PROTECTION DEVICE FOR CABLE TIES AND METHOD OF USE

A protective sleeve for use with common cable ties. Preferred embodiments would be formed from silicone rubber to provide flexibility and grip around the cable tie and for thermal protection of the tie as well as cushioned protection of objects secured by the tie. The protective device adds grip to the cable tie as it secures an object, along with aesthetic enhancements through color options and a more finished look. In addition to protecting the cable tie from temperature, it is also protected from UV light, fungus, staining, and corrosion from exterior elements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a protection device and method for use thereof, and more specifically to a silicone rubber sleeve sized specifically for cable (also referred to as “Zip”) ties to add protection and grip.

2. Description of the Related Art

Cable ties, commonly referred to as “hose ties” or “zip ties,” are commonly used to secure cables, wires, or for securing or organizing other objects. The cable tie has a tip that is inserted through a head that has a pawl to form a ratchet so that the tip is pulled through the head and tightens as the zipper elements pass through the pawl, preventing the tip from thereafter being removed from the head.

Cable ties are generally formed from relatively inexpensive, semi-hard plastics with generally rough edges and corners. These can cause damage to objects that are secured using the cable tie. The plastic is often a displeasing color aesthetically and may be prone to corrosion, staining, and damage due to weather and temperature fluctuations. What is needed is a way to improve the look and life of common cable ties.

Heretofore there has not been available a system or method for a protection device for cable ties with the advantages and features of the present invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally provides a protective sleeve for use with common cable ties. Preferred embodiments would be formed from silicone rubber to provide flexibility and grip around the cable tie and for thermal protection of the tie as well as cushioned protection of objects secured by the tie. The protective device adds grip to the cable tie as it secures an object, along with aesthetic enhancements through color options and a more finished look. In addition to protecting the cable tie from temperature, it is also protected from UV light, fungus, staining, and corrosion from exterior elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

I. Introduction and Environment

II. Preferred Embodiment Cable Tie Protector System2

As shown inFIGS. 1-9, the present invention provides a protective sleeve4for use with cable ties6.FIG. 1shows an end of the protective sleeve4which as an opening8. A corresponding opening8would be present at the other end of the sleeve4. An exterior surface14of the sleeve provides protection of the cable tie6that is inserted through the sleeve, and may include colors for marking what is being secured by the cable tie6or for aesthetic purposes. The interior12of the sleeve4may include interior treads10to remove friction and drag when installing the cable tie6into the sleeve4. Exterior treads (not shown) may also be present on the exterior surface14of the sleeve.

FIG. 3shows a tip16of the cable tie6being inserted into the opening8of the end of the sleeve4. The zipper surface18of the cable tie is also shown.

FIG. 4shows the sleeve4fully inserted onto the cable tie6such that the tip16of the cable tie extends out of one end of the sleeve4, while the head20of the cable tie6extends out from the other end of the sleeve4.

FIG. 5shows the head20of the cable tie6extending out of the opening8of an end of the sleeve4. The head includes an opening22which receives the tip16of the cable tie6and has a pawl which functions as a ratchet when the cable tie zipper surface18passes through the pawl.

FIG. 7shows the cable tie6secured by passing the tip16through the head20and closing the cable tie6. The sleeve4forms a full enclosure of whatever is being secured by the cable tie, and fully encompasses the entire cable tie6except for the head20and the portion of the cable tie6which has passed through the head20.

FIG. 8shows the cable tie6after the tip16and portion of the cable tie6that has passed through the head20have been clipped off, forming a clipped end24.

FIG. 10shows the cable tie6and sleeve4assembled as above and securing a first object26(herein shown as a wire) to a second object28(herein shown as a pole or conduit). As above, when secured using the sleeve4installed on the cable tie6, the secured object26is protected from rubbing from the harsh edges of the cable tie, is more securely held in place by the frictional exterior14of the sleeve4, and may be identified by a color or pattern applied to the sleeve4.

As shown, the user will take the sleeve4and measure it to size so that it will be able to fully enclosed whatever object26is being secured by the cable tie6. The sleeve4may be cut if necessary. Once sized properly, the sleeve4is slipped over the cable tie6by inserting the tip16of the cable tie6into an opening8of an end of the sleeve4. The interior treads10allow the sleeve4to smoothly slip over the cable tie6with minimal friction. The sleeve4is pulled all the way to the head20of the cable tie, and then the cable tie is secured about an object26by inserting the tip16of the tie6through the head20, and pulling a portion of the cable tie through the head, wrapping the cable tie and sleeve around the object26to be secured, after which the tip16and portion of the cable tie passed through the head20are clipped off.

Thereafter the sleeve4acts to protect the secured object26from the harsh edges of the cable tie6, while also protecting the cable tie6from external threats such as weather, temperature, sunlight, corrosion, fungus, and staining for long-lasting use of the cable tie with the aesthetic improvements afforded by the sleeve4.

It is to be understood that while certain embodiments and/or aspects of the invention have been shown and described, the invention is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects.