Tethered Mess Kit Utensil Assembly for Compact Outdoor Dining
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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 that combine convenience, compactness, and flexibility, as existing solutions do not adequately meet these requirements.
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 separable and releasably connectable components such as a knife and sheath, allowing for multiple assembly modes and attachment to the container assembly for enhanced usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple utensils and containers are carried separately for outdoor dining, then functionality and versatility are improved, but portability and compactness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple utensils (spoon, fork, knife) and containers (bowl, cup, plate) into a single integrated mess kit assembly. The utensils are attached to the container via tethers, and components can be nested within each other, allowing all items to be carried together as one compact unit rather than separate pieces
Solution Approach 2:
The utensil components are designed to nest within each other when not in use. The spoon, fork, and knife can be stored inside the container or within each other's handles, maximizing space efficiency and minimizing the overall volume when the mess kit is in its compact storage state
2Ease of operation
If utensil components are made separable and releasably connectable, then versatility and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mess kit is divided into separate functional components (utensils and containers) that are connected through simple tether mechanisms. Each utensil can be independently attached or detached from the container, allowing users to configure the assembly based on their specific needs without dealing with complex integrated mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The mess kit transitions between static and dynamic states through simple tether connections. The utensils can be quickly attached to or removed from the container by pulling on the tethers, allowing the system to adapt its configuration dynamically without requiring complex locking or fastening mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If a tether system is used to attach utensils to the container, then ease of operation and flexibility are improved, but reliability may worsen due to potential detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The tether system is designed with sufficient length and strength to accommodate various configurations while maintaining secure attachment. The tethers are routed through the container structure in a way that prevents accidental detachment during normal use, providing a buffer against the potential harm of detachment while preserving flexibility
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 convenient food container and utensil system that is easy to use and store, with the flexible tether allowing for secure attachment and easy access, addressing the need for improved outdoor dining solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible resilient tether
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.