Abstract:
An apparatus according to the present invention provides a bundle tie including a head dampener. The tie generally comprises a strap and a tie head coupled to the strap. The tie head is adapted to engage a free end of one strap, thereby forming a loop, which may be formed or placed about one or a bundle of elongate articles such as conduit, wires, cables, ropes, and pipes, for example. The tie head is provided with a head dampener which serves to cushion what otherwise may he damaging force placed upon the one or more elongate articles by the tie head. The dampener may also serve to limit movement of the one or more elongate articles through the loop formed by the tie.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This is a divisional of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/381,971, filed 18 Mar. 2009. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention is directed generally to bundle ties, and more specifically to a bundle tie having an improved bundle-engaging surface. 
         [0003]    Bundle ties, sometimes referred to as cable ties, are generally well known in the art. A typical bundle tie includes a relatively flat strap having a free first end and a tie head coupled to a second end. The tie head generally includes a strap engaging means, which may be provided as an aperture through the tie head and a locking pawl situated on or within the head, the pawl adapted to engage one or more serrations provided on an engaging surface of the strap. When the strap is inserted into the aperture in the tie head and the pawl engages the serrations, the tie generally forms a tie loop. 
         [0004]    Prior tie heads have been coupled to a tie strap generally in two orientations: first, normal entry tie heads include an aperature through the tie head that is formed substantially perpedicular to the strap in its formed, at-rest state; and second, parallel entry tie heads include an aperture through the tie head that is formed substantially parallel to the strap in its formed, at-rest state. Further, parallel entry tie heads have been provided at various angles relative to the tie straps. Regardless of the manner in which a tie head is oriented on a tie, it has been observed that certain forces imparted by a tie head onto the bundle being secured may be damaging to the bundle. 
         [0005]    Additionally, prior ties have generally been formed out of a relatively strong, yet flexible material, such as plastic, nylon, stainless steel, etc. Many elongate articles in conjunction with which bundle ties are used have a smooth, flexible coating. Thus, it has been noticed that a bundle that was secured by prior devices may be inclined to slip through the loop formed by a prior fastened tie. 
         [0006]    Therefore, the art of bundle ties would benefit from a bundle tie having a head dampener to assist in preventing damages to a tied bundle and further to assist in preventing an elongate article, or a plurality of elongate articles, from sliding within a bundle tie loop. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    A device according to the present invention provides a bundle tie having a head dampener to assist in preventing damages to a tied bundle and further to assist in preventing an elongate article, or a plurality of elongate articles, from sliding within a bundle tie loop. 
         [0008]    A bundle tie having a head dampener according to the present invention includes an elongate strap, a tie head coupled to the elongate strap and a head dampener provided on at least a portion of the tie head. The head dampener is preferably at least partially comprised of a material that is different than at least part of the tie head. The tie head may include a first head end and a second head end coupled to the strap. The head further includes a head outer surface and a head bundle surface, which is generally opposed from the head outer surface. Extending between the head outer surface and the head bundle surface, from the first head end towards the second head end, is at least one lateral head side. The head dampener is provided on at least a portion of the tie head, such as on a portion of the head bundle surface. 
         [0009]    According to an aspect of a bundle tie according to the present invention, the elongate strap generally includes a first strap end, a second strap end, a strap outer surface and a strap bundle surface generally opposed from the strap outer surface. Extending between the strap outer surface and the strap bundle surface is at least one lateral strap side. The strap outer surface, bundle surface and lateral strap sides form a substantially flat strap body extending between and including the first strap end and the second strap end. 
         [0010]    According to an aspect of a bundle tie according to the present invention, the tie head may be coupled to the strap by being formed integrally therewith. 
         [0011]    According to an aspect of a bundle tie according to the present invention, an aperture may extend through the tie head, the aperture being adapted to receive at least a portion of the strap. The aperture may extend through the head outer surface and the head bundle surface, or the aperture may extend between the head outer surface and the head bundle surface. 
         [0012]    According to an aspect of a bundle tie according to the present invention, a head dampener comprising first and second intersecting nonintersecting dampening rails may be disposed on the head bundle surface. Each of the dampening rails may be positioned closer to one or the other of the lateral head sides. 
