Patent ID: 12209693

FIG.10DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

As used herein, a list with a conjunction of “and/or” includes any single item in the list or a combination of items in the list. For example, a list of A, B and/or C includes only A, only B, only C, a combination of A and B, a combination of B and C, a combination of A and C or a combination of A, B and C. As used herein, a list using the terminology “one or more of” includes any single item in the list or a combination of items in the list. For example, one or more of A, B and C includes only A, only B, only C, a combination of A and B, a combination of B and C, a combination of A and C or a combination of A, B and C. As used herein, a list using the terminology “one of” includes one and only one of any single item in the list. For example, “one of A, B and C” includes only A, only B or only C and excludes combinations of A, B and C.

A locking apparatus for wire management is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing, a fixing member, and a locking mechanism within the housing configured to resist movement of the fixing member in a first direction and to allow movement of the fixing member in a second direction opposite the first direction. The apparatus includes a lock path extending from a lock path entrance, through the locking mechanism, to a lock path exit. The apparatus includes a slack management opening integral to the housing and configured to hold a portion of the fixing member extending from the lock path exit.

In some embodiments, the slack management opening includes a slot on the housing. The slot is shaped to accommodate and retain a slack portion of the fixing member. The slack portion of the fixing member is on the portion of the fixing member extending from the lock path exit. In other embodiments, the slot includes one or more locking sections where each locking section is shaped to hold the slack portion of the fixing member in place in the slot. In other embodiments, each locking section of the one or more locking sections includes a narrowed section of the slot sized for a compression fit of the fixing member into the narrowed section. In other embodiments, each locking section of the one or more locking sections includes a narrowed opening above a portion shaped to accommodate the fixing member where the narrowed opening flexes to allow a user to press the fixing member into the portion shaped to accommodate the fixing member. In other embodiments, each locking section of the one or more locking sections includes teeth. In other embodiments, the one or more locking sections include a locking section at a first end of the slot and a second locking section at a second end of the slot opposite the first end of the slot.

In some embodiments, the fixing member is flexible. In other embodiments, the fixing member includes a stainless-steel cable with a covering. In other embodiments, a first end of the fixing member is attached to the housing and the portion of the fixing member extending from the lock path exit has a second end opposite the first end. In other embodiments, the slack management opening includes an opening through the housing where the opening is different from the lock path. In other embodiments, insertion of the fixing member into the opening holds the locking mechanism in a locked position. In other embodiments, the locking mechanism includes one or more balls and the opening is positioned so the fixing member is positioned in the opening to hold one or more of the one or more balls in a locked position. The locked position prevents movement of the fixing member in at least one direction.

In some embodiments, the slack management opening includes an opening sized to accommodate a slack portion of the portion of the fixing member extending from the lock path exit. The opening is sized to accommodate the slack portion looped into the opening. In other embodiments, the housing includes a metal body with a covering. The covering includes an opening exposing a marking on the metal body. The metal includes stainless-steel, steel, zinc-coated steel, and/or aluminum.

Another locking apparatus for wire management includes a housing and a fixing member with a first and a second end opposite the first end. The fixing member is flexible and the first end of the fixing member is attached to the housing. The apparatus includes a locking mechanism within the housing configured to resist movement of the fixing member in a first direction and to allow movement of the fixing member in a second direction opposite the first direction. The apparatus includes a lock path extending from a lock path entrance, through the locking mechanism, to a lock path exit. The apparatus includes a slack management opening integral to the housing and configured to hold a portion of the fixing member extending from the lock path exit. The portion of the fixing member extending from the lock path exit includes the second end of the fixing member.

In some embodiments, the slack management opening includes a slot on the housing the slot is shaped to accommodate and retain a slack portion of the fixing member. The slack portion of the fixing member is on the portion of the fixing member extending from the lock path exit. In other embodiments, the slot includes one or more locking sections where each locking section is shaped to hold the slack portion of fixing member in place in the slot. In other embodiments, the housing includes an opening through the housing. The opening is different from the lock path. Insertion of the fixing member into the opening holds the locking mechanism in a locked position.

