Abstract:
A mount for securing a flexible tie encircling and bundling an elongate article or articles to a supporting surface. The unitary mount includes a base portion and a support portion. Structures are provided for non-pivotal attachment to a mounting surface. Structure is also provided in an alternate embodiment for permitting the mount to support tied bundles of various diameters. A reinforcing insert may be provided within the base portion.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of co-pending provisional patent application serial No. 60/384,211, filed May 30, 2002. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    This invention relates generally to hardware for securing bundled elongate articles, such as wires, cables, hoses, tubing, fiber optics, conduits, vines, etc., to a supporting structure. More particularly, the invention relates to a mounting element, engaged by a stud, bolt, screw, rivet, etc., extending from the supporting structure or its facing surface.  
           [0003]    Flexible ties are widely used to secure elongate items, such as wires, cables, hoses and tubes, into compact secure bundles. Typically, such ties include a head and a flexible strap which terminates in a tail. In use, the tie is looped around the elongate item and the tail is inserted through the head of a mount, such as a saddle mount. The tail is then pulled tight to pull the strap around the articles, and thereby secure the articles into a compact, neat bundle. A pawl mechanism within the head secures the strap against withdrawal.  
           [0004]    In many applications, it is sufficient merely to secure the items into a bundle. Such applications might include, for example, stationary electronic equipment that remains in one place and is subject to little or no vibration in use. In other applications, it is necessary or desirable not only to secure the items into a bundle, but to secure the resulting bundle to a supporting chassis or framework as well. Such applications are also common, for example, in cars, trucks, airplanes, ships, boats and other vehicles where the bundle is likely to be subjected to severe jostling and vibration. In other applications (e.g. buildings), where vibration might not be an important consideration, it is still desirable to secure cables, hoses, tubes, etc., to a fixed structure.  
           [0005]    Flexible ties, in and of themselves, are not readily mounted to a supporting structure without the use of additional mounting structures or, in the present case, saddle mounts. Various types of mounts have been proposed. Such mounts are used in conjunction with flexible cable ties and provide an anchor to which the cable tie can be secured in use. Generally, mounting structures can either be entirely formed with a cable tie to create a one-piece structure or they can comprise an element wholly separate from the cable tie. Integrally formed mounting structures result in a one-piece tie that simultaneously secures the wire or similar article into a bundle and allows for securing the resulting bundle to a supporting structure.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    The present invention provides an improved mount for securing a flexible tie encircling and bundling an elongate article to a supporting surface. The mount comprises a unitary member including an integrally formed base portion and support portion extending outwardly away from the base portion, and wherein the outwardly extending portion includes an aperture for receiving a stud or fastener engagable with a supporting structure, such as a frame rail or similar element. The rear facing surface of the mount may further include a rearwardly extending protrusion for direct engagement with the supporting structure to act as a deterrent for pivoting movement of the mount with respect to the supporting stud.  
           [0007]    The present mount also includes a transverse aperture for receiving and supporting a portion of a flexible tie adapted to bundle elongate items, such as wires, cables, hoses, tubing, fiber optics, conduits, vines, etc. The bundling is completed by dimensioning the tie with a headed end and a trailing end, and wherein the headed end includes an aperture with a pawl or the like for receiving the trailing end and permitting the trailing end to be pulled tightly therethrough as it encircles and bundles the hardware to be secured.  
           [0008]    Alternatively, the present invention may include a metal bushing insert provided in the aperture for receiving the stud or fastener. The metal bushing insert is provided to supply additional reinforcement and therefore allow additional torque to be applied during securement to a supporting structure. The metal bushing is preferably formed from a low alloy steel or from a powdered metallurgy process.  
           [0009]    It is therefore the principle object of the present invention to provide a securing means for minimizing the pivotal movement of an apertured mount as it is anchored on a stud member, such as a screw, a bolt and nut combination or a headed nail protruding from a supporting structure.  
           [0010]    It is a further object of this invention to provide an apertured mount including a base portion defining an arched under surface and a transverse opening and including a notched out area intermediate the ends of said under surface. This configuration permits alternative application of the mount for use with bundled elongate objects having relatively different circumferences, the larger circumference being accommodated by a major portion of the arched under surface, whereas a relatively smaller diameter bundle being accommodated by the intermediate area and having its bundle tie through an integrally formed and cooperating locking pawl.  