         [0013]    According to an aspect of a bundle tie according to the present invention, a head dampener may extend onto a portion of the strap, such as the strap bundle surface. The head dampener may extend onto the strap for a desired length, which may include at least a majority of the length of the strap. Where dampening rails are provided as a head dampener, each rail may extend onto the strap along at least substantially similar lengths. 
         [0014]    According to an aspect of a bundle tie according to the present invention, the aperture formed through the tie head may extend between the head outer surface and the head bundle surface, through the first head end, at least substantially parallel to a portion of the head bundle surface. The aperture may further include two spaced longitudinal, at least substantially parallel rail channels, each rail channel being in fluid communication with the first head end. Each rail channel may be positioned closer to the head bundle surface than to the head outer surface. 
         [0015]    According to an aspect of a bundle tie according to the present invention, a head dampener comprising a dampening film may be disposed on at least a portion of the head bundle surface, or even a majority of the head bundle surface. 
         [0016]    According to an aspect of a bundle tie according to the present invention, a dampening film that is disposed on the head bundle surface may extend onto the strap, such as the strap bundle surface, along a predetermined strap film length. 
         [0017]    A method according to the present invention of forming a bundle tie having a head dampener includes the steps of providing a tie mold having a bundle tie head cavity and a bundle tie strap cavity, and injecting a first material into the tie mold. The first material is held in the tie mold for a first curing time, thereby creating a bundle tie. The tie head cavity may be modified to create a modified bundle tie head cavity, thereby providing a cavity for forming a head dampener. A second material is injected into the modified bundle tie head cavity. The first and second materials are then held for a second curing time, thereby creating a bundle tie having a head dampener. The bundle tie having a head dampener is then removed from the tie mold. 
         [0018]    According to an aspect of a method according to the present invention of forming a bundle tie having a head dampener, such method may include the step of maintaining the bundle tie within the tie mold during the modification of the tie head cavity. 
         [0019]    According to an aspect of a method according to the present invention of forming a bundle tie having a head dampener, such method may include removing the bundle tie from the tie mold prior to modifying the tie head cavity, and placing at least a portion of the bundle tie in the modified tie mold prior to injecting the second material into the modified tie mold. 
         [0020]    According to an aspect of a method according to the present invention of forming a bundle tie having a head dampener, such method may include a step of modifying the tie strap cavity. 
         [0021]    Another method according to the present invention of forming a bundle tie having a head dampener includes the steps of providing a first tie mold having a bundle tie head cavity and a bundle tie strap cavity, and injecting a first material into the first tie mold. The first material is held in the tie mold for a first curing time, thereby creating a bundle tie. The bundle tie is then removed from the first tie mold and placed in a second tie mold having a bundle tie cavity and a head dampener cavity. A second material is injected into the second tie mold to at least substantially fill the head dampener cavity. The first material and the second material are held in the second tie mold for a second curing time, thereby creating a bundle tie having a head dampener. The bundle tie having a head dampener is then removed from the tie mold. Rather than injecting a second material into a modified tie mold, the second material could simply be applied directly to the bundle tie. For example, a pattern of a second material may be disposed on the cured first material. Such pattern may be, for example, a pair of intersecting or nonintersecting beads or rails, or a dampening film. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a bundle tie according to the present invention, in a flexed position to show detail. 
           [0023]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of a portion of the embodiment of  FIG. 1A , having a head dampener extending onto a portion of the tie strap. 
           [0024]      FIG. 1C  is an elevation view of the bundle tie of  FIG. 1B  installed around a bundle. 
           [0025]      FIG. 1D  is a to plan partial cut away view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1B  further comprising rail clearance channels. 
           [0026]      FIG. 1E  is an elevation view of the bundle tie of  FIG. 1D  installed around a bundle. 
           [0027]      FIG. 1F  is a perspective partial cut away view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1B , further comprising enhanced head dampening rails. 
           [0028]      FIG. 1G  is a perspective partial cut away view of a plurality of ties according to the embodiment of  FIG. 1F  an open loop configuration. 
           [0029]      FIG. 1H  is a perspective view of a portion of the embodiment of  FIG. 1B , having a shortened head dampener. 
           [0030]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a bundle tie according to the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2A , having an extended head dampener. 
           [0032]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a bundle tie according to the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a bundle tie according to the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 4A , having an extended head dampener. 
