Hybrid fastener strap having positioning detents

A method of single-handed binding using a hybrid zip-tic fastener, comprising the steps:

• (i) providing a one piece hybrid fastener, said hybrid fastener comprising:
• (a) a pre-curled elongate flexible strap ranging in length from 5 mm-200 mm, a width from 0.5 cm-5.0 cm, and a thickness from 0.05 cm-0.5 cm, having a tab end and a receiver end,
• wherein the curl of the elongate flexible strap puts the tab end in proximity to the receiver end;
• (b) a plurality of non-reversible locking teeth disposed on a top surface of the elongate flexible strap,
• wherein the non-reversible locking teeth comprise transversely arranged abutments disposed along at least a portion of the elongate flexible strap away from the tab end, and
• wherein the locking teeth extend transversely across the entire top surface of the elongate flexible strap;
• (c) a plurality of positioning detents disposed on the top surface of the tab end of the elongate flexible strap;
• and
• (d) a receiver head at the receiver end of the elongate flexible strap, the receiver head having a frame defining a tapered funnel-shaped mouth leading to an inner aperture and a pawl that extends partially into the inner aperture, the tapered funnel-shaped mouth having an opening with a width larger than the width of the elongate strap and tapering to a width of the inner aperture configured to fit the elongate flexible strap, the pawl disposed within the inner aperture and configured to releasably engage the plurality of positioning detents and to lock against the plurality of non-reversible locking teeth;
• wherein when the tab end of the elongate flexible strap is inserted into the receiver head to form a loop with the elongate flexible strap, the plurality of positioning detents releasably engage the pawl, and when the elongate flexible strap is inserted further into the receiver head, the plurality of non-reversible locking teeth are configured to lock against the pawl;
• (ii) holding the hybrid fastener with a single hand in the shape of a loop with the tab end near the receiver head:
• (iii) enclosing the hybrid fastener at a first location around a bundle of wires, hoses, or tubes, wherein the bundle is enclosed within the curl of the pre-curled elongate strap using the single hand:
• (iv) inserting the tab end of the pre-curled elongate strap into the tapered funnel-shaped mouth of the receiver head with the top surface facing the pawl, wherein the tab end is inserted into the tapered funnel-shaped mouth using the single hand;
• (v) extending for a first distance the tab end of the pre-curled elongate strap into the tapered funnel-shaped mouth of the receiver head, wherein the first distance is where the pawl engages the plurality of positioning detents, wherein the tab end is extended into the tapered funnel-shaped mouth using the single hand;
• (vi) moving the hybrid fastener from the first location to a second location on the bundle of wires, hoses, or tubes, wherein the hybrid fastener is moved using the single hand;
• and,
• (vii) extending for a second distance the tab end of the pre-curled elongate strap into the tapered funnel-shaped mouth of the receiver head, wherein the second distance is where the pawl engages the plurality of non-reversible locking teeth and the bundle is bound, wherein the tab end is extended to the second position using the single hand.