Container Locking Tab Mechanism for Damage-Free Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional containers used for transporting and displaying products often require two-handed operation to close and lock the top, which can damage delicate contents and the panels themselves, and may not provide complete coverage due to the need for downward motion during locking.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a top with four panels and a locking tab on the bottommost panel that is pulled up to overlap the topmost panel for closure, eliminating the need for downward motion and allowing secure locking without damaging the contents or panels, using a configuration where the locking tab is easily unlocked and locked multiple times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional two-handed closing method is used, then the top can be locked, but the contents may be bruised or damaged due to downward motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional closing motion by having the locking tab on the bottommost panel move upward over the topmost panel instead of pushing downward. This reverse motion achieves secure locking while eliminating contact with and potential damage to the container contents.
2Reliability
If downward motion is used to lock the top, then the locking can be achieved, but the panels themselves may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying downward force that could damage panels, the invention uses upward motion of the locking tab to achieve secure engagement. This inverted approach maintains panel integrity while ensuring reliable locking.
3Ease of operation
If a slit is provided in the topmost panel for access, then access to bottommost panel is possible, but the top is not completely covered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces side openings as intermediary access points that allow the locking tab to be manipulated without compromising the integrity and complete coverage of the top panels. The side openings provide a path for finger access while maintaining full top coverage.
4Reliability
If conventional locking method is used, then the top can be closed, but two hands are required for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the locking function from a two-handed operation to a single-handed operation by positioning the locking tab on the bottommost panel and providing side openings for finger access. This allows one hand to perform both the locking action while the other hand is freed for other tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
A container and a method of forming a container having a locking closure and a method of forming the locking closure. The container includes bottom, side and top walls and at least one of the walls being an opening wall formed of panels which provide an opening to an interior of the container and which overlap to provide the locking a closure of the opening wall. In a closed condition of the container, a bottommost panel of the opening wall is partially overlapped by adjacent panels of the opening wall and a topmost panel of the opening wall located opposite the bottommost panel partially overlaps the adjacent panels and the bottommost panel. A tab of the bottommost panel is lifted upwardly to partially overlap the topmost panel to form the locking closure.