GB2480101A - Cable tie with display device - Google Patents

Cable tie with display device Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2480101A
GB2480101A GB1007652A GB201007652A GB2480101A GB 2480101 A GB2480101 A GB 2480101A GB 1007652 A GB1007652 A GB 1007652A GB 201007652 A GB201007652 A GB 201007652A GB 2480101 A GB2480101 A GB 2480101A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
marking device
slot
elongate tail
tether
elongate
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1007652A
Other versions
GB201007652D0 (en
Inventor
David Leonard Brown
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
SIEGRIST OREL Ltd
Original Assignee
SIEGRIST OREL Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by SIEGRIST OREL Ltd filed Critical SIEGRIST OREL Ltd
Priority to GB1007652A priority Critical patent/GB2480101A/en
Publication of GB201007652D0 publication Critical patent/GB201007652D0/en
Publication of GB2480101A publication Critical patent/GB2480101A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D63/00—Flexible elongated elements, e.g. straps, for bundling or supporting articles
    • B65D63/10—Non-metallic straps, tapes, or bands; Filamentary elements, e.g. strings, threads or wires; Joints between ends thereof
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L3/00—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets
    • F16L3/22—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting a number of parallel pipes at intervals
    • F16L3/23—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting a number of parallel pipes at intervals for a bundle of pipes or a plurality of pipes placed side by side in contact with each other
    • F16L3/233—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting a number of parallel pipes at intervals for a bundle of pipes or a plurality of pipes placed side by side in contact with each other by means of a flexible band
    • F16L3/2336—Supports for pipes, cables or protective tubing, e.g. hangers, holders, clamps, cleats, clips, brackets specially adapted for supporting a number of parallel pipes at intervals for a bundle of pipes or a plurality of pipes placed side by side in contact with each other by means of a flexible band having two or more locking barbs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D63/00—Flexible elongated elements, e.g. straps, for bundling or supporting articles
    • B65D63/10—Non-metallic straps, tapes, or bands; Filamentary elements, e.g. strings, threads or wires; Joints between ends thereof
    • B65D63/1018—Joints produced by application of integral securing members, e.g. buckles, wedges, tongue and slot, locking head and teeth or the like
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
    • H02G2200/00—Indexing scheme relating to installation of electric cables or lines covered by H02G
    • H02G2200/20—Identification of installed cables

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Electric Cable Installation (AREA)

Abstract

A marking device for attachment to a cable or a bundle of cables is disclosed. The marking device comprises a head 1, similar to a tag, with an indicator region 7 for receiving indicia, a first elongate tail 2a extending from the head 1 and terminating at a free end 2a, and a first slot 3a in the head 1 for receiving the free end of the first elongate tail 2a. The first elongate tail 2a has an array of laterally-projecting teeth 5a for engagement with the first slot 3a, thereby to hold the first elongate tail 2a in the first slot 3a. The marking device may be provided with a second elongate tail 2b extending from the head. A second slot 3b may be provided in the head for receipt of the second tail 3b. Third and fourth slots 6a, 6b may also be provided in the head 1 for receipt of the cut ends of the first and second tails 2a, 2b when the free ends 4a, 4b are cut off. By accepting the cut ends of the first and second tails 2a, 2b the sharp edges of the cut edges are prevented from pointing forward where they could present a hazard. Also claimed is an elongate tether (ref 8, fig 3) for attachment to a head section 1 of a marking device. A method of making a cable marking device including the steps of feeding a web of material between a pair of rollers and cutting the rolled surface is also described (see fig 5).

