Abstract: Disclosed are rigid multi-compartment recloseable packages. A package may comprise a rigid tray comprising a product surface to hold food products. The tray may comprise a raised lip along a perimeter of the product surface to laterally secure the food products thereon. The tray may have a tray skirt horizontally extending outward from a top edge of the lip, and dividing features upwardly extending from the product surface to form distinct compartments on the product surface for receiving the food products therein. Furthermore, such an exemplary package also comprises a recloseable rigid lid having an upper surface substantially coextensive with the product surface, and at least one sidewall downwardly extending from the upper surface. The lid may also comprise a lid skirt horizontally extending outward from a bottom edge of the at least one sidewall, where the lid skirt is coextensive and complimentary in shape with the tray skirt.

Abstract: A stackable serving container apparatus for use with shellfish, or any other type of similar food. More particularly, a stackable serving tray apparatus that allows for ease and functionality with respect to serving cooked shellfish that is ready to be eaten and needs to be kept warm, and simultaneously provides an area for any removed shells to be discarded.

Abstract: An improved three-piece herb grinder that provides for a top portion, a base portion and a mid-portion that sits therebetween. The top portion includes an enclosed lid with a bottom portion with a cavity formed therein containing a plurality of teeth extending downwardly therefrom. The top portion has two or more magnets placed around the perimeter of the bottom portion. The mid-portion attaches to the top portion through two more corresponding magnets on the top of the mid-portion which includes an abutting flange that extends upward therefrom which includes a perimeter that fits into the cavity of the top portion, said abutting flange defining a circular area with a plurality of teeth extending upward therefrom surrounded by a plurality of holes. The abutting flange has a perimeter that includes a groove therearound for the placement therein of a sealing gasket/o-ring.

Abstract: An assisted eating aid for use with an eating utensil constructed to carry food portions is disclosed as a serving vessel body having a bottom surface and an opposing upper surface with a centrally disposed food receiving region, an outermost perimeter, and a plurality of flanges projecting upwardly from the upper surface of the serving vessel body to divide the centrally disposed food receiving region from an outermost food receiving region where at least two of the flanges are spaced apart with each flange having an interior facing scoop surface and exterior facing scoop surface constructed to shove food portions pushed thereagainst onto the eating utensil.

Abstract: The travel mug includes a vessel with a removable, angled partition and an engageable flow restrictor. The partition separates the vessel into a fluid reservoir chamber and a fluid dispensing chamber. The fluid dispensing chamber has a direct fluid flow path out of the upper, open end of the vessel. The fluid reservoir chamber has an indirect flow path out of the upper, open end of the vessel through the fluid dispensing chamber. An engageable flow restrictor is configured to control fluid flow along the indirect fluid flow path at the partition. The flow restrictor is disengaged when the travel mug is upright and at rest and engaged when the travel mug is positioned for dispensing.

Abstract: A soft-sided insulated container assembly has a generally box-shaped form like a school lunch box, having a main body and a lid. The lid is formed of one of the largest panels of the box-structure, and is joined to the main body of the box by a hinge that lets the lid lie flat next to the main body when the box is open. The inside face of the lid then defines a work surface on which to place objects such as foodstuffs and beverages. The work surface may be formed in a substantially rigid molded stiffener member, and may be divided into sub-regions with raised retainers to discourage sliding of objects where not precisely level. The container assembly may include a rigid internal liner with which the lid may mate zipperlessly. The mating portion of the lid may be formed in the same rigid member as the work surface.

Abstract: A meal packaging and presentation system includes a base, a front panel connected to the base at a low front edge seam, a first side panel connected to the base at a first low side edge seam, a second side panel connected to the base at a second low side edge seam, a rear panel connected to the base at a low rear edge seam, a first top flap connected to the first side panel at a first top side edge seam, a second top flap connected to the second side panel at a second top side edge seam, a front top flap connected to the front panel at a top front edge seam, and a rear top flap that connects to the rear panel at a top rear edge. An interior meal chamber is formed between the base, the front panel, the first side panel, the second side panel, the rear panel, the first top flap, and the second top flap when the system is in a closed state.

Abstract: An assembly for scent training an animal, such as a detection or sniffer dog, is presented herein. The assembly includes a scent pod defining a pocket with an at least partially open top. The assembly also includes a food bowl defining a bowl body and a raised scent distribution column surrounded by a food receiving trough region. The raised scent distribution column includes an at least partially hollow interior portion defined by at least one wall and a scent permeable top surface. The scent pod is selectively movable between an independent use with the lid, and a removable attachment with the food bowl.

