ARTICLE FOR CARRYING UP TO THREE PLATES

Abstract

 The present invention pertains to a part for carrying up to three plates, which comprises 1 part base (1.5), 3 vertical ring supports (1.8), 3 horizontal plate support rings (1.1), 1 attachment strap (1.2), 2 orifices (1.3) attached at the rear portion of the part base (1.5), 1 hand grip (1.6) attached at the front portion of the part base (1.5), 2 sponges (1.4) and 3 coatings (1.7) respectively attached at the upper portion of each of the 3 plate support rings (1.1).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Today, for a waiter to carry three plates of food in one hand, he will need some handling experience. Not all waiters are able to manage such task as sometimes it is impossible bearing in mind the size and weight of the plates.

[0002] Given the difficulties, sometimes a waiter will need to serve a table of four persons twice, whereby keeping the other customers waiting for their dishes, consequently providing slower service for the customer and being tiring for same.

[0003] On other occasions the waiter will need the assistance of a colleague so that he can serve all the customers at the same time, so a table of just four persons will occupy two waiters, delaying the entire service of the team of waiters.

[0004] It may also happen that when the waiter tries to carry three plates in one hand, he might drop them on himself or on customers, causing an uncomfortable and embarrassing situation both for customers and for the waiter himself.

[0005] Additionally, insofar as most time hot plates are served, an accident involving the plates may cause burns both for the customer and waiter.

[0006] Lastly, even if there are no adverse effects for any of the parties, an accident caused by mishandling the plates in the kitchen will mean new plates will have to be prepared, thus causing delays in the entire kitchen service, generating financial expenses and inefficiency for the restaurant.

Applying the part for carrying up to three plates

[0007] The present invention pertains to a part to assist the waiter in performing his duties, when carrying 1, 2 or 3 plates of food in one hand, in an easy and practical manner from the kitchen to the customers.

[0008] This part will facilitate the way of carrying up to 3 plates, thus helping the waiters who are unable to carry more than two plates in just one hand.

[0009] With this part, he will be able to fully attend a table of four persons, carrying the fourth plate in the other hand without major difficulty, whereby serving all the customers at the same time.

[0010] To solve current technical problems, the present invention facilitates and assists the waiter in completing his service quickly and efficiently without the need for assistance from another colleague or taking the risk of carrying another plate with just one hand, and so may provide excellent service to customers with fewer delays and shortcomings.

[0011] The shape of the present invention was designed to

PREVENT:

[0012] 

• The waiter from burning his hand or arm in carrying plates of hot food, and so the present invention may be used to serve 1, 2 or 3 plates, avoiding the use of any utensil to insulate the temperature of the plates of hot food, such as, among others, grips and/or cloths;
• Tableware from breaking through mishandling of plates or lack of experience in this service;
• The waiter from accidentally destroying the work carried out in the kitchen in preparing the dish, for example, the arrangement of the food items on the plate, equally preventing lost time and financial expenses in preparing another dish in the event of accident;
• Discomfort to the waiter's hands, which generally occurs after long hours of carrying plates;
• Transmission of bacteria arising from contact of the waiter's hand with the plate(s), safeguarding the health of the customer and waiter; and
• The part for carrying up to three plates will also reduce the number of trips between the kitchen and the tables of the customers being served, and consequently will increase the productivity of the table service and also reduce physical strain on the waiter during his work shift.

Part for carrying up to three plates may also be conceived for persons with special requirements

[0013] With the present invention, anyone with an amputated left hand or fingers may perform waiting services without any difficulty, whereby helping to prevent social exclusion of reduced ability persons.

STATE OF THE ART

[0014] The patent document identified as US2009/0195005 refers to a support for carrying plates, which comprises a structure for carrying plates by way of supports, where a part of the edges of the plates to be carried is encased. The plates are carried in a vertically overlapping manner in relation to each other and over and under the forearm.

[0015] The part for carrying up to 3 plates described in the present invention claims novel technical features, and equally displays inventive step compared to the patent application referred to above, such as, among others, the plates, in the present invention, being nested and encased in hoops and or plate support rings, duly coated with an adherent and malleable material, hoops and/or rings arranged in a juxtaposed, overlapping and staggered manner in relation to each other and over the forearm, providing full visual control of all the plates to be carried and, consequently, enhanced stability and safety of the plates to be carried.