Another locking apparatus for wire management includes a housing with a stainless-steel inner portion covered with a covering. The apparatus includes a fixing member with a first and a second end opposite the first end. The fixing member is flexible and the first end of the fixing member is attached to the housing. The apparatus includes a locking mechanism within the housing configured to resist movement of the fixing member in a first direction and to allow movement of the fixing member in a second direction opposite the first direction. The apparatus includes a lock path extending from a lock path entrance, through the locking mechanism to a lock path exit. The apparatus includes a slack management opening integral to the housing and configured to hold a portion of the fixing member extending from the lock path exit. The portion of the fixing member extending from the lock path exit includes the second end of the fixing member. The slack management opening includes a slot on the housing where the slot is shaped to accommodate and retain a slack portion of the fixing member and where the slack portion of the fixing member on the portion of the fixing member extends from the lock path exit, and/or an opening through the housing. The opening is different from the lock path. Insertion of the fixing member into the opening holds the locking mechanism in a locked position.

Another locking apparatus includes a housing, a fixing member, and a locking mechanism within the housing configured to resist movement of the fixing member in a first direction and to allow movement of the fixing member in a second direction opposite the first direction. The locking apparatus includes a lock path extending from a lock path entrance, through the locking mechanism, to a lock path exit.

In some embodiments, the fixing member is flexible. In other embodiments, the fixing member includes a cable. The cable includes a stainless-steel cable or a galvanized steel cable. In other embodiments, the cable includes a coating. In other embodiments, the coating includes a plastic, a polymer, and/or a rubber. In other embodiments, a first end of the fixing member is attached to the housing and a portion of the fixing member opposite the first end includes a second end. The second end is configured to fit in the lock path entrance, to extend through the locking mechanism and out the lock path exit.

In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes three balls positioned to surround the fixing member extending through the locking mechanism. In other embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a plate where the plate includes a retaining structure for each of three balls shaped to maintain a ball of the three balls in a position against the fixing member, or a spring positioned to push on the plate to maintain pressure on the three balls. In other embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a rolling element and a spring providing a spring force against the rolling element. The rolling element is positioned in a groove in the housing is angled toward the lock path. The spring is positioned to press the rolling element toward the fixing member inserted into the locking mechanism.

In some embodiments, the housing includes a metallic body or an injection molded body. In other embodiments, the metallic body includes a covering. In other embodiments, the covering includes an electrical insulation material, an ultraviolet (“UV”) light-resistant material, and/or a weather-resistant material. In other embodiments, the covering includes an opening exposing a marking on the metallic body. In other embodiments, metal of the metallic body includes stainless-steel, steel, zinc-coated steel, and/or aluminum.

In some embodiments, the locking apparatus includes a slack management opening integral to the housing and configured to hold a portion of the fixing member extending from the lock path exit. In other embodiments, the slack management opening includes an opening through the housing where the opening is different from the lock path, and insertion of the fixing member into the opening holds the locking mechanism in a locked position. The locked position prevents movement of the fixing member in either direction along the lock path. In other embodiments, the slack management opening includes a slot on the housing where the slot is shaped to accommodate and retain a slack portion of the fixing member. The slack portion of the fixing member is on the portion of the fixing member extending from the lock path exit.

Another locking apparatus includes a housing and a fixing member with a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The fixing member includes a cable and the first end of the fixing member is attached to the housing. The locking apparatus includes a locking mechanism within the housing configured to resist movement of the fixing member in a first direction and to allow movement of the fixing member in a second direction opposite the first direction. The locking apparatus includes a lock path extending from a lock path entrance, through the locking mechanism, to a lock path exit.

In some embodiments, the cable is stainless steel covered by a coating comprising a plastic, a polymer, and/or a rubber. The housing includes a metallic body with a covering where metal of the metallic body is stainless-steel, steel, zinc-coated steel, and/or aluminum and the covering includes an electrical insulation material, a UV light-resistant material, and/or a weather-resistant material.

