Patent Publication Number: US-2022227552-A1

Title: Self-locking tie with elastomeric features and methods for manufacturing the same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/863,601, filed Apr. 30, 2020 and titled SELF-LOCKING TIE WITH ELASTOMERIC FEATURES AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME (“the &#39;601 application”), now U.S. Pat. No. 11,235,916, issued Feb. 1, 2022, which is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2018/058308, filed on Oct. 30, 2018 and titled APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR FORMING AN ELASTOMER LINED SELF LOCKING TIE (“the &#39;308 application”), which claims the benefit of priority to the Oct. 30, 2017 filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/579,029, titled APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR FORMING AN ELASTOMER LINED SELF-LOCKING TIE (“the &#39;029 Provisional Application”) under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e). The entire disclosures of the &#39;601 application, the &#39;308 application, and the &#39;029 Provisional Application are hereby incorporated herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to self-locking ties and more particularly to self-locking ties with elastomeric features. More specifically, this disclosure relates to methods for manufacturing self-locking ties with elastomeric features, and the features of such self-locking ties that facilitate multi-stage molding processes. 
     RELATED ART 
     Self-locking ties have conventionally been referred to as cable ties, tie-wraps, hose ties, and zip ties. A self-locking tie is a type of fastener for holding items together. A common use for self-locking ties is to hold electrical cables, electrical wires, or hoses together. The use of self-locking ties is not limited to electrical cables, electrical wires, and hoses, however. Conventional self-locking ties are typically constructed with smooth sides and relatively sharp corners. 
     The sharp corners of a conventional self-locking tie may cut into, scratch, or otherwise damage the objects it secures together. For example, the relatively sharp corners of a conventional self-locking tie may damage the electrical insulators on electrical cables and wires, and damage the walls of hoses, which may not only damage the electrical cables, electrical wires, and hoses, but may also result in serious incidental damage. 
     Self-locking ties have also been used as a temporary physical restraint for individuals. More specifically, a self-locking tie may be used to hold an individual&#39;s wrists and hands together, similar to the way in which handcuffs are used. When conventional self-locking ties are used to temporarily restrain an individual&#39;s hands, the relatively sharp edges of such self-locking ties may injure the restrained individual; for example, by cutting the individual, bruising the individual, or cutting off circulation to the individual&#39;s hands. Injuries resulting from the use of conventional self-locking ties by law enforcement agencies as temporary physical restraints may create liability problems for the law enforcement agencies. 
     Furthermore, the hard and inflexible nature of conventional self-locking ties offers little or no friction between the self-locking ties and the objects they encompass. In other words, conventional self-locking ties merely encompass objects as opposed to securely gripping them and holding them in place. This lack of friction between the self-locking tie and the encompassed objects often results in an incomplete cinch around the encompassed objects. The self-locking tie can therefore wiggle, slide, or otherwise move around the objects it is intended to securely hold in place. Movement in the self-locking tie may create stresses that may cause the self-locking tie to break or otherwise fail. 
     SUMMARY 
     A self-locking tie according to this disclosure is capable of securely encompassing objects while minimizing damage to the objects it collects and binds together. The disclosed self-locking tie has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by previously available self-locking ties. 
     The self-locking tie may include a strap, a locking head and one end of the strap, at least one cavity in the strap, and one or more elastomeric features. The strap may include a head end and an opposite, tapered end. The strap also includes a first surface, or front side, and an opposite, second surface, or back side. The at least one cavity may be located in one or both of the first surface and the second surface. Each elastomeric feature may be at least partially positioned within a cavity and at least partially protrude beyond the first surface or the second surface of the strap. The locking head is located at the head end of the strap and includes an orifice capable of receiving the tapered end of the strap and the one or more elastomeric features protruding beyond the first surface and/or the second surface of the strap. 
     The strap may include a series of ridges. Each ridge of the series may extend across at least a portion of a width of the first surface of the strap. The series of ridges may extend along at least a portion of the length of the strap. 
     The at least one cavity may be located within the first surface of the strap, laterally adjacent to the series of ridges. In some embodiments, one or more cavities may be located on opposite sides of the series of ridges. The cavities may even surround the series of ridges. In other embodiments, one or more cavities may be located along a longitudinal center of the series of ridges. One or more cavities may additionally or alternatively open to a second surface of the strap. An elongated channel that extends along at least a portion of a length of the strap may define one or more cavities and/or one or more cavities may be defined by a series of voids. 
     Each elastomeric feature may include a cavity engaging portion and a protruding portion. The cavity engaging portion may substantially fill a cavity in the strap. The protruding portion may protrude beyond a surface of the strap to which the cavity opens. In a specific embodiment, the protruding portion of one or more elastomeric features may protrude beyond the first surface of the strap and beyond the ridges on the first surface. 
