Plastic Container Rotary Toggle Closure Tethered Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plastic containers with disposable closures are not designed to be disposed of together with the container, and they cannot be re-closed after initial use, posing environmental concerns and production inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A plastic container formed in a blow mold with a rotary toggle closure and a tether that remains connected to the body, allowing for re-closure and easy recycling, where the closure and tether are formed in one piece with the container body, using the same material for simplicity and environmental sustainability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a disposable closure is used that is molded integrally with the container, then the container can be manufactured inexpensively and simply, but the closure cannot be re-closed after removal and must be disposed of separately
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is segmented into two functional parts: a reusable closure cap that can be removed and reattached, and a disposable integrated portion molded with the container. This segmentation allows the closure to be removed and re-closed multiple times while the integrated portion remains with the container for disposal
Solution Approach 2:
The closure transitions from a static integral mold to a dynamic system where the closure cap can be rotated, removed, and reattached. The retaining strap provides a flexible connection that allows movement between closed and open states while maintaining connection to the container
2Reliability
If a retaining strap is added to keep the closure connected to the container body, then the closure remains attached after twisting, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining strap is merged with the closure and container body through integral molding, creating a unified structure that appears simple despite providing complex retention functionality. The strap is formed as part of the closure assembly rather than being a separate component
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining strap functions as a flexible thin film element that allows the closure to be rotated and removed while maintaining connection to the container. Its flexibility enables the closure to move between positions without breaking the connection
3Ease of manufacture
If the closure and container are made from the same material, then recycling is simplified, but the closure must still be separated for proper disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system segments the disposable and reusable portions, allowing the closure cap to be removed and potentially reused while the integrated portion with the container is disposed of together. This segmentation eliminates the need to separate materials for disposal
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a plastic container (11) which is blown in a blow mold, having a body (13), on which an opening (15) is provided, and a disposable closure (17), which closes the opening (15) and is formed in the blow mold together with the body (13). A holding strip (19) with a first end and a second end (21, 23) is also formed in the blow mold together with the body (13) and the disposable closure (17). The first end (21) is permanently fixed to the body (13), and the second end (23) is permanently fixed to the closure (17). The body (13), the disposable closure (17), and the holding strip (19) are formed as a single piece.