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 system for coating fruit with a substance utilizing a vat that stores a coating substance which can be applied via a dipping process. A dipping cover having a rim is provided for engaging an upper rim of the vat. A dipping tray carries a plurality of fruit items and includes a plurality of receptacles for carrying the fruit items. The dipping tray has a profile smaller than the interior of the vat allowing the dipping tray to be lowered so that the coating substance contained within the interior of the vat may engage the fruit. The dipping cover is configured for supporting the dipping tray in an elevated position once the fruit has been coated allowing excess coating to be vibrated off the dipped fruit.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a glaze consisting of a base unit having a vat for storing a liquid which may be heated. A crock having a housing including a bottom wall, side wall and a lid for sealing an interior of the crock. A squeezable semi-rigid bottle for storing a glazing substance. A bottle lid having a nozzle having a glazing outlet enabling glaze contained within said semi-rigid bottle to be dispensed when said semi-rigid bottle has a force applied to it thereby forcing the glaze through the nozzle and wherein the semi-rigid bottle is positioned within said crock enabling glaze stored within said bottle to maintain a liquid state for dispensing.

Abstract: A system for coating fruit with a substance utilizing a vat that stores a coating substance which can be applied via a dipping process. A dipping cover having a rim is provided for engaging an upper rim of the vat. A dipping tray carries a plurality of fruit items and includes a plurality of receptacles for carrying the fruit items. The dipping tray has a profile smaller than the interior of the vat allowing the dipping tray to be lowered so that the coating substance contained within the interior of the vat may engage the fruit. The dipping cover is configured for supporting the dipping tray in an elevated position once the fruit has been coated allowing excess coating to be vibrated off the dipped fruit.

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: A sectioning device for sectioning food and non-food items includes a frame, a cutter removably positioned on the frame and press means positioned on the frame for pushing an item against and through the cutter. The sectioning device also includes means for moving, in a single continuous motion, at least one of the cutter and the press means between a neutral position and a sectioning position. The press means and the cutter are configured such that an item to be sectioned, positioned between the cutter and the press means is sectioned in its entirety upon movement from the neutral position to the sectioning position.

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 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 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: 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 sectioning device for sectioning food and non-food items includes a frame, a cutter removably positioned on the frame and press means positioned on the frame for pushing an item against and through the cutter. The sectioning device also includes means for moving, in a single continuous motion, at least one of the cutter and the press means between a neutral position and a sectioning position. The press means and the cutter are configured such that an item to be sectioned, positioned between the cutter and the press means is sectioned in its entirety upon movement from the neutral position to the sectioning position.

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 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.

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 said 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, said 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 said fins are chamfered. At least one projection is provided along the length of the skewer, said 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.