For Dispensing Or Serving Patents (Class 426/115)
  • Publication number: 20140120218
    Abstract: The present description includes containers having an improved puncture design that can be punctured without substantial deformation of the container. Such containers are particularly suitable for use in preparing beverages using automatic machines, particularly those used for preparation of single serve beverages. Also provided are thermoplastic materials having improved punctureability for use in containers, containers for preparation of a beverage, and methods for preparing a beverage using such containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Printpack Illinois, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick L. O'Brien, David T. Foster, Rabeh Elleithy, Harold Stephen Bowen
  • Publication number: 20140120217
    Abstract: The present description includes containers having an improved puncture design that can be punctured without substantial deformation of the container. Such containers are particularly suitable for use in preparing beverages using automatic machines, particularly those used for preparation of single serve beverages. Also provided are thermoplastic materials having improved punctureability for use in containers, containers for preparation of a beverage, and methods for preparing a beverage using such containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Printpack Illinois, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick L. O'Brien, David T. Foster, Rabeh Elleithy, Harold Stephen Bowen
  • Patent number: 8709518
    Abstract: A system for managing the fluid intake of a person is disclosed. The system consists of multiple containers of various volumes, a common lid configured to incorporate a flow control valve, multiple flow control valves having varying flow rates, a date indicator ring incorporated circumferentially on said containers, a content indicator disposed on said lid, a chiller insert, and an optional slip on handle. The user selects a container based on the fluid needs of a person and a flow control valve based on the drinking ability of the person. The user fills the container with a drinkable fluid, and indicates the nature of the contents with the content indicator and the date of filling with the date indicator ring. The chiller insert allows the user to cool the contents without the possibility of dilution as with standard ice cubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Diane Young Jones
  • Patent number: 8703219
    Abstract: Capsule for the preparation of a nutritional product in a device adapted to supply liquid in the capsule, said capsule comprising: at least one compartment (13) containing nutritional ingredients for the preparation of the nutritional product in combination with the supplied liquid, a filter (18) adapted for removing contaminants contained in the liquid, wherein the filter (18, 20) has a filtering surface (F) smaller than the cross section (C) of the compartment and at least a part of its filtering surface (F) is preferably offset relative to the cross section (C) of the compartment when viewed in the axial projection of the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Frederic Doleac, Sophie Abraham, Yasmine Doudin, Yann Epars, Thierry Jean Robert Fabozzi, Heinz Wyss, Nicolas Bezet, Lucio Scorrano, Nihan Dogan, Alain Meier
  • Publication number: 20140106036
    Abstract: A cartridge for preparing a beverage and a method of manufacturing the cartridge is provided. The cartridge includes a container comprising one or more side walls extending between a lid at one end and a bottom surface at a second opposing end defining an interior space, a pod disposed in the interior space, the pod constructed of a fluid-permeable material for containing a substance from which a beverage can be extracted, and a beverage additive disposed between a surface of the container and the pod for spacing apart the pod from the surface of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: 1675119 Ontario Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Goncalves CARDOSO
  • Patent number: 8691305
    Abstract: The present invention provides a package assembly for enclosing and dispensing a plurality of consumable products. The package assembly includes a package housing defining a pair of product pockets each having an open end for removably accommodating a plurality of products in an aligned array. The open ends of the pockets are in facing orientation. The package housing includes a fold line between the open ends of the pocket for folding the housing thereat and placing the pockets in an angled orientation for dispensing of product. The housing further defines at least one openable flap for overlying and enclosing the pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC
    Inventor: Nevenka Markovic
  • Patent number: 8685479
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a capsule for delivering a food product by injection of a fluid under pressure into the capsule, said capsule having a chamber defined by capsule side walls, a flexible bottom wall and a top wall, said chamber containing at least one ingredient to be dissolved and/or extracted by said injection fluid, and a beverage dispensing structure having at least one dispensing opening disposed through the bottom wall, wherein said beverage dispensing structure includes a pressure retaining element adapted to retain a certain predetermined dissolution and/or extraction pressure in the chamber, disposed in the vicinity of the bottom wall, which includes a protrusion in correspondence to the dispensing opening so that said protrusion is disposed into the corresponding opening and restricts its diameter at the time injection fluid inside the capsule chamber moves said membrane towards said pressure retaining means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Nihan Dogan, Frederic Doleac, Stephane Hentzel, HansPeter Pleisch, Marc Raederer
  • Patent number: 8680447
