Dual lock zip tie

Abstract

A fastener and strap combination for a creating a bundling strap which connects the free ends of a strap to form a loop. The invention eliminates a substantial amount of strap waste. The invention also includes a fastening kit having straps and fasteners as separate combinable components and a method of using a separate strap and fastening element.

1 . A combination zip tie fastener and strap comprising: 
 a fastener body having a first strap receiving opening and a second strap receiving opening therein;    an elongated strap having a first end and a second end;    said elongated strap having a series of ridges along at least a portion of the length thereof;    said first strap receiving opening having a ridge engaging tooth for securely engaging a portion of said series of ridges of said elongated strap when a first end of said elongated strap is inserted into said first strap receiving opening of said fastener body;    said second strap receiving opening having a ridge engaging tooth for securely engaging a portion of said series of ridges of said elongated strap when a second end of said elongated strap is inserted into said second strap receiving opening of said fastener body.    
   
   
       2 . The combination zip tie fastener and strap combination as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said first and second strap receiving openings each form first and second channels, respectively in said fastener body and a pawl for supporting a ridge engaging tooth is formed in each of said first and second channels.    
   
   
       3 . The combination zip tie fastener and strap combination as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said fastener body is formed of plastic.    
   
   
       4 . The combination zip tie fastener and strap combination as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said strap is formed of plastic.    
   
   
       5 . The combination zip tie fastener and strap combination as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said strap is formed of a flat strip of plastic material having a front side and a back side wherein both sides have ridges thereon.    
   
   
       6 . A zip tie kit comprising, 
 a fastener body having a first strap receiving opening and a second strap receiving opening therein;    an elongated strap having a first end and a second end;    said elongated strap having a series of ridges along at least a portion of the length thereof;    said first strap receiving opening having a ridge engaging tooth for securely engaging a portion of said series of ridges of said elongated strap when a first end of said elongated strap is inserted into said first strap receiving opening of said fastener body;    said second strap receiving opening having a ridge engaging tooth for securely engaging a portion of said series of ridges of said elongated strap when a second end of said elongated strap is inserted into said second strap receiving opening of said fastener body.    
   
   
       7 . The zip tie kit as set forth in  claim 6 , further comprising: 
 a plurality of fastener bodies.    
   
   
       8 . The zip tie kit as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein: 
 said first and second strap receiving openings each form first and second channels, respectively in said fastener body and a pawl for supporting a ridge engaging tooth is formed in each of said first and second channels.    
   
   
       9 . The zip tie kit as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein: 
 said fastener body is formed of plastic.    
   
   
       10 . The zip tie kit as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein: 
 said strap is formed of plastic.    
   
   
       11 . The zip tie kit as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein: 
 said strap is formed of a flat strip of plastic material having a front side and a back side wherein both sides have ridges thereon.    
   
   
       12 . A method of using a zip tie, comprising: 
 providing a zip tie fastener having a pair of zip tie receiving openings therein;    inserting a first end of a zip tie strip into a first one of said pair of zip tie receiving openings a sufficient distance so that said first end is securely received therein;    forming a loop with said zip tie strip and then inserting a second end of said zip tie strip into a second one of said pair of zip tie receiving openings a sufficient distance so that said first end is securely received therein.    
   
   
       13 . The method as set forth in  claim 12  wherein inserting a first end of a zip tie strip into a first one of said pair of zip tie receiving openings a sufficient distance so that said first end is securely received therein includes; 
 providing ridge engaging teeth in said zip tie receiving openings and    providing ridges on said zip tie strap to facilitate secure engagement of said zip tie strap with said fastener body.