Releasable Pull Tie

Abstract

A pull tie is described comprising an elastomeric cord and a slidable stop. The pull tie can be suitable for releasable, multi-use closures for flexible bags and containers.

1 . A pull tie for releasably closing flexible containers comprising an elastomeric cord substantially in a U-shape having a bend from which both a first leg and a second leg extend, the first and second legs being held in place with a releasable slidable lock, the slidable lock comprising a body having one or more openings to receive the first and second legs of the elastomeric cord, a depressible plunger comprising at least one bore to receive the legs of the elastomeric cord within the body of the slidable lock, bias means that urge the plunger into a locking position such that the elastomeric cord is gripped by the slidable lock, wherein depressing the depressible plunger reduces the gripping of the elastomeric cord by the slidable lock and allows the slidable lock to be moved relative to the elastomeric cord, wherein the portion of the elastomeric cord between the slidable lock and the bend defines a loop that can receive a portion of a flexible container. 
   
   
       2 . The pull tie of  claim 1 , further comprising a lock retention means attached to the legs of the elastomeric cord to prevent the slidable lock from being readily removed from the elastomeric cord. 
   
   
       3 . The pull tie of  claim 2 , wherein the lock retention means comprises a bridging element. 
   
   
       4 . The pull tie of  claim 3 , wherein the lock retention means comprises enlarged endings of the elastomeric cord. 
   
   
       5 . The pull tie of  claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric cord is a deformable silicone polymer having a width of at least 2 mm. 
   
   
       6 . The pull tie of  claim 1 , wherein the dimensions of the pull tie permit a maximum loop size of at least 2 inches in length to be achieved, the loop having sufficient resiliency that it can substantially maintain its shape regardless of orientation in earth's gravity field. 
   
   
       7 . The pull tie of  claim 1 , where the bias means comprise a spring operably associated with the body of the slidable lock and the depressible plunger. 
   
   
       8 . The pull-tie of  claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric cord has a cross-sectional area of about 2 square millimeters or greater. 
   
   
       9 . The pull-tie of  claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric cord has a cross-sectional area of about 4 square millimeters or greater. 
   
   
       10 . The pull tie of  claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric cord further comprises an elongated reinforcing element. 
   
   
       11 . The pull tie of  claim 10 , wherein the reinforcing element is non-elastomeric, and wherein a cross-section of at least a portion of the elastomeric cord the elastomeric material of the elastomeric cord having a cross-sectional area of about 1 square millimeter or greater. 
   
   
       12 . The pull tie of  claim 10 , wherein at least 30% of the cross-sectional area of the elastomeric cord in a region adapted for engagement with the slidable lock is occupied by elastomeric material. 
   
   
       13 . The pull tie of  claim 10 , wherein at least 50% of the cross-sectional area of the elastomeric cord in a region adapted for engagement with the slidable lock is occupied by elastomeric material. 
   
   
       14 . The pull tie of  claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric cord comprises a phosphorescent material. 
   
   
       15 . The pull tie of  claim 1 , wherein the elastomeric cord varies in cross-sectional area along its length with a maximum to minimum area ratio of at least 1.3. 
   
   
       16 . The pull tie of  claim 1 , wherein the pull tie is sufficiently durable for at least about 50 cycles of use in each of which a flexible container is secured with the pull tie and then released. 
   
   
       17 . A method of using the pull tie of  claim 1 , wherein the loop in the absence of deforming forces has an original shape, the method comprising:
 (a) providing the pull tie with slidable lock in a first position remote from the bend;   (b) opening the loop with lateral force to increase the width of the loop;   (c) placing a portion of a flexible container within the widened loop;   (d) releasing the lateral force to allow the loop to be urged towards its original shape and thereby engage the portion of a flexible container received in the loop; and   (e) depressing the depressible plunger and sliding the slidable lock toward the bend to cinch the portion of a flexible container received in the loop.   
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the elastomeric cord has a cross-sectional area of at least 2 square millimeters and a length from about 10 cm to 50 cm. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the flexible container is a plastic bag having an opening surrounded by a mouth, and the portion of the flexible bag placed within the widened loop of the pull tie comprises the mouth of the plastic bag. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising subsequent opening of the flexible container by depressing the depressible plunger and sliding the slidable lock away from the bend in the pull tie to release the engaged portion of the flexible container in the loop.