Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TAMPER-PROOF TIE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to ties and, more particularly, to
ties
which can be formed into a closed loop.
Ties are well known in the art and are widely used in a variety of different
applications.
One tie which is well known and widely used in the art is the cable tie. Cable
ties are widely used in the art for bundling together a plurality of objects,
such as a
group of wires.
One well known cable tie which is commonly used in commerce comprises a
serrated strap which is fitted to an apertured head. In use, the cable tie can
be
formed into,closed loop by inserting the serrated strap through the apertured
head.
With the serrated strap inserted through the apertured head, an intemal pawl,
or
locking tang, disposed within the apertured head Iockably engages the
serrations of
the strap to prevent the strap from being backed out of the apertured head. In
this
manner, the engagement of the intemal pawl onto the serrated strap secures the
cable tie in its closed loop configuration.
Another well known cable tie which is commonly used in commerce comprises
an apertured, or ladder-type, strap which is fitted to a buckle-like head. In
use, the
cable tie can be formed into a closed loop by inserting the ladder-type strap
through
the buckle-like head. With the ladder strap inserted through the buckle head,
a
tongue, or intemal pawl, disposed within the buckle. head lockably engages the
apertures of the strap to prevent the strap from being backed out of the head.
In this
manner, the engagement of the tongue into the apertures of the strap secures
the
cable tie in its closed loop configuration.
In U.S. Patent No. 3,766,608 to Fray there is disclosed a cable tie formed by
a locking head and an attached ladder strap. The head contains a longitudinal
guide '
channel for receiving the strap, after encirclement of items to be bundled,
and an
internal locking tang. The latter is defiecte,d with respect to relatively
narrow auxiliary
channels on opposite sides of the
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guide channel. One of the- auxiliary channels receives the locking tang during
the
bundling of the items; the other auxiliary'channei contains a stop against
which the
locking tang becomes abutted in planar engagement by the reverse thrust of the
harnessed items.
In U.S. Patent No. 4,347,648 to Dekkers there is disclosed a cable tie formed
by a locking head and an attached ladder strap. The head contains a locking
tang
and a guide channel that receives the strap after encirclement of items to be
bundled. The tang engages the rungs of the ladder strap for the adjustable
retention
of the items. The free end of the strap has a light-weight webbed tail that
facilitates
the insertion of the strap into the head. The strap is advantageously molded
of a
stretch reorientable material and is subsequently stretched to produce a
suitable
strengthening and elongation of the webbed tail.
Another tie which is well known and widely used in the art is the fixed-loop
tie.
One well known fixed-iooptie which is commonly used in commerce comprises
a strap, or fastener, which is fitted to a head. In use, the fixed-loop tie
can be formed
into a closed loop by inserting the strap into the head. The head is provided
with an
intemal pawl or flange which lockably engages the strap to prevent the strap
from
being backed out of the head, thereby securing the tie in its closed loop
configuration.
Fixed-loop ties differ from traditional cable ties in that fixed-loop ties are
constructed in such a manner that the tie can oniy be formed into a limited
range of
closed loop sizes. In particular, the strap of a fixed-loop tie is commonly
provided
with an enlarged stop which limits the degree of advancement which the strap
can
be inserted into the head, thereby creating a minimum size ciosed loop into
which the
tie can be formed during use.
Fixed-loop ties are commonly used in a plurality of different appfications.
As an example, flxed-loop ties are commonly used in the art to couple together
two or more objects, fixed-loop ties which are utiiized in this manner being
commonly
identified as merchandise pairing ties in the art. Merchandise pairing ties
are
commonly used in the art to couple together a pair of shoes. In this capacity,
merchandise pairing ties have been found to be not only-a very useful device
in
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displaying the pair of shoes for sale but also an effective device for
preventing the
theft of a single shoe, which is a common transgression.
To use a fixed-loop tie of the type described above to pair together a pair of
shoes, the tail end of the strap is inserted through an eyelet or under the
shoelace
of each shoe. The tail is then inserted through a guide channel formed in the
head
so that the tie forms a closed loop. As the strap Is further drawn forward
through the
guide channel of the head, the closed loop decreases in size. However, it
should be
noted that, increased insertion of the strap through the head will eventually
cause the
'stop formed on the str.ap to abut against the head, thereby preventing
further
insertion of the strap into the head and limiting the size of the closed loop
formed by
the tie. As can be appreciated, because such a merchandise pairang tie has. a
substantially large minimum closed loop size, the: shoes are ensured a
substantial
degree of separation which enables a prospective buyer the opportunity to
comfortably try on and walk around in the shoes,.vvhich is highly desirable.
In U.S. Patent No. 6,105,210 to J.C. Benoit, which issued on August 22, 2000
there is disclosed a merchandise pairing tie for use in pairing together two
objects.
The tie comprises a head having an elongated channel extending therethrough, a
locking tang within the head, and a strap having a length of approximately
63.3 cm.
The strap comprises a first end integrally formed onto the head and a second
end.
A projection is formed on the strap between the first end and the second end.
The
portion of the strap from the projection to the first end is in the form of an
elongated,
flexible filament having a length of approximately 59.5 cm. The elongated
filament
is narrow in thickness, narrow in width and has a generally uniform,
rectangularly-
shaped cross-section. In one embodiment, the portion of the strap from the
projection to the second end is formed in a ladder structure having a
plurality of
rungs. The rungs of the strap are sequentially engaged by the locking tang
when
the strap is inserted into and through the elongated channel to form a closed
loop.
As the strap is further inserted though the elongated channel, the size of the
closed
loop is decreased. The projection
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serves as a stop to limit the minimum size of the closed loop which can be
formed
when the strap is inserted into the head.
As another example, fixed-loop ties are also commonly used in the art to
secure a ticket, or tag, onto an article of clothing. In particular, fixed-
loop ties of this
type are often used to secure a ski ticket, or pass, onto the jacket of a
consumer. As
such, the fixed-loop tie acts as a security device for preventing an
unscrupulous
consumer from removing the ski ticket from his/her jacket in order to enable
another
person to share in the use of the same ticket.
As another example, fixed-loop ties are also commonly used in the art to
secure the cover, or lid, of a box, or other similar container, in a closed
position. In
particular, fixed-loop ties of this type are often used to secure the cover of
a tote box
or other similar container for holding high-cost items, such as
pharmaceuticals,
electronics or food supplies, in a closed position during shipping. As such,
the
closed-loop tie acts as security device for preventing the theft of the items
held within
the container.
As another example, fixed-loop ties are also commonly used in the art as
security seals. Specifically, security seals are commonly used to retain an
item in its
closed position. It should be noted that security seals often include a unique
identifier, such as a bar code or unique identification number. Accordingly,
the
unique identifier allows the owner of the item to determine whether the
primary seal
has been severed and then replaced with a secondary seal which is similar in
appearance to the primary seal. As can be appreciated, security seals are
commonly
used to secure the back door of a truck, this type of security seal being
commonly
referred to as a truck seal in the art.
Although well known and widely used in commerce, cable ties and fixed-loop
ties of the type described above suffer from a notable drawback. Specifically,
it has
been found that ties of the type described above are susceptible to tampering.
