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 self-contained portable salad bar formed of two interconnected containers that are secured together for transportation to a remote location. Each of the containers define a plurality of individual receptacles with associated closures. The interconnected containers are secured together by an interconnecting locking bar latch mechanism forming a transportable closed case with a transportation carrying strap exposed.

Abstract: A combination container includes a first container containing a beverage and presenting a base, a second container containing an edible solid and presenting an upper surface engaged with the base of the first container, and a band of heat-shrunk material surrounding the containers on either side of the joint therebetween for coupling the containers into a unitary package. In preferred forms, the heat-shrunk material forms a channel at the joint between the containers to facilitate gripping of the package and the channel is perforated to allow detachment of containers from one another.

Abstract: A food service tray for a thermalization cart is injection molded as a one-piece integral tray. The tray includes a plurality of integral compartments some of which are for the placement of food items that are going to be heated (a heatable or hot compartment), the other compartments of which are for the placement of food items that will remain cold (a cold compartment). The bottom wall of each of the heatable compartments is of less thickness than the bottom wall of each of the cold compartments. Additionally, the upper surfaces of the bottom walls of each of the heatable compartments are in a first common plane that is coplanar to a second common plane formed by the bottom surfaces of the bottom walls of each of the cold compartments. Therefore, the bottom surfaces of the bottom walls of the heatable compartments are naturally in a third common plane that is axially below the second common plane.

Abstract: A food serving container which includes a tray which is formed by a front section and a rear section. Both the front section and the rear section have a side wall which connect together to form an enclosing side wall when the tray is in a stored position permitting a sandwich to be located and stored within the chamber of the tray. The front section is capable of pivoting relative to the rear section to an inclined position which facilitates consuming of the sandwich with the front section functioning to catch and collect any sandwich drippings that may occur doing the consuming procedure. With the front section in the usage position, the upstanding side wall of the front section is limited to the extent of movement relative to the rear section.

Abstract: A lunchbox contains a multiplicity of compartments, some of which can contain items necessary to brush one's teeth. The lunchbox contains a compartment for storing a toothbrush in a closed compartment, a compartment for storing toothpaste and a compartment for storing a cup. The lunchbox also contains pockets for games and drawing equipment which makes the lunchbox attractive to a schoolchild.

Abstract: A portable food container for use in holding dry and liquid foods for consumption. The container allows an individual to consume a combination of dry cereal and cold milk in a remote location away from the kitchen without the use of a bowl and a spoon. The portable food container is inverted to allow dry cereal to flow therefrom, and squeezed to allow milk to flow therefrom.

Abstract: Dual bags including a primary bag for french fries coupled to a secondary bag for ketchup. The primary bag has a base, a front wall and a rear wall. The base is formed with side edges coming to an obtuse angle at an intermediate point. Glue-receiving strips extend outwardly from the side edges. Each wall has interior fold lines flaring outwardly and supplemental fold lines located laterally outwardly from the interior fold lines. Glue-receiving strips are located outwardly from the supplemental fold lines. The upper edge of the central extent of the front wall has a concaved curve and the upper edge of the central extent of the rear wall has a convex curve. The smaller secondary ketchup bag has a rectangular outer panel and a rectangular inner panel with a transverse fold line therebetween adapted to create a V-shape cross section when open for receiving ketchup.

Abstract: A new and improved picnic cooler comprised of an insulated container having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The exterior surface of a front wall has two securement clasps theresecured. The interior surface of the front wall and of the interior surface of a back wall have a plurality of securement shelves secure thereto. Contained in the device is a lid having a front edge and a back edge. The back edge is hingedly secured to an upper portion of the back wall of the insulated container. The lid covers the insulated container in a closed configuration. The front edge of the lid is engaged by the two securement clasps of the insulated container when in the closed configuration. The lid has a carrying handle secured thereto. A plurality of adjustable racks are removably secured to the plurality of securement shelves of the insulated container.

Abstract: An insulated cooler which can be mounted to the floor of an automobile and provides access to open beverage containers. The cooler includes an insulated box which has a front wall separated from a back wall by a pair of side walls. The front, back and side walls are attached to a bottom wall that together define an inner cavity. The insulated cooler also has a top cover adapted to enclose the inner cavity of the box. The insulated box is small enough to be placed between the driver and front passenger of an automobile. The cooler has a strip of hook and loop material which can secure the bottom wall of the box to the carpet of the car. Additionally, the top cover has a pair of apertures adapted to receive beverage containers. The apertures may be covered by a flap which can be fastened to either the front or back walls of the box.

