Portable Plate, Cup and Silverware

Abstract

A novel portable plate, cup and silverware device that improves portability, usability and stability is disclosed. The present invention includes a plate of the type used for food at meals, gatherings, parties and the such. The plate includes an adjustable strap, hidden in a compartment under an openable and closeable cover on the underside of the plate, to provide stability while a user holds the plate. The plate also includes a cup holder on the top of the plate, a cup with an internal straw and a lid, as well as comfort grip utensils that can be attached and detached from the rim of the plate. The device can be manufactured from multiple reusable, disposable or recyclable materials. This embodiment of the invention also includes an adjustable tray for attachment to various fixed surfaces and a notched cup for easy stacking of multiple cups.

Claims

1. A portable plate comprising: A plate with a front and a back side; The front side being used for carrying items; The back side being used by a person to support the plate; The back side including a compartment defined by a compartment opening, compartment sides and a compartment bottom; The compartment bottom and compartment sides forming a three dimensional compartment storage space between the plate front and plate back side; The compartment opening having a removeable compartment cover that covers the compartment opening; The compartment cover being attachably openable and closeable to cover the compartment opening and closes flush to the bottom of the plate; The compartment storage space containing at least one adjustable strap that can used to provide stability to the plate; An adjustable tray comprising two tray sides, each side having a vertical leg, each tray side being separable from the from the other; The adjustable tray sides being connected by at least one tension providing means; and The adjustable tray sides being sized to fit through the adjustable strap.

2. The portable plate of claim 1; Wherein said plate has a location disposed on the front side of the plate for securely holding a cup comprising: a locking cup attachment receptor with a raised circular wall having sides and a bottom and at least one locking slot for receiving a locking tab; A circular locking cup holder for securely holding said cup, said locking cup holder comprising; an outer cup sleeve with a base and circular vertical walls, apertures cut diagonally along the circular vertical walls of the outer cup sleeve, the apertures allowing inserting and removal of said cup from the locking cup holder, the apertures allowing cups of multiple sizes to be placed in the locking cup holder, and at least one locking tab disposed near the base of the locking cup holder, and a circular inner cup sleeve comprising vertical walls, said inner cup sleeve located concentrically within the outer cup sleeve, the locking tab and locking slot disposed to couple securely to each other when the locking cup attachment sleeve is placed within the locking cup attachment receptor and twisted axially, the locking cup holder securely gripping said cup when said cup is placed within the locking cup holder.

3. The portable plate of claim 2; Wherein the cup includes a lid with an opening, a notch in the side of the cup, an internal straw and an external straw; Said internal straw being located inside the cup, the opening disposed to couple the external straw to the internal straw; and Said notch in the side of the cup disposed to provide storage of the internal straw and allow stacking of one cup within a second cup.

4. The portable plate of claim 1; Wherein the plate includes an outer rim and an edge disposed at the outer rim; the edge designed to couple with a matching channel disposed along the handle of a utensil; when the edge is placed within the channel, the utensil is securely attached to the outer rim of the plate.

5. The portable plate of claim 2; Wherein the plate includes an outer rim and an edge disposed at the outer rim; the edge designed to couple with a matching channel disposed along the handle of a utensil; when the edge is placed within the channel, the utensil is securely attached to the outer rim of the plate.

6. The utensil of claim 4, where the utensil has a grip formed to be fit comfortably and securely in the user's hand.

7. The utensil of claim 5, where the utensil has a grip formed to be fit comfortably and securely in the user's hand.

8. The portable plate of claim 1; where the plate is made of paper, cardboard or plastic.

9. The portable plate of claim 1; where the adjustable tray is made of metal, wood, composite material, paper, cardboard or plastic.

