Diverse Food Patents (Class 426/120)
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Patent number: 7377381Abstract: Adapters are provided for stable holding of non-cylindrical multi-sided food containers in beverage container receptacles, and also packaged food products integrating such adapters, and container support systems including beverage receptacles and the packaged food products held in the beverage receptacles via the adapters.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Michele M. Dziaba, James McCay
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Patent number: 7368056Abstract: Water-desalination and/or water purification devices. Alternatively, devices that are implantable in animal bodies, possibly configured as self-inflating spinal disc prostheses. The devices include specified types of water-absorbing solute encapsulated by non-porous, water-permeable polymer membranes having specified properties. Also, methods of using the devices in biomedical applications or water treatment.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2004Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: The Polymer Technology Group, IncorporatedInventors: Robert S. Ward, Sallie K. Coviello
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Publication number: 20080063758Abstract: The packaging system includes a first food product sealed within an inner wrapper, a second food product positioned within a tray and spacing the first food product from the tray, and an outer wrapper sealing the first food product, sealed within the inner wrapper, the second food product and the tray therein. A shield is disposed on the tray and is in contact with more than one surface of the second food product. Prior to microwave heating, the inner and outer wrapper are removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2006Publication date: March 13, 2008Inventors: Christine Louise Kwiat, Megan N. Raymond, Arthur C. Teasdale, Keith Daniel Forneck, Sophia Pai, Renee Gan
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Patent number: 7341754Abstract: A dispenser for condiments mountable on a container for a beverage wherein the container is any of a bottle and cups of several standard sizes. The dispenser comprises a circular base with a small inner cone having its largest rim integrally joined to the edge of a circular opening in the base. An outer cone formed as a series of steps is mounted on the base with the edge of the outer cone integrally joined to the edge of the base. The rim of a container for beverage supports any one of the steps depending on the size of the container. Alternatively, the dispenser is supported by a bottle container having a neck extending into the inner cone.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2005Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Inventors: Bill Loh, Robert S. Smith
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Patent number: 7326428Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 18, 2003Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Evergreen Innovation Partners I, LPInventor: Marjorie Weir
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Patent number: 7240797Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 27, 2003Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Inventor: Victor A. Grossman
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Patent number: 7217434Abstract: A container for condiments, e.g., nuts and nuggets of chocolates, comprising a cylinder with a bottom side mountable on the top of a standard cup/can. In one version, a bottom side is displaced from the bottom edge of the cylinder to form a skirt on the bottom edge of the cylinder. The skirt has an interior lip dimensioned such that the container “snaps” onto the rim of a beverage can or cup. In another version, the cylinder and cup/can are telescoped into a sleeve. The top edge of cap/cup is adhered to a cover that is peeled back for access to the condiments. In another version, a partial lid is interposed between the cover and top rim of the cylinder. A drinking straw is inserted from the above the cover, through the container into the cup/can.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2004Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Inventors: Bill Loh, Robert S. Smith
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Patent number: 7214397Abstract: A plug for sucking a beverage from a bottle or the like includes a housing and supporting means for housing and supporting a dissolvable food praline, the beverage being delivered through the plug through a window formed between the outer contour of the praline and the praline housing chamber and/or through at least a praline throughgoing hole. With a “teat” configuration of the plug top portion a sucking, in any desired dissolving degrees, of the praline, depending on the rubbing of a user's tongue on the praline and on the beverage suction, is thereby facilitated.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2000Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Inventor: Egidio Renna
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Patent number: 7189423Abstract: A pasta or rice meal in which the pasta has been acidified to ensure shelf stability. In order to provide the meal so as not to have the uncharacteristically unpleasant taste of acidic flavor notes by mixing a sauce which has had its pH modified by a mixture of an edible alkaline or base substance into the sauce. Methods of providing the meal including packaging of the pasta/rice separately from the sauce are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2001Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Anthony Irwin, Sharon Payton
