Patent Publication Number: US-2016223100-A1

Title: Fir tree mount

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/738,567, filed 10 Jan. 2013, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/220,308, filed 29 Aug. 2011, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/835,864, filed 30 Apr. 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,028,962, issued 4 Oct. 2011. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to fasteners for securing bundled elongate articles, such as wires, cables, hoses, tubing, fiber optics, conduits, vines, harnesses, etc., to a supporting structure. More particularly, the invention relates to a bundle retention device for securing elongated articles, extending from and through the fastener along the supporting structure or mounting surface. 
     Flexible cable ties are widely used to secure elongate items, such as wires, cables, hoses and tubes, into compact, secure bundles. Typically, such cable ties include a head and a flexible strap, which terminates in a tail. In use, the tail, followed by the strap is looped around an elongate item, the tail is inserted through an optional slotted opening of a mount, and then through an aperture of a cable tie head. Next, the tail is pulled to tighten the strap around the articles, and thereby secure the articles into a compact, orderly bundle. A pawl mechanism within the head aperture secures the strap against withdrawal. 
     In many applications, it is sufficient to merely secure the elongate 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 movement or vibration in use. Also in long distance routing of bundles such as wires, cables, hoses, tubing, etc., on stationary or moving equipment, it is desirable to compress the aforementioned bundles into a small diameter by applying cable ties at a reoccurring distances (of 12 inches for example). 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, supporting structure. 
     Generally, the strap and the mount will be manufactured as separate items; however, since the strap and mount are used together, it is advantageous that the items be located near each other before being used for bundling an object or objects. The items may be loosely joined together in some fashion, as is depicted U.S. Pat. No. 8,028,962, or the cable tie may be integrally formed with the mount, as in the present invention. 
     Likewise, many known mounts do not provide a high ratio of mechanical advantage and high retention strength when installed in a threaded hole in a mounting surface. Moreover, known Christmas tree or fir tree mounts, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,921,510, issued to Benoit et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 4,396,329, issued to Wollar, do not contemplate engaging threaded holes, and therefore leave room for improvement. Moreover, known bundle retention devices may not provide sufficient retention and tightness against the support surface to adequately support a bundled item, or provide retention in threaded thru holes or threaded blind holes. Known fir tree mounts typically engage the bottom edge of a through-hole (see  FIG. 5A  for example) and are sized to be compatible with common drilled size holes, such as ¼″, 5/16″, ⅜″, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, by way of example. However, the internal diameters of drilled and tapped threaded holes do not necessarily correspond with the aforementioned sizes; therefore, the fir tree branches of known devices may be larger or smaller than threaded hole diameters. This shortcoming causes insertion force problems and retention strength problems, as branches are crushed or otherwise deformed thereby reducing retention strength (see for example  FIG. 4A ). Further, known fir tree mounts do not provide a mating fit and engagement with the root diameter of a helical thread pattern. 
     Furthermore, known mounting devices that include integrally formed cable ties do not contemplate self centering of a bundle with a mounting hole. Self centering with the mounting hole is useful in bundle installations which require uniform bundle alignment along a centerline. The present device provides self centering to thereby allow automotive and other equipment designers to utilize the mounting bore locations to lay out a harness passageway, from mounting bore centerline to mounting bore centerline, using CAD software. Conversely when a conventional prior art, self-fixing fir tree device with integral cable tie is used, an offset is encountered between the bundle and the mounting bore. This offset can occur when routing a harness on either side of the mounting bore. When an engineer designing the routing of the harness does not know which side of mounting bore the offset will occur, this establishes a level of uncertainty regarding the overall length required of the harness. Further, most harnesses vary in bundle diameter, depending upon how many wires and what wire diameter is to be secured. The variable bundle diameter, along with the offset, establishes another elevated level of uncertainly regarding the overall harness length required. These factors create uncertainty in the user when calculating the required length of a harness to used in automotive or equipment applications. 
