US20120180270A1

US20120180270A1 - Fastening system

Info

Publication number: US20120180270A1
Application number: US13/394,456
Authority: US
Inventors: Gilad Marmelstein
Original assignee: Azram Ramat Yohanan Ind Ltd
Current assignee: Azram Ramat Yohanan Ind Ltd
Priority date: 2009-09-07
Filing date: 2010-09-06
Publication date: 2012-07-19
Also published as: EP2475589A1; WO2011039742A1

Abstract

The present invention discloses an improved fastener (10). The fastener comprises: an elongate strap body (100) having a longitudinal axis and a pair of opposed side portions, a top surface (120) between said side portions and a bottom surface (130) between said side portions; a plurality of spaced male protrusions (140) extending from said top surface (120), each protrusion comprising a first face and an opposed second face and a protrusion axis, which is substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said elongate strap body (100); and, at least one slit (150) generally extending between said pair of side portions, substantially parallel to said protrusion axis.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally pertains to a fastening system, more specifically to a fastening system that can be configured to any desired length.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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. In use, the end of the strap without the head is placed through on opening defined in the head to form a loop. The head generally comprises an engaging surface to engage the teeth of the strap in a ratchet-like relation. Thus, pulling on the end of the strap constricts the loop, while expansion of the loop is restricted by the engagement of the teeth within the head.
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.
U.S. Pat. No. 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.
It is therefore a long felt need to develop a fastener as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,337,502 which is able to stand a stretching force higher than 2 kilogram-force.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses an improved fastener. The fastener comprises:

(a) 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.
(b) 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 elongate strap body.
(c) 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. In the FIXED configuration, 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. When the loop is 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.
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.
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. In the FIXED configuration, 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:

(a) Providing an improved fastener. 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.
(b) Forming at least one slit through a selected portion of the top surface of the elongate strap body between adjacent male protrusions extending from the top surface. 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.
(c) Positioning an end portion of the elongate strap body through the slit to form a loop with the elongate strap body.
(d) Constricting the loop by causing a portion of the tongue to slide on the respective first faces of the male protrusions extending from the top surface proximate to the tongue.
(e) Fixing the loop 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 tongue to engage on at least one of the second faces of the protrusions extending from the bottom surface adjacent the tongue.
(f) Bending the tongue thus engaged at an angle between about 70° and about 90° relatively to the top surface.

The plurality of spaced cuts at the bottom surface of the elongate strap allows the steps of bending the tongue, and by that fixing the loop.
The present invention also discloses a method of using an improved fastener. In the step of providing 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. In the step of forming at least one slit through a selected portion of the top surface of the elongate strap, 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) 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.
(b) 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. In the FIXED configuration, 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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In order to better understand the invention and its implementation in a practice, a plurality of embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

