WO2020174247A1 - Appareil pour contenir un aliment et une boisson dans une seule main - Google Patents

Appareil pour contenir un aliment et une boisson dans une seule main Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020174247A1
WO2020174247A1 PCT/GB2020/050473 GB2020050473W WO2020174247A1 WO 2020174247 A1 WO2020174247 A1 WO 2020174247A1 GB 2020050473 W GB2020050473 W GB 2020050473W WO 2020174247 A1 WO2020174247 A1 WO 2020174247A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
handle
base
holder
receptacle
connector
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.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/GB2020/050473
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English (en)
Inventor
Nigel STUDDERT-KENNEDY
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of WO2020174247A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020174247A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • A47G19/06—Plates with integral holders for spoons, glasses, 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
    • A47G23/00—Other table equipment
    • A47G23/02—Glass or bottle holders
    • A47G23/0208—Glass or bottle holders for drinking-glasses, plastic cups, or the like
    • A47G23/0216—Glass or bottle holders for drinking-glasses, plastic cups, or the like for one glass or cup
    • A47G23/0225—Glass or bottle holders for drinking-glasses, plastic cups, or the like for one glass or cup attachable to a plate, table, or the like

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus for enabling a person to hold food and drink in or with one hand.
  • Food and drink are often provided at parties, business events and other gatherings. Drinks are served in glasses, cans or bottles, for example, and food or nibbles provided on plates (or available from platters for each person to then put on a plate). Most people will therefore end up with a drink in one hand and a plate of‘finger food’ in the other.
  • an apparatus for holding food and drink in or with one hand comprising an elongate handle, a base at a lower end of the handle for supporting the apparatus in a stable upright position on a table, the elongate handle and/or the base including manually releasable connection means to releasably connect the base and lower end of the handle together, a food receiving area on top of the base, a drinks receptacle or vessel, and a holder for the drinks receptacle, the holder being provided at an upper end of the handle, and the drinks receptacle being removable from the holder.
  • the apparatus is a food and drink holder.
  • the handle is located (or extends) between the food receiving area and the drinks receptacle, which is convenient to hold and frees up the other hand. Having a free hand makes it possible to eat or drink without difficulty whilst standing up, without having to find somewhere to set down the apparatus. This is useful at a networking event or party, for example.
  • the apparatus Being able to remove the drinks receptacle from the holder means that the apparatus can be held in one hand whilst the drinks receptacle is removed with the other hand for drinking.
  • a removable drinks receptacle or a receptacle that is discrete from the rest of the apparatus, it can be removed and tilted for drinking without also tilting the food receiving area. In other words, the receptacle can be tilted independently of the rest of the apparatus.
  • Connection means is provided to connect the base and lower end of the handle together. This allows the apparatus to be disassembled for storage, or provided in a disassembled state for transport. The apparatus can instead be assembled for use at an event. Being able to detach the base from the handle is also useful for cleaning the base. For example, if the base is a plate or a bowl, it can be conveniently washed in a dishwasher.
  • connection means may be formed as part of, or moulded into or onto, the base.
  • the base may be adapted or shaped to receive the lower end of the handle, for connecting the handle to the base.
  • connection means may be attached to the base by fixing means, such as adhesive or riveting.
  • the releasable connection means may be flexible, or flexible enough to form a friction- fit connection between two complementary parts.
  • the releasable connection means may include a flexible or push-fit or snap-fit connector on the handle or base for receiving a corresponding part of the base or lower end of the handle.
  • the releasable connection means may include mutually engageable connections on the base and handle.
  • a push-fit or snap-fit connection makes it quick and easy to fit the handle and base together. This is particularly useful for disassembling the device for placement in a dishwasher.
  • the manually releasable connection means may include a first connector at the lower end of the handle.
  • the manually releasable connection means may include a second connector on an upper surface of the base.
  • the second connector may be configured or shaped such that it can releasably engage the first connector.
  • the first connector may be bonded or secured to the lower end of the handle.
  • the first connector may be integrally formed with the handle.
  • the base may include a through aperture.
