Caddy for Dispensing and Collecting Tableware

Abstract

A portable caddy for disposable tableware comprising: one or more multipurpose platforms for placing tableware, a plurality of concentric vertical legs, with provision for attaching multiple holders for accessories such as bowls, cups, spoons, forks, knives, napkins, stirrers, etc. Furthermore, the caddy may be assembled in table-top mode or in free-standing floor mode with the help of extender leg attachments. The extender legs have provision for attaching one or two or more plastic bags or baskets for separately collecting organic waste or recyclable materials. Platforms may be designed strong enough to hold heavier objects so that the caddy functions as a multipurpose stand.

Claims

1: A caddy for disposable tableware comprising of a plurality of flat platforms rigidly attached to a plurality of vertical legs, wherein the flat platforms are vertically spaced from each other and from the ends of the legs, wherein the vertical legs are situated at the periphery of the flat platforms, wherein the caddy is less than 24 inches in height, preferably less than 18 inches, and especially preferred between 12 and 15 inches, wherein the caddy is less than 15 inches in width, preferably less than 12 inches, and especially preferred between 9 and 11 inches, wherein a plurality of polygonal cup holder attachments of various sizes are attached to the vertical legs, wherein the cup holder attachments are configured to slide or rotate about the leg to which they are attached, resting at the point of attachment of the flat platforms.

2: The caddy recited in claim 1 futher comprising a plurality of extender legs coupled to the base of the vertical legs of claim 1, wherein the extender legs are configured to form an angle with respect to the vertical legs of claim 1, wherein the extender legs comprise of either folding or telescopic or a plurality of detachable pieces or combinations thereof.

3: The caddy as recited in claim 1 comprising of flat platforms which further comprise of an inner triangular wire frame within an outer triangular wire frame, wherein the inner triangle is rigidly connected to the outer triangle, wherein the length of the side of the inner triangle is about half of the length of the side of the outer triangle, and wherein the corners of the outer triangle are formed so as to allow rigid connection with the vertical legs of claim 1

4: The caddy as recited in claim 1 with cup holder attachments comprising of a ring of polygonal shape wherein the polygonal cup holder is connected to vertical legs of caddy recited in claim 1 using a cylindrical sleeve which is free to rotate about the leg wherein the polygon has less than ten sides, preferably eight sides, and especially preferred to have six sides,

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0031] FIG. 1 shows the construction of an embodiment of the flat platform.

[0032] FIG. 2 shows an assembly of the flat platform and vertical legs.

[0033] FIG. 3 shows a diagram of a hexagonal cup holder attached to a cylindrical sleeve.

[0034] FIG. 4 shows a table-top version of the caddy with two platforms and an assortment of cup holders attached.

[0035] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of detachable legs.

[0036] FIG. 6 shows an illustration of the assembled caddy stocked with tableware and collection bags.

[0037] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings described herein. Reference is also made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice what is claimed and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The present invention is directed to a device for dispensing and/or collecting disposable tableware.

[0039] FIG. 1 is diagram of an embodiment of the platform 301. It comprises of an inner triangle 302 attached within an outer triangle 303. The ends of outer triangle 303 are attached to an end-plate 304, which has provision for a screw attachment to vertical legs through a hole.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a diagram of an embodiment of the structural assembly 305 of table-top version of the caddy. Each end-plate 304 is attached to each vertical leg 306 using for example, a bolt and nut mechanism. Each leg 306 has an end cap 307 on top end and another cap 308 on bottom end. Two or more platforms 301 may be attached to legs.

[0041] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a hexagonal cup holder assembly 309. Cup holder may also be of a circular or triangular or other polygonal shape. In FIG. 3, a hexagonal embodiment 311 of the cup holder is shown. The hexagonal cup holder is attached to a hollow cylindrical sleeve 310. The cylindrical sleeve 310 is sized such that it forms a smooth sliding fit with vertical leg 306 of FIG. 2. Cup holders 311 sized so as to accommodate cups of different sizes such as 8 oz, 10 oz, 12 oz and 16 oz. Larger cup holders are sized to accommodate accessories such as bowls which are about 5-inch in diameter.