Description

CABLE MARKING DEVICE
This invention relates to marking devices for attachment to a cable or a bundle of cables. It also relates to an elongate tether for attaching such marking devices to a cable or a bundle of cables and to a method of manufacturing the cable marking devices and tether.
There are many applications in which it is desirable to mark cables or bundles of cables. One such application is in the aerospace industry where extremely large quantities of cable are installed in the fuselage and wings of an aircraft.
The cables, typically loomed into cable assemblies, are used to couple actuators for control surfaces, avionics equipment, sensors, flight controls and the like. These cable assemblies are often laid in so-called "open conduits" where the cable is held against an open structure (for example, a cable tray) as it runs through an aircraft. It is helpful for service personnel to be given an indication of the purpose of a cable assembly and any spur cables running from it to an endpoint (such as an item of avionics equipment or an actuator) and possibly other information about the cable or cable assembly.
Marking devices for use in this application must satisfy a variety of requirements. They must be lightweight because they are used in large quantities in an aircraft; they must be easy to apply in areas already congested with cable because they are often applied as part of last-minute maintenance operations; and they must be cheap to manufacture.
One suitable cable marking device comprises an indicator plate (on which markings regarding a cable or cable assemblies may be placed) and a pair of elongate tails emerging from one side of the indicator plate for engagement with a corresponding pair of locking heads on the other side. The elongate tails and locking heads are in the style of conventional and well-known tie wraps for cables. By wrapping the tails round a cable or cable assembly and pulling them through the locking heads, the indicator plate is held fast on the cable or cable assembly.
However, the locking heads on this type of cable marking device can cause problems as they are relatively bulky, which can encumber fitting of the marking device in congested areas. Furthermore, the general style of the device is such that it must be moulded. Whilst this is relatively cheap, in large quantities any cost saving that could be made is desirable. Thus, there exists a need for an improved cable marking device.
In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a marking device for attachment to a cable or a bundle of cables, the marking device comprising a head with an indicator region for receiving indicia, a first elongate tail extending from the head and terminating at a free end, and a first slot in the head for receiving the free end of the first elongate tail, wherein the first elongate tail has an array of laterally-projecting teeth for engagement with the first slot, thereby to hold the first elongate tail in the first slot.
Hence, the invention provides a marking device that overcomes the abovementioned problems. Specifically, the marking device is held on the cable or bundle of cables by simple engagement of the laterally-projecting teeth with a slot. It therefore does away with the locking heads of the prior art device, saving weight and reducing the bulk of the device. This makes it easier to fit in congested areas. The device is effectively flat because the slots and laterally-projecting teeth lie in the same plane as the elongate tail and head. It is therefore amenable to different methods of manufacture (as will be mentioned below) that are cheaper than injection moulding such as rotary cutting.
The indicia applied to the indicator region could be any indications or markings.
Typically, they may specify the date of installation of a cable or cable assembly, the date when the next inspection or test of a cable or cable assembly is due or the function of the cable or cable assembly. The indicia could comprise images or barcodes (either linear or 2-dimensional). The indicia may be written by hand using a suitable marker or pen or they may be applied by laser printing or thermal transfer either directly on the indicator region or indirectly by application of a self-adhesive label.
By laterally-projecting, we mean that the teeth extend outwardly from the first elongate tail, lying in the same plane as the first elongate tail.
The array of teeth could comprise teeth on one side only or both sides of the first elongate tail.
The first slot can be located on a tab projecting from an edge of the indicator region or adjacent an edge of the indicator region.
A preferred embodiment further comprises a second elongate tail extending from the head and terminating at a free end, and a second slot for receiving the free end of the second elongate tail, wherein the second elongate tail has an array of laterally-projecting teeth for engagement with the second slot, thereby to hold the second elongate tail in the second slot.
By laterally-projecting, we mean that the teeth extend outwardly from the second elongate tail, lying in the same plane as the second elongate tail.
The array of teeth could comprise teeth on one side only or both sides of the second elongate tail.
The second slot can be located on a tab projecting from an edge of the indicator region or adjacent an edge of the indicator region.
The second elongate tail will typically lie parallel to the first elongate tail.
Preferably, the second elongate tail is identical to the first elongate tail.
The second elongate tail typically extends from the same side of the head as the first elongate tail. The first and second elongate tails could alternatively extend from opposite sides of the head.
The marking device may further comprise a third slot adjacent the first slot for receiving a cut end of the first elongate tail. This allows a cut end of the first elongate tail to be tucked back through the device after the first elongate tail has been pushed through the first slot and cut off, which not only provides for a neat installation, but prevents any sharp edges of the cut end from cutting service personnel's hands or damaging clothing or cables. The third slot is typically longer than the first slot to allow for easy insertion of the cut end.
