FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/859,792 filed June 11, 2019. The field of the present invention relates to plates and dinnerware, and in particular, to the field of plates and dinnerware that include a fitting for securing accessory items securely to the surface thereof, such as securing a beverage cup. The invention also relates to the field of methods for securing an accessory item, such as a beverage cup, to a surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Handling a plate or other food-receiving implement, and a second item, such as a beverage cup or utensil, simultaneously, remains difficult because of the need to occupy two hands at once. If a user does not have two hands, or is a user requires one hand to be free to engage in an activity, such as to consume food items or to shake hands, one must find another surface upon which to rest a cup, or seek to balance the cup on the surface of the plate. Such approaches frequently result in the contents of the plate being dropped or spoiled by spillage, the content of the cup being spilled altogether, as well as utensils being dropped from the plate.

[0003] US Patent 8,444,001 provides for a cup coupling means of diametrically opposed chordal grooves into which a cup may be secured. The design lacks utility for securing cups of different circumference sizes, as the configuration of the chordal grooves is designed to engage a cup of only one specific size circumference. The design is relatively complicated, and not easily fabricated. [0004] It would be desirable, therefore, to provide an implement for holding food, such as a dinnerware plate, that securely accommodates cups of varying circumference sizes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present disclosure provides a novel and improved method for securing a cup, such as a beverage cup, to a surface of a plate, such as a piece of dinnerware suitable for accommodating food thereon.

[0006] In one aspect, a plate, such as a disposable plate (paper plate, plastic plate), comprising a bottom surface having an indented fitting configured to receive a lip of a drinking implement, such as a cup, is provided. The plate will comprise a threaded configuration on the bottom of the plate suitable for engaging a cup having a raised lip, such as the raised lip of a beverage cup. In this manner, the lip of the cup may be securely twisted into the threaded configuration at the bottom of a plate, without a need to balance or risk spillage of any content in the cup, such as a beverage or food condiment.

[0007] In another aspect, a plate comprising a bottom surface and a top surface, the bottom surface configured to receive a lip of a drinking implement, such as a cup, and at least one slot or opening passing though the plate. The slot and/or opening is configured to receive there through an implement, for example, an eating implement, such as a piece of cutlery (for example, a fork, spoon, knife, or other appropriate implement). In some embodiments the plate comprises 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 slots and/or openings suitable for receiving therein an implement, such as an eating implement.

[0008] In yet another aspect, a plate comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, said bottom surface comprising at least one indentation therein, is provided. The indentation may be situated in the center, left side, right side, or other location at the bottom surface of the bottom surface of the plate. The indentation comprises a configuration that may be circular in shape, and that has a gradually decreasing circumference. For example, the indentation may be described as having a configuration resembling a slanted-in wall, when viewed from the bottom surface of the plate. The indentation may be further described as comprising a threaded configuration, such that the circumference of the threaded configuration gradually narrows inward towards the top surface of the plate. In some embodiments, the threaded configuration and/or plate indentation will not extend completely through the bottom surface of the plate and open to the top surface of the plate. In other embodiments, the threaded configuration and/or indentation will extend completely through the plate, such that the smallest circumference of the gradually decreasing circumference of the threaded configuration and/or indentation is open to the top surface of the plate.

[0009] The indentation may be described in some embodiments as comprising a threaded gradually decreasing, inwardly slanting configuration. The threaded feature of the inwardly sloping indentation is suitable for accommodating and/or snuggly receiving a top lip of a cup, for example a cup for holding a beverage, food item, and/or condiment (sauce, ketchup, salad dressing, etc.). In some embodiments, the threading along the interior surface of the indentation at the bottom surface of the plate comprises one or a series of grooves, these grooves being suitable for receiving a raised lip, such as the raised lip of a cup, such as characteristic of a standard disposable beverage cup.

[0010] By way of example, the circumference of the indentation located at the bottom of a plate, at its widest point, may provide for an about 4 1/2 inch, about 4 inch, about 3.5 inch, 3 inch, 2 inch or 1 inch outer circumference. The gradually decreasing circumference of the indentation (having a threaded configuration) may provide for a circumference size that gradually decreases, this gradual decrease in some embodiments being described as an about 1/20 ¹¹¹ of an inch or 1/10 ^th of an inch decrease in perimeter, per each turn of the threading design configuration at the inner surface of the indentation, and moving upward towards the interior portions of the indentation. The smallest circumference within the indentation in some embodiments may be about 2 inches in circumference. The gradually decreasing circumference of the inner region within the threaded indentation permits the user to securely and detachably connect and/or mount a cup or other drinking or holding implement of any variety of sizes, securely to the bottom surface of the plate. The user may detach the cup or other drinking implement from the bottom surface of the plate by rotating the cup in the opposite direction from that in which the cup was rotated to engage the cup lip within the threaded indentation.

