Patent Application
20210037997
The present disclosure is generally related to dishware. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to a multi-occasion dishware system that includes dishware items configured to display an interchangeable, reusable, and removable decorative inlays to facilitate customization of the dishware items for use on multiple occasions.
Gathering people around and serving them homemade food is one of the most rewarding and generous experiences. Indeed, recent survey studies show that fifty percent of Americans entertain guests in their homes at least monthly, while twenty percent host either daily or weekly. Making one's home welcoming requires extensive preparation and attention to detail. One of the most effective ways to make a celebration memorable is through creating a unique and customized setting. Dishware is an integral part of any home entertainment event. However, purchasing dishware sets for every occasion is expensive not to mention wasteful as it often leads to the homeowner accumulating multiple sets that are only used once.
In accordance with one embodiment, a multi-occasion dishware system comprises a dishware item used in conjunction with a decorative inlay adhered to a bottom surface of the dishware item that upon use reveals a decorative pattern which can be seen though a top surface of the dishware item. By virtue of adhering a variety of inlays to the dishware item, allows the dishware system to transform the appearance of the dishware item so that it can conform to a variety of themes or events based on the decorative pattern of the inlay.
In some embodiments, a dishware system may comprise a dishware item and a removable inlay. In some embodiments, the dishware item may comprise a top surface and a bottom surface, and the removable inlay may comprise a print-receptive side configured to directly receive printed information, and non-print-receptive side (e.g., substantially opaque) to which no printed information may be transferred. For example, the print-receptive side of the inlay may include a decorative image.
In some embodiments the removable inlay may be adapted to removably adhere to the bottom surface of the dishware item. For example, the inlay; may be adapted to statically adhere to the bottom surface of the dishware item.
In some embodiments, the dishware item may be composed of substantially transparent material. For example, dishware item may be composed of glass, acrylic, and/or other such material which allows light to pass through it without scattering. In some embodiments, upon adhering the removable inlay to the bottom surface of the dishware item may result in the image printed on the inlay to be visible through the top surface of the dishware item.
In some embodiments, wherein the dishware item has a substantially planar surface and a substantially round shape. For example, by virtue of the dishware item being substantially planar, allows a greater surface area of the inlay to be visible through the substantially transparent top surface of the dishware item.
In some embodiments, the top surface of the dishware item may comprise an outer diameter. In some embodiments, the top surface of the dishware item may comprise an upper ridge lining the outer diameter of the top surface. For example, top ridge may prevent certain types of foods having a substantially semi-liquid consistency from sliding off dishware item.
In some embodiments, the removable inlay may be configured to be interchanged with another removable inlay. For example, upon removing the first inlay allows the second inlay to be adhered to the bottom surface of the dishware item.
In some embodiments, the dishware system may comprise a cover configured to removably attach to the bottom surface with a substantially water tight connection being defined therebetween. In some embodiments, the cover and the bottom surface of the dishware item may include locking components (e.g., a first locking component and a second locking component). For example, the first locking element of the cover may be configured to lock together with the with the second locking element on the bottom surface.
In some embodiments, the substantially watertight connection is configured to disconnect the cover from the bottom surface of the dishware item. For example, upon disconnecting the cover from the bottom surface of the dishware item allows the one removable inlay to be removed and exchanged with another removable inlay.
These and other objects, features, and characteristics of the present disclosure, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. The drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.
These and other features, and characteristics of the present embodiments will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.
Described herein are multi-occasion dishware systems for providing a customizable dishware set that may be used on a multitude of occasions. The details of some example embodiments of the systems and methods of the present disclosure are set forth in the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent to one of skill in the art upon examination of the following description, drawings, examples and claims. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
As alluded to above, there are situations where individual dishware items (e.g., dinner plates, salad plates, bread plates, bowls, charger plates, serving platters and the like) or dishware sets would benefit from having an interchangeable, occasion-specific, ornamental and decorative patterns or designs. That is, a dishware system includes a single set of dishware items configured to be used in conjunction with a removable and interchangeable inlay. By virtue of applying removable and interchangeable decorative inlays, allows a person hosting a party to transform the appearance of dishware items. In other words, the host is able create infinite combinations of dishware items or sets for a variety of events or occasions based on the decorative pattern provided by the inlay. Other dishware systems include inlays that can be customized by the party host to create unique and exclusive designs for their events. While occasion-specific dishware exists, conventional dishware items comprise integral designs that cannot be changed, thus necessitating using individual sets on specific occasions (i.e., each set includes designs or patterns appropriate for limited number of events). Individual dishware sets are often expensive, not to mention require adequate storage space. Plain or undecorated dishware sets (e.g., basic white dishes) are still a lackluster attempt at solving the problem of making it easier to have a themed event with only a single dishware set.
Accordingly, various embodiments are directed to dishware items used with removable decorative inlays adhered to a bottom surface of the dishware item that reveal a decorative pattern which can be seen though a top surface of the dishware item. This use of removable and interchangeable inlays allows for a decorative transformation of the same dishware time in personalized, occasion-specific manner.
In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a full understanding of various aspects of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art that various aspects of the present disclosure may be practiced without some of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure.
Dishware may encompass all items used for setting a table, serving food and dining. Dishware is generally one of the functional parts of the settings on a dining table, but may include purely decorative aspects, especially when dining is regarded as part of entertainment (e.g., banquets, birthday parties, etc.). Creating a unique table setting may be accomplished by using dishware having different patterns and designs. Examples of dishware include, but are not limited to flatware or “open shaped” items such as plates, dishes, and bowls, and serving dishes which are used to transport food from kitchen to a dining table or to serve it at the table. Plates may include charger plates as well as dinner plates, lunch plates, dessert plates, salad plates or side plates such as bread plates. Bowls may include those used for soup, cereal, pasta, fruit or dessert. Additionally, a range of saucers may accompany plates and bowls, those designed to go with teacups, coffee cups, demitasses and soup bowls. Serving dishes may include serving bowls (e.g., fruit bowls) platters, and pitchers or jugs.
In some embodiments, dishware item 110 may comprise a top surface 115, a bottom surface 117 (illustrated in
In some embodiments, top surface 115 of dishware item 110 may include an upper outer edge 119 having a dimension defining a perimeter of the surface 115. For example, the perimeter of the upper outer edge 119 may be a circumference of the top surface 115 of substantially round dishware item 110. In some embodiments, top ridge 122 may have a length substantially corresponding to the dimensions of upper outer edge 119. That is, top ridge 122 may extend along the entirety of upper outer edge 119. In some embodiments, top ridge 122 may have a height configured to contain food placed on top surface 115 of dishware item 110. For example, top ridge 122 may prevent certain types of foods having a substantially semi-liquid consistency (e.g., gravy or sauce) from sliding off dishware item 110 (i.e., beyond upper outer edge 119). In some embodiments, top ridge 122 may have a height configured to contain foods having a substantially liquid consistency (e.g., soup) from spilling. In some embodiments, top ridge 122 may be approximately 2 cm in height. In some embodiments, top ridge 122 may be substantially vertical or angled outwardly. For example, by virtue of having the outwardly angled top ridge 122 may permit to stack multiple dishware items in a space efficient manner when dishware items are stowed. Additionally, by virtue of the dishware item having top ridge 122 angled outward, results in a maximized area of top and bottom surfaces 115, 117, respectively. Consequently, by maximizing the top and bottom surfaces 115, 117 allows a greater surface area of inlay 150 to be visible through the substantially transparent top surface 115 of the dishware item 110.
In some embodiments, top ridge 122 may have a length that is smaller than the dimensions of the upper outer edge 119, i.e., located at an offset from upper outer edge 119.
As illustrated in
In some embodiments, the size of dishware item 110 may be defined by the size of its top and bottom surfaces 115, 117. In some embodiments, top and bottom surfaces 115, 117 may have identical dimensions (e.g., upper outer edge and bottom outer edge 119, 121 may have identical dimensions). For example, top and bottom surfaces 115, 117 may be 26.67 cm in diameter, e.g., in a dishware item configured as a diner plate. Similarly, top and bottom surfaces 115, 117 may be 19.05 cm in diameter, e.g., in a dishware item configured as a salad or dessert plate. In other embodiments, the dimensions of top surface 115 may exceed the dimensions of bottom surface 119 and vice versa. For example, upper outer edge 119 may have a greater circumference than bottom outer edge 121. The overall size (e.g., thickness, length, or other dimension(s) of dishware item 110, the size of top surface 115, and/or the size of bottom surface 117 can vary amongst different embodiments.
