Adjustable thermally insulating beverage jacket

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current koozies are not adjustable and lack adaptability for various sizes and configurations of beverage containers, including those with handles, making them difficult or impossible to use effectively.

Innovation Solution

A thermally insulating beverage jacket with a flexible body, base portion, handle insertion portion, and adjustable fasteners that can accommodate different sizes and configurations, using materials like neoprene for thermal insulation and flexibility, and allowing connection under handles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a koozie is designed with a fixed size and shape, then it is simple to manufacture and use, but it cannot accommodate various sizes and configurations of beverage containers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to various beverage container sizes and configurationsVSAvoidstructural complexity of adjustable components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The koozie incorporates an adjustable closure system with movable components that allow the opening diameter to be dynamically changed. The closure member can be positioned at different locations around the flexible body, enabling the koozie to adapt to various container sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible body is designed to be collapsible and expandable, allowing its dimensional parameters (opening diameter, height) to be changed according to the container being insulated. This parameter adjustability enables versatility without requiring multiple different koozie designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a koozie is made rigid to maintain shape, then it provides stable insulation, but it cannot accommodate containers with handles or irregular shapes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of containers with handlesVSAvoidstructural stability for effective insulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The koozie employs a flexible body made of insulating material that can conform to various container shapes including those with handles. The flexibility allows the koozie to wrap around irregular geometries while the material itself provides the necessary thermal insulation properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The closure system is segmented into separate components (closure member, opening, fastening elements) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the koozie to adapt to containers with handles by placing the closure away from handle areas while maintaining insulation stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a koozie is designed to be adjustable, then it can fit various container sizes, but it becomes more difficult to use and operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize adjustment capabilityVSAvoidease of adjustment and fastening

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The closure system incorporates self-fastening elements that automatically secure the closure member to the flexible body when brought together. This self-service mechanism simplifies the adjustment process, allowing users to easily fit the koozie to different containers without complex fastening procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

The adjustable design provides effective thermal insulation and adaptability for various beverage containers, including those with handles, ensuring the beverage remains cold and preventing moisture buildup while being easy to use across different sizes.

Implementation Method 1

the flexible body portion 1 is made of a thermally insulating material. More specifically, in the preferred embodiment the flexible body portion 1 is made of neoprene in order to keep the beverage cold

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS9856068B2Adjustable thermally insulating beverage jacket

Publication Date: 2018.01.02 JODY PHILLIP LEE

AI summary

An adjustable thermally insulating beverage jacket has two fastener portions disposed at opposite ends of a flexible body portion, which can be attached to each other in order to accommodate a beverage container. The flexible body portion is made of a thermally insulating material to keep beverages cold or warm. A handle insertion portion at one end of the flexible body portion allows use with beverage containers that have handles. A base connected to the bottom edge of the flexible body portion provides a support surface for the bottom of the beverage container.