Abstract: The present invention includes methods for producing an extruded food particle by extruding through an extruder having a screw within a barrel, a composition containing nutritional food components, essentially no starch and a gum in an amount sufficient to act as a binder once the composition exits the extruder. The present invention also includes extruded food particles that do not use starch as a binder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a formulation of a moldable protein matrix which after drying has a high concentration (from 60% to 90%) of fruits, vegetables, chocolate or cocoa. It also allows for the incorporation of flavors and coloring agents in order to obtain a product that is very similar, both in texture and taste, to fruit, chocolate or cocoa. It may be used, directly or by incorporation, in different kind of food, such as ice creams, pastries and dairy products. The invention refers also to the process for the manufacture of products based on this matrix with a texture and taste similar of the fruit, vegetables and cocoa.

Abstract: A reinforced edible image-substrate for decorating foodstuffs capable of having high-resolution images printed thereon and also capable of retaining multi-dimensional shapes is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the reinforced edible image-substrate includes an edible paper base layer having a top surface and a bottom surface and an edible image-substrate coating disposed on at least one of the top surface and the bottom surface of the edible paper base layer. It is an object of the reinforced edible image-substrate disclosed herein to be capable of accepting high-resolution images, to be sufficiently stiff to retain multi-dimensional shapes without collapsing, and also to be sufficiently flexible to be capable of being bent, folded, and/or creased while maintaining sufficient integrity to retain desired multi-dimensional shapes.

Abstract: Vase apparatus and decorating methods for associating flowers and other decorative items with cakes and other food products are described. Vase embodiments include a water-holding reservoir having a bottom wall, an upright rim, and plural flower-stem-receiving wells. Each well is defined by at least one well wall depending from the bottom wall and has an opening capable of receiving water from the reservoir. Vase embodiments may include a reservoir of various shapes and sizes. Vases may be placed on a cake or other food product permitting the cake or food product to be attractively and easily decorated.

Abstract: The invention provides fabricated fish chunks having the appearance and texture of real fish comprising from about 75 to about 95% of one or more functional proteins and from about 5 to about 25% other comestible ingredients, wherein the functional proteins comprise from about 40 to about 95% surimi and from about 0 to about 55% of one or more non-surimi functional proteins. The fabricated fish chunks have a soft smooth laminar appearance and flaky texture similar to real fish.

Abstract: A covered retracted confectionery including a housing with covers hinged adjacent the top for movement between closed and open positions. The lower part of each of the covers being contacted by a part of a shaft moveable in the housing between a retracted position and an extended position with respect to the housing to keep the covers closed against the force of gravity. A confectionery carried adjacent the top of the shaft is enclosed by the covers until they are manually moved to the open position by operation of an actuator slideably mounted on the exterior of the housing against a bias. Upon release of the actuator, the bias will automatically retract the shaft and confectionery as well as close the covers.

Abstract: A set of processed food or snack products in the shape of tiling pieces capable of creating a variety of final geometric or representational shapes. For the purpose of play value, the tiling puzzle challenge is illustrated as the outline final shape. The consumer can configure a set of the edible tiling pieces to form the final shape, before consuming the processed food or snack. For the purpose of decorative presentation, the tiling puzzle solution is illustrated showing the outlines of the individual edible tiling pieces. The consumer can use the illustration to recreate the desired final shape to display the processed food in an attractive manner, before it is consumed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to edible and biodegradable eating utensils and edible and biodegradable containers. In one aspect a method of making and preserving an edible and biodegradable utensil or container is disclosed.

Abstract: A variety of toy polariscopes are simpler in design and less costly than precision instruments used in scientific research and stress analysis of materials and structures. The toy polariscopes are designed for a variety of objects that may exhibit photoelastic properties such as glass, plastic, Plexiglas, gel candle material and other gels, and even edible photoelastic objects. They are specially designed for objects of various sizes with a variety of purposes such as objects to enhance learning in a variety of conditions and experiences. Special objects are designed to go with the toy polariscopes such as edible and inedible photoelastic objects, photoelastic candle material, a variety of photoelastic/photoplastic stands capable of a variety of displays in interaction with other designed photoelastic objects capable of a variety of interaction and displays. Other optical phenomena may also be observed.