           [0035]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective partial cut away view of a fifth embodiment of a bundle tie according to the present invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 5B  is a perspective partial cut away view of he embodiment of  FIG. 5A , wherein the dampening rails intersect. 
           [0037]      FIG. 5C  is a perspective partial out away view of a sixth embodiment of a bundle tie according to the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 5D  is a perspective partial cut away view of a seventh embodiment of a bundle tie according to the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 6A  is a first cross-section view of a first tie mold that may be implemented in a method according to the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 6B  is a second cross-section view of the first tie mold of  FIG. 6A . 
           [0041]      FIG. 6C  is a third cross-section view of the first tie mold of  FIG. 6A , showing the insert removed. 
           [0042]      FIG. 7A  is a first cross-section view of a second tie mold that may be used in a method according to the present invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 7B  is a first cross-section view of a third tie mold that may be used in a method according to the present invention. 
           [0044]      FIG. 7C  is a second cross-section view of the third tie mold of  FIG. 7B . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0045]    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 which may be embodied in other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims. 
         [0046]    Turning now to the Figures,  FIG. 1A  provides a first embodiment  100  of a bundle tie according to the present invention. The tie  100  generally comprises a substantially flat tie strap  110  having a strap outer surface  112  and a strap bundle surface  114  generally opposed from the strap outer surface  112 , extending between a first strap end  116  and a second strap end  118 . The tie strap  110  includes two lateral strap edges  120 , each edge being situated preferably substantially parallel to and equidistant from a central longitudinal axis  122 , preferably along at least a majority of the length  111  of the strap  110 . At least a portion of the strap  110  is provided with an engagement means  113 , such as a plurality of serrations  115  provided on or formed into the strap outer surface  112  or the strap bundle surface  114 . 
         [0047]    The tie  100  further comprises a tie head  150  counted to the second strap and  118 . The tie head  150  is preferably coupled to the second strap end  118  by being integrally formed therewith. The tie head  150  includes a head outer surface  152  and a head bundle surface  154  generally opposed from the head outer surface  152 , extending between a first head end  156  and a second head end  158 . The tie head  150  includes two lateral head sides  160 , each side being preferably situated substantially equidistant from the central longitudinal axis  122 . Formed between the lateral head sides  160  is a throughbore  151  adapted to receive the first strap end  116 . As shown, the throughbore  151  may also be formed between the outer surface  152  and the bundle surface  154 . Alternatively, the throughbore  151  may be formed through the outer surface  152  and the bundle surface  154 , between the lateral head sides  160 . The tie head  150  also includes a second engagement means  153 , such as a pawl  155 , for cooperating with the first engagement means  113  provided on the strap  110 . The second engagement means  153  is preferably at least In partially situated within the throughbore  151 . The head bundle surface  154  extends preferably at least substantially between the two lateral head sides  160 , which may be extensions of the lateral strap edges  120 , and preferably at least substantially between the first head end  156  and the second head end  158 . The head  150  may include a perforate transition section  157 , including a non-strap-engaging aperture formed through the head  150 , perpendicular to the head bundle surface  154 . The head bundle surface  154  is provided with a head dampener  162 . 
         [0048]    The head dampener  162  may be formed in a variety of fashions. In this first embodiment  100 , the head dampener  162  is a pair of non-intersecting dampening rails  164 . While provided as preferably non-intersecting rails  164 , it will occur to those in the art that the rails  164  may also be provided as intersecting, as exemplarily discussed below in connection with  FIGS. 5B and 5D . While provided at least on the head bundle surface  154 , the rails  164  may extend onto the strap bundle surface  114  for a desired rail length  166 , as seen in  FIG. 1B , the length of which may be a correlated to the planned use for the tie  100 . In other words, the length  166  of the dampening rails  164  that extends onto the strap bundle surface  114  may he tailored to result in an overall head dampener length  168  substantially similar to the expected resulting circumference of the tie  100  when it is placed around a predetermined bundle  190  of elongate articles  192 , as shown in  FIG. 1C , For instance, the dampening rail length  166  may be provided in lengths ranging from about 0.25 inches to about two inches, more preferably ranging from about 0.50 inches to about 1.50 inches. Additionally, a predetermined selection of bundle ties  100  having different dampening rail lengths  166  may be provided in a kit form, thereby providing a user selection. The dampening rails  164  may he provided in any functional thickness  170 , disposed on the head bundle surface  154 . The dampening rail thickness  170  is preferably in the range of about 0.020 inches to about 0.100 inches, and more preferably the thickness  170  is about 0.039 inches. 
