Training plate for placement of cutlery

Abstract

A dining plate includes a flat top surface, a base opposite the flat top surface, and a rim extending upward from the flat top surface and surrounding the flat top surface. A first utensil placement marker, a second utensil placement marker, a third utensil placement marker, a fourth utensil placement marker, a fifth utensil placement marker, and a sixth utensil placement marker are formed in a top edge of the rim of the dining plate.

Description

[0001] TRAINING PLATE FOR PLACEMENT OF CUTLERY

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION^ )

[0003] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 553,228 filed on February 14, 2024, entitled “TRAINING PLATE FOR PLACEMENT OF CUTLERY”, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] The present disclosure relates to plates, and in particular to an improved etiquette training plate.

[0006] In dining etiquette, a knife and fork can be positioned on a plate to subtly communicate various messages to a server. The position of the knife and fork on the plate can convey a different meaning depending on geographical and cultural conventions. According to conventional etiquette in Continental Europe, for example, a patron can communicate to a server that they have paused but intend to continue eating by resting the fork and knife on the plate both angled roughly toward the center of the plate with the fork tines facing down and the knife blade facing inward. According to the corresponding North American etiquette, however, the knife is rested across the top of the plate with the blade facing downward while the fork is placed at a four o’clock position on the plate. Teaching proper dining etiquette can be difficult and time consuming.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] A dining plate includes a flat top surface, a base opposite the flat top surface, and a rim extending upward from the flat top surface and surrounding the flat top surface. A first utensil placement marker is formed in a top edge of the rim of the dining plate between a one o’clock position and a three o’clock position relative to a center point of the flat top surface. A second utensil placement marker is formed in the top edge of the rim of the dining plate between the three o’clock position and a five o’clock position relative to the center point of the flat top surface. A third utensil placement marker is formed in the top edge of the rim of the dining plate between the five o’clock position and a six o’clock position relative to the center point of the flat top surface. A fourth utensil placement marker is formed in the top edge of the rim of the dining plate between the six o’clock position and a seven o’clock position relative to the center point of the flat top surface. A fifth utensil placement marker is formed in the top edge of the rim of the dining plate between the seven o’clock position and a nine o’clock position relative to the center point of the flat top surface. A sixth utensil placement marker is formed in the top edge of the rim of the dining plate between the nine o’clock position and an eleven o’clock position relative to the center point of the flat top surface.

[0009] A dining plate includes a rectangular base, a flat surface formed on a top side of the rectangular base, and a rim extending upward from the top side and surrounding the flat surface. The rim includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side relative to a center point of the dining plate and parallel to the first side. The rim also includes a third side extending from the first side to the second side, and a fourth side extending from the first side to the second side and opposite to the third side relative to the center point of the dining plate. A first utensil placement marker is formed on the third side of the rim between the first side and a midpoint of the third side of the rim. A second utensil placement marker is formed on the third side of the rim between the second side and the midpoint of the third side of the rim. A third utensil placement marker is formed on the second side of the rim between the third side and a midpoint of the second side of the rim. A fourth utensil placement marker is formed on the second side of the rim between the fourth side and the midpoint of the second side of the rim. A fifth utensil placement marker is formed on the fourth side of the rim between the second side and a midpoint of the fourth side of the rim. A sixth utensil placement marker is formed on the fourth side of the rim between the first side of the rim and the midpoint of the fourth side of the rim.

[0010] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plate showing a top surface and rim of the plate.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the plate from FIG. 1 , showing a bottom side of the plate.

[0013] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the plate.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a top view of the plate with a knife and a fork communicating a still-eating message in the Continental fashion.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a top view of the plate with the knife and the fork communicating a still-eating message in the American fashion.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a top view of the plate with the knife and the fork communicating a finished-eating message in both the American fashion and the Continental fashion.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the plate.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the plate. While the above-identified drawing figures set forth one or more embodiments of the invention, other embodiments are also contemplated. In all cases, this disclosure presents the invention by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art, which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of the invention. The figures may not be drawn to scale, and applications and embodiments of the present invention may include features and components not specifically shown in the drawings. Like reference numerals identify similar structural elements.

