Abstract: A food bowl assembly includes a bowl (12) and a food platform (14) that lies in a lower portion of the bowl. The platform supports solid food and allows grease and other fluids to flow to a lower compartment (34) that lies under the platform. The platform has support surfaces (40) on which food lies, has recesses (42) that lie slightly below the level of the support surfaces and into which fluid drains, and has drain holes (50) in the recess though which fluids flow to the lower compartment. All of the holes lie closer to the vertical axis (16) of the bowl assembly than to the rim (24) of the platform, which avoids fluids spilling out of the holes when the bowl assembly is tipped. The bottom of the bowl or the platform, forms a deflector (64) around a region below the holes, with gaps in the barrier that allow fluid to flow to the periphery of the lower compartment.

Abstract: A disposable plate for carrying and serving food is disclosed. One particular aspect of the invention includes a plate with a substantially circular food-contact area with a substantially oval rim periphery. The rim is formed to make the plate easy to hold, with grooves adapted to accommodate fingers and/or thumbs. The present invention may be designed to segment the food storage areas of the plate into multiple compartments by using a divider wall. Also, the food-contact area can be slightly domed to force food to shift to the outer portion of the food-contact area and inhibit the food from slipping to the middle of the plate, thus keeping the plate center from sagging.

Abstract: A safety dish forms a secure food container and has a dish for holding food, a cover for enclosing the dish and food, and a lock mechanism for securing the cover to the dish to prevent unauthorized access to the food and/or tampering with the food. A key or correct input of a combination is required to access the food contents of the container. The safety dish preferably includes a handle and is formed from dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe materials.

Abstract: A food package having a base (12) forming a cavity (16) for holding a first food such as a salad, and having a cover or dome (14) that covers the base and that has recess walls that form a recess (32) in the cover top. The recess holds a fluid food (30) such as a salad dressing. A mechanism (22) that is manually operable from the outside the cover, releases the salad dressing. In one system, a top of the cover can be manually depressed to depress a button (60) on a lid (24) that lies under the recess to unlatch a lid side or end (50) so the lid can pivot down and release the salad dressing In another system, a person can depress a first side of the recess walls to open a first lid part (124, FIG. 11) that releases half the salad dressing, and can also depress a second side of the recess wall to open a second lid part (126) to release the other half of the dressing.

Abstract: A food and drinks serving tray is created to include two separate areas for drinks and glassware. The separate areas are formed by an outer rim and inner rim which partially or fully prevents spillage on or off of the tray. The food and drinks serving tray includes a billfold drawer and a coin reservoir to collect and conceal a waitress' cash payment for the orders she takes. A handle can be added to the underside of the tray for easy tray handling. The food and drinks serving tray can be manufactured of different materials and have different shades of color. In addition, the food and drinks serving tray has a flat base surface which can be manufactured to come in different shapes such as a circle or rectangle.

Abstract: A server apparatus for food items which provides a deposit location for unwanted, discardable, or inedible portions of the food, or ancillary utensils such as tooth picks, and is convenient, sanitary and appealing for serving food.

Abstract: A salad container having a container body with an open top, an exterior surface and an interior surface defining a cavity, the cavity divided into an upper chamber and a lower chamber by a selective barrier cooperatively configured to rest on the interior surface of the body to selectively exclude relatively large ingredients such as salad roughage from entry into the lower chamber and to provide passage therethrough of relatively small food ingredients, such as granular ingredients including, for example, ground pepper and/or such as liquids, including, for example, salad dressing, into and out of the lower chamber.

Abstract: A tray system, comprising one or more retaining portions for a food container, the one or more retaining portions receiving and securely holding fitted non-slip inserts. The tray system includes one or more feet which are of a depth at least equal to deepest recessed retaining portion of the tray. The feet may allow the tray to sit stably on a flat surface. The tray may have a non-slip removable insert inserted into the retaining portion which may be fitted to the bottom of the retaining portion and may maintain grip on serving tray and food container.

