Reclosable Package Closure With Dual Zipper Profiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a reclosable package that can be opened and closed multiple times while maintaining the security and integrity of its contents, such that it cannot be readily reopened without damage, suitable for applications like legal evidence or financial instruments.

Innovation Solution

A closure assembly featuring a zipper closure arrangement with first and second zipper profiles that selectively interlock, including a slider device to move between axial positions, allowing the package to be closed in a manner that prevents subsequent reopening, utilizing a zipper closure arrangement with first and second closures where the second closure becomes irreversibly mated.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a reclosable package uses a standard zipper closure, then it can be opened and closed multiple times, but it cannot prevent unauthorized reopening once opened

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereclosabilityVSAvoidtamper evidence

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The closure system is divided into two distinct segments: a first closure (reclosable zipper) and a second closure (irreversible snap-fit). Each segment serves a different function - the first allows repeated opening/closing while the second provides permanent sealing. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the reclosability function from the tamper-evidence function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The closure system transitions from a static single-function zipper to a dynamic multi-state system. The slider can be positioned at different locations along the zipper track, enabling the first closure to be opened and closed while the second closure remains engaged. This dynamic positioning allows the package to adapt between reclosable and tamper-evident states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a package is designed to be opened and closed multiple times, then it provides convenience for depositing contents, but it loses the ability to secure contents against tampering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience for depositing contentsVSAvoidunauthorized access

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The package is designed with a preliminary reclosable closure that facilitates easy depositing of contents, followed by a secondary irreversible closure that is engaged after the contents are deposited. This preliminary action allows convenient operation during the depositing phase while ensuring security is established in the subsequent phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If a single closure mechanism is used, then the device complexity is low, but it cannot provide both reclosability and irreversible sealing functions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure mechanismVSAvoiddual closure function

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Two distinct closure mechanisms (reclosable zipper and irreversible snap-fit) are merged into a single integrated closure assembly. The slider mechanism controls both closures simultaneously, and both closures are positioned along the same zipper track. This merging allows the system to provide dual functions (reclosability and irreversible sealing) without requiring separate independent closure systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The closure assembly is designed as a universal system that can perform multiple functions: it can close and reopen the package multiple times using the first closure, and it can also provide permanent sealing using the second closure. The slider mechanism serves as a universal control element that operates both closure types, enabling the single closure assembly to adapt to different sealing needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7946003B2Package closure and method

Publication Date: 2011.05.24 REYNOLDS PRESTO PRODUCTS INC

AI summary

A reclosable tamper-evident package is opened and closed repeatedly by opening and closing a first closure of a package, and when it is desired to close the package and provide an indication of further opening, a second closure is closed that cannot readily be opened. The tamper evident package has a closure assembly that includes a zipper closure arrangement with a slider device. In one embodiment, the slider device is movable between a first axial position and a second axial position. When the slider device is in the first axial position, moving the slider device laterally along the zipper closure arrangement in a first direction closes the first closure. When the slider device is in the second axial position, moving the slider device laterally along the zipper closure arrangement in a first direction closes both the first closure and the second closure. A method of using a package includes grasping a slider device and moving the slider device laterally in a first direction to close the first closure and to permanently close the second closure.