    Abstract: Microwaveable popcorn arrangements are provided, the arrangement being a bag having a popcorn charge of popcorn kernels and oil/fat component therein. The arrangements include folded bags having preferred, internal, seal and/or adhesive field configurations. The preferred configurations inhibit the undesired flow of oil/fat from the popcorn charge. Microwave popcorn products and methods of preparation and use, are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: ConAgra Foods RDM. Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Craig Jackson, Denise Ellen Hanson, Charles Thomas Gorman, Matthew Roth, Paul John Warosh, Lance Schilmoeller, Jody Shands
  • Publication number: 20140076170
    Abstract: Insert (20A) for use in a food preparation machine, the insert being adapted for being engaged by a fluid supplying interface (5) of the machine; such interface comprising a liquid injector (7) and a gas injector (8); both being transversally distant one another along the interface; the insert comprising a fluid interface side (21) and a fluid supply side (22); the fluid interface side (21) comprising a liquid inlet (23) designed for fitting with the liquid injector (7); the fluid supply side (22) comprising a liquid outlet (24) transversally distant from the liquid inlet (23) and, a liquid passage (26) providing liquid communication from the liquid inlet (23) to the liquid outlet (24); wherein the insert comprises a gas injector area (25) between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet and wherein the insert (20A) comprises a liquid separation structure (29) arranged for closing the liquid communication from the liquid passage (26) to the gas injector area (25).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Yann Epars, Vincent Martin, Heinz Wyss, Thierry Jean Robert Fabozzi, Roland Lehmann, Nihan Dogan, Sophie Abraham
  • Patent number: 8673379
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Lukasz D. Skalski, Timen T Van Dillen
  • Publication number: 20140072678
    Abstract: A beverage preparation machine with a receptacle for removably receiving therein a disposable cartridge having a first liquid ingredient and alcohol separated by a frangible partition. A movable lid closes the receptacle with the cartridge therein and has an inlet tube that pierces the upper portion of the cartridge when the lid is closed. An outlet tube at a lower portion of the receptacle pierces the lower portion of the cartridge when the lid is closed. A bottle is removably mounted on the machine beneath the outlet tube. A cold water reservoir is connected to the inlet tube. For carbonated beverages, a carbon dioxide source is connected to the machine at the upper end of the bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventor: Sean Jenkins
  • Publication number: 20140072677
    Abstract: A cartridge for preparation of a beverage comprising: a closed container defining a container volume; a filter to divide the container volume into an ingredient chamber volume and a filtrate volume; a beverage medium located in the ingredient chamber volume; and a guard element located in the filtrate volume; wherein the guard element is separately-formed from the closed container and located within the filtrate volume to define an outlet zone, the guard element being interposed between the filter and the outlet zone; wherein the guard element is configured to prevent encroachment of the filter into the outlet zone such that on piercing of a piercing surface of the cartridge by a piercing element of a beverage preparation apparatus the piercing element is enabled to be placed in fluid communication with the outlet zone without the piercing element contacting the guard element or filter. Associated methods and systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventor: Nick Andrew Hansen
  • Patent number: 8662351
    Abstract: A secondary container assembly includes a skirt configured to securely and removably engage the rim of a beverage can. The secondary container includes a secondary compartment holding a secondary liquid. A primary flow channel extends through the secondary container to provide a fluid flow path from the open beverage can to an outlet of the secondary container. A plurality of mixing apertures provide fluid communication ports between the secondary compartment and the primary flow channel, allowing the secondary liquid to mix with beverage from the can in the primary flow channel. A vent tube prevents a vacuum from forming that would otherwise impede flow of the secondary liquid into the primary flow channel. A removable seal covers the outlet and mixing ports. A threaded lid holds the seal in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Fadi Kalaouze
  • Patent number: 8658229
    Abstract: A package assembly encloses a plurality of individual elongate consumable products. The package assembly includes a plurality of products aligned in a side-by-side array. The package housing enclosed the array of product. The package housing has front and back walls for supporting the products therebetween and a closeable cover for closing a product dispensing opening. The package housing further includes a frictional product retention member insertably supported within the package for frictionally retaining the array of product within the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC
    Inventor: Allen Sydney Aldridge
  • Patent number: 8651279
    Abstract: A container system is described. In one or more implementations, the container system comprises a lower container for receiving a first food component (or components) and an upper container assembly for receiving a second food component (or components) so that the second food component is separated from the first food component. The upper container assembly is configured for engagement with the lower container and is operable to be at least partially opened while the upper container assembly is engaged with the lower container to introduce the second food component into the lower container with the first food component. In one or more embodiments, a pull tab is coupled to the upper container assembly. The pull tab is configured to be pulled while the upper container assembly is engaged with the lower container to at least partially open the upper container assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: ConAgra Foods RDM, Inc.
