Pull-Tab Seal With Partial Laminate Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container sealing technologies face difficulties in providing a removable seal that is easy to grasp and remove, while also maintaining effective heat sealing, especially in large containers, due to the additional layers required for forming tabs which can hinder heat transfer and lead to uneven melting of intervening wax layers in two-piece seal and liner combinations.
Innovation Solution
A pull-tab sealing member with an upper laminate forming a grip tab wholly within the perimeter of the seal, using a partial layer structure that does not extend the full width of the sealing member, allowing for a larger gripping area with reduced material and adhesive usage, and enabling improved heat transfer by exposing the center portions of the seal, thus facilitating easy separation of the liner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a full layer of material and adhesive is used to form a top tab on the seal, then the grasping area for consumers is increased, but the heat transfer to the container rim is hindered and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The seal structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first laminate layer providing the base seal, a second laminate layer forming the tab structure, and a heat-activated adhesive layer positioned only at the periphery. This segmentation allows the tab to extend grasping area while the peripheral adhesive configuration ensures efficient heat transfer to the container rim without the interference of full-layer adhesive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat-activated adhesive layer is applied locally only at the peripheral region of the seal rather than as a full layer across the entire seal surface. This local quality approach provides sufficient bonding at the critical sealing edge while minimizing material that would impede heat transfer, directly resolving the contradiction between bonding effectiveness and heat transfer efficiency.
2Strength
If a full layer of adhesive is used to secure the tab to the seal, then the tab attachment strength is improved, but the heat sealing performance deteriorates due to interference with heat transfer
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying adhesive across the entire seal surface (excessive action), the heat-activated adhesive layer is applied partially only at the peripheral region where it is most needed for sealing. This partial action provides sufficient tab attachment strength at the critical bonding zone while avoiding the negative effect of full-layer adhesive coverage on heat transfer and sealing performance.
3Ease of operation
If side tabs are made large to provide adequate grasping surface area, then consumer ease of operation is improved, but the tabs deform or wrinkle when the closure is placed on the container
Solution Approach 1:
The tab structure transitions from a lateral extension (side tab) to a vertical/dominant structure where the second laminate layer extends primarily in the direction perpendicular to the seal's peripheral edge. This dimensional reorientation allows the tab to provide adequate grasping surface area while being positioned away from the closure threads, preventing deformation and wrinkling when the closure is placed on the container.
4Strength
If the upper laminate extends the full width of the sealing member to form a tab, then the tab structure is more robust, but the material usage and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The laminate structure is segmented such that the second laminate layer forming the tab does not extend the full width of the sealing member but rather is positioned to form the tab structure only where needed. This segmentation reduces material usage and simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining tab structural robustness through optimized layer positioning and configuration.
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
This solution provides a removable seal with enhanced grasping functionality and improved heat transfer, ensuring effective separation of the liner from the sealing member, even in large containers, by minimizing the material and adhesive layers that impede heat transfer, thus addressing the shortcomings of prior tabbed seals.
Implementation Method 1
the lower heat activated sealing layer to secure a periphery of the seal to a rim or other upper surface surrounding a container's opening. Upon exposing the seal to heat, the lower layer bonded to the container rim.
Implementation Method 2
These prior seals included a foil layer capable of forming induction heat to activate the lower heat seal layer.
Data Source
AI summary
A pull-tab sealing member for a container containing an upper laminate defining a circular segment and forming a pull-tab bonded to a lower laminate capable of being heat sealed to a container's mouth or opening. The upper laminate defines the pull tab wholly within a perimeter or circumference of the seal, but the upper laminate does not extend the full width of the sealing member in order to define the gripping tab.