AU741918B2 - Fastener and band - Google Patents

Description

r L t\~ I P/00/011 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

0 TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT Name of Applicant: NORDIN ENGINEERED AIR TECHNOLOGIES PTY LTD 0 Actual Inventor: VICTOR JOHN SMITH Address for Service: A.P.T. Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys GPO Box 772, Adelaide, SA 5001 Invention Title: FASTENER AND BAND Details of Associated Provisional Application No PP1660 dated 5th February 1998 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to imelus:- The invention disclosed herein relates to a band and a fastener or buckle. Though not limited to the following application, the fastener is(suited to fastening large diameter flexible air conditioning distribution tubes to tubular fittings. This will be used herein as an example of an application of the fastener. It/will however be appreciated that the invention is not intended to be limited to this particular example.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION It is known in the air conditioning industry to fasten large diameter tubes to tubular fittings using adhesive tape. Though this is generally satisfactory it does take some time to wrap sufficient tape about the tube and fitting. Further, in some typical applications, such a tube and fitting joint need to be made in cramped surroundings where it is difficult to make a satisfactory joint with adhesive tape. Often the tape cannot be sufficiently tensioned when wrapped/thereby making the joint less secure.

Sometimes where such a join is to be made the'environment is dusty. Dust can quickly •stick to the adhesive side of adhesive tape during the process of making the joint. As a result the tape does not adhere well and the joint can be unsatisfactory.

Also, some adhesives used in adhesive tapes are subject to degradation over a period of time. As a result a taped joint may fail or leak due to the adhesive deteriorating.

It is known that separate buckle and cable systems have been proposed. In relation to the invention disclosed herein the closest prior art patent documents known to the inventor are US 4,862,561 to Lichtenberg, US 4,882,813 to Nakamura and US 4,574,434 to Shupe et al. The cable in these systems may be of a ladder like structure.

Such cables are referred to as ladder cables ierein and also include cables which have holes extending only part way through the cable.

In US 4,862,561 to Lichtenberg is described a ladder cable and a buckle. The cable is cut to a suitable length dependent upon the/instance application. The buckle has two cable holding means each to receive an end of the cut cable. These holding means act transversely and therefore are subject to the above mentioned problems. The holding means each have a single detent with a sile engaging portion.

Both US 4,882,813 to Nakamura and US 4,574,434 to Shupe et al. disclose similar buckles. The buckles each have two cable holding means adapted to receive cable ends from substantially opposed directions. Further, each holding means includes a single detent with a multiple engaging portion./The buckle of US 4,574,434 to Shupe et al. is of configuration such that cable tightening can be conducted only with a specialised tool.

Whilst these last mentioned documents disclose buckles not subject to the prior mentioned problem of transverse holding means there are other problems with their use.

In the example application considerable tightening force is desirable to ensure a secure joint. Whilst US 4,574,434 to Shupe et al does describe a manner for achieving tightening of the cable this requires a specialised tool. This is obviously undesirable.

US 4,882,813 to Nakamura does not describe a manner in which to achieve strong tightness greater than can be obtained simply by holding by hand the buckle and pulling the free end of the cable.

15 Another problem not addressed by the known prior art is that of providing buckle i •reliability and capacity whilst not making the cable and buckle unduly large. It is •desirable to minimise buckle size.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is a proposed object of this invention to provide a fastener arrangement to obviate or S minimise at least one of the aforementioned problems, or at least provide the public with a useful choice.

25 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention may be said to reside, not necessarily in the broadest or only form, in an *arrangement comprising a fastener and a band with a plurality of holes along the length of the band, the fastener including first and second band holding means adapted to receive free ends of the band from substantially opposed directions, the first and second band holding means each include a plurality of independent detents adapted to engage the holes of the band and resist retraction of an inserted end of the band, and the first band holding means being adapted to permit passage of the band therethrough.

From the above it will be appreciated that the proposed arrangement is suited to use for large diameter tube fastening as the band ends enter the holding means from substantially opposed directions. Further, the provision of independent detents enhances reliability by providing redundancy so that if one detent breaks, is damaged or inoperable due to dust or the like from the environment the others permit the fastener 4 to be serviceable. Also the use of independent detents provides greater capacity in terms of resisting retraction of a band end.