    Inventors: Yolanda A. Malone, Catherine Shapiro, Svava Atladottir, Lynda Deakin, John Dixon, JoAn Hernandez, Stephen Kim, Gina Romero, Gabriel Trionfi, Martin Zabaleta, Lauren Shimek
  • Publication number: 20140037803
    Abstract: A pod containing one or more beverage ingredients is provided, where the pod comprises a generally rigid outer member (12) with an open top and an outlet opening in the bottom, with an internal filter (16) adjacent a bottom portion of the outer member, one or more beverage ingredients disposed above the filter, and a lid (14) closing the open top. The outer member has an outer peripheral sidewall (20) defining the open top and extending downwardly from the open top toward the bottom portion and inwardly converging toward the outlet opening. The bottom portion of the sidewall defines a plurality of ribs (36) extending inwardly in the interior of the outer member toward the outlet opening. Beverage outlet flow paths are disposed between adjacent ribs and directed toward the outlet opening. The filter is supported above the outlet opening and the beverage outlet flow paths by the ribs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: KRAFT FOODS R & D, INC.
    Inventor: Nicholas Andrew Hansen
  • Publication number: 20140037802
    Abstract: A cartridge for preparing a beverage comprises a container, a pod for containing a substance from which a beverage is to be extracted, a separating element for protecting the pod, and one or more supporting elements for holding the separating element in a preferred position. The cartridge is of the type which is pierced by at least one piercing tool to allow the injection of a liquid and extraction of a beverage. The separating element comprises a platform upon which the pod is disposed. The platform forms a boundary within the container, thereby defining first and second portions of the container. Liquid is injected into the first portion of the container, and the beverage is removed from the second portion. The separating element is positioned an appropriate distance from the piercing tools by the supporting elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: 1675119 ONTARIO INC.
    Inventor: Daniel Goncalves CARDOSO
  • Patent number: 8635945
    Abstract: A package for a portion of liquid foodstuff dilutable with a diluent includes a reservoir for containing a portion of liquid foodstuff dilutable with a diluent, a reservoir seal for closing the reservoir, a mixing element for mixing the dilutable liquid foodstuff with the diluent. The mixing element includes a mixing chamber having an outflow aperture for dispensing liquid foodstuff diluted with the diluent, a liquid passage for feeding dilutable liquid foodstuff from the reservoir to the mixing chamber, and a feed channel for feeding diluent to the mixing chamber. The feed channel has a first portion and a second portion, the cross section of the second portion being smaller than the cross section of the first portion and be so configured that when diluent is fed to the mixing chamber, a venturi effect occurs in the mixing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Cupsystem Company B.V.