  • the second connector may be connected to the base via the through aperture.
  • a detent arrangement may be provided.
  • the second connector may be adapted to resist axial detachment, e.g. by pulling, so that the connection between the base and second connector does not fail before the connection between the first and second connectors is broken, when detaching the handle from the base.
  • the second connector is intended to remain attached to the base in most cases.
  • the first and second connectors may be male and female connectors.
  • One of the first and second connectors may include a substantially circumferential recess or undercut.
  • the other of the first and second connectors may include a substantially circumferential rim or detent for engagement with the substantially circumferential recess. This provides a secure connection between the handle and base.
  • An interrupted rim or series of protrusions or detents may be provided instead of a circumferential rim, for example. No tools such as a screwdriver or pliers are needed to detach the handle from the plate - it can be done manually, i.e. by hand alone.
  • the elongate handle may be manually releasable from the base by exerting a pulling force or levering force on the elongate handle, typically whilst the base is held down on a surface or held in the other hand.
  • the force required to detach the handle from the base is difficult to generate without holding the base down or using another object or surface for leverage, or without assistance from a second person. Pulling the handle off directly may require more force, so leverage may be preferred.
  • the drinks receptacle may include an inner wall and an outer wall.
  • the drinks receptacle may be a double-walled (or double-skinned) receptacle or cup.
  • a cavity or filler may be between the inner and outer walls.
  • a double-walled receptacle provides thermal insulation, keeping liquid in the receptacle hot or cold for longer by reducing thermal conduction to the hand grasping the receptacle. This also makes it more comfortable to hold the receptacle by hand.
  • the drinks receptacle may include a stepped outer wall.
  • the stepped wall may include an upper wall, and a lower wall which is displaced radially inwards from the upper wall to provide a step.
  • the lower wall is a first conical wall
  • the upper wall is a second, larger conical wall.
  • a substantially horizontal wall or step may join the upper and lower walls together.
  • the walls may extend along substantially parallel planes or trajectories.
  • the outer wall of the receptacle may taper outwardly or widen towards a rim of the receptacle.
  • the connector may be flexible so that a peripheral edge of the connector flexes outwards on connection between the base and handle. This places the peripheral edge in tension, which helps to keep the two parts connected.
  • connection should be strong enough to retain the base on the handle during use. That is, when the food receiving area is loaded with food, the connection should be strong enough that the base does not fall off. Similarly, the connection should be strong enough that smalls jolts or knocks do not cause it to detach.
  • the connection means may include locking means to prevent the base being detached inadvertently.
  • the connector may be attached to the base.
  • the connector may be located in the middle or centre of the base.
  • the connector may be shaped to complement the end of the handle.
  • the connector may be substantially circular, for example, for receiving a circular end of the handle.
  • the connector may be attached to the lower end of the handle.
  • the base may include a complementary portion or connector in the middle or centre of the base.
  • the connector may fit over or engage that portion or connector on the base.
  • the connector may clip onto the base.
  • the food receiving area is provided on or adjacent to the base. That is, the food receiving area should be disposed below or near a lower end of the handle.
  • the base may include a plate or a bowl.
  • the plate or bowl may provide or include the food receiving area.
  • the plate or bowl may be made of plastic.
  • the plate or bowl may be ceramic.
  • the plate or bowl should be thick enough or rigid enough that it does not collapse when loaded with food.
  • the base, plate or bowl may be circular in shape.
  • the base, plate or bowl may have a perimeter or peripheral edge of any shape, including but not limited to: triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, or shapes with higher numbers of edges.
  • the perimeter or peripheral edge may also be irregularly shaped, including any number of edges which may be straight and/or curved.
  • An internal region of the holder may be shaped to complement an external region of the drinks receptacle.
  • the holder may include a cupped support.
  • the cupped support may be provided on the upper end of the handle.
  • the cupped support may be shaped to complement a lower portion of the exterior of the bowl. This holds the drinks receptacle more securely when walking around with the apparatus and drink possibly sloshing around in the receptacle.
  • the cupped support may include a substantially conical wall for fitting the lower wall of the drinks receptacle. This provides a more secure fit for the receptacle or vessel.
