U.S. patent application number 16/376042 was filed with the patent office on 2020-10-08 for plate covers.
The applicant listed for this patent is Whirley Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to Peter Dorney, Benjamin L. Ludwig, Matthew Schlotzhauer.
Application Number | 20200315380 16/376042 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004048764 |
Filed Date | 2020-10-08 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200315380 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ludwig; Benjamin L. ; et
al. |
October 8, 2020 |
PLATE COVERS
Abstract
Disclosed is a plate cover system having a plurality of plate
covers that can be configured to stack upon each other in a
protracted configuration and/or or a collapsed configuration. In
one embodiment, a first plate cover can be used to support a second
plate cover by placing the second plate cover on top of the first
plate cover, wherein a volume of space exists between the first
plate cover and the second plate cover. The system can be
transitioned between the protracted configuration and the collapsed
configuration by slidably engaging channels disposed on sidewalls
of the plate covers.
Inventors: |
Ludwig; Benjamin L.;
(Warren, PA) ; Dorney; Peter; (Warren, PA)
; Schlotzhauer; Matthew; (Warren, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Whirley Industries, Inc. |
Warren |
PA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004048764 |
Appl. No.: |
16/376042 |
Filed: |
April 5, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 19/02 20130101;
B65D 21/0212 20130101; B65D 65/04 20130101; B65D 2543/00027
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 19/02 20060101
A47G019/02; B65D 65/04 20060101 B65D065/04; B65D 21/02 20060101
B65D021/02 |
Claims
1. A plate cover, comprising: a member having a closed top
conjoined with sidewalls and an open bottom, forming a cavity,
wherein the member has a first side and a second side, the first
side being a portion of the member adjacent the cavity and the
second side being a portion of the member subtending the cavity,
wherein the member has an inner diameter and an outer diameter; at
least one channel formed in the sidewalls, the at least one channel
extending in a direction from the member top to the member bottom,
the at least one channel having a mouth that is open and a butt
that is closed; wherein the at least one channel reduces the inner
diameter and the outer diameter of the member at the at least one
channel; wherein the at least one channel is configured to receive
or be received by at least one channel of another member.
2. The plate cover recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one
channel comprises a plurality of channels.
3. The plate cover recited in claim 2, wherein each channel of the
plurality of channels is spaced equidistant from each other.
4. The plate cover recited in claim 1, wherein the member has a
base-engaging portion at or near the member bottom.
5. The plate cover recited in claim 1, wherein the member has a
pattern formed in or on the first side and/or second side at the
member top.
6. The plate cover recited in claim 1, wherein the member comprises
plastic.
7. The plate cover recited in claim 1, wherein the member is
transparent.
8. A plate cover system, comprising: a first plate cover,
comprising: a member with a closed first plate cover top conjoined
with first plate cover sidewalls and an open first plate cover
bottom to form a first plate cover cavity, the first plate cover
having a first plate cover first side and a first plate cover
second side, the first plate cover first side being a portion of
the first plate cover adjacent the first plate cover cavity and the
first plate cover second side being a portion of the first plate
cover subtending the first plate cover cavity, wherein the first
plate cover has an inner diameter ID.sub.1 and an outer diameter
OD.sub.1; a first plate cover channel formed in the first plate
cover sidewalls, the first plate cover channel extending in a
direction from the first plate cover top to the first plate cover
bottom, the first plate cover channel having a first plate cover
mouth that is open and a first plate cover butt that is closed,
wherein the first plate cover channel reduces the ID.sub.1 and the
OD.sub.1 to ID.sub.1a and OD.sub.1a, respectively, at the first
plate cover channel; a second plate cover, comprising: a member
with a closed second plate cover top conjoined with second plate
cover sidewalls and an open second plate cover bottom to form a
second plate cover cavity, the second plate cover having a second
plate cover first side and a second plate cover second side, the
second plate cover first side being a portion of the second plate
cover adjacent the second plate cover cavity and the second plate
cover second side being a portion of the second plate cover
subtending the second plate cover cavity, wherein the second plate
cover has an inner diameter ID.sub.2 and an outer diameter
OD.sub.2; a second plate cover channel formed in the second plate
cover sidewalls, the second plate cover channel extending in a
direction from the second plate cover top to the second plate cover
bottom, the second plate cover channel having a second plate cover
mouth that is open and a second plate cover butt that is closed,
wherein the second plate cover channel reduces the ID.sub.2 and the
OD.sub.2 to ID.sub.2a and OD.sub.2a, respectively, at the second
plate cover channel; wherein when the second plate cover is placed
on top of the first plate cover: the first plate cover channel is
configured to receive the second plate cover channel when the
second plate cover channel and the first plate cover channel are
aligned to generate a collapsed configuration between the first
plate cover and the second plate cover; and the second plate cover
butt is configured to rest upon the first plate cover top when the
second plate cover channel and the first plate cover channel are
misaligned to generate a protracted configuration between the first
plate cover and the second plate cover.
9. The plate cover system recited in claim 8, wherein a volume of
space is generated between the first plate cover second side and
the second plate cover first side when in the protracted
configuration that is larger than the volume of space generated
between the first plate cover second side and the second plate
cover first side when in the collapsed configuration.
