Having Nonedible Spacer To Segregate All Units Of Multiunit Food Product Patents (Class 426/119)
  • Publication number: 20110256273
    Abstract: A system for preparing a coffee beverage, provided with a coffee making apparatus comprising a grinder for grinding coffee beans to obtain ground coffee, a coffee beverage preparation device arranged for, with supply of water to the ground coffee, preparing the coffee beverage, and a coffee outlet for dispensing the coffee beverage, a separate coffee bean package with an inner space which at least before use is filled with the coffee beans, wherein the coffee bean package before use is closed off in itself such that the exposure of the coffee beans to ambient air is prevented, a coffee bean inlet for supply of coffee beans from the coffee bean package to the grinder, and a connecting device for connecting the coffee bean package to the coffee making apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Gerbrand Kristiaan de Graaff, Gustaaf Frans Brouwer, Philippe Jacques van Camp, Ivo van Os
  • Publication number: 20110177206
    Abstract: A package of eggs is disclosed which comprises a plurality of eggs arranged in one or more rows. The eggs are arranged in the package so that a long axis of each egg in the package is tilted toward the back of the package so as to be at least slightly offset from vertical. In some embodiments, each of the eggs in the package may have information laser marked on it in substantially the same location as the other eggs in the package, and the eggs may be oriented in the package such that information marked on each egg faces substantially the same direction as the information marked on the other eggs in the package. Additionally, in some embodiments, each of the eggs in the package may have particular information marked on it, and each of the eggs in the package may be positioned in the package such that at least the particular information is visible upon opening the package, without altering a position of the egg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: NewMarket Impressions, LLC
    Inventors: Greg Anderson, Allan Irwin Brown, Mitchell Barry Chait, Marco Armand Hegyi
  • Publication number: 20110177207
    Abstract: A package of eggs is disclosed which comprises a plurality of eggs arranged in one or more rows. The eggs are further arranged in the package so that a long axis of each egg in the package is offset no more than a particular number degrees from a long axis of each other egg in the package. Additionally, a package of eggs is disclosed which comprises a plurality of eggs arranged in one or more rows, wherein the eggs are further arranged in the package so that the long axes of all of the eggs in the package are substantially parallel. Further, a package of eggs is disclosed which comprises a plurality of eggs arranged in one or more rows, wherein eggs are arranged in the package such that long axes of all of the eggs in each row of eggs in the package form approximate right angles with respect to a line intercepting bottoms of receptacles holding the eggs in such a row.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: NewMarket Impressions, LLC
    Inventors: Mitchell Barry Chait, Allan Irwin Brown, Marco Armand Hegyi, Greg Anderson
  • Publication number: 20110117251
    Abstract: The invention relates to a retail pack and container therefore, for containing first and second types of foodstuff. The container is formed of initially separate parts and this allows differing preparation steps to be performed on the foodstuffs in the different parts of the container as required, prior to bringing the parts together to form the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: Premier Ambient Products (UK) Limited
    Inventors: Jason Waddup, Mark Carnell, Stephen Merritt, Jon Murray
  • Patent number: 7901719
    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. A package housing encloses the array of products. The package housing has front and back walls for supporting the products therebetween in a closable cover for closing a product dispensing opening. The front wall includes a wall flap extending inwardly towards the back wall in frictional engagement with the array of products for removable retention of the products therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Cadbury Adams USA LLC
    Inventor: Allen Sydney Aldridge
  • Patent number: 7820214
    Abstract: A food consumption appliance having a first chamber and a second chamber, where the first chamber contains a liquid and the second chamber contains a dry comestible, where each chamber has an opening into a common mouthpiece so that when the appliance is tipped, the liquid and dry comestible exit into the mouthpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: Dale Groenke
  • Publication number: 20100047403
    Abstract: A pouch container (1) for a food product, a filled container, and a method of filling are described. The container (1) comprises a sheet containment material configured surroundingly and sealingly to define a food containment volume, at least one closure seam (7) provided within the volume between paired opposing surfaces of the said sheet containment material to divide the containment volume into two food compartments (8,9) suitable to contain food product in use, wherein the said closure seam (7) has a pressure sensitive apertured portion (14) adapted to be closed at ambient pressure but to open when an internal pressure differential between the compartments reaches a predetermined point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: Elizabeth Johnson
  • Patent number: 7604827
