Abstract: A 2-piece disposable lid assembly for a drinking cup enables unhindered drinking while inhibiting splashing and spilling. The assembly includes a dispensing well formed in a drinking spout, and a flat insert supported by a plurality of baffles within the spout so as to form a horizontal channel through which beverage flows in a circuitous path around the baffles and into the dispensing well. A plurality of vent holes can allow air to enter the cup as beverage is consumed. Vent holes located near the dispensing well can be blocked during drinking when the cup is full and the beverage is hot, but unblocked as the beverage cools and is consumed. Embodiments of the lid can also be used separately as a low-cost, 1-piece lid that reduces splashing. The flat insert is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and installation of the insert in the lid can be automated.

Abstract: A lid for a drinking cup enables drinking while inhibiting splashing and spilling. The lid features a dispensing well formed in a drinking spout. The dispensing well includes a plurality of openings in a sidewall proximate a spout front wall. All direct liquid paths out of the cup are substantially blocked. A plurality of baffles around the openings direct beverage flow in a plurality of channels before the beverage reaches the dispensing well. Beverage splashes larger than the channels are deflected or broken up, before passing through. The placement of the openings directs splashed liquid away from the user. A plurality of vent holes is provided to allow air to enter the cup as beverage is consumed. Vent holes located near the dispensing well can be blocked during drinking when the cup is full and the beverage is hot, but unblocked as the beverage cools and is consumed.

Abstract: A polygonal lid and container base provide secure and reliable engagement therebetween, while also facilitating removal of the lid without disturbing contents and without applying undue stress to the lid. The lid includes at least one graspable member near or at a designated “release” vertex that facilitates disengagement of the lid from the container base at the release vertex. The lid further includes regions of enhanced engagement that enhance the attachment of the lid to the container base at least along the two sides of the lid that adjoin the release vertex, causing the overall attachment to be less dependent on attachment at the release vertex. As a result, the strength of attachment at the release vertex can be made weaker than at the other vertices, for easy release of the release vertex, without undue weakening of the overall attachment of the lid to the container base.

Abstract: A method for controlling distribution and access to an information product, said method comprising the steps of: superposing a utility-reducing masking effect on said information product; controlling the presence, absence and/or permanence of said masking effects by the outcome of an interactive communication between a provider and a receiver of said information product. The term information product includes books, video recordings, audio recordings, music, images and multimedia works. The masking effects described in the present invention are of a generally interfering nature and can be superposed on the information object as an overlay, interruption, interference, discontinuity, disturbance or disorientation. The purpose of imposing a masking effect is to derive a masked version of the information product for preview purposes that can be readily distributed to interested customers in an unrestricted manner.

Abstract: A plastic food service article bearing a decorative mark or image and method therefor is disclosed. The method includes providing an article made from a colored plastic such as polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, PET, PLA, ABS, etc., that discolors when irradiated with a laser beam; applying a laser beam to cause localized surface discoloration; and controlling the deflection and amplitude of the beam to form a surface decoration and/or image. In embodiments, the laser is a YAG or Fiber laser, the markings emulate silver or gold or pewter without applying metals, inks, or coatings to the plastic articles. The markings are clearly visible against both light and dark backgrounds, and can be placed in food-contact areas of the articles. The technique can be used for marking customized and personalized designs, images, and photographs on food service articles. Embodiments can be used to decorate plates and/or cutlery.

Abstract: A lid for a drinking cup enables drinking while inhibiting splashing and spilling. The lid features a dispensing well formed in a drinking spout. The dispensing well includes a plurality of openings in a sidewall proximate a spout front wall. All direct liquid paths out of the cup are substantially blocked. A plurality of baffles around the openings direct beverage flow in a plurality of channels before the beverage reaches the dispensing well. Beverage splashes larger than the channels are deflected or broken up, before passing through. The placement of the openings directs splashed liquid away from the user. A plurality of vent holes is provided to allow air to enter the cup as beverage is consumed. Vent holes located near the dispensing well can be blocked during drinking when the cup is full and the beverage is hot, but unblocked as the beverage cools and is consumed.

Abstract: A method for releasing a lid from a base without disturbing contents and without undue lid stress includes flexing two graspable members at separated locations about the lid periphery, thereby providing two distinct initial disengagement locations and overcoming any tendency of the lid to reactively grip the tray when disengagement is initiated. The separated locations are not directly opposite to each other, and can be separations of between 20 and 60 degrees or between 25 and 50 degrees. The lid is then easily removed by lifting the lid upward. The method can include simultaneous and/or sequential flexing of the graspable members by one or both of a user's hands. The graspable members can include lift tabs and/or indentations. In embodiments where the lid further includes press locations, the method includes pressing on the press locations while flexing the graspable members.

