Perforated Film Container Cover With Sliding ID Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container covers, such as Mylar sheets and wax paper, are difficult to use due to wrinkle issues and self-sticking properties, and they do not efficiently cover varying container sizes, nor do they provide effective safety and identification for contents, especially in public settings.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a planar frame with a through hole and a perforated thin-film material that detaches from the frame to cover container openings, providing tautness and easy application, while the frame itself can be used for identification and as a coaster, with indicia for distinguishing contents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Mylar sheets or Saran Wrap are used to cover containers, then the container opening is covered, but the material wrinkles, sticks to itself, and is difficult to work with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the covering system into two separate components: a rigid frame structure and a flexible thin-film material. The frame is pre-assembled with the film attached, creating a modular unit that is easier to handle than loose sheets. The frame provides structural support to prevent wrinkling, while the film maintains its covering function without self-sticking issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid frame acts as an intermediary between the user and the thin-film material. Instead of handling the slippery, sticky film directly, users manipulate the rigid frame which holds the film in place. The frame serves as a mediator that transfers the covering action to the container while eliminating the handling difficulties of the film material itself.
2Reliability
If wax paper is used to cover containers, then food items will not stick to the cover, but the cover does not exhibit the same properties as thin film Mylar and requires additional securing means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the non-sticking thin-film material with a rigid frame structure into a single integrated covering device. This merging eliminates the need for separate securing mechanisms like rubber bands, as the frame itself provides the structural support and attachment function. The thin film is pre-attached to the frame, creating a unified component that maintains non-sticking properties while simplifying the overall system.
3Reliability
If excessive amount of material is used to cover the entire container, then complete coverage is achieved, but material waste increases and handling becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the thin-film material only where needed - specifically stretched across the opening of the container rather than covering the entire container surface. The rigid frame provides structural coverage and support, allowing the thin film to be used locally at the opening without excessive material consumption. This localized application maintains coverage effectiveness while reducing material waste.
4Reliability
If container covers are stored separately from containers, then storage organization is possible, but it is difficult to find the correct cover among various sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid frame is designed with indicia (identification marks, colors, or graphics) that allow it to serve dual functions: structural support for the covering and identification system for quick recognition. The frame can be stored with containers or separately, and the indicia enable users to quickly identify the correct size and type without searching through multiple covers, reducing search time while maintaining storage flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for covering and identifying a container utilizing a thin film material and a frame. The thin film material covers a through hole in the frame and has a perforation that defines an outer detaching surface an inner covering surface commensurate with the container opening. The method comprises the steps of attaching the thin film material to a frame having the through hole; disposing the frame onto an open top surface of the container; depressing a portion of the frame to detach the thin-film from the frame along the perforation and further sliding the frame coaxially to circumscribe the base of the container where it identifies information about the container.