Dinner plate serving as a dinner set support

Abstract

The embodiment provides a dinner plate 100 which is used as a dinner set support, one side of which is provided with a dinner plate part 200 capable of containing food, and the other side is used for placing and supporting spoons 400 and chopsticks 500, characterized in that a spoon placing groove 101 and a chopstick placing groove 102 are formed, a seasoning groove 108 is formed at the lower part, and one side is provided with an integrally formed dinner plate part 200, the dinner plate 100 which is used as a dinner set support is provided with a baffle 103 capable of placing the bottom surface 401 of the spoon head in suspension, and the dinner plate 100 which is used as a dinner set support is provided with a seasoning groove 108 which plays a role of a stable leg 110.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a plate that also serves as a cutlery support, and more particularly to a plate that also serves as a cutlery support, which prevents spoons, chopsticks and other cutlery from coming into contact with the table, thereby preventing the cutlery and tabletop from being contaminated. Moreover, by integrating the condiment holder and the plate into one unit, it is more convenient and hygienic to use, and makes it easier to hold the cutlery by hand when using it. Background Technology

[0002] Traditionally, dining utensils include spoons, chopsticks, forks, and knives. These utensils are usually placed directly on the table surface or on a napkin or similar surface. This method is both inconvenient and unhygienic. When using these utensils, the table surface or napkin may be contaminated, or become soiled during use. Diners frequently pick up utensils from the table or napkin and put them in their mouths. This repeated picking up and putting down of utensils, as well as the act of shoving chopsticks on the table or napkin, can cause discomfort and potentially lead to bacterial infections and other personal hygiene problems, especially considering that many pathogens are transmitted through the mouth and respiratory tract. This is a serious issue that cannot be ignored.

[0003] In traditional Korean dining culture, chopsticks and spoons are usually placed on the table or its surface. After the meal, any remaining stains on the table or its surface are wiped off with a cloth.

[0004] If you don't wash it with water, it's difficult to completely clean the residue on the table surface.

[0005] Moreover, contaminated spoons and chopsticks are repeatedly put into the mouth.

[0006] In addition, many people do not use the front plate when dining at family tables or restaurants.

[0007] Instead, one can pick up and eat the prepared side dishes as needed.

[0008] When taking a large amount of food, people usually put it in their rice bowl or return it to the original side dish plate and take an appropriate amount. In fact, many people's chopsticks frequently touch the shared side dishes.

[0009] In addition, containers for condiments (soy sauce, chili sauce, bean paste, dipping sauce, mustard, etc.) are often shared.

[0010] That is, it was used in a rather unsanitary state under conditions where the possibility of contamination was relatively high.

[0011] Because of these issues, some people are hesitant to dine at restaurants.

[0012] Research shows that the number of bacteria on a dining table (referring to a restaurant table as a standard) is at least twice that of a cutting board, and the number of bacteria on the cloths used to wipe the table is even more alarming. Therefore, many people lay out napkins when dining in restaurants and place their spoons and chopsticks on them. However, the hygiene of napkins is not ideal either; substances such as fluorescent whitening agents, which are harmful to humans and invisible to the naked eye, have been found on them.

[0013] Sometimes, people wipe the table surface with a damp towel or wet paper towel, but this is not a fundamental solution and is not ideal.

[0014] The hygiene of spoons and chopsticks placed on the dining table is especially important and closely related to health because they need to be put into the mouth and then taken out.

[0015] Unlike Westerners who use both hands to use utensils such as spoons, forks, and knives, Koreans and some East Asians habitually use one hand alternately to use spoons and chopsticks. Furthermore, to align the chopsticks, they often shove them together on the table surface, thus directly exposing them to the risk of bacterial infection. (This invention can prevent various foreign objects and bacteria from adhering to the dining table.)

[0016] Cleaning the table surface after meals is also unhygienic and laborious. Often, unclean cloths are used to wipe it down.

[0017] To this end, supports for tableware have been developed, examples of which include patent documents 1 to 3.

