GB2553109A

GB2553109A - A table setting

Info

Publication number: GB2553109A
Application number: GB1614337.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Harte William
Original assignee: Lateral Design Studio Ltd
Current assignee: Lateral Design Studio Ltd
Priority date: 2016-08-22
Filing date: 2016-08-22
Publication date: 2018-02-28
Anticipated expiration: 2036-08-22
Also published as: GB2553109B; GB201614337D0

Abstract

A table setting 10 includes at least one elongate member 12a-c, at least one first mat 16 and at least one second mat 18. The first and second mats have a different surface area to one another and further both include at least one aperture therethrough. The apertures are sized so as to allow a first portion of the elongate member to be inserted through the aperture. The first and second types of mat may therefore be stacked onto the elongate member to form a structure. The elongate member may be a candlestick and may further include a base section 14. The table setting may further include at least one condiment dispenser (26, fig 8) and/or at least one napkin holder (22, fig 11), both of which having an aperture therethrough for stacking upon the elongate member. The cross sections of any aforementioned apertures and the stacking portion of the elongate member may be rectangular.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

LATERAL DESIGN STUDIO LTD

Unit 5, Cotswold Business Park, Millfield Lane,

Caddington, Bedfordshire, LU1 4AJ, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

William John Harte (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Archer-IP Ltd

North Design Centre, Abbots Hill,

Baltic Business Quarter, Gateshead, NE8 3DF,

United Kingdom (51) INT CL:

A47G 23/03 (2006.01) (56) Documents Cited:

GB 0574891 A CN 202009995 U

DE 002301953 A1 JP 2015047169 A

US 4972955 A1 (58) Field of Search:

INT CLA47G

Other: WPI, EPODOC, TXTE (54) Title of the Invention: A table setting

Abstract Title: Table setting with elongate member and mats with apertures to stack on member (57) A table setting 10 includes at least one elongate member 12a-c, at least one first mat 16 and at least one second mat 18. The first and second mats have a different surface area to one another and further both include at least one aperture therethrough. The apertures are sized so as to allow a first portion of the elongate member to be inserted through the aperture. The first and second types of mat may therefore be stacked onto the elongate member to form a structure. The elongate member may be a candlestick and may further include a base section 14. The table setting may further include at least one condiment dispenser (26, fig 8) and/or at least one napkin holder (22, fig 11), both of which having an aperture therethrough for stacking upon the elongate member. The cross sections of any aforementioned apertures and the stacking portion of the elongate member may be rectangular.

ID

/ 8

5/8

eg

Figure 7

Figure 11

A Table Setting

The present invention relates to a table setting and relates particularly but not exclusively to a table setting which provides a decorative aspect to any room when the table or sideboard setting is not in normal use.

Table settings, typically comprising coasters for cups and/or drinking glasses, placemats upon which dinner plates may be presented, napkin holders, cutlery, serving mats for presenting serving dishes, and condiment dispensers, are well known. However they are usually made in different materials such as cork, glass, leather, plastic or the like, not matching in any way and there would be a number of ad hoc designs presented together on a table. Such settings protect a table surface from scratching and hot articles being placed thereon and usually, they provide a user with the necessary means for enjoying food and drinks whilst sitting at a table or for a bar area, as well on occasions some items would be aesthetically pleasing enhancement to the table when it is in use; that is, when the table is set.

Despite being commonly used, table settings such as those described above, have to be boxed and storage space has to be found when they are not in use, for example inside a cupboard, drawer or even in different locations such as another room with the user then having to locate and retrieve the full table setting from the storage when they were required for use, that is, when the table is to be set. In view of the number of constituent parts typically associated with a table setting, it can take up a significant amount of storage space when it is not in use, which can be problematic if the collection of parts are stored in different locations and storage space is limited. However, it is not normally desired to leave the various constituent parts of the table setting on display when the table setting is not in use, since they are usually made of different materials, collections, sizes, designs and collectively look untidy.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention seek to overcome or alleviate the above described disadvantages of the prior art.

