Abstract: A bag assembly with a connection means for temporarily binding nesting bags to each other and preferably for later additionally acting as a closure means for those same bags. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the assembly is configured such that an adhesive is revealed when a nested bag is removed from the assembly. That same adhesive then provides a closure means for the orifice of the bag.

Abstract: A condiment container has a base and an upwardly extending sidewall that together define a storage space. The upwardly extending sidewall terminates in a perimeter lip that defines an opening for accessing the storage space. The condiment container also includes an attachment arm extending downwardly from the perimeter lip to a terminal end. A nesting aperture is positioned behind the attachment arm to enable nesting.

Abstract: A reusable container and method for a shipping system includes a container body, a closure, a removable label and a label panel. The label has an area to receive shipping information and a layer of an adhesive material. The label panel has an exposed surface to which the adhesive adheres but from which the label may be removed without tearing. A locking structure may be provided. A locking member can engage the locking structure to secure contents during shipment. The container may be a flexible pouch that may include an inner cushioning layer and an outer fabric layer. The pouch may be formed of two panels that have a zippered mouth and a grommet allows a cable tie to lockably secure the zipper in a closed position. A signal transmitter can be included with the container. The system includes special cartons and pallets for a plurality of containers.

Abstract: A container assembly is provided, including a container and a flexible lid. The container includes a base, and a sidewall extending upwardly and outwardly from the periphery of the base toward an open upper end defining a container opening. A rounded-ridge extends upwardly outward from the upper end. The flexible lid has an inner rim and an outer rim. An interior portion of the inner rim forms a mechanical lock with a peripheral edge on the lower base of the container thereby preventing loss of the lid, while also providing a more stable container assembly. The outer rim forms a mechanical lock with the rounded ridge to close the upper end of the container during use.

Abstract: A cosmetic unit comprising two different applicators each with a stem, each of the applicators dipping into a respective reservoir; each reservoir having an externally threaded neck on which to screw a coupling member; and the two reservoirs being releasably attachable to each other via a coupling sleeve by means of the coupling members which are screwed on and which simultaneously serve as a closure cap. The coupling members in the form of screw caps are non-rotarily attachable to the coupling sleeve by an axial serration and axially tightly attachable thereto by a beaded section engaging with a locking groove.

Abstract: An injection molded closure is provided for containers that can hold cold products or the like, such as dairy products. The closure is made with a thin wall construction of 0.020 inch or less to provide a lightweight, inexpensive closure. The preferred closure is made of polypropylene with flared skirt walls that are not toed-in. The closures are supported in the stack by radially inner and outer stacking surfaces. The skirt walls are spaced slightly apart, when the closures are stacked, for example, with a 0.002 inch air gap between the skirt walls when perfectly centered with the skirt walls aiding in self-centering of the closures within the stack. An air vent may be provided to allow escape of air between nested, adjacent closures.

Abstract: A preform for a blow molded container provided a tubular body having inner and an outer surface having a first end open to the inner surface and a second closed end opposite to the first end. The relative dimensions of the ends being such that the closed end is receivable in the open end of a similar preform to nest therein. The open end is provided with a passageway to provide communication with the outside atmosphere to prevent formation of a vacuum and thereby enable disassembly of the nesting preforms.

Abstract: A container and lid combination includes a container having a bottom surface, an opening, a top edge surrounding the opening, and an attachment mechanism provided on the bottom surface, and a lid engageable with the top edge of the container to cover the opening. The lid may include an attachment mechanism provided on its inside surface that is engageable with the attachment mechanism of the bottom surface of the container. The lid is attachable to the bottom surface of the container in a nested state via engagement of the respective attachment mechanisms. Another attachment mechanism may be provided on the outside surface of the lid that is engageable with the attachment mechanism of the bottom surface of the container. The lid is attachable to the bottom surface of the container in a nested state and/or in an inverted state via engagement of the attachment mechanisms. A set of such container and lid combinations may be nested together.