     A self-locking tie according to this disclosure may be manufactured in a multi-stage process. In one stage of the process, the strap may be molded. In another stage of the process, the elastomeric features may be formed. When molding processes are used to form the elastomeric features, the strap may remain at least partially within a cavity defined by a base of a mold. As the material that forms the strap cools, the strap may shrink. Accordingly, a cavity in the base of the mold may include one or more features that secure anchor the strap within the base of the mold as a first mold top, which was used to form a first surface of the strap, is removed and a second mold top, which will be used to form one or more elastomeric features on the first surface of the strap, is assembled with the base. These features are referred to as anchors. Each anchor may have a shape (e.g., a side wall oriented at an angle that defines a lip, or an overhang, etc.) that traps a portion of the material of the strap as the strap is molded and, thus, that holds a corresponding portion of the strap in place within the portion of the mold cavity defined by the base. As material is introduced into the portion of the mold cavity defined by the base, each anchor may define a recess in a second surface of the strap. Thus, the shape of each recess may correspond to the shape of the anchor by which it was defined. In embodiments where the anchor includes one or more side walls oriented at an angle, the side walls defining the outer periphery of the recess may be oriented at corresponding angles. 
     In addition to including one or more anchors, the base of the mold may also include one or more ejectors capable of forcing a corresponding portion of the strap from the portion of the mold cavity defined by the base of the mold. In some embodiments, each ejector may comprise a pin positioned to impact a portion of the strap that is secured to an anchor. As an example, an ejector may travel through a pathway that extends though the height of each anchor (e.g., at its center, etc.). That pathway may be referred to as a cylinder. The force with which each ejector impacts the strap may be sufficient to cause the strap to stretch enough to release the strap from a corresponding anchor. 
     In some embodiments, configurations of the cylinder through each anchor in the portion of the mold cavity in the base of the mold and the ejector that corresponds to that cylinder may enable the cylinder to receive material while the strap is formed. The material received by the cylinder may form a core that protrudes from a center of the recess defined in the second surface of the strap by an anchor; thus, a thickness of the strap at the location of each core is greater than a thickness of the strap at the locations of the recess that surrounds the core. Each core may have a thickness that enables it to absorb impact of the ejector without damaging the strap, as might otherwise happen if the ejector were to impact a recess in the second surface of the strap. In some embodiments, each core may have sidewalls that are oriented perpendicular to a base of the recess. In other embodiments, each core may be slanted relative to a base of the recess. 
     Other aspects of the disclosed subject matter, as well as features and advantages of the disclosed subject matter, will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a description of the subject matter will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the subject matter and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the subject matter will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a self-locking tie in accordance with the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view further illustrating the self-locking tie of  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view further illustrating the self-locking tie of  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 4  is a side cutaway view taken along line A-A of  FIG. 3  further illustrating the self-locking tie in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view further illustrating the elastomer segment of the self-locking tie of  FIGS. 1-4  in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 6  is a top view illustrating another embodiment of a self-locking tie in accordance with the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 7A  is a top view illustrating another embodiment of a strap in accordance with the present subject matter; and 
         FIG. 7B  is a side view illustrating one embodiment of an elastomer segment in accordance with the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom perspective view further illustrating the self-locking tie of  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 9  is a top view illustrating one embodiment of a mold capable of forming a self-locking tie according to this disclosure; 
         FIG. 10A  is a cutaway perspective view of one embodiment of an anchor and ejector in a portion of a mold cavity of a base of the mold shown in  FIG. 9 ; and 
         FIG. 10B  is a cutaway perspective view of another embodiment an anchor and ejector in a portion of a mold cavity of a base of the mold shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a self-locking tie  100  according to this disclosure. The self-locking tie  100  includes a strap  102 , at least one cavity  104  (see  FIG. 2 ), an elastomer segment  106 , and a locking head  108 . In certain embodiments, the self-locking tie  100  also includes a series of ridges  110  that extend across at least a portion of at least one surface of the strap  102 . 
     The strap  102 , in certain embodiments, is composed of pliable material such as nylon, plastic, etc. Thus, the strap  102  is bendable, allowing it to encompass one or more objects of various dimensions. The strap  102  includes a head end  112  opposite from a tapered end  114 . The locking head  108  is positioned on, coupled to, or integrally formed on the head end  112  of the strap  102 . 
     In certain embodiments, the tapered end  114  of the strap  102  comprises a substantially planar, pliable strap, extended in a lengthwise direction. In one embodiment, the tapered end  114  of the strap  102  can be considered the portion of the strap  102  extending from a position wherein the locking head  108  is positioned on, coupled to, or otherwise integrally formed on the head end  112  of the strap  102 . 
