Break-proof tableware

Abstract

The invention relates to a flexible cover for an item of tableware and to an item of tableware having a flexible cover, the flexible cover having a base and an edge adjoining the base, the flexible cover being designed to be removably attachable to the item of tableware in a top and a bottom attachment position so that, in the bottom attachment position, the outer surface of the item of tableware is at least partially encased and, in the top attachment position, the opening in the item of tableware is covered.

Description

[0001] SHATTER-RESISTANT DINNERWARE

[0002] The invention relates to a flexible cover for a dining utensil and a dining utensil with a flexible cover, wherein the flexible cover has a base and an adjoining edge.

[0003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Dinnerware for weaning babies and children's dishes are usually made of plastic materials, such as melamine and plastic. Dinnerware made of these materials has the advantage of being unbreakable. However, these materials can release harmful and toxic substances at higher temperatures, especially at eating temperatures. Therefore, dinnerware made of melamine, for example, should not be heated in the microwave.

[0005] In contrast, glass or ceramic tableware is non-toxic, harmless, safe, and environmentally friendly. However, these materials are very fragile and therefore less suitable for use with young children.

[0006] There is therefore an urgent need for tableware that is non-toxic and harmless to health, as well as shatterproof.

[0007] Such a tableware is disclosed, for example, in CN 215457083 U, which describes a children's supplementary food bowl with a bowl body and a bowl cover. The bowl cover serves as a lid, while the bowl body has an inner bowl made of a hard material, such as glass, and an outer, removable bowl made of a soft material, such as silicone. Due to an opening, the bowl cover does not allow for airtight and liquid-tight storage of food.

[0008] Another dinnerware item is disclosed in CN 214855834 U, in which a ceramic dinnerware item is made shatter-proof by means of a silicone protective cover attached to the exterior. The silicone protective cover features grid-like thickening strips. However, this dinnerware item does not offer any means of storing food leftovers.

[0009] Another way to make ceramic or glass tableware shatterproof is shown in US 2022 / 402655 A1, which discloses a flexible protective cover for containers that can also be placed over bowls or the like to create a shatterproof outer surface. However, due to its shape and the special design of the upper edge, the protective cover cannot be used as a lid.

[0010] US 2004 / 0191369 A1 discloses a flexible cover for covering dishes in the sense of a "lid." This cover serves to preserve perishable products in a container and can be made of silicone. However, the cover does not provide any protection against breakage for the container.

[0011] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a shatter-proof, scald-proof and non-slip tableware which does not release any toxic substances under any circumstances and therefore ensures unrestricted food safety and at the same time enables easy storage of food leftovers.

[0013] This object is achieved by a flexible cover for eating utensils and by eating utensils with a flexible cover, wherein the flexible cover has a base and an adjoining edge, wherein the flexible cover is designed to be detachably attachable to the eating utensil in an upper and a lower attachment position, so that in the lower attachment position the outer surface of the eating utensil is at least partially covered and in the upper attachment position the opening of the eating utensil is covered.

[0014] The flexible cover thus allows for shatter-proof, scald-proof and non-slip eating utensils, regardless of the material of the actual eating utensils. This means that the eating utensils can be made of ceramic, such as porcelain, or glass and yet still be made shatter-proof, scald-proof and non-slip with the help of the flexible cover. This is made possible by attaching the cover to the outer surface of the eating utensils in the lower attachment position. In the lower attachment position, the flexible cover envelops at least part of the outer surface of the eating utensils. This is preferably achieved in that the cover, in particular the base and rim, are designed in such a way that the inside of the cover is shaped to complement this part of the outer surface of the eating utensils, i.e. it lies directly against the part of the outer surface of the eating utensils that is to be enclosed. The eating utensils including the flexible cover can therefore be used safely as eating utensils for babies and small children.Particularly preferred is the flexible cover that is significantly less thermally conductive than the tableware itself, thus protecting against scalding when, for example, babies or small children touch the tableware. By making the inner surface of the tableware from safe materials such as ceramic or glass, it can be guaranteed that no toxic or harmful substances are released into the food.