Yet another locking apparatus includes a housing with a metallic inner portion covered with a covering. The locking apparatus includes a fixing member with a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The fixing member is a cable with a coating. The cable is a stainless-steel cable or a galvanized steel cable. The first end of the fixing member is attached to the housing. The locking apparatus includes a locking mechanism within the housing configured to resist movement of the fixing member in a first direction and to allow movement of the fixing member in a second direction opposite the first direction. The locking apparatus includes a lock path extending from a lock path entrance, through the locking mechanism to a lock path exit.

FIG.1is a perspective section view illustrating a locking apparatus100with a housing102with a three-ball locking mechanism104and a fixing member106connected to the housing102, according to various embodiments. The locking apparatus100is configured to allow the fixing member106to surround cables, a structure, etc. and the locking mechanism104allows the fixing member106to move in a first direction108and resist or prevent movement in a second direction110opposite the first direction108.

In some embodiments, the locking apparatus100is configured to be used with wiring from a photovoltaic (“PV”) solar panel system. Where the locking apparatus100is used for a PV solar panel system, the locking apparatus100is typically installed outside and is exposed to sun, wind, rain, snow, etc. and is typically expected to last for a long period of time, such as 20 to 40 years.

In some embodiments, the fixing member106is flexible. In some embodiments, the fixing member106has a cross section that is round, such as a rod, a cable, etc. In other embodiments, the fixing member106has a cross section that is square, rectangular, oval, or other shape. In the embodiments ofFIG.1, the fixing member106is round. A fixing member106that is round, in some embodiments, is a cable. The cable may be stainless-steel, steel, zinc-coated steel, aluminum, etc. In some embodiments, the fixing member106is coated with a material that further prevents degradation. The coating material, in some embodiments, is a plastic. In some embodiments, the plastic is ultraviolet (“UV”) light resistant, freeze resistant, heat resistant, etc. and is designed to not degrade over the expected life of the locking apparatus100. In some embodiments, the fixing member106is stainless-steel with a UV and weather resistant plastic coating.

In the embodiments ofFIG.1, only a portion of the fixing member106is depicted. The fixing member106is configured to extend around an object, cables, wires, a structure, etc. or a combination thereof and then extend through a lock path112that includes a lock path entrance114, a pathway through the locking mechanism104, and to a lock path exit116. The locking mechanism104is designed to allow the fixing member106to move through the locking mechanism104in a first direction108and to resist or prevent movement of the fixing member106in a second direction110opposite the first direction108.

In some embodiments, a first end118of the fixing member106is attached to the housing102at an attachment point on the housing102. In the embodiments, the fixing member106is flexible and a second end (not shown) of the fixing member106is inserted in the lock path entrance114and into the locking mechanism104. Further insertion of the second end of the fixing member106extends the fixing member106through the locking mechanism104and out the lock path exit116. Further insertion of the fixing member106into the lock path112tightens the fixing member106around a structure, wiring, etc. The unidirectional nature of the locking mechanism104allows the fixing member106to be cinched tight around whatever is surrounded by the fixing member106.

In the embodiments depicted inFIG.1, the locking mechanism104is a three-ball locking mechanism that includes three balls120placed in slots that narrow toward the lock path entrance114. As the three balls120are pushed in the direction of the lock path entrance114, the three balls120move closer together and into the fixing member106. Force applied to the fixing member106in the second direction110causes the three balls120to move in the second direction110and against the fixing member106, which causes a resistance to movement of the fixing member106in the second direction110.

The locking mechanism104ofFIG.1includes a spring122that pushes against a plate124. The plate124includes a hole to accommodate the fixing member106. The plate124is against the three balls120and the spring122pushes on the plate124to keep pressure on the three balls120, which enables resistance of movement of the fixing member106in the second direction110. In some embodiments, the plate124includes a retaining structure126for each of the three balls120. The retaining structure126for a ball120, in various embodiments, includes a cup shape, a dent in the plate124, or the like to retain a ball120.