According to the present invention there is provided a table setting comprising :at least one elongate member;

at least one first mat having a first surface area and at least one first aperture therethrough; and at least one second mat having a second surface area different from said first surface area and at least one second aperture therethrough, wherein said first and second apertures have a shape and size to allow a first portion of said elongate member to be inserted therethrough, thereby enabling the stacking of said first and second mats on said elongate member to form a structure.

This provides the advantage that, when the table setting is not in use, that is, when the table is not set ready for users to sit at the table and eat, the various constituent parts of the table setting do not have to be stored in numerous locations cupboard, drawers for example, and instead can be arranged together into a compact and yet decorative fashion, such that the table setting, when not in use, provides an ornamental and architectural structure which provides an aesthetic contribution to a room. In this way, the structure formed by the table setting can remain visible within the room when the table setting is not in use; for example, forming a table centrepiece, or a decorative display atop another item of furniture in the room. If another base structure is added then it can be used as a separate floral or wine display.

The table setting may further comprise a base, upon which at least one said elongate member may be mounted.

This provides the advantage that the elongate members may be securely retained in position.

At least one said elongate member may be a candlestick.

This provides the advantage that the elongate member can enhance the table setting, providing atmospheric lighting both when the table setting is in use and when the table setting is not in use, as well as providing a convenient means for mounting the various constituent parts of the table setting when the table setting is not in use.

At least one said first mat may be a coaster upon which a drinking vessel may be disposed.

At least one said second mat may be a placemat upon which a dinner plate may be disposed. Said second surface area may be greater than said first surface area.

At least one said elongate member may extend substantially perpendicularly from said base.

The shape and size of at least one said first aperture may be substantially the same as said shape and size of at least one said second aperture.

This provides the advantage that the first mats and the second mats can both be conveniently stacked on the same elongate member.

The shape and size of said first and second apertures may be substantially the same as the shape and size of the cross section of said first portion of said elongate member.

This provides the advantage that the first mats and the second mats may be securely stacked on the elongate member, in a neat and compact fashion, without being movable in a direction perpendicular to the elongate member, that is, without slippage .

The elongate member may further comprise a second portion, wherein the size of the cross section of said second portion is greater than the size of the cross section of said first portion.

The second portion may be selectively removable from said elongate member.

This provides the advantage that the more bulky upper portion of the elongate member, that is, the second portion, can be easily removed by a user in order to facilitate the removal of the first mats and the second mats when the table is to be set, and their replacement when the table is cleared.

The first and second apertures may be rectangular in shape.

The first and second apertures may be square in shape.

The cross section of said first portion of said elongate member may be rectangular in shape.

The cross section of said first portion of said elongate member may be square in shape.

This provides the advantage that the first mats and the second mats are unable to rotate around the elongate member, ensuring that the first mats and the second mats are neatly and securely stacked on the elongate member, line up when viewed from above, when the table setting is not in use.

The table setting may further comprise at least one condiment dispenser having at least one third aperture therethrough, wherein said third aperture has a shape and size to allow said first portion of said elongate member to be inserted therethrough, thereby additionally enabling the mounting of at least one said condiment dispenser on said elongate member to form said structure.

The condiment dispenser may further comprise a reservoir, which is arranged peripherally around said third aperture.

The third aperture may be rectangular in shape.

The third aperture may be square in shape.

The table setting may further comprise at least one napkin holder having at least one fourth aperture therethrough, wherein said fourth aperture has a shape and size to allow said first portion of said elongate member to be inserted therethrough, thereby additionally enabling the mounting of at least one said napkin holder on said elongate member to form said structure.

At least one said napkin holder may comprise a plurality of raised elements each of which is engageable with a corresponding portion in at least one of said first and second mats .

In this way, the napkin holders may be neatly and securely mounted to the elongate member, when the first and second mats are already stacked on the elongate member, the engagement of the raised elements with the corresponding portions in the first and second mats maintaining the napkin holder securely in position

The fourth aperture may be rectangular in shape.

The fourth aperture may be square in shape.

The base of said table setting may further comprise at least one first attachment means, wherein said elongate member may further comprise at least one corresponding portion, whereby said elongate member may be mounted to said base of said table setting by means of location of at least one said first attachment means with said corresponding portion of said elongate member.

