Mess Kit with Tethered Multi-Mode Utensil Assembly for Outdoor Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for more optimized portable food container assemblies and versatile eating utensils suitable for outdoor use, which must balance convenience, compactness, and flexibility while being easy to transport and use.
Innovation Solution
A mess kit comprising a container assembly with a bowl and lid portion, and a utensil member attached via a flexible resilient tether, where the utensil member includes a knife and spork component that can be assembled in multiple modes and attached to the container assembly for convenient handling and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate utensils are carried for outdoor dining, then functionality and versatility are improved, but weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple utensil functions (spoon, fork, knife) into a single integrated mess kit assembly. The utensils are attached to the container via tethers, allowing them to be stored together as one unit while maintaining individual functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mess kit is designed as a multi-functional system where a single container assembly serves multiple purposes: food storage, utensil holder, and carrying case. The utensils themselves are multi-functional, combining spoon, fork, and knife capabilities in one assembly.
2Ease of operation
If utensils are attached to the container assembly, then convenience and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Flexible tethers serve as intermediary elements connecting the utensils to the container assembly. These tethers allow the utensils to move freely when needed while automatically returning to the container for storage, providing both accessibility and automatic organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is dynamic rather than fixed. The flexible tethers allow the utensils to move between stored and accessible positions, adapting to the user's needs while maintaining connection to the container assembly.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact mess kit design is used, then portability and compactness are improved, but ease of operation may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The mess kit is segmented into modular components (container, utensils, tethers) that can be independently manipulated. This segmentation allows the utensils to be easily removed and used while keeping the overall assembly compact when stored.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible tethers act as flexible connections that allow compact storage while enabling easy access. When the mess kit is compact, the tethers allow the utensils to be pulled out for use without requiring the entire assembly to be expanded or disassembled.
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 solution provides a compact, versatile, and easy-to-use food container system that meets the needs of outdoor activities by allowing flexible attachment and storage of utensils, enhancing convenience and usability while maintaining compactness.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible resilient tether. The utensil member includes at least one utensil aperture formed through a surface of the utensil member, and the tether can be extended through the utensil aperture and through at least the first aperture or second aperture of the container assembly for attaching the utensil member to the container assembly
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a mess kit includes a container assembly having a lid portion and a container, each of the lid portion and container including handle portions having apertures that align when the lid portion is connected to the container. In some embodiments, a tether device is provided to connect the lid portion to the container, as well as to releasably connect one or more utensil devices, or utensil assemblies to the container assembly. Also, the utensil assembly can include a first utensil and second utensil connectable together in a first mode, and second mode, with each mode of connection involving inserting a portion of the first utensil into a sheath member of the second utensil.