Stackable Food Containers With Support Bands for Stable Transport
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing food carrying systems face challenges in organizing multiple containers and dinnerware items for takeout, leading to difficulties in preventing spillage, tipping, and ecological concerns with plastic bags, while providing a safe and convenient transport solution is needed.
Innovation Solution
A food carrying system utilizing a flexible band to link and stabilize multiple food containers and dinnerware items through strap openings, forming a stable stack with a hand hold for easy transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple containers are placed into a carrying bag for transport, then the containers can be transported together to a destination, but the containers become difficult to keep level, making it easy for tipping and spillage to occur
Solution Approach 1:
A support band is introduced as an intermediary element between the stacked containers. The band threads through openings in the container walls and secures the stack together, preventing tipping and spillage while maintaining ease of transport. This mediator provides the necessary stability without complicating the transport process.
Solution Approach 2:
The container design incorporates segmented openings in the walls that allow the support band to thread through and secure multiple containers together. This segmentation enables the band to interact with individual containers while maintaining the integrity of the entire stack.
2Ease of operation
If multiple containers and dinnerware items are packaged into a carrying bag, then they can be transported together, but the bag is susceptible to breakage and ripping
Solution Approach 1:
The support band serves as a structural intermediary that bears the mechanical loads of transporting multiple containers, relieving the carrying bag from bearing excessive weight and stress. This distribution of mechanical stress prevents bag breakage and ripping while maintaining ease of transport.
3Ease of operation
If plastic carrying bags are used for food transport, then they provide a convenient carrying solution, but they create ecological concerns leading to bans or restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter of the carrying system from non-biodegradable plastic bags to biodegradable or eco-friendly alternatives. The support band and containers are designed to work with these environmentally friendly materials, maintaining carrying convenience while eliminating ecological harm.
4Volume of moving object
If containers are stacked for transport, then space efficiency is improved, but it becomes difficult to remove containers without tipping or detaching lids
Solution Approach 1:
The support band acts as a controlled intermediary that secures containers during transport but can be easily released. When removing containers, the band can be unthreaded or loosened, allowing containers to be taken out one at a time without tipping or lid detachment, while maintaining space efficiency during transport.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A food carrying system comprises a plurality of food service items including at least one container and optionally one or more plates, drink carriers, and/or trays. At least one of the food service items includes opposing strap openings formed in an edge, encircling flange, or opposed flange handles thereof. A support band encircles the stack, passing through the strap openings, and ends thereof are affixed together to stabilize the stack and in embodiments providing a hand-hold for carrying the stack. The band can further extend through a strap opening provided in a separate handle, so that the stack can be carried using the handle. Strap openings can be provided on lids and/or bases of the containers. Strap openings can be closed ovals, or can be C-shaped, having open outer edges. Band ends can be joined by adhesive, hook-and-loop, knot tying, stapling, snaps, buttons, etc.