Buffet plate

Abstract

A plate has a perimeter edge and a recess for receiving a beverage container. The recess has a circumferential surface for receiving an outer surface of the beverage container. The plate is made of a material such that a portion of the circumferential surface, adjacent to the perimeter edge, is sufficiently flexible to receive and accommodate beverage containers of different diameters.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A plate comprising: 
 a perimeter edge, said perimeter edge having a recess for receiving a beverage container, said recess having a circumferential surface for receiving an outer surface of said beverage container, wherein said plate being made of a material such that a portion of the circumferential surface adjacent to said perimeter edge is sufficiently flexible to hold beverage containers of different diameters.    
     
     
         2 . The plate as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said material of said plate is selected from the group consisting of a plastic material, a metal material, a reinforced paper material, a cardboard material, a glass-like material or a clay-based material.  
     
     
         3 . The plate as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said circumferential surface of said recess tapers as said circumferential surface extends between a top edge and a bottom edge of said plate.  
     
     
         4 . The plate as defined in  claim 2 , wherein said bottom edge of said recess contacts said beverage container.  
     
     
         5 . The plate as defined in  claim 2 , wherein said top edge of said recess contacts said beverage container.  
     
     
         6 . The plate as defined in  claim 2 , wherein said top edge and said bottom edge of said recess each contact said beverage container simultaneously.  
     
     
         7 . A plate for holding a beverage container comprising: 
 a first portion having a top surface, a bottom surface and an edge, said bottom surface defining a lower elevation plane of said plate;    a rim provided substantially along said edge of said first portion and extending to an upper elevation plane of said plate;    a curved recess integral along a portion of said edge of said first portion, said recess having a top edge, a bottom edge, and a circumferential surface, wherein said circumferential surface extends between said top edge and said bottom edge of said recess, 
 wherein said top edge of said recess extends to the upper elevation plane of said plate,  
 wherein said bottom edge of said recess extends to the lower elevation plane of said plate,  
   a grasping portion integral to said edge of said first potion, and said circumferential surface of said recess, said grasping portion comprising: 
 an arcuate ridge integral along a portion of said edge of said first portion, said ridge being between said edge of said first portion and said circumferential surface of said recess;  
 a grip extending between said ridge and said rim.  
   
     
     
         8 . A plate comprising: 
 means for supporting food on said plate;    means for holding variable shaped beverage containers therein, said holding means being integral to said supporting means;    means for gripping said plate and said beverage container simultaneously.    
     
     
         9 . The plate as described in  claim 8 , wherein said holding means includes a flexible portion of the plate.