Disposable plate having improved ergonomics

US7552840B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• SOLO CUP OPERATING CORPORATION · US

Inventors

• John Stewart Gitschlag · Chicago, US
• Stephen Alan Smith · Naperville, US
• James Tam Joines, Jr. · Gurnee, US
• Kimberly Vaile Healy · Chicago, US
• Warren Giles Wiedmeyer · Pleasant Prairie, US
• Bryce G. Rutter · Chesterfield, US
• John H. Loudenslager · Phoenix, US
• Ryan Bruce · Phoenix, US
• Brian C. Bone · Chesterfield, US
• Jan R. Stillerman · Thousand Oaks, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 13, 2006
• Grant date: Jun 30, 2009
• Expiry date: Oct 13, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65D1/36
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A disposable plate for carrying and serving food is disclosed. One particular aspect of the invention includes a plate with a substantially circular food-contact area with a substantially oval rim periphery. The rim is formed to make the plate easy to hold, with grooves adapted to accommodate fingers and/or thumbs. The present invention may be designed to segment the food storage areas of the plate into multiple compartments by using a divider wall. Also, the food-contact area can be slightly domed to force food to shift to the outer portion of the food-contact area and inhibit the food from slipping to the middle of the plate, thus keeping the plate center from sagging.