Abstract
A resilient sleeve for a rigid dish is adapted to closely fit around, contour, and frictionally engage the exterior of the dish. The resilient sleeve has a sidewall that extends upwardly from a bottom portion to a perimeter that defines an opening into the resilient sleeve. A securing element may be provided on the bottom portion for removably securing the bottom portion to a support surface.
Claims
1. A resilient sleeve for a rigid dish, the rigid dish having an upwardly extending sidewall, the sleeve comprising: a resilient body adapted to closely fit around, contour, and frictionally engage the exterior of the rigid dish, the resilient body having a sidewall that extends upwardly from a bottom portion to a perimeter that defines an opening into the resilient sleeve, the sidewall of the resilient sleeve being large enough to substantially cover the upwardly extending sidewall of the dish, such that the rigid dish becomes frictionally engaged with the resilient body when the rigid dish is inserted into the resilient body.
2. The resilient sleeve of claim 1, further comprising a securing element arranged on the bottom portion for removably securing the bottom portion to a support surface.
3. The resilient sleeve of claim 2, wherein the securing element is in the form of a plurality of suction cups.
4. The resilient sleeve of claim 3, wherein the plurality of suction cups is in the form of three suction cups arranged in a triangular configuration on the bottom portion.
5. The resilient sleeve of claim 1, further including an annular ridge that extends downwardly from a bottom surface of the bottom portion.
6. The resilient sleeve of claim 1, further including an annular ridge that extends downwardly from a bottom surface of the bottom portion, and further comprising at least one suction cup positioned within the annular ridge.
7. The resilient sleeve of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion is generally disk-shaped, and the sidewall has a round cross-sectional shape.
8. The resilient sleeve of claim 1, wherein the resilient sleeve is constructed of silicone.
9. The resilient sleeve of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion further includes an aperture.
10. A combination dish and sleeve comprising: a rigid dish having a base, and an upwardly extending sidewall extending upwardly from the base to a lip; a resilient sleeve adapted to closely fit around, contour, and frictionally engage an exterior of the rigid dish, the resilient sleeve having a resilient body that includes a sidewall that extends upwardly from a bottom portion to a perimeter that defines an opening into the resilient sleeve; and wherein the sidewall of the resilient sleeve extends upwardly approximately to the lip of the rigid dish to substantially cover the upwardly extending sidewall of the rigid dish is covered by the resilient sleeve.
11. The combination of claim 10, wherein the dish is in the form of a bowl.
12. The combination of claim 10, wherein the dish is in the form of a plate; and wherein an inner surface of the resilient sleeve is polished.
13. A combination dish and sleeve comprising: a rigid dish having a base, and an upwardly extending sidewall extending upwardly from the base to a lip; a resilient sleeve adapted to closely fit around, contour, and frictionally engage an exterior of the rigid dish, the resilient sleeve having a sidewall that extends upwardly from a bottom portion to a perimeter that defines an opening into the resilient sleeve; wherein the sidewall of the resilient sleeve extends upwardly approximately to the lip of the rigid dish to substantially cover the upwardly extending sidewall of the rigid dish; and a securing element arranged on the bottom portion for removably securing the bottom portion to a support surface.
14. The combination of claim 13, wherein the dish is in the form of a bowl.
15. The combination of claim 13, wherein the dish is in the form of a plate; and wherein an inner surface of the resilient sleeve is polished.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The accompanying drawings illustrate the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a resilient sleeve according to one embodiment of the present invention and shown mounted on a rigid dish;
[0014] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view thereof;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view thereof;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view thereof, showing a showing a hand pulling up a portion of sleeve, while the securing element remains fixed to a support surface;
[0017] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the resilient sleeve being used with a plate;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view thereof;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view thereof;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of a third embodiment of the resilient sleeve and showing a bottom opening;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of a fourth embodiment of the resilient sleeve and showing an alternative bottom opening;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the resilient sleeve;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a side elevation view thereof; and
[0024] FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] The above-described drawing figures illustrate the invention, a dish sleeve that is constructed to be slipped over and frictionally engaged with a rigid dish (e.g., bowl or plate). The dish sleeve may further include a securing element such as one or more suction cups for securing the disk sleeve (and thus the rigid dish) to a surface such as a table top.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a resilient sleeve 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention and shown mounted on a rigid dish 12. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view thereof. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the resilient sleeve 10 comprises a resilient body 20 adapted to closely fit around, contour, and frictionally engage the exterior of the dish, in this embodiment a bowl 12 (shown in FIG. 1), so that it remains firmly attached to the bowl 12 during use. In this embodiment, the resilient body 20 comprises a bottom portion 22 that in this embodiment is generally disk-shaped, and includes a sidewall 23 that extends upwardly to a perimeter 24 that defines an opening into the resilient body 20. The sidewall 23 of this embodiment is generally tubular in construction, having a round cross-sectional shape that allows the close frictional engagement described above.
