Abstract: A two-part food containment and waste handling system with an upper portion containing at least one food containment region, and a lower portion with at least one waste-handling region. The upper portion and lower potion fit together at an interface.

Abstract: A multi-compartment package attachment apparatus and method for coupling a plurality of items with a package, for example a food package. Printed items such as marketing materials or promotional flyers may be inserted into a first compartment while condiments, napkins, hand-wipes or utensils may be inserted into one or more other compartments. The apparatus may then be fixedly coupled with another package and may also cover or hold prizes for example. One or more compartments may comprise thermal protective layers to keep condiments from melting when hot food packages are stacked. Thermochromic materials may be used to show temperatures of items in compartments. Each compartment may utilize any technique for enclosing an item. Embodiments may be constructed from materials that allow underlying package branding to be visible when the embodiment is coupled with the package or may be coupled to an area of a package not covering existing branding.

Abstract: A disposable food delivery device is disclosed. The device includes a food utensil coupled to a food container. The food container can be pre-charged with food, such as a dehydrated food, such that a liquid can be added to the dehydrated food to result in a ready-to-eat food at any selected time. The food container illustratively can include a port for receiving the liquid. The food container also illustratively can include a security seal for assuring that the food has not been contaminated prior to consumption. Another illustrative embodiment of the invention includes a valve for retaining liquid in the food container prior to consumption of the food.

Abstract: A disposable food delivery device is disclosed. The device includes a food utensil coupled to a food container. The food container can be pre-charged with food, such as a dehydrated food, such that a liquid can be added to the dehydrated food to result in a ready-to-eat food at any selected time. The food container illustratively can include a port for receiving the liquid. The food container also illustratively can include a security seal for assuring that the food has not been contaminated prior to consumption. Another illustrative embodiment of the invention includes a valve for retaining liquid in the food container prior to consumption of the food.

Abstract: A dispenser for condiments mountable on a container for a beverage wherein the container is any of a bottle and cups of several standard sizes. The dispenser comprises a circular base with a small inner cone having its largest rim integrally joined to the edge of a circular opening in the base. An outer cone formed as a series of steps is mounted on the base with the edge of the outer cone integrally joined to the edge of the base. The rim of a container for beverage supports any one of the steps depending on the size of the container. Alternatively, the dispenser is supported by a bottle container having a neck extending into the inner cone.

Abstract: A versatile lunch box is provided, comprising a rectangular inner box unit with removably mounted compartment dividers within guide slots, an outer fabric cover with a zippered front flap having utensil and napkin holders and an inner pouch, with the outside of the fabric cover having a side pocket and pouch and a handle connected to the top. The versatile lunch box has particular utility in connection with accommodating large food items or multiple food items at different temperatures in a compact design that can easily fit inside a school bag or small office refrigerator.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the invention, the secondary usefulness of a pizza spacer is increased by providing a coupling mechanism that is configured to attach the pizza spacer to other pizza spacers in order to form larger objects that have a purpose beyond that of merely functioning as a pizza spacer. For example, a pizza spacer according to some embodiments of the invention may be connected to other pizza spacers to complete a jigsaw puzzle. Other embodiments of the invention are described and claimed.

Abstract: A lunch box transforming into a placemat has at least two zippers with one of the two zippers running along at least three but preferably four sides while the second zipper runs along the remaining sides so as to allow, when all unzipped, to open the lunch box so that it lays falt and becomes a placemat.

Abstract: A meal kit is provided to facilitate providing utensils, mats, and other items. In one embodiment, the items are particularly suited for use by children. Meal kit items may include one or more of a mat, a straw, utensils and a wipe. In one embodiment, the mat is has an adhesive backing for sticking to an eating surface. In another embodiment, the straw is flexible and/or has a point for piercing a fluid container, such as a juice container. In other embodiments the meal kit includes crayons, activity books, stickers, and/or toys. Indicia may be provided to individualize the meal kit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable water bottle, cup and dish assembly and method for humans and pets wherein a readily accessible water bottle and cup are integrally housed within a delivery dish. The portable water bottle, cup and dish assembly provides a bottle removably housed within a central compartment of a cup. In addition, the bottle is removably attached within a delivery dish so that the bottle and the cup are removably housed therein. The cup and the delivery dish are each configured in size and shape to provide access for a human and a pet to drink therefrom, respectively. Optionally, the bottle comprises an insulating internal chamber adapted to insulate the liquid housed therein, keeping the liquid at a constant temperature for a period of time. Alternatively, the cup and/or the delivery dish comprise insulating capabilities adapted to insulate the liquid.