This provides the advantage that the elongate member may be conveniently mounted to the base of the table setting, also facilitating the addition of further elongate members to the base of the table setting, or the removal thereof, as required.

At least one said first attachment means may comprise a rebate and at least one said corresponding portion may comprise a protrusion.

The table setting may further comprise a holder for holding a wine bottle comprising at least one second corresponding portion, said base comprising a plurality of said first attachment means, whereby said holder may be mounted to said base of said table setting by means of location of at least one said first attachment means with said second corresponding portion of said holder.

This provides the advantage that, when the table setting is in use, that is, when the table is set, the holder can be mounted to the base of the table setting and a wine bottle may be disposed in the holder.

The table setting may comprise a plurality of said elongate members .

	The	table	setting	may	comprise	a plurality	of	said	first
mats .
	The	table	setting	may	comprise	a plurality	of	said	second
mats .
	The	table	setting	may	comprise	a plurality	of	said	napkin

holders .

The table setting may comprise a plurality of said condiment dispensers .

This provides the advantage that the table setting is able to accommodate any suitable number of users and can be a bespoke item according to the requirements of the user.

The table setting may further comprise at least one annular trough, wherein said annular trough may be mounted around a plurality of said elongate members such that it circumscribes said plurality of elongate members.

This provides the advantage that, when the table setting is in use, that is, when the table is set, the annular trough can be mounted around the elongate members and flowers may be disposed in the annular trough, for further decorative purposes .

The base of said table setting may comprise a first recess inside which cutlery may be disposed.

This provides the advantage that cutlery can be conveniently stored out of sight within the base of the table setting, when the table setting is not in use.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only and not in any limitative sense, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-

Figure 1	shows	a perspective	viev	ί of a table	setting	in
accordance	with	an embodiment of	the	present invention, in use,
that is, when the table is set;
Figure 2	shows	a perspective	view of a table	setting	in
accordance	with	an embodiment of	the	present invention, not	in
use, that	is,	when the table	is	not set, but	providing	a

decorative addition to the table in the meantime;

Figure 3 shows a front view of a table setting in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, not in use, that is, when the table is not set, but providing a decorative addition to a table in the meantime;

Figure 3a shows a perspective view of the table setting of Figure

3;

Figure 4 shows a front view of a table setting in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, not in use, that is, when the table is not set, but providing a decorative addition to a table in the meantime;

Figure 4a shows a perspective view of the table setting of Figure

4;

Figure 5 shows a front view of a table setting in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, not in use, that is, when the table is not set, but providing a decorative addition to a table in the meantime;

Figure 5a shows a perspective view of the table setting of Figure

5;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a portion of a table setting in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, in use, that is, when the table is set;

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a portion of a table setting in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, in use, that is, when the table is set;

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a portion of a table setting in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a portion of a table setting in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a portion of a table setting in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a portion of a table setting in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to Figures 3 and 3a, a first embodiment of a table setting is represented generally by reference numeral 10 .

The table setting 10 is intended for two people and comprises a single elongate member in the form of a candlestick 12, and a base 14. The candlestick 12 comprises a first portion in the form of a stem 12a, and a second portion in the form of a detachable nozzle 12b, inside which a candle may be typically mounted. As can be clearly seen from Figures 3 and 3a, the size of the cross section of the nozzle 12b is greater than the size of the cross section of the stem 12a, the nozzle 12b being generally bulkier than the stem 12a.

The candlestick 12 is securely mounted on the base 14 such that it extends in a vertical direction when the base 14 is in situ on a table for example. That is, the candlestick 12 extends in a direction perpendicular to the base 14.

The base 14 comprises a first attachment means in the form of a rebate (not shown), and the candlestick 12 further comprises a corresponding portion in the form of a protrusion (not shown), such that the candlestick 12 can be mounted to the base 14 by means of location of the protrusion (not shown) inside the rebate (not shown).

The base 14 further comprises a first recess 14a inside which cutlery for example, can be conveniently stored within an inner container (not shown) which sits inside the first recess 14a.