  • the substantially conical wall of the cupped support may be in-line with or coplanar with the upper wall of the drinks receptacle. This provides the appearance of a unitary drinking vessel, where the upper wall of the receptacle appears to transition without interruption into the holder, although a small discontinuity or gap may be visible in some cases.
  • An upstanding wall may be provided inside the holder for supporting the drinks receptacle. This is particularly useful for a flat-bottomed receptacle.
  • the height of the upstanding wall can be selected such that it engages the bottom of the receptacle when the lower wall of the receptacle is substantially flush against the inner or conical wall of the holder or cupped support.
  • a recess may be provided on the base of a flat-bottomed receptacle as a locating means or alignment means for the receptacle within the holder.
  • the holder may be part of, or integrally formed with, the handle.
  • the holder may include an opening in the upper end of the handle.
  • Part of the drinks receptacle may be receivable in the opening.
  • the receptacle may be supported in an upright or substantially upright position by the upper end of the handle when so received.
  • the holder may comprise a truncated receptacle for receiving the drinks receptacle.
  • the term“truncated receptacle” may mean that the receptacle is similar in shape to the drinks receptacle.
  • the truncated receptacle may be formed by taking a second drinks receptacle, of similar or identical shape to the first drinks receptacle, and removing part of the bowl of that second receptacle. That is, cutting or otherwise removing an upper end of the second drinks receptacle.
  • the truncated receptacle may instead be deliberately formed in truncated form, when evaluated against the size of first drinks receptacle.
  • the bowl or cup of the holder may be truncated relative to the bowl of the drinks receptacle.
  • a second but adapted drinks receptacle is preferable to minimise production costs. It also contributes to providing a holder which is contoured to fit the receptacle, and vice versa.
  • the drinks receptacle effectively stacks in the holder, which is also space efficient for transport purposes.
  • the releasable connection means may include a first portion on the handle or base that is rotatably engageable with a second portion on the base or handle. This allows the base to be releasably engaged, whilst also securely engaged so that it does not detach by accident if loaded with a lot of food. For example, rotation may allow one or more protrusions to lock into one or more corresponding lateral slots, preventing disengagement along a vertical axis.
  • a bayonet type connection may be provided.
  • the food receiving area may be substantially horizontal. Some or all of the food receiving area may slope towards the handle.
  • the base may include a raised lip or rim for retaining food on top of the base.
  • the food receiving area may extend at least 180 degrees around the handle.
  • the food receiving area may extend at least 240 degrees around the handle.
  • the food receiving area may extend at least 270 degrees around the handle.
  • the food receiving area may extend by substantially 360 degrees around the handle.
  • the area may be provided as a single contiguous area.
  • the area may be provided in non-contiguous segments of equal or dissimilar size.
  • the base may include one or more dividers or gaps. This is intended to create a non food receiving area or region so that, when held, the sleeve or cuff of the hand holding the apparatus does not drag in the food.
  • the handle may be offset from a centre of the base. This may allow the handle to be disposed towards an edge of the base so that it can be held without the risk of dragging a sleeve in the food on the base.
  • the handle may be around 5 to 15 cm in length.
  • the handle may be shorter for a child’s apparatus, or for someone with smaller hands.
  • the handle may be longer for an adult version of the apparatus, or for someone with larger hands.
  • the handle may be long enough that the hand can grip the handle above the level of any food on the apparatus, to avoid getting food stains on clothing for example. However, to keep the centre of gravity low and avoid making the apparatus unwieldy, the handle length should not be too long.
  • the handle may be hollow. This reduces the weight of the apparatus, making it easier to hold when filled with food and drink.
  • the first connector may be at least partly mounted or secured in part of the hollow portion of the handle.
  • the handle may be substantially cylindrical in shape.
  • the handle may be shaped ergonomically.
  • the handle may taper and widen in the manner of a stem, such as a wine glass stem.
  • the elongate handle may include a substantially cylindrical stem portion.
  • the stem portion may be about 5 cm or more (or preferably 7 cm or more) in length.
  • the handle and drinks receptacle may share a common longitudinal axis, when the receptacle is upright in the holder. That is, the drinks receptacle may be located centrally on top of the handle.