[0016] Besides the patent document cited, no other part and/or support is known in the state of the art that displays the technical features claimed in the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The description below draws references to the accompanying drawings which are presented solely for reference, not being limitative in character, wherein:

Figure 1 - shows a perspective view of the part for carrying up to three plates;

Figure 2 - shows a front view of the part for carrying up to three plates;

Figure 3 - shows a side view of the part for carrying up to three plates;

Figure 4 - shows a side view with the attachment strap of the part for carrying up to three plates;

Figure 5 - shows a bottom view of the part for carrying up to three plates;

Figure 6 - shows a back view of the part for carrying up to three plates;

Figure 7 - shows a plan view of the part for carrying up to three plates;

Figure 8 - shows a perspective view of the part for carrying up to three plates, when attached to the forearm; and

Figure 9 - shows a perspective view of the part for carrying up to three plates, when 3 plates are carried.

Key to reference numbers

[0018] 

• 3 plate support rings (1.1)
• 1 attachment strap (1.2)
• 2 orifices for the attachment strap (1.3)
• 2 sponges (1.4);
• 1 part base (1.5);
• 1 hand grip (1.6);
• 3 coatings (1.7); and
• 3 ring supports (1.8).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The part for carrying up to three plates according to the present invention was conceived to be placed over the left forearm so as to facilitate carrying up to three plates, as can be seen in figures 8 and 9, enabling the user, hereinafter also referred to as waiter, to serve the customer from the right, with his right hand, in compliance with table-waiting rules of etiquette.

[0020] Due to the technical features of the part for carrying up to three plates described in the present invention, it is possible to carry 1, 2 or 3 plates, all matters related to stability, safety and efficiency of the art of waiting tables being assured.

[0021] As represented in figures 1 to 9, the part for carrying up to three plates comprises the following components:

• 1 part base (1.5) arranged horizontally;
• 3 vertical ring supports (1.8), respectively attached at 3 different zones of the upper portion of the part base (1.5);
• 3 plate support rings (1.1) arranged horizontally and duly attached to each of the respective 3 ring supports (1.8);
• 1 attachment strap (1.2) for attaching the user's forearm to the part base (1.5);
• 2 orifices (1.3) attached at the rear portion of the part base (1.5) for attachment and through-passage of the attachment strap (1.2);
• 1 hand grip (1.6) attached at the front portion of the part base (1.5);
• 2 sponges (1.4) respectively attached, 1 around the hand grip (1.6) and the other attached at the lower portion of the part base (1.5); and
• 3 coatings (1.7) respectively attached around the upper portion of each of the 3 plate support rings (1.1).

[0022] The 3 vertical ring supports (1.8) are respectively attached at the upper portion of the part base (1.5) in 3 different zones of the part (1.5), more specifically, one of the 3 ring supports (1.8) is attached at the front portion of the part base (1.5), the other is attached at the right side portion of the part base (1.5) and the third and last is attached at the left side portion of the part base (1.5).

[0023] Each of the 3 vertical ring supports (1.8) has a different height.

[0024] The height dimension of each of the 3 vertical ring supports (1.8) will vary in a clockwise direction, i.e. lowest to greatest height of each of the 3 vertical ring supports (1.8).

[0025] The lowest height of each of the 3 vertical ring supports (1.8) corresponds to the vertical ring support (1.8) next to the waiter's body.

[0026] As can be seen in figure 9 the plates to be carried will be duly nested and encased in each of the 3 plate support rings (1.1).

[0027] The plates will be nested and encased in each of the 3 plate support rings (1.1) by the lower portion of each plate, as can be seen in figure 9.

[0028] Said 3 plate support rings (1.1) are arranged in a staggered manner on 3 different horizontal planes, as can be seen in figures 1 to 5.

[0029] The 3 plate support rings (1.1) are arranged in 3 different horizontal planes, owing to the fact that each of the 3 vertical ring supports (1.8) has a different height.

[0030] In complement to the aforementioned arrangement on 3 different horizontal planes, the 3 plate support rings (1.1) are also arranged in a triangular shape, owing to the technical effect of the specific location of each of the 3 ring supports (1.8).

[0031] The attachment on the upper portion of the part base (1.5) of the 3 vertical ring supports (1.8) is arranged in a triangle shape in relation to each other, that is, if a continuous line is drawn between the 3 vertical ring supports (1.8), the line will draw a triangle.

[0032] The technical feature pertaining to the attachment on the upper portion of the part base (1.5) and respective height of the 3 vertical ring supports (1.8) will enable 3 three plates to be carried more efficiently, in terms of total width and length, measured horizontally between the outer edges of the 3 plates to be carried.

[0033] Therefore, the 3 plate support rings (1.1) ring supports (1.8) are simultaneously arranged in an overlapping, juxtaposed and staggered manner and according to a triangular arrangement.