The table setting 10 further comprises four first mats in the form of four coasters 16, two second mats in the form of two placemats 18 upon which dinner plates can be placed, and two serving mats 20 upon which serving dishes for example, can be placed. It is to be appreciated that the coasters 16, which are shown in detail in Figure 9, each have a first surface area, and the placemats 18, which are shown in detail in Figure 10, each have a second surface area, and the serving mats 20 each have a third surface area, whereby the first, second and third surface areas are progressively greater. To elaborate, the coasters 16 are intended to be used with a drinking glass for example, the placemats 18 are intended to be used with a dinner plate for example, and the serving mats 20 are intended to be used with a serving dish for example.

The table setting 10 further comprises two napkin holders

22, an example of which is shown in detail in Figure 11, and which is described in further detail below.

It is to be appreciated that the table setting 10 could additionally comprise a condiment dispenser 26 having a reservoir 28 for storing salt for example, which is shown in detail in Figure 8 and which is described below, but which is not specifically shown in this embodiment.

The coasters 16 each comprise a first aperture 30 therethrough, which in this embodiment is square shaped.

The placemats 18 each comprise a second aperture 32 therethrough, which are the same size and shape as the first apertures 30 in the coasters 16.

The condiment dispenser 26 comprises a third aperture 34 therethrough, which is the same shape and size as the first apertures 30 in the coasters 16 and the second apertures 32 in the placemats 18. It is to be appreciated that the reservoir 28 of the condiment dispenser 26 is arranged peripherally around the third aperture 34.

The napkin holder 22 comprises a peripheral wall 22a defining a square shaped fourth aperture in the form of an opening 36 through which a napkin may be inserted, when the table setting 10 is in use. Although the opening 36 is the same shape as the first apertures 30 in the coasters, the second apertures 32 in the placemats 18, and the third aperture 34 in the condiment dispenser 26, the opening 36 in the napkin holder 22 is comparatively larger in size. In view of this, in order to retain the napkin holders 22 in position when they are being stacked on the elongate members 12, that is, when the table setting 10 is not in use, the napkin holder 22 comprises raised portions 22b, one at each corner of the peripheral wall 22a, which locate in corresponding portions 16a in the coasters 16, the placemats 18, and the serving mats 20, when the various constituent parts of the table setting 10 are stacked on the candlestick 12. The corresponding portions 16a are small holes which additionally provide a decorative effect.

The serving mats 20 each comprise a fifth aperture 38 therethrough, which are the same shape and size as the first apertures 30 in the coasters 16, the second apertures 32 in the place mats 18, and the third aperture 34 in the condiment dispenser 26.

The shape and size of the first apertures 30, the second apertures 32,the third aperture 34, and the fifth apertures 38 are the same as the shape and size of the cross section of the stem 12a of the candlestick 12, so that, when the table setting 10 is not in use, that is, when the table setting 10 is to be stored, the nozzle 12b can first be removed from the stem 12a, and the coasters 16, the placemats 18, the condiment dispenser 26, and the serving mats 20 can be slotted over the stem 12a of the candlestick 12 so that they are mounted on the candlestick 12 in a decorative yet convenient and compact stacked formation. The square shape of the first 30, second 32, third 34, and fifth 38 apertures, coupled with the square shape of the cross section of the stem 12a, facilitates the stacking of the coasters 16, the place mats 18, the condiment dispenser 26, and the serving mats 20 in a neat and compact fashion, effectively preventing their rotation around the stem 12a. Although the size of the opening 36 of the napkin holder 22 is not the same as the size of the cross section of the stem 12a of the candlestick 12 (rather, it is larger), it can nevertheless be slotted over the stem 12a in a similar fashion to the coasters 16, the placemats 18 and the serving mats 20. The engagement of the raised portions 22b of the napkin holders 22 with the corresponding portions 16a in the form of small holes in the coasters 16, the placemats 18 and the serving mats 20, similarly prevent the rotation of the napkin holders 22 around the stem 12a.

It is to be appreciated that the various constituent parts of the table setting 10 could be stacked in any suitable order desired by the user, to provide the requisite decorative effect.

