Elastomeric Zig-Zag Tether Resists Knotting and Constriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bottle and cup tethers are prone to knotting, soiling, and constriction hazards, and often fail to securely attach to various designs of sippy cups and bottles, especially for children, as they can be easily unfastened by toddlers and pose risks of accidental entrapment.
Innovation Solution
A sanitizable, elastomeric tether with a zig-zag shape that includes an anchoring member for secure attachment and an adjustable loop, designed to prevent knotting and constriction by transforming into a non-planar surface when stretched, featuring a semi-rigid elastomer body with a shore durometer between 40 A and 70 A, and a deformable annulus for easy attachment and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fabric straps with loops and buckles are used for tethering, then the tether can be adjusted and secured to articles, but the strap is subject to knotting and snagging on articles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the tether material from conventional fabric to elastomeric material with specific durometer (40A-70A), transforming it from a flexible strap prone to knotting into a semi-rigid, stretchable tether that resists knotting while maintaining adjustability through elastic deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction combining elastomeric material with metallic or rigid anchoring components, creating a hybrid tether system that leverages the flexibility and sanitizability of elastomer while incorporating the strength and precision of metal components for secure attachment
2Ease of operation
If hook and loop fasteners are used for attachment, then the tether can be easily fastened and unfastened, but the fasteners are readily unfastened by toddlers and can be soiled easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hook and loop fastening system with an elastomeric stretch-and-lock mechanism where the tether material itself provides the fastening function through elastic deformation, eliminating separate fasteners that can be soiled or accidentally unfastened
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric body acts as an intermediary between the anchoring member and the article, providing a sanitizable connection interface that eliminates direct contact between fasteners and soiled surfaces, allowing the tether to be cleaned without disassembly
3Length of moving object
If straps of any length are used for tethering, then the tether can reach various attachment points, but the strap poses constriction hazards to body parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical properties of the tether by using semi-rigid elastomeric material with specific durometer (40A-70A) that prevents the material from conforming tightly to body parts, transforming it from a flexible constriction risk into a rigid-resistant tether that maintains safety while providing necessary length
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates a curved or serpentine configuration in the tether path that prevents straight-line constriction, using geometric design to ensure the tether cannot form tight loops around body parts while maintaining functional length for reaching attachment points
4Ease of operation
If the tether is made flexible and extendable for child access, then the child can bring the tethered cup to their mouth, but the tether may catch, tangle or hang on other articles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the elastomeric material properties (durometer 40A-70A) to achieve optimal balance between flexibility for child manipulation and rigidity to prevent tangling, creating a tether that is extendable yet resistant to forming knots or catching on objects
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
The tether effectively prevents knotting and constriction, remains secure during use, and is easily sanitized, allowing for flexible extension to prevent snagging and tangling, while ensuring the tethered article remains close to an attachment point without accidental release.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric body, preferably constructed of any FDA approved food grade or higher grade semi-rigid elastomer with a shore durometer between 40 A and 70 A
Data Source
AI summary
A constriction resistant tether for a child's article includes an elastomeric body, preferably constructed of any FDA approved food grade or higher grade semi-rigid elastomer. A portion of the tether body has a zig-zag, or modified serpentine shape that resembles a non-coiled tension spring. At one end of the body is an anchoring member for securement to a point of attachment such as a child seat, high chair or wheelchair. The anchoring member may possess a small annulus with a tail having spaced knobs along its length extending therefrom, or the anchoring member may be a plug or bulbous member that snaps into or interlocks with a custom sized and shaped aperture defining an attachment point.