MATERIAL COLLECTION AND IDENTIFICATION DEVICE

Abstract

A collection and identification device includes a ball stop, a slide lock and a pull tab with identification member thereon, each arranged on an elastic binder line to facilitate flexible, quick, and secure collection of items, including identification and potential attachment to a secondary support. Notably, the ball stop, slide lock and pull tab are each unitary molded components, with no internal moving parts. The present device is easily assembled and is low cost to manufacture and assembly. Also, the device can be used in several different ways to collect and secure items, thus providing a flexible system capable of securing and identifying various items based on a user's preferences and desires.

Description

This claims benefit under 35 USC section 119(e) of provisional application Ser. No. 61/608,795, filed Mar. 9, 2012, entitled “MATERIAL COLLECTION AND IDENTIFICATION DEVICE”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to material collection and identification devices useful for releasably securing bundles of parts and/or products together, and more particularly relates to a material collection and identification device that is ergonomic, easy and flexible and intuitive to use, competitive to manufacture and assemble, very durable and customizable, and which provides identification features not found in similar existing devices.

A number of different straps, strips and retaining devices are commercially available, but known devices have a variety of limitations and deficiencies. For example, some such devices are for single-use only, and once used are thrown away, which is wasteful and not environmentally friendly. Other retaining devices include components with internal moving parts (such as spring-biased clamps and/or spring-biased locking members), which greatly increases manufacturing and assembly cost, and often reduces reliability and durability leading to field failure. Most known collection and bundling devices do not include means of identification, but instead depend on the product itself being the identifier, which often is not a best solution. Bungee cords with hooks at each end have been used as retaining devices, but the hooks can scratch or damage retained goods and/or the hooks may accidentally release. Most similar devices are not customizable, such that they are constrained to a particular manner of use and appearance.

Thus, opportunities exist for improvement in material collection and identification devices, particularly where the improvement minimizes cost, minimizes the number or cost of individual components and minimizes assembly time, and where the improvement simplifies use and attachment, especially where the improvement provides maximum sureness of collecting/fastening goods, and provides identification means and other characteristics related to flexibility of use and customized appearance.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a material collection and identification device comprises a ball stop, a slide lock, a pull tab, and a binder line attached to the pull tab and the ball stop, with the slide lock being slidable along a portion of the binder line to selectively capture captive material against one of the pull tab and ball stop.

In a narrower aspect, each of the ball stop, slide lock, and pull tab are each unitary single moldings that characteristically do not include internal moving parts.

In another aspect of the present invention, a kit for use with a stretchable binder line is provided. The kit includes a ball stop component, a slide lock component, and a pull tab component. The slide lock and pull tab components each include a through hole shaped to frictionally receive and engage a mating portion of the stretchable binder line, with the ball stop component and the pull tab component also including a frictional structure for securely engaging a mating portion of the binder line extended through the slide lock and pull tab components.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method of assembling and using a material collection device, the method comprises: passing a binder line through binder line pass-through portions of a ball stop, a slide lock, and a pull tab; passing the pull tab through a looped end of the binder line and fastening the looped end of the binder line to the pull tab; inserting a captive material through a loop formed in the binder line between the pull tab and the slide lock; and sliding the slide lock along the binder line and toward the captive material to secure the material collection device to the captive material.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method of assembling and using a material collection device, the method comprises passing a binder line through binder line pass-through portions of a ball stop, a slide lock, and a pull tab; passing the pull tab through a looped end of the binder line and fastening the looped end of the binder line to the pull tab; and forming an enlargement on an end of the binder line spaced away from the looped end, and pulling the enlargement into frictional engagement with the ball stop, such that the pull tab and ball stop trap the slide lock on the binder line.

An object of the present invention is to provide a collection device that provides on the device a way for the user to identify the goods/items collected and held together.

An object of the present invention is to provide a device that is relatively simple, easy to assemble, intuitive to use, reusable, and that uses few components and that uses components not having moving parts.

An object of the present invention is to provide a collection and bundling device where the device can be locked onto a first item in a hands free manner, allowing the user to collect and bind other items to the first item.

An object of the present invention is to provide a device where components can be easily adapted for different environments, such as by material substitution in components.

An object of the present invention is to provide a device that is buoyant and hence floats, thus making it useful in marine and water environments.

