Thermos Cup with Deployable Seat Cushion for Outdoor Use

The problem

Hikers and campers often carry bulky chairs or must sit on the ground, which can be wet, cold, or uneven. Standard thermos bottles are designed solely for liquid storage; their cylindrical shape offers no stable platform for resting, and they cannot support human weight without tipping over or damaging the insulation. Additionally, once a bottle is filled, the volume is fixed, leaving no flexibility if a user wants to carry less weight but still needs the container’s structural benefits. There is a lack of compact solutions that combine hydration storage with immediate seating capability in outdoor environments.

The solution

1. The cup body (1) has a base (6) at its lower end. Four through grooves (8) are cut around the perimeter of this base.
2. Stress plates (7) slide into these grooves. Each plate has a hand buckle (9) for gripping and a second sliding groove (15).
3. The cup cover (10) screws onto the top of the body. It also features four second through grooves (31) containing second stress plates (11).
4. These upper plates have sliding grooves (13) and second hand buckles (14).
5. When deployed, pulling out the lower and upper plates increases the stress area, creating a wide, stable foundation for the bottle and a broad, flat surface on the lid suitable for sitting.
6. Internally, a sliding block (16) moves along a round groove (4) on the side of the cup. It connects to an inner bottom plate (20) via a hinge (19) and pulling plate (18).
7. A magnet (17) on the slider attracts a second magnet (21) on the inner plate, holding the plate at a chosen height against the force of a spring (12) and piston (23) assembly.
8. A telescopic rod (25) attached to the lid holds a stirring spoon (28), retractable for storage.

Who it is for

• Camping equipment brands looking to differentiate their hard-goods line with multi-functional items that reduce pack weight.
• Outdoor retailers targeting hikers and anglers who spend long periods standing or walking and need occasional rest points.
• Military and tactical suppliers requiring rugged, dual-purpose gear that minimizes the number of separate items carried.
• Travel accessory manufacturers designing compact kits for road trips or festivals where seating is scarce.

How it works

The main parts

Operation Steps

1. Deploying the Seat: To use the cup as a seat, the user pulls the hand buckles (9) to slide the stress plates (7) outward from the base (6). Simultaneously, the second hand buckles (14) are used to extend the second stress plates (11) from the lid (10). The lid is then screwed tightly onto the body. The combined width of the extended plates creates a stable platform capable of supporting a person’s weight.
2. Adjusting Water Level: If the user wishes to reduce the carrying weight or change the liquid-to-air ratio, they slide the external block (16) down the round groove (4). This movement, transmitted through the hinge and pulling plate, lowers the inner bottom plate (20). The magnets (17 and 21) attract each other to lock the plate in place, compressing the spring (12) against the piston (23). Raising the slider releases the magnetic lock, allowing the spring to push the inner plate back up.
3. Using the Stirrer: The telescopic rod (25) extends from the lid center. The attached spoon (28) can be pulled out to mix powders or tea leaves directly in the cup, then retracted for transport.

Applications

Trail Hiking Stops

At scenic viewpoints or rest areas where benches are unavailable, the hiker deploys the plates. The widened base prevents tipping on gravel, while the lid serves as a small stool, allowing a quick break without unpacking a chair.

Fishing and Angling

Anglers often stand for hours near water edges. This cup provides a stable seat for short rests between casts. The adjustable water level allows them to carry just enough water for the day, reducing fatigue from heavy packs.

Camping Base Camps

During setup or evening gatherings, the cups can be placed upside down or right-side up to act as temporary stools or tables. The robust metal plates distribute weight evenly, protecting the insulation from crushing forces.

Festival and Concert Grounds

In crowded outdoor events where seating is limited or dirty, attendees can use these cups to elevate themselves slightly off the ground, providing a clean and dry spot to sit during breaks.

Where it is less suitable

• High-volume liquid needs: The internal displacement mechanism reduces the maximum fluid capacity compared to a solid-bottom cup of the same size.
• Rough terrain sitting: While stable, the small footprint may still sink into soft mud or deep snow unless the plates are fully extended and the ground is firm.
• Heavy-duty industrial use: The plastic and rubber seals in the sliding mechanism may not withstand extreme impacts or abrasive environments typical of construction sites.