Abstract:
The invention relates to a mounting band and a tool for handling the mounting band, wherein the mounting band comprises a band extending in a longitudinal direction and having a width (B) and a thickness (H) and (L), the width (B) being larger than the thickness (H), and transversal embossings, which are configured on the band and are disposed transversely to the longitudinal direction (L) substantially across the width (B) of the band, the transversal embossings having variable depths (T) across the width (B) of the band.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This is a continuation of international patent application PCT/DE2008/001841, filed Nov. 7 th , 2008, which designated the United States, and which claimed priority to German patent application No. 10 2007 053 699.4, filed Nov. 10 th , 2007. These applications are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to a mounting band, a mounting arrangement, and a tool for handling a mounting band, and more particularly, to a mounting band having transverse embossings, a mounting arrangement utilizing a mounting band with transverse embossings, and a tool for handling a mounting band with transverse embossings. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Mounting elements for attaching several objects to each other are known in a multitude of forms, for example as hooks, angles, cable ties, pipe ties, mounting bands or holed bands. Mounting elements of this kind can in particular be used to attach objects to buildings and building sections, for the assembly of furniture and furniture items, and the attachment of furnishings such as pictures, curtain rails and flower boxes. A multitude of different tools is in turn required for mounting bands of this kind. 
         [0004]    DE 19615629 C1 provides a mounting element made from band material with a number of recesses arranged and formed in such a way that a pre-determined breaking edge is defined along a certain line, on which a static and dynamic load can be placed. The mounting band comprises connection areas with elevations projecting above the surface of the band material, which lead to recesses, the interior dimensions of which equal at least those of the external dimensions of the elevations. 
         [0005]    DE7131877, US2003/0145436, EP0779464, WO2005/121623A and DE8510364U1 offer hose and tension clips (worm thread clips) with gears or thread sections with variable depths extending transverse to the hose band, but not across the entire width of the band. The clips comprise a set screw or a thread for tightening, the same being installed in such a way that the internal diameter of the hose clip can be reduced by rotating the set screw. These hose and tension clips serve for fitting one hose end to a fixed connector or to a hose connector; a shortening of the hose band (which is in any case not envisaged as differently dimensioned hose clips are commercially available) is possible only involving substantial effort due to the stability of the material, as the gears or thread sections are not designed to be individually broken off or separated from the band. 
         [0006]    GB943140 offers a quick release fastening, comprising a first belt accessory element that is adjusted to fit the same to a belt end, and a second belt accessory element comprising an opening, through which the first belt accessory element can be guided, and that is formed in such a way that the same can be attached to another belt end. The other end of the second belt accessory element is equipped with a projection extending into the opening and arranged on one of two opposing sides at each side end for engaging the back of the first belt accessory element when the first belt accessory element is connected with the second belt accessory element. 
         [0007]    A universal mounting equipped with continuous abutting V-shaped transverse grooves is known from DE202005009794U1. These transverse grooves comprise a continuously constant depth, which results in application technical disadvantages during the deformation and separation of the mounting. The tapered shape of the transverse groove ends mean that the same can also cause damage to the components to be connected. 
         [0008]    Therefore, in light of the problems associated with existing approaches, there is a need for a mounting band that can be used in a multitude of ways and that can be processed with little effort. There is further a need for a tool for handling the mounting band that is of a simple construction and can be processed together with the mounting band simply and safely. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    According to a first aspect the invention a mounting band is provided. The band extends in a longitudinal direction and has a width and a thickness, the width being greater than the thickness. Transverse embossings or groves are formed on the band and are distributed substantially along the entire longitudinal extension of the band. The transverse embossings extend across the entire width of the band from one side to the other, following a transverse orientation relative to the band&#39;s longitudinal direction. The transverse embossings have variable depths across the width of the band. They are configured such that the mounting band can be bent along the transverse embossings and thereby adjusted to fit the shape of objects to be attached to each other with the mounting band. The transverse embossing are further configured such that the mounting band can be broken off along a transverse embossing and thereby the length of the mounting band be adjusted to fit the objects to be attached to each other. A mounting band as described can be used without damaging the objects to be attached to each other. 
         [0010]    The transverse embossings may be configured in many different ways to achieve desirable characteristics of the mounting band. In particular, embossing may be provided with different depth-profiles across the band and different cross-sectional shapes. The depth-profile of an embossing may include sections with zero depth, resulting in intermittent embossings. The number and orientation of embossings on the mounting band may also be varied. The configuration of embossings may be optimized for bands made of different materials. Different configurations of embossings may also be used to achieve desirable characteristics of the mounting band, e.g. to make the mounting band easy to process with a given tool, or optimize the mounting band&#39;s ability to be bent while avoiding unintentional breaking. 
