GB2641512A

GB2641512A - Cable tie head

Info

Publication number: GB2641512A
Application number: GB2407841.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Chapman Mark
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2024-06-03
Filing date: 2024-06-03
Publication date: 2025-12-10
Also published as: GB202407841D0

Abstract

A cable tie head 10 is provided suitable for engaging with a cut end of a cable tie 12. The cable tie head 10 has a tie body 14 having a first cable-tie-end receiver 16a therethrough and a second cable-tie-end receiver 16b therethrough spaced apart from the first cable- tie-end receiver 16a. There are first and second cable-tie-end clasp 18a, 18b associated with the first and second cable-tie-end receivers 16a, 16b for securing a cable tie 12 inserted therein.

Description

[0001] Cable Tie Head The present invention relates to a cable tie head for engaging with a cut end of a cable tie. The invention further relates to a set of said cable ties for different cable tie sizes, to a cable tie apparatus having such a cable tie head, and to a method of utilising cut cable 5 tie ends.

[0002] Cable ties, also known as zip ties, in the art have a head and a tail, with the tail being insertable into the head to form a loop. The tail has serrations which engage with a pawl of the head, to allow for unidirectional locking of the cable tie to hold items, typically cables, therein.

[0003] Usually, the cables being held have only a small collective diameter. The end of the tail is cut to avoid unsightly overhang. This cut cable tie end is discarded, since it no longer has a function. The material used in cable ties is usually non-recyclable and non-biodegradable, and the cut end is sent to landfill.

[0004] The present invention seeks to provide a mechanism for using said cut cable tie ends, 15 to thereby reduce plastic waste.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a cable tie head for engaging with a cut end of a cable tie, the cable tie head comprising: a tie body having a first cabletie-end receiver therethrough and a second cable-tie-end receiver therethrough spaced apart from the first cable-tie-end receiver; a first cable-tie-end clasp associated with the first cable-tie-end receiver for securing a first portion of a cable tie inserted therein; and a second cable-tie-end clasp associated with the second cable-tie-end receiver for securing a second portion of the said cable tie inserted therein.

[0006] The provision of a cable tie head where there are two cable-tie-end receivers, rather than the traditional one, allows for headless cut ends of cable ties to be reused when 25 combined with the cable tie head. This reduces the plastic waste associated with cut cable tie ends, which could be used several times over without needing to be discarded.

[0007] Optionally, the tie body may be devoid of a cable tie tail.

[0008] Evidently, the tie body is capable of being provided without an associated cable tie tail since the intended use is meant for a loose cable tie tail. It is anticipated that the cable 30 tie head is therefore provided as an accompanying piece to a standard cable tie, so that the standard cable tie can be used, and then the cut end used with the said cable tie head.

[0009] Preferably, the first and second cable-tie-end clasps may face one another. In an alternative embodiment, the first and second cable-tie-end clasps may be positioned at 5 opposite ends of the tie body.

[0010] The positioning of the clasps on the tie body may be determined based on the strength of the hold on the cable tie once inserted. This is more important for the present apparatus than cable ties known in the art since there is no direct anchoring of the cable tie tail to the cable tie head.

[0011] Optionally, the first and second cable-tie-end clasps may be serrated clasps.

[0012] Serrated clasps allow for the cable tie head to be used with existing serrated cable tie cut ends.

[0013] The first and second cable-tie-end receivers may extend in parallel to one another.

[0014] Parallel receivers ensure that the looping of the cut cable tie is appropriate for the items 15 to be secured, reducing the risk of introducing twisting into the cable tie apparatus.

[0015] Each of the first and second cable-tie-end receivers has a width of at least 10mm, and more preferably a width of at least 13mm. Preferably, each of the first and second cabletie-end receivers may have a height of substantially 5mm.

[0016] A comparatively large cable-tie-end receiver allows for any commercially-available size 20 of cable tie to be used with the cable tie heads as provided herein.

[0017] Preferably, at least one of the first and second cable-tie-end receivers comprises a frangible barrier therein.

[0018] Where an oversized cable-tie-end receiver is provided, it will be apparent that looseness could be a problem, that is, the cable tie could move within the receiver. To limit this effect within an otherwise universal cable tie head, there may be a frangible barrier which is broken open on insertion of the cable tie end to the correct size, and which then resists lateral movement of the cable tie end in the receivers.

[0019] Optionally, the tie body may be or substantially be cuboidal.

[0020] A cuboidal body is easier to grip and thread the cut cable tie through the receivers, which can otherwise be difficult as the apparatus is quite small. This improves ease of use, particularly for those with reduced dexterity.

[0021] The cable tie head may be formed from nylon plastic material. Additionally, or 5 alternatively, the cable tie may be formed from recycled plastic material. The cable tie may be formed from biodegradable material.

