| 摘要 |
A apparatus with multiple-level eating surfaces, which can be made as separable modular units, or molded units having one-piece construction. Although it is preferable for the molded and modular units to be reusable, they could also be discarded or recycled after a small number of uses. Modular and molded units typically have a plate-like or tray-like base member, one or more support structures having uniform or differing heights, and several elevated eating surfaces or compartments each supported by at least one support structure. The support structures can be narrow and pillar-like, broad and platform-like, or contoured structures having 3-D relief. Liners/inserts can be used to vertically extend the food-holding capacity of any eating surface or food-holding compartment. Since the present invention provides an enhanced amount of eating surface area while maintaining a compact footprint, applications may include, but are not limited to, use where table space is limited and does not allow the use of separate salad and dessert plates, use for transporting more food items during each trip to a buffet table without enlarging the size of the plate-like or tray-like base member people would have to carry, use in providing a dining plate or tray that maintains separate compartments for foods without undue plate-like base member enlargement of the base member perimeter, and use as a reward system for children to teach them to eat new foods by offering them a fun way to work their way up to a reward or dessert.
|
