FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001 ] The invention relates to tableware. In particular, the invention relates, but is not limited, to nestable tableware where a plurality tableware items, preferably identically shaped items, can be stacked and connected to each other for storage or transportation and then released for separate use.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge.

[0003] Tableware, such as plates, bowls, cups, dishes, and the like, is typically used for the serving of food and beverages and for containing the food and beverages during consumption. Many different types and styles of tableware are available depending on the nature of the food or beverage, the setting or environment, and/or the occasion.

[0004] For some purposes it is necessary to bring your own tableware with you. For travelling, particularly when camping, hiking, having or going to a BBQ or picnic, or the like, it is common for durable and typically light weight table ware to be carried and utilised. Often such tableware is made of metal or plastic such that it doesn't break when transported or used in less than ideal conditions.

[0005] One problem with such tableware is in keeping it together for transportation. Some systems have been designed to allow easier transportation. For example, it is known to have a bag or case which can contain the tableware together for transportation. It's also known to have a strap, or the like, which holds the loose tableware together. [0006] A downside of such systems is that a further piece of equipment is required (e.g. the bag, case, or strap). If that piece of equipment is lost or damaged then the ability to safely and securely transport the tableware items is compromised or lost.

[0007] A further downside of such systems is that the further piece of equipment increases bulk and weight, and has inherent limitations such as, for example, a restrictive minimum, maximum, or optimum carrying capacity. Also, often such systems still allow at least some relative movement between the tableware items which makes them prone to rattling and/or being damaged when in moving or vibratory environments such as, for example, in a vehicle or in a backpack of a walking user.

[0008] A further problem with current tableware is in storing and transporting used tableware that has become dirty from use. The tableware either needs to be washed on site after use or, to try to contain the dirty tableware in a bag, carry case, bucket or washing bowl to contain the food and/or liquid remnants from leakage to a clean surface.

[0009] Yet another problem with current tableware is the potential for spillage from the item during use, for example while being carried or held, requiring additional care especially if the food or liquid contained therein is hot. The options of applying lids or only partly filling the item of tableware are known solutions to assist with the prevention of spillage but a downside is an additional requirement for a lid or for the effective maximum capacity of the tableware to be reduced.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0010] It is an aim of this invention to provide tableware which preferably overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages or problems described above, or which at least provides a useful commercial alternative. [001 1 ] Other preferred, but not necessarily essential, objects of the present invention may become apparent from the following description.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0012] In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form, there is provided a tableware item comprising at least one recess configured to receive and releasably retain a portion of a substantially identical piece of tableware therein. Preferably the recess and the portion receivable by a recess of a substantially identical piece of tableware are configured to releasably retain each other by interference.

[0013] In a more preferred form, there is provided a tableware item comprising: at least one protrusion formed on or adjacent an upper lip (or rim) of the tableware; and at least one recess on an outer surface of the tableware; wherein the recess is configured to receive and releasably retain the protrusion of a substantially identical piece of tableware; and wherein the protrusion is configured to be received and releasably retained by the recess of another substantially identical piece of tableware.

[0014] Preferably the tableware comprises a base. Preferably the base is substantially planar. Preferably the base is substantially circular. Preferably the base has at least one raised portion. Preferably the at least one raised portion extends downwardly from the base. Preferably at least one raised portion is in the form of a raised ring located on the base. Preferably a plurality of raised portions are provided. Preferably the plurality of raised portions are in the form of a plurality of concentric rings.

[0015] Preferably the tableware comprises an inclined portion. Preferably the inclined portion extends upwardly from the base. Preferably the inclined portion is annular. Preferably the inclined portion extends around the periphery of the base. Preferably the inclined portion is at an angle to the base. The inclined portion may be generally frustoconical in shape. Preferably at least part of the inclined portion is curved. Preferably the tableware a wall thickness of at least the inclined portion of the tableware is between about 2mm and about 6mm. Preferably the base has a thickness of between about 2mm and about 6mm. Preferably the thickness of the inclined portion and the base is substantially the same.

