Segmented Bucket Lid Structure for Stacking and Contamination Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional flat back buckets lack effective lids that can accommodate different bucket configurations, support stacking, and provide protection from contamination and infestation, while allowing easy access for horses to drink or feed.

Innovation Solution

A lid system with features such as cutouts for bail mounts, locking tabs, retainer lips, and recessed portions that securely fit various bucket shapes, allowing stacking and protection, while accommodating bail handles and preventing contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a soft fabric cover is used for the bucket, then it can provide some protection from contamination, but it cannot support the weight of another bucket and provides only limited protection from rodents, insects, and debris

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from contaminationVSAvoidsupport weight capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from soft fabric to rigid plastic, transforming the lid's mechanical properties to simultaneously achieve both protection from contamination and support weight capability for stacking buckets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a lid is added to the bucket, then protection from contamination and infestation is improved, but the lid must be removed for horses to drink or feed from the bucket

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from infestationVSAvoidaccess for horses

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is segmented into multiple portions including a front portion with opening and side portions with cutouts, allowing horses to access feed and water through the openings while the lid remains in place to provide protection from contamination and infestation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional lids are used, then they can cover the bucket opening, but they do not accommodate buckets with bail mounts disposed upwardly from a rim channel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of bucket configurationsVSAvoidlid structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is designed with multiple features including cutouts for bail mounts, grooves for bail handles, and engagement with rim channels, enabling a single lid design to accommodate various bucket configurations with different bail mount positions and types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Strength

If a rigid plastic lid is used, then it can support stacking buckets, but it may be difficult to attach to the bucket rim

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport stacking capabilityVSAvoidattachment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lid incorporates self-aligning features such as engagement between the lid's peripheral margin and the bucket's rim channel, along with locking tabs and retainer lips, enabling the lid to attach securely to the bucket rim through its own structural features without requiring additional attachment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12606347B1Bucket and lid systems and apparatuses

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 RAM PRODUCTS LLC

AI summary

A lid for a bucket comprises a center portion and at least one side portion. In some embodiments, the side portion is removably coupled to the center portion. In some embodiments, the side portion is hingedly connected to the center portion and includes at least one cutout suitable for receiving a bail mount of the bucket. The hinged connection between the center portion and the side portion may be on an axis substantially perpendicular to an axis on which plural bail mounts of the bucket lie.