Diverse Food Patents (Class 426/120)
  • Patent number: 6168021
    Abstract: An egg carton having a unique compartment or compartments for other ingredients or elements such as those for an omelette, other egg dishes, or for painting Easter eggs. The compartment or compartments accommodate sufficient ingredients for substantially all the eggs in the carton. In one embodiment, the compartments are located in each one half of the carton and the carton can be split.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Herbruck's Poultry Ranch
    Inventor: Stephen H. Herbruck
  • Patent number: 6165523
    Abstract: A flavor enhancing mechanism for bottled water, club soda, and bland liquid comestibles, is described. The flavor enhancing mechanism includes a bottle cap containing a flexible bellows. The bellows is generally transparently clear, flexible plastic. The bottle cap and bellows are mounted upon a bottle containing a liquid comestible, whose flavor is to be enhanced. The bellows contains concentrates of fruit juices and/or other natural flavors. The bottle cap is designed to be screw threaded or snap fitted onto the standard lip portion of glass or plastic drinking containers. Upon application of a downward force, the flavor enhancers are squeezed from the flexible bellows, and injected downwardly into the bland liquid substances held in the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Douglas Story
  • Patent number: 6149005
    Abstract: Container for transporting foods, parallelepiped, formed by an hollow body (1) and a cover (3), in plastic material, in which interior it is provided a plurality of spaces (5) and/or wells (9, 11, 13, 15) for transporting foods, drinks and cutlery. The container is provided with suitable means for the application of a closing strap (29) and with cavities (31) for taking and lifting the cover (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Danilo Rusconi
  • Patent number: 6102208
    Abstract: A disposable french-fries accommodating container assembly includes a large container that has an upper opening and that is adapted to receive French fries, and a small container, which is fixed on an outer surface of the large container and which has an upper opening. The small container is adapted to receive seasonings and sauce.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Yao-Chin Huang
  • Patent number: 6093430
    Abstract: This Precise Recipe Spice Dispenser is an aid to cooks, providing accurate and speedy dispensing of proper amounts of spices in correct sequence for a given recipe. A transparent plastic form contains a series of separate trough-shaped spice compartments with open faces. The sequence and sizes of the compartments depend on the order and amounts of the individual spices required. The plastic form, when filled with the spices, is sealed to the front layer of a double-layer chipboard backing, such that the open periphery of the spice compartments exactly matches a cutout in the front layer. The back layer has a peelable strip with a peripheral perforation exactly back-to-back with the cutout periphery in the front layer. The names of the spices and the recipe as a whole may be printed on the front layer next to the sealed spice compartments. When the first spice is needed, the peelable strip is peeled back to expose just the first compartment, leaving the other compartments sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Suresh Gupta
  • Patent number: 6092664
    Abstract: The present invention is a food package comprising, in combination, a tray, a collar, and an anchor to resist slideable displacement of the collar relative to the tray. The tray has a plurality of open top food compartments, and, in plan view, is substantially rectangular with a top planar surface defining perimeter edges about the tray and borders between top openings of the compartments. Each compartment has bottom and side surfaces, the bottom surfaces lying substantially in a bottom plane parallel to the top surface of the tray, the sides of adjacent compartments being separated by predetermined spaces. The collar surrounds the tray over the top surface, about a first perimeter edge of the top surface, covering the sides and bottom surfaces of at least a portion of two adjacent compartments and about a second perimeter edge opposite to the first perimeter edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Paul Bartosek
  • Patent number: 6093429
    Abstract: Disclosed are microwave shelf stable popcorn articles that contain real butter. The articles comprise any conventional microwave popcorn bag and an improved popcorn/fat charge. In addition to kernel popcorn and fat, the charge further essentially includes about 1% to 8% of a high fat butter constituent. By virtue of selecting a particularly defined high fat butter ingredient, microwave popcorn articles can be prepared that are shelf stable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Adelmo Monsalve, Gary V. Peterson, Philip E. Palkert
  • Patent number: 6089375
    Abstract: A composite food and condiment container is provided. The container includes an upper compartment that retains a food product and a lower compartment positioned directly below the upper compartment. The lower compartment holds a condiment. The container further includes a barrier that may be positioned in a retracted state or a non-retracted state. In the non-retracted state, the barrier separates the food product in the upper compartment from the condiment in the lower compartment. In the retracted state, the barrier exposes the food in the upper compartment to the condiment in the lower compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventors: Caroline A. Johnson, Peter C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6079586
