Plate with cup attachment
US8444001B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 23, 2012 |
| Grant date | May 21, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 23, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49876
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A dinner plate of conventional size and shape includes coupling means on its planar bottom that grasps and retains flexible plastic drink cups, enabling a user to stabilize the plate atop the cup and to hold both securely with one hand. The user squeezes the cup rim and inserts it between diametrically opposing, chordal grooves of the coupling means, the cup's resiliency expanding the rim into the grooves when released. In a preferred embodiment, the coupling means is a coaxial, raised island in the plate bottom that forms a recess into which the cup rim fits, radially inward-extending lugs in the recess walls fitting under the cup rim to secure it against the plate bottom. This leaves the plate bottom flat for use on horizontal surfaces and optimizes nesting of plates for storage and stacking, as well as creating a closure for the cup.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.