[0011] In another embodiment, the plate may be described as having a smooth flat edge, or smooth angles so as to accommodate the stacking of a plate one on top of another. In this manner, plates may be more easily stackable for storage, transport, commercial packaging, providing at a buffet table, or other desired use. The stackable feature of the plate, as well as its one-continuous piece construction, further provides the advantages of efficient and economical manufacturing process, as well as reduced cost for manufacturing materials.

[0012] The plates presented may be constructed of virtually any material, such as paper, plastic, polymeric material, ceramic, or any combination of these materials. The plate may be constructed of any stiff and/or rigid material, or of a flexible material suitable for including the herein described threaded, indentation feature and the threaded configuration along a gradually decreasing interior surface of the indentation located on the bottom side of the plate.

[0013] In some embodiments, the cup, such as a beverage or condiment cup, is detachably connected to the plate at a point located about midway between the largest circumference opening of the indentation and the smallest circumference opening of the indentation.

[0014] In yet another embodiment, the plate configuration accommodates the attachment of a cup within the indentation located at the bottom surface of the plate, wherein the top lip of a cup may be securely attached (screwed in) to the bottom surface of the plate, or within the indentation such that the lip of a cup is roughly parallel to the top surface of the plate.

[0015] Some embodiments may include a threaded indentation at the bottom of a plate and one or more slots suitable for receiving there through a cutlery item, such as a spook, fork, knife, or other utensil.

[0016] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the accompanying drawing figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0017] Figure 1 is a pictorial representation of a top view of a plate in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. An elevated indentation (104) at the center of the plate is shown, that provides for the attachment (screw-in) of a cup to the plate. Two slits (114) are shown for cutlery.

[0018] Figure 2 depicts a pictorial representation of a bottom view of the plate of Figure 1 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The bottom (210) of a cup that has been screwed into the elevated indentation in the plate. [0019] Figure 3 depicts a pictorial representation of the plate (100) showing a cup (300) screwed into the bottom (202) of the plate. A recessed indentation (208) having a threaded region positioned at the center bottom of the plate is shown, where the lip (302) of the cup (300) has been attached (screwed into) to the bottom (202) of the plate. The bottom (310) of the cup (300) is shown.

[0020] Figure 4 depicts a top perspective of the plate (100) having a cup (300) with a lip (302) screwed into the recessed indentation (104) at the bottom surface (102) of the plate is depicted in Figure 3. The raised edge (112) of the plate is shown.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0021] The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. For purposes of clarity in illustrating the characteristics of the present invention, proportional relationships of the elements have not necessarily been maintained in the drawing figures.

[0022] The following detailed description of the invention references specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The present invention is defined by the appended claims and the description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense and shall not limit the scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0023] In the present disclosure, a method and apparatus are described of a uniquely configured piece of dinnerware capable of providing for the stable handling of the plate when containing food or other items, and a cup of desired sized containing a beverage or other item.

[0024] With reference now to the figures and, in particular, with reference to Figure 1, a pictorial representation of a top view of a uniquely configured plate 100 is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The plate 100 includes a conventionally shaped beverage cup stably mounted to the bottom (102) of the plate, screwed within a raised indentation (104) of the plate at the center of the plate. In some embodiments, the diameter of the top of the cup may be greater than the diameter of the bottom of the cup. By way of example, the cup may be configured so as to accommodate any number of items, such as a liquid beverage, a condiment (ketchup, sauces, etc.), or a food item that one wishes to prevent contact with any other food item (chips, French fries, a colder or warmer food item).