[0042] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the entire assembly 312 of the table-top version of the plate stand. It shows multiple cup holders 311, of various sizes designed to hold cups and bowls of various sizes, attached to each vertical leg 306

[0043] FIG. 5 shows diagram of extender legs 315 that can be attached to each leg 306 of assembly 312 to make a freely standing floor version. In embodiment shown here, leg 315 comprises of two detachable portions: a top portion 316 and a bottom portion 317 attached using a coupling device 318. Top portion 316 is bent at an angle of about 15-20 degrees from the vertical at a length of about 3 inches from the top end. Another coupling device 319 is used to couple the extender legs 315 to the legs 306. In the embodiment shown, each extender leg 315 is attached to each of structural legs 306. End cap 308 is removed to attach sleeve 319 to leg 306. A hook or bag holder 320 is attached to each leg to facilitate attachment of plastic bags or basket for collecting organic waste or disposable waste.

[0044] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary arrangement of a preferred embodiment showing the entire assembly in a floor-standing mode. Lower platform is shown stocked up with dinner plates. Top platform has provision for storing napkins, stirrers, or other such accessories. Figure also shows cup holders of various sizes. Cups attached near top platform are designed to hold spoons, knives and forks, as shown.

[0045] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the presently described subject matter are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0046] Specified numerical ranges of units, measurements, and/or values comprise, consist essentially or, or consist of all the numerical values, units, measurements, and/or ranges including or within those ranges and/or endpoints, whether those numerical values, units, measurements, and/or ranges are explicitly specified in the present disclosure or not.

[0047] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The terms “first”, “second”, “third” and the like, as used herein do not denote any order or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. The term “or” is meant to be inclusive and mean either or all of the listed items. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, and can include electrical connections or couplings, whether direct or indirect.

[0048] Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising”, “including,” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property. The term “comprising” or “comprises” refers to a composition, compound, formulation, or method that is inclusive and does not exclude additional elements, components, and/or method steps.

[0049] The term “comprising” also refers to a composition, compound, formulation, or method embodiment of the present disclosure that is inclusive and does not exclude additional elements, components, or method steps. As stated herein, the term “comprising,” may be substituted, replaced, or interchanged with “consisting essentially of” of “consisting of.” The phrase “consisting of” or “consists of” refers to a compound, composition, formulation, or method that excludes the presence of any additional elements, components, or method steps. The term “consisting of” also refers to a compound, composition, formulation, or method of the present disclosure that excludes the presence of any additional elements, components, or method steps.

[0050] The phrase “consisting essentially of” or “consists essentially of” refers to a composition, compound, formulation, or method that is inclusive of additional elements, components, or method steps that do not materially affect the characteristic(s) of the composition, compound, formulation, or method. The phrase “consisting essentially of” also refers to a composition, compound, formulation, or method of the present disclosure that is inclusive of additional elements, components, or method steps that do not materially affect the characteristic(s) of the composition, compound, formulation, or method steps.

[0051] Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about”, and “substantially” is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.

[0052] As used herein, the terms “may” and “may be” indicate a possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of “may” and “may be” indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into account that in some circumstances, the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable.

[0053] It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used individually, together, or in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the subject matter set forth herein without departing from its scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the disclosed subject matter, they are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the subject matter described herein should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0054] This written description may use examples to disclose several embodiments of the subject matter set forth herein, including the best mode, and also to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to practice the embodiments of disclosed subject matter, including making and using the devices or systems and performing the methods. The patentable scope of the subject matter described herein is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

[0055] While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

[0056] It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, because certain changes may be made in carrying out the above method and in the construction(s) set forth without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[0057] It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.