Container Clip With U-Shaped Resilient Prongs And Token Holder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for securing and identifying beverage containers at social gatherings are either uncomfortable, visually unattractive, or not reusable, and existing markers or labels are prone to detachment or fading.

Innovation Solution

A container clip with a U-shaped resilient clip that attaches to the neck of a container and a token holder for visual identification, allowing the container to be secured to a garment pocket while keeping it away from the skin, using a friction fit or magnet for token retention and being easily color-coded and manufactured.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a container is placed in a garment pocket for easy access, then the container is readily available, but the container touches the skin causing discomfort from cold and condensation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of containerVSAvoidskin discomfort from cold and condensation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The container clip serves as an intermediary device between the container and the garment pocket. It allows the container to be secured to the pocket while maintaining a gap that prevents direct contact with the skin, thereby eliminating cold and condensation discomfort while preserving easy accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If markers or labels are applied to the container for identification, then the container can be uniquely identified, but the markers can rub off or detach when exposed to water

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer identificationVSAvoiddurability of identification marking

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of directly marking the container with vulnerable labels, the invention uses a token holder that can contain a copy or representation of identification information. The token holder provides a more durable platform for identification that is not directly exposed to water and condensation in the same way container labels are.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Loss of information

If stickers are applied to the container for identification, then the container can be uniquely identified, but the stickers can easily become detached and are not reusable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer identificationVSAvoidreusability of identification method

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The token holder is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow the identification token to be easily exchanged. The resilient U-shaped clip enables the token holder to be attached and detached from the container repeatedly, making the identification system reusable and adaptable to different containers or identification needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Strength

If a resilient U-shaped clip is used to secure the container, then the container can be firmly attached, but the clip body must be rigid enough to hold the container away from the garment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strength of clipVSAvoidease of inserting container neck into clip

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clip body is designed with optimized dimensional parameters and material properties that provide sufficient rigidity to hold the container away from the garment while maintaining enough flexibility for easy insertion. The specific geometry and material selection allow the clip to transition between a compliant insertion state and a rigid holding state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution allows for secure, comfortable, and visually distinct identification of containers, preventing loss and facilitating easy recognition, while being inexpensive and intuitive to use.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient U-shaped clip that has two prongs configured for securing around the neck portion of the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a recess for receiving the token therein, either with a friction fit or attraction of a magnet embedded in the token holder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12193563B1Container clip

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 WILLIAMSON RICHARD

AI summary

The present invention is a container clip for securing a container to a pocket, including a clip body having a first end and an opposing second end. In some embodiments, the first end of the clip body terminating with a resilient U-shaped clip having two prongs configured for securing around a portion of the container in a common plane, each prong terminating at a distal end thereof at an inwardly-facing projection. In some embodiments, the second end of the clip body terminating at a token holder configured for holding a token having one of a plurality of different visual appearances. In some embodiments, the clip body curved downwardly away from the common plane of the U-shaped clip such that the container clip curves down around a top portion of the container.