SINGLE-HANDED CABLE TIE AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the Canadian Patent Application Number 3271997, filed on Apr. 28, 2025 with the DAS code is 89BF, which in turn claims the benefit of the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/710,712 , titled “SINGLE-HANDED CABLE TIE AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF”, filed on Oct. 23, 2024, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to cable ties in general, and more particularly to, cable ties configured for single-handed use in securing one or more objects.

BACKGROUND

Cable ties, also known as zip ties, tie wraps, ty-wraps, or wire ties, among other names, are versatile fasteners widely used in various industries for bundling, securing, and organizing cables, wires, tubes and other objects (e.g., signs). Cable ties typically include a head with an opening, an elongated member, a locking member, and a plurality of teeth disposed along the elongated member. To bundle objects together, the elongated member is wound around the objects and threaded through the opening of the head, where teeth engage with the locking member, locking the elongated member in position and preventing the elongated member from retracting from the opening in the head. The elongated member is continuously fed through the opening of the head until a secure loop is formed around the objects.

While cable ties have such versatile use across many industries, there remains room for improvement. For instance, cable ties are difficult to operate using only a single hand. Single-handed operation of a cable tie is particularly useful in situations where a user is securing objects together in a tight space permitting only one hand or where the user may be holding onto another object (e.g., a tool, a railing or ladder for user safety or stability, etc.) or the objects to be secured together with one hand while attempting to secure the objects together using the opposite hand. Threading the elongated member through the opening in the head requires precise alignment and control, which is challenging with one hand. The challenge is further heightened where the head is not visible to the user. With typical elongated members narrowing to a point and having a smooth surface, pulling the elongated member through the opening in the head may further pose a challenge. The elongated member is threaded through the opening in the head until a tooth is engaged with the locking member. This step often requires both hands, one to hold the objects being secured in place and one end of the cable tie and the other to align and pull the elongated member through the opening in the head until the tooth engages with the locking member. Attempting this with one hand may lead to failure in securing the cable tie and the need to start the process over again. Once the tooth is engaged with the locking member, the elongated member is tightened to the desired tension. Achieving a secure and even tension is difficult with one hand, especially when the objects being tied are bulky or irregularly shaped.

Attempting to hold the cable tie steady while threading the elongated member through the opening of the head, then pulling the elongated member tight enough, all with one hand, may therefore lead to user frustration and inefficiency. Single-handed use may also increase the risk of injury, such as injuries arising from the user being unable to securely hold onto their ladder or other gripping surface/object when using conventional cable ties that require two hands for aligning and threading the elongated member through the head.

These challenges highlight the need for improved cable ties that allow for easier and more efficient single-handed operation. Innovations in this area could significantly enhance the usability and safety of cable ties in various applications (e.g., industrial, commercial, household, and do-it-yourself applications).

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the techniques described herein in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented below.

Some embodiments provide a cable tie, including: a head within which an opening is disposed; an elongated member fixed to the head; a plurality of teeth fixed to and disposed along at least a portion of a length of the elongated member; and a locking member disposed within and fixed to an inside surface of the head; wherein: a free end of the elongated member is tapered to a point; and the cable tie is configured for single-handed use in securing one or more objects.

Some embodiments include a method of operation of a cable tie, including: wrapping an elongated member of the cable tie around one or more objects; capturing a notch of at least one notch of the elongated member with one or more fingers; moving or squeezing a free end of the elongated member towards an opening in a head of the cable tie until a locking member of the cable tie catches one or more teeth disposed on the elongated member between the at least one notch and a point of the elongated member; pushing, squeezing, or pulling the elongated member through the opening in the head until the locking member catches one or more teeth disposed on the elongated member between the at least one notch and the head; and pushing, squeezing, or pulling the elongated member through the opening in the head until the cable tie is secured around the one or more objects.

Some embodiments include a method of operation of a cable tie, including: wrapping an elongated member of the cable tie around one or more objects; capturing at least one tab of the elongated member; moving or squeezing a free end of the elongated member towards an opening in a head of the cable tie until a locking member of the cable tie catches one or more teeth disposed on the elongated member between a tab of the at least one tab most proximal to a point of the elongated member and the point; pushing, squeezing, or pulling the elongated member through the opening in the head until the locking member catches one or more teeth disposed on the elongated member between the tab of the at least one tab most distal to the point and the head; and pushing, squeezing, or pulling the elongated member through the opening in the head until the cable tie is secured around the one or more objects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.

FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate an example of a cable tie, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 1E and 1F illustrate an example of a cable tie, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a method for operating the cable ties illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1F.

FIGS. 3A-3F illustrate an example of a cable tie, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a method for operating the cable tie illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3F.

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate an example of a cable tie, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate an example of a cable tie, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate an example of a cable tie, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate an example of a cable tie, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 9A-9E illustrate an example of a cable tie, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

The present inventions will now be described in detail with reference to a few embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present inventions. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps and/or structures have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention. Further, it should be emphasized that several inventive techniques are described, and embodiments are not limited to systems implanting all of those techniques, as various manufacturing costs and engineering trade-offs may warrant systems that only afford a subset of the benefits described herein or that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, reference is made to accompanying drawings (where like numbers represent like elements), which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in art to practice the invention, but other embodiments may be utilized, and logical, mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Embodiments provide a cable tie configured for single-handed use in securing one or more objects. In embodiments, the cable tie includes a head within which an opening is disposed, an elongated member fixed to the head, a plurality of teeth fixed to and disposed along at least a portion of a length of the elongated member, and a locking member disposed within and fixed to an inside surface of the head. In some embodiments, a free end of the elongated member is tapered to a point.

A shape of the elongated member and each of the plurality of teeth may vary in different embodiments. Different portions of the elongated member may also resemble different shapes in different embodiments. In some embodiments, a shape of at least a portion of the elongated member and a shape of each of the plurality of teeth resemble a rectangular prism. In other embodiments, a shape of at least a portion of the elongated member resembles a rectangular prism while a shape of each of the plurality of teeth resembles a triangular prism.

An orientation of each of the plurality of teeth in relation to the elongated member may vary in different embodiments. In some embodiments, a longitudinal axis of each the plurality of teeth is oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the elongated member. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of teeth extend from a same surface of the elongated member. In some embodiments, the plurality of teeth are disposed on a top surface of the elongated member, wherein the objects secured by the cable tie are free from contact with the plurality of teeth. In some embodiments, the plurality of teeth are disposed on a bottom surface of the elongated member, wherein the plurality of teeth are directed towards objects secured by the cable tie. This prevents other objects surrounding or passing close to the cable tie from catching on the plurality of teeth. In some embodiments, the plurality of teeth extend from a right and/or left side surface of the elongated member. In some embodiments, a first portion of the plurality of teeth extend from a first surface of the elongated member and a second portion of the plurality of teeth extend from a second surface of the elongated member. For example, the plurality of teeth may include a plurality of triangular saw tooths, a first portion of which extend from a right side surface and a second portion of which extend from a left side surface.

In some embodiments, a surface from which the plurality of teeth extend is recessed between ribbed edges, wherein a top surface of each of the plurality of teeth extending from the recessed surface is flush with or below a top surface of each of the ribbed edges. This prevents objects being secured by the cable tie or objects surrounding or passing close to the cable tie from catching on the plurality of teeth.

A width of each of the plurality of teeth may vary in different embodiments and/or in a same embodiment. For example, the width of each of the plurality of teeth may be equal to or less than the width of the elongated member. In another example, a width of a first portion of the plurality of teeth may be less than a width of a second portion of the plurality of teeth. A density of the plurality of teeth or a spacing between adjacent teeth of the plurality of teeth along a length of different portions of the elongated member may vary in different embodiments and/or a same embodiment. For instance, a density of teeth (e.g., a number of teeth per unit length) disposed along a length of a first portion of the elongated member may differ from a density of teeth disposed along a length of a second portion of the elongated member.

In some embodiments, the elongated member includes a notch disposed proximal to the free end of the elongated member. In some embodiments, a small portion of the plurality of teeth are disposed between the notch and the point, the small portion of the plurality of teeth being spread apart from one another and including only a few teeth (e.g., two to five teeth). The remaining teeth are disposed closer to one another between the notch and the head. The notch is for ease of capture and retainment of the elongated member by a hand of a user. The user may use one or two fingers positioned on at least one side of the notch to capture and retain the elongated member. The hand of the user wraps the elongated member around one or more objects, the hand using the notch to guide and move the free end of the elongated member towards the opening of the head (or to squeeze the elongated member and the opening of the head together). A side of the opening through which the elongated member first enters the head is designed larger than a side of the opening through which the elongated member exits the head for ease of entry of the elongated member into the opening. The locking member catches on one of the few teeth disposed on the elongated member between the notch and the point. The fewer teeth spread further apart allow the free end of the elongated member to easily slide into the opening in the head until catching one of the few teeth. The hand of the user further moves the elongated member through the opening in the head (or further squeezes the elongated member and the opening of the head together) until the locking member catches one of the teeth disposed on elongated member between the notch and the head, securing the elongated member in position and preventing the elongated member from retracting from the opening in the head. The hand of the user continues to push or pull the elongated member through the opening in the head (or squeeze the elongated member and the opening of the head together), the locking member thereby engaging one by one with teeth of the plurality of teeth, until the cable tie is tightly secured around the one or more objects. After the few teeth disposed between the notch and the point as well as the notch pass through the opening in the head, the user may use either of them to grip onto the elongated member to further pull the elongated member through the opening of the head. In some embodiments, the elongated member includes two or more notches for capturing and retaining the elongated member by the hand of the user at different points along its length to help in single-handedly securing the cable tie around the one or more objects.