[0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The present disclosure presents a training plate for placement of cutlery that helps a user to learn proper etiquette for signaling with a knife and a fork. The plate includes utensil placement markers on a rim of the plate that highlight the available options for placing a handle of a knife and / or fork on the rim of the plate to communicate a message. The utensil placement markers on the plate reduce the burden of teaching this etiquette skill by guiding the user to a limited number of locations on the rim of the plate for placing the handle of the knife and / or the handle of the fork. The plate is described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 1-8.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of plate 10. As shown in FIG. 1, plate 10 includes base 12, top surface 14, and rim 16. Rim 16 includes top edge 18, first side 20, second side 22, third side 24, and fourth side 26. Plate 10 also includes first utensil placement marker 28, second utensil placement marker 30, third utensil placement marker 32, fourth utensil placement marker 34, fifth utensil placement marker 36, and sixth utensil placement marker 38. First axis Al and second axis A2 are also shown in FIG. 1 to indicate a location of center point C of plate 10. Center point C is defined as a geometric center point of plate 10.

[0022] Base 12 of plate 10 can be rectangular in shape and includes a top side opposite a bottom side. For example, base 12 can be square in shape with rounded comers, as shown in FIG. 1. Top surface 14 can be a relatively flat surface that is formed on the top side of base 12. Rim 16 extends from the top side of plate 10 in an upward direction U and surrounds top surface 14. Rim 16 functions as a barrier that prevents the user from accidentally pushing food off of plate 10 while eating and dining. Rim 16 can be perpendicular to base 12. As such, rim 16 can help to prevent the user from accidentally pushing food off plate 10, while also decreasing the chance that pressure applied in a downward direction to rim 16 (e.g., from placement of a fork or a hand on rim 16 during eating) will cause plate 10 to tip, thereby spilling food. For instance, a rim that is angled such that rim 16 forms an obtuse angle with base 12 as measured from an interior of plate 10 can more easily tip or otherwise move when pressure is applied in a downward direction to rim 16.

[0023] First side 20 of rim 16 forms a top end of plate 10 that is furthest from the user. Second side 22 is opposite to first side 20 relative to center point C of plate 10 such that center point C is between first side 20 and second side 22. Second side 22 is parallel to first side 20 and forms a bottom end of plate 10. Third side 24 extends from first side 20 to second side 22 and forms a right-hand side of plate 10 relative to the user. Fourth side 26 extends from first side 20 to second side 22 and is opposite to third side 24 relative to center point C of plate 10. Fourth side 26 forms a left-hand side of plate 10 relative to the user. Top edge 18 of rim 16 on first side 20 is straight and level, and without indentation. Top edge 18 can be free of any utensil placement marker. First axis Al extends over a midpoint of first side 20, over center point C of plate 10, and over a midpoint of second side 22. Second axis A2 extends over a midpoint of third side 24, over center point C of plate 10, and over a midpoint of fourth side 26.

[0024] First utensil placement marker 28 is formed in top edge 18 of rim 16 on third side 24 between first side 20 and the midpoint of third side 24. In the example of FIG. 1 , first utensil placement marker 28 is a first curved indentation formed in top edge 18 of rim 16 and sized large enough to rest a handle of a utensil, such as a knife or fork, in the first curved indentation. Second utensil placement marker 30 is also formed on third side 24 of rim 16. Second utensil placement marker 30 is formed in top edge 18 of rim 16 and is located on third side 24 between second side 22 and the midpoint of third side 24. In the example of FIG. 1, second utensil placement marker 30 is a second curved indentation formed in top edge 18 of rim 16 and sized large enough to rest a handle of a utensil in the second curved indentation. Aside from first utensil placement marker 28 and second utensil placement marker 30, the rest of top edge 18 on third side 24 is straight and level with top edge 18 on first side 20 and is free of indentations.