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. In this figure illustrated 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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and their previous and following description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.
The following description of the invention is provided as an enabling teaching of the invention in its best, currently known embodiment. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the invention described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present invention can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present invention without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present invention. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present invention and not in limitation thereof.
As used herein, reference to a “surface” includes aspects having two or more such surfaces unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention and the examples included therein and to the Figures and their previous and following description.
Reference is made now to FIG. 1 where illustrated one aspect of the present invention for an improved fastener 10. 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. In addition, 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. In one exemplary aspect, 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.
In one exemplary aspect of the invention, 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.
In another aspect of the invention, 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 FIG. 2) of the elongate strap body 100 is positionable through the slit 150 to form a loop 165 with the elongate strap body 100. Further wherein 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. Moreover, the loop 165 is adapted to be in a FIXED configuration, as presented in FIG. 1. In this Figure, 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 FIG. 1, is achieved by a stretching force F outwardly directed relative to the center of the loop 165, adapted to expand the loop 165. In the FIXED configuration, the loop 165 is adapted to cause a portion of the tongue 154 to engage on the second faces 144 (shown in FIG. 3) of the male protrusions 140 extending from the top surface adjacent the tongue 154, and by that to fixate the loop 165.
As with a common cable tie, the action required to expand the loop is very difficult, while the action to constrict the loop is fairly easy (i.e., the force required to expand the loop is much larger than the force required to constrict the loop). One of the advantages of the present system over a common cable tie is the ability to form the slit or tongue substantially anywhere along the length of the elongate strap body. With conventional cable ties, there is a defined “head” that must be used.
As disclosed above, the improvement of the present invention is in the plurality of spaced cuts 145. In a FIXED configuration, 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 FIG. 1, as γ.
In one aspect, and as illustrated in FIG. 1, 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. In another aspect, 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. In this aspect, 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.
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.
Reference is made now to FIG. 2 where illustrated a side view of the improved fastener 10. 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 FIG. 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.
FIG. 2 illustrates the improvement of the preset invention wherein tongue 153 is the tongue disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,337,502 (prior art) can be bent to at an angle γ of between about 10° and about 30° relatively to the bottom surface 130. In the improved fastener of the present invention, the spaced cuts 145 are adapted to allow the tongue 154 to be bent at an angle γ 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. As seen in FIG. 2, 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 γ 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 U.S. Pat. No. 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 U.S. Pat. No. 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 0.1 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 γ, which improves the fixing mechanism of the fastener 10.
Reference is made now to FIG. 3 where illustrated a side cut away view of a portion of the improved 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 α with the top surface 120. The predetermined first top face angle α can be between about 120° and about 150°. In another aspect, the predetermined first top face angle α 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 α is 125°.
The second face 144 of the male protrusions 140 extending from the top surface 120 creates a predetermined second top face angle β with the top surface 120. The predetermined second top face angle β can be between about 60° and about 120°. In another aspect, the predetermined second top face angle β 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 β would be sufficient. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second top face angle β is 90°.
Reference is made now to FIG. 4 where illustrated a perspective view of the elongate strap body 100 which is illustrated in FIGS. 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.
In a further aspect, 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. In this aspect, 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.
Reference is made now to FIG. 5 where illustrated a cut view of the elongate strap body 100 which is illustrated in FIGS. 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. In addition, 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. In FIG. 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.
Reference is made now to FIG. 6 where illustrated another embodiment of the present invention. In this figure illustrated a side cut away view of a portion of the improved fastener 11 in this specific embodiment. 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 δ with the bottom surface 230. The predetermined first bottom face angle δ can be between about 120° and about 170°. In another aspect, the predetermined first top face angle δ can be about 125°, 130°, 135°, 140°, 145°, 150°, 155°, 160°, 165°, or 170°. However, it is contemplated that a variety of angles for the first top face angle would be sufficient. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first top face angle α is 150°.
The second face 278 of the male protrusions 275 extending from the bottom surface 230 creates a predetermined second bottom face angle ε with the bottom surface 220. The predetermined second bottom face angle ε can be between about 60° and about 120°. In another aspect, the predetermined second bottom face angle ε 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 ε would be sufficient. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second bottom face angle ε is 90°.
Reference is made now to FIG. 7 where illustrated another embodiment of the present invention. In this figure illustrated the fastener 11 of FIG. 6. 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. Moreover, the loop 265 is adapted to be in a FIXED configuration. In this Figure, 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 FIG. 1, is achieved by a stretching force F outwardly directed relative to the center of the loop 265, adapted to expand the loop 265. In the FIXED configuration, the loop 265 is adapted to cause a portion of the tongue 154 to engage on the second faces 144 (shown in FIG. 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 FIG. 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. In the LOOP TEST of this standard, 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 FIG. 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. In one aspect, the manufacturing method comprises extruding a thermoplastic material into the desired shape. By using an extrusion method, 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.
Although 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.
The preceding description of the invention is provided as an enabling teaching of the invention in its best, currently known embodiment. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the invention described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present invention can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present invention without utilizing other features. The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or acts for performing the functions in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed.
Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present invention. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. Thus, the preceding description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present invention and not in limitation thereof. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1-42. (canceled)