When a second elongate tail is provided, the device may further comprise a fourth slot adjacent the second slot for receiving a cut end of the second elongate tail. The purpose of this fourth slot is the same as that of the third slot but with respect to the second elongate tail. The fourth slot is typically longer than the second slot to allow for easy insertion of the cut end.
In a preferred embodiment, the array of teeth on the first elongate tail defines a series of indentations along the first elongate tail, each of the indentations having an edge substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the first elongate tail and facing away from the free end of the first elongate tail.
Thus, in this preferred embodiment each tooth in the array of teeth on the first elongate tail provides a surface which bears on the head adjacent the first slot after the tooth has been pushed through the first slot, thereby preventing withdrawal of the first elongate tail. The teeth are shaped such that the impedance to motion of the first elongate tail through the first slot in a fastening direction is less than or equal to that in a loosening direction. The impedance to motion in the loosening direction is extremely high, effectively requiring the material to yield before the first elongate tail will move. It is therefore almost impossible to remove the marking device from a cable or cable assembly without using a cutting tool, making for a secure installation.
The fastening direction is that direction in which the first elongate tail is inserted through the first slot in order to fasten the device around a cable or cable assembly. The loosening direction is the opposite direction to the fastening direction.
When a second elongate tail is provided in this preferred embodiment, the array of teeth on the second elongate tail preferably defines a series of indentations along the second elongate tail, each of the indentations having an edge substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the second elongate tail and facing away from the free end of the second elongate tail.
Thus, as before with respect to the first elongate tail of this preferred embodiment, each tooth in the array of teeth on the second elongate tail provides a surface which bears on the head adjacent the second slot after the tooth has been pushed through the second slot, thereby preventing withdrawal of the second elongate tail. The teeth are shaped such that the impedance to motion of the second elongate tail through the second slot in a fastening direction is less than or equal to that in a loosening direction.
In an alternative embodiment, each tooth in the array of teeth on the first elongate tail has a trapezoidal profile.
When a second elongate tail is provided with this alternative embodiment, each tooth in the array of teeth on the second elongate tail may have a trapezoidal profile.
In this alternative embodiment, the array or arrays of teeth define a series of indentations with sloping edges. This allows the impedance to motion of the elongate tails to be adjusted. The impedance to motion in both the fastening and loosening directions may be the same if the angle of the slopes with respect to a longitudinal axis of the respective elongate tail is the same.
Alternatively, different slope angles may be provided, for example so that the impedance to motion is lower in the fastening direction to that in the loosening direction. This alternative embodiment therefore provides the possibility to remove the marking device without cutting it off the cable or cable assembly.
This prevents the likelihood of accidental damage to the cable or cable assembly caused by the cutting tool used to remove the marking device.
One reusable variant of the marking device further comprises a first auxiliary slot identical to the first slot and located on the head between the indicator region and the first elongate tail.
When a second elongate tail is provided with this reusable variant, the device may further comprise a second auxiliary slot identical to the second slot and located on the head between the indicator region and the second elongate tail.
The reusable variant may further comprise a third auxiliary slot adjacent the first auxiliary slot. The third auxiliary slot serves the same purpose as the third slot mentioned above. It is typically longer than the first auxiliary slot.
When a second elongate tail is provided with this reusable variant, the device may further comprise a fourth auxiliary slot adjacent the second auxiliary slot.
The fourth auxiliary slot serves the same purpose as the fourth slot mentioned above. It is typically longer than the second auxiliary slot.
In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an elongate tether for attaching a marking device according to the reusable variant of the first aspect of the invention to a cable or a bundle of cables, the tether terminating at first and second free ends and having first and second arrays of laterally-projecting teeth, the first array of teeth being proximal the first free end and defining a first series of indentations along the tether, each of the indentations in the first series having an edge substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the tether and facing away from the first free end, and the second array of teeth being proximal the second free end and defining a second series of indentations along the tether, each of the indentations in the second series having an edge substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the tether and facing away from the second free end.
This tether can be used to reattach a marking device according to the reusable variant when the original first (and second, if provided) elongate tail has been cut off to remove the device. The tether is threaded through the first slot and first auxiliary slot to fasten the device. If the device had two elongate tails then another tether may be threaded through the second slot and second auxiliary slot. The third and fourth auxiliary slots provide the same function as the third and fourth slots mentioned above with regard to the first aspect of the invention.
