Abstract: An expandable container includes a substantially horizontal base, four side walls, and a rim defining a container opening having a larger cross section than the base. At least one of the four side walls is configured as a movable side wall, having an upwardly extending side portion and a substantially horizontal base portion. An upper edge portion of the side portion is connected to the rim by a hinge such that the movable side wall is movable between a nesting position, in which the side wall is inclined to facilitate nesting of the container inside another container, and an expanded position, in which the side wall is moved outwardly to increase the storage space of the container, when compared to the nesting position. A system includes a main tote in which a plurality of expandable containers as described above may be nested.

Abstract: A shipping container includes an insulated base, an upper perimeter portion including one or more securing mechanisms, insulated side panels, and an insulated lid. Each of the insulated side panels is movable between a respective first position and a respective second position, wherein the shipping container is in the first configuration when all of the insulated side panels are in the first positions and collapses into the second configuration when all of the side panels are in the second positions. The insulated lid is removably attachable for selectively closing and accessing an internal storage volume. Each of the securing mechanisms is configured to removably secure the upper perimeter portion to the insulated base when the shipping container is in the second configuration. Each of the securing mechanisms is also configured to removably secure the insulated lid to the upper perimeter portion in both the first and the second configurations.

Abstract: Inhibiting spoilage of items is achieved by providing a container having an environmentally controlled storage compartment sealed form the external atmosphere and a reaction medium in a separate compartment in fluid communication with the storage compartment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multifunctional picnic box that includes a box body. The box body as described above has a cover which can be opened. At upper end in the box body as described above, there is at least a group of folding table with corresponding size of box body as described above. In the box body under the folding table as described above, it sets support for placing picnic appliance. It is able to take folding table, some simple cooking utensils in the box.

Abstract: A cooking pot includes a pot body having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall and defining a cooking cavity within the peripheral wall; and a fluid reservoir including a surrounding wall provided at a mid-portion of the pot body and defining a fluid cavity for receiving a predetermined amount of liquid therein. During dry cooking process, the peripheral wall of the pot body is directly heat-conducted for dry cooking the food within the cooking cavity while the surrounding wall of the fluid reservoir is heat-conducted through the liquid for dry cooking the food within the cooking cavity.

Abstract: A variety of forms of machine-readable symbols are disclosed, as well as methods and systems of constructing machine-readable symbols, methods and systems of acquiring machine-readable symbols, and methods and systems of decoding machine-readable symbols.

Abstract: A collapsible bowl described herein includes a base, wherein the base includes a top, a bottom, a chamber that is between the top and the bottom, a first edge, and a seam, wherein the base is foldable along the seam. The collapsible bowl also includes a first side that includes a top edge and a bottom edge, wherein the bottom edge of the first side is coupled to the first edge of the base, wherein the chamber is configured to receive a foldable cooling apparatus that is adapted to modify a temperature of a liquid in the collapsible bowl.

Abstract: A carry container is interchangeable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the container converts into a protective mat, such as a placemat, and becomes a barrier against germs. In one embodiment, the carry container includes an outer shell including a bottom panel and four side panels extending from the bottom panel and being configured to releasably attach to each of the two neighboring side panels using a fastener to form a container for carrying one or more items, such as food items. An inner lining formed by a generally square sheet is attached to an inner facing side of the outer shell and defines the protective mat when the outer shell is in an open position and flat on a surface. The container can be easily converted between the closed position (lunch box) and fully open position (protective mat). A larger version for the container is also described with a portion of the inner liner folded m the closed position.

Abstract: A food tray has a lower tray containing a first food product and an upper tray nested stably at least partly inside the lower tray, with the upper tray containing a second food product. An air permeable interface is provided between the upper tray and lower tray to allow venting of steam from the lower tray during cooking. A cover is provided for the food tray. Each of the lower tray and the upper tray are formed of a material that is suitable for use in a microwave or conventional oven. Various constructions may be used to create the air permeable interface, such as lugs, ledges and lips. The upper tray may sit above the lower tray. The trays are nested loosely for case of removal of the upper tray from the lower tray. Various configurations of cover may be used such as a sleeve, carton or lid. The upper tray may contain the higher value food product.

