Flexible Container Cover Dispenser for Hygienic Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lid systems for containers are limited by the need for multiple lid sizes, exposure to airborne materials, and the aesthetic considerations that discourage their use, leading to issues with hygiene and waste generation.
Innovation Solution
A flexible container cover that can fit and seal multiple container shapes and sizes, combined with a dispenser system that allows for sanitary and touch-minimal retrieval and application, using adhesive or grip properties to attach to containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lid sizes and shapes are provided to correspond with various containers, then the fit and sealing capability is improved, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal circular lid design that can fit multiple container shapes and sizes through the use of flexible materials and adhesive applications. The lid's circular geometry combined with flexible material properties allows it to adapt to various container openings without requiring multiple specialized lid types, thereby reducing inventory complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes flexible materials that can change their physical parameters (shape, size) to conform to different container openings. The adhesive properties also allow the lid to adjust to various surface geometries, enabling a single lid design to serve multiple container types effectively.
2Ease of operation
If lids are placed in open holders for customer selection, then the ease of access is improved, but the exposure to airborne materials and contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable lids that are individually packaged or stored in a manner that maintains sterility until use. The disposable nature allows for hygienic storage without requiring complex protective mechanisms, as each lid is intended for single use, eliminating cross-contamination risks between uses.
3Ease of operation
If a person touches multiple lids to select one, then the ease of selection is improved, but the hygiene and contamination risk worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent design allows the desired lid to be extracted or separated from the storage mechanism without requiring the user to touch multiple lids. The dispensing system extracts a single lid at a time, maintaining hygiene by preventing contact with other lids, thus eliminating contamination risk while preserving ease of selection.
4Reliability
If lids are designed for use with straws passing through them, then the sealing capability is improved, but the waste generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the straw component entirely from the lid design, extracting the drinking function from the sealing mechanism. The lid provides sealing capability through its adhesive attachment and flexible material properties, while the drinking opening allows direct access without requiring a separate straw, thereby eliminating straw waste while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
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 flexible cover system effectively seals various container shapes, reduces exposure to airborne materials, and minimizes contact and waste, while the dispenser ensures easy and hygienic access to covers, enhancing user convenience and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible material has an adhesive at least on the outer portions of these extended edges to attach to the outer side of the container and hold the cover in place
Implementation Method 2
the material may include static cling properties, textures that suction to a surface, an embedded elastic or other structural designs creating grip
Data Source
AI summary
A container cover and dispenser system is disclosed herein. The cover fits over a container and allows a user to access contents through an opening. The cover may include a notch to leave an open section for a user to access the contents. The dispenser may hold a roll of container covers that may be pulled out and individually removed from the roll. The dispenser may include a protrusion to create a tab and notch design on the removed covers to facilitate users' access of the contents.