Abstract: A single use cereal and milk container is formed of a first container of paperboard laminate construction containing a supply of milk in an aseptically sealed condition, and a second container of plastic coated paperboard construction for holding a supply of cereal in a sealed stay fresh condition, and a user operable valve on the first container and disposed to an orifice in the second container for selectively breaking the aseptic seal to allow the supply of milk to gravity flow from the first container through the orifice into the second container and onto the cereal. A paperboard box holds the first and second container in juxtaposition and as an integral unit. 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 specially formed to break the aseptic seal and open the valve.

Abstract: A lunch box has a housing defining a hot and a cold compartment. An arrangement is provided in the lunch box for creating vacuum inside the compartments so as to releasably seal the cover of the lunch box onto the housing. Ribs or protrusions are provided on inner surfaces of the compartments to substantially prevent contact between stored food and the inner surfaces of the compartments. A device for producing heat may be provided in the hot compartment. Vacuum created inside the lunch box and minimal contact between the stored food and surfaces of the compartments substantially eliminates convection and conduction of heat to and from the stored food thereby effectively maintaining the temperature of the stored food over longer periods of time.

Abstract: Lunch holder having first and second sections which are hingedly connected together along one side thereof in clamshell fashion, a divider which separates one of the sections into a plurality of compartments for holding different food products, and a lid which is hingedly connected to the one section along a second side thereof for movement between covering and uncovering positions relative to the compartments. In one presently preferred embodiment, the two container sections, the divider and the lid are fabricated as a unitary structure of a semi-rigid plastic material.

Abstract: A multiple compartment package for use in the packaging of foodstuff articles includes a first compartment portion, a second compartment portion, and a retaining mechanism for retaining the first compartment portion in close relation to the second compartment portion.

Abstract: A container having a zip-top with said top having the contour of a spoon integral with the upper surface of the top. The contour of the spoon being formed by a weakened edge and with the end of the spoon handle being attached to a pull-tab used for removing the spoon.

Abstract: A lunchbox including a lid and base pivotally engaged by snap together hinge assemblies and including a pivotal latch assembly and a separate lock assembly. The lock assembly includes a pair of locking collars on the pivoting handle on the base which engage a pair of lugs on the lid with withdrawal of the lugs being prevented in the carrying position of the handle.

Abstract: A lunch box container including a bottom wall and a hingedly mounted top wall includes ferrous metallic floors directed into the bottom and top walls recessed relative to the bottom and top walls respectively to receive and secure ferromagnetic inserts to permit configurational changes to the lunch box structure to enhance continued use by individuals. A modification of the invention includes illumination frameworks arranged to direct illumination onto inserts within the frameworks.

Abstract: A food tray is provided which contains food, beverage, napkin and utensil compartments for receiving these items. Food compartment inserts which interlock with the tray and are secured therein are provided. A reusable cup and cold/hot insert(s) which is inserted into and is secured in the cup are provided. A reusable bowl and cold/hot insert(s) which is inserted into and is secured in the bowl are provided. A special food compartment insert which enables the bowl to be held securely in the food compartment and protects the food compartment from soiling is provided. A convenient mechanism of storing and transporting the trays is also provided.

Abstract: A lunch pail assembly has an upper member having a bottom wall, opposed side walls and end walls defining a first food and beverage compartment, a lid at the upper end of the first food and beverage compartment, a handle on the lid, and a fastening mechanism on the exterior of the opposed end walls. A detachable lower member having a bottom wall, opposed side walls and end walls defines a second food compartment having an open top end which is received within a depending lip on the bottom of the upper member. Catches on the end walls of the lower member releasably engage the fastening mechanisms on the upper member to selectively releasably connect the upper and lower members together to be carried as a single unit wherein food, beverages, and other articles of one type may be contained in the first food and beverage compartment and isolated from food and other articles of another type contained in the second food compartment.

Abstract: Lunch holder having first and second sections which are hingedly connected together along one side thereof in clamshell fashion, a divider which separates one of the sections into a plurality of compartments for holding different food products, and a lid which is hingedly connected to the one section along a second side thereof for movement between covering and uncovering positions relative to the compartments. In one presently preferred embodiment, the two container sections, the divider and the lid are fabricated as a unitary structure of a semi-rigid plastic material.

Abstract: Plate-and-glass assemblies which include a plate, a beverage container detachably assembled to the plate, and a glass holder which is attached to or formed on the bottom of the plate to hold that component and the glass together. The beverage container may be a commonly available beverage can. Separate caps may be provided for adapting any number of beverage container styles to fit a generic glass holder. A radially extending slot may be provided on the cap through which a straw may be provided to facilitate drinking of the beverage in the container. Nested cans may be provided for additional insulation of the beverage. Indicia on the upper, food-receiving surface of the plate facilitate the assembling of the glass to the plate; and an optional drinking straw port provides a convenient way of locking the plate and glass together and also makes it possible to reach the contents of the glass without removing the plate.

