Combination food plate with cavity, for securing cup and glass with complementary bases, within cavity

Abstract

A dessert plate and container combination, comprising a dessert plate, a hot beverage cup, and cold drink glass. In particular, the combination includes a generally flat dessert plate made of a generally hard material. The dessert plate includes, on its upper surface, at least one relatively deep depression. The hot beverage cup includes a base that is of a size and shape that is complementary to the shape of the relatively deep depression on the upper surface of the dessert plate, such that the base of the hot beverage cup can be inserted into the relatively deep depression. Similarly, the cold drink glass includes a base that is of a size and shape that is complementary to the shape of the relatively deep depression on the upper surface of the dessert plate, such that the base of the cold drink glass can be inserted into the relatively deep depression. At least one depressions is required, but two or more depressions may be provided. The depressions are sufficiently deep to stabilize the cold drink glass or the hot beverage cup.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a combination of a food plate, and a glass, or alternatively, a food plate, cup, and glass. The food plate includes a single cavity or a pair of cavities, otherwise known as a “depression” or “deep depression.” The cavities or depressions are sized to be complementary to the sizes of the bases of the glass, and as appropriate, the cup. Accordingly, the cavities can retain the complementary sized bases of the cup and the glass, firmly securing them within those cavities or depressions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For many years, dessert plates made of fine china or crystal have been widely available. These dessert plates accommodate fruit or a dessert, and also accommodate a coffee or hot tea cup. These china or crystal dessert plates are typically six to eight inches in diameter.

The round or circular base of the coffee cup in these prior art dessert plates is accommodated in a very shallow, complementarily-shaped round or circular depression.

These shallow depressions are of a depth similar to those found in common saucers, which saucers are a part of prior art coffee cup and saucer combinations. The shallow depressions of the prior art saucer and coffee cup combinations, or of the prior art dessert plates, will only prevent lateral movement of the coffee cup when that saucer is tipped slightly from the horizontal. However, in the event that such prior art dessert plates are inadvertently or intentionally tipped to a greater extent, such that that plate is no longer horizontal or nearly horizontal, that shallow depression will do little or nothing to prevent the lateral sliding or tipping over of the coffee cup. The tipping over of the coffee cup will cause a messy and embarrassing spill.

These prior art dessert plates have additional disadvantages. Often, the host or hostess may wish to serve cold drinks, such as water, rather than hot beverages such as coffee or tea, along with the dessert or fruit served on these prior art dessert plates. Typically, the diameter of the base of the water glass differs from the diameter of the base of the coffee cup. Thus, the depression of the prior art dessert plate cannot accommodate the base of that cold drink or water glass, much less prevent lateral movement or tipping of that cold drink glass. In addition, the fact that these prior art dessert plates cannot accommodate and hold that cold drink glass results in the need to hold the plate in one hand, and the cold drink glass in another hand. This is cumbersome to the user, especially when moving about a crowded room.

Certain relevant prior art patents include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,429,231; 5,353,952; 5,119,967; 5,301,871; 2,561,022; 6,439,418 B1; 6,138,860; 5,593,062; and 4,726,553. While some of these prior art patents include some of the structural features of the present invention, none of these prior art patents include each of the structural features of this invention.

The present invention is provided to solve the problems discussed above and other problems, and to provide advantages and aspects not provided by prior dessert plates of this type. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A dessert plate and container combination, comprising a dessert plate, and a cold drink glass, and optionally, further comprising a hot beverage cup.

In particular, the combination includes a generally flat, somewhat concave, and preferably round dessert plate, made of a generally hard, substantially non-porous, and washable material of construction.

The dessert plate includes, on its upper surface, at least one relatively deep depression. That deep depression is offset, i.e., the deep depression is not in the center of the generally flat dessert plate. The hot beverage cup includes a base that is of a size and shape that is complementary to the size and shape of the relatively deep depression on the upper surface of the dessert plate. In this way, the base of the hot beverage cup can be inserted into the relatively deep depression.