     The self-centering features of the present device allow users, such as automotive and other equipment designers, to align the centerline of a harness to the centerline of a mounting bore and thus reduce the uncertainty mentioned above and further compared in the differences shown in  FIGS. 5, 5A, and 5B . The self-centering features further allow automotive and equipment engineers to determine a more precise length of required harness by using CAD software to layout a routing passage. The present invention provides an improved mounting assembly to address the aforementioned problems, to provide improved mounting retention strength, and improved routing of harnesses. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides an improved bundle retention and mounting device for securely retaining and supporting bundled items against a supporting surface. The device provides a mount with an aperture, which interacts with a flexible tie strap having serrations, for bundling elongate items. The tie may be integrally formed with the device. The aperture contains a wedging pawl, which provides ratcheting engagement of the serrations when the tie tail, followed by the strap, is inserted in the aperture during bundling. Reversing the direction of the strap engages the pawl teeth to wedge against strap serrations to prevent withdrawal of the strap. 
     The invention may also include a diaphragm spring and a branched mounting stud, or trunk, extending downwardly from the mount and in an opposite direction from the cable tie. The diaphragm spring provides tension and stability against a support surface when the branched mounting stud is inserted into a bore in the supporting surface. Moreover, branches extend radially and in a helical pattern from a center section of the stud. The branches are arranged in branch rows, with the branch rows being located approximately every 90 degrees about the stud axis. The distal tips of the branches are preferably sized to fit and engage the root diameter of a cut thread profile in the bore to be engaged. Each successive branch tip is located at a predetermined elevation that corresponds to, and follows the specific helical threaded pitch pattern of the thread profile to be engaged. The elevation of corresponding branches in adjacent branch rows follows a helical pitch pattern such that the branches match and engage the root of threads when inserted into a support surface having a threaded aperture. 
     The present invention may also include self-centering features to locate and secure a bundle in alignment with a mounting bore. Specific self-centering features include a tie head having an integrally formed object support surface, such as a saddle structure, opposite the mounting stud. A strap extending from the tie head may include a flexible hinge member. The hinge member is adapted to move and flex such that the strap conforms to the diameter of a bundle to be secured. Tensioning the strap around a bundle creates circumferential forces against the bundle to self-center the bundle on the object support surface which in turn is centered on the mounting stud. The mounting stud is aligned with the mounting bore. 
     This unique arrangement thereby secures bundled items such that the longitudinal axis of the bundle is perpendicular to the axis of the mounting stud. Self-centering of bundles in-line with the mounting bore is beneficial in applications in which space, weight, and cost is at a premium. Moreover, in harness-securing applications self-centering permits the bundles to be aligned on a the harness centerline rather than be offset or justified to one side or the other of the mounting bore, as is typical in conventional integrally formed cable tie mount installation devices. Self-centering provides consistent in-line mounting orientations, which then allows simple CAD modeling of the harness, with predictable harness lengths, overall shortest harness lengths, less required space, and at a lower cost. The present invention self-centers bundles of any bundle diameter securable by the cable tie aligned with the mounting bore. 
     A mounting assembly according to the present invention may include any combination of the above features. Further, the mount and the self-centered routing features may be provided in a combination integral product or as separate components. In addition, the mount may be provided in combination with an alternative fastening device, such as a clip, clamp, mounting saddle, or other compatible fastener. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1-4  are perspective views of prior art cable tie mounts. 
         FIG. 4A  is cross sectional view of the prior art shown in  FIG. 4 , and taken along lines  4 A- 4 A thereof, and showing partial branch engagement of a threaded bore. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a prior art cable tie mount and showing a secured bundle as offset from the mount axis. 
         FIG. 5A  is an end view of the prior art shown in  FIG. 5 , and illustrating a larger bundle offset from a mounting bore. 
         FIG. 5B  is an end view, similar to that of  FIG. 5A , but showing a smaller bundle offset from a mounting bore. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a mounting device according to the present invention, with a bundle and support surface shown in phantom, and showing aligned axes of the various components. 
         FIG. 6A  is an end view of the device shown in  FIG. 6  and illustrating alignment and centering of a bundle and mounting bore. 
         FIG. 6B  is a top view of the device shown in  FIGS. 6 and 6A , and further showing alignment of the cooperating components. 
         FIG. 6C  is a cross sectional view of the device illustrated in  FIGS. 6-6B  and taken along lines  6 C- 6 C of  FIG. 6B . 
         FIG. 7  is a fragmentary, perspective view of a mounting device in accordance with the present invention and showing the relative thickness of the hinge member in the at-rest position. 
