Patent Description:
Traditionally, food is placed on tableware such as plates or bowls and served for consumption at a table. At the end of a meal, the tableware is carried to a sink, dishwasher, or other station for washing. Older children and adults typically possess sufficient motor skills and coordination to neatly feed themselves such that food is either consumed or maintained on the tableware. Occasionally, placemats may be provided underneath the tableware to catch crumbs or other food debris that may otherwise fall on a surface of the table around the tableware. When placemats are used, the placemats may be carried to the sink for a quick wipe down after a meal. Ideally, a combination of the tableware and the placemats allow for minimal clean-up to the table after each meal.

Document <CIT> refers to a mat having a resiliently deformable mat portion and a securing element provided thereon for securing an item attached thereto against movement relative to the mat portion is provided. The mat is arranged to grip a support surface on which the mat portion is laid, in use, by formation of at least a partial vacuum between the mat portion and the support surface upon deformation of the mat portion. The mat comprises a projection arranged to urge the item away from the mat when held by the mat, thereby to create a deformation in the mat portion. The security element is formed as a suction cup for holding an item such as a bowl, plate, tray or other utensil to the mat. By comparison, infants and special needs children may lack motor skills and coordination needed to neatly feed themselves during a meal. Furthermore, adults may lose motor skills or coordination due to a medical condition such as a stroke or age. In these instances, traditional tableware may become a hindrance during mealtime. For example, the tableware may be inadvertently overturned or knocked off a table while attempting to grasp food placed therein. Alternatively, the tableware may be deliberately overturned or knocked off a table due to frustrations arising from an inability to access food placed therein.

One known solution includes dispensing with the tableware and providing food directly onto a placemat that is placed on surface such as a table top. While this solution is adequate for certain solid foods, it is inadequate for other foods including soup, applesauce, rice, or the like. Another known solution includes providing a placemat with integrated, non-separable tableware, where the placemat is affixed to a surface such as a table top. While the affixed placemat with integrated tableware enables consumption of various food types, the non-separable placemat is a hindrance to conventional food preparation and tableware storage. For example, the non-separable placemat may be sized such that it does not fit in a microwave or prevents proper operation of the microwave. In these instances, conventional tableware must be employed to prepare food that is subsequently transferred to the placemat with integrated tableware. The need for conventional tableware to prepare or heat food requires additional washing. Furthermore, the non-separable placemat may be sized such that it does not fit in a cupboard or prevents efficient stacking. Still further, there is considerable material waste in providing non-separable placemats with each piece of tableware. Ultimately, the material waste and need for additional washing associated with known solutions are harmful to the environment. These and other drawbacks exist with known solutions.

What is needed is an improved tableware system that includes a dining placemat with non-integrated tableware, where the dining placemat is secured to an underlying surface by partial vacuum. According to one example, the tableware includes a fastening mechanism that engages a corresponding fastening mechanism provided on the dining placemat. According to one example, the tableware includes a lid with a fastening mechanism that engages a corresponding fastening mechanism provided on another article of tableware. According to one example, a structure of the fastening mechanism provided on the dining mat may be similar to a structure of the fastening mechanism provided on the lid. In this way, two or more articles of tableware may be fastened to the dining mat concurrently. For example, two or more articles of tableware may be fastened to a single dining placemat that is secured to an underlying surface by partial vacuum. For example, two or more articles of tableware may be vertically stacked on a single dining placemat that is secured to an underlying surface by partial vacuum. In a stacked configuration, the tableware may be interchangeably fastened directly to the dining mat. According to one example, the technology may be used in various environments that benefit from a tableware system secured to an underlying surface such as households, restaurants, ships, yachts, boats, airplanes, cars, or the like.

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the different figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the examples described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the examples described herein may be practiced without these specific details, as long as they fall within the scope of the claims. In other instances, methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the related relevant feature being described. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the examples described herein, the invention being defined by the claims. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and the dimensions of certain parts may have been exaggerated to better illustrate details and features of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art with access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications, and examples, as long as they fall within the scope of the claims.

Unless defined otherwise, technical terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The terms "first," "second," and the like, as used herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. Also, the terms "a" and "an" do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. The term "or" is meant to be inclusive and means either, any, several, or all of the listed items. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are used interchangeably in this disclosure. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" mean to include, but are not necessarily limited to the things so described. The terms "connected" and "coupled" can be such that the objects are permanently connected or releasably connected. The term "substantially" is defined to be essentially conforming to the thing that it "substantially" modifies, such that the thing need not be exact. For example, substantially <NUM>,<NUM> (<NUM> inches (<NUM>")) means that the dimension may include a slight variation.