An object of the present invention is to provide a device that can be used to secure a collection of items together and to secure them in a desired storage location, such as via a suction cup.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is perspective view showing a collection and identification device embodying the present invention and attached to an electrical cord and plug, either for identification purposes and/or to retain the plug close to a point of use.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing the present device of FIG. 1 but used to retain two ski poles together and simultaneously serving to identify ownership of the ski poles.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present collection and identification device in a free state.

FIGS. 3-5 are perspective, top and cross-sectional views of the ball stop in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 6-8 are perspective, top and cross-sectional views of the slide lock in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 9-12 are top perspective, bottom perspective, plan, and side views of the identification pull tag in FIG. 2.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of an alternative pull tag.

FIG. 14 is a side view an alternative ball stop.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative identification/pull tab.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternative collection device.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an alternative method of assembly.

FIGS. 18-19 are perspective views of a second alternative method of assembly.

FIGS. 20-20B are perspective views of a first procedure for attaching two ski poles together.

FIGS. 21-21B are perspective views of a second procedure for attaching two ski poles together.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present collection and identification device 30 (FIGS. 1-2) includes a binder line 31, a ball stop 32, a slide lock 33 and a pull tab 34 with identification member 35 thereon, the components 32-34 being arranged on the binder line 31 to facilitate flexible, quick, and secure collection of items 20, including identification and potential attachment to a secondary support. Notably, the components 31-35 are single components, with no internal moving parts such as an internal biasing spring or plunger. Further, the present device 30 is constructed for ease of assembly, with the limited number of single-piece components 31-34 being surprisingly easy to assemble while also providing multiple ways of securely retaining items together. In short, the present device 30 is low cost to manufacture, low cost to assemble, re-useable/environmentally-friendly, and yet is durable, robust, long lasting, ergonomic, customizable, and visually attractive. Further, the present device 30 is particularly well-suited for identification purposes.

Notably, the device 30 can be used in several different ways to collect and secure items, and includes customizable identification members 35, thus providing a flexible system capable of securing and identifying various items based on a user's preferences and desires. FIG. 1 illustrates the present device 30 attached to an electrical power cord and plug 38, with the identification member 35 identifying the particular cord and plug 38 for the user. It is noted that the cord 38 can be wound into a storage condition and retained in the storage condition by the device 30, and/or the device 30 can be used for identifying the particular electrical device that the cord 38 is supplying electrical power to. Also, it is contemplated that the device 30 can be used to retain any cord in a wound or wrapped storage position, including cords such as communication cords, ropes, wires, and innumerable other elongated flexible items. FIG. 1A illustrates the present device 30 securing two ski poles 39 together. FIGS. 1A, 20-20B and 21-21B illustrate three of the many different ways that the device 30 can be used to secure items together.

It is noted that each of the ball stop 32, slide lock 33, and pull tab 34 can be made of a same material or different materials, and further each can be made of similar or different sizes and shapes, depending on the physical requirements of a particular intended use. Accordingly, the description below is intended to disclose aspects and features of the present invention, but is not intended to be unnecessarily limiting.

Binder line 31 (FIG. 2) can be any of a variety of different cords having linear strength and long term durability for handling the stress of binding items together. The illustrated binder line 31 is preferably made of a resilient material (preferably cloth covered) having a diameter that is relatively flexible but non-collapsible. An outer surface of the binder line 31 has frictional characteristics relative to components 32-34 yet that permit slide lock 33 to be slidingly moved along the binder line 31 when desired. In particular, the binder line 31 can be tied in a knot 42 and frictionally retained within a knot-receiving cavity in the ball stop 32, as discussed below. Also, the binder line 31 also permits a smooth sliding movement of the slide lock 33 along the binder line 31, while also frictionally holding the slide lock 33 in a selected position once the slide lock 33 is released. Also, the binder line 31 provides sufficient frictional engagement with the pull tab 34 so that the pull tab 34 reliably engages the binder line 31 and does not undesirably release after assembly. The illustrated binder line 31 is longitudinally stretchable, like a bungee cord, such that the binder line 31 can be stretched and secured, with a linear stretch/tension of the binder line 31 assisting in fixing the bound connection of the binder line 31 around the components 32 and 34.

