Elevated dishware having flatware receptacles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dishware and flatware systems lack a hygienic and safe method for storing utensils during meals, potentially leading to contamination and surface damage due to condensation or soiling.
Innovation Solution
A dishware combination featuring an elevating base with multiple receptacles for various flatware items, including spoon, knife, and chopstick rests, designed to elevate and securely hold utensils, preventing contact with unsanitary surfaces and minimizing surface damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flatware is placed directly on the table surface, then the table surface is easily accessible, but the flatware may cause contamination or transmit illness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary platform (the elevated dishware structure) between the flatware and the table surface. This platform includes designated receptacles that elevate the flatware above the table, preventing direct contact with potentially unsanitary surfaces while maintaining organized and accessible placement for users
2Stability of the object's composition
If dishware is placed directly on the surface, then it is stable and easy to use, but it may leave condensation rings or soil the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The dishware structure is segmented into multiple functional zones: an elevated base platform that contacts the table surface, a central cavity for food, and peripheral receptacles for flatware. This segmentation allows the base to bear the weight and protect the table from condensation and soiling, while the elevated receptacles provide organized storage for utensils without touching the table surface
Solution Approach 2:
The elevated base acts as an intermediary barrier between the dishware contents (which may produce condensation) and the table surface. By elevating the entire dishware structure, the patent prevents direct contact that would transfer condensation rings or soil onto the table, while maintaining stability through the base's table contact
3Device complexity
If multiple flatware items are stored together, then space is saved, but hygiene is compromised due to lack of individual storage
Solution Approach 1:
The elevated base is divided into multiple separate receptacles, each designed to hold a specific flatware item (spoon, fork, knife, chopsticks). This segmentation creates individual isolated storage spaces that prevent cross-contamination between utensils while maintaining a compact, space-efficient design that consolidates all flatware storage in one location
Data Source
AI summary
A dishware combination comprising, at least, an elevating base and a plurality of receptacles for various flatware is disclosed. The combination may further comprise a plurality of flatware rests appropriate for spoons, forks, knives, chopsticks, or the like, and the plurality of receptacles may be specifically designed to accommodate flatware appropriate to the specific dishware combination implemented. The dishware combination itself may present as a soup bowl, salad plate, coffee plate or saucer, sushi plate, drinking glass, drinking mug, or any other type of dishware. The dishware combination may further comprise the appropriate flatware itself.