Abstract: A compact low power water heater and food product warming unit especially designed for military vehicles which includes a sturdy and selectively sealed tank having uninsulated thermally conductive in which water may be heated by conduction by way of a heating element secured exteriorly of the tank. The tank is enclosed by a thermally insulated cover in such a manner that a plurality readily accessible pockets are provided between the cover and tank walls into which a plurality of field ration (MRE) or food packets may be inserted to thereby utilize the hot water in the tank as a source of heat for heating the packets.

Abstract: A personal coffee brewing device for brewing individual servings of coffee, the device including an open frame for holding a porous coffee-containing pouch. The frame is sized to fit within a standard coffee cup so that the frame can be stirred within the coffee cup to force hot water through a pouch held in the frame to brew a cup of coffee. The device also includes a handle extending from the frame, the handle having at least one chamber for containing condiments such as sweetener or artificial creamer. A closure at the end of the handle closes the chamber. The handle is preferably formed in two sections, with a removable condiment dispenser at the end of the handle, containing two chambers.

Abstract: Lunch holder having first and second sections which are hingedly connected together along one side thereof in clamshell fashion, a divider which separates one of the sections into a plurality of compartments for holding different food products, and a lid which is hingedly connected to the one section along a second side thereof for movement between covering and uncovering positions relative to the compartments. In one presently preferred embodiment, the two container sections, the divider and the lid are fabricated as a unitary structure of a semi-rigid plastic material.

Abstract: A reusable apparatus for detachably connecting a utensil to a container. A rim protrudes from the container. An outer portion of the rim has either a male connector or a female connector. The utensil has a shaft which includes either a male or female connector, depending upon the type of connector of the rim of the container. The male connector has a cross-section with an inner thickness that is less than a maximum outer thickness. The female connector has two cantilever prongs which form a longitudinal opening that lockingly mates with the male connector. The utensil of this invention can be attached, detached and again attached to the container.

Abstract: A flexible polymeric fluid impermeable cover includes a first web secured to and coextensive with a second web at a coextensive inter-relationship. A peripheral conduit is formed about the perimeter of the first and second web to contain a respective first and second continuous drawstring, wherein each drawstring is projecting exteriorly of the cover through opposed and respective first and second sides. A modification of the invention includes the web structure including a pocket accessible through a zipper to contain food debris therewithin in an alternative use relative to the drawstring structure to secure the bag about food debris and may further include a continuous fluid filled chamber positioned interiorly and adjacent the drawstring conduit to contain a fluid therewithin, wherein the fluid is utilized to stabilize the cover during use, as well as permitting access to fluid for cleaning of the table subsequent to its use.

Abstract: A lunchbox including a wedge-shaped tray and a similarly configured wedge shaped cover positionable thereover in reversible end to end positions to form different internal space configurations. Latch assemblies locking the cover to the tray in each position. Both latch assemblies being completely disengageable. Alternatively, one latch assembly can remain engaged to define a hinge assembly for pivotal movement of the cover.

Abstract: A kit comprising a lunchbox and a carrying pouch slidably receiving the lunchbox therein. The lunchbox includes a container and cover with the cover including a recess receiving eating utensils. One eating utensil includes a projecting locking button releasably received within a pouch aperture for locking the lunchbox and utensils within the pouch. The pouch includes a spring member outwardly biasing a received lunchbox for ejection upon release of the lock button.

Abstract: The combined cup of the present invention for soft drinks is constituted with an upper cup body and a lower cup body jointed together by a connecting body; and in the center of the connecting body, there is formed a nozzle sticking upward to be received into the nozzle sleeve formed on the upper cup body so as to keep both cup bodies firmly connected. The lower cup body is used to contain soft drink while the upper cup body is used to contain solid snacks. By applying such combined cup, the user can therefore enjoy the fun of eating and drinking with one hand holding the combined cup containing both snacks and drink and one hand free.

Abstract: Plate-and-glass assemblies which include a plate, a glass detachably assembled to the plate, and a separated fabricated glass holder which is subsequently attached to the bottom of the plate to hold that component and the glass together. Indicia on the upper, food-receiving surface of the plate facilitate the assembling of the glass to the plate; and an optional drinking straw port provides a convenient way of locking the plate and glass together and also makes it possible to reach the contents of the glass without removing the plate.

