Stackable Sippy Cup with Nested Lid-Locking Design for Secure Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of a convenient, clean, and durable sippy cup stacking system where each sippy cup can have its own lid securely attached while stacked, especially for children's cups, which is necessary for efficient storage during outings.
Innovation Solution
A cup stacking system where each cup is stacked with its lid secured to the cup, utilizing a locking stem and locking plug with a threaded or rotational connection, and an annular recess to enclose the sippy spout within the bottom of the cup below, with optional relief valves to prevent leaks and assist with drinking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If multiple sippy cups are stored separately, then each cup is easily accessible, but storage space is wasted and portability is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by allowing one cup to be placed inside another cup through the annular recess and spout interaction. The bottom cup's annular recess receives the top cup's body, while the top cup's spout fits through the bottom cup's lid opening, creating a compact nested configuration that reduces storage volume while maintaining individual cup accessibility.
2Productivity
If cups are stacked without secure lid attachment, then stacking is simple, but lids become detached and storage is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lid attachment function with the stacking function by designing the lid to have both a spout for securing to the cup body and an annular recess for receiving the cup above. This integration allows the lid to simultaneously perform its sealing function and serve as a stacking interface, ensuring lids remain attached during stacking while maintaining efficient stacking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested configuration secures lids during stacking by having the top cup nest within the bottom cup's annular recess, with the top cup's spout passing through the bottom lid. This nested arrangement mechanically interlocks the lids and cups together, preventing lid detachment while maintaining stacking efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If the spout is exposed during stacking, then drinking is convenient, but the spout may be damaged or contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses nesting to protect the spout by having the top cup's body pass through the bottom cup's annular recess, which encloses and protects the bottom spout. The top cup's spout remains accessible through its own lid opening while being protected by the nested configuration, preventing damage and contamination during storage and transport.
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
Provides secure and efficient storage for both clean and dirty sippy cups with their lids attached, ensuring easy transportation and convenient handling during outings.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a locking stem and locking plug with a threaded or rotational connection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2
AI summary
A sippy cup stacking system comprising multiple substantially identical sippy cups having sippy spout lids that can be mated with the bottom of a first cup while attached to the top of a second cup. Each cup includes a bottom with an annular recess containing a central locking plug capable of mating with a central locking stem protruding from a lid on another cup. The sippy spout on each lid is radially offset from the locking stem and fits into and can move circumferentially in the annular recess on the bottom of the cup to which it is being mated, until the spout is fully enclosed by the bottom of the mated cup.