Abstract: A plate intended for use while standing up is configured to allow the main area of the plate to rest on the forearm of a user, while a user's index finder and thumb grip a holder (15) projecting downwardly from the rim region (13) of the plate. The height of the holder (15) is substantially the same as the height of the rim region (13) of the plate, above the food-holding base area (11) thereof. The holder (15) is configured internally to accommodate a drinking vessel (20) such as a stemmed wine glass, a tumbler, or a can or bottle. The holder (15) is profiled to facilitate the stacking of a plurality of like plates, with the holders partially nested.

Abstract: A bowl assembly for holding popcorn. The bowl assembly includes a top, a bottom, and a sidewall extending therebetween wherein the bottom has a plurality of openings. The plurality of openings are of size and shape that allow unpopped kernels from the popcorn to be disposed through the openings and into a compartment located directly below the bowl. The compartment may then be removed to dispose of the kernels.

Abstract: A salad container having a container body with an open top, an exterior surface and an interior surface defining a cavity, the cavity divided into an upper chamber and a lower chamber by a selective barrier cooperatively configured to rest on the interior surface of the body to selectively exclude relatively large ingredients such as salad roughage from entry into the lower chamber and to provide passage therethrough of relatively small food ingredients, such as granular ingredients including, for example, ground pepper and/or such as liquids, including, for example, salad dressing, into and out of the lower chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is a uniquely shaped divided bowl that has two separated sections: 1) a cereal section, and 2) a milk and fruit section. These sections are approximately the same size. The consumer places the dry cereal into the cereal section and then places milk and fruit into the milk and fruit section. It should be understood that the consumer might chose to have only milk in the milk and fruit section. An important feature of the design of the milk and fruit section is a groove at its bottom surface into which the last of the milk and fruit goes so that the last bites can be consumed without titling the bowl.

Abstract: A server apparatus for food items which provides a deposit location for unwanted, discardable, or inedible portions of the food, or ancillary utensils such as tooth picks, and is convenient, sanitary and appealing for serving food.

Abstract: A modular storage container including multiple storage compartments and integrated compartment connectors is disclosed. The compartments may be repeatedly connected and disconnected for use as a single multi-compartment container or as separate containers with separate lids. Multiple compartments may be connected together into a single unit for storage, transport, and/or serving. However, the compartments may also be temporarily disconnected to allow heating of a food item without the need for another container, and then the compartments may be optionally reconnected for serving. Any number of storage compartments of any suitable shape and size may be combined in this way.

Abstract: A multipurpose bowl assembly including a bowl, a target having a coupler configured to attach the target to the bowl and a launching device coupled to the bowl and configured to propel at least one item in a direction generally toward the target.

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: The present invention provides a con-centric cocktail shrimp container including: an outer container comprising an outer base, an inner container comprising an inner base, and a cover, wherein the outer base comprises an outer base serving member having a substantially planar central portion, an outer sidewall extending generally upwardly and outwardly therefrom and an outer flange portion extending outwardly from the inner side wall, wherein the inner base comprises an inner base serving member having a substantially planar central portion, an inner sidewall extending generally upwardly and outwardly therefrom and an inner flange portion extending outwardly from the inner side wall, wherein the cover may be adapted to releasably engage the outer container.

Abstract: A plate including a cup holder located on a bottom of the plate and substantially near a center of the plate, the cup holder having a cylindrical shape for receiving a top portion of a cup so that when the top portion of the cup is inserted into the cup holder, the cup and the plate are substantially secured to each other when the cup is in an upright position.

Abstract: An eating receptacle frame that incorporates a plate and cup assembly which can accept large or small diameter cup sizes into the inserted cup hole. The receptacle plate and cup assembly also incorporates a middle finger hole for balance of the receptacle plate and cup assembly. The receptacle plate and cup assembly is of (3) designs, 8 different shapes with a variety of different size plates or bowls. (1) a disposable plate and cup assembly which is made of corrugated card board, Styrofoam or plastic that will hold a disposable plate and cup. The cup hole diameter can be increased by detaching a perforated section of the cup holder's outer hole diameter for a larger size cup and parallel dotted lines that can be cut out to enable stemmed glasses to be held. (2) A reusable frame with overlapping tongues or any supporting device that will hold a disposable plate. This frame can be made out of plastic, wood, or light metals.