Abstract: A food and food-plate warming device includes a base plate that has a planar top surface and has an outwardly beveled edge provided with laterally stepped ridges concentrically spaced from the top surface center. A cover plate is positioned on the base plate and has an outer lip that is nested on one of the stepped ridges. Handles are conjoined to the outer lip for receiving at least four contiguous metacarpals therethrough. A mechanism is included for heating the base plate top surface such that the food and food-plate interfitted between the base plate and the cover plate can be heated. The heating mechanism includes a heating element intercalated between the top and bottom surfaces of the first base plate. An automatic shut off switch is coupled to the heating element for interrupting power to the heating element when an interior temperature of the device reaches a maximum threshold temperature.

Abstract: A container for condiments, e.g., nuts and nuggets of chocolates, comprising a cylinder with a bottom side mountable on the top of a standard cup/can. In one version, a bottom side is displaced from the bottom edge of the cylinder to form a skirt on the bottom edge of the cylinder. The skirt has an interior lip dimensioned such that the container “snaps” onto the rim of a beverage can or cup. In another version, the cylinder and cup/can are telescoped into a sleeve. The top edge of cap/cup is adhered to a cover that is peeled back for access to the condiments. In another version, a partial lid is interposed between the cover and top rim of the cylinder. A drinking straw is inserted from the above the cover, through the container into the cup/can.

Abstract: A cap/utensil combination having a cap having a cap top with an inner surface having at least a contact area thereof that is substantially smooth, and having at least one upwardly standing sidewall attached to the cap top, sidewall having an inner surface. The inner surface of the sidewall has a rib structure. A utensil has first and second points of contact with sections of the rib structure and at least partially along an axis of symmetry of the utensil and a third point of contact at least partially within a contact plane through the axis of symmetry, the contact plane being substantially perpendicular to a plane of the inner surface of the cap top. The three-points of contact ensure that the utensil is securely held within the cap, and yet is readily removable therefrom.

Abstract: A container for bulk items of food, particularly hot dogs, comprising a box with a bottom side mountable on the top of a standard cup/can holding a beverage. A drinking straw is inserted through a side sleeve in the container and an opening in the top of the cup/can into the beverage. A lid is provided which, in one version, is attached along one edge to an edge of the tray. In one position, the lid covers the contents in the tray and in another position, the lid is laid open so that sauces are available for dipping an end of the hot dog in the sauce.

Abstract: A packaging system for a meal kit that includes multiple, pre-packaged food items, optionally including a relatively massive component such as a beverage container. The packaging system generally comprises an outer container having two parts, a lid part and a tray part, separably joined together with a separable hinge portion and with a removable tear strip that leaves corners of the container parts reinforced so as to retain an enhanced stacking strength. Preferably, food items are supported by both the lid part and the tray part.

Abstract: A food package is provided that includes a compartment in which food items are carried and a holder portion which allows a user to place the food item therein with the food item held in a stationary position. The food holder can serve as a staging area for combining the food item with other food items or can be used as a placement location for a partially eaten food item. In the preferred multicompartment package, an improved back card construction is also disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid container is encased in an insulated jacket type pack, which has back-straps and a handle for ease of carrying, pockets for storage and zippered openings for access to the liquid container. The liquid container has recessed drink holders located near the bottom of the container with another recessed opening for sandwich type storage. The container has a spout at the top for drinking or pouring liquid from the container.

Abstract: A carton for storing and serving a self-heating meal and a beverage container includes a closable first compartment for storing and heating the meal. The first compartment has a first top wall and a first flap covering a first opening to the first compartment and a first securing means for releasably securing the first flap in a first closed position. The carton includes a second compartment for storing the beverage container and has a hole in a second top wall of the second compartment for holding the beverage container. An exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a second flap attached to the second top wall covers a second opening to the second compartment. A third compartment in the carton is disposed between the first and second compartments wherein the third compartment is open along a top side of the carton.

Abstract: A carry-all bag is disclosed having a main compartment, a side compartment for an umbrella, and a bottom compartment for a microwaveable dish. The main compartment may have additional compartments for magazines, mobile phone, change, and water or beverage bottle.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and transporting supplies and snacks includes a top portion having first and second opposite sides, a bottom portion having first and second opposite sides, a middle portion having first and second opposite sides, wherein in a closed position the top portion, bottom portion and middle portion are configured to form an enclosure. In an open position at least one side of the middle portion is accessible, and at least one side of either the top or bottom portion is accessible, at least one side of the middle portion comprising structures adapted for holding school supplies, at least one side of the top portion comprising a write-on wipe-off surface. The bottom portion includes a drink restraint for holding a drink item and a snack restraint for holding a snack item. A clip is operatively connected to one side of the top portion for holding paper.