[0025] In the example of FIG. 1, third utensil placement marker 32 and fourth utensil placement marker 34 are both formed on second side 22 of rim 16. Third utensil placement marker 32 is formed on second side 22 between third side 24 and the midpoint of second side 22. Third utensil placement marker 34 is closer to the midpoint of second side 22 than to third side 24. In the example of FIG. 3, third utensil placement marker 32 is a third curved indentation formed in top edge 18 of rim 16 and sized large enough to rest a handle of a knife or fork in the third curved indentation. Fourth utensil placement marker 34 is formed on second side 22 between fourth side 26 and the midpoint of second side 22. Fourth utensil placement marker 34 is closer to the midpoint of second side 22 than to fourth side 26 of rim 16. In the example of FIG. 1, fourth utensil placement marker 34 is a fourth curved indentation formed in top edge 18 of rim 16 and also sized large enough to rest a handle of a utensil in the fourth curved indentation. Aside from third utensil placement marker 32 and fourth utensil placement marker 34, the rest of top edge 18 on second side 22 is straight and level with top edge 18 on first side 20 and is free of indentations.

[0026] As shown in the example of FIG. 1, fifth utensil placement marker 36 and sixth utensil placement marker 38 are both formed on fourth side 26 of rim 16. Fifth utensil placement marker 36 is formed on fourth side 26 of rim 16 between second side 22 and the midpoint of fourth side 26. In the example of FIG. 1, fifth utensil placement marker 36 is a fifth curved indentation formed in top edge 18 of rim 16. Sixth utensil placement marker 38 is formed on fourth side 26 of rim 16 between first side 20 and the midpoint of fourth side 26. In the example of FIG. 1, sixth utensil placement marker 38 is a sixth curved indentation formed in top edge 18 of rim 16. Aside from fifth utensil placement marker 36 and sixth utensil placement marker 36, the rest of top edge 18 on fourth side 26 is straight and level with top edge 18 on first side 20 and is free of indentations.

[0027] FIGS. 2 and 3 will be discussed concurrently. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of plate 10 from FIG. 1 and shows the bottom side of plate 10. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of plate 10. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, plate 10 can include anti-slip pad 40 on the bottom side of plate 10. Anti-slip pad 40 is connected to base 12 of plate 10 opposite top surface 14. Anti-slip pad 40 includes an elastomeric material, such as silicone rubber, that helps prevent plate 10 from sliding on a tabletop or countertop, which is especially helpful when children are using plate 10. In the example of FIGS. 2 and 3, anti-slip pad 40 extends along a perimeter of base 12. In other examples, anti-slip pad 40 can include four segments, with each segment being located on one of the four comers of base 12 of plate 10. How first utensil placement marker 28, second utensil placement marker 30, third utensil placement marker 32, fourth utensil placement marker 34, fifth utensil placement marker 36, and sixth utensil placement marker 38 are used to help train a user to communicate to a server with a knife and fork is discussed below with reference to FIGS. 4-6.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a top view of plate 10 along with fork 42 and knife 44 positioned on plate 10 to communicate in the Continental fashion that the user is still eating. Fork 42 includes handle 46 and tines 48. Knife 44 includes handle 50, blade 52, and tip 53. In FIG. 4, several positions are indicated on rim 16 of plate 10 using a horizontal clock positioning scheme centered about center point C of plate 10. A one o’clock position 100, a three o’clock position 300, a five o’clock position 500, a six o’clock position 600, a seven o’clock position 700, a nine o’clock position 900, an eleven o’clock position 1100, and a twelve o’clock position 1200 are referenced in FIG. 4. The horizontal clock positioning scheme of plate 10 will be discussed first, followed by a discussion of how fork 42 and knife 44 are used on plate 10 to communicate to a server.

[0029] The twelve o’clock position 1200 is where the first axis Al crosses over first side 20 of rim 16. The six o’clock position 600 is where the first axis Al crosses over the second side 22 of rim 16. The three o’clock position 300 is where the second axis A2 crosses over the third side 24 of rim 16. The nine o’clock position 900 is where the second axis A2 crosses over the fourth side 26 of rim 16. The one o’clock position is on rim 16 between the twelve o’clock position 1200 and the three o'clock position 300 and is approximately thirty degrees from the twelve o'clock position 1200 relative to center point C. The five o’clock position 500 is on rim 16 between the three o’clock position 300 and the six o'clock position 600 and is approximately thirty degrees from the six o'clock position 600 relative to center point C. The seven o’clock position 700 is on rim 16 between the six o’clock position 600 and the nine o’clock position 900 and is approximately thirty degrees from the six o'clock position 600 relative to center point C. The eleven o’clock position 1 100 is on rim 16 between the nine o’clock position 900 and the twelve o'clock position 1200 and is approximately thirty degrees from the twelve o'clock position 1200 relative to center point C.