    Abstract: A combination cup and food container for holding a liquid beverage and a dry food snack in a single unit. The combination cup and food container includes a container having an open top and a partition dividing the container into a pair of compartments. A lid substantially covers the top of the container. The lid has an upwardly extending mouth spout forming an opening through the lid. The mouth spout is positioned above a first of the compartments of the container to permit liquids in the first compartment to pass through the mouth spout. The lid has a hole therethrough. The hole of the lid is positioned above a second of the compartments of the container. The lid has a flap substantially covering the hole of the lid. The flap is pivotally coupled to the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: Amy L. Hanneman
  • Patent number: 6068865
    Abstract: A chocolate yogurt containing active cultures and having a diminished acid taste compatible with chocolate and a new product form that enables the enjoyment of the product utilizing only normal channels of distribution are enabled by separately preparing and packaging a yogurt base portion and a chocolate flavoring portion. The yogurt base portion contains active cultures and has a pH of less than about 4.6. The chocolate flavoring portion containing cocoa, nonfat dry milk solids, and a buffering salt. The two portions are packed, preferably, in a two-piece composite package. The two packages are opened and the contents mixed just prior to consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Kraft Foods, Inc
    Inventors: Thomas D. Lee, William J. Dell, Madeline M. Bissonnette, David J. Barnard
  • Patent number: 6068864
    Abstract: A method of imparting resistance to moisture and texture degradation in a baked dough bread roll made from a dough formulation including a starch-degrading, bacterially derived amylase enzyme, typically in combination with one or more of gluten, gum and egg white solids. The baked dough bread roll product exhibits resistance to moisture and texture degradation during storage at refrigerated temperatures within a hermetically sealed package, gas-flushed environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Kraft Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Barrett, Stuart A. Cochran, Steven J. Goll
  • Patent number: 6060088
    Abstract: A canning method for bread, includes a stepwise procedure for producing a dough and baking a finished bread within a standard food can while enabling the bread to be stored for very long periods without spoiling or becoming inedible. The method includes sterilizing steps and means for easy removal of the bread from the can. A paper wrapper enables the bread to be maintained uniformly moist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Akimoto
  • Patent number: 6056984
    Abstract: Shelf-stable complete pre-mixes, separated into two or more components. The components are chemically and microbially stable. At least one component is a high-water-activity liquid component having a pH greater than 4.5. The components, when combined, provide all ingredients necessary to form uncooked mixes or food and beverage products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Athula Ekanayake, Paul Ralph Bunke, Kenneth Thomas Smith
  • Patent number: 6048558
    Abstract: A packaged meal is provided in the form of a kit arrangement which is formulated and prepared for storage under refrigerated, non-frozen conditions for extended time periods within retail store showcase coolers. The kit includes a compartmentalized, hermetically sealed package, with a refrigerated baked flour-containing component or dough component within an overpouch which is sealed or unsealed and positioned within one of the compartments and being specially formulated to maintain its freshness and retarding staling during extended refrigerated storage within the hermetically sealed package. At least the compartment within which baked component is sealed has an anti-fogging agent component which further assists in maintaining freshness and retarding staling under even refrigerated, non-frozen conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Kraft Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Feldmeier, Reggie Finn, Mark R. Barrett
  • Patent number: 6042858
    Abstract: An improved disposable container having a removable divider which separates the interior volume of the container into an edible liquid section and an edible dry section with means for guiding the removal of the divider without crushing the dry edible substance positioned above the divider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Liutauras Kairys
  • Patent number: 6042856
    Abstract: A base for displaying and holding shrimp comprises a well having a bottom wall, and a first side wall. The bottom wall has a surface for holding a sauce receptacle. The first side wall encompassing and extends upwardly and outwardly from the bottom wall. The first side wall has a plurality of slots each for displaying and holding an individual shrimp. Each slot has a section extending outwardly as viewed from an interior of the well. The base also includes a peripheral trough having a second side wall, a trough bottom wall and an outer wall. The second side wall encompasses and extends downwardly from an upper portion of said first side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Michael John A. Sagan, Mark A. Erickson, Christina M. Tranfaglia, Thomas J. Hayes, Robert S. Schlaupitz
