Patent Description:
A first type of defect is often referred to as a "warpage defect" or "warp. " A molded part that includes uneven wall thicknesses may experience a warpage defect because of stresses in step transitions (e.g., part wall sections) between the varying wall thicknesses, where the slower cooling of a thicker portion of the molded part, which is located adjacent to a thinner portion of the molded part (which cools faster), results in the warping of the thinner portion of the molded part. The thick sections will shrink more than the thin sections, causing the thin sections to be pulled towards (warp towards) the thick sections. A second type of defect is often referred to as a "sink" or "sink mark. " As a molded part cools, the plastic first solidifies at the surface of the mold, and then the solidification moves inward into the part until the entire part has solidified. The thicker the part, the longer the part will take to solidify. As a result, the centers of the thickest portions of the part may still be molten when the part is ejected from the mold. During cooling of the thickest portions of a molded part, an inward pulling stress can develop that results in sinks defined on the outer surfaces of the part. Defects in molded parts, particularly those that occur in functional features, may affect the performance of the part.

To avoid these types of defects, a manufacturer may spend considerable time monitoring the quality of the parts ejected from the molds to determine if such deformities exist and what changes to the molding process are needed to prevent such deformities. These changes may include, for example, adjusting (e.g., increasing) the hold time, adjusting the holding pressure, adjusting a cooling temperature of the molds, and the like. Such changes may result in a slowing of the production of parts and may result in reduced production quantities output.

In the molding of pawl-latching devices, warp and sink defects in pawl teeth profiles are undesirable because they impact the visual appearance of the products produced. Further, as discussed above, such warps and sinks could further result in poor product performance issues, for example, by potentially reducing the pawl teeth-to-strap serration engagement, possibly lowering the retention strength provided by the pawl-latching device when secured around elongate items.

Publication <CIT> discloses an example of a pawl-latching device.

This document describes techniques and apparatuses directed at improved pawl-latching devices.

In an aspect, disclosed is a pawl-latching device that includes an elongated strap with a plurality of serrations and a head. The head includes a slot, a pawl, and a pivot member. The slot extends through the head and includes a first channel conjoined with a second channel. The first channel is configured to receive the elongated strap. The pawl is disposed within the second channel of the slot, positioned internally to the head. The pawl includes a front side, a first side, a second side, a back side, a top side, and a bottom side. The pawl further has multiple pawl teeth defined in the front side that are configured to engage the plurality of serrations on the elongated strap when the elongated strap is disposed within the first channel. The pawl connects to the head at a hinged connection. The hinged connection defines a hinge axis relative to the head for the pawl to rotate about. The pivot member is defined in the bottom side of the pawl. The pivot member has a stop surface configured to contact a rear wall of the second channel when the elongated strap is disposed within the first channel and the pawl teeth engage the plurality of serrations in the elongated strap. The pivot member has a first side opposite a second side, and a notch in a center portion defined between the first side and the second side. The head further comprises the hinged connection, the hinged connection connecting the back side of the pawl to the head at the second channel of the slot.

The details of one or more aspects of techniques and apparatuses directed at improved pawl-latching devices are described with reference to the following Drawings, in which the use of the same numbers in different instances may indicate like features and/or components.

This document describes techniques and apparatuses for improved injection molded pawl-latching devices. Aspects of the present disclosure further address technical problems associated with warpage defects and sinks of pawl teeth profiles, and in particular, may enable one or more of maintaining of pawl teeth-to-strap serration engagement of pawl-latching devices, maintaining the retention strength provided by the pawl-latching device when secured around elongate items, decreasing manufacturing costs associated with injection molded pawl-latching devices, and/or increasing the production speed of injection molded pawl-latching devices.