10. The plate cover system recited in claim 9, wherein the volume
of space in the protracted configuration is configured to display
an article by the article being placed on the first plate cover
second side.
11. The plate cover system recited in claim 8, wherein the second
plate cover bottom is configured to allow rotation of the second
plate cover relative to the first plate cover when the second plate
cover channel and the first plate cover channel are misaligned.
12. The plate cover system recited in claim 8, wherein the first
plate cover bottom has a base-engaging portion.
13. The plate cover system recited in claim 8, further comprising a
base.
14. The plate cover system recited in claim 8, further comprising a
base with a rim and first plate cover bottom has a base-engaging
portion configured to engage a rim of the base.
15. The plate cover system recited in claim 8, wherein OD.sub.1 is
less than ID.sub.2, OD.sub.1a is less than ID.sub.2a, and ID.sub.2a
is less than OD.sub.1.
16. The plate cover system recited in claim 8, further comprising:
a third plate cover, comprising: a member with a closed third plate
cover top conjoined with third plate cover sidewalls and an open
third plate cover bottom to form a third plate cover cavity, the
third plate cover having a third plate cover first side and a third
plate cover second side, the third plate cover first side being a
portion of the third plate cover adjacent the third plate cover
cavity and the third plate cover second side being a portion of the
third plate cover subtending the third plate cover cavity, wherein
the third plate cover has an inner diameter ID.sub.3 and an outer
diameter OD.sub.3; a third plate cover channel formed in the third
plate cover sidewalls, the third plate cover channel extending in a
direction from the third plate cover top to the third plate cover
bottom, the third plate cover channel having a third plate cover
mouth that is open and a third plate cover butt that is closed,
wherein the third plate cover channel reduces the ID.sub.3 and the
OD.sub.3 to ID.sub.3a and OD.sub.3a, respectively, at the third
plate cover channel.
17. The plate cover system recited in claim 16, wherein when the
third plate cover is placed on top of the second plate cover: the
second plate cover channel is configured to receive the third plate
cover channel when the third plate cover channel and the second
plate cover channel are aligned to generate a collapsed
configuration between the second plate cover and the third plate
cover; and the third plate cover butt is configured to rest upon
the second plate cover top when the third plate cover channel and
the second plate cover channel are misaligned to generate a
protracted configuration between the second plate cover and the
third plate cover.
18. The plate cover system recited in claim 16, wherein OD.sub.2 is
less than ID.sub.3, OD.sub.2a is less than ID.sub.3a, and ID.sub.3a
is less than OD.sub.2.
19. The plate cover system recited in claim 16, wherein the first
plate cover bottom has a first plate cover base-engaging portion,
the second plate cover bottom has a second plate cover
base-engaging portion, and the third plate cover bottom has a third
plate cover base-engaging portion.
20. The plate cover system recited in claim 16, wherein: the second
plate cover bottom is configured to allow rotation of the second
plate cover relative to the first plate cover when the second plate
cover channel and the first plate cover channel are misaligned; and
the third plate cover bottom is configured to allow rotation of the
third plate cover relative to the second plate cover when the third
plate cover channel and the second plate cover channel are
misaligned.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Embodiments relate to a plate cover system having a
plurality of plate covers that can be configured to stack upon each
other in a protracted configuration and/or or a collapsed
configuration.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Conventional plate and other protection cover systems can be
appreciated from U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,815,736, 3,375,954, 3,610,458,
3,794,090, 4,741,452, 5,604,130, and 5,763,831, 8,186,533.
[0003] Conventional plate and other protection cover systems are
limited in that they fail to provide a means to selectively stack
individual plate covers in a protracted configuration (for display
of articles) and/or or a collapsed configuration (for stowing of
the system).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Embodiments of the system include a plurality of plate
covers that can be configured to stack upon each other in a
protracted configuration and/or or a collapsed configuration. In
one embodiment, a first plate cover can be used to support a second
plate cover by placing the second plate cover on top of the first
plate cover, wherein a volume of space exists between the first
plate cover and the second plate cover. The system can be
transitioned between the protracted configuration and the collapsed
configuration by slidably engaging channels disposed on sidewalls
of the plate covers.
[0005] In one embodiment, a plate cover can include a member having
a closed top conjoined with sidewalls and an open bottom, forming a
cavity, wherein the member has a first side and a second side, the
first side being a portion of the member adjacent the cavity and
the second side being a portion of the member subtending the
cavity, wherein the member has an inner diameter and an outer
diameter. At least one channel can be formed in the sidewalls, the
at least one channel extending in a direction from the member top
to the member bottom, the at least one channel having a mouth that
is open and a butt that is closed. The at least one channel can be
configured to reduce the inner diameter and the outer diameter of
the member at the at least one channel. The at least one channel
can be further configured to receive or be received by at least one
channel of another member.
[0006] In some embodiments, the at least one channel includes a
plurality of channels.
[0007] In some embodiments, each channel of the plurality of
channels is spaced equidistant from each other.
[0008] In some embodiments, the member has a base-engaging portion
at or near the member bottom.
[0009] In some embodiments, the member has a pattern formed in or
on the first side and/or second side at the member top.