         [0011]    In one exemplary embodiment the transverse embossings of the mounting band are less pronounced in the side edge area of the band than in the central area of the band which is located in between its two side edge areas. In this embodiment in the area of a transverse embossing the mounting band&#39;s edges are thicker than its middle section. 
         [0012]    In contrast, in another exemplary embodiment the transverse embossings of the mounting band are more pronounced in the side edge area of the band than in a central area of the band. In this embodiment in the area of a transverse embossing the mounting band&#39;s edges are thinner than its middle section. 
         [0013]    In yet another embodiment the transverse embossings are intermittent across the width of the band, i.e. the embossing has sections of zero depth. A mounting band according to this embodiment may be folded easily without the risk of breakage. 
         [0014]    In another aspect of the invention the transverse embossings comprise a substantially U-shaped cross-section. This has the advantage that the band can be folded easily without the risk of breakage. 
         [0015]    In a further embodiment the transverse embossings comprise a substantially V-shaped cross-section, giving the band a substantially saw-tooth like structure in its longitudinal extension. The V-shaped embossing are configured such, that two mounting bands having the same V-shaped embossings may engage with each other. Two similarly formed bands may thereby be firmly coupled with each other in the longitudinal direction of the bands, allowing the transfer of a force from one band into the other in at least in one direction. This applies in particular when the saw-tooth like structure has a predetermined direction of advance in the longitudinal direction of the band, so that the bands can hook into each other particularly well. 
         [0016]    In yet another aspect of the invention the mounting band may comprise longitudinal embossings formed on the band, which are arranged in a longitudinal direction. This has the advantage that further attachment points can be located in areas where the longitudinal embossings intersect the transverse embossings. 
         [0017]    The band may also comprise holes in the areas where the longitudinal embossings intersect the transverse embossings. This has the advantage that an additional possibility of fitting the mounting band exists without having to drill additional holes into the band. In addition the mounting band can be attached to a solid object in a simple way. 
         [0018]    In another embodiment the band comprises hole recesses in the areas where the longitudinal embossings intersect the transverse embossings. This enables a fitting of the same to the mounting band. In addition the advantage that the mounting band itself can be attached in a simple way also exists. 
         [0019]    Mounting bands may be made of different materials. In an exemplary embodiment the mounting band may be made of metal, thereby providing high mechanical strength. 
         [0020]    Alternatively, the mounting band may be made of plastic. This allows cost effective production of the mounting band, avoids corrosion and provides electrical isolation. 
         [0021]    In yet another embodiment the mounting band has a core area and an outer area enclosing the core area at least in part, whereby the outer area comprises the material that is a plastic. This has the advantage that the mounting band can be free from corrosion and provide electrical isolation. 
         [0022]    Mounting bands according to another aspect of the invention may comprise a measure of length scale. This has the advantage that no measuring tool other than the mounting band is required, so that a definite time saving is possible during assembly. 
         [0023]    The following detailed description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background of the invention or the following detailed description of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the schematic drawings, whereby: 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  is a schematic top view of section of a mounting band in a first embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a schematic top view of section of a mounting band in an alternative embodiment. 
           [0027]      FIG. 2   a  is a schematic top view of a section according to a further embodiment of the mounting band. 
           [0028]      FIG. 2   b  is a schematic top view of a section according to a further embodiment of the mounting band. 
           [0029]      FIG. 2   c  is a schematic top view of a section according to a further embodiment of the mounting band. 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the mounting band as in  FIG. 2   a  along the line III-III&#39;. 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a mounting band. 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a mounting band. 
           [0033]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view along the line VI-VI′ of the mounting band as in  FIG. 2   b.    
           [0034]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view along the line VII-VII′ of the mounting band as in  FIG. 2   a.    
           [0035]      FIG. 7   a  is a schematic top view of a further embodiment of the mounting band. 
           [0036]      FIG. 7   b  is a schematic top view of a further embodiment of the mounting band. 
           [0037]      FIG. 8  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the mounting band. 
           [0038]      FIG. 9  is a schematic top view of a first embodiment of a mounting arrangement. 
           [0039]      FIG. 10  is a schematic cross-sectional view of the mounting arrangement as in  FIG. 9  along the line X-X′. 
           [0040]      FIG. 11  is a schematic elevation of a tool for handling the mounting band in a first embodiment. 
           [0041]      FIG. 12  is a schematic elevation of a tool for handling the mounting band in a further embodiment. 