           [0011]    In an alternative embodiment the mount includes a reinforcing insert located in the aperture. The insert provides additional support and strength to the mount for receiving and supporting a stud or fastener engagable with a supporting structure. The insert preferably includes an inner surface for supporting contact with a fastener, and an outer surface for supporting engagement with the surface of the aperture. Further, the alternative embodiment mount may include a supporting surface 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]    The invention, together with the further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify like elements, and wherein:  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the mount embodying the various features of this invention.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 2 is a rearward perspective view taken from a point below the mount as illustrated in the view of FIG. 1.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 3 is a front facing elevational view of the mount of this invention.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 4 a  is a cross sectional view of the mount taken along lines  4 - 4  of FIG. 3, and as further depicted in anchoring relationship with a supporting structure, such as a vehicle chassis frame, or the like.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 4 b  is a cross sectional view of an alternate mount taken along lines  4 - 4  of FIG. 3, and as further depicted in an alternate anchoring relationship with a supporting structure, such as a wall or a vehicle chassis frame, or the like.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view taken along lines  5 - 5  of FIG. 4 b , and further indicating a relationship, in phantom fragmentary view, of a mount with flexible strap and further shown in phantom in connection with bundling a plurality of elongate objects.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of this invention.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 7 is a plan view of the mount of the invention as disclosed in FIG. 6.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 8 a  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  8   a - 8   a  of FIG. 7 and further disclosing, in phantom view a bundle of elongated objects of relatively large diameter seated adjacent the mount.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 8 b  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  8   b - 8   b  of FIG. 7 and illustrating a bundle of tied elongated objects of lesser diameter which may be held in place by the alternative constructive mount of this invention.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of this invention showing a metal bushing insert.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the mount shown in FIG. 9.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the mount shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view taken along lines  12 - 12  of FIG. 10 and as further depicted in anchoring relationship with a supporting structure with flexible strap in connection with bundling an elongate object shown in phantom.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 13 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment mount similar to that shown in FIG. 9, but showing an alternative metal bushing insert.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view taken along lines  14 - 14  of FIG. 13 and showing the alternative bushing insert in place in the mount.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 15 is an exploded view similar to that of FIG. 13 but showing another alternative embodiment metal bushing insert.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view taken along lines  16 - 16  of FIG. 15 and showing the metal bushing insert in place in the mount.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 17 is an exploded view similar to that of FIGS. 13 and 15 but showing another alternative embodiment metal bushing insert.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view taken along lines  18 - 18  of FIG. 17 and showing the metal bushing insert in place in the mount.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 19 is an exploded view similar to that of FIGS. 13, 15 and  17  but showing yet another alternative embodiment metal bushing insert.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view taken along lines  20 - 20  of FIG. 19 and showing the metal bushing insert in place in the mount.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 21 is an exploded view similar to that of FIGS. 13, 15,  17 , and  19  but showing still another alternative embodiment metal bushing insert.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 22 is a cross sectional view taken along lines  22 - 22  of FIG. 21 and showing the metal bushing insert in place in the mount. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0037]    Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention that may be embodied in other specific structure. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.  
         [0038]    A flexible tie mounting system, shown generally by the reference character  10 , embodying various features of the present concept, is shown in particular, in connection with FIG. 5. As illustrated, the system  10  is used to secure elongate elements or items, such as adjacent strands of wire, conduit or fiber optics strands  12  (herein shown in phantom, encased in an outer tubular conduit  13 ), to a supporting structure  34  by means of an outwardly projecting mounting element  14  having a head  15  and a threaded shaft  16  (see phantom lines in FIGS. 4 a  and  4   b ). The shaft  16  with head  15  and nut  18  may be a conventional threaded bolt and nut, a screw or a stud (not shown). For illustrative purposes, the supporting structure  34  may also be the frame rail  17  (see FIG. 4 a ) of a truck or similar vehicle subject to jostling as the vehicle moves along bumpy roads or subjected to other rough usage. It will be appreciated that the system  10  may be used in other applications, and can be used to mount other tie bundled items to any form of a supporting structure  34  utilizing a mounting element, such as a stud, bolt, screw, threaded rod, rivet, nail, etc.  
         [0039]    A portion of a flexible tie  18 , as shown in phantom in FIG. 5, has been passed through a transverse aperture  20  of the mount  22  of the present invention. The flexible tie  18  is supported by the inner surface  23  of a wall member  24 . The arched exterior surface  25  of the wall member  24  supports the bundled element  12 ,  13 .  
         [0040]    With particular attention to the mount  22 , as shown in FIGS. 4 a  and  4   b , it will be noted that the mount  22  is provided with an integral base portion  26  having an upstanding, laterally extending support portion  28 . The upwardly extending portion  28  includes an aperture  30  arranged to receive the mounting element  14  illustrated herein to be in the form of a threaded bolt having the head  15  and threaded shaft  16  engageable with a threaded opening in the supporting structure  34 . Again, the threaded bolt  14  is shown for illustrative purposes only. This projecting mounting element  16 , may also take the form of a bolt, screw, threaded rod, rivet, mounting stud, etc. or similar item.  
         [0041]    In one embodiment, the mount  22  further includes, at its rear surface  36  protrusions  38   a ,  38   b  and  38   c  (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 a ). The protrusions  38   a ,  38   b  and  38   c  are each laterally spaced from the aperture  30 . The protrusions  38   a  and  38   c  take the form of a ledge extending outwardly from the inner surface  36  of the mount  22 . These ledges, or flanged protrusions  38   a  and  38   c  extend across the mount  22  to provide a surface for engaging the supporting structure  34 , as does the generally oval shaped protrusion  38   b  surrounding the aperture  30 . The protrusions  38   a  and/or  38   b  and/or  38   c  act to provide a means for minimizing rotation of the mount  22  around its aperture  30  when supported by the mounting element  14 . The external dimensions of the protrusions  38   a ,  38   b  and  38   c  are relatively thin when compared to the inner facing surface  36  of the mount  22 . This relationship permits tight clamping engagement of the mount  22  with the supporting structure  34 . When the head  15  of the mounting element  14  is tightened to engage and urge the mount  22  towards the supporting structure  34 . In the case of a relatively soft wooden supporting structure  34 , the protrusions  38   a  and  38   b  may actually penetrate the surface of the wooden wall  34 . With a metal frame rail  17 , the protrusions  38   a  and  38   b  fit within a mating opening to minimize rotation of the mount  22  around the supporting stud or other mounting element  14 . Such action will act to stabilize the bundled elements  12  relative to the mounting surface  17 .  