         FIG. 8  is a fragmentary view of the mounting device illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 8A  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 8  but showing the mounting device supporting a bundle and with the hinge member flexed and the strap circumferentially tensioned about the bundle. 
         FIG. 9  is a fragmentary side view of the device illustrated in  FIGS. 6-8A  and rotated 90° from the view of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a sectional view of the device illustrated in  FIGS. 6-9  and taken along lines  10 - 10  of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 11  is a bottom view of the device illustrated in  FIGS. 6-10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a fragmentary view, similar to that of  FIG. 8 , but showing the pitch and angle of the interrupted helical branch pattern in which each successive branch tip corresponds to a specific helical thread pitch pattern. 
         FIG. 13  is a fragmentary perspective view of the mounting section illustrated in  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  is an enlarged fragmentary view of the mounting section illustrated in  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 15  is a sectional view, similar to that of  FIG. 10 , but showing the mounting device during insertion or extraction from within a threaded mounting bore in a support surface. 
         FIG. 15A  is a sectional view, similar to that of  FIGS. 10 and 15 , but showing the mounting device after insertion into a threaded bore in a support surface. 
         FIG. 16  is a sectional view, similar to that of  FIG. 15A , but showing the threaded bore and support surface in phantom. 
         FIG. 17  is a sectional view, similar to that of  FIG. 15A , but showing the device after insertion into a relatively thin support surface with a non-threaded bore, wherein branches extend beyond the support surface thickness and engage an underside of the surface. 
         FIGS. 18 and 19  are perspective views of alternative embodiments of the present invention, and showing self-centering features including a saddle structure with hinge member. 
         FIG. 20-24  are perspective views of alternative embodiments utilizing the mounting section illustrated in  FIGS. 6-17  and showing various object support members. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     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. 
       FIGS. 1-5B  illustrate prior art mounting devices  200  which either include an integrally formed cable tie  12  or demonstrate use in conjunction with a cable tie  12 . As seen particularly in  FIGS. 5, 5A , and  5   b , known devices  200  are not typically arranged to self-center the longitudinal axis L of a bundle  80  with the vertical axis M of a mount stud in a mounting bore. As shown, particularly in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the offset distance (OD) changes when the bundle diameter changes. Further, prior art mounts  200  having an offset arrangement and branched mounting sections may not provide adequate attachment in threaded and non-threaded bores.  FIG. 4A , for example, illustrates a typical prior art mounting device  200  having a branched mounting section. As shown, the individual branches  260  deform in the bore and do not properly engage the threads  104 . The present invention overcomes these inadequacies, as will be discussed. 
     With attention now to  FIG. 6 , a mounting device  10  according to the present invention may be seen securing an elongated object or bundle  80  to a support surface  100  (seen in phantom). An elongated tie  12  having a strap  16 , and a tie head  18  may be integrally formed with the mounting device  10  for use in wrapping and securing around the bundle  80 , and to thereby secure the bundle  80  to the mounting device  10 , which is in turn secured to the support surface  100 . The tie portion  12  is further seen to include a hinge member  70  located adjacent the head  18 . The bundle  80  may consist of a single object or several objects, such as wires, cables, hoses, tubing, harnesses or other elongated articles. It will be apparent that the bundle  80  may comprise a bundle of individual wires or cables, rigid or flexible conduit, hot or cold fluid transporting tubes, or hoses. The bundle  80  may also be contained within the bore of a conventional tubular conduit. Likewise, the bundle  80  may be of various sizes and yet be accommodated by the device  10 . As seen also in  FIG. 6A , the device  10  further centers the bundle  80  on the device  10 , with the axis L of the bundle  80  being perpendicular to the axis M of the device  10 , as will be discussed. 
       FIG. 7  is a fragmentary perspective view of the mounting device  10  illustrated in  FIGS. 6A-6C  but showing the hinge member  70  in the at-rest position. As seen, the mounting device  10  may include an integrally formed tie portion  12  having a relatively flat object support surface  20 , such as the saddle structure  22  shown, a spring section  40  located below the support surface  20  on the head portion  18 , a hinge member  70 , and a mounting section  50  extending downwardly from the support surface  20  and the spring section  40 . The support surface  20  may be integrally formed with the tie head  18  provides support for a bundle  80 . The tie head  18  includes an aperture  28  having a pawl  30  or other device to provide ratcheting attachment of the strap  16 . The spring section  40  and the mounting section  50  extend from the head  18 . It should be understood that the support surface  20  and the tie head  18  should not be limited to any specific orientation. Each of these sections will be described in more detail with respect to the following Figures. 
