Tableware with sucker structure and anti-slip base

Abstract

A dishware article (10), such as a bowl (20), comprises a dish-like body (12) and a base (16), the dishware article further comprising a suction cup structure (30) attachable to the base (16). The base (16) may include an anti-slip feature. In this manner, the dishware article (10) can be used with a relatively strong suction action for attachment to a table surface, which is suitable for young children; and the sucker structure can also be used without the sucker structure (30), and meanwhile, an anti-skid function is provided. This provides a more versatile dishware item (10), such as a bowl, dish, cup and the like, which can be used in different configurations in different scenarios.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to tableware, in particular to tableware for training and weaning infants, but which may also be suitable for use in nursing and rehabilitation environments and general outdoor use. More particularly, the present invention relates to a bowl or plate comprising a non-slip base. Background Art

[0002] Cutlery for children is usually designed for ease of handling and cleaning and can be made of lightweight, sturdy materials such as plastic. When learning to use cutlery, young children may have difficulty keeping the plate or bowl in place. The applicant has developed a toddler dinner plate with anti-slip features to reduce the risk of cutlery falling to the ground.

[0003] However, the anti-slip feature may not prevent the tray from being lifted.

[0004] The present invention seeks to ameliorate at least some of the above problems. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a cutlery item as defined in claim 1. The cutlery item comprises a dish-like body and a base and a suction cup structure attachable to the base.

[0006] The tableware item may be a bowl or plate comprising the shape of a generally saucer-shaped cup suitable for holding food and / or liquids, the underside of the tableware item providing the base.

[0007] The tableware items may be in the form of plastic materials commonly used for children's tableware, but may also be other suitable materials, for example, melamine, silicone, etc., as well as bioplastics (plastic materials from renewable resources, such as materials from corn-based sources) and materials commonly used for children's tableware items. Typically, the selected materials are easy to clean with household kitchen detergents and utensils, and may be dishwasher safe. However, these characteristics are not essential requirements of the present invention.

[0008] In some embodiments, the suction cup structure is in the form of a ring or hoop.

[0009] Due to the form of a ring or hoop, the suction cup structure is open and will form a suction cup with the base once attached to the bowl. In this way, the suction cup structure can be attached around the base of the tableware item.

[0010] It should be understood that the tableware item can have a generally circular, oval, or chamfered perimeter profile. In this case, the suction cup structure can be a similar circular, oval, or chamfered shape, which corresponds to the perimeter profile of the tableware item. However, not all embodiments are like this. The suction cup structure can be a generally circular shape, including an engagement structure attached to tableware items of different shapes (e.g., a triangular bowl).

[0011] In some embodiments, the suction cup structure and the dish-shaped body are configured with corresponding engagement structures for anchoring the suction cup structure to the dish-shaped body.

[0012] The suction cup structure will be understood to include a suction side having a flexible lip, and an anchoring side including or providing an engagement structure for attachment to the dish-shaped body. For example, when in use, the suction cup structure can face downwards, while the anchoring side can be oriented inwards to engage the outer periphery of the bowl.

[0013] In some embodiments, the engagement structure is disposed on a side wall of the dish-shaped body.

[0014] In some embodiments, the engagement structure is arranged around the periphery of the dish-shaped body.

[0015] It will be appreciated that the peripheral edge of the dish-like body may be a lower peripheral edge, such as a lower peripheral edge along the outer wall surface of the bowl close to the base of the dish-like body.

[0016] The corresponding engagement structure may be a lip or ledge structure extending along the periphery of the base and the suction cup structure. For example, the engagement structure may extend as a lip along the inner periphery of the suction cup structure. The corresponding engagement structure on the tableware item may be a groove extending along its outer periphery.

[0017] In some embodiments, the suction cup structure is a single unitary body.

[0018] In some embodiments, the base of the dish-shaped body is provided with an anti-slip arrangement.

[0019] The underside of the tableware item may be provided with an anti-slip coating and / or structure. It should be understood that when the suction cup structure in the form of a hoop is attached to the body, the anti-slip arrangement may remain exposed.

[0020] In some embodiments, the anti-slip arrangement comprises protrusions and / or depressions.

[0021] In some embodiments, the anti-slip arrangement includes ridges and / or grooves, and / or dome shapes, and / or dimples.

[0022] In some embodiments, the anti-slip arrangement is made of a different material than the dish-shaped body.

[0023] The anti-slip arrangement may be a material having a higher friction than the rest of the base and / or dish-like body. For example, the anti-slip arrangement may be provided by an insert for providing a foot.

[0024] In some embodiments, the anti-slip arrangement is offset relative to a corresponding engagement structure of the suction cup structure.

[0025] In this way, it can be avoided that the features of the anti-slip arrangement interfere with the fit of the suction cup structure on the body.

[0026] In some embodiments, when the suction cup structure is attached to the body, the anti-slip feature is exposed in the base area.

[0027] This facilitates visual identification from below whether an item of tableware includes an anti-slip feature.

