Multi-Chamber Container With Hollow Handle And Segmented Lid
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional containers with multiple compartments lack a handle that functions as a storage compartment and fail to provide a seal between compartments or independent access through the lid, limiting their usefulness in storage, handling, and packaging.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring multiple storage compartments, including a hollow handle portion, with a single lid that covers both areas and provides separate access, tamper-evidencing features, and a built-in pour feature for pouring from the main chamber, while allowing independent access to the handle storage space, facilitating stacking and nestability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a container has multiple compartments, then storage flexibility is improved, but the container cannot provide a seal between compartments or independent access
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is divided into multiple separate access openings, each leading to different compartments. This segmentation allows independent access to each compartment while maintaining seal integrity through the lid structure that covers all compartments simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
One compartment is nested within the handle structure, creating a handle-compartment integration where the handle itself serves as a storage space. This nested design allows the lid to seal over both the main compartment and the handle compartment while providing independent access points.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a container has separate compartments, then storage of distinct items is improved, but the lid cannot provide separate access to each compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The lid incorporates multiple distinct openings positioned to provide separate access to different compartments. This segmentation of the lid structure enables users to access specific compartments independently without opening the entire container, improving ease of operation while maintaining separate storage capability.
3Ease of operation
If a handle is provided for container manipulation, then ease of handling is improved, but the handle cannot function as a storage compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed to serve dual functions: it maintains its primary function for container manipulation and handling while simultaneously serving as a storage compartment. This multi-functionality is achieved by creating a hollow handle structure that can contain items, allowing the same structural element to provide both mechanical utility and storage capacity.
4Device complexity
If a single lid covers all compartments, then device simplicity is improved, but separate access to compartments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
While maintaining a single integrated lid structure, the design incorporates multiple openings positioned to provide separate access to different compartments. This segmentation of access points within a unified lid structure allows users to open only the specific compartment needed, improving ease of operation without increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for improved containers and lids, and combinations thereof. Multiple compartments are provided in a container, one of which can be formed as the container's handle. The lid incorporates a plurality of hinged openings situated on the periphery of the cover, and the container includes a molded unitary body plastic container comprised of at least two chambers or compartments. The lid openings can be located strategically over or adjacent the container chambers/compartments, to provide independent access thereto. The compartments or chambers within the container separate the contents thereof, while multiple hinged openings may allow access to individual or multiple chambers or compartments within the container. Tamper evidencing structures in conjunction with detents or engagement structures may hold the lid and container openings in the desired relationship during shipping, handling, storage, and/or use. Related methods are disclosed.