When the fixing member106is moved in the first direction108, the three balls120move in the first direction108and the slots containing each of the three balls120widen to reduce pressure on the fixing member106, which allows movement of the fixing member106in the first direction108.

While a lower half of the housing102is depicted inFIG.1, it is understood that a similar upper half of the housing102is also included with the overall housing102. The housing102, in some embodiments, includes a metallic body128. In some embodiments, the three balls120, retaining structure126, plate124, spring, etc. are metal. In some embodiments, the metal is stainless steel, zinc-coated steel, aluminum, or similar metal chosen to last for the life of the locking apparatus100. In some embodiments, the metal is chosen to not corrode, rust, etc. when exposed to water, wind, sun, etc.

In some embodiments, the metallic body128of the housing102includes a covering130. The covering130, in some embodiments, is chosen to further reduce wear, corrosion, etc. of the locking apparatus100. In some embodiments, the covering130provides electrical insulation between the metallic body128and any electrified component external to the locking apparatus100. In some embodiments, the covering130is a plastic. In other embodiments, the covering130is a rubber. In other embodiments, the covering130is a polymer. In some embodiments, the material for the covering130is chosen to last for a desired lifetime of the locking apparatus100while being exposed to UV light, water, temperature extremes, wind, sunlight, etc. One of skill in the art will recognize other materials suitable for the covering130.

As used herein components, arrows, etc. in different figures with like numbers are substantially similar but may have slight differences as explained.

FIG.2Ais a side section view illustrating a locking apparatus200with a housing202with a one-ball locking mechanism204in a first position and a fixing member106connected to the housing202, according to various embodiments.FIG.2Bis a side section view illustrating a locking apparatus201with a housing202with a one-ball locking mechanism204in a second position and a fixing member106connected to the housing202, according to various embodiments. The locking apparatus201ofFIG.2Bis the same as the locking apparatus200ofFIG.2Aexcept the fixing member106has a first end118at an opposite end of the housing202than the fixing member106ofFIG.2A. The one-ball locking mechanism204ofFIGS.2A and2Boperate similar to the three-ball locking mechanism104ofFIG.1.

As with the locking apparatus100ofFIG.1, the locking apparatus200ofFIG.2Ais configured to allow the fixing member106to surround cables, a structure, etc. and the locking mechanism204allows the fixing member106to move in a first direction108and resist or prevent movement in a second direction110opposite the first direction108. The fixing member106of the locking apparatus200ofFIG.2may be flexible as inFIG.1or may be rigid and may be attached or detached from the housing202. The locking apparatus200ofFIG.2is depicted as being attached to the housing202at a first end118of the fixing member106.

The fixing member106is inserted into the housing202through a lock path112that includes a lock path entrance114and a lock path exit116and the lock path112extends through the locking mechanism204. The locking mechanism204includes a first ball220in a sloped cylinder226to impinge on the fixing member106. A spring122presses on the first ball220. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism204ofFIG.2Aincludes a second ball224at an end of the cylinder226. In other embodiments, the spring122is configured to rest against the end of the cylinder226. In some embodiments, the housing202includes an inner metallic body228. In other embodiments, the inner metallic body228includes an outer covering230. The metallic body228and outer covering230are substantially similar to the metallic body128and covering130of the locking apparatus100ofFIG.1.

The housing202ofFIGS.2A and2Binclude an opening232for the fixing member106extending through the housing202, which, in some embodiments, is for convenience during manufacturing. In other embodiments, the opening232does not extend through the housing202but instead is a depth to hold the first end118of the fixing member106and is positioned in the housing202based on an intended function. InFIGS.2A and2B, the fixing member106can be inserted into either end of the opening232and crimped into place. Crimping marks234are depicted inFIGS.2A and2B. In other embodiments, the fixing member106is rigid and is not attached to the housing202at the first end but is instead U-shaped. The rigid fixing member106may then be looped around something and a second end of the fixing member106is inserted into the lock path112and pushed into the lock path112until a portion of the first end118of the fixing member106is inserted into the opening232. In other embodiments, the rigid fixing member106is first inserted into the opening232and pushed further into the opening232until an end of the rigid fixed member106enters the lock path112and extends through the locking mechanism104.