     As is viewed in  FIGS. 6-8A , the mounting device  10  may be provided with a hinge member  70 . As shown, the hinge member  70  is preferably integrated with the tie portion  12  and adjacent the head  18 . With particular attention to  FIG. 7 , it may be seen that the hinge member  70  includes an area of reduced thickness  72  to permit facile movement of the hinge member  70 . The hinge member  70  is adapted to flex about the area of reduced thickness  72  and to allow the strap  12  to encircle and conform to the bundle  80 , thereby securing the bundle  80  without exerting uneven force against the bundle  80 . The hinge member  70  allows the strap  12  to apply an even circumferential force on the bundle  80  to thereby center the bundle  80  against the flat support surface  20 . The support surface  20  is in turn, centered on the mounting stud  50 . The unique arrangement permits bundles  80  to be secured and self centered such that the longitudinal axis (L) of the bundle  80  is perpendicular to the axis (M) of the mounting section  50  (see  FIGS. 6 and 6A ). The feature of the hinge member  70 , in combination with the support surface  20 , enables the device  10  to align bundles  80  with a mounting bore  102  centerline that is coextensive with the axis (M) of the mounting section  50 . This is unlike known devices  200  in which bundles  80  are offset or justified from the axis (M), as is shown in  FIGS. 1-5A . Further, the hinge member  70  allows the tie strap  16  to move and flex such that the strap  16  conforms to the diameter of the bundle  80  to be secured. The tensioned strap  16  causes circumferential forces against the bundle  80  to self-center the bundle  80  on the object support surface  20  which is in turn, centered on the mounting stud  50 . The uniform circumferential force against the bundle  80  centers the bundle  80  on the support surface  20 , mounting stud  50  axis (M), and bore  102 . It is to be understood that while the Figures depict the device  10  installed with a downwardly extending mounting section  50 , the device  10  may be installed in other orientations, for example, extending from the underside of a support surface  100 . 
     With further attention to  FIG. 7 , the mounting device  10  may be seen interacting with the integral elongated tie strap  16  prior to the strap  16  being secured around the bundled bundle  80  (as is shown in  FIG. 6 ). The strap  16  is inserted through the aperture  28 , and a pawl  30  provides ratcheting engagement of the strap  16  serrations  14  against forces encountered when moving or grabbing the mounting device  10 . The pawl  30  also holds the strap  16  in a ready position so that the strap  16  is in proper orientation to allow immediate cinching or wrapping of a bundle. The pawl  30  may also be seen in the sectional views of  FIGS. 6C and 10 . Since the present design contemplates a molding process to form the mounting device  10 , the pawl  30  may also be molded so that it is strong enough to resist movement of the strap  16  when it is inserted into the aperture  28 , while being flexible enough to flex when the tie  12  secures a bundle  80 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7-10 , the spring section  40  is generally comprised of a flexible disk or diaphragm spring  42 . As seen, the diaphragm spring  42  preferably extends downwardly from the tie head  18 . The diaphragm spring  42  tapers downwardly and outwardly from a first end  44  located at the tie head  18  to a second end  46 .  FIGS. 7-10  illustrate the diaphragm spring  42  in a relaxed position; however, as the mounting stud  52  moves into a bore  102 , as is seen in  FIGS. 15A-17 , the diaphragm spring  42  flexes against the support surface  100  and provides a tight fit against the support surface  100 . The diaphragm spring  42  provides a preload spring tension and further secures the device  10  against a support surface  100 . The device  10  is retained in the bore  102  by the force of the branches  60  and the helical arrangement of the branch rows  62   a ,  62   b ,  62   c ,  62   d . The diaphragm spring  42  provides tension and stability against the support surface  100 . The view of  FIG. 11  illustrates a bottom view of the diaphragm spring  42 . As seen, the diameter of the diaphragm spring  42  is preferably greater than that of the mounting stud  52  such that the diaphragm spring  42  will flex against the support surface  100  to provide a tight fit when the mounting device  10  is inserted into a bore  102  of a support surface  100 . The Figures illustrate a diaphragm spring  42  as generally circular and conical; however, the shape and structure may be of any flexible geometric design or arrangement that is capable of providing the necessary resistance to the spring section  40 . For example, the diaphragm spring  42  may consist of a pyramidal shape of any number of sides, which may or may not have each of the sides connected to an adjoining side. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 7-14 , the mounting section  50  may be seen to include a mounting stud  52  having a proximal end  52   a  located adjacent the tie head  18 , and a distal end  52   b  located opposite the proximal end  52   a . The mounting stud  52  extends downwardly from the tie head  18 . The mounting stud  52  also may be considered to extend downwardly from the spring section  40 ; however, the spring section  40  may be arranged so that it surrounds the proximal end  52   a  of the mounting stud  52  and the stud  52  does not actually depend from the spring section  40  or the diaphragm spring  42 . Either of the mentioned arrangements fall within the scope of the invention and should not be considered limiting on the invention. As illustrated, the mounting stud  52  includes a center section  54  substantially coextensive with the lengthwise dimension of the mounting stud  52 . 
       FIGS. 8-14  are views that particularly illustrate the center section  54  of the mounting stud  52 . As shown, the center section  54  includes a plurality of radially extending extensions or branches  60 . Such an arrangement is generally referred to as a fir tree mounting stud or a Christmas tree mounting stud. As seen, the branches  60  extend radially, in a helical thread pattern, and outwardly from the center section  54 . The branches  60  are longitudinally spaced from one another, and are tapered upwardly towards the tie head  18 . The branches  60  are further arranged in branch rows  62   a ,  62   b ,  62   c ,  62   d  which are spaced apart approximately 90 degrees around a center section axis (L). Individual branches  60  in each branch row  62   a ,  62   b ,  62   c ,  62   d  are evenly spaced apart from one another; however, and as shown, the branch rows  62   a ,  62   b ,  62   c ,  62   d  are arranged such that the branches  60  in respective branch rows  62   a ,  62   b ,  62   c ,  62   d  lie in parallel planes extending approximately half way between the parallel planes formed by two adjacent rows  62   a ,  62   b ,  62   c ,  62   d , as will be discussed. 
     As may be viewed particularly in  FIGS. 12-15 , the branch rows  62   a ,  62   b ,  62   c ,  62   d  are preferably arranged in a staggered pattern relative to one another around the center section  54 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , each branch  60  includes a distal end  64  sized to fit and engage a root diameter of a cut thread  104  profile of a threaded bore  102 . The distal end  64  of each branch  60  in a branch row  62   a ,  62   b ,  62   c ,  62   d  is spaced apart a predetermined distance, or pitch, from an adjacent branch  60  and its distal end  64  (See  FIG. 12 ). Further seen, the distal ends  64  of branches  60  in adjacent branch rows  62   a ,  62   b ,  62   c ,  62   d  are preferably arranged such that a virtual helical path HP may be traced from a first distal end  64  to a corresponding distal end  64  of an adjacent branch row  62   a ,  62   b ,  62   c ,  62   d . The virtual helical path HP, defined by its pitch and helix angle, preferably correlates with the threading  104  of a threaded bore  102  in which the device  10  may be mounted. The views of  FIGS. 15 and 16  particularly illustrate the engagement of distal ends  64  with threads  104 . 
     As is illustrated in  FIGS. 12-16 , the arrangement of distal ends  64  in virtual helical path HP allows for a stronger and a more easily inserted mounting device  10  than in previous designs with symmetrical designs. Seen particularly in  FIGS. 15 and 15A , the stud  52  is inserted into the supporting surface  100 , and is rotated in the direction of arrow A. The distal ends  64  of individual branches  60  make serialized contact with the support surface  100 , thereby easing insertion of the stud  52  as it moves in the direction of arrow B. Further, the helical arrangement of the branches  60  allows mating fit and engagement of the branches  60  with the threads  104 . Moreover, the staggered helical pattern of the branch rows  62   a ,  62   b ,  62   c ,  62   d  provides a more secure retention of the device  10  than is possible with a typical stud, with the force required to remove the stud  52  from the support surface  100  being increased by the numerous contacting branch distal ends  64 . The device  10  may be removed from the bore  102  by rotating in the direction of phantom arrow C. When rotated in the direction of arrow C the distal ends  64  of the branches  60  ride the threads  104  in a reverse direction as the device  10  moves in the direction of phantom arrow D. 