[0034] The technical feature pertaining to the attachment on the upper portion of the part base (1.5) and respective height of the 3 vertical ring supports (1.8) and respective attachment of the 3 plate support rings (1.1), will enable the 3 three plates to be carried more efficiently in terms of width and length between them.

[0035] The technical features referred to in the preceding paragraph, more specifically, the 3 plate support rings (1.1) are arranged in an overlapping, juxtaposed and staggered manner on 3 different horizontal planes and also by being arranged in a triangular shape, will enable a balance between 1, 2 or 3 plates to be carried so as to promote enhanced stability of the combination formed by the part for carrying up to 3 plates described in the present invention and the plate or plates to be carried.

[0036] The arrangement of each of the 3 plate support rings (1.1), specifically due to the fact that they are arranged in a juxtaposed, overlapping and staggered manner in relation to each other and over the forearm, will provide full visual control of all the plates to be carried, and consequently, enhanced stability and safety of the plates to be carried.

[0037] The arrangement of each of the 3 plate support rings (1.1) will also facilitate the action of withdrawing each of the 3 plates from the respective 3 plate support rings (1.1), as the plates to be carried will not collide with each other, this function being related to the location of each of the 3 plate support rings (1.1) being arranged in a juxtaposed, overlapping and staggered manner in relation to each other and over the forearm.

[0038] The part base (1.5), represented in figures 1 to 9, has an average-sized length for any arm, specifically for the average size of a forearm.

[0039] In the part for carrying up to three plates, described in the present invention, the

• 3 plate support rings (1.1);
• 2 orifices for the attachment strap (1.3);
• 1 part base (1.5);
• hand grip (1.6); and
• 3 ring supports (1.8);

are respectively fastened to each other and form a single part, which can be made of an easy-to-wash, resistant and light material, such as, preferably, plastic.

[0040] Figure 5 illustrates the hand grip (1.6) shaped like an "L".

[0041] The part base (1.5) is attached over and parallel to the forearm by means of the attachment strap (1.2).

[0042] The attachment strap (1.2) of the part base (1.5) on the forearm can be made of various materials, such as velcro.

[0043] Even if the waiter does not have recourse to use the hand grip (1.6), once the part base (1.5) is attached to the forearm, the attachment system alone comprised of the 2 orifices for the attachment strap (1.3) and by the respective attachment strap (1.2) is sufficient for carrying the 3 plates. This said feature will enable the part to be used for carrying up to 3 plates described in the present invention, by waiters who for some reason do not have a hand or have a deficiency therein.

[0044] The part for carrying up to three plates described in the present invention weighs from 300 to 400 g for ease of use by waiters.

[0045] The shape of the part for carrying up to three plates described in the present invention is comprised of 3 ring supports (1.8), which are respectively attached on a certain zone of the perimeter of each of the sides, of each of the 3 plate support rings (1.1), which will support the respective plates.

[0046] Each of the 3 plate support rings (1.1) is circle shaped, preferably 15cm in diameter and is covered by a coating (1.7).

[0047] Said shape and size of the perimeter of each of the 3 rings may be altered according to the shape of the plate to be carried and in such cases the perimeter of the plate support ring (1.1) will also be altered according to the shape of the plate to be carried.

[0048] The shape of each of the 3 plate support rings (1.1), according to the embodiment of the present invention, will be altered according to the plate to be carried, meaning each of the 3 plate support rings (1.1) will have a quadrangular, rectangular, circular or other shape.

[0049] If the part for carrying up to three plates described in the present invention is used for carrying plates that have a quadrangular, rectangular, circular or other shape, then each of the respective 3 plate support rings (1.1) will have a quadrangular, rectangular, circular or other shape.

[0050] The coating (1.7) of each of the 3 plate support rings (1.1) is made of an adherent, stabilizing, malleable, water-resistant and heat-insulating material, preventing breakage of the plates and consequent delays in table waiting.

[0051] The material used in the coating (1.7) is preferably silicone or sponge rubber.

[0052] The distance of the periphery, measured horizontally, between each of the 3 plate support rings (1.1) is about 10cm in length, so the part for carrying up to three plates described in the present invention can carry plates having various sizes and formats, such as deep plates, flat plates, flat dessert plates and saucers.

[0053] The distance of the periphery, measured horizontally, between each of the 3 plate support rings (1.1) being about 10cm in length, can be altered according to the shape and size of the plates to be carried.

[0054] The distance in height between the 3 plate support rings (1.1) is preferably 6cm, preventing collision between the plates and meaning the part for carrying up to three plates described in the present invention has an appropriate size and is not too voluminous for use by waiters.

