Hinged Closure with Tear Band for Resealable Container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tamper-evident molded plastic container and closure combinations fail to securely reattach after the tear band is removed, compromising the product's usability and integrity, especially for products consumed over multiple days or weeks.
Innovation Solution
A molded plastic container and closure combination featuring a hinged closure that remains connected to the container, with a reinforcing rib or flange structure and a pair of tear paths creating a hinge area, allowing secure reopening and reattachment after the tear band is removed, enhancing stackability and structural stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tear band is removed to provide tamper-evident opening, then visual evidence of manipulation is provided, but the closure cannot be securely reattached
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is segmented into a main closure body and a separate tear band portion. The tear band contains the tear line and can be removed to provide tamper-evident indication, while the main closure body remains intact and can be reattached to the container. This segmentation allows the tamper-evident function to be isolated to a disposable component while preserving the reusable closure body.
Solution Approach 2:
The tear band is extracted as a separate, removable component from the closure system. It is attached to the closure body only through the tear line, which is designed to break upon removal. Once the tear band is removed, the closure body remains functional and can be resealed, while the removed tear band serves as permanent evidence of opening.
2Ease of operation
If the closure is completely detached after tear band removal, then access to contents is facilitated, but security and integrity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system transitions from a static, permanently attached state to a dynamic system where the tear band can be selectively removed. The hinge connection provides controlled movement, allowing the closure to be opened for access while maintaining the option to return to a closed, secured state. This dynamic capability enables both access and security requirements to be met.
3Strength
If reinforcing structures are added to enhance stackability and structural stability, then container strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing structures serve dual functions: they provide structural stability for stacking and transport, and they are integrated into the closure mechanism to support the hinge connection and tear band attachment. The hinge area and reinforcing ribs are combined features that simultaneously strengthen the container and enable the removable tear band functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A molded plastic container and closure combination in which the closure is provided with a manually removable tear band between upper and lower locking structures. Once the tear band has been removed, it is possible to hinge the closure open while allowing it to remain attached to the container. Various features adding hoop strength and stacking strength are provided. A bail and bottom handle facilitate pouring from the container.