CONTAINER FOR CARRYING OR SERVING FOOD

Related Application

This application is based on and claims the benefit of the filing date of AU application no. 2007902104 filed 20

April 2007, the content of which as filed is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Field of the Invention This invention relates to a container for carrying or serving food and, in particular, to a disposable container in the form of a plate, bowl or cup.

Background of the Invention Disposable plates and cups are used in many different environments. One particular environment is parties in which food and drink is served and which is eaten by guests usually standing. In this environment disposable plates and cups are often used and it is necessary for the plate and cup to be of attractive appearance and also have the required rigidity so that when guests are served with food or drink in the containers, the containers do not collapse or distort to cause spillage.

Furthermore, such containers are often manufactured and shipped in bulk and therefore, a need arises for the plate to be of convenient shape to enable easy handling during storage and transportation.

Summary of the Invention

The invention provides a container (such as a plate) comprising: a circular outer periphery; a peripheral side wall within the circular outer periphery, the peripheral side wall having a flattened oval shape defined by first and second curved wall sections and first and second substantially straight wall

sections located between the first and second curved wall sections; a base so that the base and peripheral side wall define a space for receiving a product; and a rim flange between the peripheral wall and the circular outer periphery, the rim flange having wider sections between each straight wall section and the adjacent portion of the outer periphery to form gripping sections for enabling the container to be gripped at either of the sections between a user's thumb and forefinger.

In one embodiment of the invention at least one of the wider sections has utensil connectors for enabling utensils to be connected to the container.

In one embodiment the (typically two) wider sections include utensil connectors .

In one embodiment one of the wider sections includes a cut-out for receiving a cup so the cup can be supported in the cut-out when the container is held by a user.

In one embodiment the container has a rim extending about the peripheral wall between the peripheral wall and the rim flange.

In one embodiment the rim has a raised rib extending substantially half the way around the peripheral wall and a cut-out extending the remainder of the way around the peripheral wall.

In one embodiment the rib has a utensil connector for enabling a utensil to be connected to the rib and therefore the container.

Preferably in this embodiment the utensil connector

comprises at least one notch in the raised rib for receiving the utensil as a snap fit in the notch.

Preferably the utensil connector comprises at least two raised lands defining a space therebetween so that the utensil can be located in the space and held between the lands .

In one embodiment of the invention the rim flange has pockets so that when one container is used as a lid for another like container, the lands of the said one container locate in the pockets of the other said container.

Preferably the container has a first interlocking component and a second interlocking component so that when one container is used as a lid for another like container, the interlocking components of one container engage the interlocking components of the other like container to lock the containers together.

Preferably the first interlocking component comprises a projection and a concave recess and the second interlocking component comprises a projection dimensioned to locate in the concave recess of the first interlocking component of the other like container and a concave recess for accommodating the projection of the first interlocking component of the other like container.

The invention also provides a container and lid combination formed from two like containers, each like container comprising: a base; a peripheral wall surrounding the base; an outer periphery; a rim flange between the peripheral wall and the outer periphery;

first and second interlocking components; and a rim between the peripheral wall and the rim flange, the rim having a raised rib and a cut-out portion; wherein, in order to form the lid and container combination, one of the like containers is inverted with respect to the other so that the raised rib of one container is accommodated in the cut-out of the other container and the raised rib of the other container is accommodated in the cut-out of the said one container to thereby form a seal between the containers and to orient the containers so that the first interlocking component of one of the containers engages the second interlocking component of the other of the containers, and the second interlocking component of one of the containers engages the first interlocking component of the other of the containers to thereby lock the containers together.

In one embodiment the rim flange includes a grip section for enabling the container to be gripped between a user's thumb and forefinger.

In one embodiment of the invention the grip section has utensil connectors for enabling utensils to be connected to the container.

In one embodiment the rim flange includes a cut-out for receiving a cup so the cup can be supported in the cut-out when the container is held by a user.