Abstract: A toy article comprising at least one connection element and being made of a material configured to be rigid when in a dry state and flexible after being wetted, and being edible.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an innovative procedure for producing three-dimensional candies, preferably of the type known in the food industry as gummy snacks, which eliminates the stamping of starch beds and the cleaning process of the chilled product, furthermore having control of detail on all sides of the product, as well as a transparency and crystallinity never before achieved with the procedures known and traditionally used in the food industry. Likewise, the invention incorporates a completely novel shaping device consisting of two plates connected by a male-female system and with a plurality of product-shaping cavities that are in contact with all sides of the product to be formed.

Abstract: Methods of coating the interior surface of a hollow tubular structure, in particular a drinking device, and more particularly a drinking straw, with an edible composition to impart a desirable modification to a beverage that is drunk through the straw. The edible composition comprises an adhering agent and a powdered ingredient coated to the interior surface. Suitable adhering agents include lipids (e.g., soybean oil, corn oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, peanut oil, and mixtures thereof), medium chain triglycerides oils, emulsifiers, and mixtures thereof. Suitable powdered ingredients include edible acids, edible bases, sweeteners, flavorings, vitamins, minerals, colorants, sensate agents, carotenoids, antioxidants, polyphenols, phytonutrients, and mixtures thereof. The adhering agent is applied to the interior surface of the straw by any one of a number of methods followed by incorporating the powdered ingredient into the adhering agent layer.

Abstract: A collectible item comprising a novelty image item and an edible confectionary image item is provided. The novelty image item may contain an image that matches the image on the confectionary image item, or an image that is related to the image on the confectionary image item. A plurality of collectible image items may be provided on a sheet, and the collectible image items may be individually removable from the sheet. An intermediate layer may also be provided which separates the confectionary image item from the novelty image item. The collectible item may include stickers as the novelty image item, and may include gum with an image formed thereon as the confectionary image item.

Abstract: A product and packaging combination provides a matrix of colors to form an infinite number of stock and customizable designs. The designs are formed by a plurality of vials that are capable of being arranged in a matrix inside a container. Each individual vial holds a colored food product such as jellybeans. The vials may, for example, be sized to hold eight to ten jellybeans. The vials have at least one transparent portion, and the vials can be arranged inside the container to display the jellybeans. Vials of different colored jellybeans can be arranged to form images. Each of the vials may provide the individual “pixels” or dots of color that combine to form the image. For example, the images may pertain to specific companies, sports, hobbies, holidays or special occasions, and the images may be personalized with the recipient's name or a message.

Abstract: A freeform fabrication system for the production of an edible three-dimensional food product from digital input data is disclosed. Food products are produced in a layer-by-layer manner without object-specific tooling or human intervention. Color, flavor, texture and/or other characteristics may be independently modulated throughout the food product.

Abstract: A bagged cookie is combined with a generally L-shaped holder having an upright portion and a base portion at about 90 degrees, and an elongate stick. The back side of the bagged cookie is adhered to the upright portion, preferably with double stick-back tape, and the lower side of the bagged cookie is resting on or near the base portion. The holder is configured to receive one end of an elongate stick, and the opposing end preferably engages a platform. Preferably there are several sets of the bagged cookies, holders, and elongate sticks engaged with the platform, forming a cookie bouquet.

Abstract: An architecture is presented that provides a decorative toothpick device designed primarily for use with chocolate-covered strawberries, cupcakes, cake pops, pastries, or other food articles. The decorative toothpick device comprises a toothpick comprising a first end and a second end, and a decorative molded topper secured to the first end of the toothpick. The second end of the toothpick is then inserted into a confection. The decorative toothpick device would then act as a decorative top piece, as well as a handle with which to eat the strawberry, the cupcake, the cake pop, or the cookie, etc. The decorative toothpick device can come in a ready-to-use package, or be prepared by hand by a user. Furthermore, the decorative molded toppers can be decorated in a variety of designs and themes, depending on the occasion. For example, any kind of additional additive can be used to decorate the decorative molded toppers.

Abstract: An edible spoon for dissociating into consumable predetermined clumps in order to prevent dissociating into random granules that would make consumption more difficult. The edible spoon includes a bowl and a handle. The bowl extends from the handle and contains weakened lines. The weakened lines in the bowl define the consumable predetermined clumps so as to allow the bowl to dissociate into the consumable predetermined clumps in order to prevent dissociating into the random granules that would make the consumption more difficult.

Abstract: An apparatus used to arrange and display decorative items or candy. A narrow stem comprises a plurality of holes running throughout the stem. A plurality of metal rods are inserted into respective holes in the stem. Each metal rod has is attached to a plastic petal, which also comprises a clip. A piece of candy can be attached to each clip and can be supported by each respective petal. The plurality of metal rods arranged in this manner create a visually appealing arrangement of decorative items or dispenser of candy.