An example pawl-latching device is described herein that includes a head end and a tail end. The head end includes a locking head and the tail end includes an elongated strap that extends from the locking head. The elongated strap may be configured for insertion through the locking head to form a loop (e.g., a loop around a bundle of elongate objects). The term "bundle" used herein refers to any object or objects that may be secured by a pawl-latching device. Common examples of a bundle, which is securable via an example pawl-latching device, include a bundle of wires, cables, lines, hoses, tubing, conduit, or other objects (e.g., elongate objects) that need securing. Additional example implementations of securing a bundle include securing vines to trellises, small trees to stakes, animal fencing to poles, etc. The locking head includes a pawl mechanism configured for engaging strap serrations defined on the elongated strap, thereby retaining the strap relative to the locking head. The locking head may include a release feature (e.g., unlocking tab, unlocking lever) configured to permit the pawl mechanism to be released from engagement with the strap serrations of the strap, thereby enabling the pawl-latching device to be removed from securing the bundle. The release feature may be configured to enable an operator to digitally manipulate (e.g., utilizing a finger of the operator, utilizing a tool) the release feature to disengage the pawl teeth on the pawl from engagement with the strap serrations. Disengagement of the pawl teeth from the strap serrations permits the elongated strap to be withdrawn from the locking head and the pawl-latching device to be removed from securing the bundle.

The pawl-latching device may be formed to include at least one notch defined in a portion of the pivot member of the pawl for reducing warpage defects and sinks of pawl teeth profiles of the pawl. In addition, the pawl-latching device may be formed to include an open cavity defined in the bottom of the pawl for reducing warpage defects and sinks of pawl teeth profiles of the pawl. Further, the pawl-latching device may be formed to provide a generally uniform wall thickness in the pawl for reducing warpage defects and sinks of pawl teeth profiles of the pawl. In aspects, the pawl-latching device may be formed with a release feature structure configured for reducing warpage defects and sinks of pawl teeth profiles of the pawl. In other aspects, the pawl-latching device may be formed to include a strut and channels defined on a back side of the pawl for reducing warpage defects and sinks of pawl teeth profiles of the pawl. In further aspects, the pawl-latching device may be formed to include downwardly extending channels defined within the body of the pawl that defines a beam therebetween for reducing warpage defects and sinks of pawl teeth profiles of the pawl. One or more of these pawl-latching devices, as described in detail below, may reduce the occurrence of warpage defects and sinks of pawl teeth profiles in injection molded pawl-latching devices, thereby improving pawl-to-strap-serration engagement strength (also referred to as loop tensile strength) relative to conventional cable-tie pawls. These are but a few examples of how the described techniques and apparatuses may be used to reduce warpage defects and sinks of pawl teeth profiles in injection molded pawl-latching devices. Other examples and implementations are described throughout this document.

<FIG> illustrate a first example implementation of an injection molded pawl-latching device <NUM> (e.g., cable-tie assembly) configured for reducing warpage defects and sinks of pawl teeth profiles. The pawl-latching device <NUM> includes an elongated strap <NUM> (or band) having a head end <NUM>, and a tail end <NUM> that is opposite the head end <NUM>. The pawl-latching device <NUM> also includes a locking head <NUM> integrally connected to the head end <NUM> of the strap <NUM>. The strap <NUM> also includes a plurality of serrations on at least one lengthwise side of the strap <NUM>, which may be configured to engage a pawl mechanism <NUM> within the locking head <NUM>. For example, the plurality of serrations are illustrated in <FIG> as serrations <NUM>, which are disposed on a bottom side of the strap <NUM>. As is described in more detail below, the pawl mechanism <NUM> is disposed within an interior of the locking head <NUM>. The pawl-latching device <NUM> described herein is merely an example in which the pawl-latching device can be implemented; any suitable pawl-latching device can be used to implement the pawl-latching device, such as clips and clamps.

The locking head <NUM> has a top side <NUM> and a bottom side <NUM>, with a slot <NUM> defined therebetween. The slot <NUM> has a first channel <NUM> and a second channel <NUM> conjoined with the first channel <NUM>. The slot <NUM> extends through the locking head <NUM>. The first channel <NUM> may be configured to receive the elongated strap <NUM>, such as the tail end <NUM> of the strap <NUM>. The slot <NUM> may include a rear wall <NUM> opposite a front wall <NUM>. The pawl mechanism <NUM> may be disposed within the second channel <NUM> of the slot <NUM> such that when the strap <NUM> is disposed within the first channel <NUM>, the pawl mechanism <NUM> engages the strap <NUM> to allow unidirectional movement of the strap <NUM> through the first channel <NUM> in a first direction and resist movement of the strap <NUM> in an opposite direction. The locking head <NUM> may further include a buckle <NUM> defining a buckle channel <NUM> through the locking head <NUM>. The buckle <NUM> provides an alternative attachment point, for example, as a slot configured to receive the elongated strap of another pawl-latching device (not illustrated).

