Polyolefin Elastomer Foam Insulating Holder for Beverage Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooler devices for bottles and cans are inadequate, often leaving contents partially exposed and employing cumbersome attachment mechanisms, and lack a single apparatus that can effectively accommodate both bottle and can forms.

Innovation Solution

A lightweight insulating holder with a lower cylindrical enclosure and an upper cylindrical enclosure featuring a dome-shaped end, made of polyolefin elastomer foam, which slides into the lower enclosure to provide improved insulation, aerodynamic properties, and impact protection, accommodating multiple bottle sizes and allowing easy conversion between bottle and can formats.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional foam jackets or sleeves are used for bottles, then insulation is provided, but the contents are partially exposed and the device is inadequate for bottles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsulation performanceVSAvoidcoverage of bottle contents

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating device is divided into two separate cylindrical enclosures (upper and lower) that can be assembled together. This segmentation allows the device to fully cover bottle contents while maintaining insulation effectiveness, overcoming the limitation of single-piece foam jackets that leave contents exposed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The upper cylindrical enclosure is designed to be received within the lower cylindrical enclosure, creating a nested structure. This nesting approach enables complete coverage of bottle contents while maintaining the insulating properties of the foam material throughout the entire enclosure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If attachment mechanisms such as mechanical clasps or snaps are used, then enclosures can be connected, but the device becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection of enclosuresVSAvoidattachment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between upper and lower enclosures transitions from static mechanical clasps or snaps to a dynamic telescoping fit. The enclosures are designed to slide into one another with frictional engagement, eliminating the need for complex attachment mechanisms while maintaining reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical attachment systems (clasps, snaps) with a simpler friction-based telescoping fit. This substitution eliminates cumbersome mechanisms while maintaining the reliability of enclosure connection through proper dimensional design and surface friction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single apparatus is designed to accommodate both bottles and cans, then versatility is improved, but the structure must accommodate different shapes and sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of bottle and can formsVSAvoidstructural design for multiple formats

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating device is designed with universal functionality to accommodate both bottles and cans. The cylindrical enclosures are dimensioned and configured to fit various container types, allowing a single device structure to serve multiple purposes without requiring complex adjustments or configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes in the dimensional design of the enclosures to accommodate different container sizes and shapes. By optimizing the dimensions, tolerances, and geometric parameters of the cylindrical enclosures, the device can adapt to various bottle and can formats while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution offers superior insulation, aerodynamic benefits, and impact protection, keeping beverages cooler for longer while being versatile and easy to use with both bottles and cans, and is designed to accommodate various sizes, including wine bottles.

Implementation Method 1

Polyolefin elastomer foam provides unexpected superior performance for the shape of the insulating holder disclosed in this application. Such unexpected performance includes improved insulation for the insulating holder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact protection: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentUS9022252B2Insulating holder with elastomer foam material

Publication Date: 2015.05.05 BEGGINS HLDG LLC

AI summary

An insulating holder for holding a beverage in a bottle or a can having a lower cylindrical enclosure which receives an upper cylindrical enclosure having a dome-shaped upper end. The upper cylindrical enclosure is adapted to cover the top portion of a bottle inserted into the lower cylindrical enclosure and to snuggly receive a can when inverted and inserted into the lower cylindrical enclosure. At least a portion of the lower cylindrical enclosure or upper cylindrical enclosure is made of a polyolefin elastomer foam. The insulating holder may be structured to retain various sizes of wine bottles.