[0015] On the other hand, the flexible cover also allows food to be stored in eating utensils by placing the cover over the opening of the eating utensil in the upper attachment position. Especially with babies and small children, there are often leftover food items that have to be transferred to plastic eating utensils for storage, as food cannot be safely stored in plastic eating utensils. In addition, most food in plastic eating utensils cannot be heated in the microwave. In contrast, food can be safely stored in glass or ceramic eating utensils, although this requires a lid to enable storage. The flexible cover can be used as a lid by placing it over the opening of the eating utensil (upper attachment position).Particularly preferably, the cover, when attached to the top, allows for airtight and liquid-tight storage, making the dinnerware suitable for transport. Because the cover simultaneously provides an airtight seal, food can be stored for extended periods. Furthermore, the dinnerware remains highly shatter-resistant even when the flexible cover is used as a lid. After storage, the food in the dinnerware according to the invention can also be safely heated in a microwave.

[0016] In a preferred design, the cover is made of silicone. The material properties of silicone, particularly its elasticity, provide the desired flexibility and cushioning. Silicone can serve as break protection to protect the dinnerware if it is dropped on the floor, for example. Furthermore, silicone can serve as heat insulation and protect the surface of the table on which the dinnerware containing hot food or liquids is placed. It also prevents babies or small children from burning their hands on the dinnerware. Silicone also provides a non-slip surface for the dinnerware. Silicone is also airtight and liquid-tight, so the dinnerware can be covered with a silicone cover to ensure it is airtight and liquid-tight.

[0017] The cover can also be made from another elastomer, such as natural rubber. Furthermore, the flexible cover can have at least one tab on the edge. The tab is preferably located on the upper edge, i.e. at the end of the edge opposite the base of the cover. With the help of the at least one tab, the cover can be easily attached both over the outside of a piece of dining equipment in the lower attachment position and over the opening of a piece of dining equipment in the upper attachment position. If the cover has at least two tabs, the eating equipment can also be lifted using these tabs when the cover is attached to the outside of the equipment.

[0018] In another design variant, the flexible cover is designed to wrap the entire outer surface of a piece of tableware when attached at the bottom. This achieves maximum break resistance and maximum heat protection. It is particularly preferred that the upper edge of the flexible cover does not extend beyond the edge of the tableware, meaning the flexible cover sits flush with the tableware. This prevents the flexible cover from coming into contact with food and beverages contained in the tableware.

[0019] The flexible cover can also cover only part of the outer surface, e.g. half, of the eating utensil. For example, the eating utensil could be a drinking cup, where only part of the outer surface is covered by the flexible cover. By the flexible cover covering the area of ​​the cup in the lower attachment position where the drinking cup is held, heat protection can also be achieved. By the flexible cover covering the lower area of ​​the drinking cup, the drinking cup can be made non-slip. In addition, the flexible cover can also perform a lid function in the upper attachment position by the cover being pulled over the opening of the drinking cup.

[0020] Preferably, the base of the flexible sleeve is located substantially above the outer surface of the base of the eating utensil in the lower attachment position and substantially above the opening of the eating utensil in the upper attachment position. The specialist will generally adapt the base of the flexible sleeve to the shape and size of the base and opening of the eating utensil in order to align them with regard to the attachment positions. Particularly preferably, when the sleeve is used to cover the outer surface of the eating utensil, the base of the sleeve is substantially congruent with the base of the eating utensil, and when the sleeve is used as a lid, the base of the sleeve is substantially congruent with the opening of the eating utensil.

[0021] In another embodiment, the flexible sleeve includes at least one opening, preferably in the base area. This opening allows, for example, cutlery or a straw to be passed through when the sleeve is in the upper attachment position. For example, a drinking cup with a flexible sleeve can be closed in the upper attachment position and fitted with a straw, allowing drinking from the cup to continue. This makes the drinking cup or any other eating utensil very easy to carry and use as a to-go cup.

[0022] In one design variant, the dinnerware is made of glass or ceramic. As already explained in detail, dinnerware made of glass or ceramic allows for food-safe use. Particularly preferred is that the dinnerware is shatterproof, scald-proof, slip-resistant, and free of harmful substances. This is made possible by the materials and combinations described above, which can also make dinnerware made of glass or ceramic shatterproof and slip-resistant.