  • Patent number: 6022571
    Abstract: A shrimp tray having a raised, circular, outer rim, a first annular surface extending downwardly from the outer rim toward the center of the tray and a central recessed area. The first annular surface includes a lower portion that defines a plurality of drain holes. The tray is preferably made from a single sheet of material having a uniform thickness. A plurality of shrimp are nested relative to each other on the first annular surface with their tail ends overhanging the circular outer rim of the tray and their forward ends preferably contacting an annular wall. An annular spacer member may be provided to increase the diameter of the tray. Additional annular surfaces may be provided for serving additional layers of shrimp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventor: John Z. Blazevich
  • Patent number: 6022570
    Abstract: A dual-compartment, disposable, sanitary, individual-serving comestibles package for purveying a pair of separate and dissimilar food items. A first compartment is formed by a cup which is closed off by a first, removable closure element. A second compartment is formed by a recess within a sidewall of the cup, and is closed off by a second closure element which is preferably only partially removable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventor: Lolita Richmond
  • Patent number: 6021903
    Abstract: A plastic container includes a lid and a base optionally connected to each other along a hinge. The lid includes a top wall having an integral sauce cup holder for engaging and suspending a sauce cup from the top wall above a bottom wall of the base. The sauce cup holder preferably includes a plurality of clips spaced equidistant from each other. These clips are spaced sufficiently apart such that they allow an upper peripheral rim of the sauce cup to be easily snapped into place with a top portion of the sauce cup immediately adjacent to the top wall of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Tenneco Packaging Inc.
    Inventor: Scott A. Hanson
  • Patent number: 6013290
    Abstract: An integrated package including two nutrient beverage formulations in discrete, sealed containers and instructions for use of the formulations in conjunction with a relatively short exercise session to enhance performance and reduce the adverse effects of the exercise. The formulations are compatibly designed for the needs of the different phases of exercise. The formulations are provided in either fully-constituted liquid form or as water-soluble concentrates. The formulations are combined in a unified package with indicia and instructions. The formulations include fluids, electrolytes, carbohydrates, and other optional agents including vitamin E, glycerol, alkaline salts, stimulants, creatine, specific amino acids, aspartates, phosphates, and pyruvate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Inventors: Robert E. Weinstein, Allan M. Weinstein, David Schmier
  • Patent number: 6013294
    Abstract: Shelf-stable complete pre-mixes, separated into two or more components. The components are chemically and microbially stable. At least one component is a high-water-activity liquid component. The components, when combined, provide all ingredients necessary to form uncooked mixes or food and beverage products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Paul Ralph Bunke, Athula Ekanayake, Kenneth Thomas Smith
  • Patent number: 5984141
    Abstract: A beverage device is provided for separately storing two beverages and for selectively dispensing the beverages sequentially or in combination. The beverage device includes a cap assembly attached to a conventional drink bottle, the cap assembly having an inner cylindrical housing rotatably nested within an outer cylindrical housing. The housings are generally hollow and present apertures which facilitate the dispensing or mixing of beverages when properly aligned. The inner housing includes a channel which allows a drink to be drawn through a spout from the bottle by a user upon alignment of apertures between the housings. The inner housing further includes a chamber for storing a beverage until apertures in the inner and outer housings are aligned to release the beverage into the bottle for mixing and dispensing. Alignment of appropriate housing apertures is accomplished by rotation of the inner housing within the outer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Gregory A. Gibler
  • Patent number: 5962052
    Abstract: A method for preparing savory or sweet foods such as pizzas, pies and the like from baked pastry and a sauce and/or a topping and/or condiments in which a basic dry or powdered liquid or wet ingredients are kept apart until the time of preparation. A condiment packaging is provided that includes storage compartments for the dry and/or powdered and liquid or wet condiments. The compartments are separate and communicate with one another to enable the ingredients to be mixed together and kneaded. The compartments may be opened to spread out the resulting substances by mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Societe Civile B.A.R.H.