Abstract: A circular tray has a sloping surface extending upwardly from a central base to form a circular support ridge. A retaining ridge concentrically surrounds the support ridge. The support ridge is configured to support a plurality of shrimp arranged to form a nearly arched-shaped ring. A sauce cup is removably disposed on the central base adjacent to tails of the arranged shrimp. An outer ridge concentrically surrounds the retaining ridge. A groove formed between the outer and retaining ridges is sized and configured so as to hold a plurality of pieces of surimi.

Abstract: A lunch box includes a pair of end walls, top and bottom sides, and front and back sides cooperating with each other for transforming the lunch box between open and closed positions. The top side includes a plurality of foldable portions for overlapping and locking to each other. One of the foldable portions preferably has an edge having a plurality of slits therealong. Another foldable portion has an edge including a plurality of fastening members extending therefrom. The fastening members are preferably removably positionable into the slits. One foldable portion has an opposite edge including a first handle portion extending therefrom. Another foldable portion has an opening sufficiently wide for receiving the first handle portion therethrough when the lunch box is folded to a closed position.

Abstract: Cubic boron nitride tooling, e.g. for woodworking, is fabricated with the same geometries and machinery as is used for fabricating conventional carbide tooling.

Abstract: A dual functioning lid that seals a container using a container sealing lip (10), and holds a bagel using a bagel steadying lip (20) and a bagel steadying protrusion (30), allowing the user's hand to be insulated from a hot bagel while applying an edible spread to the bagel.

Abstract: A device for dispensing sandwiches including a tubular body having an oval cross-section and a disk member positioned interior of the tubular body. The tubular body has a slot extending longitudinally along and through a wall of the tubular body. The disk member has an arm extending outwardly therefrom. This arm extends outwardly of the tubular body through the slot. The wall of the tubular body is of a flexible material. The tubular body has a closed end and an open end. The disk member is a solid planar member extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body. A guide rod is positioned within the tubular body and slidably receives the disk member thereon. The guide rod has a plurality of fixing elements suitable for retaining the disk member at a desired position within the tubular body.

Abstract: A device and a method for the use thereof are disclosed for encouraging a child who is a poor eater to eat its food. The device includes a rim member having a contiguous periphery, which defines a central opening, with the underside of the rim member defining a securing portion adapted for securely mating with a peripheral edge portion of a container. A head member is mounted onto the rim member with at least part of the head member being located in a plane above the central opening defined by the rim member. The head member has at least one passageway defined therein, the passageway being adapted to allow access therethrough into and beyond the central opening defined by the rim member.

Abstract: A container for housing granulated products is disclosed. The container has a box portion having a recessed base, a front wall, a back wall, and opposing side walls, a closure adapted to be releasably sealed on the box portion, and a circumferential channel in the box base. The channel is adapted to receive a scoop bucket so that the contents of the container can be easily removed.

Abstract: A package for heating and dispensing a food product includes a container body having a top opening and an outside thread, and a lid assembly. The lid assembly includes an outer shell having an inside thread and an integrally formed utensil, and an inner disk. The utensil is defined by a weakened segment or outline formed into an end wall of the outer shell and has a convex region. The disk has a protrusion that is shaped to be received into the convex region when the outer shell is placed on the container body and threaded tightly onto the body over the disk. A sufficient friction force exists between the disk and the body that prevents the disk from turning when the outer shell is unscrewed an initial amount. The protrusion forcibly leaving the convex region causes the weakened segment to rupture creating tamper evidence and a vent for heating.

Abstract: Quick access to the interior of a soft-sided cooler is provided by means of a quick access flap (26) hinged to the top panel (18) of a cooler body (10) and overlying an access opening (30). A tab (36) is made of material of significantly greater flexibility than that of which the flap (26) or the top panel (18) are formed and extends beyond the envelope of the top panel (18) so as to be readily graspable by the user of the cooler without forming a snag point on the cooler.

Abstract: A multiple food product container for dispensing one food product from at or near one region of the container, and dispensing another food product at or near the other region of the container. A preferred embodiment comprises an upper food compartment, a lower food compartment, wherein a top of the lower food compartment is coupled to a bottom of the upper food compartment, a resealable opening disposed at a top of the first food compartment, a resealable second opening disposed proximate a bottom of the second food compartment, a first food disposed in the upper food compartment, and a second food disposed in the lower food compartment.