In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a marking device for attachment to a cable or a bundle of cables, the marking device comprising a head with an indicator region for receiving indicia, and first and second slots in the head for receiving the first and second free ends respectively of a first tether according to the second aspect of the invention such that the first array of teeth of the first tether engage with the first slot and the second array of teeth of the first tether engage with the second slot, thereby to hold the first tether in the first and second slots.
The third aspect therefore provides a marking device without an elongate tail for installation using the tether of the second aspect passed through the first and second slots.
The marking device preferably further comprises third and fourth slots in the head for receiving the first and second free ends respectively of a second tether according to the second aspect of the invention such that the first array of teeth of the second tether engage with the third slot and the second array of teeth of the second tether engage with the fourth slot, thereby to hold the second tether in the third and fourth slots.
The marking device may further comprise first and second additional slots adjacent the first and second slots respectively for receiving first and second cut ends respectively of the first tether. The purpose of the first and second additional slots is the same as that of the third and fourth slots mentioned above with respect to the first aspect of the invention. The first and second additional slots are typically longer than the first and second slots.
When third and fourth slots are provided, the marking device may further comprise third and fourth additional slots adjacent the third and fourth slots respectively for receiving first and second cut ends respectively of the second tether. The purpose of the third and fourth additional slots is the same as that of the first and second additional slots mentioned above. The third and fourth additional slots are typically longer than the third and fourth slots.
In a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a cable marking kit comprising a tether according to the second aspect of the invention and a marking device according to the third aspect of the invention.
n accordance with a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a cable marking device according to the first aspect of the invention and/or a tether according to the second aspect of the invention and/or a cable marking device according to the third aspect of the invention, the method comprising feeding a web of material in a longitudinal direction between a pair of rollers, one of which is a cutting roller with a rolling surface defined at least partially by cutter blades shaped such that each revolution of the cutting roller causes the web of material to be scored in a pattern defining the periphery of the cable marking device according to the first aspect of the invention and/or the tether according to the second aspect of the invention and/or the cable marking device according to the third aspect of the invention.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a marking device according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of a marking device according to the invention; Figure 3 shows a kit comprising a marking device and tether for attaching the marking device to a cable or cable assembly; Figure 4 shows a third embodiment of a marking device according to the invention; and Figure 5 shows a web in which a marking device according to the first embodiment has been cut.
Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a marking device having a head 1 and a pair of elongate tails 2a and 2b extending from one side of the head 1. On the other side of the head 1 are two slots 3a and 3b. Each of the elongate tails 2a and 2b terminate at respective free ends 4a and 4b. Each of the elongate tails 2a and 2b also has an array of teeth 5a and 5b arranged down either side of the elongate tails 2a and 2b.
In order to attach the marking device to a cable or cable assembly, the head 1 is held in the vicinity of the cable or cable assembly and then each of the elongate tails 2a and 2b is wrapped around the cable or cable assembly and their free ends 4a and 4b threaded through the corresponding slots 3a and 3b.
The free ends 4a and 4b can then be pulled to fasten the marking device so that the head 1 lies against the cable or cable assembly.
As can be seen from Figure 1, the teeth in the arrays of teeth 5a and 5b have a sawtooth profile. Thus, each tooth has a sloping part facing the free end 4a or 4b and a part that lies orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the elongate tail 2a or 2b facing away from the free end 4a or 4b. The sloping part and the orthogonal part of each tooth intersect at a vertex.
As the teeth are drawn through the slots 3a and 3b, the slots deform slightly to accommodate the gradually increasing width of the sloping part of the teeth.
Once the sloping part has passed through the slot 3a or 3b, the slot recovers and falls into the indentation defined by the orthogonal part and the sloping part of the next tooth along the elongate tail 2a or 2b. Any attempt to withdraw the elongate tail 2a or 2b by pulling the elongate tail 2a or 2b in the opposite direction will cause the orthogonal part of the tooth to bear against the back face of the head 1 in the region of the slot 3a or 3b. Thus, the elongate tails 2a and 2b can only be pulled through in the fastening direction unless sufficient force is applied in the attempt to withdraw that permanent damage is caused to the slot 3a or 3b and/or the teeth on the elongate tail 2a or 2b.
Once the elongate tails 2a and 3b have been passed through slots 3a and 3b the free ends 4a and 4b are cut off, leaving a short excess amount to the cut ends. A further pair of slots 6a and 6b is provided through which the excess can be threaded when the marking device has been fastened to the cable or cable assembly. This gives a neat appearance to the installation as the cut edges of the elongate tails 2a and 2b are behind the head 1, and it also prevents any sharp edges on the cut ends of the elongate tails 2a and 2b from pointing forwards where they could present a hazard, possibly cutting service personnel's hands or damaging clothing or damaging cables. The slots 6a and 6b are wider than slots 3a and 3b so that it is possible to tuck the cut ends of the elongate tails 2a and 2b into the slots 6a and 6b. This is desirable because the shorter cut ends will naturally become stiffer and the extra width in the slots 6a and 6b allows a little lateral movement for insertion of the cut ends.