In this way, when the table setting 10 is not in use, that is, when the table is not set ready for users to sit at the table and eat, the various constituent parts of the table setting 10 are arranged together in a decorative and ornamental fashion, which can remain visible within a room without having a detrimental effect on the aesthetic appeal of the room, as shown in Figure 2. Indeed, the architectural structure of the table setting 10 (that is way that the structure that the table setting 10 forms appears to be a model of an ornate building) improves the look and feel of the room in which it is disposed. The presence of the candlestick 12, which provides atmospheric lighting as well as a convenient means for mounting the various constituent parts of the table setting 10 when the table setting 10 is not in use, also adds to the decorative appeal.

The ease of use of the table setting 10 is improved still further by the removable nature of the nozzle 12b, which facilitates the quick and easy removal and replacement of the various constituent parts of the table setting 10, when required, to set the table as shown in Figure 1.

It is to be appreciated that the table setting of the present invention can be adapted to accommodate any suitable number of users, and this is illustrated with reference to further embodiments as will be described below.

Turning now to Figures 4 and 4a, a second embodiment of a table setting is represented generally by reference numeral 10.

The table setting 10 is intended for six people and comprises identical elements to the embodiment of Figures 3 and 3a, but in different quantities, to take into account the different number of people who will be sat at the table and benefitting from this embodiment.

The table setting 10 comprises three elongate members in the form of three candlesticks 12 and a base 14. The candlestick 12 comprises a first portion in the form of a stem 12a, and a second portion in the form of a detachable nozzle 12b, inside which a candle may be typically mounted.

The candlesticks 12 are securely mounted on the base 14 such that they extend in a vertical direction when the base 14 is in situ on a table for example. That is, the candlesticks 12 extend in a direction perpendicular to the base 14.

The base 14 comprises a first attachment means in the form of a rebate (not shown) , and the candlesticks 12 each further comprises a corresponding portion in the form of a protrusion (not shown), such that the candlesticks 12 can each be mounted to the base 14 by means of location of the protrusion (not shown) inside the rebate (not shown).

As with the first embodiment of Figures 3 and 3a, the base 14 further comprises a first recess 14a inside which cutlery for example, can be conveniently stored in an inner container (not shown) which sits inside the first recess 14a.

The table setting 10 further comprises twenty one first mats in the form of twenty one coasters 16, six second mats in the form of six placemats 18 upon which dinner plates can be placed, and four serving mats 20 upon which serving dishes for example, can be placed. It is to be appreciated that the coasters 16, which are shown in detail in Figure 9, each have a first surface area, and the placemats 18, which are shown in detail in Figure 10, each have a second surface area, and the serving mats 20 each have a third surface area, whereby the first, second and third surface areas are progressively greater. To elaborate, the coasters 16 are intended to be used with a drinking glass for example, the placemats 18 are intended to be used with a dinner plate for example, and the serving mats 20 are intended to be used with a serving dish for example.

The table setting 10 further comprises six napkin holders 22, an example of which is shown in detail in Figure 11 and

which is	described	in	further	detail below.
As	with the	embodiment	of Figures 3 and 3a it is to be
appreciated that	the	table	setting 10 could additionally
comprise	a condiment	dispenser 26 having a reservoir 28 for

storing salt for example, which is shown in detail in Figure 8 and which is described below, but which is not specifically shown in this embodiment.

As with the embodiment of Figures 3 and 3a, the coasters 16 each comprise a first aperture 30 therethrough, which in this embodiment is square shaped.

The condiment dispenser 26 comprises a third aperture 34 therethrough, which is the same shape and size and shape as the first apertures 30 in the coasters 16 and the second apertures 32 in the placemats 18. It is to be appreciated that the reservoir 28 of the condiment dispenser 26 is arranged peripherally around the third aperture 34.

The napkin holder 22 comprises a peripheral wall 22a defining a square shaped fourth aperture in the form of an opening 36 through which a napkin may be inserted, when the table setting 10 is in use. Although the opening 36 is the same shape as the first apertures 30 in the coasters, the second apertures 32 in the place mats 18, and the third aperture 34 in the condiment dispenser 26, the opening 36 in the napkin holder 22 is comparatively larger in size. In view of this, in order to retain the napkin holders 22 in position when they are being stacked on the elongate members 12, that is, when the table setting 10 is not in use, the napkin holder 22 comprises raised portions 22b, one at each corner of the peripheral wall 22a, which locate in corresponding portions 16a in the coasters 16, the placemats 18, and the serving mats 20, when the various constituent parts of the table setting 10 are stacked on the candlestick 12. The corresponding portions 16a are small holes which additionally provide a decorative effect.

