Nesting Canning Jars with Standardized Lids for Space Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing canning jars are space-inefficient when empty, lack standardization in lids, and do not feature pour spouts, measurement marks, or improved grip, leading to cluttered storage and inefficiencies in manufacturing and shipping.
Innovation Solution
A container system with standardized lids that fit various volume capacities, featuring internal pour spouts, measurement marks, and ergonomic grips, designed to nest efficiently and be manufactured in multiple materials for versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional canning jars are used, then they can seal under vacuum, but they are space-inefficient when empty and cannot form a comprehensive storage system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by designing containers with non-uniform cross-sections where smaller containers fit inside larger ones. The conical cross-section design allows the rim of a smaller container to nest within the body of a larger container, creating space-efficient storage while maintaining vacuum seal capability through standardized lids.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universality through standardized lids that can seal multiple container sizes together, forming a comprehensive storage system. The standardized threading and seal design allow one lid type to function across different container volumes, enabling multi-functionality while maintaining reliable vacuum sealing.
2Reliability
If proprietary lids are used for each container size, then each lid fits its specific container, but they accumulate and create clutter in storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized lid system with uniform threading and seal mechanisms that can accommodate multiple container sizes. The conical cross-section design with standardized rim dimensions allows a single lid type to seal across different container volumes, reducing the quantity of lid types needed while maintaining reliable fits.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional jars are manufactured in various materials, then they can be made from glass, plastic, or metal, but they cannot form a comprehensive storage system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by maintaining consistent conical cross-section geometry and standardized threading dimensions across different materials. The key feature - the conical shape with specific rim dimensions - remains constant regardless of whether the container is glass, plastic, or metal, allowing material versatility while preserving system compatibility through localized geometric consistency.
4Ease of operation
If existing food storage containers are used, then they can store food, but they lack measurement marks and pour spouts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional features into the container design itself - measurement marks are etched directly on the container body, and pour spouts are integrated as permanent features of the container structure. This combining of features reduces the need for separate accessories while maintaining ease of operation and storage functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Improved containers nest inside of each other when empty, thereby saving storage and transport space. Smaller containers can nest inside of larger containers for increased space efficiency. These containers, in various instances, use standard-sized canning jar lids, such as ‘small-mouth’ or ‘large-mouth’ jars and the like, to prevent “orphaning” of containers and lids.