In some embodiments, the elongated member includes at least one tab (or otherwise wing) disposed proximal to the free end of the elongated member and oriented at an angle (e.g., 45 degrees) to a top or a bottom surface of the elongated member. The at least one tab includes a living hinge at an end of the at least one tab proximal to the free end of the elongated member and is thus rotatable about the living hinge. As the at least one tab passes through the opening in the head, contact with the head causes the at least one tab to rotate or fold towards the top or the bottom surface of the elongated member. After passing through the opening in the head, the at least one tab returns to its original angled orientation. In some embodiments, the elongated member includes two tabs disposed proximal to the free end of the elongated member, a first tab angled upwards relative to a top surface of the elongated member (e.g., +45 degrees) and a second tab angled downwards relative to a bottom surface of the elongated member (e.g., −45 degrees). In embodiments wherein the elongating member includes a plurality of tabs, the tabs may be oriented at a same or different angle relative to the top or the bottom surface of the elongated member.

In some embodiments, a small portion of the plurality of teeth are disposed between the at least one tab and the point, the small portion of the plurality of teeth being spread apart from one another and including only a few teeth (e.g., two to five teeth). The remaining teeth are disposed closer to one another between the at least one tab and the head. The at least one tab is for ease of capture and retainment of the elongated member by the hand of the user. The user may use one or two fingers positioned on the at least one tab to capture and retain the elongated member. The hand of the user wraps the elongated member around one or more objects, the hand using the at least one tab to guide and move the free end of the elongated member towards the opening of the head (or to squeeze the elongated member and the opening of the head together). A side of the opening through which the elongated member first enters the head is designed larger than a side of the opening through which the elongated member exits the head for ease of entry of the elongated member into the opening. The locking member catches on one of the few teeth disposed on the elongated member between the at least one tab and the point. The fewer teeth spread further apart allow the free end of the elongated member to easily slide into the opening in the head until catching one of the few teeth. The hand of the user further moves the elongated member through the opening in the head (or further squeezes the elongated member and the opening of the head together) until the locking member catches one of the teeth disposed on of elongated member between the at least one tab and the head, securing the elongated member in position and preventing the elongated member from retracting from the opening in the head. The hand of the user continues to push or pull the elongated member through the opening in the head (or squeeze the elongated member and the opening of the head together), the locking member thereby engaging one by one with teeth of the plurality of teeth, until the cable tie is tightly secured around the one or more objects. After the few teeth disposed between the at least one tab and the point as well as the at least one tab pass through the opening in the head, the user may use either of them to grip onto the elongated member to further pull the elongated member through the opening of the head. In some embodiments, the elongated member includes multiple tabs for capturing and retaining the elongated member by the hand of the user at different points along its length to help in securing the cable tie around the one or more objects.

In some embodiments, the cable tie is pre-formed into a circular (or curved) shape to assist the user in single-handedly inserting the elongated member into the opening of the head and securing the cable tie around one or more objects. In the pre-formed circular shape, the free end of the elongated member is positioned close to the head to ease alignment of the elongated member and the opening in the head and insertion of the elongated member into the opening of the head.