FIG.3is a side section view illustrating a locking apparatus300with a housing302with a one-ball locking mechanism304and a first end118of a fixing member106connected to the housing302and a second end336of the fixing member106extending through a lock path112that includes the locking mechanism304, according to various embodiments. The one-ball locking mechanism304ofFIG.3functions similar to the one-ball locking mechanism204ofFIGS.2A and2Band include a ball120, a spring122, and a sloped cylinder326or similar shape.

In some embodiments, the fixing member106is flexible and is attached to the housing302at a first end118while a second end336is pushed through a lock path112. In other embodiments, the fixing member106is rigid and the second end336of the fixing member106is first inserted into the lock path112and pushed until the first end118of the fixing member106is inserted into a hole in the housing302. The fixing member106is able to be inserted in a first direction108into the lock path112and the locking mechanism304prevents the fixing member106from moving in a second direction110opposite the first direction108. While a covering is not shown for the locking apparatus300ofFIG.3, in some embodiments the housing302includes a covering, which may be similar to the coverings130ofFIGS.1,2A, and2B.

FIG.4is a perspective view illustrating a locking apparatus400with a first end118of a fixing member106connected to a housing402and a second end336of the fixing member106extending through a lock path112that includes a locking mechanism (not shown) and an opening440in a covering430exposing a metallic body428of the housing402, according to various embodiments. The opening440exposing the metallic body428, in some embodiments, provides a convenient location to imprint a serial number, an identification, or other markings on the metallic portion, which is required in some jurisdictions. In some examples, the metallic body428includes an identification required by the National Electrical Code. In some embodiments, the opening440is formed when the covering430is formed. In other embodiments, the opening440is cut out of the covering430. In some embodiments, the metallic body428is substantially similar to the metallic body128,228ofFIGS.1,2A, and2Band housing302ofFIG.3. While the opening440is depicted in a side of the housing402, in other embodiments the opening440is on an end of the housing402.

FIG.5is a perspective view of various fixing members500, according to various embodiments. A first fixing member502is rigid and strait. A second fixing member504is rigid and includes a short hook, which may be used to insert back into an opening in a housing, insertion into a drain hole on a solar panel frame, or the like. A third fixing member506is rigid and includes a wide hook, which may be used to extend around a structural element or something similar, such as a solar panel frame. A fourth fixing member508includes a tab on the end that could be secured in an unused hole in a structure. A fifth fixing member510is flexible. A sixth fixing member512is rigid and is shaped to form a cable hanger. One of skill in the art will recognize other ways to form a fixing member to be used with a locking apparatus.

FIG.6is a perspective section view illustrating a locking apparatus600with a housing602with a three-ball locking mechanism104and a first end118of a fixing member106connected to the housing602, the fixing member106extending through a lock path112where the lock path112includes the locking mechanism104, and a second end336of the fixing member106extending through an opening650that holds the locking mechanism104in a locked position, according to various embodiments. In the locking apparatus600ofFIG.6, the locking mechanism104is a three-ball locking mechanism104, which is similar to the three-ball locking mechanism104ofFIG.1and includes three balls120, a spring122, a plate124, and a retaining structure126. Other locking apparatuses with an opening650that holds a locking mechanism in a locked position include different locking mechanisms.

In the locking apparatus600ofFIG.6, the fixing member106runs through an opening650in the housing602that is strategically placed to hold the plate124in a locked position, which reinforces locking done by the locking mechanism104. The opening650creates a slack cable path652that is different from the lock path112and when the fixing member106is inserted into the slack cable path652, the locking mechanism104is held in a locked position.

In some embodiments, the locking mechanism104includes one or more balls120, such as the three-ball locking mechanism104ofFIG.6, and the slack cable path652is positioned so the fixing member is positioned in the opening650to hold one or more of the one or more balls120in a locked position. The locked position prevents movement of the fixing member106in at least one direction. In some embodiments, the locked position prevents movement of the fixing member106in either direction through the locking path112.

