Elastic Interlock Bag Closure With Vertical Locking Ledges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interlock closure systems for storage bags, such as those used in Ziploc® brand bags, suffer from ease of disengagement and lack of effective vertical locking, leading to potential leakage and reduced sealing effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of elastic interlock strips with blocking ledges and angled surfaces that prevent relative vertical movement, combined with monolithic connections at lateral ends, enhances the sealing strength and ensures proper alignment during closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional interlock closure systems are used, then ease of operation is improved, but sealing reliability deteriorates due to easy disengagement and lack of vertical locking
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is divided into two separate interlock strips (first strip and second strip) that can be independently formed and attached to opposite sides of the bag opening. Each strip contains multiple teeth that engage with corresponding gaps in the mating strip, creating distributed sealing points along the closure line that collectively enhance sealing reliability while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a vertical locking dimension to the traditional horizontal interlock mechanism by configuring the teeth and gaps to engage in both horizontal and vertical directions. The overlapping arrangement of teeth from opposite strips creates engagement in multiple spatial dimensions, preventing disengagement forces that would otherwise compromise sealing reliability.
2Reliability
If interlock strips are connected monolithically at lateral ends, then sealing integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the first and second interlock strips at their lateral ends to form a continuous, monolithic closure system. This integration ensures that the strips function as a unified sealing mechanism, preventing leakage at the lateral boundaries while maintaining overall system simplicity through straightforward structural combination.
3Strength
If blocking ledges with angled surfaces are added to prevent vertical movement, then sealing strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking ledges are strategically positioned only at specific locations along the interlock strips where vertical movement prevention is most critical. The angled surfaces of the blocking ledges are configured to provide mechanical interference that resists disengagement forces, enhancing sealing strength at key locations without requiring complex manufacturing processes across the entire closure system.
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
The improved interlock closure system provides enhanced sealing integrity by preventing unintended disengagement and ensuring a secure, watertight seal through vertical locking and guided alignment, thereby reducing leakage risks.
Implementation Method 1
each of said teeth being formed of an elastic material and having an enlarged head
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
A reusable elastomeric bag 10 includes a monolithic interlock closure system 24 including a pair of interlock strips 26A, 26B each of which includes a plurality of teeth 28 sized and spaced to be received in a plurality of mating gaps 30. The interlock integrity is improved by a series of blocking ledges 38 extending outward to block an interior end of the gaps. This serves to prevent movement of the teeth within the interlock plane. Where the interlock strips are secured at one or both lateral ends, the interlock integrity is improved by each strip including a curved end segment 46 terminating at a common end point O. The tangent T to the end segments at this end point will make an angle to the interlock plane.