Ice Storage Bag for use with a Cooler

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooler accessories face issues with ice melt spoiling food products and causing water buildup due to leakage, bulkiness, and unsustainability, with limitations in capacity and cleanliness.

Innovation Solution

An ice storage bag made of impermeable, supple, and Eco-friendly material with a drawstring closure, capable of holding up to 20 lbs of ice, which can be easily filled, emptied, and machine washed, featuring welded seams for leak prevention and a handle for drainage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If prior art ice storage bags use zippers, slide bars, buckles, nozzles, or spouts for closure and drainage, then they can control ice melt, but they become difficult to close, leak, break seals, require assembly, and occupy excessive cooler space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal integrityVSAvoidclosure mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes complex closure mechanisms (zippers, slide bars, buckles, nozzles, spouts) from the ice storage bag design. Instead, it uses a simple drawstring closure system that integrates directly into the bag opening, eliminating separate closure components and their associated problems while maintaining effective sealing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the traditional approach by using a drawstring system that tightens inward to seal, rather than using external zippers or buckles that close outward. This inversion simplifies the closure mechanism while improving reliability by distributing sealing force evenly around the opening

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If prior art ice storage bags include handles, spouts, and assembly components, then they provide functionality, but they increase bulkiness and reduce cooler space efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling capabilityVSAvoidcooler space occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible fabric construction for the ice storage bag that can be easily compressed, folded, and rolled. This flexible shell approach eliminates rigid handles and spouts, allowing the bag to conform to available cooler space and be stored compactly when not in use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The drawstring serves multiple functions: it closes the bag to prevent leakage, it can be used to carry the bag by gathering it at the top, and it allows for easy compression of the bag contents. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate handles and spouts, reducing overall volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If prior art ice storage bags use non-machine-washable materials, then they may be easier to manufacture, but they cannot withstand machine washing and accumulate bacteria

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleanliness maintenanceVSAvoidmaterial processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite material construction combining polyester outer fabric with polyurethane waterproof coating and fleece lining. This composite structure provides machine-washability, waterproofing, and hygiene while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing processes for fabric products

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material parameters by selecting fabrics and coatings that can withstand machine washing temperatures and mechanical action. The polyurethane coating and polyester-fleece construction are specifically chosen for their durability and hygiene properties under machine washing conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Quantity of substance

If prior art ice storage bags have low capacity limits of 2.5 lbs, then they are easier to handle, but they cannot accommodate sufficient ice to effectively cool larger coolers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveice capacityVSAvoidbag weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the ice storage bag with dynamic capacity adjustment capability through its flexible fabric construction and drawstring system. Users can fill the bag to any desired weight capacity (up to 20 lbs or more), and the drawstring allows easy adjustment and securing at any fill level, providing adaptability rather than fixed capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250326532A1Ice Storage Bag for use with a Cooler

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 HOLL TERRY

AI summary

Preventing ice melt from entering an ice cooler, the present invention comprises an impermeable, supple, Eco-friendly, certified food safe bag for storing ice within a cooler. Ice melt is kept in the ice storage bag eliminating soiled and contaminated food products and ice melt buildup. Withstanding up to 20 lbs of ice, the machine washable ice storage bag is easily filled, refilled and emptied.