Patent Publication Number: US-9844286-B2

Title: Multi-use camping tool

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. 62/198,559, entitled MULTI-USE CAMPING TOOL, filed Jul. 29, 2015. The aforementioned application is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure is generally concerned with hand tools and implements. More specifically, at least some of the disclosed embodiments concern a re-configurable tool with multiple portions that can be used independently of each other, and which can also be releasably attached to each other in various ways so as to form one or more other tools. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME ASPECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein do not constitute an exhaustive summary of all possible embodiments, nor does this brief summary constitute an exhaustive list of all aspects of any particular embodiment(s). Rather, this brief summary simply presents selected aspects of some example embodiments. It should be noted that nothing herein should be construed as constituting an essential or indispensable element of any invention or embodiment. Rather, various aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be combined in a variety of ways so as to define yet further embodiments. Such further embodiments are considered as being within the scope of this disclosure. As well, none of the embodiments embraced within the scope of this disclosure should be construed as resolving, or being limited to the resolution of, any particular problem(s). Nor should such embodiments be construed to implement, or be limited to implementation of, any particular technical effect(s) or solution(s). 
     A. Example Elements of A Multi-Use Tool 
     Disclosed embodiments are generally concerned with multi-use hand tools and implements. Embodiments of a multi-use tool within the scope of this disclosure may include any one or more of the following elements, and features of elements, in any combination: a tool having first and second portions that are independently functional and which can be releasably attached to each other; a tool having first and second portions that are independently functional and which can be releasably attached to each other by way of a connection mechanism comprised of respective elements of the first and second portions; a tool having first and second portions that can be releasably attached to each other to define one or more tool configurations; a tool having first and second portions that can be releasably attached to each other to define a pair of tongs; a tool having a first portion, in the form of a fork or spoon, and a second portion that can be releasably attached to the first portion to define one or more tool configurations; and, a tool having a first portion in the form of a fork and a second portion in the form of a spoon, where the two portions can be releasably attached to each other to define one or more tool configurations. 
     B. Example Embodiments of a Multi-Use Tool 
     Following is a non-exclusive list of embodiments within the scope of the invention. It should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be combined in other ways to form still further embodiments. 
     In a first example embodiment, a tool includes first and second portions that are independently functional and which can be releasably attached to each other. 
     In a second example embodiment, a tool includes first and second portions that are independently functional and which can be releasably attached to each other by way of a connection mechanism comprised of respective elements of the first and second portions. 
     In a third example embodiment, a tool includes first and second portions that can be releasably attached to each other to form one or more tool configurations. 
     In a fourth example embodiment, a tool includes first and second portions that can be releasably attached to each other to form a pair of tongs. 
     In a fifth example embodiment, a tool includes a first portion, in the form of a fork or spoon, and also includes a second portion that can be releasably attached to each other to form one or more tool configurations. 
     In a sixth example embodiment, a tool includes a first portion in the form of a fork and a second portion in the form of a spoon, where the two portions can be releasably attached to each other to form one or more tool configurations. 
     In a seventh example embodiment, a tool includes a first portion in the form of a fork and a second portion in the form of a spoon, where the two portions can be releasably attached to each other to define one or more tool configurations, and the two portions are releasably attached such that the portions can rotate relative to each other and can be locked into one or more orientations relative to each other. 
     In an eighth example embodiment, a tool includes a first portion in the form of a fork and a second portion in the form of a spoon, where the two portions can be releasably attached to each other to form a pair of tongs. 
     In a ninth example embodiment, any of the aforementioned example embodiments can be assembled together, and reconfigured to define one or more tool configurations, without the need for any separate fasteners. 
     In a tenth example embodiment, a tool according to any of the aforementioned embodiments consists of two portions, specifically, a fork and a spoon. 
     C. Further Aspects of Some Example Embodiments 
     As will be apparent from the present disclosure, one or more embodiments of the invention can provide one or more advantageous and unexpected effects, in any combination, some examples of which are set forth below. It should be noted that such effects are neither intended, nor should be construed, to limit the scope of the claimed invention in any way. 
