Combination buffet plate and cup holder

摘要

A combined plate and cup holder incorporates an integral cup holder, the bottom surface of which serves as a convenient means of holding the plate. Access to the bottom surface of the cup holder is enhanced with a raised hand passthrough element connecting the rim of the plate to the cup holder, which also serves to lower the center of gravity of the plate with respect to the diner's hand, thereby facilitating the balance of the plate on the diner's hand and increasing security and comfort. The lower surfaces of the plate and cup holder are substantially coplanar, allowing the plate to rest stably on a flat surface. The cupholder extends above the rim of the plate, providing increased stability for a cup or beverage can. Both full-size and small embodiments of the buffet plate are presented, with the full-size plate having the cupholder positioned near the center of the plate for improved comfort and balance. The small embodiment has the cup holder positioned near the edge of the plate with a shortened hand passthrough element to maximize the available food area of the plate.