[0023] With regard to the choice of material, it is generally preferred that the flexible cover is made of a first material and the eating utensil is made of a second material, wherein the first material differs from the second material in that it has greater flexibility, greater resistance to breakage, better slip resistance and / or poorer thermal conductivity.

[0024] Preferably, the shape of the flexible cover is generally adapted to the shape of the tableware so as to directly wrap its outer surface in the attachment positions. Due to the flexibility of the material, some deviation can be tolerated.

[0025] Furthermore, the diameter of the flexible cover can be slightly larger than the diameter of the dinnerware. This ensures a snug fit, both as a covering for the dinnerware and as a lid.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the flexible cover is adapted to the outer shape of the tableware on the inside, i.e., on the side facing the tableware in the attachment positions. On the outside, the choice of the shape of the flexible cover is more flexible.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the outer shell can have at least one, preferably several, reinforced areas, i.e., locations where the material of the flexible shell is thicker than in other areas. It has been shown that reinforced areas can optimize break protection. The reinforced areas can be formed around the edge, e.g., as ring-shaped slats in a circular-cylindrical dinnerware item. A surrounding reinforced area at the transition between the base and the edge and / or at the edge end is also preferred.

[0028] Furthermore, the surface of the flexible cover can be smooth or structured.

[0029] Furthermore, the tableware can be glasses, plates, cups, bowls, or mugs. By adapting to the shape of the tableware, the flexible cover, with its two different attachment positions, provides a shatter-proof and non-slip covering, as well as a preferably airtight and liquid-tight cover for tableware of any shape.

[0030] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Further advantages and details of the invention are explained below with reference to the following figures and figure descriptions.

[0032] It shows:

[0033] Fig. 1a - lc a dining utensil with a flexible cover according to the invention in the lower attachment position in a perspective view (Fig. 1a), a view from above (Fig. 1b) and a side view (Fig. 1c).

[0034] Fig. 2 an exploded view of the eating utensil and the flexible cover.

[0035] Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the flexible cover in a perspective view.

[0036] Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of the flexible cover in a view from below.

[0037] Fig. 5 a dining utensil with flexible cover in upper attachment position in a view from below.

[0038] Fig. 6a and 6b show another embodiment of the eating utensil, including the matching flexible cover, in the lower attachment position, in a perspective view (Fig. 6a) and a view from above (Fig. 6b). Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of the flexible cover in a view from below.

[0039] Fig. 8 shows a cross-section of the flexible sleeve in use as a lid on a tableware with a specially designed upper edge.

[0040] Fig. 9 shows a cross-section of the flexible sleeve in use as a lid on a tableware with a specially designed upper edge.

[0041] Fig. 10 a - 10 c show an embodiment of the flexible cover with externally reinforced areas in a perspective view (Fig. 10a), a view from above (Fig. 10b) and a side view (Fig. 10c), wherein the representation is transparent and deeper construction lines are shown in dashed lines.

[0042] Fig. 1a - 1c show a flexible cover 1 with an edge 2 and a base 3 in connection with a piece of eating utensils 4, wherein the eating utensils are attached in the lower attachment position. The flexible cover 1 has a base 3 and an adjoining edge 2. The flexible cover 1 can be detachably attached to a piece of eating utensils 4 in a lower attachment position, as shown in Fig. 1a - 1c. In Fig. 1a it can be seen that in the lower attachment position the outer surface of the eating utensils 4 is at least partially enclosed. In the embodiment in Fig. 1a the entire outer surface of the eating utensils 4 is enclosed by the flexible cover 1, so that the eating utensils 4 are completely protected from breakage on the one hand, and maximum protection against scalding is guaranteed on the other, since only the inside of the eating utensils 4, in which the food is located, is exposed.Particularly preferably, the flexible cover 1, in the lower attachment position, is flush with the upper edge of the eating utensil 4, to which the opening of the eating utensil 4 adjoins. This prevents the flexible cover 1 from coming into contact with food located in the eating utensil 4.