10. The portable plate of claim 2; where the plate and cup are made of paper, cardboard or plastic.

11. The portable plate of claim 4; where the utensil is a fork.

12. The portable plate of claim 4; where the utensil is a spoon.

13. The portable plate of claim 4; where the utensil is a knife.

14. The portable plate of claim 5; where the utensil is a fork.

15. The portable plate of claim 5; where the utensil is a spoon.

16. The portable plate of claim 5; where the utensil is a knife.

17. The portable plate of claim 2; Where the bottom of the locking cup attachment receptor includes an ornamental design.

18. The portable plate of claim 1; Where the tension providing means is a spring.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] FIG. 1A Shows the assembled portable plate, cup and silverware apparatus

[0036] FIG. 1B Shows the assembled portable plate, cup and silverware apparatus without silverware attached and the straw in the stowed position.

[0037] FIG. 2A Shows the underside of the plate with the adjustable strap exposed and user's hand ready to be placed through the strap.

[0038] FIG. 2B shows the adjustable strap with the extendable portion of the strap stowed.

[0039] FIG. 2C shows the adjustable strap with the extendable portion fully extended.

[0040] FIG. 2D shows the adjustable tray with springs and legs fed through the adjustable strap.

[0041] FIG. 2E shows a view from the underside of the plate with the tray fed through the adjustable strap.

[0042] FIG. 2F shows the underside of the plate with the removable cover open.

[0043] FIG. 3 Shows a view of the adjustable locking cup holder.

[0044] FIG. 3A Shows a detailed view of the locking mechanism.

[0045] FIG. 4 Shows a top view of the cup attachment receptor and locking cup holder.

[0046] FIG. 5 Shows the plate with the locking cup holder locked into the cup attachment receptor.

[0047] FIG. 5A Shows an expanded view of the locking mechanism.

[0048] FIG. 6A Shows the cup lid with the straw in the stowed position.

[0049] FIG. 6B Shows the cup with the lid removed and the internal straw exposed.

[0050] FIG. 6C Shows the cup with the lid above the cup and the coupling mechanism between the external straw and internal straw exposed.

[0051] FIG. 7A shows the cup with the notch displayed.

[0052] FIG. 7B shows the cup with the straw stored in the notch and stacked with another cup.

[0053] FIG. 8A Shows the utensil with the channel displayed.

[0054] FIG. 8B Shows the plate with edges for coupling with channel in utensils.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PERFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0055] The challenge of holding a plate of food, a cup and silverware all while trying to balance the plate, cup and utensils, consume the food and make conversation is an age old problem. It's extremely difficult to manage the plate while also holding a cup and utensils. Party goers (and those attending other gatherings where food is consumed while standing or in motion) often resort to stacking their plate on top of their cup, which is inherently unstable, or placing their cup down on a flat surface near them, provided one is available. The first approach comes with significantly decreased stability and heightened risk of a spill, and the other comes with a risk of losing one's drink in a sea of similar looking cups or glasses, if one can find a place to set it down at all. The above examples are but two of many possible challenging, negative or even embarrassing outcomes that can occur in such circumstances.

[0056] The prior art is littered with attempted solutions to this problem, none of them as effective as the disclosed invention. A number of alternative plate handles or grasping devices are well known in the art. These include collapsible non-adjustable handles on the bottom of the plate, hand holes formed through the plate for parts of the user's hand to grasp, non-adjustable horseshoe shaped handles for the users hand formed on the underside of the plate, recesses on the underside of the plate with hand shaped contours, cup holders with integrated hand grips, wedges or screw devices that attach the plate to a user's glass so that the glass can be used as a handle as well as a variety of straps attached to the underside of the plate for the user's hand.

[0057] Recesses on the top of plates to hold cups, food and a variety of other items are also well known in the art. Slots cut in plates, as holders for the stems of stemware are also well known.

[0058] A variety of attachment and storage means are also known in the art, including slots for silverware, clips for silverware and attachable/detachable silverware.

[0059] A preferred embodiment of the disclosed invention is described in relation to the attached figures and claims below. This is but one embodiment and there are many other variations and embodiments that comport with the patent claims.