Abstract: A mould plate former (10) is produced where former shapes (13) are located on a former plate (10a) by a template (20). A mould plate (60) with recesses (61) aligned with engraved images (17) on a graphics plate, is produced by placing a mixed solution (34) of a silicone compound (30) and hardener (33) in the former (10) after any air bubbles in the solution (34) have been removed under vacuum. The mould plate (60) is allowed to initially cure, is trimmed and then post-cured (e.g., in a curing oven (80)). The mould plate (60) is used to manufacture chocolates of two (or more) colours with a thin design or at least one colour on a chocolate of another colour.

Abstract: A hand-held candy device for rotational engagement of a confectionary such as sucker or lollipop at the distal end of a handle adapted for gripping by the fingers of a user. The candy sucker is removably rotationally engageable on an axle positioned at or adjacent to the distal end of the handle. The candy is provided in multiple colors and flavors in candy components each of which is engageable to the axle on the handle by a user thereby providing users with the ability to customize and reuse the sucker handles and to spin the engaged candy once engaged to the axle for amusement or to allow tasting different sections of the unitary formed candy which have different flavors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of attaching a handle to a solid oral dosage form by use of high frequency mechanical vibrations. The present invention also relates to a method of attaching a handle to a solid oral dosage form, the method comprising: (a) placing a handle in contact with a solid oral dosage form, wherein an area of contact between the handle and the solid oral dosage form forms a joint interface; (b) applying high frequency mechanical vibrations to the joint interface until the solid oral dosage form at the joint interface reaches a molten state; and (c) cooling the joint interface in a molten state to allow solidification, thereby attaching the handle to the solid oral dosage form.

Abstract: Multicolor image, formed from at least two component images, are printed on non-planar surfaces of edible pieces by maintaining registration of the pieces from one printing station to another. The registration is maintained by firmly securing the pieces to the transporting surface by applying a pressure differential, by a combination of a pressure differential with a resilient surface, or by trapping the pieces between a retaining member and a recess portion.

Abstract: A pulp food product, process and method of manufacturing same is provided comprising at least one pulp material formed from at least one raw vegetable or fruit wherein juice is substantially removed therefrom leaving behind the pulp material. The pulp material is dried to contain no more than about 5% moisture after treatment by way of dehydration or freeze drying. In one embodiment the pulp food product comprises a base vegetable, between about 55-100% by weight, a color vegetable, between about 0-20% by weight, a flavor vegetable and/or fruit between about 0-20% by weight, and additional flavor ingredients between about 0-5% by weight. The process provides for processing raw fruits and/or vegetables through an extractor to substantially separate juice and pulp, mixing the pulp, shaping the pulp into structures, including granules, chips, sticks etc., and drying the shape pulp to no more than 5% by weight of moisture.

Abstract: A method of making a drawing on a chocolate by causing a pulsed laser to irradiate the surface of a solid chocolate under limited operation conditions, and a chocolate manufactured by said method are provided. The irradiation energy per pulse and the irradiation energy per sweeping unit line length of the pulsed laser are limited to a certain range. The trace of the laser irradiation remains circular or arc-shaped on the surface of the chocolate manufactured under the above conditions. Further, the method makes a drawing on the surface of the chocolate, using the phenomenon that chocolate changes color when being irradiated by a pulsed laser under the above operation conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable protein based thermoset compositions formulated from a powder of a dry and finely ground protein material, from which the water has been thoroughly removed, an anhydrous and liquid alcohol and other optional additives. The inventions also relates to the method for obtaining these compositions in which the components are homogeneously mixed, under controlled conditions of temperature and moisture, to obtain a homogenous and shelf-cohesive mass, that can be shaped in any predetermined form by diverse molding methods, being readily set through the application of a certain amount of heat during a short period of time, which enables it to turn into a solid shaped body or article through a very simple process.

Abstract: A dog chew treat is fashioned from a composition comprising sugar, fiber, and flour. Preferably, the sugar is dextrose, and the flour is pre-gelatinized wheat flour. The composition may be molded into the shape of a bone, or other treat. A palatant coating may be applied to the molded product. Colors may be added for different aesthetics such as a marbling pattern. Functional ingredients may be used to provide health benefits.

