Flush Closure Ends on Large Format Bags
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing large format bag closures are aesthetically unpleasing and cumbersome, with flanges extending beyond the bag sides, leading to inefficiencies in fill-seal operations and susceptibility to insect infiltration.
Innovation Solution
A closure system where the ends are flush with the bag sides, featuring notched side gussets pinned or glued, and a zipper that interlocks with specific profiles to prevent pest infiltration and reduce machinery interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large flanged closure is used with flanges extending beyond the bag sides, then the closure provides adequate sealing function, but the closure becomes aesthetically unpleasing and cumbersome in fill-seal operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the external flanges that extended beyond the bag sides, extracting only the essential sealing function while eliminating the cumbersome portions. The closure is redesigned to integrate with the bag structure, with the reclosure mechanism positioned within the bag walls rather than extending outward, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining sealing reliability.
2Reliability
If a large flanged closure is used with flanges extending beyond the bag sides, then the closure provides adequate sealing function, but the closure becomes aesthetically unpleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the external flanges that created aesthetic issues, retaining only the functional sealing elements within the bag structure. The reclosure mechanism is positioned internally, eliminating the unsightly external protrusions while preserving the sealing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The reclosure mechanism is nested within the bag walls rather than extending externally. The closure ends are positioned within the side walls of the bag, creating a clean external appearance while maintaining the sealing function through internal positioning of the reclosure tracks and sliders.
3Reliability
If the closure ends extend beyond the bag sides, then the closure provides adequate sealing function, but the closure ends have increased propensity to catch on machinery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the external portions of the closure that extended beyond the bag sides, eliminating the parts that would catch on machinery. The reclosure mechanism is extracted from the external space and repositioned within the bag structure, preventing interference with fill-seal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the closure from a three-dimensional external structure to a two-dimensional internal feature. By positioning the reclosure mechanism within the plane of the bag walls rather than extending outward, the closure eliminates protrusions that would interfere with machinery while maintaining sealing function.
4Reliability
If the closure ends extend beyond the bag sides, then the closure provides adequate sealing function, but the closure is susceptible to insect or pest infiltration
Solution Approach 1:
The reclosure mechanism is nested within the bag walls, creating an internal sealed environment. By positioning the reclosure tracks and sliders within the bag structure rather than externally, the patent eliminates gaps and openings that would allow insect or pest infiltration while maintaining the sealing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the external flanges that created potential entry points for pests. By extracting the closure mechanism from the external space and repositioning it internally, the patent eliminates the structural features that would facilitate insect or pest infiltration.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a reclosure, closure or zipper on a large format package or bag that is mounted to the top of the package or bag, which may be formed from a tube of polymeric material, with the ends of the reclosure, closure or zipper flush to the sides of the bag. The upper corners of the package or bag includes notches in the gussets. The area of the package walls around the notches is pinned, glued or sealed together and the closure is attached to the package walls. The ends of the reclosure, closure or zipper are flush with the side edges or seals of the package or bag.