    Inventor: Roland Waldemar Verbeek
  • Publication number: 20140020565
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a capsule used in the production of a beverage, including an actuation element that configures the section of passageway and controls the moments of entry and exit of a pressurized flow through the capsule. In particular, this actuation element is previously configured and dimensioned and/or is actuated in such a way that carries out a certain displacement as a result from the application of an actuation force of mechanical and/or hydraulic nature. Such a dimensioning of the actuation element and, therefore, of the combination of necessary actuation forces or of the timing of respective application, is carried out as a function of parameters including the type of aromatic substance, the average dimension of the respective grain, or the volume of beverage to be obtained, so that it is provided a system of capsules that allows an effective extraction of different types of beverages, by means of only varying the respective actuation element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: NOVADELTA - COMERCIO E INDUSTRIA DE CAFES S.A.
    Inventor: Rui Miguel Nabeiro
  • Publication number: 20140017363
    Abstract: A bottled drink includes a cap and a bottle where a granular supplement containing multiple constituents in a stable manner is stored in the cap and a solution suitable for dispersing the granules is filled in the bottle. Granules which contains mutually incompatible multiple chemical agents or nutritional constituents and whose surface is coated with polyglyceryl fatty acid ester are stored in the cap of the bottle and the bottle is filled with a solution whose viscosity at a shear deformation speed of 0.01 s?1 is 10 to 300 Pa·s.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: FANCL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kaori Aibe, Masatoshi Honjo, Tatsuo Nakamura, Sachiko Endou
  • Publication number: 20140013962
    Abstract: Technologies are provided herein for processing edible materials using tools associated with a fabrication system. In one aspect, a fabricator includes a control module and a drive assembly controlled by the control module. The fabricator also includes at least one food processing tool head coupled to the drive assembly that can process material for fabricating an edible structure on a build surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Jeffrey I. Lipton, Hod Lipson
  • Patent number: 8627967
    Abstract: A drinking container has an interior space (5) for receiving a drinking liquid (14) and a container opening (4) preferably arranged on the top side of the container, into which a closure device (3) with a receiving chamber (9) is provided. The content of the receiving chamber can be selectively released into the interior space (5). The closure device (3) has an externally threaded upper part (6) and a bottom part (7) as well as connection elements (8) disposed therebetween. The receiving chamber (9) is formed between the upper part and the lower part, and has an introduction opening (22) leading to the interior space. Thus, the content of the receiving chamber (9) is releasable into the interior space by a turning-in process of the closure device. The drinking container is suitable for preparing an unstable mixed drink of creatine powder (13) and an aqueous drinking solution (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventor: Florian Enghard
  • Publication number: 20140010928
    Abstract: A packaged edible including a generally cylindrical body of a foodstuff mixed with a preserving binder and arranged about a longitudinal axis and a dispensing package generally enclosing the generally cylindrical body of a foodstuff mixed with a preserving binder, the dispensing package including a first hand engageable enclosure portion generally surrounding the generally cylindrical body of a foodstuff mixed with a preserving binder, a distributing and driving element arranged to rotate about the longitudinal axis and a second hand engageable element arranged for manual rotation about the longitudinal axis and arranged to rotate the distributing and driving element about the longitudinal axis in operative engagement with the generally cylindrical body of a foodstuff mixed with a preserving binder for dispensing the foodstuff mixed with a preserving binder in a user controllable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Rafi Orel
  • Publication number: 20130340626
    Abstract: A beverage cartridge system is adapted to brew a beverage through a brewer having a holder adapted to receive the cartridge system. The holder may have a deep well with one or more needles therewithin to pierce through the bottom of the cartridge system when inserted into the well. The cartridge system may include a short cup and a tall cup, where the tall cup is taller than the short cup to pack more beverage grind. The cartridge system may include a filter within an outer cup. The bottom of the filter may be deep enough to be juxtaposed to the bottom of the cup. The filter may be formed from a material that is substantially resistant to piercing by the needle within the holder such that when the outlet needle pierces through the bottom of the cup, the outlet needle raises the filter at a point of contact, and the filter substantially resists the outlet needle from piercing through the filter during a brewing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Touch Coffee and Beverages, LLC.