In one embodiment the container has a rim extending about the peripheral wall between the peripheral wall and the rim flange.

In one embodiment the rim has a raised rib extending substantially half the way around the peripheral wall and a cut-out extending the remainder of the way around the peripheral wall .

In one embodiment the rib has a utensil connector for enabling a utensil to be connected to the rib and therefore the container.

Preferably in this embodiment the utensil connector comprises at least one notch in the raised rib for receiving the utensil as a snap fit in the notch.

Preferably the utensil connector comprises at least two raised lands defining a space therebetween so that the utensil can be located in the space and held between the lands .

In one embodiment of the invention the rim flange has pockets so that when one container is used as a lid for another like container, the lands of the said one container locating the pockets of the other said container.

Preferably the first interlocking component comprises a projection and a concave recess and the second interlocking component comprises a projection dimensioned to locate in the concave recess of the first interlocking component of the other container and a concave recess for accommodating the projection of the first interlocking component of the other container.

The invention also provides a container (such as a plate) , comprising: a base; a peripheral wall surrounding the base; an outer periphery; a rim extending at least partway about the container; and a utensil holding element in or on the rim for receiving and retaining a utensil .

In one embodiment the utensil holding element comprises a notch in the rim in which the utensil snap fits to attach the utensil to the container.

Preferably the container has a rim flange between the peripheral wall and the outer periphery and the rim is located between the peripheral wall and the rim flange and extends for at least part of the distance around the peripheral wall.

Preferably the rim has a raised rib and the notch is located in the raised rib.

Preferably the rim also includes a cut-out so that when one container is used as a lid for another container, the raised rib of one container locates in the cut-out of another container to orient the containers and to provide a seal between the container forming the lid and the other container.

Preferably the outer periphery is circular and the peripheral wall is defined by a pair of opposed curved sections and a pair of straight sections joining the curved sections, the container having a rim flange between the peripheral wall and the outer periphery and the rim flange having wider sections adjacent the straight wall sections.

In one embodiment the wider sections form grips so a user can grip the container between a thumb and forefinger.

In one embodiment one of the wider sections may include a cut-out for receiving a cup.

The invention still further provides a container comprising:

an outer periphery; a peripheral side wall within the outer periphery; a rim flange between the peripheral wall and the outer periphery; at least one utensil connector on the rim flange, the utensil connector comprising at least two raised lands which define a space therebetween so the utensil can be located in the space and held in place by the lands to attach the utensil to the container.

In one embodiment of the invention the rim flange includes pockets at a location spaced from the lands so that when one container is used as a lid for another container, the lands of one container locate in the pockets of another container to enable the containers to locate together with one container forming a lid for the other container.

In one embodiment at least one of the lands includes a side wall having a lip and a recess below the lip so the utensil is a snap fit in the space by snap fit over the lip and accommodatable within the concave recess.

In one embodiment of the invention two utensil connectors are provided on the rim flange, each connector being formed by a plurality of raised lands which define at least one space therebetween, and each raised land having a corresponding pocket for accommodating the lands when one container is used as a lid for another container.

Preferably the rim flange has wider sections and the utensil connectors are located at the wider sections of the rim flange.

Preferably the wider sections of the rim flange are defined between an outer periphery of the rim flange and a straight wall section of the peripheral wall.

Preferably the container has a first interlocking component and a second interlocking component so that when one container is used as a lid for another container, the interlocking components of the container engage the interlocking components of the other container to lock the containers together.

Preferably the first interlocking component comprises a projection and a concave recess and the second interlocking component comprises a projection dimensioned to locate in the concave recess of the first interlocking component of another like container and a concave recess for accommodating the projection of the first interlocking component of the other like container.