Abstract: A lid is reliably engagable with a tray while being easily releasable without disturbing tray contents and without undue lid stress. At least two lift tabs or indentations are provided at separated locations about the lid periphery, thereby providing two distinct initial disengagement locations and overcoming any tendency of the elastic lid to reactively grip the tray when disengagement is initiated. Initial disengagement at the two locations thereby enables easy removal of the entire lid. Lid release can require simultaneous and/or sequential actuation of tabs and/or indentations. Embodiments further include locations that can be pressed while corresponding tabs are lifted. Some embodiments include a peripheral skirt that is short enough to allow a user's fingers to pass beneath and support the tray sidewalls when lifting the tray-lid assembly from a horizontal surface, avoiding any need for the lid engagement to bear the weight of the tray and its contents.

Abstract: A tableware item molded from a plastic material, such as polystyrene has a metallic coating applied to at least one surface by a sputtering deposition process. The sputtered coating is suitable for food contact without an overcoat, and imparts the appearance of a metal tableware item. In embodiments, the tableware item is a cup, a plate, a bowl, a tray, a lid, a glass, a champagne flute, a goblet, a napkin ring, a candle holder, or a centerpiece receptacle. The metallic coating can be silver, steel, stainless steel, chromium, aluminum, copper, or gold. In some embodiments, the metallic coating is not applied to all surfaces of the tableware item. In various embodiments, the tableware article is molded from a clear polystyrene resin and coated with a thin stainless steel layer on only one side. The abrasion resistance of the metallic coating can be enhanced by applying a clear protective overcoat.

Abstract: A plastic cutlery item molded from a plastic material, such as polystyrene, having a metallic coating that imparts to this cutlery item the appearance of metal cutlery or silverware. In one embodiment the plastic cutlery or tableware items are molded using injection molding techniques, and subjected to a vacuum metallizing process in an individualized non-contiguous manner, where a thin metallic layer is deposited on at least one of their surfaces. The resultant items simulate the appearance of metal cutlery or tableware. In one embodiment of the invention the plastic cutlery or tableware articles are molded from a clear polystyrene resin and are coated with a thin stainless steel layer through vacuum sputtering deposition on only one of the sides. The abrasion resistance of the metallic coating can be enhanced by subjecting the articles to a post-metallizing holding period or by applying a clear protective overcoat.

Abstract: A plastic cutlery item molded from a plastic material, such as polystyrene, having a metallic coating that imparts to this cutlery item the appearance of metal cutlery or silverware. In one embodiment the plastic cutlery or tableware items are molded using injection molding techniques, and subjected to a vacuum metallizing process in an individualized non-contiguous manner, where a thin metallic layer is deposited on at least one of their surfaces. The resultant items simulate the appearance of metal cutlery or tableware. In one embodiment of the invention the plastic cutlery or tableware articles are molded from a clear polystyrene resin and are coated with a thin stainless steel layer through vacuum sputtering deposition on only one of the sides. The abrasion resistance of the metallic coating can be enhanced by subjecting the articles to a post-metallizing holding period or by applying a clear protective overcoat.

Abstract: A plastic cutlery item molded from a plastic material, such as polystyrene, having a metallic coating that imparts to this cutlery item the appearance of metal cutlery or silverware. In one embodiment the plastic cutlery or tableware items are molded using injection molding techniques, and subjected to a vacuum metallizing process in an individualized non-contiguous manner, where a thin metallic layer is deposited on at least one of their surfaces. The resultant items simulate the appearance of metal cutlery or tableware. In one embodiment of the invention the plastic cutlery or tableware articles are molded from a clear polystyrene resin and are coated with a thin stainless steel layer through vacuum sputtering deposition on only one of the sides. The abrasion resistance of the metallic coating can be enhanced by subjecting the articles to a post-metallizing holding period or by applying a clear protective overcoat.

Abstract: Food service tongs and a mold and method for making them, the tongs having first and second arms connected to a fulcrum end, and first and second grasping ends on the arms disposed in a mutually opposing and spaced-apart relationship and moveable in a common plane to a closed position for grasping food there between, and a transverse bridge disposed proximate to the fulcrum end and extending from the first arm to the second arm, with a longitudinal rib extending from the transverse bridge to the fulcrum end, the flow path through the longitudinal rib section of the mold resulting in reduction or displacement of fault lines caused by abutting flow fronts during mold filling. Articles of the invention can be coated with a thin metallic layer to impart a metal-like appearance to these articles.

