Multi-Piece Handle for Flexible Reclosable Packages

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional package handles interfere with accessing products within the package, often causing damage to the packaging when removed, especially for bulk purchases where consumers want to store products in their original packaging for convenience and protection.

Innovation Solution

A flexible package with a multi-piece handle system that includes straps positioned over a reclosable opening, allowing for easy carrying and storage by detaching and reattaching the handle without damaging the package, using pressure-sensitive adhesives or other detachable connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional handle is attached to the package using pressure-sensitive adhesive, then the package can be easily carried, but the handle interferes with accessing products within the package and requires removal that tears a hole in the package

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarrying convenienceVSAvoidpackage damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is divided into multiple separate components: a first handle portion and a second handle portion. These portions are detachably connected through a connection mechanism (such as a tab and slot, or adhesive that can be removed without damage). This segmentation allows the handle to be easily separated into two parts that can be accessed independently, enabling product retrieval without removing the entire handle from the package, thus preventing package damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If the handle is designed as a single integrated piece, then the structure is simple and strong, but it blocks access to the reclosable opening and requires complete removal for product access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle structural integrityVSAvoidproduct accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is divided into multiple separate components: a first handle portion and a second handle portion. These portions are detachably connected through a connection mechanism (such as a tab and slot, or adhesive that can be removed without damage). This segmentation allows the handle to be easily separated into two parts that can be accessed independently, enabling product retrieval without removing the entire handle from the package, thus preventing package damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the handle uses permanent adhesive attachment, then the handle remains securely attached during carrying and storage, but it cannot be removed without tearing the package

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle attachment securityVSAvoidpackage integrity loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the first handle portion and second handle portion is designed to be dynamic rather than permanent. The detachable connection mechanism (tab and slot, or removable adhesive) allows the handle to transition between attached and separated states. This dynamic connection maintains secure attachment during carrying while enabling separation for product access without damaging the package, as the connection can be cleanly detached and reattached.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables consumers to comfortably carry and store bulk products by allowing easy access to items within the package without compromising the packaging's integrity, facilitating convenient and protected storage.

Implementation Method 1

using pressure-sensitive adhesives or other detachable connections

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-sensitive adhesive: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS10479559B2Package with a multi-piece handle

Publication Date: 2019.11.19 GPCP IP HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

A package has a flexible package body and a handle for carrying the package. The flexible package body has at least six faces and a reclosable opening on a face of the flexible package body. The handle is positioned over the reclosable opening and has a first strap, a second strap, and a connection portion. The first strap includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the first strap is attached to one face of the package body. The second strap includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the second strap is attached to another face of the package body that is opposite to the face that is attached to the first strap. The connection portion is located on the second end of the second strap and is detachably engaged to the second end of the first strap.