For locking mechanisms104that include a plate124, in some embodiments, the slack cable path652is positioned so that the fixing member106runs next to the plate124on a side opposite the balls120and the fixing member106holds the plate124in a position so that the balls120are wedged against the fixing member106in a locked position. In other embodiments, the slack cable path652is positioned adjacent to one or more balls120so that the balls120are wedged against the fixing member106in a locked position. In other locking mechanism designs, the slack cable path652is positioned near other components that cause a locked position of the locking mechanisms.

While the locking apparatus600ofFIG.6depicts the fixing member106extending through the slack cable path652, other embodiments include other components inserted into a slack cable path652or similar slot in the housing602to secure the locking mechanism104,204,304, etc. into a locked position. The other component may include a rod, a shaft, a wire, a device connected to a button, or other type of component arranged to hold a plate124, one or more balls120, or other element of the locking mechanism104,204,304, etc. into a locked position.

In some embodiments, the slack cable path652serves to position a slack portion of the fixing member106extending from the lock path exit116in a convenient location so that the slack portion is not hanging loose. In some embodiments, the slack cable path652serves as all or a portion of a slack management opening.

FIG.7is a perspective view illustrating a locking apparatus700with a housing702with a locking mechanism (not shown) and a fixing member106extending through a lock path of the housing702and a slack end of the fixing member106inserted into one of two triangular slack management openings760, according to various embodiments. The locking mechanism may be a three-ball locking mechanism, a one-ball locking mechanism, or other locking mechanism. The housing702, in some embodiments, includes a metallic body surrounded by a covering, similar to the metallic bodies128,228,428and coverings130,230,430ofFIGS.1,2A,2B,3,4, and6described above.

The housing702includes two triangular slack management openings760that are useful to manage a slack portion of the fixing member106beyond a lock path exit116. In some embodiments, the triangular slack management openings760are sized to allow the slack portion of the fixing member106to be folded over and inserted. Where there are two triangular slack management openings760, parts of the slack portion of the fixing member106may be inserted in both triangular slack management openings760. Beneficially, the triangular slack management openings760provide convenient storage of the slack portion of the fixing member106without having to cut the slack portion of the fixing member106. In other embodiments, the slack management openings760are of a different shape, such as rectangular, oval, or other convenient shape. In some embodiments, the slack management opening760is sized to insert a U-shaped portion of the slack end of the fixing member106.

FIG.8Ais a perspective view illustrating a locking apparatus800with a housing802with a locking mechanism and a fixing member106extending through a lock path112of the housing802and a slack portion of the fixing member inserted into a slack management opening870in the form of a slack management slot872, according to various embodiments.FIG.8Bis a side view illustrating a locking apparatus800with a housing802with a locking mechanism and a first end118of a fixing member106attached to the housing802wrapping around cables876and through a structure878and extending through a lock path112of the housing802, and a slack portion of the fixing member106inserted through a slack management opening870and exiting the housing802, according to various embodiments.

In some embodiments, the slack management opening870includes a slack management slot872on the housing802where the slack management slot872is shaped to accommodate and retain a slack portion of the fixing member106. The slack portion of the fixing member106is on a portion of the fixing member106extending from the lock path exit116. The slack management opening870is intended to provide a convenient way to handle the slack portion of the fixing member106without having to trim off the slack portion.

In some embodiments, the slack management slot872includes one or more locking sections874where each locking section874is shaped to hold the slack portion of the fixing member106in place in the slack management slot872. In the embodiments ofFIG.8A, the slack management opening870includes a locking section874at each end of the slack management slot872. In other embodiments, the slack management opening870includes one or more additional locking sections874. Versions of the locking sections874are described in more detail with regard toFIGS.9A-9E.