[0018] Patent document 1 (Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2014-0055862, "Spoon and Chopstick Holder") includes: a base plate for placing on a table, and having a fixing recess formed along one side edge; a support plate located at a predetermined height from the base plate, on which a spoon or chopstick can be placed; a first support piece folded and extending along a first fold line along one side edge of the support plate, and having a fixing protrusion that snaps into the fixing recess of the base plate, maintaining the support plate protruding from the base plate; and a second support piece folded and extending along a second fold line along the other side edge of the support plate, connecting to the base plate, and maintaining the support plate protruding from the base plate. When the first and second support pieces are not folded along the first and second fold lines, the spoon and chopstick holder is in a planar folded state where the support plate is tightly pressed against the base plate.

[0019] In Patent Document 2 (Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0106439, "Standard Cutlery Holder"), the holder for placing and supporting cutlery has a spoon and chopstick placement groove corresponding to the bottom shape of the spoon and chopsticks and a chopstick placement groove corresponding to the shape of the chopsticks. A border ridge is formed on the edge of the bottom surface to prevent external impurities from entering the placement groove. A handle support groove is formed on the part of the border ridge corresponding to the handle of the spoon and chopsticks to support the cutlery and raise the handle of the spoon and chopsticks placed in the placement groove relative to the table. Magnets are provided in the spoon and chopstick placement groove and the chopstick placement groove.

[0020] Patent document 3 (Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2083756, "Spoon and Chopstick Holder") includes: a main body having at least one resting portion for holding spoons and chopsticks, and a mounting portion inside; a sensing means installed in the mounting portion of the main body and individually arranged on the underside of the resting portion to sense whether spoons and chopsticks are placed; a control unit installed in the mounting portion of the main body, connected to the sensing means and receiving the input sensing signal, and performing calculations on dining time, number of placements, and placement time; and an output unit connected to the control unit on one side of the main body, outputting the processing results of the control unit through a screen and a speaker. The mounting portion of the main body is equipped with an electromagnet, which is individually arranged on the underside of the resting portion and has a built-in mechanism for interacting with... The control unit is linked to a switch and selectively electromagnetically senses the resting part. The electromagnet is configured to turn on during the placement period based on the calculations processed by the control unit, maintaining the spoons and chopsticks placed on the resting part in an attached state to limit their use. The output unit includes the following components so that the user of the spoons and chopsticks can perceive them: a meal time display unit for displaying the result of the control unit's counting, i.e., the time required from the start of the drive from the setting button on one side until the drive is restarted; a placement count display unit for displaying the number of times the control unit counts each time the sensing means senses the spoons and chopsticks on the resting part; and a placement time display unit for displaying the result of the control unit counting down within a preset time period from the start of the sensing means sensing the spoons and chopsticks on the resting part. Although various spoon and chopstick holders as described above have been developed, in Patent Documents 1 and 3, by supporting the part of the spoon and chopsticks that contacts the mouth, only this part is separated from the table and suspended in the air, while the handle part remains in contact with the table.

[0021] As mentioned above, when the handle is in contact with the table, it is difficult to pick up the spoon and chopsticks again.

[0022] Moreover, the tableware is not easy to place stably, and the placed tableware is often disturbed during the meal due to being touched.

[0023] Patent Document 2, for functional reasons, does not use iron materials to manufacture tableware, thus preventing the use of magnets. Even if magnets were used, the insertion of magnets during mold making and shaping would be challenging. In other words, the manufacturing difficulty leads to increased costs and slow production speeds during mass production, making the manufacturing process extremely difficult. The quadrilateral portion for holding spoons and chopsticks is not designed with the plate height relative to the tabletop, potentially causing the entire support to wobble. The portion of the plate where the spoon and chopstick heads are placed actually obstructs food removal. In other words, the slot for the spoon and chopstick heads in the plate is meaningless, allowing broth from the food to accumulate and mix with subsequent food. The spoon head slot is constantly touched by broth dripping from the bottom of the spoon head, making it unhygienic. Furthermore, without a condiment slot, condiments placed on the plate will mix with other food. The quadrilateral frame also causes inconvenience when washing the tableware, leading to dirt and grime buildup. Utility Model Content

[0024] [Technical Issues]

[0025] The present invention aims to solve the problems in the prior art. Specifically, the bottom of the spoon head and the tip of the chopsticks on the dining table will come into contact with the table surface, causing the table surface and tableware to interfere with each other and cause contamination. In addition, in catering establishments and homes, the need to repeatedly put tableware into the mouth and take it out leads to poor hygiene. At the same time, the need to share serving bowls and sauce bowls leads to uncleanliness and unhygienic disadvantages during continuous use.