     The tapered end  114  of the strap  102  includes a first surface  116  opposite from a second surface  118 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the series of ridges  110  are depicted as extending across the first surface  116  of the tapered end  114  of the strap  102 . In other embodiments, the series of ridges  110  extend across the second surface  118  of the strap  102 . As depicted, the series of ridges  110  are formed across most of the length of the tapered end  114  of the strap  102 . In other embodiments, the series of ridges  110  may be formed across a portion of the length of the tapered end  114  of the strap  102  that is less than the entire length of the tapered end  114  of the strap  102 . 
     A tapered grasping tab  120  extends from the tapered end  114  of the strap  102 . In use, a user moves the tapered grasping tab  120  in the direction indicated by arrow  122  and into an orifice  124  in the locking head  108  on the head end  112  of the strap  102  to form a loop with the strap  102 . The tapered nature of the tapered grasping tab  120  facilitates insertion of the tapered grasping tab  120  into the orifice  124  in the locking head  108  on the head end  112  of the strap  102 . The orifice  124  in the locking head  108  is sized and shaped to receive the tapered end  114  of the strap  102  and to receive the elastomer segment  106  which extends beyond the first surface  116  of the tapered end  114  of the strap  102 . 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view illustrating the self-locking tie  100  of  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the elastomer segment  106  has been removed from the first surface  116  of the tapered end  114  of the strap  102  to more clearly illustrate the cavity  104  in the first surface  116  of the tapered end  114  of the strap  102 . 
     The cavity  104 , in one embodiment, is an elongated channel that extends along at least a portion of the length of the tapered end  114  of the strap  102 . For example, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the cavity  104  comprises two channels  202   a  and  202   b  (collectively channels  202 ) that extend along both sides of the series of ridges  110  formed across most of the length of the tapered end  114  of the strap  102 . The channels  202  are connected to one another by end recesses  204   a  and  204   b  (collectively end recesses  204 ) at either end of the tapered end  114  of the strap  102 . 
     In other embodiments, the cavity may include channels  202  that extend along both sides of the series of ridges  110  but which are not connected to one another with end recesses  204 . In another embodiment, the channels  202  may extend for a length substantially less than the length of the tapered end  114  of the strap  102 . In yet another embodiment, the cavity  104  includes a series of voids (See  FIGS. 7A and 7B ) located along at least a portion of a length of the tapered end  114  of the strap  102 . 
     In any of the above described embodiments, at least a portion of the elastomer segment  106  is positioned within the cavity  104  to facilitate coupling the elastomer segment  106  to the tapered end  114  of the strap  102 . For example, in certain embodiments, the elastomer segment  106  includes a cavity engaging portion  206  which is received within the cavity  104 . Disposing the cavity engaging portion  206  of the elastomer segment  106  within the cavity  104  helps to maintain a coupling between the elastomer segment  106  and the tapered end  114  of the strap  102  due to the fact that the cavity engaging portion  206  of the elastomer segment  106  is surrounded by the cavity  104  on three sides of the cavity  104 . 
     An extending portion  208  of the elastomer segment  106  extends above, or protrudes beyond, a plane of the first surface  116  of the tapered end  114  of the strap  102 . The elastomer segment  106  is a flexible material which may be may be comprised of materials such as silicone, rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, foam, or other materials with similar properties. The soft and flexible quality of the elastomer segment  106  enable the self-locking tie  100  to encompass one or more objects of various dimension and minimize kinks and stress points thereby reducing the self-locking tie&#39;s  100  vulnerability to wear and tear and breaking. 
     The friction provided by the elastomer segment  106  permits the self-locking tie  100  to grip objects more securely, holding them in place. However, the increased friction provided by the elastomer segment  106  also subjects the elastomer segment  106  to lateral forces that would not otherwise be encountered. If the elastomer segment  106  were directly coupled to the first surface  116  of the tapered end  114  of the strap  102 , the lateral forces may cause the elastomer segment  106  to become separated from the first surface  116  of the tapered end  114  of the strap  102 . The cavity engaging portion  206  of the elastomer segment  106  along with the cavity  104  maintain the coupling between the elastomer segment  106  and the first surface  116  of the tapered end  114  of the strap  102 . The ability to hold objects more securely in place also enables the self-locking tie  100  to secure objects with less slack. The soft nature of the elastomer segment  106  also allows the self-locking tie  100  to secure objects without damaging or injuring them. For example, the soft nature of the elastomer segment  106  allows a user to position the self-locking tie  100  about a painted or otherwise finished object without worry that the paint may become scratched or otherwise damaged by the self-locking tie  100 . This is particularly true in situations where the self-locking tie  100  may move or vibrate when in use. 