The serving mats 20 each comprise a fifth aperture 38 therethrough, which are the same shape and size and shape as the first apertures 30 in the coasters 16, the second apertures 32 in the place mats 18, and the third aperture 34 in the condiment dispenser 26.

The shape and size of the first apertures 30, the second apertures 32,the third aperture 34, and the fifth apertures 38 are the same as the shape and size of the cross section of the stem 12a of the candlestick 12, so that, when the table setting 10 is not in use, that is, when the table setting 10 is to be stored, the nozzle 12b can first be removed from the stem 12a, and the coasters 16, the placemats 18, the condiment dispenser 26, and the serving mats 20 can be slotted over the stem 12a of the candlestick 12 so that they are mounted on the candlestick 12 in a decorative yet convenient and compact stacked formation. The square shape of the first 30, second 32, third 34, and fifth 38 apertures, coupled with the square shape of the cross section of the stem 12a, facilitates the stacking of the coasters 16, the place mats 18, the condiment dispenser 26, and the serving mats 20 in a neat and compact fashion, effectively preventing their rotation around the stem 12a. Although the size of the opening 36 of the napkin holder 22 is not the same as the size of the cross section of the stem 12a of the candlestick 12 (rather, it is larger), it can nevertheless be slotted over the stem 12a in a similar fashion to the coasters 16, the placemats 18 and the serving mats 20. The engagement of the raised portions 22b of the napkin holders 22 with the corresponding portions 16a in the form of small holes of the coasters 16, the placemats 18 and the serving mats 20, similarly prevent the rotation of the napkin holders 22 around the stem 12a.

As with the embodiment of Figures 3 and 3a, it is to be appreciated that the various constituent parts of the table setting 10 could be stacked in any suitable order desired by the user, to provide the requisite decorative effect.

Turning now to Figures 5 and 5a, a third embodiment of a table setting is represented generally by reference numeral 10.

The table setting 10 is intended for four people and comprises identical elements to the embodiments of Figures 3 and 3a and Figures 4 and 4a, but in different quantities, to take into account the different number of people who will be sat at the table and benefitting from this embodiment.

The table setting 10 comprises two elongate members in the form of two candlesticks 12 and a base 14. The candlestick 12 comprises a first portion in the form of a stem 12a, and a second portion in the form of a detachable nozzle 12b, inside which a candle may be typically mounted.

The candlesticks 12 are securely mounted on the base 14 such that they extend in a substantially vertical direction when the base 14 is in situ on a table for example. That is, the candlesticks 12 extend in a direction perpendicular to the base 14 .

The base 14 comprises a first attachment means in the form of a rebate (not shown) , and the candlesticks 12 each further comprise a corresponding portion in the form of a protrusion (not shown), such that the candlesticks 12 can each be mounted to the base 14 by means of location of the protrusion (not shown) inside the rebate (not shown).

As with the embodiments of Figures 3 and 3a and Figures 4 and 4a, the base 14 further comprises a first recess 14a inside which cutlery for example, can be conveniently stored in an inner container (not shown) which sits inside the first recess

14a.

The table setting 10 further comprises ten first mats in the form of ten coasters 16, four second mats in the form of four placemats 18 upon which dinner plates can be placed, and three serving mats 20 upon which serving dishes for example, can be placed. It is to be appreciated that the coasters 16, which are shown in detail in Figure 9, each have a first surface area, and the placemats 18, which are shown in detail in Figure 10, each have a second surface area, and the serving mats 20 each have a third surface area, whereby the first, second and third surface areas are progressively greater. To elaborate, the coasters 16 are intended to be used with a drinking glass for example, the placemats 18 are intended to be used with a dinner plate for example, and the serving mats 20 are intended to be used with a serving dish for example.

The table setting 10 further comprises four napkin holders 22, an example of which is shown in detail in Figure 11, and which is described in further detail below.