Abstract: A portable camping organizer for quickly determining what camping items may be missing from the organizer is disclosed. The organizer has at least first and second different trays. The first tray defines a first compartment for storing a first camping item wherein the first compartment has a shape at least partially conforming to the shape of the first item to indicate to a user that the first item is to be stored in the first compartment. The second tray defines a second compartment for storing a second camping item wherein the second compartment has a shape at least partially conforming to the shape of the second item to indicate to a user that the second item is to be stored in the second compartment. The organizer enables a user to determine whether a first and/or second item is missing from the organizer by observing the shape of an empty first and/or second compartment.

Abstract: In preferred embodiments, a novel container transport device comprising two collapsible elongate walls with the bottom of each collapsible wall joined to two opposite and parallel sides of a base and two side support walls joined to two opposite and parallel sides of the base perpendicular to the two collapsible elongate walls. In preferred embodiments, the top of each collapsible wall is joined to a parallel and opposite side of the retainer. Two side support walls are hingedly joined to two opposite and parallel sides of the retainer perpendicular to the collapsible walls. The side support walls may be moved between a first position in which the bottom of each side support wall contacts an opposite side of the base, and a second collapsed position in which the bottom of each side support wall is folded over the retainer to rest on the top of the device allowing the device to be collapsed.

Abstract: A carry container is interchangeable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the container converts into a protective mat, such as a placemat, and becomes a barrier against germs. In one embodiment, the carry container includes an outer shell including a bottom panel and four side panels extending from the bottom panel and being configured to releasably attach to each of the two neighboring side panels using a fastener to form a container for carrying one or more items, such as food items. An inner lining formed by a generally square sheet is attached to an inner facing side of the outer shell and defines the protective mat when the outer shell is in an open position and flat on a surface. The container can be easily converted between the closed position (lunch box) and open position (protective mat).

Abstract: A carry container is interchangeable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the container converts into a protective mat, such as a placemat, and becomes a barrier against germs. In one embodiment, the carry container includes an outer shell including a bottom panel and four side panels extending from the bottom panel and being configured to releasably attach to each of the two neighboring side panels using a fastener to form a container for carrying one or more items, such as food items. An inner lining formed by a generally square sheet is attached to an inner facing side of the outer shell and defines the protective mat when the outer shell is in an open position and flat on a surface. The container can be easily converted between the closed position (lunch box) and open position (protective mat).

Abstract: A container assembly for storing and transporting consumable products. The container assembly includes two or more containers, each having a container coupling portion configured to facilitate the coupling of one container to another container. The container assembly also includes one or more adaptor lids operative to seal a cavity of a container by threaded engagement therewith, and to selectively couple two containers together. In some embodiments, two containers may be coupled to each other by placing a first container on top of a second container and rotating the two containers relative to each other. The container assembly may be operative to permit multiple quantities and sizes of containers to be selectively coupled together to provide flexibility for a user to store and transport a variety of consumable products. The container assembly may also include a lid having a handle to allow a user to easily transport the container assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides a modular and foldable recycling apparatus for home use. The apparatus contains multiple modules attached in series, which can be separated into individual modules. Each module is made of a foldable frame to hold a container, such as a bag, for the containment, separation and transport of recyclable materials. The apparatus can be folded like an accordion to allow for convenient storage.

Abstract: A durable, reusable dual compartment sandwich container having upper and lower compartments that are pivotally connected to one another and separated by a rotatable divider. One or more slices of bread or an elongated sandwich roll is carried within the upper compartment and the ingredients for a sandwich are carried in the lower compartment. The divider is rotated over top of the lower compartment so as to segregate the wet ingredients from the dry bread and thereby prevent the bread from becoming soggy. A removable hot/cold pack is also carried within the lower compartment to provide heat or cold to the sandwich ingredients over a prolonged period of time in order to avoid the premature spoilage of the ingredients prior to consumption.