     As may be viewed particularly in  FIG. 16 , each successive distal end  64  engages the threading  104  along a virtual helical path HP. Since each branch end  64  is engaged with the threading  104 , the device  10  resists withdrawal from the bore  102  at an increased retention strength. Further, the branches  60  are small in thickness to provide flexibility. Moreover the branches  60  emanate from the stud  52  at a more acute angle with respect to the stud  52  (see  FIGS. 12 and 14 ) to provides improved retention strength compared to known symmetrical designs. The aforementioned reduction in branch  60  thickness allows for strategically locating and matching the branches  60  to the pitch of the helical thread pattern as is seen in  FIGS. 6C, 15, and 15A , to thereby provide more numerous distal end  64  contact points along a threading  104 . This arrangement provides collective simultaneous engagement of all the branches  60  working in unison thereby improving the retention strength of the device  10  more securely than known devices  200 . The device  10 , as illustrated in these views, provides more distal end  64  contact points than does a conventional symmetrical design; however, more or fewer distal end  64  contact points may be provided and the number of branch rows  62   a ,  62   b ,  62   c ,  62   d  may vary and still fall within the scope of the invention. The helical path HP of the present mounting stud  10  provides increased engagement of the device  10  by using the distal end  64  contact points to improve retention strength in a threaded bore  102 . 
     Another advantage the helical path (HP) branch row  62   a ,  62   b ,  62   c ,  62   d  arrangement provides is to allow the branches  60  to be spaced apart for optimal distal end  64  contact with a threaded bore  102 . Branches  60  for use with the present invention are preferably thin, flexible branches  60  molded at an acute angle relative to the stud  52  and configured to provide lower insertion forces yet transfer higher extraction forces to the stud  52 . It is to be understood that branches  60  for use with the present device  10  may be of different shapes and designs from that shown and still fall within the present invention. For example, the branches  60  could be of a warped shape, wavy design, or other shapes as desired. Likewise, the stud  52  could be oval or another shape as may be necessary for a particular application. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the tie head  18  further includes an aperture  28  having a pawl  30  extending into the aperture  28 . The pawl  30  engages the elongated strap  16  when the strap  16  is inserted into the aperture  28 , and preferably contacts a plurality of serrations  14  located on the strap  16  (see  FIGS. 6 and 7 ). The pawl  30  engages serrations  14  on the strap  16  to retain the strap  16  from withdrawal when secured around a bundle  80 .  FIG. 9  shows a side view of the mounting device  10 , rotated 90° from the view shown in  FIG. 8 . As seen, the width of the center section  54  is preferably uniform. A uniform diameter of the center section  54  allows the branches  60  to be more flexible than in previous designs, thereby providing a more secure mounting device  10 . 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  also show a pair of shoulders  33  extending upwardly and into the aperture  28 . The shoulders  33  are preferably located on either side of the pawl  30 . When the bundle  80  is secured (see  FIGS. 6 and 7 ), the strap  16  will be pulled so that the pawl  30  flexes and the tie  12  may be tightened around the bundle  80 . The shoulders  33  provide a solid resistance that the strap  16  will abut, thereby firmly securing the bundle  80 . The pawl  30  is arranged to flex and not interfere with the strap  16  abutting the shoulders  33 . Moreover, the shoulders  33  form a recessed channel for the pawl  30 , such that the pawl  30  may flex during strap  16  insertion while maintaining rigidity to hold the strap  16  in place. The arrangement and number of shoulders  33  and the pawl  30  may differ from that shown in the drawings. 
       FIGS. 15A-16  illustrate sectional views of the mounting stud  52 , similar to that of  FIG. 10 , but showing the device  10  in use and inserted in a support  100  having a threaded bore  102 . As seen, the branches  60  engage threading  104  in the bore  102  to resist pull out.  FIG. 16  particularly illustrates the manner in which the offset branch rows  62   a ,  62   b ,  62   c ,  62   d  allow a more secure engagement of the staggered individual branches  60  to threads  104 . 