In some embodiments, top and bottom surfaces 115, 117 may comprise a substantially smooth surface, or top and bottom surfaces 115, 117 may comprise a surface having one or more textural components (protrusions, indentations, and/or other resurface features) adapted to facilitate a particular esthetic appearance.
In some embodiments, dishware item 110 (e.g., top and bottom surfaces 115, 117) may be made out of a variety of materials, such as glass, nylon, plastic, polycarbonate, acrylic and/or other materials configured to allow light to pass through the material without scattering. For example, dishware 110 may be fabricated using borosilicate glass or soda glass. In some embodiments, the material used to make dishware item 100 may be chip resistant, dishwasher-safe, microwave-safe, and/or have additional properties useful in dishware.
Different parts of dishware item 110 may be made using different materials. For example, top and bottom surfaces 115, 117 may be made of one or more materials that are more transparent than that utilized for bottom ridge 124.
In some embodiments, dishware system 100 may include a decorative inlay 150 for adhering to bottom surface 117 of dishware item 110 to be viewed from through the transparent top and bottom surfaces 115, 117 (e.g., glass or plastic) in order to impart dishware item 110 with a desired decorative appearance.
In some embodiments, inlay 150 may comprise a medium removably laminated to a backing sheet. In some embodiments inlay 150 may include two sides 154, 155. For example, a print-receptive side 154 configured to directly receive printed information as will be described in detail below, and non-print-receptive side (e.g., substantially opaque) 156 to which no printed information may be transferred.
In some embodiments, the medium material may be formed from a variety of materials including one or more thermoplastic polymers selected from free radically polymerized polymers (such as poly(meth)acrylates, polystyrenic polymers, polyolefins, and/or others derived from ingredients comprising free radically polymerized monomers having carbon-carbon double bonds), polyester, polyurethane, polycarbonate, polyacetal, polyether, polyamide, polyimide, polyurea, combinations of these, and the like. For example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane film is one specific example of one suitable polymer.
In some embodiments, the medium may be statically laminated to the backing sheet. In other embodiments, the medium may be clear and laminated to the backing sheet by an adhesive which remains on the medium after it is removed from the backing sheet. In some embodiments, a variety of backing sheets may be used. Examples include reinforced or unreinforced polymers, particleboard, medium density fiberboard, paper, cardboard, and/or combinations of these and the like. The thickness of inlay 150 can be selected within a considerably wide range. If too thin, however, inlay 150 may have poor mechanical and durability properties. In some embodiments, inlay 150 may have thicknesses in the range from approximately 1.0 μm or less to approximately 20 μm, and the like.
In some embodiments, decorative information may be printed onto print-receptive side 154 of inlay 150 using a variety of suitable techniques. The printed information may include a decorative image, a pattern, one or more colors, a graphic image, photographic images of people, animals, nature, places, things, and/or the like. The decorative image may be a solid color without a defined image a printed image. A variety of printing methods may be used to apply printed information onto the medium, including by way of example ink jet printing, laser printing, gravure printing, offset printing, anastatic printing, silk screen printing, transfer printing, and the like.
In some embodiments, party hosts may create their own decorative inlay 150 by utilizing one or more computer systems configured to receiving images or designs uploaded by the host. Inlay 150 may incorporate those images or designs uploaded by the host. The custom inlays may be provided to the user to create dishware items having a unique appearance. In other embodiments, inlay 150 may be customized directly by the user by including words and/or phrases using a writing device such as a permanent maker. For example, as illustrated in
In some embodiments, printed information may include design elements configured to transform dishware item 110 to a dieting device. For example, printed information may include demarcation lines and/or other visual ques (e.g., images of food) configured to visually partition or compartmentalize dishware item 110 to a portion control dieting device. A dieter may adhere inlay 150 demarcated for specific diet guidelines or food groups appointed to be utilized by the dieter on a daily basis to assist them in their portion control efforts. In other embodiments, printed information may include demarcation lines configured to visually partition or compartmentalize dishware item 110 to a child dieting device. For example, a parent may adhere inlay 150 demarcated for an age-appropriate food group or portion to assist them in feeding their child.
