Flexible container with spouts and closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing silicone containers lack a convenient and leak-resistant sealing mechanism that allows for easy opening and closing without external clips or clasps, and do not easily transition between open and closed configurations.
Innovation Solution
Silicone containers with integrated spouts and zipper members that are molded as a unitary whole, allowing the mouth to deform between open and closed configurations, using a tongue and groove configuration for sealing, and made through processes like liquid injection molding or compression molding to ensure durability and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external clips or clasps are used for sealing, then sealing strength is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the container body by integrating zipper members directly into the rim structure. The first and second zipper members are molded as part of the container, eliminating the need for separate external clips or clasps. This integration maintains reliable sealing while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The zipper members are designed to be self-engaging through a simple pulling motion. When the user pulls the zipper members, they automatically engage with each other to seal the mouth, and disengage when released. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex fastening operations while maintaining reliable sealing.
2Reliability
If rigid sealing structures are used, then sealing reliability is improved, but ease of operation and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The zipper members are made from flexible silicone material that allows them to deform during engagement and disengagement. This flexibility enables easy opening and closing operations while the interlocking geometry of the zipper teeth maintains reliable sealing when engaged. The material can be deformed between open and closed configurations as specified in the patent.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible system. The zipper members can change shape during operation, deforming to engage with each other for sealing and deforming again to disengage. This dynamic behavior enables easy operation while maintaining sealing reliability through the interlocking geometry.
3Ease of operation
If integrated zipper members are used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism is segmented into distinct first and second zipper members with specific engagement features. Each zipper member has defined geometric features (teeth, channels, protrusions) that interlock with corresponding features on the other member. This segmentation allows for standardized molding processes while achieving precise interengagement through repeated geometric patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies particular dimensional parameters for the zipper members including the size and shape of engagement features, the flexibility of the material, and the geometry of the mouth deformation. By controlling these parameters within specific ranges, the patent achieves easy operation through flexible deformation while maintaining manufacturability through standardized geometric features that can be molded with conventional precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A container comprising: a base and freestanding sides extending from the base to define a mouth opposite the base, wherein the mouth has first and second spouts opposite each other and first and second interior sides opposite each other between the first and second spouts; a first zipper member extending from the first interior side of the mouth from the first spout to the second spout; a second zipper member extending from the second interior side of the mouth from the first spout to the second spout, wherein the mouth is deformable between open and closed configurations and the first and second zipper members are disengagable when the mouth is open and engagable when the mouth is closed, wherein the base, sides, and zipper members are a unitary whole container without assembled parts, wherein the container comprises silicone.