[0027] The sidewall 23 of the resilient body 20 is large enough (tall enough relative to the dish 12) to substantially cover an upwardly extending sidewall 18 of the dish 12. For purposes of this application, the term substantially cover is defined to include more than 60% of the surface area, at least 80% covered in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the sidewall 23 of the body 20 extends over the lip of the dish 12. The resilient body 20 may be constructed of silicone, or other suitable material, which has a malleability and coefficient of friction suitable for a close engagement with the bowl 12.
[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the bowl 12 comprises a base 15, and an upwardly extending sidewall 18 extending upwardly from the base 15 to a lip 19. In other embodiments, the dish 12 is in the form of a plate or similar type of dish, some examples being shown in the following figures and discussed below.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the combination 10. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the bottom portion 22 includes at least one securing element 26 for removably securing the bottom portion 22 to a support surface (not shown). In this embodiment, the securing element 26 is in the form of a plurality of suction cups, in this case three suction cups arranged in a triangular configuration around the bottom of the resilient body 20. In this embodiment, the suction cups 26 are preferably disposed in an equilateral triangle, but alternate configurations are possible. The plurality of suction cups 26 may be in the form of three suction cups, as illustrated, but any number of cups may be disposed, in any configuration. In alternative embodiments, the securing element 26 may be in the form of a single suction cup, or any other suitable mechanical or non-mechanical fastener affixed, formed, or embedded on the bottom portion 22, preferably that is washable or detachable for washing the resilient body 20. For example, the securing element 26 may be in the form of at least one magnet, hooks/sliders for attaching to a compatible surface, a single or multi-use adhesive element (e.g., silicone, rubber, etc.), or any other feasible securing element known in the art.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the bottom portion 22 includes an aperture 28, which allows to air to enter or exit the resilient body 20 when the bowl 12 is inserted or removed. The aperture 28 may be positioned between the three suction cups, equidistant from the connections of the three suction cups. In this embodiment, the aperture 28 is at the orthocenter of the triangular formation of the suction cups 26. The aperture 28 may make it easier to put the resilient body 20 on the bowl 12, so that there is a snug fit without unwanted air pockets. In this embodiment, the aperture 28 is approximately 6 mm in diameter.
[0031] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the resilient sleeve 10 may have height measurement that is between 30-70 mm, preferably approximately 56 mm, including the suction cups 26. A width measurement may be between 80-120 mm, preferably approximately 108 mm. The resilient sleeve 10 may further have a thickness (of the material) of approximately 1.5 mm. The suction cups 26 may have a diameter that is approximately 40 mm. Obviously, other measurements may vary in alternative embodiments.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the combination 10, showing a hand pulling up a portion of the sidewall 23, while the suction cups 26 remain fixed to the support surface. As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, a ridge 30 extends downwardly from a bottom surface 25 of the bottom portion 22, wherein the bottom portion 22 is recessed within the ridge 30. In this manner, the suction cups 26 do not substantially protrude while in use, creating a more stable and discreet profile. It may also assist with removing the suction cups 26 from the support surface, wherein a human hand can push the bottom surface 25 downwardly will pulling the sidewall 23 upwardly, to release suction. However, in other embodiments, there is no ridge or recess. In some embodiments, the surface of the resilient sleeve 10 may be structured to be smooth and resilient, without prestructured ridges, pockets, or angles, so that it simply contours to whatever dish it covers. However, as illustrated, some embodiments of the sleeve 10 may include prestructured ridges, angles, etc., or may be customized to a specific dish, which may be provided alongside the sleeve 10 in some uses. Customization may include a planar bottom surface to be supported by the support surface, or for better aligning the securing element 26, etc. Customization may also include additional material, structured or otherwise, at specific locations for allowing for protrusions of the dish, or for if the dish tapers or juts outwardly, etc.
[0033] In some embodiments (not shown), the perimeter opening 24 further includes an outer tab or annular ledge, which may assist with removing the resilient body 20 from the dish 12, but in other embodiments, this area is generally smooth. In other embodiments, the perimeter opening may include an engagement structure (not shown) such as an annular ledge, annular groove, or similar structure, which is adapted to engage a lid (not shown). The lid may be similarly formed of a resilient material, or any suitable material for engaging a lid with the engagement structure. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the outside of the resilient body 20 includes a pattern (not shown), which may be printed/painted, engraved, etc., and which may display any imagery/symbols/indicia, limited only by the imagination of the manufacturer.
[0034] In this embodiment, the resilient body 20 and securing element 26 are each formed of silicone, but any suitable resilient materials may be used (e.g., various rubbers, plastic polymers, etc.). In use, the silicone sleeve 10 may be used with a stainless steel bowl 12 (shown in FIG. 1), but the sleeve 10 may be adapted to fit over any dish having a generally annular exterior, e.g., a plate, a cup, pitcher, various different bowls, etc., which may or may not have attachments/ornamental elements such as handles, spouts, etc. For the purposes of this application, the term annular exterior is defined to include any closed shape, which may be rounded, generally rectangular, or any other shape that is typical for a dish. If the dish 12 has an opening/cutout/aperture and/or protrusion, the sleeve 10 may similarly include an aligning opening/cutout/aperture or extra material for snugly surrounding a protrusion.
