DISPLACEMENT LOCK MLT

• US 20060288539A1
• Filed: 05/25/2006
• Published: 12/28/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/26/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Panduit Corporation
• Original Assignee: Panduit Corporation
• Inventors: Caveney, Jack E, Bulanda, John J., Hartman, Scott R.
• Granted Patent: US 7,373,695 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 24/20.R
• CPC Class Codes: B65B 13/027 for applying straps having preformed connecting means, e.g. cable ties
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 63/08 Joints using buckles, wedges, or like locking members attached to the ends of the elements
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/1457 Metal bands
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/1459 Separate connections
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/1467 Swedged sheet metal band connection

Abstract

A metal locking tie formed from a locking head and an elongate strap extending through the locking head. The locking head is defined by a top wall a bottom wall and two sides. The locking head includes a slot that extends through the locking head from an entrance end to an exit end. The bottom wall of the locking head has a tab that extends upwardly toward the slot in the locking head. The strap has a first end, a second end, and an aperture therethrough. When the strap is positioned within the locking head the upwardly extending tab of the locking head engages the aperture in the strap. A metal locking tie tool secures the strap to the locking head by displacing a portion of the strap in the locking head.

Claims

1. A metal locking tie for securing a bundle of objects, the metal locking tie comprising:

a locking head, the locking head defined by a top wall, a bottom wall and sides, the locking head having a slot extending therethrough from an entrance end to an exit end, the bottom wall of the locking head having an aperture and a tab extending upwardly toward the slot in the locking head; and

a strap disposed within the locking head, the strap having a first end, a second end, and an aperture therethrough, wherein the upwardly extending tab engages the aperture in the strap when the strap is positioned in the locking head,

whereby a portion of the strap is displaced to secure the strap in the locking head.

2. The metal locking tie of claim 1, wherein the aperture in the strap is located near the first end of the strap.

3. The metal locking tie of claim 1, wherein the first end of the strap engages the entrance end of the locking head.

4. The metal locking tie of claim 1, wherein the first end of the strap wraps around locking head so that it is positioned adjacent to the bottom wall.

5. The metal locking tie of claim 1, wherein a portion of the strap is curved as the strap is inserted in the locking head.

6. The metal locking tie of claim 1, wherein the locking head further comprises a tab in the top wall, wherein the tab is downwardly displaced to engage the strap thereby displacing a portion of the strap to secure the strap in the locking head.

7. The metal locking tie of claim 1, wherein the displaced portion of the strap extends through the aperture in the strap into the aperture in the bottom wall of the locking head.

8. The metal locking tie of claim 1, wherein the locking head further comprises at least one aperture in the top wall,

whereby when a locking tool secures the strap in the locking head, the tool extends through the aperture in the top wall of the head to displace a portion of the strap thereby securing the strap in the locking head.

9. The metal locking tie of claim 8, wherein the locking head has two apertures in the top wall.

10. The metal locking tie of claim 8, wherein the displaced portion of the strap extends through the aperture in the strap into the aperture in the bottom wall of the locking head.

11. The metal locking head of claim 1, wherein the locking head further comprises a fold over tab for creating a friction resistance with the strap when the strap is inserted in the locking head.

12. The metal locking tie of claim 1, wherein the bottom wall of the locking head is offset from the top wall for enabling a locking tool to cut the strap flush with the locking head.

13. A method of securing a metal locking tie around a bundle of objects, the method comprising:

providing a locking head and a strap, the locking head having an entrance end, an exit end and a slot therethrough, the strap having a first end, a second end and an aperture therethrough;

inserting the first end of the strap in the entrance end of the locking head, through the slot in the locking head and wrapping the strap around a bundle of objects;

reinserting the strap in the entrance end of the locking head and through the slot;

displacing a portion of the strap in the locking head to secure the strap in the locking head; and

cutting the strap flush with the exit end of the locking head.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of inserting the first end of the strap with a portion of the strap curving upwards toward a top wall of the locking head.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the locking head has at least one aperture, the aperture in the strap being aligned with the aperture in the head when positioned in the head,

whereby the displaced portion of the strap extends through the aperture in the strap.

16. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of displacing the strap with a locking punch having at least one shoulder for deforming the locking head thereby closing any gap between the locking head and the strap.