Rotating Score Bands on Insulated Drinkware
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a convenient and integrated means for participants in sporting and gaming activities to track their scores and performance metrics, as existing solutions often require separate devices.
Innovation Solution
A drinkware item, such as a tumbler, equipped with one or more rotating scoring bands that can be aligned with reference points on the cup to track scores and metrics, allowing for easy rotation in both directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate scorekeeping devices are used, then scoring functionality is provided, but device complexity and portability issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the scorekeeping function with a common drinkware item (tumbler/cup), merging two previously separate functions (drinking and scoring) into a single integrated device. The scoring bands are attached to the exterior of the cup body, allowing users to track scores while drinking, thereby eliminating the need for separate scorekeeping devices and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drinkware item serves multiple functions: it acts as both a drinking vessel and a scorekeeping device. The scoring bands can be rotated to indicate different scores, and the same cup structure accommodates both liquid containment and scoring functionality, making the device universal and adaptable to various scoring needs without requiring additional specialized equipment.
2Ease of operation
If scoring bands are made rotatable, then ease of score tracking is improved, but friction resistance and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the scoring band assembly. The inner surface of the scoring band that contacts the cup body is made of a low-friction material (such as silicone or Teflon) to facilitate easy rotation and score tracking. The outer surface of the scoring band, which is visible and used for displaying scores, is made of a higher-friction material to provide stability and prevent unintended movement during use.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a drinking vessel with one or more circumferential grooves defined in the outer surface of the vessel. A band is disposed in each groove. Each band bears a sequence or series of numbers, letters, symbols or other characters that represent a score or other measurable metric pertinent to a game or sporting event. Each band can be rotated independently relative to the vessel so that the use can align a particular number, letter or character of the band with a reference point on the vessel to track a given participant's score and/or other metrics. The vessel can be insulated such as a double-walled vacuum insulated metal tumbler or other drinking vessel.