Abstract: A collapsible lunch box that can be folded into a flat package for storage when not in use and can be made ready for use by changing the package into a rectangular tube and pivoting two side panels to close the open ends of the tube. The side panels have locking elements which engage openings on the rectangular tube to keep the box closed. In the folded package position the locking elements on the side panels interlock to hold the package in the folded position.

Abstract: A combination food container and eating utensil for the storing and partaking of prepared food. The container has a body which is adapted for preserving food and a removable cover attached to an outward extending flange on the upper portion of the body. The body has a bottom wall and an outer wall extending upwardly from the periphery of the bottom wall. Inside of the container there is at least one utensil, such as a knife, fork or spoon, stored in a pocket formed by the cover, the side wall and a liner spaced below the cover which partitions the interior of the body into an upper pocket for storing the utensil and a lower pocket for storing food. The utensil in the interior of the container is removably attached to the lower surface of the cover and is accessible to a user when the cover is detached from the body.

Abstract: An article for supporting the lid of a cardboard box for a food item. The article has a container with a base, at least one sidewall extending from the base to a lid support opposite the base, and at least one compartment. There is at least one support leg extending from the container in a direction opposite the lid support. The legs have support ends opposite the container. There is sufficient distance between the base of the container and the support ends of the legs to avoid contact between the container and the food item.

Abstract: A plate assembly which allows one to carry a plate and a drinking glass in one hand. The assembly comprises a plate, a glass having an open upper end or mouth, and a mechanism for detachably fixing the upper end of the glass to the lower side of the plate with the mouth of the glass covered by the plate and the glass in an upright orientation. Both bayonet and tongue-and-groove types of securing mechanisms are disclosed as is a serving tray with a number of detachable glasses.

Abstract: A lunchbox apparatus is arranged for use with a microwave wherein a removable lid frictionally engaging an upper end of the lunchbox container is of a first material, such as a polymeric plate, for use with a microwave while the lunchbox container portion is of a second metallic material. The lid may include compartments therewithin for securement of different food components and additionally may include spaced walls defining a single chamber therebetween containing a liquid arranged for accepting heat during microwave use and imparting such heat to foods contained within the various compartments of the lunchbox lid. A support stand for pivotally mounting the lunchbox interiorly of a microwave or upon a surface during use is optionally provided.

Abstract: A system for providing heated liquids includes a container for storing and heating a plurality of individual liquid receptacles. The container is of a two part design and the container parts are held in integral relationship by an enclosure or wrapper. The enclosure and container together provide a handle for the system. The system is intended to be heated in a method which permits the temperature of the liquid to be raised to a temperature which is held by the package over a substantial period of time.

Abstract: A combination food and utensil container for the sanitary storing of prepared food, by way of example, frozen dinners and restaurant carryouts, and the utensils and flavor enhancing substances which are needed for the partaking of the food. The food container has body for storing and preserving food whose height is substantially less than its length and breadth, a cover sealingly attached to the upper edge portion of body and a plurality of utensils attached to the lower surface of the cover. The utensils are removably attached to the lower surface of the body by engaging pairs of apertures in the utensils with circular projections which extend downwardly from the lower surface of the cover. Downward extending pockets with removable covers are provided in the main cover for storing flavor enhancing substances.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a picnic mat, multipurpose tote bag and securing means assembly suitable for use by a group of people for picnics and concerts etc. The picnic mat is provided with loops on the underside corners as well as corresponding ground securing devices or pins for holding said mat to the ground. Also provided is a pin manipulating tool to facilitate the insertion in and removal of said pins from the ground without damage to the picnic mat. This invention is also provided with a multipurpose tote bag with an inner pouch for containing said pins and a restraining strap for said manipulating tool.

Abstract: This invention is a set of items contained in a case-container, the components of which are themselves accessories going to make up the set.All these utensils together form part of the equipment carried by hikers, hunters, fishermen, sportsmen and campers and used out of doors during their sporting or leisure activity. This set contains all the mains things required for consuming food and drink, neatly arranged within a very limited space. A special feature of the set is that all the component parts are made specially to make best use of the space available, to be compact and hygienic, and to keep weight down to a minimum.

Abstract: A baby bottle caddy carrying container is set forth wherein the container is formed with an interior flexible matrix of four compartments formed of wall structure of a flexible, relatively thin first thickness spaced from an exterior wall surface of a second greater thickness. The spacing between the first and second wall structure provides for acceptance of containers of cooling medium therewithin. The relatively thin first wall structure accommodates bottles of complementary square cross-sectional configuration wherein the bottles positionable within the matrix of compartments provide rigidity to the carrying case and accommodates varying size bottles to vary the spacing between the first and second walls. A third wall shell structure of a third thickness less than the first wall thickness is in surrounding relationship to provide strength and support to the carrying container of the instant invention.

