One-piece cable tie

Claim 2

An integral one-piece cable tie to be tensioned about a bundle of wires and the like, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of first abutments disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arranged transversely with respect thereto, a frame integral with one end of said strap and including an end wall and an abutment wall, said frame having an entry surface and an exit surface and a strap-receiving opening extending therethrough, a pawl disposed within said frame in said strap-receiving opening, a hinge interconnecting said frame and the end of said pawl disposed toward said entry surface, said pawl being shiftable between an as-molded position disposed away from said abutment wall and a strap-locking position and an ultimate-load position disposed toward said abutment wall, said abutment wall having a strapbearing surface disposed toward said pawl and defining therewith a strap-receiving throat, at least one second abutment on said pawl arranged transversely with respect thereto and disposed toward said abutment wall and shaped to engage said row of first abutments on said strap, and a stop member on said pawl extending toward said entry surface and spaced from said frame in the as-molded position of said pawl and abutting against said frame in the ultimate-load position of said pawl, said strap being deformable into a loop encircling a bundle of wires with the free end of said strap extending into said strap-receiving throat and through the opening in said frame and therebeyond, said row of first abutments being disposed toward said second abutment as said strap is tensioned about the bundle of wires to a tensioned condition, release of said strap causing at least one of said first abutments firmly to engage said second abutment and to shift said pawl to the strap-locking position thereof, any force tending to withdraw said strap from within said strapreceiving throat in a strap-withdrawal direction serving to move the associated one of said first abutments into more firm engagement with said second abutment firmly to grip said strap between said strap-bearing surface and said pawl, application of a force to said strap in a strap-withdrawal direction sufficient to shift said pawl to the ultimate-load position thereof moving said stop member against said frame to limit the shifting of said pawl, whereby to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of said strap from said frame and thus to lock said strap in its tensioned condition about the bundle of wires.

Claim 3

The integral one-piece cable tie set forth in claim 1, wherein said exit surface slopes toward said entry surface in a direction away from said strap.

Claim 4

The integral one-piece cable tie set forth in claim 1, wherein said exit surface is substantially parallel to said entry surface.

Claim 5

The integral one-piece cable tie set forth in claim 1, wherein said frame has a channel therein through said abutment wall for receiving the other end of said strap, thus to permit said frame to lie more nearly flat against the associated bundle of wires.

Claim 6

The integral one-piece cable tie set forth in claim 1, and further comprising two rails disposed in said frame on opposite sides of said pawl and having surfaces engaging said strap to guide said strap in a predetermined path through said frame, portions of said rails being disposed substantially parallel to said strap-bearing surface and spaced therefrom a distance equal substantially to the thickness of the portion of said strap carrying said first abutments.

Claim 7

The one-piece one1piece cable tie set forth in claim 1, wherein the end of said pawl disposed toward said exit surface is positioned a substantial distance away from said exit surface.

Claim 8

The integral one-piece cable tie set forth in claim 1, wherein the end of said pawl disposed toward said exit surface is positioned substantially flush therewith in the as-molded position of said pawl.

Claim 9

The intEgral one-piece cable tie set forth in claim 1, wherein the other end of said strap is substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of said strap as molded.

Claim 10

The integral one-piece cable tie set forth in claim 1, and further comprising a release tab integral with said pawl and extending therefrom beyond said exit surface in position to be engaged by the fingers of the user in all positions of said pawl.

Claim 11

The integral one-piece cable tie set forth in claim 1, and further comprising a resilient web interconnecting the sides of said pawl and the adjacent sides of said frame.

Claim 12

The integral one-piece cable tie set forth in claim 1, and further comprising an anti-rotation member on said pawl extending therefrom toward said exit surface and movable against the adjacent portion of said strap when said pawl is in the ultimate-load position thereof positively to prevent further shifting and rotation of said pawl.

Claim 13

An integral one-piece cable tie to be tensioned about a bundle of wires and the like, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of abutments disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arranged transversely with respect thereto, a frame integral with one end of said strap and including an end wall and an abutment wall, said frame having an entry surface and an exit surface and a strap-receiving opening extending therethrough, a pawl disposed within said frame in said strap-receiving opening, a hinge interconnecting said frame and the end of said pawl disposed toward said entry surface, said pawl being shiftable between an as-molded position disposed away from said abutment wall and strap-locking position and an ultimate-load position disposed toward said abutment wall, said abutment wall having a strap-bearing surface disposed toward said pawl and defining therewith a strap-receiving throat, a set of at least two teeth on said pawl arranged transversely with respect thereto and disposed toward said abutment wall and shaped to engage said row of abutments on said strap, the tooth disposed toward said entry surface being positioned in the as-molded position of said pawl closer to said strap-bearing surface than the tooth disposed toward said exit surface, and a stop member on said pawl extending toward said entry surface and spaced from said frame in the as-molded position of said pawl and abutting against said frame in the ultimate-load position of said pawl, said strap being deformable into a loop encircling a bundle of wires with the free end of said strap extending into said strapreceiving throat and through the opening in said frame and therebeyond, said row of abutments being disposed toward said pawl teeth as said strap is tensioned about the bundle of wires to a tensioned condition with the tooth disposed toward said entry surface successively engaging said abutments to pivot said pawl and to move said tooth disposed toward said exit surface out of engagement with said row of abutments, release of said strap causing at least one of said abutments firmly to engage said teeth and to shift said pawl about said hinge and to move said tooth disposed toward said exit surface into firm engagement with one of said abutments, any force tending to withdraw said strap from within said strap-receiving throat in a strap-withdrawal direction serving to move the associated one of said abutments into more firm engagement with said teeth firmly to grip said strap between said strap-bearing surface and said pawl, application of a force to said strap in a strap-withdrawal direction sufficient to shift said pawl to the ultimate-load position thereof moving said stop member against said frame to limit the shifting of said pawl, whereby to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of said strap from said frame and thus to lock said strap in its tensioned condition about the bundle of wires.

Claim 14

An integral one-piece cable tie to be tensioned about a bundle of wires and the like, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of abutments disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arranged transversely with respect thereto, a frame integral with one end of said strap and including an end wall and an abutment wall, said frame having an entry surface and an exit surface and a strap-receiving opening extending therethrough, a pawl disposed within said frame in said strap-receiving opening, a hinge interconnecting said frame and the end of said pawl disposed toward said entry surface, said pawl being shiftable between an as-molded position disposed away from said abutment wall and strap-locking position and an ultimate-load position disposed toward said abutment wall, said abutment wall having a strap-bearing surface disposed toward said pawl and defining therewith a strap-receiving throat, a set of at least two teeth on said pawl arranged transversely with respect thereto and disposed toward said abutment wall and shaped to engage said row of abutments on said strap, the tooth disposed toward said entry surface being positioned in the as-molded position of said pawl closer to said strap-bearing surface than the tooth disposed toward said exit surface, and a stop member on said pawl extending toward said entry surface and spaced from said frame in the as-molded position of said pawl and abutting against said frame in the ultimate-load position of said pawl, said strap being deformable into a loop encircling a bundle of wires with the free end of said strap extending into said strapreceiving throat and through the opening in said frame and therebeyond, said row of abutments being disposed toward said pawl teeth as said strap is tensioned about the bundle of wires to a tensioned condition with the tooth disposed toward said entry surface successively engaging said abutments to pivot said pawl and to move said tooth disposed toward said exit surface out of engagement with said row of abutments, release of said strap causing at least one of said abutments firmly to engage said teeth and to shift said pawl about said hinge and to move said tooth disposed toward said exit surface into firm engagement with one of said abutments, any force tending to withdraw said strap from within said strap-receiving throat in a strap-withdrawal direction serving to move the associated one of said abutments into more firm engagement with said teeth firmly to grip said strap between said strap-bearing surface and said pawl, application of a force to said strap in a strap-withdrawal direction sufficient to shift said pawl to the ultimate-load position thereof moving said stop member against said frame to limit the shifting of said pawl, whereby to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of said strap from said frame and thus to lock said strap in its tensioned condition about the bundle of wires.