     For example, one or more embodiments of the invention may be advantageous inasmuch as they enable a user to carry a single assembly that includes multiple tool portions, each having a different respective function. As well, embodiments of the invention may be advantageous insofar as they enable a user to define further tools with other functions, by manipulating the disposition of the tool portions relative to each other. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The appended drawings contain figures of some example embodiments to further clarify various aspects of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that these drawings depict only some embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit its scope in any way. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of an example multi-use tool with two portions connected to each other in one example configuration; 
         FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , and shows first and second tool portions in one example arrangement, relative to each other; 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , and shows first and second tool portions in one example arrangement, relative to each other; 
         FIG. 4  is a top perspective view showing two tool portions separated from each other; 
         FIG. 5  is a top perspective view showing two tool portions connected to each other; 
         FIG. 6  is a detail view of aspects of a connection mechanism that enables two different portions to be releasably connected to each other; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing first and second tool portions in one example arrangement, relative to each other; 
         FIG. 8  includes various top and side views of various portions that can be included in embodiments of the multi-use tool; 
         FIG. 9  discloses a configuration of first and second tool portions in the form of a fork and spoon, respectively, connected to each other to form tongs; 
         FIG. 10  discloses a configuration of a fork portion of a multi-use tool; 
         FIG. 11  discloses a configuration of a fork portion of a multi-use tool; and 
         FIG. 12  discloses an alternative embodiment of a multi-use tool. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     The present disclosure is generally concerned with hand tools and implements. More specifically, at least some of the disclosed embodiments concern a re-configurable tool with multiple portions that can be used independently of each other, and which can also be releasably attached to each other in various ways so as to form one or more other tools. In one specific example embodiment, the tool is in the form of a camping tool that includes a fork portion and a spoon portion that can be releasably connected to each other in a plurality of different ways. 
     In another example embodiment, the tool includes two fork portions, and in yet another example embodiment, the tool includes two spoon portions. Still other example embodiments include three, or more, portions, any one or more of which can be a fork, or spoon, although that is not required. Embodiments with three or more portions can employ multiple instances of the connection mechanism disclosed herein, although that is not necessarily required and other connection mechanisms could alternatively be used. 
     D. General Aspects of Some Example Embodiments 
     In general, multi-use tools and associated portions disclosed herein, can be constructed with a variety of different materials. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, plastics, fiberglass, metal alloys and metals such as steel, aluminum and titanium, rubber, wood, carbon composites, and combinations of any of the foregoing. Where one or more metals are employed, they can be forged, stamped or otherwise formed to assume a desired shape and configuration. Plastic elements can be injection molded or otherwise formed. Part, or all, of the multi-use tool can also be made of biodegradable material(s). In some embodiments, one, some, or all portions of the tool can be made of a single piece of material. 
     Surface treatments and textures may also be applied to portions of the multi-use tool. For example, the handles can include a texture or pattern, which can be created with a blow-molding or other process. 
     E. Structural and Operational Aspects of a Some Example Embodiments 
     Directing attention now to  FIGS. 1-11 , details are provided concerning a multi-use tool, one example of which is denoted generally at  100 . In the illustrated examples, the multi-use tool  100  includes first and second portions  102  and  104 , although, in other embodiments, more than two portions may be included. In at least some embodiments, the first portion  102  may take the form of a fork, while the second portion  104  may take the form of a spoon. 
     As shown collectively by the Figures, the first portion  102  and second portion  104  can assume a variety of different dispositions relative to each other. For example,  FIGS. 1-3  disclose an arrangement where the first portion  102  is in the form of a fork and the second portion  104  is in the form of a spoon. Each of the portions  102  and  104  includes a respective bend  102   a  and  104   a  so that when the portions  102  and  104  are arranged as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , a space  106  is defined between the ends of the two portions  102  and  104 . 
     In the illustrated example, the bends  102   a  and  104   a  are located generally near the middle of the portions  102  and  104  respectively. However, this configuration is not required and the bends  102   a  and/or  104   a  can be located elsewhere in the portions  102  and  104 , respectively. For example, in one alternative embodiment, the bends  102   a  and  104   a  can be located relatively closer to the ends of portions  102  and  104  where those portions connect together. As well, the bends  102   a  and/or  104   a  can be relatively more, or less, pronounced than indicated in the illustrated example. 