[0010] In some embodiments, the member is made from plastic.
[0011] In some embodiments, member is transparent.
[0012] In one embodiment, a plate cover system can include a first
plate cover, comprising: a member with a closed first plate cover
top conjoined with first plate cover sidewalls and an open first
plate cover bottom to form a first plate cover cavity, the first
plate cover having a first plate cover first side and a first plate
cover second side, the first plate cover first side being a portion
of the first plate cover adjacent the first plate cover cavity and
the first plate cover second side being a portion of the first
plate cover subtending the first plate cover cavity, wherein the
first plate cover has an inner diameter ID.sub.1 and an outer
diameter OD.sub.1. A first plate cover channel can be formed in the
first plate cover sidewalls, the first plate cover channel
extending in a direction from the first plate cover top to the
first plate cover bottom, the first plate cover channel having a
first plate cover mouth that is open and a first plate cover butt
that is closed, wherein the first plate cover channel reduces the
ID.sub.1 and the OD.sub.1 to ID.sub.1a and OD.sub.1a, respectively,
at the first plate cover channel. The system can include a second
plate cover, comprising: a member with a closed second plate cover
top conjoined with second plate cover sidewalls and an open second
plate cover bottom to form a second plate cover cavity, the second
plate cover having a second plate cover first side and a second
plate cover second side, the second plate cover first side being a
portion of the second plate cover adjacent the second plate cover
cavity and the second plate cover second side being a portion of
the second plate cover subtending the second plate cover cavity,
wherein the second plate cover has an inner diameter ID.sub.2 and
an outer diameter OD.sub.2. A second plate cover channel can be
formed in the second plate cover sidewalls, the second plate cover
channel extending in a direction from the second plate cover top to
the second plate cover bottom, the second plate cover channel
having a second plate cover mouth that is open and a second plate
cover butt that is closed, wherein the second plate cover channel
reduces the ID.sub.2 and the OD.sub.2 to ID.sub.2a and OD.sub.2a,
respectively, at the second plate cover channel. When the second
plate cover is placed on top of the first plate cover: the first
plate cover channel is configured to receive the second plate cover
channel when the second plate cover channel and the first plate
cover channel are aligned to generate a collapsed configuration
between the first plate cover and the second plate cover; and the
second plate cover butt is configured to rest upon the first plate
cover top when the second plate cover channel and the first plate
cover channel are misaligned to generate a protracted configuration
between the first plate cover and the second plate cover.
[0013] In some embodiments, a volume of space is generated between
the first plate cover second side and the second plate cover first
side when in the protracted configuration that is larger than the
volume of space generated between the first plate cover second side
and the second plate cover first side when in the collapsed
configuration.
[0014] In some embodiments, the volume of space in the protracted
configuration is configured to display an article by the article
being placed on the first plate cover second side.
[0015] In some embodiments, the second plate cover bottom is
configured to allow rotation of the second plate cover relative to
the first plate cover when the second plate cover channel and the
first plate cover channel are misaligned.
[0016] In some embodiments, the first plate cover bottom has a
base-engaging portion.
[0017] Some embodiments include a base.
[0018] Some embodiments include a base with a rim, and first plate
cover bottom has a base-engaging portion configured to engage a rim
of the base.
[0019] In some embodiments, OD.sub.1 is less than ID.sub.2,
OD.sub.1a is less than ID.sub.2a, and ID2a is less than
OD.sub.1.
[0020] Some embodiments include a third plate cover, comprising: a
member with a closed third plate cover top conjoined with third
plate cover sidewalls and an open third plate cover bottom to form
a third plate cover cavity, the third plate cover having a third
plate cover first side and a third plate cover second side, the
third plate cover first side being a portion of the third plate
cover adjacent the third plate cover cavity and the third plate
cover second side being a portion of the third plate cover
subtending the third plate cover cavity, wherein the third plate
cover has an inner diameter ID.sub.3 and an outer diameter
OD.sub.3. A third plate cover channel can be formed in the third
plate cover sidewalls, the third plate cover channel extending in a
direction from the third plate cover top to the third plate cover
bottom, the third plate cover channel having a third plate cover
mouth that is open and a third plate cover butt that is closed,
wherein the third plate cover channel reduces the ID.sub.3 and the
OD.sub.3 to ID.sub.3a and OD.sub.3a, respectively, at the third
plate cover channel.
[0021] In some embodiments, when the third plate cover is placed on
top of the second plate cover: the second plate cover channel is
configured to receive the third plate cover channel when the third
plate cover channel and the second plate cover channel are aligned
to generate a collapsed configuration between the second plate
cover and the third plate cover; and the third plate cover butt is
configured to rest upon the second plate cover top when the third
plate cover channel and the second plate cover channel are
misaligned to generate a protracted configuration between the
second plate cover and the third plate cover.
[0022] In some embodiments, OD.sub.2 is less than ID.sub.3,
OD.sub.2a is less than ID.sub.3a, and ID.sub.3a is less than
OD.sub.2.
[0023] In some embodiments, the first plate cover bottom has a
first plate cover base-engaging portion, the second plate cover
bottom has a second plate cover base-engaging portion, and the
third plate cover bottom has a third plate cover base-engaging
portion.