In
fact, it has been found that, on occasion, unscrupulous consumers have been
able
to tamper with the locking tang in the head of the tie so as to disengage the
locking
tang from the strap, thereby enabling the consumer to back the strap out from
the
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head and open the closed loop formed by the tie. As can be appreciated, when
such
a tie is used in a security application, such as to secure the lid of a
pharmaceutical
tote box in a closed position during shipping, the ability of an unscrupulous
consumer
to tamper with the tie can result in theft, which is highly undesirable.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved tie.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a tie of the type
comprising a locking head and an attached strap, wherein the tie can be formed
into
a closed loop by inserting the strap into the locking head.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a tie of the type
described above wherein the locking head includes a locking member which, with
the
strap inserted into the locking head, engages the strap to secure the tie in
its closed
loop configuration.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a tie as
described
above which is constructed to prevent tampering of the locking member when the
tie
is formed in its closed loop configuration.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a tie as described
above
which limits the minimum size of the closed loop which can be formed when the
strap
is inserted into the head.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a tie as described
above
which can be constructed from a single molded piece.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a tie as
described
above which is inexpensive to manufacture and easy to use.
Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a
tie comprising a head shaped to include an elongated strap accepting channel,
the
strap accepting channel having a longitudinal axis, a strap entry end and a
strap exit
end, said head comprising a locking member which is disposed to project into
the
strap accepting channel, the locking member comprising a first end and a
second
end, the first and second ends of the locking member being fixed in place
within said
head, and a strap having a first end and a second end, the first end being
formed
onto said head, said strap being sized and shaped to be inserted into the
strap
accepting channel so said tie forms a closed loop, said strap being adapted to
be
engaged by said locking member when said tie is formed into a closed loop.
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In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tie
comprising a head shaped to include an elongated strap accepting channel
therethrough, the strap accepting channel having a longitudinal axis, a strap
entry
end and a strap exit end, and a strap having a first end and a second end, the
first
end being formed onto said head, said strap being sized and shaped to be
inserted
into the strap accepting channel so said tie forms a closed loop, said strap
being
adapted to be engaged by said head when said tie is formed into a closed loop,
said
strap being sized and shaped to substantially enclose the strap entry end and
the
strap exit end of the strap accepting channel when said tie is formed into a
closed
loop.
In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tie
comprising a head shaped to include an elongated strap accepting channel
therethrough, the strap accepting channel having a longitudinal axis, a strap
entry
end, a first strap exit end and a second strap exit end, and a strap having a
first end
and a second end, the first end being formed onto said head, said strap being
sized
and shaped to be inserted into the strap accepting channel so said tie forms a
closed
loop, said strap being adapted to be engaged by said head when said tie is
formed
into a closed loop, said strap being sized and shaped to substantially
enclosed the
strap entry end, the first strap exit end and the second strap exit end when
said tie
is formed into a closed loop.
In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a tie
comprising a head shaped to include an elongated interior channel
therethrough, the
interior channel having a longitudinal axis, a strap entry end and a strap
exit end, said
head comprising a locking tang which is disposed to project into the elongated
interior
channel, the locking tang extending approximately in parallel with the
longitudinal axis
of the strap accepting channel, and a strap having a first end and a second
end, the
first end being formed onto said head, said strap being sized and shaped to be
inserted into the elongated interior channel so said tie forms a closed loop,
said strap
being adapted to be engaged by said head when said tie is formed into a closed
loop,
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said strap being sized and shaped to substantially enclosed the strap entry
end and the
strap exit end of the interior channel when said tie is formed into a closed
loop.
In a broad aspect moreover, the present invention relates to a tie comprising:
(a)
a head shaped to include an elongated strap accepting channel therethrough,
the strap
accepting channel having a longitudinal axis, a strap entry end and a first
strap exit end,
the head comprising a first articulating locking tang which is disposed to
project into the
strap accepting channel1 and (b) a strap having a first end and a second end,
the first end
being formed onto said head, said strap being sized and shaped to be inserted
into the
strap accepting channel so said tie forms a closed loop, said strap including
an anti-
tampering device that is engaged by the first locking tang when said tie is
formed into a
closed loop, the anti-tampering device being sized and shaped to substantially
enclose the
strap entry end and the first strap exit end of the strap accepting channel
when said tie is
formed into a closed loop.
Additional objects, as well as features and advantages, of the present
invention will
be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be
obvious from the
description or may be learned by practice of the invention. In the
description, reference is
made to the accompanying drawings which from a part thereof and in which is
shown by
way of illustration various embodiments for practicing the invention. The
embodiments will
be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to
practice the invention,
and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that
structural
changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The
following
detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and
the scope of the
present invention is best defined by the appended claims.
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said strap being sized and shaped to substantially enclosed the strap entry
end and the
strap exit end of the interior channel when said tie is formed into a closed
loop.
In a broad aspect moreover, the present invention relates to a tie comprising:
(a)
a head shaped to include an elongated strap accepting channel therethrough,
the strap
accepting channel having a longitudinal axis, a strap entry end and a first
strap exit end,
the head comprising a first articulating locking tang which is disposed to
project into the
strap accepting channel1 and (b) a strap having a first end and a second end,
the first end
being formed onto said head, said strap being sized and shaped to be inserted
into the
strap accepting channel so said tie forms a closed loop, said strap including
an anti-
tampering device that is engaged by the first locking tang when said tie is
formed into a
closed loop, the anti-tampering device being sized and shaped to substantially
enclose the
strap entry end and the first strap exit end of the strap accepting channel
when said tie is
formed into a closed loop.