  • the handle may be substantially perpendicular to a plane of the base.
  • the base may include a raised area or platform for the second connector.
  • the raised area may be provided within the food receiving area.
  • the elongate handle may widen or flare outwardly towards the lower end of the handle. This can provide room for accommodating the raised area or platform on the base.
  • the first connector may be mounted inwardly of the flared lower end of the handle.
  • Any suitable means may be provided to enable substantially axial engagement or fitting of the handle to the base.
  • the axial engagement may involve translation of the handle along its longitudinal axis and into connection with the base.
  • the flared portion may taper or narrow in thickness towards the lower end of the handle.
  • the underside of the flared portion may provide a guide surface for aiding alignment and/or engagement of the connection means on the base and handle. This can make it easier to connect the handle to the base along an axis which is substantially parallel to the handle’s longitudinal axis, and substantially perpendicular to a plane of the base.
  • the drinks receptacle may be open-ended at the top.
  • the open end may be at least half as wide as the receptacle.
  • the open end may be about as wide as the receptacle.
  • the width of the receptacle may be taken as the maximum diameter from one side of the receptacle body to the other. This allows for easily pouring a drink into the receptacle and for drinking out of the receptacle.
  • the drinks receptacle may include a chamber or bowl.
  • the drinks receptacle may be shaped like a beer glass. In that case, the bowl may be substantially cylindrical in shape.
  • the holder may be adapted to receive a similar-shaped drinks receptacle, that is in the shape of a pint glass for example.
  • the drinks receptacle may include a bowl and a stem extending from the bowl.
  • the drinks receptacle may be shaped like a wine glass.
  • the drinks receptacle may include a bowl and a substantially flat base below the bowl. That is, the receptacle may be shaped like a tumbler, for example.
  • the stem may be integrally formed with the bowl.
  • the drinks receptacle may consist only of a bowl and a stem extending from the bowl. That is, the drinks receptacle may not include a base, in which case it cannot stand on a table independently of its holder.
  • the holder may include an aperture or recess for receiving the stem of the drinks receptacle.
  • the stem may extend into the handle when the receptacle is in the holder. This assists stacking of the pieces for transport.
  • the stem may be hollow or include a chamber.
  • the end of the stem may be a closed end.
  • the hollow portion or chamber may be connected to the bowl. This allows drink to be held in the stem. This lowers the centre of gravity of the drinks receptacle, so that it is more stable in the holder. This is further assisted by having a hollow handle or portion of the holder into which the stem can extend.
  • a stop or spacer may be provided on the bowl or stem for assisting removal of the drinks receptacle from the holder.
  • a stop or spacer may be provided in the handle or holder where the stem is received, for assisting removal of the drinks receptacle from the holder.
  • the stop or spacer reduces the extent to which the stem fits into the holder, so that the peak force required to withdraw the receptacle is lower, reducing the likelihood of spilling the drink when picking up the receptacle.
  • the holder is a truncated version of the drinks receptacle, and includes a holder stem into which the drinks receptacle stem fits.
  • Another releasable connection means may be provided to releasably connect the handle and upper end of the handle together. This allows further disassembly for cleaning and/or efficient transport. It also means that broken or damaged parts can be replaced more easily and/or at lower cost.
  • An internal curvature of the holder or cupped support may be lower than or about equal to an external curvature of the bowl of the drinks receptacle.
  • the drinks receptacle may be made of plastic or glass (such as borosilicate glass), or ceramic.
  • the holder may be made of plastic.
  • the handle may be made of plastic. This minimises the overall weight of the apparatus, so it is easier to hold for extended periods of time. Using a glass drinks receptacle may be preferable for mouthfeel, compared to plastic.
  • the apparatus may be a plastic apparatus.
  • Food-grade plastic is preferably used.
  • One or more of the following parts may be independently selected to comprise plastic: the base; the elongate handle; the manually releasable connection means; the holder; the drinks receptacle.
  • It may be preferable to form the connection means (or connectors) from polypropylene so that it is durable and flexible.
  • the base, handle and holder may also be made of polypropylene.
  • Other plastics such as polycarbonate may be preferred for the receptacle, for example.
  • the plastic(s) used is preferably stable (in particular thermally stable) up to at least 55°C, or 65°C, 70°C, or 90°C, for dishwashing purposes.
  • the elongate handle and the holder may be co-moulded as a single plastic unit.
