Abstract:
An elongated tie strap comprising a head having a plurality of similarly dimensioned through-holes, a body having a plurality of axially oriented ridges on opposite lateral surfaces, and a tail having a thickness less than that of the body. The cross-sectional dimensions of the body are substantially equal to the cross-sectional dimensions of the through-holes, and the distance between adjacent ridges is substantially equal to the through-hole depth, such that the body may couple to the head when inserted through one or more through-holes.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to self-coupling strapping devices that may be referred to as tie straps, cable ties, zip ties, tie wraps, wire ties, and so on, whose many uses may include securing objects in place, bundling objects together, and tying bags closed. Tie straps generally comprise an elongated flexible strap extending from a stout retaining head. Disposed on the strap are usually a plurality of axially oriented ridges adapted to couple with a head retaining mechanism (e.g. retainer). Common retainers include a slot through which the strap may be inserted or a pawl under which the strap may be disposed. 
     Many variations exist, for example flat straps with raised or depressed ridges on one or more surfaces, small-diameter string-like straps on which multiple separated large-diameter cylinders or spheres are disposed, elastomeric (compressible) straps and retainers, and so on. Defining physical attributes of tie straps are: (1) a strap comprising a plurality of alternating regions of large and small cross-sectional areas, e.g. major and/or minor dimensions for a polygonal cross section such as a rectangle; and (2) a retainer that couples with one or more large- or small-dimension strap regions. 
     Correspondingly, there are many strapping devices that are not considered tie straps, such as: (1) ratchet straps and tie downs whose strap cross-sectional dimensions are substantially uniform along the longitudinal axis and whose retainer couples with such uniform strap primarily via friction, compression, or wrapping; (2) power-cord wraps and fasteners whose strap and retainer include complementary hook-and-loop regions (e.g. Velcro); and (3) power-cord wraps and fasteners whose strap includes one or more keyholes and whose retainer includes one or more buttons (or vice versa). 
     Single-use tie straps have existed for over a century, for example U.S. Pat. No. 588,848, entitled “Bag-fastener,” and more recently U.S. Pat. No. 2,979,794, entitled “Wire or Cable Bundle Tie.” Although such tie straps are useful for many applications, there is a need for reusable tie straps and for tie straps that may be arbitrarily tightened and loosened. Consequently, multiple-use tie straps with releasable retainers have been developed, for example U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,265, entitled “Cord Tie Device” and U.S. Pat. No. 5,193,250, entitled “Releasable Cable Tie.” Advancements in elastomeric materials broadened the mechanisms by which straps and retainers could readily couple and decouple with each other, for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,866,005 and 8,276,244, both entitled “Elastomeric Releasable Cable Tie,” and U.S. Pat. No. 9,021,665, entitled “Elastic Zip Tie.” 
     Tie-strap reusability is a salient attribute of many prior arts and of the present invention. However, the present invention solves a critical need whose solution has not yet been taught: that a single tie strap may simultaneously achieve semi-permanent and reusable strapping. “Strapping” is coupling of a strap with a retainer; “reusable strapping” is strapping that is readily coupled and decoupled; and “semi-permanent strapping” is strapping that may or may not be readily coupled or decoupled. Simultaneous reusable and semi-permanent strapping allows a tie strap to be semi-permanently strapped to a first object (or objects), for example a stationary post, while a second second object (or objects) may be reusably strapped thereto, for example the handle of a broom. In the immediate example, the tie strap may be strapped to the post for an extended duration while the broom may be repeatedly strapped thereto while not in use. Similarly, such a tie strap may be used to strap an object to itself. For example, a tie strap may be semi-permanently strapped to an end of the a power cord and reusably strapped around additional loops of the cord when stowed. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,317,933, entitled “Binding Band” and U.S. Pat. No. 6,588,074, entitled “Self-mating Reclosable Binding Strap and Fastener” teach a slotted retainer adapted to receive a strap for securement to a first object and a hook-and-loop (or hook-and-hook) fastener for securement to a second (or same) object. However, a primary disadvantage of hook-and-loop fasteners is the loss of fastening strength due to soiling or wear. Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 6,523,229, entitled “Cord Keeper Strap” teaches a strap with keyholes and a retainer comprising a slot to receive the strap for securement to a first object and a button to receive the strap for securement to a second (or same) object. However, primary disadvantages of button-and-keyhole fasteners include fracturing of the strap adjacent to a keyhole, unreliable coupling between button and keyhole, and long distances between adjacent keyholes that yields coarse adjustment steps. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention overcomes prior-art limitations as well as provides additional advantages heretofore unavailable, as described an illustrated herein. This is most notably achieved by means of a plurality of retaining apertures in the head, each adapted to receive and couple with a ridged strap. A strap may be inserted through a first aperture for strapping to a first object (or objects), and the same or a second strap may be inserted through a second aperture for strapping to a second object (or objects, or again to the first object). 