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Patent number: 7147880Abstract: An improved unitary container having separate compartments which may be used to store two materials, such as milk and cereal. The container is provided with a mid-portion having compressible side walls and a bisecting wall member which separates the compartments and contents and allows the contents of each to be mixed when so desired by the combination of a pull tab/bladder configuration for the milk and hand pressure, the container having a removable lid in the cereal portion of the package allowing access to the cereal and milk for consumption.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2003Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Inventor: Robert F. Lenahan
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Patent number: 7112347Abstract: A system which enables fillings (such as sandwich fillings) to be kept separate from bread. The system thus enables the fillings and bread to be stored and transported together without the bread getting soggy. The present invention also provides a way to quickly dispose the fillings within the bread by requiring the user to perform only a single quick motion. A bread is formed to accept a pouch containing filling. The open end of the pouch is folded shut and is placed into the bread. The bread and pouch assembly is placed inside a bag which is sealed with a tab. A tail of the pouch passes through the tab and thus outside the bag. A user pulls the tail of the pouch causing the filling to be squeezed into the bread by the constricting action of the pouch passing through the tab.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2004Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Inventors: Elana Jurado, Constance French, Reginald W. Alsbrook
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Patent number: 7083818Abstract: A party tray includes a support tray and, on the support tray, a sealed package made up of transparent container body and a polymeric sealing sheet sealed to the rim of the container body. The sealed package contains foodstuffs, in particular respiring foodstuffs such as fresh fruits and vegetables, which rest on the sealing sheet; the sealing sheet is in turn supported by the support tray. The sealed package may include an atmosphere control member. When the party tray is on display, its contents are viewed through the single thickness of the container body.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2002Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Apio, Inc.Inventor: Wesley Paul Pratte
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Patent number: 7041326Abstract: A food package is provided that includes a compartment in which food items are carried and a holder portion which allows a user to place the food item therein with the food item held in a stationary position. The food holder can serve as a staging area for combining the food item with other food items or can be used as a placement location for a partially eaten food item. In the preferred multicompartment package, an improved back card construction is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2002Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Scott J. Bradley, Heidi A. Meyer
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Patent number: 7014878Abstract: A fully baked bread product is provided which can be stored for extended periods of time and which retains its desirable soft texture for the shelf life (e.g., at least about 3 months) of the product if maintained under a modified atmosphere (i.e., low oxygen and preferably inert gas) at refrigerated conditions (i.e., about 35 to about 45° F.). The fully baked bread is prepared from dough comprising, in baker's percentages, about 100 pounds flour, about 0.75 to about 3.5 pounds salt, about 0.2 to about 1 pounds microbial inhibitor, about 0 to about 3 pounds gluten, about 1 to about 5 pounds leavening agent, about 0.1 to about 1 pound enzyme, about 9 to 18 pounds high fructose corn syrup, about 3 to about 10 pounds shortening, about 0.1 to about 3 pounds mono- and diglycerides, and about 45 to about 60 pounds of water.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2002Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Uraiwan Tangprasertchai, Keith Daniel Forneck, Laura Gail Hill, Lisa Apel, John Dewalt, David Carl Richards, Dhruba Jyoti Das, Lynell Morales
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Patent number: 7004323Abstract: A lunch box includes a housing that has top and bottom surfaces. The housing further has sidewalls integral with the bottom surface and preferably extending upwardly therefrom. Support members are secured to the plurality of sidewalls. The divider plates are removably attachable to the support members. A divider bar is slidably positionable into corresponding slots on the divider plates. The divider bar also has slots formed along a length thereof. Divider members have a plurality of slots formed therein for selectively engaging the divider bar. The divider bar and the plurality of divider members advantageously cooperate with each other for maintaining food products during transportation. The lunch box further has a zipper for attaching the top surface to the housing. A flexible handle is also connected to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2004Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Inventor: Theresa H. Symonds
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Patent number: 6989168Abstract: A container for vending single servings of beverages and snack foods, includes a liquid-impermeable wall providing a compartment for the beverage. An inside section of the wall defines a recess isolated from the compartment and open to the container exterior at the bottom. Near the upper end of the recess, the inside wall diameter is decreased in steps, to frictionally engage a leading edge region of a snack-food cartridge or other product inserted into the recess. A pull tab between the cartridge and the recess is accessible to remove the cartridge. Alternatively, a cartridge wrapper can be shaped to provide a pull tab component. The preferred snack-food cartridge includes a compliant thin film or foil wrapping surrounding a stack of cookies, a bar, or other snack food. In alternative arrangements, the container has a vertical slot for viewing a cartridge inserted into the recess, or is formed with horizontal top and bottom wall sections.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2003Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Inventor: Lonnie J. Fahey