           [0042]      FIG. 13  is a schematic, partially cut away, elevation of a tool for handling the mounting band in a further embodiment. 
           [0043]      FIG. 14   a - 14   l  show cross-sections of different embodiments of the variable transverse embossings, whereby the broken lines each represent the thickness of the mounting band. 
           [0044]      FIG. 15   a - 15   f  each show a schematic elevation of different embodiments of the transverse embossings. 
       
    
    
       [0045]    Like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 1  a schematic top view of a first embodiment of a mounting band  10  with a band  12  extending in a longitudinal direction L is illustrated. Band  12  has a substantially constant width B and a substantially constant thickness H, as illustrated in a cross sectional view in  FIG. 3 . The width B of the band  12  is greater than its thickness H, so that the band  12  is substantially formed as a flat strip. The thickness H of the band  12  is preferably approx. 0.2-1.5 mm. The band  12  has edge areas  16  and a central area  18  located between the edge areas  16 . 
         [0047]    Transverse embossings  14  are located on the band  12  transverse to the longitudinal direction L of the band  12 . The transverse embossings  14  preferably serve for bending sections of the band  12  with a pre-defined length without the band  12  being broken at such a transverse embossing  14 . The transverse embossings  14  further serve for producing a section of the band  12  with a defined length by repeatedly bending band  12  backwards and forwards. In  FIG. 1  the transverse embossings  14  are straight and arranged equidistantly from each other. In this way it is possible to produce sections of band  12  that are evenly graded according to their lengths. In further embodiments the transverse embossings  14  can also take a form other than a straight. Further, transverse embossings  14  may be distributed unevenly along the longitudinal extension of band  12 . The transverse embossings  14  preferably extend across the entire width B of band  12 , so that it is very simple to bend the band  12  at a transverse embossing  14 . The transverse embossings  14  can, as is described in more detail with reference to  FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b  and  2   c , comprise a continuous or an intermittent width B. The transverse embossings  14  are preferably located at a distance of around one millimeter from each other. 
         [0048]    The band  12  may further comprise longitudinal embossings  20  which substantially extend in the longitudinal direction L of the band  12 . The longitudinal embossings  20  may extend continuously or intermittently. 
         [0049]    The transverse embossings  14  and the longitudinal embossings  20  are preferably located on one side  36  of the band  12 . Alternatively, the transverse embossings  14  and the longitudinal embossings  20  may also be located on both sides  36  and  38  of band  12 . 
         [0050]    The transverse embossings  14  and the longitudinal embossings  20  can be produced in the band  12  by means of rollers. In this way the transverse embossings  14  and the longitudinal embossings  20  can be created in the band  12  in a particularly easy and precise way. Transverse embossings  14  and the longitudinal embossings  20  may also be inserted into the band by means of a laser. This represents a particularly precise production method for the transverse embossings  14  and the longitudinal embossings  20 . 
         [0051]    In areas where the longitudinal embossings  20  intersect the transverse embossings  14  holes  22  or hole recesses  24  are preferably located, which can be formed to receive fitting elements such as screws or nails, with which the mounting band  10  can be firmly mechanically coupled with an object that is to be held, or on which the mounting band  10  itself is held. Alternatively or additionally the holes  22  or the hole recesses  24  can also be formed in areas of the band  12  where no transverse embossings are located, as is illustrated on the left side of  FIG. 1 . In particular the holes  22  or the hole recesses  24  can also be formed in areas of the band  12  between the transverse embossings  14 . The holes  22  or the hole recesses  24  can be located in the edge areas  16  and/or in the central area  18  of the band  12 . The holes  22  or the hole recesses  24  are preferably drilled or rolled. 
         [0052]    Holes  22  or hole recesses  24  may also be formed by a laser. In this way holes  22  or hole recesses  24  can be produced particularly easily and precisely. 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIG. 2  an alternative embodiment of a mounting band  10  is illustrated, in which straight transverse embossings  14  are oriented diagonal to the longitudinal extension of band  12 . Diagonal transverse embossings  14 , as illustrated, form an X-shaped structure on band  12 , extending across the entire width B of the band  12 . 
         [0054]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b  and  2   c  one section each of the band  12  is illustrated with the transverse embossings  14 , which are formed across the width B of the band  12  either continuously or intermittently. 
