System for holding a container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bar bottle holders are non-retractable, making it inconvenient for bartenders to access and serve liquids efficiently, as they require manual activation of pour spouts and occupy valuable workspace.
Innovation Solution
A retractable container holding system with a holder and spring-wound reel mechanism that allows bottles to be pulled towards the workspace and automatically return to a retracted position, featuring a gripping mechanism to secure bottles upside down and a pour spout for controlled liquid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If bottles are held in stationary bar butles, then bottles are securely held and organized, but workspace is occupied and access to bottles is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the stationary bar butle into a movable system. The holder is connected to a retracting mechanism that allows it to move between an extended position (for easy access) and a retracted position (to save workspace). This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by making the workspace occupation variable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the holder and bottle within a housing structure when in the retracted position. The holder can be disposed within the cage of the housing, effectively nesting the bottle-holding component within the fixed structure. This allows the system to occupy minimal workspace when not in use while providing full access when needed.
2Ease of manufacture
If bottles are placed above workspace, then visual contact with clients is maintained, but bartender must reach up to access bottles
Solution Approach 1:
The retracting mechanism enables the holder to dynamically adjust its position vertically. When serving, the holder extends to bring the bottle down to an accessible height for the bartender. When not in use, it retracts to maintain the bottle above the workspace for visual display. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between visual contact and ease of access.
3Reliability
If non-retractable holders are used, then structure is simple and reliable, but time is lost manually activating pour spouts and retrieving bottles
Solution Approach 1:
The retracting mechanism is designed to automatically return the holder to its retracted position after use. When the bartender releases the bottle, the spring-wound reel automatically reels in the cable and returns the holder to the stowed position. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual retrieval and reduces time loss while maintaining mechanical reliability through the simple spring-based mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by having the holder automatically return to the retracted position immediately after use. This automatic retraction prepares the system for the next use without requiring additional time from the bartender, effectively preempting the next retrieval action and reducing overall time loss.
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 system enables convenient and efficient access to liquids, saves workspace, and reduces time spent by bartenders or cooks, while maintaining visual contact with clients.
Implementation Method 1
The retracting mechanism can comprise a spring wound reel constituting said base portion and a cable wrapped thereon
Data Source
AI summary
A system for holding at least one container, comprising: at least one holder configured to grip said container; and a retracting mechanism having a base portion mountable to a fixed location, and a distal end connectable to said holder; wherein said holder is displaceable by said retracting mechanism between a normally retracted position and an extended position, so that the length of said retracting mechanism is increased more at said extended position than the length at said retracted position.