Tool-Free Can Holder With Vertical And Horizontal Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing can holders fail to provide a safe and stable attachment to both vertical and horizontal supports without tools, particularly on ladders, where user safety is compromised due to the need for hands-free operation and risk of spills or falls.
Innovation Solution
A can holder design featuring a top plate with a vertical attach portion and a horizontal attach portion, allowing secure attachment to vertical or horizontal structures like ladders or joists without tools, incorporating notches for U- or I-beam engagement and flanges for horizontal support, ensuring the can is held securely and tools can be accommodated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hooks, wire hangers, or clamps are used to hold cans, then the can can be supported, but the attachment requires tools and is not easily removable
Solution Approach 1:
The can holder is divided into distinct functional segments: a vertical attach portion with notches for vertical supports, a horizontal attach portion with a leg and flange for horizontal supports, and a can support shelf. This segmentation allows each portion to be independently designed for its specific attachment function, enabling tool-free installation while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The can holder acts as an intermediary device between the support structure (ladder, joist, or wall) and the can or tools. By providing pre-formed notches and flanges that match common support geometries, it mediates the connection without requiring tools, screws, or complex fastening mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If hands are used to hold cans during work, then the can is accessible, but user safety is compromised due to the need for hands-free operation
Solution Approach 1:
The can holder is designed to be self-supporting once installed, requiring no continuous human intervention to maintain its function. The notches and flanges are shaped to automatically engage with vertical and horizontal supports, creating a self-locking mechanism that holds cans securely without requiring the user to maintain grip or attention on the holder.
3Ease of operation
If cans are placed on unstable surfaces, then they are accessible, but they risk spilling or falling
Solution Approach 1:
The can holder transitions from a simple one-dimensional support (like a hook) to a two-dimensional platform with both vertical and horizontal attachment capabilities. This dimensional expansion creates a stable base that prevents cans from tipping or falling while maintaining easy accessibility. The perpendicular orientation of the vertical and horizontal attach portions creates a rigid L-shaped structure that eliminates instability.
Data Source
AI summary
The can holder comprises a can support for attaching to a vertical or horizontal support without tools. The can support comprises a top plate having a can surrounding hole, a can floor portion spaced from the top plate by a vertical spacer, a vertical attach portion and a horizontal attach portion. The horizontal attach portion may comprise a back leg forming a U-shaped channel generally parallel to a top plate back edge and between the back leg and the vertical spacer for attachment to a horizontal structure such as a joist or ladder rung. The vertical attach portion may comprise a U-shaped channel cut out of the top plate and a projecting tab on the can floor portion for attachment to a vertical structure such as a building stud or ladder rung. Slots and holes in top plate are adapted to hold tools.