Patent ID: 6122804
Filing Date: 2000-09-26
Classification: B65D,F16L,H02G,Y10T

Abstract:
A metal cable tie, comprising:a metal tensioning strip having a rear end and a free end;a head piece stamped from sheet metal and defining an elongated capsule, the capsule having a capsule bottom, opposing capsule walls joined to the capsule bottom, a first capsule end and a second capsule end opposing the first capsule end, the rear end of the tensioning strip being secured to the capsule bottom, the tensioning strip being able to be pushed by the free end through the capsule in a first lengthwise direction over the capsule bottom; anda locking ball received in the head piece, the tensioning strip being pullable in a second lengthwise direction opposite the first lengthwise direction, the capsule narrowing in the first lengthwise direction from a cross section, at the first capsule end, that receives the locking ball with play to a smaller cross section, at the second capsule end, that causes the locking ball to be clamped firmly between the tensioning strip rear end and the capsule walls opposing the tensioning strip rear end, the capsule has at the first capsule end at least one retainer that prevents the locking ball from falling out;wherein the cross-sectional shape of the capsule allows a degree of elastic deflection of at least one of the capsule walls opposite the capsule bottom, the at least one capsule wall having an opening into which the locking ball can be latched in a clamping position with the free end of tensioning strip fed through the capsule and secured by the locking ball in the clamping position, the second capsule end having an opening that permits the introduction of a tool into the capsule to push the locking ball out of its clamping position.