In one form, the second band holding means is adapted to permit passage therethrough of the band to provide space sufficient to allow all the detents of the second band holding means to engage with holes of the band. Where the band is a ladder cable and has rungs interspaced with holes, it is desirable that there be space beyond the innermost detent to accept an end of the band by the sum of the lateral widths of an aperture and a rung. Such widths are axial with the length of the band. In this manner quite imprecise cutting of the band from a roll of stock ladder band is accommodated.

This means an installer need not be overly concerned with such cutting.

In another form, both the first and second band holding means are adapted to permit passage therethrough of the band. In this manner the advantages of the last paragraph 15 can be obtained.

•In one form, the first and second band holding means are of configuration so that ends of the band inserted into the first and second band holding means substantially axially *align. By making the fastener of sufficient length the first and second band holding means can be substantially longitudinally co-linear. The second band holding means can have a space to give allowance for imprecise cutting as mentioned above. The first S:band holding means can have an aperture for the exiting of the band proximal to the second band holding means.

S 25 In an alternative form, the first and second band holding means are of configuration so that ends of the band inserted into the first and second band holding means are substantially longitudinally collateral or side by side. In this form use is made of the flexibility of the band and of the significant circumferential distance of the typical application so permitting slight transverse circumferential spacing.

In yet another alternative form, the first and second band holding means are of configuration so that ends of the band inserted into the first and second band holding means are substantially radially collateral or one on top of the other. In this form, in use, one end of the band at its ingress into the fastener is further from the surface of a large tube than the other. However, given the relative size of the fastener and diameter of the tube this is not significant in terms of performance. This fastener form is relatively compact and strong.

In a form the holes are uniformly spaced and pass through the band. In this form the detents can extend through the holes and positively engage with the band to substantially lock the band against retraction. In another form, the holes are uniformly spaced and partly pass through the band. Whilst this form tends to be less positive for detent engagement it is suited for some applications. Further, the ease of band passage may be better than when the holes permit more positive engagement. It will be appreciated that the shape of the hole can be as desired including circular or rectilinear.

In another form, the fastener includes tightening means to aid tightening of the band about an object. In use and with the ends of the band inserted into the first and second band holding means the tightening means aids drawing the band through the fastener and tightening the band about an object. This can take the form of a tag of relatively narrow thickness. Using two pairs of pliers, one clasping the tag and the other the free band end the band can be tightened. Pliers are common general purpose tools and so in 15 this manner specialised tools are not required. Further, provision of the tag permits the i pliers to be opened relatively little whilst grasping the tag compared with the case if grasping the main portion of the body. This is of advantage as it is generally found to •.be easier to tightly close the jaws of pliers which are not widely opened. Also, grasping the main body of the fastener where a tag is not provided could result in damage to the fastener if too great a force is used.

In a form, the body of the fastener substantially extends about the detents and is adapted to protect the detents. By the body extending about the detents thereby to .i cover them the detents are protected from damage in use and storage. Also it reduces the chances of the detents being inadvertently or unauthorisedly released.

In a further aspect, the fastener has a bottom surface for bearing against an object about .which the fastener and band are fastened, the second band holding means has an entrance proximal to the bottom surface, and the first band holding means has an entrance proximal to the bottom surface and a curved passageway therefrom to the detents of the first band holding means.

According to one aspect of the invention the detents are tapered towards the direction of band passage thereby enabling the detents to resiliently deflect during passage of a rung of band passing through one or other band holding means.

In yet another form, each band holding means includes guide means proximal to and spaced from the detent means to guide and limit transverse movement of the band during passage of the band through the band holding means.

According to another form, the fastener includes side members between a top and a bottom of the fastener proximal to the entrances of the band holding means adapted to guide a free end of band inserted into an entrance to the detent means of the band holding means and limit transverse movement of the band past through the band holding means. In one form, the side members on one side of the fastener are longitudinally offset from the side members on the other side thereby enabling the fastener to be moulded with mould parts moveable perpendicular to the side members.