In some embodiments, dishware system 100 may include dishware items and inlays of corresponding shapes and dimensions. For example, inlay 150 may be shaped to fit within bottom surface 117 of dishware item 110. Accordingly, a round inlay 150 may be dimensioned to fit dishware item 110 having a substantially round bottom surface 117 of a particular diameter. In other embodiments, user may adjust the size and/or shape of inlay 150 by cutting, trimming, and otherwise modifying the size and/or shape of inlay 150 to fit a corresponding dishware item. In this way, a default or base configuration may be established upon manufacturing inlay 150, where further customization may be effectuated upon handling by a user.
In some embodiments, top and bottom surfaces 115, 117 of dishware item 110 may be substantially planar. By virtue of dishware item 110 being substantially planar, allows a greater surface area of inlay 150 to be visible through the substantially transparent top surface 115 of dishware item 110.
In some embodiments, both sides 154, 156 of inlay 150 may be print-receptive and may be configured to receive printed information. In some embodiments, print-receptive sides 154, 156 may include the same or different printed information. By virtue of including distinct images on each of the two sides of inlay 150 allows user to change the image using the same inlay 150 and increase the customizing capacity of system 100.
The print-receptive side 154 of inlay 150 may be configured to adhere to bottom surface 117 of dishware item 110. For example, as illustrated in
Referring back to
In some embodiments, as alluded to above, inlay 150 may be removably (e.g., statically) laminated to a backing sheet. As illustrated in
In some embodiments, inlay 150 may be removed from bottom surface 117 and placed onto its backing sheet to be used at a later time. For example, as illustrated in
In some embodiments, a cover may be utilized in conjunction with dishware system 100, described in
In some embodiments, cover 460 may be removably attached to bottom surface 417 to provide a substantially watertight seal with inlay 450 temporarily, removably locked therebetween. In some embodiments, cover 460 may comprise one or more locking components configured to be inserted into corresponding apertures within bottom surface 417 of dishware item 410. For example, locking components 466, 468 may be inserted upward into apertures 472, 474 to define a substantial watertight seal. In some embodiments, apertures 472, 474 may be located within bottom surface components 424, 426. By virtue of the watertight seal created by attaching cover 460 to bottom surface 417 allows to extend usability of dishware item 410 and inlay 450. For example, a host may really like a particular pattern or design of inlay 450 which the host would be forced to remove in order to clean or store dishware item 410. By attaching cover 460, the host may clean or store dishware item 410 without removing the inlay 450.
In some embodiments, locking components 466, 468 and cover 460 may be manually manipulated in order to disconnect the substantial watertight connection and remove cover 460 from bottom surface 417 of dishware item 410. By virtue of the removability of cover 460 from bottom surface 417 of dishware item 410, and the interchangeability of inlay 450, allows the same dishware item 410 to be used and re-used in a number of different party situations, either with the same inlay or with a different inlay.
While some implementations of the disclosed technology have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or other configuration for the disclosed technology, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that can be included in the disclosed technology. The disclosed technology is not restricted to the illustrated example architectures or configurations, but the desired features can be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional, logical or physical partitioning and configurations can be implemented to implement the desired features of the technology disclosed herein. Also, a multitude of different constituent component names other than those depicted herein can be applied to the various partitions. Additionally, with regard to flow diagrams, operational descriptions and method claims, the order in which the steps are presented herein shall not mandate that various implementations be implemented to perform the recited functionality in the same order unless the context dictates otherwise.
Although the disclosed technology is described above in terms of various exemplary implementations and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual implementations are not limited in their applicability to the particular implementation with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other implementations of the disclosed technology, whether or not such implementations are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described implementation. Thus, the breadth and scope of the technology disclosed herein should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary implementations.
Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or the like; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.
The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of the term “component” does not imply that the components or functionality described or claimed as part of the component are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of a component, whether control logic or other components, can be combined in a single package or separately maintained and can further be distributed in multiple groupings or packages or across multiple locations.