       FIG. 17  illustrates the device  10  in use in conjunction with support surface  100  having a lesser thickness and a non-threaded bore  202 . When used in this environment the center section  54  extends beyond the bore  202  with the branches  60  engaging the underside  204  of the bore  202 . The view of  FIG. 17  illustrates another example of an environment in which the device  10  may be used. As seen, the present invention improves previous designs and is suited for use with varying support surfaces  100  including those with threaded or non-threaded bores, and also in support surfaces  100  of varying thicknesses. 
     In use, the mounting stud  52  can be driven into a bore  102 ,  202  either by hand, with a striking tool (i.e. a rubber mallet), or by twisting as shown in  FIG. 15 . As the mounting stud  52  enters the bore  102 , the branches  60  engage the sides of the bore  102 ,  202 . When the bore  102  is provided with threading  104 , as seen and discussed with reference to  FIGS. 15-16 , the staggered, helically patterned branch row  62   a ,  62   b ,  62   c ,  62   d  arrangement allows the threads  104  to be engaged by the distal ends  64 , unlike previous designs. When the device  10  is to be used in a relatively smooth bore  202 , as is seen in  FIG. 17 , the staggered, helically patterned arrangement of the branch rows  62   a ,  62   b ,  62   c ,  62   d  also provides a more secure engagement and retention of the device  10  to the support  100 . When the mounting device  10  is pulled, the branches  60  resist such movement, especially in the longer bores  102 ,  202  shown, that have been tapped or located in a masonry surface. 
     The features discussed in the invention may be present in a single mounting device  10 , or a mounting device  10  may contain one or a combination of the described features and still fall within the scope of the invention. For example,  FIGS. 18 and 19  illustrate the self-centering features of an object support  20 , seen as a saddle structure  22 , and hinge member  70  in combination with alternative mounting sections  50 A,  50 B. Preferably the components for the mounting device  10  are injection molded from a strong, durable plastic, such as Nylon 6/6. 
       FIGS. 20-24  are perspective views of alternative embodiments utilizing the mounting section  50  illustrated in  FIGS. 6-17  and showing various object support members. For example, and as seen in  FIG. 20 , a mounting device  110  is shown employing a diaphragm spring  42  and a mounting section  50  with staggered, helically arranged branch rows  62   a ,  62   b ,  62   c ,  62   d . A push pad  120  is provided which locates the clip  112  or saddle structure offset a distance from the mounting bore (not seen in this view). The mounting device  110  of this view includes a wire or cable clip  112  located on the mounting device  110 , as opposed to the tie  12  used in the previously described embodiments. Similarly,  FIG. 21  shows a mounting device  210  designed with a diaphragm spring  42 , a mounting section  50  with helically arranged branch rows  62   a ,  62   b ,  62   c ,  62   d , and, also, a clip  212  used in place of a tie  12 . The mounting device  310  depicted in  FIG. 22  includes a diaphragm spring  42 , a mounting section  50  with helically arranged branch rows  62   a ,  62   b ,  62   c ,  62   d , and alternative saddle structure  320 . Another embodiment includes use of a friction tab  330 . The friction tab  330  provides resistance similar to the previously described pawl  30 .  FIG. 23  shows a mounting device  410  having an alternative arrangement of an integral tie strap  12 . The mounting device  410  utilizes the diaphragm spring  42  and the mounting section  50  with helically arranged branch rows  62   a ,  62   b ,  62   c ,  62   d .  FIG. 24  illustrates another mounting device  510  utilizing the mounting section  50  with helically arranged branch rows  62   a ,  62   b ,  62   c ,  62   d , in which a toothed clip  512  is used to secure bundles  80  (not shown in this view). As is evident by these embodiments, the present invention may be used in many varying arrangements. 
     The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. For instance, the tie  12  should be considered broadly to encompass a structure that will secure an object to the mounting device, such as the clips  112  and  212  shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 . Likewise, the clips  112  and  212 , or other similarly contemplated designs, should be understood as incorporated under the previously discussed aperture for interaction with the tie  12 . 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.