43. An improved fastener 10, comprising:

a. an elongate strap body 100 having a longitudinal axis and a pair of opposed side portions 110, a top surface 120 between said side portions 110 and a bottom surface 130 between said side portions 110;

b. a plurality of spaced male protrusions 140 extending from said top surface 120, each protrusion 140 comprising a first face 142 and an opposed second face 144 and a protrusion axis, which is substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said elongate strap body 100; and,

c. at least one slit 150 generally extending between said pair of side portions 110, substantially parallel to said protrusion axis, the location of said slit 150 being customizable and located between adjacent male protrusions 140 extending from said top surface 120, the slit further comprising end segments 156 and 157 extending substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis, such that a tongue 154 is formed in said elongate strap body 100;

wherein an end portion of said elongate strap body 100 is positionable through said slit 150 to form a loop 165 with said elongate strap body 100; further wherein said loop 165 is adapted to be constricted, such that a portion of said tongue 154 is adapted to slide on the respective first faces 142 of said male protrusions 140 extending from said top surface 120 proximate to said tongue 154; further wherein said loop 165 is adapted to be in a FIXED configuration; said FIXED configuration being achieved by a stretching force outwardly directed relative to the center of said loop 165, adapted to expand said loop 165; in said FIXED configuration, said loop 165 is adapted to cause a portion of said tongue 154 to engage on at least one of said second faces 144 of said male protrusions 140 extending from said top surface 120 adjacent the tongue 154, and by that to fixate said loop 165;

wherein the improvement comprises: a plurality of spaced cuts 145 at said bottom surface 130 of said elongate strap body 100 substantially parallel to said protrusion axis; further wherein said loop 165 in said FIXED configuration, said spaced cuts 145 are adapted to allow said tongue 154 to be bent at an angle of between about 70° and about 90° relative to said bottom surface 130, thereby increasing the contact area between at least a portion of a second face of at least one male protrusion extending from said top surface of said tongue and at least a portion of the second face of at least one male protrusion extending from said top surface of said elongate strap body adjacent to said tongue, and by that to improve the fixing mechanism of said fastener.

44. The improved fastener according to claim 43, wherein said side portions adjacent to said slit are adapted to extend longitudinally and deform outwardly away from said top surface as said end portion of said elongate strap body is positioned through said slit such that an end portion of said elongate strap body can be positioned without substantial rotational movement.

45. The improved fastener of claim 43, wherein at least one of side portions on the end portion of said elongate strap body that is positioned through said slit is foldable inwardly toward the longitudinal axis such that said end portion of said elongate strap body can be positioned without substantial rotational movement.

46. The improved fastener of claim 43, wherein expansion of said loop is restricted by engaging at least a portion of a second face of at least one male protrusion extending from said top surface of said tongue with at least a portion of the second face of at least one male protrusion extending from said top surface of said elongate strap body adjacent to said tongue.

47. The improved fastener of claim 43, wherein said first face of said male protrusions extending from said top surface creates a predetermined first top face angle with said top surface.

48. The improved fastener of claim 43, further comprising a pair of elongate grooves extending substantially along said longitudinal length of said elongate strap body between said male protrusions extending from said top surface and each respective side portion, whereby the end segments of said slit formed in said top surface of said elongate strap body are formed in each respective elongate groove.

49. The improved fastener of claim 43, wherein the side portions extend upwardly above said top surface of said elongate strap body.

50. The improved fastener of claim 43, wherein said 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.

51. The improved fastener of claim 50, wherein said slit forming mechanism comprises a knife.

52. The improved fastener of claim 50, wherein said elongate strap body further comprises a plurality of perforations formed through said elongate strap body substantially in a desired area of said slit.

53. The improved fastener of claim 43, wherein said male protrusions extending from said top surface are substantially uniformly spaced over the length of said elongate strap body.

54. The improved fastener of claim 43, wherein said spaced cuts at said bottom surface of said elongate strap are substantially uniformly spaced.

55. The improved fastener of claim 43, wherein the protrusion height of each protrusion is substantially equal over the length of said elongate strap body.