Additional objects, as well as features and advantages, of the present
invention will
be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be
obvious from the
description or may be learned by practice of the invention. In the
description, reference is
made to the accompanying drawings which from a part thereof and in which is
shown by
way of illustration various embodiments for practicing the invention. The
embodiments will
be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to
practice the invention,
and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that
structural
changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The
following
detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and
the scope of the
present invention is best defined by the appended claims.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are hereby incorporated into and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various embodiments of the
present
invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles
of the
invention. In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like
parts:
Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a first embodiment of a tie constructed according
to the teachings of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a front plan view of the tie shown in Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view of the tie shown in Fig. 1;
Fig. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary, top perspective view of the head of the
tie
shown in Fig. 1;
Fig. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary, bottom perspective view of the head of the
tie shown in Fig. 3;
Fig. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary, top plan view of the head of the tie shown
in Fig. 1;
Fig. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary, rear plan view of the head of the tie
shown
in Fig. 2;
Fig. 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary, bottom perspective view of the head of the
tie shown in Fig. 3;
Fig. 9 is an enlarged, perspective, section view, broken away in part, of the
head of the tie shown in Fig. 5, taken along lines 9-9;
Fig. 10 is an enlarged, fragmentary, top perspective view of the tail of the
tie
shown in Fig. 1;
Fig. 11 is an enlarged, fragmentary, bottom perspective view of the tail of
the
tie shown in Fig. 3;
Fig. 12 is an enlarged, fragmentary, section view of the tail of the tie shown
in
Fig. 10, taken along lines 12-12;
Figs.13(a)-(f) represent a series of fragmentary, section views of the tie
shown
in Fig. 1, taken along lines 13-13, as the anti-tampering device is inserted
into the
head;
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Fig. 14 is an enlarged, fragmentary, top perspective view of the tie shown in
Fig. 1, the tie being shown with the tail inserted into the head;
Fig. 15 is an enlarged, fragmentary, bottom perspective view of the tie shown
in Fig. 1, the tie being shown with the tail inserted into the head;
Fig. 16 is a bottom perspective view of a second embodiment of a tie
constructed according to the teachings of the present invention;
Fig. 17 is a top perspective view of the tie shown in Fig. 16;
Fig. 18 is a bottom plan view of the tie shown in Fig. 16;
Fig. 19 is a side plan view of the tie shown in Fig. 16;
Fig. 20 is a top plan view of the tie shown in Fig. 16;
Fig. 21 is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view of the head of the tie
shown in Fig. 16;
Fig. 22 is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective, section view of the head of
the tie shown in Fig. 21, taken along lines 22-22;
Fig. 23 is an enlarged, fragmentary, plan, section view of the head of the tie
shown in Fig. 21, taken along lines 22-22;
Fig. 24 is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view of the anti-tampering
device of the tie shown in Fig. 16;
Fig. 25 is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective, section view of the anti-
tampering device of the tie shown in Fig. 24, taken along lines 25-25;
Fig. 26 is an enlarged, fragmentary, plan, section view of the head of the tie
shown in Fig. 24, taken along lines 25-25;
Figs. 27(a)-(f) represent a series of fragmentary, section views of the tie
shown
in Fig. 17, taken along lines 27-27, as the anti-tampering device is inserted
into the
head;
Fig. 28 is an enlarged, fragmentary, bottom perspective view of the tie shown
in Fig. 16, the tie being shown with the anti-tampering device inserted into
the head;
Fig. 29 is an enlarged, fragmentary, top perspective view of the tie shown in
Fig. 16, the tie being shown with the anti-tampering device inserted into the
head;
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Fig. 30 is a bottom perspective view of a third embodiment of a tie
constructed
according to the teachings of the present invention;
Fig. 31 is a top perspective view of the tie shown in Fig. 30;
Fig. 32 is a bottom plan view of the tie shown in Fig. 30;
Fig. 33 is a side plan view of the tie shown in Fig. 30;
Fig. 34 is a top plan view of the tie shown in Fig. 30;
Fig. 35 is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view of the head of the tie
shown in Fig. 30;
Fig. 36 is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective, section view of the head of
the tie shown in Fig. 35, taken along lines 36-36;
Fig. 37 is an enlarged, fragmentary, plan, section view of the head of the tie
shown in Fig. 36, taken along lines 37-37;
Fig. 38 is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view of the anti-tampering
device of the tie shown in Fig. 30;
Figs. 39(a)-(e) represent a series of fragmentary views of the tie shown in
Fig.
35 as the anti-tampering device is inserted into the head, the head of the tie
being
shown in section taken along lines 36-36;
Fig. 40 is an enlarged, fragmentary, bottom perspective view of the tie shown
in Fig. 30, the tie being shown with the anti-tampering device inserted into
the head;
and
Fig. 41 is an enlarged, fragmentary, top perspective view of the tie shown in
Fig. 30, the tie being shown with the anti-tampering device inserted into the
head.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to Figs. 1-15, there is shown a first embodiment of a tie
constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, the tie being
identified generally as reference numeral 11. As will be described further in
detail
below, the particular construction of tie 11 renders it unsusceptible to
tampering when
formed into a closed loop, which is highly desirable.
Tie 11 is designed principally for use in securely fastening a ski tag onto an
article of clothing, such as a ski jacket. However, it is to be understood
that tie 11 is
not limited to a ski tag fastening application. Rather, it is to be understood
that tie 11
could be used in any application which requires a tie that can be formed into
a fixed-
sized closed loop. As an example, tie 11 could be used to secure the cover of
pharmaceutical tote box or food supply container in a closed position during
shipping
and/or storage. As another example, tie 11 can be used to secure the door of a
truck or a storage room in a closed position. As another example, tie 11 can
be used
to couple together two or more articles of commerce, such as shoes.
Tie 11 comprises a head 13 and an attached strap 15. Preferably, tie 11 is
manufactured of a plastic material, such as nylon, and is formed as a single
piece
through conventional molding techniques. It should be noted that a bar-code,
serial
number, or any othertype of product identification would preferably be printed
directly
onto attached strap 15.
As seen most clearly in Figs. 4-9, head 13 is generally rectangular in shape
and comprises a bottom wall 17, a top wall 19, a first sidewall 21, a second
sidewall
23, an outer end wall 25 and an inner end wall 26. Bottom wall 17, top wall
19, first
sidewall 21, second sidewall 23, outer end wall 25 and inner end wall 26
together
define an inner surface 27 for head 13 and an outer surface 28 for head 13. An
opening 29 is formed into bottom wall 17 of head 13. As seen most clearly in
Figs.
and 8, opening 29 is generally square-shaped in lateral cross-section.
As seen most clearly in Fig. 9, head 13 is shaped to define an elongated,
interior, strap accepting channel 30 and an, elongated, interior blind cavity
31. Both
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strap accepting channel 30 and blind cavity 31 and are in communication with
opening 29.
Strap accepting channel 30 extends longitudinally within head 13. Strap
accepting channel 30 includes a longitudinal axis L, a strap entry end 32 and
a strap
exit end 33. As seen most clearly in Figs. 8 and 9, strap entry end 32 is
generally
oval-shaped in lateral cross-section. Strap entry end 32 is spaced slightly in
from
bottom wall 17 and is in communication with opening 29. As seen most clearly
in
Figs. 4, 6 and 9, strap exit end 33 of strap accepting channel 30 is generally
oval-
shaped in lateral cross-section and is formed in top wall 19. It should be
noted that
strap exit end 33 has a lateral cross-sectional area which is considerably
small in
size, thereby rendering tie 11 less susceptible to tampering, which is highly
desirable.
Blind cavity 31 extends longitudinally within head 13. Blind cavity 31
includes
an open end 34 and a pair of spaced apart, vertical slots 35. As seen most
clearly
in Figs. 5, 8 and 9, open end 34 is generally rectangular in lateral cross-
section.
Open end 34 is spaced slightly in from bottom wall 17 and is in communication
with
opening 29. As seen most clearly in Figs. 4 and 6, each vertical slot 35 is
formed into
top wall 19 and is generally rectangular in lateral cross-section.
Slots 35 are provided in top wall 19 of tie 11 to enable the interior of head
13
to be formed through conventional molding techniques. However, it should be
noted
that each slot 35 has a lateral cross-sectional area which is considerably
small in size
so as to render tie 11 less susceptible to tampering through slots 35, which
is highly
desirable. Specifically, each slot 35 has a width W, which is approximately
0.02
inches. As a result, only a device which has a thickness less than 0.02 inches
could
be inserted through slots 35. As can be appreciated, a device which has a
thickness
less than 0.02 inches would not have the structural integrity and strength
that is
required to tamper with a pawl disposed inside head 13.
Head 13 also comprises a first vertical support member 36 integrally formed
onto inner surface 27 of first sidewall 21, a second vertical support member
37
integrally formed onto inner surface 27 of second sidewall 23, and a
horizontal cross-
member 39 integrally formed, at one end, onto first vertical support member 36
and
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integrally formed, at its other end, onto second vertical support member 37.
