Device-compatible dinnerware

Abstract

This invention represents a new category of dinnerware. The invention is configured to be compatible with, and enable insertion and use of, a smart phone or other electronic device, or other source of dynamic content, under or within the body of the dinnerware or in an appendage or attachment to be visible to the user.

I claim: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for holding food comprising:
 a piece of dinnerware having a top and a bottom, wherein said top is designed to receive food and said bottom is designed to rest on a substrate;   wherein said piece of dinnerware has a device viewing window, wherein said device viewing window is an aperture between said top and bottom;   a device container attached to said bottom, wherein said device container is sized and shaped to accept and hold a handheld electronic device; and   wherein said device viewing window is sized and shaped to hold a handheld electronic device and allow visual or control access to said handheld electronic device through said device viewing window.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a transparent cover sized and shaped to fit the device viewing window, wherein said transparent cover is attached to said dinnerware such that liquids and food particles are restricted from passing through the device viewing window; and   wherein said device container holds the viewing screen of said device urged against said transparent cover.   
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said transparent cover is in the range of 0.003 inches to 0.3 inches thick. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said transparent cover is sealed to said top of said piece of dinnerware so as to make said device viewing window liquid proof. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said device container is removable from said dinnerware. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said device container is not removable from said dinnerware. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein said device container is removable from said dinnerware. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein said device container is not removable from said dinnerware. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , further comprising a foot attached to said bottom, wherein said foot raises said bottom off of said substrate. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , further comprising a foot attached to said bottom, wherein said foot raises said bottom off of said substrate. 
     
     
         11 . An apparatus for holding food comprising:
 a piece of dinnerware having a top and a bottom and a circumferential edge, wherein said top is designed to receive food;   a device holder that is attached to or near said circumferential edge, wherein said device holder is sized and shaped to accept and hold a handheld electronic device;   said device holder having a device viewing window aperture;   a transparent cover sized and shaped to fit the device viewing window, wherein said transparent cover is attached to said dinnerware such that liquids and food particles are restricted from passing through the device viewing window; and   wherein said device container holds the viewing screen of said device urged against said transparent cover.   
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , further comprising
 a mechanism providing for the attachment of the device holder to the dinnerware;   said mechanism being rotatably movable about a horizontal axis such that the viewing angle of the transparent cover may be adjusted; and   said mechanism being rotatably movable when urged by a user but resisting rotation when not urged by a user.   
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , further comprising a foot attached to said bottom, wherein said foot raises said bottom off of said substrate.