Abstract: A water bottle with an integrally molded handle in which the opening defined by the handle has a contour that corresponds substantially to the contours of the fingers of the hand when the bottle is held during use. The bottle can include a series of ribs and furrows approximately matching the contour of the insides of the fingers that allow the user to securely grip the bottle during use. In a second embodiment the integrally molded handle is attached by a fluted arrangement and can be extended from or collapsed to the sides of the bottle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting a biological fluid specimen. The apparatus includes a holder article for a specimen container, wherein the holder article contains a ring which is removably engagable with a specimen container, a connector continuous with the ring, and a grasping portion continuous with the connector, the grasping portion having opposed lateral side portions, and the ring having at least one perturbation on an interior diametral dimension. The article can be reconfigured with the grasping portion movable along a longitudinal axis such that the lateral side portions are approachable one to another, with each side portion on an opposed side of a plane coaxial with the longitudinal axis to provide a specimen collection area.

Abstract: Bottle retaining device to aid pouring with a bottle retaining frame made of resilient, injection molded plastic such as polypropylene or the like, an inverted T shaped handle attached to the bottle retaining frame, the handle capable of being held in a vertical or horizontal position, the bottle retaining frame including an integral resilient strip connected to a C shaped bottle neck holding portion, and the bottle retaining frame including a flat base portion and a plurality of horizontally disposed ring portions and a plurality of vertical ribs that connect to said ring portions that enable the user to removably retain a standard two liter beverage bottle from said retaining frame.

Abstract: A mud pan support device magnetically attachable to, and releasable from, a flat bottom panel of a mud pan to be carried in one hand while applying joint compound with a trowel or mud spreading tool held in the other hand. The device includes an elongated substantially flat support panel and a handle connected to and extending from a central area of one surface of the support panel. A substantially flat magnetized panel is connected to, and is at least partially coextensive with, another surface of the support panel and is sized to be at least partially coextensive with the bottom panel of the mud pan. The magnetized panel is of sufficient magnetically attractive strength to serve as an only means for secure magnetic engagement between the magnetized panel and the bottom panel when the mud pan is filled with mud or plaster.

Abstract: The subject invention is a pouring container, receptacle or bucket used to hold materials. The container includes grips to assist an operator in pouring the materials from the container. The container includes upper and lower grips. The upper grips are positioned near the top of the cylindrical container and contain at least one slot for receiving a finger of the operator. The lower grips are located on the bottom of the container. The lower grips include at least one indentation for receiving the finger of the operator. When pouring materials from the container the operator places fingers of one hand in the upper grip and fingers from his other hand in the lower grip. The grips assist the operator in maneuvering the container to pour the materials in a proper location.

Abstract: A container for holding foods comprises a base member (1); a cover member (3) which is connected to the base member (1) by releasable locking engagement; a first recessed carrying handle (20) provided on a lower side of the base member (1); and a second recessed carrying handle (11) provided on an upper side of the cover member (3). To achieve a substantially flat support surface for both the base member (1) and the cover member (3), the first and second carrying handles (20, 11) are integrated with and recessed into the contour of the base member (1) and of the cover member (3), respectively, such that each of the base member (1) and the cover member (3) have substantially flat surface portions so that the container will rest stably on a flat support surface such as a table in both the upright and inverted positions of the container.

Abstract: A meatloaf pan with removable, hinged pan insert is disclosed, comprising an elongated, rectangular meatloaf pan and an elongated, rectangular pan insert. The pan insert has two insert side panels that are hinged at their bottom edges to the longitudinal edges of the bottom of the pan insert. The hinges allow the insert side walls to support the meatloaf, bread or other product during baking, and fold downward to allow access to the product for cutting and serving purposes. As such, the present invention can be used as a serving tray. Removal of the pan insert is facilitated in one of three ways. First, built-in hand grips in the flanges located on the pan insert. Second, a set of handles that connect to the flanges located on the pan insert. Third, a sliding unit that slidably inserts into the cavity formed by the rolled edges of the flanges on the pan insert.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting a biological fluid specimen.