As with the embodiments of Figures 3 and 3a and Figures 4 and 4a, it is to be appreciated that the table setting 10 could additionally comprise a condiment dispenser 26 having a reservoir 28 for storing salt for example, which is shown in detail in Figure 8 and which is described below, but which is not specifically shown in this embodiment.

As with the embodiment of Figures 3 and 3a and Figure 4 and 4a, the coasters 16 each comprise a first aperture 30 therethrough, which in this embodiment is square shaped.

The place mats 18 each comprise a second aperture 32 therethrough, which are the same shape and size as the first apertures 30 in the coasters 16.

The condiment dispenser 26 comprises a third aperture 34 therethrough, which is the same size and shape as the first apertures 30 in the coasters 16 and the second apertures 32 in the placemats 18. It is to be appreciated that the reservoir 28 of the condiment dispenser 26 is arranged peripherally around the third aperture 34.

The serving mats 20 each comprise a fifth aperture 38 therethrough, which are the same size and shape as the first apertures 30 in the coasters 16, the second apertures 32 in the placemats 18, and the third aperture 34 in the condiment dispenser 26.

As with the embodiments of Figures 3 and 3a and Figures 4 and 4a, it is to be appreciated that the various constituent parts of the table setting 10 could be stacked in any suitable order desired by the user, to provide the requisite decorative effect.

Turning now to Figure 6, the table setting 10 further comprises a holder 40 for mounting a wine bottle 42 on the base 14 of the table setting 10. The holder 40 comprises a number of second corresponding portions in the form of second protrusions 44, which can be located in further first attachment means in the form of rebates 46 in the base 14, in order to securely mount the holder 40 to the base 14, when required. In this way, when the table setting 10 is in use, that is, when the table is set, the holder 40 can be mounted to the base 14 of the table setting 10 by a user, ready to receive a wine bottle 42.

Although in Figure 6, the holder 40 is used in conjunction with a table setting comprising three elongate members 12, it is to be appreciated that the holder 40 can be used with any of the embodiments of the present invention, such as any of the embodiments described previously.

Turning now to Figure 7, the table setting 10 further comprises three annular troughs 48, which are each mounted around the candlesticks 12. The mounting of the annular troughs 48 around the candlesticks 12, which in this embodiment is a group of three, is facilitated by the presence of six apertures 50, which are the same shape and size as the first apertures 30, the second apertures 32, the third aperture 34, and the fifth apertures 38, which allow for the candlesticks 12 to be inserted therethrough, to securely retain the annular troughs 48 in position.

In this way, when the table setting 10 is in use, that is, when the table is set, the annular troughs 48 can be mounted to the candlesticks 12 and flowers may be disposed therein, to further enhance the decorative aspect of the table setting 10.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above embodiments have been described by way of example only, and not in any limitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, the apertures in the mats and the crosssectional shape of the candlesticks could be any suitable shape including but not limited to circular and oval. The candlestick heads (also referred to as sconces) are removable to allow other accessories to be added. For example, food display platters can be placed over the columns in a tiered format to display food. The Sconces or the column heads can be changed in design to replicate a brand. The idea is that they can use more than one base piece and build up the collection purchasing the different parts to form another central functional centrepiece, so they can display flowers and wine at the same time. The apparatus can therefore be bought as a complete collection and/or can build up or added to by buying additional pieces as and when required. The base and candlesticks of the above embodiments are shown as a single unit with the candlestick or sticks fixed to the base by welding. However, the base and candlesticks could be formed as seperable items which further assists in the creation of a kit of items which can be separately purchased over a period of time to extend from the unit shown in figure 3 to that shown in figure 4. The table setting shown is formed from sheet metal material such as steel or aluminium and may be coated with other materials including metals such as gold. The table setting can be formed from any suitable material including acrylic or other thermoplastic, wood, metals coated with other materials and the like.

Claims

1. A table setting comprising :at least one elongate member;

at least one first mat having a first surface area and at least one first aperture therethrough; and at least one second mat having a second surface area different from said first surface area and at least one second aperture therethrough, wherein said first and second apertures have a shape and size to allow a first portion of said elongate member to be inserted therethrough, thereby enabling the stacking of said first and second mats on said elongate member to form a structure .