     In certain embodiments, the self-locking tie  100  is formed in a two-stage overmolding process. In the first stage, the strap  102  is formed using conventional methods known in the art. An overmold is then positioned on the strap  102  and a second stage is performed to mold the elastomer segment  106  onto the strap  102  with the cavity engaging portion  206  of the elastomer segment  106  positioned within the cavity  104 . 
       FIG. 3  is a top view further illustrating the self-locking tie  100  of  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. As discussed above, in certain embodiments, the cavity  104  includes a pair of channels  202   a  and  202   b  that extend along each side of the series of ridges  110  on the first surface  116  of the tapered end  114  of the strap  102 . The channels  202  are connected to one another by end recesses  204   a  and  204   b  at either end of the tapered end  114  of the strap  102 . In the illustration depicted in  FIG. 3 , the channels  202   a  and  202   b  and the end recesses  204   a  and  204   b  are obscured from view by the elastomer segment  106 . However, one of skill in the art will recognize that the channels  202   a  and  202   b  and the end recesses  204   a  and  204   b  are positioned below the elastomer segment  106  and have been labeled as such. 
     In other embodiments, the strap  102  may include a single channel (not shown) that runs longitudinally down a center of the series of ridges  110  on the first surface  116  of the tapered end  114  of the strap  102 . In such an embodiment, the elastomer segment  106  may be a single strip of elastomeric material that is positioned within the single channel. One of skill in the art will recognize that the cavity  104  may take many other forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristic of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 4  is a side cutaway view taken along line A-A of  FIG. 3  further illustrating the self-locking tie  100  in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter. In  FIG. 3 , the elastomer segment  106  can be clearly seen as being positioned within channel  202   a  such that a portion (i.e., the cavity engaging portion  206 ) of the elastomer segment  106  is located below the first surface  116  of the tapered end  114  of the strap  102  and a second portion (i.e., extending portion  208 ) extends above the plane of the first surface  116  of the tapered end  114  of the strap  102 . 
       FIG. 5  is a side view further illustrating the elastomer segment  106  of the self-locking tie  100  of  FIGS. 1-4  in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter. As discussed above, the elastomer segment  106  includes two portions, the cavity engaging portion  206  and the extending portion  208 . 
     In certain embodiments, the cavity engaging portion  206  of the elastomer segment  106  has a depth that is approximately the same as a depth of the extending portion  208 . In other embodiments, such as in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the depth of the cavity engaging portion  206  of the elastomer segment  106  is smaller than the depth of the extending portion  208 . In yet another embodiment, the depth of the cavity engaging portion  206  of the elastomer segment  106  is larger than the depth of the extending portion  208 . 
     The cavity engaging portion  206  is received within the cavity  104 . The cavity engaging portion  206  substantially fills the cavity  104  such that the cavity engaging portion  206  of the elastomer segment  106  is surrounded by the cavity  104  on three sides of the cavity  104 . Positioning the cavity engaging portion  206  of the elastomer segment  106  within the cavity  104  helps to maintain a coupling between the elastomer segment  106  and the tapered end  114  of the strap  102  due to the fact that the cavity engaging portion  206  of the elastomer segment  106  is surrounded by the cavity  104  on three sides of the cavity  104 . 
     The extending portion  208  of the elastomer segment  106  extends above the plane of the first surface  116  of the tapered end  114  of the strap  102 . The soft and flexible quality of the elastomer segment  106  enable the self-locking tie  100  to encompass one or more objects of various dimensions and minimize kinks and stress points thereby reducing the self-locking tie&#39;s  100  vulnerability to wear, tear and breaking. 
     With the extending portion  208  extending beyond the plane of the first surface  116  of the tapered end  114  of the strap  102 , the extending portion  208  increases friction between the strap  102  and any items encompassed by the strap  102 . The increased friction provided by the elastomer segment  106  subjects the elastomer segment  106  to lateral forces that would not otherwise be encountered. If the elastomer segment  106  were directly coupled to the first surface  116  of the tapered end  114  of the strap  102 , the lateral forces may cause the elastomer segment  106  to become separated from the first surface  116  of the tapered end  114  of the strap  102 . 
       FIG. 6  is a top view illustrating another embodiment of a self-locking tie  600  in accordance with the present subject matter. In certain embodiments, the self-locking tie  600  is substantially similar to the self-locking tie  100  discussed above. Thus, the self-locking tie  600  includes a strap  602 , at least one cavity  604 , an elastomer segment  606 , and a locking head  608 . 
     The strap  602 , in certain embodiments, pliable material such as nylon, plastic, etc. Thus, the strap  602  is bendable to encompass one or more objects of various dimension. The strap  602  includes a head end  612  opposite from a tapered end  614 . The locking head  608  is positioned on, coupled to, or integrally formed on the head end  612  of the strap  602 . 