     Because one or both of the portions  102  and  104  may be made of a material, and/or have a configuration, that can be elastically deformed, the example configuration and arrangement of the portions  102  and  104  shown in  FIGS. 1-3  forms a set of tongs in which the portions  102  and  104  can be squeezed together by a user to grasp an item, and then allowed to move apart from each other so as to release the item. Thus, one or both of the portions  102  and  104  can be selectively elastically deformed by a user, moving between a deformed state and a partly, or completely, undeformed state (as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 ), such that the two portions  102  and  104  collectively operate as a set of tongs that can be used to selectively grasp and release an item. 
     In one alternative embodiment, both of portions  102  and  104  are spoons, and in another embodiment, both of portions  102  and  104  are forks. In another embodiment, one or both portions  102  and  104  may take the form of what is sometimes referred to as a spork, namely, a spoon configuration that includes tines like those found in a fork. In yet other embodiments, neither of the portions  102  and  104  is a fork, or a spoon. For example, one or both of the portions  102  and  104  can have a generally flat shape at the end, as in the case of a spatula, or knife, for example. The flat portion may, but need not, have one or more openings or holes in it. 
     More generally, any configuration of portions  102  and  104  can be employed and, in some embodiments, the portions  102  and  104  are substantially similar to each other in their configuration, as in the example where both portions  102  and  104  are forks. In other embodiments, the portions  102  and  104  are substantially different from each other in their configurations, such as in the example of  FIGS. 1-3 . As well, portions  102  and  104  can be substantially similar, or identical, to each other in terms of their overall size and configuration except insofar as one portion terminates in a spoon and the other portion terminates in a fork, as disclosed in  FIG. 4  for example. 
     As noted elsewhere herein, and shown in  FIG. 4  for example, the portions  102  and  104  can be removably attached to each other so that they can be separated if desired. As well, the portions  102  and  104  can be oriented, relative to each other in a variety of different ways when they are connected to each other. This can be seen, for example, by comparing the arrangement of portions  102  and  104 , relative to each other, shown in  FIG. 3  (portions  102  and  104  spaced apart from each other in a tong configuration), with the arrangement of portions  102  and  104 , relative to each other, shown in  FIG. 7  (portions  102  and  104  are nested with each other). 
     In at least some embodiments, the ability to remove portions  102  and  104  from each other, and reorient portions  102  and  104  relative to each other, is enabled by a way of a connection mechanism, one example of which is denoted at  200  in the Figures. The connection mechanism  200  is one example structural implementation of a means for releasably connecting first and second portions of a multi-use tool. Such a means may also enable the portions  102  and  104  to be releasably locked into one or more positions relative to each other. Of course, any other structure(s) of comparable functionality could alternatively be employed, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the example connection mechanism  200 . 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 4-6 , one useful aspect of at least some embodiments of the connection mechanism  200  is that it may consist entirely of respective elements of each of the first and second portions  102  and  104 . These elements may be integrally formed with the respective portion  102  or  104  with which they are associated. As such, in these example embodiments, there are no discrete elements of the connection mechanism  200  that can be misplaced or lost. That is, as long as both portions  102  and  104  are available to the user, no other elements, such as fasteners for example, are required to enable those portions to be manipulated as shown in the Figures and disclosed herein. As such, some embodiments of the connection mechanism  200  may be referred to as fastenerless in nature. It should be noted that the way in which the various portions of the connection mechanism  200  are allocated between the first and second portions  102  and  104  is presented only by way of example and, in other embodiments, the first and second portions  102  and  104  may include additional, or alternative, elements of the connection mechanism  200 . 
     While some embodiments advantageously eliminate the need for separate fasteners to releasably connect the first and second portions  102  and  104  together, it can be useful in other embodiments to employ one or more fasteners. Thus, yet other embodiments can employ a fastener to releasably connect the first and second portions  102  and  104  together. Such fasteners include, for example, screws and bolts. 