In some embodiments, the cable tie further includes a releasing member disposed on the head configured to release the locking member, disengaging the locking member from a tooth of the plurality of teeth. Upon disengagement, the elongated member may be retracted from the opening in the head, loosening or releasing the cable tie from one or more objects secured by the cable tie. In some embodiments, releasing the locking member assists in easily feeding the elongated member far enough into the opening to catch the plurality of teeth during installation of the cable tie. In some embodiments, the releasing member includes a depressible lever that is depressed to release the locking member. In some embodiments, the user uses the releasing member to hold the head in position while aligning the point of the elongated member with and pushing the point of the elongated member through the opening in the head (or squeezing the elongated member and the opening of the head together). For instance, in some embodiments, the depressible lever includes a protrusion (e.g., a protruding tip) of which one or more fingers of the user, such as a thumb of the user, may grip or rest while aligning the point of the elongated member with and pushing the point of the elongated member through the opening in the head (or squeezing the elongated member and the opening of the head together). This may help the one or more fingers of the user from slipping during installation of the cable tie. A position of the releasing member on the head may vary in different embodiments. Further, a shape and size of the releasing member may vary in different embodiments.

FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate an example of a cable tie 100 including a head 101 within which an opening 102 is disposed, an elongated member 103 fixed to the head 101, a plurality of teeth 104 disposed along at least a portion of a length of a top surface of the elongated member 103, and a locking member 105 disposed within the head 101 and fixed to an inside surface of the head 101. A free end of the elongated member converges to a point 106. The elongated member includes a notch 107 disposed along a length of the elongated member, proximal to the point 106 of the elongated member 103. A small portion 108 of the plurality of teeth 104 are disposed between the notch 107 and the point 106 and are spread further apart from one another than the remaining teeth 109 disposed closer to one another between the notch 106 and the head 101. In FIGS. 1C and 1D, the cable tie 100 is pre-formed into a circular shape to assist the user in single-handedly inserting the elongated member 103 into the opening 102 of the head 101 and securing the cable tie 100 around the one or more objects.

FIGS. 1E and 1F illustrate an alternative embodiment of the cable tie 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1D. A cable tie 110 includes a head 111 within which an opening 112 is disposed, an elongated member 113 fixed to the head 111, a plurality of teeth 114 disposed along at least a portion of a length of a top surface of the elongated member 113, and a locking member 115 disposed within the head 111 and fixed to an inside surface of the head 111. A free end of the elongated member converges to a point 116. The elongated member includes a notch 117 disposed along a length of the elongated member, proximal to the point 116 of the elongated member 113. A small portion 118 of the plurality of teeth 114 are disposed between the notch 117 and the point 116 and the remaining teeth 119 are disposed between the notch 116 and the head 111.

FIG. 2 illustrates a method of operation of the cable ties illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1F, including: (200) a hand of the user capturing the elongated member using the notch; (201) the hand of the user wrapping the elongated member around one or more objects; (202) the hand of the user moving the free end of the elongated member towards the opening of the head (or squeezing the elongated member and the opening of the head together) until the locking member catches on one of the few teeth disposed along the elongated member between the notch and the point; (203) the hand of the user further pushing or pulling the elongated member through the opening in the head (or squeezing the elongated member and the opening of the head together) until the locking member catches one of the teeth disposed along the length of elongated member between the notch and the head, securing the elongated member in position and preventing the elongated member from retracting from the opening in the head; and (204) the hand of the user continuing to push or pull the elongated member through the opening in the head (or squeeze the elongated member and the opening of the head together) until the cable tie is tightly secured around the one or more objects. After the few teeth disposed along the elongated member between the notch and the point as well as the notch pass through the opening in the head, the user may use either protruding member (i.e., the teeth or the notch) to grip onto the elongated member to further pull the elongated member through the opening of the head.