[0026] Furthermore, in order to conveniently, safely, and hygienically address the shortcomings of the prior art, a plate with integrated functions that also serves as a cutlery support is provided. This is achieved by combining a cutlery support for spoons and chopsticks, as well as a condiment trough, into a single unit on the front plate. By supporting the cutlery, the spoons and chopsticks do not come into contact with the tabletop. In particular, the trough at the bottom of the spoon head collects any accumulated broth, preventing interference and contamination between the cutlery and the tabletop. Condiments and side dishes are placed in the condiment trough and plate before eating. If necessary, chopsticks can be tucked down on the plate, ensuring a clean and hygienic dining experience for both the user and others. The spoon handle remains suspended above the tabletop, allowing for a smooth and easy grip on the spoon and chopsticks. This breaks down inconvenient and unhygienic experiences and fixed notions of dining culture, transforming it into a more convenient, safe, clean, and civilized dining experience.

[0027] [Technical Solution]

[0028] An embodiment provides a plate 100 that also serves as a cutlery support. One side has a plate portion 200 for holding food, and the other side is used to hold and support a spoon 400 and chopsticks 500. It includes a spoon placement groove 101 and a chopstick placement groove 102, a condiment groove 108 at its lower part, and an integrally formed plate portion 200 on one side. The plate 100 also serves as a cutlery support and includes a baffle 103 that allows the bottom surface 401 of the spoon head to be suspended in the air. The plate 100 also includes a condiment groove 108 that acts as a stabilizing leg 110. The spoon placement groove 101 of the plate 100 further... The plate 100, which also serves as a utensil support, has an inclined surface 111 for catching and allowing the soup accumulated on the bottom surface 401 of the spoon head to flow out, and a water reservoir 104 for preserving the soup. The spoon placement groove of the plate 100 is further symmetrically formed with a baffle 103 that allows the bottom surface 401 of the spoon head to be suspended in the air, and a water reservoir 104 for catching and preserving the soup accumulated on the bottom surface 401 of the spoon head. The inner edge 201 of the plate part 201 for holding food and the inner edge 109 of the condiment tray of the plate 100, which also serves as a utensil support, are further formed with an air vent 202 for draining water and air when stacked. The plate 100, which also serves as a utensil support, is shaped like a peanut and a roly-poly toy.

[0029] On the other hand, a plate 100 that also serves as a cutlery support can be provided, wherein the plate 100 that also serves as a cutlery support is further symmetrically formed on one side of the plate portion 200, which includes a partition plate 103 that allows the bottom surface 401 of the spoon head to be suspended in the air, and a water tank 104 and a condiment tank 108 included in the spoon placement groove 101 for holding and storing the soup and food accumulated on the bottom surface 401 of the spoon head.

[0030] On the other hand, a plate 100 that also serves as a cutlery support can be provided, wherein, in order to ensure that the plate 100 does not wobble and is stable during use and storage, the plate portion 200 and the condiment trough 108 are formed at the same height 203 with the table surface as a reference.

[0031] On the other hand, a plate 100 that also serves as a cutlery support can be provided, wherein the plate 100 is made of at least one of the following materials: heat-resistant synthetic resin, plastic, heat-resistant glass, ceramic material, melamine, stainless steel, wood, and silicone.

[0032] [Beneficial Effects]

[0033] According to the present invention, a plate that also serves as a cutlery support, as described above.

[0034] It can solve the following problems: when the bottom of the spoon head and the tip of the chopsticks come into contact with the tabletop, the tabletop and tableware become contaminated with foreign objects due to mutual interference and contact. In commercial restaurants and homes, the need to repeatedly put tableware into the mouth and take it out, as well as the need to share serving bowls and sauce bowls, results in the tableware being in a constantly unclean and unhygienic state of use.