    Abstract: A dough package has a sheet of dough and another sheet of a non-adhesive separator media cooperatively wound in a spiral assembly which is snugly fit inside a rigid container to protect the soft spiral assembly during the time that the package is an article of commerce. The sheet of separator media might be twice the size of the dough sheet in order to allow folding in about half into two flaps for covering both sides of the dough sheet while wound in the spiral. During domestic use, one flap might serve to separate the dough sheet from the countertop as the extra flap can be folded out to provide extra non-adhering working space. Cookie cutters, edible complements, and rolling pin handles might also be optionally pre-stocked with the dough package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Robbie L. Lavoie
  • Publication number: 20090214723
    Abstract: An improved package for heating two complimentary food products is provided. The present invention allows a crispy food product and a non-crispy food product to be heated simultaneously in a microwave oven. The package is ideal for combinations of chips and salsa, chips and cheese, or any other compatible crispy and non-crispy food products that are desirably kept in separate containers and heated shortly before consuming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph Paul Sagel
  • Publication number: 20090191317
    Abstract: A tiered shrimp food tray including a sheet of material forming a base tray having an outer ridge, a support ridge formed concentric to and in spaced relation to the outer ridge. An inner ridge and a base surface cooperatively define a central well which supports a condiment cup. A ring of shrimp is arranged on the support ridge of the base tray. A connector plate interconnects the base tray with an upper tray. The upper tray includes an outer ridge and a support ridge spaced from one another. A second condiment cup is disposed within a well of the upper tray. A ring of shrimp is arranged on the support ridge of the upper tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: OCEAN DUKE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Duke Lin
  • Publication number: 20090184025
    Abstract: One embodiment includes a package system containing a main container with a smaller container nested in it. The smaller container is filled with a secondary food item designed to be mixed into the primary food item. The smaller container is placed within the main container. The area of the main container not occupied by the smaller container includes a main food item. Both containers are sealed with one film. Before consumption, a consumer will place the package in a microwave to heat. Once heated, the smaller container is removed from the main container, creating space in the main container previously occupied by the smaller container. The main food item in the main container will re-position creating space between the top of the main food item to the edge of the main container. The secondary item can be added into the main container without overflowing out of the main container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: Barilla G. e R. Fratelli. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Iain Roberts, Eleanor Luna, George Kyaw Soe Maung Aye, Jeewon Jung
  • Publication number: 20080317908
    Abstract: The invention relates to a combination of at least one three-dimensional food product and a tray member for displaying the food product thereon. The tray member includes a support base and at least one first retaining member. The food product includes at least a bottom surface arranged so as to rest on the support base and at least one second retaining member. The first and second retaining members are complementarily shaped and arranged to adjust in engagement together so as to be capable to resist disengagement at least in a direction substantially parallel to the support base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Stephane Hentzel
  • Publication number: 20080305209
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing and packaging a dairy product, particularly mozzarella cheese, and a packaging method therefor which is studied to facilitate the handling and improve preservability of the latter. Particularly, the present invention relates to a method for preparing and packaging a pasta filata cheese, comprising a step of substantially dry packaging, i.e. without preserving liquid, and heat packaging of said pasta filata cheese.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: GIANFRANCO MATTEI
  • Publication number: 20080279991
    Abstract: An egg package assembly includes a protective case that contains predetermined number of eggs and a sleeve that fixedly surrounds the protective case. The protective case comprises a base and a lid. The sleeve comprises a thin packing film that is shrunk by heat. The sleeve is provided having a length similar to that of the case and a width wider than that of the case. After heat shrinking, the sleeve conforms to the shape of the case and fixed to the case. The length of the sleeve shrinks and allows the ends of the case to be exposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Dongheum Kwon
  • Publication number: 20080274239
    Abstract: Coaxial and non-coaxial ingredient packages provides an integrated inner and outer package via a common transverse seal across opposing ends of the package. The transverse seal is accomplished by way of the outer surface of the inner package and the inner surface of the outer package. The inner package functions to receive a first ingredient and the outer package functions to receive a second ingredient. An opening mechanism located at a select package end enables the user to unseal the inner and outer packages simultaneously thereby facilitating the common dispensing of package contents or ingredients in a complementary manner for opportune admixture. Certain methodology for coaxial ingredient or foodstuff service and/or presentation is further presented as reflective of the disclosed structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: KRAFT FOODS HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventor: Paul Edward Doll