[0022] The goal of the present invention is to reduce plastic waste. There are several ways in which this can be achieved by careful selection of material used. For instance, the material can be matched to that of the majority of existing commercially-available cable ties, enabling use with cut cable tie ends thereof. Furthermore, recycled plastic materials could be used, or biodegradable material used to allow for decomposition thereof upon discarding of the cable tie.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a set of cable tie heads in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, wherein the first and second cable-15 tie-end receivers have different dimensions for receiving cut ends of cable ties of different widths.

[0024] It is desirable to provide options for a user for using the present invention with cable tie ends of assorted sizes, and a set of different cable tie heads enables this.

[0025] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a cable tie apparatus 20 comprising a cable tie head in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, and a headless cable tie having first and second portions respectively insertable into the first and second cable-tie-end receivers.

[0026] A dedicated apparatus may be provided in which there is both a cable tie head and a headless cable tie, separate to one another, to permit the requisite length of cable tie to 25 be used for the relevant use case.

[0027] In one arrangement, the headless cable tie may be provided as a cut cable tie end.

[0028] As an alternative, the headless cable tie may be provided as a spool of cable tie material.

[0029] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of utilising cut cable tie ends, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing a cable tie head in 30 accordance with the first aspect of the invention; b] inserting a first portion of a cable tie into the first cable-tie-end receiver, the first cable-tie-end clasp holding the first portion of the cable tie in place; c] positioning the cable tie head adjacent to one or more items to be tied; d] inserting the second portion of the cable tie into the second cable-tie-end receiver, the second cable-tie-end clasp holding the second portion of the cable tie in place; and e] tightening the cable tie in the cable tie head.

[0030] The present invention enables a method for using cut cable tie ends that would otherwise be discarded to landfill.

[0031] The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an end view of a first embodiment of a cable tie head in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; Figure 2 shows a side view of the cable tie head of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a top view of the cable tie head of Figure 1, with the first and second cable-tie-end receivers shown in dashed lines; Figure 4 shows a top view of the cable tie head of Figure 3, with a cut cable tie inserted through the first cable-tie-end receiver; Figure 5 shows a top view of the cable tie head of Figure 4, with the cut cable tie inserted through the second cable-tie-end receiver; Figure 6 shows a side view of a second embodiment of a cable tie head in 20 accordance with the first aspect of the invention, with the first and second cable-tie-end receivers shown in dashed lines; and Figure 7 shows a front view of a third embodiment of a cable tie head in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

[0032] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, there is indicated a cable tie head, referenced globally at 10, 25 and which is suitable for engaging with a cut end of a cable tie 12, such as that shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0033] The cable tie head 10 has a tie body 14 having a first cable-tie-end receiver 16a therethrough and a second cable-tie-end receiver 16b therethrough spaced apart from the first cable-tie-end receiver 16a.

[0034] There is a first cable-tie-end clasp 18a associated with the first cable-tie-end receiver 16a for securing a first portion 20a of a cable tie 12 inserted therein. There is also second cable-tie-end clasp 18b associated with the second cable-tie-end receiver 16b for securing a second portion 20b of the said cable tie 12 inserted therein. In the depicted embodiment, the first and second cable-tie-end clasps 18a, 18b face one another.

[0035] The tie body 14 is or is substantially cuboidal. The tie body 14 may be formed from nylon plastic material, and/or could be recycled plastics material, and/or could be formed from a biodegradable material. Different material options could be provided so as to match existing cable ties 12 which are commercially available. The tie body 14 is preferably designed to be devoid of a cable tie 12 tail, and therefore is provided as a unitary component. In the embodiment shown, the width of the tie body 14 is approximately 20mm, the height 15mm, and the depth 15mm.

[0036] The first and second cable-tie-end receivers 16a, 16b are preferably formed in parallel to one another through the tie body 14 which allows for correct orientation of the cable tie 12 once inserted into the first and second cable-tie-end receivers 16a, 16b.

[0037] A cut cable tie 12 will typically have a plurality of serrated teeth, and therefore the first 20 and second cable-tie-end clasps 18a, 18b are formed having a serrated clasp, ideally in the form of a moveable pawl.

[0038] The first and second cable-tie-end receivers 16a, 16b each have a width of at least 10mm, and more preferably of at least 13mm, and a height of substantially 5mm, since this allows the first and second cable-tie-end receivers 16a, 16b to accommodate the 25 largest commercially available cable ties 12 to be received by cable tie head 10.

[0039] Figures 4 and 5 show the insertion process for a cut cable tie 12. A first portion 20a of the cable tie 12 is inserted through the first cable-tie-end receiver 16a. The loop 22 of the cable tie apparatus 24 is formed by inserting a second portion 20b of the cable tie 12 is inserted through the second cable-tie-end receiver 16b.