[0024] In some embodiments, the second plate cover bottom is
configured to allow rotation of the second plate cover relative to
the first plate cover when the second plate cover channel and the
first plate cover channel are misaligned. The third plate cover
bottom is configured to allow rotation of the third plate cover
relative to the second plate cover when the third plate cover
channel and the second plate cover channel are misaligned.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The above and other objects, aspects, features, advantages
and possible applications of the present innovation will be more
apparent from the following more particular description thereof,
presented in conjunction with the following drawings. Like
reference numbers used in the drawings may identify like
components.
[0026] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the plate cover system with
the system in an exemplary collapsed configuration.
[0027] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the plate cover system with
the system in an exemplary protracted configuration.
[0028] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the plate cover system with an
article within a plate cover.
[0029] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view along the B-B line (see
FIG. 1) of an embodiment of the plate cover system.
[0030] FIG. 5 shows a close up view of an exemplary channel in
sidewalls of two plate covers.
[0031] FIG. 6 shows cross-sectional views along the B-B line of
embodiments of three plate overs to illustrate exemplary relative
inner and outer diameters of the plate covers.
[0032] FIGS. 7-9 show various views of an exemplary large sized
plate cover system.
[0033] FIGS. 10-12 show various views of an exemplary small sized
plate cover system.
[0034] FIGS. 13-15 show various views of an exemplary oval shaped
plate cover system.
[0035] FIGS. 16-18 show various views of an exemplary plate cover
system, wherein each plate cover is made of stainless steel.
[0036] FIGS. 19-30 shows various views of exemplary large, small,
oval, and stainless steel plate cover systems of FIGS. 7-18.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0037] The following description is of exemplary embodiments that
are presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention.
This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is
made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles
and features of the present invention. The scope of the present
invention is not limited by this description.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, embodiments relate to a plate cover
system 100 having a plurality of plate covers 102 that can be
configured to stack upon each other in a protracted configuration
104 and/or or a collapsed configuration 106. For example, a first
plate cover 102 can be used to support a second plate cover 102 by
placing the second plate cover 102 on top of the first plate cover
102, wherein a volume of space 108 exists between the first plate
cover 102 and the second plate cover 102. The volume of space 108
in the protracted configuration 104 is greater than the volume of
space 108 in the collapsed configuration 106. It is contemplated
for the plate cover system 100 to be used to cover, protect, and
display an article 110 (e.g., a plate of food) placed within the
volume of space 108 when the system 100 is in the protracted
configuration 104. After the article 110 is removed from the volume
of space 108, the system 100 can be transitioned to the collapsed
configuration 106 to be stowed. As will be explained in detail, the
transition between the protracted and collapsed configurations 104,
106 can be achieved by slidably engaging channels 130 disposed on a
sidewall 114 portion of the plate covers 102.
[0039] While the system 100 is described and illustrated for use
with a plate of food, other articles 110 can be used. In addition,
while the protracted configuration 104 may be described and
illustrated for using the system 100 to display and protect an
article 110 and the collapsed configuration 106 may be described
and illustrated for stowing the system 100, other uses for the two
configurations 104, 106 can be used. For example, the system 100
can have a plurality of plate covers 102 in which some of the plate
covers 102 are in the collapsed configuration 106 and some are in
the protracted configuration 104. This can provide a means to
display and protect the article(s) 110 within the plate covers 102
that are in the protracted configuration 104 while keeping a
reserve of easily accessible plate covers 102 neatly stowed in the
collapsed configuration 106. With the readily accessible plate
covers 102 within the stack being in the collapsed configuration
106, a reserve of easily accessible plate covers 102 can be
provided so that the system 100 itself occupies a minimum amount of
space.
[0040] The system 100 can include a plurality of plate covers 102.
For example, the system 100 can include a first plate cover 102, a
second plate cover 102, a third plate cover 102, etc. Each plate
cover 102 can be a member with a closed plate cover top 112
conjoined with plate cover sidewalls 114 and an open plate cover
bottom 116 to form a plate cover cavity 118. Each plate cover 102
can have a plate cover first side 120 and a plate cover second side
122, the plate cover first side 120 being the portion of the plate
cover 102 adjacent the plate cover cavity 118 (i.e., the "inside"
of the plate cover 102) and the plate cover second side 122 being
the portion of the plate cover 102 subtending the plate cover
cavity 118 (i.e., the "outside" of the plate cover 102). The member
can be a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as plastic, glass,
metal (e.g., stainless steel, tin, aluminum, etc.), etc. The member
can be transparent, translucent, or opaque.