         [0049]    While the preferred tie head  150  is shown as a parallel entry tie head that may be formed generally perpendicular to the strap  110 , in its at-rest state, any preferred tie head  150  may be used. The at-rest state of the tie  100  is to be understood to mean any resting position adopted by the tie  100  from completion of manufacturing until the final installation of the tie  100  about a bundle. For example, a tie  100  placed upon a level table and being exposed only to the force upon the tie  100  by the table and ether ambient environmental forces is a tie  100  in an at-rest state, 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIG. 1D  and  FIG. 1E , if the head dampener  162  is provided along a length  166  on the tie strap  112 , and the strap  112  is to be fastened around a bundle  190  that has a general annular circumference that is less than the overall head dampener length  168 , or if the dampener  162  is provided along the entire length of the lateral strap edges  120 , then it is preferable to provide clearance for the dampener  162  while maintaining adequate engagement means support to oppose any lateral force exerted by the pawl  155 . Dampener clearance may be provided by rail clearance channels  159  formed as radial extensions of the head throughbore  151 . The clearance channels  159 , of which there are preferably the same number as there are rails  164 , are formed at a depth  172  that is preferably at least as great as the rail thickness  170 . Alternatively, the rail, channel depth  172  may be less than the rail thickness  170 , preferably so long as an operative throughbore depth  174  is at least as great as an operative strap depth  176 . Alternatively, the operative throughbore depth  174  may be slightly less than the operative strap thickness  176 , which may cause a frictional engagement of the clearance channels  159  with the rails  164 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 1F  depicts the embodiment of  FIG. 1D , further comprising expanded head rail portions  164   a.  The expanded head rail portions  164   a  provide a greater rail thickness  170 , and preferably width, also. Such expanded rail volume may provide altered rail resiliency characteristics, as well as a greater rail surface area, which may be desirable for some applications. Additionally, the perforate transit ion section  157  of  FIG. 1D  has been substituted by an imperforate transition section  161 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 1G  depicts two bundle ties according to the embodiment of  FIG. 1F , joined to term a partially open loop. That is, the strap  110  of a second bundle tie  100   b  has been inserted through the throughbore  151  of a first bundle tie  100   a,  and excess strap length  165  has been trimmed off. The first engagement means  113  of the second tie  100   b  has been engaged by the second engagement means  153  of the first tie  100   a,  to resist withdrawal from the throughbore  151 . Such a looping arrangement may be desirable if the overall head dampener length  168  of one tie  100 , such as the first tie  100   a,  is less than the general annular circumference of the bundle  190  to be secured. Therefore, the addition of the second tie  100   b  serves to increase, effectively, the overall head dampener length  168  of a single tie  100 . While the arrangement may be achieved generally with any embodiment of the present invention, it may he preferable to utilize two ties  100  having the expanded head rail portions  164   a  so as to minimize pressure of the leading bundle surface edge  163  of at least one of the ties, in the pictured case, the first tie  100   a.  As can also he seen in  FIG. 10 , a transition portion  167  of the tie head  150  may be thinner than the rest of the strap  110 , as measured perpendicular to the bundle surface  154 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 1H  displays an alternate first embodiment  100 , having the head dampener  162  extending from the head second end  158  towards the head first end  156 , along less than a majority of the head bundle surface  154 . Optionally, the dampener  162 , provided in this embodiment as a pair of dampening rails  164 , may extend onto the strap bundle surface  114  for a desired rail length  166 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 2A  displays a second embodiment  200  of a bundle tie according to the present invention, where like reference numbers refer to similar structure to that of the first embodiment. Like the first embodiment  100 , this embodiment  200  is provided with a head dampener  262 . Rather than providing the dampening rails  164 , as in the first embodiment  100 , this embodiment  200  utilizes a dampening film  264 . The dampening film  264  is preferably provided in a substantially uniform thickness across at least substantially the entire head bundle surface  254 . While provided at least on a portion of the head bundle surface  254 , the film  264  may extend onto the strap bundle surface  214  for a desired film length  266 , as seen in  FIG. 2B , the length of which may be a related to the planned use for the tie  200 . For instance, the dampening film length  266  may be provided in lengths ranging from about 0.25 inches to about two inches, more preferably ranging from about 0.50 inches to about 1.50 inches. Additionally, a predetermined selection of bundle ties  200  having different dampening film lengths  266  may be provided in a kit, form, thereby providing a user selection. The dampening film  264  may be provided in any functional thickness  270 , disposed on the head bundle surface  254 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 3  displays a third embodiment  300  of a bundle tie according to the present invention, where like reference numbers refer to similar structure to that of the second embodiment  200 . Like the second embodiment  200 , this embodiment  300  includes a head dampener  362  in the form of a dampening film  364 . However, this embodiment  300  includes the film  364  on only a portion of the head bundle surface  354 , not substantially the entire head bundle surface  354 , like the film  264  of the second embodiment  200 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 4A  displays a fourth embodiment  400  of a bundle tie according to the present invention, where like reference numbers refer to similar structure to that of the third embodiment. This embodiment  400 , like the third embodiment  300 , includes a dampening film  464  on only a portion of the head bundle surface  454 . However, the dampening film  464  extends from the head second end  458 , and may extend onto the strap bundle surface  414  for a predetermined length  466 , as seen in  FIG. 4B . 
