Pet Urn with Segmented Inner Vessel and Display Frame

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pet urns fail to securely store pet ashes, risking spillage and are visually unappealing, lacking a respectful presentation for pet owners.

Innovation Solution

A container system with a rigid storage vessel, a housing with display windows for mementos, and a secure top cap that includes a compartment for special items, providing a secure and visually pleasing way to store and display pet ashes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a plastic bag is used to store pet ashes in traditional urns, then the ashes can be contained, but the ashes are not securely protected against spillage and the presentation is visually distasteful

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of ash storageVSAvoidvisual appeal and respect
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary container (inner container with lid) between the ashes and the outer urn. This inner container securely holds the ashes in a sealed manner, eliminating the need for visible plastic bags while providing secure storage. The intermediary structure allows both secure containment and aesthetic presentation to be achieved simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The urn is divided into multiple segments: an outer decorative urn, an inner container with lid for secure ash storage, and a plastic bag contained within the inner container. This segmentation allows each component to serve its specific function - the outer urn provides aesthetic presentation, the inner container provides secure sealed storage, and the plastic bag provides basic containment, resolving the contradiction between security and appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If traditional urns with sliding or hinged tops are used, then the urns can enclose the plastic bag of ashes, but they do not sufficiently secure the ashes against spillage when dropped or suddenly moved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of opening/closingVSAvoidprotection against spillage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The urn system is segmented into an outer urn with sliding/hinged top for easy access and an inner container with a secure lid for spillage protection. The outer urn maintains ease of operation for opening and closing, while the inner container provides the secure sealed environment needed to prevent spillage during drops or sudden movements, allowing both requirements to be met simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner container with its secure, sealed lid acts as a pre-prepared protective barrier against potential spillage from drops or sudden movements. This protective measure is built into the structure beforehand, so when accidental impacts occur, the ashes are already protected by the sealed inner container, eliminating the need for additional cushioning materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If cremation services are provided to pet owners, then the ashes can be returned to owners, but the ashes are returned in visually distasteful plastic bags without secure storage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecremation service provisionVSAvoidvisual appeal and dignity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary presentation structure (inner container with lid within the outer urn) that transforms the appearance of returned ashes from distasteful plastic bags to a dignified, secure container system. This intermediary structure allows cremation services to be provided while simultaneously improving the visual presentation and dignity of the returned remains.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8707526B2Container system for storing remains
Publication Date: 2014.04.29 BRANDYWINE GREEN LLC
  • US8707526B2 patent drawing
  • US8707526B2 patent drawing
  • US8707526B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A container system for storing remains is provided, including a rigid storage vessel defining an inner chamber for receiving remains. The system includes at least one display frame member outside the rigid storage vessel for displaying information, such as a picture. A cap is provided proximate the storage vessel, wherein the cap defines at least one storage area for receiving an object.