The pawl mechanism <NUM> includes a pawl <NUM> connected to (e.g., tethered inside) the locking head <NUM>, and forming a hinged connection <NUM> within the second channel <NUM> of the slot <NUM>. The hinged connection <NUM> defines a hinge axis (H), as illustrated in <FIG>. The pawl <NUM> may be configured to pivot relative to the locking head <NUM> at the hinge axis, as illustrated in <FIG>. The pawl <NUM> may be disposed within the second channel <NUM> of the slot <NUM> and positioned internally to the locking head <NUM>. The pawl <NUM> includes multiple pawl teeth <NUM> defined on a front side <NUM> of the pawl <NUM>. The pawl teeth <NUM> face the first channel <NUM>. The pawl teeth <NUM> include protrusions extending from the pawl <NUM> toward the first channel <NUM> and may be angled toward one end of the first channel <NUM>, such as toward the top side <NUM> (outer surface) of the locking head <NUM>. The pawl teeth <NUM> may be configured to engage the plurality of serrations <NUM> (illustrated in <FIG>) on the tail end <NUM> of the elongated strap <NUM> when a portion of the tail end <NUM> of the elongated strap <NUM> is disposed within the first channel <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. The pawl <NUM> further includes a back side <NUM> opposite the front side <NUM>, a first side <NUM> opposite a second side <NUM>, and a top side <NUM> opposite a bottom side <NUM>.

A pivot member <NUM> is defined at or in the bottom side <NUM> of the pawl <NUM>. The pivot member <NUM> may function to stop the bottom of the pawl from moving beyond the vertical ledge where hinge is attached when moderate strap tension is applied, may anchor the base of the pawl against the ledge, may reinforce the thin hinge for increased strap tension, may transform into a fulcrum or pivot for further pawl rotation at higher applied loop tension, and may add additional wedging to the pawl for optimal applied tension (at this highest tension level the pivot compresses and deforms and the hinges stretches, and the pivot provides a cam effect).

The pivot member <NUM> having a stop surface <NUM> configured to contact the rear wall <NUM> of the slot <NUM> (e.g., second channel <NUM>) (e.g., a ledge of the pawl hinge) when the elongated strap <NUM> is disposed within the first channel <NUM> and the pawl teeth <NUM> engage the plurality of serrations <NUM> in the elongated strap <NUM> under load (e.g., when the strap is moderately tensioned around a bundle), as illustrated in <FIG>. In <FIG>, the pivot member <NUM> has a length (L). The length may extend such that it is generally parallel to the hinge axis (H). The pivot member <NUM> may be a single element or may be divided (e.g., bifurcated, notched) into two or more segments. In the aspect illustrated in <FIG>, the pivot member <NUM> has left side <NUM> opposite a right side <NUM>, with a center portion <NUM> defined therebetween. The pivot member <NUM> further includes a notch <NUM>, which may be defined along the length in the center portion <NUM>. In aspects, the notch <NUM> may be radial to the hinge axis (H). The inclusion of the notch <NUM> in the pivot member <NUM> may result in the avoidance of geometry that contributes to sinking and warping, while enabling the pivot member <NUM> to function to limit the rotation of the pawl <NUM> relative to the locking head <NUM>.

The pawl <NUM> may be positioned internal to the locking head <NUM> such that the pawl <NUM> (e.g., the release feature <NUM> of the pawl <NUM>) does not extend above the top side <NUM> of the locking head <NUM> (e.g., the pawl <NUM> does not protrude longitudinally out of the slot <NUM>/second channel <NUM>) and/or such that the pawl <NUM> (e.g., bottom side <NUM>, pivot member <NUM>) does not extend below a bottom side <NUM> of the locking head <NUM> (e.g., the pawl <NUM> does not protrude longitudinally out of the slot <NUM>/second channel <NUM>). In such a configuration, illustrated in <FIG>, the release feature <NUM> may be generally flush with or recessed below the top side <NUM> of the locking head <NUM> and the pawl <NUM> at least substantially contained within the locking head <NUM>. In other aspects (not illustrated), one or more of the pawl or release feature may extend beyond the top side of the locking head, such that the pawl and/or locking head protrudes longitudinally out of the second channel.