Abstract: A dispensing and disposing container system is disclosed that includes a primary container having an upper opening and defining a primary compartment, and with a top and a bottom. The system also includes a secondary container having an upper opening and defining a secondary compartment. The system further includes a mounting structure on the primary container that mounts the primary container on the secondary container in a first mounting mode and a second mounting mode. The first mounting mode is characterized by the primary container closing the upper opening of the secondary container and the secondary container supports the primary container. The second mounting mode is characterized by the secondary compartment of the secondary container being accessible through the upper opening of the secondary container is maintained while the primary container is supported on the secondary container.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus and container system for efficiently providing a portable container to secure multiple items within. The cooking apparatus and container system generally includes a container including an upper opening and a cavity, wherein the upper opening extends through an upper end of the container and wherein the chamber extends from the upper opening and within the container. A cap is removably secured to the container over the upper opening, wherein the cap is comprised of a configuration to seal the upper opening of the container. A handle is also included, wherein the handle may be secured in a storage position or a cooking position. The handle is secured adjacent the container in the storage position and the handle is secured to the cap in the cooking position.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a package system containing a main container with a smaller container nested in it. The smaller container is filled with a secondary food item designed to be mixed into the primary food item. The smaller container is placed within the main container. The area of the main container not occupied by the smaller container includes a main food item. Both containers are sealed with one film. Before consumption, a consumer will place the package in a microwave to heat. Once heated, the smaller container is removed from the main container, creating space in the main container previously occupied by the smaller container. The main food item in the main container will re-position creating space between the top of the main food item to the edge of the main container. The secondary item can be added into the main container without overflowing out of the main container.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multiple-compartment insulated food tray and lid for storage and service. The insulated food trays allow for two or more stacked strays to be mechanically unified using the weight of the top tray on the bottom tray in any orientation where the weight of the second tray remains on the first tray. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a polymer with foam and blowing agents are used during the molding process to create in a first phase a hard shell in contact with the mold. In a second phase, insulation is created in the hard shell by thermal treatment and expansion of the residual polymer inserted in the mold. In a third embodiment of the present disclosure, the insulated food trays, when stacked, can be placed in a nondiscriminatory arrangement.

Abstract: The invention described herein comprises a food storage container that provides an insulated box member having a plurality of walls defining an internal cavity, and at least one wall being hinged or otherwise movable to enable access to the interior. The box is conditioned to carry a plurality of internal, modular storage bin members of various shapes and capacities.

Abstract: A lunch box transforming into a placemat has at least two zippers with one of the two zippers running along at least three but preferably four sides while the second zipper runs along the remaining sides so as to allow, when all unzipped, to open the lunch box so that it lays falt and becomes a placemat.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable water bottle, cup and dish assembly and method for humans and pets wherein a readily accessible water bottle and cup are integrally housed within a delivery dish. The portable water bottle, cup and dish assembly provides a bottle removably housed within a central compartment of a cup. In addition, the bottle is removably attached within a delivery dish so that the bottle and the cup are removably housed therein. The cup and the delivery dish are each configured in size and shape to provide access for a human and a pet to drink therefrom, respectively. Optionally, the bottle comprises an insulating internal chamber adapted to insulate the liquid housed therein, keeping the liquid at a constant temperature for a period of time. Alternatively, the cup and/or the delivery dish comprise insulating capabilities adapted to insulate the liquid.

Abstract: A cup and lid holder has two parts: a bottom part holds two stacks of insulated paper cups and a top part holds two stacks of mating lids. The holder is folded from a flat blank. The blank is one piece and folds into a two-level structure with three horizontal parts: a bottom, a partition to separate the lids from the cups, and a top. The bottom has two fold-up tabs that fit into the bottoms of the bottom cup of each stack to hold them in place. The top comprises two rings that fit around the turrets of the top lid of each stack to hold them in place. The middle partition rests against the tops of the top cup in each stack to hold the stack in position. The middle partition is formed of two sets of two tabs each that interfit and extend from the tops of the front and bottom walls. Two stacks of lids are loaded into the top part and two stacks of cups are loaded into the bottom part. The holder with the loaded lids and cups is shrink-wrapped and printed.

Abstract: Apparatus for shipping and preparing baked food products includes a receptacle containing the food product, a baking shield upstanding above the receptacle, and a shipping carton. To prepare for shipping, the baking shield is placed at the bottom of the receptacle and is configured for a nesting fit. The baking shield may have either a frustoconical sidewall or a concave trough-like sidewall.

Abstract: A portable soft sided insulated container has an impermeable liner that provides a liquid holding barrier. The liner is folded from a single monolithic plastic sheet to reduce or eliminate the need for heat welded seams. The liner seats within the container and has a releasable attachment around its lip for mating with the rim of the container. The container has an insulated lid so that the entire assembly may be closed. The liner can be removed for cleaning, or replacement if punctured. When not in use the entire assembly can be folded into a collapsed position for storage. The container has two storage chambers that share a common insulated dividing wall.