Abstract: A handle useful in combination with a container includes a plastic strap or bail and a plastic sleeve thereon. The bail or strap of the handle is pivotably connected to the container, and the sleeve can be rotated about the bail. Structures are provided to distribute load forces between the bail and sleeve. Structures are also provided to retain the sleeve along the longitudinal axis of the bail. One or more clip members can be provided on the bail to engage the container. The clip member includes positioning elements to locate and engage the handle in a selected position with respect to the container. Preferred methods for assembling and using the apparatus (including the combination of the handle and container) are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a paint bucket preferably formed of a flexible material and having a set of rigid support arms extending opposite each other along the perimeter of the paint bucket. An ergonomic handle is provided for supporting the paint bucket. The ergonomic handle is preferably formed of a semi-circular, or horse shoe base, for surrounding a portion of the perimeter of the paint bucket. Slots are provided on either end of the base for receiving the rigid support arms provided along the outer perimeter of the flexible bucket. The bucket is easily removable and replaceable within the semi-circular base as desired by the user when using several different paint colors or when the bucket is empty. A support member extends outwardly from the base opposite the slots. The support member may include a gripper handle provided for swiveling the bucket into a usable position and maintaining that position by the user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting a biological fluid specimen. The apparatus includes a holder article for a specimen container, wherein the holder article contains a ring which is removably engagable with a specimen container, a connector continuous with the ring, and a grasping portion continuous with the connector. The article can be reconfigured with the grasping portion movable along a longitudinal axis to provide a specimen collection area.

Abstract: The present invention includes a paint bucket preferably formed of a flexible material and having a set of rigid support arms extending opposite each other along the perimeter of the paint bucket. An ergonomic handle is provided for supporting the paint bucket. The ergonomic handle is preferably formed of a semi-circular, or horse shoe base, for surrounding a portion of the perimeter of the paint bucket. Slots are provided on either end of the base for receiving the rigid support arms provided along the outer perimeter of the flexible bucket. The bucket is easily removable and replaceable within the semi-circular base as desired by the user when using several different paint colors or when the bucket is empty. A support member extends outwardly from the base opposite the slots. The support member may include a gripper handle provided for swiveling the bucket into a usable position and maintaining that position by the user.

Abstract: A replaceable bucket handle having a bend in the middle and configured like an inverted V for mounting inside the bucket below the rim to resist sliding of the handle on a hook and to raise the bucket relative to a seated user. The handle resists damage to and collapse of the bucket under load.

Abstract: A thermoplastic container for food or other articles is set forth. The container includes a base having a bottom, a pair of opposing side walls and a pair of opposing end walls extending upwardly from the bottom. A pair of integral handle segments are formed with the outer rim of the base and rotatably attached to anchoring portions at integral hinges. The handle segments can be releasably engaged with each other and include a pair of hinged portions. Each hinged portion has at least one upwardly extending rib segment and at least one downwardly extending rib segment interconnected by integral hinges that form definite bending points for the hinged portions of the handle segments so that when the handle segments are upturned, the hinged portion assists in distributing stress and obtaining a proper balance of the container.

Abstract: A carrying case for electronic equipment, such as a portable computer, includes back, front, top, bottom and side walls defining an interior including a compartment for receiving electronic equipment defined between a wall surface and a floating panel of the carrying case. The floating panel is selectively movable linearly toward and away from the wall surface to adjust the size of the compartment in accordance with the size of the electronic equipment received therein. A securing mechanism within the interior resiliently biases the floating panel toward the wall surface and provides a shock or impact absorbing effect for the electronic equipment. The carrying case has a handle including first and second handle portions rotatable between an engaged position wherein the handle portions are in abutment and a disengaged position wherein the handle portions are separated from one another. The first and second handle portions are configured to automatically matingly engage one another when rotated into abutment.

Abstract: A replaceable bucket handle having a bend in the middle and configured like an inverted V for mounting inside the bucket below the rim to resist sliding of the handle on a hook and to raise the bucket relative to a seated user. The handle resists damage to and collapse of the bucket under load.

Abstract: A handle (8) for a lid (2) for an article of cookware is of a general “S” shape with a central portion (10) to be grasped by a user and a pair of arms (12) of reduced thickness extending to a pair of attachment points (14) at which the handle can be secured to a lid (2), wherein the distance of the portion to be grasped by a user to the nearest attachment point measured along the length of the handle is at least 9 centimeters.

