EP1725147A1

EP1725147A1 - Table service for usage and storage in household and dining places

Info

Publication number: EP1725147A1
Application number: EP05722080A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Bent Heimreid
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-03-01
Filing date: 2005-02-08
Publication date: 2006-11-29
Also published as: WO2005082208A1; NO20040889A; NO317863B1

Abstract

The table service is for use and storage within the home or in drinking and eating establishments and is comprised of several matching pieces. A hole or opening (2) is formed in the plate (3), and a protruding ball form (1) or several protruding areas with consideration to design, colour, structure, pattern, logo or advertisement are placed on the rim of the plate (3). When the plates are being stacked for storage (4) the hole (2) is placed directly over the protruding ball (1) of the underlying plate (3) which is shown in the shape of a ball (1). The ball (1) visually integrates, either partially or totally through the hole (2) from the underlying plate (3). The hole (2) and protruding ball (1) are for the placement of matching accessories on the plate (3), shown here as a container for sauce or dip (5, 6) and/or glass or cup (7) which are appropriately placed on the plate (3) for stable storage and grip during use. The matching accessory with the ball (1) or the cavity (10) is favourably placed on, in or underneath the accessory (5, 6, 7), for connecting to the hole (2) or the ball form (1) on the rim of the plate (3).

Description

The invention concerns an arrangement of a table service with emphasis on convenience, use and storage in the home or in eating and drinking establishments.

The traditional table service that is found today on the market includes cups, glasses and plates, which often have a one-sided method of storage by stacking one on top of the other, or are stored in a specific holder. The common plate has depth and room for food and side dishes all in one area. Extra side dishes such as sauces, dips and condiments have always been placed in containers separate from the plate itself while accordingly, the cup has been placed on its own saucer.

This invention takes consideration to reinvent the familiar technique in this area. The essential feature of this present invention refers to a new design for a table service, as for example: the plate with matching parts including cup, mug or glasses, which are a customary part of a dining service. A range of pitchers, coffee pot and carafes are also included in this table service. The table service in accordance to this invention contains its own interlocking system for stacking or storage of the plates. This interlocking system feature is intricately planned with consideration to design, colour structure, patterns, brand, logo, or inscribed advertisement. For example, a raised ball design is placed on the surface of the rim of the plate; located directly across is an opening (or hole) on each plate, this constitutes the locking system, which is to secure a stable stacking and/or ability to hang plates for storage. The opening (or hole) in each plate is used to place over the ball shaped feature on the underlying plate. This chosen ball design visually integrates with the underlying plate.

In consideration to the design, the opening (or hole) and the ball enhancement are planned to obtain different functions such as a holder for dip, sauces or extra side dishes. They also can be used as a stable holder for a glass or cup that fastens during use. Added accessories can be designed as either a round bowl shaped form or a small plate shaped form with a depression to hold sauces, condiments dips, side dishes, which can be usefully placed for insertion into the opening on the surface rim of the plate.

The amount and shape of holes on a plate, or other parts of the table service including the accessories can easily be customised to correspond with the amount of raised areas.

The table service, in accordance to the invention, gives an abundance of possibilities and combinations to choose from various forms, designs and styles of plates, cups, glasses and accompanying components. The invention and its components do not bind itself to a standard oval or round shape. This is mentioned in order to better describe the arrangement of the invention, which is shown in the diagrams. Raised elements on the table service are shown as a round form, however it can also be a square, cylindrical, or a triangular shaped form without having to be bound according to the invention's utilization. As mentioned, the form and shape of the holes are adapted to conform to the appearance and does not have to be round or ovaL according to the invention.

A unique aspect with this invention is the dual method of storage, other than the traditional means of stacking a table service during storage; this tableware can be stored vertically with a mounted grip or pole. The plates and accompanying components of the table service can be hung on a mounted post or similar apparatus that is specially designed for storage. The plates can be hung vertically due to the openings or holes that are in the design; this ensures secure, efficient and safe storage. With the above mention method of storage, the raised ball form on the plate creates a natural space between each plate thereby relieving pressure and wear. Also the space allows room for air after washing and during storage; this in return increases hygienic standards. Another chosen form for a table service is consideration to the indentation and protruding advantageous form, here shown in the example, on the vertical surface a ball is formed on or in a cup, mug or glass. The protruding form of the ball fits into the cavity either fully or partially during storage when vertically stacked. According to the arrangement of this invention, a type of collar or cuff can be attached to the ball on the vertical side of the cup, mug or glass. The collar or cuff is attached externally around the chosen ball form. The collar or cuff can be formed of a material that is elastic, circular in shape and of an insulating material and is formed to create a grip or a vacuum effect to the vertical exterior of another cup, mug or glass This happens by the insertion of the round ball into the cavity for storage purposes. The collar or cuff that is shown as a ball form can be favourably designed in another shape or style on a cup, mug or glass.

In accordance to this invention the table service can easily be adapted to any country, culture, food or drinking tradition in the world. Design and form variations and themes with this table service are only stopped by one's own imagination. The design, colour and other visual attributes of the table service can add to the total dining experience.