The pawl <NUM> may include the release feature <NUM> defined by a walled structure <NUM> integrally connected to the pawl <NUM> at the top side <NUM> of the pawl <NUM>. The walled structure <NUM> may be spaced apart from at least one of the front side <NUM> of the pawl <NUM> to define a recess <NUM> for receiving a tip of a user's finger (further illustrated in <FIG>), the tip of a release tool (e.g., an industry-standard flat-blade screwdriver), or another object usable to release the pawl mechanism <NUM> from engagement with the strap serrations <NUM> of the elongated strap <NUM>. Any suitable shape for the walled structure <NUM> can be used. In <FIG>, the walled structure <NUM> is illustrated as a multi-walled structure (e.g., three-walled structure) having a fore wall <NUM>, a first side wall <NUM>, and a second side wall <NUM>. In aspects, the fore wall <NUM> is merged with upper portions of the first side wall <NUM> and the second side wall <NUM> to form a U-shaped structure defining a feature channel <NUM> defined in the back wall <NUM> of the release feature <NUM> extending to the back side <NUM> of the pawl <NUM>. The presence of the feature channel <NUM> may result in the avoidance of geometry that contributes to sinking and warping. In other examples, the walled structure <NUM> may be a single wall, may include two walls forming a V-shape, may include four or more walls forming a shape suitable to fit the contour of the release tool, and the like.

The release feature <NUM> extends from the top side <NUM> of the pawl <NUM>. The release feature <NUM> (e.g., the walled structure <NUM>) may be spaced apart from one or more of the front side <NUM>, the first side <NUM>, and the second side <NUM> of the pawl <NUM>. The spacing of the release feature <NUM> (e.g., the walled structure <NUM>) apart from one or more of the front side <NUM>, the second side <NUM>, or the first side <NUM> may result in the avoidance of geometry that contributes to sinking and warping.

The first side wall <NUM> and the second side wall <NUM> may extend from the top side <NUM> of the pawl <NUM> along the back side <NUM> of the pawl <NUM> to the hinged connection <NUM>. The elongated first side wall <NUM> and elongated second side wall <NUM> may function as struts configured to reinforce the connection between the pawl <NUM> and the hinged connection <NUM> to provide increased wedging strength during high-loop tensile-strength applications. For example, the first side wall <NUM> may define a first strut <NUM> on the back side <NUM> of the pawl <NUM>, the first strut <NUM> extending from the hinged connection <NUM> to the top side <NUM> of the pawl <NUM>. Likewise, the second side wall <NUM> may define a second strut <NUM> on the back side <NUM> of the pawl <NUM>, the second strut <NUM> extending from the hinged connection <NUM> to the top side <NUM> of the pawl <NUM>. In aspects, the second strut <NUM> may be spaced apart from the first strut <NUM>, defining at least one channel <NUM> therebetween. The fore wall <NUM> may also be configured to reinforce the first side wall <NUM> and second side wall <NUM> to provide increased wedging strength during high-loop tensile-strength applications. Further, integration of the first side wall <NUM>, the second side wall <NUM>, and the fore wall <NUM> provides reinforcement strength to the fore wall <NUM> for disengaging the pawl teeth <NUM> when the pawl teeth <NUM> are compressively engaged with the serrations <NUM> on the tail end <NUM> of the strap <NUM> and a user's finger or a release tool applies a force against the fore wall <NUM> of the release feature <NUM> to move the pawl <NUM> away from the strap <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate the pawl teeth <NUM> engaging the serrations <NUM> on the tail end <NUM> of the elongated strap <NUM> when a portion of the tail end <NUM> of the strap <NUM> disposed within the first channel <NUM> when the pawl-latching device <NUM> is secured around a bundle <NUM>. The strap <NUM> of the pawl-latching device <NUM> is illustrated wrapped around the bundle <NUM>, and the tail end <NUM> of the strap <NUM> is inserted through the first channel <NUM> in a first direction, such that serrations <NUM> on the strap <NUM> face the pawl teeth <NUM> of the pawl <NUM> located in the second channel <NUM>. In such a configuration, as the strap <NUM> moves longitudinally through the first channel <NUM> (as indicated by arrow <NUM>), the angled portion of the serrations <NUM> engage the angled portion of the pawl teeth <NUM> on the pawl <NUM>, causing the pawl <NUM> to rotate away from the strap <NUM> about its hinged connection <NUM> to the locking head <NUM>, as indicated by arrow <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate an example operation of the release of the pawl mechanism <NUM> where the tip of a finger of a user is pressed against the release feature <NUM>, causing the pawl <NUM> to hinge at the hinged connection <NUM> relative to the locking head <NUM>, disengaging the pawl teeth <NUM> of the pawl <NUM> from the serrations <NUM> of the tail end <NUM> of the pawl-latching device <NUM>. In aspects, the tip of a release tool (e.g., an industry-standard flat-blade screwdriver) or another object may be used to release the pawl mechanism <NUM> from engagement with the strap serrations <NUM> of the elongated strap <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a second example implementation of an injection molded pawl-latching device <NUM> configured for reducing warpage defects and sinks of pawl teeth profiles. The second example implementation is similar to the first example implementation of a pawl-latching device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and described above, except as detailed below. Thus, the pawl-latching device <NUM> includes an elongated strap <NUM>, a head end <NUM>, a tail end <NUM> (having a plurality of serrations <NUM> (illustrated in <FIG>)), a locking head <NUM> (having a top side <NUM>, a bottom side <NUM>, a slot <NUM>, a first channel <NUM>, a second channel <NUM>, a rear wall <NUM>, and a front wall <NUM>), and a buckle <NUM> (having a buckle channel <NUM>).

