Multi-function tie
First Claim
1. A multi-function tie comprising:
- (a) a strap having a plurality of teeth;
(b) a holder including upper and lower members and a pair of connecting members, said connecting members connecting said upper and lower members;
(c) at least one upper tooth disposed on said upper member, said at least one upper tooth cooperates with said plurality of teeth of said strap so that when said strap and said holder are in a first position said strap is discretely ratchetable in a first direction;
(d) at least one lower tooth disposed on said lower member, said at least one lower tooth cooperates with said plurality of teeth of said strap so that when said strap and said holder are in a second position said strap is discretely ratchetable in a second direction, which is opposite to said first direction;
(e) a retainer selectively engaging with said holder to retain said strap in one of said first position and said second position; and
wherein one of said holder and said retainer being movable perpendicularly with respect to a longitudinal direction of extension of said strap to permit movement of said strap between said first position and said second position.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An extremely versatile tie which can; 1) be releasable or non-releasable; 2) tie one bundle or two bundles;, 3) be threaded from either side; 4) have a circular or oval shape; 5) have controlled release; and 6) attach to other ties so two or more ties can be opened in unison. This tie can be made out of one or more pieces. Each releasable tie has a strap, a holder, and a retainer, which can be in a locked or unlocked position. In the locked position, the tie can tighten in discrete increments, but cannot loosen. In the unlocked position, the tie can loosen or release in discrete increments (i.e., controlled release), but cannot tighten. The retainer and holder engage to keep the tie in either a locked or unlocked position. To ensure that the retainer and holder are not accidentally dislodged from the locked or unlocked position, a deliberate movement (perpendicular to the strap) is required by the user. This is accomplished by the user "lifting up" (or "pushing down", or "pushing in on") the holder (or retainer). After the retainer and holder are dislodged, the user may move the tie from a locked to an unlocked position (or visa versa) by either swiveling or sliding the holder (retainer or strap) to the other position. Swivel embodiments and slide embodiments are disclosed. One of the sliding embodiments slides lengthwise, the other slides crosswise. The holder of one swivel embodiment must be "lifted" to dislodge. The holder of another swivel embodiment must be "pushed down" to dislodge. Two or more ties may be attached so that the user can lock or unlock them in unison (i.e., requiring only one motion by the user).
61 Citations
29 Claims
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1. A multi-function tie comprising:
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(a) a strap having a plurality of teeth; (b) a holder including upper and lower members and a pair of connecting members, said connecting members connecting said upper and lower members; (c) at least one upper tooth disposed on said upper member, said at least one upper tooth cooperates with said plurality of teeth of said strap so that when said strap and said holder are in a first position said strap is discretely ratchetable in a first direction; (d) at least one lower tooth disposed on said lower member, said at least one lower tooth cooperates with said plurality of teeth of said strap so that when said strap and said holder are in a second position said strap is discretely ratchetable in a second direction, which is opposite to said first direction; (e) a retainer selectively engaging with said holder to retain said strap in one of said first position and said second position; and wherein one of said holder and said retainer being movable perpendicularly with respect to a longitudinal direction of extension of said strap to permit movement of said strap between said first position and said second position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A multi-function tie comprising:
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(a) a strap having a plurality of teeth; (b) a holder including upper and lower members and a pair of connecting members, said connecting members connecting said upper and lower members, said holder being comprised of two portions; (c) at least one upper tooth disposed on said upper member of one of said two portions, said at least one upper tooth cooperating with said plurality of teeth of said strap so that said strap is discretely ratchetable in a first direction; (d) at least one lower tooth disposed on said lower member on the other one of said two portions, said at least one lower tooth cooperating with said plurality of teeth of said strap so that said strap is discretely ratchetable in a second direction, which is opposite to said first direction; and (e) a retainer engaged with said holder thereby separating said holder into said two portions, said retainer selectively preventing movement of said strap from one of said two portions to the other one of said two portions. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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Specification