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Patent number: 6981593Abstract: An apparatus for storing and transporting supplies and snacks includes a top portion having first and second opposite sides, a bottom portion having first and second opposite sides, a middle portion having first and second opposite sides, wherein in a closed position the top portion, bottom portion and middle portion are configured to form an enclosure. In an open position at least one side of the middle portion is accessible, and at least one side of either the top or bottom portion is accessible, at least one side of the middle portion comprising structures adapted for holding school supplies, at least one side of the top portion comprising a write-on wipe-off surface. The bottom portion includes a drink restraint for holding a drink item and a snack restraint for holding a snack item. A clip is operatively connected to one side of the top portion for holding paper.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2004Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Inventor: Nancy L. Klodt
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Patent number: 6955028Abstract: A method of forming a multiple food product container for dispensing one food product from at or near one region of the container, and dispensing another food product at or near the other region of the container, is provided. In the method the two containers are coupled together (i.e., permanently or separably coupled). A preferred embodiment comprises an upper food compartment, a lower food compartment, wherein a top of the lower food compartment is coupled to a bottom of the upper food compartment, a resealable opening disposed at a top of the first food compartment, a resealable second opening disposed proximate a bottom of the second food compartment, a first food disposed in the upper food compartment, and a second food disposed in the lower food compartment.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2004Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Inventor: Lendy Dunaway
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Patent number: 6951275Abstract: Packaging device allowing two or more products that are mixed at the time of use thereof to be expended in a single package, including a package differentiated in two or more enclosures, one of them provided with an openable stopper, separated by a movable stoppering partition and each filled with one of the products to be contained separately in the package and with a gaseous fluid compatible with each of said products, the gaseous fluid being substantially subject to pressures different from normal atmospheric pressure, which pressures exert an equal force on opposite faces of the internal movable stoppering partition, maintaining a balance between both enclosures.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2002Date of Patent: October 4, 2005Inventor: Rosa Elena Serra Galdos
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Patent number: 6919097Abstract: A fully baked, soft, breadstick product is provided having a water activity in the range of about 0.9 to 0.95. The breadstick product is ideally suited for use in a refrigerated, ready-to-eat kit. The breadstick products are of a convenient size and shape with perforations to allow the breadstick product to be separated into individual breadsticks. The breadstick product is especially adapted as a single serving or snack food product. Also provided is a kit containing the breadstick product with one or more additional food items. Such additional food items include, for example, cheese, cheese products, cheese sauces, tomato sauces, cream cheese, butter, margarine, jam, jelly, honey, peanut butter, olive oil, salad ingredients, salad dressings, and the like. Preferably, each component item is in a separate container sealed from the other food items to substantially retard or prevent flavor, moisture, and microbial migration from one food item to another.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2002Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Kraft Food Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Mary A. Lamp, Keith Forneck
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Patent number: 6913777Abstract: A portable, single-use container for separately containing a first and second consumable products. The container includes a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment tapers at an upper portion thereof to form a spout. The spout facilitates dispensing of a contained first consumable product from the first compartment. The second compartment, in turn, tapers at an upper portion thereof to form a mouth. The mouth facilitates dispensing of a second consumable product from the second compartment. The first and second compartments are assembled to one another in a side-by-side fashion such that the spout abuts the mouth. With this configuration, during use, a first consumable product and a second consumable product can be dispensed from the container in close proximity to one another for convenient consumption. In one preferred embodiment, the first compartment contains a volume of milk and the second compartment contains a quantity of cereal.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2001Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: General Mills, Inc.Inventors: John P. Rebhorn, Stephen P. Belko, Pamela A. Hodulik