[0030] First utensil placement marker 28 is formed in top edge 18 of rim 16 between the one o’clock position 100 and the three o’clock position 300. Second utensil placement marker 30 is formed in top edge 18 of rim 16 between the three o’clock position 300 and the five o’clock position 500. Top edge 18 of rim 16 is level and even (i.e., free of indentations and / or raised portions) between first utensil placement marker 28 and second utensil placement marker 30. Third utensil placement marker 32 is formed in top edge 18 of rim 16 between the five o’clock position 500 and the six o’clock position 600. Top edge 18 of rim 16 is level and even between second utensil placement marker 30 and third utensil placement marker 32. Fourth utensil placement marker 34 formed in top edge 18 of rim 16 between the six o’clock position 600 and the seven o’clock position 700. Top edge 18 of rim 16 is level and even between third utensil placement marker 32 and fourth utensil placement marker 34. Fifth utensil placement marker 36 is formed in top edge 18 of rim 16 between the seven o’clock position 700 and the nine o’clock position 900. Top edge 18 of rim 16 is level and even between fourth utensil placement marker 34 and fifth utensil placement marker 36. Sixth utensil placement marker 38 formed in top edge 18 of the rim 16 between the nine o’clock position 900 and the eleven o’clock position 1100. Top edge 18 of rim 16 is level and even between fifth utensil placement marker 36 and sixth utensil placement marker 38, and top edge 18 of rim 16 is level and even between sixth utensil placement marker 38 and first utensil placement marker 28.

[0031] To nonverbally communicate to a server in the Continental fashion that the user of plate 10 has paused from eating but intends to continue eating from plate 10, the user positions fork 42 and knife 44 on plate 10 in the following manner. The user places handle 46 of fork 42 on fifth utensil placement marker 36 with tines 48 facing downward toward top surface 14 and with tines 48 pointed approximately toward the one o’clock position 100, and / or pointed toward the corner between first side 20 and third side 24. The user places handle 50 of knife 44 on second utensil placement marker 30 with blade 52 facing toward the user and tip 53 pointed toward the eleven o’clock position 1 100, and / or pointed toward the comer between first side 20 and fourth side 26, and / or pointed toward tines 48. In this example, fifth utensil placement marker 36 and second utensil placement marker 30 serve as visual guides that help the user correctly place handle 50 of knife 44 and handle 46 of fork 42 on rim 16 to communicate this particular message.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a top view of plate 10 with fork 42 and knife 44 positioned on plate 10 to communicate in the American fashion that the user is still eating but resting. To nonverbally communicate to a server in the American fashion that the user of plate 10 has paused from eating but intends to continue eating from plate 10, the user positions fork 42 and knife 44 on plate 10 in the following manner. The user places handle 50 of knife 44 on first utensil placement marker 28 with blade 52 facing toward the user and tip 53 pointed toward the sixth utensil placement marker 38. The user places handle 46 of fork 42 on second utensil placement marker 30 with tines 48 point toward center point C and / or toward the sixth utensil placement marker 38. In this example, first utensil placement marker 28, second utensil placement marker 30, and sixth utensil placement marker 38 serve as visual guides that help the user correctly place handle 50 of knife 44 and handle 46 of fork 42 on rim 16 to communicate this particular message.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a top view of plate 10 with fork 42 and knife 44 positioned on plate 10 to communicate in an acceptable manner that the user is finished-eating in both the American fashion and the Continental fashion. To nonverbally communicate to a server in both the American fashion and the Continental fashion that the user is finished eating from plate 10, the user positions fork 42 and knife 44 on plate 10 in the following manner. The user places handle 46 of fork 42 on fourth utensil placement marker 34 with tines 48 facing downward toward top surface 14 and with tines 48 pointed toward first side 20 such that fork 42 is generally parallel with third side 24 and fourth side 26. The user places handle 50 of knife 44 on third utensil placement marker 32 with blade 52 facing toward fork 42 and tip 53 pointed toward top surface 14 such that knife 44 is generally parallel with third side 24, fourth side 26, and with fork 42. In this example, third utensil placement marker 32 and fourth utensil placement marker 34 serve as visual guides that help the user correctly place handle 50 of knife 44 and handle 46 of fork 42 on rim 16 to communicate this particular message. In both the Continental fashion and the American fashion, the lack of utensil placement markers on first side 20 helps remind the user that first side 20 is orientated away from the user and second side 22 is oriented toward the user.