  • the handle may include a plurality of internal ridges at or towards the lower end, for example. This can aid ejection from the mould and/or securing the first connector in the end of the handle, if not integrally formed.
  • the base (or plate) and the connection means may be formed of different materials, such as different plastics.
  • connection means or connector(s) may have a wall thickness of about 1 mm. This provides flexibility to for engaging two connectors, or connecting a connector to another part of the apparatus.
  • the wall may be plastic
  • the base may be thicker than the connector wall thickness.
  • the base may have a thickness of about 2mm. This provides suitable rigidity for supporting food.
  • the base may be plastic.
  • a kit of parts of an apparatus for holding food and drink in or with one hand comprising an elongate handle, a base for supporting the apparatus in a stable upright position on a table, the elongate handle and/or the base including manually releasable connection means to releasably connect the base and lower end of the handle together, a food receiving area on top of the base, a drinks receptacle, and a holder for releasably holding the drinks receptacle, the base being on or connectable to a lower end of the handle, and the holder being on or connectable to an upper end of the handle.
  • kits in kit form, it is easier and more convenient to transport the apparatus in bulk. This is because the volume of the disassembled kit is less than that of the assembled kit, and so it is more economical to transport.
  • the kit can be assembled at the point of use (or shortly before use), such as when setting up for a networking event offering food and drink.
  • the second aspect of the invention may include any feature or combination of features presented for the first aspect of the invention.
  • the base may be connected to the handle.
  • the handle may be connected to the holder.
  • connection may be achieved by using an adhesive or fixing means such as a screw.
  • connection means in the kit for achieving the base-handle and/or handle-holder connection. Either or both connection means may be releasable.
  • the releasable connection means may include first and second connectors.
  • the plate may be provided with a pre-formed or pre-drilled hole for the second connector. It may be necessary to use adhesive or other fixing means to secure the first connector to the lower end of the handle.
  • the second connector may have include a detent or detents to connect to the hole (to be formed) through the base.
  • an apparatus for holding food and drink in one hand comprising an elongate handle, a base at a lower end of the handle for supporting the apparatus in a stable upright position on a table, a food receiving area on top of the base, a drinks receptacle, and a holder for the drinks receptacle, the holder being provided at an upper end of the handle, and the drinks receptacle being removable from the holder.
  • This aspect of the invention may include any feature or features presented with respect to any other aspect of embodiment of the invention.
  • a kit of parts of an apparatus for holding food and drink in one hand comprising an elongate handle, a base for supporting the apparatus in a stable upright position on a table, a food receiving area on top of the base, a drinks receptacle, and a holder for releasably holding the drinks receptacle, the base being on or connectable to a lower end of the handle, and the holder being on or connectable to an upper end of the handle.
  • This aspect of the invention may include any feature or features presented with respect to any other aspect of embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 1A shows a side-perspective view of a first embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention
  • Figure 1 B shows a side perspective view of a drinks receptacle of the apparatus in Figure 1A;
  • Figure 2A shows a side-perspective view of a second embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention
  • Figure 2B shows a side perspective view of a receptacle of the apparatus in Figure 2A;
  • Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention.
  • Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a receptacle of the apparatus in Figure 3
  • Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a base, handle and receptacle holder of the apparatus in Figure 3;
  • Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a base and handle connector of the apparatus in Figure 3;
  • Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional side view of a fourth embodiment of an apparatus or assembled kit according to the invention.
  • Figure 8 shows an enlarged partial view of the apparatus of Figure 7.
  • Figure 9 shows an enlarged partial view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of Figure 7.
  • an apparatus for holding food drink with one hand is indicated generally at 10. All parts of the apparatus 10 are made of plastic in this embodiment.
  • the apparatus 10 includes a base 12.
  • the base 12 is a plate or plate-like body in this embodiment. It has a horizontal surface on top as a receiving area 14 for food.
  • a handle connector 16 is provided on top of the base 12.
  • a handle 18 is connected at its lower end to the connector 16.
