Tie wrap connector

Abstract

A tie wrap connector is formed of a strap, a locking head and an insert positioned adjacent said locking head. The insert has an arc shaped surface positioned remote from the locking head. The strap is positioned around a device to be secured to the locking head. The insert is adjacent the locking head and the device to be secured and is drawn against the outer surface of the device to be secured by the strap as it is secured to the locking head.

1 . A tie wrap connector comprising:
 a cable tie, including a strap having a free end and an opposite end joinable to a strap locking head,   said locking head having a strap receiving opening therein, the opening having a device for securing a portion of the strap within the opening and   an insert positioned adjacent said locking head, said insert having an arc shaped surface positioned remote from said locking head.   
   
   
       2 . The connector of  claim 1  wherein said locking head, insert and strap are formed integrally. 
   
   
       3 . The connector of  claim 1  wherein said insert is formed separately from said locking head and said strap. 
   
   
       4 . The connector of  claim 1  wherein the device for securing a portion of the strap is a ratchet and the strap has a series of steps that mate with the ratchet of the locking head. 
   
   
       5 . The connector of  claim 1  wherein the insert is of a height that is substantially equal and planar with the opening of the locking head. 
   
   
       6 . The connector of  claim 1  wherein the insert is of a height that is substantially equal and planar with the device for securing a portion of the strap within the opening of the locking head. 
   
   
       7 . A method of securing a flexible conduit to a hose barb comprising providing a flexible conduit having an inner and outer surface, providing a hose barb having an inner and outer surface wherein the barb is formed on the outer surface and has a substantially planar surface on the outer surface beyond the barb, mounting the flexible conduit to the hose barb such that the inner surface of the conduit is adjacent the outer surface of the barb and a portion of the flexible conduit extends to the substantially planar surface beyond the barb, providing a connector formed of a cable tie, including a strap having a free end and an opposite end joinable to a strap locking head, said locking head having a strap receiving opening therein, the opening having a device for securing a portion of the strap within opening and an insert positioned adjacent said locking head, said insert having an arc shaped surface positioned remote from said locking head and placing the strap around the portion of the flexible conduit at the substantially planar surface of the hose barb beyond the barb, placing the free end of the strap into the opening of the locking head and securing the strap portion within the opening of the locking head in the device for securing a portion of the strap. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein a portion of the free end of the strap extends through and beyond the opening. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the device for securing a portion of the strap is a ratchet and the strap has a series of steps that mate with the ratchet of the locking head in order to secure the strap within the opening of the locking head. 
   
   
       10 . The connector of  claim 1  wherein said insert is formed separately from said locking head and said strap and contains a device for removably securing the insert to the strap.