    Inventors: Christian Acknin, Philippe Raymond
  • Patent number: 5927501
    Abstract: An egg carton having a unique compartment or compartments for other ingredients such as those for an omelette, other egg dishes, or for painting Easter eggs. The compartment or compartments accommodate sufficient ingredients for all the eggs in the carton. In one embodiment, the compartments are located in each one half of the carton and the carton can be split.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Herbruck's Poultry Ranch
    Inventor: Stephen H. Herbruck
  • Patent number: 5925390
    Abstract: A multiple-compartmented cat food serving system for simultaneously introducing at least two differently flavored cat food products in a manner which allows the cat owner to determine which foods appeal to the cat and which foods do not. In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the inventive system, different flavors of cat food products are supplied at the point of purchase in respective compartments of a sealed, multiple-compartmented receptacle. If desired, one of the receptacle compartments may be supplied empty so that the cat owner may fill it with a small quantity of water for consumption with the meal. In order to allow the cat owner to ascertain whether a particular flavor is not being eaten by his or her cat, each compartment of the receptacle has associated therewith indicia to identify the flavor of the food product contained therein. If one or more newly introduced flavors of cat food do not appeal to the cat, then the owner may avoid purchasing and serving those flavors in the future.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Inventor: Joan M. Kornacki
  • Patent number: 5922376
    Abstract: A compartmentalized food and beverage package is disclosed which is sufficiently rigid to withstand typical loads occasioned by conventional shipping, yet minimizes materials and is highly functional. The present container is also capable of being stood upright on an edge thereof for consumer impact. These advantages are provided by a container comprising a generally rectangular tray having flanges defining recessed food receiving compartments. At least one of the compartments being of sufficient size to accommodate a beverage wherein the weight of the beverage permits the container to be stood upright on a base defined by the beverage compartment and the lower edge of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Peter Privert
  • Patent number: 5919505
    Abstract: Disclosed are microwave shelf stable popcorn articles that contain real butter. The articles comprise any conventional microwave popcorn bag and an improved popcorn/fat charge. In addition to kernel popcorn and fat, the charge further essentially includes about 1% to 8% of a high fat butter constituent. By virtue of selecting a particularly defined high fat butter ingredient, microwave popcorn articles can be prepared that are shelf stable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Adelmo E. Monsalve, Gary V. Peterson, Philip E. Palkert
  • Patent number: 5919501
    Abstract: A compartmentalized, plastic food package includes a container and sealed cover which have a plurality of individually sealed chambers for distinct foodstuffs. The container includes a top flange or surface which extends about the individual chambers onto which the removable cover is secured by an adhesive or heat sealing. The top flange includes a peripheral shoulder and lip which cooperates with the rear or bottom edge of certain of the chambers to facilitate substantially upright self-display of the container and contents. The sidewalls of the chambers are tapered and include notched or stepped spacers such that the containers may be controllably nested, the spacers preventing overly tight nesting and thus facilitating separation prior to filling and sealing. A plurality of distinct foodstuffs such as meat, cheese, crackers and cookies, for example, may be individually sealed in the chambers, thereby maintaining each foods flavor, aroma and desired moisture content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Thorn Apple Valley, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Rozzano
  • Patent number: 5904266
    Abstract: A product package includes a vertical container in which a base product is located and a lid assembly. The container has a top opening and a side periphery while the lid assembly include a lid which closes the top opening of the container. The lid includes (a) a peripheral skirt which engages the side periphery to hold the lid in place, (b) a top extending centrally of the peripheral skirt and having a top band extending centrally from adjacent the upper end of the peripheral skirt and a depression which extends downwards from the top band to a position substantially equal to or above the lower edge of the skirt, and (c) a peripheral retention lip which extends upwards and inwards from the top band. The lid assembly also includes an insert having a peripheral border. The insert is sized such that the peripheral border is retained underneath of the peripheral retention lip so that the insert is held on the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Tedeschi, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5885635