[0043] 2 to 5 show a further embodiment. The exploded view in Fig. 2 shows the interaction between the flexible cover 1 and the eating utensil 4, which is half removed here. Figs. 3 and 4 show the flexible cover of this embodiment from above and below. The base 3 of the flexible cover 1 can be located essentially above the outer side of the base of the eating utensil 4 in the lower attachment position, as shown in Fig. 4. The illustration in Fig. 4 also corresponds to the illustration of the flexible cover with a eating utensil in the upper attachment position, since in this case the eating utensil would not be visible. As also shown in Fig. 5, the flexible cover 1 can also be detachably attached to a eating utensil 4 in an upper attachment position. In this upper attachment position, the opening of the eating utensil 4 is covered, so that the flexible cover 1 takes on the function of a lid.Particularly preferably, the bottom 3 of the flexible cover 1 in the upper attachment position essentially covers the opening of the eating utensil 4. In Fig. 5, the eating utensil 4 is shown from below, wherein in the illustrated embodiment, the edge 2 of the flexible cover 1 is flush with the lower bottom 6 of the eating utensil 4.

[0044] The flexible cover 1 is particularly preferably made of an elastomer. The elastomer can be silicone, for example. In this case, the flexible cover 1 is extremely elastic and can be easily attached to a piece of dining equipment 4 in the upper or lower attachment position. Furthermore, silicone serves as break protection and thermal insulation for the piece of dining equipment 4. Furthermore, silicone provides a non-slip base for the piece of dining equipment 4 in the lower attachment position and an airtight and liquid-tight cover for the piece of dining equipment 4 in the upper attachment position. However, the elastomer can be any other elastomer, such as natural rubber.

[0045] Furthermore, the surface of the flexible sheath 1 can be smooth or structured. In the structured embodiment, the flexible sheath 1 can, for example, have a honeycomb or grooved surface.

[0046] As shown in the embodiments in the figures, the flexible cover 1 particularly preferably comprises at least one tab 5 on the edge 2. With the aid of the tab 5, the flexible cover 1 can be very easily attached to the eating utensil 4 in the upper or lower attachment position and also removed again.

[0047] The tableware 4 can be made of glass or ceramic. These materials allow for a non-toxic, harmless, safe, and environmentally friendly tableware 4, which, however, is neither shatterproof, scald-proof, nor slip-resistant. However, with the help of the flexible cover 1 according to the invention in the lower attachment position, the tableware 4 also becomes shatterproof, scald-proof, and slip-resistant, and is also free of harmful substances.

[0048] Particularly preferably, the diameter of the flexible sleeve 1 is slightly larger than the diameter of the tableware 4, so that the flexible sleeve 1 can be attached to the tableware 4 in the upper or lower attachment position. The tableware 4 can be glasses, plates, cups, bowls, or mugs, which can have any shape. Typically, such tableware essentially corresponds to the shape mathematically described as a general cylinder. The shape of the opening and base of the tableware (corresponding to the cylinder base area) is free, but both are advantageously similarly shaped.

[0049] Figs. 6a, 6b and 7 show, by way of example, an elliptical snack plate, to whose shape the flexible sleeve 1 has also been adapted. The eating utensil 4 – in the form of an elliptical snack plate – has a straight edge, against which the edge 2 of the flexible sleeve 1 can rest. Due to the elasticity of the flexible sleeve 1, the edge 2 of the eating utensil 4 can, however, also have a different shape, for example, it can be curved or have a bead. Nevertheless, the edge 2 of the flexible sleeve 1 can be slipped over the edge of the eating utensil 4 and, if necessary, rest against it. Thus, the flexible sleeve 1 can be very easily adapted to any shape of the eating utensil 4.

[0050] In the embodiment shown, the width of the opening of the eating utensil 4 essentially corresponds to the width of the base of the eating utensil 4. This allows the flexible cover 1 to be optimally attached to the eating utensil 4 in the upper and lower attachment positions, enabling, on the one hand, complete break resistance and, on the other hand, a tight covering of the eating utensil 4.