[0041] For example, the first plate cover 102 can be a member with
a closed first plate cover top 112 conjoined with first plate
covers sidewalls 114 and an open first plate cover bottom 116 to
form a first plate cover cavity 118. The first plate cover 102 can
have a first plate cover first side 120 and a first plate cover
second side 122, the first plate cover first side 120 being the
portion of the first plate cover 102 adjacent the first plate cover
cavity 118 and the first plate cover second side 122 being the
portion of the first plate cover 102 subtending the first plate
cover cavity 118. The second plate cover 102 can be a member with a
closed second plate cover top 112 conjoined with second plate cover
sidewalls 114 and an open second plate cover bottom 116 to form a
second plate cover cavity 118. The second plate cover 102 can have
a second plate cover first side 120 and a second plate cover second
side 122, the second plate cover first side 120 being the portion
of the second plate cover 102 adjacent the second plate cover
cavity 118 and the second plate cover second side 122 being the
portion of the second plate cover 102 subtending the second plate
cover cavity 118. The third plate cover 102 can be a member with a
closed third plate cover top 112 conjoined with third plate cover
sidewalls 114 and an open third plate cover bottom 116 to form a
third plate cover cavity 118. The third plate cover 102 can have a
third plate cover first side 120 and a third plate cover second
side 122, the third plate cover first side 120 being the portion of
the third plate cover 102 adjacent the third plate cover cavity 118
and the third plate cover second side 122 being the portion of the
third plate cover 102 subtending the third plate cover cavity 118.
The fourth, fifth, sixth, etc. plate covers 102 can be similarly
configured.
[0042] The plate covers 102 can have a shape. The shape can be
circular, oval, triangular, square, rectangular, hexagonal, etc.
For example, the plate cover 102 cross-section taken alone the A-A
line (see FIG. 1) can be circular, oval, triangular, square,
rectangular, hexagonal, etc. It is contemplated for at least two of
the plurality of plate covers 102 to engage each other in a nested,
or at least partially nested, manner. Thus, it is contemplated for
the shape of one plate cover 102 to match, or at least compliment,
that of the shape of another plate cover 102. As at least one plate
cover 102 is contemplated to nest within another plate cover 102,
the inner diameter ID (the distance between plate cover sidewalls
114 of a plate cover first side 120) of one plate cover 102 to be
greater than the outer diameter OD (the distance between plate
cover sidewalls 114 of a plate cover second side 122) of another
plate cover 102. (See FIG. 6). For example, the first plate cover
102 can have an inner diameter ID of ID.sub.1 and an outer diameter
of OD.sub.1, the second plate cover 102 can have an inner diameter
ID of ID.sub.2 and an outer diameter of OD.sub.2, and the third
plate cover 102 can have an inner diameter ID of ID.sub.3 and an
outer diameter of OD.sub.3. OD.sub.1 can be less than ID.sub.2 so
as to allow the second plate cover 102 to slide over the first
plate cover 102 in a nested manner. OD.sub.2 can be less than
ID.sub.3 so as to allow the third plate cover 102 to slide over the
second plate cover 102 (which may include the first plate cover 102
if the second plate cover is slid over the first plate cover 102)
in a nested manner.
[0043] The plate covers 102 can range in size. While the plate
covers can have any size, it is contemplated for the outer diameter
OD of a plate cover 102 to be within a range from 5 inches to 24
inches, and the height Ht (the distance from the plate cover bottom
116 to the plate cover top 112) to be within a range from 2 inches
to 10 inches. The thickness Th (the distance between the plate
cover first side 120 and the plate cover second side 122) of the
plate cover 102 can be within a range from 1/32 inches to 1/2
inches.
[0044] At least a portion of the sidewalls 114 of a plate cover 102
can be straight, tapered, stepped, undulated, etc. For example,
with a tapered sidewall 114, the inner diameter ID and/or the outer
diameter OD of a plate cover 102 can widen or narrow as the
sidewall 114 extends from the plate cover bottom 116 to the plate
cover top 112. The taper of the inner diameter ID can be the same
as or different from the taper of the outer diameter OD. For
example, the inner diameter ID may exhibit a taper while the outer
diameter OD is straight. As another example, the inner diameter ID
may taper in one direction but the outer diameter OD tapers in
another direction. It is understood that the taper (or other
non-straight shape) will cause the inner diameters ID and/or outer
diameters OD to vary as the sidewall 114 extends from the plate
cover bottom 116 to the plate cover top 112. Thus, the criteria of
the inner diameter ID of one plate cover 102 being greater than the
outer diameter OD of another plate cover 102 pertains to at least a
portion of the plate cover 102 so as to allow for a nested
engagement, or at least a partial nested engagement, between the
two.
[0045] Some embodiments of the system 100 can include a base 124.
The base 124 can be a planar object, much like a plate or a dish.
It is contemplated for the system 100 to be able to rest upon the
base 124 when in the protracted configuration 104 and/or in the
collapsed configuration 106.
[0046] In some embodiments, the sidewalls 114 of a plate cover 102
can a base-engaging portion 126. This can be a flare, a
step-configuration, a cuff, etc. at or near the plate cover bottom
116. The base-engaging portion 126 can facilitate the plate cover
102 to be slid over and engage a rim 128 portion of the base 124.