Similarly, the cold drink glass includes a base that is of a size and shape that is complementary to the size and shape of the relatively deep depression on the upper surface of the dessert plate. In this way, the base of the cold drink glass can be snugly inserted into the relatively deep depression.

In another aspect of the invention, the relatively deep depression in the dessert plate, and the bases of the hot beverage cup and the cold drink glass, are of a generally circular shape.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the relatively deep depression in the dessert plate, and the bases of the hot beverage cup and the cold drink glass, are of a generally rectangular shape.

In a still further aspect of the invention, the relatively deep depression in the dessert plate has a depth that is at least 11.5% of the height of the hot beverage cup.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the relatively deep depression in the dessert plate has a depth that is at least 8.33% of the height of the cold drink glass.

Finally, a still further aspect of the invention relates to a dessert plate that includes two relatively deep depressions, a first depression for accommodating the hot beverage cup and a second depression for accommodating the cold drink glass.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification, taken in conjunction with the following drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a combined dessert plate, cold drink glass, and hot beverage cup, in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cold drink glass that may be used in connection with the invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a hot beverage cup that may be used in connection with the invention;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a dessert plate that may be used in connection with the invention;

FIG. 5 is a side, sectional view of the dessert plate of FIG. 4, taken along lines 5-5 of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a combined dessert plate, cold drink glass, and hot beverage cup, but with two relatively deep and rectangular depressions, one each for the glass and cup.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will be described in detail in this specification preferred embodiments of the invention. It should be understood that the present disclosure is to be considered as an example of the principles of the invention. This disclosure is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the illustrated embodiments.

As may best be seen in FIG. 1, the invention is a dessert plate and drink container combination 10. In the broadest embodiment, the invention includes a dessert plate 12 and a cold drink glass 14. Optionally, the combination may further include a hot beverage cup 16.

In connection with the present invention, the term “dessert plate” 12 refers to a plate made of a relatively hard material, and that is suitable for use at formal or informal events where guests have a tendency to mingle, socialize, and move about a room.

In the prior art plates, guests typically have a plate that may carry appetizers, desserts, or fruit. In such an environment, it can be difficult for the guests to balance the plate, while simultaneously holding a drink and a napkin.

The present invention solves this problem. In connection with this invention, the dessert plate 12 can be used to carry appetizers, or fruit, or a dessert, and can also be used to simultaneously carry a single cold drink, or a single hot beverage, or in another embodiment, both a cold drink and a hot beverage at the same time. By placing the base 18 of the cold drink glass 14 and/or the base 20 of the hot beverage cup 16 into the relatively deep depression 22 formed in the upper surface 24 of the dessert plate 12, the user can move freely about the room, with one hand on the plate 12, balancing the drink or drinks and the food on that one plate 12. The user of the present invention is secure in the knowledge that the drink or drinks held upon the plate 12 cannot be easily spilled, even if the plate 12 is tipped at an angle substantially different from the horizontal.

In particular, the combination includes a generally flat but somewhat concave dessert plate 12, made of a generally hard, permanent material, including but not limited to crystal or china. Most preferably, the plate has a generally circular or round configuration, as may be seen in the view of FIG. 4.

As noted above, this generally round or circular dessert plate 12 includes, on its upper surface 24, at least one relatively deep depression 22. That relatively deep depression 22 of the dessert plate 12 of the invention is substantially deeper than the depressions found in conventional, prior art hot beverage cup and saucer combinations, as typically and commonly used in home and restaurant serving sets.

As may best be seen in FIG. 3, the hot beverage cup 16 includes a base 20 that is of a size and shape that is complementary to the size and shape of the relatively deep depression 22 on the upper surface 24 of the dessert plate 12. By “complementary,” it is meant that the base 20 of the hot beverage cup 16 can be inserted into the relatively deep depression 22, so that that base 20 fits snugly within that depression 22.

