Collapsible Basket Wrap Strap for Flat Closure and Carrying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reusable shopping bags face low adoption due to convenience issues such as poor storage, carrying, and functionality, leading to many going unused despite their environmental and cost benefits.
Innovation Solution
A reusable collapsible basket equipped with an elastic packaging wrap strap that attaches to the base, keeping the basket closed flat and providing a handle for easier carrying, while staying out of the way when open, and allowing for improved storage and merchandising opportunities by eliminating the need for external packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reusable shopping bag is made durable and eco-friendly, then environmental benefits and cost savings are improved, but storage convenience and carrying ease deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The basket is designed to be collapsible, allowing it to transition from a rigid functional state during use to a compact folded state for storage. The flexible exterior covering and hinge mechanism enable the basket to collapse flat, dramatically improving storage convenience while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible design allows the basket to nest within itself when folded, creating a compact package that is easy to store and carry. The wrap strap further secures the nested configuration, enabling convenient storage in small spaces.
2Ease of operation
If a reusable shopping bag is made collapsible for better storage, then storage convenience is improved, but the bag may accidentally open or lose structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The wrap strap is pre-configured to automatically engage with the basket when folded, securing the collapsed state before the user even handles the basket for storage. This preliminary securing action prevents accidental opening during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrap strap acts as an intermediary element between the basket folds, providing additional securing force to maintain structural integrity in the collapsed state. The elastic properties of the strap allow it to adapt to the folded configuration while maintaining secure closure.
3Ease of operation
If a wrap strap is added to keep the basket closed flat, then storage and carrying convenience are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wrap strap serves multiple functions: it secures the basket in the closed position, provides a carrying handle, and acts as a packaging element. This multi-functionality justifies the added component by eliminating the need for separate elements for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrap strap combines the functions of a closure mechanism, carrying handle, and packaging strap into a single element. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate components for each function.
4Adaptability or versatility
If external packaging is used for merchandising multiple baskets, then product presentation is improved, but storage space and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wrap strap serves as both a functional closure mechanism and a merchandising surface. Product labeling and instructions can be placed on the strap, eliminating the need for separate external packaging while maintaining merchandising capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The merchandising function is extracted from external packaging and integrated directly onto the wrap strap itself. This eliminates the need for separate packaging materials while preserving the ability to display product information and branding.
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
Enhances storage and carrying convenience, prevents accidental opening, and offers merchandising opportunities by allowing multiple baskets to be stacked securely, reducing external packaging needs and improving customer willingness to carry and store the baskets.
Implementation Method 1
The wrap strap is also made from elastic to stretch to get around the base of the basket and to apply downward force on the basket to keep the basket closed flat
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides, in at least one embodiment, a basket such as a grocery basket or laundry basket, where the basket includes a packaging wrap strap. When the basket is in an open position, the wrap strap is flush to the bottom side of the base of the basket such that it is out of the way. When the basket is in a closed position, the wrap strap, made from elastic, stretches to get around the base of the basket and pulls the base upwards while applying downward force on a rim of the basket to keep the basket closed very flat. The wrap strap advantageously does not interfere with the closing and opening functions, improves storage and carrying, and provides better packaging.