US20180092477A1 - Steady, non-flip plates - Google Patents
Steady, non-flip plates Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20180092477A1 US20180092477A1 US15/832,235 US201715832235A US2018092477A1 US 20180092477 A1 US20180092477 A1 US 20180092477A1 US 201715832235 A US201715832235 A US 201715832235A US 2018092477 A1 US2018092477 A1 US 2018092477A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- plate
- edge
- center
- millimeters
- present disclosure
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G19/00—Table service
- A47G19/02—Plates, dishes or the like
- A47G19/08—Plate-holders
- A47G19/10—Devices for securing plates to the table
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G19/00—Table service
- A47G19/02—Plates, dishes or the like
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G19/00—Table service
- A47G19/02—Plates, dishes or the like
- A47G19/06—Plates with integral holders for spoons, glasses, or the like
- A47G19/065—Plates with integral holders for spoons, glasses, or the like with thumb holes, handles or the like enabling the user to support the plate from below
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to plates or serving dishes that can be placed on a flat surface, and which resist being flipped or tipped by wind or other forces in the surrounding environment. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to plates or serving dishes that is have downwardly sloping edges, which provide resistance against being tipped over.
- the present disclosure provides a tip-resistant plate, comprising a center and an edge surrounding the center.
- the edge has an upwardly sloping surface adjacent to the center and a downwardly sloping surface adjacent to the upwardly sloping surface, wherein the upwardly sloping surface and downwardly sloping surface are around a circumference of the plate, so that the downwardly sloping surface contacts the surface upon which the plate rests.
- plate for ease of description, but unless otherwise specified, this term should be understood to mean dinner-size plates, smaller salad or dessert plates, or larger serving plates.
- FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a plate of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 2 a is a second top, perspective view of a plate of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 2 b is a top, perspective view of stacked plates of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the plate of FIG. 1 , taken along line 3 - 3 of FIG. 2 a.
- FIG. 4 is a third top, perspective view of the plate of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 5 is a fourth top, perspective view of the plate of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 6 is a top, perspective view of the plate of the present disclosure, with decorative elements or depressions around an edge thereof.
- FIG. 7 a is a top view line drawing of the plate of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 7 b is a side view line drawing of the plate of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 7 c is a cross-sectional line drawing of the plate of the present disclosure, taken along line C-C of FIG. 8 a.
- plate 10 of the present disclosure is shown.
- Plate 10 has a center 20 and an edge 30 .
- edge 30 has an inverted V-shape (see FIG. 3 ) in cross-section, with an upwardly sloped or surface 32 and a downwardly sloped or surface 34 on the outside of plate 10 .
- Downwardly sloped surface 34 terminates in a flange or flat edge 36 that contacts the surface upon which plate 10 sits.
- edge can be V-shaped, U-shaped, rounded or squared off, or flat at the top, as long as there is an upwardly shaped surface 32 on the outer edge of plate 10 .
- Stackability of plates 10 should also be a concern when determining the shape.
- the “center” of plate 10 is the area bounded by edge 30 .
- Edge 30 can have one or more notches 38 around a circumference thereof, cut into surface 32 . These notches can provide a hold for a use to pick up plate 10 , or separate them when stacked ( FIG. 2 b ). Notches provide this convenient feature, but surprisingly do not adversely affect the resistance of plate 10 to flipping. FIG. 2 b also shows how easily multiple plates 10 can be stacked.
- center 20 can have an outer edge 24 that is adjacent to edge 30 , and a middle 22 .
- Middle 22 can be slightly raised or domed, so that there is a little space between it and the surface upon which plate 10 rests. The user can press down on center 20 to create a temporary suction between center 20 and the surface.
- Plate 10 can be made of several different kinds of material, such as plastic, paper, pulp, bamboo, metal, or other fiber and composite materials, and combinations thereof.
- edge 30 may have decorations, embossments, or depressions 31 around or partially around a circumference thereof.