[0060] As will be discussed in the detailed description below, the disclosed invention provides an adjustable and extendable strap contained within a compartment on the underside of the plate. The user can place their hand through the adjustable and extendable strap to provide stability to the plate while walking, standing or in motion. The compartment on the underside of the plate includes a closeable cover that lies flat and flush with the bottom of the plate and allows it to be used on a table as a normal plate.

[0061] Further, the disclosed invention includes a cup holding apparatus, outlined in detail below, that comprises a locking cup attachment receptor and a locking cup holder. This unique apparatus allows the user to lock a cup in place on the top of the plate so that it is stable and secure while the user holds the plate. This functionality prevents spills.

[0062] A novel cup apparatus is disclosed as part of the disclosed invention. This cup includes an internal straw, a lid with a hole, an external straw, and a straw holder located on the lid. The hole on the lid is disposed to provide connection between the internal and external straws for drinking liquid. The straw can be stowed and liquids consumed directly through the hole. The hole can be closed with a provided hole stopper.

[0063] In the preferred embodiment of the disclosed invention, novel silverware with a comfort grip handle that allows for secure and comfortable holding of the utensils are provided. The utensil handle includes a channel that can be coupled with a complementary edge on the rim of the plate to attach and detach the utensils from the plate. In this way, the utensils can be securely attached and stowed to the plate when the user is holding the plate with one hand.

[0064] The disclosed invention can be used for a variety of purposes, including parties, celebrations, weddings, showers and other social gatherings as well as business related functions like conferences, meetings and other events. The disclosed invention can be manufactured out of any suitable disposable or reusable material, some of which include paper, cardboard, recycled materials, compostable materials, plastic, glass, metal and ceramic. The invention is not meant to be limited in any way by the disclosed preferred embodiment.

[0065] The disclosed preferred embodiment can be manufactured in a variety of disposable or reusable materials using production tools, systems and methods well known in the art.

[0066] FIG. 1A shows the complete portable plate, cup and silverware product, fully assembled. Utensils knife 1 and a spork 2 are attachable and detachable from the outer rim of plate 3 by coupling with edge 8. While this figure shows spork 2 and knife 1, any number of suitable utensils could be attached including spoons, forks, skewers, chopsticks or any type of serving utensil. Locking cup attachment receptor 4 is shown attached or formed on the surface of plate 3. Shown locked into locking cup attachment receptor 4 is locking cup holder 5. In the preferred embodiment, locking cup attachment receptor 4 couples with locking cup holder 5 when the user places locking cup holder 5 in locking cup attachment receptor 4 and twists locking cup holder 5 rotationally. When locking cup holder 5 is rotated within locking cup attachment receptor 4, locking cup holder 5 locks into place and provides sufficient force on the exterior of cup 6 to secure it in place. The coupling mechanism for locking cup attachment receptor 4 and locking cup holder 5 is shown in a later figure.

[0067] FIG. 1B shows the complete portable, cup, plate and silverware product as in FIG. 1A without utensil 1 or 2 attached. Cup 6 is covered by lid 16 and straw 14 is shown in the stowed position.

[0068] The components of the disclosed invention including utensils 1, 2 plate 3 and cup 6 can be formed of any suitable disposable, recyclable or reusable material such as plastic, paper, wood, compostable/recycled material, metal, glass, ceramic or any other suitable material known in the art for manufacturing such articles.

[0069] FIG. 2A provides a view of the underside of plate 3 with removable cover 19 (shown in a later figure) open and showing the contents of compartment 22. Adjustable strap 27 is contained within compartment 22. A user of plate 3 would slide their hand 28 through adjustable strap 23 to provide stability and security while holding the plate from its bottom side. User can adjust the size of adjustable strap 23 by extending or stowing the additional strap stowed in compartment 22. Clips 27 are attached to plate 3 and allow adjustable strap to be adjusted to different lengths by extending or stowing additional strap length. In the preferred embodiment, adjustable strap 23 is made of elastic, but other suitable materials may be used to similar effect.