By way of example and not limitation, the illustrated binder line 31 is commercially available and generally has the following properties. It is about ⅛″ diameter with a fabric outer layer and elastic inner cord, and stretches to about double its free unstretched length (i.e. 100% stretch). The illustrated device 30 is about 4½″ in total length and stretches to about 9″ length. However, it is contemplated that the device's length (i.e. the binder line) can be made longer or shorter for particular applications, and also can be made a larger (or smaller) diameter, and can have greater (or lesser) elasticity. When released, the binder line 31 recovers to substantially its original length, which results in good retention characteristics even during repeated use.

Ball stop 32 (FIGS. 3-5) serves the purpose of creating an anchor point at one end of the binder line 31. Specifically, the illustrated binder line 31 in FIG. 2 is a single cord, doubled back and tied at its free end to form a knot 42. During assembly, the knot 42 slides down and is retained in a knot-pocket cavity 43 defined within a base of the ball stop 32. The knot 42 is too large to pass through a line-receiving entrance 44 into the cavity 43 in the ball stop 32, causing an interference-fit when the knot is pulled into an open side of the cavity 43. It is contemplated that the binder line 31 can alternatively be a continuous loop with no free ends. In such case, it is contemplated that a knot (similar to knot 42) could be tied at a (looped) end. Alternatively, a pin or anchor member (not specifically shown, but matingly shaped to frictionally engage the cavity 43) could be attached to the looped end of the binder line 31 and inserted into the cavity 43, so that the pin would become lodged in a base of the knot pocket thus preventing the loop's knot from being pulled through the ball stop.

The ball stop 32 is made of an injection molded polymeric material, and serves the purpose of retention when the binder line 31 (and/or pull tab 34) is looped over the ball stop 32. (See FIGS. 20-20B and 21-21B.) The illustrated ball stop 32 is generally spherical in shape, and about ¾″ in diameter, with its spherical sides facilitating slipping a looped section of the binder line 31 over the ball stop 32 for securement. The ball stop 32 (FIGS. 3-5) includes a through hole defined in part by the knot-receiving cavity 43, and defined by an interference-fit line-pass-through entrance 44 (also called an “opening” herein). The illustrated ball stop 32 is made with multiple external crevices and pockets 45, which facilitate injection molding by reducing large masses of plastic material forming the ball stop 32. The existence of crevices and pockets 45 also reduces the amount of polymeric material necessary for the ball stop 32, improves its appearance, and helps with retention of the binder line 31 (and the pull tab 34) on the ball stop 32 by creating a rough outer surface. In particular, the material and shape of the ball stop 32 provides lateral and longitudinal lines of grip on the binder line 31, facilitating securement of the binder line 31 when looped over the ball stop 32 and when the binder line 31 is simultaneously tensioned/stretched. Nonetheless, it is contemplated that the ball stop 32 does not have to be spherical in shape, but instead it need only be large enough or otherwise shaped to provide a retaining function to limit release of a looped section of the binder line 31 from escaping toward an exit point, such that it encourages the secured binder line 31 and/or pull tab 34 from slipping off. Also, it is contemplated that the ball stop 32 (and slide lock 33 and pull tab 34) can be made from any material, including many different polymers (including translucent and fluorescent and buoyant materials), metal, wood, composite, and other structural materials.

The illustrated slide lock 33 (FIGS. 6-8) is also an injection molded polymeric material, having a cylindrical size of about ½″ in diameter and being about ½″ long. Slide lock 33 includes a through hole 47 that shaped to frictionally but slidingly engage the binder line 31, with the friction being sufficiently strong so that the lock slide 33 locks into a set position on the binder line 31 when released, but so that the slide lock 33 is slidable along the binder line 31 when gripped and pulled along the binder line 31. Notably, when the slide lock 33 is being moved, the illustrated binder line 31 stretches and flexes a small amount within the slide lock 33, thus assisting in release and sliding of the slide lock 33. When the slide lock 33 is released, the binder line 31 recovers and again frictionally engages the slide lock 33 to hold it in a set position. The slide lock 33 also includes longitudinally oriented recesses 47A and protrusions 47B to facilitate gripping by fingers of a person's hand.

