Ergonomic plate

Abstract

An ergonomic plate is adapted for being held in one hand of a user. The plate includes a molded plate form having a topside defining a food placement area, and an opposing underside. An inwardly curved hand indent is formed along a peripheral edge of the plate form. A reinforcing fold is formed along the hand indent. The reinforcing fold is adapted for strengthening and stabilizing the molded plate form when the ergonomic plate is carried in the hand of the user.

1 . An ergonomic plate adapted for being held in one hand of a user, said plate comprising: 
 a molded plate form having a topside defining a food placement area, and an opposing underside;    an inwardly curved hand indent formed along a peripheral edge of said plate form; and    a reinforcing fold formed along said hand indent and adapted for strengthening and stabilizing said molded plate form when said ergonomic plate is carried in the hand of the user.    
   
   
       2 . An ergonomic plate according to  claim 1 , wherein said plate form defines a generally circular cutout adapted for receiving a beverage container.  
   
   
       3 . An ergonomic plate according to  claim 2 , wherein said plate form further defines a plurality of indexing slots formed adjacent an inner peripheral edge of said cutout.  
   
   
       4 . An ergonomic plate according to  claim 3 , and comprising an adjustable cup holder adapted for receiving and supporting a beverage container within said cutout, and having a plurality of longitudinal tracks designed to align and mate with respective indexing slots, such that said cup holder is vertically slidable relative to said plate form.  
   
   
       5 . An ergonomic plate according to  claim 4 , wherein said cup holder further comprises a top annular flange adapted for engaging said plate form to limit downward sliding movement of said cup holder.  
   
   
       6 . An ergonomic plate according to  claim 1 , wherein said hand indent defines a curvature greater than 2 inches.  
   
   
       7 . An ergonomic plate according to  claim 1 , wherein said hand indent extends inwardly to a point less than 2 inches from a longitudinal center line of said plate form.  
   
   
       8 . An ergonomic plate according to  claim 1 , wherein said food placement area comprises first and second divided food compartments.  
   
   
       9 . An ergonomic plate according to  claim 8 , wherein said first food compartment is deeper than said second food compartment.  
   
   
       10 . An ergonomic plate according to  claim 9 , and comprising an arcuate grip ridge formed with the underside of said plate form opposite said second food compartment.  
   
   
       11 . An ergonomic plate according to  claim 10 , wherein said grip ridge extends outwardly from the underside of said plate form to a notional plane adjacent an outside bottom surface of said first food compartment.  
   
   
       12 . An ergonomic plate according to  claim 1 , wherein said plate form is asymmetric about a medial axis.  
   
   
       13 . An ergonomic plate according to  claim 1 , wherein said plate form defines a stem slot adapted for receiving a stem of a beverage glass.  
   
   
       14 . An ergonomic plate adapted for being held in one hand of a user, said plate comprising: 
 a molded plate form having a topside defining a food placement area, and an opposing underside;    said plate form defining a generally circular cutout adapted for receiving a beverage container;    said plate form further defining a plurality of indexing slots formed adjacent an inner peripheral edge of said cutout;    an adjustable cup holder adapted for receiving and supporting a beverage container within said cutout, and having a plurality of longitudinal tracks designed to align and mate with respective indexing slots, such that said cup holder is vertically slidable relative to said plate form.    
   
   
       15 . An ergonomic plate according to  claim 14 , wherein said cup holder further comprises a top annular flange adapted for engaging said plate form to limit downward sliding movement of said cup holder.  
   
   
       16 . An ergonomic plate according to  claim 14 , wherein said food placement area comprises first and second divided food compartments.  
   
   
       17 . An ergonomic plate according to  claim 16 , wherein said first food compartment is deeper than said second food compartment.  
   
   
       18 . An ergonomic plate according to  claim 17 , and comprising an arcuate grip ridge formed with the underside of said plate form opposite said second food compartment.  
   
   
       19 . An ergonomic plate according to  claim 18 , wherein said grip ridge extends outwardly from the underside of said plate form to a notional plane adjacent an outside bottom surface of said first food compartment.  
   
   
       20 . An ergonomic plate according to  claim 14 , wherein said plate form defines a stem slot adapted for receiving a stem of a beverage glass.