Claim 15

The integral one-piece cable tie set forth in claim 12, wherein the crest-to-crest distance of said pawl teeth is slightly less than the crest-to-crest dIstance of said row of abutments.

Claim 16

The integral one-piece cable tie set forth in claim 12, wherein said strap-bearing surface is disposed substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of said strap as molded.

Claim 17

The integral one-piece cable tie set forth in claim 12, and further comprising a release tab integral with said pawl and extending therefrom beyond said exit surface in position to be engaged by the fingers of the user in all positions of said pawl.

Claim 18

An integral one-piece cable tie to be tensioned about a bundle of wires and the like, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of teeth disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arranged transversely with respect thereto, a frame integral with one end of said strap and including an end wall and an abutment wall, said frame having an entry surface and an exit surface and a strap-receiving opening extending therethrough, a pawl disposed within said frame in said strap-receiving opening, a hinge interconnecting said frame and the end of said pawl disposed toward said entry surface, at least one tooth on said pawl arranged transversely with respect therewith and disposed toward said abutment wall and shaped to engage said row of teeth on said strap, the outer end portion of said strap having a thickness substantially equal to that of the distance between the roots of said strap teeth and the other longitudinal surface of said strap, and two ridges disposed respectively along the longitudinal edges of said one longitudinal surface of said strap and extending from adjacent to the strap tooth disposed away from said frame to a point adjacent to the outer end portion of said strap, said ridges having a thickness substantially equal to the crest-to-root thickness of said strap teeth, said strap being deformable into a loop encircling a bundle of wires with the free end of said strap extending into said strap-receiving throat and through the opening in said frame and therebeyond, said ridges being disposed toward said pawl on the opposite sides thereof and engaging portions of said frame to hold said strap out of engagement with said pawl tooth, said strap teeth being disposed toward said pawl tooth as said strap is tensioned about the bundle of wires to a tensioned condition, release of said strap causing at least one of said strap teeth firmly to engage said pawl tooth firmly to grip said strap between said strap-bearing surface and said pawl, any force tending to withdraw said strap from within said strap-receiving throat in a strap-withdrawal direction serving to move the engaged one of said strap teeth into more firm engagement with said pawl tooth more firmly to grip said strap between said strap-bearing surface and said pawl, whereby to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of said strap from said frame and thus to lock said strap in its tensioned condition about the bundle of wires.

Claim 19

An integral one-piece cable tie to be tensioned about a bundle of wires and the like, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of teeth disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arranged transversely with respect thereto, a frame integral with one end of said strap and including an end wall and an abutment wall, said frame having an entry surface and an exit surface and a strap-receiving opening extending therethrough, a pawl disposed within said frame in said strap-receiving opening, a hinge interconnecting said frame and the end of said pawl disposed toward said entry surface, at least one tooth on said pawl arranged transversely with respect therewith and disposed toward said abutment wall and shaped to engage said row of teeth on said strap, the outer end portion of said strap having a thickness substantially equal to that of the distance between the roots of said strap teeth and the other longitudinal surface of said strap, and two ridges disposed respectively along the longitudinal edges of said one longitudinal surface of said strap and extending from adjacent to the strap tooth disposed away from said frame to a point adjacent to the outer end portion of said strap, said ridges having a thickness substantially equal to the crest-to-root thickness of said strap teeth, said strap being deformable into a loop encircling a bundle of wires with the free end of said strap extending into said strap-receiving throat and through the opening in said frame and therebeyond, said ridges being disposed toward said pawl on the opposite sides thereof and engaging portions of said frame to hold said strap out of engagement with said pawl tooth, said strap teeth being disposed toward said pawl tooth as said strap is tensioned about the bundle of wires to a tensioned condition, release of said strap causing at least one of said strap teeth firmly to engage said pawl tooth firmly to grip said strap between said strap-bearing surface and said pawl, any force tending to withdraw said strap from within said strap-receiving throat in a strap-withdrawal direction serving to move the engaged one of said strap teeth into more firm engagement with said pawl tooth more firmly to grip said strap between said strap-bearing surface and said pawl, whereby to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of said strap from said frame and thus to lock said strap in its tensioned condition about the bundle of wires.

Claim 20

The integral one-piece cable tie set forth in claim 16, wherein said ridges extend along said strap teeth.

Claim 21

The integral one-piece cable tie set forth in claim 16, wherein the outer end of said strap is substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of said strap.

Claim 22

The integral one-piece cable tie set forth in claim 16, and further comprising a release tab integral with said pawl and extending therefrom beyond said exit surface in position to be engaged by the fingers of the user in all positions of said pawl.

Claim 23

The integral one-piece cable tie as set forth in claim 16, wherein the outermost free end of said strap disposed away from said frame carries the only irregularity resulting from the connection point used during filling of the mold for molding said cable tie.

Claim 24

An integral one-piece cable tie to be tensioned about a bundle of wires and the like, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of teeth disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arranged transversely with respect thereto, a frame integral with one end of said strap and including an end wall and an abutment wall, said frame having an entry surface and exit surface and a strap-receiving opening extending therethrough, said end wall being substantially rounded in a direction parallel to the axis of the said strap-receiving opening, a pawl disposed within said frame in said strapreceiving opening and having a substantially rounded rear surface disposed toward said rounded end wall, a hinge interconnecting said frame and the end of said pawl disposed toward said entry surface, said pawl in the as-molded position thereof and in all other positions thereof including the tensioned position thereof being disposed entirely within said frame between the entry and exit surfaces thereof, said abutment wall having a strap-bearing surface disposed toward said pawl and defining therewith a strap-receiving throat, and at least one tooth on said pawl arranged transversely with respect thereto and disposed toward said abutment wall and shaped to engage said strap teeth, said strap being deformable into a loop encircling a bundle of wires with the free end of said strap extending into said strap-receiving throat and through the opening in said frame and therebeyond, said strap teeth being disposed toward said pawl tooth as said strap is tensioned about the bundle of wires to a tensioned condition, release of said strap causing at least one of said strap teeth firmly to engage said pawl tooth to grip said strap between said strap-bearing surface and said pawl, any force tending to withdraw said strap from within said strap-receiving throat in a strap-withdrawal direction serving to move said strap tooth into more firm engagement with the pawl tooth more firmly to grip said strap between said strap-bearing surface and said pawl, whereby to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of said strap from said frame and thus to lock said strap in its tensioned condition about the bundle of wires.