The head 1 has a large indicator region 7 on which any necessary markings can be made. These can be applied before or after installation of the device by use of a suitable marker or using self-adhesive labels. Alternatively, the indicator region 7 could be pre-printed using a laser printer or thermal transfer printer.
Figure 2 shows another embodiment of marking device. This embodiment is almost the same as the Figure 1 embodiment, the only difference being the shape of the teeth in the arrays of teeth 5a and 5b. In this case, each tooth has a trapezoidal profile, with sloping ends joined by a flat part running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate tails 2a and 2b. The sloping ends are each inclined at the same angle to the longitudinal axis, but each faces in opposite directions.
This design of tooth allows the elongate tails 2a and 2b to be withdrawn from the slots using the same force as was used to insert them in the first place.
Thus, the marking device can be removed without cutting off the elongate tails 2a and 2b, and is reusable.
In Figure 3, a separate head I and tether 8 are shown. In practice, a pair of such tethers 8 would be provided to fasten the head 1 to a cable or cable assembly.
The tether 8 has two free ends 9a and 9b and two arrays of teeth 1 Oa and lOb.
These teeth are of the same design as those of the embodiment of Figure 1, i.e. they have a sawtooth profile. However, whilst the orthogonal part of the teeth of array 1 Oa face away from the free end 9a, the orthogonal part of the teeth of array lOb face away from the free end 9b. Thus, the teeth of array lOa are suitable to prevent the free end 9a from being withdrawn from a slot through which it has already been passed, and similarly the teeth of array lOb are suitable to prevent the free end 9b from being withdrawn from a slot through which it has already been passed.
Thus, the head 1 of Figure 3 can be fastened to a cable or cable assembly by passing the free ends 9b of first and second tethers 8 respectively through slots 3a and 3b, wrapping the first and second tethers 8 around the cable or cable assembly and then passing the free ends 9a of the first and second tethers 8 through slots 11 a and 11 b respectively. The free ends 9a and 9b of both the first and second tethers can then be cut off, leaving an excess amount as before. The excess can then be passed through slots 6a, 6b, 12a and 12b in a similar manner as already described with reference to the first embodiment. The free ends 9a and 9b of both the first and second tethers can then be cut off. Slots 6a, 6b, 1 2a and 1 2b are longer than slots 3a, 3b, 11 a and 11 b to allow for easy insertion of the cut ends of the first and second tethers.
The tethers 8 also find use with the embodiment of Figure 4. In this, the marking device is applied to a cable or cable assembly as with the embodiment of Figure 1 by feeding the free ends 4a and 4b of elongate tails 2a and 2b through slots 3a and 3b respectively. After the free ends 4a and 4b are cut off, again leaving an excess amount, the excess is tucked back through slots 6a and 6b as before. However, if the device is then removed by cutting off the elongate tails 2a and 2b, it is possible to reattach the head 1 using two tethers 8 in the same manner as described with reference to the Figure 3 embodiment.
Figure 5 shows the form in which the marking device will typically be supplied.
Specifically, a web 13 of plastic material carries a plurality of the marking devices 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d. The periphery of each of the marking devices 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d is defined in the web 13 by an incomplete cut through the web 13. Each device 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d may be removed from the web 13 for use by peeling it away from the web 13, thereby completing the cut. The slots are typically completely cut through the web material as are regions 15a, 1 5b, 1 5c and 1 5d around the free ends of the elongate tails, which regions facilitate gripping the free ends to peel the devices 14a, 14b out of the web 13.
The shape of the periphery of the marking devices 1 4a, 1 4b, 1 4c and 1 4d is cut into the web 13 by stamping or preferably by rotary cutting. In the rotary cutting process, the unprocessed web material is passed between two rollers spaced apart by a predefined distance. One of the rollers has a plain rolliong surface, whereas the other roller has cutter blades on its rolling surface shaped so that as it revolves and feeds the web material through it forms incomplete cuts through the web material in the shape of marking devices 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d. The cutter blades will be formed so that deeper cuts through the web material are made in order to form the various slots required and the regions 1 5a, 1 5b, 1 5c and 1 5d. This is a very cost-efficient way of manufacturing the marking devices and also provides a convenient way of storing the devices, which may be kept on the web 3 until ready for use.
As can be seen, the marking devices are similar to those of the Figure 1 embodiment, although they have coarser teeth and do not have the slots 6a and 6b.
The devices described above and shown in the Figures can be deployed by wrapping the free end 4a, 4b of each elongate tail 2a, 2b around the cable or bundle of cables to which the device is to be attached and then passing the free ends 4a, 4b through slots 3a and 3b. The free ends 4a, 4b can be passed through the slots 3a and 3b from either side. The free ends 4a, 4b are then cut off and the excess amount passed through slots 6a, 6b. Of course, the direction with which the excess amount is passed through slots 6a, 6b will depend on the side from which the free ends 4a, 4b were passed through slots 3a, 3b.
The devices described above will typically be manufactured from one of the following materials: a flexible modified polymer, a high temperature resistance fluoropolymer such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene (E-CTFE), polyvinyifluoride (PVF), or a polyolefin.
Typical operating temperatures of a device manufactured from PTFE are in the range from -55°C to 225°C.

