Plate with retaining structure

Abstract

A vessel may comprise a bottom surface and a retaining structure disposed on the bottom surface and extending outward from the bottom surface. The retaining structure may comprise a lip spaced apart from the bottom surface and extending inward with respect to an outside of the vessel. The retaining structure may be configured to removably couple to a second object disposed at least partially between the lip and the bottom surface.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A vessel comprising:
 a bottom surface; and   a retaining structure disposed on the bottom surface and extending outward from the bottom surface, the retaining structure comprising a lip spaced apart from the bottom surface and extending inward with respect to an outside of the vessel, the retaining structure configured to removably couple to a second object disposed at least partially between the lip and the bottom surface.   
     
     
         2 . The vessel of  claim 1 , wherein the vessel is a plate, a bowl, or a tray. 
     
     
         3 . The vessel of  claim 1 , wherein the second object is a cup. 
     
     
         4 . The vessel of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more nubs extending at least as far outward from the bottom surface as the retaining structure. 
     
     
         5 . The vessel of  claim 1 , wherein the lip comprises at least one tab extending inward with respect to an outside of the food serving vessel from the rest of the lip. 
     
     
         6 . The vessel of  claim 1 , wherein the retaining structure comprises an open portion configured to accept the second object. 
     
     
         7 . The vessel of  claim 6 , wherein the retaining structure comprises a curved portion opposite the open portion configured to engage with the second object. 
     
     
         8 . The vessel of  claim 6 , wherein the lip comprises at least one tab extending inward with respect to an outside of the vessel from the rest of the lip, the at least one tab being disposed at the open portion. 
     
     
         9 . The vessel of  claim 6 , wherein the lip flares further outward from the bottom surface at the open portion. 
     
     
         10 . The vessel of  claim 6 , wherein:
 the retaining structure comprises two edges each disposed at the open portion; and   the retaining structure extends greater than 180 degrees in circumference from edge to edge.   
     
     
         11 . The vessel of  claim 1 , further comprising the second object. 
     
     
         12 . The vessel of  claim 1 , wherein the second object comprises a lip configured to fit between the lip of the retaining structure and the bottom surface. 
     
     
         13 . A food service device comprising:
 a vessel configured for the placement of food thereon, the vessel including a bottom surface; and   a retaining structure disposed on the bottom surface and extending outward from the bottom surface, the retaining structure comprising a lip spaced apart from the bottom surface and extending inward with respect to an outside of the vessel; and   a container sized and shaped to mate at least partially with the retaining structure,   wherein the container is removably coupled between the lip and the bottom surface of the vessel.