Flexible Band Closure Device for Package Reclosure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reclosure devices for packages, whether pre-attached or separate, face issues such as being difficult to manipulate, prone to damage, costly, not practical for small bags or boxes, and pose safety hazards like being swallowed by children, while also failing to effectively keep contents fresh due to air exposure.

Innovation Solution

An attachable closure device featuring a base member with a resilient expandable band, adhesive layer, and a release agent, which can be used to securely reseal packages and optionally include a skin sanitizing agent, allowing for easy application and removal while maintaining freshness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If pre-attached closure devices are constructed into packages during manufacture, then the closure is integrated with the package, but the closure becomes difficult to manipulate or is destroyed upon opening the package

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of closure with packageVSAvoidmanipulability of closure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The closure device is divided into separate components: a resilient band and a base member with adhesive. This segmentation allows the closure to be applied separately to the package rather than being integrated during manufacture, improving manipulability while maintaining the ability to secure the package effectively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive layer is prepared in advance on the base member with a release liner protecting it. This preliminary preparation allows the closure to be easily applied by simply peeling off the release liner and pressing the base member onto the package, making the closure easy to manipulate and apply without complex assembly steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If pre-attached closure devices are constructed into packages during manufacture, then the closure is integrated with the package, but the closure is destroyed upon opening the package rendering it useless

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of closure with packageVSAvoidreusability of closure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The closure device is designed as a disposable product with an adhesive base member that can be applied to the package and then discarded after use. The resilient band is attached to the base member and can be removed and reapplied multiple times before the adhesive loses effectiveness, providing reliable closure for the intended use period

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If separate closure devices are purchased and applied by the user, then the closure is easy to apply, but the closure devices are bulky and permit excess air in the package

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of applicationVSAvoidsize of closure device

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The closure device uses a thin, flexible resilient band that can be wrapped around the package opening and a flat base member with adhesive that adheres to the package surface. This design creates a compact, space-efficient closure that conforms to the package shape without adding significant bulk, while still effectively sealing the package to minimize air exposure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Ease of operation

If separate closure devices like butterfly clips are used, then the closure is easy to apply, but the closure is expensive and not practical on small bags

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of applicationVSAvoidcost of closure device

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The closure device uses pressure-sensitive adhesive that activates upon application to the package. This chemical parameter change allows for easy application without mechanical fastening mechanisms, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining ease of use on various package sizes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

5Device complexity

If rubber bands are used as reclosure devices, then the closure is simple and inexpensive, but the rubber bands can be easily lost and are dangerous as they can be swallowed by small children

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of closure deviceVSAvoidsafety hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 device effectively secures package contents, prevents air exposure, and incorporates a sanitizing agent, addressing the shortcomings of prior reclosure devices by being easy to use, safe, and adaptable to various package sizes, thereby extending the freshness of perishable items.

Implementation Method 1

an adhesive layer on a surface of the base member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

a resilient expandable band coupled to and extending from the base member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8720725B2Container reclosure device having a flexible band

Publication Date: 2014.05.13 ABRAMS KENNETH A

AI summary

An attachable closure device for reclosing contains a base member, a resilient expandable band coupled to and extending from the base member, an adhesive layer on a surface of the base member, and a release agent on the adhesive layer. The release agent is housed in a coating on a release support layer, which may be coupled to the base member and unitary with the base member. The resilient, expandable band may be coupled and retained to the attachable closure device solely by a portion of the unitary base member-release support layer.