The pawl-latching device <NUM> further includes a pawl mechanism <NUM> within the locking head <NUM>. The pawl mechanism <NUM> having a pawl <NUM> with pawl teeth <NUM>, a front side <NUM>, a back side <NUM>, a first side <NUM>, a second side <NUM>, a top side <NUM>, a bottom side <NUM>, a pivot member <NUM>, a stop surface <NUM>, a pivot member left side <NUM>, a pivot member right side <NUM>, a pivot member center portion <NUM>, and a pivot member notch <NUM>. In aspects, a notch may not be present in the pivot member.

The pawl <NUM> is connected to (e.g., tethered inside) the locking head <NUM>, forming a hinged connection <NUM> within the second channel <NUM> of the slot <NUM>. The hinged connection <NUM> defines a hinge axis (H<NUM>), as illustrated in <FIG>. The pawl <NUM> may be configured to pivot about the hinge axis, relative to the locking head <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. The inclusion of the notch <NUM> in the pivot member <NUM> may prevent sinking and warping, while enabling the pivot member <NUM> to function to enhance the rotation of the pawl <NUM> relative to the locking head <NUM>.

The pawl teeth <NUM> of the pawl-latching device <NUM> may be configured to engage the plurality of serrations <NUM> on the tail end <NUM> of the elongated strap <NUM> when a portion of the tail end <NUM> of the elongated strap <NUM> may be disposed within the first channel <NUM>. For example, when the pawl-latching device <NUM> is secured around a bundle <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. The strap <NUM> of the pawl-latching device <NUM> is configured to wrap around the bundle <NUM>, and the tail end <NUM> of the strap <NUM> may be inserted through the first channel <NUM> in a first direction such that serrations <NUM> on the strap <NUM> face the pawl teeth <NUM> of the pawl <NUM> located in the second channel <NUM>. In such a configuration, as the strap <NUM> moves longitudinally through the first channel <NUM> (as indicated by arrow <NUM> in <FIG>), the angled portion of the serrations <NUM> engage the angled portion of the pawl teeth <NUM> on the pawl <NUM>, causing the pawl <NUM> to rotate away from the strap <NUM> about its hinged connection <NUM> to the locking head <NUM> (as indicated by arrow <NUM> in <FIG>).