         [0055]    In the illustrations of  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b , and in  FIG. 6 , the transverse embossings  14  are formed intermittently and sections of the same are formed as straights or circular. In further embodiments the transverse embossings  14  are formed as ovals. These shapes can facilitate the bending of the band  12 . The interruptions in the transverse embossings  14  ensure that a sufficient quantity of band material remains in the areas where the band is bent in order to prevent that the band  12  breaks when it is bent. This is of particular advantage when the band  12  consists of a relatively rigid material or of several relatively rigid materials that might easily tear during bending. The formation of the transverse embossings  14  with interruptions can prevent a tearing or breaking at the transverse embossings  14 . 
         [0056]    In  FIG. 2   c  the transverse embossings  14  are formed intermittently or continuously as zigzag lines. In further embodiments the transverse embossings  14  are formed intermittently or continuously as wavy lines. The formation of the transverse embossings  14  as zigzag or wavy lines can prevent a tearing or breaking of the transverse embossings  14 , in particular where these are intermittent. 
         [0057]      FIG. 3  shows a cross-section of the mounting band  10  along the line III-III′ of  FIG. 2   a , whereby the transverse embossing  14  is less pronounced in the side edge areas  16  of the band  12  than in the central area  18  of the band  12 . This means that the depth T of the transverse embossing  14  in the central area  18  of the band  12  is deeper than in the side edge areas  16  of the band  12 . In this way it can be prevented that a rigid material of the band  12  in the side edge areas  16  tears when the band  12  is bent and that the band  12  is broken in this way. 
         [0058]      FIG. 4  shows a cross-section of the mounting band  10 , whereby the transverse embossing  14  is more pronounced in the side edge areas  16  of the band  12  than in the central area  18  of the band  12 . This means that the depth T of the transverse embossing  14  is shallower in the central area  18  of the band  12  than in the side edge areas  16  of the band  12 . In this way it is possible to ensure that a flexible material of the band  12 , for example a plastic, can be bent reliably and that the sections of the band  12  will remain in their desired positions when the band  12  is bent. 
         [0059]      FIG. 5  shows a cross-section of the mounting band  10 , whereby the transverse embossing  14  is formed across the width B of the band  12  at a variable depth T. Once again the formation of the intermittent transverse embossings  14  can prevent here that the transverse embossings  14  will tear or break, as described for the embodiments of  FIG. 2   b  and  FIG. 2   c.    
         [0060]      FIG. 7  shows a cross-section of the mounting band  10  along the line VII-VII′ of  FIG. 2   a , whereby the transverse embossing  14  has a U-shaped cross-section. A U-shaped cross-section is advantageous, as the band  12  can be bent particularly easily and a breaking of the band  12  during bending can be prevented particularly well when the band  12  is bent. This applies in particular with regard to a comparison with a transverse embossing  14  with a V-shaped cross-section. 
         [0061]      FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  show the cross-sections of the mounting band  10 , whereby the transverse embossings  14  are V-shaped. The band  12  is thus substantially formed in a saw-toothed way across its longitudinal extension. In this way it is possible that the band  12  can interact with similarly formed saw-toothed block  25  and ensure a safe positioning of the band  12  in the block  25  by means of arresting, in particular when the saw-tooth like structure has a pre-determined direction of advance in the longitudinal direction of the band  12 . 
         [0062]    A spring may be used to push band  12  with its transverse embossings  14  against the block  25 , the spring preferably located in the block  25 . When required the band  12  can be separated from the block  25  via an access opening, through which the spring can be activated, for example with a screwdriver, in a simple way. 
         [0063]      FIG. 8  shows a cross-section of the mounting band  10 , whereby the transverse embossing  14  is more pronounced in the side edge areas  16  of the band  12  than in the central area  18  of the band  12 . This means that the depth T of the transverse embossing  14  in the central area  18  of the band  12  is shallower than that in the side edge areas  16  of the band  12 . The band  12  has a core area  30  and an outer area  32  enclosing the core area  30 . Alternatively, the outer area  32  can also be formed in such a way that the same only partially encloses the core area  30 . The core area  30  is preferably made from a first material, and the outer area  32  from a second material, whereby the first material of the core area  30  is different from the second material of the outer area  32 . It is particularly preferred that the first material of the core area  30  comprises a metal, and the second material of the outer area  32  comprises a plastic. In this case the advantages of a metal, such as high mechanical stability and good shape retention, can be combined with the advantages of a plastic. It is of particular advantage if the material of the outer area  32  has a low electrical conductivity, so that the mounting band  10  can also act as an electrical insulator. 
         [0064]    In a further embodiment the band  12  comprises several outer areas  32 , so that a layered construction of the mounting band  10  is possible. 
         [0065]    In a further embodiment the band  12  is made from a material that is a plastic. In this way it can be ensured that the band  12  has good electrical isolation characteristics. It can further be ensured that the band  12  has good electromagnetic compatibility. 