Abstract: Disposable containers include peripheral tabs which are useful for positioning and processing the containers and operate as separators. In a preferred embodiment, the tabs correspond to tabs on a paperboard blank where the tabs are useful for controlling the orientation of the blanks so that printed and shape features may be kept in registration during manufacturing of a disposable servingware container.

Abstract: A foldable closable food plate and storage container is provided, said plate maintains planar stability in the open position under load yet may be folded to create a container with an integral lid.

Abstract: A molded polymeric container generally symmetric about a vertical axis includes at least two rows of panels disposed circumferentially around the body, the panels having central portions that are sufficiently flexible to be dimensionally responsive to changes in pressure within the container. At least one row of the panels has a margin having a horizontal width exceeding the vertical height, thus being laterally elongate with a height/width aspect ratio of less than one. The pressure responsive central portion of each laterally elongate panel is a smooth outwardly projecting dome from a peripheral root of a generally radially projecting wall defining the margins of circumferential rings and posts separating the panels. The outwardly projection domes of the laterally elongate panels can have a variety of shapes.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a platter ensemble that has two platters inter nested or stack, so that they appear as one unit. The upper platter has a large recessed area to hold the foodstuff, such as lobster or other shellfish. This recessed area has slots or holes to allow for the drainage of the liquid from the foodstuff, which is then contained by the lower platter. The upper platter has a supporting system of continuous tabs or stand offs that contact and separate the upper platter from the lower platter, so as to prevent deflection of the upper platter from the weight of the foodstuff or the pressures exerted by a fork or knife, for example. The upper platter also has a smaller recessed reservoir area to hold sauces, melted butter, or similar items. The lower platter has one continuous recessed area that is deeper and slightly larger than the upper platter to allow for inter nesting, stacking, and the containment of the liquid that has drained from the foodstuff.

Abstract: A lap tray to securely hold finger food and a beverage cup on one's lap while parked in a vehicle or watching a spectacle either at home, at a movie theater, or in a stadium. The cup receptacle consists of a well positioned at the center of gravity of the tray. The well extends below the lower surface of the tray to fit between the thighs, and also provides, in cooperation with some undersurface fins, a convenient way to grab and carry the tray with one hand. The top surface area surrounding the well is slanted toward it. The ribs project into the cupholding well to keep the cup at a slight distance from the wall and bottom so that any spillage is drained to a reservoir area formed at the bottom of the well. A central depression in the front edge of the tray provides some clearance for a steering wheel. Slots provide for holding common eating utensils and the attachment of a carry strap.

Abstract: A disposable plate for carrying and serving food is disclosed. One particular aspect of the invention includes a plate with a substantially circular food-contact area with a substantially oval rim periphery. The rim is formed to make the plate easy to hold, with grooves adapted to accommodate fingers and/or thumbs. The present invention may be designed to segment the food storage areas of the plate into multiple compartments by using a divider wall. Also, the food-contact area can be slightly domed to force food to shift to the outer portion of the food-contact area and inhibit the food from slipping to the middle of the plate, thus keeping the plate center from sagging.

Abstract: A combination dip and cake holder and punch bowl is readily configurable between any of three configurations. A platter member has a base with a female receiver, while a first type of receptacle has an extension that is receivable within the receiver so that when the first receptacle faces upwardly, a dip holder is formed. A second receptacle also has an extension that is receivable within the first extension of the first receptacle in order to form a punch bowl. When the first receptacle rests on its rim and the platter member receives the receptacle's extension, the device acts as a cake holder with the second receptacle being used as a cover that sits on the platter member.

Abstract: A hand held serving tray includes a slotted well for stemmed and regular glasses, and a hole adjacent for gripping the top surface with a thumb and supporting the bottom surface with finger loosely surrounding the well.

Abstract: A plate is detachably mounted on a portable support capable of holding a beverage and other accessories, especially eating utensils.

Abstract: A glass frosting and container device is provided for coating a rim of a glass with a frosting substance. The frosting and container device includes a wetting medium, a tray for storing the wetting medium a distance above a frosting substance, and a lid for enclosing the wetting medium and frosting substance within the tray.