  • Publication number: 20080175961
    Abstract: Microwavable and/or boilable packaged corn-on-the-cob includes one or more ears of fresh, shucked or partially shucked corn, each individually enveloped in an at least partially gas-impermeable and at least partially moisture impermeable transparent film that may be suited for microwave cooking and boiling and may include an easy-open strip. Each of the enveloped one or more ears is placed vertically in a shank-down orientation in a holder having at least one compartment for holding an ear of corn. The at least one ear of corn can be secured in the compartment by a suitable means. Units of packaged corn can be placed into a shipping container with the ears arranged vertically with the shank end down to minimize physical damage during shipping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel Whittles, Hunter W. Wolcott
  • Publication number: 20080160141
    Abstract: A container system and method for packaging vegetables. Exemplary embodiments include a container and method for holding different stages of growth of the same vegetable. Other exemplary embodiments include a container and related method for holding other varieties of vegetables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Lee JONES
  • Patent number: 7350688
    Abstract: A container for a food product includes a wrapper which surrounds a frame. The container can be any polygonal shape which is defined by the shape of the frame. The wrapper forms a top of the container which has an access opening. A sealing cover is adhesively sealed to the top around the opening. The sealing cover is operable to expose the access opening and reclosable against the top to seal the access opening. The sealing cover, adhesive and top surface are optimized to provide sealing characteristics of sufficiently resealing frequency, relatively low noise level during unsealing and desirable peel forces to separate the seal between the sealing cover and the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Gladys Odette Sierra-Gomez, Eva Marie Peters, Alexis Julian Garcia-Lugo
  • Patent number: 7344744
    Abstract: A container for a food product includes a wrapper which surround a polygonal frame. The wrapper forms a top of the container and has an access opening. A sealing label, adhesively sealed to the top around the opening, is resealable when a tab of the sealing label is pulled back. The sealing label is resealable against the top layer to seal the opening when the sealing label is moved back against the top. Various tamper-evident structures are provided to indicate when the container has been initially opened or tampered with.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Gladys Odette Sierra-Gomez, Eva Marie Peters, Joseph Stiener, Daniel Michel Bonenfant, William C. Schieber
  • Patent number: 7332187
    Abstract: A food product in the form of a connected but random, symmetrical or linear array of food portions can be served as an entree, appetizer dessert or other food. The array is adapted for manual separation and consumption. The food can take any asymmetrical or symmetrical form. The product can have a central portion or location and two or more portions that extend from the central portion that are asymmetrical or symmetrical about the central point. The portions can be filled or topped with fillings or toppings and can be designed for convenient preparation, serving, separation into individual units, and consumption by hand. The food can be uncooked, par-fried, par-baked, baked, fried, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Schwan's Food Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc A. Gaddis, David C. Rettey, Thuy N. Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 7326428
    Abstract: A divided container system comprising a master tray having an interior portion and a peripheral top edge, at least one insertable sub-tray positionable within the interior portion of the master tray, wherein each sub-tray includes a peripheral top edge and an interior portion, and a lid for sealing both the master tray and the at least one insertable sub-tray. The lid comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, a plurality of sealing surfaces extending from the lower surface of the lid, wherein the sealing surfaces are arranged to abut with the peripheral top edge of the at least one insertable sub-tray to thereby seal the interior portion of the at least one insertable sub-tray from the interior portion of the master tray, and a peripheral sealing surface for sealable contact with the peripheral top edge of the master tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Evergreen Innovation Partners I, LP
    Inventor: Marjorie Weir
  • Patent number: 7240797
    Abstract: A sealed dispensing apparatus suitable for packaging and dispensing a single service portion of a food product. The food product is contained within an inner container cavity formed by an outer cover and a center member. Draw means are provided for transferring a force from the user to the outer cover, whereby the force peels the outer cover from the center section, thus folding the outer cover over itself as it is removed from the center section. The food product is dispensed when the inner container is opened by removing the outer cover from the center member. An optional outer container seals and holds portions of bread or other sandwich portions while the inner container is located therebetween. Box means holds the combination formed by the inner container and the outer container as well as optional condiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Victor A. Grossman
  • Patent number: 7226628
