Flexible Beverage Holder with Rigid Plate for One-Handed Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insulated beverage holders either require manual opening for inserting a beverage, making them inconvenient, or are rigid and non-collapsible, limiting portability.

Innovation Solution

A flexible insulated beverage holder with an integrated arcuate plate and handle that allows the holder to remain closed until the handle is grasped, enabling easy insertion and maintaining an open top for pouring, while being collapsible for storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible insulated beverage holder is used, then the holder is collapsible for portability, but the user must manually open the holder to insert a beverage

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecollapsibilityVSAvoidmanual opening

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holder automatically opens when a beverage can is inserted due to the elastic bias of the flexible material, eliminating the need for manual opening. The structure self-adjusts to accommodate the beverage while maintaining insulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The holder transitions from a collapsed state to an expanded state dynamically based on the insertion of the beverage. The flexible material allows the holder to adapt its shape and volume automatically, providing both portability when empty and functionality when in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a rigid insulated beverage holder is used, then the holder does not require manual opening, but the holder is not collapsible for pocket storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic openingVSAvoidcollapsibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses flexible insulated material to create a holder that can be collapsed for storage yet automatically opens when a beverage is inserted. The flexible shell maintains its insulating properties while allowing dynamic shape changes between collapsed and expanded states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible beverage holder is used, then the holder is collapsible, but the user requires one hand to open the holder reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecollapsibilityVSAvoidbeverage insertion speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder performs the opening action automatically through the elastic rebound of its flexible material when the beverage can is inserted, eliminating the need for manual intervention and allowing rapid beverage changes with one hand.

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

Enables convenient one-handed insertion and pouring of beverages without opening the holder, while allowing for compact storage and portability.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible insulated beverage holder that assists with insulating the contents within a can, cup or bottle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS11807443B2Flexible insulated beverage holder with rigid plate and handle

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 GRONIKOWSKI WESLEY III

AI summary

This device is a flexible insulated beverage holder with a rigid arcuate plate and a rigid handle attached. This device allows a user to hold only the handle and insert a beverage container into the insulated beverage holder. This is achievable because the attached plate forces the insulated beverage holder to provide an expanded opening at its top. As the beverage is inserted into the opening created by the plate the user need only grip the handle as the beverage container is pushed to the bottom of the insulated beverage holder. This device provides the benefits of grasping a sturdy handle, while also providing significant portability with the flexible insulated beverage holder.