Claim 25

An integral one-piece cable tie to be tensioned about a bundle of wires and the like, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of teeth disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arranged transversely with respect thereto, a frame integral with one end of said strap and including an end wall and an abutment wall, said frame having an entry surface and exit surface and a strap-receiving opening extending therethrough, said end wall being substantially rounded in a direction parallel to the axis of the said strap-receiving opening, a pawl disposed within said frame in said strapreceiving opening and having a substantially rounded rear surface disposed toward said rounded end wall, a hinge interconnecting said frame and the end of said pawl disposed toward said entry surface, said pawl in the as-molded position thereof and in all other positions thereof including the tensioned position thereof being disposed entirely within said frame between the entry and exit surfaces thereof, said abutment wall having a strap-bearing surface disposed toward said pawl and defining therewith a strap-receiving throat, and at least one tooth on said pawl arranged transversely with respect thereto and disposed toward said abutment wall and shaped to engage said strap teeth, said strap being deformable into a loop encircling a bundle of wires with the free end of said strap extending into said strap-receiving throat and through the opening in said frame and therebeyond, said strap teeth being disposed toward said pawl tooth as said strap is tensioned about the bundle of wires to a tensioned condition, release of said strap causing at least one of said strap teeth firmly to engage said pawl tooth to grip said strap between said strap-bearing surface and said pawl, any force tending to withdraw said strap from within said strap-receiving throat in a strap-withdrawal direction serving to move said strap tooth into more firm engagement with the pawl tooth more firmly to grip said strap between said strap-bearing surface and said pawl, whereby to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of said strap from said frame and thus to lock said strap in its tensioned condition about the bundle of wires.

Claim 26

The integral one-piece cable tie set forth in claim 21, wherein said rounded rear surface of said pawl is shaped substantially as part of the surface of a cylinder.

Claim 27

The integral one-piece cable tie set forth in claim 21, and further comprising a release tab integral with said pawl and extending therefrom beyond said exit surface in position to be engaged by the fingers of the user in all positions of said pawl.

Claim 28

The integral one-piece cable tie set forth in claim 21, and further comprising a resilient web interconnecting the sides of said pawl and the adjacent sides of said frame.

Claim 29

An integral one-piece molded cable tie to be tensioned about a bundle of wires and the like, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of teeth disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arranged tranversely with respect thereto, a frame integral with one end of said strap and including an end wall and an abutment wall and opposed side walls, said frame having an entry surface and an exit surface and a strap-receiving opening extending therethrough, said frame side walls each having a rib extending therefrom into said strap-receiving opening to facilitate withdrawal of said cable tie from the mold therefor, a pawl disposed within said frame in said strap-receiving opening, a hinge interconnecting said frame and the end of said pawl disposed toward said entry surface, at least one tooth on said pawl arranged transversely with respect therewith and disposed toward said abutment wall and shaped to engage said row of teeth on said strap, said strap being deformable into a loop encircling a bundle of wires with the free end of said strap extending into said strap-receiving throat, and through the opening in said frame and therebeyond, said strap teeth being disposed toward said pawl tooth as said strap is tensioned about the bundle of wires to a tensioned condition, release of said strap causing at least one of said stop teeth firmly to engage said pawl tooth firmly to grip said strap between said strap-bearing surface and said pawl, any force tending to withdraw saId strap from within said strap-receiving throat in a strap-withdrawal direction serving to move the engaged one of said strap teeth into more firm engagement with said pawl tooth more firmly to grip said strap between said strap-bearing surface and said pawl, whereby to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of said strap from said frame and thus to lock said strap in its tensioned condition about the bundle of wires.

Claim 30

An integral one-piece molded cable tie to be tensioned about a bundle of wires and the like, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of teeth disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arranged tranversely with respect thereto, a frame integral with one end of said strap and including an end wall and an abutment wall and opposed side walls, said frame having an entry surface and an exit surface and a strap-receiving opening extending therethrough, said frame side walls each having a rib extending therefrom into said strap-receiving opening to facilitate withdrawal of said cable tie from the mold therefor, a pawl disposed within said frame in said strap-receiving opening, a hinge interconnecting said frame and the end of said pawl disposed toward said entry surface, at least one tooth on said pawl arranged transversely with respect therewith and disposed toward said abutment wall and shaped to engage said row of teeth on said strap, said strap being deformable into a loop encircling a bundle of wires with the free end of said strap extending into said strap-receiving throat, and through the opening in said frame and therebeyond, said strap teeth being disposed toward said pawl tooth as said strap is tensioned about the bundle of wires to a tensioned condition, release of said strap causing at least one of said stop teeth firmly to engage said pawl tooth firmly to grip said strap between said strap-bearing surface and said pawl, any force tending to withdraw saId strap from within said strap-receiving throat in a strap-withdrawal direction serving to move the engaged one of said strap teeth into more firm engagement with said pawl tooth more firmly to grip said strap between said strap-bearing surface and said pawl, whereby to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of said strap from said frame and thus to lock said strap in its tensioned condition about the bundle of wires.

Claim 31

An integral one-piece cable tie to be tensioned about a bundle of wires and the like, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of first abutments disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arranged transversely with respect thereto, a frame integral with one end of said strap and including a rear wall and an abutment wall, said frame having an entry surface and an exit surface and a strap-receiving opening extending therethrough, a pawl disposed within said frame in said strap-receiving opening and having a rear wall disposed toward said frame rear wall, a hinge interconnecting said frame and the end of said pawl disposed toward said entry surface, said pawl being shiftable between an as-molded position disposed away from said abutment wall and a strap-locking position and an ultimate-load position disposed toward said abutment wall, said abutment wall having a strap-bearing surface disposed toward said pawl and defining therewith a strap-receiving throat, at least one second abutment on said pawl arranged transversely with respect thereto and disposed toward said abutment wall and shaped to engage said row of first abutments on said strap, a first stop member on said pawl extending toward said entry surface and spaced from said frame in the as-molded position of said pawl and abutting against said frame in the ultimate-load position of said pawl, and a second stop member on one of said rear walls extending toward the other of said rear walls and spaced therefrom in the as-molded position of said pawl and abutting thereagainst in the ultimate-load position of said pawl, said strap being deformable into a loop encircling a bundle of wires with the free end of said strap extending into said strap-receiving throat and through the opening in said frame and therebeyond, said row of first abutments being disposed toward said second abutment as said strap is tensioned abount the bundle of wires to a tensioned condition, release of said strap causing at least one of said first abutments firmly to engage said second abutment and to shift said pawl to the strap-locking position thereof, any force tending to withdraw said strap from within said strap-receiving throat in a strap-withdrawal direction serving to move the associated one of said first abutments into more firm engagement with said second abutment firmly to grip said strap between said strap-bearing surface and said pawl, application of a force to said strap in a strap-withdrawal direction sufficient to shift said pawl to the ultimate-load position thereof moving said first stop member against said frame and moving said second stop member against said other rear wall, whereby to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of said strap from said frame and thus to lock said strap in its tensioned condition about the bundle of wires.