    Abstract: A thin sheet of sealed coffee grounds comprises a plurality of filter packs, a rigid substrate sheet, a flexible barrier sheet sealed to the substrate sheet via a plurality of ring-shaped seals to form a plurality of chambers to contain the plurality of filter packs, a plurality of cut lines outside the plurality of seals for isolating the chambers from one another, and a plurality of grippable tabs for dispensing the filter packs from the thin sheet. The grippable tabs are adapted to allow a user to dispense a filter pack at a time from the thin sheet by simply pulling a grippable tab to open a chamber and release the filter pack therein. The substrate sheet has a smooth top surface in one aspect of the invention and a plurality of cylindrical cavities sealed by the flexible barrier sheet via the ring-shaped seals in another aspect of the invention. In a further aspect of the invention the plurality of filter packs in the thin sheet is replaced by a plurality of portions of loose coffee grounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Edward Z. Cai
  • Patent number: 7223426
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a device and method for dispensing dual component liquids or concentrates packaged in separate containers to provide protection from effects such as oxidation and moisture loss. The liquids or concentrates can be dispensed through a pumping system, preferably including a peristaltic pump, mixed together, and optionally diluted with another liquid, such as water, to provide a consumable beverage. In addition, the device of the present invention can dispense liquids or concentrates having different viscosities, such that they are mixed together in the proper ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Pu-Sheng Cheng, Randall C. Chrisman, Shannon Gavie, Walter F. Landry, Brian J. McDonough, Randall L. Morrison, Eugene Scoville
  • Patent number: 7093816
    Abstract: The sealed container filled with liquid is designed for making ice. It comprises a tray having a peripheral wall closed on one side by a base and defining on the other side an opening for extracting the ice. The container comprises a seal for sealing the tray, which is sealed above the opening. The base has a deformation protruding inside the tray, which defines externally a transverse groove extending from one edge of the base to the other and opening at each of its extremities on the peripheral wall of the tray, this base having two ridges extending on both sides of the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventors: Thierry Lacan, Bruno Ledoux
  • Patent number: 7067167
    Abstract: Rapid, efficient, and systematic processes and apparatuses for making repeatable imprints on multiple, individual sweet dough pieces are provided. An advantage of the process is the ease of making uniform imprints that are aligned with the individual dough pieces as formed and deposited. Such provides the ability to create a three-dimensional pattern on the surface of a sweet dough piece, particularly a soft cookie dough piece. The methods can be accomplished by high-speed wire cutting production methods as well as other dough piece depositing apparatuses, such as roller-type depositors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: General Mills Marketing, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Damsgard, James R. Baeten
  • Patent number: 6918532
    Abstract: A container for a food product includes a wrapper which surrounds a frame. The container can be any polygonal shape which is defined by the shape of the frame. The wrapper forms a top of the container which has an access opening. A sealing layer is adhesively sealed to the top around the opening. The sealing layer is resealable when a tab of the sealing layer is pulled back. The sealing layer is resealable against the top layer to seal the opening when the sealing layer is moved back to a flat position on the top. Various tamper-evident structures are provided to indicate when the container has been initially opened or tampered with.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Gladys Odette Sierra-Gomez, Eva Marie Peters, Joseph Stiener, Charles Francis Flynn, IV, James Spencer Mandle
  • Patent number: 6892513
    Abstract: The invention provides a food packaging system that preferably includes a system for facilitating progressive or incremental delivery of individual, single-serving hand-held food items to the consumer, along with a carton for containing a plurality of the food items and associated delivery systems. The packaging system provides protection for the food items during packaging, shipping handling, retail display and consumer use, and also makes them readily accessible to the consumer, without requiring direct manual contact with the food item. The packaging system preferably includes a separate disposable delivery system for each food item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Barr, Mark C. Mikol
  • Patent number: 6863178
    Abstract: An arrangement of individual condiment serving packets in an outer container is provided having an approximately cylindrical container with at least four dual-packet sheets within said container. Each dual-packet sheet has a pair of individual condiment-filled packets each having a condiment-filled portion, said packets having a weakened tear-line in an unfilled medial portion of the sheet between them for manual separation of said packets for individual use. The dual-packet sheets are arranged with their condiment-filled portions in opposed front-to-back contact with their medial portions in parallel alignment and pinched closely together or in contact so that the condiment-filled portions are arranged generally like spokes on a wheel sized so as to fit into said approximately cylindrical container and to be thereby maintained in said approximately circular arrangement by said outer approximately cylindrical container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Daisy Brand, Inc.