Similarly, the cold drink glass 14 includes a base 18 that is of a size and shape that is complementary to the size and shape of this same relatively deep depression 22 on the upper surface 24 of the dessert plate 12. In this way, the base 18 of the cold drink glass 14 can be inserted into, and fits snugly within, the relatively deep depression 22.

In another aspect of the invention, the relatively deep depression 22 in the dessert plate 12, and the bases 18 and 20 of the cold drink glass 14 and hot beverage cup 16, respectively, have a generally circular or round shape. This circular or round shape of these bases 18 and 20 may best be appreciated from a review of FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively.

In yet another aspect of the invention, as shown in FIG. 6, the relatively deep depressions 32 and 34 in the dessert plate 36; and the bases 38 of the hot beverage cup 40; and the base 42 of the cold drink glass 44, all have a generally rectangular shape. This generally rectangular shape includes but is not limited to the square shape shown in the embodiment of FIG. 6. In this FIG. 6, two depressions 32 and 34 are provided in the dessert plate 36, for the simultaneous accommodation of both the cold drink glass 44 and the hot beverage cup 40.

Referring again generally to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, as noted above, the present invention enables a user to move about a room with a single dessert plate 12, enabling the user to balance fruits, desserts, appetizers, and one drink (or two drinks in the embodiment of FIG. 6) on a single dessert plate 12. Moreover, the cold drink glass 14 or hot beverage cup 16 is retained on the dessert plate 12 in a manner such that the cold drink glasses 14 or hot beverage cups 16 cannot be easily tipped, and as a result the contents of those glasses 14 or cups 16 cannot be easily spilled, when the plate 12 is held by the user at a substantial, non-horizontal angle.

In order to accomplish this objective, the upper surface 24 of the plate has an opening 26. This opening 26 provides access to the relatively deep depression 22. In the dessert plate 12 of FIGS. 4 and 5, this relatively deep depression 22 has a depth of at least ⅜″, i.e., 0.375″.

The dessert plate 12 includes a flange 28 that extends above the level of the depression 22 and the level of the opening 26. In measuring the 0.375″ depth of the deep depression 22, one may include the height of this flange 28.

It will be understood, however, by those of skill in the art, that the relatively deep depression 22 can be formed completely below the upper surface 24 of the plate 12. In this case, no flange 28 would be necessary.

For the purposes of this invention, the term “cold drink glass” means those containers, including the generally cylindrical or generally frusto-conical containers, that are typically used for cold drinks, such as juices, water, soft-drinks, straight or mixed alcoholic beverages, and the like. One non-limiting example of the shape of such a “cold drink glass” is shown as item 14 in FIG. 2.

For the purposes of this invention, the term “hot beverage cup” means those containers that are used for hot beverages, including but not limited to those containers that are used for hot coffee, conventional hot teas, chamomile tea, cocoa, herb drinks, and other similar hot beverages. Some of these “hot beverage cups,” like that shown in the FIGS., taper from a larger upper end to a smaller lower end, and also include a discrete base 20. It is this discrete base 20 that is engaged with the deep depression 22. Unlike the typical cold drink glass 14, most of these hot beverage cups 16 may include a handle 30 to be grasped by the user. One non-limiting example of the shape of such a “hot beverage cup” is shown as item 16 in FIG. 3.

As noted above, an example of a combination of a plate 12, cold drink glass 14, and hot beverage cup 16 is shown in FIG. 1.

Typical, but non-limiting, dimensions of the items shown in the FIGS. are as follows. The dessert plate is round, with a diameter of 8.75 inches. In plan view, as may be seen in FIG. 4, the deep depression 22 has a inner diameter of approximately 2.10 inches. Including the small, circular flange 28 that surrounds its perimeter of the opening 26, the deep depression 22 has an outer diameter of 2.30 inches.