The pawl <NUM> may include a release feature <NUM> (e.g., release feature <NUM> in <FIG>). In the aspect illustrated in <FIG>, the release feature <NUM> may be defined by an unlocking tab <NUM> extending from the top side <NUM> of the pawl <NUM>, spaced apart from at least one of the front side <NUM>, the second side <NUM>, and the first side <NUM> of the pawl <NUM>. The spacing of the unlocking tab <NUM> apart from one or more of the front side <NUM>, the second side <NUM>, or the first side <NUM> may prevent, or otherwise result in the avoidance of geometry that contributes to, sinking and warping. Any suitable shape for the unlocking tab <NUM> can be used. In <FIG>, the unlocking tab <NUM> is illustrated as a single wall. The unlocking tab <NUM> may be a multi-walled structure (e.g., a three-walled structure having a fore wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall), with the fore wall merged with upper portions of the first side wall and the second side wall to form a U-shaped structure defined around at least one feature channel in the back face of the release feature extending to the back side of the pawl, as illustrated with respect to the aspect of <FIG>. In other examples, the unlocking tab <NUM> may be in the shape of an "I" beam. In further examples, the unlocking tab <NUM> may include two walls forming a V-shape, may include four or more walls forming a shape suitable to fit the contour of the release tool, and the like. The unlocking tab <NUM> may be spaced apart from the front side <NUM> of the pawl <NUM> to define a recess <NUM> for receiving a tip of a user's finger (as illustrated in <FIG> with respect to pawl-latching device <NUM>), the tip of a release tool (e.g., an industry-standard flat-blade screwdriver) or another object usable to release the pawl mechanism <NUM> from engagement with the strap serrations <NUM> of the elongated strap <NUM>.

In the configuration illustrated in <FIG>, the top side <NUM> may be generally flush with or recessed below a top side <NUM> of the locking head and the pawl <NUM> is at least substantially contained within the locking head <NUM>. In other aspects (not illustrated), one or more of the pawl or release feature may extend beyond the top side of the locking head, such that the pawl and/or locking head protrudes longitudinally out of the second channel.

In the aspect illustrated in <FIG>, a first channel <NUM> and a second channel <NUM> may be defined in the pawl <NUM>. The first channel <NUM> extends from the top side <NUM>, towards the bottom side <NUM> of the pawl <NUM>. The second channel <NUM> extends from the top side <NUM>, towards the bottom side <NUM> of the pawl <NUM>. The first channel <NUM> and the second channel <NUM> define a support wall <NUM> therebetween, the support wall <NUM> connecting at a first end with a front portion <NUM> of the pawl <NUM> and at a second end with a rear portion <NUM> of the pawl <NUM>. The pawl teeth <NUM> may be defined in the front portion <NUM>. In such a configuration, the pawl <NUM> includes an I-shaped beam structure.

The inclusion of the first channel <NUM> and the second channel <NUM> may prevent a change in geometry that contributes to sinking and warping. The support wall <NUM> may function to reinforce front portion <NUM> relative to the rear portion <NUM> to provide increased wedging strength during high-loop tensile-strength applications. This may provide reinforcement strength to the pawl <NUM> for disengaging the pawl teeth <NUM>, such as, when the pawl teeth <NUM> are compressively engaged with the serrations <NUM> on the tail end <NUM> of the strap <NUM> and a user's finger or a release tool applies a force against the release feature <NUM> to move the pawl <NUM> away from the strap <NUM>.

The pawl mechanism <NUM> of the pawl-latching device <NUM> may be configured to operate similarly to the release of the pawl mechanism <NUM> of the pawl-latching device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, where the tip of a finger of a user is illustrated pressed against the release feature, causing the pawl to hinge at the hinged connection relative to the locking head and disengaging the pawl teeth of the pawl from the serrations of the tail end of the pawl-latching device. In aspects, the tip of a release tool (e.g., an industry-standard flat-blade screwdriver) or another object may be usable in lieu of the tip of a finger of a user.

<FIG> illustrate a third example implementation of an injection molded pawl-latching device <NUM> configured for reducing warpage defects and sinks of pawl teeth profiles. The third example implementation is similar to the first example implementation of a pawl-latching device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and described above, except as detailed below. Thus, the pawl-latching device <NUM> includes an elongated strap <NUM>, a head end <NUM>, a tail end <NUM> (having a plurality of serrations <NUM>), and a locking head <NUM> (having a top side <NUM>, a bottom side <NUM>, a slot <NUM>, a first channel <NUM>, a second channel <NUM>, a rear wall <NUM>, and a front wall <NUM>).