<FIG> illustrates a tableware system <NUM> according to one example of the technology. According to one example, the tableware system <NUM> includes a placemat or mat <NUM> and tableware <NUM>. According to one example, the mat <NUM> and tableware <NUM> may be detachably coupled. According to one example, the mat <NUM> includes substantially planar top and bottom surfaces <NUM>,<NUM>, respectively. According to one example, the top surface <NUM> may include a raised edge <NUM> provided along a perimeter of the mat <NUM>. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the mat <NUM> may be formed of any shape. According to one example, the mat <NUM> may be formed in a substantially rectangular-shape.

According to one example, the mat <NUM> includes a fastening mechanism <NUM> that secures the tableware <NUM> thereto. According to one example, the fastening mechanism <NUM> may be integrally formed with the mat <NUM>. For example, the fastening mechanism <NUM> may be embedded within the mat <NUM>. Alternatively, the fastening mechanism <NUM> may be detachably coupled to the top surface <NUM> of the mat <NUM>. For example, the fastening mechanism <NUM> may be secured to the top surface <NUM> of the mat <NUM> using a fastener such as a screw, adhesive, peg, or the like. According to one example, the fastening mechanism <NUM> may protrude from the top surface <NUM> of the mat <NUM>. According to one example, the fastening mechanism <NUM> may be centrally located on the top surface <NUM> of the mat <NUM>. Alternatively, the fastening mechanism <NUM> may be located anywhere along the top surface <NUM> of the mat <NUM>. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the mat <NUM> may include two or more fastening mechanisms <NUM> provided at the top surface <NUM>. For example, the two or more fastening mechanisms <NUM> may secure multiple articles of tableware <NUM> such as plates, bowls, cups, utensils, or the like.

According to one example, the fastening mechanism <NUM> includes a disc-shaped protrusion that extends in a direction perpendicular to the top surface <NUM>. According to one example, the disc-shaped protrusion may include flanges <NUM> that extend in a radial direction from a perimeter thereof. According to one example, the flanges <NUM> may increase in thickness along a direction perpendicular to the top surface <NUM> to form a wedge-shaped profile. <FIG> illustrates the mat <NUM> having a planar bottom surface <NUM> according to one example of the technology. According to one example, the mat <NUM> includes an aperture <NUM> that corresponds to an underside of the protruding portion of the fastening mechanism <NUM>.

According to one example, multiple mats <NUM> may be stacked such that the protruding portion of the fastening mechanism <NUM> of an underlying mat <NUM> is inserted into the aperture <NUM> of an overlying mat <NUM>. Additionally, the mat <NUM> includes one or more slots <NUM> provided around a periphery of the aperture <NUM>. According to one example, the slots <NUM> may be dimensioned to receive protrusions that extend downward from the fastening mechanism <NUM>. According to one example, the slots <NUM> fixedly secure the fastening mechanism <NUM> in place. For example, the slots <NUM> may provide increased strength to a bond formed between the fastening mechanism <NUM> and the mat <NUM>. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the fastening mechanism <NUM> may be integrally formed with the mat <NUM>.

According to one example, the bottom surface <NUM> of the mat <NUM> may be formed from a material having a tacky finish that provides a high coefficient of friction (µ), where µ is determined based on a weight of an object and how much force is needed to begin sliding the object across a surface. For example, a material for the bottom surface <NUM> may be selected to form a partial vacuum with a contacting surface such as a table, countertop, tray, or the like. In this case, the material may be selected such that a force needed to slide the tableware system <NUM> across the contacting surface exceeds a force needed to lift the tableware system <NUM> from the contacting surface. According to one example, an edge of the mat <NUM> may be peeled to remove the mat <NUM> from the underlying surface. According to one example, the selected material may include silicone, rubber, or the like. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the top and bottom surfaces of the mat may be formed from different material having different properties.

With reference to <FIG> , the tableware <NUM> includes a corresponding fastening mechanism <NUM> provided at a bottom surface <NUM> thereof to mechanically couple to the fastening mechanism <NUM> of the mat <NUM>. According to one example, the fastening mechanism <NUM> may include a cavity formed at the bottom surface <NUM> of the tableware <NUM>. According to one example, a rim <NUM> may be provided that extends substantially perpendicular from the bottom surface <NUM> of the tableware <NUM> to define an outer boundary of the cavity that receives the fastening mechanism <NUM>. According to one example, tabs <NUM> may be provided along an edge of the rim <NUM>. For example, the tabs <NUM> may extend inward from the edge of the rim <NUM> to engage the flanges <NUM> provided on the fastening mechanism <NUM> of the mat <NUM>. According to one example, the tableware <NUM> may be positioned over the mat <NUM> such that the fastening mechanism <NUM> is seated substantially over the corresponding fastening mechanism <NUM>.