Abstract: An article of tableware has a container portion defining a well, and a base portion coupled to the container portion. The base portion includes a foot portion and a hinge portion. The hinge portion includes a first hinge line and a second hinge line, and the foot portion is coupled to the hinge portion at the first hinge line. The hinge portion is pivotable about the first and second hinge lines such that the foot portion is movable between an extended position and a retracted position to adjust a height of the tableware article.

Abstract: A blank for being formed into a container. The blank has a marginal area that includes a plurality of score lines for facilitating forming of the blank into the container. The score lines are positioned to facilitate formation of the container. A forming tool has features to facilitate forming the blank into the container.

Abstract: A target chamber and a method for manufacturing the target chamber for a radioisotope production system is provided. The target chamber includes a cavity formed from a single sheet of metal foil enclosed by a cover. The cavity configured to contain a starting liquid and receive a particle beam that is incident upon the starting liquid thereby generating radioisotopes.

Abstract: The bowl is divided into lower and upper compartments. The side of the lower compartment is formed in part, by a lower portion of the side wall of the bowl and, in part, by a upwardly extending wall which extends upward from the bottom of the bowl and terminates at a platform of the upper compartment. Alternatively, the side of the lower compartment is formed entirely by an upwardly extending wall which extends upwardly from the bottom of the bowl and which is spaced apart from the side wall of the bowl. The upper portion of the side wall of the bowl forms the side of the upper compartment.

Abstract: A device for training animals such as rats, dogs, etc. to recognize and associate target odors/scents with food. The training device, sometimes referred to herein as an odor or scent training device, includes a feeding dish/pan that is configured to have food positioned therein. The scent training device creates a scent curtain of a target scent above the food so that the animal's nose and head first penetrate the scent curtain before the animal can eat the food. As such, each time the animal reaches for more food in the feeding dish, an association between the reward of food and the target scent is strengthened.

Abstract: Suction cups with non-circular peripheral edges are formed with peripheral edges which are of uniform thickness regardless of the radial distance of the peripheral edge from the center of the cup body.

Abstract: Various embodiments of flanged containers that can be stacked in a nested relationship are disclosed so as to provide uniform spacing between the containers to facilitate reliable denesting thereof. The flanges and/or sidewalls of the containers may be provided with features that facilitate alignment and uniform spacing of the nested containers so that a denesting apparatus can reliably denest the containers. Other containers include sidewalls divided into two sections that serve to stabilize stacked container.

Abstract: A container formed from a blank comprising a base layer and a lamination layer. The container has a bottom wall, a side wall, and a rolled edge extending from the side wall. The container includes features for helping to direct moisture from an interior surface of the bottom wall of the container to the side wall. The features comprise a plurality of embossed features and linear features extending in at least a portion of the container and defining respective grooves in an interior surface of the container defined by the bottom wall and the side wall.

Abstract: A foam reducing container for reducing the level of foam created when pouring a carbonated liquid into the container. The foam reduction container generally includes the container body having sidewalls extending from a base and the sidewalls defining at least one impact sloped wall for receiving a beverage poured from a delivery system.

Abstract: An aerodynamic device includes a plate having a generally circular periphery, a central portion, and a plurality of compartments for holding food substances during a dining activity. Each compartment is bounded by curved ribs, each rib extending continuously from the central portion along an arcuate path to the periphery. All of the ribs are aerodynamically shaped to provide lift during a subsequent recreational activity in which the device is thrown through the air. An insert is mounted in the central portion for holding a dining item, e.g., a drink container, for use during the dining activity, and a different recreational item for use during the recreational activity.

Abstract: A food container includes a base and a lid, and the lid may have a recess configured to receive a second container. The base may comprise a formed cavity that provides a bowl into which food or other items may be placed. The recess in the lid may receive a cup containing another item, such as a condiment or topping. The cup with the condiment or topping may be inserted into the recess, and removed from the recess, without removing the lid from the base. The lid and/or the base may be formed from any suitable materials, such as a transparent or non-transparent plastic material, and/or a compostable material.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a plate including a base portion, and a cup holder located substantially towards a center of the base portion. The cup holder has a top portion that extends above the base portion and a bottom portion that extends below the base portion. An outer rim is located along a circumference of the base portion and extends above the base portion to a height substantially similar to that of the upper portion of the cup holder. The cup holder can have a seat in the bottom portion that can be located at a bottom most portion of the bottom portion or at a distance away from the bottom most portion of the bottom portion.

