Wire Hoop Hanger for Stable Suspension of Collarless Vases

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hanging flower vessel designs are not suitable for containment vessels without a collar or flat bottom, limiting their versatility and stability for displaying fresh cut flowers in dynamic and unique ways.

Innovation Solution

A hanger system with first and second hoops conforming to the vessel's shape, connected by an intermediate section and a tensile section, allowing the vessel to be suspended from above, enabling rotation and repositioning, and accommodating various shapes and materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single hoop hanger is used for a flower pot with a collar, then the hanger can support the pot, but it cannot provide stable support for vases without a collar

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different vessel typesVSAvoidstability of support

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hanger is divided into multiple functional components: an upper hoop for suspension, a lower hoop for vessel support, and connecting elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the upper hoop provides hanging capability while the lower hoop provides stable support for vessels without collars.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hanger design incorporates multiple hoops that can accommodate different vessel types and sizes. The upper and lower hoops work together to provide universal support for various vessel configurations, including those without collars or flat bottoms, making the hanger adaptable to multiple vessel types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a wire cup holder with a base is used, then it can support cups with flat bottoms, but it is not useful for vases without flat bottoms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different vessel shapesVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of a single wire structure with a base, the invention uses multiple hoops (upper and lower) connected by vertical elements. This segmentation allows the hanger to support vessels of various shapes without requiring a complex base structure, as the lower hoop provides circumferential support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than supporting the vessel from below with a base (conventional approach), the invention uses an upper hoop for suspension and a lower hoop for support, inverting the traditional support mechanism. This allows vessels without flat bottoms to be supported effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If flowers are displayed in static compositions on tabletops, then they are grounded to a fixed surface, but they cannot be displayed in dynamic ways or in new locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay location flexibilityVSAvoidstability of arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The hanger design enables dynamic display by allowing vessels to be suspended at various heights and positions. The multiple hoops and connecting elements provide stable support while permitting the arrangement to be repositioned and reconfigured, creating dynamic floral compositions that can move and change.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If a hanger is designed for a specific flower pot shape, then it can support that pot, but it lacks versatility for other vessel types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport stability for specific vesselVSAvoidcompatibility with different vessel types

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hanger incorporates an upper hoop and a lower hoop that can accommodate different vessel types and sizes. This multi-functional design provides reliable support for specific vessels while maintaining versatility for other vessel types, resolving the contradiction between specialization and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9271587B2Hanging vessel

Publication Date: 2016.03.01 NEWBY THOMAS OWEN

AI summary

A hanging vessel includes a hanger and a containment vessel shaped as a solid of rotation having a central axis, a closed bottom, an open top, and a lower sidewall with a diameter that increases from the bottom upward. The hanger includes a first hoop located around the lower sidewall, and a second hoop located above the first hoop. The first and second hoops are open hoops having respective first and second gaps, and are connected by an intermediate section aligned with a tensile section extending from the second hoop to an attachment point on the axis above the open end. An alternative hanger has helical turns conforming to the vase. The hanger is preferably formed from a single piece of resilient wire. The vessel may be a vase having a bulbous portion that can be positively retained by the hoops or turns.