     In certain embodiments, the tapered end  614  of the strap  102  comprises a substantially planar, pliable strap extended in a lengthwise direction. In one embodiment, the tapered end  614  of the strap  602  can be considered the portion of the strap  602  extending from a position wherein the locking head  608  is positioned on, coupled to, or otherwise integrally formed on the head end  612  of the strap  602 . 
     The tapered end  614  of the strap  602  includes a first surface  116  opposite from a second surface  618 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6 , a series of ridges  610   a  and  610   b  (collectively series of ridges  610 ) are depicted as extending across the first surface  616  of the tapered end  614  of the strap  602 . The series of ridges  610  extend across only a portion of the first surface  616  of the tapered end  614  of the strap  602  on opposing sides of the cavity  604 . The cavity  604  is located longitudinally along a center of a series of ridges  610 . In other embodiments, the series of ridges  610  are located on and the cavity  604  opens to the second surface  118  of the strap  102 . 
     The elastomer segment  606  is sized and shaped to be received within the cavity  604 . As with the elastomer segment  106  discussed above, the elastomer segment  606  includes a cavity engaging portion and an extending portion  620 . Because the view in  FIG. 6  is a top view, only the extending portion  620  of the elastomer segment  606  can be seen. 
     The cavity engaging portion and the extending portion  620  of the elastomer segment  606  of the self-locking tie  600  operate in a manner substantially similar to the manner in which the cavity engaging portion  206  and the extending portion  208  of the self-elastomer segment  106  of the locking tie  100  operate. Thus, the cavity engaging portion substantially fills the cavity  604  and is surrounded on at least three sides to facilitate coupling between the elastomer segment  606  and the strap  602 . Similarly, the extending portion  620  of the elastomer segment  606  extends beyond a plane of the first surface  616  of the tapered end  614  of the strap  602 . 
     An orifice  624  in the locking head  608  is sized and shaped to receive the tapered end  614  of the strap  602  and to receive the elastomer segment  606  of the self-locking tie  600 . Pawls  626   a  and  626   b  are configured to engage the series of ridges  610  on either side of the cavity  604  or elastomer segment  606  to maintain the tapered end  614  of the strap  602  at a desired position within the locking head  608 . 
     While the embodiments depicted herein all illustrate the elastomer segment  106  or  606  and the series of ridges  110  or  610  on the first surface  116  or  616  of the tapered end  114  or  614  of the strap  102  or  602 , one of skill in in the art will recognize that the elastomer segment  106  or  606  and the series of ridges  110  or  610  may be on opposing surfaces. That is, in one embodiment, the elastomer segment  106  or  606  may be positioned on the second surface  118  or  618  while the series of ridges  110  or  610  are on the first surface  116  or  616 . Of course, the opposite is also true. That is, in other embodiments, the elastomer segment  106  or  606  may be positioned on the first surface  116  or  616  while the series of ridges  110  or  610  are on the second surface  118  or  618 . 
       FIG. 7A  is a top view illustrating another embodiment of a strap  702  in accordance with the present subject matter. In certain embodiments, instead of including a continuous cavity, such as cavities  104  or  604  discussed above, the at least one cavity  704  includes a series of voids along at least a portion of a tapered end  714  of the strap  702 . In such an embodiment, the elastomer segment  706  includes corresponding cavity engaging portions to substantially fill the voids comprising the at least one cavity  704 . 
     For example,  FIG. 7B  is a side view illustrating one embodiment of an elastomer segment  706  in accordance with the present subject matter. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7B , the elastomer segment  706  includes an extending portion  720  and a series of cavity engaging portions  722 . Each of the cavity engaging portions  722  substantially fill the voids comprising the at least one cavity  704  in the strap  702 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 8 , an embodiment of a self-locking tie  100  ( FIG. 1 ) is depicted that includes features that retain a position of its strap  102  ( FIG. 1 ) within a portion of a mold cavity as the material that forms the strap  102  cools and as the strap  102  is exposed during manufacture. Although  FIG. 8  includes referenced characters that correspond to those used in  FIG. 1 , it should be noted that the features shown in  FIG. 8  may be used with any embodiment of self-locking tie according to this disclosure, including, without limitation, the embodiments of self-locking ties  600  and  702  shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7A , respectively. 
     In certain embodiments, the second surface  118  ( FIG. 1 ) of the strap  102  ( FIG. 1 ) includes a plurality of recesses  802   a - 802   e  (collectively recesses  802 ) disposed within the second surface  118  of the strap  102 . The recesses  802  offer anchoring points to hold the strap  102  in place within the mold cavity  918  ( FIG. 9 ) in the base  902  ( FIG. 9 ) of a mold  900  ( FIG. 9 ) as the material of the newly formed strap  102  cools and as the newly formed strap  102  is exposed between stages of a multi-stage manufacturing process. 