FIGS. 3A-3F illustrate an example of a cable tie 300 including a head 301 within which an opening is disposed 302, an elongated member 303 fixed to the head 301, a plurality of teeth 304 disposed along at least a portion of a length of a top surface of the elongated member 303, and a locking member 305 disposed within the head 301 and fixed to an inside surface of the head 301. A free end of the elongated member 303 converges to a point 306. The elongated member 303 includes two tabs (or otherwise wings) 307 and 308 disposed proximal to the point 306 of the elongated member 303 and positioned at an angle to a bottom surface and the top surface of the elongated member 303, respectively. Each tab 307 and 308 includes a living hinge 309 at an end of the respective tab 307 and 308 proximal to the point 306 of the elongated member 303 and is thus rotatable about its respective living hinge 309. As the tabs 307 and 308 pass through the opening 302 in the head 301, contact with the head 301 causes the tabs 307 and 308 to rotate or fold towards the bottom surface and the top surface of the elongated member 303, respectively. After each passing through the opening 302 in the head 301, each tab 307 and 308 returns to its respective original angled position. A small portion 310 of the plurality of teeth 304 are disposed between the tab 307 and the point 306 and are spread further apart from one another than the remaining teeth 311 which are disposed closer to one another between the tab 308 and the head 301. In FIGS. 3E and 3F, the cable tie 300 is pre-formed into a circular shape to assist the user in single-handedly inserting the elongated member 303 into the opening 302 of the head 301 and securing the cable tie 300 around the one or more objects.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method of operation of the cable tie illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3F, including: (400) a hand of the user capturing the tabs of the elongated member; (401) the hand of the user wrapping the elongated member around one or more objects; (402) the hand of the user moving or squeezing the free end of the elongated member towards the opening of the head (or squeezing the elongated member and the opening of the head together) until the locking member catches on one of the few teeth disposed along the elongated member between the tab most proximal to the point and the point; (403) the hand of the user further pushing, squeezing, or pulling the elongated member through the opening in the head (or squeezing the elongated member and the opening of the head together) until the locking member catches one of the teeth disposed along the length of elongated member between the tab most distal to the point and the head, securing the elongated member in position and preventing the elongated member from retracting from the opening in the head; and (404) the hand of the user continuing to push or pull the elongated member through the opening in the head (or squeeze the elongated member and the opening of the head together) until the cable tie is secured around the one or more objects. After the few teeth disposed along the elongated member between the tab proximal to the point and the point as well as the tabs pass through the opening in the head, the user may use either of them to grip onto the elongated member to further pull the elongated member through the opening of the head.

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate an alternative embodiment of the cable tie 300 illustrated in FIGS. 3E and 3F. A cable tie 500 includes a head 501 within which an opening is disposed 502, an elongated member 503 fixed to the head 501, a plurality of teeth 504 disposed along at least a portion of a length of a bottom surface of the elongated member 503, and a locking member 505 disposed within the head 501 and fixed to an inside surface of the head 501. A free end of the elongated member 503 converges to a point 506. The elongated member 503 includes two tabs (or otherwise wings) 507 and 508 disposed proximal to the point 506 of the elongated member 503 and positioned at an angle to the bottom surface and a top surface of the elongated member 503, respectively. Each tab 507 and 508 includes a living hinge 509 at an end of the respective tab 507 and 508 proximal to the point 506 of the elongated member 503 and is thus rotatable about its respective living hinge 509. As the tabs 507 and 508 pass through the opening 502 in the head 501, contact with the head 501 causes the tabs 507 and 508 to rotate or fold towards the bottom surface and the top surface of the elongated member 503, respectively. After each passing through the opening 502 in the head 501, each tab 507 and 508 returns to its respective original angled position. A small portion 510 of the plurality of teeth 504 are disposed between the tab 507 and the point 506 and are spread further apart from one another than the remaining teeth 511 which are disposed closer to one another between the tab 508 and the head 501. The cable tie 500 is pre-formed into a circular shape to assist the user in single-handedly inserting the elongated member 503 into the opening 502 of the head 501 and securing the cable tie 500 around one or more objects.

In comparison to FIGS. 3E and 3F, the plurality of teeth 504 are disposed along the bottom surface of the elongated member 503. This prevents objects being secured by the cable tie 500 or objects passing close to the cable tie 500 from catching on the plurality of teeth 503. The cable tie 500 further includes a releasing member 512 configured to release the locking member 505 such that the elongated member 503 can be retracted from the opening 502 in the head 501, loosening or releasing the cable tie 500 from the one or more objects. Releasing the locking member 505 may also assist in easily feeding the elongated member 503 far enough into the opening 502 to catch the plurality of teeth 503 during installation of the cable tie. The releasing member 512 further includes a protrusion (i.e., protruding tip) 513 onto which one or more fingers of the user, such as a thumb, may grip or rest to help with alignment of the elongated member 503 with and insertion of the elongated member 503 into the head 501. Further, the bottom surface from which the plurality of teeth 503 extend is recessed between ribbed edges 514, wherein a top surface of the plurality of teeth 504 extending from the recessed surface is flush with a top surface of the ribbed edges 514. This prevents objects being secured by the cable tie 500 or objects passing close to the cable tie 500 from catching on the plurality of teeth 504. The ribbed edges 514 extend from the head 501 to where tapering 515 of the elongated member 503 to the point 506 begins. As such, a few teeth positioned between where the tapering 515 begins and the point 506 are not bordered by the ribbed edges 514.

