Plate/dinnerware with twist fitting

Abstract

A plate having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an indentation configured to detachably and securely receive and/or engage an implement having a lip or raised rim, such as a beverage cup, is disclosed. The indentation may comprise a threaded configuration, or a series of grooves, suitable for engaging an implement having a lip or rim, such as beverage cup. The indentation may be a raised indentation or a recessed indentation, and may be closed or open to the top of the plate. The plate may also include at least one or more slits therein, the slits being capable of receiving therein an eating implement, such as a spoon, fork or knife. Engaging a drinking implement having a lip and/or rim with the indentation at the bottom surface of the plate accommodates the secure attachment of the drinking implement to the plate, permitting the user to accommodate the plate and a beverage implement (cup) securely, and with one hand.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A plate having a top surface and a bottom surface, the plate comprising:
 an indentation located at the bottom surface of the plate, said indentation having an interior that comprises a threaded configuration, said interior of the threaded configuration gradually decreasing in perimeter so as to accommodate implements of varying circumference, wherein the implement may be twisted into the threaded configuration to form a detachable connection of the implement to the plate.   
     
     
         2 . The plate of  claim 1 , wherein the implement comprises a lip or rim. 
     
     
         3 . The plate of  claim 2 , wherein the plate is a plastic plate or a paper plate. 
     
     
         4 . The plate of  claim 3 , wherein the plate comprises smooth edges and is stackable. 
     
     
         5 . The plate of  claim 1  comprising at least one slot capable of receiving an eating implement there through. 
     
     
         6 . The plate of  claim 5  wherein the eating implement is a spoon, fork, knife or other eating implement. 
     
     
         7 . The plate of  claim 1  wherein the plate comprises an opening at the indentation. 
     
     
         8 . The plate of  claim 1  wherein the plate does not comprise an opening at the indentation. 
     
     
         9 . The plate of  claim 1  wherein the indentation comprises a circular indentation, said circular indentation having an interior suitable for engaging an implement having a circumference of about 3 inches, about 3⅜ th  inches, and about 3⅞ th  inches. 
     
     
         10 . The plate of  claim 1  wherein the indentation is a raised indentation projecting from the top surface of the plate. 
     
     
         11 . The plate of  claim 10  wherein the raised indentation comprises a threaded configuration and an opening accessible from the bottom of the plate through which a lip of a cup may be engaged with the raised indentation and secured to the bottom of the plate. 
     
     
         12 . The plate of  claim 10  wherein the plate is stackable. 
     
     
         13 . The plate of  claim 1  wherein the indentation is a recessed indentation extending from the bottom surface of the plate. 
     
     
         14 . The plate of  claim 13  wherein the recessed indentation comprises a threaded configuration and an opening accessible from the bottom of the plate through which a lip of a cup may be engaged with the recessed indentation and secured to the bottom of the plate.