Abstract: A disposable plate for carrying and serving food is disclosed. One particular aspect of the invention includes a plate with a substantially circular food-contact area with a substantially oval rim periphery. The rim is formed to make the plate easy to hold, with grooves adapted to accommodate fingers and/or thumbs. The present invention may be designed to segment the food storage areas of the plate into multiple compartments by using a divider wall. Also, the food-contact area can be slightly domed to force food to shift to the outer portion of the food-contact area and inhibit the food from slipping to the middle of the plate, thus keeping the plate center from sagging.

Abstract: Disposable containers include peripheral tabs which are useful for positioning and processing the containers and operate as separators. In a preferred embodiment, the tabs correspond to tabs on a paperboard blank where the tabs are useful for controlling the orientation of the blanks so that printed and shape features may be kept in registration during manufacturing of a disposable servingware container.

Abstract: A refreshment center capable of holding a plate and a beverage container, formed of a rigid mold having first and second ends, a recessed portion sized to receive and hold a plate in the first end, and a hole and at least one L-shaped prong located in the second end to receive and hold almost any type of beverage container.

Abstract: In different situations it is desired to be able to both eat food and drink beverage without sitting at a table or having other access to flat surfaces upon which to place the plate and beverage container. This desirability has been solved by the design of a plate with at least one section (7) for food and another separate section (1) for placement of a beverage container (6), with the transition space between the two creating a recessed area on the bottom side (9) which together with the plate's outer edge (3) produces a handle which makes it possible with just one hand to hold both the plate and the beverage container so that the other hand is free to eat food with fingers or utensils, or pick up the beverage container, or used for some other task.

Abstract: A leak resistant foam hinged lid container includes a base and a lid joined by a hinge allowing the lid to be pivoted about the hinge onto the base to close the container. The lid includes a first uninterrupted sealing ring which engages a second uninterrupted sealing ring on the base when the container is closed providing an uninterrupted leak resistant seal between the first and second sealing rings.

Abstract: A grout and mortar bottle for convenient handling and application of viscous flowable substances, and may include three separate sections. The dispenser section may include a variety of nozzle and orifice designs. The main section includes an area to hold quantities of grout or mortar and includes a flexible section for squeezing the contents out through the dispensing section. A rear end cap is provided for loading the bottle. The cap includes a check valve to allow air to replace the expended mortar or grout and still provide for positive pressure for forcing the contents out the dispenser. The cap may also include a handle for manipulating the bottle or hanging the bottle in an attitude that maintains the bottle ready for use.

Abstract: A hand-held plate for holding a beverage container and food includes flexible flaps which frictionally engage the outer peripheral surface of a beverage container to maintain the beverage container in stable condition relative to the plate.

Abstract: An organizer for items of a meal including a tray section that is mounted onet a box section. The box section has an area with openings for receiving kabob sticks, another area for storing beferage and another are for storing finger food an bulk items such as hamburgers.

Abstract: A tray being a panel with depressions where each depression is a compartment for holding a group of items distinct from items in other groups. A skirt is provided having a rim that is engaged with the rim of the tray and usually preferably long enough to conceal the underside of the depressions. The skirt is preferably paper to reduce cost. Messages such as advertisements or labels for the items in the compartments are printed on the outside surface of the skirt in clear view of the user or passerby. The skirt, being paper, is economical to replace when a change in the message is required.

Abstract: A multiple portion sauce tray formed from a rigid foam material is provided. The sauce is located in a plurality of receptacles for holding individual portions of sauce. The receptacles of the tray do not separate when the tray is processed by automated packaging equipment, but may be readily separated by the consumer at time of use. The tray is particularly useful in a combination product, wherein sauces are provided with comestible articles for dipping therein. Methods for manufacture of the sauce tray and the combination product, as well as uses of the tray and the combination product are provided.

Abstract: A food product container includes a molded tray having at least one cell for holding a food product. A removable cover, such as lidding film, seals the cell in preparation for shipment. A utensil, such as a spoon or knife or the like, is integrally molded with the container.

Abstract: An improved container for freezing, storing and shipping pre-mixed frozen batter for baked goods which includes an integrally formed flexible base, flexible side wall and deformable post. The container is designed so that the frozen batter can be easily removed from the container when desired and placed in a baking pan for baking without the necessity of thawing the batter.