Abstract: A portable beverage system is provided for allowing consumers to combine one or more portions of beverage or other concentrates with a liquid to form a drink. The system includes an inner storage container for the portions and an outer container for mixing the portions with a liquid. The portions may contain beverage concentrates, soup flavorings and spices, or nutritional additives, such as herbs, vitamins, and minerals. Different portions may be provided with system, allowing consumers to make drinks customizable according to personal preferences. The portions may be provided in capsules, gelatin compositions, or other forms.

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 portable soft sided insulated container has an impermeable liner that provides a liquid holding barrier. The liner is folded from a single monolithic plastic sheet to reduce or eliminate the need for heat welded seams. The liner seats within the container and has a releasable attachment around its lip for mating with the rim of the container. The container has an insulated lid so that the entire assembly may be closed. The liner can be removed for cleaning, or replacement if punctured. When not in use the entire assembly can be folded into a collapsed position for storage. The container has two storage chambers that share a common insulated dividing wall.

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: A taco shell support device includes a collapsible, generally rectangular box having a base wall, opposite first and second walls hingedly mounted on the base wall and a top wall hingedly connected to one of the first and second walls so that the box is expandable from a generally flat storage position to an upright taco shell support position wherein the top wall is positioned above the base wall with the first and second walls spacing the top wall from the base wall, the box including at least one taco-receiving slot formed in the top wall for receiving and supporting a taco shell and a flap having flap securement means mounted thereon, the flap foldably connected to one of the base and top walls, the flap securement means operative to secure the flap to one of the first and second walls thereby securing the box in the upright taco shell support position.

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: An improved food delivery system comprises an insulated container and plates that will either generate heat to keep food hot during delivery, or absorb heat to keep food cold during delivery. This combination will hold food for extended periods of time either above a desired elevated temperature, or below a desired lower temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable catering system for transporting, storing and serving food. In one embodiment, the portable catering system comprises first and second carrying cases, a first, second and third trays each having at least one cavity to store food, and an interconnect member. The portable catering system is operable from a transportation position to a dispensing position. In the transportation position, the trays are stacked upon each other and the first and second carrying cases are disposed about the stacked trays whereby the portable catering system may be carried or transported. In the dispensing position, the first and second carrying cases disassembled and spaced adjacent to each other and connected by the interconnect member whereby the first tray is supported on top of the first carrying case, the second tray is supported on top of the interconnect member and the third tray is supported on top of the second carrying case thereby allowing the food to be dispensed.

Abstract: An insulated flask has a cup assembly and a handle assembly alternately mounted on the flask body, the cup assembly comprising two telescopically stacks cups releasably mounted to the flask body by an annular collar, the cups having nested handles. The handle assembly includes an annular collar mountable to the flask body in a similar manner as the cup collar, and an elongate handle fixed to and extending from the handle assembly collar.

Abstract: A mealtime aid device comprises a handle and a plurality of containers which are removably secured to the upper end of the handle.

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 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 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 thermally insulated cooking device, including an insulated container, a cooking spot suspended inside the insulated cooking container, an insulated outer lid which closes off an upper opening of the insulated container, and an inner lid for closing off an upper opening of the cooking pot. Further included is a heat retaining material that can be heated by microwaves, which is removably attached to an inner face of the insulated outer lid. By attaching the heat retaining material, after it has been heated in a microwave oven, a temperature drop inside the insulated container can be substantially and safely prevented since heat radiates from the heat retaining material into the insulated container. Moreover the heat retaining material can be safely handled.

Abstract: A camping kitchen caddy comprising a carrying case having first and second pivotally connectable case members and a pivotally connectable chopping board securable to the second case member. The carrying case includes a suit case type handle and a pair of latching mechanism for securing the first and second case members into a closed suitcase type configuration. The first and second case members are preferably molded from a plastic material and each case member includes at least one compartment form fitted to receive and hold a particular type item and a number of other compartments for receiving a variety of user selected items. The case member preferably includes a compartment form fitted to receive a frying pan and a compartment form fitted to receive a coffee pot.