[0035] By integrating the functions of spoon and chopstick holders, individual plates, and individual condiment containers on the dining table, the system achieves convenient management, ensuring that both the user and the other party can enjoy a clean and hygienic dining environment, while also enhancing the quality and style of the dining culture.

[0036] Specifically, this invention features a cutlery holder that supports the handles of the spoons and chopsticks, keeping them suspended above the dining table for easy handling and placement. Furthermore, the bottom of the spoon is designed with a partition-like baffle structure, and the part connecting the baffle to the water reservoir has a sloping surface. This allows any soup accumulating at the bottom of the spoon to be caught by the baffle and flow naturally into the water reservoir, creating a soup-collecting structure that prevents contamination or disturbance to the dining table, ensuring clean use of the spoon.

[0037] At this point, the sloping structure connecting the baffle and the water tank also has the advantages of preventing foreign objects from getting stuck and making it easy to clean when washing dishes.

[0038] Furthermore, the condiment tray and plate section are set at the same height based on the table surface, providing stable support. When the dishes are opened and stacked upside down after washing, water and air are drained through the drainage channel, facilitating drying and preventing them from sticking together. They can be removed one by one for use. Like ordinary plates, they can be stacked, thus taking up less storage space.

[0039] In addition, to facilitate the cleaning of tableware, all curved parts of the plate, which also serves as a tableware support, are rounded to prevent foreign objects from getting stuck in the gaps, and there are no sharp parts, so they will not cause hand cuts.

[0040] In addition, Western cutlery such as forks, knives and spoons can be used.

[0041] As a supplementary effect

[0042] This utility model is an ideal choice for meeting the needs of national health and hygiene, and is very suitable for both initial epidemic prevention materials and globally applicable epidemic prevention materials (the human mouth and respiratory tract are the most vulnerable parts for all bacterial infections).

[0043] In addition, it is expected to have a positive impact on providing hygienic food in restaurants and other establishments and on changing dining culture (as customers’ awareness of hygiene, safety and taste is further enhanced, it will help increase sales).

[0044] In addition, this invention can also be used as a rice bowl or soup bowl. (For infants and children, this invention can also be used as a simple dining plate.)

[0045] In addition, since it does not come into contact with the table surface, there is no need to lay down a napkin, the table surface will not be soiled by food residue, and it can also prevent secondary pollution caused by pests such as flies.

[0046] Therefore, the plate that doubles as a tableware support of this invention can make our dining culture cleaner and more hygienic, and further contribute to national health. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 These are a perspective view and a partial enlarged view of a plate that also serves as a cutlery support, according to an example of this utility model.

[0048] Figure 2 This is a top view of a plate that also serves as a cutlery support, according to an example of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 3 This is a side view of a plate that also serves as a cutlery support, according to an example of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 4 This is a top view of a plate that also serves as a cutlery support, according to an example of the present invention, with cutlery placed on it.

[0051] Figure 5 This is a top view of a plate that also serves as a cutlery support, according to an example of the present invention, with cutlery placed on it (suitable for both left-handed and right-handed users).

[0052] Figure 6 This is another example of a plate that also serves as a cutlery support according to the present invention (a unfolding type specifically for left-handed and right-handed users).

[0053] Figure 7 This is a perspective view (for right-handed use) of a plate that also serves as a cutlery support, according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0054] This utility model can be modified and implemented in various ways, and specific embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, which will be described in detail below. However, this is not intended to limit this utility model to specific implementations, but should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, or substitutions within the scope of the inventive concept and technology.

[0055] In describing the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals are used to indicate similar constituent elements. If a detailed description of relevant well-known technologies would be considered to obscure the essence of this invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0056] This invention provides a device that can stably and hygienically support tableware (spoons, chopsticks, forks, knives), which not only prevents the tableware from being contaminated, but also makes it easier to pick up spoons and chopsticks by hand because the tableware is supported at a certain height above the table.

