Flexible Container Jacket for Condensation Control and Portability
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a container jacket that minimizes condensation issues on frusto-conical drinking glasses, provides convenience in carrying, and can accommodate various shapes and sizes, while also being space-efficient when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A container jacket with a perimeter portion and interconnecting elements, such as eyelets and a cord material, that forms a semi-arcuate shape to securely hold containers and can be easily deployed or stowed, allowing for secure grip and insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a napkin is wrapped around the container to absorb condensation, then condensation absorption is improved, but structural integrity is lost and wicking occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible foam material shell that forms a complete container holder, preventing condensation from reaching the hand while maintaining structural integrity. The closed-cell foam structure acts as a barrier that doesn't wick moisture, unlike porous napkin materials.
2Temperature
If a rigid foam container holder is used for insulation, then insulating properties are improved, but portability and ease of carrying deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible foam material that can be bent and folded, allowing the container holder to be collapsed into a compact form for easy carrying. When deployed, it forms a rigid enough structure to provide effective thermal insulation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a container holder is designed to be sturdy and insulating, then protection against condensation is improved, but space efficiency when not in use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a dynamic container holder that transitions between a deployed state (providing full condensation protection and insulation) and a collapsed state (minimizing storage space). The flexible foam material enables this dynamic transformation while maintaining protective functions when needed.
4Ease of operation
If a container jacket is made flexible for portability, then ease of carrying is improved, but ability to maintain predetermined spacing and shape deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible foam material inherently maintains the container's shape and spacing when deployed due to its structural properties, while still allowing the holder to be folded and collapsed for carrying. The material flexibility enables portability without sacrificing shape stability during use.
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 container jacket effectively reduces condensation contact with the hand, provides insulation, and allows for comfortable carrying and storage, accommodating different container shapes and sizes by forming an interior volume that can be easily assembled and disassembled.
Implementation Method 1
These container holders are generally made from closed or open cell foam materials and are designed to be sturdy and to have insulating properties
Data Source
AI summary
A container jacket is provided having a perimeter portion, the perimeter portion having a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge, a plurality of eyelets formed adjacent the first lateral edge, and a second plurality of eyelets formed adjacent the second lateral edge, the perimeter portion forming an interior volume for receipt of a container therein in a deployed condition of the container jacket, and an interconnecting element. The interconnecting element extends to and between the first plurality of eyelets and the second plurality of eyelets, the interconnecting element being operable to maintain the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge within a predetermined spacing of one another.