Panduit Corporation

Jonathan A DeMik

Michael J Vermeer

Wu Wenli

William A Bernard

Jason O'Young

James A Brownlee

Jerry V Leanna

A bundle spacing device having a first pair of opposing surfaces spaced apart from each other a first distance and a second pair of opposing surfaces spaced apart from each other a second distance, different than the first distance, and generally perpendicular to the first pair of opposing surfaces. The bundle spacing device is configured such that bundles can be coupled to the bundle spacing device in a first position or a second position. The bundle spacing device can also have a first passage extending along a first axis, a second passage extending along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis, and a third passage extending along a third axis that is perpendicular to the first axis and parallel to the second axis.

Bundle spacing device

An improved cable tie installation tool includes a fixed cable tie guide channel mechanism that assists in retention of cable tie heads in a cable bundling position and prevents 'bounce back' of the cable tie head back into the guide channel. The fixed guide channel mechanism is located near the distal end of the guide channel and includes a ramped surface and a retention wall oriented substantially perpendicular to the guide channel. The fixed guide channel mechanism is located on a side opposite a jaw assembly and may be combined with a biased retractable retainer assembly located on a wall opposite the guide channel mechanism. The fixed guide channel mechanism can serve as a primary system, a back-up to the retractable retainer assembly, or used in combination with the retractable retainer assembly. In embodiments, the guide channel mechanism may form an integral part of the guide channel or may be a separate insert affixed to the channel.

Tie guide channel for cable tie installation tool

A two-piece cable tie is provided that is capable of usage with an automated cable tie installation tool. The two-piece cable tie accommodates improved gripping of large or small bundles. By including a cored-out region near the neck, the cable tie can secure a near zero bundle size. By including a transverse pad on the bottom side of the cable tie strap near the cable tie head, the cable tie can be prevented from rotation relative to the bundle to which is it secured. A preferred cable tie strap has a wide recessed center section and high side rails that increase lateral clamping force. To resist barb inversion, the cable tie preferably includes a reinforcement area underneath the metal locking device when used with a strap having a recessed area. By maintaining relatively high side rails and a thin web section in the tip, the cable tie can achieve zero insertion force while maintaining sufficient strap rigidity and size to enable feeding of the strap through an automated cable tie installation tool.

Two-piece cable tie suitable for use in an automated cable tie installation tool

A cable tie having stepped down strap body teeth is disclosed. The cable tie includes a strap body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a locking head secured to the first end of the strap body, and a plurality of walls on the locking head forming a strap body accepting channel. The strap body includes a first group of teeth having a first predetermined depth and a second group of teeth having a second predetermined depth. The first depth is greater than the second depth. A method of making a cable tie is also disclosed.

Growing community of inventors

St. John, IN, United States of America

Jonathan A DeMik