Patent Publication Number: US-2016244228-A1

Title: Double Sided Closure Fastener

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/943,138, filed on Feb. 21, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Typically, a zip tie, also known as a cable tie, hose tie, zap-strap, is a type of fastener, for holding items together in a bundle or hanging an object from a mounting surface. Because of their low cost and ease of use, tie-wraps are ubiquitous, finding use in a wide range of other applications. 
     The inventor was aware that the common zip tie, normally made of nylon, has a tape section with teeth that engage with a pawl in the head to form a ratchet so that as the free end of the tape section is pulled the tie-wrap tightens and does not come undone. Another version of the tie-wrap allows a tab to be depressed to either adjust the tension or remove the ty-wrap. 
     Through experimentation, the inventor learned that the most common zip tie consists of a sturdy nylon tape with an integrated gear rack, and on one end a ratchet within a small open case. The inventor recognized that once the pointed tip of the cable tie has been pulled through the case and past the ratchet, it is prevented from being pulled back; the resulting loop may only be pulled tighter. This allows multiple items to be bound together and removed separately, as needed. 
     The inventor also learned that a cable tie tensioning tool could be used to apply the zip tie with a specific degree of tension. The tool can cut off the extra tail flush with the head in order to avoid a sharp edge which might otherwise cause injury. 
     However, the inventor recognized that the fastening capacity, i.e., diameter of formed loop, length, angle of orientation for a typical zip tie was limited. For example, to create a larger loop required the inventor to stretch the zip tie. Or to change directions of the connection around bulky objects was problematic. 
     The inventor decided that, rather than to redesign the zip tie, he would construct a different type of attachment point. The inventor removed an insertion tab from one end and replaced it with a second closure, or attachment point to form a double sided closure fastener. The inventor realized that this meant the new double sided closure fastener could not form a loop on its ends and fasten. It still depended on the zip tie to fasten. 
     However, the inventor saw that only one closure was limiting. The inventor decided to add multiple closures, and at various angles and orientations along the length of the double sided closure fastener. The inventor finally developed a tensioning cutting member that smoothly cut either end of the double sided closure fastener or zip tie through tension. 
     Zip ties have been used for economically and efficiently mounting objects and bundling at least one item in the past, yet none with the present characteristics of the present invention. See patent numbers: U.S. 20130291343; U.S. Pat. No. 8,595,904; and U.S. Pat. No. 8,739,387. 
     For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a double sided closure fastener that has at least one closure on each of its ends, and works in conjunction with a traditional zip tie to increase the fastening capacity. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention describes a double sided closure fastener that has at least one closure on each of its end. The double sided closure fastener is configured to secure an object to a mounting surface, and to bundle multiple items. The double sided closure fastener uses at least one identical closure on each of its ends, rather than a closure on one end and an insertion tab on an opposite end. 
     Because of the use of identical closures on the ends, the double sided closure fastener cannot form a loop onto itself for fastening the opposite ends together, and thus, depends on a secondary fastener to complete a fastened loop. In any case, the closures on each end are configured to increase the fastening capacity of the double sided closure fastener, such as enabling various diameters, angles, and sizes. But to form a fastened loop, the double sided closure fastener depends on a secondary fastener. 
     Each closure is defined by an opening having an inner surface. A ratcheting mechanism rests in the opening to engage a gear rack from an insertion tab of a secondary fastener. In one embodiment, the first end and/or the second end may have multiple closures that extend from myriad angles and orientations. The closures may have variously sized and dimensioned openings. 
     One example of a secondary fastener that operates with the double sided closure fastener is a traditional nylon zip tie. The secondary fastener has an insertion tab on one of its ends that is configured to be inserted into itself, or in the present case, the closure ends of the double sided closure fastener. In this manner, myriad combinations of double sided closure fasteners and secondary fasteners can be combined to expand the diameters and lengths for fastening. 
