Slider Bag Handle Below Zipper Track

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional polymeric bags with handles at the top suffer from stress distribution issues that can cause handle rips and premature opening of closure assemblies, and the handle location hinders access to the closure mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A reclosable polymeric bag design with a handle assembly attached below the closure assembly, ensuring that the stress from the bag's contents is distributed away from the closure, and the handles are positioned to not obstruct the opening or closing of the closure mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If handles are positioned at the top portion of the bag above the closure assembly, then the bag provides easy carrying access, but the handles obstruct access to the closure assembly and cause stress concentration leading to handle rips and premature closure opening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to closure assemblyVSAvoidclosure assembly integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The handle assembly is inverted from its conventional position above the closure assembly to a position below the closure assembly. This inversion resolves the contradiction by eliminating obstruction to closure access while maintaining carrying functionality, and by relocating stress application away from the closure assembly to prevent premature opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle assembly is repositioned from a vertical arrangement (above closure) to a different spatial dimension (below closure), creating clear separation between the handle function zone and closure function zone. This dimensional relocation allows both functions to operate independently without interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If handles are positioned at the top portion of the bag, then the bag structure is simplified, but the stress from bag contents causes handle rips and premature opening of closure assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebag structureVSAvoidclosure assembly stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the handle position from above to below the closure assembly, the design maintains structural simplicity while fundamentally changing the stress distribution pattern. The closure assembly is no longer subjected to lifting stresses, preventing premature opening while keeping the overall bag structure straightforward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If handles are positioned below the closure assembly, then stress from bag contents is distributed away from the closure assembly, but the handle may be less accessible for carrying

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure assembly protectionVSAvoidhandle accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The bag is segmented into distinct functional zones: the upper portion dedicated to closure operations and the lower portion dedicated to handling. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its function optimally without interference, with the closure assembly fully accessible and the handle positioned for effective stress distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9555931B2Slider bag with handle below the zipper track

Publication Date: 2017.01.31 REYNOLDS CONSUMER PRODUCTS LLC

AI summary

A bag including opposing panels, a closed bottom and a reclosable top. The bag further includes a closure assembly along the reclosable top and a handle assembly joined to one of the panels.