Abstract: A food container is divided into two compartments by a vertically extending partition wall. A user selects which of the two compartments will hold a food product and which compartment will receive inedible parts of the food product after edible part of the food product is consumed. A snap-on lid closes the container to retain the food product and discarded inedible parts inside the container. Flap openings in the lid allow access to the compartments.

Abstract: An assisted eating aid for use with an eating utensil constructed to carry food portions is disclosed as a serving vessel body having a bottom surface and an opposing upper surface with a centrally disposed food receiving region, an outermost perimeter, and a plurality of flanges projecting upwardly from the upper surface of the serving vessel body to divide the centrally disposed food receiving region from an outermost food receiving region where at least two of the flanges are spaced apart with each flange having an interior facing scoop surface and exterior facing scoop surface constructed to shove food portions pushed thereagainst onto the eating utensil.

Abstract: A carry out food bowl comprising a bowl and a removable cover. The bowl includes a conversion demarcation, which defines a conversion section. The conversion section includes a portion of a sidewall of the bowl and a bottom portion of the bowl. The user would depress the conversion section inward creating a new bowl support surface, wherein the new support surface tilts an opening of the bowl. A condiment container receptacle can be integrated into the cover to retain a condiment container assembly. This associates the condiment with the contents of the bowl. The bowl and lid can include a stacking interface enabling one to attach a second bowl onto a cover of a first bowl.

Abstract: A beverage container holder is provided, consisting of an elongated body having a planar upper support surface having alternative engagement mechanisms on opposing ends thereof. At one end an aperture is formed, having an elongated ledge-like support that extends downwardly to a horizontally-extending terminus that underlies a portion of the aperture to receive and retain a beverage container—both cylindrical and goblet-shaped. At an opposing end and at a midpoint of the planar upper support surface, a pair of apertures cooperates with the thumb and fingers of a user's hand, to position and secure a food plate against an upper surface of the beverage container holder. The thumb and fingers extend through the apertures from a position below the holder, and in gripping the food plate, the user is also grasping the holder—which in turn may be carrying a beverage container held within the beverage-receiving aperture.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for partitioning food containers, such as cereal bowls. Some embodiments may include a system with a food container, which may be a cereal bowl. The system may also include a flexible membrane having a top surface and a bottom surface. The membrane may partition the food container into a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion may be for holding liquid content. The upper bowl portion may be adapted for holding edible solid content. The membrane may have multiple passageways extending from the membrane bottom surface through the membrane top surface. The multiple passageways may be normally closed and then expand to an open configuration allowing fluid transmission from below the membrane to above the membrane when the membrane is flexed in a first direction normal to a resting plane parallel to the top surface and the bottom surface.

Abstract: A combination food and beverage serving plate includes an annular surface defining a predominately flat surface; a centrally located cylinder member surrounded by the annular surface and interconnected with the annular surface, the cylinder member including a top cavity for receiving a beverage container; and an annular perimeter wall surrounding the annular perimeter surface and interconnected with the annular surface. The annular perimeter wall forms an outer first boundary for the annular surface while the cylinder member forms an inner second boundary for the annular surface. Moreover, the top cavity is tapered, such that a diameter of the top cavity is larger near a top surface of the cylinder member than near an interior bottom surface of the cylinder member. As such, the top cavity is structured to receive beverage containers of various sizes and shapes.

Abstract: The invention described herein is generally directed to a snack or dip or food holder assembly that can attach to bowls, dishes, plates, trays and the like. Specifically, a snack or dip holder is provided that can be removeably attached to a bowl or plate edge.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bowl that has a cereal section and a milk and fruit section that are separated by a continuous dividing wall. The milk and fruit section has a downward slope from the dividing wall that causes the milk to enter a curved bottom section from which the eater can take the last of the cereal and milk onto his/her spoon. Also disclosed is a cover for the bowl that makes a liquid tight seal on the milk and fruit section and also covers the cereal section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bowl that has a cereal section and a milk and fruit section that are separated by a continuous dividing wall. The milk and fruit section has a downward slope from the dividing wall that causes the milk to enter a curved bottom section from which the eater can take the last of the cereal and milk onto his/her spoon. Also disclosed is a cover for the bowl that makes a liquid tight seal on the milk and fruit section and also covers the cereal section.

Abstract: A wine glass constructed from molded plastic includes an upper body defining an upwardly narrowed flume for concentrating the wine bouquet, in combination with a contoured lower base defining an annular moat surrounding a central punt for enhanced visual inspection of the wine. In addition, the upper body further includes a notched indent at an outboard side thereof forming a shelf for facilitated fingertip grasping and manipulation of the assembled glass. In one form, the upper body and lower base of the wine glass are provided as separate modules adapted for assembly to form the wine glass, and disassembly for respective compact stacking. In another form, the wine glass has a one-piece construction adapted for compact stacking by nested reception of the upwardly narrowed flume partially into the underside of the lower base of an overlying glass in the stack.

