CABLE TIE

[0001] This application claims priority to Tiawan Patent Application No. 113149621 filed on , the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a cable tie, and more particularly relates to a cable tie having a plurality of contraction structures.

[0003] Cable ties are typically used to secure loose articles by fastening structures together. For example, a cable tie may be employed to fasten scattered items such as cables, connectors, pendants, or keys. For users, a cable tie is required to achieve both ease of use and stability. For instance, it is desirable for a cable tie to be tightened or released without the need for additional tools, or be easily cut, bent, or gathered into a bundle.

[0004] One objective of the present invention is to provide a cable tie that is easy to tighten or loosen.

[0005] One objective of the present invention is to provide a cable tie that is easy to cut, bend, or gather into a bundle.

[0006] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a cable tie. The cable tie includes a strap body, a ring structure, a first contraction structure, and a second contraction structure. The ring structure is disposed at a top end of the strap body. The first contraction structure is connected to the ring structure via the strap body. The second contraction structure is connected to the first contraction structure via the strap body. The second contraction structure has an expanded dimension greater than an inner diameter of the ring structure, and has a contracted dimension smaller than the inner diameter.

[0007] In an embodiment, the second contraction structure includes an elliptical ring, and the expanded dimension corresponds to a minor-axis dimension of the elliptical ring.

[0008] In an embodiment, the second contraction structure includes a first arcuate structure and a second arcuate structure, and the expanded dimension corresponds to a distance from a vertex of the first arcuate structure to a vertex of the second arcuate structure.

[0009] In an embodiment, the cable tie further includes a second narrowing structure connected to one end of the second contraction structure, wherein the second narrowing structure has a dimension smaller than that of the strap body.

[0010] In an embodiment, the second narrowing structure has a yield strength smaller than that of the strap body.

[0011] In an embodiment, the first contraction structure includes a first end having a dimension greater than that of the strap body, and a second end having a dimension equal to that of the strap body.

[0012] In an embodiment, the cable tie further includes a first narrowing structure connected to the first end of the first contraction structure, wherein the first narrowing structure has a dimension smaller than that of the strap body.

[0013] In an embodiment, a junction between the strap body and the first end has a hollow structure.

[0014] In an embodiment, the strap body, the ring structure, the first contraction structure, and the second contraction structure are integrally formed.

[0015] In an embodiment, the material of the strap body is selected from plastic, silicone, or a combination thereof.

[0016] In summary, by passing the first contraction structure or the second contraction structure through the ring structure at the top end of the strap body, the cable tie can be tightened to achieve fastening. The first contraction structure or the second contraction structure, which is in close contact with the object to be fastened, may also provide a stabilizing force to the object by the tension generated during contraction.

[0017] On the other hand, since the first contraction structure or the second contraction structure has a structure different from that of the strap body, a narrowing structure may be provided at an end of the first contraction structure or the second contraction structure. The narrowing structure allows the cable tie to be more easily bent or severed. Therefore, the cable tie of the present invention can accomplish various operations without requiring additional instruments or hand tools.

[0027] Any reference herein to elements designated by terms such as “first,” “second,” and the like generally does not limit the number or order of such elements. Rather, these terms are used merely as convenient labels for distinguishing between two or more elements or instances thereof. Accordingly, it should be understood that the terms “first,” “second,” and the like in the claims do not necessarily correspond to the same terms used in the written description. Further, it should be understood that references to first and second elements do not imply that only two elements may be employed, nor that the first element must precede the second element. As used herein, terms such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and “containing” are open-ended terms and therefore mean “including but not limited to”.

[0028] The term “connected” as used herein refers to either a direct or an indirect coupling between two structures. For example, in one instance of indirect connection, one structure may be connected to another structure through an intermediate member.

[0029] In the present invention, the terms “exemplary” and “for example” are intended to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or aspect described as “exemplary” or “for example” should not necessarily be interpreted as being preferred or advantageous over other aspects of the invention. The terms “about” or “approximately,” when used herein with respect to a specified value or characteristic, are intended to indicate within a certain range of the specified value or characteristic (e.g., within 10%).

[0030] In the present invention, the term “expanded dimension” refers to a volume, area, or length of a structure when no external force is applied thereto. The term “contracted dimension” refers to a volume, area, or length of a structure when an external force is applied thereto. It should be noted that the “contracted dimension” does not necessarily refer to the minimum dimension presented after force is applied, but rather refers to a possible dimension when subjected to force.

[0031] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, a cable tie is provided. Referring to FIG. 1, the cable tie 100 includes a strap body 110, a ring structure 120, a first contraction structure 130, and a second contraction structure 140. The ring structure 120 is disposed at a top end of the strap body 110. The first contraction structure 130 is connected to the ring structure 120 via the strap body 110. The second contraction structure 140 is connected to the first contraction structure 130 via the strap body 110.