     A core  804   a - 804   e  (collectively cores  804 ) is positioned within a base of each recess  802 . Each core  804  may be positioned in the center of its corresponding recess  802 . The core  804  protrudes from a bottom surface  806   a - 806   e  (collectively bottom surfaces  806 ) of its corresponding recess  802  to a position that may be substantially even with (e.g., in the same plane as, at substantially the same elevation as, etc.) the second surface  118  ( FIG. 1 ) of the strap  102  ( FIG. 1 ). Each core  804  is capable of being impacted by or otherwise receiving an ejector associated with a mold for manufacturing the self-locking tie  100  ( FIG. 1 ), which may facilitate the release of the strap  102  and the self-locking tie  100  of which the strap  102  is a part from a mold cavity once the process of molding the self-locking tie  100  has been completed. 
       FIG. 9  is a top view illustrating an embodiment of a mold  900  for forming a self-locking tie  100  ( FIG. 1 ). The mold  900  includes three parts: a base  902 ; a top strap top mold  904 ; and an elastomer top mold  906 . The base  902  may include recesses and other features defining part of a mold cavity  918  for forming a corresponding part of a strap  102  ( FIG. 1 ), including the second surface  118  ( FIG. 1 ) of the strap  102 . The base  902  may also define features such as recesses  802  ( FIG. 8 ) and cores  804  ( FIG. 8 ) within the second surface  118  for securing the strap  102  to the base  902 , and may carry features that enable removal of a finished self-locking tie  100  ( FIG. 1 ) from the base  902 . The strap top mold  904  includes recesses and other features capable of defining a first surface  116  ( FIG. 1 ) of the strap  102 . The elastomer top mold  906  is capable of alignment over a newly formed strap  102  in the mold cavity  918  of the base  902  to enable formation of elastomeric features (e.g., elastomeric features  106  shown in  FIG. 1 , etc.) of a self-locking tie  100  according to this disclosure. 
     The base  902  includes a mating surface  908 . The mating surface  908  may be capable of matingly receiving a mating surface  910  of the strap top mold  904  and of matingly receiving a mating surface  912  of the elastomer top mold  906 . 
     In an embodiment of a molding process, a strap top mold  804  may be oriented over the base  902  with the mating surface of the strap top mold  904  positioned against the mating surface  908  of the base  902 . In this arrangement, the base  902  and the strap  102  ( FIG. 1 ) to mold  904  define a strap mold cavity in the shape of the strap  102 . The material from which the strap  102  is to be formed (e.g., nylon, etc.) is injected into the strap mold cavity to create the strap  102 , including at least one cavity  104  ( FIG. 1 ) in the strap  102 , the locking head  108  ( FIG. 1 ), and the series of ridges  110  ( FIG. 1 ) of the strap  102 . 
     The base  902  and the strap top mold  904  are then separated, and the elastomer top mold  906  is assembled with the base  902 , with the mating surface  912  of the elastomer top mold  906  and the mating surface  908  of the base  902  matingly receiving each other, such that the strap  102  carried by the base  902  and the elastomeric top mold  906  define an elastomer mold cavity. More specifically, a portion of the elastomer mold cavity defined by the elastomer top mold  906  is positioned over and is continuous with cavities (e.g., the two channels  202   a  and  202   b , the end recesses  204   a  and  204   b , etc.) in the strap  102  ( FIG. 1 ). In an overmold process, an elastomeric material is then injected into the elastomer mold cavity to form the elastomeric feature(s)  106  ( FIG. 1 ) of the self-locking tie  100  ( FIG. 1 ) and to couple the elastomeric feature(s)  106  to the strap  102 . 
     To prevent flashing and injection of the elastomeric material onto the series of ridges  110  ( FIG. 1 ) of the strap  102  ( FIG. 1 ), the elastomer top mold  906  may include a series of ridges  914  configured complementary to the series of ridges  110  of the strap  102  to mate with the series of ridges  110  when the base  902  and the elastomer top mold  906  are assembled. Mating between the series of ridges  110  of the strap  102  and the series of ridges  914  of the elastomer top mold  906  protects the series of ridges  110  of the strap  102  as elastomeric material is injected into the elastomer mold cavity. 