56. The improved fastener of claim 43, wherein said plurality of spaced cuts at said bottom surface of said elongate strap are shaped such that a plurality of spaced male protrusions extending from said bottom surface is formed, each protrusion comprises a first bottom face and an opposed second bottom face.

57. The improved fastener of claim 56, wherein said male protrusions extending from said bottom surface of said elongate strap body are located substantially underneath said male protrusions extending from said top surface of said elongate strap body.

58. The improved fastener of claim 43, wherein said slit is substantially H-shaped, such that said tongue and a second tongue are formed in said elongate strap body.

59. The improved fastener of claim 58, further wherein said loop adapted to be constricted, such that a portion of said second tongue is adapted to slide on the respective first faces of said male protrusions extending from said bottom surface proximate to said second tongue; further wherein in said FIXED configuration, said loop is adapted to cause a portion of said second tongue to engage on at least one of said second faces of said male protrusions extending from said bottom surface adjacent said tongue, and by that to fixate said loop.

60. An improved fixing mechanism within a fastener; said mechanism comprising:

a. 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 said side portions and a bottom surface between said side portions; each protrusion comprising a first face and an opposed second face and a protrusion axis, which is substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said elongate strap body; and,

b. a tongue which is formed by at least one slit generally extending between said pair of side portions, substantially parallel to said protrusion axis; said slit further comprising end segments and extending substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis; the location of said slit being customizable and located between adjacent male protrusions extending from said top surface;

wherein an end portion of said elongate strap body is positionable through said slit to form a loop with said elongate strap body; further wherein said loop is adapted to be constricted, such that a portion of said tongue is adapted to slide on the respective first faces of said male protrusions extending from said top surface proximate to said tongue; further wherein said loop is adapted to be in a FIXED configuration; said FIXED configuration being achieved by a stretching force outwardly directed relative to the center of said loop, adapted to expand said loop; in said FIXED configuration, said loop is adapted to cause a portion of said tongue to engage on at least one of said second faces of said male protrusions extending from said top surface adjacent said tongue, and by that to fixate said loop;

wherein the improvement of said mechanism comprises: a plurality of spaced cuts at said bottom surface of said elongate strap body substantially parallel to said protrusion axis; further wherein said loop in said FIXED configuration, said spaced cuts are adapted to allow said tongue to be bent at an angle of between about 70° and about 90° relatively to said 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 said top surface of said tongue and at least a portion of the second face of at least one male protrusion extending from said top surface of said elongate strap body adjacent to said tongue, and by that to improve said fixing mechanism of said fastener.

61. A method of using an improved fastener, comprising steps of:

a. providing an improved fastener, comprising:

i. an elongate strap body having a longitudinal axis and a pair of opposed side portions, a top surface between said side portions and a bottom surface between said side portions;

ii. a plurality of spaced male protrusions extending from said top surface, each protrusion comprising a first face and an opposed second face and a protrusion axis, which is substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said strap body; and,

iii. a plurality of spaced cuts at said bottom surface of said elongate strap substantially parallel to said protrusion axis;

b. forming at least one slit through a selected portion of said top surface of said elongate strap body between adjacent male protrusions extending from said top surface; said slit generally extending between said pair of side portions, substantially parallel to said protrusion axis; wherein said slit further comprises end segments extending substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis, such that a tongue is formed in said elongate strap body;

c. positioning an end portion of said elongate strap body through said slit to form a loop with said elongate strap body;

d. constricting said loop by causing a portion of said tongue to slide on the respective first faces of said male protrusions extending from said top surface proximate to said tongue;

e. fixing said loop by expanding said loop via a stretching force outwardly directed relative to the center of said loop, and by that causing a portion of said tongue to engage on at least one of said second faces of said protrusions extending from said bottom surface adjacent said tongue; and,

f. bending said tongue thus engaged at an angle between about 70° and about 90° relatively to said bottom surface;

wherein said plurality of spaced cuts at said bottom surface of said elongate strap allows said steps of bending said tongue, and by that fixing said loop.

62. The improved fastener of claim 56, wherein said slit is substantially H-shaped, such that said tongue and a second tongue are formed in said elongate strap body.