Consumer Bag Dispenser with Self-Opening Slit and Perforation Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bag dispensing systems do not efficiently allow for self-opening of subsequent bags when one is removed, leading to inconvenience in use and storage.

Innovation Solution

A system of continuously and detachably connected bags with a center slit positioned in a region of minimal plies, where the slit seal is strategically placed to avoid high spots in the wound roll, and a dispenser with a separation member that aids in tearing the perforation line, ensuring the next bag opens partially when dispensed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If bags are wound onto a core in traditional dispensing systems, then storage and dispensing are enabled, but subsequent bags do not open automatically when one is removed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveself-opening of subsequent bagsVSAvoidbag structure design
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bag structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: a center slit region, gusset areas, and seal regions. The center slit is positioned in a specific zone that allows it to function as an opening mechanism without interfering with the gusset structure or sealing integrity. This segmentation enables the slit to independently facilitate self-opening while maintaining overall bag structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The center slit is pre-positioned in the bag structure during manufacturing, creating a predetermined weakness or opening point that will automatically activate when the bag is dispensed. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual opening operations, as the slit is already configured to facilitate automatic opening upon removal from the wound roll.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If a center slit is added to enable self-opening, then convenience is improved, but the wound roll may develop high spots affecting dispensing quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveself-opening convenienceVSAvoidwound roll uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The center slit is positioned in a specific local zone of the bag structure where it will not create high spots during winding. This localized placement ensures that the slit function is maintained while the overall wound roll uniformity is preserved, as the slit is situated in an area that does not interfere with the rolling surface or create uneven thickness distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If bags are continuously connected for efficient dispensing, then productivity is improved, but separation and opening of individual bags becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispensing efficiencyVSAvoidbag separation and opening
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous bag structure is segmented with perforation lines that define individual bag boundaries. These perforation lines are positioned to align with the center slit and gusset structures, creating natural separation points. When a bag is dispensed, the center slit facilitates easy tearing along the perforation line, enabling simple separation while maintaining continuous connection during storage and dispensing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables convenient self-opening of subsequent bags when one is removed, improving user experience and storage efficiency by ensuring the next bag is partially opened, reducing waste and enhancing usability.

Implementation Method 1

C-folding the second plastic tubings at or within the inner gusset point to create six plies in each second plastic tubing wherein the slit seal positioned in step (a) is in a portion having the least number of plies in each individual bag of each second plastic tubing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFolding: Folding

Implementation Method 2

forming heat seals in the second plastic tubings to form the bottom end of individual bags

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat sealing: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP2261130B1Consumer bags and processes of manufacture and dispensing systems for consumer bags
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 HILEX POLY
  • EP2261130B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2261130B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2261130B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A process for manufacturing bags and the resulting bag are disclosed. The bags may be continuously and detachably connected, and continuously and detachably connected bags may be wound onto a roll. In addition, a dispenser is disclosed for storing and dispensing bags. Also disclosed is an apparatus for use in dispensing plastic bags. A dispensing system is disclosed for continuously and detachably connected series of bags and in which the removal of a bag results in the subsequent bag in the series being at least partially opened.