         [0057]      FIG. 5A  depicts a fifth embodiment  500  of a bundle tie according to the present invention, where like reference numbers refer to similar structure to that of the first embodiment. Unlike the perforate transition portion  157  of the first embodiment, this embodiment includes an imperforate transition portion  561 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 5B  depicts an alternate fifth embodiment  500  of a bundle tie according to the present invention, where like reference numbers refer to similar structure to that of the first embodiment  100 . Unlike the separate and distinct rails  564  provided in  FIG. 5A , this alternate embodiment provides a pair of intersecting dampening rails  564 . The rails  564  generally intersect to form a V-shape head dampener  562 , which may include a first length  562   a  along which the dampening rails  564  are at least substantially parallel, and a second length  562   b,  along which the dampening rails  564  converge. 
         [0059]      FIG. 5C  is a perspective, partial cut away view of a sixth embodiment  600  of a bundle tie according to the present invention, where like reference numbers refer to similar structure to that of the embodiment of  FIG. 2A , Unlike the perforate transition portion  257  of the first embodiment, this embodiment includes an imperforate transition portion  661 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 5D  is a perspective partial cut away view of a seventh embodiment  700  of a bundle tie according to the present invention, where like reference numbers refer to similar structure to that of the sixth embodiment  600 . The head dampener  762  of this embodiment  700  includes at least two, and preferably three, components. First, a dampening film  764   a  is provided. Second, dampening rails  764   b  are provided. Additionally, a dampening sleeve  764   c  may also be provided. While these dampener components may be provided as separate and distinct components, it is preferable to provide the components as molded integrally together, and of the same material. The dampening film  764   a  is disposed directly on the head bundle surface  754 , covering at least a majority thereof. The dampening rails  764   b  are disposed on top of or adjacent to the dampening film  764   a.  The rails  764   b  are preferably provided as intersecting rails, as shown, similar to the rails of the alternate fifth embodiment  500  of  FIG. 5B . Alternatively, the rails  764   b  may be provided as nonintersecting rails, similar to those of the fifth embodiment  500  of  FIG. 5A . The dampening sleeve  764   c  is a band of material that encircles the remainder of a circumference of the tie head  750  formed by the head bundle surface  754 , the head lateral sides  760  and the head outer surface  752 . Rather than being molded onto the tie head  750 , a dampener  762  including the dampener sleeve  764   c  may be provided as a separate piece part, to be friction fitted to the head  750 . The transition section  761  of the tie head  750  of this embodiment  700  is preferably imperforate. 
         [0061]    Bundle ties according to the present invention are preferably injection molded and formed from a strong, yet flexible material such as various plastics, nylon, and the like. The dampening rails and films of the disclosed embodiments may be formed from any desirable material. A preferred elastomeric material may be used, such as a silicone elastomer. Other possible dampener materials include thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), such as thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPV) and thermoplastic styrenics (TPS), thermoplastic olefin (TPO), and thermoplastic urethane (TPU). While the head dampeners of the various embodiments may be adhered to the tie heads and straps after manufacture, the ties are preferably made by using a multi-material molding process, such as a multi-shot injection molding process where the tie is molded first, the injection molding cavity of the tie mold is altered or the tie is moved to a second tie mold, and the elastomeric material is injected to bond to at least a portion of the head and form the desired head dampener. 