  • the connection is a releasable rotation connection in this embodiment, allowing the handle to be detached from the base 12 by twisting.
  • the handle 18 is substantially cylindrical in this embodiment.
  • the handle 18 is hollow for receiving a stem of a drinks receptacle (see below).
  • a receptacle holder or support 20 is provided at an upper end of the handle 18.
  • the holder 20 is wider than the handle 18.
  • the holder 20 includes a substantially flat upper surface in this embodiment.
  • the holder 20 is shaped like a disc in this embodiment.
  • An aperture is provided through the holder 20 above the handle 18.
  • a drinks receptacle is indicated generally at 22.
  • the receptacle 22 is engaged in the apparatus 10 in Figure 1A.
  • the drinks receptacle 22 includes a bowl 22a and a stem 22b in this embodiment.
  • a stop or spacer 24 is provided on a distal end of the stem 22b.
  • the stem 22b is narrower than the bowl 22a.
  • the bowl 22a defines a liquid receiving region.
  • the stem 22b includes a chamber as an extension of the liquid receiving region of the bowl 22a. As seen in Figure 1 B, a liquid L in the receptacle is received in both the bowl 22a and the stem 22b.
  • the bowl 22a includes a flat lower surface or underside to complement the flat upper surface of the holder 20.
  • the stem 22b extends through the aperture in the holder 20, and into the hollow handle 18 when the receptacle 22 is held in the holder 20. This helps to keep the receptacle 22 in a stable upright position in the holder 20.
  • the spacer 24 can be shaped so that it does not have a complementary shape to the internal lower end of the handle 18. In other embodiments, the spacer 24 can be adapted to have a low coefficient of friction with the inside of the handle 18, for example, to make it easier to take the receptacle out of the holder 20.
  • FIG. 10 a second embodiment of an apparatus for holding food drink with one hand is indicated generally at 10’. Like parts are labelled with like reference numerals. The difference here is that the spacer 24’ is located inside the hollow handle 18’. This again reduces the degree to which the stem 22b’ sticks in the holder 20.
  • FIG. 1 a third embodiment of an apparatus for holding food drink with one hand is indicated generally at 1 10.
  • This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, except as described below. Again, like parts are labelled with like reference numerals.
  • the apparatus 1 10 has a plate 1 12 as its base.
  • the plate 112 includes a substantially horizontal region 1 14a as a food receiving area, and an angled rim 114b circumscribing the horizontal region 114a.
  • the plate 112 is ceramic in this embodiment.
  • a connector 116 is glued to the plate.
  • the connector 1 16 is provided in the middle of the plate 1 12 in this embodiment.
  • the connector 1 16 includes a flexible rim 116a for providing a push-fit connection to a handle 118.
  • a plurality of protrusions 1 16b are arranged approximately in a circle towards the centre of the connector 1 16.
  • the handle 1 18 is substantially cylindrical. The lower end connects to the connector 1 16.
  • a cupped support 120 is provided at the upper end of the handle 118.
  • the cupped support 120 includes a bowl 120a.
  • An aperture 120b is provided through the base of the cupped support 120.
  • the cupped support 120 includes a stem (not visible) which extends into the handle 118.
  • the cupped support 120 is securely connected to the handle 1 18.
  • the cupped support may be formed integrally with the handle.
  • a drinks receptacle is indicated generally at 122.
  • the drinks receptacle 122 includes a bowl 122a and a stem 122b.
  • a stop or spacer 124 is provided on a distal end of the stem 122b.
  • the external curvature of the lower half of the bowl 122a complements the internal curvature of the cupped support 120.
  • the stem 122b is shaped to fit into the stem of the cupped support 120. It will be appreciated from the visible portion of the cupped support in Figure 3 that the cupped support 120 is a truncated version of a drinks receptacle in this embodiment.
  • the base, handle, holder and drinks receptacle can be assembled to arrive at a useable apparatus.
  • the handle is connected at each end to the base and holder, and when upright the holder can receive the drinks receptacle. Food and drink can then be added to the apparatus.
  • the apparatus can be disassembled for cleaning. This is useful where large numbers of the apparatus need to be cleaned for re-use, since they can be put in a dishwasher more easily as individual components.
  • the drinks holder is a discrete part in some embodiments. It is useful to have the base detachable for cleaning.
  • the handle and holder may be made from a single part, or two constituent pieces releasably connected together.
  • the apparatus 210 includes a plate 212 as a base.
  • the plate 212 is made of plastic, which may in some cases be polypropylene.
  • the plate 212 has a down-turned rim 212a, with a rounded ridge 212b inset from the rim 212a.
  • the plate 212 includes a raised area 212c, which can be moulded into the plate 212 in this embodiment.
  • the raised area 212c includes a sloped sidewall and a plateau or flat top.