     A problem may arise with mating the series of ridges  110  ( FIG. 1 ) on the strap  102  ( FIG. 1 ) with the series of ridges  914  in the elastomer top mold  906 . Nylon and other thermoplastic elastomers, when cooled, tend to shrink. In conventional injection molding processes, shrinkage of the item as it cools helps to release the item from the cavity of the mold. However, in a multi-stage overmold process such as that described herein, the strap  102  needs to remain in the portion of the mold cavity  908  in the base  902  so the elastomeric features that are to be formed can be properly aligned. Thus, shrinkage can cause misalignment of the elastomer top mold  906  with the strap  102  and/or its series of ridges  110 , which may damage the strap  102  or the series of ridges  110  or cause elastomeric material to be injected onto the series of ridges  110 . 
     To counteract potential shrinkage-related issues, the base  902  may include features that hold the strap  102  ( FIG. 1 ) in place after the strap top mold  904  is removed from the base  902  and while the elastomer top mold  906  is assembled with the base  902 . Among these features is a series of anchors  916   a - 916   c  (collectively anchors  916 ) that protrude from the portion of the mold cavity  918  that defines the shape of the second surface  118  ( FIG. 1 ) of the strap  102 . When the strap  102  is positioned within the portion of the mold cavity  918  in the base  902 , the anchors  916  and the corresponding recesses  802  ( FIG. 8 ) they define in the second surface  118  of the strap  102  act as anchor points for securing the strap  102  within the mold cavity  918  of the base  902  and limiting movement as the strap  102  shrinks. 
     In certain embodiments, the head-forming recess  920  of the mold cavity  918  may act as an anchor point for the strap  102  ( FIG. 1 ) as well. Given the relatively large locking head  108  ( FIG. 1 ), once the strap  102  is molded, the locking head  108  may act as an anchor point limiting movement of the strap  102  in the direction indicated by arrow  922 . As the strap  102  cools, each anchor  916  may engage a corresponding portion of the strap  102 , securing the strap  102  in place within the mold cavity  918  at discrete intervals as the strap  102  shrinks (e.g., in the direction indicated by arrow  924 , etc.). This facilitates alignment of the series of ridges  110  ( FIG. 1 ) of the strap  102  with the series of ridges  914  of the elastomer top mold  906 . 
     To facilitate removal of the strap  102  ( FIG. 1 ) from within the mold cavity  918  of the base  902 , the base  902  may include cylinders  926   a - 926   d  (collectively cylinders  926 ) capable of forming the cores  804  ( FIG. 8 ) on the strap  102 . Once the overmold process has been completed and the elastomeric feature(s)  106  ( FIG. 1 ) of the self-locking tie  100  ( FIG. 1 ) have been formed on and coupled to the strap  102 , ejectors (e.g., ejector pins, etc.) may extend through corresponding cylinders  926  the base  902 , toward the mold cavity  918  and impact the cores  804  with sufficient force to eject the strap  102  from the mold cavity  918  of the base  902 . The cores  804  may be formed at the centers of the recesses  802  ( FIG. 8 ) in the second surface  118  ( FIG. 1 ) of the strap  102 . Having the cores  804  positioned within the recesses  802  may prevent deformation of the strap  102  as the strap  102  is ejected from the mold cavity  918  of the base  902 . 
       FIG. 10A  is a cutaway perspective view of an embodiment of an anchor  916  capable of forming a recess  802  ( FIG. 8 ) in the second surface  118  ( FIG. 1 ) of the strap  102  ( FIG. 1 ), as well as of a pathway, or cylinder  926 , that extends through the anchor  916  and that is capable of forming a core  804  ( FIG. 8 ) surrounded by the recess  802  in the second surface  118  ( FIG. 1 ) of the strap  102 . Upon injection of a suitable material into the strap mold cavity  918 , the second surface  118  of the strap  102  is defined. 
     In certain embodiments, ejectors  1002  may be inserted through orifices  1004  in the base  902  of the mold  900 . Each orifice  1004  may communicate with a cylinder  926  that extends through an anchor  916 . Each ejector  1002  may be inserted into and through an orifice  1004  to a position  1006  that is substantially coplanar with a bottom surface  1008  of the mold cavity  918 . Upon injection of a suitable material into the mold cavity  918 , the mold cavity  918  and the cylinder  926  may be filled with the material. The portions of the material that enter into cylinders  926  may form the cores  804  within the recesses  802  in the second surface  118  of the strap  102 . 
     As the material cools, the strap  102  may shrink (e.g., in a direction towards the head  108  of the strap  102 , etc.). The anchors  916  form anchor points to resist movement of the strap  102  during shrinkage of the strap  102  (e.g., from the tapered end  114  of the strap  102  towards the head end  112  of the strap  102 , etc.) and hold the strap  102  within the mold cavity  918  of the base  902 . 