     In some embodiments, the double sided closure fastener may be defined by an elongated strap. The strap includes a first end having at least one first closure, and a second end having at least one second closure. Each closure is defined by a first and second opening, respectively. The openings are generally where the insertion tab from the secondary fastener is inserted and locked into place. The opening has an inner surface with a ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism is configured to engage an insertion tab from a secondary fastener. The closures may have different types of ratchet mechanisms, including a series of ridges that selectively engage with pawls or flexible grips form the insertion tab of the secondary fastener. 
     In one possible embodiment the secondary fastener works in conjunction with the double sided closure fastener. Though it is significant to note that the present invention covers, chiefly the double sided closure fastener. Nonetheless, the secondary fastener may include a generally elongated secondary strap. In some embodiments, a head end of the secondary strap includes an insertion tab that is configured to mate with the first and second closures of the double sided closure fastener. The insertion tab includes a gear rack that selectively passes through the ratchet mechanism of the closures. The gear rack comprises a plurality of flexible grips that are axially spaced on the secondary strap in a longitudinal direction thereof. 
     At least one holding space forms between any two adjacent ones of the axially-spaced flexible grips. The holding space has a longitudinal length defined by a distance between the two adjacent flexible grips. The ratchet mechanism includes ridges that lock into place within the holding space. The secondary strap also includes a tail end having a secondary closure that is substantially the same as the first and second closures. 
     In this manner, the ratchet mechanism of the closures locks the flexible grips from the insertion tab of the secondary fastener into place to form a secure connection between the double sided closure fastener and the secondary fastener. 
     In some embodiments, a cutting member may be used to cut either end of the double sided closure fastener to a desired length. The cutting member forms a smooth cut. 
     One objective of the present invention is to provide a double sided closure fastener that has at least one first closure on a first end and at least one second closure on a second end. 
     Another objective is to provide a double sided closure fastener that works in conjunction with at least one secondary fastener, such as a traditional zip tie, to expand the diameter and length of the fasteners. 
     Another objective is to provide a ratchet mechanism in the first and second closure that locks the insertion tab from the secondary fastener into a desired disposition. 
     Yet another objective is to provide fixed and nonadjustable closures, as well as detachable and size adjustable closures. 
     Yet another objective is to provide multiple closures at each end of the strap to create more fastening combinations and applications. 
     Yet another objective is to provide an inexpensive to manufacture fastening mechanism that is compatible with traditional zip ties. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and drawings where: 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  are top views of an exemplary double sided closure fastener, where  FIG. 1A  illustrates a first closure and a second closure linearly disposed, and  FIG. 1B  illustrates a first closure and a second closure oppositely disposed; 
         FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C  are side views of a closure having a ratcheting mechanism, where  FIG. 2A  illustrates the ratcheting mechanism oriented upwardly,  FIG. 2B  illustrates the ratcheting mechanism oriented downwardly, and  FIG. 2C  illustrates the ratcheting mechanism oriented at an angle; 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  are top views of multiple closures on a second end of an elongated strap, where  FIG. 3A  illustrates three closures projecting out at an angle, and  FIG. 3B  illustrates two closures along the same longitudinal axis of the strap; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are top views of multiple closures on a second end of an elongated strap, where  FIG. 4A  illustrates two closures oriented in the same direction along the longitudinal axis of the strap, and  FIG. 4B  illustrates two closures oriented at an angle from the second end of the strap; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of a double sided closure fastener engaging an exemplary secondary fastener in a linear disposition; 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of a double sided closure fastener engaging an exemplary secondary fastener in a looped disposition; and 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method for fastening at least one item with a double sided closure fastener. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     One embodiment, referenced in  FIGS. 1A-7 , illustrates a double sided closure fastener  100  that utilizes at least one closure  108   a ,  110   a  on each of its ends  104 ,  106 . The double sided closure fastener  100  is configured to secure an object to a mounting surface, and to bundle at least one item together in a bunched formation. The double sided closure fastener  100  uses at least one identical closure  108   a ,  110   a  on each of its ends  104 ,  106 , rather than a closure  108   a  on one end  104  and an insertion tab  206  on an opposite end  106 . 