Abstract: Edible composite images including a substrate, an underlying image, an optional lacquer barrier, an overlying image, optional varnish, and optional glaze are provided herein, wherein the overlying image obscures the underlying image at least in part and is removable by wetting or licking to reveal the underlying image. Also provided are edible flavor samples, edible pH-sensitive images, and composite images not intended for consumption.

Abstract: A body (60) of hard candy is formed on a tubular stem (32) that extends from a reservoir/handle (12) in which an edible fluid (72) is contained. The outer end (36) of the tubular passageway (32) is open. A cover (70) is provided. It has an open end (71) which engages a base wall (40) and holds the cover (70) to the base wall (40). The cover (70) includes an end wall (74) which includes a plug (78) which enters into the end (60) of the tubular stem (32) when the cover (70) is installed. When the cover (70) is removed, a consumer may lick the candy (70) and may squeeze the reservoir/handle (12) to express edible fluid (72) out from the reservoir/handle (12), through the passageway (32) and into the consumer's mouth.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a one piece squeezable container for chilled or frozen products comprising a body formed by a wall and closing means, said body having in his greater section a dimension d1 and a neck with an internal diameter d2, a wall thickness comprised between 30 and 500 pm, being made from a semicrystalline PET and wherein the ratio volume of the body of the container per gram of PET of the body is comprised between 20 and 100.

Abstract: A toy-like pet food capable of cleaning oral comprises: a biting body made of cow leather; at least one meat sheet made of meat sauce; the at least one meat sheet is placed upon the biting body and the biting body is curled as a winding structure; two ends of the winding structure are tied as two knots, respectively; and the tied winding structure are dried so as to form as a hard structure for cleaning oral cavity of a pet; and wherein the meat sheet is formed with dried meat powders which is compressed as a sheet and is baked and dried from meat powders. The pet food can be provided to a pet. Since the biting body has hard, it provides the function of cleaning the oral cavity; the meat sheet embedded in the biting body will emit fragrant odor for a long period.

Abstract: A stabilizer for ice cream cones is a generally flat elongated body with a tapered tip at one end and a rounded or novelty decoration at the other end. The center of the stabilizer may be flared to increase the surface area of the stabilizer. In use, the stabilizer is inserted into the ice cream within the cone so that the tapered end approaches the base of the inside of the cone, while the other end extends above the top of the ice cream. The stabilizer acts to prevent sideways movement of the ice cream that is above the top edge of the cone, and thus reduces the risk of the ice cream falling off the cone.

Abstract: A candy food product comprises a candy pop having a hard candy rod formed and supported at a support base, and a dispenser shaped as a personal electronic device for storing a plurality of confectionary powders in a plurality of confectionary compartments. A lid selectively movable between an open and closed position sealingly engages the dispenser. A receptacle is formed in the dispenser proximate to the confectionary compartments and receives the candy pop therein.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed to methods for manufacturing shaped, comestible articles. Multiple comestible articles are connected by flash, and stress lines in the flash surround the articles. The comestible articles are subsequently separated from the flash at the stress lines. Additional aspects of the present invention are directed to an intermediate comestible product. In certain embodiments, the intermediate comestible product comprises multiple articles, web-like flash connecting the articles, and stress lines formed in the flash and about each article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a confectionery product comprising a first extruded portion and a second extruded portion, wherein each portion has a plurality of capillaries disposed therein, and the capillaries of the first and second portions are: a) discontinuous; and/or b) continuous and oriented in more than one direction. The present invention also relates to a process for making the same.

Abstract: A confectionary product has a hollow, pliable tube containing a flowable confectionary material and an enlarged head secured to one end of the tube, the opposite end of the tube being sealed. The head has one or more dispensing openings on its outer surface. In one case, the head is solid and a passageway extends through the head from an inlet end communicating with the tube at one end and at least one dispensing opening at the other end. In another case, the head is hollow and has a plurality of openings. The wall of the tube can be squeezed to force the flowable confection through the head and out through the opening or openings for consumption. In one embodiment, the head is of edible material such as hard candy and is consumed after substantially all of the confectionary material is squeezed out of the tube and consumed.

Abstract: An ingestible stopping device that prevents liquid contained in a container from passing through an opening of a lid joined to the container. The ingestible stopping device includes an opening covering portion sized to cover the opening of the lid and an extension portion sized to extend through the opening of the lid into an interior of the container. The opening covering portion prevents liquid from passing through the opening of the lid when the extension portion is inserted through the opening of the lid. The ingestible stopping device is made of an edible material such as chocolate and may be flavored. The ingestible stopping device may be coated with a second edible material having a higher melting point than the edible material.