[0070] FIG. 2B shows a second view of adjustable strap 23, additional strap material 29 is tucked under the strap and stowed for easy removal and adjustment within compartment 22.

[0071] FIG. 2C shows a detailed view of adjustable strap 23 material, in the preferred embodiment made of elastic material, shown in compartment 22 with clips 27.

[0072] FIG. 2D shows a more detailed view of adjustable tray 35. In this view, left side tray with leg 28 is shown nested with right side tray with leg 30. Left side tray with leg 28 sits with right side tray with leg 30 on top of the tray with the movement of the two sides of the tray guided by tray guide 31. Left side tray with leg 28 and right side tray with leg 30 can be separated from each other so each tray side can be fed through the adjustable strap 23. Adjustable tray 35 can be set at any width by adjusting the location of each tray side as guided by the tray guide 31.

[0073] The two halves of the adjustable tray are held together by springs 29 in the preferred embodiment, but any device capable of creating tension between the two tray halves would be suitable. These springs provide tension so that the two sides of the tray can be expanded or contracted to grip many different surfaces. Left leg 32 and right leg 33 are placed around the surface to be gripped and the spring tension ensures that the adjustable tray will remain firmly secured to the surface. In the expanded view in the lower portion of FIG. 2D, we see plate 3 with adjustable strap 23 (displayed with dotted lines visible through the top surface of the plate) with adjustable tray 35 fed through the strap. The adjustable strap 23 secures plate 3 to the adjustable tray 35, which in turn provides secure support to many different surfaces including automobile center consoles or a user's lap.

[0074] Adjustable tray 35 is reusable and can be made of any suitable material such as any number of metals, such as aluminum or stainless steel, plastics, wood (of any variety based on the decorative value), composite materials, cardboard or even thick paper.

[0075] FIG. 2E shows a view of the underside of plate 3 with adjustable strap 23 fed through adjustable tray 35. Both left side tray with leg 28 and right side tray with leg 30 are shown (though the legs are not visible in this view). Lastly utensil 26 is also seen attached to the edge of plate 3.

[0076] FIG. 2F shows a view of the underside of plate 3 with removable cover 19 shown in both its open and closed positions. In the preferred embodiment, removable cover 19 is made of transparent re-attachable tape but can be manufactured out of any other suitable material. In this view, strap 23 in stored in compartment 22 and is ready to be removed to allow it to placed around user's hand 28 to stabilize the plate. Clips 27 secure adjustable strap 23 in place and allow it to be adjusted by extending or stowing additional strap material 29 (not shown).

[0077] FIGS. 3 and 3A shows a detailed view of the locking cup holder 5 including all its component parts and mechanisms. The mechanism that locks the locking cup holder 5 into the locking cup receptor 4 operates by sliding locking tab 13 into corresponding locking slot 9. In the disclosed preferred embodiment, locking tab 13 and locking slot 9 slide together when the user rotates the locking cup holder 5 clockwise. When locking tab 13 slides into locking slot 9, the tab and slot lock together, thus locking the locking cup receptor 4 and locking cup holder 5 together. These locking connectors can be formed of cardboard, plastic, paper or any other suitable material.

[0078] In the disclosed preferred embodiment, outer cup sleeve 10 is formed of cardboard/paper and includes gripping aperture 12. Inner cup sleeve 11 is formed of corrugated cardboard and grips cup 6 when placed in the locking cup holder 5. Gripping aperture 12 opens to allow the base of cup 6 to slide into locking cup holder 5. Once in the sleeve, gripping aperture 12 closes to allow the outer cup sleeve 10 to grip the upper part of cup 6. Inner cup sleeve 11 grips the lower base portion of the cup. In concert, inner cup sleeve 11 and outer cup sleeve 10 provide sufficient grip to hold cup 6 in place. Locking cup holder 5, outer cup sleeve 10 and gripping aperture 12 allow multiple sized cups to be held securely in the device.