     In some embodiments, the double sided closure fastener  100  may have substantially the same configuration as bundling fasteners that include, without limitation, a zip tie, a cable tie, and a hose tie. However, the double sided closure fastener  100 , described herein, is inapposite to the zip tie in that it utilizes closures  108   a ,  110   a  on each of its ends  104 ,  106 , rather than a closure on one end  104  and an insertion tab  206  on an opposite end  106 , as is the case with the traditional zip tie. 
     Suitable materials for the double sided closure fastener  100  may include, without limitation, nylon, pliable polymers, aluminum, metal alloys, rubber, and fibers. The double sided closure fastener  100  is generally used to bundle wires, hoses, and smaller items. Though in one alternative embodiment, a stainless steel version, of the double sided closure fastener  100 , either naked or coated with a rugged plastic, can be used for exterior applications and hazardous environments. 
     As referenced in  FIG. 1A , the double sided closure fastener  100  has a first end  104  with at least one first closure  108   a - c , and a second end  106  with at least one second closure  110   a - c . Both closures  108   a - c ,  110   a - c  are generally the same. Because of the use of generally identical closures  108   a - c ,  110   a - c  on the ends  104 ,  106 , the double sided closure fastener  100  cannot form a loop onto itself for fastening the opposite ends  104 ,  106  together; and thus, depends on a secondary fastener  200  to complete a fastened loop. Consequently, the double sided closure fastener  100  serves as an ancillary fastener for the different types of secondary fastener  200   s.    
     In one embodiment, the first end  104  and/or the second end  106  may have multiple closures  108   a - c ,  110   a - c  that extend from myriad angles and orientations. The closures  108   a - c ,  110   a - c  may have variously sized and dimensioned openings  112 ,  114 . The closures  108   a - c ,  110   a - c  may have a multitude of numbers, angles, lengths, widths, and diameters. And, as referenced in  FIG. 1B , the closures  108   a - c ,  110   a - c  may be oriented in opposing directions along the length of the strap  102 . Furthermore, the closures  108   a - c ,  110   a - c  may be detachable and adjustable, or fixed and nonadjustable. In any case, the closures  108   a - c ,  110   a - c  are configured to increase the fastening capacity of the double sided closure fastener  100 , such as enabling various diameters, angles, and sizes. But to form a fastened loop, the double sided closure fastener  100  depends on a secondary fastener  200 . 
     One example of a secondary fastener  200  that connects to the double sided closure fastener  100  is a traditional nylon zip tie. The secondary fastener  200  has a head end  204  and a tail end  208 . The head end includes an insertion tab  206  that is configured to be inserted into itself, or in the present case, the closures  108   a - c ,  110   a - c  of the double sided closure fastener  100 . In this manner, myriad combinations of double sided closure fasteners  100  and secondary fasteners  200  can be combined to expand the diameters and lengths for fastening. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the double sided closure fastener  100  may be defined by an elongated strap  102 . The strap  102  includes a first end  104  having at least one first closure  108   a - c , and a second end  106  having at least one second closure  110   a - c . Each closure  108   a - c ,  110   a - c  is defined by a first opening  112  and a second opening  114 , respectively. The openings  112 ,  114  is generally where the insertion tab  206  from the secondary fastener  200  is inserted and locked into place. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C , the first opening  112  has an inner surface with a first ratchet mechanism  116 . The first ratchet mechanism  116  is configured to engage an insertion tab  206  from a secondary fastener  200 . Similarly, the second opening  114  has an inner surface with a second ratchet mechanism  118 . The second ratchet mechanism  118  is configured to engage the insertion tab  206  from the secondary fastener  200 . The closures  108   a - c ,  110   a - c  may have different types of ratchet mechanisms  116 ,  118 , including a series of ridges that selectively engage with pawls or flexible grips  212  from the insertion tab  206  of the secondary fastener  200 . 