[0016] Preferably the tableware further comprises a protrusion. Preferably the protrusion is configured such that it can be received by the recess of a further, identical piece of tableware. In one preferred form the protrusion comprises a ridge. Preferably the inclined portion defines an upper lip of the tableware. Preferably the upper lip is rounded. Preferably the protrusion is formed on, or adjacent, the upper lip. Preferably in such a form the protrusion is in the form of a circumferential ridge. Preferably the protrusion has a rounded cross-section. Preferably the protrusion extends inwards towards a central hollow of the tableware. Preferably the protrusion comprises a single continuous ridge extending around the upper lip of the tableware that corresponds to the single continuous groove extending circumferentially around an outer surface of the tableware. Preferably the height of the protrusion and the depth of the recess are less than 50% of a wall thickness of at least the inclined portion of the tableware. Preferably the groove is located between 20 and 60% of a depth of the tableware from the upper lip. In a preferred form the groove is located between about 5mm and 30mm from the upper lip.

[0017] In a form, the tableware may comprise at least one locking member. Preferably the locking member is formed on, or adjacent, the upper lip. Preferably the locking member comprises an overhang. Preferably the recess is formed in the locking member. Preferably the recess is formed in an underside of the locking member. Preferably the recess formed in an underside of the locking member is configured to receive a lip of a further, identical piece of tableware. Preferably the locking member is in the form of a handle.

[0018] Preferably the tableware comprises an inner surface and an outer surface. Preferably the inner surface is generally concave. Preferably the outer surface is generally convex. Preferably the thickness of the tableware between the inner surface and the outer surface is generally consistent. Preferably at least one of the inner surface and outer surface comprises at least one substantially planar portion formed by the base. Preferably the substantially planar portion is located in a central region of the inner surface and/or outer surface.

[0019] Preferably the base of a first piece of tableware is received by the inner surface of a further piece of tableware. In some forms, at least one raised portion of the base of the first piece of tableware may engage with the inner surface of the further piece of tableware.

[0020] Preferably at least one cavity is formed between the first piece of tableware and the further piece of tableware. Preferably the cavity is at least partially defined by an outer surface of an inclined portion of a first piece of tableware abutting against an inner surface of an inclined portion of a further piece of tableware that is identical to the first piece of tableware. Preferably the cavity is sealed by the protrusion of the further piece of tableware and the recess of the first piece of tableware

[0021 ] The tableware may further comprise a tab. Preferably the tab is located on the inclined portion. Preferably the tab is located between the recess and the upper lip. Preferably the tab is located at or adjacent the lip. Preferably the tab comprises an aperture. The tableware may further comprise a lanyard having a portion that passes through the aperture of the tab.

[0022] Preferably the tableware item is configured such that a further, identical tableware item can rotate relative to the tableware item when retained thereby. In some forms the tableware is configured such that the further tableware item may be able to rotate 360+°, and in other forms the further tableware item may only be able to rotate less than 360°. In some forms, the further tableware item may only be able to rotate less than 180°. Preferably the further tableware item can rotate at least 45°, and even more preferably at least 90°.

[0023] Preferably the tableware is unitary. Preferably the tableware is resiliently deformable. Preferably the tableware is made from a plastic material. Preferably the tableware is made from a food grade moulded plastic material. Preferably the plastic material comprises one of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Nylon, melamine, or the like. It will be appreciated, however, that other materials may be suitable such as, for example, metal materials such as aluminium, steel, titanium, or even composite materials. It is also envisaged that the tableware could be made from disposable materials such as, for example, waxed cardboard, thin walled disposable plastics, or the like.

[0024] Preferably the tableware is in the form of a bowl, dish, plate, drinking vessel, cup, mug, beaker, or the like. Preferably the tableware is substantially circular. In other forms, the tableware may be substantially square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, oval, or the like. [0025] In another form, there is provided a plurality of substantially identical tableware items as hereinbefore described configured to releasably engage with each other when stacked. Preferably at least three, even more preferably at least 5, and yet more preferably at least 10, of the substantially identical tableware items as hereinbefore described can be releasably engaged with each other when stacked. Preferably the plurality of substantially identical tableware items are nested within each other when stacked. Preferably the base of a first piece of tableware is received by a central hollow defined by the inner surface of a further piece of tableware when stacked. Preferably the plurality of substantially identical tableware items are aligned along an axial axis. Preferably the substantially identical tableware items can be connected at any rotation around the axial axis.