Abstract: A handle useful in combination with a container includes a plastic strap or bail and a plastic sleeve thereon. The bail or strap of the handle is pivotably connected to the container, and the sleeve can be rotated about the bail. Structures are provided to distribute load forces between the bail and sleeve. Structures are also provided to retain the sleeve along the longitudinal axis of the bail. One or more clip members can be provided on the bail to engage the container. The clip member includes positioning elements to locate and engage the handle in a selected position with respect to the container. Preferred methods for assembling and using the apparatus (including the combination of the handle and container) are disclosed.

Abstract: A thermoplastic container for food or other articles is set forth. The container includes a base having a bottom, a pair of opposing side walls and a pair of opposing end walls extending upwardly from the bottom. A pair of integral handle segments are formed with the outer rim of the base and rotatably attached to anchoring portions at integral hinges. The handle segments can be releasably engaged with each other and include a pair of hinged portions. Each hinged portion has at least one upwardly extending rib segment and at least one downwardly extending rib segment interconnected by integral hinges that form definite bending points for the hinged portions of the handle segments so that when the handle segments are upturned, the hinged portion assists in distributing stress and obtaining a proper balance of the container.

Abstract: A carrying case for electronic equipment, such as a portable computer, includes back, front, top, bottom and side walls defining an interior including a compartment for receiving electronic equipment defined between a wall surface and a floating panel of the carrying case. The floating panel is selectively movable linearly toward and away from the wall surface to adjust the size of the compartment in accordance with the size of the electronic equipment received therein. A securing mechanism within the interior resiliently biases the floating panel toward the wall surface and provides a shock or impact absorbing effect for the electronic equipment. The carrying case has a handle including first and second handle portions rotatable between an engaged position wherein the handle portions are in abutment and a disengaged position wherein the handle portions are separated from one another. The first and second handle portions are configured to automatically matingly engage one another when rotated into abutment.

Abstract: A handle which can be permanently attached to a separate blow-molded plastic container. The handle has a contoured portion which comfortably confronts the palm and fingers of a hand of a person lifting the container. The handle is lightweight, injection molded in simple molds, and stackable in a uniform manner so that a stack of the handles can be efficiently stored, transported, and readily machine fed to automated handle-to-bottle attachment equipment. The handle may also be made from recycled plastic for food application.

Abstract: A container has a container body formed with horizontal and vertical grooves and square cone-shaped recessed separated by the grooves in an outer surface by a first injection process. Then the container body has slide-resistant decorations of soft material filled in the grooves and the recesses as integral in a second injecting process. The bottom of the container body also has a circular recess and a number of radial grooves extending out of the circular recess and filled with slide-resistant decorations. Then the container can be tightly held manually and stand on the surface of a table stabilized by means of the slide-resistant decorations.

Abstract: A handle for a cooking vessel, wherein a body, made of thermosetting material, has a through inner cavity between two opposite boundary surfaces of the body; and the cavity is fitted through with an insert made of thermoplastic material and having click-on fastening means for reversibly connecting the insert to the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved drinking cup. The drinking cup includes a bottom portion and a sidewall portion integrally formed therewith. The sidewall portion defines a liquid holding cavity and has an upper peripheral edge which defines an opening through which a liquid can be placed within and withdrawn from the liquid holding cavity. The drinking cup further includes a laterally extending handle attached to the sidewall portion. The handle has an upper thumb rest portion including a raised portion for preventing a user's thumb from contacting the sidewall portion and inadvertently dislodging a lid placed over the opening. A lid for cooperating with the cup is also disclosed.

Abstract: A handle which can be permanently attached to a separate blow-molded plastic container. The handle has a contoured portion which comfortably confronts the palm and fingers of a hand of a person lifting the container. The handle is lightweight, injection molded in simple molds, and stackable in a uniform manner so that a stack of the handles can be efficiently stored, transported, and readily machine fed to automated handle-to-bottle attachment equipment. The handle may also be made from recycled plastic for food application.

Abstract: Microfluidic apparatus which include a planar device and polymeric holder assembly are provided. The polymeric holder assembly includes a cavity disposed through the holder, providing optical access to the top and bottom of the planar device when the device is mounted in the polymeric holder. The planar device includes microscale channels disposed within the device.