The illustrated pull tab 34 (FIGS. 9-12) is also injection molded of a polymeric material, and includes an identification-supporting/finger-grip portion 50 and a line-receiving/retaining portion 51. The illustrated finger-grip portion 50 is about ⅞″ diameter and ⅛″ thick, and includes a circular rim defining a coin-shaped recess on both side surfaces (or on a single side) where the identification member 35 is located. Notably, the finger-grip portion 50 can be any size or shape sufficient for gripping by a user. The pull tab 34 also can have a physical shape (such as a particular profile or perimeter shape) to assist in providing an identifying function. The line-receiving/retaining portion 51 includes a pass-through opening 52 and a circumferential binder line lock groove 53 extending from the opening 52. The binder line lock groove 53 has a size and shape designed to frictionally engage and securely hold the binder line 31 within the groove 53 once friction-fit therein, as described below.

It is contemplated that one (or two) identification members 35 are attached to the identification-supporting/finger-grip portion 50 of the pull tab 34. It is contemplated that the identification members 35 can be any form of identification, including indicia, picture, symbol, logo, graphics, lettering, numbering, QR code, bar code, RFID tag, blue tooth communicating device, other near-field communication device, and any interpretive device (visual, tactile, wireless, or other). The identification member 35 can include a physical protruding structure (domed, raised, flat, or 3D) or include a recessed structure; and can be presented in any form, include printing, 3D image, a clear-domed/covered picture or other physical shape; and that it can be day-light-visible and/or fluorescent. The identification member 35 can be integrally formed on the pull tab 34, or can be separately manufactured and attached by many different means such as a sticker, adhered panel, snap-in panel, or otherwise mechanically, chemically, or otherwise attached (including welding). It can also present a surface capable of receiving written information. When integrally formed, the identification member 35 can be integrally formed as part of the pull tab 34 in the primary molding operation and/or in a secondary manufacturing operation and/or in a manner so that it can be added later by a customer/user.

The line-receiving portion 51 of the pull tab 34 (FIGS. 9-12) includes a through hole 52 (also called “pass through portion”) for receiving the binder line 31 and grooves 53 (also called circumferential binder line lock groove”) extending transversely on opposing sides of the through-hole's exit. The grooves 53 are formed by laterally-facing hook-like structures and shaped with a narrowed side to frictionally receive and securely hold the binder line 31 when the binder line 31 is pulled into a bottom of the grooves 53. In one type assembly (FIGS. 16-17), a looped end of the binder line 31 is pulled through the through hole 52, looped back over the pull tab 34, and then the two line portions forming the looped end are pulled into the grooves 53 where they are frictionally retained. Like the ball stop 32, the pull tab 34 is optimally shaped and sized to serve the purpose of retention when the binder line 31 is looped over the pull tab 34. The illustrated pull tab 34 is relatively flat with a circular perimeter, such that it facilitates a looped section of the binder line 31 slipping over the pull tab 34 for securement.

It is contemplated that the pull tab 34 can have many different shapes, depending on its functional requirements and environment of use. For example, the illustrated pull tab 34 (FIG. 9) has an identification-supporting/finger-grip portion 50 with a circular perimeter with outboard recesses forming a rough exterior (to facilitate gripping) and an interior recess that is smooth (such as for receiving an identification sticker). The line-receiving portion 51 is bulbous shaped, and has a thickness of about half the diametrical size of the finger-grip portion 50 when viewed from a position in front of the recess, but is about double the thickness of the finger-grip portion 50 when viewed from a side edge. It is contemplated that the finger-grip portion can instead have a square perimeter (see pull tab 34A in FIG. 11) or be rectangular or otherwise shaped (including 3D non-planar shapes) or can be longitudinally ridged along its inside/outside perimeter. Also, it is contemplated that a modified pull tab can be provided having a circular shape similar to the pull tab 34, but where the modified pull tab would include an external/outboard-facing channel around the pull tab 34 shaped to frictionally receive the binder line 31. The binder line 31 would be frictionally engaged with the perimeter channel, with the binder line extending from the perimeter channel to a pull-through opening and grooves (much like opening 52 and grooves 53 in pull tab 34). Thus, the binder line would form a bumper around the pull tab.