- plate 10 can have an overall diameter D, height H, notch height h, and thickness t. Dimensional ranges for these values are as follows.
- the diameter D can be anywhere from four (4) to twelve (12) inches, or any subranges therebetween. As non-limiting examples, the diameter D can be from eight and one-half (8.5) inches to eleven (11) or twelve (12) inches, or any subranges therebetween, as in larger dinner plates, or from four (4) to six (6) inches, or any subranges therebetween, for smaller plates.
- the height H can be twenty-two (22) millimeters or less. The height H can also be twenty-two (24) millimeters or less.
- the thickness t can be from 0.3 millimeters and up, for example to two (2) or three (3) millimeters, or any subranges therebetween. In other embodiments, the thickness t can be from 0.5 millimeters and up, or from 0.8 millimeters and up.
- plate 10 of the present disclosure has a thickness similar to that of current plates, i.e. approximately 0.3-0.8 millimeters, while still providing the advantages described herein to avoid flipping. Some current manufacturers attempt to overcome the problem of flipping by making the plates very thick, which adds to material cost.
- plate 10 of the present disclosure when thickness t of plate 10 gets too low, below 0.3 millimeters, the structural integrity of the plate can be compromised, and it will have a hard time keeping its shape under the weight of food.
- the thickness is too high, for example 3 mm or greater, plate 10 of the present disclosure does not offer any significant advantages over currently available designs. Currently available plates with very high thicknesses can resist tipping.
- dome or center 22 can have a height x, so that center 22 is slightly raised from the surface on which plate 10 rests.
- Height x can be up to and including six (6) millimeters. In another embodiment, height x is four (4) millimeters or less, or three (3) millimeters or less. If height x is too high, the food placed in plate 10 can run to the sides of the plate.
Landscapes
- Table Devices Or Equipment (AREA)
- Tables And Desks Characterized By Structural Shape (AREA)
Abstract
The present disclosure provides a plate that is resistant to tipping when subjected to wind or other forces. The plates have a center and an edge. The edge can be an inverted v-shaped form having an upwardly sloped surface near the center, and a downwardly sloped surface around the outer circumference of the plate. The center can be domed, to allow for suction with respect to the surface upon which the plate rests.
Description
- The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/433,840, filed on Dec. 14, 2016, which is herein incorporated by reference.
- The present disclosure relates to plates or serving dishes that can be placed on a flat surface, and which resist being flipped or tipped by wind or other forces in the surrounding environment. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to plates or serving dishes that is have downwardly sloping edges, which provide resistance against being tipped over.
- Current serving plates, such as the disposable variety used in outdoor parties or events, are thin and thus susceptible to being flipped over easily by wind or other elements. There is a need to address this deficiency.
- In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a tip-resistant plate, comprising a center and an edge surrounding the center. The edge has an upwardly sloping surface adjacent to the center and a downwardly sloping surface adjacent to the upwardly sloping surface, wherein the upwardly sloping surface and downwardly sloping surface are around a circumference of the plate, so that the downwardly sloping surface contacts the surface upon which the plate rests. There can be a notch in the edge, so that a user can lift the plate.
- The present disclosure uses the term “plate” for ease of description, but unless otherwise specified, this term should be understood to mean dinner-size plates, smaller salad or dessert plates, or larger serving plates.