     With particular reference now to  FIG. 4 , the example connection mechanism  200  may include a pivot hole  202  and a hook  204 , both of which may be integral elements of the portion  102  or, alternatively, the portion  104 . The hook  204 , which can also be referred to herein as a ‘bail hook,’ may define a slot  205 . The pivot hole  202  is configured and arranged to releasably receive a corresponding pin  206 , which may be an integral element of the portion  104  or, alternatively, the portion  102 . In another example embodiment, the pin  206  can be a separate element that is inserted in the portion  104  at the time of manufacture. When the pin  206  is received in the pivot hole  202 , as shown in  FIG. 6  for example, the portions  102  and  104  are rotatable relative to each other about an axis defined by the pin  206  and pivot hole  202 . 
     If desired, the positions of the portions  102  and  104  can be locked relative to each other, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 7 . To this end, the connection mechanism  200  further includes a locking pin  208 , which may also be referred to in some Figures as a ‘locking lug,’ configured and arranged to be releasably engaged by the hook  204 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 7  for example. The locking pin  208  and hook  204  can be configured and arranged such that the portions  102  and  104  can be locked to each other in a particular orientation relative to each other regardless of whether, for example, the configuration of  FIG. 2  is desired, or the configuration of  FIG. 7  is desired. 
     The diameter of the locking pin  208  and the width of the slot  205  may be substantially the same so that the locking pin  208  and hook  204  can readily engage with, and disengage from, each other. However, some measure of resistance to disengagement of the locking pin  208  and hook  204  may be desirable in order to provide assurance that the portions  102  and  104  will remain in a desired orientation relative to each other until such time as a user decides to modify that orientation. In at least some embodiments, this resistance can be obtained by configuring the portion  102  and/or portion  104  so that some elastic deformation of one or both portions  102  and  104  is required in order for the hook  204  to fully engage the locking pin  208 , and/or in order for the hook  204  to be disengaged from the locking pin  208 . 
     By way of illustration, the portions  102  and/or  104  may be configured so that the hook  204  must be depressed slightly downward in order for the hook  204  to slip underneath a retention flange  208   a  of the locking pin  208 . This slight depression or elastic deformation of the hook  204  thus enables the hook  204  to act like a spring and exert an upward retention force on the underside of the retention flange  208   a  so that the hook  204  and locking pin  208  tend to resist separation from each other. 
     Other mechanisms can alternatively be employed to help ensure that the hook  204  cannot separate too easily from the locking pin  208 . For example, the locking pin  208  may have a slightly larger diameter than the width of the slot  205  of the hook  204 . 
     As suggested in  FIGS. 2 and 7 , for example, a configuration change can be effected simply by separating the portions  102  and  104  from each other, orienting portion  102  in the desired fashion relative to portion  104  (or vice versa), and then reconnecting the portions  102  and  104  together, that is, so that portion  102  either nests with portion  104  ( FIG. 7 ), or is spaced apart from portion  104  ( FIG. 2 ). More specifically, a user can align the pin  206  with the pivot hole  202  and then extend the pin  206  through the pivot hole  202  until further movement of the pin  206  is no longer possible. Once the pin  206  is thus positioned in the pivot hole  202 , the portion  102  and/or portion  104  can be rotated until the hook  204  is fully engaged with the locking pin  208 . 
     Of course, the portions  102  and  104  can be separated from each other and used by a user to implement their different respective functions, for example, the functions of a fork and a spoon. In this example, the portions  102  and  104  can later be reconnected to each other, if desired. 
     With particular reference now to  FIGS. 9-11 , further details are provided concerning some example embodiments of the invention, one of which is denoted generally at  300 . Except as noted below, the tool  300  can be similar, or identical, to the example embodiment disclosed in  FIGS. 1-8 . Thus, only selected differences between the embodiments are addressed in the following discussion. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9-11 , the tool  300  can include first and second portions  302  and  304 , respectively, that are releasably connectible to each other in part by way of a pin  306  of the second portion  304  that is configured to be removably received in a pivot hole  308  of the first portion  302 . In this example configuration, the pin  306  has an elongated head configuration, and the pivot hole  308  likewise has a correspondingly elongated form. Consequently, the pin  306  can readily pass through the pivot hole  308  when the portions  302  and  304  are oriented as shown in the left-hand side of the uppermost view of  FIG. 9 . In contrast, the pin  306  is prevented from passing through the pivot hole  308  when the portions  302  and  304  are oriented as shown in the right-hand side of the uppermost view of  FIG. 9 . The middle portion of the uppermost view of  FIG. 9  illustrates a transitional configuration between the two aforementioned configurations of the pin  306  and pivot hole  308 . The other views of  FIG. 9  show the portions  302  and  304  in a nested configuration (far left side of  FIG. 9 ), and in a tong configuration. 
