Abstract: A mobile-dining mealholder with a plate-lid and detachable bottle, the bottle including a narrow cylindrical neck with projections at axially-spaced positions, and the plate-lid including (a) a horizontal cap portion having a downwardly-extending cylindrical skirt with projections at axially-spaced positions such that the skirt detachably engages the neck and (b) a tray portion extending outwardly from the lower edge of the skirt and having food-holding areas about the cap portion. Certain preferred embodiments involve: the tray portion having depressed regions and vertically-extending portions positioned transverse to imaginary pivot lines across the tray portion to avoid excessive flexing; the tray portion being complementary to a shoulder portion of the bottle for enhanced support; and/or either push-on or quarter-turn engagement of bottle and plate-lid.

Abstract: A plastic food storage container includes a container body having a bottom and a peripheral wall, an upper end of the container body having a peripheral rim; a lid having a peripheral edge adapted to matingly engage the peripheral rim; a region of the lid having a lifting tab extending outwardly from the peripheral edge, and a vent located in the region.

Abstract: A placemat and coaster set comprises one placemat (1) and one coaster (2) having fastening means by which they are detachably connected together. The fastening means may comprise, for example, a press fastener or fastener, Velcro (Registered Trade Mark) or the like, or a locking tag (17) on one (2) of the items which engages in a slot (15) in the other item (1). A header card (3) and/or hanging device may be attached to the set, also by fastening means which may be the fastening means by which the placemat and coaster are detachably connected together. The placemat and coaster may bear graphics which form a complete picture, e.g. a caricature of a person or a cartoon character or article, when the two are connected together. The graphics may outline a picture or pictures which the purchaser and/or user of the set may colour the colouring, for which colouring aids may be provided with the set, being able to be removed subsequently when the set is cleaned after use.

Abstract: A cover for a portable food container comprising a cover body and a utensil. The utensil includes a head piece and a handle piece. The head piece and the handle piece are each detachably secured to the cover body and are configured for assembly to each other upon detachment from the cover body to form the utensil. In one preferred embodiment, the handle piece includes a reinforcement for limiting longitudinal bending thereof. In an alternative embodiment, the cover further includes a protective film resealably secured to the cover body.

Abstract: A cover for a portable food container comprising a cover body and a utensil. The utensil includes a head piece and a handle piece. The head piece and the handle piece are each detachably secured to the cover body and are configured for assembly to each other upon detachment from the cover body to form the utensil. In one preferred embodiment, the handle piece includes a reinforcement for limiting longitudinal bending thereof. In an alternative embodiment, the cover further includes a protective film resealably secured to the cover body.

Abstract: A dual-function tea tray includes an open-topped outer case and at least one movable door. The movable door is provided with drain holes and is detachably connected to the outer case to open or close the open top thereof. The tea tray is adapted to horizontally position on a tabletop with the movable door facing upward and closing the outer case, so that tea things for making tea may be laid on the door and overflowed water brewing tea as well as any tea grounds may be drained into the outer case via the drain holes on the door. The outer case is also adapted to stand upright to serve as a simple cupboard for accommodating tea things therein behind the door when the tea things are not in use.

Abstract: A lunchbox to promote communication between a caretaker and child comprising a container having a food compartment, a voice recording mechanism and a visual component. The voice recording mechanism is housed inside the walls of the container and enables a caretaker and/or child to record a message and permits said message to be retrieved by the child or caretaker.

Abstract: Combined packages including a multi-pack carton of beverage containers and one or more complementary containers are disclosed. The multi-pack carton typically contains at least six or twelve beverage containers, which can be cans or bottles. A packaging material at least partially surrounds both the multi-pack carton and the complementary container, thus holding the multi-pack carton and the complementary container in mutual abutment. A combined package can also include an adhesive between the multi-pack carton and the complementary container that holds a face of the multi-pack carton and a face of the container in mutual abutment. To facilitate palletizing the combined packages, the surface areas of the faces can be approximately the same, and the overall shape of the combined package can be generally rectanguloidal. Apparatus and methods for manufacturing such combined packages are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved portable cooler includes a cooler body (10) provided with wheels (36) and a pivoted towing handle (16) provided with two grips (140, 142) to allow use of the cooler by persons of both tall and short stature. The cooler cover (12) is provided with a recess (44) and a closure panel (58) for storage of items within the cooler but above melting ice or relatively heavy items that might crush items contained in the cooler. A table assembly (14) is operable independently of the lid (12) allowing the table (14) to be deployed on a leg (78) with the cooler lid (12) in a closed position, as well as to allow access to the interior cavity (28) of the cooler without clearing the table (14). Retractable bungee cords (108) for securing items to the cooler are provided.