     U.S. Pat. No. 9,021,665, entitled “Elastic Zip Tie” teaches a foam rubber tie strap comprising a strap with a plurality of jaws (i.e. bendable ridges) and only a single retaining aperture. The second (or third, fourth, etc.) aperture of the present invention is a non-obvious attribute that provides advantages impossible to achieve via &#39;665, including: (1) simultaneous semi-permanent and reusable strapping; (2) chaining of multiple tie straps together to create a longer tie strap; and (3) double-retaining a strap for extra holding strength and reliability. 
     Furthermore, &#39;665 teaches a tie strap that is “integrally molded from foam rubber, so that the elastic zip tie is an elastomeric product” (claims 1 and 9) and has an objective to be “stretchable, twistable . . . pliable, compressible, and springy,” (column 2 line 64 through column  3  line 1), thereby requiring the head thickness to be “substantially larger than the longitudinal length of the holding space” [between adjacent jaws] (claims 1 and 9) so as to achieve adequate coupling. It teaches a suggested size ratio of at least 1.15 times (column 6 line 16, column 7 line 14, and claims 7 and 15). In contrast, the present invention teaches a tie strap without such notable ‘springiness,’ therefore the distance between adjacent ridges is defined to be substantially equal to the head thickness rather than substantially greater. 
     Finally, &#39;665 teaches a strap with “bendable and elastically restorable flexible jaws” (i.e. bendable ridges; claims 1 and 9) that bend at the base while inside the aperture and stand erect while outside the aperture to secure the strap therein (FIG. 4C). In contrast, the present invention teaches a tie strap whose ridges do not bend at the base. Thus, ridges of the present invention are functionally distinct from those of &#39;665, and consequently, the strap/retainer engaging mechanism of the present invention is substantially different than that of &#39;665. 
     In addition to the three structural differences between the tie strap taught in &#39;665 and the present invention: (1) single retaining aperture versus a plurality; (2) head thickness substantially greater than the distance between adjacent ridges versus substantially equal; and (3) ridges that bend at the base versus ridges that always stand erect; there are also significant differences in material composition. The tie strap of &#39;665 is “an elastomeric product integrally molded from foam rubber to have a plurality of micropores,” (column 4 line 58), in which “The larger the size of the micropores . . . and the wider the micropore-size distribution, the better the stretchability of the foam rubber,” (column 4 line 64). Both independent claims of &#39;665 restrict the tie strap to be “integrally molded from foam rubber,” (claims 1 and 7). In contrast, the present invention is not necessarily composed of a microporous material such as foamed or expanded rubber, rather it may be composed of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber with a high cross-link density. Such cross-linked material is structurally and behaviorally distinct from foamed rubber; an example material is Sarlink® 4165, manufactured by Teknor Apex Company. 
     Therefore, it is believed the present invention teaches a novel and non-obvious apparatus to achieve one or more useful outcomes never before taught in the prior art. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  are top elevation and perspective views of a first embodiment of the tie strap of the present invention, respectively. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the tie strap body coupled with one of its head apertures. 
         FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 5 , and  FIG. 6  are perspective views of an example application of the tie strap secured to one or more objects by coupling to one or more head apertures. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the tie strap body coupled with one of its body apertures. 
         FIG. 8  is a partial perspective view of the tie strap body coupled with a head aperture of a second tie strap. 
         FIG. 9 a    through  FIG. 9 f    are partial top elevation views of alternate embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Terms “head” and “first region” are synonymous; “body” and “second region” are synonymous; and “tail” and “third region” are synonymous. Furthermore, in the appropriate context, “ridge,” “rib,” “jaw,” “tooth,” and related terms are synonymous, as are “slot,” “aperture,” “hole,” “through-hole,” “bore,” and related terms. 
       FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  show top elevation and perspective views of a first embodiment of the tie strap  10 , respectively. On a first end is formed a head  20 , on a medial region is formed a body  30 , and on a second end is formed a tail  40 . In alternate embodiments there may be multiple heads  20 , bodies  30 , and tails  40  as indicated in  FIG. 9 . 
     The head  20  comprises a plurality of similarly dimensioned head apertures  22  extending through the entire head thickness  21 . Each head aperture  22  has a head aperture height  23  along its minor dimension and a head aperture width  24  along its major dimension. The head thickness  21  is defined immediately adjacent to the head apertures  22 . 
