wings 161 engaging the panel to retain fastener 117 securely thereto, as will be explained further below.
As seen most clearly in
Retention wings 161-1 and 161-2 are hingedly coupled to cross-member 165 and extend outwardly in opposing directions. It is to be understood that each wing 161 is capable of pivoting inward upon receiving a suitable inward compressive force. Upon removal of the inward force, each retention wing 161 is constructed to resiliently pivot back outward and return to its original orientation. In this manner, wings 161 are designed to deflect inward to the extent necessary to penetrate through, and subsequently engage, an automotive panel. Thereafter, if fastener 117 is compressed so as to allow for its release from the panel, the resilient construction of wings 161 enables fastener 117 to return to its original configuration and therefore be available for reuse in similar applications.
As seen most clearly in
Wings 161-1 and 161-2 are also shaped to include a series of steps, or ratchets, 169-1 and 169-2, respectively. Each set of steps 169 is formed on the outer surface of its corresponding wing 161 and is designed to engage the portion of an automotive panel that immediately defines the opening through which aperture head 117 is inserted, as will be shown further in detail below. As can be appreciated, the use of multiple steps 169 enables wings 161 to be utilized within panel openings of varying dimensions.
Wings 161-1 and 161-2 are further shaped to include elongated release arms 171-1 and 171-2, respectively. Each release arm 171 is constructed as an elongated, generally rectangular bar that is formed onto the distal end of its corresponding wing 161 and that extends vertically upward therefrom. As seen most clearly in
It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, wings 161 are shown as being laterally offset from one another (i.e., so that the arcuate path through which each wing 161 pivots does not transect the arcuate path of the opposing wing 161). As a result, wings 161 are not only fully accessible for molding purposes in multiple directions but also avoid the risk of interference with each other during routine use.
As seen most clearly in
As referenced briefly above, tie 111 is particularly well-suited for use in bundling together a plurality of parallel wires and, in turn, securing the harnessed bundle to an automotive panel. As a principal feature of the present invention, tie 111 is designed with multiple means for accessing, and selectively releasing, aperture head 117 from an automotive panel to which it is coupled. Once released, the resilient construction of tie 111 allows for its subsequent coupling to the same, or an alternative, panel.
For purposes of illustration only, tie 111 is described herein as being used to secure a plurality of parallel wires to an automotive panel. However, it should be noted that tie 111 is not limited to use in coupling a plurality of parallel wires to an automotive panel. Rather, it is to be understood that tie 111 could be (i) wrapped around (or through openings formed in) other types of items (i.e., other than electrical wires) and, in turn, (ii) secured to other types of flat surfaces (i.e., other than automotive panels) without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
Referring now back to
Second end 121 of strap 113 is then fed through channel 143 through rear wall 133. Due to tapered front surface of locking tang 145, the continued insertion of strap 113 into channel 143 causes pawl 145 to deflect outward and pivot to the extent necessary so that first end 121 can exit channel 143 through front wall 131.
With the fastener such as a cable tie 111 formed into a closed loop around the desired articles, it is to be understood that any withdrawal force applied onto strap 113 causes one or more teeth 147 on pawl 145 to engage one or more corresponding teeth 129 on strap 113. As a result, tie 111 remains securely retained in its closed loop configuration around the designated bundle with a constant and reliable degree of tension.
Referring now to
As head 117 is inserted rearward through opening 203, the portion of panel 201 that immediately defines opening 203 abuts against back surfaces 167-1 and 167-2. The rearward application of force applied to fastener 117 causes panel 201 to deflect retention wings 161 inward to the extent necessary so that wings 161 can at least partially penetrate through opening 203.
Once back surfaces 167 of wings 161 penetrate entirely through panel 201, wings 161 pivot outward, or expand, due to their resilient construction. Ultimately, the outward deflection of wings 161 causes a step 169 on each wing 161 to engage the portion of panel 201 that immediately defines opening 203, as shown, with the appropriate step 161 being based upon the size of opening 203. The continued outward force applied by each wing 161, due to its resilient construction, serves to securably retain fastener 117 coupled to panel 201, with spring tabs 175 applying an additional retentive force onto front surface 205 to stabilize fastener 117 in place within opening 203 in panel 201.
As noted above, a fastener such as a cable tie 111 is specifically designed to allow for the release of the aperture head 117 from either side of automotive panel 201. In other words, if access to one side of panel 201 is restricted, fastener 117 can still be released from the opposite side of panel 201.
For instance, if access to fastener such as cable tie 111 from the front of panel 201 is limited, fastener 117 can be disengaged from the rear of panel 201 by applying an inward compressive force on wings 161 through the manual depression of back surfaces 167-1 and 167-2, as represented by arrows D and D′ respectively. While maintaining the compressive force, fastener 117 can be withdrawn, or extracted, from panel 201 by applying a frontward withdrawal force, as represented by arrow W.
Similarly, if access to fastener 111 from the rear of panel 201 is limited, fastener 117 can be disengaged from the front of panel 201 by applying an inward compressive force on release arms 171-1 and 171-2, as represented by arrows C and C′, respectively. While maintaining the compressive force on release arms 171, fastener 117 can be withdrawn, or extracted, from panel 201 by applying a frontward withdrawal force, as represented by arrow W.
It is to be understood that because ends 173-1 and 173-2 of arms 171-1 and 171-2, respectively, extend through opening 157 in platform 151 beyond front surface 153, arms 171 are accessible for manipulation from the front of panel 201, as shown in
As referenced briefly above, the resilient construction of aperture head 117 allows for its reuse after being manually removed from panel 201. Accordingly, if a wire harness bundled by tie 111 is removed from automotive panel 201 for maintenance or other similar circumstances that require direct access to panel 201, fastener/cable tie 111 can be re-secured to panel 201 upon completion of the required task. By contrast, conventional ties often need to be severed to allow for separation of a wire harness from an automotive panel and, as such, are not similarly reusable.
The embodiment shown above is intended to be merely exemplary and those skilled in the art shall be able to make numerous variations and modifications to it without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.