In one modification, a suction cup 46 (FIG. 14) is formed on the ball stop 32 for releasably holding the device 30 (along with collected materials) on a flat surface, such as for suction-holding the device 30 and collected items on a flat surface such as a metal container or wall or panel. For example, the flat surface could be suction-attached to a household appliance (such as a refrigerator or washing machine), or to a metal cupboard or rack or building wall. The suction cup 46 can be a separate member attached to the ball stop 32, or can be integrally molded therewith (such as by overmolding or secondary molding). It is contemplated that the suction cup 46 could be attached to one of the other components, such as to the pull tab 34 or even the slide lock 33 if desired, with the suction cup being on the component 32-34 and extending perpendicularly from a location of the binder line 31 on the respective component 32-34, or at any other location on the component 32-34, as desired.

As noted above, alternative pull tabs can be used (see FIG. 1, 13, 15), such as a square shape or ring shape (with or without a center hole). Also, the line-receiving portion of the pull tab can be modified. For example, a pull tab 34B (FIGS. 18-19) does not have a through-hole 52 like pull tab 34 (FIG. 2), but instead pull tab 34B (FIG. 18) is made with a center friction hook 56 (FIGS. 18-19) facing a first lateral direction and oppositely-facing laterally-opposing outboard frictional hooks 57. The hooks 56 and 57 are shaped to frictionally engage and retain a loop portion of the binder line 31 by placing the loop portion of the binder line 31 over the center hook 56 with parts of the binder line 31 extending between the center hook 56 and the outboard friction hooks 57. The binder line 31 can be finally assembled by pulling the binder line 31 tight (FIG. 19), which causes the portions of the binder line 31 to slide into and frictionally engage the hooks 56 and 57.

The present components 31-34 provide a kit that assembles quickly and easily, and that is intuitive to assemble. For example, the binder line 31 can be pulled through the slide lock 33 and knotted for frictional retention in the ball stop 32 (see FIG. 2), and then a loop portion pulled over the pull tab 34 (see FIGS. 16-17) and frictionally retained in the opposing hooks within a few seconds of starting the assembly.

There are many alternative ways to use the present device 30. For example, in FIG. 1A, the ski poles 39 are extended between two parts of the binder line 31 and between the ball stop 32 and the slide lock 33. Notably, this places the identification member 35 and pull tab 34 in a location where they extend outwardly in a very visible and easily graspable position. In FIGS. 20-20B, a first elongated member (such as ski pole 39) is extended between sections of the binder line 31 (FIG. 20), and the slip lock 33 is pulled tight (FIG. 20). Then, a remainder of the binder line 31 is wrapped around a second elongated member (i.e. the second ski pole 39) (FIG. 20A) and pulled over the ball stop 32, with the binder line 31 being stretched sufficiently to retain the wrapped elongated members together (FIG. 20B). Alternatively, both sections of the binder line 31 can be wrapped around the first elongated member (i.e. ski pole) and looped over the ball stop 32 and then the slip lock 33 pulled tight (FIG. 21). Thereafter, a remainder of the binder line 31 is wrapped around the second elongated member (i.e. second ski pole 39) (FIG. 21A) and looped over the ball stop 32 a second time in tension (FIG. 21B).

Notably, the present device 30 can be stored and/or shipped in an elongated/assembled state (like that shown in FIG. 2), or can be stored and/or shipped in a coiled or bundled state. The device 30 can be nested along with a length of material or with other similar devices for compact shipment, or can be used to hold goods together during shipment. The present device 30 is sufficient in size so that it is not easily lost and also easily grasped, yet is small and compact enough to not take up excessive space nor to significantly increase a shipping weight. Components of the present device 30 can be made of any suitable structural polymeric material, including buoyant material (i.e. having a specific gravity of less than 1.0), which makes them useful in marine environments and for boating since they float and are moisture resistant. Notably, the components 32-35 can be made in attractive colors and/or with fluorescent materials and/or with UV resistance and/or using many weather/environment-resistant materials, making them useful in outdoor environments and/or for sporting goods and/or in high wear conditions and/or in other specialized environments.

The identification member 35 allows the device 30 to be used in numerous ways for identification of goods or for identification of ownership of goods. It is noted that the identifying member 35 (and/or the other components 32-34) can be made with a bright color, which greatly assists in a user finder their particular items from an assortment of similar goods (such as when skis are stored in a ski rack at a ski resort). Notably, the device 30 can be coupled end-to-end with other similar devices 30 to bind larger quantities of material (e.g. if the device is “too short”), or can be wrapped one or more times around a material to provide proper engagement length and more secure retention (e.g. if the device is “too long”, or if the user wants to provide extra “slip-out resistance” by using multiple wraps).

