GB2460413A

GB2460413A - Biodegradable cutlery, cups and plates with a plant seed retained within its structure

Info

Publication number: GB2460413A
Application number: GB0809596A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gavin Reay
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-05-28
Filing date: 2008-05-28
Publication date: 2009-12-02
Also published as: GB0809596D0

Abstract

Biodegradable cutlery, cups and plates that retain a plant seed 8 within its structure, once the item has been used and the structure degrades a plant will grow from the embedded seed. Preferably the biodegradable plate 1, cutlery and/or cups provide the initial feed for the growing of the seed, and may have a fast degrading section to allow rapid germination. The seed may be embedded in a section of cutlery 11, cup or plate that may be snapped or torn off (Fig 3) and buried or planted separately. Preferably the seed 8 is implanted into a cutlery 11 item that may be snapped off a plate (Fig 7). The cutlery, cups and/or plates may provide a shelter, cold frame or covered area that will assist with the initial growth of the plant. Preferably the seed 8 is embedded into the base of a stemmed drinking glass, where the glass may be snapped into two so that the seed can be covered by the drinking section to form a miniature cold house/greenhouse (Fig 9). The cutlery, cups and plates may be made from biodegradable material such as paper or card where the paper may be made from bamboo and sugar composite, paper or card pulp. The plate 1 may incorporate several compartments or dedicated surfaces to segregate food stuffs and incorporate a glass holder. The embedded seed may be a sunflower, herb or spice seed.

Description

Intellectual Property Office mm For Creetity and Innovation Application No. GB0809596.O RTM Date:17 October 2008 The following terms are registered trademarks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Ecozone UK Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of The Patent Office

SEED PLATE

The present invention relates to biodegradable cutlery and plates, more particularly to biodegradable disposable cutlery and plates that have an integral plant seed so that once disposed of the seed will grow.

Disposable plates and cutlery are very prevalent, traditionally used as a convenience to provide numerous low cost plates for functions and also to avoid the need to wash up. Often sold in sets in a variety of sizes and shapes to compliment the users permanent cutlery and serve-ware. They are chosen for their variety of shapes and sizes and for the variety of printed patterns and designs.

Disposable paper plates and cutlery have traditionally been made from card, sometimes recycled, but often coated and printed on so as to make any biodegradation difficult and so their use can be environmentally damaging. Moreover the marketing of such disposable plates and cutlery often relies on the application of ornamental designs and even licensed characters.

There are a number of products that have an embedded plant seed so that after the product has been used and disposed of, a plant will grow in its place.

The present invention relates to the integration of a biodegradable plate or cutlery with an embedded seed further that the plate be formed from such a material that it is able to give nutrients or aid to the plant as it germinates and grows.

The invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1. shows the plate Fig. 2. Shows a detail view of a seed compartment Fig. 3. Shows a detail of a break off section with seed Fig. 4. Shows a detail of an embedded seed Fig. 5. Shows a general view of an embedded seed in plate Fig. 6. Shows a plate with a break off section with enclosed seed Fig. 7. Shows a plate with a break off Spork that could also be a seed holder.

Fig. 7. Shows a drinking glass with an embedded seed Fig. 8. Shows a drinking glass being used as a green house.

In figure 1 a plate (1) has an embedded seed (2) this also shows a cup holder (3) and segregated zones for different food stuffs (4) In figure 2. The seed compartment (2) is shown with the fast degrade lid removed.

In figure 3. The seed (2) is shown mounted into a section (5) that can be snapped or torn off the main plate, using perforated section (6) so that this part can be buried/planted separately.

In figure 4. A cross section of an embedded seed (7) within the plate, showing the seed encased in the material of the plate.

In figure 5. A snap off section (5) can be seen with embedded seed (7) set within a plate (1) Figure 7. Shows a Spork (11) conveniently moulded with the plate (1) so that it can be snapped off when needed and eventually planted to allow the seed (10) to germinate.

Figure 8 Shows a detail view of the plate (1) and the Spork (11) In Figure 9 a drinking glass (8) with an embedded seed (9) so that if disposed of the seed would germinate and grow.

Figure 10. Shows the drinking glass (8) having been snapped in two, so that the seed (9) can be covered after planting so that the glass acts as a miniature cold frame or green house to aid germination S It should be appreciated that a seed embedded biodegradable plate or cutlery item according to the present invention can incorporate any combination of features described above and is not limited to the embodiments as specifically described.