Claim 32

An integral one-piece cable tie to be tensioned about a bundle of wires and the like, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of first abutments disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arranged transversely with respect thereto, a frame integral with one end of said strap and including a rear wall and an abutment wall, said frame having an entry surface and an exit surface and a strap-receiving opening extending therethrough, a pawl disposed within said frame in said strap-receiving opening and having a rear wall disposed toward said frame rear wall, a hinge interconnecting said frame and the end of said pawl disposed toward said entry surface, said pawl being shiftable between an as-molded position disposed away from said abutment wall and a strap-locking position and an ultimate-load position disposed toward said abutment wall, said abutment wall having a strap-bearing surface disposed toward said pawl and defining therewith a strap-receiving throat, at least one second abutment on said pawl arranged transversely with respect thereto and disposed toward said abutment wall and shaped to engage said row of first abutments on said strap, a first stop member on said pawl extending toward said entry surface and spaced from said frame in the as-molded position of said pawl and abutting against said frame in the ultimate-load position of said pawl, and a second stop member on one of said rear walls extending toward the other of said rear walls and spaced therefrom in the as-molded position of said pawl and abutting thereagainst in the ultimate-load position of said pawl, said strap being deformable into a loop encircling a bundle of wires with the free end of said strap extending into said strap-receiving throat and through the opening in said frame and therebeyond, said row of first abutments being disposed toward said second abutment as said strap is tensioned abount the bundle of wires to a tensioned condition, release of said strap causing at least one of said first abutments firmly to engage said second abutment and to shift said pawl to the strap-locking position thereof, any force tending to withdraw said strap from within said strap-receiving throat in a strap-withdrawal direction serving to move the associated one of said first abutments into more firm engagement with said second abutment firmly to grip said strap between said strap-bearing surface and said pawl, application of a force to said strap in a strap-withdrawal direction sufficient to shift said pawl to the ultimate-load position thereof moving said first stop member against said frame and moving said second stop member against said other rear wall, whereby to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of said strap from said frame and thus to lock said strap in its tensioned condition about the bundle of wires.

Claim 33

The integral one-piece cable tie set forth in claim 26, wherein the space between said first stop member and said frame in the as-molded position of said pawl is substantially equal to the space between said second stop member and the other of said rear walls in the as-molded position of said pawl.

Claim 34

The integral one-piece cable tie set forth in claim 26, and further comprising a release tab integral with said pawl and extending therefrom beyond said exit surface in position to be engaged by the fingers of the user in all positions of said pawl.

Claim 35

An integral one-piece molded cable tie to be tensioned about a bundle of wires and the like, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of first abutments disposed on one longitudiNal surface of said strap and arranged transversely with respect thereto, a frame integral with one end of said strap and including an end wall and an abutment wall, said frame having an entry surface and an exit surface and a strap-receiving opening extending therethrough, a pawl disposed within said frame in said strap-receiving opening, a hinge interconnecting said frame and the end of said pawl disposed toward said entry surface, said abutment wall having a strap-bearing surface disposed toward said pawl and defining therewith a strapreceiving throat, and at least one second abutment on said pawl arranged transversely with respect thereto and disposed toward said abutment wall and shaped to engage said row of first abutments on said strap, the outermost free end of said strap disposed away from said frame carrying the only irregularity resulting from the connection point used during filling of the mold for molding said cable tie, said strap being deformable into a loop encircling a bundle of wires with the free end of said strap extending into said strap-receiving throat and through the opening in said frame and therebeyond, any irregularity on the outermost end of said strap being so positioned as to cause no interference with normal operation of the cable tie, said row of first abutments being disposed toward said second abutment as said strap is tensioned about the bundle of wires to a tensioned condition, release of said strap causing at least one of said first abutments firmly to engage said second abutment and to place the outermost end of said strap carrying any irregularity to position to be severed, any force tending to withdraw said strap from within said strap-receiving throat in a strapwithdrawal direction serving to move the associated one of said first abutments into more firm engagement with said second abutment more firmly to grip said strap between said strapbearing surface and said pawl, whereby to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of said strap from said frame and thus to lock said strap in its tensioned condition about the bundle of wires.

Claim 36

An integral one-piece molded cable tie to be tensioned about a bundle of wires and the like, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of first abutments disposed on one longitudiNal surface of said strap and arranged transversely with respect thereto, a frame integral with one end of said strap and including an end wall and an abutment wall, said frame having an entry surface and an exit surface and a strap-receiving opening extending therethrough, a pawl disposed within said frame in said strap-receiving opening, a hinge interconnecting said frame and the end of said pawl disposed toward said entry surface, said abutment wall having a strap-bearing surface disposed toward said pawl and defining therewith a strapreceiving throat, and at least one second abutment on said pawl arranged transversely with respect thereto and disposed toward said abutment wall and shaped to engage said row of first abutments on said strap, the outermost free end of said strap disposed away from said frame carrying the only irregularity resulting from the connection point used during filling of the mold for molding said cable tie, said strap being deformable into a loop encircling a bundle of wires with the free end of said strap extending into said strap-receiving throat and through the opening in said frame and therebeyond, any irregularity on the outermost end of said strap being so positioned as to cause no interference with normal operation of the cable tie, said row of first abutments being disposed toward said second abutment as said strap is tensioned about the bundle of wires to a tensioned condition, release of said strap causing at least one of said first abutments firmly to engage said second abutment and to place the outermost end of said strap carrying any irregularity to position to be severed, any force tending to withdraw said strap from within said strap-receiving throat in a strapwithdrawal direction serving to move the associated one of said first abutments into more firm engagement with said second abutment more firmly to grip said strap between said strapbearing surface and said pawl, whereby to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of said strap from said frame and thus to lock said strap in its tensioned condition about the bundle of wires.

Claim 37

The integral one-piece molded cable tie set forth in claim 29, and further comprising a release tab integral with said pawl and extending therefrom beyond said exit surface in position to be engaged by the fingers of the user in all positions of said pawl.

Claim 38

The integral one-piece molded cable tie set forth in claim 29, wherein the outer end of said strap is essentially normal to the longitudinal axis of said strap and carries said irregularity.

Claim 39

An integral one-piece cable tie to be tensioned about a bundle of wires and the like, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of first abutments disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arranged transversely with respect thereto, a frame integral with one end of said strap and including an end wall and an abutment wall and opposed side walls, said frame having an entry surface and an exit surface and a strap-receiving opening extending therethrough, a pawl disposed within said frame in said strap-receiving opening and having two side walls disposed respectively adjacent to said frame side walls, a hinge interconnecting said end wall and the end of said pawl disposed toward said entry surface, a resilient web interconnecting the sides of said pawl and the adjacent side walls of said frame, said abutment wall having a strap-bearing surface disposed toward said pawl and defining therewith a strapreceiving throat, and at least one second abutment on said pawl arranged transversely with respect thereto and disposed toward said abutment wall and shaped to engage said row of first abutments on said strap, said strap being deformable into a loop encircling a bundle of wires with the free end of said strap extending into said strap-receiving throat and through the opening in said frame and therebeyohd, said row of first abutments being disposed toward said second abutment as said strap is tensioned about the bundle of wires to a tensioned condition, release of said strap causing at least one of said first abutments firmly to engage said second abutment, any force tending to withdraw said strap from within said strap-receiving throat in a strap-withdrawal direction serving to move the associated one of said first abutments into more firm engagement with said second abutment more firmly to grip said strap between said strap-bearing surface and said pawl, whereby to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of said strap from said frame and thus to lock said strap in its tensioned condition about the bundle of wires.

