Abstract: A method is provided for forming a two component beverage using a container having two compartments, an upper compartment and a lower compartment, each containing a beverage ingredient, The upper compartment contains a first beverage ingredient, such as powdered milk, and the lower compartment 8 contains a second beverage ingredient, such as instant coffee. The upper compartment can be stacked above the lower compartment such that access to the lower compartment is through the upper compartment.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a two component beverage using a container having two compartments, an upper compartment and a lower compartment, each containing a beverage ingredient. The upper compartment contains a first beverage ingredient, such as powdered milk, and the lower compartment 8 contains a second beverage ingredient, such as instant coffee. The upper compartment can be stacked above the lower compartment such that access to the lower compartment is through the upper compartment.

Abstract: A food container is disclosed that is adapted for facilitating venting of gasses to and/or from the interior of a body of the food container. The food container includes a container body, a lid and a sealing membrane. At least one skip seal or gap is formed between the sealing membrane and the container body to facilitate venting. During formation of the at least one skip seal a recess in either the lid or rim of the container reduces pressure at the skip seal to reduce or eliminate inadvertent closing of the skip seal. Methods of manufacture of the food container are also disclosed.

Abstract: Containers and methods are provided for dispensing a liquid concentrate utilizing one or more desirable properties including a generally consistent discharge across a range of squeeze forces, a generally consistent discharge with the same force without significant dependence on the amount of liquid concentrate in the container, a substantially dripless or leak proof outlet opening, a jet that minimizes splashing when the liquid concentrate impacts a target liquid, and a jet that maximizes mixing between the liquid concentrate and the target liquid to produce a generally homogenous mixture without the use of extraneous utensils or shaking. Also provided are liquid beverage concentrates that can be cold filled during packaging while maintaining shelf stability for at least about three months at ambient temperatures. Concentrates are provided having low pH, with or without alcohol, and with buffers to allow for increased acid content at a selected pH.

Abstract: A food container is disclosed that is adapted for facilitating venting of gasses to and/or from the interior of a body of the food container. The food container includes a container body, a lid and a sealing membrane. At least one skip seal or gap is formed between the sealing membrane and the container body to facilitate venting. During formation of the at least one skip seal a recess in either the lid or rim of the container reduces pressure at the skip seal to reduce or eliminate inadvertent closing of the skip seal.

Abstract: A container having a container body that can have a circumference/perimeter variation along a vertical axis, a bottom surface, and a container opening having a top surface; an axially oriented shrink wrap sleeve covering a portion of the body of the container having a circumference variation and the container opening; the shrink wrap sleeve having a pair of generally vertical perforations descending from the shrink wrap top edge towards a circumferential perforation ring oriented below the container opening. The axially oriented shrink wrap sleeve covering a portion of the container body circumference variation has a greater or lesser circumference at at least one point between the perforation ring and the bottom edge of the shrink wrap.

Abstract: A container having a container body that can have a circumference/perimeter variation along a vertical axis, a bottom surface, and a container opening having a top surface; an axially oriented shrink wrap sleeve covering a portion of the body of the container having a circumference variation and the container opening; the shrink wrap sleeve having a pair of generally vertical perforations descending from the shrink wrap top edge towards a circumferential perforation ring oriented below the container opening. The axially oriented shrink wrap sleeve covering a portion of the container body circumference variation has a greater or lesser circumference at at least one point between the perforation ring and the bottom edge of the shrink wrap.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a two component beverage using a container having two compartments, an upper compartment and a lower compartment, each containing a beverage ingredient. The upper compartment contains a first beverage ingredient, such as powdered milk, and the lower compartment 8 contains a second beverage ingredient, such as instant coffee. The upper compartment can be stacked above the lower compartment such that access to the lower compartment is through the upper compartment.

Abstract: Containers and methods are provided for dispensing a liquid concentrate utilizing one or more desirable properties including a generally consistent discharge across a range of squeeze forces, a generally consistent discharge with the same force without significant dependence on the amount of liquid concentrate in the container, a substantially dripless or leak proof outlet opening, a jet that minimizes splashing when the liquid concentrate impacts a target liquid, and a jet that maximizes mixing between the liquid concentrate and the target liquid to produce a generally homogenous mixture without the use of extraneous utensils or shaking Also provided are liquid beverage concentrates that can be cold filled during packaging while maintaining shelf stability for at least about three months at ambient temperatures. Concentrates are provided having low pH, with or without alcohol, and with buffers to allow for increased acid content at a selected pH.

Abstract: A packaged roast and ground coffee product comprising a lightweight, thin-walled reclosable container comprising a moisture barrier and an oxygen barrier, and a quantity of roast and ground coffee disposed within the container. The container comprises a finish having a top surface and one or more snap beads positioned below the top surface. A sealing member may be sealed to the top surface and may include a one-way valve permitting venting of CO2 resulting from off-gassing of the roast and ground coffee while preventing ingress of air. A removable overcap comprising a top wall and a depending skirt may be affixed to the finish. The skirt may include an inner surface with at least one locking member dimensioned to engage the snap beads in an interference fit. The packaged roast and ground coffee is preferably capable of withstanding stacking loads and loads associated with decreased interior pressure.

Abstract: A container having a container body that can have a circumference/perimeter variation along a vertical axis, a bottom surface, and a container opening having a top surface; an axially oriented shrink wrap sleeve covering a portion of the body of the container having a circumference variation and the container opening; the shrink wrap sleeve having a pair of generally vertical perforations descending from the shrink wrap top edge towards a circumferential perforation ring oriented below the container opening. The axially oriented shrink wrap sleeve covering a portion of the container body circumference variation has a greater or lesser circumference at at least one point between the perforation ring and the bottom edge of the shrink wrap.

Abstract: There is provided a packaged roast and ground coffee product comprising a lightweight, thin-walled reclosable container made of laminated plastic material comprising a moisture barrier and an oxygen barrier, and a quantity of roast and ground coffee disposed within the container. The container comprises a finish that includes a top surface and one or more snap beads positioned below the top surface. A plurality of snap bead segments may be circumferentially spaced from one another. A sealing member may be sealed to the top surface. The sealing member may include a one-way valve permitting venting of CO2 resulting from off-gassing of the roast and ground coffee while preventing ingress of air. A removable overcap comprising a top wall and a depending skirt may be affixed to the finish.