Child Resistant Closure System With Interlocking Flaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child-resistant sealing systems for containers, such as bags, are not effectively resistant to being opened by children, limiting their use for hazardous substances like medicines.
Innovation Solution
A resealable child-resistant closure system featuring interlocking linear strips with asymmetrical and symmetrical configurations, where the second set of interlocking strips is located below the first set, and flaps are designed to prevent easy opening by children, requiring specific pulling actions to disengage the strips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If simple interlocking structures are used for sealing, then ease of operation is improved, but child resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into multiple separate interlocking structures (first, second, and third interlocking structures) positioned at different locations on the bag opening. Each structure functions independently, so a child would need to successfully manipulate all three locations to open the bag, significantly increasing difficulty while maintaining adult usability through the simple interlocking mechanism design.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking structures incorporate asymmetrical male and female components with specific geometric configurations. The male protrusions and female recesses are designed with non-symmetrical shapes that require a specific manipulation sequence and force application, making it difficult for children to figure out the opening mechanism while allowing adults to open it easily once the mechanism is understood.
2Reliability
If multiple interlocking structures are added to increase child resistance, then device complexity increases, but ease of operation may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Each interlocking structure serves multiple functions: it provides sealing closure, acts as a child resistance barrier, and enables easy reopening by adults. The same simple interlocking mechanism is replicated three times, so the system gains enhanced child resistance through redundancy rather than through fundamentally more complex mechanisms. This universal application of a simple proven mechanism increases reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the sealing system is made more secure, then safety is improved, but ease of opening for adults may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The bag opening is divided into three distinct local zones, each with its own interlocking structure. The structures are positioned to distribute the sealing function across different locations on the bag mouth. This local distribution means that while each individual interlocking point remains simple for adults to operate, the cumulative effect across all three locations provides enhanced safety by requiring coordinated action at multiple points.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application provides a container that: includes: a first layer of sheet material forming the first side of the container and at least a second and third layer of sheet material forming the second side of the container, a pair of closure strips extending along the opening of the container, each of the closure strips having at least one of a male and a female linear interlocking strip. A first of the pair of closure strips includes: an extension above and an extension, below the respective linear interlocking strip, and a second of the pair of closure strips comprising an extension below die respective linear interlocking strip. The linear interlocking strips configured to be released from each other by pulling the extensions below the linear interlocking strips apart using a pair of flaps extending from the closure strip extensions.