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate an alternative embodiment of the cable tie 500 illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5D. A cable tie 600 includes a head 601 within which an opening 602 is disposed, an elongated member 603 fixed to an end of the head 601, a plurality of teeth 604 disposed along at least a portion of a length of a top surface of the elongated member 603, and a locking member 605 disposed within the head 601 and fixed to an inside surface of the head 601. A free end of the elongated member 603 converges to a point 606. The elongated member 603 includes two tabs (or otherwise wings) 607 and 608 disposed proximal to the point 606 of the elongated member 603 and positioned at an angle to a bottom surface and the top surface of the elongated member 603, respectively. Each tab 607 and 608 includes a living hinge 609 at an end of the respective tab 607 and 608 proximal to the point 606 of the elongated member 603 and is thus rotatable about its respective living hinge 609. As the tabs 607 and 608 pass through the opening 602 in the head 601, contact with the head 601 causes the tabs 607 and 608 to rotate or fold towards the bottom surface and the top surface of the elongated member 603, respectively. After each passing through the opening 602 in the head 601, each tab 607 and 608 returns to its respective original angled position. A small portion 610 of the plurality of teeth 604 are disposed between the tab 607 and the point 606 and are spread further apart from one another than the remaining teeth 611 which are disposed closer to one another between the tab 608 and the head 601. The cable tie 600 is pre-formed into a circular shape to assist the user in single-handedly inserting the elongated member 603 into the opening 602 of the head 601 and securing the cable tie 600 around one or more objects.

In comparison to FIGS. 5A-5D, the plurality of teeth 604 are disposed along the top surface, or otherwise an outward facing surface, of the elongated member 603. This allows a user to grip the cable tie 600 during single-handed operation. The cable tie 600 further includes a releasing member 612 configured to release the locking member 605 such that the elongated member 603 can be retracted from the opening 602 in the head 601, loosening or releasing the cable tie 600 from the one or more objects. In comparison to FIGS. 5A-5D, the locking mechanism 605 and the releasing member 612 are disposed an end of the head 601 opposite the end to which the elongated member 603 is fixed. The positioning of the releasing member 612 may vary in embodiments, whereby the releasing member 612 may be positioned on either side of the head 601. The releasing member 612 further includes a protrusion (i.e., protruding tip) 613 onto which one or more fingers of the user, such as a thumb of the user, may grip or rest to help with alignment of the elongated member 603 with and insertion of the elongated member 603 into the head 601. Further, the top surface from which the plurality of teeth 604 extend is recessed between ribbed edges 614, wherein a top surface of the plurality of teeth 604 extending from the recessed surface is flush with a top surface of the ribbed edges 614. This prevents objects being secured by the cable tie 600 or objects passing close to the cable tie 600 from catching on the plurality of teeth 604. The ribbed edges 614 extend from the head 601 to where tapering 615 of the elongated member 603 to the point 606 begins. As such, a few teeth positioned between where the tapering 615 begins and the point 606 are not bordered by the ribbed edges 614.

FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate a similar embodiment of the cable tie 500 illustrated in FIGS. 5A to 5D. A cable tie 700 includes a head 701 within which an opening is disposed 702, an elongated member 703 fixed to the head 701, a plurality of teeth 704 disposed along at least a portion of a length of a bottom surface of the elongated member 703, and a locking member 705 disposed within the head 701 and fixed to an inside surface of the head 701. A free end of the elongated member 703 converges to a point 706. The elongated member 703 includes two tabs (or otherwise wings) 707 and 708 disposed proximal to the point 706 of the elongated member 703 and positioned at an angle to the bottom surface and a top surface of the elongated member 703, respectively. Each tab 707 and 708 includes a living hinge 709 at an end of the respective tab 707 and 708 proximal to the point 706 of the elongated member 703 and is thus rotatable about its respective living hinge 709. As the tabs 707 and 708 pass through the opening 702 in the head 701, contact with the head 701 causes the tabs 707 and 708 to rotate or fold towards the bottom surface and the top surface of the elongated member 703, respectively. After each passing through the opening 702 in the head 701, each tab 707 and 708 returns to its respective original angled position. A small portion 710 of the plurality of teeth 704 are disposed between the tab 707 and the point 706 and are spread further apart from one another than the remaining teeth 711 which are disposed closer to one another between the tab 708 and the head 701. The cable tie 700 is pre-formed into a circular shape to assist the user in single-handedly inserting the elongated member 703 into the opening 702 of the head 701 and securing the cable tie 700 around one or more objects. The plurality of teeth 704 are disposed along the bottom surface, or otherwise an inside facing surface, of the elongated member 703. This prevents objects being secured by the cable tie 700 or objects passing close to the cable tie 700 from catching on the plurality of teeth 703. The cable tie 700 further includes a releasing member 712 configured to release the locking member 705 such that the elongated member 703 can be retracted from the opening 702 in the head 701, loosening or releasing the cable tie 700 from the one or more objects. Releasing the locking member 705 may also assist in easily feeding the elongated member 703 far enough into the opening 702 to catch the plurality of teeth 703 during installation of the cable tie. The releasing member 712 further includes a protrusion (i.e., protruding tip) 713 onto which one or more fingers of the user may grip or rest to help with alignment of the elongated member 703 with and insertion of the elongated member 503 into the head 701. Further, the bottom surface from which the plurality of teeth 703 extend is recessed between ribbed edges 714, wherein a top surface of the plurality of teeth 704 extending from the recessed surface is flush with a top surface of the ribbed edges 714. This prevents objects being secured by the cable tie 700 or objects passing close to the cable tie 700 from catching on the plurality of teeth 704. The ribbed edges 714 extend from the head 701 to where tapering 715 of the elongated member 703 to the point 706 begins.