-
FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a plate of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 2a is a second top, perspective view of a plate of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 2b is a top, perspective view of stacked plates of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the plate ofFIG. 1 , taken along line 3-3 ofFIG. 2 a. -
FIG. 4 is a third top, perspective view of the plate of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 5 is a fourth top, perspective view of the plate of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 6 is a top, perspective view of the plate of the present disclosure, with decorative elements or depressions around an edge thereof. -
FIG. 7a is a top view line drawing of the plate of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 7b is a side view line drawing of the plate of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 7c is a cross-sectional line drawing of the plate of the present disclosure, taken along line C-C ofFIG. 8 a. - Referring to the drawings,
plate 10 of the present disclosure is shown.Plate 10 has acenter 20 and anedge 30. As shown,edge 30 has an inverted V-shape (seeFIG. 3 ) in cross-section, with an upwardly sloped orsurface 32 and a downwardly sloped orsurface 34 on the outside ofplate 10. Downwardly slopedsurface 34 terminates in a flange orflat edge 36 that contacts the surface upon whichplate 10 sits. Thus, whenplate 10 is on a surface such as a table, wind can pass overedge 36 andsurface 34, eliminating or greatly reducing flipping. In conventionally available plates, the edges are lifted off the surface. This allows wind to get under the edge and flip the plate.Plate 10 of the present disclosure substantially mitigates or eliminates this phenomenon. The cross-sectional profile of edge can be V-shaped, U-shaped, rounded or squared off, or flat at the top, as long as there is an upwardlyshaped surface 32 on the outer edge ofplate 10. Stackability ofplates 10 should also be a concern when determining the shape. As used in the present disclosure, the “center” ofplate 10 is the area bounded byedge 30. - Edge 30 can have one or
more notches 38 around a circumference thereof, cut intosurface 32. These notches can provide a hold for a use to pick upplate 10, or separate them when stacked (FIG. 2b ). Notches provide this convenient feature, but surprisingly do not adversely affect the resistance ofplate 10 to flipping.FIG. 2b also shows how easilymultiple plates 10 can be stacked. - Referring specifically to
FIG. 3 ,center 20 can have anouter edge 24 that is adjacent toedge 30, and amiddle 22. Middle 22 can be slightly raised or domed, so that there is a little space between it and the surface upon which plate 10 rests. The user can press down oncenter 20 to create a temporary suction betweencenter 20 and the surface. -
Plate 10 can be made of several different kinds of material, such as plastic, paper, pulp, bamboo, metal, or other fiber and composite materials, and combinations thereof. - As shown in
FIG. 6 ,edge 30 may have decorations, embossments, or depressions 31 around or partially around a circumference thereof. - Referring to
FIGS. 7a-7c ,plate 10 can have an overall diameter D, height H, notch height h, and thickness t. Dimensional ranges for these values are as follows. The diameter D can be anywhere from four (4) to twelve (12) inches, or any subranges therebetween. As non-limiting examples, the diameter D can be from eight and one-half (8.5) inches to eleven (11) or twelve (12) inches, or any subranges therebetween, as in larger dinner plates, or from four (4) to six (6) inches, or any subranges therebetween, for smaller plates. The height H can be twenty-two (22) millimeters or less. The height H can also be twenty-two (24) millimeters or less. - The thickness t can be from 0.3 millimeters and up, for example to two (2) or three (3) millimeters, or any subranges therebetween. In other embodiments, the thickness t can be from 0.5 millimeters and up, or from 0.8 millimeters and up. Advantageously,
plate 10 of the present disclosure has a thickness similar to that of current plates, i.e. approximately 0.3-0.8 millimeters, while still providing the advantages described herein to avoid flipping. Some current manufacturers attempt to overcome the problem of flipping by making the plates very thick, which adds to material cost. In the present disclosure, when thickness t ofplate 10 gets too low, below 0.3 millimeters, the structural integrity of the plate can be compromised, and it will have a hard time keeping its shape under the weight of food. When the thickness is too high, for example 3 mm or greater,plate 10 of the present disclosure does not offer any significant advantages over currently available designs. Currently available plates with very high thicknesses can resist tipping. - As previously discussed, dome or
center 22 can have a height x, so thatcenter 22 is slightly raised from the surface on whichplate 10 rests. Height x can be up to and including six (6) millimeters. In another embodiment, height x is four (4) millimeters or less, or three (3) millimeters or less. If height x is too high, the food placed inplate 10 can run to the sides of the plate. - While the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more particular embodiments, 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 thereof. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure.
