Container and lid organizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in organizing and storing a collection of differently sized and shaped containers and lids, leading to disorganization and inefficient use of space, as existing solutions do not effectively allow for the stacking and nesting of various container sizes and types.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring telescopic arms that adjust to accommodate containers of different sizes, allowing them to be stacked and nested within each other, with color coding for easy identification, and the ability to attach lids both top and side for airtight sealing, utilizing a base and spine assembly with support arms that collapse for compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If containers and lids of different sizes are stored separately in drawers, cabinets, or shelves, then each container and lid can be individually accessed, but the storage space is wasted and organization is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing smaller containers inside larger containers, and storing lids inside the containers they seal. The telescopic arms are designed to nest within each other when collapsed, allowing the entire organizer to be compactly stored in a single cabinet space while maintaining the ability to access individual containers and lids when extended.
Solution Approach 2:
The organizer serves multiple functions: it stores both containers and lids, accommodates various sizes through telescopic arms, provides color-coded identification, and can be placed in different locations (drawers, cabinets, countertops). This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by creating a single versatile storage solution that replaces multiple separate storage locations.
2Quantity of substance
If containers and lids are stored in a disorganized manner in various locations, then individual items can be stored, but finding complementary lids and containers becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage of containers and lids into a single integrated organizer unit. By storing lids inside their corresponding containers and keeping all items in one location, the system eliminates the need to search through multiple drawers and cabinets, directly reducing the time required to find matching sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color-coded labels or rings on containers and their corresponding lids, allowing users to quickly identify matching pairs by color without having to physically examine each item. This visual identification system significantly reduces the time needed to find complementary containers and lids.
3Adaptability or versatility
If telescopic arms are extended to accommodate larger containers, then more container sizes can be stored, but the storage unit occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic arms are designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than fixed in size. Users can extend the arms to accommodate larger containers when needed and collapse them to minimize the organizer's footprint when storing smaller items or when the organizer needs to be moved or stored away.
Data Source
AI summary
A container and lid storage device is provided. The container and lid storage device includes a telescopic spine connected to a planar base, wherein the telescopic spine provides a plurality of support arms movable between a collapsed condition and an extended condition. A support hand is provided along a distal end of each support arm, each support hand dimensioned and adapted for supporting a plurality of containers, wherein each support hand is adapted to support a predetermined size different than that of an adjacent support hand. As a result, in the collapsed condition the support hand nests in downwardly adjacent containers.