Claim 40

An integral one-piece cable tie to be tensioned about a bundle of wires and the like, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of first abutments disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arranged transversely with respect thereto, a frame integral with one end of said strap and including an end wall and an abutment wall and opposed side walls, said frame having an entry surface and an exit surface and a strap-receiving opening extending therethrough, a pawl disposed within said frame in said strap-receiving opening and having two side walls disposed respectively adjacent to said frame side walls, a hinge interconnecting said end wall and the end of said pawl disposed toward said entry surface, a resilient web interconnecting the sides of said pawl and the adjacent side walls of said frame, said abutment wall having a strap-bearing surface disposed toward said pawl and defining therewith a strapreceiving throat, and at least one second abutment on said pawl arranged transversely with respect thereto and disposed toward said abutment wall and shaped to engage said row of first abutments on said strap, said strap being deformable into a loop encircling a bundle of wires with the free end of said strap extending into said strap-receiving throat and through the opening in said frame and therebeyohd, said row of first abutments being disposed toward said second abutment as said strap is tensioned about the bundle of wires to a tensioned condition, release of said strap causing at least one of said first abutments firmly to engage said second abutment, any force tending to withdraw said strap from within said strap-receiving throat in a strap-withdrawal direction serving to move the associated one of said first abutments into more firm engagement with said second abutment more firmly to grip said strap between said strap-bearing surface and said pawl, whereby to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of said strap from said frame and thus to lock said strap in its tensioned condition about the bundle of wires.

Claim 41

The integral one-piece cable tie set forth in claim 32 and further comprising a release tab integral with said pawl and extending therefrom beyond said exit surface in position to be engaged by the fingers of the user in all positions of said pawl.

Claim 42

The integral one-piece cable tie set forth in claim 32, wherein said end wall is integral with the adjacent end of said strap and said first abutments are disposed on the surface of said strap adapted to be disposed against a bundle of wires and the like in use.

Claim 43

An integral one-piece cable tie to be tensioned about a bundle of wires and the like, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of first abutments disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arranged transversely with respect thereto, a frame integral with one end of said strap and including an end wall and an abutment wall, said frame having an entry surface and an exit surface and a strap-receiving opening extending therethrough, a pawl disposed within said frame in said strap-receiving opening, a hinge interconnecting said frame and the end of said pawl disposed toward said entry surface, said pawl being shiftable between an as-molded position disposed away from said abutment wall and a strap-locking position and an ultimate-load position disposed toward said abutment wall, said abutment wall having a strap-bearing surface disposed toward said pawl and defining therewith a strap-receiving throat, at least one second abutment on said pawl arranged transversely with respect thereto and disposed toward said abutment wall and shaped to engage said row of first abutments on said strap, and an anti-rotation member on said pawl extending toward said exit surface and spaced from said frame in the as-molded position of said pawl and abutting against the adjacent portion of said strap in the ultimate-load position of said pawl, said strap being deformable into a loop encircling a bundle of wires with the free end of said strap extending into said strap-receiving throat and through the opening in said frame and therebeyond, said row of first abutments being disposed toward said second abutment as said strap is tensioned about the bundle of wires to a tensioned condition, release of said strap causing at least one of said first abutments firmly to engage said second abutment and to shift said pawl to the strap-locking position thereof, any force tending to withdraw said strap from within said strap-receiving throat in a strap-withdrawal direction serving to move the associated one of said first abutments into more firm engagement with said second abutment firmly to grip said strap between said strapbearing surface and said pawl, application of a force to said strap in a strap-withdrawal direction sufficient to shift said pawl to the ultimate-load position thereof moving said anti-rotation member against the adjacent portion of said strap to limit the shifting of said pawl, whereby to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of said strap from said frame and thus to lock said strap in its tensioned condition about the bundle of wires.

Claim 44

An integral one-piece cable tie to be tensioned about a bundle of wires and the like, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of first abutments disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arranged transversely with respect thereto, a frame integral with one end of said strap and including an end wall and an abutment wall, said frame having an entry surface and an exit surface and a strap-receiving opening extending therethrough, a pawl disposed within said frame in said strap-receiving opening, a hinge interconnecting said frame and the end of said pawl disposed toward said entry surface, said pawl being shiftable between an as-molded position disposed away from said abutment wall and a strap-locking position and an ultimate-load position disposed toward said abutment wall, said abutment wall having a strap-bearing surface disposed toward said pawl and defining therewith a strap-receiving throat, at least one second abutment on said pawl arranged transversely with respect thereto and disposed toward said abutment wall and shaped to engage said row of first abutments on said strap, and an anti-rotation member on said pawl extending toward said exit surface and spaced from said frame in the as-molded position of said pawl and abutting against the adjacent portion of said strap in the ultimate-load position of said pawl, said strap being deformable into a loop encircling a bundle of wires with the free end of said strap extending into said strap-receiving throat and through the opening in said frame and therebeyond, said row of first abutments being disposed toward said second abutment as said strap is tensioned about the bundle of wires to a tensioned condition, release of said strap causing at least one of said first abutments firmly to engage said second abutment and to shift said pawl to the strap-locking position thereof, any force tending to withdraw said strap from within said strap-receiving throat in a strap-withdrawal direction serving to move the associated one of said first abutments into more firm engagement with said second abutment firmly to grip said strap between said strapbearing surface and said pawl, application of a force to said strap in a strap-withdrawal direction sufficient to shift said pawl to the ultimate-load position thereof moving said anti-rotation member against the adjacent portion of said strap to limit the shifting of said pawl, whereby to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of said strap from said frame and thus to lock said strap in its tensioned condition about the bundle of wires.

Claim 45

A cable tie to be tensioned about a bundle of wires and the like, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of first abutments disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arranged transversely with respect thereto, a frame on one end of said strap and including an end wall and an aButment wall, said frame having an entry surface and an exit surface and an opening extending therethrough for receiving the other end of said strap, a pawl disposed within said frame in said strap-receiving opening, a hinge interconnecting said frame and the end of said pawl disposed toward said entry surface, said pawl being shiftable between an as-molded position disposed away from said abutment wall and a strap-locking position and an ultimate-load position disposed toward said abutment wall, said abutment wall having a strap-bearing surface disposed toward said pawl and defining therewith a strap-receiving throat, at least one second abutment on said pawl arranged transversely with respect thereto and disposed toward said abutment wall and shaped to engage said row of first abutments on said strap, and a stop member on said pawl extending toward said entry surface and spaced from said frame in the as-molded position of said pawl and abutting against said frame in the ultimate-load position of said pawl, said strap being deformable into a loop encircling a bundle of wires with the free end of said strap extending into said strap-receiving throat and through the opening in said frame and therebeyond, said row of first abutments being disposed toward said second abutment as said strap is tensioned about the bundle of wires to a tensioned condition, release of said strap causing at least one of said first abutments firmly to engage said second abutment and to shift said pawl to the strap-locking position thereof, any force tending to withdraw said strap from within said strap-receiving throat in a strap-withdrawal direction serving to move the associated one of said first abutments into more firm engagement with said second abutment firmly to grip said strap between said strap-bearing surface and said pawl, application of a force to said strap in a strap-withdrawal direction sufficient to shift said pawl to the ultimate-load position thereof moving said stop member against said frame to limit the shifting of said pawl, whereby to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of said strap from said frame and thus to lock said strap in its tensioned condition about the bundle of wires.