Abstract: A lap-tray and picnic-supply case made of light material has a case receptacle (1) with a lap-tray lid (2) attached removably. The lap-tray lid has a lid-plate cradle (3) intermediate a bowl end with a lid-bowl cradle (4) and a cup end with a lid-cup cradle (5). Between the lid-bowl cradle and the lid-plate cradle is a first lid-utensil cradle (6) and between the lid-cup cradle and the lid-plate cradle is a second lid-utensil cradle (7). The lid-bowl cradle and the lid-cup cradle protrude downwardly to provide lap-side buttresses on outsides of legs (8) of a user. The first lid-utensil cradle and the second lid-utensil cradle have flat bottom surfaces for resting on the user's lap between opposite sides of an attachment rim (11) for fitting down over a top of a receptacle wall (10).

Abstract: A food packaging system for a food product such as an uncooked deep dish pizza includes an aluminum pan for receiving the food product. A paperboard ring is placed over the upper rim of the pan to provide a local shield, retarding the cooking time of the upper outer edge of the food product. Together, the pan and ring form a cooking vessel for the food product. A formed tray of plastic material receives the pan and provides pocket-like stepped recesses to aid in cushioning the pan and to hold the ring in desired position about the pan rim. A support member is applied to the bottom and one end of the tray to provide a bottom support for positioning the tray and its contents, on-edge, in an upright position. A film covers the contents of the tray and is removed, along with the tray and support member, to prepare the food product for cooking.

Abstract: A carrier or container for transporting food or beverages having a built-in audio system. The exterior of the carrier includes indicia which, in the preferred embodiment, is associated with a well-known theme, character or personality. The audio system includes a recording device and transmitting device for enabling a user to record and audibly transmit an audio message or personal greeting. The audio system further includes a storage medium for enabling the user to store a pre-recorded audio message which is associated with the indicia on the exterior of the carrier. In this manner, the message may simulate the voice of the character or person depicted by the indicia. The carrier further includes a handle or strap for enabling the user to easily transport the carrier.

Abstract: A plastic food storage container includes a container body having a bottom and a peripheral wall, an upper end of the container body having a peripheral rim; a lid having a peripheral edge adapted to matingly engage the peripheral rim; a region of the lid having a lifting tab extending outwardly from the peripheral edge, and a vent located in the region.

Abstract: A combined food and beverage package including a snack food container and a multi-pack carton of beverage containers is disclosed. The multi-pack carton typically contains at least six or twelve beverage containers, which can be cans or bottles. A packaging material at least partially surrounds both the multi-pack carton and the snack food container, thus holding the multi-pack carton and the snack food container in combination. The combined package can also include an adhesive between the multi-pack carton and the snack food container that holds a face of the multi-pack carton and a face of the snack food container in mutual abutment. To facilitate palletizing the combined packages, the surface areas of the faces can be approximately the same. Apparatus and methods for manufacturing such a combined food and beverage package are also disclosed.

Abstract: A toy peripherally formed of flexible bubble packing material in a shape simulating an object defines an internal cavity that is stuffed with a plurality of relatively smaller pieces of comestible material such as candy to provide a three dimensional shape. The toy is destructible so that a user may gain pleasure not only by reason of ownership and manual manipulation as with any three dimensional toy, but also from manually popping the bubbles of the peripheral covering to create sound and provide an additional manipulative function and from opening the cavity of the toy to gain access to the contained and consuming the comestible. The toy is useful as a placebo in juvenile counseling, psychology, psychiatry and education to alleviate tension and introversion and to gain attention and establish a responsive communicative relationship with the toy user.

Abstract: A microwavable food packaging system includes a tray formed from a base and a sidewall extending from the base which sidewall terminates in a free edge. The base and sidewall define an interior cavity. The free edge defines a tray opening. The base has a raised button extending into the cavity. A sleeve surrounds the tray. The sleeve includes a front panel having a display surface and is disposed adjacent to the tray opening and a rear panel disposed adjacent to the base. The sleeve adjacent to the base extends outwardly to form a leg upon which the sleeve and tray can be upstandingly placed. The tray is adapted to receive food pouches within the cavity. The raised button stabilizes the center of gravity of the food packaging system when the food packaging system is placed in an upstanding position on the leg. Advantageously, at least one food pouch disposed in the cavity.

