Drink Container Closure Retention via Handle Perimeter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drink containers with spouts often face issues of closure loss or misplacement during use, and existing solutions do not adequately address the need for a secure and ergonomic dispensing mechanism that prevents liquid leakage while allowing easy stowage of the closure.
Innovation Solution
A cap assembly with a drink spout, closure, and handle that includes a closure retention mechanism, where the closure can be stowed when not in use, and a tether optionally couples the closure to the container, ensuring it remains attached and preventing leakage until needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the closure is tethered to the bottle, then closure loss is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure retention mechanism is merged with the handle structure. The handle defines a closed perimeter that receives and retains the closure when not in use, eliminating the need for a separate tether component while still preventing closure loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle serves multiple functions: it provides a grip for the user, retains the closure when not in use, and structurally supports the cap assembly. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by combining what would otherwise be separate components.
2Ease of operation
If the closure is removably coupled to the drink spout, then dispensing control is improved, but closure misplacement risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is preliminarily positioned within the closed perimeter of the handle before use. This preliminary placement ensures the closure is readily available and properly positioned for attachment to the drink spout when needed, preventing misplacement while maintaining easy dispensing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle acts as an intermediary structure between the closure and the drink spout. It provides a designated holding position for the closure that is separate from both the bottle and the spout, ensuring the closure remains attached to the system while allowing easy removal for dispensing control.
3Ease of operation
If the handle defines a closed perimeter for closure stowage, then closure organization is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed to serve multiple purposes: providing user grip, structurally supporting the cap assembly, and organizing the closure through its closed perimeter. This multi-functionality justifies the structural complexity by eliminating the need for separate closure storage components.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure retention function is merged into the handle structure itself. The closed perimeter of the handle creates a natural receiving space for the closure without requiring additional retention mechanisms, combining structural support and organization functions in one component.
Data Source
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AI summary
Drink containers include a liquid container and a cap assembly removably coupled to the liquid container. Cap assemblies include a base, a drink spout extending from the base, a closure configured to be removably coupled relative to the drink spout in a closed position to selectively restrict dispensing of drink liquid through the drink spout and to selective permit dispensing of drink liquid through the drink spout when removed from the drink spout. Cap assemblies further may include a handle extending from the base and configured to selectively retain the closure in a stowed position when the closure is selectively removed from the drink spout. In some embodiments, the handle defines a closed perimeter and the closure is received within the closed perimeter when positioned in the stowed position. Some embodiments further include a tether that couples the closure to the cap assembly or to the liquid container.