     In the embodiment depicted by  FIG. 10A , a top surface  932  of the anchor  916  extends beyond, or overhangs, a bottom end  934  of the anchor  916  in a longitudinal direction opposite from the head end  112  of the strap  102  (i.e., opposite from the direction indicated by arrow  1009 ), wherein shrinkage of the strap  102  may occur in a longitudinal direction towards the head end  112  of the strap  102 . Thus, as the material of the strap  102  cools, the anchors  916  may force the material in the direction indicated by arrow  1010 . The anchors  916  may, therefore, prevent movement of the strap  102 . 
     Sidewalls of the anchor  916  may be sloped in such a way that the anchor  916  has a frustoconical shape (i.e., the shape of a cone from which the vertex has been truncated). Thus, a first side  1012  of a top surface  932  of the anchor  916  may extend beyond, or overhang, a bottom end  934  of the anchor  916  at the same side of the anchor  916  (e.g., in a longitudinal direction opposite from the head end  112  of the strap  102 , etc.). A second side  1014  of the top surface  932  of the anchor  916  may also extend beyond, or overhang, the bottom end  934  of the anchor  916  in a longitudinal direction towards the head end  112  of the strap  102 . In some embodiments, all of the outer edges of top surface  932  of the anchor  916  may be oriented at the same angle relative to the base of the mold cavity  918  (e.g., at least 80°, but less than 90°; about 85°; about 86°; about 87°; etc.). Thus, the outer edges of the top surface  932  may overhang the sidewalls of the anchor  916 , defining a recess  1016  around the anchor  916 . In such an embodiment, the anchor resists movement  916  of the strap in a longitudinal direction  1009  opposite from the head end  112  of the strap  102  (i.e., in the direction indicated by arrow  1009 ) and also in a longitudinal direction towards the head end  112  of the strap  102  (i.e., opposite the direction indicated by arrow  1009 ). 
     The strap  102 , in such an embodiment, may be physically held in place by the recess  1016  around the anchor  916 . To release the strap  102  from the recess  1016 , the ejector  1002  may be forced into and the cylinder  926  that extends through the anchor  916  in the direction indicated by arrow  1018  (e.g., by causing the sidewalls of the recess  802  in the second side  118  of the strap  102  to stretch, etc.). Thus, the ejector  1002  may force the strap  102  off of the anchor  916 . 
       FIG. 10B  is a cutaway perspective view of another embodiment of an anchor  916  capable of forming a recess  802  in the second surface  118  of the strap  102 , as well as of the cylinder  926  that extends through the anchor  916  and that is capable of forming a core  804  in the recess  802  in the second surface  118  of the strap  102 . Upon injection of a suitable material, the material fills the mold cavity  918 , which defines the second surface  118  of the strap  102 . 
     The anchor  916  has a slanted configuration (e.g., the appearance of a slanted column, etc., as depicted), with sloped side walls. Without limitation, the anchor  916  may be tilted by up to 10° from perpendicular to the base of the mold cavity  918  (i.e., at an angle of as small as about 80°), by about 5° from perpendicular (i.e., at an angle of about 85°), by about 4° from perpendicular (i.e., at an angle of about 86°), by about 3° from perpendicular (i.e., at an angle of about 87°), etc. Thus, at a first side  1012 , the top surface  932  of the anchor  916  extends beyond, or overhangs, a bottom end  934  of the same side of the anchor  916 . As the material of the strap  102  cools, the strap  102  may shrink (e.g., in a direction towards the head  108  of the strap  102 , etc.). The anchor  916  forms an anchor point that may resist movement of the strap  102  within the mold cavity  918  (e.g., from the tapered end  114  of the strap  102  towards the head end  112  of the strap  102 , in the direction indicated by arrow  1009 ; etc.). 
     This orientation of the anchor  916  may permit the strap  102  to be lifted up out of the mold cavity  916  in a direction opposite from the direction indicated by arrow  1009  upon actuation of the ejector  1102 . While  FIG. 10B  illustrates a cylinder  926  and an ejector  1002  that are oriented parallel to the slant of the anchor  916 , the cylinder  926  and the ejector  1002  may be oriented at another angle, including perpendicular to the base of the mold cavity  918 , as depicted in  FIG. 10A . 
     Notably, the orientations, or slopes, of the sidewalls of the anchor  918  and the angle at which the cylinder is oriented respectively define the orientations of side walls of the recesses  802  ( FIG. 8 ) and the side walls of the cores  804  ( FIG. 8 ) on the second side  118  of a strap  102 . 
     Although the foregoing description provides many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scopes of any of the appended claims, but merely as providing information pertinent to some specific embodiments that may fall within the scopes of the appended claims. Features from different embodiments may be employed in combination. In addition, the scopes of the appended claims may encompass other embodiments. All additions to, deletions from, and modifications of the disclosed subject matter that fall within the scopes of the claims are to be embraced by the claims.