Two-Directional Sliding Lid Package with Dimple Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a container that can hold both large and small objects, is portable, recloseable, and provides easy access to its contents, while existing sliding lid packages do not fully meet these requirements.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece thermoformed container comprising a tray and a sliding lid with specific structural features such as dimple stops, elongated ribs, and grooves that allow for secure locking and easy opening, ensuring the container remains engaged yet flexible for repeated use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sliding lid package is used to provide easy access to contents, then ease of operation is improved, but the package may not securely hold both large and small objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different structural features at different locations: dimple stops at the rear provide secure anchoring points, while the front allows sliding movement. The side walls have grooves that guide the sliding motion, ensuring the lid moves smoothly while remaining constrained to prevent accidental opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by designing the lid to transition between static (closed/locked) and dynamic (sliding open) states. The dimple stops engage with corresponding features on the lid to lock it in the closed position, while allowing controlled sliding motion when force is applied, providing both security and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If a sliding lid structure is implemented to allow repeated opening and closing, then recloseability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the lid structure into distinct functional zones: a rear portion with dimple engagement features for locking, side portions with grooves for guided sliding, and a front portion for access. This modular approach allows each segment to perform its specific function while contributing to the overall recloseable mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding lid structure is designed to be self-latching through the engagement of dimple stops with corresponding features on the lid. The structure automatically secures itself in the closed position without requiring additional fasteners or complex locking mechanisms, simplifying the overall design while maintaining recloseability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the package is designed to hold various sized objects, then adaptability is improved, but maintaining secure closure becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the sliding lid and tray structure with universal engagement features. The dimple stops and corresponding engagement points, along with the groove-guided sliding mechanism, create a universal system that can securely hold various sized objects while maintaining consistent closure security across different load configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A two piece thermoformed container comprising a tray and a lid for holding large and small objects is provided. The container is portable, recloseable and provides easy access to the contents. The tray includes a front wall, rear wall and opposing side walls. Each side wall defines an elongated rib. The lid comprises front and rear covering portions, a recessed covering portion and side walls. The lid side walls form grooves which receive the tray ribs. The lid is moveable in a sliding fashion in two directions between a fully closed position in which the lid is substantially aligned with the tray and an opened position in which lid is positioned partly forward or rearward with respect to the tray.