Abstract: A method for releasing a lid from a base without disturbing contents and without undue lid stress includes flexing two graspable members at separated locations about the lid periphery, thereby providing two distinct initial disengagement locations and overcoming any tendency of the lid to reactively grip the tray when disengagement is initiated. The separated locations are not directly opposite to each other, and can be separations of between 20 and 60 degrees or between 25 and 50 degrees. The lid is then easily removed by lifting the lid upward. The method can include simultaneous and/or sequential flexing of the graspable members by one or both of a user's hands. The graspable members can include lift tabs and/or indentations. In embodiments where the lid further includes press locations, the method includes pressing on the press locations while flexing the graspable members.

Abstract: A lid is reliably engagable with a tray while being easily releasable without disturbing tray contents and without undue lid stress. At least two lift tabs or indentations are provided at separated locations about the lid periphery, thereby providing two distinct initial disengagement locations and overcoming any tendency of the elastic lid to reactively grip the tray when disengagement is initiated. Initial disengagement at the two locations thereby enables easy removal of the entire lid. Lid release can require simultaneous and/or sequential actuation of tabs and/or indentations. Embodiments further include locations that can be pressed while corresponding tabs are lifted. Some embodiments include a peripheral skirt that is short enough to allow a user's fingers to pass beneath and support the tray sidewalls when lifting the tray-lid assembly from a horizontal surface, avoiding any need for the lid engagement to bear the weight of the tray and its contents.

Abstract: A tableware item molded from a plastic material, such as polystyrene has a metallic coating applied to at least one surface by a sputtering deposition process. The sputtered coating is suitable for food contact without an overcoat, and imparts the appearance of a metal tableware item. In embodiments, the tableware item is a cup, a plate, a bowl, a tray, a lid, a glass, a champagne flute, a goblet, a napkin ring, a candle holder, or a centerpiece receptacle. The metallic coating can be silver, steel, stainless steel, chromium, aluminum, copper, or gold. In some embodiments, the metallic coating is not applied to all surfaces of the tableware item. In various embodiments, the tableware article is molded from a clear polystyrene resin and coated with a thin stainless steel layer on only one side. The abrasion resistance of the metallic coating can be enhanced by applying a clear protective overcoat.

Abstract: A plastic cutlery item molded from a plastic material, such as polystyrene, having a metallic coating that imparts to this cutlery item the appearance of metal cutlery or silverware. In one embodiment the plastic cutlery or tableware items are molded using injection molding techniques, and subjected to a vacuum metallizing process in an individualized non-contiguous manner, where a thin metallic layer is deposited on at least one of their surfaces. The resultant items simulate the appearance of metal cutlery or tableware. In one embodiment of the invention the plastic cutlery or tableware articles are molded from a clear polystyrene resin and are coated with a thin stainless steel layer through vacuum sputtering deposition on only one of the sides. The abrasion resistance of the metallic coating can be enhanced by subjecting the articles to a post-metallizing holding period or by applying a clear protective overcoat.

Abstract: A plastic cutlery item molded from a plastic material, such as polystyrene, having a metallic coating that imparts to this cutlery item the appearance of metal cutlery or silverware. In one embodiment the plastic cutlery or tableware items are molded using injection molding techniques, and subjected to a vacuum metallizing process in an individualized non-contiguous manner, where a thin metallic layer is deposited on at least one of their surfaces. The resultant items simulate the appearance of metal cutlery or tableware. In one embodiment of the invention the plastic cutlery or tableware articles are molded from a clear polystyrene resin and are coated with a thin stainless steel layer through vacuum sputtering deposition on only one of the sides. The abrasion resistance of the metallic coating can be enhanced by subjecting the articles to a post-metallizing holding period or by applying a clear protective overcoat.

Abstract: A plastic cutlery item molded from a plastic material, such as polystyrene, having a metallic coating that imparts to this cutlery item the appearance of metal cutlery or silverware. In one embodiment the plastic cutlery or tableware items are molded using injection molding techniques, and subjected to a vacuum metallizing process in an individualized non-contiguous manner, where a thin metallic layer is deposited on at least one of their surfaces. The resultant items simulate the appearance of metal cutlery or tableware. In one embodiment of the invention the plastic cutlery or tableware articles are molded from a clear polystyrene resin and are coated with a thin stainless steel layer through vacuum sputtering deposition on only one of the sides. The abrasion resistance of the metallic coating can be enhanced by subjecting the articles to a post-metallizing holding period or by applying a clear protective overcoat.

Abstract: Food service tongs and a mold and method for making them, the tongs having first and second arms connected to a fulcrum end, and first and second grasping ends on the arms disposed in a mutually opposing and spaced-apart relationship and moveable in a common plane to a closed position for grasping food there between, and a transverse bridge disposed proximate to the fulcrum end and extending from the first arm to the second arm, with a longitudinal rib extending from the transverse bridge to the fulcrum end, the flow path through the longitudinal rib section of the mold resulting in reduction or displacement of fault lines caused by abutting flow fronts during mold filling. Articles of the invention can be coated with a thin metallic layer to impart a metal-like appearance to these articles.