Claims (11)
1. A tip-resistant plate, comprising:
a center; and
an edge surrounding the center, wherein the edge has an upwardly sloping surface adjacent to the center and a downwardly sloping surface adjacent to the upwardly sloping surface, wherein the upwardly sloping surface and downwardly sloping surface are around a circumference of the plate, so that the downwardly sloping surface contacts a surface upon which the plate rests.
2. The plate of claim 1 , wherein the center is dome-shaped, so that there is a space between the center and the surface upon which the plate rests.
3. The plate of claim 1 , wherein the dome-shaped center has a height of six millimeters or less.
4. The plate of claim 1 , further comprising one or more notches around the circumference of the plate, in the edge.
5. The plate of claim 1 , wherein the edge has an inverted v-shape in cross-section.
6. The plate of claim 1 , wherein the edge has a cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of U-shaped, rounded, and square.
7. The plate of claim 1 , wherein the plate has a diameter between 4 and 12 inches.
8. The plate of claim 1 , wherein the plate has a thickness of between 0.3 and 3 millimeters.
9. The plate of claim 1 , wherein the plate has a thickness of between 0.5 and 3 millimeters.
10. The plate of claim 1 , wherein the plate has a thickness of between 0.8 and 3 millimeters.
11. The plate of claim 1 , wherein the downwardly sloping edge has a flat edge projecting therefrom.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/832,235 US20180092477A1 (en) | 2016-12-14 | 2017-12-05 | Steady, non-flip plates |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201662433840P | 2016-12-14 | 2016-12-14 | |
US15/832,235 US20180092477A1 (en) | 2016-12-14 | 2017-12-05 | Steady, non-flip plates |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20180092477A1 true US20180092477A1 (en) | 2018-04-05 |
Family
ID=61757417
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US15/832,235 Abandoned US20180092477A1 (en) | 2016-12-14 | 2017-12-05 | Steady, non-flip plates |
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US (1) | US20180092477A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP6453513B1 (en) * | 2018-07-02 | 2019-01-16 | 隆志 永原 | Lightweight dishes |
US20220132797A1 (en) * | 2020-11-04 | 2022-05-05 | Old Dog New Tricks LLC | Ergonomic bowls and other vessels for water and foodstuff |
Citations (18)
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US2053949A (en) * | 1933-04-18 | 1936-09-08 | Canal Nat Bank Of Portland | Molded pulp article |
US2826346A (en) * | 1954-05-03 | 1958-03-11 | Keyes Fibre Co | Serving holder |
US3430803A (en) * | 1967-10-02 | 1969-03-04 | Sinclair Koppers Co | Semidisposable tray |
US6561375B1 (en) * | 2002-05-23 | 2003-05-13 | Giselle F. Nagy | Spill resistant dishware |
US20030098310A1 (en) * | 2001-11-28 | 2003-05-29 | Mcgee Dorothea | Tip resistant bowl |
US20030150865A1 (en) * | 2000-06-16 | 2003-08-14 | Hakan Bergkvist | Child's plate |
US20030178431A1 (en) * | 2002-03-22 | 2003-09-25 | Swiontek Anthony J. | Thermoformed food containers with enhanced rigidity |
US20050056690A1 (en) * | 2003-09-15 | 2005-03-17 | Clapper Edward Owen | No-flyaway picnic plate |
US20050199635A1 (en) * | 2004-03-10 | 2005-09-15 | Chang Sun H. | Food plate |
US20050218144A1 (en) * | 2004-03-31 | 2005-10-06 | Michael Price | Plate with holder for wine glass |