In this
manner, cross-member 39 extends horizontally from first sidewall 21 to second
sidewall 23 and is disposed between strap entry end 32 and open end 34, as
seen
in Figs. 8 and 9.
Vertical support members 36 and 37 provide structural integrity, stability and
support for horizontal cross-member 39. However, it is to be understood that
vertical
support members 36 and 37 are not essential components of head 13 and, as a
result, could be removed from head 13 without departing from the spirit of the
present
invention. Specifically, in the absence of vertical support members 36 and 37,
horizontal cross-member 39 could be integrally formed, at one end, directly
onto first
sidewall 21 and integrally formed, at its other end, directly onto second
sidewall 23
without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
Horizontal cross-member 39 is spaced slightly in from opening 29 formed in
bottom wall 17. Horizontal cross-member 39 is rectangular in longitudinal
cross-
section, as seen most clearly in Fig. 9, and comprises an inner surface 41, an
outer
surface 43, a top surface 45 and a bottom surface 47.
Head 13 further comprises a locking member 49 which is disposed between
and defines strap accepting channel 30 and blind cavity 31, as seen most
clearly in
Fig. 9. Locking member 49 projects through head 13 at an angle which is
approximately in parallel with longitudinal axis L, outer end wall 25 and
inner end wall
26.
Locking member 49 includes a first end 51 and a second end 53. As will be
described further in detail below, first end 51 and second end 53 are fixed in
place
within head 13 and are incapable of displacement. By affixing first end 51 and
second end 53 in place within head 13, tie 11 is provided with a plurality of
notable
advantages which will be enumerated in detail below.
First end 51 of locking member 49 is integrally formed onto inner surface 27
of top wall 19. Second end 53 is integrally formed onto inner surface 41 of
horizontal
cross-member 39. As such, first and second ends 51 and 53 are fixedly held in
place
within head 13.
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As seen most clearly in Fig. 9, locking member 49 is shaped to include an
elongated arm 55 which is generally rectangular in longitudinal and lateral
cross-
section. Elongated arm 55 includes a top surface 57 and a bottom surface 59.
Locking member 49 is also shaped to include a ratchet tooth 61 which is
integrally
formed onto top surface 57 of elongated arm 55 so as to protrude towards outer
end
wall 25. Ratchet tooth 61 has an enlarged, rigid construction and includes an
elongated, angled guiding surface, or ramp, 63, a flat, top surface 65 and an
angled
engagement surface, or shelf, 67. As will be described further in detail
below, tooth
61 of locking member 49 is sized and shaped to engage strap 15 so as to secure
tie
11 in a looped configuration.
As seen most clearly in Fig. 8, a recess 69 is formed into bottom surface 59
of elongated arm 55 along the length of locking member 49. Recess 69 has a
lateral
cross-sectional area which is generally rectangular and which gradually
decreases,
or tapers, from first end 51 to second end 53. As can be appreciated, recess
69
serves to significantly reduce the lateral cross-sectional area of elongated
arm 55.
As a result, recess 69 serves to increase the overall flexibility, or
bendability, of
elongated arm 69. As will be described further in detail below, locking member
49
is capable of flexing, or giving, about the approximate midpoint of elongated
arm 55
so as to enable locking member 49 to selectively engage strap 15 when tie 11
is
formed into a closed loop configuration.
As seen most clearly in Figs. 1-3 and 10-12, strap 15 is an elongated flexible
memberwhich is generally uniform and rectangular in lateral cross-section.
However,
it is to be understood that strap 15 could be constructed in alternative sizes
and
shapes without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
Strap 15 comprises a first end 71 and a second end 73. First end 71 is
integrally formed on head 13 so as to render tie 11 a unitary device.
Strap 15 also comprises an anti-tampering device 75 which is integrallyformed
onto second end 73 so as to render strap 15 a unitary device. As will be
described
further in detail below, anti-tampering device 75 can be inserted into head 13
so as
to form tie 11 into a closed loop. Accordingly, it should be noted that anti-
tampering
CA 02457518 2004-02-09
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device 75 serves a plurality of functions. Specifically, anti-tampering device
75 is
adapted to be engaged by locking member 49 when tie 11 is formed into a closed
loop, thereby preventing strap 15 from being backed out of head 13. In
addition, anti-
tampering device 75 is sized and shaped to substantially enclose opening 29
and
strap exit end 33 when tie 11 is formed into a closed loop, thereby rendering
locking
member49 of tie 11 unsusceptible to tampering. Furthermore, anti-tampering
device
75 serves as a mechanism for limiting the minimum size of the closed loop
which can
be formed by tie 11.
Anti-tampering device 75 is an integral piece which comprises an elongated
finger 77 and a projection 79.
Elongated finger 77 extends out from second end 73 of strap 15 in such a
manner so that the longitudinal axis of elongated finger 77 is in parallel
with the
longitudinal axis of the remainder of strap 15. As seen most clearly in Figs.
1-3,
elongated finger 77 has a width and thickness which is slightly greater than
the width
and thickness of the remainder of strap 15. However, it is to be understood
that strap
15 could alternatively be constructed so that elongated finger 77 has a width
and
thickness which is equal to the width and thickness of the remainder of strap
15
without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
Elongated finger 77 is in the form of an elongated, thin member which is
generally rectangular in lateral cross-section. Finger 77 includes a flat top
surface
81, a flat bottom surface 83 and a rounded free end 85.
It should be noted that rounded free end 85 is sized and shaped to
substantially enclose exit end 33 of strap accepting channel 30 when tie 11 is
formed
into a closed loop, as seen most clearly in Fig. 14. As such, an unscrupulous
person
is incapable of tampering with locking member 49 through exit end 33, which is
highly
desirable.
Elongated finger 77 is shaped to define an opening 87 which is sized and
shaped to receive locking member 49 when tie 11 is formed into a closed loop.
Specifically, elongated finger 77 is shaped to include an angled engagement
surface
89 which extends from top surface 81 to bottom surface 83, as seen most
clearly in
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Fig. 12. Elongated finger 77 is also shaped to include a vertical surface 91
which
extends orthogonally down from top surface 81 and an angled abutment surface
93
which extends at an angle from the free end of vertical surface 91 to bottom
surface
83, as seen most clearly in Fig. 12. Elongated finger 77 is further shaped to
include
a pair of sidewalls 95 which are disposed in a spaced apart, parallel
relationship.
Together, engagement surface 89, vertical surface 91, abutment surface 93 and
sidewalls 95 define opening 87, opening 87 having a longitudinal cross-
sectional area
at top surface 81 which is considerably less than its longitudinal cross-
sectional area
at bottom surface 83.
Projection 79 is in the form an enlarged stop which is generally rectangular
in
longitudinal and lateral cross-section. Projection 79 is integrally formed
onto and
projects orthogonally away from bottom surface 83 of finger 77.
It should be noted that anti-tampering device 75 (more particularly, the
portion
of anti-tampering device 75 from top surface 81 of finger 77 to the free end
of
projection 79) is sized and shaped to be fittingly disposed within opening 29
(thereby
enclosing strap entry end 32 of strap accepting channel 30 and open end 34 of
blind
cavity 31) when tie 11 is formed into a closed loop, as seen clearly in Fig.
