Abstract: The present invention is directed to packaging for fresh cut and dipped or enrobed fruit. The package comprises an outer sleeve and an encapsulating set-up carton board box; the inner compartment comprises internal inserts that secure a molded top and bottom piece that are specifically designed to hold cut pieces of fruit in a ball or “apple” formation (or that hold other fruit parts in different formations). The package was designed to protect, present, and display the fresh cut fruit product “plate-like,” “bowl-like,” or easily sharable form to allow it to be eaten direct from the package while maintaining a premium look and feel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to packaging for fresh cut and dipped or enrobed fruit. The package comprises an outer sleeve and an encapsulating set-up carton board box; the inner compartment comprises internal inserts that secure a molded top and bottom piece that are specifically designed to hold cut pieces of fruit in a ball or “apple” formation (or that hold other fruit parts in different formations). The package was designed to protect, present, and display the fresh cut fruit product “plate-like,” “bowl-like,” or easily sharable form to allow it to be eaten direct from the package while maintaining a premium look and feel.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a rind from a food item, the apparatus comprising: a compartment defining an interior area adapted to contain a food item, the compartment having at least one opening and a blade assembly; a pushing apparatus, wherein at least a portion of the pushing apparatus is movable to engage the food item; actuator means for driving the pushing apparatus to contact at least a portion of said food item in the compartment.

Abstract: A fruit arrangement system including a cutter and a storage container.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a system which enables arrangements of various shapes and sizes to be packaged for delivery and transport utilizing a standard container. Systems in accordance with the present invention utilize a first and second container each capable of receiving a foam base utilized in the creation of an arrangement of a predetermined size. The first and second containers are of different sizes so that one my nest inside the other. Once nested, the containers form a locking engagement with one another.

Abstract: In a computer implemented method for facilitating proscribed business operations, software operable with a computer having a display associated therewith includes a training module and an instruction module, each accessible by a user. The training module includes at least one training session selectable by the user, and the instruction module includes at least one instruction set selectable by the user. Upon selection of one of the training sessions step-by-step training instructions are displayed for performing one or more tasks. The software is operable to record and store information relevant to the selected training sessions in a database. Upon selection of one of the instruction sets, the software is operable to display step-by-step instructions for performing one or more tasks. The software is remotely changeable and remotely updatable.

Abstract: A container including a bottom support member, a vertical portion attached to the bottom support member and defining a containment space therein, and at least two handle receptacles positioned on an interior surface of the vertical portion. Each of the at least two handle receptacles includes an interior channel and an interlocking tab. The interior channel accepts an interlocking end of a selectively removable handle. The handle includes at least protrusion. The protrusion and the interlocking tab cooperate to selectively secure the handle to the container.

Abstract: A sectioning device including a frame having a cutter deck with an opening disposed therethrough; a removable insert having an opening disposed therethrough, the removable insert positioned above the opening of the cutter deck such that the opening of the removable insert and the opening of the cutter deck are concentrically aligned; a cutter removably positioned on the removable insert; a press assembly positioned on the frame for pushing an item against and through the cutter; and an activator moving at least one of the cutter and the press assembly between a neutral position and a sectioning position in a single continuous motion, the press assembly and the cutter configured such that the item is sectioned upon movement from the neutral position to the sectioning position.

Abstract: In a computer implemented method for facilitating proscribed business operations, software operable with a computer having a display associated therewith includes a training module and an instruction module, each accessible by a user. The training module includes at least one training session selectable by the user, and the instruction module includes at least one instruction set selectable by the user. Upon selection of one of the training sessions step-by-step training instructions are displayed for performing one or more tasks. The software is operable to record and store information relevant to the selected training sessions in a database. Upon selection of one of the instruction sets, the software is operable to display step-by-step instructions for performing one or more tasks. The software is remotely changeable and remotely updatable.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a rind from a food item, the apparatus comprising: a compartment defining an interior area adapted to contain a food item, the compartment having at least one opening and a blade assembly; a pushing apparatus, wherein at least a portion of the pushing apparatus is movable to engage the food item; actuator means for driving the pushing apparatus to contact at least a portion of said food item in the compartment.

Abstract: A support for a food product display arrangement is presented. The support includes a cylindrical structure having a diameter, an exterior surface and a height. The cylindrical structure is a food safe, foam material having a density suitable for supporting at least one of food products and display elements. The cylindrical structure is selectively adjustable about its diameter and height to accommodate a container used in the display arrangement. A plurality of supports are disposed in the cylindrical structure at positions and angles to create a visually interesting and aesthetically pleasing food product display arrangement. A plurality of food items are coupled to the supports.

Abstract: A melon wedger is provided having a base upon which is removably attached a blade assembly having a plurality of blades arranged in a variety of orientations. A movable press mechanism including a removable contoured press element corresponding in size and shape to the orientation and disposition of the blades in the blade assembly is slidably attached to the base and is operated by means of a lever handle such that the contoured press element is forced against the blade assembly. Punch elements disposed on the surface of the contoured press element are forced within the voids created by the blades to ensure that the sectioned or cut food or non-food pieces are forced completely through the blade assembly. A spring is also provided on the lever handle to force the handle up after the food or non-food items have been sliced.

Abstract: A fruit skewer having an elongated central shaft for receiving and securing fruit, food or non-food items thereon for display or cooking. The portion of the shaft upon which the fruit or other item is to be situated has a cross-sectional area designed to prevent the object through which the skewer is inserted from rotating about the longitudinal axis of the skewer. In the preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional area is in a cross (“+”) shape, although other shapes are anticipated, including a “Y” shape as well as a star shape having five or more fins (e.g., “*”). In this embodiment, the end of the skewer is tapered or beveled to allow for the easy insertion of the skewer into the fruit or other object, and the fins are chamfered. At least one projection is provided along the length of the skewer, the projection being provided so as to prevent the item through which the skewer is being inserted from sliding too far down the length of the skewer.