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Patent number: 6913185Abstract: Food packaging articles are manufactured by providing top and bottom sheets of flexible material and securing selected areas of the sheets along sealing edges to define a plurality of triangular-shaped pouches, with each pouch corresponding to an individual food packaging article. The sealing edges preferably are secured by fusion or adhesion welding. In an illustrative embodiment, the sealing edges are secured by ultrasonic welding using a pair of weld heads that are positioned to weld lines at different angles from one another.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2003Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Inventor: Cory Hillebrand
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Patent number: 6863912Abstract: A circular tray has a sloping surface extending upwardly from a central base to form a circular support ridge. A retaining ridge concentrically surrounds the support ridge. The support ridge is configured to support a plurality of shrimp arranged to form a nearly arched-shaped ring. A sauce cup is removably disposed on the central base adjacent to tails of the arranged shrimp. An outer ridge concentrically surrounds the retaining ridge. A groove formed between the outer and retaining ridges is sized and configured so as to hold a plurality of pieces of surimi.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2002Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Inventor: Duke Lin
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Patent number: 6854595Abstract: A container closure to be attached to a liquid container around a container opening of a liquid container. The container closure includes a storage compartment which includes a mix, such as powder or concentrated liquid. The storage compartment includes a seal or a rotating member to seal the mix within the storage compartment. A plunger unseals the seal or the rotating member is rotated to allow the mix to be mixed with the liquid in a liquid container to flavor the liquid when the container closure is attached to the liquid container.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2002Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Inventor: Danny Kiser
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Patent number: 6846501Abstract: Appealing traditional nutritious snacks and mixes from which consumers can prepare appealing traditional nutritious snacks are disclosed. These snacks and mixes offer an alternative to appealing but unhealthy snacks. The nutritious snacks of the present invention are traditional in form, provide a balanced mix of an amino acid source, fat, and carbohydrates and typically have an appeal similar to that of unhealthy snacks of similar form. Thus, the snacks and snack mixes of the present invention resolve the dilemma that consumers are currently faced with—healthy eating or enjoying what you eat. Processes for making and methods of using appealing traditional nutritious snacks and mixes from which consumers can prepare appealing traditional nutritious snacks are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2001Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: Mid-America Commercialization CorporationInventors: Robert Lawrence Prosise, Christopher Randall Beharry, Joseph James Elsen, Ralph Lawrence Helmers, Jr., Jeffrey John Kester, Raymond Louis Niehoff, Robert Joseph Sarama, Susana Rosa Waimin Siu, Thomas Joseph Wehmeier, Vince York-Leung Wong
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Publication number: 20040265437Abstract: A vegetable food product is disclosed and a method of producing the product. The vegetable food product includes a head of lettuce, a container of dressing or condiment disposed within a cored opening in the head of lettuce, and a wrapper around the head of lettuce. The vegetable food product is produced by removing the core of the head of lettuce, inserting a container of dressing or condiment into the cored hole, then wrapping the head of lettuce and the container of dressing or condiment.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventor: Brian Rianda
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Publication number: 20040265438Abstract: A fully baked, deep dish pizza crust is provided having a water activity in the range of about 0.9 to about 0.95. The deep dish pizza crust is ideally suited for use in a refrigerated, ready-to-eat pizza kit. The deep dish pizza crust is of a convenient size and shape (generally square and about 4 by about 4 by about 0.75 in. deep) and is especially adapted as a single serving or snack food product. Also provided is a kit for preparing ready-to-eat deep dish pizza, the kit including one or more deep dish pizza crusts, pizza sauce, cheese, and one or more pizza toppings. The deep dish pizza crusts are designed so that they can be nested so as to reduce the volume requirements in the kit. Each of the components of the pizza kit, including the deep dish pizza crusts, is hermetically sealed from the other food items to substantially retard or prevent flavor, moisture, and microbial migration from one food item to another.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Applicant: KRAFT FOOD HOLDINGS, INC.Inventors: Mary A. Lamp, Keith Forneck, William T. Paulos
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Patent number: 6808727Abstract: An improved meal-substitute food bar, herein called a meal-equivalent food bar because it is divided into segments equivalent to the sequence of courses in a conventional meal, including appetizer with functional appetite stimulants; main-course with major nutrition ingredients; and desert with functional appetite depressants. Further, the food bar is divided frangibly lengthwise into strips, each strip a selectable meal-equivalent with pre-determined calories. As a result, the meal-equivalent food bar provides a meal with improved physiological and psychological values for a consumer.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2001Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Inventor: Emanuel S. Kemeny
