Self-locking tie cords and systems, and related methods of use

Abstract

One variation of a self-locking tie cord comprises a) a linear series of a plurality of nodules coupled together by a connective stem; b) a planar lock coupled to one end of the connective stem and comprising a valve configured to allow the nodules to pass through the planar lock in only a first direction orthogonal to the plane of the planar lock; and c) an unlocking mechanism disposed within the planar lock and configured to unlock the valve when activated, such that the nodules are allowed to pass through the planar lock in both the first direction orthogonal to the plane of the planar lock and a second direction orthogonal to the plane of the planar lock and opposite to the first direction orthogonal to the plane of the planar lock.

1 .- 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A self-locking tie cord comprising:
 a. a linear series of a plurality of nodules coupled together by a connective stem, wherein the nodules comprise a circular cross section orthogonal to the connective stem;   b. a lock, coupled to one end of the connective stem, comprising a circular opening through which the connective stem may pass and configured to put the self-locking tie cord in a locked position when the connective stem is passed through; and   c. an unlocking mechanism configured to unlock the self-locking tie cord when the self-locking tie cord is in the locked position, such that the nodules are allowed to pass through the lock in both a first direction orthogonal to the circular opening of the lock and a second direction orthogonal to the circular opening of the lock and opposite to the first direction orthogonal to the circular opening of the lock.   
     
     
         22 . The self-locking tie cord of  claim 21 , wherein the nodules are geometrically identical. 
     
     
         23 . The self-locking tie cord of  claim 21 , wherein the nodules are spherical. 
     
     
         24 . The self-locking tie cord of  claim 21 , wherein the nodules are disks or rings. 
     
     
         25 . The self-locking tie cord of  claim 21 , wherein the connective stem is flexible in all directions. 
     
     
         26 . The self-locking tie cord of  claim 21 , wherein the connective stem is a string. 
     
     
         27 . The self-locking tie cord of  claim 21 , wherein the connective stem is a tube. 
     
     
         28 . The self-locking tie cord of  claim 21 , wherein the connective stem comprises a semi-flexible material, such that the shape of the connective stem may be readily reformed but maintains itself at rest. 
     
     
         29 . The self-locking tie cord of  claim 21 , wherein the unlocking mechanism is manually activated. 
     
     
         30 . The self-locking tie cord of  claim 29 , wherein the unlocking mechanism is activated by pulling on the lock. 
     
     
         31 . The self-locking tie cord of  claim 29 , wherein the unlocking mechanism is activated by pressing on the lock. 
     
     
         32 . The self-locking tie cord of  claim 21 , wherein the unlocking mechanism is digitally activated. 
     
     
         33 . The self-locking tie cord of  claim 21 , wherein the lock further comprises a receptacle configured to receive an unlocking key configured to activate the unlocking mechanism when received by the receptacle. 
     
     
         34 . The self-locking tie cord of  claim 21 , further comprising a drawstring or a pull tab coupled to the end of the connective stem opposite the lock. 
     
     
         35 . A self-locking tie cord system, the system comprising:
 a. a linear series of a plurality of nodules coupled together by a connective stem;   b. a planar lock coupled to one end of the connective stem and comprising a valve configured to allow the nodules to pass through the planar lock in only a first direction orthogonal to the plane of the planar lock;   c. an unlocking mechanism disposed within the planar lock and configured to unlock the valve when activated, such that the nodules are allowed to pass through the planar lock in both the first direction orthogonal to the plane of the planar lock and a second direction orthogonal to the plane of the planar lock and opposite to the first direction orthogonal to the plane of the planar lock; and   d. an unlocking key configured to activate the unlocking mechanism.   
     
     
         36 . The self-locking tie cord of  claim 35 , wherein the unlocking key is disposed within a ring configured to be worn on a finger. 
     
     
         37 . The self-locking tie cord of  claim 35 , wherein the planar lock further comprises a receptacle configured to receive the unlocking key. 
     
     
         38 . The self-locking tie cord of  claim 37 , wherein the unlocking key is configured to activate the unlocking mechanism when joined with the receptacle. 
     
     
         39 . The self-locking tie cord of  claim 37 , wherein the receptacle is a wireless communication component and the unlocking key is a wireless signal. 
     
     
         40 . The self-locking tie cord of  claim 35 , wherein the nodules have a circular cross section orthogonal to the central axis of the connective stem.