This can also allow the base-engaging portion 126 of one plate
cover 102 to slide over and engage the base-engaging portion 126 of
another plate cover 102. For example, at least the first plate
cover 102 can have a sidewall 114 that is straight as it extends
from the first plate cover top 112 and leads into a
step-configuration at or near the first plate cover bottom 116. The
first plate cover 102 can be used to slide over the base 124 so
that its step-configuration engages a rim 128 portion of the base
124. The second plate cover 102, third plate cover 102, etc. can
have similar step-configurations to allow them to slide over the
first plate cover 102 in the nested manner described herein. Thus,
each of the base-engaging portions 126 of the first, second, and
third plate covers 102 can engage each other and the rim 128 of the
base 124. The engagement means of the base-engaging portion 126 of
each plate cover 102 can allow for stacking of the plate covers 102
and/or resting of the plate covers 102 on the base 124 with minimal
or no lateral motion of the plate covers 102, thereby enhancing the
stability of the system 100.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 5-6, at least one plate cover 102 can
have at least one channel 130 formed in the plate cover sidewalls
114. The channel 130 can extend vertically (e.g., running in a
direction from the plate cover top 112 to the plate cover bottom
116). It is contemplated for the channel 130 to run from the plate
cover top 112 to a portion of the sidewall 114 at or near the plate
cover bottom 116. For example, the channel 130 can run from the
plate cover top 112 to a portion of the plate cover sidewall 114
adjacent the base-engaging portion 126. The channel 130 can be a
groove, indentation, guide, etc. formed into the plate cover
sidewall 114 so as to decrease the inner diameter ID and the outer
diameter OD of the plate cover 102 at the portion of the channel
130, thereby forming a depth Dt of the channel 130. Any one or
combination of plate covers 102 can have any number of channels
130. Plate covers 102 having more than one channel 130 can have
channels 130 formed in the plate cover sidewalls 114 so as to be
spaced equidistant to each other or spaced in another manner. Any
one or combination of the channels 130 can be straight or tapered.
For example, a width Wt and/or the depth Dt of the channel 130 can
widen or narrow as it extends from the plate cover top 112 to the
plate cover bottom 116.
[0048] For example, the first plate cover 102 can have a first
plate cover first channel 130, a first plate cover second channel
130, a first plate cover third channel 130, a first plate cover
fourth channel 130, and a first plate cover fifth channel 130
spaced equidistant from each other. The second plate cover 102 can
have a second plate cover first channel 130, a second plate cover
second channel 130, a second plate cover third channel 130, a
second plate cover fourth channel 130, and a second plate cover
fifth channel 130 spaced equidistant from each other. The third
plate cover 102 can have a third plate cover first channel 130, a
third plate cover second channel 130, a third plate cover third
channel 130, a third plate cover fourth channel 130, and a third
plate cover fifth channel 130 spaced equidistant from each other.
The fourth, fifth, sixth, etc. plate covers 102 can be similarly
configured.
[0049] As noted herein, the plate covers 102 are configured to
engage each other in a nested manner. It is also noted that the
system 100 can be transitioned between the protracted configuration
104 and the collapsed configuration 106 via the channel 130
arrangement. The transitioning will be explained in detail later,
but it should be noted that the channels 130 of a plate cover 102
configured to nest within another plate cover 102 should match or
at least complement the channels 130 of its nested plate cover 102
to allow for sliding engagement there-between. In addition, the
channels 130 of the first plate cover 102 can have widths Wt and
depths Dt that are slightly larger than the channels 130 of the
second plate cover 102 to allow the second plate cover channels 130
to slidingly engage the first plate cover channels 130. Similarly,
the channels 130 of second plate cover 102 can have widths Wt and
depths Dt that are slightly larger than the channels 130 of the
third plate cover 102 to allow the third plate cover channels 130
to slidingly engage the second plate cover channels 130. In
addition, each channel 130 can have a mouth 132 (e.g., an opening)
located at or near the plate cover top 112 and a butt 134 (e.g., a
closed off portion) located at or near the plate cover bottom 116.
The mouth 132 of a channel 130 on one plate cover 102 can be
configured to receive a butt 134 portion of a channel 130 on
another plate cover 102. The fourth, fifth, sixth, etc. plate
covers channels 130 can be similarly configured.
[0050] For example, the first plate cover 102 can have an inner
diameter ID of ID.sub.1 and an outer diameter of OD.sub.1. The
first plate cover 102 can have first, second, third, fourth, fifth
plate cover channels 130, each reducing ID.sub.1 and OD.sub.1 to
ID.sub.1a and OD.sub.1a, respectively, at the channel 130. The
second plate cover 102 can have an inner diameter ID of ID.sub.2
and an outer diameter of OD.sub.2. The second plate cover 102 can
have first, second, third, fourth, and fifth plate cover channels
130, each reducing ID.sub.2 and OD.sub.2 to ID.sub.2a and
OD.sub.2a, respectively, at the channel 130. The third plate cover
102 can have an inner diameter ID of ID.sub.3 and an outer diameter
of OD.sub.3. The third plate cover 102 can have first, second,
third, fourth, and fifth plate cover channels 130, each reducing
ID.sub.3 and OD.sub.3 to ID.sub.3a and OD.sub.3a, respectively, at
the channel 130.