15. As
such, an unscrupulous person is incapable of tampering with locking member 49
through either strap entry end 32 or open end 34, which is highly desirable.
In use, tie 11 can be formed into a closed loop in the following manner.
Specifically, tie 11 is bent, or configured, in such a manner so that anti-
tampering
device 75 is directed through opening 29 and into strap entry end 32 of strap
accepting channel 30.
Referring now to Fig. 13(a), anti-tampering device 75 is inserted through
opening 29 and into strap entry end 32 of strap accepting channel 30 with
rounded
free end 85 of finger 77 disposed between outer end wall 25 and horizontal
cross=
member 39. Disposed in this manner, tie 11 forms a closed loop.
Referring now to Fig. 13(b), as anti-tampering device 75 is further inserted
into
head 13, rounded free end 85 of finger 77 contacts elongated ramp 63 of
locking
member 49. As can be appreciated, the insertion force of anti-tampering device
75
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causes finger 77 to impart a significant downward force onto elongated ramp 63
of
locking member 49. As a result of the downward force imparted onto elongated
ramp
63, locking member 49 begins to bow, or flex, in a concave manner at its
approximate
midpoint between first end 51 and second end 53 in order to create the
necessary
spacing between locking member 49 and outer end wall 25 so that finger 77 is
capable of penetrating through strap accepting channel 30. It should be noted
that
locking member 49 is able to bow, or flex, in a concave manner due to the
placement
of blind cavity 31.
Referring now to Fig. 13(c), as anti-tampering device 75 is further inserted
into
head 13, finger 77 continues to slide along elongated ramp 63 of locking
member 49
which, in turn, causes locking member 49 to continue to bow, or give, in a
concave
manner about the approximate midpoint between locking member 49 and outer end
wall 25. It should be noted that, because first and second ends 51 and 53 of
locking
member 49 are fixed in place within head 13 and are incapable of displacement,
locking member 49 has a stiffness, or rigidity, which is relatively high in
comparison
to the stiffness of locking tangs in conventional ties. In order to overcome
the
relatively high level of stiffness of locking member 49, locking member 49 is
provided
with a guiding surface 63 which has a long, tapered, ramp-like configuration.
Due to
the particular configuration of guiding surface 63, the user is able to
overcome the
high level of stiffness of locking member 49 in such a manner so as to enable
locking
member49 to bow in a concave manner about its approximate midpoint between
first
end 51 and second end 53 without requiring the user to apply a considerable
insertion force, which is highly desirable.
Referring now to Figs. 13(d) and 13(e), as anti-tampering device 75 is further
inserted into head 13, flat bottom surface 83 of elongated finger 77 continues
to
contact and slide along ramp 63 of locking member 49.
Referring now to Fig. 13(f), further advancement of anti-tampering device 75
eventually causes projection 79 to abut against outer surface 43 of horizontal
cross-
member 39, thereby precluding furtherforward advancement of anti-tampering
device
75. Simultaneously, as projection 79 abuts against outer surface 43 of
horizontal
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cross-member 39, opening 87 in anti-tampering device 75 is positioned directly
above
ratchet tooth 61 of locking member 49. Because bottom surface 83 of elongated
finger 77 no longer imparts a downward force onto ramp 63, locking member 49
resiliently returns to its original configuration, with elongated arm 55
returning to its
initial straight configuration. As elongated arm 55 straightens, ratchet tooth
61 is
urged upward into opening 87, thereby lockably securing anti-tampering device
75
within head 13.
Accordingly, upon the application of a rearward withdrawal force on strap 15,
engagement surface 89 in elongated finger 77 would abut against shelf 67 of
tooth
61 so as to preclude removal of strap 15 from head 13, which is highly
desirable. As
can be appreciated, engagement surface 89 and shelf 67 are both specifically
designed to have matching angular surfaces. The particular angles of
engagement
surface 89 and shelf 67 causes surface 89 to engage finger 77 upon the
application
of a rearward withdrawal force on strap 15, thereby significantly increasing
the
amount of force required to withdraw strap 15 from head 13, which is highly
desirable.
It should be noted that, with anti-tampering device 75 fully inserted into
head
13, strap 15 is sized and shaped so that projection 79 and finger 77 are
fittingly
disposed within opening 29 formed in bottom wall 17, as seen most clearly in
Figs.
13(f) and 15. As a result, projection 79 and finger 77 together serve to
substantially
enclose strap entry end 32 of strap accepting channel 30 and open end 34 of
blind
cavity 31. In addition, because horizontal cross-member 39 is spaced
adequately in
from bottom wall 17, projection 79 is able to fit snugly within opening 29
rather than
align flush against bottom wall 17 of head 13. Accordingly, an unscrupulous
person
is precluded from tampering with locking member 49 through opening 29, which
is
highly desirable.
It should also be noted that, with anti-tampering device 75 fully inserted
into
head 13, the particular size and shape of rounded free end 85 of finger 77
serves to
substantially enclose exit end 33 of strap accepting channel 30, as seen most
clearly
in Figs. 13(f) and 14. Accordingly, an unscrupulous person is precluded from
tampering with locking member 49 through exit end 33, which is highly
desirable.
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It should further be noted that, although anti-tampering device 75 does not
enclose slots 35, the tampering of locking member 49 through slots 35 is
considerably difficult. Specifically, as noted above, only a tampering device
which has
a thickness less than 0.02 inches couid be inserted through slots 35. As can
be
appreciated, a device which has a thickness less than 0.02 inches would not
have the
structural integrity and strength that is required to tamper with locking
member 49.
Because both first end 51 and second end 53 are fixed in place within head
13 and are incapable of displacement, locking member 49 provides tie 11 with a
number of significant advantages over conventional ties which comprise a
locking
tang which is fixed in place at only one end.
As a first advantage, because both first end 51 and second end 53 are fixed
in place within head 13 and are incapable of displacement, locking member49 is
only
capable of flexion, or bending, at the approximate midpoint between first end
51 and
second end 53. This is significant in that the area of flexion for locking
member 49
is spaced adequately in from both strap entry end 32 and strap exit end 33 and
is
therefore less accessible for tampering, which is highly desirable.
As a second advantage, because both first end 51 and second end 53 are
fixed in place within head 13 and are incapable of displacement, locking
member 49
has a stiffness, or rigidity, which is considerably greater than the stiffness
of locking
tangs of conventional ties. Due to its relatively high level of stiffness,
locking member
49 would require a greater tampering force to disengage ratchet tooth 61 from
opening 87 in finger 77, thereby rendering tie 11 less susceptible to
tampering than
prior art ties, which is highly desirable.
As a third advantage, because both first end 51 and second end 53 are fixed
in place within head 13 and are incapable of displacement, tie 11 is able to
withstand
a considerably greater withdrawal force than conventional ties, thereby
rendering tie
11 more secure than conventional ties, which is highly desirable.
As a fourth advantage, because both first end 51 and second end 53 are fixed
in place within head 13 and are incapable of displacement, head 13 of tie 11
is
capable of being constructed in such a manner so that strap entry end 32 and
strap
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exit end 33 of strap accepting channel 30 are greatly reduced in size, thereby
rendering tie 11 less susceptible to tampering, which is highly desirable.