    Inventor: Sung I. Oh
  • Publication number: 20130333575
    Abstract: A capsule, system and method are usable for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage using an extractable product. The system includes a capsule comprising a cup having a circumferential wall, a bottom at a first end, and a flange-like rim at a second end. The capsule further includes a lid, in use, connected to the flange-like rim. The wall, bottom and lid, in use, enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product. The cup further includes a plurality of substantially concentric circumferential ridges extending outwardly of the cup, wherein the ridges are made of the same material as the cup. The system further includes a beverage brewing device comprising an enclosing member for enclosing the capsule. In use, at least one of the ridges abuts against at least a portion of the enclosing member, such that a sealing engagement between the capsule and the enclosing member is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V.
    Inventors: Ralf Kamerbeek, John Henri Flamand, Angenita Dorothea Post van Loon, Hendrik Cornelis Koeling, Arend Cornelis Jacobus Biesheuvel
  • Publication number: 20130327223
    Abstract: A capsule for beverages includes an external casing provided with a first base wall and with a first side wall defining a cavity that is open and suitable for containing a filtering element and a product for obtaining a beverage and a first covering element fixed to a first rim of the external casing to close hermetically the cavity. The filtering element includes a second base wall and a second side wall that extends from the second base wall to a second rim fixed to the first base wall. The product is housed in a first chamber defined between the first side wall and the second side wall. The capsule can be used in a machine for producing a beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: SARONG SOCIETA' PER AZIONI
    Inventors: Andrea Bartoli, Elio Sanibondi
  • Patent number: 8603557
    Abstract: Containers and methods are provided for dispensing a liquid concentrate utilizing one or more desirable properties including a generally consistent discharge across a range of squeeze forces, a generally consistent discharge with the same force without significant dependence on the amount of liquid concentrate in the container, a substantially dripless or leak proof outlet opening, a jet that minimizes splashing when the liquid concentrate impacts a target liquid, and a jet that maximizes mixing between the liquid concentrate and the target liquid to produce a generally homogenous mixture without the use of extraneous utensils or shaking. Also provided are liquid beverage concentrates that can be cold filled during packaging while maintaining shelf stability for at least about three months at ambient temperatures. Concentrates are provided having low pH, with or without alcohol, and with buffers to allow for increased acid content at a selected pH.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Group Brands LLC
    Inventors: Piaras Valdis de Cleir, Karl Ragnarsson, Gary J. Albaum, Jane Lee MacDonald, Leonard S. Scarola
  • Publication number: 20130323370
    Abstract: A portioned container (1), for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage producing device, comprising a body (2) having a main cavity (3) and a foil (6) connected to the body for closing said main cavity; said main cavity (3) containing beverage ingredients (5), wherein the foil (6) is perforable in axial direction above the cavity by an elongated intruding member (15) of the beverage preparation device, wherein the foil (6) comprises at least a base layer (7) and at least a tightness-producing layer (8); said tightness-producing layer (8) constituting an inner layer underneath the base layer (7); wherein said tightness-producing layers (8) and said base layer (7) are adhesively bonded above the cavity (3) at least in a first region (9) of the foil and are free of adhesive bond in at least a second region (10) or tightness-producing region of the foil such second region being the region intended for being perforated by the elongated intruding member (15) forming a tightness engagement with the surface of th
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Arnaud Gerbaulet, Daniel Abegglen, Sebastien Pelletier, Alexandre Perentes, Patrik Benz
  • Publication number: 20130323366
    Abstract: Pod for the preparation of a beverage in a centrifugal brewing device by feeding liquid through said pod and rotating the pod along a rotating axis “I” in the device to produce centrifugal forces on the liquid traversing the pod thereby forcing a beverage out of the pod by such centrifugal forces, wherein the pod comprises containment walls containing beverage ingredients; said containment walls being essentially made of porous filtering material and comprising a top wall from which a central funnel (10) comprising liquid inlet openings extends inwardly in the pod
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Arnaud Gerbaulet, Daniel Abegglen, Alexandre Perentes, Jean-Francois Tinembart
  • Patent number: 8596491
