Box Closure Clip with Interlocking Teeth for Reusable Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sealing shipping containers, such as using shipping tape, damage the boxes when removed, making them unsuitable for reuse and recycling, and previous mechanical fasteners have either failed to secure the flaps adequately or been too expensive to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A rectangular box closure clip with laterally extending surfaces and a vertically extending rib that securely holds multiple flaps of a box in a closed position, allowing for easy insertion and reuse without damaging the container, which can be manufactured inexpensively through extrusion or injection molding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If shipping tape is used to seal boxes, then the flaps are securely sealed, but the box is damaged and unsuitable for reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the adhesive-based sealing system (shipping tape) with a mechanical fastening system (closure clip). The closure clip uses a series of teeth that engage with the box flaps through a mechanical interlocking mechanism, eliminating the need for adhesive tapes that damage the box upon removal. The teeth configuration provides secure fastening while allowing clean removal without damaging the box structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure clip acts as an intermediary device between the box flaps, providing a reusable fastening mechanism. Rather than directly adhering to or damaging the box flaps, the clip mediates the connection through its teeth that engage with the flaps in a non-destructive manner, enabling secure closure and clean removal.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If previous mechanical fasteners are used, then box reuse is enabled, but the flaps are not adequately secured
Solution Approach 1:
The closure clip features teeth with varying characteristics along its length, with different tooth depths, angles, and spacing optimized for specific locations. The teeth are configured to engage with the specific geometry of box flaps at different positions, providing localized optimization for both security and non-damaging removal. This local quality variation ensures adequate securing of flaps while maintaining box integrity.
3Reliability
If complex mechanical fasteners are developed, then flap security is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure clip achieves adequate flap security through optimized geometric parameters of the teeth rather than complex mechanisms. By carefully selecting tooth depth, angle, spacing, and profile parameters, the invention provides reliable fastening with a simple structure that can be manufactured cost-effectively. The solution demonstrates that proper parameter optimization can achieve high reliability without increasing device complexity or manufacturing cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A rectangular box closure clip engages the two top flaps of a shipping container holding them securely without damaging the carton enabling the boxes to be reused without the need for being reformulated. The closure clip includes a pair of lower surfaces and a pair of upper surfaces interconnected by a central web that extends substantially throughout the length of the clip. The edges of the two upper surfaces are set back to facilitate insertion into the box. In a second embodiment, a vertically extending endstop is provided to prevent a box stacked atop the clip from sliding axially relative thereto. In still a third embodiment, a recess allows a binder strap to be installed around the clip to retain it in place. A programmable, scanable chip may be incorporated into the closure clip to facilitate tracking and/or to tamper-proof the package.