Abstract: The present invention 10 is a sipper cup for children composed of a disposable material with a molded hinge 18 that connects the container body 16 and cling lid 14 of the present invention. The hinge 18 serves the user by providing easy opening and closing of the cup 16, for filling or refilling purposes. The cling lid 14 prevents the beverage contained therein from easily spilling and is outfitted with a sipping tip 20 with aperture 26 therein. The cling lid 14 attaches to the container body 16 via a locking flange 22 and locking recessed channel 24 that fit into and mate with one another. The sipping tip 20 minimizes the amount of liquid spilled if spilling conditions such as knocking over or dropping the cup 16 occur, making this device ideal for children. An alternative embodiment discloses a non-slip insulating sleeve 32 for placement round the container body 16.

Abstract: Spill resistant dishware which has a bottom annular edge with this bottom annular edge adapted to rest on a supporting surface. A low tack adhesive is applied to the bottom annular edge. This dishware is capable of being fixed in position on the supporting surface by the adhesive with said dishware to remain in this position even during breezy conditions. However, the adhesive permits easy disengagement of the dish and resecurement of the dish on the supporting surface. This dishware's novel design allows the dishware to be stacked one upon the other without any adhesive coming into contact with the food or liquid holding compartments of the underlying dishware, without the need for adhesive liners.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an arrangement of plates for receiving food is disclosed. The arrangement of plates comprises a plurality of nestable plates, wherein the plates within the plurality of nestable plates have an animal theme. Each of the plates having an animal theme include a main compartment depicting a primary attribute of an animal corresponding to the animal theme, and at least two independent wells adjacent to the main compartment. Each of the wells are shaped to depict a secondary attribute of the animal corresponding to the animal theme. The plurality of plates include a first plate depicting a first animal and a second plate depicting a second animal that is different from the first animal. The secondary attribute within the wells of said first plate is a first physical feature of the first animal and the secondary attribute within the wells of the second plate is a second physical feature of the second animal.

Abstract: The invention concern the field of storage, transport, recovery and recycling of bottles or packs (2) made of plastic or other material. It provides the possibility of using the content of bottles or packs (2) at will, using the pouring spout (6) and the cap (3) mounted on the tops (1) which are screwed on, clipped on or fixed by other means, and on the standard seals (5) in any material, fixed on the top of bottles or packs before the tops or seals are definitively removed for stacking the bottles or packs (2). The inventive design aims at facilitating the stacking of bottles or packs to reduce storage space and for transport for refill in a reduced space, and, ultimately to facilitate collection for recycling or transformation into raw material. The inventive concept uses for transport supports (10) designed to receive the bases of the bottles or packs (2), the top of the stack receiving plates with the impression of the caps (3) to protect them during transportation of the filled bottles or packs (2).

Abstract: A beverage container includes a container body having a shape substantially similar to a conical frustum and having a storage area defined by a side wall and a bottom wall. The container body also includes an open end for receiving a fluid for being contained within the storage area. The beverage container further includes a chamber defined by a chamber wall provided in cooperative arrangement with the side wall of the container such that the chamber protrudes into the storage area. The side wall of the container body also forms an opening for the chamber. A cover hinged to a bottom portion of the container includes interlocking portions for connection with corresponding interlocking portions on the container when the cover is closed.

Abstract: A container, capable of construction from polymeric injection molding, comprising a plug and ring closure, the plug having first and second locking arms for extending into the ring, each locking arm having a locking tab located adjacent to a distal end for selectively securing the plug within the ring when the locking tabs reside within an undercut of the ring.

Abstract: An improved container for food and other perishable products comprising a simple construction and a multi-functional cap. The container allows for the storage of multiple products separately within the container as well as consumption of the products while “on the go.” The multi-functional cap nests over and seals the mouth end of the container, allows for the nesting of a sub-container inside the cap, and allows the products to be resealed without contaminating each other. The container is ergonomically and stylishly shaped to provide a comfortable hand grip for a variety of consumers.

Abstract: A stackable bakery tray which can be stacked upon an identical bakery tray to provide three levels of storage for bake goods. An identical upper tray can slide on rails of a lower tray when the upper tray and lower tray are each oriented in the same direction and when one tray is orientated 180° from the other tray. Two of the side walls are mirror images of each other and include extending feet and complementary level portions and openings so that extending feet of an upper tray matingly fit within either appropriate level portions or openings of lower tray. End extending feet can pivot within their appropriate level portions or openings to blendly stack and unstack the upper tray to and from the lower tray.