Abstract: The multifunctional handle (10) for a movable container, trolley or cart has two lateral, rounded head elements (11) fixed to the trolley (1) and a connecting bow (20) connecting the same having a flat, rounded cross-section (Q). The connecting bow rises in roof-shaped manner from the central area (B1) of the head elements and forms a hand-correct depression (16) towards the head element. This leads to an ergonomically particularly favourable handle for numerous hand positions (P1 to P7).

Abstract: A lidded insulator for a beverage container comprising an insulator lid hingedly attached to an insulator body by means of a hinge. An insulator top ring having an insulator top ring bore is attached to the insulator lid. The hinge is made of resilient material possessing material memory tending to urge the hinge into a straight position. This hinge material memory tends to urge the insulator lid into a closed position. The lidded insulator for a beverage container is sized to frictionally admit a standard sized beverage container. Thus the beverage container is held securely within the insulator body, and when the insulator lid is closed on the beverage container, the frictional fit between the insulator lid and the beverage container holds the top closed, and together with the hinge material memory, urges the insulator lid top into sealing relationship with the beverage container opening.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting a biological fluid specimen. The apparatus includes a holder article for a specimen container, wherein the holder article contains a ring which is removably engagable with a specimen container, a connector continuous with the ring, and a grasping portion continuous with the connector, the grasping portion having opposed lateral side portions which are continuous and contiguous along their entire length with one another. The grasping portion is movable along a longitudinal axis such that the lateral side portions are approachable one to another, with each side portion on an opposed side of a plane coaxial with the longitudinal axis. The connector includes a specimen collection area.

Abstract: A nestable display crate for bottle carriers having a floor and a wall structure with that is designed to reveal the labels on the bottle carriers. The wall structure is of double thickness and comprises a lower wall portion adjacent the floor and a plurality of integrally formed contoured upper wall portions extending upward from the lower wall portion. The wall structure is hollow throughout allowing the contoured upper wall portions to be received within the lower wall portion of a crate nested thereabove. The contoured upper wall portions are tapered to be smaller in cross section at the top and larger near the lower wall portion to enable easy nesting and to avoid nested crates from becoming wedged together due to interference. The upper wall portions are in the shape of gear teeth that are spaced along the opposing sidewalls and endwalls of the crate.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and systems, and particularly, microfluidic devices that are easier to handle by the operator, without damaging, contaminating or otherwise fouling, as a result of manual contact with the device. These microfluidic devices and systems include manual handling structures, to allow handling of the small scale devices with minimal potential for fouling as a result of manual contact with the device.

Abstract: An assembly is provided that includes a beverage container having a handle extending radially from the container in a direction that defines a handle axis. The assembly further includes a handle grip piece for connection to the handle of the container, and a support bar attached to the handle grip piece. A rotatable object is coupled to the support bar and defines an axis of rotation located in a plane extending at an angle from the handle axis such that the axis of rotation does not intersect the container.

Abstract: A culture dish for growing cultures such as tissue cells, bacteria and the like. The culture dish includes a handle extending therefrom that can be easily grasped by a user when lifting or handling the culture dish. The culture dish can also include a lid that can be placed on a base of the dish to prevent contamination of the cultures and to control evaporation of liquid from the dish. The handle can extend from the base, the lid or both. If the handles are provided on both the base and the lid, they can be configured differently so that a user can readily distinguish between them.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handle for use with a paint can of the type having a bottom, a bottom rim, a side wall a top and a bail. The handle comprises a base, a slot in the base for receiving the bottom rim, and a side support extending substantially perpendicular from said base adjacent the slot. The side support has an inner surface and an outer surface, with a hook on the outer surface for engaging the bail, whereby when the can is placed on the base and the bail engaged by the hook the handle is securely held against the can bottom and side wall.

Abstract: An assembly is provided that includes a beverage container having a handle extending radially from the container in a direction that defines a handle axis. The assembly further includes a handle grip piece for connection to the handle of the container, and a support bar attached to the handle grip piece. A rotatable object is coupled to the support bar and defines an axis of rotation located in a plane extending at an angle from the handle axis such that the axis of rotation does not intersect the container.

Abstract: The invention is a detachable handle for a receptacle wherein the handle comprises a base plate having a front edge, a back side opposite the front edge, a top surface, a bottom surface and a handle bar mounted on the top surface of the base plate. The handle bar includes a grip which has a pressure applying front section, a back section and a bottom section. The handle further includes a rim engaging tab extending from the bottom surface of the base plate adjacent the back side and adapted to engage the rim of the receptacle between the tab and the bottom side of the base plate.