According to one example, the tableware <NUM> may be rotated in a clockwise direction such that the tabs <NUM> engage the flanges <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, clockwise rotation of the tableware <NUM> will cause the tabs <NUM> to engage the wedge-shaped profile of the flanges <NUM> provided on the fastening mechanism <NUM> to drive the bottom surface <NUM> of the tableware <NUM> toward the top surface <NUM> of the mat <NUM>. According to one example, the fastening mechanisms <NUM>,<NUM> are configured to mechanically couple the tableware <NUM> and the mat <NUM>. According to one example, the tableware <NUM> and the mat <NUM> may become fixedly engaged such that a release mechanism or tool is needed to disengage the fastening mechanisms <NUM>,<NUM>. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that other fastening mechanisms may be provided to fixedly engage the tableware <NUM> and the mat <NUM>.

The tableware system <NUM> described herein is an improvement over known tableware systems. For example, infants and children that observe removal of an integrated placemat with the non-separable tableware provided in known systems quickly learn how to peel the edge to release the placemat. Once released, the infants and children using known tableware systems may overturn or knock the tableware off a table. In contrast, the tableware system <NUM> described herein allows the placemat <NUM> to remain affixed in place while the fastening mechanisms <NUM>,<NUM> are disengaged to release the tableware <NUM>. In this way, infants and children do not learn how to remove the placemat <NUM> to overturn or knock the tableware off the table.

According to one example, the tableware system <NUM> may include a lock that fixedly secures the fastening mechanisms <NUM>,<NUM>. According to one example, the lock may include a release mechanism that is maintained with the tableware system <NUM>. Alternatively, the lock may require a separate tool that is applied to disengage the lock. According to one example, the lock may include apertures provided in the rim <NUM> and at a side wall of the fastening mechanism <NUM> that align when the fastening mechanisms <NUM>,<NUM> are engaged. According to one example, the release mechanism may be coupled to the rim <NUM> of the tableware <NUM> and may include a spring-loaded pin such that a tip of the pin is inserted by spring force through the apertures in the rim <NUM> and the side wall of the fastening mechanism <NUM> when the fastening mechanisms <NUM>,<NUM> are engaged. According to one example, a counter-force may be applied to the release mechanism to extract the pin prior to disengaging the fastening mechanisms <NUM>,<NUM>. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that other release mechanisms may be employed so that infants and children are incapable of separating the placemat <NUM> and the tableware <NUM> to prevent overturning or knocking the tableware off the table. According to one example, the release mechanism may require application of a force to disengage the tableware <NUM> from the placemat <NUM>.

According to another example, the lock may include a stand-alone pin with an expanding tip. According to one example, the rim <NUM> and the side wall of the fastening mechanism <NUM> may include apertures that align when the fastening mechanisms <NUM>,<NUM> are engaged. According to one example, the pin may be inserted through the apertures when the fastening mechanisms <NUM>,<NUM> are engaged such that the expanding tip of the pin penetrates through the rim <NUM> and the side wall of the fastening mechanism <NUM>. According to one example, the tool may be used to retract the expanding tip in order to remove the pin prior to disengaging the fastening mechanisms <NUM>,<NUM>. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that other tool types may be employed so that infants and children are incapable of separating the placemat <NUM> and the tableware <NUM> to prevent overturning or knocking the tableware off the table.

According to one example, the mat <NUM> may include a valve that may be coupled to a vacuum pump for removing air from between the mat <NUM> and the underlying contact surface. In this way, a suction force may be increased between the mat <NUM> and the underlying surface to prevent removal of the mat <NUM> from the underlying surface by peeling an edge of the mat <NUM>. According to one example, the mat <NUM> may include a relief valve that releases pressure holding the mat <NUM> onto the underlying surface such that the mat <NUM> may be peeled from the underlying surface. Accordingly, it may not be possible to remove the mat <NUM> from the underlying surface without first relieving pressure using the relief valve.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate vertically stacked tableware 104a, 104b according to one example of the technology. According to one example, lids 501a, 501b are provided that secure to the tableware 104a,104b. According to one example, the lids 501a,501b may be secured to the tableware 104a, 104b using a threaded coupling, pressure coupling, or the like. According to one example, the lids 501a,501b may include a fastening mechanism 507a, 507b for vertically stacking the tableware 104a, 104b. According to one example, the fastening mechanism 507a, 507b may be integrally formed with the lids 501a,501b. Alternatively, the fastening mechanism 507a, 507b may be detachably coupled to a top surface 503a,503b of the lids 501a,501b. For example, the fastening mechanism 507a, 507b may be secured to the top surface 503a,503b of the lids 501a,501b using a fastener such as a screw, adhesive, peg, or the like. According to one example, the fastening mechanism 507a, 507b may protrude from the top surface 503a,503b of the lids 501a,501b.