[0026] Preferably the base of a first piece of tableware is received by the inner surface of a further piece of tableware. Preferably at least one raised portion of the base of the first piece of tableware engages with the inner surface of the further piece of tableware. Preferably at least one cavity is formed between the first piece of tableware and the further piece of tableware. Preferably the cavity is at least partially defined by the raised portion of the base of the tableware. Preferably the cavity is located between the base of the first piece of tableware and the inner surface of the further piece of tableware.

[0027] In another form, there is provided a method of stacking a plurality of identical pieces of tableware, the method comprising the steps of: taking a first piece of tableware; inserting a base of the first piece of tableware into a central hollow defined by a concave inner surface of a further substantially identical piece of tableware; locating a protruding portion located on or adjacent an upper lip of one of the pieces of tableware into a corresponding recess located on an outer surface of the other of the pieces of tableware; and retaining the protruding portion of the one of the pieces of tableware in the recess of the other of the pieces of tableware to thereby releasably retain the further piece of tableware to the first piece of tableware.

[0028] Preferably the step of locating a protruding portion of the further piece of tableware into a recess of the first piece of tableware comprises sliding a portion of the further piece of tableware into the recess of the first piece of tableware. Preferably the upper of the further piece of tableware is slid along an outer surface of the first piece of tableware. Preferably the further piece of tableware is resiliently deformed as the portion of the further piece of tableware is located in the recess of the first piece of tableware.

[0029] Preferably the method further comprises the step of releasing the further piece of tableware from the first piece of tableware. Preferably the step of releasing the further piece of tableware from the first piece of tableware comprises removing the protruding portion of the further piece of tableware from the recess of the first piece of tableware.

[0030] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031 ] By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

[0032] Figure 1 illustrates an upper perspective view of an item of tableware;

[0033] Figure 2 illustrates a lower perspective view of the item of tableware illustrated in figure 1 ; [0034] Figure 3 illustrates a side elevation view of the item of tableware illustrated in figure 1 ;

[0035] Figure 4 illustrates a close up cross sectional view of the item of tableware illustrated in figure 1 ;

[0036] Figure 5 illustrates a close up cross sectional view of a plurality of items of tableware illustrated in figure 1 in a nested configuration;

[0037] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective cross sectional view of the plurality of items of tableware illustrated in figure 1 in the nested configuration;

[0038] Figure 7 illustrates a side elevation view of the plurality of items of tableware illustrated in figure 1 in the nested configuration;

[0039] Figure 8 illustrate a close up perspective view of a tab region of the tableware illustrated in figure 1 ;

[0040] Figure 9 illustrates an upper perspective view of another item of tableware;

[0041 ] Figure 10 illustrates a cross sectional view of a plurality of items of tableware illustrated in figure 9 in a nested configuration;

[0042] Figure 1 1 illustrates an upper perspective view of another item of tableware;

[0043] Figure 12 illustrates a lower perspective view of the item of tableware illustrated in figure 1 1 ;

[0044] Figure 13 illustrates a cross sectional view of the tableware illustrated in figure 1 1 ;

[0045] Figure 14 illustrates a perspective cross sectional view of a plurality of items of tableware illustrated in figure 1 1 in a nested configuration;

[0046] Figure 15 illustrates a side elevation cross sectional view of the plurality of items of tableware illustrated in figure 1 1 in the nested configuration; [0047] Figure 16 illustrates a close up cross sectional view of the plurality of items of tableware illustrated in figure 1 1 in the nested configuration;

[0048] Figure 17 illustrates a perspective cross sectional view of a different plurality of items of tableware in a nested configuration;

[0049] Figure 18 illustrates a close up cross sectional view of the plurality of items of tableware illustrated in figure 17 in the nested configuration;

[0050] Figure 19 illustrates a perspective cross sectional view of a different plurality of items of tableware in a nested configuration;

[0051 ] Figure 20 illustrates a close up cross sectional view of the plurality of items of tableware illustrated in figure 19 in the nested configuration;

[0052] Figure 21 illustrates a perspective cross sectional view of a different plurality of items of tableware in a nested configuration;

[0053] Figure 22 illustrates a close up cross sectional view of the plurality of items of tableware illustrated in figure 21 in the nested configuration ;