Alternatively, the invention may be said to reside, again not necessarily in the broadest or only form, in a fastener as described in any one of the preceding paragraphs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 15 For a better understanding, the invention will now be described with reference to illustrated preferred embodiments wherein: Figure 1 is a series of sketches illustrating a first embodiment of a fastener; S: -Figure 2 is a series of sketches illustrating a first embodiment ladder band; Figure 3 is a series of sketches illustrating a second embodiment of a fastener; Figure 4 is a series of sketches illustrating a third embodiment of a fastener; Figure 5 is a series of sketches illustrating a second embodiment ladder band embodiment; Figure 6 is a sketch illustrating the third fastener embodiment securing a band (shown in dashed line); Figure 7 is a sketch illustrating an end view of the third fastener embodiment with a band inserted; and, Figure 8 is a sketch illustrating the third fastener embodiment in use about an air conditioning ducting.

Dimensions of certain of the parts as shown in the drawings may have been modified and/or exaggerated for the purposes of clarity of illustration.

It will be appreciated that the drawings are only intended to illustrate the preferred embodiments and are not intended to be engineering design drawings. Accordingly, they are not necessarily to scale, are simplified and features may have been omitted or distorted to assist with understanding of the invention. The same reference numeral is used to refer to the same feature throughout the drawings.

In Figure 2 is illustrated a portion of a typical ladder band for use with the embodiments. The plan view and the perspective view show that in this case the band comprises two longitudinal parallel spaced apart members (2 and Between the spaced members are rungs and rectilinear holes These are each equal in lateral 15 width; that is along the longitudinal axis of the band. The holes in this case pass .through the band but it will be appreciated that other forms of holes can be used :i including ratchet teeth ridges and part way through holes.

The first embodiment is illustrated in Figure 1 from differing views; side elevation end elevation plan view and perspective view The fastener consists of a body which is substantially rectilinear. The body has a top sides (9 and bottom (11) and ends (12 and 13). Parallel with and between the top and bottom (11) is a longitudinal central member (14) transversing between the sides (9 and The fastener is moulded from a suitable plastics material.

The overall dimensions of the body are about 20 mm long by 10 mm high and 10 mm wide. It will be appreciated that these dimensions can be varied to suit the particular application. Compared with the application to a typical tubular fitting of diameter of 300 mm to 600 mm the size of the fastener is quite small.

Between the top and the central member (14) is a first band holding means This includes a longitudinal aperture entrance (17) with chamfered periphery, three detents or pawls (18, 19 and 20) and exit The substance of and the configuration of the detents permits the detents to repeatedly engage and disengage with the holes of the band when moving in one direction and only engage in the other.

As the band is pushed and pulled through the aperture (16) from the entrance (17) to the exit (21) the detents bend to permit the band to pass. Should an attempt to retract the band be made the engaged detents are forced into more secure engagement by the rungs of the band. Consequently the arrangement is irreversible and ratchet like.

8 Between the bottom (10) and the central member (14) is a second band holding means This is similar to the first band holding means consisting of aperture (23), entrance (24) with chamfered peripheiy, and three detents (25, 26 and 27). The aperture (23) is closed off by wall Apart from the following the operation of the second band holding means is the same as the first band holding means.

The first and second band holding means accept ends of a piece of ladder band from substantially opposed directions. Also the first and second band holding means are radially collateral; that is, are of one above the other configuration. Whilst the configuration does mean, as the band emerges from the fastener, that one end of the band is about 2 mm off a surface arnd the other 6 mm this is very small compared with the diameter of a typical tubular fitting and so of little or no consequence. The band is not acutely bent when wrapped about a fitting as it enters the fastener. Therefore it is 15 not unduly compromised as could occur if the first and second band holding means acted transverse one to the other.

The aperture (23) is closed by wall Whilst this is not essential to the operation of the fastener it does provide some advantages during use. Whether the wall (28) is incorporated or not is a matter of choice. However, by having the wall it is very clear to an installer which of the holding means is to be nearest the surface of a fitting.

In use an end of a ladder band is inserted into the second band holding means which by .:virtue of having only one aperture thereto is easily recognised. With the second band ooo.