The invention also provides a plate and cup combination, comprising: a plate having a base and a peripheral plate wall surrounding the base; an outer periphery; a rim flange between the peripheral plate wall and the outer periphery; a cut-out in the rim flange, the cut-out being defined by an edge having concave portions and convex portions relative to the concave portions; and a cup having a base, an open upper end, and a peripheral cup wall between the open upper end and the base, the peripheral cup wall tapering inwardly from the open upper end to the base, the peripheral cup wall having recesses; wherein, in order to attach the cup to the plate, the cup is moveable from a position above the cut-out into the cut-out so that concave portions of the edge of the cut-out register in recesses in the base, and wherein because of the tapered configuration of the peripheral wall, the cup is held in the cut-out to thereby securely

hold the cup in the cut-out against lateral movement of the cup out of the cut-out.

The term plate should be understood to mean any form of plate including a bowl or serving platter.

Preferably the recesses extend from the base to an intermediate location of the peripheral cup wall between the base and the open upper end.

In one embodiment the rim flange has first and second wider sections, the cut-out being formed in the first wider section, and the second wider section having utensil connectors for enabling a utensil to be connected to the plate.

Preferably the peripheral plate wall has first and second opposite curved wall sections and a pair of straight wall sections joining the curved wall sections, the outer periphery being circular and the wider sections of the rim flange being defined between the respective straight wall sections and the adjacent portion of the outer periphery.

Preferably the utensil connector comprises at least two raised lands defining a space therebetween so that a utensil can be located in the space between the lands and held by the lands to the plate .

Preferably the container has a first interlocking component and a second interlocking component so that when one container is used as a lid for another container, the interlocking components of one container engage the interlocking components of the other container to lock the containers together.

Preferably the first interlocking component comprises a projection and a concave recess and the second

interlocking component comprises a projection dimensioned to locate in the concave recess of the first interlocking component of a like container and a concave recess for accommodating the projection of the first interlocking component of the like container.

In this embodiment, when two like plates form a lid and plate combination, the cup and utensil are removed and the lands of one plate accommodated in the cut-out of the other plate.

The invention also provides a cup comprising: a base; an open upper end; a peripheral wall between the base and the open upper end; a plurality of wave shaped projections or grooves formed in the peripheral wall.

In one embodiment the wave shaped projections or grooves comprise grooves formed in an inner surface of the peripheral wall and a projection at the corresponding part of the outer surface of the peripheral wall.

In another embodiment the wave shaped projections or grooves comprise a projection on the inner surface of the peripheral wall and a corresponding groove on the outer surface of the peripheral wall.

In one embodiment of the invention the grooves facilitate gripping of the cup and also provide an anti-splash element for preventing splashing of liquid out of the cup by spreading the tendency of liquid rising up the wall of the cup sideways to prevent the liquid from escaping from the upper open end of the cup.

Brief Description, of the Drawings In order that the invention may be more clearly ascertained/ preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a container in the form of a plate according to one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of the plate of Figure 2; Figure 3 is a view of the container of the type shown in Figures 1 and 2 but in the form of a bowl;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the bowl of Figure 3 showing a utensil such as a fork held in position; Figure 5 and Figure 6 are detailed views showing the manner in which the fork is held to the bowl of Figure 4;

Figure 7 is a plan view of a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 7A is a detailed view of part of the plate of Figure 7 with a fork held to the plate;

Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view through the line VIIB-VIIB of Figure 7A;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a still further embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9A is a cross-sectional view along the line IX-IX of Figure 9; Figure 9B is a cross-sectional view similar to

Figure 9A but of an alternative embodiment;

Figure 10 is a view showing how utensils are retained on the plate of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a detailed view showing the manner in which a cup locates on the plate of Figure 9;

Figure 12 is a view of the plate of Figure 9 having a lid formed from a like plate;

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view through the plate and lid of Figure 12; Figure 14 is a perspective view of a plate and lid according to a further embodiment of the invention;

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view through the plate and lid of Figure 14;

Figures 16 and 17 are enlarged views showing with more clarity some of the detail in the embodiment of Figure 15;

