Carton Display Window With Retention Strap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging solutions fail to securely retain articles while allowing them to be visible from the exterior, and there is a need to obscure certain information on the articles without compromising retention.

Innovation Solution

A carton design featuring a tubular structure with a display window and a retention strap that engages with the article, allowing visibility while securely retaining it, and optionally obscuring information by using hingeable tabs and cut lines to form a retention strap that interacts with the article's flange or protrusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If articles are made visible from the exterior of the package through a display window, then awareness of contents and promotional value is improved, but secure retention of articles within the package deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of articleVSAvoidretention of article

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The display window is segmented into multiple sections by cutting lines that form retention straps. These straps create divided zones within the window area, allowing the article to be visually displayed while physically restrained by the segmented structure. The retention straps act as barriers that prevent article removal while maintaining visibility through the window openings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Retention straps serve as intermediary elements between the display window and the article. These straps are formed from the packaging material itself and extend into the window area, creating a mediating structure that allows visual access while providing mechanical retention. The straps engage with the article to prevent removal while permitting the article to remain visible through the window.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If retention mechanisms are added to secure articles in the package, then retention reliability is improved, but the ability to obscure information on the article deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention of articleVSAvoidobscuration of article information

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The retention strap structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical retention of the article, creates visual display areas, and obscures sensitive information. The same structural elements that retain the article also serve as obscuring elements, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and achieving both retention and information protection in a unified design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional packaging structures are used without display windows, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but promotional value and customer awareness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging structure simplicityVSAvoidvisibility of contents

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The display window and retention structure are merged into a single integrated feature. The retention straps are formed directly from the packaging material in the same die-cut process that creates the window openings, eliminating the need for separate components or assembly steps. This merging maintains manufacturing simplicity while adding the promotional benefit of product visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10053271B2Carton and carton blank

Publication Date: 2018.08.21 WESTROCK PACKAGING SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

A carton for packaging one or more articles, includes a top panel, first and second side panels, a bottom panel, and at least one display window for displaying at least one article. The at least one display window is struck at least in part from at least one of the side panels. The at least one display window is interrupted by a retention strap for engaging at least one article.