[0051] In a further embodiment, the flexible cover 1, in the upper attachment position, covers the opening of the eating utensil 4 in an airtight and liquid-tight manner. One possibility for achieving such an airtight and liquid-tight cover is provided by a special design of the upper part of the edge 2 of the flexible cover 1, i.e. the end of the edge 2 opposite the base 3 of the flexible cover 1. Example embodiments are shown in Fig. 8 and 9. In Fig. 8, the upper part of the edge 2 of the flexible cover 1 is bent inwards so that it can engage with the base or opening of the eating utensil 4. In Fig. 9, the upper part of the edge 2 is extended inwards in the shape of a tab so that it can be placed around the edge of the base of the eating utensil 4. This makes it possible to achieve an airtight and liquid-tight cover.However, the flexible cover 1 can also be designed to be airtight and liquid-tight without any special design of the upper part of the rim 2, for example by the flexible cover 1 fitting tightly around the eating utensil 4. In a further embodiment, which is shown in Figs. 10 a - 10 c, the flexible cover has reinforced areas on the outside. The flexible cover 1 has two annular, circumferential, reinforced areas 7 and 7' on the edge 2, which taper towards the outside and can be referred to as slats. A further annular, circumferential reinforcement 7" is clearly visible in the side view in Fig. 10 c and is arranged at the transition between the edge 2 and the base 3 of the flexible cover. The reinforced areas improve protection against breakage if the eating utensil falls down with the cover. A circumferential, reinforced area at the upper end of the rim 2 can also be preferred, since this protects the edge of the opening of the eating utensil.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Flexible cover (1) for a piece of dining utensils (4), the flexible cover (1) having a base (3) and an adjoining edge (2), the flexible cover (1) being designed to be detachably attachable to the piece of dining utensils (4) in an upper and a lower attachment position, such that in the lower attachment position the outer surface of the piece of dining utensils (4) is at least partially enveloped and in the upper attachment position the opening of the piece of dining utensils (4) is covered.

2. Flexible sheath (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sheath (1) is made of an elastomer, preferably silicone.

3. Flexible cover (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the cover (1) has at least one tab (5) on the edge (2).

4. Flexible cover (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the flexible cover (1) in the lower attachment position is adapted to envelop the entire outer surface of the eating utensil (4).

5. Eating utensils (4) with a flexible cover (1), the flexible cover (1) having a base (3) and an adjoining edge (2), the flexible cover (1) being detachably attachable to the eating utensil (4) in an upper and a lower attachment position, the outer surface of the eating utensil (4) being at least partially enveloped by the flexible cover (1) in the lower attachment position, and the opening of the eating utensil (4) being covered by the flexible cover (1) in the upper attachment position.

6. Eating utensil (4) according to claim 5, wherein the bottom (3) of the flexible sleeve (1) is located substantially above the outside of the bottom of the eating utensil (4') in the lower attachment position, wherein the bottom (3) of the flexible sleeve (1) in the upper attachment position substantially covers the opening of the eating utensil (4).

7. Dining tableware (4) according to one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the dining tableware (4) is made of glass or ceramic.

8. Eating utensils (4) according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the flexible cover (1) is made of an elastomer, preferably silicone.

9. Dining utensils (4) according to one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the flexible cover is made of a first material and the dining utensils (4) are made of a second material, wherein the first material differs from the second material in that it has greater flexibility, greater resistance to breakage, better slip resistance and / or poorer thermal conductivity.

10. Eating utensils (4) according to one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the flexible cover (1) in the lower attachment position can cover the entire outer surface of the eating utensils (4).

11. Eating utensils (4) according to one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the diameter of the flexible sleeve (1) is slightly larger than the diameter of the eating utensils (4).

12. Dinnerware (4) according to one of claims 5 to 11, wherein the flexible cover (1) is adapted on the inside to the outer shape of the dinnerware.

13. Dining tableware (4) according to one of claims 5 to 12, wherein the dining tableware (4) is selected from the group comprising glasses, plates, cups, bowls and mugs.

14. Eating utensils (4) according to one of claims 5 to 13, wherein the flexible cover (1) in the upper attachment position covers the opening of the eating utensils (4) in an airtight and liquid-tight manner.

15. Flexible cover (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4 or eating utensils (4) according to one of claims 5 to 14, wherein the flexible cover (1) has at least one reinforced area (7) on the outside, preferably several and / or circumferential, reinforced areas (7, 7', 7").

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