Figure 18 is a perspective view of a plate and lid according to a still further embodiment of the invention; Figure 19 is a view of a plate and lid according to yet a further embodiment of the invention;

Figures 20/ 21 and 22 are detailed views showing the manner in which the plate and lids are connected together so the lid is secured to the plate or bowl; Figure 23 is a detailed view of a first interlocking component of the preferred embodiments;

Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view along the line XXIV-XXIV of Figure 23;

Figure 25 is a detailed view of a second interlocking component used in the preferred embodiments of the invention;

Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view along the line XXVI-XXVI of Figure 25;

Figure 27 is a side view of a plate to further illustrate the manner in which the plates and lids are secured together;

Figure 28 is a cut-away view showing stacked plates according to one embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view showing the stacked plates of Figure 28.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments The containers of the preferred embodiments of the invention generally comprise plates, bowls and cups. The plates and bowls can be formed in any desired size, typically of a small butter plate size to a large dinner plate size. The bowls can also be formed in similar sizes. The plates and bowls of each respective embodiment are generally identical except that in the case of a bowl, a peripheral side wall is somewhat deeper than the case of a plate.

Figure 1 is a plan view of a plate according to a first embodiment of the invention. The plate 10 of Figure 1 has a circular outer periphery 12 and a food receiving section 14 defined by a peripheral wall 16. The peripheral wall is of flattened oval configuration having round opposite ends 16a and 16b and straight wall sections 16c and 16d joining the ends 16a and 16b.

The peripheral wall 16 is defined between a base 18 and an inner rim 20. The peripheral wall 16 is inclined inwardly from the rim 20 to the base 18 with a constant angle of inclination about the entire peripheral wall 16. The circular shape of the outer periphery 12 means that the plate can be oriented in any direction when stored in a box, cupboard or the like without having to consider whether one dimension of the outer periphery of the plate is larger or smaller than another and therefore stacks of plates 10 are more easily stored in cupboards or located in boxes for transportation and like. The circular outer periphery 12 also provides a very pleasing and somewhat unique appearance, when combined with the flattened oval shape of the food receiving portion 14.

The plate 10 has a rim flange 22 which extends between the rim 20 and the outer periphery 12. As is clearly seen in Figure 1, the rim flange 22 is somewhat wider adjacent the

straight wall portion 16c and 16d than at other locations about the periphery of the plate 10. The rim flange 22 is flat and terminates in a downwardly turned lip 23 at the outer periphery 12. The lip 23 may have a flattened bead 25 (as best shown in Figure 2) .

Portions 31 and 32 of the rim flange 22 adjacent the wall sections 16c and 16d respectively form grips for enabling the plate 10 to be easily held between a user's thumb and forefinger. The portions 31 and 32 may have knurling or other roughened features such as generally S-shaped ribs or grooves 33 to facilitate gripping and to prevent finger slippage.

The rim 20 has a raised rib 35 which extends partway about the rim 20 and most preferably halfway around the rim 20 from point A in Figure 1 to point B in a clockwise direction in Figure 2. The remainder of the rim 20 is in the form of a slight depression or cut-out 35a which extends between the points B and A in the clockwise direction, as seen in Figure 1.

The rib 35 is provided with a first .cut-out notch 36 and a second cut-out notch 37. The notches 36 and 37 are clearly shown in Figure 2 and also in Figure 3 which is a side view of a bowl which, apart from the depth of the peripheral wall 16, is identical to the plate described with reference to Figure 1.