[0040] It will be appreciated that the cable tie head 10 of the present invention provides a suitable means for using up cut cable tie 12 ends which would otherwise be discarded.

[0041] However, it will be apparent that the cable tie apparatus 24 could be provided as a kit of cable tie heads 10 along with a spool of cable tie material which allows for cable tie ends to be cut to size as required, further minimising waste.

[0042] It may be desirable to provide many different cable tie heads 10 having varied sizes of 5 first and second cable-tie-end receivers 16a, 16b, so that, within the set, the different cable tie heads 10 are able to be used with cable ties of different dimensions.

[0043] A second embodiment of cable tie head is shown in Figure 6, referenced at 110. Identical or similar features to the first embodiment will be referenced using identical or similar reference numerals, and further detailed description is omitted for brevity.

[0044] The tie body 114 has first and second cable-tie-end clasps 118a, 118b positioned at opposite ends thereof. This may have advantages for construction and/or retention of the cable tie 12 in the first and second cable-tie-end receivers 116a, 116b.

[0045] A third embodiment of cable tie head is shown in Figure 6, referenced at 210. Identical or similar features to the first embodiment will be referenced using identical or similar 15 reference numerals, and further detailed description is omitted for brevity.

[0046] The tie body 214 has first and second cable-tie-end clasps 218a, 218b positioned the same end. The first and second cable-tie-end receivers 216a, 216b each comprise a frangible barrier 226 therein. This frangible barrier 226 is perforated to allow a cable tie 12 to be inserted into the first or second cable-tie-end receivers 216a, 216b in an axial direction, but still retain some lateral resistance to help hold the cable tie 12 in place relative to the first and second cable-tie-end clasps 218a, 218b.

[0047] It is therefore possible to provide a dedicated component in the form of a cable tie head which is able to be used with cut cable tie ends to avoid said ends being discarded unnecessarily. Such a cable tie head may also be readily used with spools or reels of 25 cable tie material, so that a user can make bespoke cable tie arrangements.

[0048] The words 'comprises/comprising' and the words 'having/including' when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof.

[0049] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0050] The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims

1. Claims 1. A cable tie head for engaging with a cut end of a cable tie, the cable tie head comprising: a tie body having a first cable-tie-end receiver therethrough and a second cable-5 tie-end receiver therethrough spaced apart from the first cable-tie-end receiver; a first cable-tie-end clasp associated with the first cable-tie-end receiver for securing a first portion of a cable tie inserted therein; and a second cable-tie-end clasp associated with the second cable-tie-end receiver for securing a second portion of the said cable tie inserted therein.

2. A cable tie head as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tie body is devoid of a cable tie tail.

3. A cable tie head as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first and second 15 cable-tie-end clasps face one another.

4. A cable tie head as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first and second cable-tie-end clasps are positioned at opposite ends of the tie body.

5. A cable tie head as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second cable-tie-end clasps are serrated clasps.

6. A cable tie head as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second cable-tie-end receivers extend in parallel to one another.

7. A cable tie head as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first and second cable-tie-end receivers has a width of at least 10mm.

8. A cable tie head as claimed in claim 7, wherein each of the first and second cable-tie-end receivers has a width of at least 13mm.

9. A cable tie head as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the each of the first and second cable-tie-end receivers has a height of substantially 5mm.

10. A cable tie head as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first and second cable-tie-end receivers comprises a frangible barrier therein.

11. A cable tie head as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tie body is or is substantially cuboidal.

12. A cable tie head as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable tie head is formed from nylon plastic material.

13. A cable tie head as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable tie is formed from recycled plastic material.

14. A cable tie head as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable tie is formed from biodegradable material.

15. A set of cable tie heads as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein 15 the first and second cable-tie-end receivers have different dimensions for receiving cut ends of cable ties of different widths.

16. A cable tie apparatus comprising a cable tie head as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, and a headless cable tie having first and second portions respectively insertable 20 into the first and second cable-tie-end receivers.

17. A cable tie apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the headless cable tie is provided as a cut cable tie end.

18. A cable tie apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the headless cable tie is provided as a spool of cable tie material.

19. A method of utilising cut cable tie ends, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing a cable tie head as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14; b] inserting a first portion of a cable tie into the first cable-tie-end receiver, the first cable-tie-end clasp holding the first portion of the cable tie in place; c] positioning the cable tie head adjacent to one or more items to be tied; d] inserting the second portion of the cable tie into the second cable-tie-end receiver, the second cable-tie-end clasp holding the second portion of the cable tie in 35 place; and e] tightening the cable tie in the cable tie head.