25 holding means nearest the surface of a fitting the band is wrapped around the fitting and the free end inserted into the ent ance of the first band holding means. The band is tightened about the fitting by pulling the band through the fastener which as previously mentioned acts in a ratchet or unidirectional manner.

As will be appreciated, in the example application of installation of air conditioning ducting into a roof space of, for example, a house, the environment is typically poorly lit, cramped and requiring care to ensure that the installer walk or support himself on joists. In these conditions it is lundesirable to require precise transverse cutting of a length of band. It is also inconvenient. To remove the need for great care in cutting the band space is provided within/aperture (23) between detent (27) and the wall (28) to accommodate at least approxitnately the sum of the width of the hole and the width of the rung. In this manner it is iunimportant as to how precisely the band is cut across since it can be inserted into the second band holding means until all detents are engaged. I To assist with tightening, the fastener has a tag (29) projecting therefrom proximal to the entrance (17) of the first band holding means. This is relatively thin and broad.

It can have the flat faces textured to assist gripping. In use typically the jaws of a first pair of pliers grip the tag and the jaws of a second pair of pliers grip the free end of the band. This permits greater tightening than can be normally achieved by hands alone.

Also, by use of the tag should too great a force be applied the tag may be deformed or damaged rather than the rest of the fastener and in particular the detents be damaged.

The enclosing configuration of the body protects the detents from damage during storage and use. This means that once secured the fastener is very difficult to intentionally or unintentionally undo whether by the installer or some other means. As a result a joint is quite secure. The environment of the example application is typically dusty or dirty and side apertures (only one referenced as 30) are provide to permit the 15 egress of dust or grit.

Having multiple and independent detents the load of tightening is carried in part by all the detents. This permits, for a given fastener size, more detent load capacity than can typically be achieved using a single detent which may have single of multiple engagement teeth. Further, it permits the fastener to have redundancy in terms of its S: ".holding ability so that if one of the detents is damaged or fails during use the fastener remains operable. Whilst each described holding means has three independent detents the number is a matter of choice.

25 In Figure 3 the second embodiment is illustrated; first end elevation side elevation other end elevation and plan Apart from the shape of the top (31) and the bottom (32) the second embodiment is the same as the first. For reference purposes the S* "same reference numerals have been used in Figure 3 to refer to the same feature previously described in reference to the first embodiment. This second embodiment is suited to be moulded from a plastics material using known techniques.

In Figure 4 a third embodiment is illustrated; plan view first side elevation second side elevation perspective view first end elevation and second end elevation This embodiment is similar to the preceding two but is more suited to being moulded of plastics material using a mould in two parts each moulding a longitudinal half of the fastener. The fastener (33) has a substantially rectilinear body truncated with an end (34) and top (35) curved toward the bottom The other end (37) is substantially squared off to the top and bottom.

From end (34) a substantially planar tag (38) extends angled away from the bottom.

This tag joins the body at a point that enables with the curved shape some minimisation of plastics material required to make the body. It is also believed to have some enhancing effect on opposed longitudinal forces as experienced during tightening by making the forces more aligned, though opposed, and further encourages greater propensity for upper detents (39) to engage a band. The tag also has ribbing (40) upon its two planar surfaces to enhance grip when tightening the fastener and band.

The fastener has a first band holding means (41) and second band holding means (42) each for holding band. The first band holding means is between a central member (43) and the top. Band is inserted into the first band holding means through first aperture (44) and fed over the upper detents and out aperture The first aperture is connected to the first band holding means via a curved passageway. This passageway allows the first aperture to be proximal to the bottom. Compare this with the first 15 embodiment illustrated in Figure 2.

The second band holding means is between the central member and the bottom. Band is inserted into the second band holding means through third aperture (46) and fed over lower detents Travel of band within the second band holding means is limited by closed off end Between the lower detents and the closed off end is a cavity (49) which is closed off by the central member curving towards the bottom. The length of S"the cavity is greater than sum of longitudinal lengths of a rung and a hole of the band and preferably greater than the sum of longitudinal lengths of two holes and a rung.

This ensures that when a band is fully inserted into the second band holding means the lower detents engage holes of the band which are bounded by two opposed rungs.

