Resilient Bag Closure Strip for Recyclable Permanent Reclosure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reclosure devices for flexible bags, such as tin ties with metallic wires, complicate recycling due to the inclusion of non-recyclable materials and often detach easily, leading to inconvenience and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A resilient, elongated polymeric strip with integrated fasteners and adhesive attachment for permanent closure, utilizing structural memory properties to retain the bag flap in a folded configuration without relying on deadfold properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tin ties with metallic wires are used for reclosure, then the bag can be securely closed, but the recycling process becomes complicated due to non-recyclable materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metallic wire (non-recyclable) to polymeric material (recyclable), maintaining the closure function while enabling recycling. The resilient polymeric strip provides similar securing capability through elastic deformation and structural memory properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure device uses a composite structure combining polymeric strip with adhesive layers, creating a recyclable alternative to metallic tin ties. The composite material approach allows the closure to be integrated with the bag material for unified recycling.
2Reliability
If tin ties are used for reclosure, then the bag opening can be sealed, but the closure often detaches easily leading to inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the closure function with the bag structure by permanently attaching the resilient strip to the bag material. This integration ensures the closure remains attached during handling while still allowing easy opening and closing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient strip utilizes its own elastic properties and structural memory to maintain closure retention without external fastening mechanisms. The material's inherent resilience provides continuous retention force, eliminating the need for additional attachment components.
3Reliability
If deadfold properties are used for closure, then the tin tie can retain the bag flap, but the mechanism becomes complex and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the deadfold property requirement from the closure mechanism by using a resilient strip that retains flaps through elastic deformation and structural memory. This eliminates the need for complex deadfold mechanisms while maintaining reliable flap retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical deadfold system with a polymeric resilient strip that uses material elasticity and structural memory properties. This substitution simplifies the mechanism by using the material's inherent properties rather than complex mechanical interlocking.
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
Provides a recyclable, secure, and convenient reclosure mechanism that maintains bag closure effectively, enhancing product longevity and ease of use while facilitating recycling.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing structural memory properties to retain the bag flap in a folded configuration without relying on deadfold properties
Implementation Method 2
The reclosure article is configured for permanent attachment to a flexible container
Data Source
AI summary
A reclosure article is configured for permanent attachment to a flexible container. The article includes a resilient, elongated strip including first and second fasteners proximate each of two opposed ends, wherein at least the first fastener includes a slot configured to receive one of first and second opposite side edges of the flexible container. A method is described for closing a flexible container using a reclosure article that is permanently attached to the container. The method includes inserting one of first and second opposite side edges of the flexible container into a slot of the article.