Abstract: A food plate comprising a first surface, a second surface, and an edge, wherein at least the first surface or each of the first surface and the second surface has a slope, which optionally comprises at least one depression at the bottom of the slope and adjacent to the edge, wherein (i) at least each portion of the edge that is adjacent to the bottom of the slope forms a rim or (ii) substantially all or all of the edge forms a rim and at least each portion of the rim that is adjacent to the bottom of the slope is pronounced or more pronounced than a portion of the rim that is not adjacent to the bottom of the slope; an adapter for a conventional food plate comprising a graduated, optionally flexible, rim, which, upon attachment to the food plate, causes the food-bearing side of the food plate to have a slope; a method of making a food plate; and a method of making an adapter for a conventional food plate.

Abstract: A stackable food and beverage service apparatus for use by a person to support food and a beverage in a single hand with ergonomic thumb holds for grip support. The apparatus comprises an upper surface on one side and a recessed surface on the other side. The recessed surface is for holding food, whereas the upper surface includes a beverage receptacle and two opposing thumb holds offset to either side of the beverage receptacle. A user can securely grip the apparatus with the left or right thumb while the fingertips support the bottom of the recessed surface. A raised rim around the periphery keeps food in the recessed surface and separated from the beverage receptacle and the thumb holds.

Abstract: A container formed from a blank comprising a base layer and a lamination layer. The container has a bottom wall, a side wall, and a rolled edge extending from the side wall. The container includes features for helping to direct moisture from an interior surface of the bottom wall of the container to the side wall. The features comprise a plurality of embossed features and linear features extending in at least a portion of the container and defining respective grooves in an interior surface of the container defined by the bottom wall and the side wall.

Abstract: The invention described herein is generally directed to a snack or dip or food holder assembly that can attach to bowls, dishes, plates, trays and the like. Specifically, a snack or dip holder is provided that can be removeably attached to a bowl or plate edge.

Abstract: Tray having a container receiving space and a stepped outer sidewall including a lower step and an upper step, a cooling unit providing cooled air to the space and having a housing with a stepped base that includes a lower step and an upper step, the cooling unit venting exhaust from an end distal to the base, a plurality of containers each having a perimeter flange and, when the container is inserted into the space, portions of the flange are seated on the respective lower steps of the tray and the stepped base of the housing, and a cover configured to sealingly contact the upper steps when the cover is in a closed position, the cover shielding the containers from the exhaust, and being movably attached to the housing and movable along the housing in a range that includes the closed position at which the cover contacts the upper steps.

Abstract: A food storage system including a secondary bowl that is adapted to be positioned at least partially on and/or in a main lid. The secondary bowl is adapted to be detachable from the main lid.

Abstract: A party plate composite for use at social gatherings and the like that serves as a plate for food as well as a holder for an eating utensil, a napkin, and a beverage container, to enable the user to hold all with one hand while leaving the other hand free to shake hands with others, or use a cell phone, to use the eating utensil or napkin, or to drink the beverage, said party plate composite comprising (a) a plate component for depositing food upon its upper surface, said plate component having an aperture depending through its upper and lower surfaces, (b) an coupler component for disposition into said aperture and for attachment to the circumferential walls of said aperture, and (c) a beverage container holder component appropriately attached to the lower portion of said coupler component.

Abstract: A kit containing portion control tableware, the kit containing a portion control plate and a portion control drinking cup, whereby when used, the portion control cup limits the amount of beverage consumed to a healthy portion size, and the portion control plate provides a visual indication of the size of a healthy portion.

Abstract: A plate includes a main body having a top surface, a first physical depression formed on the top surface, a second physical depression formed on the top surface at a position at one side of the first physical depression, and a through thumbhole formed on the main body at a position which is spaced apart from the first physical depression and the second physical depression, wherein the thumbhole and the second physical depression are formed on the same side with respect to the first physical depression.

Abstract: A stackable container and cup, having one or more selectable attached divider or dividers, the divider or dividers allowing the container to hold a single substance, or multiple distinct substances, such as ice cream, without the unwanted mixing of the substances.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed toward receptacle systems and methods of using the same. In one embodiment, the receptacle system includes a cup and a lid assembly. The lid assembly is configured to allow for removal of consumable items such as, but not limited to, fruit, nuts and seafood, while further providing a holding chamber for disposable items such as, but not limited to pits, shells and seeds that are left over from the consumable items. The cup, the lid assembly, or both may be discarded and replaced or re-used. The lid assembly includes at least one barrier surface or wall that provides physical separation between the consumable items and the disposable items.