[0079] FIG. 4 Shows a top view of the locking cup attachment receptor 4 with the locking cup holder 5 installed. Locking slot 9 is shown on either side of the outer radius of the receptor. Locking tab 13, when rotated clockwise by the user, slides into locking slot 9. The coupling of locking tab 9 and locking slot 13 securely attaches locking cup holder 5 to locking cup attachment receptor 4.

[0080] FIGS. 5 and 5A are an overhead view of plate 3 with locking cup holder 5 placed in locking cup attachment receptor 4 and with locking cup holder 5 locked in place. User will align locking tab 13 with locking slot 9 and twist locking cup holder clockwise until locking tab slides into locking slot and thus secures locking cup holder 5 to locking cup attachment receptor 4. Once secured, locking cup holder 5 is ready to receive cup 6. Alternatively, cup 6 can be placed in locking cup holder 5 prior to coupling with locking cup attachment receptor. The lower base of cup 6 will be secured by inner cup sleeve 11 and the upper portion of cup 6 will be secured by outer cup sleeve. Gripping aperture 12 can be opened to allow placement of cup 6 or once cup is placed within locking cup holder will close to secure cup 6 within sleeve.

[0081] FIG. 6A is a view of cup lid 16 with external straw 14 stowed in storage location 17. Lid 16 is also shown with straw receptacle 15 located on the top of the lid to connect to internal straw 18 as shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C.

[0082] FIG. 6B shows an overhead view of cup 6 with lid 16 removed. Internal straw 18 is disposed along one side of the inside of the cup and is located to couple to straw receptacle 15 on lid 16. This coupling between internal straw 18, straw receptacle 15 and external straw 14 provide a direct connection to the bottom of the cup and allows the user to consume the liquid from the cup by using suction through the connected straws. The cup 6 can be used with lid 16 removed or in place.

[0083] FIG. 6C is a view of cup 6 as disclosed in the preferred embodiment. External straw 14 can be placed in straw receptacle 15 located on the top of lid 16 to connect to internal straw 18 to allow the user to drink liquids from the cup. Otherwise, external straw 14 can be stored in straw storage location 17. External straw 14 can be manufactured from any common materials including paper, plastic and metal. In the preferred embodiment, the straw is made of organic paper.

[0084] FIG. 7A shows a view of cup 6 with straw 14 and notch 34 in the side of the cup. Notch 34 is positioned so that straw 14 can be contained within the cup, but the cups can still be stacked. As shown in FIG. 7B, notches 34 holds straws 14 while three cups 6 are stacked within each other. This stacking capability is primarily important for packaging multiple cups for sale.

[0085] FIG. 8A is a detailed view of utensil 2. In this view, channel 24 is shown. Channel 24 provides a matching slot to receive edge 8 and lock utensil 2 to plate 3. In the preferred embodiment, channel 24 is a rectangular shape with edge 8 being a matching size to fit in channel 24 and lock utensil 2 securely to plate 3. Utensil 2 has handle 26 which is formed to be comfortable to hold in the user's hand. Handle 26 provides the user with a secure grip on utensil 2.

[0086] FIG. 8B is shows plate 3 with edge 8 ready to receive channel 24 in utensil 2 so that utensil 2 can be secured to the plate. Utensil 2 can be formed of any suitable disposable, recyclable or reusable material such as plastic, paper, wood, compostable/recycled material, metal, glass, ceramic or any other suitable material known in the art for manufacturing such articles.

[0087] Although the present invention has been described in relation to the above disclosed preferred embodiment, many modifications in design, materials and manufacturing are possible while still maintaining the novel claimed features and advantages of the invention. The preferred embodiment is not meant to limit the claims in any way, and the claims should be given the broadest possible interpretation consistent with the language of the disclosure on the whole.