     Finally, and as indicated in the example of  FIG. 9  (leftmost view), the portion  302  can be nested above the portion  304 . However, in some alternative embodiments, the portion  302  is nested below the portion  304 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 10 , the portion  302 , which can be in the form of a fork for example, is disclosed in further detail. As indicated, the portion  302  can include a fork with multiple tines  302   a . Part, or all, of each of the tines  302   a , such as the front side and/or the back side, can be polished. In other embodiments, the tines  302   a  need not have a polished finish. Where provided, a polished finish on the tines  302   a  can be more pleasing to the user, and may help to facilitate cleaning of the tines  302   a . As further disclosed in  FIG. 10 , the portion  302  can include a hook  302   b , designated as a ‘bail hook’ in that Figure, as some embodiments of the hook  302   b  can be used to engage a bail, or handle, of an item such as a lid of a pot. In addition to facilitating the releasable connection of the portion  302  to the portion  304 , the hook  302   b  may have separate utility, such as for lifting items such as hot lids. Finally, the length of the portion  302  can be selected, for example, to be sufficiently long to reach the bottom of a meal packet. Thus, in one example embodiment, the portion  302  may have an overall length of about 8.5 inches, although longer, or shorter, portions  302  can be employed in other embodiments, and the scope of the invention is not limited to portions  302  of this example dimension. 
     Turning finally to  FIG. 11 , the portion  304 , which can be in the form of a spoon for example, is disclosed in further detail. As indicated, the portion  304  can include a spoon portion  304   a . Part, or all, of each of the spoon portion  304   a , such as the front side and/or the back side, can be polished. In other embodiments, the spoon portion  304   a  need not have a polished finish. Where provided, a polished finish on the spoon portion  304   a  can be more pleasing to the user, and may help to facilitate cleaning of the spoon portion  304   a . The spoon portion  304   a  can be any suitable size. In some example embodiments, the spoon portion  304   a  is sized to hold about 1 tablespoon (tbsp.) of material. Larger, or smaller, spoon portions  304   a  can be employed in other embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, the spoon portion  304   a  is sized to hold about a teaspoon (tsp.) of material. Finally, the length of the portion  304  can be selected, for example, to be sufficiently long to reach the bottom of a meal packet. Thus, in one example embodiment, the portion  304  may have an overall length of about 8.5 inches, although longer, or shorter, portions  304  can be employed in other embodiments, and the scope of the invention is not limited to portions  304  of this example dimension. 
     With reference finally to  FIG. 12 , details are provided concerning an alternate embodiment of a multi-use tool, one half of which is designated generally at  400 . While not specifically illustrated in  FIG. 12 , it will be appreciated that a spoon portion, and/or other portion(s), of a multi-use tool could be constructed in generally the same fashion as the fork portion indicated in  FIG. 12 . 
     This particular embodiment has a composite construction. Thus, for example, the majority of the utensil  400 , including the eating end  402 , will be made from metal such as stainless steel and/or titanium. The end of the utensil, including a portion of a connecting mechanism, such as a hook  404  for example, can be overmolded from nylon and/or other suitable plastic(s). This approach may be advantageous for various reasons. First, the metals used to make at least some embodiments of the spoon and/or fork portions lack the capability of being spring-tempered. In fact, some of such metals may not be able to be tempered at all, and so do not possess the necessary elastic resilience to function as tongs on their own. Thus, the overmolded nylon will provide the resilience that is not present in such metals. Second, the connection mechanism may be relatively easier to manufacture from molded nylon, or other plastic(s), than from metal. Finally, the molded nylon can provide a degree of insulation for the user if the metal portion were to become uncomfortably hot during use. 
     Although this disclosure has been described in terms of certain embodiments, other embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art are also within the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure is intended to be defined only by the claims which follow.