Referring now to Figs. 16-20, there is provided a second embodiment of a tie
constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, the tie being
identified generally as reference numeral 111. As will be described further in
detail
below, the particular construction of tie 111 renders it unsusceptible to
tampering
when formed into a closed loop, which is highly desirable.
It should be noted that tie 111 can be used in any application in which
necessitates a tie that can be formed into a fixed-sized closed loop. As an
example,
tie 111 can be used in high strength applications to secure the cover of
pharmaceutical tote box orfood supply container in its closed position during
shipping
and/or storage. As another example, tie 111 can be used in high strength
applications to secure the door of a truck or storage room in its closed
position. As
another example, tie 111 can be used to securely fasten a ski tag onto an
article of
clothing, such as a ski jacket. As another example, tie 111 can be used to
couple
together two or more articles of commerce, such as shoes.
Tie 111 comprises a head 113 and an attached strap 115. Preferably, tie 111
is formed as a single piece using conventional molding techniques.
Referring now to Figs. 21-23, head 113 is generally rectangular in shape and
comprises a bottom wall 117, a top wall 119, a first sidewall 121, a second
sidewall
123, an outer end wall 125 and an inner end wall 126. Bottom wall 117, top
wall 119,
first sidewall 121, second sidewall 123, outer end wall 125 and inner end wall
126
together define an inner surface 127 for head 113, an outer surface 128 for
head 113
and an elongated, interior, strap accepting channel 129.
Strap accepting channel 129 extends longitudinally through head 113 from
bottom wall 117 to top wall 119. Strap accepting channel 129 includes a
longitudinal
axis 130, a strap entry end 131 formed in bottom wall 117 and a strap exit end
133
formed in top wall 119. It should be noted that strap exit end 133 is
considerably
small in size, thereby rendering tie 111 less susceptible to pawl tampering,
which is
highly desirable.
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Head 113 also comprises a locking tang 135 which is integrally formed onto
inner surface 127 of top wall 119. Locking tang 135 projects into interior
channel 129
approximately parallel with longitudinal axis 130, outer end wall 125 and
inner end
wall 126. Preferably, locking tang 135 is of the deflectable type which is
capable of
articulation. However, it is to be understood that locking tang 135 could
alternatively
be of the stationary type which is incapable of articulation without departing
from the
spirit of the present invention.
Locking tang 135 is in the form of an elongated arm which includes a first end
137 and a second end 139. First end 137 of locking tang 135 is integrally
formed
onto inner surface 127 of top wall 119. Second end 139 of locking tang 135 is
in the
form of an enlarged head which includes a beveled surface 141, a flat abutment
surface 143 and an engagement shelf 145, engagement shelf 145 being directed
towards inner end wall 126. As will be described further in detail below,
second end
139 of locking tang 135 is sized and shaped to engage strap 115 so as to
secure tie
111 in a looped configuration.
As shown in Figs. 16-20, strap 115 is an elongated flexible member which is
generally uniform and rectangular in lateral cross-section. However, it is to
be
understood that strap 115 could be constructed in alternative sizes and shapes
without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
Strap 115 comprises a first end 147 and a second end 149. First end 147 is
integrally formed on head 113 so as to render tie 111 a unitary device.
Referring now to Figs. 24-26, strap 115 also comprises an anti-tampering
device 151 which is integrally formed onto second end 149 of strap 115. As
will be
described further in detail below, anti-tampering device 151 can be inserted
into head
113 so as to form tie 111 into a closed loop. Accordingly, it should be noted
that anti-
tampering device 151 serves a plurality of functions. Specifically, anti-
tampering
device 151 is adapted to be engaged by locking tang 135 when tie 111 is formed
into
a closed loop, thereby preventing strap 115 from being backed out of head 113.
In
addition, anti-tampering device 151 is sized and shaped to substantially
enclose entry
end 131 and exit end 133 of strap accepting channel 129 when tie 111 is formed
into
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a closed loop, thereby rendering locking tang 135 of tie 111 unsusceptible to
tampering. Furthermore, anti-tampering device 151 serves as a mechanism for
limiting the minimum size of the closed loop which can be formed by tie 111.
Anti-tampering device 151 comprises a plug 153, a finger 155, and a pair of
sidewalls 157 which are integrally formed onto plug 153 and finger 155 so as
to
render anti-tampering device 151 a unitary piece.
Plug 153 is an enlarged member which is integrally formed onto second end
149 of strap 115. Plug 153 comprises an angled top surface 159, an angled
bottom
surface 161, and an inner surface 163 which is shaped to include a beveled
surface
165.
It should be noted that plug 153 is sized and shaped to substantially enclose
entry end 131 of strap accepting channel 129 when tie 111 is formed into a
closed
loop, as will be described further below. As such, an unscrupulous person is
incapable of tampering with locking tang 135 through entry end 131, which is
highly
desirable.
A plurality of finger gripping steps, or serrations,167 are integrally formed
onto
top surface 159 and bottom surface 161. As can be appreciated, the generally
trapezoidal shape of plug 13 in longitudinal cross-section as well as the
inclusion of
finger gripping steps 167 enables an operator to easily grasp anti-tampering
device
151 and insert anti-tampering device 151 into head 113, which is highly
desirable.
It should be noted that plug 153 is not limited to having an enlarged,
generally
trapezoidal shape. Rather, it is to be understood that plug 153 could be
formed into
any shape which substantially encloses entry end 131 of strap accepting
channel 129
when tie 111 is formed into its looped configuration without departing from
the spirit
of the present invention. For example, plug 153 may have a rectangular shape
in
longitudinal cross-section without departing from the spirit of the present
invention.
Finger 155 is in the form of an elongated, thin member which is generally
rectangular in lateral cross-section. Finger 155 includes a flat top surface
169, a flat
bottom surface 171, a first end 173 which is in the form of a projection
having a
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beveled surface 174 and a second end 175 which is in the form of an angled, or
beveled, edge.
It should be noted that first end 173 is in the form of a projection which is
sized
and shaped to substantially enclose exit end 133 of strap accepting channel
129
when tie 111 is formed into a closed loop, as will be described further below.
As
such, an unscrupulous person is incapable of tampering with locking tang 135
through exit end 133, which is highly desirable.
Sidewalls 157 are disposed in a spaced apart, parallel relationship and are
integrally formed onto plug 153 and finger 155. It should be noted that plug
153 and
finger 155 are spaced slightly apart so as to define an opening 177
therebetween.
In use, tie 111 can be formed into a closed loop in the following manner.
Specifically, grasping top surface 159 and bottom surface 161 of plug 153, the
user
bends tie 111 in such a manner that anti-tampering device 151 is directed into
strap
entry end 131 of strap accepting channel 129.
Referring now to Fig. 27(a), anti-tampering device 151 is aligned for
insertion
into strap entry end 131 of strap accepting channel 129 with first end 173 of
finger
155 directed into strap accepting channel 129. Referring now to Fig. 27(b), as
anti-
tampering device 151 is inserted into head 113, tie 111 forms a closed loop.
In
particular, as anti-tampering device 151 is inserted into head 113, beveled
surface
174 of finger 155 contacts beveled surface 141 of locking tang 135.
Referring now to Fig. 27(c) the taper of beveled surface 174 and the taper of
beveled surface 141 causes locking tang 135 to pivot upward and ride along
finger
155 as strap 115 is advanced in the forward direction into interior channel
129.