Claim 46

A cable tie to be tensioned about a bundle of wires and the like, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of first abutments disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arranged transversely with respect thereto, a frame on one end of said strap and including an end wall and an aButment wall, said frame having an entry surface and an exit surface and an opening extending therethrough for receiving the other end of said strap, a pawl disposed within said frame in said strap-receiving opening, a hinge interconnecting said frame and the end of said pawl disposed toward said entry surface, said pawl being shiftable between an as-molded position disposed away from said abutment wall and a strap-locking position and an ultimate-load position disposed toward said abutment wall, said abutment wall having a strap-bearing surface disposed toward said pawl and defining therewith a strap-receiving throat, at least one second abutment on said pawl arranged transversely with respect thereto and disposed toward said abutment wall and shaped to engage said row of first abutments on said strap, and a stop member on said pawl extending toward said entry surface and spaced from said frame in the as-molded position of said pawl and abutting against said frame in the ultimate-load position of said pawl, said strap being deformable into a loop encircling a bundle of wires with the free end of said strap extending into said strap-receiving throat and through the opening in said frame and therebeyond, said row of first abutments being disposed toward said second abutment as said strap is tensioned about the bundle of wires to a tensioned condition, release of said strap causing at least one of said first abutments firmly to engage said second abutment and to shift said pawl to the strap-locking position thereof, any force tending to withdraw said strap from within said strap-receiving throat in a strap-withdrawal direction serving to move the associated one of said first abutments into more firm engagement with said second abutment firmly to grip said strap between said strap-bearing surface and said pawl, application of a force to said strap in a strap-withdrawal direction sufficient to shift said pawl to the ultimate-load position thereof moving said stop member against said frame to limit the shifting of said pawl, whereby to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of said strap from said frame and thus to lock said strap in its tensioned condition about the bundle of wires.

Claim 47

A cable tie to be tensioned about a bundle of wires and the like, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of abutments disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arranged transversely with respect thereto, a frame on one end of said strap and including an end wall and an abutment wall, said frame having an entry surface and an exit surface and an opening extending therethrough for receiving the other end of said strap, a pawl disposed within said frame in said strap-receiving opening, a hinge interconnecting said frame and the end of said pawl disposed toward said entry surface, said pawl being shiftable between an as-molded position disposed away from said abutment wall and a strap-locking position and an ultimate-load position disposed toward said abutment wall, said abutment wall having a strap-bearing surface disposed toward said pawl and defining therewith a strap-receiving throat, a set of at least two teeth on said pawl arranged transversely with respect thereto and disposed toward said abutment wall and shaped to engage said row of abutments on said strap, the tooth disposed toward said entry surface being positioned in the as-molded position of said pawl closer to said strap-bearing surface than the tooth disposed toward said exit surface, and a stop member on said pawl extending toward said entry surface and spaced from said frame in the as-molded position of said pawl and abutting against said frame in the ultimate-load position of said pawl, said strap being deformable into a loop encircling a bundle of wires with the free end of said strap extending into said strap-receiving throat and through the opening in said frame and therebeyond, said row of abutments being disposed toward said pawl teeth as said strap is tensioned about the bundle of wires to a tensioned condition with the tooth disposed toward said entry surface successively engaging said abutments to pivot said pawl and to move said tooth disposed toward said exit surface out of engagement with said row of abutments, release of said strap causing at least one of said abutments firmly to engage said teeth and to shift said pawl about said hinge and to move said tooth disposed toward said exit surface into firm engagement with one of said abutments, any force tending to withdraw said strap from within said strap-receiving throat in a strap-withdrawal direction serving to move the associated one of said abutments into more firm engagement with said teeth firmly to grip said strap between said strap-bearing surface and said pawl, application of a force to said strap in a strap-withdrawal direction sufficient to shift said pawl to the ultimate-load position thereof moving said stop member against said frame to limit the shifting of said pawl, whereby to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of said strap from said frame and thus to lock said strap in its tensioned condition about the bundle of wires.

Claim 48

A cable tie to be tensioned about a bundle of wires and the like, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of abutments disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arranged transversely with respect thereto, a frame on one end of said strap and including an end wall and an abutment wall, said frame having an entry surface and an exit surface and an opening extending therethrough for receiving the other end of said strap, a pawl disposed within said frame in said strap-receiving opening, a hinge interconnecting said frame and the end of said pawl disposed toward said entry surface, said pawl being shiftable between an as-molded position disposed away from said abutment wall and a strap-locking position and an ultimate-load position disposed toward said abutment wall, said abutment wall having a strap-bearing surface disposed toward said pawl and defining therewith a strap-receiving throat, a set of at least two teeth on said pawl arranged transversely with respect thereto and disposed toward said abutment wall and shaped to engage said row of abutments on said strap, the tooth disposed toward said entry surface being positioned in the as-molded position of said pawl closer to said strap-bearing surface than the tooth disposed toward said exit surface, and a stop member on said pawl extending toward said entry surface and spaced from said frame in the as-molded position of said pawl and abutting against said frame in the ultimate-load position of said pawl, said strap being deformable into a loop encircling a bundle of wires with the free end of said strap extending into said strap-receiving throat and through the opening in said frame and therebeyond, said row of abutments being disposed toward said pawl teeth as said strap is tensioned about the bundle of wires to a tensioned condition with the tooth disposed toward said entry surface successively engaging said abutments to pivot said pawl and to move said tooth disposed toward said exit surface out of engagement with said row of abutments, release of said strap causing at least one of said abutments firmly to engage said teeth and to shift said pawl about said hinge and to move said tooth disposed toward said exit surface into firm engagement with one of said abutments, any force tending to withdraw said strap from within said strap-receiving throat in a strap-withdrawal direction serving to move the associated one of said abutments into more firm engagement with said teeth firmly to grip said strap between said strap-bearing surface and said pawl, application of a force to said strap in a strap-withdrawal direction sufficient to shift said pawl to the ultimate-load position thereof moving said stop member against said frame to limit the shifting of said pawl, whereby to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of said strap from said frame and thus to lock said strap in its tensioned condition about the bundle of wires.