Abstract: Stackable servingware is provided with repeating flange patterns configured to resist nesting and taper lock. The patterns include a first pattern which is chiral with respect to a second pattern such that the patterns are not superimposable on one another. Preferably, the servingware is packaged in alternating sequence such that each article in a stack has a flange pattern which mirrors the flange pattern of adjacent articles.

Abstract: A food or drink container more particularly with an integrally formed handle or handles which can be assembled from a stacking position to a position of use is described. In one construction the container (1) comprises a cup-shaped part (2) which tapers from an upper rim (3) to a cone or round shaped base (4) terminating in a base rim (5) with a cutaway portion (6) forming an angled edge (7). Extending radially from the upper rim (3) is a winged projection (8) the center part (9) of which is horizontal to the upper rim. Two fold lines (10) are formed in the part (9) to facilitate the folding of two wings (12a, 12b) downwards as shown by arrows “A”. The edge walls (13) of the wings (12a, 12b) engage and abut each other in their fully folded down position to form a resilient handle.

Abstract: A developer supply container for supplying a developer for developing a latent image formed on a photosensitive member is provided, wherein the container is inserted into a developer accommodating container which is provided in a process cartridge, through an entrance opening, and the developer is supplied while the container is in the developer accommodating container, and wherein the entrance opening is covered by an openable cover, and wherein when the developer supply container is mounted and demounted, the openable cover is opened, the developer accommodating container being usable with an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A beverage container is disclosed which includes a stackable cup and a stackable cover which have cooperating thread forms for selectively securing the cover to the cup in a substantially liquid-tight relationship. The cover has a beverage dispensing opening and a cap which is selectively operable to open and close the opening to prevent beverage in the container from being poured out of the opening and to selectively allow beverage to be poured or drunk from the opening.

Abstract: An organizer tray which is insertable within the upper portion of an empty container such as a five gallon bucket for use in organizing tools and like articles typically transported by craftsmen in empty buckets. The organizer tray is provided with bottom open, arcuately shaped channels which enable the tray to be emplaced over the upper rim portion of the container for easy access to the top open storage compartments. The organizer tray can conveniently be stacked onto a tray of identical design in a stable, slightly spaced configuration. For this purpose, the tray includes a radially inwardly extending protuberance which is engagable by a spacing finger provided on a superiorly mounted tray.

Abstract: A container for housing produce comprising a generally rectangular bottom, generally rectangular opposed first and second side and end walls extending upwardly and outwardly from the bottom, and a pivot member on an upper edge of the first side wall. A lid comprising two panels is provided, each panel having first and second side edges and a hinge edge, the first side edges being detachably and pivotally secured to the pivot member. A hinge operatively connects the hinge edges of the two panels. Resilient flanges are provided on the second side edges of the panels to releasably engage shoulders formed on an upper edge of the second side wall when the lid is closed. To nest multiple containers one within another, the lid is removed from the side wall, folded 180.degree. about its hinge, rotated 90.degree. and placed in the bottom of the container. Another container is then placed in the container and the process is repeated.

Abstract: A stack (31) of cup-shaped containers (2, 4, 6) coaxially inserted one inside another is described, each with a side wall (32) on one end of which a base (33) is arranged, and on the other end a flange (1), wherein the container (2, 4, 6) is composed of a flexible material and the flange (1) is substantially stiffer than the side wall (32) and the base (33). In order to make such a stack (31) more easy to manufacture and to take apart, it is provided according to the invention that apart from the outermost cup-shaped container (4), each inner container (2) is partially radially folded, and that the degree of folding gradually increases towards the innermost cup-shaped container (2).

Abstract: An improved food delivery system comprises an insulated container and plates that will either generate heat to keep food hot during delivery, or absorb heat to keep food cold during delivery. This combination will hold food for extended periods of time either above a desired elevated temperature, or below a desired lower temperature.

Abstract: A container lid has a top wall with a series of recessed areas that include therewithin a plurality of geometrical projections and a bottom wall that displays a plurality of recesses complementary in shape to the projections of the top wall whereby identically shaped lids may be stacked or cross-stacked in nested condition with the projections of one lid being received in the corresponding recesses of a superposed lid. The lid is adapted to be affixed to a container having four side pieces and a bottom piece, the configuration of the lid allowing a stacking or cross-stacking arrangement of lid-covered containers with their side pieces in the erected position as well as the stacking or cross-stacking of lid-covered containers with their side pieces in an inwardly folded position.