Abstract: A cup or container offers improved rigidity-to-weight ratio and tight nesting. The cup or container has four flat or moderately concave sidewalls arranged to form a substantially square cross section. An upper rim is moderately convex or round and/or otherwise shaped and/or reinforced to resist distortion. The stiff upper rim causes the cup or container to resist deformation by compression of sidewalls during handling and use, because the walls cannot be deformed without deforming the rim, thereby providing a more functional and usable cup or container at a reduced weight compared to prior art cups having different shapes and/or convex sidewalls. The cup or container can be thermoformed or injection molded. Sidewalls can be less than 0.33, 0.3, 0.28 or 0.25 mm thick with volumes of less than 6, 5, 4, or 3 oz respectively. A lid can be included for attachment to the upper rim.

Abstract: Plastic cutlery and tableware made in at least two parts joinable to form a unitary utensil, serving piece, beverage container or non-food contacting tableware in which the two parts are made of different materials. The materials of the two parts differ in at least one of the following: color, type of plastic, grade of plastic, source of plastic, and additives such as the presence of an anti-microbial agent, transparency, or reflectivity. Food-grade resins, for example, can be used for the heads of cutlery and recycled resins are used for the handles. Heads can be separately metalized and then joined to non-metalized handles. Handles may be made to fit to different types of heads. The two parts of the cutlery may be joined by inserting a tang extending from one into a cavity formed in the other. The two parts of tableware may be joinable by a snap-fit configuration.

Abstract: A plastic cutlery item molded from a plastic material, such as polystyrene, having a metallic coating that imparts to this cutlery item the appearance of metal cutlery or silverware. In one embodiment the plastic cutlery or tableware items are molded using injection molding techniques, and subjected to a vacuum metallizing process in an individualized non-contiguous manner, where a thin metallic layer is deposited on at least one of their surfaces. The resultant items simulate the appearance of metal cutlery or tableware. In one embodiment of the invention the plastic cutlery or tableware articles are molded from a clear polystyrene resin and are coated with a thin stainless steel layer through vacuum sputtering deposition on only one of the sides. The abrasion resistance of the metallic coating can be enhanced by subjecting the articles to a post-metallizing holding period or by applying a clear protective overcoat.

Abstract: A lid is reliably engagable with a tray while being easily releasable without disturbing tray contents and without undue lid stress. At least two lift tabs or indentations are provided at separated locations about the lid periphery, thereby providing two distinct initial disengagement locations and overcoming any tendency of the elastic lid to reactively grip the tray when disengagement is initiated. Initial disengagement at the two locations thereby enables easy removal of the entire lid. Lid release can require simultaneous and/or sequential actuation of tabs and/or indentations. Embodiments further include locations that can be pressed while corresponding tabs are lifted. Some embodiments include a peripheral skirt that is short enough to allow a user's fingers to pass beneath and support the tray sidewalls when lifting the tray-lid assembly from a horizontal surface, avoiding any need for the lid engagement to bear the weight of the tray and its contents.

Abstract: A plastic knife adapted for resting on a table surface with the blade disposed in a vertical orientation. The knife includes a blade connected to a handle, a top wall, a middle wall and a bottom wall. The middle wall is connected to the blade and is orthogonal to the top and bottom walls. The blade includes a narrow blade tip and a cutting edge. The top wall features a tapering profile with a wide handle end, a narrow blade end, and a transition area of intermediate widths. The transition area is disposed between the wide handle end and the narrow blade end. The bottom wall includes a flat section for resting on a flat table surface. The knife features superior functionality and strength and may include a thin metallic coating deposited on at least a portion of one of its surfaces.

Abstract: Food service tongs and a mold and method for making them, the tongs having first and second arms connected to a fulcrum end, and first and second grasping ends on the arms disposed in a mutually opposing and spaced-apart relationship and moveable in a common plane to a closed position for grasping food there between, and a transverse bridge disposed proximate to the fulcrum end and extending from the first arm to the second arm, with a longitudinal rib extending from the transverse bridge to the fulcrum end, the flow path through the longitudinal rib section of the mold resulting in reduction or displacement of fault lines caused by abutting flow fronts during mold filling. Articles of the invention can be coated with a thin metallic layer to impart a metal-like appearance to these articles.

Abstract: A plastic cutlery item molded from a plastic material, such as polystyrene, having a metallic coating that imparts to this cutlery item the appearance of metal cutlery or silverware. In one embodiment the plastic cutlery or tableware items are molded using injection molding techniques, and subjected to a vacuum metallizing process in an individualized non-contiguous manner, where a thin metallic layer is deposited on at least one of their surfaces. The resultant items simulate the appearance of metal cutlery or tableware. In one embodiment of the invention the plastic cutlery or tableware articles are molded from a clear polystyrene resin and are coated with a thin stainless steel layer through vacuum sputtering deposition on only one of the sides. The abrasion resistance of the metallic coating can be enhanced by subjecting the articles to a post-metallizing holding period or by applying a clear protective overcoat.

Abstract: A plastic cutlery item, fabricated primarily from a plastic material, such as polystyrene, having a metallic coating that imparts to this cutlery item the appearance of metal cutlery or silverware. The plastic cutlery or tableware items are molded using traditional injection molding techniques, and subjected to a vacuum metallizing process in an individualized non-contiguous manner, where a thin metallic layer is deposited on at least one of their surfaces. The resultant items simulate the appearance of solid metal cutlery or tableware. In the most preferred embodiment of the invention the plastic cutlery or tableware items are molded from a light-transmitting grade of Polystyrene resin and are coated with a thin stainless steel layer through vacuum sputtering deposition on only one of the surfaces.