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Publication number: 20040202753Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly having a series of separable sauce cups for use in providing a condiment for a food product. The assembly is provided in a packaging configuration with food products such as waffles, pancakes, toaster pastries and the like and is sized and configured so as to be easily removable by the consumer. The assembly is suitable for use in extreme environments such as encountered in freezer to oven applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2003Publication date: October 14, 2004Inventors: Douglas J. Jackels, David J. Smith
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Patent number: 6764700Abstract: A fully baked, deep dish pizza crust is provided having a water activity in the range of about 0.9 to about 0.95. The deep dish pizza crust is ideally suited for use in a refrigerated, ready-to-eat pizza kit. The deep dish pizza crust is of a convenient size and shape (generally square and about 4 by about 4 by about 0.75 in. deep) and is especially adapted as a single serving or snack food product. Also provided is a kit for preparing ready-to-eat deep dish pizza, the kit including one or more deep dish pizza crusts, pizza sauce, cheese, and one or more pizza toppings. The deep dish pizza crusts are designed so that they can be nested so as to reduce the volume requirements in the kit. Each of the components of the pizza kit, including the deep dish pizza crusts, is hermetically sealed from the other food items to substantially retard or prevent flavor, moisture, and microbial migration from one food item to another.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Mary A. Lamp, Keith Forneck, William T. Paulos
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Publication number: 20040121050Abstract: Beverage preparation kits are disclosed, where the kits include beverage compositions having a first component mixture and a second component mixture, and a calorimetric pH indicator. The two component mixtures are formulated such that combination of the two mixtures during preparation of the beverage results in a detectable color change.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2003Publication date: June 24, 2004Applicant: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Tracy Thurman, Debbie L. Lohmeyer, Dale F. Olds
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Publication number: 20040118709Abstract: A device for attachment to a container. The device having an upper cap member connected to a middle cap member. The middle cap member connected to a lower cap member, and the lower cap member covering and sealing a neck of the container. A chamber for storing a predetermined substances defined by the connection of the middle cap member to the upper cap member. An aperture formed on the top plate member of the middle cap member. A sliding door placed on the top plate member for covering the aperture and enclosing the chamber. The door being movable to an open position for discharge of any contents in the chamber therethrough. The lower cap member having an aperture formed therethrough for passage of any contents discharged through the aperture of the middle cap member into the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventor: Young Kook Cho
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Patent number: 6743451Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 16, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: H. J. Heinz CompanyInventors: William F. Rasile, Aaron Schwartz
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Patent number: 6730923Abstract: An apparatus for carrying a target object having a plurality of surfaces, within a pulsed light sterilization chamber including a treatment zone within which pulsed sterilizing light is emitted, comprises: a transmissive carrier within the treatment zone detachably coupled to the target object, the transmissive carrier having a transmissivity of at least about 10% to light within the 250 to 350 nm wavelength range; and moving means coupled to the transmissive carrier for moving the target object on the transmissive carrier through the treatment zone, the plurality of surfaces of the target object being sterilized by the pulsed sterilizing light in the treatment zone.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2000Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: PurePulse Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Richard May, Andrew H. Bushnell, William Fries
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Patent number: 6730339Abstract: Liquid candy is molded into a body of hard candy HC with a tubular portion 24 of a holder 22, 24 anchored therein. The tubular portion 22 extends into close proximity to an outer surface of the hardened candy HC. A cup-shaped portion 22 of the holder is snapped onto a reservoir cap 70. The holder 22, 24 is snapped into a fully engaged position. When a consumer wishes to consume the candy product, the consumer pulls up on the holder 22, 24 to move it upwardly relative to the reservoir cap into a second engaged position. A break-away portion 74 of the cap 70 breaks away to open fluid communication between the reservoir 62 and a passageway 36 through the holder 22, 24.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2001Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Candy Novelty Works Ltd.Inventor: Pak Nin Chan