[0035] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment 32 of the resilient sleeve and showing a plate 16. FIG. 6 is a side elevation view thereof. FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view thereof. As shown in FIGS. 5-7, in some embodiments, the resilient sleeve 32 includes and/or is adapted to be mounted on a plate 16. As discussed, the claimed invention may be adapted for use with any form of a rigid dish having a base 13, and an upwardly extending sidewall 11 extending upwardly from the base 13 to a lip 17. In this embodiment, a bottom portion 34 of the resilient sleeve 32 includes a central opening 36. In various embodiments, the central opening 36 may have a diameter between 60-90 mm. In this embodiment, the central opening 36 is approximately 79 mm. Different measurements of the central opening 36 may be included, or the central opening 36 may be excluded from the resilient sleeve 32.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the resilient sleeve 32 further includes an inner surface 38, wherein the inner surface 38 is polished, which assists with securely gripping the plate 16 without unwanted gathering or sliding. For the purposes of this application, the term polished is defined to mean a surface that has undergone a polishing process so that the surface has a frictional coefficient that is adapted to substantially grip a generally smooth dish exterior, while still being easily peeled off of the dish. The dish may be ceramic, metal, or similar materials which are compatible with the polished surface. However, in other embodiments, the inner surface 38 may have a different means of gripping, e.g., having cross-hatched grooves, a grain, or other means of gripping.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, the bottom portion 34 of the resilient sleeve 32 includes the suction cups 26 as in the first embodiment, but other securing mechanisms may be applied, or excluded, some examples of which are shown in the following figures and discussed below.
[0038] The resilient sleeve 32 of FIGS. 5-7 may have height measurement that is between 15-40 mm, in this embodiment approximately 33 mm, including the suction cups 26. A width measurement (diameter) may be between 150-250 mm, in this embodiment approximately 198 mm. The bowl therefore has a height that is less than 20% of the diameter, as opposed to the bowl, wherein the height is more than 20% of the diameter.
[0039] The suction cups 26 of the resilient sleeve 32 may be slightly greater in diameter than the suction cups 26 of embodiment 10, specifically approximately 43 mm. Furthermore, in this embodiment, there are four suction cups 26 rather than the three of the first embodiment 10. Obviously, other numbers of suction cups, and other various measurements, may be implemented, as deemed by the manufacturer.
[0040] As shown in FIGS. 5-7 in this embodiment, the resilient sleeve 32 of the embodiment includes prestructured angles adapted to contour around a specific plate 16. Specifically, a sidewall 35 of the sleeve 32 includes an upper portion 37 that is greater in diameter than a lower portion 39 of the sidewall 35, which allows a better fit over the plate 16 of the current embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of a third embodiment 40 of the resilient sleeve and showing a bottom opening 42. As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, the securing element 26 is excluded, and the bottom opening 42 is larger than the aperture 28 of FIG. 3. FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of a fourth embodiment 44 of the resilient sleeve and showing an alternative bottom opening 46. As shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, the bottom opening 46 is similar to the aperture 28 of FIG. 3, except a bottom portion 48 of this embodiment 40 excludes the securing element 26.
[0042] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment 50 of the resilient sleeve, FIG. 11 is a side elevation view thereof, and FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view thereof. As shown in FIGS. 10-12, in this embodiment, the resilient sleeve 50 is adapted to be mounted on a plate, as with the embodiment of FIGS. 5-7. However, in this embodiment, the securing element 26 is excluded. FIGS. 5-12 illustrate potential variations of the invention, impressing that any embodiment of the resilient sleeve may include or exclude the securing element 26, which may be in different forms other than the suction cups, and any embodiment of the resilient sleeve may include different central openings/apertures in the bottom portion, a polished inner surface or a textured inner surface, or any combination of these elements, as well as additional elements. The illustrated examples are thereby intended only for the purpose of enabling the invention as-claimed, and should not be construed to be limiting.
[0043] The title of the present application, and the claims presented, do not limit what may be claimed in the future, based upon and supported by the present application. Furthermore, any features shown in any of the drawings may be combined with any features from any other drawings to form an invention which may be claimed.
[0044] As used in this application, the words a, an, and one are defined to include one or more of the referenced item unless specifically stated otherwise. The terms approximately and about are defined to mean +/10%, unless otherwise stated. Also, the terms have, include, contain, and similar terms are defined to mean comprising unless specifically stated otherwise. Furthermore, the terminology used in the specification provided above is hereby defined to include similar and/or equivalent terms, and/or alternative embodiments that would be considered obvious to one skilled in the art given the teachings of the present patent application. While the invention has been described with reference to at least one particular embodiment, it is to be clearly understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments, but rather the scope of the invention is defined by claims made to the invention.