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

Claims

1. A material collection and identification device comprising:

a ball stop;

a slide lock;

a pull tab; and

a binder line attached to the pull tab and the ball stop, wherein the slide lock slides along a portion of the binder line to selectively capture captive material against one of the pull tab and ball stop.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the binder line is made of a resilient stretchable material.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the pull tab has an identification member to provide quick identification of collected items secured by the device.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the ball stop, the slide lock, and the pull tab are each single unitary moldings that characteristically do not include internal moving parts.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the binder line is secured to the ball stop with parallel sections of the binder line extending from the ball stop.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the binder line includes a knot, and wherein the ball stop includes a knot pocket shaped to frictionally secure the knot in the ball stop.

7. The device of claim 5, wherein the binder line is a continuous loop and wherein the ball stop includes lateral slots gripping sections of the binder line extending from the ball stop.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the ball stop, the slide lock, and the pull tab is made of a material with specific gravity of less than 1.0 so as to float in water.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the ball stop and slide lock and pull tab are each single unitary moldings and do not include internal moving parts.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the pull tab includes an identification member.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the identification member is one of mechanically or adheringly attached to the pull tab.

12. The device of claim 10, wherein the identification member is releasably attached and is replaceable.

13. A kit for use with a stretchable binder line, comprising:

a ball stop component;

a slide lock component; and

a pull tab component;

the slide lock and pull tab components each including a through hole shaped to frictionally receive and engage a mating portion of a stretchable binder line, the ball stop component and the pull tab component also including a frictional structure for securely engaging a mating portion of the binder line extended through the slide lock and pull tab components.

14. The kit defined in claim 13, wherein the slide lock includes a dual strand interference fit pass through opening for receiving the binder line, and wherein an exterior of the slide lock includes longitudinal recesses and protrusions for gripping by fingers of a human hand.

15. The kit defined in claim 13, wherein the pull tab includes a binder engagement portion including a binder line dual strand pass through portion, and at least one circumferential binder line lock groove.

16. The kit defined in claim 13, wherein the pull tab includes a binder engagement portion including at least one binder line single strand pass-through hole and a circumferential binder line lock groove.

17. The kit defined in claim 13, wherein the pull tab includes a binder engagement portion and further includes an identification portion, the identification portion including one of an identification plate or sticker.

18. The kit defined in claim 13, including a second slide lock on the binder line.

19. A method of assembling and using a material collection device, the method comprising:

passing a binder line through binder line pass-through portions of a ball stop, a slide lock, and a pull tab;

passing a looped end of the binder line through an opening in the pull tab and fastening the looped end of the binder line to the pull tab;

inserting a captive material into a loop formed in the binder line between the pull tab and the slide lock; and

sliding the slide lock along the binder line and toward the captive material to secure the material collection device to the captive material.

20. A method of assembling and using a material collection device, the method comprising:

providing a binder line extending through binder line pass-through portions of a ball stop, a slide lock, and a pull tab;

passing the pull tab through a looped end of the binder line and fastening the looped end of the binder line to the pull tab; and

forming an enlargement on an end of the binder line spaced away from the looped end, and pulling the enlargement into frictional engagement with the ball stop, such that the ball stop traps the slide lock on the binder line.

21. The method defined in claim 21, including attaching an identification member to the pull tab.

22. A method of assembling and using a material collection device, the method comprising:

passing a binder line through binder line pass-through portions of a ball stop, a slide lock, and a pull tab;

attaching the pull tab to an end of the binder line;

inserting a captive material through a loop formed in the binder line between the pull tab and the slide lock; and

sliding the slide lock along the binder line and toward the captive material to secure the material collection device to the captive material.

23. A method of assembling a material collection and identification device, comprising steps of:

providing a plurality of end-defining components and a plurality of slide lock components, each being a unitary structure without internal moving parts;

providing a binder line;

assembling at least two of the end-defining components and at least one of the slide locks onto the binder line; and

selectively sliding the at least one slide lock in a first direction or in a second direction, with sliding in the first direction binding a captive material against one of the end-defining components and with sliding in the second direction binding the captive material against another one of the end-defining components.

24. The method defined in claim 23, wherein the step of assembling includes assembling at least two of the slide locks onto the binder line.