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Patent number: 6723360Abstract: A multiple food product container for dispensing one food product from at or near one region of the container, and dispensing another food product at or near the other region of the container. A preferred embodiment comprises an upper food compartment, a lower food compartment, wherein a top of the lower food compartment is coupled to a bottom of the upper food compartment, a resealable opening disposed at a top of the first food compartment, a resealable second opening disposed proximate a bottom of the second food compartment, a first food disposed in the upper food compartment, and a second food disposed in the lower food compartment.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2001Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Inventor: Lendy Dunaway
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Publication number: 20040071838Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiple part, quadrate container used for refrigerated and frozen dough intermediates that provides portion control for the consumer. More particularly, the present invention is a paperboard container sized and configured to receive one or more individual dough intermediates containing packages. The dough intermediates are contained or packaged in envelopes, sleeves, tube, cans or films that may include the ability to sequester or scavenge gas released by the dough. By incorporating a package within a package, a portion control arrangement is provided that gives the consumer added convenience.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2002Publication date: April 15, 2004Inventor: David A. Kirk
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Patent number: 6716462Abstract: Appealing traditional nutritious snacks and mixes from which consumers can prepare appealing traditional nutritious snacks are disclosed. These snacks and mixes offer an alternative to appealing but unhealthy snacks. The nutritious snacks of the present invention are traditional in form, provide a balanced mix of an amino acid source, fat, and carbohydrates and typically have an appeal similar to that of unhealthy snacks of similar form. Thus, the snacks and snack mixes of the present invention resolve the dilemma that consumers are currently faced with—healthy eating or enjoying what you eat. Processes for making and methods of using appealing traditional nutritious snacks and mixes from which consumers can prepare appealing traditional nutritious snacks are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2001Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Mid-America Commercialization CorporationInventors: Robert Lawrence Prosise, Christopher Randall Beharry, Joseph James Elsen, Ralph Lawrence Helmers, Jr., Jeffrey John Kester, Raymond Louis Niehoff, Robert Joseph Sarama, Susana Rosa Waimin Siu, Thomas Joseph Wehmeier, Vince York-Leung Wong
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Patent number: 6706297Abstract: A snack food container for containing a snack food product. The snack food container includes a side wall, a bottom wall and a flange body. The side wall forms an upper opening. The bottom wall is connected to the side wall opposite the upper opening. The flange body extends downwardly from the bottom wall and defines an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface is configured for selective attachment to a separate beverage container. Finally, the snack food container defines an internal storage region for containing a snack food product. During use, the snack food container is assembled to a separate beverage container via the inner surface of the flange body. With this configuration, the snack food container can be used in conjunction with a beverage container for “on-the-go” storage and consumption.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2000Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: General Mills, Inc.Inventors: Mary K. Toth, Arne H. Brauner
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Publication number: 20040033295Abstract: A buffered meal component and a kit comprising the buffered meal component and a sauce are described. The sauce has an acidic pH that is increased by the buffered meal component during cooking to produce a fresh looking and tasting meal that can be prepared in under 40 minutes.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2002Publication date: February 19, 2004Applicant: Unilever BestfoodsInventors: Kenneth Gimelli, Daniel Thomas Sullivan
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Patent number: 6692780Abstract: The invention is a beverage device having a beverage pack, such as a bag containing substances to be added to flavor a liquid and a shield. The shield is connected to the pack and encapsulates the pack in the bottom of a cup. The shield has an open orientation which allows beverage pack steeping and a closed orientation. The shield can be made from two portions. A stick can be used to push the shield to the bottom of the cup and orient the shield in its closed orientation.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1996Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Inventor: Sonja A. Sandin
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Patent number: 6672817Abstract: Several embodiments of a beverage preparation and dispensing container each include a quantity of potable water (spring water, distilled water, etc.) sealed therein, with a separate concentrated drink mix packet removably secured to the container's outer surface. Each container is relatively short and squat, to provide a good ratio between internal volume and outer surface to more efficiently retain the heat of a heated beverage therein. The container walls are also relatively thick, for the same reason. Each container has a relatively wide mouth, allowing the consumer to slowly sip a beverage from the container and present a large surface area to cooling air, rather than ingesting a large amount at one time and possibly burning the mouth, as would occur with a narrow necked bottle. The drink mix (tea, coffee, powdered or syrup flavoring, etc.) is secured to the container side or top in one of several ways, for convenient access.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Inventor: Sean P. Denny