Claims (21)

  1. CLAIMS1. A marking device for attachment to a cable or a bundle of cables, the marking device comprising a head with an indicator region for receiving indicia, a first elongate tail extending from the head and terminating at a free end, and a first slot in the head for receiving the free end of the first elongate tail, wherein the first elongate tail has an array of laterally-projecting teeth for engagement with the first slot, thereby to hold the first elongate tail in the first slot.
  2. 2. A marking device according to claim 1, further comprising a second elongate tail extending from the head and terminating at a free end, and a second slot for receiving the free end of the second elongate tail, wherein the second elongate tail has an array of laterally-projecting teeth for engagement with the second slot, thereby to hold the second elongate tail in the second slot.
  3. 3. A marking device according to claim 2, wherein the second elongate tail is identical to the first elongate tail.
  4. 4. A marking device according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the second elongate tail extends from the same side of the head as the first elongate tail.
  5. 5. A marking device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a third slot adjacent the first slot for receiving a cut end of the first elongate tail.
  6. 6. A marking device according to claim 5 when dependent on claim 2, further comprising a fourth slot adjacent the second slot for receiving a cut end of the second elongate tail.
  7. 7. A marking device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the array of teeth on the first elongate tail defines a series of indentations along the first elongate tail, each of the indentations having an edge substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the first elongate tail and facing away from the free end of the first elongate tail.
  8. 8. A marking device according to claim 7 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the array of teeth on the second elongate tail defines a series of indentations along the second elongate tail, each of the indentations having an edge substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the second elongate tail and facing away from the free end of the second elongate tail.
  9. 9. A marking device according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein each tooth in the array of teeth on the first elongate tail has a trapezoidal profile.
  10. 10. A marking device according to claim 9 when dependent on claim 2, wherein each tooth in the array of teeth on the second elongate tail has a trapezoidal profile.
  11. 11. A marking device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a first auxiliary slot identical to the first slot and located on the head between the indicator region and the first elongate tail.
  12. 12. A marking device according to claim 11 when dependent on claim 2, further comprising a second auxiliary slot identical to the second slot and located on the head between the indicator region and the second elongate tail.
  13. 13. A marking device according to claim 11 or claim 12, further comprising a third auxiliary slot located adjacent the first auxiliary slot.
  14. 14. A marking device according to claim 13 when dependent on claim 12, further comprising a fourth auxiliary slot located adjacent the second auxiliary slot.
  15. 15. An elongate tether for attaching a marking device according to any of claims 11 to 14 to a cable or a bundle of cables, the tether terminating at first and second free ends and having first and second arrays of laterally-projecting teeth, the first array of teeth being proximal the first free end and defining a first series of indentations along the tether, each of the indentations in the first series having an edge substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the tether and facing away from the first free end, and the second array of teeth being proximal the second free end and defining a second series of indentations along the tether, each of the indentations in the second series having an edge substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the tether and facing away from the second free end.
  16. 16. A marking device for attachment to a cable or a bundle of cables, the marking device comprising a head with an indicator region for receiving indicia, and first and second slots in the head for receiving the first and second free ends respectively of a first tether according to claim 15 such that the first array of teeth of the first tether engage with the first slot and the second array of teeth of the first tether engage with the second slot, thereby to hold the first tether in the first and second slots.
  17. 17. A marking device according to claim 16, further comprising third and fourth slots in the head for receiving the first and second free ends respectively of a second tether according to claim 15 such that the first array of teeth of the second tether engage with the third slot and the second array of teeth of the second tether engage with the fourth slot, thereby to hold the second tether in the third and fourth slots.
  18. 18. A marking device according to claim 16 or claim 17, further comprising first and second additional slots adjacent the first and second slots respectively for receiving first and second cut ends respectively of the first tether.
  19. 19. A marking device according to claim 18 when dependent on claim 17, further comprising third and fourth additional slots adjacent the third and fourth slots respectively for receiving first and second cut ends respectively of the second tether.
  20. 20. A cable marking kit comprising a tether according to claim 15 and a marking device according to any of claims 16 to 19.
  21. 21. A method of manufacturing a cable marking device according to any of claims 1 to 14 and/or a tether according to claim 15 and/or a cable marking device according to any of claims 16 to 19, the method comprising feeding a web of material in a longitudinal direction between a pair of rollers, one of which is a cutting roller with a rolling surface defined at least partially by cutter blades shaped such that each revolution of the cutting roller causes the web of material to be scored in a pattern defining the periphery of the cable marking device according to any of claims 1 to 14 and/or the tether according to claim and/or the cable marking device according to any of claims 16 to 19.
GB1007652A 2010-05-07 2010-05-07 Cable tie with display device Withdrawn GB2480101A (en)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
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GB2480101A true GB2480101A (en) 2011-11-09