Abstract: A disposable food bag for transporting and serving food is provided. The food bag comprises: a plastic inner liner, a resealable closure assembly such as a Ziploc type closure which a leak-proof seal for the plastic inner liner, a paper outer wrap, and a utensil bag attached to the outer wrap. This attachment may be perforated for easy removal of the utensil bag. The bag may be a variety of sizes for storage of service of a snack or a meal that may be heated and eaten with the utensils provided with the bag.

Abstract: A snack food container for containing a snack food product. The snack food container includes a side wall, a bottom wall and a flange body. The side wall forms an upper opening. The bottom wall is connected to the side wall opposite the upper opening. The flange body extends downwardly from the bottom wall and defines an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface is configured for selective attachment to a separate beverage container. Finally, the snack food container defines an internal storage region for containing a snack food product. During use, the snack food container is assembled to a separate beverage container via the inner surface of the flange body. With this configuration, the snack food container can be used in conjunction with a beverage container for “on-the-go” storage and consumption.

Abstract: A lunch and interchangeable graphic carrier includes a container, a divider, a first zipper, a second zipper and a plurality of graphics. The container has a first half portion with a first side edge and a second half portion with a second side edge. The divider has a first side edge and a second side edge. Each of the first and second zippers has a fastening track, a complementary fastening and a track linking the fastening track to the complementary fastening track. The first zipper mechanically couples the first side edge of the container to the first side edge of the divider to form a first compartment. The second side edge of the container mechanically couples to the second side edge of the divider to form a second compartment. The second zipper mechanically couples to the second side edge of the container to allow access to the second compartment. A plurality of removable graphics or illustrations disposed in the second compartment.

Abstract: A molded plastics pot (10) for containing food has a base (13) and a side wall (14). A plastic utensil such as a spoon (16) to assist the consumption of food contained in the pot (10) is molded integrally with the pot, and is hinged by the end of the handle (17) to the upper or lower end of the pot. The length of the utensil is more or less equal to the depth of the pot and the side wall (14) of the pot has a recess (15) in which the utensil can be accommodated, nibs (20) serving to retain the utensil in the recess until required for use. Then, the utensil (16) may be pulled out of the recess (15) and broken away from the hinge (18).

Abstract: A packaging system for a meal kit that includes multiple, pre-packaged food items, optionally including a relatively massive component such as a beverage container. The packaging system generally comprises an outer container having two parts, a lid part and a tray part, separably joined together with a separable hinge portion and with a removable tear strip that leaves corners of the container parts reinforced so as to retain an enhanced stacking strength. Preferably, food items are supported by both the lid part and the tray part.

Abstract: A cover for a portable food container comprising a cover body and a utensil. The utensil includes a head piece and a handle piece. The head piece and the handle piece are each detachably secured to the cover body and are configured for assembly to each other upon detachment from the cover body to form the utensil. In one preferred embodiment, the handle piece includes a reinforcement for limiting longitudinal bending thereof. In an alternative embodiment, the cover further includes a protective film resealably secured to the cover body.

Abstract: A pac aging system for a meal kit that includes multiple, pre-packaged food items, optionally including a relatively massive component such as a beverage container. The packaging system generally comprises an outer container having two part a lid part and a tray part, separably joined together with a separable hinge portion and with a removable tear strip that leaves corners of the container parts reinforced so as to retain an enhanced stacking strength. Preferably, food items are supported by both the lid part and the tray part.

Abstract: The travel container of the present invention is a disposable package in the form of a kit for the storage of a predefined quantity of drinking water and a predefined quantity of pet food in independent pouches to form a predefined meal for a pet dog or pet cat when traveling on a short excursion. The travel container includes, in combination, an open receptacle having a relatively deep compartment with a flat bottom and a large opening for storing a supply of pet food in a closed pouch, a separate sealed pouch in which a source of water is stored and a cover lid for closing the open receptacle. The supply of pet food and the source of water are present in proportional amounts to form a predefined convenience pet meal upon opening the pouch of pet food and the water pouch and combining the water with the pet food.

Abstract: A camping toy having an assembly with a coupled configuration and an expanded configuration. The assembly defines a toy lantern when the assembly is in the coupled configuration, and the assembly defines a plurality of separated toy camping items when the assembly is in the expanded configuration. The plurality of toy camping items include a light and a toy canteen, a toy stove, and/or a toy cooking pan.

Abstract: A planar bottom panel is attached by a first side member to a top cover panel and by a second side member to a planar food tray cover panel. The side members of the planar bottom panel enclose a food or beverage styrofoam insert having depressions for receipt of food or beverage containers. The food tray cover panel folds over a top surface of the styrofoarn insert. Sections of the food tray cover panel are removed to insert the food or beverage containers and then the top cover panel is folded over the food tray cover panel to seal the box containing food and beverage items.