[0032] The strap body 110 constitutes the primary longitudinal portion of the cable tie 100 and is used to interconnect various structures. Specifically, the ring structure 120, the first contraction structure 130, and the second contraction structure 140 are interconnected through the strap body 110. The present invention is not limited to any specific length of the strap body 110. In an embodiment, the strap body 110 includes a plurality of subsections, including a first subsection 111 between the ring structure 120 and the first contraction structure 130, a second subsection 112 between multiple first contraction structures 130 (if present), a third subsection 113 between the first contraction structure 130 and the second contraction structure 140, and a fourth subsection 114 between multiple second contraction structures 140 (if present). The lengths of the first subsection 111, the second subsection 112, the third subsection 113, and the fourth subsection 114 may be configured as the same or different width or length. In an embodiment, the length of the first subsection 111 is greater than the lengths of the second subsection 112, the third subsection 113, and the fourth subsection 114. In this embodiment, the ring structure 120 and the first contraction structure 130 disposed at the two ends of the first subsection 111 may be engaged with each other, allowing the cable tie 100 to achieve a minimum bundling size (i.e., approximately equal to the ring formed by the length of the first subsection 111). In an embodiment, the material of the strap body 110 may be selected from plastic, silicone, or other moldable materials. Moreover, the strap body 110 is preferably integrally formed with the ring structure 120, the first contraction structure 130, and the second contraction structure 140, enabling the cable tie 100 to be fabricated as a single-piece structure.

[0033] The second contraction structure 140 has an expanded dimension (d2) greater than an inner diameter (d1) of the ring structure 120, and has a contracted dimension smaller than the inner diameter (d1). Referring to FIG. 2, which is a partially enlarged view of the cable tie 100 shown in FIG. 1, the ring structure 120 includes the inner diameter (d1), which is configured to allow the contracted first contraction structure 130 and the second contraction structure 140 to pass therethrough. In other words, the first contraction structure 130 and the second contraction structure 140 may be contracted to their contracted dimensions to pass through the ring structure 120. It should be noted that the ring structure 120 is not limited to a circular shape, and may alternatively be triangular, quadrilateral, or any polygonal shape. Moreover, the outer ring structure 121 and the inner ring structure 122 of the ring structure 120 are not limited to having the same geometry. After the first contraction structure 130 or the second contraction structure 140 has passed through the ring structure 120, it returns to its expanded dimension (d2) and engages with the ring structure 120. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the ring structure 120 blocks the first contraction structure 130 (shown in FIG. 3) or the second contraction structure 140 (shown in FIG. 4). By passing the first contraction structure 130 or the second contraction structure 140 through the ring structure 120 and engaging therewith due to the original expanded dimension being larger than the inner diameter (d1), the cable tie 100 forms a bundled state.

[0034] The first contraction structure 130 is disposed between the ring structure 120 and the second contraction structure 140. The first contraction structure 130 may be a single structure or may be provided in multiples. In one application example, referring to FIG. 5, the first contraction structure 130 that is not engaged with the ring structure 120 will come into pressing contact with an object (OB) after the cable tie 100 forms a bundled state. Once the first contraction structure 130 presses against the object (OB), the tension generated after contraction provides a stabilizing force to the object (OB). Accordingly, the first contraction structure 130 may be used to secure items such as cables or connectors without excessively tightening the cable tie 100, thereby preventing potential damage to the cables or connectors caused by excessive force.

[0035] In an embodiment relating to the configuration of the first contraction structure 130, the first contraction structure 130 includes a first end 131 having a dimension greater than that of the strap body 110, and a second end 132 having a dimension equal to that of the strap body 110. Referring to FIG. 6, because the dimension of the first end 131 is greater than that of the second end 132, the first contraction structure 130 presents a frustoconical shape. The frustoconical first contraction structure 130 may provide directional force to the object (OB) after contraction, causing the object (OB) to slightly move along the taper direction while being fastened, thereby reducing gaps between adjacent objects OB and enhancing bundling tightness. However, the functionality of the first contraction structure 130 is not limited thereto. Preferably, the first end 131 is positioned closer to the ring structure 120 than the second end 132. Therefore, when the first contraction structure 130 passes through the ring structure 120 from the second end 132, obstruction is reduced, and the first end 131 can engage with the ring structure 120. In other words, the expanded dimension (d3) of the first end 131 is preferably greater than the inner diameter (d1) of the ring structure 120.