[0028] In some embodiments, the anti-slip features are arranged along the perimeter of the base.

[0029] In this way, the area in the center of the base that is surrounded by the anti-slip features can remain free of anti-slip features.

[0030] In some embodiments, the suction cup structure includes a flexible suction lip that is elastically deformable from a rest condition to an engaged condition for suction to an underlying surface, the flexible suction lip extending below the base in its rest condition.

[0031] In this way, it may be provided that the features of the anti-slip arrangement avoid interfering with the suction action when the cutlery items are being attached to the underlying surface.

[0032] In some embodiments, the flexible suction lip may be flipped into a disengaged position when it is attached to the dish-like body to allow the bowl to be supported by the base of the dish-like body.

[0033] The disengaged position will be understood to be the upward position in use, so that the suction cup structure exposes the base of the dished surface so that tableware items can be placed in a manner such that the base contacts the underlying surface to rest on the base rather than on the suction cup structure. In this way, a bowl with anti-slip features can be supported on the anti-slip features.

[0034] In some embodiments, the tableware item consists of a bowl.

[0035] In some embodiments, the tableware item consists of a plate.

[0036] In some embodiments, the tableware item consists of a cup.

[0037] The cutlery item may comprise one, two or more handles, the handles being understood to extend laterally outwardly (in use) from one, two or more sides of the body, when provided.

[0038] According to a second aspect of the invention, the first aspect of the invention is provided in the form of a parts kit, the parts kit comprising one or more tableware items according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect and one or more suction cup structures according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect.

[0039] In such a kit of parts, two or more suction cup structures may have different colors.

[0040] Features described with respect to one or more embodiments may be combined with features of any one or more other embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0042] Figure 1 is an isometric view of the bowl in assembled form;

[0043] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An isometric view of the separated parts of the bowl in FIG.

[0044] Figure 3 is with Figure 1 The cross-sectional view corresponding to the arrangement of

[0045] Figure 4 It is a side view of the bowl;

[0046] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 a bottom view of the arrangement; and

[0047] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Bottom view of the bowl. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Referring to the drawings, a bowl assembly 10 constituting a tableware item includes a bowl 20 with a suction ring 30. When viewed from above, the bowl 20 has a generally obround footprint, the bowl including a dish-shaped body 12 including side walls and a top edge 14. In this embodiment, the top edge 14 is in an inclined form, with one side (usually the front side) being lower than the opposite side (usually the back side) to provide an inclined appearance so that the bowl opening can be facing the user. The bowl 20 includes a base 16. The bowl 20 can be made of any suitable material, such as plastic, ADP, melamine, bioplastic, etc. In the base area 16, the bowl 20 includes a recessed portion 18 that extends around the periphery of the outer side wall and provides a joining structure.

[0049] The suction ring 30 is generally oblong, corresponding to the oblong footprint of the bowl 20. The suction ring includes a flexible lip 32 extending around the periphery. The lip 32 is angled downward (when in use) to cause it to flex when pressed against a surface. The suction ring 30 includes a tab 34 at its distal edge. The inner periphery of the suction ring 30 is provided with a lip structure 38, which includes an inwardly extending ledge. The inwardly extending ledge extends along the inner periphery of the suction ring 30.

[0050] The suction ring 30 can be removably attached to the bowl 20 by engaging the lip structure 38 with the recess 18, the lip structure 38 and the recess 18 forming a corresponding engagement structure. In this way, the inwardly extending ledge engages in the recess 18. It should be understood that the suction ring 30 can be made of a material that includes an inherent resilient flexibility, so that it can be temporarily stretched to overcome its inherent resiliency to pull the suction ring 30 around the recess 18. Thereby, the suction ring 30 is connected to the bowl 20 in a nearly airtight manner, so that the base 16 of the bowl 20 and the suction ring 30, when assembled together, form a sufficiently airtight connection structure to act as a suction cup, and can be temporarily attached to the surface below (such as a table surface) by suction.

[0051] The tension of the inwardly facing ledge includes a lateral component relative to the axis of the suction ring 30, whereby the suction ring 30 is relatively firmly anchored to the bowl 20. This arrangement enables occasional pulling on the bowl 20 to not result in an opening of an air path through the anchoring joint, which would otherwise reduce the suction strength of the suction ring 30. Applying a strong pulling force could cause the bowl 20 to separate from the suction ring 30 while the suction ring remains attached to the underlying surface. However, for the intended use scenarios, including feeding a toddler, the anchoring provides a stable connection.

[0052] The anti-slip feature 50 has a higher friction than the base 16. For example, the material of the anti-slip feature 50 can have a higher friction than the material of the dish-shaped body 12 (especially the material of the recess 18). The recess can have a relatively smooth surface, such as a plastic material surface. In this way, the recess 18 provides a lower resistance to the engagement of the suction ring 30, which is believed to be conducive to airtight engagement. In this way, the recess 18 and the anti-slip feature 50 can have different material properties, the recess 18 is designed to anchor the suction ring 30 airtightly, and the anti-slip feature 50 provides a good grip.