Abstract: A packaging system for a meal kit of ready to eat food and beverage items is provided to mechanically isolate the food items from the beverage container included in the meal kit. A method of assembling the food items and beverage container of the meal kit in the packaging system also is provided.

Abstract: Flexible packages for holding a product, e.g., dry cereal, which are arranged to be opened to form a bowl to enable the product to prepared therein and/or eaten therefrom. The packages each basically comprises a front panel, a rear panel, and a bottom panel, all formed of a flexible sheet material. The front and rear panels each include a top edge, a pair of opposed side edges, and a bottom edge. The front and rear panels are fixedly secured together along the side edges. The peripheral edge of the bottom panel is fixedly secured to the inside surface of the front and rear panels above their bottom edges to form a hollow pocket for receipt of the product. The front and rear panels of each package are sealed along their top edges to isolate the product in the pocket from the ambient atmosphere, but are separable, e.g., can be severed, adjacent their top edges to enable the front and rear panels to separate to convert the pocket into a bowl. The product can then be prepared, e.g.

Abstract: Flexible packages for holding a product, e.g., dry cereal, which are arranged to be opened to form a bowl to enable the product to prepared therein and/or eaten therefrom. The packages each basically comprises a front panel, a rear panel, and a bottom panel, all formed of a flexible sheet material. The front and rear panels each include a top edge, a pair of opposed side edges, and a bottom edge. The front and rear panels are fixedly secured together along the side edges. The peripheral edge of the bottom panel is fixedly secured to the inside surface of the front and rear panels above their bottom edges to form a hollow pocket for receipt of the product. The front and rear panels of each package are sealed along their top edges to isolate the product in the pocket from the ambient atmosphere, but are separable, e.g., can be severed, adjacent their top edges to enable the front and rear panels to separate to convert the pocket into a bowl. The product can then be prepared, e.g.

Abstract: A microwave steam tray is made of a thermo-formed co-polymer polypropylene quality food grade plastic. The microwave steam tray comprises a plastic container having a dish portion and a connected lid. The dish portion includes a bottom surface with four sidewalls extending therefrom to define a dish interior. A plurality of ribs are raised from the bottom surface to provide a cooking plane. Steam channels are formed between the ribs. The ribs extend radially from a moisture reservoir positioned within the dish interior. The moisture reservoir includes a retaining wall having a cup portion formed within the retaining wall. Recesses are formed within the retaining wall. Liquid based food products may be placed in the moisture cylinder during cooking. Steam generated from the moisture reservoir easily travels down the radial steam channels.

Abstract: An insulated housing assembly for the transport and storage of food items while maintaining the temperature of the food items. The invention provides lower and upper assembly portions which when mated define a compartment for the storage of stackable food containers. The upper and lower asemblies are surrounded by a layer of insulating material to prevent the loss of heat from the food items contained within the compartment. The insulated housing assembly also incudes a swivable handle in a recess for facilitating carrying the insulated assembly. Also included in another recess is a handle for manipulating the containers disposed within the compartent, which have catches for attchment of the handle.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus with multiple-level eating surfaces, which can be made as separable modular units, molded units having a one-piece construction, and as folded units comprising materials such as paper, plastic, styrofoam. Although it is generally intended for the molded and modular units to be reusable and the folded units to be disposable, the reverse is also contemplated. Modular and molded units typically have a base structure, several pillars of uniform or differing heights, and several elevated eating surfaces supported by least one of the pillars. Alternatively, some folded embodiments have elevated eating surfaces are supported by one or more pillars configured as a rear platform into which several liquid and grease resistant inserts can be secured.

Abstract: A multi-purpose organizing container system for storing various items for facilitating entertainment and refreshment during travel. The multi-purpose organizing container system includes an outer housing, a plurality of compartments for holding various items, a pair of oppositional tracks, and a pair of lid members for sliding into the tracks to cover the housing. Preferably, the lid members are planar boards each having a clip attached thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of containers includes insulated beverage holders, utensil compartments for holding removable utensil cups, a central storage compartment, book slots, and a trash bin compartment for holding a removable trash bin. It is further preferred that all exterior corners of the housing and exterior edges of the tracks are substantially rounded to enhance safe use of the container system.