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispersing a substance in a liquid beverage contained in a container includes a receptacle containing the substance formed in the interior of the container and an opening tab attached to the top of the container for bursting the receptacle to disperse the substance and for opening a pour panel in the top of the container so that the liquid beverage can be drunk from the container. The receptacle is formed of a flat sheet of an elastic material that is joined at opposite edges thereof to form a burstable seam. One end of the receptacle is a beak that causes the seam to burst upon engagement with the opening tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Canning Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Spring, David Loper, Scott Jones
  • Patent number: 5885630
    Abstract: A chewing gum packaging system comprising a container that contains a volatile-flavor adsorber and at least two flavors of chewing gum. The volatile-flavor adsorber prevents the flavors of the gums from cross-contaminating each other by adsorbing the volatile flavor components from each gum while the gum is stored in the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Joseph G. Zurawski, William T. Boyd
  • Patent number: 5853780
    Abstract: A hand held device for preparation of beverages of desired composition and strength has a source stuff (11) of the beverage packaged in a porous pouch (14) supported on a cage framework (12), emanating downwards from a pedestal (16), and the pouch (14) is encased within the device in cavity of a concave cap (13). A plurality of capsules (22,32), each containing an adjunct (21,31) of the beverage respectively, are mounted above the pedestal (16) to form a portable pencil of capsules. The framework (12) and the pouch (14) containing the stuff (11) cooperate as a commingling infuser stirrer, when shuffled in the liquid medium of the beverage, thereby enhancing combination of the stuff (11) and the medium. Fork (44) and knife (43) projections protrude on exterior of the cap (13). A fluid is injectible through the stuff (11) and the prepared beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Inventor: Ajaya Kumar
  • Patent number: 5772016
    Abstract: A package, comprising a container (1) which contains a liquid (2) and a substance (8), such as a flavourant or nutrient additive, enclosed in an openable capsule (4) or the like, which substance is intended to be mixed with the liquid, where the liquid is intended to be heated in the package, prior to use, and wherein the capsule is liquid tight sealed by means of a temperature dependent bonding agent (10) which is active at temperatures up to a value, in applicable cases, slightly below the temperature to which the container contents are intended to be heated prior to being served. The package is characterized particularly in that the capsule (4) comprises two separate portions (5, 6) which are joined to each other along a continuous joining line by means of the temperature dependent bonding agent (10) and which are so arranged and disposed in the container (1) that they become mutually displaced and separated entirely, as the bonding agent has been made inactive by heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: CD Food Technology AB
    Inventor: Jan Akerlind
  • Patent number: 5772017
    Abstract: A beverage mixing dispenser device (10) for a bottle (12) having a body (14) and a neck (16) for holding a beverage (18) therein. The device (10) comprises a container (20 ) for insertion into the neck (16) of the bottle (12). The container (20) is for retaining a separate ingredient (22) therein. A removable closure member (24) is connected to the container (20). The removable closure member (24) is adapted to close the neck (16) of the bottle (12). A structure (26) extends through the removable closure member (24) and the container (20), for opening the bottom of the container (20), so that the ingredient (22) can drop down and mix with the beverage (18) within the body (14) of the bottle (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Heung Sun Kang
  • Patent number: 5747084
    Abstract: A baked pizza crust is provided having a water activity in the range of about 0.6-0.85, the baked crust being suitable for use in a refrigerated, ready-to-eat pizza kit. Also provided is a kit for preparing ready-to-eat pizza, the kit including pizza crust, pizza sauce and one or a plurality of pizza toppings which are hermetically sealed from the external atmosphere in a package having a base tray and a top fitted and sealed to the base tray. Preferably, each food item is in a separate compartment sealed from the other food items to substantially retard or prevent flavor, moisture and microbial migration from one food item to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Kraft Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart A. Cochran, Steven J. Goll, Howard C. Lippincott, Gary A. Winkler
  • Patent number: 5741534
    Abstract: A new structure for packaging foods and the method of preparing foods using the structure which consists of a food receptacle, its cover and a thin partition layer(s) for separating different food components of an entree during the manufacturing as well as during the heating of an entree. As the result of utilizing the present invention, the said entree can be manufactured more economically, also it can be heated and served easier by the end users without mixing the food components before heating, thus yielding a better quality hot food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Alice H. Chung
    Inventor: Jing-Yau Chung
  • Patent number: 5731020