The pawl <NUM> is connected to (e.g., tethered inside) the locking head <NUM>, forming a hinged connection <NUM> within the second channel <NUM> of the slot <NUM>. The hinged connection <NUM> defines a hinge axis (H<NUM>), as illustrated in <FIG>. The pawl <NUM> may be configured to pivot relative to the locking head <NUM> at the hinge axis, as illustrated in <FIG>. The inclusion of the pivot member notch <NUM> in the pivot member <NUM> may result in the avoidance of geometry that contributes to sinking and warping, while enabling the pivot member <NUM> to function to limit the rotation of the pawl <NUM> relative to the locking head <NUM>.

In aspects, the pawl-latching device <NUM> may include an open cavity <NUM> defined in the pawl <NUM>, for example, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>. The open cavity <NUM> may extend from an open bottom <NUM> in the notch <NUM> into the pawl <NUM> in the direction of the top side <NUM> of the pawl <NUM>. The open cavity <NUM> may include a top wall <NUM> defined in a top portion <NUM> of the pawl <NUM>, the top wall <NUM> opposite the open bottom <NUM>. The open cavity <NUM> may further include a back wall <NUM> opposite a front wall <NUM> and a first side wall <NUM> opposite a second side wall <NUM>. In aspects, the back wall <NUM>, the front wall <NUM>, the first side wall <NUM>, and the second side wall <NUM> connect to the top wall <NUM> to define the open cavity <NUM>. A thickness of the back wall <NUM> may be generally uniform with a thickness of at least one of the front wall <NUM>, the first side wall <NUM>, or the second side wall <NUM>. A thickness of the first side wall <NUM> may be generally uniform, with a thickness of at least one of the back wall <NUM>, the front wall <NUM>, or the second side wall <NUM>. In aspects, the thicknesses of the back wall <NUM>, the front wall <NUM>, the first side wall <NUM>, and the second side wall <NUM> are generally uniform. The inclusion of the open cavity <NUM> in the pawl <NUM> may result in the avoidance of geometry that contributes to sinking and warping.

The pawl teeth <NUM> of the pawl-latching device <NUM> may be configured to engage the plurality of serrations <NUM> on the tail end <NUM> of the elongated strap <NUM> when a portion of the tail end <NUM> of the elongated strap <NUM> is disposed within the first channel <NUM>. For example, when the pawl-latching device <NUM> is secured around a bundle <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. The strap <NUM> of the pawl-latching device <NUM> is configured to wrap around the bundle <NUM>, and the tail end <NUM> of the strap <NUM> is inserted through the first channel <NUM> in a first direction such that serrations <NUM> on the strap <NUM> face the pawl teeth <NUM> of the pawl <NUM> located in the second channel <NUM>. In such a configuration, as the strap <NUM> moves longitudinally through the first channel <NUM> (as indicated by arrow <NUM> in <FIG>), the angled portion of the serrations <NUM> engage the angled portion of the pawl teeth <NUM> on the pawl <NUM>, causing the pawl <NUM> to rotate away from the strap <NUM> about its hinged connection <NUM> to the locking head <NUM> (as indicated by arrow <NUM> in <FIG>).

The pawl <NUM> may include a release feature <NUM> (e.g., release feature <NUM> in <FIG>). In the aspect illustrated in <FIG>, the release feature <NUM> may be defined by a flange <NUM> extending from the top side <NUM> of the pawl <NUM>, spaced apart from at least one of the front side <NUM>, the second side <NUM>, and the first side <NUM> of the pawl <NUM>. The spacing of the flange <NUM> apart from one or more of the front side <NUM>, the second side <NUM>, or the first side <NUM> may result in the avoidance of geometry that contributes to sinking and warping. Any suitable shape for the flange <NUM> can be used. In <FIG>, the flange <NUM> is illustrated as a single wall. The flange <NUM> may be a multi-walled structure (e.g., a three-walled structure having a fore wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall), with the fore wall merged with upper portions of the first side wall and the second side wall to form a U-shaped structure defining at least one feature channel in the back face of the release feature extending to the back side of the pawl, as illustrated with respect to the aspect of <FIG>. In other examples, the flange <NUM> may include two walls forming a V-shape, may include four or more walls forming a shape suitable to fit the contour of the release tool, and the like.