Abstract: A tray for vibratory conveying of food articles from a hopper is provided. The tray includes a tray body, food inlet portion, and a food outlet portion. An upwardly extending dividing member divides the tray into at least two food inlet conveyor passageways, the inlet conveyor passageways merging into a single food passageway that extends to the food outlet portion. The single food passageway may have an initially wide portion and subsequently narrow to a narrow portion as it approaches a discharge end. This arrangement helps to declump food items, preferably causing food items the size of chicken nuggets to be conveyed in a single-file arrangement along the single food passageway. The single food passageway is preferably non-linear, and may, for example, have a zigzag or serpentine configuration to promote accurate dispensing of food items.

Abstract: The cereal bowl comprises a bowl which is in a generally cylindrical shape and a strainer therein to keep the cereal elevated and separated from the milk resting at the bottom of the bowl. The strainer provides an individual to control when and how long the cereal is immersed in the milk so that the cereal can be kept from soggy from milk.

Abstract: This invention provides dinnerware, such as plates, bowls and goblets, with slightly beveled dividers, which separates the dinnerware into intervals. The dinnerware provides for two options: one with labels and one without labels. In the labeled option, each interval is labeled. In the unlabeled option, the intervals are not marked. Rather, a pamphlet is provided that indicates the types and amounts of food or drink to be served in each section. The intent is to make it easy for the user to serve the appropriate amount of food or drink each time and, with continued use over time, learn appropriate portion sizes. This is referred to as learning to measure with the eyes, as this allows the user to employ this methodology even when the dinnerware of the present invention is not available.

Abstract: The disclosed invention involves a combination of a tray of various sizes and shapes and having a wall around at least a part of its periphery and one or more removable pocket shapers comprised of separators, grids, etc. for forming pockets on a top surface of the bottom of the tray, the pockets having a bottom area of 3 inches or more, the combination allowing easy, fast preparation of attractive patterns of different edible and/or non-edible items having distinctive boundaries therebetween when the pocket shapers are removed vertically. Also disclosed are methods of forming a multitude of such arrangements using such combinations.

Abstract: A food serving plate with features that cooperatively interact with utensils to provide fun assistance to children with their effort to load food onto their utensils. The features on the plate include either or both of: a vertically slotted ramp that accepts the tines of an eating utensil, such as a fork, which allows a person to load food onto the utensil by pushing the food up the ramp and then sliding the utensil under the food when it has reached sufficient height; and a ramp with a nested depression that accepts the leading perimeter contours of a utensil with a food-receiving bowl, such as a spoon, which allows a person to load food onto the utensil by positioning the utensil within the nested depression and by pushing the food up the ramp and over the nested depression with a second utensil with a blunt profile, such as a pusher.

Abstract: A pastry tray includes a body having an outer region and an inner region. The inner region includes at least one aperture extending therethrough. The pastry tray also typically includes at least one leg extending at least partially vertically downward from the body. When the pastry tray is arranged on a container containing a heated liquid, heat and steam from the heated liquid pass through the at least one aperture. When a pastry is arranged on the pastry tray, the heat and steam act to warm, and in some cases soften, the pastry.

Abstract: A tray, in particular for catering purposes onboard aircrafts, including a tray body defining a receiving surface for receiving thereon items to be carried by use of the tray. The tray body includes an interlocking device for releasably engaging an interlocking device of the tray body of a similar tray, when at least two trays are positioned such that the receiving surfaces of the tray bodies are overlapping each other partially. The interlocking device of the trays interacting such that when one of the trays is drawn in a drawing direction, the other tray is moved along in the drawing direction.

Abstract: Plates are shown that include a sloped support that supports an eating surface; a raised border around the eating surface; and a reservoir foamed as a depression in the eating surface at the bottom of the slope, such that the depression and an angle of the sloped support allow fluids to collect in the reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for increasing portion control in a diet. In one illustrative embodiment, the portion control device includes a cover member sized to cover at least a portion of an eating surface of a plate. The cover member may include a first surface having one or more openings therein defined by an opening perimeter. One or more compartment walls may be attached to the first surface adjacent to the perimeter of the one or more openings and may extend a distance therefrom. The openings and the compartment walls may define a portion compartment that may help to manage, and in some cases, measure, portions of food. Additionally, in some embodiments, the compartments may have labels indicating the food group to be placed therein to help achieve a balanced diet.