Abstract: A handle adapter provided for a cooking utensil consists of a one piece integral portion mounted to the cooking utensil so that the user can ergonomically grip and control the cooking utensil. The adapter consists of a one-piece arm bent to provide a shielding portion to protect the user's hand from the heated materials in the cooking utensil, a gripping portion ergonomically shaped to reduce stress on the user's wrist, and a support portion extending from the gripping portion constructed and arranged to conform substantially to the user's arm. The gripping portion and support portion coact with each other, and are constructed of materials to facilitate control of the adapter and comfort during a cooking operation.

Abstract: A plastic container comprising hollow plastic body including a side wall, a base wall, a shoulder, an integral neck and an integral finish on the upper end of the neck. An integral laterally extending flexible handle is provided on the neck below the threads or the like that are positioned on the neck for receiving a closure. The handle may be of a number of configurations including a T-shape or annular bail-type shape. A method and apparatus for making the container comprises injecting, extruding and blowing wherein the finish and the integral handle are first injection molded and thereafter the neck and body are formed by extrusion of plastic integrally with the finish followed by blow molding of the hollow container.

Abstract: A cup is provided including a generally cylindrical reservoir having top and bottom ends and a sidewall. The bottom end is defined and the top end defines an opening in the reservoir. A handle structure is affixed to the sidewall. The handle structure includes upper and lower portions fixed to and extending from the sidewall structure. A vertical portion extends between and joins the first and second portion. The handle structure also includes a substantially vertical plate affixed to the first and second portions so that the vertical plate is disposed therebetween, the vertical plate being disposed between the sidewall and the vertical portion such that a lateral distance from the vertical plate to the sidewall is less than a lateral distance from the vertical plate to the vertical member, so as to isolate the user's fingers from contact with the sidewall. The upper and lower portions are inclined from horizontal so as to facilitate gripping and maximize finger room in the handle.

Abstract: An attachment provision for a bottle or receptacle for use with various possible connecting devices currently available. In its preferred embodiment, the bottle/container attachment is comprised of a external recessed area (7) running across the bottle's/container's base. A hanging bar (8), formed integrally with this bottle/container, crosses the area (7) at the bottle's/container's medial plane (FIG. 3). The upper surface (8A) of bar (8), upper wall (11), transitioning radii (11A), (11B), (12A), and (12B) form a full radius slot (10) thus creating a connecting provision.

Abstract: A cup is provided including a generally cylindrical reservoir member having distal and proximal ends and a sidewall disposed between the ends, the distal end defining a bottom surface of the reservoir member, the proximal end defining an opening in the reservoir member. A handle structure is affixed to sidewall. The handle structure includes opposing first and second generally horizontal portions fixed to and extending from the sidewall structure, the first portion being joined with the second portion. The handle structure also includes a substantially vertical plate affixed to the horizontal portions so that the vertical plate is disposed therebetween, the vertical plate being disposed between the sidewall and the vertical member such that a lateral distance from the vertical plate to the sidewall is less than a lateral distance from the vertical plate to the vertical member, so as to isolate the user's fingers from contact with the sidewall.

Abstract: A hand grip for looped metal handles of cookware which become hot during stove top or oven use which can be quickly and easily assembled to and disassembled from such cookware handles by modest hand generated forces, and which is easily washable, together with such a handgrip in combination with a cookware vessel, is disclosed.

Abstract: A container capable of holding materials such as joint compound applied from the container with an applicator to an object includes an open top, a generally semi-cylindrical first wall having a first longitudinal upper edge and a second longitudinal upper edge generally laterally opposite the first longitudinal upper edge, and second walls located generally at longitudinally opposite ends of the first wall. The first and second walls define a volume for holding the material therein. The smooth curvature of the first wall permits material to be withdrawn from the container by a scooping motion of the applicator along a smooth curve generally from the first longitudinal upper edge of the first wall laterally to the second longitudinal edge of the first wall. The applicator is capable of maintaining contact with the first wall throughout the scooping motion.