         [0042]    An alternate embodiment of the invention  32  is shown in FIG. 4 b . In this embodiment, the protrusion  38   b  has been removed. The mount  32  is again secured to the mounting surface  34 , but relies on the frictional interface between the mount  32  and surface  34  for rotational stability.  
         [0043]    The present invention also contemplates the use of only one protrusion, either  38   a  or  38   b  or  38   c , so long as it is spaced from the aperture  30 . This design, when dimensioned properly, will provide a lever arm adding to the torque required to pivotally move the mount  22  relative to the wall  34  of frame rail  17 .  
         [0044]    It will be noted that the rearwardly extending protrusion  38   b  includes a minor axis “a-a” and a major axis “b-b” (see FIG. 2). The major axis “b-b” of the oval protrusion  38   b  lies substantially parallel with the lower surface of the ledge protrusion  38   a  to provide additional interference with the ledge  38   a  when the mounting element  16  has been tightened with its head  15  tightly engaging the front surface of the mounting  22 . This arrangement will provide a secure anchoring surface with respect to a supporting structure  34  as shown in FIG. 4.  
         [0045]    Although the preferred embodiment utilizes a generally oval shaped enclosed protrusion surrounding the aperture  30  it will be apparent that protrusions of other configurations may be substituted and remain within the province of the present invention.  
         [0046]    With particular attention to FIGS. 2 and 5, it will be observed that the ledge or flanged portions  38   a  and  38   c  also provide an extension of the wall member  24  of the mount  22 , with its lower surface  25  being curved or arched to provide a contacting surface for further support of the bundled element  12 .  
         [0047]    As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the front face of the mount  22  is preferably molded with a series of re-entrant openings  40  separated by webs  41 . The openings  40  are designed to reduce the amount of resin needed for injection molding, without sacrificing strength of the integrally molded mount  22 .  
         [0048]    Another embodiment of the present invention will next be explained with respect to the views of FIGS.  6 - 22 , inclusive. With particular attention to FIG. 6, it will be noted that a mount  22   a  of similar construction to the mount  22  has been provided. There is the opening  30  arranged to accommodate a mounting element such as a stud  14  shown in phantom in the views of FIGS. 8 a  and  8   b . As previously described, the stud is intended to engage a threaded opening in a supporting structure, such as a wall  34 .  
         [0049]    As will be noted, the present embodiment includes a supporting surface  45  of a relatively expanded arcuate dimension suitable for supporting a relatively large bundle of tie bundled objects  12  as shown in FIG. 8 a . The surface  45  extends at opposite ends to define outwardly projecting flanged areas  38   a  and  38   c , and notched out areas  48 . The notched out areas  48 , as shown in FIG. 8 b , will accommodate a bundle of relatively small diameter when compared with the relatively larger bundle  12  of FIG. 8 a . The tie  18  of standard width may be used to bundle either of the buckled objects  12 , whether of enlarged diameter or of the smaller diameter shown in FIG. 8 b . The flexible tie  18  will be pulled through its locking means  19  to the desired diameter and will be latched in place by an inner pawl (not shown) as is well known in the art. Proper support will be provided by this embodiment, no matter the diametrical size of the bundle to be supported by the mount  22   a.    
         [0050]    As shown in FIGS.  9 - 22 , an insert  50  may be molded or placed within the opening  30 . In my preferred embodiment, the insert  50  is formed from a metallic material such as low alloy steel or formed from a powder metallurgy process. The insert provides the benefit of allowing the mounting element  14  to be tightened to a predetermined torque that is higher than the torque permissible without the insert  50 . In other words, without insert  50  the mount  22   a  may deform, collapse or fail if the mounting element torque exceeded a certain level. Including the insert  50  allows the torque to be sufficiently greater without causing damage to the mount  22   a.    
         [0051]    As best shown in FIG. 12, the insert  50  may have an annular shape including substantially smooth outer walls  52 . The insert may be either press fit into the mount  22   a  or may be integrally molded therein. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the insert  50  may include a secondary annular protrusion  54  to retain the insert within the mount  22   a . As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the inset may include laterally spaced, triangular protrusions  56  along the outer surface of the insert  50 . As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the insert may include laterally spaced, semi-cylindrical protrusions  58  along the outer surface of the insert  50 . As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the insert may include a secondary annular protrusion having a knurl  60  formed thereon. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the insert may include simply a knurl  62  formed along the full height of the outer surface of the insert  50 .  
         [0052]    The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.