US20060065662A1 (en) * | 2004-09-20 | 2006-03-30 | Franco Goglio | Tray-shaped container of flexible material and relative manufacturing method and apparatus |
US20060169703A1 (en) * | 2004-11-02 | 2006-08-03 | Palmadera, S.A. | Ergonomic tray |
US20080099488A1 (en) * | 2006-08-14 | 2008-05-01 | Loopa, Llc | Spill-proof container with gimbal |
US20090050624A1 (en) * | 2007-08-20 | 2009-02-26 | Wendy Rae Ventura | Top-a-plate |
US8348091B1 (en) * | 2012-04-30 | 2013-01-08 | John Zox | Cocktail plate |
US8584929B2 (en) * | 2003-10-20 | 2013-11-19 | Dixie Consumer Products Llc | Pressed paperboard servingware with improved rigidity and rim stiffness |
US20140217105A1 (en) * | 2013-02-05 | 2014-08-07 | Jacob Kryman | Disposable food contact article with light reflective design |
US20140367392A1 (en) * | 2013-06-12 | 2014-12-18 | Raymond McClinton | Dual purpose plate with removable beverage container |
-
2017
- 2017-12-05 US US15/832,235 patent/US20180092477A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2053949A (en) * | 1933-04-18 | 1936-09-08 | Canal Nat Bank Of Portland | Molded pulp article |
US2826346A (en) * | 1954-05-03 | 1958-03-11 | Keyes Fibre Co | Serving holder |
US3430803A (en) * | 1967-10-02 | 1969-03-04 | Sinclair Koppers Co | Semidisposable tray |
US20030150865A1 (en) * | 2000-06-16 | 2003-08-14 | Hakan Bergkvist | Child's plate |
US20030098310A1 (en) * | 2001-11-28 | 2003-05-29 | Mcgee Dorothea | Tip resistant bowl |
US20030178431A1 (en) * | 2002-03-22 | 2003-09-25 | Swiontek Anthony J. | Thermoformed food containers with enhanced rigidity |
US6561375B1 (en) * | 2002-05-23 | 2003-05-13 | Giselle F. Nagy | Spill resistant dishware |
US20050056690A1 (en) * | 2003-09-15 | 2005-03-17 | Clapper Edward Owen | No-flyaway picnic plate |
US8584929B2 (en) * | 2003-10-20 | 2013-11-19 | Dixie Consumer Products Llc | Pressed paperboard servingware with improved rigidity and rim stiffness |
US20050199635A1 (en) * | 2004-03-10 | 2005-09-15 | Chang Sun H. | Food plate |
US20050218144A1 (en) * | 2004-03-31 | 2005-10-06 | Michael Price | Plate with holder for wine glass |
US20060065662A1 (en) * | 2004-09-20 | 2006-03-30 | Franco Goglio | Tray-shaped container of flexible material and relative manufacturing method and apparatus |
US20060169703A1 (en) * | 2004-11-02 | 2006-08-03 | Palmadera, S.A. | Ergonomic tray |
US20080099488A1 (en) * | 2006-08-14 | 2008-05-01 | Loopa, Llc | Spill-proof container with gimbal |
US20090050624A1 (en) * | 2007-08-20 | 2009-02-26 | Wendy Rae Ventura | Top-a-plate |
US8348091B1 (en) * | 2012-04-30 | 2013-01-08 | John Zox | Cocktail plate |
US20140217105A1 (en) * | 2013-02-05 | 2014-08-07 | Jacob Kryman | Disposable food contact article with light reflective design |
US20140367392A1 (en) * | 2013-06-12 | 2014-12-18 | Raymond McClinton | Dual purpose plate with removable beverage container |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP6453513B1 (en) * | 2018-07-02 | 2019-01-16 | 隆志 永原 | Lightweight dishes |
US20220132797A1 (en) * | 2020-11-04 | 2022-05-05 | Old Dog New Tricks LLC | Ergonomic bowls and other vessels for water and foodstuff |
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Owner name: DUNCAN, THOMAS R., NEW YORK Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:DUNCAN, THOMAS R.;STAMBOLIS, PETROS;REEL/FRAME:044303/0261 Effective date: 20171204 |
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