     The first ratcheting mechanism  116  may be adjustable, pliable, and oriented to engage various insertion tabs  206  from the secondary fastener  200 . For example,  FIG. 2A  illustrates the second ratcheting mechanism  118  oriented upwardly,  FIG. 2B  illustrates the second ratcheting mechanism  118  oriented downwardly, and  FIG. 2C  illustrates the second ratcheting mechanism  118  oriented at an angle. 
     As described above, the first end  104  and/or the second end  106  of the strap  102  may have multiple first and/or second closures  108   a - c ,  110   a - c  that extend from myriad angles and orientations. For example,  FIGS. 3A and 3B  are top views of multiple second closures  110   a - c  on a second end  106  of an elongated strap  102 , where  FIG. 3A  illustrates three second closures  110   a - c  projecting out at an angle, and  FIG. 3B  illustrates two first closures  108   a - b  along the same longitudinal axis of the strap  102 . In another example of the possible permutations for the closures  110   a - b ,  FIGS. 4A and 4B  are top views of multiple closures on a second end  106  of an elongated strap  102 , where  FIG. 4A  illustrates two second closures  110   a - b  oriented in the same direction along the longitudinal axis of the strap  102 , and  FIG. 4B  illustrates two second closures  110   a - b  oriented at an angle from the second end  106  of the strap  102 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that the eclectic orientations and numbers of closures  108   a - c ,  110   a - c  serves to increase the fastening capacity of the double sided closure fastener  100 , beyond the traditional zip tie. 
     It is significant to note that the present invention covers, chiefly the double sided closure fastener  100 . However, in one possible embodiment the secondary fastener  200  works in conjunction with the double sided closure fastener  100 . The secondary fastener  200  may include a generally elongated secondary strap  200 . In some embodiments, a head end  204  of the secondary strap  200  includes an insertion tab  206  that is configured to mate with the first and second closures  108   a - c ,  110   a - c  of the double sided closure fastener  100 . The insertion tab  206  includes a gear rack that selectively passes through the ratchet mechanisms  116 ,  118  of the closures  108   a - c ,  110   a - c . The gear rack comprises a plurality of flexible grips  212  that are axially spaced on the secondary strap  200  in a longitudinal direction thereof. 
     At least one holding space forms between any two adjacent ones of the axially-spaced flexible grips  212 . The holding space has a longitudinal length defined by a distance between the two adjacent flexible grips  212 . The ratchet mechanisms  116 ,  118  may include ridges that lock into place within the holding space. The secondary strap  200  also includes a tail end  208  having a secondary closure  210  that is generally the same as the first and second closures  108   a - c ,  110   a - c.    
     Turning now to  FIG. 5 , the double sided closure fastener  100  may engage the secondary fastener  200  in a linear disposition. In this configuration, the head end  204  of the secondary strap  200  passes through the first closure  108   a , such that the gear rack and plurality of flexible grips  212  passes through the first ratcheting mechanism  116 . Once the first connection is made, the secondary fastener  200  may loop around to connect to the second closure  110   a  of the double sided closure fastener  100 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . In both cases, the insertion tab  206  slides through the respective closure  108   a ,  110   a  until the desired length or diameter is achieved. In this manner, the ratchet mechanism  116 ,  118  of the closures  108   a - c ,  110   a - c  locks the flexible grips  212  from the insertion tab  206  of the secondary fastener  200  into place to form a secure connection between the double sided closure fastener  100  and the secondary fastener  200 . 
     In another embodiment, multiple double sided closure fasteners  100  and secondary fasteners  200  may be connected in series to form a substantially larger fastening mechanism. In this case, the double sided closure fastener  100  serve as an ancillary fastener to increase the dimensions and fastening capacity. 