[0057] The plate that doubles as a cutlery support according to this utility model is a plate used to place and support cutlery such as spoons, chopsticks, forks, and knives. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, it can be formed into the shape of a dinner plate.

[0058] Reference Figures 1 to 7 The plate 100 of this utility model, which also serves as a cutlery support, can be divided into a first part 100a and a second part 100b. The first part 100a is used to hold a large amount of food, such as rice or soup, while the second part 100b is used to hold spoons, chopsticks, and a small amount of food, such as condiments. The bottom edge region of the second part 100b has a spoon placement groove 101 with the same shape as the bottom surface 401 of the spoon head, and a chopstick placement groove 102 corresponding to the shape of the chopsticks 500. The spoon placement groove 101 is located close to the first part 100a, and the chopstick placement groove 102 is located close to the spoon placement groove 101, with the spoon placement groove 101 positioned between the chopstick placement groove 102 and the first part 100a. Furthermore, a baffle 103, forming an upright partition for placing the bottom surface 401 of the spoon head, is formed at the edge end of the second part 100a. This baffle directly holds the broth accumulated by the spoon. An inclined surface 111 is formed on the inner side of the baffle, allowing the broth accumulated on the bottom surface 401 of the spoon head to flow naturally and be stored in a circular water reservoir 104. This reservoir has a shape that prevents the bottom surface of the spoon from contacting the stored broth. In other words, the water reservoir 104 can accommodate a portion of the bottom surface 104 of the spoon head.

[0059] As shown in the figure, the spoon placement groove 101 is formed by connecting corresponding grooves on the head of the spoon 400 for holding food and the handle extending from the head. The portion of the bottom surface 401 for placing the spoon head is deeper than the portion for placing the spoon handle 402. The placement grooves 101 on the bottom surface 401 of the spoon head are formed on one side and the other side of the edge of the second part 100b, respectively, and they are connected by a groove for accommodating the spoon handle 402, forming a single groove. Furthermore, by forming grooves on one side and the other side of the edge of the second part 100b, i.e., in the vertical direction, both left-handed and right-handed users can use it.

[0060] A recess a formed in the second part 100b and formed by the groove for accommodating the spoon handle part 402 and the mounting groove 101 may be formed in the boundary area between the first part 100a and the second part 100b.

[0061] The chopsticks holder 102 is designed according to the shape of chopsticks, and is slightly wider and longer, forming on the portion separated from the spoon holder 101. As described above, the handles of the spoons and chopsticks placed in the spoon holder 101 and the chopsticks holder 102 are kept at a certain distance from the table surface, making them more convenient to hold by hand.

[0062] The chopstick placement groove 102 is composed of grooves with specific depths formed on one side and the other side of the edge region of the second part 100b. That is, the chopstick placement groove 102 can be formed on the upper and lower sides of the edge region of the second part 100b.

[0063] A seasoning trough 108 may be formed in the central area of ​​the second part 100b. On the upper surface of the second part 100b, excluding the seasoning trough 108, the previously described spoon placement groove 101, a groove for placing the spoon handle portion 402, and a chopstick placement groove 102 may be formed. A second recess b is formed between the spoon placement groove 101 and the groove for placing the spoon handle portion 402 and the seasoning trough 108, and a third recess c is formed between the spoon placement groove 101 and the chopstick placement groove 102.

[0064] If the chopsticks are housed in chopstick holder slots 102 formed on one side and the other side of the edge region of the second part 100b, the chopsticks will traverse the condiment trough 108. That is, the middle region of the chopsticks will be positioned facing the condiment trough 108.

[0065] In addition, the longitudinal depth of the mounting groove 105 on the handle of the spoon and the mounting groove 106 on the handle of the chopsticks forms a groove 107 to prevent the spoon and chopsticks from falling off to the left or right.

[0066] Furthermore, the first part 100a, which is equivalent to the plate 100 of this utility model that also serves as a tableware support, can be integrally formed with the second part 100b as a plate part 200 that can hold food.

[0067] The plate section 200 can be used as a front plate for holding food and serving it.