[0054] Figure 23 illustrates a perspective cross sectional view of a different plurality of items of tableware in a nested configuration;

[0055] Figure 24 illustrates a close up cross sectional view of the plurality of items of tableware illustrated in figure 23 in the nested configuration;

[0056] Figure 25 illustrates a perspective cross sectional view of a different plurality of items of tableware in a nested configuration;

[0057] Figure 26 illustrates a close up cross sectional view of the plurality of items of tableware illustrated in figure 25 in the nested configuration;

[0058] Figure 27 illustrates a side elevation cross sectional view of a different plurality of items of tableware in a nested configuration; [0059] Figure 28 illustrates a close up cross sectional view of the plurality of items of tableware illustrated in figure 27 in the nested configuration;

[0060] Figure 29 illustrates a perspective view of the plurality of items of tableware illustrated in figure 27 in the nested configuration;

[0061 ] Figure 30 illustrates a perspective cross sectional view of a different plurality of items of tableware in a nested configuration;

[0062] Figure 31 illustrates a close up cross sectional view of the plurality of items of tableware illustrated in figure 30 in the nested configuration ;

[0063] Figure 32 illustrates an upper perspective view of another item of tableware; and

[0064] Figure 33 illustrates a side cross sectional view of the item of tableware of figure 32 in a nested configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] Figures 1 to 4 illustrate different views of an item of tableware 10, in the form of a dish having a recess 12 configured to receive and releasably retain a portion, in the form of a protrusion 14 (seen most clearly in figure 4), of a substantially identical piece of tableware therein.

[0066] Figures 5 to 7 illustrate a plurality of identical items of tableware 10 when stacked, and retained by interference, in a nested configuration. In figures 5 to 7 there are four items of tableware (labelled 10A to 10D) stacked and retained together, but it should be appreciated that any number of tableware items could be stacked in this manner, including 2 to 10, or even more.

[0067] The tableware 10 has a base portion 20 and an inclined portion 30. The base portion 20 is substantially planar and the inclined portion 30 curves upwardly from the base portion 20. As seen most clearly in figure 2, the base portion 20 has raised portions in the form of a plurality of raised concentric rings 22 that extend downwardly from the base. The inclined portion 30 extends around a periphery of the base 20 and defines a rounded upper lip 32.

[0068] In the illustrated form, the recess 12 is located on a generally convex outer surface 16 of the tableware and the protrusion 14 is located on a generally concave inner surface 18 of the tableware 10 adjacent the upper lip 32. The recess 12 and protrusion 14 are located on opposite sides of the inclined portion 30 of the tableware 10 and are configured such that they can co-operate with respective protrusions 14 and recesses 12 of adjacent, identical pieces of tableware 10 (as illustrated in figures 5 to 7).

[0069] In this regard, the recess 12 and protrusion 14 are sized and shaped to allow the protrusion 14 of a first piece of tableware 10 to be received by the recess 12 of a further, identical piece of tableware 1 0. In the form illustrated in figures 1 to 7, the recess 12 is a circumferential recess and the protrusion 14 is a corresponding circumferential protrusion of similar size to the recess such that as a piece of tableware 10 is slid into another, identical piece of tableware 10, the protrusion 14 of one piece of tableware 10 resiliently deforms slightly and 'snaps' into the recess of the other piece of tableware 10.

[0070] As seen in figures 5 to 7, when a plurality of identical pieces of tableware 10 are stacked and nested a cavity 40 is formed between adjacent items of tableware 10. The cavity 40 is located between the outer surface 16 of a first piece of tableware 10 and the inner surface 18 of a further piece of tableware 10 that retains the first piece of tableware 10 therein. [0071 ] The tableware 10 also comprises a tab 50, seen most clearly in figure 8, located adjacent the lip 32 of the inclined portion 30 of the tableware 10. The tab 50 has an aperture 52 configured to receive a lanyard (not shown), or other suitable cable, rope, catch, lock, ring, or the like, therethrough.

[0072] Figures 9 and 10 illustrate very similar tableware 10 which is in the form of a bowl. The features of the tableware 10 illustrated in figures 9 and 10 are otherwise largely the same.

