3 Bears Duct Tape Camping Cups

 by bajablue
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There's only one way to improve any design or doohickey... and that's with Duct Tape!

Those nifty origami-type paper cups are cool, but they weren't designed to last as a long term drinking vessel and they weren't reusable... until now.

These Duct Tape cups fold up flat so you can tuck them into your pocket or stash one in your tackle box for future use.

I've been to a Rendezvous or 2 and seen a single whiskey flask make the rounds. If I'd have had one of these in my pocket, I would've gladly poured myself a swig instead of passing!

And what about those drinking fountains with so little water pressure that you're practically kissing the spout? ewwww! ;-O)

I made 3 different sizes:

The Papa Bear Cup was made from a 10" square of paper and holds 1 Cup.  

The Mama Bear was made from and 8 1/2" square of paper and hold just under 1/2 cup. 

The Baby Bear  was made from a 6" square of paper and holds 1/4 cup

 
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Step 1: What you'll need and simple assembly:

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Paper- 10" square- Thin paper works the best. I used brown wrapping paper for the Papa Bear. 
Duct Tape
Scissors

This dimensions in this step are for the Papa Bear Cup. If you're making a different size, adjust the tape lengths accordingly.

Peel off two strips of Duct tape measuring approx 12" each. These piece are to seals the ends of the paper. 

Next, peel off  7 strips of Duct tape measuring 21-22" each.

Starting at one end, apply the duct tape  (half of the width), to the paper.

Turn the paper over, then fold the duct tape over on that side.

Use scissors to snip off the excess duct tape on the ends.

One strip at a time, you are going to seal the paper, overlapping the previous strip of duct tape by approx. 1/2". Press out any air pockets as you proceed with each strip.

Continue applying the strips of duct tape until the paper is totally covered.  Press the edges of the duct tape firmly so you won't have any leaks.

When you reach the last strip, cover and seal the paper with the short strip, wrapped around the outer edge... just like the very first strip of duct tape.

The paper is now totally sealed and water-proof. 


dlarribas says: Sep 4, 2011. 2:25 AM
Any idea how this holds up to hot liquids?
bajablue (author) in reply to dlarribasSep 4, 2011. 11:25 AM
I just tested the Papa Bear size.

I filled it with 170 (approx.) degree water.

After a few minutes, it was pretty hot to handle. No leaks... yet.

After letting it rest for 5 minutes, it was slowly dripping hot water out the bottom.

Duct tape doesn't handle heat very well.
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susanrm says: Jun 24, 2011. 7:35 PM
Very nice. The only caution is that as of 2007, there were still some brands of duct tape that used asbestos in them. So just make sure you don't use an old roll.
AngryRedhead says: May 30, 2011. 5:31 PM
What's the water taste like?
bajablue (author) in reply to AngryRedheadMay 30, 2011. 5:51 PM
Like water! ;-)

Duct tape doesn't smell or have any taste whatsoever.

Iff'n you're doubtful, try the sniff and lick test yourself. Just don't let anyone see you do it! ;-D
sunshiine in reply to bajablueJun 18, 2011. 2:37 PM
I love your humor!
sunshiine says: Jun 16, 2011. 3:28 PM
I love the fact you added the red. Added some class!
bajablue (author) in reply to sunshiineJun 18, 2011. 9:51 AM
Thanks. Red is my favorite color. ;-)
sunshiine says: May 31, 2011. 3:11 PM
Kewl idea! I wonder what the count is for all the uses for duct tape. It is amazing tape!
bajablue (author) in reply to sunshiineJun 10, 2011. 3:43 PM
Probably a gajillion. I had a couple more ideas... a vast internet search showed No Results.

I think curtailing this contest to "The Great Outdoors" concept was brilliant.

It forces us all to think outside the box! ;-D

gonzalezchica says: Jun 9, 2011. 10:21 PM
Is this safe?
bajablue (author) in reply to gonzalezchicaJun 10, 2011. 8:43 AM
People tear duct tape with their teeth every day. They also use duct tape to bandage injuries, which I had to do just recently.

As long as you don't eat the duct tape cup, it's safe.
vishalapr says: Jun 1, 2011. 9:07 AM
Neatly wrapped up, very nice ible, rated 5 *
Have a look at mine "Star-Wars X-Wing 2"
bajablue (author) in reply to vishalaprJun 3, 2011. 9:00 PM
Done deal. ;-)
mprelle says: Jun 1, 2011. 7:07 PM
My friend you have always proven yourself a thinker outside the cup....excellent idea and way to go with duct tape...For those men who think it can fix everything it cant, but being a water cup works for me....lol MP
bajablue (author) in reply to mprelleJun 2, 2011. 6:44 AM
;-D

You're going to love my next creation

It's a _______ ____.

poofrabbit says: May 31, 2011. 10:07 PM
Brilliant!
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