Abstract: A set of eating utensils for children in which a plate with a toy figure attached thereto is provided. The plate includes a plurality of pegs so that a spoon, fork or knife may be mounted thereon. Each of the spoon, fork or knife has an identical or complementary toy figure removably attached to the handle of the implement. The toy figures are chosen to encourage the children to eat the food on the plate and thereby develop the coordination necessary for proper eating.

Abstract: A lightweight parallelepiped hollow housing is provided for mounting upon the load rack of an A.T.V. and includes front-to-rear extending and transversely spaced partitions therewithin dividing the interior of the housing into center and opposite side compatrments, center and opposite side openings being formed in the front wall of the housing opening into the center and side compartments. A pair of hinged closures close the opposite side openings and a central backrest closes the center opening. The housing includes a back wall having an upper central opening formed therein providing access to the center compartment and a forwardly opening hinged cover is swingable into position overlying at least the upper portion of the rear wall and defines an openable compartment rearwardly of the rear wall.

Abstract: Disclosure herein is a beverage carrier having two basic embodiments. The first embodiment includes flexible water-resistant container having a flexible container with a bottom and upstanding walls and a top opening. The container further includes a removable flooring for supporting beverages in the container, nesting in the container adjacent the bottom. A separator is provided for spacing apart beverages in the container from one another. Another embodiment provides a like structure with the flooring having a coolant for cooling the beverages.

Abstract: A foldable ice tray and table covering combination (10, 20) is described. The combination has a sheet (11, 21) of material which is placed on the table and foldable walls (11a to 11d or 22a to 22d). Optionally carrying handles 12 or drain holes a with plug 24 or a second sheet or cover (23a and 23b) for the ice (100) and food (101 to 103) are provided.

Abstract: A flexible insulated container for thermally insulating beverages in glass containers or cans, as well as other food items, which includes an insulating bottom, insulating end panels and side panels attached to the bottom, which side panels extend above the top edges of the end panels and are provided with hand or finger openings for carrying purposes. In a preferred embodiment, an insulating seal flap attached to one of the side panels selectively closes the top of the insulated container beneath the extending ends of the side panels and loop-pile fasteners are used to maintain the seal flap over the top of the insulated container and to lap the extending ends of the side panels over the seal flap and each other, to further insulate the contents of the insulated container. When empty and not in use, the flexible insulated container can be collapsed for storage in a small space.

Abstract: An attachment for a prior art beverage carrier includes rows of cantelevered clips for securing golf clubs. The attachment is provided with retaining devices for engaging the carrier handle and is thus selectively mounted thereon. Spaced adjacent the retaining devices, in longitudinal displacement, are further panels for supporting golf paraphenalia. In the alternative, the elements for securing golf items are separately fixed to the carrier.

Abstract: A packaging arrangement for preparing and serving food products is disclosed which facilitates packaging, preparation, and serving of two or more food products in the arrangement. The construction includes a unitary, one-piece partitioned tray which defines a plurality of cavities for respectively receiving the different food products. The construction further includes a combination covering and serving member configured for releasable securement to the partitioned tray, and which is configured to resemble conventional dinnerware. The covering and serving member initially functions as a cover for the partitioned tray. However, upon inversion of the entire arrangement the food products transfer from the cavities of the tray onto the covering and serving member for serving and consumption of the food products, with the tray and serving member cooperating to prevent substantial commingling of the adjacent food products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container for holding flatware and dishes for use in serving meals on board an aircraft, for example, comprising a rectangular tray-shaped sectioned bottom member hinged to a cover member to form an integral case. To permit dishes holding food, particularly hot meals, to be removed from the closed container and reinserted into it, the container is provided with an opening in a side wall.

Abstract: An improved portable cooler construction having a pair of recesses formed in opposing side wlls that define with pivotally supported closure members additional cavities that will be maintained at a different temperature than the main cavity formed in the main body portion of the cooler and in which non-food articles may be stored and/or carried.

Abstract: A flexible accessory bag (35) for releasable attachment to a lid or cover (20) on a container (10), such as an ice chest or cooler, which is pivoted between open and closed positions of the container (10). The accessory bag (35) has a pair of opposed ends (36, 38) which are secured by elastic bands (54, 56) to opposed lid ends (27, 28) and a pair of zippered pockets (40, 42) secured to the bag ends (36, 38) extend over the lid (20).