The notches 36 and 37 are for receiving utensils such as knives, forks or spoons, or chopsticks, as shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6. Figure 4 is a view of a fork held in ' the notch.37 of the bowl in Figure 3.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view through the utensil 40 which is in the form of a fork shown in Figure 4 at the location where the fork 40 sits in the notch 37. As can

be seen in Figure 6, the cross-sectional shape of the handle of the fork 40 is defined by upper wall 41, lower wall 42/ and V-shaped bevelled side wall 43 and V-shaped bevelled side wall 44. The notch 37 has at least one side wall 38 which is slightly curved to provide opposite depressions 46 and 47 and opposite upper lips 48 and 49 so that in order to locate the handle of the fork 40 in the notch 37, the handle is slightly forced into the notch so that the apex 50 of the bevel shaped walls 43 and 44 needs to snap over lips 48 and 49 to locate in the recesses 46 and 47. Thus, the fork 40 is securely held in place until it is needed and then can simply be snapped out of the notch 37. Another utensil such as a knife (not shown) can locate in the notch 36 in the same manner.

Although less preferred, the arrangement for retaining the utensil 40 to the plate 10 can be the opposite to that shown, in which the handle of the utensil 40 is provided with the cut-out or notch and the rib 35 with an upwardly extending projection which snaps into the cut-out in the utensil 40.

As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the handle of the utensil 40 may be provided with the S-shaped grooves or projections 33 which are the same as the grooves or projections 33 on the sections 31 and 32 for matching appearance, and also to facilitate non-slip gripping by a user's hands.

Figure 7 shows a second embodiment of the invention in which like reference numerals indicate like parts to those previously described. In this embodiment, the plate 10 is provided with utensil holding connections 60 and 62 on the sections 31 and 32. Thus, in this embodiment the rib 35 is continuous and again extends for half of the length of the rim 20 between the points A and B. Similarly, the cut-out 35a extends for the other half of the distance between the points B and A in the clockwise direction in

Figure 7 .

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the plate of Figure 7 in which the detail of the utensil connectors 60 and 62 is more apparent. As shown in Figures 7 and 8 the utensil connector 60 is defined by a raised land 64, an opposite raised land 65, a pocket 66, an opposite pocket 67 , a raised land 68 and an opposite raised land 69.

The utensil connector 62 is of the opposite configuration to the connector 62 and comprises a pocket 73, an opposite pocket 74, a raised land 75, an opposite raised land 76, a pocket 77 and an opposite pocket 78. Pockets 73, 74, 77 and 78 are dimensioned so that they can receive in the lands 64, 65, 68 and 69. The pockets 66 and 67 are dimensioned so that they can receive into the lands 75 and 76. The purpose for this will be described in more detail hereinafter.

As is shown in Figures 7A and 7B, a utensil 40 such as a fork is held in the utensil connector 62 by locating between the lands 75 and 76. The pockets 73, 74, 77 and 78 play no role in retaining the utensil 40.

As is best shown in Figure 7B, the wall 81 of the land 75 is provided with a lip 84 and an undercut portion 86 so the handle of the utensil 40 is a snap fit into the space 87 between the lands 75 and 76. The wall 83 of the land 76 can be of the same shape or generally flat as shown.

A utensil is also held in the utensil connector 60 but this time between the lands 64 and 65 and the lands 68 and 69. The lands 64 and 68 have lips and undercut recesses the same as those described with reference to the land 75 in Figure 7B. Again, the pockets 66 and 67 play no part in holding the utensil 40. Thus, a knife or fork or other utensils can be located on the plate by locating

respective utensils in the respective utensil connectors 60 and 62.

Figure 9 is a view of a third embodiment of the invention in which like reference numerals indicate like parts to those previously described. In this embodiment the section 32 has a cut-out 90 (as shown in Figure 11) for receiving a cup 91. The cup 91 has a peripheral wall 92 which tapers downwardly from open end 93 to base 94. The peripheral wall 92 is provided with recess sections 95. The entire surface of the wall 92 is provided with S- shaped grooving or recesses 96 which again provide an attractive appearance and also perform the function of preventing spillage when a cup is carried by the plate. The recesses or grooves 92 tend to cause liquid wanting to rise up the internal surface of the wall 96 to spread sideways so that gentle wave motion which may occur on the surface of liquid as someone walks with the plate and cup in their hand tends to be spread sideways rather than upwards to prevent splashing out of the cup 91.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the recess and grooves 96 are configured so that from the outside the S-shaped configuration is a projection standing outwardly from the remaining surface of the wall 96 and on the inner surface is a corresponding groove (see Figure 9A) . However, the opposite arrangement could be provided in which the outer surface is provided in the form of a groove with the inner surface being an inwardly projecting projection (see Figure 9B) .