     In some embodiments, a cutting member (not shown) may be used to cut either end  104 ,  106  of the double sided closure fastener  100  to a desired length. The cutting member may be used to apply the double sided closure fastener  100  with a specific degree of tension. For example, the cutting member may cut off an extra insertion tab  206  flush with the first closure  108   a - c  in order to avoid a sharp edge which might otherwise cause injury. The cutting member forms a smooth cut. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method  300  for fastening at least one item with a double sided closure fastener. The method  300  utilizes a double sided closure fastener  100  that has at least one closure  108   a - c ,  110   a - c  on each of its end  104 ,  106 . The double sided closure fastener  100  is configured to secure an object to a mounting surface, and to bundle multiple items, per the method  300 . The double sided closure fastener  100  uses at least one identical closure  108   a - c ,  110   a - c  on each of its ends  104 ,  106 , rather than a closure  108   a  on one end  104  and an insertion tab  206  on an opposite end  106 . Because of the use of identical closures  108   a - c ,  110   a - c  on the ends  104 ,  106 , the double sided closure fastener  100  cannot form a loop onto itself for fastening the opposite ends  104 ,  106  together, and thus, depends on a secondary fastener  200  to complete a fastened loop for fastening. 
     In some embodiments, the method  300  may include an initial Step  302  of providing a double sided closure fastener  100 , the double sided closure fastener  100  defined by an elongated strap  102  having at least one first closure  108   a - c  and at least one second closure  110   a - c  on opposite ends. The strap  102  includes a first end  104  having at least one first closure  108   a - c , and a second end  106  having at least one second closure  110   a - c . Each closure  108   a - c ,  110   a - c  is defined by a first opening  112  and a second opening  114 , respectively. The openings  112 ,  114  are generally where the insertion tab  206  from the secondary fastener  200  is inserted and locked into place. 
     The method  300  may further comprise a Step  304  of forming at least a partial loop around at least one item with the elongated strap  102 . The openings  112 ,  114  are generally where the insertion tab  206  from the secondary fastener  200  is inserted and locked into place. 
     A Step  306  includes receiving an insertion tab  206  from a secondary fastener  200  into the at least one first closure  108   a - c  and/or the at least one second closure  110   a - c . The secondary fastener  200  may include a generally elongated secondary strap  200 . A head end  204  of the secondary strap  200  includes an insertion tab  206  that is configured to mate with the first and second closures  108   a - c ,  110   a - c  of the double sided closure fastener  100 . 
     In some embodiments, a Step  308  comprises engaging a ratcheting mechanism in the first and/or second closure  110   a - cs  with a gear rack on the insertion tab  206 . The insertion tab  206  includes a gear rack that selectively passes through the ratchet mechanisms  116 ,  118  of the closures  108   a - c ,  110   a - c . The gear rack comprises a plurality of flexible grips  212  that are axially spaced on the secondary strap  200  in a longitudinal direction thereof. At least one holding space forms between any two adjacent ones of the axially-spaced flexible grips  212 . The holding space has a longitudinal length defined by a distance between the two adjacent flexible grips  212 . The ratchet mechanisms  116 ,  118  may include ridges that lock into place within the holding space. 
     A Step  310  includes fastening a complete loop around the at least one item. The connected double sided closure fastener  100  and secondary fastener  200  form a larger loop for fastening. Because of the use of identical closures  108   a - c ,  110   a - c  on the ends  104 ,  106 , the double sided closure fastener  100  cannot form a loop onto itself for fastening the opposite ends  104 ,  106  together, and thus, depends on a secondary fastener  200  to complete a fastened loop for fastening. 
     A final step  312  comprises cutting off a section of a first end  104  or a second end  106  of the elongated strap  102 . In one possible embodiment, a cutting member may be used to cut either end  104 ,  106  of the double sided closure fastener  100  to a desired length. The cutting member forms a smooth cut and may use tension, sharp edges, or heat opt perform the cut. 
     While the inventor&#39;s above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope, but rather as an exemplification of several preferred embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, the double sided closure fastener  100  may be telescopically extendable or stretchable to further increase the fastening capacity. Accordingly, the scope should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.