Paper Bag With Segmented Adhesive Closure And Tear-Off Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional paper containers, such as sacks and envelopes, are not adaptable in size and are not reusable, leading to inefficiencies in packaging and shipping, particularly in e-commerce, where items often do not fit properly and return packaging is wasteful, and existing shipping containers are often too large, wasting space and resources.

Innovation Solution

A paper container with a handle, a folded and glued bottom, and two adhesive elements that can be activated separately, allowing the opening to be closed and reopened for reuse, along with a tear-off element for access, enabling size adjustment and recyclability, and potentially incorporating a ventilation path to prevent bursting under additional load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional paper containers are used, then they are simple and inexpensive to manufacture, but they cannot be adjusted in size and are not reusable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize adaptabilityVSAvoidcontainer structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into a body and a separate closure element (envelope back) that can be detached and reattached. This segmentation enables the container to be opened, closed, and reused multiple times while maintaining structural integrity and size adaptability through different closure configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container incorporates dynamic closure mechanisms with adhesive elements that can be activated or deactivated. The closure element can be positioned in different states (open, partially closed, fully closed) allowing the container to adapt its sealing degree based on storage and transport requirements, enhancing both adaptability and reusability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of stationary object

If conventional shipping boxes are used, then they are available in standard sizes, but they are often too large for the products, wasting space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshipping volumeVSAvoidsize matching
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The closure element can be positioned at different locations around the container opening, allowing the effective volume of the container to be adjusted. This dynamic positioning enables optimal space utilization for products of varying sizes while maintaining the same container body, eliminating the need for multiple box sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The container's effective storage volume parameter can be changed by repositioning the closure element. This allows the same physical container to serve multiple volume requirements, adapting to different product sizes and reducing wasted shipping space without requiring a family of different-sized containers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If tear-off strips are used for opening containers, then access is easy, but the container cannot be reused

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening easeVSAvoidreusability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The closure system is segmented into a tear-off portion for easy initial opening and a reusable adhesive portion for subsequent closures. The tear-off element provides straightforward access while the remaining adhesive closure mechanism enables multiple reuse cycles, combining the benefits of easy opening with reusability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tear-off element is extracted as a separate, disposable component from the main closure system. This extracted element performs the single function of initial opening easily, while the remaining container structure with adhesive elements retains full reusability for multiple closure and opening cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If adhesive elements are used for closing containers, then sealing is secure, but they cannot be activated separately for selective closure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosure securityVSAvoidadhesive activation system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive closure system is segmented into multiple independently activatable adhesive elements positioned at different locations on the closure element. This segmentation allows selective activation of individual adhesive elements based on storage needs, while each element maintains secure sealing capability when activated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive elements are designed to be dynamically activatable through simple actions such as peeling off protective covers or applying pressure. This dynamic activation capability allows the closure security to be adjusted on-demand without complex mechanisms, maintaining reliability while enabling flexible, selective closure of different container sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3250464B1Container composed of paper, in particular a paper bag
Publication Date: 2018.12.26 MONDI AG
  • EP3250464B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3250464B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a container (1) composed of paper, in particular a paper bag, which has an opening (4), characterized by at least two adhesion elements (8, 10) for closing the opening (4), which can be activated separately, and at least one tear-open element (12), by means of which the opening (4) can be opened if the opening has been closed by means of a first of the at least two adhesion elements (8) and by means of which the opening (4) cannot be opened if the opening has been closed by means of a second of the at least two adhesion elements (10).