Elastic Strap Closure for Waste Container Lid

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Solution Overview

Problem

Residential and commercial waste containers often have lids that unintentionally open when tipped over, allowing contents to spill or be accessed by animals, due to lack of a mechanism to prevent accidental opening.

Innovation Solution

A closure device with two straps and elastic members is mounted on the container, connecting over the lid to keep it closed and allowing manual opening for waste deposition or emptying.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a hinged lid is used on a waste container, then the container can be opened for waste deposition and emptying, but the lid may unintentionally open when the container is tipped over by wind or animals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual opening for waste depositionVSAvoidprevention of accidental opening

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses flexible straps that can be manually positioned and connected to secure the lid, while naturally yielding to accidental forces like wind or animal knocks. The elastic member provides continuous tension to keep the lid closed during normal conditions but allows temporary displacement when tipped, maintaining both security and operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The closure device transitions from a static latched state to a dynamic state where the elastic member absorbs and releases energy. During normal operation, the system maintains a fixed closed state. When tipped, the elastic member dynamically responds by allowing lid movement while preventing complete opening, then returns to the closed state when upright.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a secure closure mechanism is added to prevent accidental lid opening, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of accidental openingVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure device is divided into separate functional components: mounting devices attached to the container body, straps that connect over the lid, and an elastic member providing tension. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, avoiding the need for a single complex mechanism while achieving reliable accidental-opening prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member automatically provides the necessary closing force without requiring active control systems, motors, or complex sensors. The system self-regulates by using the elastic deformation of the member to maintain lid closure during normal conditions and accidental tipping, eliminating the need for additional control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a closure device with straps and elastic members is mounted on the container, then accidental opening is prevented, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of accidental openingVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The closure device uses inexpensive materials such as elastic cords or bands instead of expensive mechanical locking systems. These components are simple to manufacture and replace if needed, providing cost-effective protection against accidental opening without requiring complex or expensive parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated closure device: the mounting devices attach to the container, the straps connect over the lid, and the elastic member provides both tension and accidental-opening protection. This merging eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for each function, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Effectively prevents the lid from opening when the container is knocked over, while allowing user access, thereby maintaining contents' integrity and preventing animal access.

Implementation Method 1

at least one elastic member connected to one or both of the straps

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11459172B2Closure device for waste container

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 SERIO US IND

AI summary

The invention generally relates to a closure device for waste containers, particularly residential or commercial waste containers. In particular, the invention relates to a waste container closure device which prevents the lid from opening when the container is accidentally tipped over on its side. The closure device contains two straps: a right side strap and a left side strap; two mounting devices: a right side mounting device and a left side mounting device; and one or more elastic members. Those components cooperate to allow the straps to connect over the top of the lid of the waste container to remain closed when it is accidentally tipped on its side.