[0055] The height and length between each of the 3 plate support rings (1.1), were sized according to most plate sizes used in the hotel trade, and the part for carrying up to three plates described in the present invention can be used for round, quadrangular, rectangular or other shaped plates.

[0056] For carrying plates other than round-shaped ones, it is suffice for the part for carrying up to three plates described in the present invention to comprise the plate support (1.1) with the appropriate shape of the plate to be carried.

[0057] The part base (1.5) comprises 1 sponge (1.4) which is respectively attached, 1 around the hand grip (1.6) and the other grip is attached at the lower portion of the part base (1.5).

[0058] Each of these 2 sponges (1.4) may be covered with nappa leather, thus preventing the absorption of liquids and facilitating the cleaning thereof.

[0059] The first of the 2 sponges (1.4) is situated at the hand grip (1.6), which will help the hand to grasp the part for carrying up to three plates described in the present invention and the other sponge (1.4) is attached at the lower portion of the part base (1.5), which is part of the base of the forearm support structure.

[0060] Similarly to the 3 coatings (1.7), the function of said 2 sponges (1.4) is to promote the stability of the part for carrying up to three plates described in the present invention, and, additionally, will decrease tensions respectively in the forearm and in the hand, whereby avoiding the discomfort caused by carrying plates.

[0061] The 2 sponges (1.4) can easily be withdrawn for cleaning and replacement.

[0062] The part for carrying up to three plates described in the present invention equally comprises an attachment strap (1.2), which loops around the left forearm, according to the shape and thickness of the waiter's forearm, being fastened at the orifice (1.3). Its purpose is to facilitate conveyance and prevent the part for carrying up to three plates described in the present invention from budging.

[0063] In the attachment strap (1.2), one of its two ends of the strap (1.2) is fastened to one of the 2 orifices (1.3) and the other end is respectively inserted through the other orifice (1.3), so as to attach the user's forearm to the part base (1.5).

[0064] Said attachment strap (1.2) is about 35cm long, particularly for adapting to the shape and thickness of the waiter's forearm, as a means of attaching the part for carrying up to three plates described in the present invention to the waiter's forearm.

[0065] The part for carrying up to three plates described in the present invention, when the part base is duly fastened to the forearm of the user or waiter,

• the 3 vertical ring supports (1.8), respectively attached at the upper portion of the part base (1.5), specifically one of the 3 ring supports (1.8), is attached at the front portion of the part base (1.5), the other attached at the right side portion of the part base (1.5) and the 3^rd and last is attached at the left side portion;
• the 3 plate support rings (1.1) are arranged in a staggered manner on 3 different horizontal planes, in an overlapping and juxtaposed manner in relation to each other;
• the 3 plate support rings (1.1) ring supports (1.8) are arranged in a triangular shape;
• the 3 coatings (1.7) of each of the 3 plate support rings (1.1); and
• the 2 sponges (1.4);

the previously mentioned components act jointly and create a buffer and individualized stabilization for 1, 2 or 3 of the plates to be carried by the user.

Detailed preferred mode of working of the part for carrying up to three plates

[0066] In order to use the part for carrying up to three plates described in the present invention represented in figures 1 to 9, the left arm has to be palm upwards.

[0067] The part base (1.5) is placed on the left forearm with the 3 plate support rings (1.1) facing upwards.

[0068] The location of the attachment strap (1.2) must be next to the joint of the left forearm.

[0069] The only sponge (1.4) around the hand grip (1.6) is held with the left hand.

[0070] The attachment strap (1.2) loops around the left forearm, adapting for the effect at the suitable orifice (1.3), being adjusted according to the person using it, as can be seen in figures 8 and 9.

[0071] The present invention is only limited by the spirit of the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A part for carrying up to three plates characterized by comprising:

- 1 part base (1.5) arranged horizontally;

- 3 vertical ring supports (1.8) respectively attached at the upper portion of the part base (1.5);

- 3 horizontal plate support rings (1.1) and duly attached to each of the respective 3 vertical ring supports (1.8);

- 1 attachment strap (1.2) for attaching the user's forearm to the part base (1.5);

- 2 orifices (1.3) attached at the rear portion of the part base (1.5) for attachment and through-passage of the attachment strap (1.2);

- 1 hand grip (1.6) attached at the front portion of the part base (1.5);

- 2 sponges (1.4) respectively attached, 1 around the hand grip (1.6) and 1 attached at the lower portion of the part base (1.5); and

- 3 coatings (1.7) respectively attached around the upper portion of each of the 3 plate support rings (1.1)
and wherein

- 3 vertical ring supports (1.8) respectively attached at the upper portion of the part base (1.5), more specifically, one of the 3 ring supports (1.8) is attached at the front portion of the part base (1.5), the other is attached at the right side portion of the part base (1.5) and the 3^rd and last is attached at the left side portion of the part base (1.5);

- 3 vertical ring supports (1.8) are mutually located according to the vertexes of a triangle;

- each of the 3 vertical ring supports (1.8) has a different height; and

- the 3 plate support rings (1.1) are arranged between each of the 3 plate support rings (1.1) in an overlapping, juxtaposed and staggered manner and according to a triangular arrangement.