[0034] While FIGS. 4-6 show three examples where the utensil placement markers of plate 10 help the user learn to communicate messages to a server, the utensil placement markers are not limited to the examples of FIGS. 4-6 and can be used in training to communicate additional nonverbal messages not shown in the figures. For example, second utensil placement marker 30 and third utensil placement marker 32 can also be used to angle both fork 42 and knife 44 toward the comer between first side 20 and fourth side 26 to communicate that the user is finished eating from plate 10. Additional embodiments of plate 10 are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a circular embodiment of plate 10. In the example of FIG. 7, top surface 14, base 12, and rim 16 of plate 10 are all circular. First utensil placement marker 28, second utensil placement marker 30, third utensil placement marker 32, fourth utensil placement marker 34, fifth utensil placement marker 36, and sixth utensil placement 38 are also oriented on rim 16 of plate 10 using a horizontal clock positioning scheme centered about center point C of plate 10, similar to the discussion of FIG. 4.

[0036] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of plate 10. In the example of FIG. 8, first utensil placement marker 28, second utensil placement marker 30, third utensil placement marker 32, fourth utensil placement marker 34, fifth utensil placement marker 36, and sixth utensil placement marker 38 each include first bump 54a, second bump 54b, and an edge segment 56 between first bump 54a and second bump 54b. Each first bump 54a and second bump 54b is elevated above the rest of top edge 18 of rim 16. At each utensil placement marker, first bump 54a and second bump 54b are sufficiently spaced apart from each other to accommodate a handle of a fork or knife on edge segment 56. Each edge segment 56 can be a straight edge or can be a curved concave edged. First bump 54a and second bump 54b of each utensil placement marker helps delineate the location of the respective utensil placement marker on rim 18 and helps keep the handle of the knife or fork from sliding off of the respective utensil placement marker. To further delineate the utensil placement markers on rim 16 of plate 10, the utensil placement markers can each have a different color. For example, first utensil placement marker 28 can be a first color- shaded region in top edge 18 of rim 16 with a first color. Second utensil placement marker 30 can be a second color-shaded region in top edge 18 of rim 16 with a second color different from the first color. Third utensil placement marker 32 can be a third color-shaded region in top edge 18 of rim 16 with a third color different from the first and second colors. Fourth utensil placement marker 34 can be a fourth color-shaded region in top edge 18 of rim 16 with a fourth color different from the first, second, and third colors. Fifth utensil placement marker 36 can be a fifth color-shaded region in top edge 18 of rim 16 with a fifth color different from the first, second, third, and fourth colors. Sixth utensil placement marker 38 can be a sixth color-shaded region in top edge 18 of rim 16 with a sixth color different from the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth colors.

[0037] While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A dining plate comprising: a flat top surface; a base opposite the flat top surface; a rim extending upward from the flat top surface and surrounding the flat top surface; a first utensil placement marker formed in a top edge of the rim of the dining plate between a one o’clock position and a three o’clock position relative to a center point of the flat top surface; a second utensil placement marker formed in the top edge of the rim of the dining plate between the three o’clock position and a five o’clock position relative to the center point of the flat top surface; a third utensil placement marker formed in the top edge of the rim of the dining plate between the five o’clock position and a six o’clock position relative to the center point of the flat top surface; a fourth utensil placement marker formed in the top edge of the rim of the dining plate between the six o’clock position and a seven o’clock position relative to the center point of the flat top surface; a fifth utensil placement marker formed in the top edge of the rim of the dining plate between the seven o’clock position and a nine o’clock position relative to the center point of the flat top surface; and a sixth utensil placement marker formed in the top edge of the rim of the dining plate between the nine o’clock position and an eleven o’clock position relative to the center point of the flat top surface.