Claim 49

A cable tie to be tensioned about a bundle of wires and the like, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of first abutments disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arranged transversely with respect thereto, a frame on one end of said strap and including an end wall and an abutment wall, said frame having an entry surface and an exit surface and an opening extending therethrough for receiving the other end of said strap, a pawl disposed within said frame in said strap-receiving opening, a hinge interconnecting said frame and the end of said pawl disposed toward said entry surface, said pawl being shiftable between an as-molded position disposed away from said abutment wall and a strap-locking position and an ultimate-load position disposed toward said abutment wall, said abutment wall having a strap-bearing surface disposed toward said pawl and defining therewith a strap-receiving throat, at least one second abutment on said pawl arranged transversely with respect thereto and disposed toward said abutment wall and shaped to engage said row of first abutments on said strap, and an anti-rotation member on said pawl extending toward said exit surface and spaced from said frame in the as-molded position of said pawl and abutting against the adjacent portion of said strap in the ultimate-load position of said pawl, said strap being deformable into a loop encircling a bundle of wires with the free end of said strap extending into said strap-receiving throat and through the opening in said frame and therebeyond, said row of first abutments being disposed toward said second abutment as said strap is tensioned about the bundle of wires to a tensioned condition, release of said strap causing at least one of said first abutments firmly to engage said second abutment and to shift said pawl to the strap-locking position thereof, any force tending to withdraw said strap from within said strap-receiving throat in a strap-withdrawal direction serving to move the associated one of said first abutments into more firm engagement with said second abutment firmly to grip said strap between said strap-bearing surface and said pawl, application of a force to said strap in a strap-withdrawal direction sufficient to shift said pawl to the ultimate-load position thereof moving said anti-rotation member against the adjacent portion of said strap to limit the shifting of said pawl, whereby to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of said strap from said frame and thus to lock said strap in its tensioned condition about the bundle of wires.

Claim 50

A cable tie to be tensioned about a bundle of wires and the like, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of first abutments disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arranged transversely with respect thereto, a frame on one end of said strap and including an end wall and an abutment wall, said frame having an entry surface and an exit surface and an opening extending therethrough for receiving the other end of said strap, a pawl disposed within said frame in said strap-receiving opening, a hinge interconnecting said frame and the end of said pawl disposed toward said entry surface, said pawl being shiftable between an as-molded position disposed away from said abutment wall and a strap-locking position and an ultimate-load position disposed toward said abutment wall, said abutment wall having a strap-bearing surface disposed toward said pawl and defining therewith a strap-receiving throat, at least one second abutment on said pawl arranged transversely with respect thereto and disposed toward said abutment wall and shaped to engage said row of first abutments on said strap, and an anti-rotation member on said pawl extending toward said exit surface and spaced from said frame in the as-molded position of said pawl and abutting against the adjacent portion of said strap in the ultimate-load position of said pawl, said strap being deformable into a loop encircling a bundle of wires with the free end of said strap extending into said strap-receiving throat and through the opening in said frame and therebeyond, said row of first abutments being disposed toward said second abutment as said strap is tensioned about the bundle of wires to a tensioned condition, release of said strap causing at least one of said first abutments firmly to engage said second abutment and to shift said pawl to the strap-locking position thereof, any force tending to withdraw said strap from within said strap-receiving throat in a strap-withdrawal direction serving to move the associated one of said first abutments into more firm engagement with said second abutment firmly to grip said strap between said strap-bearing surface and said pawl, application of a force to said strap in a strap-withdrawal direction sufficient to shift said pawl to the ultimate-load position thereof moving said anti-rotation member against the adjacent portion of said strap to limit the shifting of said pawl, whereby to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of said strap from said frame and thus to lock said strap in its tensioned condition about the bundle of wires.

Claim 51

A cable tie to be tensioned about a bundle of wires and the like, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of first abutments disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arranged transversely with respect thereto, a frame on one end of said strap and including an end wall and an abutment wall, said frame having an entry surface and an exit surface and an opening extending therethrough for receiving the other end of said strap, a ledge on said end wall extending longitudinally therefrom toward said abutment wall and including a support surface disposed toward said entry surface, a pawl disposed within said frame in said strap-receiving opening and pivotally mounted on and integral with the support surface of said ledge, said pawl being shiftable between an as-molded position disposed away from said abutment wall and a strap-locking position and an ultimate-load position disposed toward said abutment wall, said abutment wall having a strap-bearing surface disposed toward said pawl and defining therewith a strap-receiving throat, at least one second abutment on said pawl arranged transversely with respect thereto and disposed toward said abutment wall and shaped to engage said row of first abutments on said strap, and a stop member on said pawl extending toward said entry surface and spaced from said frame in the as-molded position of said pawl and abutting against said frame in the ultimate-load position of said pawl, said strap being deformable into a loop encircling a bundle of wires with the free end of said strap extending into said strap-receiving throat and through the opening in said frame and therebeyond, said row of first abutments being disposed toward said second abutment as said strap is tensioned about the bundle of wires to a tensioned condition, release of said strap causing at least one of said first abutments firmly to engage said second abutment and to shift said pawl to the strap-locking position thereof, any force tending to withdraw said strap from within said strap-receiving throat in a strap-withdrawal direction serving to move the associated one of said first abutments into more firm engagement with said second abutment firmly to grip said strap between said strap-bearing surface and said pawl, application of a force to said strap in a strap-withdrawal direction sufficient to shift said pawl to the ultimate-load position thereof moving said stop member against said frame to limit the shifting of said pawl, whereby to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of said strap from said frame and thus to lock said strap in its tensioned condition about the bundle of wires.

Claim 52

A cable tie to be tensioned about a bundle of wires and the like, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of first abutments disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arranged transversely with respect thereto, a frame on one end of said strap and including an end wall and an abutment wall, said frame having an entry surface and an exit surface and an opening extending therethrough for receiving the other end of said strap, a ledge on said end wall extending longitudinally therefrom toward said abutment wall and including a support surface disposed toward said entry surface, a pawl disposed within said frame in said strap-receiving opening and pivotally mounted on and integral with the support surface of said ledge, said pawl being shiftable between an as-molded position disposed away from said abutment wall and a strap-locking position and an ultimate-load position disposed toward said abutment wall, said abutment wall having a strap-bearing surface disposed toward said pawl and defining therewith a strap-receiving throat, at least one second abutment on said pawl arranged transversely with respect thereto and disposed toward said abutment wall and shaped to engage said row of first abutments on said strap, and a stop member on said pawl extending toward said entry surface and spaced from said frame in the as-molded position of said pawl and abutting against said frame in the ultimate-load position of said pawl, said strap being deformable into a loop encircling a bundle of wires with the free end of said strap extending into said strap-receiving throat and through the opening in said frame and therebeyond, said row of first abutments being disposed toward said second abutment as said strap is tensioned about the bundle of wires to a tensioned condition, release of said strap causing at least one of said first abutments firmly to engage said second abutment and to shift said pawl to the strap-locking position thereof, any force tending to withdraw said strap from within said strap-receiving throat in a strap-withdrawal direction serving to move the associated one of said first abutments into more firm engagement with said second abutment firmly to grip said strap between said strap-bearing surface and said pawl, application of a force to said strap in a strap-withdrawal direction sufficient to shift said pawl to the ultimate-load position thereof moving said stop member against said frame to limit the shifting of said pawl, whereby to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of said strap from said frame and thus to lock said strap in its tensioned condition about the bundle of wires.

