A cable tie includes a strip of material having a pair of longitudinally extending sides spaced from each other by a width W. In one form the strip includes a plurality of additional openings that are configured to receive the shank of a fastener. In one form, a plurality of first and second size openings are formed in the strip and spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis. Each of the first size openings have a first length LF parallel to the longitudinal axis and are located in a corresponding one of a first set of wide portions. Each of the second size openings are spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis so that one or more of the second size openings are located between pairs of the first size openings, with each of the second size openings located in a corresponding one of a second set of wide portions and having a length LS parallel to the longitudinal axis that is less than LF In one form, the strip includes a first plurality of notch pairs spaced from each other by a first distance D1, a second plurality of the notch pairs is spaced from each other by a second distance D2 that is less than the distance D1, and a plurality of elongate openings, with each opening located in the strip between two adjacent notch pairs that are spaced by the first distance D1.

A fastener (1) has an elongate fastening band (2) and a buckle (10) for engagement with the band (2) to form a closed loop fastener. The buckle (10) is overmoulded on a first end region (8) of the fastening band (2). Such a design provides a fastener that has higher strength and is more compact than previously-considered designs.

A fastener includes an elongate body defined by a first end, a second end, a first side portion, and a second side portion. The elongate body includes a plurality of discrete slits along at least the first side portion, and the plurality of slits extend at least partially into the elongate body of the fastener. The elongate body of the fastener includes a biodegradable material.

An assembly for securing a cord in a selected compact configuration. The assembly can include a first attachment apparatus configured to connect to the cord. An elongate body can extend from the first attachment apparatus. The elongate body can be configured to be positioned to extend at least partially around the cord to at least partially secure the cord in the selected compact configuration. A second attachment apparatus can be positioned along at least a portion of the elongate body. The second attachment apparatus can be configured to connect to the first attachment apparatus to at least partially secure the elongate body at least partially about the cord in the selected compact configuration.

An assembly for securing a cord in a selected compact configuration. The assembly can include a first attachment apparatus configured to connect to the cord. An elongate body can extend from the first attachment apparatus. The elongate body can be configured to be positioned to extend at least partially around the cord to at least partially secure the cord in the selected compact configuration. A second attachment apparatus can be positioned along at least a portion of the elongate body. The second attachment apparatus can be configured to connect to the first attachment apparatus to at least partially secure the elongate body at least partially about the cord in the selected compact configuration.

A flexible strap connector is disclosed. The connector comprises a strap having a buckle head at one end and a tongue at the opposite end. Ratchet teeth extend on one side of the strap and the ratchet teeth cooperate with the buckle head to permit movement of the strap in a first direction and to prevent movement of the strap in a second direction. A second slot is formed in the strap itself and it is a non-locking slot. When the strap is in the second slot, the strap is free to move further into the slot and free to be withdrawn from the slot. Embodiments where the buckle head and ratchet teeth are replaced with hook and loop fasteners are also disclosed.

A binding device for hole-punched paper and other items can be made from a sheet of material without necessarily requiring metal or plastic parts. The device can include a tie and an arrangement of openings cut in a sheet of material to secure the tie in place and withstand the load of bonded hole-punched paper or other items. Some devices can exhibit flexible thickness, adjusting automatically to the thickness of items being bonded.

An assembly for securing a cord in a selected compact configuration. The assembly can comprise a first attachment apparatus configured to connect to the cord. An elongate body can extend from the first attachment apparatus. The elongate body can be configured to be positioned to extend at least partially around the cord to at least partially secure the cord in the selected compact configuration. A second attachment apparatus can be positioned along at least a portion of the elongate body. The second attachment apparatus can be configured to connect to the first attachment apparatus to at least partially secure the elongate body at least partially about the cord in the selected compact configuration.

A pressure sensor for a pipe includes: a flexible strip; at least one strain sensing element; and a tensioning device. A first end of the flexible strip passes through a second end of the flexible strip. Between the first end of the flexible strip and the second end of the flexible strip, the flexible strip includes the at least one strain sensing element. The pressure sensor is attachable to the pipe. The first end of the flexible strip extends through or past the second end of the flexible strip. The tensioning device tensions the pressure sensor around the pipe.