The flange <NUM> may be spaced apart from the front side <NUM> of the pawl <NUM> to define a recess <NUM> for receiving a tip of a user's finger (as illustrated in <FIG> with respect to pawl-latching device <NUM>), the tip of a release tool (e.g., an industry-standard flat-blade screwdriver) or another object usable to release the pawl mechanism <NUM> from engagement with the strap serrations <NUM> of the elongated strap <NUM>. The pawl mechanism <NUM> of the pawl-latching device <NUM> may be configured to operate similarly to the release of the pawl mechanism <NUM> of the pawl-latching device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, where the tip of a finger of a user is illustrated pressed against the release feature, causing the pawl to hinge at the hinged connection relative to the locking head and disengaging the pawl teeth of the pawl from the serrations of the tail end of the pawl-latching device. In aspects, the tip of a release tool (e.g., an industry-standard flat-blade screwdriver) or another object may be usable in lieu of the tip of a finger of a user.

After a pawl-latching device <NUM> is secured around the bundle <NUM> and tensioned, a portion of the tail end <NUM> of the pawl-latching device <NUM> may be removed, for example, by a tension and cutoff cable tie tool or other such installation tool (not illustrated). For example, an installation tool can be used to apply tension to the pawl-latching device and also shear off excess length of the strap that extends above the top side of the locking head. Such an installation tool may operate by applying tension to the pawl-latching device by pulling the strap while pushing on the top side of the locking head and using a blade to shear the strap. In such an operation, the pawl rotates toward the strap, enabling the pawl teeth on the pawl to engage the serrations on the strap and secure the pawl-latching device in place. Because the pawl-latching device is tensioned around the bundle, when the strap is sheared, the remaining strap tension is momentarily released until the pawl teeth engage serrations on the strap; thereby moving the strap in a reverse direction through the first channel and toward the bundle. Further, because the pawl and the release feature are positioned internally to the locking head, the installation tool can shear the strap substantially flush with the top side of the locking head to substantially remove any protruding, sharp edges on the strap that could pose a risk of injury to a user or damage to adjacent routed bundles, hoses, etc..

While various aspects of pawl-latching devices are described in the foregoing description and illustrated in the drawings, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited thereto but may be variously embodied to practice within the scope of the following claims. From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the following claims. Further, the specific features and methods disclosed are example implementations of pawl-latching devices, and other equivalent features and methods are intended to be within the scope of the appended claims. Additionally, various different aspects are described, and it is to be appreciated that each described aspect can be implemented independently or in connection with one or more other described aspects or parts thereof.

Claim 1:
A pawl-latching device (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) comprising:
an elongated strap (<NUM>) comprising a plurality of serrations (<NUM>); and
a head (<NUM>), the head comprising:
a slot (<NUM>) that extends through the head (<NUM>), the slot including a first channel (<NUM>) conjoined with a second channel (<NUM>), the first channel (<NUM>) configured to receive the elongated strap (<NUM>);
a pawl (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) disposed within the second channel (<NUM>) of the slot (<NUM>), the pawl positioned internally to the head (<NUM>), the pawl comprising:
a front side (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), a first side (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), a second side (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), a back side (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), a top side (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), and a bottom side (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>);
the pawl (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) having multiple pawl teeth (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) defined in the front side (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), and configured to engage the plurality of serrations (<NUM>) on the elongated strap (<NUM>) when the elongated strap is disposed within the first channel (<NUM>);
the pawl (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) connected to the head (<NUM>) at a hinged connection (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), wherein the hinged connection defines a hinge axis relative to the head (<NUM>) for the pawl (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) to pivot about; and
a pivot member (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) defined in the bottom side (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), the pivot member having a stop surface (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) configured to contact a rear wall (<NUM>) of the second channel (<NUM>) when the elongated strap (<NUM>) is disposed within the first channel (<NUM>) and the pawl teeth (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) engage the plurality of serrations (<NUM>) in the elongated strap (<NUM>), the pivot member (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) having a first side (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) opposite a second side (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>); and
the hinged connection (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), the hinged connection connecting the back side (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) of the pawl (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) to the head (<NUM>) at the second channel (<NUM>) of the slot (<NUM>),
characterised in that the pivot member has a notch (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) in a center portion (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) defined between the first side (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) and the second side (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>).