[0053] It should be appreciated that for sufficiently smooth table surfaces, the suction action of the suction cup helps to hold the bowl assembly 10 on the surface. Tabs 34 extend from the edge of the suction ring 30 and can be pulled to release the suction ring 30 from the surface.

[0054] The underside of the base 16 of the bowl 20 is provided with anti-slip features 50 in the form of a rib-like arrangement arranged around the periphery of the base 16. An area 52 in the center of the base is free of anti-slip features 50 or is surrounded by anti-slip features 50. Anti-slip features 50 distributed in this manner provide good stability. Figure 5 and Figure 6 It can be seen that when the adsorption ring 30 is attached (see Figure 5 ) and when the bowl 20 is not provided with a suction ring (see Figure 6 ), the anti-slip features 50 are visible from below. Depending on the size and flexibility of the lip structure 38, the lip structure 38 may be flexible enough to flip upward. In this case, the anti-slip features 50 may be exposed like the base of the bowl 20, allowing the bowl 20 to be supported by the base 16 and the anti-slip features 50.

[0055] refer to Figure 4 , the recess 18 is oriented to extend laterally above the base 16 when in use so that the anti-slip feature 50 is exposed underneath and can engage and stand firmly on a surface without the recess 18 or other lip or ledge structure interfering with the stable position. In addition, the anti-slip feature is offset relative to the anchoring arrangement of the inwardly extending ledge and recess 18, thereby reducing the risk of interference that may affect the airtight anchor connection.

[0056] As disclosed herein, the bowl 20 can be configured for use with the suction ring 30 to provide the bowl assembly 10, or alternatively, as the bowl 20 without the suction ring 30. Without the suction ring 30, the bowl 20 can be relatively securely placed on a table surface due to the integral anti-slip feature 50.

[0057] Thus, the bowl assembly 10 can be configured for use in different scenarios, particularly at different stages of a child's development. Likewise, the bowl assembly can be configured for use with different types of foods. For example, a suction ring configuration can be useful for liquid foods such as soups, where accidental spills would be quite inconvenient. A non-adsorption configuration can be used to hold solid foods, where there is no need to worry about accidental drops. Additionally, this reconstruction has been found to be particularly useful for use with tablecloth materials or rough textures, such as untreated wooden table surfaces. The suction cup configuration may be less effective on rougher surfaces, while the anti-slip feature provides a better grip. The design also allows the same item to be used for longer periods of time as a child grows, which is believed to extend the life of the product and reduce waste.

[0058] Although the principles of the invention have been described using exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and that the invention can be implemented by other variants within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A tableware item comprising a dish-shaped body and a base, the tableware item comprising a suction cup structure attachable to the base.

2. The tableware article according to claim 1, wherein: The suction cup structure is in the form of a ring or a hoop.

3. The tableware article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The suction cup structure and the dish-shaped body are provided with corresponding engaging structures for anchoring the suction cup structure to the dish-shaped body.

4. The tableware article according to claim 3, wherein: The engagement structure is arranged on a side wall of the dish-shaped body.

5. The tableware article according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The engagement structure is arranged around the periphery of the dish-shaped body.

6. The tableware item according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The suction cup structure is a single integral body.

7. The tableware item according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The base of the dish-shaped body is provided with an anti-slip arrangement.

8. The tableware article according to claim 7, wherein: The anti-slip arrangement comprises protrusions and / or depressions.

9. The tableware article according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The anti-slip arrangement comprises ridges and / or grooves, and / or dome shapes, and / or dimples.

10. The tableware article according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein The anti-slip arrangement is made of a different material than the dish-shaped body.

11. A tableware article according to any one of claims 7 to 10 when dependent on claim 3, wherein The anti-slip arrangement is offset relative to a corresponding engagement structure of the suction cup structure.

12. The tableware article according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein When the suction cup structure is attached to the dish-shaped body, the anti-slip feature is exposed in the area of ​​the base.

13. The tableware article according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein: The anti-slip features are arranged along a perimeter of the base.

14. The tableware item according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The suction cup structure includes a flexible suction lip that is resiliently deformable from a resting state to an engaged state for suction to an underlying surface, the flexible suction lip extending below the base in its resting state.

15. The tableware article according to claim 14, wherein The flexible suction lip, when attached to the dish-like body, is flippable to a disengaged position to allow a bowl to be supported by the base of the dish-like body.

16. The tableware item according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The tableware item consists of a bowl.

17. The tableware item according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The tableware item consists of a plate.

18. The tableware item according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The tableware item consists of a cup.

19. A kit of parts comprising one or more cutlery items according to any one of the preceding claims and one or more suction cup structures according to any one of the preceding claims.

20. The kit of parts of claim 19, comprising two or more suction cup structures of different colors.

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