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2019077499A (en) * 2017-10-23 2019-05-23 クレア株式会社 Binding tool

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2647422A1 (en) * 1989-05-23 1990-11-30 Lefranc Bourgeois Couleurs Display unit for attaching an object with a shaft, in particular a paint brush
EP1245502A1 (en) * 2001-03-30 2002-10-02 Laboratoires Elsay & Riga Support for presenting an object and method of labeling an object
JP2005027463A (en) * 2003-07-04 2005-01-27 Sumitomo Wiring Syst Ltd Branch portion binding band for wire harness, and structure and method for binding with this band
JP2007089364A (en) * 2005-09-26 2007-04-05 Maspro Denkoh Corp Cable cramp
JP2008013221A (en) * 2006-07-06 2008-01-24 S K Koki:Kk Binder with display part
EP1894496A1 (en) * 2006-08-28 2008-03-05 Import Export Du Velay Tool support presentation plate

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2647422A1 (en) * 1989-05-23 1990-11-30 Lefranc Bourgeois Couleurs Display unit for attaching an object with a shaft, in particular a paint brush
EP1245502A1 (en) * 2001-03-30 2002-10-02 Laboratoires Elsay & Riga Support for presenting an object and method of labeling an object
JP2005027463A (en) * 2003-07-04 2005-01-27 Sumitomo Wiring Syst Ltd Branch portion binding band for wire harness, and structure and method for binding with this band
JP2007089364A (en) * 2005-09-26 2007-04-05 Maspro Denkoh Corp Cable cramp
JP2008013221A (en) * 2006-07-06 2008-01-24 S K Koki:Kk Binder with display part
EP1894496A1 (en) * 2006-08-28 2008-03-05 Import Export Du Velay Tool support presentation plate

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2019077499A (en) * 2017-10-23 2019-05-23 クレア株式会社 Binding tool

Also Published As

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