Plate with cup attachment
US8857653B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 24, 2013 |
| Grant date | Oct 14, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 24, 2033 |
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 within its substantially planar bottom a coaxial central region having coupling means in the form of diametrically opposing, chordal grooves that mate with the outwardly curled rim of commonly available, flexible plastic drink cups. The coupling means holds the cup snugly against the bottom of the plate, enabling a user confidently to hold both in one hand, freeing his other hand and allowing considerable acentric loading of the plate with foods. Inserting the cup rim into the grooves requires squeezing it slightly and temporarily into an oval shape. Once released, the cup's resiliency enhances the snugness of the fit and the security of the coupling. In a preferred embodiment, the central region forms a slightly raised island in the center of the plate, the island creating a recess substantially flush with the bottom of the plate, thereby abetting use of the plates on horizontal surfaces and optimizing the nesting of multiple plates for storage and stacking. Segments of the walls of the recess include radially inward-extending lugs that fit under the cup rim and secure it against the bottom surface of the recess.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.