         [0062]      FIGS. 6A ,  6 B, and  6 C depict steps included in a first process for manufacturing a bundle tie according to the present invention.  FIG. 6A  shows a two-piece tie mold  800  with a removable insert  802 . When first assembled, as shown in  FIG. 6B , the mold  800  provides a bundle tie head cavity  804  in fluid communication with a bundle tie strap cavity  806 . The insert  802  interfaces at least a portion of the tie head cavity  804 . A first material is injected into the tie meld  800 . The first material is held for a first curing time, allowing the material to cure to a sufficient or desired hardness, thereby forming a bundle tie head  150  coupled to a bundle tie strap  110 . The mold  800  is then modified by removing the mold insert  802 , thereby creating a modified bundle tie head cavity  808 . If the coupled molded tie head  150  and strap  110  were removed from the mold  800  to remove the insert  802 , it is replaced into the mold  800 , as shown in  FIG. 6C . A second material is injected into the modified bundle tie head cavity  808 . To create a bundle tie having a head dampener, the first material and second material are held in the mold  800  for a second curing time, which may be shorter the same as, or longer than the first curing time, depending on materials used. A completed bundle tie, e.g. the tie  100  in  FIG. 1B , is then removed from the mold  800 . 
         [0063]      FIGS. 7A ,  7 B, and  7 C depict steps included in a second process for manufacturing a bundle tie according to the present invention. In this process, a plurality of molds is used in series to successively mold different portions of a completed bundle tie.  FIG. 7A  provides a first tie mold  900  having a bundle tie head cavity  902  and a bundle tie strap cavity  904 . A first material in injected into the first tie mold  900  and held for a first curing time, thereby creating a bundle tie having a head  150  coupled to a strap  110 . The bundle tie is removed from the first tie mold  900  and is placed into a second tie mold  950 , as shown in  FIG. 7B . The second tie mold  950  has a bundle tie cavity, in which the bundle tie is situated, and a cooperating head dampener cavity  906 , which interfaces at least a portion of the bundle tie head  150 , when a bundle tie is placed in the second mold  950 . A second material is injected into the second tie mold  950  to at least substantially fill the head dampener cavity  906 . A bundle tie having a head dampener is then formed by holding the bundle tie and second material in the second tie mold  950  for a second curing time, which may be shorter, the same as, or longer than the first curing time. A completed bundle tie, e.g. tie  100  in  FIG. 1B , is then removed from the second tie mold  950 . One advantage of using a two mold process, as partially illustrated in  FIGS. 7A-7C , is that a second bundle tie may be formed contemporaneously with the forming of a head dampener on the first tie. That is, once a first tie is removed from the first tie mold  900  and placed lathe second tie mold  950  to form the head dampener on the first tie, the first tie mold  900  may be used to form a second bundle tie. 
         [0064]    The method partially depleted in  FIGS. 7A-7C  may be changed without departing from the invention. For instance, rather than removing the tie from a first mold  900  and placing it in a second mold.  950 , the tie may remain in a strap mold base  910 , and may be associated with a dampening mold  930 . Thus, the second mold  950  would be formed by the strap mold base  910  into which the strap material was injected, and by the dampening mold  930 , which includes the head dampener cavity  906 . Such association of a strap mold base  910  and a dampening mold  930  may be achieved a variety of ways, such as by horizontal or vertical rotation of the mold base  910  after the first curing time, and registration of the mold base  910  with the dampening mold  930 . Basically, the molding process may be achieved through any known or later developed molding technologies, including core toggle molding, robotic transfer, rotary platen, indexing plate and horizontal rotary stack. 
         [0065]    Alternatively, rather than modifying a tie mold or changing tie molds, a second material may be applied or disposed directly cote the bundle tie in a preferred pattern, or a cured second material may he adhered to the bundle tie. The application of a second material directly onto the bundle tie may be achieved. by extruding a bead of the second material substantially contemporaneously with the placement of the second material onto the bundle tie. 
         [0066]    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 shows and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may he changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.