Flexible Storage Bag With Movable Barrier For Compartment Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage bags lack a simple and effective way to separate moist or wet components from dry components without requiring large, unnecessary packaging, limiting their usability for mixed food items or other items that need separation.

Innovation Solution

A flexible storage bag with an inner barrier that can be positioned to divide the storage area into distinct sections, allowing for separate storage of moist and dry items, and featuring a zipper closure with a loop for easy opening and hanging, along with optional offset tabs and a graphical image puzzle for user interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a storage bag is designed to separate moist and dry components, then storage functionality is improved, but the bag size increases unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage functionalityVSAvoidbag size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The storage bag is segmented into multiple compartments by an internal divider that can be positioned at different locations within the bag. This divider creates separate storage sections for moist and dry components while maintaining a compact overall bag size, eliminating the need for oversized packaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The internal divider is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing users to adjust its position along the length of the bag. This dynamic positioning enables flexible compartment configuration to match different storage needs while keeping the bag size standardized and space-efficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If an internal barrier is added to divide storage areas, then separation capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation capabilityVSAvoidbag structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The internal barrier is constructed from flexible material that can be easily inserted, removed, and repositioned within the bag. This flexible film approach provides effective separation capability while avoiding complex rigid structures, maintaining simplicity in the overall bag design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS9011004B2Flexible storage bag

Publication Date: 2015.04.21 PAULIN KATHY WOOD

AI summary

A flexible storage bag defines an inner storage area within which is provided a flexible barrier. A user can select a first storage mode wherein the flexible barrier is positioned to one side such that only a single storage zone is available for storing products; or a dual storage mode wherein the barrier divides the storage area into first and second storage zones. The bag preferably includes an upper closure assembly having a loop extending therefrom to aid a user in sealing the bag, as well as potentially hanging the bag from a hook. The bag optionally includes a lower closure assembly on the flexible barrier for selectively sealing one of the multiple storage zones. Offset tabs may be provided to aid a user in opening the bag. In some embodiments, the bag includes a graphical image puzzle constituting multiple graphic images that combine to form a completed image.