    Abstract: Cup lid with integrated container(s) that couples with the top of a cup. The cup and cup lid form at least two containment volumes, Embodiments enable easy containment, inclusion of fresh food, transportation and access of solid or liquid in the container and cup without disengagement of the cup lid from the cup. Coupling elements that couple the cup lid to the cup, or that couple containers to the lid cavity may be non-permanent, semi-permanent or permanent. Simplifies eating and drinking from one container and cup in a theater or stadium having seats for example that provide one cup-holder per seat. Provides one free hand to hold a child's hand for safety while in stadiums and amusement parks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: Ronald Mark Buck
  • Patent number: 8597702
    Abstract: A method to improve shelf life of a baked edible product includes baking dough in a sealable container that is provide with a lining of flexible material, thereby converting the dough into a baked edible product. Thereafter, a top surface of the baked edible product is covered using the flexible material and placed against a surface at baking temperature. The container may be inverted. Thereafter, the container and baked edible product is cooled in a dry and sterile atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Akimoto
  • Patent number: 8596457
    Abstract: This invention provides a holder for a sandwich that covers and protects the sandwich, and that allows an end of the sandwich to be exposed to the user while gripping the shell/housing. The holder includes an advancing mechanism that allows the sandwich end to be variably directed through an open end of the holder's shell/housing so that a portion to be eaten is exposed exclusively, while the remainder of the sandwich remains covered and isolated from the user's hands. In an illustrative embodiment, the holder and advancing mechanism is particularly suited to a small child's hands and associated motor skills. A flexible strip can extend from an actuation mechanism, such as a roller spool with an external knob assembly, around a plurality of guides to form a sling around a sandwich-holding base. Rotating the knob in an advance direction cause the strip to be drawn in, thereby raising the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventors: Hope Goblirsch, Michael J. Strasser, Imraan Aziz
  • Patent number: 8597236
    Abstract: A self-contained medication apparatus which includes a first container having a first semi-spherical portion, and a second container having a second semi-spherical portion and a cylindrical portion formed with the second semi-spherical portion. At least one type of medication disposed within the first container, such as one or more pills, and a consumable liquid disposed within the second container. The first container is pivotally connected to the second container by a hinge member between an open position and a closed position. A first seal is connected to the first semi-spherical portion of the first container, and a second seal is connected to the cylindrical portion of the second container. The first seal and the second seal are removed to allow the medication to be removed from the first container and allow access to the consumable fluid such that the medication and the consumable fluid may be ingested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Meninas Inc.
    Inventors: Sarah Nassiri, Brian Sulisz
  • Patent number: 8591976
    Abstract: A pouch, designed to be attached, either directly or indirectly, to a container, is provided with two end portions, each of which is formed with an elongated slit. When the pouch is directly attached atop a container, the end portions are pulled over the lid and catch a rim portion of the container. When the pouch is placed upon a lid covered container, the end portions of the pouch can catch or engage the lid. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a pair of spaced slits extends from each elongated slit, thereby creating a tab or flap in each end portion. The flap is configured to either directly catch a rim of the container or be tucked under the lid, i.e., between the lid and the container, to attach the pouch to the lid and, indirectly, the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil E. Zaporski, Anthony W. Swenson
  • Patent number: 8591978
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Lukasz D. Skalski, Timen T. Van Dillen
  • Publication number: 20130302478
    Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present teachings, a food product may comprise an elongated, flexible-wall tube package. The food product may further comprise a first viscous foodstuff disposed within the tube; and a second viscous foodstuff disposed within the tube, the second viscous foodstuff differing from the first viscous foodstuff. The first and second viscous foodstuffs may be disposed within the tube in two layers in direct contact with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL MILLS, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen P. ANDERSON, Michael P. BASHOR, Scott F. GILLESPIE
  • Publication number: 20130302477
    Abstract: Scented packaging may provide an aromatic gas to a consumer upon consumption, such as may be used to augment a flavor, and/or add a flavor to a consumable item. Consumable items configured for consumption in the presence of an aromatic gas may be reduced in caloric sweetener content, reduced in salt content, reduced in the content of another ingredient or a combination of ingredients may be reduced in content. Scented packaging may also provide a scent that acts to remove or block an undesirable scent provided from a consumable item or portion of packaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Lisa B. Salinas