Further, the shape of the cavity and the curved central member proximal to the closed off end has the effect on a band fully inserted into the second band holding means of biasing the band proximal the lower detents towards the central member and therefore away from the free ends of the lower detents.

The detents each have a free end which is angled and tapered in the direction of band insertion. The detents can resiliently bend in the direction of band insertion which allows the band to be past through the respective holding means in one direction yet precludes band movement in the other direction.

In Figure 5 a second embodiment of suitable band (50) is illustrated; front view a side view a perspective view and an end view This band is similar to the first band excepting that the holes (one shown as 51) through the band are substantially elliptical with opposed ends truncated parallel to the longitudinal axis of the band. The 11 band has a plurality of rungs (one shown as 52) interspaced with holes and between longitudinal side members (53 and 54). The rungs are inset to the transverse peripheral width of the side members. This can be clearly seen in Figure 5 and The upper and lower detents may each have a centralmost stem proximal to the central member which, in the respective directions of band insertion, is transversely rounded to better fit a hole of the band. In this way more uniform loading of the detents can be achieved and further the moulding may be simplified.

Proximal to the free ends of the detents and projecting from an innermost face of respectively the top and bottom are first and second longitudinal guides (55 and 56).

The transverse width of the guides is less than the transverse width of the rungs of the band. It will be appreciated that the distance between the free end of the detents and the proximal guide is less than the thickness of the rungs of the band so ensuring the 15 band is captured within the holding means. When the band is inserted into the second °°band holding means the leading rung rides up the lead detent so placing the side members of the band to straddle the second guide. Thus the leading end of the band is guided whilst inserted so that transverse movement is substantially limited. The curved entry passage to the first band holding means ensures the leading end of band straddles the first guide. Further, the curved entry passage and the longitudinal nature of the first S:band holding means with the resilient nature of the band biases the band into -engagement with the upper detents.

The fastener (33) as previously mentioned is suited to be moulded in a mould of two S 25 halves. The mould halves each form a longitudinal half of the fastener. To facilitate this fastener members between top and bottom, or in such orientation are on one side longitudinally offset and not overlapping a similar member on the other side. This is illustrated by members (57 and 58) and careful consideration of Figure 4 shows similar arrangement for other such members. In this manner features, such as detents, internal to the gross periphery of the fastener can be moulded. The members (57 and 58) and similar members proximal to the entrance of the other band holding means also assist in guiding a band end to the respective detents and guides by limiting lateral movement of the band during insertion.

Figure 6 illustrates the side view of the fastener (33) with band shown in dashed lines, inserted into the first and second band holding means. The band is continuous but for ease of drawing is shown as broken. It will be noted that the tag (38) and the free end (60) of the band proximal to the fastener are substantially aligned. Further, the 12 other end of the band (61) within the cavity (49) of the second band holding means and captured therein is biased towards the central member and the lower detents.

The location of the band during insertion within the second band holding means is illustrated in Figure 7. The effect of the leading rung riding the leading detent (one of 47) can be clearly seen. It will be noted that the side members (53 and 54) of the band straddle the guide (56) and thereby transverse movement of the band is restricted.

A typical application of the fastener and band is illustrated in Figure 8. Illustrated is a junction of an air conditioning ducting. Ends of flexible ducting (62, 63 and 64) are pushed over respective branches of rigid fitting The wall of the ducting is compressible and includes insulating material. Each of the ends of the ducting are secured in place with a fastener and band (66, 67 and 68) and in the illustration fastener and band (68) is shown just prior to final fastening with the others shown fastened. By 15 firmly tightening a fastener and band about ducting and a fitting branch the ducting is •compressed to seal about the fitting as well as being secured thereto.

The respective fastener and bands can be partly assembled prior to placement about ducting. Once the ducting diameter size is known a suitable length of band is cut off a bulk roll. The length is sufficient to go about the ducting with some extra for tightening purposes. The cutting of the band does not need to be exact and therefore can be quickly performed. One end of the band is inserted into and secured with the second band holding means of the fastener. The free end of the band is placed about the ducting and then inserted through the first band holding means and then the band and fastener are tightened.