Claim 53

A cable tie to be tensioned about a bundle of wires and the like, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of first abutments disposed on the longitudinal surface of said strap that is disposed against the bundle of wires in use, said abutments being arranged transversely with respect thereto, a frame on one end of said strap and including an end wall and an abutment wall, said frame having an entry surface and an exit surface and an opening extending therethrough for receiving the other end of said strap, a pawl disposed within said frame in said strap-receiving opening, a hinge interconnecting said frame and the end of said pawl disposed toward said entry surface, said pawl being shiftable between an as-molded position disposed away from said abutment wall and a strap-locking position and an ultimate-load position disposed toward said abutment wall, said abutment wall having a strap-bearing surface disposed toward said pawl and defining therewith a strap-receiving throat, at least one second abutment on said pawl arranged transversely with respect thereto and disposed toward said abutment wall and shaped to engage said row of first abutments on said strap, and a stop member on said pawl extending toward said entry surface and spaced from said frame in the as-molded position of said pawl and abutting against said frame in the ultimate-load position of said pawl, said strap being deformable into a loop encircling a bundle of wires with the free end of said strap extending into said strap-receiving throat and through the opening in said frame and therebeyond, said row of first abutments being disposed toward said second abutment as said strap is tensioned about thE bundle of wires to a tensioned condition, release of said strap causing at least one of said first abutments firmly to engage said second abutment and to shift said pawl to the strap-locking position thereof, any force tending to withdraw said strap from within said strap-receiving throat in a strap-withdrawal direction serving to move the associated one of said first abutments into more firm engagement with said second abutment firmly to grip said strap between said strap-bearing surface and said pawl, application of a force to said strap in a strap-withdrawal direction sufficient to shift said pawl to the ultimate-load position thereof moving said stop member against said frame to limit the shifting of said pawl, whereby to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of said strap from said frame and thus to lock said strap in its tensioned condition about the bundle of wires.

Claim 54

A cable tie to be tensioned about a bundle of wires and the like, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of first abutments disposed on the longitudinal surface of said strap that is disposed against the bundle of wires in use, said abutments being arranged transversely with respect thereto, a frame on one end of said strap and including an end wall and an abutment wall, said frame having an entry surface and an exit surface and an opening extending therethrough for receiving the other end of said strap, a pawl disposed within said frame in said strap-receiving opening, a hinge interconnecting said frame and the end of said pawl disposed toward said entry surface, said pawl being shiftable between an as-molded position disposed away from said abutment wall and a strap-locking position and an ultimate-load position disposed toward said abutment wall, said abutment wall having a strap-bearing surface disposed toward said pawl and defining therewith a strap-receiving throat, at least one second abutment on said pawl arranged transversely with respect thereto and disposed toward said abutment wall and shaped to engage said row of first abutments on said strap, and a stop member on said pawl extending toward said entry surface and spaced from said frame in the as-molded position of said pawl and abutting against said frame in the ultimate-load position of said pawl, said strap being deformable into a loop encircling a bundle of wires with the free end of said strap extending into said strap-receiving throat and through the opening in said frame and therebeyond, said row of first abutments being disposed toward said second abutment as said strap is tensioned about thE bundle of wires to a tensioned condition, release of said strap causing at least one of said first abutments firmly to engage said second abutment and to shift said pawl to the strap-locking position thereof, any force tending to withdraw said strap from within said strap-receiving throat in a strap-withdrawal direction serving to move the associated one of said first abutments into more firm engagement with said second abutment firmly to grip said strap between said strap-bearing surface and said pawl, application of a force to said strap in a strap-withdrawal direction sufficient to shift said pawl to the ultimate-load position thereof moving said stop member against said frame to limit the shifting of said pawl, whereby to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of said strap from said frame and thus to lock said strap in its tensioned condition about the bundle of wires.

Claim 55

A cable tie to be tensioned about a bundle of wires and the like, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of abutments disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arranged transversely with respect thereto, a frame on one end of said strap and including an end wall and an abutment wall, said frame having an entry surface and an exit surface and an opening extending therethrough for receiving the other end of said strap, a pawl disposed within said frame in said strap-receiving opening, a hinge interconnecting said frame and the end of said pawl disposed toward said entry surface, said pawl being shiftable between an as-molded position disposed away from said abutment wall and a strap-locking position and an ultimate-load position disposed toward said abutment wall, said abutment wall having a strap-bearing surface disposed toward said pawl and defining therewith a strap-receiving throat, a set of teeth on said pawl arranged transversely with respect thereto and disposed toward said abutment wall and shaped to engage said row of abutments on said strap, and a stop member on said pawl extending toward said entry surface and spaced from said frame in the as-molded position of said pawl and abutting against said frame in the ultimate-load position of said pawl, said strap being deformable into a loop encircling a bundle of wires with the free end of said strap extending into said strap-receiving throat and through the opening in said frame and therebeyond, said row of abutments being disposed toward said set of teeth as said strap is tensioned about the bundle of wires to a tensioned condition, release of said strap causing at least certain ones of said abutments firmly to engage said set of teeth and to shift said pawl to the strap-locking position thereof, any force tending to withdraw said strap from within said strap-receiving throat in a strap-withdrawal direction serving to move the associated ones of said abutments into more firm engagement with said teeth firmly to grip said strap between said strap-bearing surface and said pawl, application of a force to said strap in a strap-withdrawal direction sufficient to shift said pawl to the ultimate-load position thereof moving said stop member against said frame to limit the shifting of said pawl, whereby to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of said strap from said frame and thus to lock said strap in its tensioned condition about the bundle of wires.

Claim 56

A cable tie to be tensioned about a bundle of wires and the like, said cable tie comprising an elongated flexible strap, a row of abutments disposed on one longitudinal surface of said strap and arranged transversely with respect thereto, a frame on one end of said strap and including an end wall and an abutment wall, said frame having an entry surface and an exit surface and an opening extending therethrough for receiving the other end of said strap, a pawl disposed within said frame in said strap-receiving opening, a hinge interconnecting said frame and the end of said pawl disposed toward said entry surface, said pawl being shiftable between an as-molded position disposed away from said abutment wall and a strap-locking position and an ultimate-load position disposed toward said abutment wall, said abutment wall having a strap-bearing surface disposed toward said pawl and defining therewith a strap-receiving throat, a set of teeth on said pawl arranged transversely with respect thereto and disposed toward said abutment wall and shaped to engage said row of abutments on said strap, and a stop member on said pawl extending toward said entry surface and spaced from said frame in the as-molded position of said pawl and abutting against said frame in the ultimate-load position of said pawl, said strap being deformable into a loop encircling a bundle of wires with the free end of said strap extending into said strap-receiving throat and through the opening in said frame and therebeyond, said row of abutments being disposed toward said set of teeth as said strap is tensioned about the bundle of wires to a tensioned condition, release of said strap causing at least certain ones of said abutments firmly to engage said set of teeth and to shift said pawl to the strap-locking position thereof, any force tending to withdraw said strap from within said strap-receiving throat in a strap-withdrawal direction serving to move the associated ones of said abutments into more firm engagement with said teeth firmly to grip said strap between said strap-bearing surface and said pawl, application of a force to said strap in a strap-withdrawal direction sufficient to shift said pawl to the ultimate-load position thereof moving said stop member against said frame to limit the shifting of said pawl, whereby to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of said strap from said frame and thus to lock said strap in its tensioned condition about the bundle of wires.