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Patent number: 6660316Abstract: A candy product comprises a plastic housing which defines upper and lower chambers. A candy holder retains a piece of hard candy and can be placed in the lower chamber of the housing to close the chamber. A compressible bottle is retained within the upper chamber and is accessible to a user through openings in the side walls. The bottle includes a nipple which extends through the top of the housing. In use, the candy is removed from the lower chamber, the housing is inverted, and pressure is applied to the bottle to expel the flavored liquid onto the candy.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: The Topps Company, Inc.Inventors: Daniel G. Hart, Gary D. Weiss
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Patent number: 6645539Abstract: A package is provided for shipping first and second food product components, and for dispensing the second food product component over the first food product component during heating. Food package includes a bowl having fluted portions cooperating with fluted portions of a cap. The cap includes a plurality of protrusions pointed toward the bowl which guide the second food product component for uniform dispersion.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2001Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Todd Michael Bukowski, Neil Joseph Enciso
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Patent number: 6641882Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 27, 2000Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: Daiwa Gravure Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yukihiko Shibata
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Patent number: 6641854Abstract: The invention discloses a method and an apparatus for a food container which includes an inner member (which can be a cup or a bottle) for holding a particulate food; an outer member (which can be a second cup or a second bottle) adapted to receive the inner member, with a space between the inner and the outer members, for a liquid food; where the inner member interlocks with the outer member and openings are provided for the discharge of the liquid food; and the particulate food and the liquid food can be consumed simultaneously by tilting the container towards the mouth of the user to discharge or withdraw particulate food from the inner member and liquid food from the outer member through the aperture.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2002Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: Kellogg CompanyInventors: Mark Gerhart, Edward O'Brien, Simon Gainey, Robert Guldi, Brian Wagner, Mike Richmond
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Publication number: 20030185944Abstract: A kit for making a savory meal is described. The kit has IQF vegetables and a dry, free-flowing powder that can be added to a boiling liquid to produce a savory meal in under 25 minutes.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventor: Michael Steven Zelski
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Patent number: 6620444Abstract: The present invention is directed to a two-compartment container for receiving a flavour for the mixture thereof with a main beverage liquid in a beverage container immediately after opening the beverage container, one compartment of which comprises a small orifice for merely slow equilibration of pressure between the inside thereof and the outside of the two-compartment container, characterized in that the two compartments are separated by an interior wall which does not allow exchange of gas or liquid between the two compartments. It is intended that one of the compartments is completely filled with the flavour, e.g. a liquid or a granulate, while the other one mainly or merely contains gas.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Schmalbach-Lubeca AGInventor: Richard Reichinger
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Publication number: 20030161915Abstract: An improved unitary container having separate compartments which may be used to store two materials, such as milk and cereal. The container is provided with a mid-portion having compressible side walls and a bisecting wall member which separates the compartments and contents and allows the contents of each to be mixed when so desired by the combination of a pull tab/bladder configuration for the milk and hand pressure, the container having a removable lid in the cereal portion of the package allowing access to the cereal and milk for consumption.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2003Publication date: August 28, 2003Inventor: Robert F. Lenahan
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Patent number: 6610339Abstract: A portable container for storing an edible liquid separate from an edible dry component is disclosed. The container permits a user to easily mix the edible liquid with the dry component in a readily transportable container without spilling the contents. A portable container includes an outer vessel having a least one internal projection and an inner vessel received within the outer vessel. The inner vessel is rotatable within the outer vessel and includes a removable top and at least one opening covered by a frangible membrane. A sealing member seals the outer vessel to the inner vessel. When the inner vessel is rotated within the outer vessel the at least one internal projections ruptures the frangible membrane and provides communication between the inner vessel and the outer vessel. An edible liquid is stored within an inner space defined between the inner vessel and the outer vessel and a dry component is stored within the inner vessel.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2000Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Kellogg CompanyInventor: Michael J. Borgerson