    Inventors: David Sokolsky, Jamie Sendra, Clarence Zierhut
  • Publication number: 20040224057
    Abstract: A food or beverage container includes a receptacle and an assembly for generating a change in temperature. The assembly includes two reactive components in a housing and which are separated from each other by a frangible member within the receptacle. The receptacle includes a wall with a movable portion and which opposes a movable part of a housing wall, and means for transmitting movement of the movable portion to the movable part of the housing wall. A liquid is disposed inside the receptacle and at least partly surrounds the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Roy Kevin Miller, Francisco Almoguera
  • Patent number: 6756069
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a device and method for dispensing dual component liquids or concentrates packaged in separate containers to provide protection from effects such as oxidation and moisture loss. The liquids or concentrates can be dispensed through a pumping system, preferably including a peristaltic pump, mixed together, and optionally diluted with another liquid, such as water, to provide a consumable beverage. In addition, the device of the present invention can dispense liquids or concentrates having different viscosities, such that they are mixed together in the proper ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Eugene Scoville, Pu-Sheng Cheng, Randall C. Chrisman, Shannon Gavie, Walter F. Landry, Brian J. McDonough, Randall L. Morrison
  • Patent number: 6743451
    Abstract: A recloseable bag for marinading food including a flexible plastic sheet having side edges, a flexible foil sheet having side edges and sealed to the flexible plastic sheet along the edges of the sheets to form a generally rectangular bag having first and second ends and opposed sides, a recloseable closure joining the flexible plastic sheet and the flexible foil sheet adjacent the first end of the bag, and an arcuate rupturable seal extending from one opposed side to another opposed side and joining the flexible plastic sheet and the flexible foil sheet. The arcuate rupturable seal, the opposed sides, and the second end form a marinade storage compartment. A top of the arcuate rupturable seal is approximately centrally located between the opposite sides, and the recloseable closure, the opposed sides, and the second end form a food storage compartment for marinating food upon opening of the arcuate rupturable seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: H. J. Heinz Company
    Inventors: William F. Rasile, Aaron Schwartz
  • Patent number: 6641882
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to: eliminate the need to provide a tool such as a pair of scissors for partly opening a packaging bag; and allow the packaging bag to be partly opened easily when it is heated in a microwave oven, based on an increase in internal pressure caused by vapors associated with heating. To attain this object, the present invention provides a packaging bag made using as a material a synthetic resin film adapted for a microwave oven, wherein a layer constituting an inner surface is formed of a blend of a straight chain low-density polyethylene resin and a polybutene-1 resin, and one of opposite heat sealed portions perpendicular to a film flowing direction has a portion with a smaller heat seal width at an appropriate position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Daiwa Gravure Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukihiko Shibata
  • Patent number: 6602528
    Abstract: Food packaging for packaging a food item in separate layers. The package includes a retaining member with openings to receive separating sheets between layers of food Separating sheets are removed while retaining layers of the food item from moving, just prior to consumption. The food is retained in layers in a box like enclosure integrally including the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: Peter Wells
  • Publication number: 20030138529
    Abstract: A candy package is provided, having a container and an openable lid or closure, with the container being divided into a plurality of cells. A plurality of candies are provided in each cell, with the candies simulating the appearances of various forms of fishing tackle and the container and lid simulating the appearance of a fishing tackle box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Richard M. Palmer, Joanne Trois, James Tucker, Stephen Terroni
  • Publication number: 20020192338
    Abstract: A portable food container 2 for separately retaining first and second food items. The preferred portable food container 2 includes an outer container 10 including a first receptacle 12 at least partially defining a first compartment 13, an inner container 20 including a second receptacle 22 at least partially defining a second compartment 28, and an upper cover 50. The first receptacle 12 has an outer rim 16 and a first receptacle opening 18 defined by the outer rim 16. The second receptacle 22 has a peripheral collar 30 having an outer edge 34 and an inner edge 34, the outer edge 32 designed and constructed to engage the outer rim 16 of the first receptacle 22 such that the inner container 20 resides at least partially within the outer container 10. The inner edge 34 defines a second receptacle opening 36 and the peripheral collar 30 has an upper surface 38 interconnecting the outer edge 32 with the inner edge 34.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Richard B. Ness, Daniel M. Sutherland, Robert C. Freed
  • Publication number: 20020008106
    Abstract: An improved container for food and other perishable products comprising a simple construction and a multi-functional cap. The container allows for the storage of multiple products separately within the container as well as consumption of the products while “on the go.” The multi-functional cap nests over and seals the mouth end of the container, allows for the nesting of a sub-container inside the cap, and allows the products to be resealed without contaminating each other. The container is ergonomically and stylishly shaped to provide a comfortable hand grip for a variety of consumers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: Edward Anthony Bezek, Patrick Joseph Bierschenk, John Joseph Michels
