Recloseable Carton With Interlocking End Flaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cartons with recloseable features lack alternative shapes and configurations, limiting their versatility and functionality in holding and dispensing various products effectively.
Innovation Solution
A carton design featuring a plurality of panels with foldably connected end flaps that interlock for closure, allowing for a secure and easy opening mechanism, along with a method and blank for forming such cartons that accommodate different product shapes and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional recloseable carton designs are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the shape and configuration options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The carton is divided into multiple panels (front, back, left side, right side, top, bottom) that can be independently configured and assembled. The end flaps are segmented with distinct first and second flaps at each end, allowing for varied interlocking configurations that create different shapes and orientations while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs complementary geometric features where protruding elements on one flap correspond to recessing elements on the opposing flap, creating a balanced interlocking system. This counterbalancing approach allows for diverse configurations without increasing overall structural complexity, as each added feature has a corresponding counterpart that maintains structural equilibrium
2Reliability
If recloseable features are added to the carton, then product freshness and security are improved, but the opening and closing operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking end flaps are designed to automatically engage and secure themselves when the carton is closed, without requiring additional fastening mechanisms or complex operations. The complementary geometric features (protrusions and recesses) guide the flaps into their locked position naturally, making the reclosing operation as simple as folding the flaps together, thus maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable product security
Solution Approach 2:
The end flaps are pre-configured with specific geometric interlocking features during manufacturing, so that when the user closes the carton, the features are already positioned to engage automatically. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex manual alignment or additional securing steps during the opening and closing operation, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliable engagement
3Adaptability or versatility
If the carton is designed to accommodate various product shapes and sizes, then versatility is improved, but the structural design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The carton structure employs universal panel and flap configurations that can be arranged in different orientations and combinations to accommodate various product shapes and sizes. The same basic panel structure with interlocking end flaps can serve multiple functions by changing the arrangement or dimensions of standard components, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The carton design allows for variation in panel dimensions, flap sizes, and interlocking feature geometries as adjustable parameters. By changing these parameters rather than redesigning the entire structure, the same fundamental design can adapt to different product requirements, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving versatility across various product shapes and sizes
Data Source
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AI summary
A carton for containing a product. The carton comprises a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises a first end panel, a first side panel, a second end panel, and a second side panel. A plurality of end flaps is respectively foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels for closing an end of the carton. The plurality of end flaps comprises a first end flap foldably connected to the first side panel and a second end flap foldably connected to second side panel. The first end flap and the second end flap have cooperating features for interlocking engagement of the end flaps in a closed configuration of the carton.