Rotating Label Ring for Residue-Free Container Content Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods of labeling containers for re-purposed contents are ineffective, leading to confusion and difficulty in identifying the contents, and can damage the container due to residue from adhesive labels, making recycling challenging.

Innovation Solution

A container system with a circumferentially extending groove and a labeling ring that can be rotated to display labels through a cover's labeling region, eliminating the need for direct labeling on the container and reducing residue issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If adhesive label stickers are used to identify container contents, then content identification is enabled, but adhesive residue damages the container and complicates recycling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent identificationVSAvoidadhesive residue damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a removable labeling ring as an intermediary element between the container and the label. The labeling ring fits into a groove on the container exterior, allowing labels to be attached to the ring rather than directly to the container. This mediator prevents adhesive contact with the container surface, eliminating residue damage while maintaining content identification functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The labeling system is segmented into separate components: the container, the groove, the labeling ring, and the label. This segmentation allows the label and ring to be removed and replaced independently without affecting the container itself, facilitating easy content identification changes and preserving the container for recycling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of information

If traditional label stickers are used on containers, then content identification is achieved, but label confusion occurs when contents are re-purposed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent identificationVSAvoidlabel updating difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The labeling system transitions from static adhesive labels to a dynamic removable ring structure. The labeling ring can be easily removed and replaced with different rings containing different labels, allowing the container to be quickly re-purposed for different contents without confusion. This dynamic approach enables flexible content identification updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of information

If adhesive labels are applied directly to the container, then content identification is provided, but the container surface is damaged and recycling is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent identificationVSAvoidrecycling difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The removable labeling ring serves as a mediator that protects the container surface from adhesive damage. By attaching labels to the ring rather than the container, the container remains intact and free of residue, making it easier to recycle and reuse without surface degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12565356B2System for container content identification
Publication Date: 2026.03.03 GROVE COLLABORATIVE INC
  • US12565356B2 patent drawing
  • US12565356B2 patent drawing
  • US12565356B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Apparatus, methods, devices for container content identification is described herein. In some variations, an apparatus may include a container, comprising a circumferentially extending groove. In some embodiments, the apparatus can include a labeling ring, wherein the labeling ring is configured to be inserted into the circumferentially extending groove. In some embodiments, the apparatus can include a cover disposed about a portion of the container including the circumferentially extending groove and the labeling ring.