Multi-Access Container Cap With Pivoting Spout and Straw

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage container lids, such as sipper cups, require transferring contents into a specialized container before access, which is inconvenient, especially when traveling, and do not provide age-appropriate access options for children and adults.

Innovation Solution

A cap device with first and second portions having different structures, including a straw opening and a pour opening, allowing for selective access through a sipper spout or straw, which can be attached to various beverage containers using a threaded or snap-fit mechanism, enabling convenient access for toddlers, adults, and older children.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional sipper cup lid is used, then young children can access beverage contents through a spout, but the contents must first be transferred into the sipper container which is inconvenient especially when traveling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of accessing beverage contentsVSAvoidneed for separate sipper container and lid

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cap device with multiple access structures directly onto the beverage container, eliminating the need for a separate sipper container. The cap includes a first portion with a spout for young children and a second portion with a straw opening for older children and adults, merging multiple functions into a single integrated device that attaches directly to the beverage container.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cap device is designed with multiple access structures to serve different age groups and drinking preferences. The first portion provides a spout for young children, the second portion provides a straw opening for older children and adults, and both portions can be used for pouring. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace traditional single-purpose sipper cups.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single-access-structure cap is used, then the device is simple, but it cannot provide age-appropriate access options for different users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveage-appropriate access optionsVSAvoidmultiple access structures in one cap

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cap device is segmented into distinct portions: a first portion with a spout for young children, a second portion with a straw opening for older children and adults, and a pour opening. Each portion is designed with specific features suited for its intended use, allowing the cap to provide age-appropriate access options while maintaining organizational structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the cap have different structures optimized for specific functions. The first portion has a spout with specific dimensions suitable for young children's mouths, the second portion has a straw opening for older users, and the pour opening has a larger aperture. Each local area of the cap is designed with quality features appropriate to its intended access method.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If a sipper spout is provided for young children, then they can drink conveniently, but the same structure is not suitable for older children and adults who prefer straws or flip-up lids

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenient access for young childrenVSAvoidaccess options for different age groups

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cap device incorporates multiple access structures including a spout for young children, a straw opening for older children and adults, and a pour opening. This universal design allows the same cap to serve different age groups and drinking preferences, with each user type accessing the beverage through their preferred method.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the cap device includes multiple access structures, then it can serve different users, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple access structuresVSAvoidfirst and second portions with different structures

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cap device is divided into distinct portions: a first portion with a spout and a second portion with a straw opening. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall organizational structure, making the complexity manageable and the device easier to manufacture and clean.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7913869B2Container cap

Publication Date: 2011.03.29 CUOCOLO JR JOSEPH M

AI summary

A cap device for use with a container or bottle includes a spout portion having a trough defining an access hole. The cap device includes a drinking implement coupled to the trough and pivotal between retracted and extended configurations, the drinking implement covering the access hole at the retracted configuration and being in communication therewith at the extended configuration. An upper surface of the cap device defines a cavity adjacent to and in communication with the trough that is configured to receive a person's finger to selectively urge the drinking implement between retracted and extended configurations. The cap device may include a pour portion adjacent the spout portion although the spout portion accounts for a relatively larger area than the pour portion.