Cable lacing tie devices and methods of using the same

Abstract

Cable lacing tie devices and methods of using the same are disclosed. The cable lacing tie devices include a head assembly and a cable lacing tape. The head assembly being configured to retain a first portion of the cable lacing tape within the head assembly and having a length of the cable lacing tape extending from the head assembly. The head assembly further adapted to retain a second portion of the cable lacing tape extending from the head assembly. The methods of using the cable lacing tie devices include retaining a first portion of a cable lacing tape in a head assembly, looping the cable lacing tape around a plurality of objects, and retaining a second portion of the cable lacing tape within the head assembly.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A cable lacing tie device comprising:
 a head assembly and a cable lacing tape;   a first portion of the cable lacing tape retained within the head assembly;   the head assembly comprising a body having a passageway therethrough;   a retainer being movable from an unlocked position to a locked position; and   a second portion of the cable lacing tape having an end and the end being routed through the passageway in the head assembly in a path wherein the retainer is moved from the unlocked position to the locked position when the end of the second portion of the cable lacing tape is pulled.   
     
     
         2 . A cable lacing tie device of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer is configured to wedge into the passageway when the retainer is moved to the locked position. 
     
     
         3 . A cable lacing tie device of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer includes a first end having smooth, rounded geometry and a second end. 
     
     
         4 . A cable lacing tie device of  claim 3 , wherein the second end comprises an angular geometry. 
     
     
         5 . A cable lacing tie device of  claim 4 , wherein the angular geometry includes at least one of a protrusion or point. 
     
     
         6 . A cable lacing tie device of  claim 5 , wherein the second portion of the cable lacing tape is frictionally engaged with the protrusion or point of the retainer when the retainer is moved to the locked position. 
     
     
         7 . A cable lacing tie device of  claim 3 , wherein the second portion of the cable lacing tape is compressed between the first end of the retainer and the body when the retainer is moved to the locked position. 
     
     
         8 . A cable lacing tie device of  claim 3 , wherein the first and second portions of the cable lacing tape are compressed against each other between the first end of the retainer and the body of the head assembly when the retainer is moved to the locked position. 
     
     
         9 . A cable lacing tie device of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer translates towards the passageway and rotates when the retainer is moved from the unlocked to the locked position. 
     
     
         10 . A cable lacing tie device of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer is frictionally engaged within the body when the retainer is in the unlocked position. 
     
     
         11 . A cable lacing tie device of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer is integrally molded with the body when the retainer is in the unlocked position. 
     
     
         12 . A method of holding together a plurality of objects with a cable lacing tie device, wherein the cable lacing tie device includes a head assembly having a body, the body having a passageway therethrough, a retainer moveable from an unlocked position to a locked position, and a cable lacing tape configured to have a first portion of the cable lacing tape retained within the head assembly and having a length of the cable lacing tape with a second portion extending from the head assembly, the method comprising the steps of:
 locating the head assembly at or near the plurality of objects;   moving the second portion of the cable lacing tape to a position looped around the plurality of objects; and   moving the second portion of the cable lacing tape to a position wherein the second portion of the cable lacing tape is retained within the head assembly when the retainer is moved to the locked position.   
     
     
         13 . A method of  claim 12 , wherein the retainer is configured to wedge into the passageway when the retainer is moved to the locked position. 
     
     
         14 . A method of  claim 12 , wherein the retainer includes a first end having smooth, rounded geometry and a second end. 
     
     
         15 . A method of  claim 14 , wherein the second portion of the cable lacing tape is compressed between the first end of the retainer and the body when the retainer is moved to the locked position. 
     
     
         16 . A method of  claim 14 , wherein the first and second portions of the cable lacing tape are compressed against each other between the first end of the retainer and the body of the head assembly when the retainer is moved to the locked position. 
     
     
         17 . A method of  claim 14 , wherein the second end of the retainer includes at least one of a protrusion or point. 
     
     
         18 . A method of  claim 17 , wherein the second portion of the cable lacing tape is frictionally engaged with the protrusion or point of the retainer when the retainer is moved to the locked position. 
     
     
         19 . A method of  claim 12 , wherein the retainer translates towards the passageway and rotates when the retainer is moved from the unlocked to the locked position. 
     
     
         20 . A method of  claim 12 , wherein the retainer is frictionally engaged within the body when the retainer is in the unlocked position.