As is best shown in Figure 11, the cut-out 90 has a convex curve 99, a concave curve 100, a convex curve 101, a concave curve 102, a convex curve 103, a concave curve 104 and a convex curve 105 which generally match the configuration of the recesses 95 and the space between recesses on the cup 91. Thus, the cup can be held in the

cut-out 90 by lowering the cup from a position above the cut-out 90 in the direction of arrow A, as is shown in Figure 11, so the cup is received in the cut-out 90 with the convex curves 99, 101, 103 and 105 locating in corresponding recesses 95 of the wall 96 and with the concave curves 100, 102 and 104 accommodating the contour of the peripheral wall 96 between the recess portions 95. This ensures a positive location of the cup 91 in the cutout 90 and prevents the cup from being moved out of the cut-out 90 in the lateral direction B shown in Figure 11. Thus, in order to locate or remove the cup, a positive downward movement of the cup into the cut-out 90 is required and therefore slight tilting of the plate will not release the cup 91 from the cut-out 90.

In the embodiment of Figure 9, the section 31 has a utensil connector 110 for receiving two utensils 40 and 40a such as a fork and knife as shown. In this embodiment the connector is formed from a land 111, a longer land 112 and a land 113. The space between the lands 111 and 112 receives the handle of the knife 40a and the space between the land 112 and the land 113 receives the handle of the fork 40. Again, the lands 111, 112 and 113 are configured in the same manner as described with reference to Figures 7, 7A, 7B and 8 so the handles of the fork 40 and knife 40a snap between the respective lands to secure the utensils in place.

Figures 12 and 13 are views of the plate of Figure 9 (without the cup 91) with one plate being used as a lid to close another like plate. As is apparent from Figures 12 and 13, a plate 10 as described with reference to Figures 9, 10 and 11 may be provided with food. When another plate 10a is to be used as a lid the utensils are removed and the plate which is forming the lid 10a is inverted so the cut-out 90 of the plate 10a overlaps the utensil connector 110 of the plate 10. Likewise, the cut-out 90

in the plate 10 accommodates the utensil connector 110 of the plate 10a.

As is apparent from Figure 13, the rib 35 of one plate, say the plate 10, is accommodated in the cut-out 35a of the plate 10a and the rib 35 of the plate 10a is accommodated in the cut-out 35a of the plate 10. This tends to locate the plates 10 and 10a in the correct orientation and also provides a good seal between the plates 10 and 10a.

Figures 14 and 15 show how the plates of Figures 7 and 8 are used in a plate/lid combination. Again, one of the plates 10a is inverted and located on the other plate 10 in the same manner as previously described. Again, the rib 35 of one plate locates in the cut-out 35a of the opposite plate to properly align the plates and form a good seal between the plates. In this embodiment section 31 of plate 10 and section 32 of plate 10a lock together by the lands 64, 65, 68 and 69 of one plate locating in the pockets 73, 74, 77 and 78 of the other plate, and the lands 75 and 76 of the said one plate locating in the pockets 66 and 67 of the other plate. Thus, the purpose of the pockets which do not form any function in utensil holding is to provide a location for the lands which do provide for the utensil connection when one plate 10a is used as a lid for another plate 10. The location of the lands 75 and 76 of the lid (plate 10a) are best seen located in pockets 66 and 67 of the plate 10 in Figure 16. Similarly, the section 32 of plate 10 and the section 31 of plate 10a locate together by the respective lands and pockets locating together in the same manner.