[0051] OD.sub.1 can be less than ID.sub.2, OD.sub.1a can be less
than ID.sub.2a, and ID.sub.2a can be less than OD.sub.1 so as to
allow the second plate cover 102 to slide over the first plate
cover 102 in a nested manner when the first plate cover channels
130 are aligned with the second plate cover channels 130. When the
first plate cover channels 130 are aligned with the second plate
cover channels 130, the butts 134 of the second plate cove channels
130 are received in the mouths 132 of the first plate cover
channels 130 due to OD.sub.1a being less than ID.sub.2a. When the
first plate cover channels 130 are not aligned with the second
plate cover channels 130, the butts 134 of the second plate cover
channels 130 rest against the first plate cover top 112 due to
ID.sub.2a being less than OD.sub.1.
[0052] OD.sub.2 can be less than ID.sub.3, OD.sub.2a can be less
than ID.sub.3a, and ID.sub.3a less than OD.sub.2 so as to allow the
third plate cover 102 to slide over the second plate cover 102
(which may be nested over the first plate cover 102) in a nested
manner when the second plate cover channels 130 are aligned with
the third plate cover channels 130. When the second plate cover
channels 130 are aligned with the third plate cover channels 130,
the butts 134 of the third plate cover channels 130 are received in
the mouths 132 of the second plate cover channels 130 due to
OD.sub.2a being less than ID.sub.3a. When the second plate cover
channels 130 are not aligned with the third plate cover channels
130, the butts 134 of the third plate cove channels 130 rest
against the second plate cover top 112 due to ID.sub.3a being less
than OD.sub.2.
[0053] The fourth, fifth, sixth, etc. plate covers 102 can be
similarly configured.
[0054] The system 100 can be placed into a collapsed configuration
106 by aligning the first, second, and third second plate cover
channels 130 so that the butts 134 of the third plate cover
channels 130 are received in the mouths 132 of the second plate
cover channels 130, and the butts 134 of the second plate cover
channels 130 are received in the mouths 132 of the first plate
cover channels 130. The third plate cover 102 can be forced upwards
to remove the third plate channels 130 from the second plate
channels 130. The third plate cover 102 can be completely removed
from the second plate cover 102 if it is desired. This can
facilitate placing an article 110 on top of the second plate cover
top 112. If the third plate cover was removed, the third plate
cover 102 can be placed back on top of the second plate cover 102.
The third plate cover 102 can be rotated to cause the third plate
channels 130 to misalign with the second plate channels 130. The
butts of the third plate cover channels 130 can then rest upon the
second plate cover top 112 to generate a protracted configuration
104 between the third plate cover 102 and the second plate cover
102. In the protracted configuration, the article 110 resides
within the volume of space 108 between the third plate cover first
side 120 and the second plate cover second side 122. As noted
herein, the article 110 can be food so the volume of space 108 can
be such that none of the first side 120 of the third plate cover
102 makes contact with the article 110. Thus, the height Ht of
sidewalls 114 of the plate covers 102 can be set at a length to
generate a volume of space 108 that accommodates an anticipated
article 110. The same can be done for the second plate cover 102
and/or the third plate cover 102 with respect to the first plate
cover 102.
[0055] Referring back to the protracted configuration between the
third plate cover 102 and the second plate cover 102, the third
plate cover 102 can be rotated again to cause the third plate
channels 130 to align with the second plate channels 130, thus
allowing the butts 134 of the third plate cover channels 130 to
slide within the mouths of the second plate cover channels 130,
thereby facilitating transitioning to the collapsed configuration
106 between the third plate cover 102 and the second plate cover
102. (See FIG. 5). As the collapsed configuration 106 would
generate a volume of space 108 between the third plate cover first
side 120 and the second plate cover second side 122 that is less
than the volume of space 108 when in the protracted configuration
104, it is contemplated for the article 110 to be removed before
transitioning the system 100 to the collapsed configuration 106.
The same can be done for the second plate cover 102 and/or the
third plate cover 102 with respect to the first plate cover
102.
[0056] It should be noted that any combination of plate covers 102
can be in a collapsed configuration 106 while any other combination
of plate covers 102 can be in a protracted configuration 104. Thus,
while placing all of the plate covers 102 in a collapsed
configuration 106 can be done to stow the system 100, it is not
necessary to place them all in a collapsed configuration 106. For
example, the first plate cover 102 and the second plate cover 102
may be transitioned into a collapsed configuration 106, while the
third plate cover 102 is in a protracted configuration 104. As
another example, the first, second, third, fifth, and sixth plate
covers 102 can be transitioned into a collapsed configuration 106,
while a forth plate cover 102 is in a protracted configuration 104.
As another example, all of the plate covers 102 may be transitioned
into a protracted configuration 104. Any combination or permutation
of collapsed and protracted configurations 104, 106 can be
used.
[0057] In some embodiments, the second side 122 of the plate cover
top 112 can have a pattern 136 (e.g., a star, square, diamond,
etc.) to indicate to a user where the channels 130 are located or
orientated. For example, a star pattern 136 can be formed on the
second side 122 of the plate cover top 112 so that the points of
the star point to where the channels 130 in the sidewalls 114 are
located. This can assist a user in determining the orientation of
the channels 130. In some embodiments, the pattern 136 can be a
relief pattern so that the pattern 136 is also on the first side
120 of the plate cover top 112. This can allow the first side 120
of a pattern 136 of one plate cover 102 to engage the second side
122 of a pattern 136 of another plate cover 102.
