Sport Stacking Cup Holder With Retractable Tangs for One-Handed Use

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for storing and transporting sport stacking cups are either cumbersome, requiring two hands and being slow, or awkward, such as the L stem design, which complicates the process of inserting and removing the cups.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece stem design with retractable tangs activated by a spring-loaded plunger, allowing for quick and convenient one-handed storage and transport of the cups.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the L stem design with removable clip is used, then the cups can be retained securely, but the operation requires two hands and is slow and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecup retentionVSAvoidhands required for operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the retention function and release function into a single integrated stem assembly. The spring-loaded plunger mechanism integrates both the retaining force (through spring tension) and the release action (through plunger movement) into one component, eliminating the need for a separate removable clip and enabling one-handed operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded plunger mechanism provides automatic retention without requiring continuous user intervention. Once the stem is inserted through the cups, the spring automatically engages the tangs with the cup walls to hold the stack together. The user only needs to activate the release mechanism when desired, rather than continuously managing a separate clip.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the L stem design with removable clip is used, then the cups can be retained securely, but the storage and transport process is slow and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecup retentionVSAvoidspeed of storage and transport

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the retention function and release function into a single integrated stem assembly. The spring-loaded plunger mechanism integrates both the retaining force (through spring tension) and the release action (through plunger movement) into one component, eliminating the need for a separate removable clip and enabling one-handed operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring is pre-loaded during assembly to provide immediate retention force when the stem is inserted. This preliminary action of pre-compressing the spring eliminates the need for manual clip attachment, allowing the user to simply insert the stem and have the cups automatically retained, significantly speeding up the storage process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If fabric carry bags are used, then the cups are inexpensive and adequately supported, but inserting and removing the cups is awkward

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecostVSAvoidconvenience of inserting and removing cups

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the cups from a fabric bag environment and provides a dedicated mechanical retention system (the stem with tangs) that works specifically for cup stacks. This extraction allows for a more specialized and convenient operation method compared to the generic fabric bag approach, while maintaining cost-effectiveness through simple mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If the L stem design is used, then cups can be retained, but the device complexity increases with the removable clip mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecup retentionVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the retention function and release function into a single integrated stem assembly. The spring-loaded plunger mechanism integrates both the retaining force (through spring tension) and the release action (through plunger movement) into one component, eliminating the need for a separate removable clip and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The stem assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the cup stack, provides retention through the spring-loaded tangs, and enables release through the plunger mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, simplifying the overall device while maintaining reliable retention.

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

Enables efficient and single-handed handling of sport stacking cups, improving speed and ease of use compared to previous methods.

Implementation Method 1

spring loaded plunger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

spring loaded plunger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7464833B2Holding device for sport stacking cups

Publication Date: 2008.12.16 SPEED STACKS INC

AI summary

The present invention discloses an improved holding device which allows for retaining, storing and transporting cups used in sport stacking. The invention allows a user to quickly and conveniently store and transport a stack of sport stacking cups using only one hand, by employing a unitary stem incorporating retractable tangs that retain the stack of cups. The tangs may be withdrawn via a spring-loaded plunger, activated by the user's thumb. The invention also includes the use of a shield mechanism, as well as various cup transporting mechanisms.