Abstract: A beverage cup having a detachable saliva reservoir so that a user may enjoy a beverage and smokeless tobacco products simultaneously. The cup has a saliva conduit running from its upper extremity down to a saliva reservoir which screws on the bottom. The upper portion of the conduit is formed into a mouthpiece which allows the user to easily deposit the saliva without the risk of it contaminating the contents of the cup. The beverage within the cup and the saliva reservoir are separated by an internal bulkhead. Cleaning is facilitated by the fact that the reservoir screws off the bottom. Both the cup and the reservoir can then be placed in a dishwasher or washed by hand.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A disposable food tray that includes one or more strength-enhancing features to increase the strength and rigidity of the tray is provided. For example, in one embodiment, the disposable tray includes an inner wall that is curved and that includes a curved recessed portion. If desired, the corner sections of the tray can be provided with a ledge to improve the strength and ability of the trays to be stacked and shipped without breaking or bending. In one embodiment, the tray is also formed from a microcellular-foamed polystyrene material that can further enhance the strength and rigidity of the resulting tray.

Abstract: An anchored, floating drink tray having an annular floating member which maintains a main body above the surface of the water, the main body having a plural number of drinking glass recesses which receive lidded glasses in a secure manner, such that the tray may be temporarily inverted or submerged without harm to the contents in the glasses.

Abstract: A food tray delivery system is provided having an upper surface, at least one food retention area, and a cover. The food retention area has a food retention area upper surface and a food retention area sidewall extending generally upwardly from the food retention area upper surface. The food retention area upper surface is spaced a distance below the upper surface and has a peripheral edge. The upper surface has a rib projecting upwardly adjacent the upper surface, with the rib above the upper surface having a width of less than 2 mm and a height of less than 2 mm and with the cover being secured to the upwardly projecting rib, preferably at its upper surface. In one embodiment of the invention, an intermediate raised area is positioned between the upper surface and the rib above the upper surface.

Abstract: A serving tray partially surrounding a beverage holder with which it is integrally molded to form a single, one piece unit. The beverage holder extends downwardly of the tray and serves both as a container and as a handle. Fluids can be stored in the beverage holder itself and consumed therefrom, using a straw. Alternately, a canned beverage or standard size disposable drinking cup can be snap-fitted within the beverage holder. Disposed with bilateral symmetry about the longitudinal centerline of the beverage holder, the tray extends generally perpendicularly therefrom, as does a flat surface on the bottom of the beverage holder, so that when the latter rests upright on a table, the tray extends approximately horizontally. Within the tray itself is situated a plurality of watertight, shallow open compartments, separated from each other by at least one dividing wall whose distal ends link an outer wall of the tray with the side wall of the beverage holder.

Abstract: A three-compartment, disposable food serving plate includes three ribs in an asymmetric array angularly joined to the bottom and sidewall of the plate. The plate preferably includes a four radius, smooth profile from the bottom to the outer rim and is formed from mineral-filled polyolefin sheet. Mica-filled polypropylene is particularly preferred.

Abstract: A food tray delivery system is provided having an upper surface, at least one food retention area, and a cover. The food retention area has a food retention area upper surface and a food retention area sidewall extending generally upwardly from the food retention area upper surface. The food retention area upper surface is spaced a distance below the upper surface and has a peripheral edge. The upper surface has a rib projecting upwardly adjacent the upper surface, with the rib above the upper surface having a width of less than 2 mm and a height of less than 2 mm and with the cover being secured to the upwardly projecting rib, preferably at its upper surface. In one embodiment of the invention, an intermediate raised area is positioned between the upper surface and the rib above the upper surface.

Abstract: A mobile-dining mealholder with a plate-lid and detachable bottle, the bottle including a narrow cylindrical neck with projections at axially-spaced positions, and the plate-lid including (a) a horizontal cap portion having a downwardly-extending cylindrical skirt with projections at axially-spaced positions such that the skirt detachably engages the neck and (b) a tray portion extending outwardly from the lower edge of the skirt and having food-holding areas about the cap portion. Certain preferred embodiments involve: the tray portion having depressed regions and vertically-extending portions positioned transverse to imaginary pivot lines across the tray portion to avoid excessive flexing; the tray portion being complementary to a shoulder portion of the bottle for enhanced support; and/or either push-on or quarter-turn engagement of bottle and plate-lid.