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 7-18, it is contemplated for the system
100 to be used as a kit. The kit can include a first set of plate
covers 102 having a first predetermined size and shape, a second
set of plate covers 102 having a second predetermined size and
shape, a third set of plate covers 102 having a third predetermined
size and shape, etc. For example, the kit can have a first set of
large sized plate covers 102 having a circular shape, a second set
of small sized plate covers 102 having a circular shape, a third
set of mid-sized plate covers 102 having an oval shape, etc.
[0059] Any portion of a plate cover 102 can have ridges, ribs,
grooves, etc. formed therein. This can be done for aesthetic
purposes and/or to provide added rigidity and structural strength
to the plate cover 102.
[0060] In at least one embodiment, the system 100 can be used in
the following manner. The system 100 can include a first plate
cover 102, a second plate cover 102, a third plate cover 102, and a
base 124. The system 100 can be placed into a collapsed
configuration 106 by aligning the first, second, and third second
plate cover channels 130 so that the butts 134 of the third plate
cover channels 130 are received in the mouths 132 of the second
plate cover channels 130, and the butts 134 of the second plate
cover channels 130 are received in the mouths 132 of the first
plate cover channels 130. The base-engaging portion 126 of the
first plate cover 102 can be engaged with a rim 128 portion of the
base 124.
[0061] The third plate cover 102 and second plate cover 102 can be
forced upwards to remove the second plate channels 130 from the
first plate channels 130. The third plate cover 102 and the second
plate cover 102 can be completely removed from the first plate
cover 102. This can facilitate placing a first article 110 on top
of the first plate cover top 112. The third plate cover 102 and the
second plate cover 102 can be placed back on top of the first plate
cover 102. The third plate cover 102 and the second plate cover 102
can be rotated in unison to cause the third plate channels 130 and
the second plate channels 130 to misalign with the first plate
channels 130. The butts 134 of the second plate cover channels 130
can then rest upon the first plate cover top 112 to generate a
protracted configuration 104 between the second plate cover 102
(which in this case includes the third plate cover 102) and the
first plate cover 102. In the protracted configuration, the first
article 110 resides within the volume of space 108 between the
second plate cover first side 120 and the first plate cover second
side 122.
[0062] The third plate cover 102 can be forced upwards to remove
the third plate channels 130 from the second plate channels 130.
The third plate cover 102 can be completely removed from the second
plate cover 102. This can facilitate placing a second article 110
on top of the second plate cover top 112. The third plate cover 102
can be placed back on top of the second plate cover 102. The third
plate cover 102 can be rotated to cause the third plate channels
130 to misalign with the second plate channels 130. The butts 134
of the third plate cover channels 130 can then rest upon the second
plate cover top 112 to generate a protracted configuration 104
between the third plate cover 102 and the second plate cover 102.
In the protracted configuration, the second article 110 resides
within the volume of space 108 between the third plate cover first
side 120 and the second plate cover second side 122.
[0063] The third plate cover 102 can be lifted from the second
plate cover 102 to remove the second article 110. The third plate
cover 102 can be placed back on top of the second plate cover 102.
The third plate cover 102 can be rotated to cause the third plate
channels 130 to align with the second plate channels 130, thus
allowing the butts 134 of the third plate cover channels 130 to
slide within the mouths 132 of the second plate cover channels 130,
thereby facilitating transitioning to a collapsed configuration 106
between the third plate cover 102 and the second plate cover
102.
[0064] The third plate cover 102 and the second plate cover 102 can
be lifted from the first plate cover 102 to remove the first
article 110. The third plate cover 102 and the second plate cover
102 can be placed back on top of the first plate cover 102. The
third plate cover 102 and the second plate cover 102 can be rotated
to cause the second plate channels 130 to align with the first
plate channels 130, thus allowing the butts 134 of the second plate
cover channels 130 to slide within the mouths 132 of the first
plate cover channels 130, thereby facilitating transitioning to a
collapsed configuration 106 between the second plate cover 102 and
the first plate cover 102.
[0065] It should be understood that modifications to the
embodiments disclosed herein can be made to meet a particular set
of design criteria. For instance, the number of or configuration of
plate covers 102, channels 130, bases 124, kits, and/or other
components or parameters may be used to meet a particular
objective.
[0066] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
numerous modifications and variations of the described examples and
embodiments are possible in light of the above teachings of the
disclosure. The disclosed examples and embodiments are presented
for purposes of illustration only. Other alternative embodiments
may include some or all of the features of the various embodiments
disclosed herein. For instance, it is contemplated that a
particular feature described, either individually or as part of an
embodiment, can be combined with other individually described
features, or parts of other embodiments. The elements and acts of
the various embodiments described herein can therefore be combined
to provide further embodiments.
[0067] Therefore, it is the intent to cover all such modifications
and alternative embodiments as may come within the true scope of
this invention, which is to be given the full breadth thereof.
Additionally, the disclosure of a range of values is a disclosure
of every numerical value within that range, including the end
points. Thus, while certain exemplary embodiments of apparatuses
and methods of making and using the same have been discussed and
illustrated herein, it is to be distinctly understood that the
invention is not limited thereto but may be otherwise variously
embodied and practiced within the scope of the following
claims.
* * * * *