Container Sleeve With Rounded Overhang And Retention Recesses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container sleeve systems fail to provide durable, portable, and reusable protection for a variety of reusable drinking containers while being cost-effective and simple to manufacture, with previous solutions like the cozy experiencing issues with friction fit slippage, handling difficulties, and complex manufacturing processes.

Innovation Solution

A container sleeve system featuring a sleeve with coupling ends and a handle that includes a rounded overhang, bottom retention recesses, and a handle body, providing a secure friction fit and improved ergonomics for portability, durability, and ease of manufacturing through injection molding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a friction fit is used to mount the sleeve around the container, then the sleeve can be easily installed and removed, but the sleeve can slip off the container resulting in damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidsleeve retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sleeve is divided into multiple segments or sections that can independently engage with the container. The coupling ends are separated and can be independently positioned, allowing the sleeve to grip the container more securely at multiple points rather than relying on a single continuous friction fit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retention mechanism is moved from relying solely on radial friction to including axial engagement through the rounded overhang feature. This adds a dimensional element where the overhang extends beyond the container surface, creating a mechanical stop that prevents slippage in addition to the radial friction fit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If a smooth surface is used on the sleeve, then the sleeve provides a sleek appearance and easy cleaning, but gripping and handling the sleeve becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning easeVSAvoidgripping ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sleeve surface is designed with different local properties: the main body maintains a smooth surface for sleek appearance and easy cleaning, while specific localized areas (such as the rounded overhang and coupling ends) incorporate texturing or geometric features that provide enhanced grip points for handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple manufacturing steps including cutting and sewing are used, then the sleeve can be manufactured from flexible materials like neoprene, but manufacturing time and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple manufacturing operations are combined into a single injection molding process. The sleeve, coupling ends, and rounded overhang features are all formed in one continuous manufacturing step, eliminating the need for separate cutting, folding, and sewing operations while maintaining the desired flexibility through material selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical assembly process involving cutting and sewing is replaced with a mold-based injection molding process. This substitutes complex mechanical manufacturing steps with a more efficient molding operation that achieves the same functional results in a single step.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Device complexity

If the sleeve is designed without a handle, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but portability and ease of carrying are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is integrated into the overall sleeve structure, serving multiple functions: it provides a carrying handle for portability, acts as a structural reinforcement element, and can serve as an additional grip point. This multi-functional design adds minimal structural complexity while significantly improving portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system offers enhanced durability, portability, and reusability with reduced manufacturing complexity and costs, ensuring secure grip and protection against drops, while allowing for easy handling and sanitation due to its design and materials.

Implementation Method 1

the cozy is typically mounted with a friction fit around vertical container sides

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the coupling ends including bottom retention recesses formed within a bottom side thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS10870515B2Container sleeve system

Publication Date: 2020.12.22 PEARCE JOSEPH

AI summary

A container sleeve system and method of manufacture thereof can include: a container having a shoulder; and a sleeve having coupling ends coupled together with a handle therebetween, the coupling ends including a rounded overhang, the coupling ends including bottom retention recesses formed within a bottom side thereof, and the shoulder extending through the rounded overhang, and the handle including a handle body providing thickness to the handle, the handle body formed on the handle.