Cupholding plate

Abstract

A cupholding plate is provided including a stiffened peripheral rim circumscribing the entire plate support surface. Contained within the outer circumference of the plate is a cup retaining orifice, which is itself circumscribed by a stiffened cup support rim. The cup support rim intersects with the peripheral rim at the plate edge, such that both the peripheral rim and the cup support rim can be superimposed about each other along a small arc along their respective circumferences.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates generally to eating utensils and, more particularly, to cups and plates. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] As is well-known in the art, cups and plates have been used together during dining for quite some time. And, although many conventional designs have developed for use in the normal setting wherein individuals are seated directly at a flat, horizontal eating surface, many modifications and novelties have developed to accommodate situation dissimilar to this scenario. [0005] For example, sectioned plates have evolved in order to provide separate surfaces of the plate with dividers to prevent intermixing of the plate contents. Other developments have evolved plates with coasters built in, plates and cups made of disposable material, such as paper or foam, and various apparatuses that support both plates and cups together. [0006] One major problem that remains unaddressed...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides an improved plate that can support a cup. The plate has a stiffened peripheral rim circumscribing the entire plate support surface and a cup support rim that intersects with the peripheral rim at the plate edge. The plate also has a stiffened cup support rim that intersects with the peripheral rim at the plate edge. The plate can have a stiffened edge and can have a plurality of compartments formed at the surface of and within the volume of the plate. The technical effects of the invention are that it provides a more stable and secure plate for holding a cup, while minimizing the space needed on the plate."

Problems solved by technology

One major problem that remains unaddressed arises from situations where food and drink are served absent a flat, horizontal eating surface being provided.

Although the example is more clearly illustrated when discussing a situation including paper plates and paper cups, similar problems can be noticed in any buffet or picnic setting.

Namely, a problem arises when an individual needs to hold the plate in one hand and the drink in the other, thereby making it a difficult “juggling act” to prevent spilling, obtain servings, consume food or beverage, and the like.

However, in practice these attempts have resulted in a structural weakness located at the partition between adjacent plate segments.

Further still, the application of a large diameter orifice formed within the place for functioning as a cup holding area further exacerbates this inherent weakness.

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