Abstract: A planar bottom panel is attached by a first side member to a top cover panel and by a second side member to a planar food tray cover panel. The side members of the planar bottom panel enclose a food or beverage styrofoam insert having depressions for receipt of food or beverage containers. The food tray cover panel folds over a top surface of the styrofoam insert. Sections of the food tray cover panel are removed to insert the food or beverage containers and then the top cover panel is folded over the food tray cover panel to seal the box containing food and beverage items.

Abstract: Food preparation kits and organizing systems include a case for containing combinations of spices and/or utensils and cooking accessories. A case may take the form of a book including front and back covers connected by a spine portion. Spices may be organized and retained inside the case along with utensils such as knives, tongs and measuring spoons.

Abstract: A lid is disclosed that is configured to be mounted on a food container having a rim bounding an opening of the food container. The lid has a top cover wall with a through opening and an outer periphery, a one-piece eating utensil being located in the opening of the top cover wall and connected to the top cover wall by a plurality of discrete, spaced apart, frangible connecting elements. The one-piece utensil has a food engaging portion and an integral handle portion, the handle portion being configured to be gripped by a hand of a user. The length of the one-piece eating utensil, measured from an end of the food engaging portion to an opposite end of the handle portion, is less than a distance between opposite sides of the periphery of the top cover wall such that the one-piece eating utensil fits entirely within the periphery of the top cover wall. A side wall extends downwardly from the periphery of the top cover wall and is configured to engage the rim portion of the food container.

Abstract: A display container formed from a one-piece blank and having a base panel and four side panels, wherein a portion of the base panel is folded up to form an internal compartment. A triangular segment of the front panel is folded against the side of the internal compartment to stabilize same. Individual food servings are held by the main part of the container while appropriate utensils are held in the internal compartment.

Abstract: A shrimp and tray combination includes a shrimp tray having an outer retaining ridge and an inner support ridge. A groove is formed between the inner and outer ridges. A plurality of shrimp is arranged radially on the tray with head ends of the shrimp lying in and supported in the groove and convex sides of the shrimp bodies supported on the inner support ridge. A cup and cover contain sauce for the shrimp. The cup and cover are located in a depression formed in the center of the tray with the tail ends of the shrimp bodies held in place by the side of the cup. The combination including the shrimp tray, the shrimp bodies, the cup, the cover, and the sauce may be tightly enclosed in a plastic film material as by shrink wrapping and frozen together for storage and shipment.

Abstract: A broadsheet for manufacturing a container for foodstuffs, such as chips, is described, which container comprises a subcontainer for a garnishing, such as mayonnaise. The broadsheet is composed of a primary sheet of material for forming the container and a secondary sheet of material connected thereto for forming the subcontainer. The primary sheet of material is substantially rectangular and, starting from a first corner point, includes at least two folding lines extending to the opposite corner point and to one of the two sides of the rectangle adjacent thereto, respectively, whilst the secondary sheet of material is connected to one of said sides via a folding line and, starting from one of the corner points adjacent to the side in question, extends substantially along half the length of said side. Furthermore, a container manufactured from the broadsheet is disclosed.

Abstract: A prepared meal kit having foodstuffs suitable for feeding an infant or a toddler is disclosed. The foodstuffs include packaged and ready-to-eat baked items, fruit, vegetable and cereal servings, as well as a liquid serving of formula or juice in a container which also functions as a serving tray. The kit also includes ancillary items such as utensils, napkins, bibs and a toy. The container provides a means for advertisement and brand recognition and may be decorated with thematically-based graphics linked to a particular activity, character or event.

Abstract: A cover on an open-topped container of food and/or drink either attached to the open top of the container by a first adhesive means forming a receptacle that can be slipped over the container. The cover has second adhesive means thereon so that, when the cover has been entirely or partially removed from the container to open the cover, it will remain attached to, or be attachable to, the container by the second adhesive means and can hang down, as a receptacle, from one side of the container, for receiving waste material.

Abstract: A personalized lunch box including a container having a lid that is adapted for covering an open upper end of the container. A plurality of frames are secured to an interior surface of the lid. The frames are adapted for receiving photographs and the like therein. A recording and playback device is disposed within the interior surface of the lid. The recording and playback device allows a personalized message to be recorded and played back at a later time.

Abstract: A display container formed from a one-piece blank and having a base panel and four side panels, wherein a portion of the base panel is folded up to form an internal compartment. A triangular segment of the front panel is folded against the side of the internal compartment to stabilize same. Individual food servings are held by the main part of the container while appropriate utensils are held in the internal compartment.