  • Publication number: 20130295239
    Abstract: Combination beverage containers and storage vessels. Various embodiments are configured to store a consumable beverage or otherwise consumable liquid as well as at least one second item which may comprise an edible foodstuff, toy, novelty, etc. all in one convenient container. In some embodiments, the second items may be stored directly in the vessel separated from the liquid or the second items may be stored in a second container that may be removably seated in a portion of the vessel. The vessels may or may not be hand-held.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Jordan CreativeWorks, LLC
    Inventor: Jordan S. Bernhard
  • Publication number: 20130295240
    Abstract: A disposable capsule for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption from an extractable product includes a chamber for enclosing an inner space containing the extractable product and a displaceable body. The chamber includes an entrance area enabling passage of a fluid towards the inner space for interacting with the extractable product for preparing the beverage and an exit area for conducting at least a portion of the beverage away from the capsule. The displaceable body is movable with respect to the entrance area and the exit area for discontinuing the entrance area and the exit area thereby enabling the chamber to pass fluidum therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Kon Euan Gerard Wong, Guido Brandt, Hendrik Cornelis Koeling, Ralf Kamerbeek, Arend Cornelis Jacobus Biesheuvel
  • Publication number: 20130295241
    Abstract: A system for packaging forming a container can provide an improved form of food packaging. The container includes a base element and at least two lateral side elements, and forms a tray element. The tray element defines an open cavity for containing contents, and has a back and front edge. At least one of the lateral side elements has at least one moveable element integrated with, and forming an extension of, the lateral side element at a first fixed end of the moveable element(s). The moveable element(s) is/are capable of being folded into the cavity and around the contents, and is of a length such that the second, free end of the moveable element(s) extend(s) around the contents to the front edge of the tray element. The second free end is capable of being pulled to cause the contents to move towards the front edge of the tray element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Philip B. Wesby, John Luisi, Richard Luisi
  • Publication number: 20130295238
    Abstract: A packaging system and method for selling and preparing a food product that is a combination of two or more food items. The system comprises a first container having a first food item therein, a second container having a second food item therein and a mechanism for disconnectedly joining the first container and the second container together. In use, the containers are separated, the food items are separately prepared and at least one of the food items is removed from its container and combined with the other food item to form the desired food product. The joining mechanism can comprise pull-tab devices, threaded connections, slot and pin connections, hook-and-loop connections and the like. A discharging mechanism can assist with discharging a food item from its container. One or more of the containers can be converted into a bowl-like or plate-like receptacle for preparing or consuming the food product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Phillip Cooksey
  • Publication number: 20130291737
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein may comprise an infant formula cartridge for preparing infant formula from premeasured quantities of dry or concentrated liquid components. Other embodiments may include a device for preparing infant formula from said cartridge including means for customizing the infant formula preparation to suit specific health issues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Brian Sims
  • Patent number: 8574647
    Abstract: An exemplary device for semi-solid foods includes a separator for insertion in a food container having an optional lid. The separator provides an upper compartment for solid foods and a lower compartment for liquids. The separator has a base, and a ramp extending upwards therefrom. The separator preferably provides a barrier such that liquid in the container does not traverse the intersection between the separator and the container sidewall inner surface. When the container is tilted to dispense the food therein, liquid in the lower compartment flows out through a ramp opening (such as an aperture in the ramp or a separation between the ramp and the container sidewall), without flowing through a base aperture. When the container is returned to a level position, any fluid in the upper compartment may return to the lower compartment via an optional fluid channel in the ramp and through the base aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Free Flow Fluids, LLC
    Inventor: Larry T. Gunderson
  • Publication number: 20130287905