[0073] Figures 1 1 to 16 illustrate tableware 10, in the form of a plate, where the recess 12 and protrusion 14 are configured differently. In the form illustrated in figures 1 1 to 16, each item of tableware 10 comprises at least one locking member in the form of two locking members 60. Although two locking members 60 are illustrated it should be appreciated that more or less locking members 60 could be provided. The locking members 60 are located on the lip 32 of the inclined portion 30 of the tableware 10.

[0074] The locking members 60 have an overhang 62 with the recess 12 formed in an underside thereof. The recess 12 in each locking member 12 is configured to receive a lip 32 of a further, identical piece of tableware 10 as illustrated in figures 14 to 16. The locking members 60 can be used as handles to handle the tableware 10.

[0075] Figures 17 and 18 illustrate similar tableware 10 to that illustrated in figures 1 1 to 16 but with more rounded locking members 60. The features of the tableware 10 illustrated in figures 17 and 18 are otherwise largely the same.

[0076] Figures 19 and 20 illustrate tableware 10 wherein the locking members extend inwardly to engage with a recess in the outer surface 16 of the tableware 10. In this form the protrusion 14 is located on the locking members 60 and the recess 12 is in an outer surface of the tableware 10. [0077] Figures 21 and 22 illustrate tableware 10 wherein the protrusion 14 is located on an upper surface of the lip 32 of the inclined portion 30 of the tableware 10, and the recess 12 is formed in a circumferential locking member 60 having an overhang 62 depending from the protrusion 14.

[0078] Figures 23 and 24 illustrate tableware 10, in the form of a plate, that is similar to the tableware 10 of figures 1 to 7, but with the locations of the recess 12 and protrusion 14 reversed. Specifically, the protrusion 14 is located on the outer surface 16 and the recess 12 is formed in the inner surface 18 of the tableware 10. Specifically, the recess 12 is located just below the lip 32 of the inclined portion 30 of the tableware 10.

[0079] Figures 25 and 26 illustrate very similar tableware 10 which is in the form of a bowl or dish instead of the plate illustrated in figures 23 and 24. The features of the tableware 10 illustrated in figures 25 and 26 are otherwise largely the same.

[0080] Figures 27 to 29 illustrate tableware 10, in the form of a dish, that is generally similar to the tableware 10 illustrated in figures 21 and 22. Rather than a single circumferential locking member 60 (as illustrated in figures 21 and 22) the tableware 10 of figures 27 and 29 has a plurality of discrete locking members 60 as seen most clearly in figure 29.

[0081 ] Figures 30 and 31 illustrate very similar tableware 10 which is in the form of a bowl instead of the dish illustrated in figures 27 and 29. The features of the tableware 10 illustrated in figures 30 and 31 are otherwise largely the same.

[0082] Figures 32 and 33 illustrate tableware 10 which is in the form of a drinking vessel, namely a cup or beaker. The features of the tableware 10 illustrated in figures 32 and 33 are otherwise largely the same. [0083] The tableware 10 in all forms is unitary. The tableware 10 is preferably made of a resiliently deformable material that provides sufficient rigidity for use but also provides sufficient deformability for adjacent items to be releasably retained via the interference fit recess and protrusion retention mechanism.

[0084] In preferred forms the tableware 10 is made from a food grade moulded plastic material. Preferably the plastic material is a thermo plastic such as polypropylene or ABS. Example materials include: of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Nylon, melamine, or the like. Preferably the plastic material is injection moulded. It will be appreciated that other materials may also be suitable such as, for example, metal materials such as aluminium, steel, titanium, or even composite materials. It is even envisaged that the tableware 10 could be disposable and made from disposable materials such as, for example, waxed cardboard, thin walled disposable plastics, or the like.

[0085] In use, the tableware 10 can be stacked and nested, as illustrated in figures 5 to 7, 10, and 14 to 31 for example, to retain a plurality of identical tableware items 10 together for storage and/or transportation. Then, when desired to be used, individual items of tableware 10, as illustrated in figures 1 to 4, 9, and 1 1 to 13 for example, can be separated from the stack.