    Abstract: A food product comprising a plurality of preformed discrete wafers being selectively assembled by the consumer into a multi-layer cookie or snack having desired layers of edible food product such as a potato chip or corn chip, etc. with one or more selectable intermediate layer(s) or filler substances such as chocolate, peanut butter spread, etc. disposed between the outer cookie/chip layers. The preformed and packaged layers enable the snack food item to be selectively assembled and arranged by the consumers to suit his/her individual taste and to enable the consumers to experiment with multiple sandwich/cookie constituent ingredient combinations/arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventor: Peter J. Russo
  • Patent number: 5727679
    Abstract: A single use cereal and milk or other dry food and beverage container comprises an integral package formed of a first container of plastic or paperboard laminate construction containing a supply of liquid in a hermetically sealed condition, a second container of plastic or plastic coated paperboard construction for holding a supply of cereal having a removable cover for maintaining the cereal in a sealed condition, and a user operable valve on the first container and disposed opposite an orifice in the second container. The user first opens the second container by breaking the stay fresh seal to access the cereal and the valve. A spoon is disposed within the second container for ready use after accessing the cereal and before opening the valve. In one embodiment, an end portion of the spoon is specifically formed to break the aseptic seal and open the valve. The container is shelf storable, product displayable and readily disposable after single use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Emil M. Newarski
  • Patent number: 5718933
    Abstract: A container for storing a food product and a sauce therefor having a lower section for containing the food product and an upper section for containing the sauce. The container includes a tab which can be pulled to allow air into the upper section to release the sauce from the upper section and the food product from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: BC-USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry Fultz
  • Patent number: 5697707
    Abstract: A compartmentalized food and beverage bag with reinforcement shields comprising: a bag fabricated of wax coated paper and including four side walls, a floor and an open top, two side walls including a crease to permit collapsible folding of the bag, the floor of the bag having an upper surface including a wax coated cardboard reinforcement member positioned adjacent to a first side wall, the first side wall also including a vertically positioned waxed cardboard reinforcement member affixed thereto, a drink holder ring fabricated of wax coated cardboard and formed in a generally circular configuration being affixed to the vertical reinforcement member, in an operative orientation a beverage cup being positioned through the ring with the lower surface of the cup being positioned upon the reinforcement member on the bottom of the bag, the waxed cardboard ring and reinforcement member enabling the bag to support the weight of a full beverage cup without risk of spillage occurring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Inventor: David P. Esposito
  • Patent number: 5695798
    Abstract: A compartmentalized, plastic food package includes a container and sealed cover which have a plurality of individually sealed chambers for distinct foodstuffs. The container includes a top flange or surface which extends about the individual chambers onto which the removable cover is secured by an adhesive or heat sealing. The top flange includes a peripheral shoulder and lip which cooperates with the rear or bottom edge of certain of the chambers to facilitate substantially upright self-display of the container and contents. The sidewalls of the chambers are tapered and include notched or stepped spacers such that the containers may be controllably nested, the spacers preventing overly tight nesting and thus facilitating separation prior to filling and sealing. A plurality of distinct foodstuffs such as meat, cheese, crackers and cookies, for example, may be individually sealed in the chambers, thereby maintaining each foods flavor, aroma and desired moisture content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Thorn Apple Valley, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Rozzano
  • Patent number: 5688545
    Abstract: A coffee pack and method of packaging a coffee product. The coffee pack comprises a shell that forms separate coffee and aroma compartments with a small communicating hole or channel between the compartments. A quantity of a particulate coffee product, preferably soluble coffee, is located in the coffee compartment, and a quantity of a coffee aroma liquid containing aromatic volatiles, preferably coffee oil, is disposed in the aroma compartment. The communicating hole or channel between the compartments allows the aromatic volatiles to pass from the aroma compartment to the coffee compartment, without allowing any mixing, or at least any substantial mixing, in the coffee compartment between the coffee product and the coffee aroma liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Kraft Jacobs Suchard Limited
    Inventor: Neil Sanders
  • Patent number: 5676244
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for storing a quantity of cereal and milk, the container including an upper section, a lower section, a partition separating the upper and lower sections, and a spoon. The upper section has a vent hole therein. The lower section defines a second cavity dimensioned to contain a quantity of cereal therein. The lower section has two channels formed therein, the channels having a wide end and a narrow end. The partition is secured to the upper section forming a milk cavity for holding a quantity of milk therein. The partition is provided with a pair of ports therethrough which are adapted to permit the flow of milk out from the milk cavity. The partition is equipped with a pair of post members formed thereon. The post members have bulb shaped post heads at one end which are adapted to be received in the wide end of the channels in the lower section to releasably secure the two sections together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventors: Robert Green, Brendan Wagner