2. The dining plate of claim 1, wherein the first utensil placement marker is a first curved indentation in the top edge of the rim, the second utensil placement marker is a second curved indentation in the top edge of the rim, the third utensil placement marker is a third curved indentation in the top edge of the rim, the fourth utensil placement marker is a fourth curved indentation in the top edge of the rim, the fifth utensil placement marker is a fifth curved indentation in the top edge of the rim, and the sixth utensil placement marker is a sixth curved indentation in the top edge of the rim.

3. The dining plate of claim 2, wherein the top edge of the rim is level and even between the first utensil placement marker and the second utensil placement marker, wherein the top edge of the rim is level and even between the second utensil placementmarker and the third utensil placement marker, wherein the top edge of the rim is level and even between the third utensil placement marker and the fourth utensil placement marker, wherein the top edge of the rim is level and even between the fourth utensil placement marker and the fifth utensil placement marker, wherein the top edge of the rim is level and even between the fifth utensil placement marker and the sixth utensil placement marker, and wherein the top edge of the rim is level and even between the sixth utensil placement marker and the first utensil placement marker.

4. The dining plate of claim 3, wherein the dining plate is rectangular and the rim comprises: a first side, wherein a twelve o’clock position is on the first side relative to the center point of the dining plate, and wherein the first side of the rim is free of any utensil placement marker; a second side opposite the first side relative to the center point of the dining plate and parallel to the first side, wherein the six o’clock position is on the second side relative to the center point of the dining plate, and wherein the third utensil placement marker and the fourth utensil placement marker are on the second side of the rim; a third side extending from the first side to the second side, wherein the three o’clock position is on the third side relative to the center point of the dining plate, and wherein the first utensil placement marker and the second utensil placement marker are on the third side; and a fourth side extending from the first side to the second side and opposite to the third side relative to the center point of the dining plate, wherein the nine o’clock position is on the fourth side, and wherein the fifth utensil placement marker and the sixth utensil placement marker are on the fourth side of the rim.

5. The dining plate of claim 4, further comprising: an elastomer anti-slip pad connected to the base of the dining plate opposite the flat top surface.

6. The dining plate of claim 1, wherein the first utensil placement marker is a first color- shaded region in the top edge of the rim comprising a first color, the second utensil placement marker is a second color-shaded region in the top edge of the rim comprising a second color, the third utensil placement marker is a third color-shaded regionin the top edge of the rim comprising a third color, the fourth utensil placement marker is a fourth color-shaded region in the top edge of the rim comprising a fourth color, the fifth utensil placement marker is a fifth color-shaded region in the top edge of the rim comprising a fifth color, and the sixth utensil placement marker is a sixth color-shaded region in the top edge of the rim comprising a sixth color.

7. The dining plate of claim 1, wherein the first utensil placement marker, the second utensil placement marker, the third utensil placement marker, the fourth utensil placement marker, the fifth utensil placement marker, and the sixth utensil placement marker each comprises: a first bump formed on the top edge of the rim; a second bump formed on the top edge of the rim; and an edge segment between the first bump and the second bump, wherein the edge segment spaces the first bump from the second bump and is sized to accommodate a handle of an eating utensil between the first bump and the second bump.