[0068] In addition, the plate 100, which also serves as a cutlery support, has a condiment tray 108 located below the spoon and chopstick holders, which can be used to hold various condiments.

[0069] Furthermore, when stacked, the inner edge 201 of the plate used for placing food and the inner edge 109 of the condiment tray are formed with moisture and air drainage channels 202.

[0070] In addition, to ensure that the tableware does not wobble and remains stable when used and stored, the plate section and condiment tray are set at the same height 203 with the tabletop as the reference and the legs 110 based on the table surface to provide stability.

[0071] Furthermore, this invention can also accommodate forks and knives, and may even include additional storage spaces.

[0072] In addition, the 100 plate, which also serves as a cutlery holder, is a product series featuring a variety of designs, including the 600 which is suitable for both left and right hands, the 700 which is an unfoldable type specifically for both left and right hands, and the 800 which is specifically for right hands.

[0073] Furthermore, this invention can create a wide variety of characters (including animal characters, such as bears or rabbits, roly-poly toys, snowmen, peanuts, etc., as well as characters that infants and toddlers prefer).

[0074] In addition, the plate 100, which also serves as a cutlery holder, can achieve diverse promotional effects by adding various designs such as patterns, illustrations, and text (when used in business premises and commercial activities, it can also be used to promote advertising by adding advertising text and illustrations).

[0075] In addition, the plate 100, which also serves as a cutlery support, can be made of unbreakable plastic, synthetic resin, melamine, or high-strength and heat-resistant glass. It can also be made of other materials such as ceramic, stainless steel, wood, stone, and silicone.

[0076] In this embodiment, if a spoon is used to scoop soup, the soup will accumulate at the bottom of the spoon. The soup accumulated at the bottom of the spoon will be caught by a baffle and flow down the slope, eventually being stored in a water tank.

[0077] Furthermore, the embodiment also includes a plate that doubles as a cutlery support, which can be placed upside down after washing for easy storage.

[0078] Furthermore, the embodiment prevents contamination between the table and the spoons and chopsticks when taking or placing spoons and chopsticks on the table.

[0079] Industrial applicability

[0080] This invention can be applied to the field of dining plate technology.

Claims

1. A plate (100) that also serves as a cutlery support, having a plate portion (200) on one side for holding food, and a side for arranging and supporting a spoon (400) and chopsticks (500), characterized in that, It has a spoon holder (101) and a chopstick holder (102), a condiment holder (108) is formed at the bottom, and an integrally formed plate part (200) is formed on one side. The plate (100) that also serves as a cutlery support has a baffle (103) that allows the bottom surface (401) of the spoon head to be suspended in the air. The plate (100) that also serves as a cutlery support has a condiment trough (108) that acts as a stable leg (110). The spoon holder (101) of the plate (100) that also serves as a cutlery support is further formed with an inclined surface (111) for catching and allowing soup to flow from the bottom surface (401) of the spoon head and a water reservoir (104) for preserving the soup. The spoon placement slot of the plate (100), which also serves as a cutlery support, is further symmetrically formed with a baffle (103) that allows the bottom surface (401) of the spoon head to be suspended in the air, and a water tank (104) that collects and preserves the soup accumulated on the bottom surface (401) of the spoon head. The inner edge (201) of the food-holding portion and the inner edge (109) of the condiment trough of the plate (100) that also serves as a tableware support are further formed with an air vent (202) for draining moisture and air when stacked. The plate (100) that also serves as a cutlery support is shaped like a peanut and a roly-poly toy.

2. The plate that also serves as a cutlery support as described in claim 1, characterized in that... , The plate (100) that also serves as a cutlery support is further symmetrically formed on one side of the plate portion (200). It includes a baffle (103) that allows the bottom surface (401) of the spoon head to be suspended in the air, and a water tank (104) and a condiment tank (108) included in the spoon placement groove (101) for holding and storing the soup and food accumulated on the bottom surface (401) of the spoon head.

3. The plate that also serves as a cutlery support as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The plate (100), which also serves as a cutlery support, is designed to be stable and not wobble during use and storage. The plate portion (200) and the condiment tray (108) are formed at the same height (203) with the table surface as a reference.

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