Abstract: A collapsible cooler apparatus includes a floor assembly which includes a quantity of a heat transfer material in a sealed floor module. A plurality of foldable wall assemblies are provided which include a lower wall subassembly, an upper wall subassembly, and an interior hinge connecting the lower wall subassembly to the upper wall subassembly. The lower wall subassemblies include respective quantities of a heat transfer material in respective sealed lower wall modules. The upper wall subassemblies include respective quantities of a heat transfer material in respective upper wall modules. A plurality of peripheral hinges are connected between the floor module and the lower wall subassemblies for securing the lower wall subassemblies to the floor assembly. Flexible corner panels are connected between adjacent foldable wall assemblies.

Abstract: A canteen includes a canteen body which confines a compartment for storing refreshments therein, a food container which has a container body that is mounted to a base of the canteen body and that confines a compartment for storing solid food therein, and a base plate that is mounted on an open bottom of the container body and that is formed with an access hole to access the compartment of the container body, and a cover plate which is mounted movably to the food container so as to cover selectively the access hole.

Abstract: A removable food container attachment for lunch pails and small coolers includes a sling member formed of flexible material having a bottom wall and opposed end portions and side portions extending upwardly therefrom to define a generally rectangular compartment which receives one or more bowl-shaped food containers each having an air tight lid. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom and sides of the compartment are of double wall construction and filled with thermally insulating material. A flexible insulating cover removably received on the top of the covered food container encloses the top end of the sling compartment. The sling compartment with the insulating cover installed is placed on the bottom of a conventional lunch pail or small cooler.

Abstract: A separable food and beverage combination has an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The upper chamber is formed by a first circumferential wall and a first bottom wall attached to the first circumferential wall. A first lid is releasably connected to the first circumferential wall and opposes the first bottom wall. The first lid has a hinged spout hingingly movable from a closed position and an open position. The lower chamber is formed by a second circumferential wall and a second bottom wall attached to the second circumferential wall. A lid plate, threadingly connected to the first bottom wall and threadingly connected to the second circumferential wall, opposes the second bottom wall. A bowl is removably placed within the lower chamber. A removable partition forms separable compartments in the bowl.

Abstract: A cooking device having an outer pot and an inner pot removally suspended in the outer pot is proposed for better and easier cooking of foodstuff. The inner pot is made of thermally conductive, metallic material and is adapted for initially cooking foodstuff with a separate heater for a short period of time. The outer pot is made into a thermally insulated construction and adapted to house the inner pot containing the semi-cooked foodstuff in the outer pot in a thermally insulated manner, so as to allow the semi-cooked foodstuff to complete the cooking by its own latent heat without a further heating by an external heat supply means.

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: A container converting between a briefcase, a food and beverage carriage, and a mini-cooler. The container has a case which functions as a briefcase. The case includes a base and a top, each of which has walls defining a hollow center filled with insulating material. The top is secured by a hinge to the base along coextensive edges. A plurality of separate food and beverage carriage inserts may be removably positioned in the base to convert the case into a food and beverage carriage. An insulating mini-cooler adapter converts the case into a mini-cooler.

Abstract: In a heat insulating cooking vessel wherein a cooking pot with a lid element is contained in a freely removeable fashion within the inner space of a heat insulating container consisting of a heat insulating container and a lid which closes the mouth portion of this container member, the present invention comprises attachment shafts which are formed projecting outward from both side walls of the container member of the heat insulating container; a grip handle which is attached to the container member via the aforesaid attachment shafts and can be freely raised or lowered; a locking piece which is formed projecting outward from the side of the lid which is positioned above the attachment shafts when the container member is covered by the lid; a concave interlocking portion, which covers the locking piece when the container member is covered with the lid, and which is formed to the attachment parts of the handle grip attached to the sides of the container member; openings formed in the attachment parts of the af

Abstract: A thermal jar for carrying snacks, and which is provided with a removable receptacle for a spoon and fork and which is received in a channel in a top surface of the cover of the jar. The spoon and the fork are pivotally mounted to the underside to the top of the receptacle, and the top is hinged to the receptacle so that it may be opened to permit the spoon and fork to be turned to a position in which they protrudes through the ends of the receptacle, and the cover may then be closed down to a snap fit with the receptacle to hold the spoon and fork in place, and enable the receptacle to serve as a handle for the spoon and fork.