Dinnerware Service Device

Abstract

A dinnerware service device is provided. The dinnerware service device includes an elongated body with a pair of arms extending therefrom, forming a channel to receive and support the edge of plateware. Opposite the arms, a tab extends to create a thumb receiving area. This design allows the user to handle the plateware by pinching the body between the thumb and index finger, thus preventing direct contact with the food. In some embodiments, the dinnerware service device is made from a single piece of material capable of supporting the weight and movement of the plateware with food. The dinnerware service device reduces food contamination by eliminating direct contact between the server's hands and the dish, thus enhancing hygiene in food service environments.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A dinnerware service device, comprising:
 an elongated body having a pair of arms extending therefrom forming a channel therebetween, the channel sized to receive an edge of a plateware;   a tab extending from a side of the elongated body opposite to the arms, forming a thumb receiving area;   wherein the elongated body is configured to be grasped by a user pinching the body between the thumb and index finger with the thumb received on the thumb receiving area and the hand supporting a side opposite the thumb receiving area;   wherein the elongated body is composed of a material configured to support a weight of the plateware.   
     
     
         2 . The dinnerware service device of  claim 1 , wherein the channel is substantially U-shaped having smooth, continuous curves that follow the contours of the pair of arms. 
     
     
         3 . The dinnerware service device of  claim 2 , wherein a width of the channel is tapered, being wider at an opening of the channel and narrower as the channel progresses inward toward the tab. 
     
     
         4 . The dinnerware service device of  claim 3 , wherein the channel comprises a consistent depth along its length. 
     
     
         5 . The dinnerware service device of  claim 3 , wherein the channel is symmetrically configured about a longitudinal axis thereof, with both arms mirroring each other. 
     
     
         6 . The dinnerware service device of  claim 5 , wherein a distal end of each of the pair of arms are rounded. 
     
     
         7 . The dinnerware service device of  claim 1 , wherein the tab extending from the elongated body includes a textured surface configured to enhance grip and prevent slipping of a plate received within the channel. 
     
     
         8 . The dinnerware service device of  claim 1 , wherein the pair of arms are configured to flex outwardly to accommodate varying thicknesses of plateware edges. 
     
     
         9 . The dinnerware service device of  claim 1 , wherein the material is a flexible rubber-like material selected from the group consisting of silicone, thermoplastic elastomers, and natural rubber. 
     
     
         10 . The dinnerware service device of  claim 1 , wherein the thumb receiving area is contoured to fit a curvature of a user's thumb. 
     
     
         11 . The dinnerware service device of  claim 1 , wherein the pair of arms and the tab are integrally formed as a single piece. 
     
     
         12 . The dinnerware service device of  claim 1 , wherein the arms and the channel are coated with a non-slip material to further secure the plateware during use. 
     
     
         13 . The dinnerware service device of  claim 1 , wherein the pair of arms comprises a first arm and a second arm, the second arm comprising a greater length than the first arm. 
     
     
         14 . The dinnerware service device of  claim 13 , wherein an inner edge of each of the pair of arms is concave and an outer edge of each of the pair of arms is convex. 
     
     
         15 . The dinnerware service device of  claim 13 , wherein a proximal end of the second arm curves upwards towards the first arm forming an opening of the channel. 
     
     
         16 . The dinnerware service device of  claim 1 , wherein a proximal end of the tab is wider than a distal end thereof. 
     
     
         17 . The dinnerware service device of  claim 16 , wherein the distal end of the tab curves upward towards the first arm, narrowing as it extends away from the elongated body. 
     
     
         18 . The dinnerware service device of  claim 17 , wherein the distal end of the tab is rounded.