Abstract: A method for controlling the release of an as-rendered configuration of a digital work, comprising the steps of presenting said digital work as a composite of a plurality of layers comprising at least a first layer and a second layer; providing a rendering protocol interface which is adapted for defining said as-rendered configuration of the digital work by specifying a first rendering status of said first layer and a second rendering status of said second layer; providing a rendering protocol facility adapted for storing and controlling the release of said first and second rendering status of said first and second layers respectively in accordance with said as-rendered configuration; restricting unauthorized access to the rendering protocol interface, thereby preventing unauthorized modification of said as-rendered configuration; and releasing said digital work with said as-rendered configuration. The method has application in selling books, movies, software, music and other information products.

Abstract: A cup or container offers improved rigidity-to-weight ratio and tight nesting. The cup or container has four flat or moderately concave sidewalls arranged to form a substantially square cross section. An upper rim is moderately convex or round and/or otherwise shaped and/or reinforced to resist distortion. The stiff upper rim causes the cup or container to resist deformation by compression of sidewalls during handling and use, because the walls cannot be deformed without deforming the rim, thereby providing a more functional and usable cup or container at a reduced weight compared to prior art cups having different shapes and/or convex sidewalls. The cup or container can be thermoformed or injection molded. Sidewalls can be less than 0.33, 0.3, 0.28 or 0.25 mm thick with volumes of less than 6, 5, 4, or 3 oz respectively. A lid can be included for attachment to the upper rim.

Abstract: Plastic cutlery and tableware made in at least two parts joinable to form a unitary utensil, serving piece, beverage container or non-food contacting tableware in which the two parts are made of different materials. The materials of the two parts differ in at least one of the following: color, type of plastic, grade of plastic, source of plastic, and additives such as the presence of an anti-microbial agent, transparency, or reflectivity. Food-grade resins, for example, can be used for the heads of cutlery and recycled resins are used for the handles. Heads can be separately metalized and then joined to non-metalized handles. Handles may be made to fit to different types of heads. The two parts of the cutlery may be joined by inserting a tang extending from one into a cavity formed in the other. The two parts of tableware may be joinable by a snap-fit configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a food container assembly comprising a base and a lid wherein the base and the lid are structurally identical in one of the embodiments. The base and the lid include inter-cooperating sealing areas in the form of ridges and mating grooves. The base and the lid can be joined via a first hinge/latch combination in a mutually hingeable relationship along a pair of corresponding sides, and in addition, can be mutually secured along an opposing pair of corresponding sides via a second hinge/latch combination. According to one embodiment of the invention, the container base includes a bottom wall; a sidewall; and a peripheral rim having a ridge portion, a groove portion, a hinge flap and a locking area; wherein the container base is adapted for engagement and latching with another identical container base disposed in an inverted and superjacent relationship therewith.

Abstract: A plastic cutlery item molded from a plastic material, such as polystyrene, having a metallic coating that imparts to this cutlery item the appearance of metal cutlery or silverware. In one embodiment the plastic cutlery or tableware items are molded using injection molding techniques, and subjected to a vacuum metallizing process in an individualized non-contiguous manner, where a thin metallic layer is deposited on at least one of their surfaces. The resultant items simulate the appearance of metal cutlery or tableware. In one embodiment of the invention the plastic cutlery or tableware articles are molded from a clear polystyrene resin and are coated with a thin stainless steel layer through vacuum sputtering deposition on only one of the sides. The abrasion resistance of the metallic coating can be enhanced by subjecting the articles to a post-metallizing holding period or by applying a clear protective overcoat.

Abstract: A lid is reliably engagable with a tray while being easily releasable without disturbing tray contents and without undue lid stress. At least two lift tabs or indentations are provided at separated locations about the lid periphery, thereby providing two distinct initial disengagement locations and overcoming any tendency of the elastic lid to reactively grip the tray when disengagement is initiated. Initial disengagement at the two locations thereby enables easy removal of the entire lid. Lid release can require simultaneous and/or sequential actuation of tabs and/or indentations. Embodiments further include locations that can be pressed while corresponding tabs are lifted. Some embodiments include a peripheral skirt that is short enough to allow a user's fingers to pass beneath and support the tray sidewalls when lifting the tray-lid assembly from a horizontal surface, avoiding any need for the lid engagement to bear the weight of the tray and its contents.