Continued advancement of anti-tampering device 151 in the forward direction
into
head 113 causes flat abutment surface 143 of locking tang 135 to contact and
slide
along flat top surface 169 of finger 155, as shown in Figs. 27(d) and 27(e).
Referring now to Fig. 27(f), further advancement of anti-tampering device 151
eventually causes front surface 158 of sidewalls 157 to abut against inner
surface
127 of top wall 119, thereby precluding further forward advancement of anti-
tampering device 151. Simultaneously, as anti-tampering device 151 is advanced
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forward, locking tang 135 travels along the entire length of flat top surface
169 and
eventually resiliently pivots back down into opening 177 between second end
175 of
finger 155 and inner surface 163 of plug 153, thereby lockably securing anti-
tampering device 151 within head 113. Accordingly, upon the application of a
rearward withdrawal force on strap 115, the beveled edge of second end 175
would
abut against engagement sheif 145 and actually pull locking tang 135 downward,
thereby locking anti-tampering device 151 within strap accepting channel 129
so as
to preclude removal of strap 115 from head 113, which is highly desirable.
It should be noted that, with anti-tampering device 151 fully inserted into
head
113, the particular size and shape of plug 153 serves to substantially enclose
entry
end 131 of strap accepting channel 129, as shown in Fig. 28. Accordingly, an
unscrupulous person is precluded from tampering with locking tang 135 through
entry
end 131, which is highly desirable.
It should also be noted that, with anti-tampering device 151 fully inserted
into
head 113, the particular size and shape of first end 173 of finger 155 serves
to
substantially enclose exit end 133 of strap accepting channel 129, as shown in
Fig.
29. Accordingly, an unscrupulous person is precluded from tampering with
locking
tang 135 through exit end 133, which is highly desirable.
It should be further noted that, with anti-tampering device 151 fully inserted
into head 113, first end 173 of finger 155 is disposed flush against, or
slightly in from,
outer surface 128 of top wall 119, which is highly desirable. Specifically, it
has been
found to be desirable to retain first end 173 of finger 155 within head 113 to
prevent
the inadvertent catching or scraping of strap 115 against an item.
Referring now to Figs. 30-34, there is provided a third embodiment of a tie
constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, the tie being
identified generally by reference numeral 211. As will be described further in
detail
below, the particular construction of tie 211 renders it unsusceptible to
tampering
when formed into a closed loop, which is highly desirable.
It should be noted that tie 211 can be used in any application in which
necessitates a tie that can be formed into a fixed-sized closed loop. As an
example,
CA 02457518 2004-02-09
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tie 211 can be used in high strength applications to secure the cover of
pharmaceutical tote box or food supply container in its closed position during
shipping
and/or storage. As another example, tie 211 can be used in high strength
applications to secure the door of a truck or storage room in its closed
position. As
another example, tie 211 can be used to securely fasten a ski tag onto an
article of
clothing, such as a ski jacket. As another example, tie 211 can be used to
couple
together two or more articles of commerce, such as shoes.
Tie 211 comprises a head 213 and an attached strap 215. Preferably, tie 211
is formed as a single piece using conventional molding techniques.
Referring now to Figs. 35-37, head 213 is generally rectangular in shape and
comprises a bottom wall 217, a top wall 219, a first sidewall 221, a second
sidewall
223, an outer end wall 225 and an inner end wall 226. Bottom wall 217, top
wall 219,
first sidewall 221, second sidewall 223, outer end wall 225 and inner end wall
226
together define an inner surface 227 for head 213, an outer surface 228 for
head 213
and an elongated, interior, strap accepting channel 229.
Strap accepting channel 229 extends longitudinally through head 213 from
bottom wall 217 to top wall 219. Strap accepting channel 229 includes a
longitudinal
axis 230, a strap entry end 231 formed in bottom wall 217 and a pair of spaced
apart,
rectangular, strap exit ends 233-1 and 233-2 formed in top wall 219. It should
be
noted that each strap exit end 233 is considerably small in size, thereby
rendering tie
211 less susceptible to pawl tampering, which is highly desirable.
Head 213 also comprises a pair of locking tangs 235-1 and 235-1 which are
integrally formed onto inner surface 227 of top wall 219. Locking tangs 235
project
into interior channel 229 approximately parallel with longitudinal axis 230,
first
sidewall 221 and second sidewall 223.
Preferably, locking tangs 235 are of the deflectable type which are capable of
articulation. Specifically, locking tangs 235 are preferably capable of inward
flexion
towards one another upon the application of a compressive force. Upon the
removal
of the compressive force, locking tangs 235 are constructed to resiliently
pivot back
outward to their original orientation. Although locking tangs 235 are
preferably of the
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deflectable type, it is to be understood that locking tangs 235 could
alternatively be
of the stationary type which are incapable of articulation without departing
from the
spirit of the present invention.
Each locking tang 235 is in the form of an elongated arm which includes a
first
end 237 and a second end 239. First end 237 of each locking tang 235 is
integrally
formed onto inner surface 227 of top wall 219. Second end 239 of each locking
tang
235 is in the form of an enlarged head which includes a beveled surface 241, a
flat
abutment surface 243 and an engagement shelf 245, engagement shelf 245-1 of
locking tang 235-1 extending towards second sidewall 223 and engagement shelf
245-2 of locking tang 235-2 extending towards first sidewall 221. As will be
described
further in detail below, second end 239 of locking tangs 235 are sized and
shaped
to engage strap 215 so as to secure tie 211 in a closed loop configuration.
As shown in Figs. 30-34, strap 215 is an elongated flexible member which is
generally uniform and rectangular in lateral cross-section. However, it is to
be
understood that strap 215 could be constructed in alternative sizes and shapes
without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
Strap 215 comprises a first end 247 and a second end 249. First end 247 is
integrally formed onto head 213 so as to render tie 211 a unitary device.
Referring now to Fig. 36, strap 215 also comprises an anti-tampering device
251 which is integrally formed onto second end 249 of strap 215. As will be
described further in detail below, anti-tampering device 251 can be inserted
into head
213 so as to form tie 211 into a closed loop. Accordingly, it should be noted
that anti-
tampering device 251 serves a plurality of functions. Specifically, anti-
tampering
device 251 is adapted to be engaged by locking tangs 235 when tie 211 is
formed
into a closed loop, thereby preventing strap 215 from being backed out of head
213.
In addition, anti-tampering device 251 is sized and shaped to substantially
enclose
entry end 231 and exit ends 233 of strap accepting channel 229 when tie 211 is
formed into a closed loop, thereby rendering locking tangs 235 of tie 211
unsusceptible to tampering. Furthermore, anti-tampering device 251 serves as a
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mechanism for limiting the minimum size of the closed loop which can be formed
by
tie 211.
Anti-tampering device 251 comprises a plug 253 and a pair of fingers 255-1
and 255-2 which are integrally formed onto plug 253 so as to render anti-
tampering
device 251 a unitary piece.
Plug 253 is an enlarged member which is integrally formed onto second end
249 of strap 215. Plug 253 comprises an angled top surface 259, an angled
bottom
surface 261, and a multi-sided inner surface 263.