Abstract: A lunch box system that includes an insulated compartment for storing and preserving food for consumption at a later time that includes a lid including a mechanism for retaining the food containers in place against forces such as wind.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a portable, insulated carrier having a generally rigid housing defining a primary insulated compartment. An auxiliary storage assembly is attached to the housing for retaining an article on the housing externally of the primary insulated compartment. The auxiliary storage assembly includes a ledge and a retainer whereby the article abuts the ledge and is retained against the housing by the retainer. A secondary storage assembly is attached to the outside surface of the housing externally of the primary insulated compartment. The secondary storage assembly is formed of a flexible material to secure the contents yet provide access when necessary. An article retention assembly is attached to an outside surface of the housing. The retention assembly includes a generally elastic panel portion attached to an exterior surface of the housing with at least one edge thereof defining an opening for receiving articles therethrough.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A plastic container cap includes a cap body having a rim and a face panel suspended within the rim, a folding utensil formed of a utensil body and a handle and integral with the face panel of the cap body wherein the utensil body, which can be a bowl or a fork, has a peripheral edge spaced from the face panel by a narrow opening and connected to the face panel by connecting portions in the narrow opening, and a neck at one end connected to the handle; the handle is hinged to the neck of the utensil body, having dented lines through which the handle is folded up and attached to the face panel of the cap body at a top side above said utensil body.

Abstract: A picnic box which can be assembled, then reassembled into a picnic table is disclosed. The picnic box and table comprises: a frame having four corner posts rigidly spaced and permanently held parallel to each other by four rails, each rail extending only between bottom end portions of adjacent corner posts, and two opposite rails having an inwardly extending abutment; two opposite box long side portions removably positioned between corner posts on opposite sides of the frame, and along and above the rails extending therebetween; two opposite box short side portions removably positioned between corner posts on opposite ends of the frame, and along and above the rails extending therebetween; and, a box bottom side portion removably positioned within and above the abutment on the two opposite side rails.

Abstract: A tray is provided for serving selected food items, wherein the tray is to be used in connection with a separate elongated container, preferably of the type used to retain a beverage. The tray generally comprises a food holding section disposed to carry the food items, and structure for detachably mating or joining the food holding section upon the elongated container, for support thereby. Thus, the container, tray and food thereon can be readily supported and carried by a user as a single unit, by grasping the container with a single hand. In a useful embodiment the center of mass of the tray is substantially aligned along the container axis when the tray and container are joined together. Also, the food holding section and mating structure are usefully formed as an integral structure.

Abstract: A lunch holder for holding a food product and a beverage container includes a cover section and a base section. A base divider separates the base section into a food product compartment and a beverage container compartment including a container receiving area shaped to receive a generally cylindrical container. The beverage container compartment further includes a recessed portion disposed below the container receiving area for collecting condensation falling from the cylindrical beverage container and which is further shaped to receive a rectangular beverage container. The lunch holder also includes an inner lid which covers the food product compartment.

Abstract: A carriable pet food and water service which provides sealed containers for food and water, integral dishes and easy carrying during a walk with the pet. The carriable pet feeding service includes a hinged casing which opens into two half-sections. Each half-section is provided with an interior receptacle. Removably received in each receptacle is a reciprocably shaped container, one respectively for holding pourable dry or semi-dry food and the other respectively for holding water. At least one carrying strap is connected with the exterior surface of the casing so that the pet owner can easily carry the casing and its interiorly disposed food and water containers when the casing is closed. It is further preferred that the strap be serviceable as a leash, and still further preferred to include a second strap for carrying of the casing when the other strap is being used as a leash.

Abstract: A food serving plate upon which conventional utensils, such as a spoon and fork are mounted on the upper surface of the plate. The food serving plate is intended to be used by children. The utensils are wholly confined inwardly of the exterior edge of the plate so that no portion of the utensil protrudes exteriorly of the edge of the plate. A character is displayed on the upper surface of the plate with the character being shown as holding the utensils when the utensils are mounted on the plate.

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.

Abstract: A reusable sandwich holder may be quickly and easily wrapped around a sandwich and also serves as a place mat over which the sandwich may be eaten once unwrapped. The sandwich holder includes a decorative cloth outer cover and a plastic inner liner that maintains the freshness of a sandwich wrapped therein. The sandwich holder may be washed, either by hand or in a clothes washer, to permit its repeated reuse.

Abstract: A compartmentalized soft-sided container (10) includes a beverage compartment (12) disposed in front of a warm compartment (14) and a cool compartment (16). A pair of removable insulating interior walls (40, 42) are attachable to the interior of the container (10) to divide the container (10) into the individual compartments (12, 14, 16). The beverage compartment (12) includes an adjustable closure (64) that is capable of tightly securing differently-sized beverage containers (62) by providing a flexible sheet having a drawstring (66) that allows the height and opening of the closure (64) to be adjusted. The drawstring (66) may also be used to cinch about the neck of a beverage container (62) to securely hold it in container (10). Container (10) is also tapered such that compartments (14, 16) snugly retain articles such as soup bowls (78, 80) to prevent spilling.