For example when serving Sushi, the plates can be square in shape with the protruding ball in red and white. This can symbolise that the cuisine is from Japan. The opening or hole can be used for holding the customary items that would accompany this dish such as sauces, or a bowl for dipping. Along with a customary drink that can be served in a matching glass on the plate which makes it easy to handle and use.

Different decorations such as a flower, candles or napkins can easily be affixed to either the protruding aspect or the hole. This will add atmosphere to the dining experience. Eating establishments that have sports as their theme would benefit from the endless possibilities with design and form of^* this table service. The protruding feature can be formed to the likeness of a soccer ball, golf ball, or a tennis ball.

This invention distinguishes itself in many ways from a traditional table service. This is due to the stacking, hanging and efficient storage possibilities, along with the ability of directly attaching accessories to the table service during use. The matching parts of the table service such as a cup, mug or glass which when standing upright can integrate into each other by the ball form's insertion into the cavity or by use of the attached collar or cuff with a vacuum effect this clearly differentiates this invention from the traditional table service.

With repeated attempts it has been shown that the composition of this invention functions in a practical and user friendly manner.

The invention will be described in detail pertaining to the attached drawings. The composition of the table service units are shown in the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side view of the plate (3) with the opening (hole) (2) and the ball (1).

Fig. 2 shows the plate (3) from above.

Fig. 3 shows the plates in a stacked formation (4).

Fig. 4 shows the ability to hang the plates for storage (9) on a specific type of mounted grip or post (8).

Fig. 5 shown as Fig. 1 plate (3) from a side view, with a matching accessory of a glass or cup attachment (7) Fig. 6 shows the different accessories that can attach into the hole in the plate, such as, a holder for gravy or sauce (5), a holding dish for dip (6) or a cup/glass (7) using the ball form on the bottom, seen from the side (1)

Fig. 7 shows the same plate as in Fig. 1, from a side view, however now with the attached accessory glass or cup (7) formed with an internal round cavity (10) in the bottom, which fits directly onto the plates (3) ball form (1).

Fig. 8 shows the accessories (5, 6, and 7) from a side view with the formed internal cavity. (10).

Fig. 9 shows the plate (3) with several openings (2) and a protruding ball form (1) seen from above.

Fig. 10 shows a cup (12), with an internal cavity (10) and a protruding ball form (1) from a side view.

Fig. 11 shows the cup (12), in an example of effective storage, where each cup is placed vertically next to each other, with placement of the protruding ball (1) into another cup's (12) vacant cavity (10) as seen from the side.

Fig. 11a shows Fig. 11 in enlarged detailed.

Fig. 12 shows the cup (12) and its protruding ball (1) with an attached collar or cuff (14), in an upright position, as seen from the side.

Fig. 13 as seen from above shows two cups (12), standing in an upright position next to each other, with the protruding ball (1) inserted into the adjacent cup's (12), cavity (10), here a collar or a cuff is attached that creates a suction (14) on each cup (12), which fastens the cups together (12). The table service according to the invention can be produced of materials for either disposable use or long terrn usage.

According to the invention, all the parts to this table service can be commercially mass produced without any exceptional costs to the manufacturer, wholesaler or consumer.

Claims

Patent Requirement 1. The table service is for use and storage in the home or for dining and drinking establishments. It is characterised by the opening (2) formed into the plate (3), and one or several raised or protruding areas with consideration to design, colour, structure, pattern, brand, logo, or advertisement, shown here in ball shape (1) favourably placed on, in or by the plate (3), which forms to placement into the hole (2) in accordance to storage of the plates (4), the hole (2) fits directly over the ball (1) on the underlying plate (3) which is shown with the ball shape (1) visually integrates totally or partially through the hole (2) of the underlying plate (3).

2. Characteristics according to the patent requirement 1, for the table service is the opening (hole) (2) and the protruding ball form (1), which is for the attachment of matching accessories on the plate (3), shown here as a sauce or dip holder (5,6) and glass or cup (7), placed conveniently on the plate (3), for stable storage and grip during use, with accessories that have the ball form (1) or the cavity (10), favourably placed on, in or by the accessories (5,6,7) underside for integration with the hole (2) and the ball shape (1) on the plates (3).

3. Characteristics according to patent requirement 1-2 are the holes (2) in the rim of the plate (3), or other parts of the table service can be hung onto a specific mounted grip or post (8), which is designed for this reason. Raised areas are shown as protruding ball shape (1) creates a convenient space between each plate (3), for a stable and efficient storage method to hang up one or several plates (9).

4. Characteristics according to the patent requirement are the appropriately placed cavities (10), and the protruding form, as the ball (1) formed on, in or on the vertical side of the cup (12), mug or glass, where the protruding ball (1) inserts into the cavity (10) partially or totally during storage, when placed vertically against each other (13) where there is fastened a collar or the cuff (14) on the ball (1) and matching cup (12), mug or glass on the vertical side. The collar or the cuff (14) is attached externally on the ball (1), where the collar or the cuff (14) accordingly can be elastic, round and of insulating material and formed with a surface that creates a grip or vacuum effect to the vertical side of the adjacent cup (12), mug or glass with insertion of the ball (1) into the cavity (10) for storage purposes. The collar or cuff (14) and/or protruding ball (1) are formed in an advantageous form or design to use for advertisement, logo or other similar examples on the cup (12), mug or glass during use.