Figures 17 shows in more detail the pocket 65 and the land 67 as well as the pocket 76. The location of the respective pockets in the respective lands does not perform any function in holding the lid 10a to the plate

10 .

In order to interlock the lid 10a with the plate 10, the plates are provided with a first interlock component generally shown at 120 in Figure 1 and a second interlock component 121 shown in Figure 1. The interlock components 120 and 121 are located on the outside of the rim 20 adjacent the sections 32 and 31 respectively. Therefore, when one plate is inverted for use as a lid 10a, the component 121 of the plate 10a will engage the component

120 of the plate 10 and the component 120 of the plate 10a will engage the component 121 of the plate 10 to interlock the plates together.

The first and second interlock components 120 and 121 are shown in more detail in Figures 17, 22 and 26. Figure 18 shows a lid and plate combination and Figure 19 shows a lid and bowl combination. The interlock components 120 and 121 are the same in all of the embodiments of the invention. Figures 20 to 22 show the interlock components as formed on the embodiment of Figure 1 and Figures 23 to 26 and Figure 17 show the interlock components 120 and 121 as configured on the embodiment of Figure 7. The interlock component 120 extends for substantially the entire length of the straight wall section 16c and the component 121 for substantially the entire length of the straight wall section 16d. The components 120 and 121 are formed in the rib 20.

As shown in Figures 21, 23 and 24, the interlock component 120 comprises the upper wall 35' of the rib 35, an outwardly projecting curved transition 201 and a concave depression 202 which then merges into the section 31.

As best shown in Figures 22, 25 and 26, the interlock component 121 is formed by the flat section 32, a rounded transition 203 which is narrower than the projection 201

and dimensioned to be received in the concave recess 202, and a concave recess 205 which is narrower than the concave recess 202 and dimensioned to receive the projection 201. The component 121 is completed by the top wall 35" of the cut-out 35a.

When one bowl or plate 10a is inverted to form a lid for another bowl or plate 10, the raised rib 35 and the cutout 35a orient the bowls in the desired configuration so that the component 120 of the lid 10a will engage the component 121 of the plate 10, and the component 121 of the lid 10a will engage the component 120 of the plate 10.

As is shown in Figures 17 and 20, when the lid 10a is located on the plate 10, the projection 201 snaps over the projection 203 and locates in concave recess 205 whilst the projection 203 locates in concave recess 202. Thus, the location of the projection 201 in the concave recess 205 locks the lid 10a to the plate 10. Concurrently on the other side of the plate, the opposite occurs with the projection 203 snapping over the projection 201 and locating in the concave recess 202 to lock the lid 10a to the plate 10. Again, the projection 201 is accommodated in the recess 205. Thus, the lid 10a and plate 10 are locked together by two pairs of components 120 and 121 on opposite sides of the plate and lid combination to thereby securely attach the lid 10a to the plate 10. The lid 10a can be removed by peeling it from the plate 10 by snapping the respective projection out of the respective recess to expose the contents of the plate 10.

Figures 28 and 29 show plates according to the embodiment of Figures 7 and 8 stacked. As can be seen in Figures 28 and 29, the plates nest together with the lands of a lower plate being received in the cavity formed by a land of an upper plate and with the pockets of an upper plate being received in the pockets of a lower plate. Thus, a very

neat and stable stack of plates or bowls is provided.

Most preferably the plates and cups as previously described are formed from plastic material in a blow moulding or vacuum moulding operation and are intended for disposable after use. Thus, the various embodiments of the invention provide very attractive plates, bowls, cups and combinations of those containers for use at parties or other environments where food and drink is normally consumed standing and where containers are simply disposed after use.

Since modifications within the scope of the invention may readily be effected by persons skilled within the art, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiment described by way of example hereinabove .

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", is used in an inclusive sense, that is, to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Further, any reference herein to prior art is not intended to imply that such prior art forms or formed a part of the common general knowledge in Australia or any other country.