Abstract: A plate for serving food at social gatherings where the guests may stand and eat at the same time, has a depression in its center, which on the upper surface of the plate can hold a cup, and on the lower surface may serve as a handle by which the plate can be held, so that the other hand of the person holding the plate will be free to hold a utensil to eat the food on the plate. In a preferred embodiment, the serving plate is circular, and the depression in the center of the plate is frustoconical or cylindrical. On the lower surface of the plate, the depression has ridges by which it may be more effectively gripped. On the upper surface of the plate, there is an outer rim extending around the circumference of the plate, and an inner rim extending around the depression in the center of the plate, and a food holding area between the outer rim and the inner rim, that is at a lower level than the outer rim and the inner rim.

Abstract: A handle grip piece is provided for use with the handle of a mug. The handle grip piece has a first side piece including an inner edge and an arcuate outer surface facing the wall of the mug. The first side piece has an upper recess and a lower recess spaced-apart from the upper recess, and a plurality of protrusions extending from the inner edge. The handle grip piece also has a second side piece including an inner edge and an arcuate outer surface facing the wall of the mug. The second side piece has an upper recess and a lower recess spaced-apart from the upper recess, and a plurality of notches provided along the inner edge. The upper and lower recesses of the first and second side pieces are adapted to receive and connect portions of the handle. The protrusions of the first side piece are adapted to be engaged with the notches of the second side piece to connect the first side piece to the second side piece.

Abstract: A container is provided with grip enhancing protrusions of various shapes and sizes, which are raised and integrally formed on the container, thereby increasing the volume. The protrusions are arranged such that a person grasping the container will predominantly contact the protrusions rather than the body of the container, thereby reducing transfer or conduction of heat between the user's hands and the container. The ornamentation on the surface provides a layer of lettering on the surface which extends over the protrusions to enhance the ornamentation. A partially collapsible container adapted to contain beverages or other dispensable fluids includes a collapsible portion for the automatic deployment of either a drinking straw or a pour spout mounted within the container. In its non-collapsed state, the straw or spout is hidden within the container and is strutted between the top and bottom of the container to support the container during shipping and handling.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for holding an open container in one hand while providing unrestricted access to the container. The apparatus comprises a sleeve which is adapted to fit around a user's finger, a means for detachably fastening the apparatus to the container, and a means for connecting the fastening means to the sleeve. In use, the user's finger is inserted into the sleeve while the fastening means is connected to the container. The user then supports the container with the palm and remaining fingers of his hand while the apparatus links the user's finger to the container in such a way that the container is prevented from overbalancing.

Abstract: Portable containers for insulating and supporting disposable plastic 1, 2 and 3 liter bottles. A first embodiment includes a foamed plastic polystryrene type housing with molded handle. Pitcher type model with can fixably and snugly support the liter bottle therein. An alternative includes a removable refrigerant material such as Blue-Ice can be inserted within the interior bottom of the housing. A top portion is snapably or threadably detached from the housing. The housing is shaped to closely conform to a standard 1, 2 or 3 liter bottle. A second embodiment has double walls with the refrigerant material or insulative foam there-between. A third embodiment has a bottom portion of the housing detachable from the rest and can also contain a cold pack of refrigerant material which can be prefrozen by itself before using the invention. The fourth and fifth embodiments utilize wet-suit type outer housings with zippers and plastic type handles.

Abstract: A handicap handle for allowing a handicap person to easily open and close drawers, doors or the like comprising a substantially round handle affixed to a base portion. The handle forming a substantially half circle opening for allowing a person's fist to fit therein. The handle and base portion are rotatable affixed to a protective cover that is installed into the drawer. The handle in a closed position is flush with the front surface of the drawer and in the open position exposes a protruding handle.

Abstract: A vessel support and plate which allows the user to carry a plate, napkin, and drinking vessel in one hand. The assembly includes a drinking vessel support member, a napkin holding member, a plate member and a means to grasp the assembly. The vessel support member has a recess to receive the base of a drinking vessel. This recess has a mouth extending from its periphery to its center, allowing the supporting member to cradle stemware by its bowl, with the stem suspended therefrom. A tilted grip member attached to the plate allows the user to hold the device with minimal effort. A bulge cooperating with the grip member on the bottom surface of the plate allows the user to comfortably cradle the plate in the palm of the hand. The assembly further includes a member to detachably receive a napkin.