In top plan view, the distance from the center of plate 12 to the center of the deep depression 22 is 1.72 inches. The total height of the plate 12, when viewed from its side as seen in FIG. 5, is approximately 0.59 inch. When similarly viewed from the side, in cross-section, the depth of the deep depression 22 is approximately 0.375 inch.

Regarding the cold drink glass 14 seen in FIG. 2, this typical but non-limiting glass 14 has a diameter, at its base, of 2.00 inches. The glass 14 has an upper diameter, at its top opening, of approximately 3.00 inches. The height of the glass 14 is approximately 4.50 inches.

Regarding the hot beverage cup 16 seen in FIG. 3, this typical but non-limiting cup 16 has a height of about 3.25 inches, an upper diameter of 3.50 inches, and a diameter of 2.00 inches at its base.

Alternatively, and stated in another way, in another aspect of the invention, the relatively deep depression 22 in the dessert plate 12 has a depth (0.375″) that is at least 11.50% of the height (3.250″) of the hot beverage cup 16.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the relatively deep depression 22 in the dessert plate 12 has a depth (0.375″) that is at least 8.33% of the height (4.50″) of the cold drink glass 14.

Again, a still further aspect of the invention as shown in FIG. 6 relates to a dessert plate 36 that includes two relatively deep depressions 32 and 34. Such a dessert plate 36 includes a first depression 32 for accommodating the hot beverage cup 40, and a second depression 34 for accommodating the cold drink glass 44.

Specific embodiments have been illustrated and described. Numerous modifications should be apparent, which would not significantly depart from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of protection is only to be limited by the scope of the accompanying Claims.

Claims

1. A dessert plate and container combination, comprising:

(a) a generally flat dessert plate made of a generally hard material, and including at least one deep depression on the upper surface of the dessert place, that depression being at least approximately 0.375″ in depth, and being offset from the center of the dessert plate; and

(b) a cold drink glass, the cold drink glass including a base, that base being of a size and shape that is complementary to the shape of the relatively deep depression on the upper surface of the dessert plate, such that the base of the cold drink glass can be inserted into the relatively deep depression.

2. The dessert plate and container combination of claim 1, further comprising a hot beverage cup, that hot beverage cup including a base, that base being of a size and shape that is complementary to the shape of the deep depression on the upper surface of the dessert plate, such that the base of the hot beverage cup can be inserted into the deep depression.

3. The dessert plate and container combination of claim 2, wherein the deep depression in the dessert plate, and the bases of the hot beverage cup and the cold drink glass, have a generally circular shape.

4. The dessert plate and container combination of claim 2, wherein the deep depression in the dessert plate, and the bases of the hot beverage cup and the cold drink glass, have a generally rectangular shape.

5. The dessert plate and container combination of claim 1, wherein the deep depression in the dessert plate has a depth that is at least 8.33% of the height of the cold drink glass.

6. The dessert plate and container combination of claim 2, wherein the deep depression in the dessert plate has a depth that is at least 11.50% of the height of the hot beverage cup.

7. The dessert plate and container combination of claim 2, wherein the plate includes two deep, offset depressions, a first depression for accommodating the hot beverage cup and a second depression for accommodating the cold drink glass.

8. A dessert plate and container combination, comprising:

(a) a generally flat dessert plate made of a generally hard material, and including at least one deep depression on the upper surface of the dessert place, and being offset from the center of the dessert plate; and

(b) a cold drink glass, the cold drink glass including a base, that base being of a size and shape that is complementary to the shape of the relatively deep depression on the upper surface of the dessert plate, such that the base of the cold drink glass can be inserted into the relatively deep depression.

9. A dessert plate and container combination, comprising:

(a) a generally flat dessert plate made of a generally hard material, and including at least one deep depression on the upper surface of the dessert place, and being offset from the center of the dessert plate; and

(b) a hot beverage cup, the hot beverage cup including a base, that base being of a size and shape that is complementary to the shape of the relatively deep depression on the upper surface of the dessert plate, such that the base of the hot beverage cup can be inserted into the relatively deep depression.