  • Publication number: 20020005468
    Abstract: A method is disclosed comprising the steps of placing a first portion of a mixture of spring water and distilled water into a first chamber; and freezing the first portion of the mixture inside the first chamber to form a first ice cube. The mixture may comprise about ninety percent distilled water and ten percent pure spring water. The method may include placing a second portion of the mixture into a second chamber and freezing the second portion of the mixture inside the second chamber to form a second ice cube. The first and second chambers may be attached together by a backing. The method may also include sealing the first chamber after placing the first portion of the mixture into the first chamber and before freezing the first portion. The first chamber may be sealed by placing a foil over the first chamber. The method may include removing bacteria from the first portion after placing the first portion into the first chamber and before freezing the first portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventor: Ian Fraenkel
  • Patent number: 6319537
    Abstract: A beverage system that contains a coffee base concentrate and coffee aroma for providing a coffee beverage. The coffee base concentrate has a soluble coffee solids concentration of at least 10% by weight and is free of coffee aroma. The coffee base concentrate and the coffee aroma are stored separately and are combined upon reconstitution for providing a coffee beverage. Separate store of the coffee base concentrate and the coffee aroma increases the stability of the system. The coffee base concentrate and/or aroma components may be further treated to improve stability, including for example adding alkali, and/or treating the coffee base concentrate to remove acid precursors, and/or protecting one or both components from oxygen, and/or storing one or both components at reduced temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Pu-Sheng Cheng, Ying Zheng, Serena Laroia, Wenjie Hu, Rachid Rahmani
  • Publication number: 20010026821
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a device and method for dispensing dual component liquids or concentrates packaged in separate containers to provide protection from effects such as oxidation and moisture loss. The liquids or concentrates can be dispensed through a pumping system, preferably including a peristaltic pump, mixed together, and optionally diluted with another liquid, such as water, to provide a consumable beverage. In addition, the device of the present invention can dispense liquids or concentrates having different viscosities, such that they are mixed together in the proper ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventors: Eugene Scoville, Pu-Sheng Cheng, Randall C. Chrisman, Shannon Gavie, Walter F. Landry, Brian J. McDonough, Randall L. Morrison
  • Publication number: 20010026820
    Abstract: The invention relates to a confectionery package for storage and display of confectionery items that includes: a box assembly comprising two half-box members (10, 11) arranged together in a substantially opposed arrangement with respect to a median plane when the box assembly is in closed position; a first series of confectionery items (20) and a second series of food items (21) housed within the box assembly and capable to substantially complementary fit together in an interlocked manner with respect to said median plane when they are in position of storage within the box assembly; and at least one partition member (3) arranged within the box assembly so as to separate the first and second series (20, 21) of confectionery items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventor: Stephane Hentzel
  • Patent number: 6296885
    Abstract: A process for sequentially filling a container with layers of dry food ingredients in reverse order relative to a desired order of removal for the preparation of a final food product. A first dry food ingredient is deposited into a container. A disk-like divider is positioned atop the deposited food ingredient and depressed such that a flat and level surface is formed atop the food ingredient and the periphery of the divider frictionally adheres to the side wall of the container to seal the food ingredient from a next food ingredient. A next food ingredient is then deposited into the container atop the previously positioned divider. A divider is positioned atop the next food ingredient, and so on until all of the dry ingredients according to a recipe have been introduced into the container. The food ingredients are removed in the reverse order in which they were deposited and selectively combined with wet ingredients according to a recipe for preparation of a final food product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Linda L. Robertson
  • Patent number: 6294209
    Abstract: An aromatized food package is provided by providing a package body member part which defines a first and second cavity, inserting a food product into the first cavity, dosing a liquid mixture of food-acceptable aroma and a carrier consisting essentially of low boiling point solvent, into the second cavity, pulling a vacuum within at least the second cavity to cause the solvent in the second cavity to substantially evaporate while leaving aroma composition within the cavity, and sealing the cavities with a cover so that the cavities are separated one from the other and which, when removed, opens both cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Bo Andersson
  • Publication number: 20010019735
