Reclosable Bag Closure With Deflecting Grip Bands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reclosable plastic bags lack features that facilitate easy gripping when opening the closure structure, making it difficult for users to access the contents.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates interlocking closure members with grip spacing formations that deflect outward when engaged, creating an enlarged gap at the top end of the bag, allowing for easier grasping and opening by providing a clear and accessible gripping surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the closure members are made with interlocking profiles for secure closing, then the closure security is improved, but the top end area available for gripping is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support wall is segmented into distinct functional zones: an interlocking profile section for secure closure engagement and a grip spacing formation section for gripping. This segmentation allows the closure member to simultaneously provide secure interlocking while maintaining a separate, dedicated gripping area at the top end that is not compromised by the interlocking structures.
2Reliability
If the closure members are made with interlocking profiles for secure closing, then the closure security is improved, but the ease of opening is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The grip spacing formation is pre-configured to create an enlarged gap at the top end of the support wall when the interlocking profiles are engaged. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that when the user grasps the closure member, there is immediate clearance and space between the opposing closure members, facilitating easy finger insertion and opening action without resistance from the interlocking structures.
3Ease of operation
If the grip spacing formation is made larger to improve gripping, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural integrity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support wall is designed with local quality variations: the grip spacing formation area has increased spacing and reduced material density to facilitate gripping, while the interlocking profile section maintains full structural integrity and material density for secure engagement. This localized differentiation allows each section to optimize its specific function without compromising the overall strength of the closure member.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances user accessibility by creating a clear and maneuverable gripping surface, making it easier to open the bag while maintaining a secure closure mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The grip spacing formations of the first and second closure members are sized and arranged for engaging one another and deflecting the grip segments of the first and second closure members outwardly apart from one another
Data Source
AI summary
A bag and closure for a bag. The closure includes interlocking closure profiles that extend along the width of the closure and are selectively matable to close the closure or bag. The closure profiles are configured to be spaced apart from the top end of the bag. The closure further includes grip spacing formations that extend along the width of the closure. When the profiles mate, the grip spacing formations engage one another and urge opposing top end portions of the bag or closure outward to define an enlarged gap. The opposing top end portions, thus, define gripping bands that are accessible for being gripped during bag opening.