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate a similar embodiment of the cable tie 500 illustrated in FIGS. 5A to 5D. A cable tie 800 includes a head 801 within which an opening is disposed 802, an elongated member 803 fixed to the head 801, a plurality of teeth 804 disposed along at least a portion of a length of a bottom surface of the elongated member 803, and a locking member 805 disposed within the head 801 and fixed to an inside surface of the head 801. A free end of the elongated member 803 converges to a point 806. The elongated member 803 includes two tabs (or otherwise wings) 807 and 808 disposed proximal to the point 806 of the elongated member 803 and positioned at an angle to the bottom surface and a top surface of the elongated member 803, respectively. Each tab 807 and 808 includes a living hinge 809 at an end of the respective tab 807 and 808 proximal to the point 806 of the elongated member 803 and is thus rotatable about its respective living hinge 809. As the tabs 807 and 808 pass through the opening 802 in the head 801, contact with the head 801 causes the tabs 807 and 808 to rotate or fold towards the bottom surface and the top surface of the elongated member 803, respectively. After each passing through the opening 802 in the head 801, each tab 807 and 808 returns to its respective original angled position. In contrast to FIGS. 5A-5D which include the small portion 510 of the plurality of teeth 504 disposed between the tab 507 and the point 506, there are no teeth between the tab 807 and the point 806 to ease passing the elongated member 803 through the opening 802 in the head 801. The cable tie 800 is pre-formed into a circular shape to assist the user in single-handedly inserting the elongated member 803 into the opening 802 of the head 801 and securing the cable tie 800 around one or more objects. The plurality of teeth 804 are disposed along the bottom surface of the elongated member 803. This prevents objects being secured by the cable tie 800 or objects passing close to the cable tie 800 from catching on the plurality of teeth 803. The cable tie 800 further includes a releasing member 810 configured to release the locking member 805 such that the elongated member 803 can be retracted from the opening 802 in the head 801, loosening or releasing the cable tie 800 from the one or more objects. Releasing the locking member 805 may also assist in easily feeding the elongated member 803 far enough into the opening 802 to catch the plurality of teeth 803 during installation of the cable tie. The releasing member 810 further includes a protrusion (i.e., protruding tip) 811 onto which one or more fingers of the user, a thumb of the user in particular, may grip or rest to help with alignment of the elongated member 803 with and insertion of the elongated member 803 into the head 801. Further, the bottom surface from which the plurality of teeth 803 extend is recessed between ribbed edges 812, wherein a top surface of the plurality of teeth 804 extending from the recessed surface is flush with a top surface of the ribbed edges 812. This prevents objects being secured by the cable tie 800 or objects passing close to the cable tie 800 from catching on the plurality of teeth 804. The ribbed edges 812 extend from the head 801 to a tooth most proximal to the point 806.

FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate a similar embodiment of the cable tie 500 illustrated in FIGS. 5A to 5D. A cable tie 900 includes a head 901 within which an opening is disposed 902, an elongated member 903 fixed to the head 901, a plurality of teeth 904 disposed along at least a portion of a length of a bottom surface of the elongated member 903, and a locking member 805 disposed within the head 901 and fixed to an inside surface of the head 901. A free end of the elongated member 903 converges to a point 906. The elongated member 903 includes two tabs (or otherwise wings) 907 and 908 disposed proximal to the point 906 of the elongated member 903 and positioned at an angle to the bottom surface and a top surface of the elongated member 903, respectively. Each tab 907 and 908 includes a living hinge 909 at an end of the respective tab 907 and 908 proximal to the point 906 of the elongated member 903 and is thus rotatable about its respective living hinge 909. As the tabs 907 and 908 pass through the opening 902 in the head 901, contact with the head 901 causes the tabs 907 and 908 to rotate or fold towards the bottom surface and the top surface of the elongated member 903, respectively. After each passing through the opening 902 in the head 901, each tab 907 and 908 returns to its respective original angled position. In contrast to FIGS. 5A-5D which include the small portion 510 of the plurality of teeth 504 disposed between the tab 507 and the point 506, there are no teeth between the tab 907 and the point 906 to ease passing the elongated member 903 through the opening 902 in the head 901. The cable tie 900 is pre-formed into a circular shape to assist the user in single-handedly inserting the elongated member 903 into the opening 902 of the head 901 and securing the cable tie 900 around one or more objects. The plurality of teeth 904 are disposed along the bottom surface of the elongated member 903. This prevents objects being secured by the cable tie 900 or objects passing close to the cable tie 900 from catching on the plurality of teeth 903. The cable tie 900 further includes a releasing member 910 configured to release the locking member 905 such that the elongated member 903 can be retracted from the opening 902 in the head 901, loosening or releasing the cable tie 900 from the one or more objects. Releasing the locking member 905 may also assist in easily feeding the elongated member 903 far enough into the opening 902 to catch the plurality of teeth 903 during installation of the cable tie. The releasing member 910 further includes a protrusion (i.e., protruding tip) 911 onto which one or more fingers of the user may grip or rest to help with alignment of the elongated member 903 with and insertion of the elongated member 903 into the head 901. Further, the bottom surface from which the plurality of teeth 903 extend is recessed between ribbed edges 912, wherein a top surface of the plurality of teeth 904 extending from the recessed surface is flush with a top surface of the ribbed edges 912. This prevents objects being secured by the cable tie 900 or objects passing close to the cable tie 900 from catching on the plurality of teeth 904. The ribbed edges 912 extend from the head 901 to a tooth most proximal to the point 906.

FIG. 9E illustrates a cross sectional view of an interior design of the head 901 including a recess 913 that functions to provide flexibility to the releasing member 910, reducing the amount of force required to depress on the releasing member 910 to release the locking member 905 from the tooth on which it is caught.

A method of operation of the cable tie illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5D, 6A-6D, 7A-7D, 8A-8D, and 9A-9D is similar to the method of operation depicted in FIG. 4, however, in some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of: the hand of the user gripping the protrusion of the releasing member to help with alignment of the elongated member with and insertion of the elongated member into the head; and the hand of the user actuating the releasing member to release the locking member such that the elongated member can be retracted from the opening in the head to loosen or release the cable tie. The method of operation of the cable tie illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3D, 5A-5D, 6A-6D, and 7A-7D, may further include: the hand of the user gripping the few teeth disposed along the elongated member between the tab proximal to the point and the point and/or the tabs after the few teeth disposed along the elongated member between the tab proximal to the point and the point as well as the tabs pass through the opening in the head to further pull the elongated member through the opening of the head.

One or more elements or steps of different embodiments of methods for operating a cable tie described herein may be reordered, omitted, substituted, or altered without departing from the scope of the invention.

It should be understood that the various embodiments described herein are presented by way of example, and that numerous variations, modifications, or combinations of the described embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In some instances, certain features of one embodiment may be used in combination with features of another embodiment, or multiple embodiments may be integrated together to achieve a desired result. Additionally, certain elements or steps of the described embodiments may be omitted, substituted, or altered depending on the specific implementation or application.

In various embodiments, certain components, methods, or functionalities described herein may be modified or adapted to fit specific use cases or design constraints. These modifications may be made in view of particular user requirements, environmental conditions, or regulatory considerations.

Alternative configurations of the embodiments described herein are also possible. In some cases, a particular feature described with reference to one embodiment may be utilized in other embodiments, even if not explicitly mentioned. Similarly, the order of steps in a process/method or the arrangement of components in a system or apparatus may be altered, provided that the underlying principles of the invention are maintained.

While particular embodiments have been described, it is to be understood that alternative embodiments may be employed in place of the specifically described forms. In some cases, specific components may be replaced with functionally equivalent alternatives, and in others, operational steps may be rearranged or omitted, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.