2. A table setting as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a base, upon which at least one said elongate member is mountable .

3. A table setting as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein at least one said elongate member is a candlestick.

4. A table setting as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein at least one said first mat is a coaster upon which a drinking vessel may be disposed.

5. A table setting as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein at least one said second mat is a placemat upon which a dinner plate may be disposed.

6. A table setting as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein said second surface area is greater than said first surface area.

7. A table setting as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein at least one said elongate member extends substantially perpendicularly from said base.

8. A table setting as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein said shape and size of at least one said first aperture is substantially the same as said shape and size of at least one said second aperture.

9. A table setting as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein said shape and size of said first and second apertures is substantially the same as the shape and size of the cross section of said first portion of said elongate member.

10. A table setting as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein said elongate member further comprises a second portion, wherein the size of the cross section of said second portion is greater than the size of the cross section of said first portion.

11. A table setting as claimed in claim 10, wherein said second portion is selectively removable from said elongate member.

12. A table setting as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein said first and second apertures are rectangular in shape .

13. A table setting as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein said first and second apertures are square in shape .

14. A table setting as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein the cross section of said first portion of said elongate member is rectangular in shape.

15. A table setting as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein the cross section of said first portion of said elongate member is sguare in shape.

16. A table setting as claimed in any one of the previous claims, further comprising at least one condiment dispenser having at least one third aperture therethrough, wherein said third aperture has a shape and size to allow said first portion of said elongate member to be inserted therethrough, thereby additionally enabling the mounting of at least one said condiment dispenser on said elongate member to form said structure .

17. A table setting as claimed in claim 16, wherein said condiment dispenser further comprises a reservoir, which is arranged peripherally around said third aperture.

18. A table setting as claimed in any one of claims 16 or 17, wherein said third aperture is rectangular in shape.

19. A table setting as claimed in any one of the previous claims 16 to 18, wherein said third aperture is sguare in shape.

20. A table setting as claimed in any one of the previous claims, further comprising at least one napkin holder having at least one fourth aperture therethrough, wherein said fourth aperture has a shape and size to allow said first portion of said elongate member to be inserted therethrough, thereby additionally enabling the mounting of at least one said napkin holder on said elongate member to form said structure.

21. A table setting as claimed in claim 20, wherein at least one said napkin holder comprises a plurality of raised elements each of which is engageable with a corresponding portion in at least one of said first and second mats.

22. A table setting as claimed in any one of claims 20 or 21, wherein said fourth aperture is rectangular in shape.

23. A table setting as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein said fourth aperture is square in shape.

24. A table setting as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 23, wherein said base of said table setting further comprises at least one first attachment means, wherein said elongate member further comprises at least one corresponding portion, whereby said elongate member is mountable to said base of said table setting by means of location of at least one said first attachment means with said corresponding portion of said elongate member.

25. A table setting as claimed in claim 24, wherein at least one said first attachment means comprises a rebate and at least one said corresponding portion comprises a protrusion.

26. A table setting as claimed in claim 25, further comprising a holder for holding a wine bottle comprising at least one second corresponding portion, said base comprising a plurality of said first attachment means, whereby said holder is mountable to said base of said table setting by means of location of at least one said first attachment means with said second corresponding portion of said holder.

27. A table setting as claimed in any one of the previous claims, comprising a plurality of said elongate members.

28. A table setting as claimed in any one of the previous claims, comprising a plurality of said first mats.

29. A table setting as claimed in any one of the previous claims, comprising a plurality of said second mats.

30. A table setting as claimed in any one of the previous claims, comprising a plurality of said napkin holders.

31. A claims, table setting as claimed comprising a plurality of in any one of said condiment the previous dispensers .

32. A table setting as claimed in any one of the previous claims, further comprising at least one annular trough, wherein said annular trough is mountable around a plurality of said elongate members such that it circumscribes said plurality of elongate members .

33. A table setting as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 32, wherein said base of said table setting comprises a first recess inside which cutlery may be disposed.

34. A table setting substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1614337.2 Examiner: Mr Henry Nevell