Abstract: A toner supply container for supplying toner into a toner accommodating container for accommodating the toner usable for developing a latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member, wherein the toner accommodating container is detachably mountable relative to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, including a guide portion for guiding the toner supply container into the toner accommodating container with engagement with the toner accommodating container; a first portion and a second portion which are opposed to each other; a third portion connecting one longitudinal ends of the first portion and second portion, wherein the third portion are foldable; a fourth portion connecting the other longitudinal ends of the first portion and second portion, wherein the fourth portion are foldable; a toner supply opening, provided along a longitudinal direction between the first portion and the second portion, for supplying into the toner accommodating container the toner a

Abstract: A cup assembly with air insulation comprised of two regular paper cups one inside the other. Each cup has a truncated conical side wall with an outwardly rolled rim defining an opening at the larger end and a bottom wall at the smaller end. The inner cup is inserted from bottom side into the outer cup. The rolled rim of the inner cup pushes against the inside of the outer cup, and the bottom of the inner cup touches the bottom wall of the outer cup. The rolled rim of the inner cup maintains an air space between the side walls of the two cups. The contacts at the bottom and top provide support for the inner cup and maintain it in axial alignment with the outer cup. The contact pressure between the rim of the inner cup and the side wall of the outer cup essentially seals the air space for a more efficient thermal insulation and prevention of beverage leakage into the air space and also provides a frictional force that keeps the inner cup and the outer cup together.

Abstract: A cable storage container is provided which includes a conical core with a top and a bottom, the bottom having a larger diameter than the top, an annular core base plate joined to the bottom of the core, a conical outer cover, the other cover retaining stored cable between the outer cover and the core, the outer cover having a top and a bottom with the top having a larger diameter than the bottom, and an annular outer cover base plate joined to the outer cover, the outer cover base plate having an opening fitted around the bottom of the core.

Abstract: The present invention is a storable system of containers. Structurally, the present invention includes a series of vessels and corresponding covers. Each vessel is partially insertable into another vessel to configure the vessels as a vessel stack. Each cover is attachable to another cover to configure the covers as a cover stack. The cover stack and vessel stack are attachable to form a storage stack. An individual container is removable from the storage stack by removing a single vessel and the corresponding cover.

Abstract: Disclosed is a container 10, 25 for dispensing of detergents and other solid chemicals, and a method for manufacturing the container 10, 25. The container 10, 25 has a paperboard housing 11, 26 which contains a plastic bladder 21, 27. The exposed surface of the solid chemical is covered by a cap 12, 32. A handle 16, 37 is provided. The container 10, 25 is suitable for use in a dispensing device 40.

Abstract: A product dispense package suitable for employment in washing machines, comprises a stackable product container which includes a unitary molded recyclable thermoplastic container body having a closed bottom end, an opposed open top end and an upwardly and outwardly angled upstanding peripheral side wall having a stacking angle of from about 2.degree. to about 7.degree. and contained therein a compact block of detergent, cleaning agent, disinfectant and/or preservative having a powdery structure. The bottom end includes an inwardly and upwardly directed dome-shaped region therein including a handle grip portion defined in an outwardly facing side of the dome-shaped region.

Abstract: A plastic bin cover for a refuse bin has integrally molded spaced upper and lower cover sheets having upwardly projecting ribs (A) and (B) respectively, the ribs (A) being receivable in ribs (B) of respective plastic bin covers when in stacked, nested relation for shipping or storage. Hinge members integrally formed by blow molding of the bin cover include knuckles (C) forming transverse plastic tubes (D) for receiving a hinge pin.

Abstract: A taco plate of a circular configuration which includes a base portion, a part of which is planar and the other part of which has integrally extending taco shell supporting walls thereabove. A circular rim is disposed around the entire plate, and the entire plate is made of one material which is integral to all portions of the plate and is of one thickness for a lightweight plate. The walls extend to the height of the encircling rim around the base and are integral with the rim, and the upper and lower plate profile surface is similar for stacking the plates adjacent each other.

