Looking for breakthrough ideas for innovation challenges? Try Patsnap Eureka!

Ergonomic plate

a technology of ergonomic plates and plates, applied in the field of ergonomic plates, can solve the problems of inconvenient process, inconvenient handling, and inability to carry in one hand, and achieve the effect of being substantially stable and being inexpensive to manufactur

Inactive Publication Date: 2007-05-03
BALANCED PRODS
View PDF34 Cites 1 Cited by
  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004] It is another object of the invention to provide an ergonomic plate which has improved balance when carried in the hand of the user.
[0014] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the cup holder further comprises a top annular flange adapted for engaging the plate form to limit downward sliding movement of the cup holder.

Problems solved by technology

Prior art plates designed for carrying in one hand are generally cumbersome and unstable, and often require support from an area above the wrist and forearm in order to maintain balance.
Such plates with beverage holding areas are further prone to instability and spillage.
This process is awkward and increases the likelihood of accidents.

Method used

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
View more

Image

Smart Image Click on the blue labels to locate them in the text.
Viewing Examples
Smart Image
  • Ergonomic plate
  • Ergonomic plate
  • Ergonomic plate

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

Embodiment Construction

[0032] Referring now specifically to the drawings, an ergonomic plate according to the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1, and shown generally at reference numeral 10. The ergonomic plate 10 is especially designed for carrying in one hand, and has designated food and beverage holding areas 11 and 12 strategically located to optimize balance and handleability of the plate 10. According to one embodiment, the ergonomic plate 10 comprises a molded plastic or paper plate form 14 which is uniquely asymmetric about a medial axis 15. The term “molded” is used broadly herein to mean integrally-formed to a particular shape using any suitable manufacturing means or process.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the plate form 14 has a shaped peripheral edge 16 with an inwardly-curved portion 17 defining a deep medial indent 18 designed to accommodate the hand. Preferably, the indent 18 substantially divides the food and beverage areas 11, 12 of the plate 10, and is less than 2 inches from a l...

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More

PUM

No PUM Login to View More

Abstract

An ergonomic plate is adapted for being held in one hand of a user. The plate includes a molded plate form having a topside defining a food placement area, and an opposing underside. An inwardly curved hand indent is formed along a peripheral edge of the plate form. A reinforcing fold is formed along the hand indent. The reinforcing fold is adapted for strengthening and stabilizing the molded plate form when the ergonomic plate is carried in the hand of the user.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to an ergonomic plate, and more particularly, to an ergonomic plate adapted for carrying in one hand of the user. The invention offers improved balance and stability in the hand. In one embodiment, the invention comprises features intended to help stabilize the plate on supporting surfaces which may not be substantially level. Among these features is an adjustable cup holder designed for holding cups, cans, glasses, and other beverage containers and vessels. The position of the cup holder relative to the plate adjusts vertically when the plate is placed upon and removed from the supporting surface. The invention further comprises a relatively deep hand-receiving indent. This feature allows the plate to be comfortably and securely held in one hand with respective food and beverage placement areas strategically located for ready access by the other, free hand of the user. [0002] Prior art plates designed for...

Claims

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More

Application Information

Patent Timeline
no application Login to View More
Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A47G19/00
CPCA47G19/065
Inventor INGLE, DONALD A.
Owner BALANCED PRODS
Who we serve
  • R&D Engineer
  • R&D Manager
  • IP Professional
Why Patsnap Eureka
  • Industry Leading Data Capabilities
  • Powerful AI technology
  • Patent DNA Extraction
Social media
Patsnap Eureka Blog
Learn More
PatSnap group products