  • the raised area 212c lies above a plane of the base which provides a food-receiving area. However, the raised area 212c is lower than the ridge 212b in this embodiment.
  • An aperture 212d is provided through the middle of the raised area 212c.
  • a handle 218 is releasably connected to the plate 212.
  • the handle is made of plastic, which may in some cases be polypropylene.
  • the handle 218 includes an elongate stem portion 218a which is about 10 cm long in this embodiment.
  • the stem portion 218a is connected to a flared portion 218b at the lower end of the handle 218.
  • the flared portion has a substantially conical outer wall.
  • the flared portion 218b extends down to the surface of the plate 212 in this embodiment.
  • the handle 218 includes a hollow portion 218c extending into the stem 218a. Ridges 218d are provided on an interior wall of the hollow region.
  • a pair of connectors is used to provide a manually releasable connection between the handle 218 and plate 212.
  • the connectors are made of plastic, which may in some cases be polypropylene.
  • the first connector 216 is bonded to the lower end of the handle 218, although it will be appreciated that the first connector may be integrally formed with the handle in other embodiments.
  • the flared portion 218b extends past the first connector 216 and over the raised 212c, leaving a void or space 219 around part of the raised area 212c.
  • the first connector 216 includes a plug portion 216a which fits the hollow portion of the stem.
  • the first connector also includes a circumferential wall 216b on a body connected to the plug portion 216a.
  • a circumferential recess 216c is provided in the wall 216b for connection to the other of the pair of connectors.
  • the second connector217 is secured connected through the aperture 212d in the base 212.
  • the second connector 217 includes a pair of detents 217d on a body 217a to secure the connector 217 on the base in this embodiment. It will be appreciated that the second connector may be integrally formed with the base in other embodiments.
  • the second connector 217 also includes an upstanding wall 217b and a rim or circumferential protrusion 217c at a distal end of the wall 217b.
  • the second connector 217 is sized to fit in the first connector 216, with the rim 217c engaging the recess 216c. This provides a push-fit or snap-fit connection.
  • the handle 218 can be pulled away from the base 212.
  • the strength of the connector-connector connection is preferably sufficient to require the base to be held against a surface with one hand, whilst the other hand pulls or levers the handle upwards, such that the rim 217c exits the recess 216c.
  • the edge of the flared portion 218b can be used to aid leverage, for example.
  • a profile of the underside of the flared portion 218b in cross-section is indicated at 224.
  • the profile 224 includes a substantially horizontal surface, and an angled surface sloping at substantially the same angle as the exterior of the flared portion 218b.
  • the profile 224 thus includes an annulus or ring-shaped surface connected to a conical sloped surface.
  • the profile 224 can be considered to be approximately frustoconical.
  • an alternate profile 224’ is shown.
  • the profile 224’ includes a substantially conical surface, but not the horizontal surface of the profile 224 in Figure 8.
  • Figure 9 is otherwise the same as Figure 8.
  • the alternate profile 224’ includes an angled surface sloping at a different angle to the exterior of the flared portion 218b. This means that the distal section of the flared portion 218b tapers towards its rim or lip, i.e. towards the lower end of the handle. This results in a relatively thicker flared wall. It also reduces the size of the space 219 between the flared portion and the base.
  • a receptacle holder 220 is integrally formed with an upper end of the handle 218.
  • An outer wall 220a of the holder 220 slopes outwardly and is substantially conical in shape, with a rounded base where it transitions into the handle or stem.
  • An annular upstanding wall 220b is disposed inside the holder 220, at the bottom of the holder 220.
  • a drinks receptacle 222 is shown in the holder 220.
  • the receptacle 222 is a double- walled vessel, with an inner wall 222a which is spaced from an outer wall 222b.
  • the receptacle 222 also includes a step 222c in its wall, which provides a boundary between a lower portion 223a and an upper portion 223b of the receptacle 222.
  • the holder 220 is sized to accept the lower portion 223a only in this embodiment.
  • the upper portion 223b slopes outwardly like the holder 220, and forms a substantially continuous surface with the outer wall of the holder 220, save for the break at the step 222c.
  • a central recess 222d is provided in the bottom of the receptacle 222 in this embodiment.
  • Embodiments are also contemplated which independently combine features from the embodiments described above.
  • the embodiment in Figure 7 and 8 may include the connector 116 and a corresponding seat for mating to the connector 116.
  • the connector 116 may be provided on the lower end of the handle, and the seat provided in the plate or base (formed into the plate or base, for example).

