Insulating Container with Integrated Handles and Hinged Lid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional insulating containers are not durable due to susceptibility of lids, handles, and spigots to breakage, rendering them less effective for storing and transporting liquids.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a rotatable lid with a latching mechanism that can be securely closed and opened, integrally formed handles flush with the base to prevent breakage, and a spigot guard to protect the spigot, allowing for non-destructive removal and reattachment of the lid and enhanced durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional insulating containers use separate lids, handles, and spigots, then the container is easier to manufacture and assemble, but these components are susceptible to breakage and loss, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates handles and spigots directly into the container base, and the lid is hinged to the base, creating a unified structure. This merging of previously separate components (lid, handles, spigot, base) into an integrated assembly eliminates the problems of lost or broken detachable parts while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular integration points.
2Ease of operation
If the lid is made removable for cleaning and maintenance, then ease of operation is improved, but the lid may be lost or damaged during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed with a hinge connection that allows it to rotate between a closed position (secured to base) and an open position (removed from base). This dynamic connection provides the flexibility needed for cleaning and maintenance while preventing complete separation and loss. The latching mechanism further controls the dynamic behavior, allowing intentional removal only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid connection system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the hinge area allows rotation, the latching area provides secure engagement, and the handle area facilitates manipulation. This segmentation enables controlled removal and reattachment while maintaining security during normal use.
3Ease of operation
If handles protrude from the base for easy gripping, then ease of operation is improved, but the handles become vulnerable to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The handles are nested within recesses formed in the container base, with only the gripping portion exposed. This nesting arrangement protects the handle attachment points and structural connections from impact and stress while maintaining full gripping functionality. The recessed design allows the handles to be integrated into the base structure rather than being separate attachments.
4Ease of operation
If the spigot protrudes outward for liquid dispensing, then ease of operation is improved, but the spigot is susceptible to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
A spigot guard is provided that extends over the spigot opening before use, creating a protective barrier. This preliminary protective structure prevents direct impact on the spigot while allowing liquid to pass through. The guard is positioned in advance to prevent breakage before it occurs, maintaining spigot integrity during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An insulating container having a base and a lid is provided. The lid may be rotatable about a hinge from a closed configuration to an open configuration and may be secured, via one or more latching devices, in either the closed configuration or the open configuration. In some examples, the rotatable lid may be non-destructively removable from the base. Some example arrangements include a removable lid that, when removed, may be secured to the base via an additional portion of the latching device. Additional features of the insulating container include handles that are integrally formed with the base, a recess formed in the base and housing a spigot, and/or a spigot guard.