Elastic Drawstring Trash Bag Integrated Short Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drawstring trash bags often fail to securely fit over the upper lip of trash receptacles, leading to potential bag displacement as the bag is filled, and existing elastic drawstring solutions compromise closure integrity and prevent debris retention.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an integrated short seal configuration with an H-shaped arrangement of outer, inner, and intermediate seal sections that form a continuous sealed surface, reducing the sealed area while maintaining consistent pressure for secure closure and stretching over receptacle rims.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional drawstring trash bag is used, then the bag can be filled with trash, but the bag fails to securely fit over the upper lip of the trash receptacle and may fall into the receptacle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the drawstring by incorporating elastic material, allowing it to stretch and contract. This enables the drawstring to expand when pulled for placement over the receptacle lip and then contract to secure the bag firmly in place, resolving the contradiction between secure fit and ease of placement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic behavior to the drawstring system by using elastic material that can transition between stretched and contracted states. The drawstring dynamically adapts its configuration during placement (stretched for ease of operation) and during use (contracted for secure fit), resolving the contradiction between these two operational requirements
2Reliability
If elastic drawstring solutions are used to help the bag fit over receptacles, then the bag can be secured over the upper lip, but closure integrity is compromised and debris retention is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sealing function into two distinct components: the elastic drawstring handles the function of securing the bag over the receptacle lip, while the separate heat-sealed tabs handle the function of closure integrity and debris retention. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between secure fit and debris retention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces heat-sealed tabs as an intermediary element between the elastic drawstring and the bag opening. These tabs provide a rigid, sealed barrier that prevents debris leakage while working in conjunction with the elastic drawstring for secure placement, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of elasticity for fit and rigidity for sealing
3Strength
If large seal areas are used to secure the drawstring, then the drawstring is firmly attached, but heat distribution during manufacturing is poor and debris retention is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the seal into multiple smaller sections rather than using a large continuous seal. This segmentation improves heat distribution during manufacturing by allowing heat to penetrate more effectively into smaller, divided areas, while still providing sufficient attachment strength through the distributed seal sections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different seal characteristics to different locations: the heat-sealed tabs provide localized, concentrated sealing strength at specific points where needed for attachment, while the overall seal area is reduced to improve heat distribution. This local optimization resolves the contradiction between attachment strength and manufacturing quality
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
This configuration enhances the bag's ability to securely fit over trash receptacles, reduces the risk of displacement, and maintains closure integrity by minimizing the sealed area for improved debris retention and heat distribution during manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic drawstring enclosed within the first hem and a second elastic drawstring enclosed within the second hem
Implementation Method 2
A first outer seal section welds together the first panel, the first drawstring, the second drawstring and the second panel
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to polymeric bags, particularly polymeric drawstring trash bags. The present invention comprises a trash bag having an elastic drawstring. The elastic drawstring trash bag features an integrated short seal comprising an inner seal, an outer seal, and an intermediate seal. The integrated short seal functions to reduce the upper opening of the drawstring trash bag, while the elastic drawstring utilized with the bag provides a bag that allows the bag to fit snugly on many common trash receptacles.