Landscapes

  • Table Equipment (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil (10), ou un kit, pour contenir un aliment et une boisson dans une seule main. L'appareil (10) comprend une poignée allongée (18), une base (12) au niveau d'une extrémité inférieure de la poignée pour supporter l'appareil (10) dans une position verticale stable sur une table, la poignée allongée (18) et/ou la base (12) comprenant un moyen de raccordement libérable manuellement (16) pour relier de manière libérable la base (12) et l'extrémité inférieure de la poignée (18) ensemble, une zone de réception d'aliment (14) sur le dessus de la base (12), un réceptacle de boissons (22), et un support (20) pour le réceptacle de boissons (22). Le support (20) est disposé au niveau d'une extrémité supérieure de la poignée (8), et le réceptacle de boissons (22) peut être retiré du support (20).
PCT/GB2020/050473 2019-02-28 2020-02-27 Appareil pour contenir un aliment et une boisson dans une seule main Ceased WO2020174247A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1902737.4 2019-02-28
GB1902737.4A GB2581829B (en) 2019-02-28 2019-02-28 Apparatus for holding food and drink in one hand

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2020174247A1 true WO2020174247A1 (fr) 2020-09-03

Family

ID=66377295

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2020/050473 Ceased WO2020174247A1 (fr) 2019-02-28 2020-02-27 Appareil pour contenir un aliment et une boisson dans une seule main

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2581829B (fr)
WO (1) WO2020174247A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2024197248A3 (fr) * 2023-03-23 2024-11-14 Sanchez Gilberto E Vaisselle à accouplement ayant un système d'évacuation amélioré
US12178337B2 (en) 2020-01-30 2024-12-31 Gilberto E. Sanchez Mating dishware having an improved drain system

Citations (5)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2115862A (en) * 1937-04-23 1938-05-03 Louis A Leppke Serving device
US5894944A (en) * 1997-08-06 1999-04-20 Swift; Lawrence F. Tray
US20050151034A1 (en) * 2004-01-14 2005-07-14 Leonid Shendelman Plate stand
US20120031806A1 (en) * 2010-08-06 2012-02-09 Sunee Wongsuwanlert Riley Detachable support and serving tray
US20170354282A1 (en) * 2016-06-10 2017-12-14 Gilberto E. Sanchez, III Elevated Coaster

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US2101401A (en) * 1936-02-04 1937-12-07 Louis A Leppke Serving device
US3369687A (en) * 1966-05-02 1968-02-20 Lewals Inc Plastic container
US3526335A (en) * 1968-08-12 1970-09-01 Dart Ind Inc Storage and serving container for foodstuffs such as chilled desserts and the like
FR2928820B1 (fr) * 2008-03-21 2011-10-14 Yannick Hesch Verre, baptise " verre verrine", permettant de contenir a la fois un breuvage ainsi que quelques aliments avec peu d'encombrement, et donnant egalement la possibilite d'etre maintenu avec l'index et le majeur de la main
US20100000904A1 (en) * 2008-07-01 2010-01-07 Lanita Cox Modular stemware and serving set
DE202013102687U1 (de) * 2013-06-21 2013-07-01 Igino Bof Geschirrteil sowie Besteck-Kombination und Geschirrsystem dazu
WO2015103219A1 (fr) * 2013-12-30 2015-07-09 Shames Lisa Plateau de service multifonctionnel

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2115862A (en) * 1937-04-23 1938-05-03 Louis A Leppke Serving device
US5894944A (en) * 1997-08-06 1999-04-20 Swift; Lawrence F. Tray
US20050151034A1 (en) * 2004-01-14 2005-07-14 Leonid Shendelman Plate stand
US20120031806A1 (en) * 2010-08-06 2012-02-09 Sunee Wongsuwanlert Riley Detachable support and serving tray
US20170354282A1 (en) * 2016-06-10 2017-12-14 Gilberto E. Sanchez, III Elevated Coaster

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US12178337B2 (en) 2020-01-30 2024-12-31 Gilberto E. Sanchez Mating dishware having an improved drain system
WO2024197248A3 (fr) * 2023-03-23 2024-11-14 Sanchez Gilberto E Vaisselle à accouplement ayant un système d'évacuation amélioré

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201902737D0 (en) 2019-04-17
GB2581829A (en) 2020-09-02
GB2581829B (en) 2022-11-30

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