Resealable Label Hinge With Intermittent Cuts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional 'peel and seal' label flaps for wipe dispensing packages are either complex, expensive, or fail to stay open without external force, hindering one-handed operation.

Innovation Solution

A flexible resealable label with a polymeric sheet featuring a flap portion and base portion, connected by a hinge with intermittent cuts to relieve bending stress, allowing the flap to pivot and stay open without external force, constructed from materials like polypropylene or polyethylene, enabling easy one-handed dispensing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional peel and seal label flaps are used, then the dispensing opening can be covered, but the flap fails to stay open without external force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflap staying openVSAvoidone-handed dispensing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The label flap is designed with a hinge region that allows dynamic movement between closed and open positions. The hinge creates a pivot point that enables the flap to transition from a static cover to a dynamically controllable element that can stay open during dispensing operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The label is divided into distinct functional regions: a base portion that remains attached to the package, a hinge region that provides flexible connection, and a flap portion that can be opened and closed. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If conventional peel and seal label flaps are used, then the dispensing opening can be covered, but the construction becomes complex or expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing opening coverageVSAvoidlabel construction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The entire label is constructed from a single flexible material that provides both structural integrity and flexibility. This homogeneous construction eliminates the need for multiple layers or complex assemblies, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining functional reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

Solution Approach 2:

The label integrates multiple functions into a single structure: the base portion provides attachment, the hinge region provides movement, and the flap portion provides coverage. This merging of functions into one unified component reduces overall complexity compared to separate mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3137388B1Resealable label with hinge for use with dispenser package, and package having same

Publication Date: 2019.05.15 KIMBERLY CLARK WORLDWIDE INC

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Figure 2A

AI summary

A flexible resealable label to cover a dispensing opening includes a polymeric sheet having flap and base portions. The flap portion has a hinge side and a lifting side. The hinge side is connected to the base portion along a hinge, such that the flap portion can pivot with respect to the base portion about an axis of rotation. In one embodiment, the hinge is defined by a straight line of intermittent cuts, and each cut extends all the way through the sheet thickness, and the line of cuts resides in the hinge axis of rotation. In another embodiment, the flap portion has a hinge side edge defined by a straight line of intermittent cuts. Connecting strips extend from the hinge side edge into the base portion. Each connecting strip terminates at the axis of rotation, and the line of intermittent cuts does not reside in the axis of rotation.