Abstract: A combination cutting board and storage container is disclosed. The combination cutting board and storage container can be used for food processing and storage purposes, for fishing bait and tackle processing and storage purposes, and for many other purposes. A storage container in the form of a bin has an opening at the top. The cutting board is formed so that it can fit over the opening. Attachment means are preferably provided for holding the cutting board to the bin. A handle is provided for carrying the combination cutting board and storage bin. The handle is preferably in the form of an arc which extends approximately from one end of the bin to the other. The handle, the side members, and the bin are preferably comprised of polyethylene foam or some other lightweight foam material.

Abstract: A tabless container closure for a compartmentalized container with a cover and a base. The cover includes a sidewall and a rim coupled thereto. The rim has a depression that fits within an opening in a sidewall of the base. The rim depression and opening provide a snap-fit closure to releasably connect the cover and base. In a second aspect, the compartments of the container are closed off from one another such that the contents of a given compartment substantially remain therein, even after a perturbation of the container. In a third aspect, a divider separating the compartments is bowed to enhance the structural integrity of the base.

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.

Abstract: An improved food storage container is formed from a container body having two sides separated by a shared edge, which defines an axis about which the two sides are adapted for movement between open and storage positions. The open position is defined by a substantially planar disposition of the two sides, while the closed position is defined by the formation of a substantially air-tight cavity. A seal extends around the three nonshared sides of the periphery of the first and second container sides. The seal is of a type that is readily adapted for repeated use, and forms a substantially air-tight seal when closed. Finally, a pair of symmetrically-disposed service flaps are provided and adapted for movement between active and stowed positions. In use, the service flaps are responsively attached to the two sides to fold out into the active position when the two container sides are motivated to the open position, and into the stowed position when the two container sides are motivated to the closed position.

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.

Abstract: A container lid, adapted for use with a cold or hot drink, is provided with a condiment reservoir built into the lid. An orifice for drinking a liquid in the container is provided on one side of a planar surface forming the lid and an open top recess, forming the condiment reservoir, is provided on the other side. Closed side walls and a bottom extending down toward the container serve to form the reservoir. The condiment can be carried directly in the reservoir or in a condiment holder, such as a packet or cup, placed in the reservoir. The side walls extend at an acute angle from the planar surface to allow multiple lids to nest together prior to use. A mating groove and annular projection in the recess and on a cup, respectively, serves as a snap fit interlock system to hold the cup in place. The side walls of the recess include a semicircular wall and a diagonal wall connecting the ends to form the reservoir.

Abstract: An improved lunch box assembly including a main housing having a lid portion and a base portion hingedly secured with one another so as to provide access to an opened interior of the improved lunch box assembly. Further, a display panel is included and secured in overlying relation to one exterior wall surface of the main housing so that it defines a pocket therebetween which is visually accessible through a display opening defined in the display panel. Also, a display insert is included and structured to be removably inserted into the pocket between the display panel and the exterior wall surface so that a primary display face thereof is visible through the display opening in the display panel and so that while it is securely maintained within the pocket when in use it can also be easily removed for convenient cleaning or interchanging with a new display insert.

Abstract: A food-service kit and method includes a plurality of similar or diverse-type containers wherein the containers may be coupled together in various configurations to form toy-like assemblies. The respective containers include compatible projection and socket configurations so that they may be joined together as building blocks in order to create the toy-like devices.

Abstract: A lid for a container designed to contain powder or granular materials includes a lip on an interior or bottom surface of the lid for selectively attaching a scoop. The lip is resiliently deformable when an edge of the scoop is pressed against it. This deforming creates an interference fit, thereby securing the scoop to the undersurface of the lid. When the scoop is to be used, it can be easily removed from the lid without the need for rooting and searching within the container for the lid.

Abstract: A food container and assemblage of internal components including a tray with a corrugated and slotted bottom panel supported within the container receptacle, and a cooling pack positioned within the container in a variety of positions to define food chambers wherein the food is maintained out of contact with the cooling pack.

Abstract: A single piece container closure and eating utensil wherein a container closure and an eating utensil of relatively conventional design are joined by a thin living hinge, such that the eating utensil can be easily folded under the container closure and be retained enclosed between the container closure and the covered container containing the food product prior to use. The container closure/eating utensil assembly can be fitted to standard commercial containers, the eating utensil is protected against contaminants prior to use, and the eating utensil is immediately available for use in a clean and sanitary condition as the consumer opens the container.