In typical applications space about ducting is limited so the small size of the band **"allows it to pass through small gaps. It will be appreciated that one or more fastener and bands may be used to secure each end of ducting to a fitting and securing is typically considerably easier and quicker than repeated wraps of tensioned adhesive tape as is currently commonly used.

It will be appreciated that this disclosure is not intended to limit the invention to preferred embodiments or details thereof. It is intended to give an overview of the invention as conceived the details of which, at time of writing, are still being investigated.

Various features of the invention have been particularly shown and described in connection with the exemplified embodiment of the invention, however, it must be 13 understood that these particular arrangements merely illustrate and that the invention is not limited thereto and can include various modifications falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

*a **o*o

Claims (19)

1. An arrangement comprising a fastener and a band with a plurality of holes along the length of the band, thb fastener including first and second band holding means adapted to receive free ends of the band from substantially opposed directions, the first and second band holding means each include a plurality of independent detents adapted to engage the holes of the band and resist retraction of an inserted end of the band, and the first band holding neans being adapted to permit passage of the band therethrough.

2. An arrangement as in claim 1 wherein the second band holding means is adapted to permit passage therethrough of the band to provide sufficient space to allow all the detents of the second band holding means to engage with holes of the band.

An arrangement as in claim 2 for use with a band that is a ladder cable and has 15 rungs interspaced with holes wherein the space beyond the innermost detent is large enough to accept an end of the band by the sum of the lateral widths of an aperture and a rung.

4. An arrangement as in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first and S 20 second band holding means are adapted to permit complete passage therethrough of the band. .i

5. An arrangement as in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first and second band holding means are of configuration so that ends of the band inserted into the first and second band holding means substantially axially align. I

6. An arrangement as in any one of claims 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein the first and second band holding me'ans are of configuration so that ends of the band inserted into the first and second band holding means are substantially longitudinally collateral.

7. An arrangement as in any one of claims 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein the first and second band holding means are of configuration so that ends of the band inserted into the first and second band holding means are substantially radially collateral.

8. An arrangement as in any one of the preceding claims wherein the holes are uniformly spaced and pass through the band.

9. An arrangement as in any one of the claims 1 to 7 wherein the holes are uniformly spaced and partly pass through the band.

An arrangement as in any one of the preceding claims wherein the fastener includes tightening means to aid tightening of the band about an object.

11. An arrangement as in any one of the preceding claims wherein the body of the fastener substantially extends about the detents and is adapted to protect the detents.

12. An arrangement as in any one of the preceding claims wherein the fastener has a bottom surface for bearing against an object about which the fastener and band are fastened, the second band holding means has an entrance proximal to the bottom surface, and the first band holding means has an entrance proximal to the bottom surface and a curved passageway therefrom to the detents of the first band holding 15 means. .ooo

,13. An arrangement as in any one of the preceding claims wherein the detents are *tapered towards the direction of band passage thereby enabling the detents to resiliently deflect during passage of a rung of band passing through one or other band holding means.

14. An arrangement as in any one of the preceding claims wherein each band holding means includes guide means proximal to and spaced from the detent means to q guide and limit transverse movement of the band during passage of the band through Gos 25 the band holding means.

~15. An arrangement as in any one of the preceding claims wherein the fastener S includes side members between a top and a bottom of the fastener proximal to the entrances of the band holding means adapted to guide a free end of band inserted into an entrance to the detent means of the band holding means and limit transverse movement of the band past through the band holding means.

16. An arrangement as in claim 15 wherein the side members on one side of the fastener are longitudinally offset from the side members on the other side thereby enabling the fastener to be moulded with mould parts moveable perpendicular to the side members.

17. A fastener as described in any one of the preceding claims. 16

18. A fastener substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

19. An arrangement substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this 5th day of February 1999 NORDIN ENGINEERED AIR TECHNOLOGIES PTY LTD By their Patent Attorneys A. P. T. Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys e. 0 0@ 0000 0 6000 OS S 000 0 @00000 0 0000 0S S. 0 0@90 0* 00 S *0 0 00 00 SSOS 0 OSS@ OS 00 0 000 0 OSSS 0 0 *SoO