FIG.8Bis a use case showing how the locking apparatus800may be used to secure cables to a structure. The locking apparatuses100,200,300,400,600,700may also be used in a way similar to the locking apparatus800ofFIG.8B. In some embodiments with a flexible fixing member106attached to the housing802, the fixing member106may then be looped around cables876and/or an opening879in a structure878and then a second end336of the fixing member106is inserted through a lock path112of the housing802. A slack portion of the fixing member106exiting a lock path exit116may be pulled to tighten the fixing member106around the cables876and/or opening879of the structure878. Note that the cables876may be electrical wires, communication wires, structural cables, hydraulic lines, flexible or fixed pipes, gas lines, or any other similar element that needs to be cinched together. The fixing member106may also be used to anchor cables876to a structure878of any type, including supports, pipes, beams, structural elements, and the like. One of skill in the art will recognize other cables876, structures878, etc. where the locking apparatuses100,200,300,400,600,700,800may be used.

As the fixing member106is pulled through the lock path112, the locking mechanism (e.g.,104,204,304, etc.) allows the fixing member106to be pulled toward the lock path exit116without allowing the fixing member106to go back in a direction opposite the lock path112. A slack portion of the fixing member106extending from the lock path exit116is then hanging free and a user may then insert the slack portion into the slack management opening870. The slack management opening870may be a slack management slot872and locking sections874as depicted inFIG.8A, may be a triangular slack management opening760, or may be a simple opening, such asFIG.9E, may be a slack cable path652, or any other type of opening for managing the slack portion of the fixing member106.

FIG.9is an end view of slack management openings870, according to various embodiments. The slack management openings870, in various embodiments, are a part of a housing (e.g.,102,202,302,402,602,702,802) of a locking apparatus (e.g.,100,200,300,400,600,700,800).FIG.9Ais an end view of embodiments of a slack management opening870in the form of a slack management slot872with teeth902and with a section view of a fixing member106inserted in the slack management slot872. A user presses the fixing member106into the slack management slot872and the teeth902help the fixing member106to remain in place. In some embodiments, the teeth902are shaped to hold the fixing member106without damaging an outer coating of the fixing member106.

FIG.9Bis an end view of a slack management slot872with a narrow section904above a wider section906and with a section view of a fixing member106inserted in the slack management slot872, according to various embodiments. The narrow section904and wider section906create a narrowed opening above a portion shaped to accommodate the fixing member106. The narrowed opening, in some embodiments, flexes to allow a user to press the fixing member106into the portion shaped to accommodate the fixing member106.

FIG.9Cis an end view of a slack management opening870with a cover member908in a closed position and with a section view of a fixing member106inserted in the slack management opening870, according to various embodiments. In the embodiments, the cover member908is attached to sides of a slack management slot872at a hinge point910, which allows a user to rotate the cover member908between an open position and a closed position. One side of the slack management opening870includes a depression912sized to accommodate an end of the cover member908. A user inserts a slack portion of the fixing member106in the slack management slot872and then the user rotates the cover member908to a closed position where the end of the cover member908opposite the hinge point910is in the depression912, which then retains the slack portion of the fixing member106.

FIG.9Dis an end view of a slack management slot872configured for a compression fit of a fixing member106inserted in the slack management slot872, according to various embodiments. In some embodiments, sides914of the slack management slot872is slightly tapered and is sized for a compression fit of the fixing member106into the slack management slot872. In some embodiments, the sides of the slack management slot872deform a cover of the fixing member106as the fixing member106is pressed into the slack management slot872. The fixing member106pressed into the slack management slot872, in some embodiments, deforms and/or the sides914of the slack management slot872flex to provide enough resistance to hold the fixing member106in the slack management slot872.

FIG.9Eis an end view of a slack management hole916in a housing (e.g.,102,202,302,402,602,702,802) and with a section view of a fixing member106inserted in the slack management hole916, according to various embodiments. In the embodiments, the slack management hole916is in an end of the housing102,202,302,402,602,702,802and runs in a direction similar to the slack management slot872ofFIGS.9A-9D. In other embodiments, the housing102,202,302,402,602,702,802includes an opening650that creates a slack cable path652as depicted inFIG.6in addition to the slack management hole916ofFIG.9E. One of skill in the art will recognize other types of slack management openings870.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.