  • Patent number: 5674546
    Abstract: A packaged egg omelet mix facilitates preparation of omelets by microwave heating. An upper container portion holds an omelet inlay, such as cheese or the like, and has a cylindrical body and an upper end wall. A lower container portion also has a cylindrical body and encloses a sealed container holding an aseptically-packaged liquid egg. The omelet is prepared by depositing the liquid egg and omelet inlay into the lower container portion, and placing the lower container portion in a microwave oven for heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Nabisco Technology Company
    Inventors: Robert C. Barnes, W. David Snyder, Nancy J. K. Cesari
  • Patent number: 5567455
    Abstract: The invention comprises a salad sandwich and method of making the same where the salad sandwich is made of a baked edible shell that is open at one end and contains a tear-away bag which is filled with an appropriate sandwich fill. The tear-away bag keeps the sandwich fill fresh and prevents the sandwich fill from transferring moisture to the shell. The tear-away bag has a tear-away mechanism which, just before the salad sandwich is eaten, allows the bag to be removed in one step without removing the sandwich fill from the confines of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventor: William N. Alsbrook, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5540333
    Abstract: Dual bags including a primary bag for french fries coupled to a secondary bag for ketchup. The primary bag has a base, a front wall and a rear wall. The base is formed with side edges coming to an obtuse angle at an intermediate point. Glue-receiving strips extend outwardly from the side edges. Each wall has interior fold lines flaring outwardly and supplemental fold lines located laterally outwardly from the interior fold lines. Glue-receiving strips are located outwardly from the supplemental fold lines. The upper edge of the central extent of the front wall has a concaved curve and the upper edge of the central extent of the rear wall has a convex curve. The smaller secondary ketchup bag has a rectangular outer panel and a rectangular inner panel with a transverse fold line therebetween adapted to create a V-shape cross section when open for receiving ketchup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Inventors: Anthony L. Gonzalez, Rose A. Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 5529179
    Abstract: A dispensing lid for the circular upper rim of a beverage container is made having a flat base panel having a circular perimeter. A continuous lip downwardly directed from the perimeter is configured to embrace the rim of the container. Frangible vessels fabricated of thin plastic film are disposed within the base panel. The vessels contain condiments which are ordinarily added to popular beverages. When finger pressure is applied to the vessels, the undersides of the vessels break, thereby discharging the condiments into the beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventor: Claudia J. Hanson
  • Patent number: 5529794
    Abstract: A container for storing a food product and a sauce therefor having a lower section for containing the food product and an upper section for containing the sauce. The container may be manipulated to release the sauce from the upper section and the food product from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: BC-USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry Fultz
  • Patent number: RE35437
    Abstract: A milk and cereal container comprises built-in milk and cereal compartments and an optional detachable spoon. At least one freeze pack adjacent the milk compartment keeps the milk cold until ready for consumption. A valve interposed between the milk and cereal compartments controls the flow of milk into the cereal compartment, and keeps the cereal and milk separate until the user is ready to eat. The container is washable and reusable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Inventor: David Ascone
  • Patent number: RE36867
    Abstract: A compartmentalized plastic food package includes a container and sealed cover which have a plurality of individually sealed chambers for distinct foodstuffs. The container includes a top flange or surface which extends about the individual chambers onto which the removable cover is secured by an adhesive or heat sealing. The top flange includes a peripheral shoulder and lip which cooperates with the rear or bottom edge of certain of the chambers to facilitate substantially upright self-display of the container and contents. The sidewalls of the chambers are tapered and include notched or stepped spacers such that the containers may be controllably nested, the spacers preventing overly tight nesting and thus facilitating separation prior to filling and sealing. A plurality of distinct foodstuffs such as meat, cheese, crackers and cookies, for example, may be individually sealed in the chambers, thereby maintaining each foods flavor, aroma and desired moisture content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: IBP Foods, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Rozzano