8. The dining plate of claim 1, wherein the flat top surface, the base, and the rim are circular.

9. The dining plate of claim 1, wherein the rim is perpendicular to the flat top surface.

10. A dining plate comprising: a rectangular base; a flat surface formed on a top side of the rectangular base; a rim extending upward from the top side and surrounding the flat surface, wherein the rim comprises: a first side; a second side opposite the first side relative to a center point of the dining plate and parallel to the first side; a third side extending from the first side to the second side; and a fourth side extending from the first side to the second side and opposite to the third side relative to the center point of the dining plate; a first utensil placement marker formed on the third side of the rim between the first side and a midpoint of the third side of the rim;a second utensil placement marker formed on the third side of the rim between the second side and the midpoint of the third side of the rim; a third utensil placement marker formed on the second side of the rim between the third side and a midpoint of the second side of the rim; a fourth utensil placement marker formed on the second side of the rim between the fourth side and the midpoint of the second side of the rim; a fifth utensil placement marker formed on the fourth side of the rim between the second side and a midpoint of the fourth side of the rim; and a sixth utensil placement marker formed on the fourth side of the rim between the first side of the rim and the midpoint of the fourth side of the rim.

11. The dining plate of claim 10, further comprising: an elastomer anti-slip pad connected to the rectangular base of the dining plate opposite the flat surface.

12. The dining plate of claim 10, wherein the third utensil placement marker is closer to the midpoint of the second side than the third side of the rim, and wherein the fourth utensil placement marker is closer to the midpoint of the second side than the fourth side of the rim.

13. The dining plate of claim 12, wherein the first utensil placement marker is a first curved indentation in a top edge of the rim, the second utensil placement marker is a second curved indentation in the top edge of the rim, the third utensil placement marker is a third curved indentation in the top edge of the rim, the fourth utensil placement marker is a fourth curved indentation in the top edge of the rim, the fifth utensil placement marker is a fifth curved indentation in the top edge of the rim, and the sixth utensil placement marker is a sixth curved indentation in the top edge of the rim.

14. The dining plate of claim 13, wherein the first side of the rim is straight and without indentation.

15. The dining plate of claim 14, wherein the third side of the rim is straight and free of indentations between the first utensil placement marker and the second utensil placement marker.

16. The dining plate of claim 15, wherein the fourth side of the rim is straight and free of indentations between the fifth utensil placement marker and the sixth utensil placement marker.

17. The dining plate of claim 16, wherein the rim is perpendicular to the flat surface.

18. The dining plate of claim 10, wherein the first utensil placement marker is a first color-shaded region in a top edge of the rim comprising a first color, the second utensil placement marker is a second color-shaded region in the top edge of the rim comprising a second color, the third utensil placement marker is a third color-shaded region in the top edge of the rim comprising a third color, the fourth utensil placement marker is a fourth color-shaded region in the top edge of the rim comprising a fourth color, the fifth utensil placement marker is a fifth color-shaded region in the top edge of the rim comprising a fifth color, and the sixth utensil placement marker is a sixth color-shaded region in the top edge of the rim comprising a sixth color.

19. The dining plate of claim 10, wherein the first utensil placement marker, the second utensil placement marker, the third utensil placement marker, the fourth utensil placement marker, the fifth utensil placement marker, and the sixth utensil placement marker each comprises: a first bump formed on a top edge of the rim; a second bump formed on the top edge of the rim; and an edge segment between the first bump and the second bump, wherein the edge segment spaces the first bump from the second bump and is sized to accommodate a handle of an eating utensil between the first bump and the second bump.

20. The dining plate of claim 10, wherein the first utensil placement marker is formed in a top edge of the rim of the dining plate between a one o’clock position and a three o’clock position relative to a center point of the flat surface; wherein the second utensil placement marker is formed in the top edge of the rim of the dining plate between the three o’clock position and a five o’clock position relative to the center point of the flat surface; wherein the third utensil placement marker is formed in the top edge of the rim of the dining plate between the five o’clock position and a six o’clock position relative to the center point of the flat surface; wherein the fourth utensil placement marker is formed in the top edge of the rim of the dining plate between the six o’clock position and a seven o’clock position relative to the center point of the flat surface; wherein the fifth utensilplacement marker is formed in the top edge of the rim of the dining plate between the seven o’clock position and a nine o’clock position relative to the center point of the flat surface; and wherein the sixth utensil placement marker is formed in the top edge of the rim of the dining plate between the nine o’clock position and an eleven o’clock position relative to the center point of the flat surface.

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