[0086] To retain two or more tableware items 10 together, a first piece of tableware 10 is inserted, base 20 first, into a further piece of tableware 10. A portion, typically a protrusion 14, of one of the pieces is located into a recess 12 of the other of the pieces of tableware 10. Typically at least one of the pieces of tableware 10 is resiliently deformed by sliding along a surface the other of the pieces of tableware 10 such that the protrusion 14 retracts, or 'snaps', into place in the recess 12 to securely retain the pieces of tableware 10 together.

[0087] The items of tableware 10 may be released by pulling the pieces of tableware 10 apart, either by gripping their surfaces or, where available, by pulling on the tab 50 or locking member 60, until the protrusion 14 is released from the recess 1 2.

[0088] Advantageously, a plurality of identical, or at least substantially identical, items of tableware 10 are able to be stacked and retained securely together for storage and/or transportation. The interference retention mechanism is sturdy, reliable, easy to use, and cost effective to manufacture.

[0089] Various features have been designed to enhance use and convenience of the tableware 10. The use of tabs 50 or locking members 60 can improve handling and provide grips to separate retained items of tableware 10 from each other.

[0090] The raised portions 22 of the base 20 can provide improved rigidity as well as additional friction elements when the tableware 10 is used on, for example, the lap of a user or the like. The raised portions 22 furthermore minimise heat transfer from contents contained within the tableware 10 to any surface onto which the tableware 10 is placed, such as the lap of a user.

[0091 ] As the items of tableware 10 are retained securely together, they are easily transported without rattling or damaging each other. The tableware 10 is considered to be particularly suitable for hiking, camping, having or going to a BBQ or picnic, or the like, as many items of tableware 10 can be carried and handled easily. Additionally, when the items of tableware 10 are stacked they are aligned and retained together, improving tidiness and aesthetics. As more items of tableware 10 are stacked the interference retention mechanism keeps each item substantially horizontal, improving stability and reducing the likelihood of toppling when many items of tableware 10 are stacked high. Furthermore, no additional pieces of equipment are required to keep the items of tableware 10 secured together.

[0092] Provision for the cavity 40 between adjacent items of tableware 10 advantageously reduces attractive vacuum forces occurring between the items of tableware 10 as they are separated. Instead of adjacent items of tableware 10 being held by friction or matching profiles over a large surface area, the interference retention mechanism allows the items of tableware to be easily connected and separated from each other without undesirable external forces, such as friction between large surface areas or vacuums forming between two similarly shaped surfaces being drawn apart, hindering easy operation thereof.

[0093] An additional benefit of the cavity 40 is an improved air drying capability of the items of tableware 10 once stacked due to the improved ability for air to circulate around the cavity 40 between adjacent items of tableware 10. The cavity 40 can also be used for storage of appropriately sized articles such as, for example, a napkin, sauce sachet, cutlery, or the like.

[0094] A further advantage is that the closeness of the recess 12 and protrusion 14 of the interference retention mechanism effectively allows the cavity 40 to contain any food and/or liquid remnants therein. This can effectively eliminate the requirement for cleaning all of the tableware 10 prior to transportation or storage once used. This further eliminates the requirement for a carry bag or washing bowl to contain any dirty tableware from spillage. Because of this added convenience the tableware 10 could be used to replace traditional disposable tableware in many, if not all, circumstances. If made of an appropriate washable material the tableware is multi-use (reusable) which can reduce waste and environmental impact compared to disposable tableware.

[0095] Yet another advantage of the tableware 10 is that the protrusion 14, lip 32, and/or the recess 12 provides additional geometry which is suitable to improve containerisation of any fluid contained in the item of tableware 10. Chances of spillage of the contents of the tableware 10 can therefore be significantly reduced, without the requirement for additional items such as lids or caps or the like. The protrusion 14 additionally provides the tableware 10 with additional stiffness and rigidity, which can be particularly beneficial at or near the upper lip of the tableware.

[0096] Although various shapes, styles, and configurations of tableware 10 have been illustrated, it will be appreciated that the principals of operation and consequential advantages are generally the same throughout the different various designs. Similarly, it will be appreciated that the illustrated forms are for example only, and that there are many further possible shapes, designs, and/or configurations other than those that have been explicitly illustrated.

[0097] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer, component, or step etc.

[0098] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

[0099] In this specification, the terms 'comprises', 'comprising', 'includes', 'including', or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.