2. The part for carrying up to three plates as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized wherein the part base (1.5) is attached over and parallel to the forearm.

3. The part for carrying up to three plates as claimed in claim n.° 1, characterized wherein the part base (1.5) is attached over and parallel to the forearm by means of the attachment strap (1.2).

4. The part for carrying up to three plates as claimed in claim n.° 1, characterized wherein the

- 3 plate support rings (1.1);

- 2 orifices for the attachment strap (1.3);

- 1 part base (1.5)

- 1 hand grip (1.6); and

- 3 ring supports (1.8)

are respectively fastened to each other and form a single part.

5. The part for carrying up to three plates as claimed in claim n.° 1, characterized wherein the

- 3 plate support rings (1.1);

- 2 orifices for the attachment strap (1.3);

- 1 part base (1.5)

- 1 hand grip (1.6); and

- 3 ring supports (1.8)

are respectively fastened to each other, forming a single part and are made with a washable, resistant and light material.

6. The part for carrying up to three plates as claimed in claim n.° 1, characterized wherein the

- 3 plate support rings (1.1);

- 2 orifices for the attachment strap (1.3);

- 1 part base (1.5);

- 1 hand grip (1.6); and

- 3 ring supports (1.8)

are respectively fastened to each other, forming a single part and can be made from various types of materials.

7. The part for carrying up to three plates as claimed in claim n.° 1, characterized wherein the hand grip (1.6) is shaped like an "L".

8. The part for carrying up to three plates as claimed in claim n.° 1, characterized wherein the attachment strap (1.2) comprises:
one of its two ends of the attachment strap (1.2) is fastened at one of the 2 orifices (1.3) and the other end of the attachment strap (1.2) is respectively inserted through the other orifice (1.3), so as to attach the user's forearm to the part base (1.5).

9. The part for carrying up to three plates as claimed in claim n.° 1, characterized wherein each of the 3 coatings (1.7) are made of an adherent, stabilizing, malleable, water-resistant and heat-insulating material.

10. The part for carrying up to three plates as claimed in claim n.° 1, characterized wherein each of the 3 coatings (1.7) are preferably made of silicone or sponge rubber.

11. [The part for carrying up to three plates as claimed in claim n.° 1, characterized wherein each of the 3 plate support rings (1.1) is circular in shape.]

12. The part for carrying up to three plates as claimed in claim n.° 1, characterized wherein each of the 3 plate support rings (1.1) is the shape of the plate to be carried.

13. The part for carrying up to three plates as claimed in claim n.° 1, characterized wherein each of the 3 plate support rings have equal perimeters.

14. The part for carrying up to three plates as claimed in claim n.° 1, characterized wherein each of the 3 plate support rings have different perimeters.

15. [The part for carrying up to three plates as claimed in claim n.° 1, characterized wherein each of the 3 plate support rings has a perimeter shape in accordance with the deep plates, flat plates, flat dessert plates or saucers to be carried.]

16. The part for carrying up to three plates as claimed in claim n.° 1, characterized wherein each of the 3 plate support rings has a perimeter size in accordance with the deep plates, flat plates, flat dessert plates or saucers to be carried.

17. The part for carrying up to three plates as claimed in claim n.° 1, characterized wherein when the part base is duly fastened to the user's forearm,

- 3 vertical ring supports (1.8), respectively attached at the upper portion of the part base (1.5), specifically one of the 3 ring supports (1.8), are attached at the front portion of the part base (1.5), the other attached at the right side portion of the part (1.5) and the 3^rd and last is attached at the left side portion of the part (1.5);

- each of the 3 vertical ring supports (1.8) has a different height;

- the 3 plate support rings (1.1) are arranged between each of the 3 plate support rings (1.1) in an overlapping, juxtaposed and staggered manner and according to a triangular arrangement;

- the 3 coatings (1.7) of each of the 3 plate support rings (1.1); and

- the sponges (1.4)

act jointly and create a buffer and individualized stabilization for 1, 2 or 3 of the plates to be carried by the user.

Drawing