Pivotable Tabs Hold Package Open by Inhibiting Seam Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible containers with re-sealable openings often spring back to a closed configuration when not held open, making it difficult to maintain access to their contents.
Innovation Solution
A device with a circumferential strip and pivotable tabs that secure to the package opening, allowing the package to be held in a gaping configuration by inhibiting folding at the side seams when the tabs are in folded-out positions, enabling easy access while still allowing closure without resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexible containers are used with re-sealable openings, then ease of operation is improved, but the container springs back to closed configuration making it difficult to maintain open state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the circumferential strip and tabs movable rather than fixed. The strip can transition between folded and unfolded states, and tabs can pivot between positioned and retracted positions. This dynamic structure allows the container to be held open when tabs are extended, yet easily closed when tabs are retracted, resolving the contradiction between maintaining open state and ease of closing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action through the tabs that protrude outward to pre-emptively prevent the side seams from folding back together. By having tabs extend beyond the container periphery, they create a mechanical barrier that stops the natural spring-back motion before the opening can close, maintaining the open configuration without continuous force.
2Stability of the object's composition
If tabs are made pivotable to hold open configuration, then ability to maintain open state is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible thin film material for both the circumferential strip and tabs, allowing them to be pivotable and movable without rigid mechanical joints. The flexibility of the thin film material enables the tabs to pivot and the strip to fold back and forth, providing the needed movement and positioning capability while keeping the structure simple and avoiding complex mechanical assemblies.
3Ease of operation
If circumferential strip is made flexible to allow gaping configuration, then ease of operation is improved, but side walls spring back together making access difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the circumferential strip into two functional parts: the main strip body that provides flexibility and the extended tabs that provide holding function. The tabs act as separate elements that can be positioned independently to maintain side wall separation, while the strip body remains flexible for easy operation. This segmentation allows the flexible container to maintain its open state when tabs are extended.
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
The device effectively retains the package opening in a gaping configuration, facilitating easy access to contents while allowing the package to be closed without significant resistance, enhancing usability and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
Each one of the pair of tabs is coupled to the circumferential strip with a hinge. The pair of tabs are pivotable about the hinges in opposite directions away from the opening axis to respective folded-out positions.
Implementation Method 2
The pair of side seams are formed as hinges.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~4B
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A device for selectively retaining a package opening in a gaping configuration and a package including the device applied to a package body. The device includes a circumferential strip with side seams formed as hinges. One or more tabs extend in a first axial direction from an upper edge of the circumferential strip at the side seams. Each tab is coupled to the circumferential strip with a hinge. The tabs are pivotable about the hinges in opposite directions away from the opening axis to respective folded-out positions, which inhibits the device from folding at the side seams and retains a gaping open configuration of the device and package.