     Although not illustrated, additional apertures of arbitrary size and shape may be present, for example a small circular aperture for hanging the tie strap  10  on a nail or pegboard. Furthermore, although head apertures  22  are illustrated as narrow slots with rounded ends, any aperture shape suitable for coupling with a body  30  may be used, as described herein. Finally, although a uniform head thickness  21  is illustrated, a varying thickness may be advantageous. 
     The body  30  generally comprises alternating large- and small-dimension regions formed by a plurality of ridge pairs  33   a . Each ridge pair  33   a  comprises a first ridge  33  disposed on a first lateral surface ha and a second ridge  33  disposed on a second lateral surface  11   b  immediately opposite each other, wherein both ridges  33  are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body  30 , i.e. axially oriented. Although not illustrated, ridges  33  disposed on only one lateral surface  11  may be advantageous in some circumstances. Also, although only equally spaced ridge pairs  33   a  have been illustrated, it may be advantageous to space them unequally. 
     The body  30  has a body thickness  31  substantially equal to the head aperture height  23  and a body width  32  substantially equal to the head aperture width  24  to permit its insertion through a head aperture  22 . The body thickness  31  is defined between adjacent ridges  33 . 
     Finally, the tail  40  defines a tail thickness  41  that is smaller than the head aperture height  23  to enable easier insertion into a head aperture  22 . Although unnecessary, the tail width  42  may be smaller than the head aperture width  24 , or the tail  40  may have a generally tapered shape, to further simplify insertion of the tail  40  into a head aperture  22 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the tie strap  10  with the body  30  coupled to the head  20  through one of the head apertures  22 . A user may couple the body  30  to the head  20  by: (1) inserting the tail  40  through a head aperture  22 ; (2) gripping the tail  40 ; and (3) pulling the tail  40  and subsequent body  30  until at least one ridge pair  33   a  has traversed through the head aperture  22 . Shown on the tail  40  are a plurality of optional embossed elements  43  that facilitate easier gripping. 
       FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 5 , and  FIG. 6  show an example application in which the tie strap  10  is secured to one or more objects by coupling a single body  30  to a plurality of head apertures  22 . In the immediate example, the objects comprise a pair of vertically-oriented poles.  FIG. 4  shows the body  30  wrapped around a first pole and inserted through a first head aperture  22  to achieve semi-permanent strapping thereto. In  FIG. 5 , the body  30  has been inserted through a second head aperture  22  in preparation for reusable strapping to a second pole. Finally, in  FIG. 6 , the body  30  has been pulled further through the second head aperture  22  to strap the second pole in place. This sequence is only one of many ways to strap multiple objects together using the tie strap  10 , and is therefore not to limit the scope of the present invention. 
     As identified in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , there may be optional body apertures  34  defined along the body  30 . These body apertures  34  serve several purposes, including: (1) coupling with a body  30  to create additional strapping loops; (2) coupling with additional bodies  30  to create longer or variously configured tie straps  10 ; and (3) reducing the volume of material required for manufacturing.  FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of the tie strap  10  with the body  30  coupled to one of the optional body apertures  34 . The body apertures  34  are dimensioned similarly to the head apertures  22 , each having a body aperture height  35  along its minor dimension and a body aperture width  36  along its major dimension. 
     Although tie straps  10  may be manufactured in various lengths, widths, and thicknesses to suit particular applications, it should be appreciated that the plurality of head apertures  22  (and also optional body apertures  34 ) permit similar (compatible) tie straps  10  to be chained together to increase the effective strapping length.  FIG. 8  illustrates an example in which the body  30  of a first tie strap  10  is coupled to the head  20  of a second tie strap  10 . 
     Many modifications, configurations, and features may be evident that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example,  FIG. 9 a    illustrates a tie strap with three head apertures  22 .  FIG. 9 b    illustrates a tie strap resembling two tie straps  10  oriented 180 degrees from each other and joined at the head  20 .  FIG. 9 c    illustrates a tie strap resembling two tie straps  10  oriented 90 degrees from each other and joined at the head.  FIG. 9 d    illustrates a tie strap resembling two tie straps  10  oriented 90 degrees from each other wherein the first tie strap  10  is inserted between the head apertures  22  and body  30  of the second tie strap  10 .  FIG. 9 e    illustrates a tie strap resembling two tie straps  10  oriented 90 degrees from each other wherein a region of the head  20  adjacent to the bodies  30  is increased in lateral dimensions to achieve equidistance between each pair of head apertures  22  and their corresponding bodies  30 .  FIG. 9 f    illustrates a tie strap similar to that shown in  FIG. 9 e    but with an additional pair of head apertures  22  defined on the enlarged region of the head  20 . 
     Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary, non-exhaustive, and should not limit the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.