According to one example, the fastening mechanism 507a, 507b may include a disc-shaped protrusion that extends in a direction perpendicular to the top surface 503a,503b of the lids 501a,501b. According to one example, the disc-shaped protrusion may include flanges 508a,508b that extend in a radial direction from a perimeter thereof. According to one example, the flanges 508a,508b may increase in thickness along a direction perpendicular to the top surface 503a,503b to form a wedge-shaped profile. According to one example, the tableware 104a,104b may include a corresponding fastening mechanism provided at a bottom surface thereof to mechanically couple to the fastening mechanism 507a, 507b provided on the lids 501a,501b. According to one example, the fastening mechanism may include a cavity formed at the bottom surface of the tableware 104a,104b. According to one example, a rim may be provided that extends substantially perpendicular from the bottom surface of the tableware 104a,104b to define an outer boundary of the cavity that receives the fastening mechanism 507a, 507b. According to one example, tabs may be provided along an edge of the rim. For example, the tabs may extend inward from the edge of the rim to engage the flanges 508a,508b provided on the fastening mechanisms 507a, 507b of the lids 501a,501b.

According to one example, the tableware 104a,104b may be positioned over the lids 501a,501b such that the fastening mechanism is seated substantially over the corresponding fastening mechanism 507a, 507b. According to one example, the tableware 104a,104b may be rotated in a clockwise direction such that the tabs engage the flanges 508a,508b. With reference to <FIG>, clockwise rotation of the tableware 104a,104b will cause the tabs to engage the wedge-shaped profile of the flanges 508a,508b provided on the fastening mechanisms 507a, 507b to drive the bottom surface of the tableware 104a,104b toward the top surface 503a,503b of the lids 501a,501b. According to one example, the fastening mechanisms provided on the tableware 104a,104b and lids 501a,501b are configured to mechanically couple the tableware 104a,104b and the lids 501a,501b. According to one example, the tableware 104a,104b and the lids 501a,501b may become fixedly engaged such that a release mechanism or tool is needed to disengage the fastening mechanisms. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that other fastening mechanisms may be employed to fixedly engage the tableware 104a, 104b and the lids 501a,501b.

According to one example, the tableware 104a,104b may be formed of a rigid material such as plastic. For example, the tableware 104a,104b may be formed from Bisphenol A (BPA) and <NUM>-ethylhexyl (DEHP) free plastic or a similar material. According to one example, the tableware 104a,104b may be formed from a microwave safe material. According to one example, the tableware 104a, 104b may be formed from an insulating material that maintains the contents in a heated or cooled state. According to one example, an interior of the tableware <NUM> may be partitioned into two or more compartments as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. Alternatively, the interior of the tableware <NUM> may include a single compartment. According to one example, the lid 501a,501b may form a fluid tight seal with an upper surface of the tableware 104a, 104b such that any foods or liquids provided within the compartments does not migrate to other compartments when the lid 501a,501b is applied.

It will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that this technology is susceptible to broad utility and application.

Claim 1:
A tableware system (<NUM>), comprising:
a placemat (<NUM>) having a substantially planar bottom surface (<NUM>) and adapted to form a partial vacuum when provided in contact with an underlying surface, the placemat (<NUM>) having an aperture (<NUM>) and slots (<NUM>) provided around a perimeter of the aperture (<NUM>);
a first fastening mechanism (<NUM>) provided at a top surface (<NUM>) of the placemat (<NUM>) to coincide with the aperture (<NUM>), the first fastening mechanism (<NUM>) having first protrusions that extend downward and are received in the slots (<NUM>), the first fastening mechanism (<NUM>) defining a second disc-shaped protrusion that extends in a direction perpendicular to the top surface (<NUM>);
tableware (<NUM>) having a second fastening mechanism (<NUM>) that corresponds to the first fastening mechanism (<NUM>), the second fastening mechanism (<NUM>) being detachably coupled to the first fastening mechanism (<NUM>), the tableware (<NUM>) being dimensioned so that the placemat perimeter extends beyond a perimeter of the tableware (<NUM>); and
a lid (<NUM>) that secures to the tableware (<NUM>), the lid (<NUM>) including another first fastening mechanism (<NUM>) provided at a top surface (<NUM>) thereof.