Abstract: A bundle-of-electric wire container can contain a bundle of electric wire P wound in a loop shape and permit drawing out of the electric wire. Containers can be stacked in a plurality of stages to increase storage efficiency and conveyance efficiency. A bundle-of-electric wire containing space is formed between core pieces and an outer cylinder, and the bundle of electric wire is protected by the outer cylinder. The container is used as one unit for the storage of a bundle of electric wire and to the feeding of the electric wire P through a conveyance. Accordingly, in the manufacturing field of a wiring harness, the bundle of electric wire can be stored and conveyed without losing its shape, for example, and done so efficiently. It is possible to improve the operating efficiency of a manufacturing line by preventing the electric wire from being tangled, for example, at the time of feeding the electric wire as well as to prevent an inferior product from being manufactured.

Abstract: A box-like container for transporting packaged fruits and vegetables has a bottom whose central member can be pulled upwardly to cause the flaps at the bottoms of the side walls to be pulled upwardly and inwardly and the side walls to be pulled inwardly into a frustopyramital configuration enabling the box to be nested in a like box. Film hinges are provided between the side walls of a rectangular frame which itself is hollow and of rectangular cross section. Other film hinges are provided between the flaps and a central member.

Abstract: A wheeled refuse container adapted to be nestable with like containers for storage and shipment comprises a container body having a closed lower end and an open upper end providing access to an interior refuse-receiving area. A pair of wheels are mounted to the container body rearwardly adjacent its lower end by a pivoting axle assembly for selective movement of the wheels between a retracted position, wherein the wheels do not interfere with nested insertion of the lower end of the container body into a like container, and an operable position, wherein the wheels are disposed laterally outwardly of the container body for stable rotational rolling support thereof.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a plastic holder assembly for loosely holding a plurality of microtiter sample tubes, which includes a tray having a plurality of holes for receiving the tubes and having opposite vertical end walls, each of which have two spaced vertically extending slots and a horizontally extending recess between the slots; a retainer releasably nestable in the tray having a corresponding plurality of holes and having opposite vertical end walls corresponding to the end walls of the tray; a U-shaped handle extending horizontally outwardly from each of the opposite retainer end walls, each handle having two legs which slide into the tray slots respectively when the retainer is nested in the tray; a tab projecting horizontally outwardly from each of the retainer end walls between each of the two legs which snap into the tray end wall recesses respectively when the retainer is nested in the tray, the retainer having an elongated slot parallel and directly adjacent each of the end walls, whereby i

Abstract: A hermetically sealed package is provided for the administration of a solution or other liquid to a patient. The package includes a blow molded container, cap, and releasable cover. The cap accommodates piercing of the cap and container with a draining spike. The cap has one or more self-closing seals or liners and can be disposed on the container so as to permit penetration of the cap and container by a piercing spike without contacting the parting line of the molded container. The cap includes a special structure for guiding the spike at the initiation of the piercing process, and the cap has an improved structure for sealingly engaging the spike upon insertion. As the container is drained, one of the container walls collapses toward the other to facilitate the draining process and provide a convenient shape for subsequent handling and storage.

Abstract: An add-on compartment for a trash receptacle includes a open topped material receiving compartment having spaced apart front and back panels protruding transversely outwardly from one side of the compartment for receiving a trash receptacle between them. The panels extend outwardly sufficiently to overlie the walls of the trash receptacles so that the combination compartment and receptacle give the appearance of a unitary structure. A trash bag retaining lip is formed on the upper edge of the compartment and a depending skirt may be provided to cover at least the front wall and outer most side wall of the compartment to provide a smooth continuous appearance with the front panel and a trash receptacle to be received between the panels.

Abstract: A beach blanket retaining device which includes a base spike member which is pointed to allow it to be driven into the ground and which has an upper platform end on which a clamp member for engaging blankets is superimposed. The clamp member is the upper terminal and preferably has a rounded top surface so as to allow it to be used without creating a substantial obstacle to foot traffic.

Abstract: A plastic conical 55 gallon storage drum apparatus is disclosed. The drum includes a generally cylindrical hollow container having a top portion, a mid portion, and a lower portion. The top portion has an outer diameter which is larger than an outer diameter of the mid portion, and the lower portion wherein the top portion and the bottom portion form a cylindrical shape, and the mid portion forms a conical shape. An elastic flexible removable bumper belt can be located about the outer diameter of the lower portion of the drum. The belt has an outer diameter approximately the same as that of the outer diameter of the top portion of the container. Filled drums can then be stored side by side together during transportation and reducing the possibility that the drums will tilt and collapse during extreme lists of approximately 30 degrees or more. The belt itself can be removed and stored in the inside bottom of the drum when the contents of the drum have been emptied.