         [0066]    The mounting band  10  may comprise a measure of length scale  34  ( FIG. 10 ). Measuring equipment other than the mounting band  10  is therefore not required to enable a bending or cutting to length of a section of the band  12  to pre-determined length. In this way a short assembly time can be ensured for the assembly of the mounting band  10 . The measure of length scale  34  is preferably colored. The measure of length scale  34  can preferably be provided only at the edge of the band  12 . In a further embodiment the measure of length scale  34  is applied to a foil connected with the band  12 , which can be pulled off the band  12  when required. 
         [0067]    The mounting band  10  can be used for the attachment of furnishings such as pictures, curtain rails and flower boxes to buildings and building sections such as windows or doors, as well as during the assembly of furniture and furnishing objects. The mounting band  10  can be bent in the area of the transverse embossings  14 . It is therefore possible to adjust the mounting band  10  to suit the shapes and the dimensions of objects to be attached to each other. The mounting band  10  can further be broken off in the area of the transverse embossings  14 . The mounting band  10  can therefore be easily adjusted to suit the objects to be attached to each other. In addition the mounting band  10  can be used without damaging the objects to be attached to each other. 
         [0068]      FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10  illustrate a mounting arrangement  50 . This comprises the mounting band  10  with the band  12  and a ring band  40 . The ring band  40  preferably has an oval shape. The band  12  has a first end  26  and a second end  28 . The first end  26  and the second end  28  of the band  12  are each U-shaped. The U-shaped first end  26  and the U-shaped second end  28  each enclose the ring band  40 , so that the same is firmly mechanically coupled with the band  12 . 
         [0069]    A mounting arrangement  50  shown in  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10  can preferably be used as a cable tie, a hole band or pipe tie or as a similar device. For this the two ends  26  and  28  are laid around the sections of the ring band  40  during the fitting of the band  12  to the ring band  40 , and then bent around the same. If the connection between the band  12  and the ring band  40  is to be dissolved one of the two ends  26 ,  28  can be moved backwards and forwards several times until the end  26 ,  28  breaks off from the band  12  and releases the ring band  40 . A mounting arrangement  50  of this type can be used several times. 
         [0070]      FIG. 11 ,  FIG. 12  and  FIG. 13  show tools  52 ,  52   a , and  52   b  for handling the mounting band  10  in various embodiments. The tool  52 ,  52   a ,  52   b  preferably consists of a manual tool. 
         [0071]      FIG. 11  shows the tool  52  for handling the mounting band  10  in a first embodiment. The tool  52  comprises a flat plate band  53 , on which slots  54  are arranged. One of the slots  54  has a width B_ 1  and a length L_ 1 . The width B_ 1  of one of the slots  54  is a little greater than the thickness H of the band  12  of the mounting band  10 . The length L_ 1  of one of the slots  54  is at least as great as the width B of the band  12  of the mounting band  10 . In this way it can be ensured that the band  12  can be inserted into at least one of the slots  54  of the tool  52 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 12  shows a further embodiment of the tool  52  for handling the mounting band  10  with the flat plate band  53  and slots  54  and  55 . The tool  52  of  FIG. 12  comprises a handle  56  extending in a handle direction G. At least one of the slots  54  is located parallel and/or at least one of the slots  55  is located vertical to the handle direction G of the handle  56 . 
         [0073]    In an embodiment of the tool, as shown in  FIG. 13 , the tool  52   b  for handling the mounting band  10  comprises a fork-shaped band  80 . The fork-shaped band  80  comprises a first part  82  and a second part  84 . The first part  82  and the second part  84  of the fork-shaped band  80  are positioned parallel to each other and comprise a gap  86  at a distance B_ 1  from each other, which is at least the thickness H of the band  12  of the mounting band  10 . In this way the band  12  can be inserted into the gap  86 . The two parts  82  and  84  of the fork-shaped band  80  each comprise continuous recesses  88  and  90  arranged coaxially to each other. A pin  92  with a tip can be pushed or hammered into the continuous recesses  88  and  90  of the two parts  82  and  84  of the fork-shaped band  80 , so that the hole  22  or the hole recess  24  can be inserted into the band  12 . 
         [0074]    As can be seen from  FIG. 14   a - l  and  FIG. 15   a - f  the transverse embossings  14  can each comprise an arrangement of embossings with different geometries, depths and alignments, or a combination of arrangements with different geometries, depths and alignments. 
         [0075]    While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the disclosed or illustrated embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover numerous other modifications, substitutions, variations and broad equivalent arrangements that are included within the spirit and scope of the following claims.