It should be noted that plug 253 is sized and shaped to substantially enclose
entry end 231 of strap accepting channel 229 when tie 211 is formed into a
closed
loop, as will be described further below. As such, an unscrupulous person is
incapable of tampering with locking tangs 235 through entry end 231, which is
highly
desirable.
A plurality of finger gripping steps, or serrations, 267 are integrally formed
onto
top surface 259 and bottom surface 261. As can be appreciated, the generally
trapezoidal shape of plug 253 in longitudinal cross-section as well as the
inclusion of
finger gripping steps 267 enables an operatorto easily grasp plug 253 and
insert anti-
tampering device 251 into head 213, which is highly desirable.
It should be noted that plug 253 is not limited to having an enlarged,
generally
trapezoidal shape. Rather, it is to be understood that plug 253 could be
formed into
any shape which substantially encloses entry end 231 of strap accepting
channel 229
when tie 211 is formed into its looped configuration without departing from
the spirit
of the present invention. For example, plug 253 may have a rectangular shape
in
longitudinal cross-section without departing from the spirit of the present
invention.
Fingers 255-1 and 255-2 extend from plug 253 in a spaced apart, parallel
configuration and are preferably constructed to be rigid and incapable of
flexion.
Each finger 255 is the form of an elongated, thin member which is generally
rectangular in lateral cross-section. Each finger 255 includes a flat contact
surface
269, a first end 271 which is in the form of a projection having a flat
abutment surface
273 and a second end 275 which is in the form of an undercut.
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It should be noted that first end 271-1 of finger 255-1 is in the form of a
generally rectangular projection which is sized and shaped to substantially
enclose
exit end 233-1 of strap accepting channel 229 when tie 211 is formed into a
closed
loop. Similarly, it shouid be noted that first end 271-2 of finger 255-2 is in
the form
of a generally rectangular projection which is sized and shaped to
substantially
enclose exit end 233-2 of strap accepting channel 229 when tie 211 is formed
into a
closed loop, as will be described further below. As such, an unscrupulous
person is
incapable of tampering with locking tangs 235 through exit ends 233, which is
highly
desirable.
In use, tie 211 can be formed into a closed loop in the following manner.
Specifically, grasping top surface 259 and bottom surface 261 of plug 253, the
user
bends tie 211 in such a manner that anti-tampering device 251 is directed into
strap
entry end 231 of strap accepting channel 229.
Referring now to Fig. 39(a), anti-tampering device 251 is aligned for
insertion
into strap entry end 231 of strap accepting channel 229 with first end 271-1
of finger
255-1 in alignment with beveled surface 241-1 of locking tang 235-1 and with
first end
271-2 of finger 255-2 in alignment with beveled surface 241-2 of locking tang
235-2.
Referring now to Fig. 39(b), as anti-tampering device 251 is inserted into
head 213,
tie 211 forms a closed loop. In particular, as anti-tampering device 251 is
inserted
into head 213, first end 271-1 of finger 255-1 contacts beveled surface 241-1
of
locking tang 235-1 and first end 271-2 of finger 255-2 contacts beveled
surface 241-2
of locking tang 235-1.
Referring now to Fig. 39(c), as strap 215 is advanced in the forward direction
into interior channel 229, first end 271-1 of finger 255-1 slides along
locking tang 235-
1 and contacts flat abutment surface 243-1. Simultaneously, first end 271-2 of
finger
255-2 slides along locking tang 235-2 and contacts flat abutment surface 243-
2. In
this manner, fixed fingers 255-1 and 255-2 act to inwardly compress locking
tangs
235-1 and 235-2, respectively.
Referring now to Fig. 39(d), continued advancement of anti-tampering device
251 in the forward direction into head 213 causes flat contact surface 269-1
of finger
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255-1 to slide against flat abutment surface 243-1 of locking tang 235-1.
Simultaneously, flat contact surface 269-2 of finger 255-2 slides against flat
abutment
surface 243-2 of locking tang 235-2, fingers 255 continuing to inwardly
compress
locking tangs 235.
Referring now to Fig. 39(e), further forward advancement of anti-tampering
device 251 eventually causes fingers 255 to abut against inner surface 227 of
top
wall 219, thereby precluding further forward advancement of anti-tampering
device
251. Simultaneously, as anti-tampering device 251 is advanced forward, each
locking tang 235 travels along the entire length of its associated flat
contact surface
269. At this point, locking tangs 235 resiliently outwardly displace into
their original
position, thereby lockably securing anti-tampering device 251 within head 213.
Accordingly, upon the application of a rearward withdrawal force on strap 215,
second end 275-1 of finger 255-1 would latch against engagement shelf 245-1
and
second end 275-2 of finger 255-2 would latch against engagement shelf 245-2,
thereby locking anti-tampering device 251 within strap accepting channel 229
so as
to preclude removal of strap 215 from head 213, which is highly desirable.
It should be noted that, with anti-tampering device 251 fully inserted into
head
213, the particular size and shape of plug 253 serves to substantially enclose
entry
end 231 of strap accepting channel 229, as shown in Fig. 40. Accordingly, an
unscrupulous person is precluded from tampering with locking tangs 235 through
entry end 231, which is highly desirable.
It should also be noted that, with anti-tampering device 251 fully inserted
into
head 213, the particular size and shape of first end 273-1 of finger 255-1
serves to
substantially enclose exit end 233-1 and the particular size and shape of
first end
273-2 of finger 255-2 serves to substantially enclose exit end 233-2, as shown
in Fig.
41. Accordingly, an unscrupulous person is precluded from tampering with
locking
tangs 235 through exit ends 233, which is highly desirable.
It should be further noted that, with anti-tampering device 251 fully inserted
into head 213, first end 273 of fingers 255 is disposed flush against, or
slightly in
from, outer surface 228 of top wall 219, which is highly desirable.
Specifically, it has
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been found to be desirable to retain first end 273 of fingers 255 within head
213 to
prevent the inadvertent catching or scraping of strap 215 against an item.
It should be noted that the dual locking tang design of tie 211 provides tie
211
with two principle advantages over single locking tang tie 111.
As a first advantage, the dual locking tang construction of tie 211 serves to
significantly increase the retentive force of anti-tampering device 251 within
head 213
when tie 211 is formed into a closed loop, thereby ensuring that tie 211
remains in
its closed loop configuration even upon the application of a considerable
withdrawal
force. Accordingly, tie 211 is desirable for use in high strength, increased
security
applications.
As a second advantage, the dual locking tang construction of tie 211 serves
to significantly increase the security of tie 211. Specifically, the
particular
construction of tie 211 requires an unscrupulous person to simultaneously
tamper
with both locking tangs 235 in order to release tie 211 from its closed loop
configuration.
In addition, it should be noted that, although tie 211 is shown as having a
dual
locking tang construction, it is to be understood that tie 211 could be
modified to
include more than two locking tangs to increase its overall strength and
security
without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
The embodiments of the present invention described above are intended to
be merely exemplary and those skilled in the art shall be able to make
numerous
variations and modifications to it without departing from the spirit of the
present
invention. As an example, tie 11 could be alternatively constructed in such a
manner
so that first end 151 of locking member 49 is fixed in place and second end 53
of
locking member 49 is capable of displacement without departing from the spirit
of the
present invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be
within the
scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.
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