    Abstract: A drink-through spout cap for a beverage bottle having a body and a neck, a set of a cover and such a drink-through spout cap, a drinking device including a beverage bottle and a set, and methods of manufacturing or preparing a drinking device. The drink-through spout cap (10) has a top wall (32) and a sidewall (34) extending therefrom, the top wall (32) being provided with a spout (36) having an aperture (38) formed therein. The sidewall (34) has an inner surface (34A) and an outer surface (34B), the inner surface (34A) being provided with a threaded region (40) adapted to engage the threaded region (42) of the bottle (12). A lip (44) extends from the top wall (32) and has a lip height which is smaller than half of the sidewall length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Vincent Loisel
  • Publication number: 20130287904
    Abstract: Snappy Sip is a prefilled, sealed-for-freshness, NO spill, disposable drink container, designed to be purchased already containing a manufacturer-supplied drinkable product. Snappy Sip can be prefilled with a manufacturer-supplied drinkable liquid, with the convenience of a no spill, prefilled container for their child. Snappy sip replaces a child's open top, container with lid and straw and the non-filled Sippy cups that are purchased at the store and then filled by the patron. It solves the container spill problem that currently exits in take out and sit down eating and replaces the necessity of a patron having to supply their own empty Sippy cup for their child. This is grab-and-go, from a restaurant, or store shelf Different from any prefilled drink container available because of its NO SPILL top. Snappy Sip solves the box and pouch problems of kids who squeeze the juice box and pouch drinks all over.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Laura Lynn Tipton, Barry Tipton
  • Patent number: 8568810
    Abstract: The self-making bread method includes: weighing a certain amount of ingredients according to a bread recipe and placing them in a bread ingredient box; putting the bread ingredient box into the corresponding containing region of the top portion of the bread machine; using the jagged ring of the bottom portion of said containing region to open the thin film of the bottom portion of the bread ingredient box, so the ingredients will fall into the mixing container in the bread machine; controlling the water delivering mechanism inside the bread machine to deliver a certain amount of water into said mixing container; starting the mixing device inside the bread machine, which mixes the ingredients into an appropriate dough; turning off the mixing device; energizing the electric heating tube in the bread machine, to bake the dough inside the mixing container into bread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Tsann Kuen (Zhanghou) Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih Ming Wen, Shangqian Gao
  • Patent number: 8563058
    Abstract: A capsule for use in a beverage production device, the capsule containing ingredients to produce a nutritional or food liquid when a liquid is fed into the capsule at an inlet face thereof, with the capsule being provided with a filter having a plurality of filtering orifices and a flow collection member placed downstream of the filter to collect the filtered liquid from the filtering orifices. The collection member includes at least one restriction orifice to focus the flow of liquid in at least one jet of liquid at high velocity in the compartment containing the ingredients. The invention is particularly advantageous for producing a nutritional liquid (e.g., infant formula) or a food from powdered ingredients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Anne Roulin, Yann Epars, Sophie Abraham, Frédéric Doleac, Vincent Martin, Heinz Wyss, HansPeter Pleisch, Nicolas Bezet, Bruno Bizet, Nihan Dogan
  • Publication number: 20130273215
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: LUKASZ SKALSKI, TIEMEN VAN DILLEN
  • Publication number: 20130273214
    Abstract: A method of injection molding an opening device on sheet packaging material for packaging pourable food products; the packaging material has at least a first and a second layer, and an opening formed through the first layer and sealed by a cover portion of the second layer; the method includes the steps of injecting molten plastic material onto a first side of the cover portion of the second layer, feeding the molten plastic material along the cover portion to cover it on the first side, and feeding the molten plastic material through an annular peripheral portion of the cover portion to form a spout of the opening device projecting from a second side, opposite the first side, of the cover portion; the molten plastic material covers the cover portion to define, with the cover portion, a user-removable sealing portion of the spout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventor: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
  • Patent number: 8550093
    Abstract: A package for tobacco material includes a portion of tobacco material, a wrapper enclosing the portion of tobacco material, a rigid base portion and at least one resealable adhesive label sealing the wrapper around the portion of tobacco material. The wrapper is formed of a flexible sheet material. The package may include an opening strip defined by one or more lines of weakness in the wrapper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Sandrine Saint-Girons, Dan Brady, Steve Sayers