    Abstract: A beverage system for providing a coffee beverage is described which contains a coffee base concentrate and an aromatized soluble coffee creamer. The coffee base concentrate has a soluble coffee solids concentration of at least about 10% by weight and is free of coffee aroma. The coffee base concentrate and the aromatized soluble coffee aroma are stored separately and are combined upon reconstitution for providing a coffee beverage. Separate storage of the coffee base concentrate and the aromatized soluble coffee creamer increases the stability of the system and provides a coffee beverage which closely assimilates a freshly brewed coffee drinks such as latte macchiato and cappuccino.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventors: Charlotte Cirkel-Egner, Hanspeter Maier
  • Patent number: 6261616
    Abstract: A microwavable food packaging system includes a tray formed from a base and a sidewall extending from the base which sidewall terminates in a free edge. The base and sidewall define an interior cavity. The free edge defines a tray opening. The base has a raised button extending into the cavity. A sleeve surrounds the tray. The sleeve includes a front panel having a display surface and is disposed adjacent to the tray opening and a rear panel disposed adjacent to the base. The sleeve adjacent to the base extends outwardly to form a leg upon which the sleeve and tray can be upstandingly placed. The tray is adapted to receive food pouches within the cavity. The raised button stabilizes the center of gravity of the food packaging system when the food packaging system is placed in an upstanding position on the leg. Advantageously, at least one food pouch disposed in the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Bordon Foods Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney J. Simpson, Kamal N. Aboshamaa
  • Patent number: 6257434
    Abstract: Container for transporting heated food, particularly pizza and the like, formed by a first and a second half-shell of moulded plastic material each having a bottom wall and a lateral wall with mutually substantially sealed coupling means to define, in the coupled condition, a cavity for containing food and communicating to the outside through vent openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Agape Trade AG
    Inventor: Filippo Lizzio
  • Patent number: 6231906
    Abstract: A packaging system for tart shells includes transparent plastic lower and upper halves connected together and lockable together by protrusions and recesses in the halves. The upper and lower halves have one or more chambers defined by chamber halves formed in the lower and upper halves that combine together to form each chamber. In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, anywhere from one to eight chambers may be provided in the packaging system. Concerning each such chamber, the lower half of the packaging system includes a recess sized and configured to receive the undersurface of a tart shell. The upper chamber half includes a generally dome-shaped portion designed to overlie a recess within the tart shell that is normally filled with an edible material and has a lower periphery spaced radially inwardly from the periphery of the lower chamber half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Cake Box Bakeries, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip Alessi
  • Patent number: 6153237
    Abstract: A food storage and transportation device primarily including a container, a plurality of removable inserts, and a lid is described. The inner surface of the container has a plurality of groove and shelf assemblies. The removable inserts have a plurality of tabs extending radially outward, a set of handles, and a plurality of openings for receiving a plurality of cupcakes. In operation, the cupcakes are placed into the respective openings with the base of the cupcakes extending through the opening, whereas the top of the cupcake is retained above a top surface of the removable insert. The removable inserts and cupcakes are then loaded into the container. At no time does any cupcake come into contact with any other cupcakes. To remove the cupcakes, the removable insert is removed from the container and placed on a flat surface, whereupon the cupcakes are conveniently dislodged from their respective openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Kathy Ferguson
  • Patent number: 6146673
    Abstract: A food storage and transportation device primarily including a container, a plurality of removable inserts, and a lid is described. The inner surface of the container has a plurality of support members disposed on and extending from the inner surface. The removable inserts have a plurality of grooves, a set of handles, and a plurality of openings for receiving a plurality of cupcakes. In one embodiment, the support member includes first and second shoulder portions for supporting the inserts. In another embodiment, the support member has a substantially uniformly increasing profile distance from the inner surface of the container as the support member extends downwardly from the upper portion to the lower portion of the container. The inserts are provided with grooves that frictionally engage the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Kathy Ferguson
  • Patent number: 6119862
    Abstract: A package for a food product which includes a rigid tray formed from a single piece of malleable material having flanges located in a reference plane, first and second side walls, first and second end walls and a bottom all integrally joined. Integrally formed tabs are defined at the junction of the side walls and the bottom which extend generally in the plane of the side walls a predetermined distance. Some of the tabs with the peripheral flange form an upright display support permitting the package to be displayed upright with the front panel located in a vertical or near vertical plane facing forward. A hanging feature can also be incorporated into the rigid tray flange to provide peg-board display if desired. This can be accomplished with no added labor or material cost. A thin flexible film covers the tray in the reference plane and attaches to the peripheral flanges to hermetically seal the recessed compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Sara Lee Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey K. Childress