[0025] The uniquely configured plate 100 may also include a flat space holding area 102, such as to be suitable for holding a food item (appetizers, etc). Between the holding area 102 and the indented center area 104 intended to accommodate the cup 110, slits 114 may be included. The indented area may appear as an elevated raised area 104 when seen from a top view of the plate 100. The raised area has a decreasing circumference defined at one circumference by a wall 104 and a top area 106. The top area 106 is fashioned to receive the lip and/or rim of a cup, so as to receive in a screw-like fashion the lip and/or rim of the cup at a point midway between the bottom and the top edge of the cup 100. In addition, the plate 100 may have a raised border or lip 212. The plate my also include slit area(s) 114. The 114 slit area will be able to accommodate an eating utensil into the plate, such that the handle of the utensil will hang down through the bottom of the plate 100. [0026] Figure 2 depicts a pictorial representation of a bottom (202) view of the plate 100 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. As seen from the bottom view, the plate 100 includes an area 208 (which is the bottom view of lip), an area 202 (which is the bottom view of food holding area 202), the bottom (210) view of a cup is shown. The bottom 202 of the plate 100 (i.e., area 202) and the top of the cup may be secured together (such as in a screw-in fashion into area 208), such that they are substantially parallel to each other in the attached position. The indentation (indentation 208) in some embodiments is wider at the point where it is attached to area 202 (i.e., bottom of the plate) than at the point where it is attached to the cup 208. Thus, looking at the plate from its bottom, the indentation 208 would become narrower as it progresses through the plate to the top of the plate (i.e., indentation 208 has a slanted-in wall). This configuration (i.e., a conventional shaped cup having a lip and/or rim, and a plate having an elevated indentation with gradually decreasing perimeter as seen from the bottom of the plate) will accommodate the attachment of any variety of rim sizes of a cup, and renders the plates having this configuration easily stackable, permitting a plurality of plates 100 to be stacked (i.e., one plate 100 atop of another). That is, the thickness of the wall 104 in the indented raised region at the bottom of the plate, permits for a plurality of like configured and indented plates 100 to be conveniently stacked one on top of another, thus lending to ease of storage, transport and use.

[0027] In some embodiments, the slanted wall 104 of indentation 208 may be configured to include a thread or series of threads. That is, the slanted wall of indentation 208 may comprise a plurality of grooves (i.e., a ribbed slanted wall). These grooves or threads permitting the attachment and/or screw-in of a cup having any number of different perimeter sizes, the cup having a lip or rim (flared or otherwise) that may be twisted tightly into the bottom of the plate, akin to a screw being screwed into a hole. Consequently, a person may twist a cup containing a drink into the indentation 208 of the plate to permit stable manipulation and use of a cup containing a liquid beverage and a plate 100 containing a food or other item, while permitting the user to maintain one hand free for other activities/tasks. Since the cup containing the drink is screwed into the center of the plate 100, the plate 100 maintains a great deal of stability, permitting heavy items, particularly food items (e.g., mashed potato, beans, salad etc.) to be held on the plate in area 102, or even pushed down to retrieve food in on the plate area 102, with a utensil for example. In addition, anyone who is holding a cup containing a beverage twisted into the bottom of the plate 100 may maintain a free hand to shake hands, hold other items, or any other activity that may be desired.

[0028] Figure 3 depicts a pictorial representation of a cup with an exemplary lip and/or rim in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Cup 300 includes a lip 302, which may be used to thread (i.e., twist) cup 300 into the grooves of indentation 208 at the bottom of plate 100. As mentioned above, cup 300 may be used to hold a beverage.

[0029] Plate 100, as well as cup 300, may be made of plastic or paper or any other material that is suitable to permit the lip and/or rim of the cup 300 to be twisted in tightly into indentation 208 at the bottom of plate 100.

[0030] Figure 4 depicts a pictorial representation of a plate having several slots fashioned therethrough and a threaded indentation 106 suitable for receiving the raised lip and or rim of a cup 300, as another illustrative embodiment. Plate 100 includes an outer perimeter 112, and a bottom 102. Shown in the middle of the bottom 102 of the plate is an indentation 104, within which a threaded configuration that gradually decreases in circumference is shown. This threaded configuration may be used to thread (i.e., twist) the lip of a cup 300 into the threads of the indentation 104 at the bottom of plate 100. As mentioned above, cup 300 may be used to hold a beverage.

[0031] The description of the different illustrative embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. The different illustrative examples describe components that perform actions or operations. In an illustrative embodiment, a component may be configured to perform the action or operation described. For example, the component may have a configuration or design for a structure that provides the component an ability to perform the action or operation that is described in the illustrative examples as being performed by the component.

[0032] Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, different illustrative embodiments may provide different features as compared to other desirable embodiments. The embodiment or embodiments selected are chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0033] While the present invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments and applications, in both summarized and detailed foil is, it is not intended that these descriptions in any way limit its scope to any such embodiments and applications, and it will be understood that many substitutions, changes and variations in the described embodiments, applications, and details of the method and system illustrated herein and of their operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of this invention.

[0034] From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure. It will be understood that certain features and sub combinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many possible embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is also to be understood that all matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting.

[0035] The constructions described above and illustrated in the drawings are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the concepts and principles of the present invention. Thus, there has been shown and described several embodiments of a novel invention. As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. The terms "having" and "including" and similar terms as used in the foregoing specification are used in the sense of "optional" or "may include" and not as "required". Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present construction will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.