Next Generation "Zip Tie" Is Reusable

FREELAND, Wash. - Feb. 10, 2017 - PRLog -- Zip ties, while originally invented to speed cable bundling, have found their way into a many crannies of our lives because they are effective, convenient, and perhaps tougher and more weather resistant than twine. One company last year molded 10 billion cable ties! And there are many molders worldwide.

One problem with cable ties is that most are disposable - you have to cut them to remove them. There are reusable cable ties, but they tend to be cumbersome to release.

Dan Vorhis of Freeland WA has come up with an innovative zip tie design that uses a "side open" design, rather than the traditional little window that you push the toothed strap through, to hold the strap portion of the tie.

"I was zipping plastic fence material around the base of our fruit trees to protect from rabbit damage when the idea hit me. We use zip ties on our farm for deer fence, Christmas lights - all kinds of things. "Destroy to remove" has always bugged me."

With Vorhis's design, the strap has ratchet teeth, as with other zip ties. But to disengage this zip tie, the strap is simply peeled out from an opening in the side of the strap's head. The zip tie may thereafter be reused. Vorhis says that his invention would be particularly useful with the medium to larger size zip ties, which tend to be more costly.

"The concept is pretty simple, and there are number of design options (see attached illustrations). Simply put, the "side open" approach permits easier disengagement of the strap in use, and allows the zip tie to be reused," says Vorhis.

Vorhis has a dozen patents in a variety of fields, including water treatment and ceramic extrusion. He says he prefers a U.S. manufacturer to buy or license his invention, which is patent pending.

"I'd like to sell or license this idea to one excellent company, maybe help them with the work that is still needed to get this in the marketplace. I'm a realistic about what is required."


Interested manufacturers may contact Mr. Vorhis directly:

Daniel Vorhis    Tel: 360-331-5242      Email: dvorhis@whidbey.com