[0036] In an embodiment of the first contraction structure 130, the junction between the strap body 110 and the first end 131 includes a hollow structure 133. The hollow structure 133 allows the first contraction structure 130 to bend more easily or to contract more easily (i.e., to have a larger difference between expanded and contracted dimensions, or to require less force to contract). When the first contraction structure 130 is compressed (as shown by the compressed first contraction structure 130’ in FIG. 6), the hollow structure 133 provides a compression space, enabling the contracted dimension (d3’) of the first end 131 to be smaller than the inner diameter (d1) of the ring structure 120. It should be noted that the hollow structure 133 is not limited to the elliptical shape illustrated in FIG. 6, and may be any suitable hollow geometry capable of providing clearance for contraction of the first end 131, without relying solely on material elasticity of the cable tie 100.

[0037] In an embodiment, the first contraction structure 130 may be configured to bend more easily. Referring to FIG. 7, the cable tie 100 further includes a first narrowing structure 150 connected to either end of the first contraction structure 130 (i.e., the first end 131 or the second end 132). The first narrowing structure 150 has a dimension smaller than that of the strap body 110. Preferably, the first narrowing structure 150 is disposed at the first end 131 of the first contraction structure 130 to increase bendability between the first contraction structure 130 and the strap body, but the invention is not limited thereto. The first narrowing structure 150 may also serve as a tear line or fold line. In other words, the first contraction structure 130 has a yield strength smaller than that of the strap body 110 (i.e., the stress at which fracture occurs is lower). For example, the narrowing structure may be formed by reducing thickness/width such that its yield strength is smaller the strap body 110. When it is necessary to sever a portion of the strap body, the first narrowing structure 150 reduces the force required for cutting, and may even allow severing without tools.

[0038] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to any particular number of first contraction structures 130. Specifically, the first contraction structure 130 may be provided as one or multiple units in series. The number of first contraction structures 130 may be selected based on the size of the object (OB) to be secured. For example, when the object (OB) is large, more first contraction structures 130 may be used to enhance the bundling effect, but the invention is not limited thereto. Conversely, when the object (OB) is small, the second subsection 112 that interconnects multiple first contraction structures 130 may be shorter to allow closer spacing between first contraction structures 130, thereby providing more bundling size options and finer adjustment increments, although the invention is not limited thereto.

[0039] In an embodiment relating to the configuration of the second contraction structure 140, referring to FIG. 8, the second contraction structure 140 includes an elliptical ring. The expanded dimension (d2) of the second contraction structure 140 corresponds to the minor-axis dimension of the elliptical ring. Referring further to the figure, the second contraction structure 140 includes a first arcuate structure 143 and a second arcuate structure 144, which together form the elliptical ring. The expanded dimension (d2) of the second contraction structure 140 corresponds to the distance between the apex of the first arcuate structure 143 and the apex of the second arcuate structure 144 (i.e., the minor-axis dimension). When the second contraction structure 140 is compressed (as shown by the compressed second contraction structure 140’ in FIG. 8), the first arcuate structure 143 and the second arcuate structure 144 approach each other, thereby reducing the distance between their apexes and converting the expanded dimension (d2) into the contracted dimension (d2’).

[0040] In an embodiment of the second contraction structure 140, referring to FIG. 9, the cable tie 100 further includes a second narrowing structure 160 connected to either end of the second contraction structure 140 (i.e., the first end 141 or the second end 142). The second narrowing structure 160 has a dimension smaller than that of the strap body 110. Preferably, the second narrowing structure 160 is disposed at the second end 142 of the second contraction structure 140 (i.e., the end farther from the ring structure 120). Through the second narrowing structure 160, a tear line or fold line may be provided. In other words, the second narrowing structure 160 has a yield strength smaller than that of the strap body 110. After the second contraction structure 140 passes through and engages with the ring structure 120, excess portions may be severed through the second narrowing structure 160. The second narrowing structure 160 may reduce the force required for cutting and may allow severing without tools.

[0041] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to any particular number of second contraction structures 140. Specifically, the second contraction structure 140 may be provided as one or multiple units in series. For example, multiple second contraction structures 140 may be provided to increase the number of selectable bundling sizes, but the invention is not limited thereto. Conversely, if the required bundling size is known or predetermined, a single second contraction structure 140 may be used to reduce manufacturing or storage costs of the cable tie 100.

[0042] In summary, the first contraction structure 130 or the second contraction structure 140 may engage with the ring structure 120, allowing the cable tie 100 to form various bundling sizes. Meanwhile, the first contraction structure 130 that is not engaged with the ring structure 120 may provide friction or a forward force required during bundling, thereby improving the stability of the object (OB) during tightening. Moreover, the first narrowing structure 150 and the second narrowing structure 160 enable the cable tie 100 to be more easily bent or severed. Therefore, the cable tie 100 of the present invention may achieve various user operations without requiring additional instruments or hand tools.

[0043] The foregoing description of the present invention is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described herein but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed.