Pivoting Can Holder for Stable Liquid Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Canisters containing liquids or semi-solids, such as paints and pipe cement, are difficult to access when not on a table, leading to potential spilling or misplacement.

Innovation Solution

A can holder system with a clamp portion that can be releasably attached to objects, a support member extending from the clamp, and a pivotably attached can holder support that maintains can holders in an upright position, ensuring cans are securely held and easily accessible.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If canisters are placed on a table, then they are easily accessible, but they cannot be used in various work environments without tables

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of canistersVSAvoidusability in various work environments
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The can holder system is designed to attach to multiple types of objects (ladders, scaffolding, beams, railings) through the clamp portion, enabling it to function in diverse work environments without requiring tables or dedicated surfaces for can placement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If canisters are held away from the user, then they are more stable, but they become difficult to access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of canistersVSAvoidaccessibility of canisters
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The can holder support is designed to pivot and rotate freely, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and orientation. This dynamic capability enables the holder to maintain stability while allowing the user to easily access cans by simply reaching toward the holder without requiring precise positioning or complex manipulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If canisters are held in arbitrary orientations, then the holder structure is simpler, but the cans are prone to spilling or tipping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of holder structureVSAvoidprevention of spilling or tipping
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The can holder is designed with a horizontal bottom portion that provides a stable, level base for can placement. This equipotential design ensures cans are held in an upright position regardless of the holder's orientation relative to gravity, preventing spilling or tipping without requiring complex stabilization mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

Data Source

PatentUS12296617B2Container holder
Publication Date: 2025.05.13 COMPO TRAVIS
  • US12296617B2 patent drawing
  • US12296617B2 patent drawing
  • US12296617B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A can holding device is provided that includes a clamping or grasping portion with a support member extending from the clamping or grasping portion. A can holder portion is pivotably connected at a first end at or near an end of the support member. A second end of the can holder portion is attached to one or more can holders that are designed and configured to hold cans or other containers without an attachment mechanism such that the cans or other containers do not tip over during normal use. In operation, the clamping portion is attached to a suitably sized, stable object at a height that is convenient for the user to access the cans. The pivotable connection to the support member allows the can holder portion to hang vertically no matter what angle the support member is or what orientation the clamping portion assumes.