Abstract: An heater includes an electric heating coil that extends above the sidewalls of an air flow channel. The coil is formed in sections that extend transversely to the channel and are spaced by the width of a coil section to allow two heaters to be arranged face to face for shipping. This arrangement is very efficient because one of the heaters provides protection to the coil of the other of the heaters to reduce packaging costs.

Abstract: A dual purpose low depth nestable tray for holding either cans or bottles of similar capacities with structural features that prevent spreading or fraying of the walls. The tray comprises a floor, a band around the periphery of the tray and columns interconnecting the band to the floor. A nesting nub is disposed on the floor and nesting ledges are disposed on at least one column along each side of the wall structure. The nub and ledges are equal in height and act as supports for the weight of a stack of nested empty trays which prevents the walls from having to support the weight and results in the walls maintaining their shape and structural integrity. The floor is configured with support areas for the containers and has features for accommodating both bottles and cans. The support areas have a circular groove for engaging the bottoms of cans and the bottom surface of the floor has downwardly projecting redoubts for facilitating stacking and handling of trays loaded with cans.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the transport and management of liquid bearing waste, such as sludge and ash, having a container body which tapers inwardly from the top to the bottom so that the majority of the container is able to be nested vertically within an empty container of similar construction. The container has a pair of elongated support rails longitudinally affixed thereto, the support rails and each of the container sidewalls having a pair of apertures transversely therethrough to enable lifting and manipulation of the containers by apparatus such as a forklift. A modified forklift is also provided adapted to tilt its blades downwardly to a substantially vertical angle to enable tipping the containers for emptying.

Abstract: A stackable device is disclosed comprising a cooking vessel with tapered sidewalls, lid halves and a handle, whereby the lid halves slidably mount to the cookware vessel and contain apertures for draining and pouring excess liquid therefrom, and whereby the lid halves contain locking channels which interlock and mate with stacking leg projections depending downwardly from the bottom surface. Whereby once the lid halves are attached to the projections of the bottom surface, one unit may be placed within the cavity of another unit for stacking to accommodate convenient packaging, storage and display. In addition, by attaching the lid halves to the bottom surface of the cooking container, lids are prevented from being lost.

Abstract: A container having fixed sectional dividers is provided, the sections being hingedly connected to permit stacking of one container within another and equipped with a container section latch to connect the container sections while in use.

Abstract: A drinking mug constructed to nest when stacked with other mugs. A frusto-conical mug body is provided with a hollow handle which extends vertically and is spaced away from the mug body by an inverted channel beam having a web and two side flanges. When mugs are stacked, the mug bodies nest together and the handles nest together to minimize the height of the stack and thus provide a compact stack. Stacking lugs cooperate with lips on a handle connection beam to provide the stack with stability.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer container comprises two identical parts, one forming the bottom and the other forming the lid. Each part has the overall shape of a disk defining a central axis (4) and comprises on a first surface a high number of protruding parts (6) arranged according to a peripheral circle and defined by intersecting plane surfaces which are obliquely slanted with respect to a plane corresponding to the disk. The protruding parts 6 are adjacently joined according to external (9) and internal (10) edges radially oriented with respect to the central axis (4) for forming a saw-tooth ring.

Abstract: A baby bottle is formed with a truncated conical cap. The truncated conical cap includes an annular ring adjacent a top wall of the cap, and wherein the bottle portion of the organization includes a truncated conical cavity directed coaxially into the bottle from the bottom wall formed with a plurality of projections for receiving the groove therewithin for storage of the cap structure during periods of non-use.

Abstract: A plate for serving food or holding other materials which contains a hole (35) at its center. The sides of the hole (30) are configured to hold a specific generic drinking vessel or specific generic liquid containing vessel, but will also hold other similarly shaped vessels. A recess (25), which surrounds the hole from beneath the plate, is shaped to allow the thumb and fingers of one hand to firmly grasp and hold the plate with or without the drinking vessel (40), (45) in place. The sides of the plate (15a) and (15b) are curved and sloped to allow the plate to be stacked with itself. The top of the recess (20) extends to the top level of the plate to prevent food from prematurely spilling over the plate's edge.