Abstract: An apparatus used to arrange and display decorative items or candy. A narrow stem comprises a plurality of holes running throughout the stem. A plurality of metal rods are inserted into respective holes in the stem. Each metal rod has is attached to a plastic petal, which also comprises a clip. A piece of candy can be attached to each clip and can be supported by each respective petal. The plurality of metal rods arranged in this manner create a visually appealing arrangement of decorative items or dispenser of candy.

Abstract: Confectionery products, packages containing confectionery products and methods for marketing same are disclosed. The products permit the consumer to manipulate them into composite shapes having various flavor, color, and/or texture combinations. Additionally, packages containing a plurality of resiliently deformable candy pieces are disclosed. The packages provide indicia in the form of graphic and textural information regarding the contents and how to use the pieces to create composite shapes having various flavor, color and/or texture combinations.

Abstract: A food product includes a pocket formed from dough, a portion of a food stuffing material captured within the pocket, and a protrusion coupled to the pocket. The protrusion is capable of being grasped and, when so grasped, the pocket is capable of being supported by the protrusion. A method of manufacturing such a food product is also disclosed. The food product relates to pocket-foods such as pierogies, ravioli, and similar foods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible, non cellular pet chew comprising: a) 51-90 wt % based on the dry solid weight of the mixture of a (thermoplastic) cereal flour, wherein the cereal flour has a protein content below 10 wt. %, b) 5 to 30 wt. %, based on the dry solid weight of the mixture of a plasticizer, and c) 1 to 35 wt. %, based on the dry solid weight of the mixture of a fibrous material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a protein containing composition, comprising; a protein composition, wherein at least about 75 weight % of the protein composition contains at least about 15 weight % of large pieces including protein fibers at least about 4 centimeters long, protein strands at least about 3 centimeters long, and protein chunks at least about 2 centimeters long and wherein at least about 75 weight % of the protein composition has a shear strength of at least about 1400 grams. The invention also relates to a process for preparing the protein composition.

Abstract: A color image may be applied onto a substantially planar carrier, and the carrier may be deformed to form a non-planar relief mold of a three-dimensional image, including deforming the color image whereby the deformed color image is proportionate relative to, i.e., is in register with, the three-dimensional image. A comestible material, e.g., chocolate, may be deposited into the relief mold to substantially overlie the color image. The comestible material may be removed from the relief mold, with the color image applied thereto. In one implementation, the color image may be applied to the substantially planar carrier by screen printing one or more colors forming the color image onto the carrier using an edible ink composition.

Abstract: An article of manufacture includes (a) a three-dimensionally shaped edible candy including chocolate; and (b) a hollow container including a wall defining an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior surface defining a hollow portion having a shape which substantially conforms to the three-dimensional shape of the candy for releasably securing the candy within the hollow shape of the container, wherein the container includes at least two portions removably secured to one and the other for releasably securing the candy, and further wherein the container includes a plastic material, such as a thermoformed plastic material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a waffle sheet as a long-life baked product, comprising one respective rib structure on opposite surfaces of a support layer. Said support layer has the shape of a corrugated plate (1, 10, 11, 12), e.g. with a sinusoidal or angular, trapezoidal undulation, the walls of said corrugated plate having the same thickness. Ribs (5, 5?, 6) which penetrate or bridge the wave troughs (3, 3?, 3?, 3??) extend transversal to said undulation. The wave troughs (3, 3?, 3?, 3??) of both surfaces or the top face and bottom face touch or penetrate an imaginary center line (4) of the cross-section of the waffle. The average wall thickness of the ribs (5, 5, 6) corresponds to the wall thickness of the corrugated plate (1, 10, 11, 12). The ribs (5, 5?, 6) extend at an angle from or perpendicular to the apex line of the waves. The ribs (6) in the wave troughs (3, 3?) located on the top face are offset by half a separation relative to the ribs (5, 5?) of the wave troughs (3, 3??) located on the bottom face.

Abstract: A pet treat having a sugar-based edible portion including a palatant material and a support portion. Incorporation of starch provides a hard-candy texture for the edible portion. The pet treat may be formed as a lollipop, a toy, or a lozenge using either a batch process or a continuous process. Features to interest a pet include a resilient mount, or a rotatable mount. An adhesive mount can attach the support to a variety of surfaces. A replaceable cover and rejuvenant container may be used.

Abstract: A food product having an unconventional design, such as that resembling meat from a prehistoric animal, may be made by attaching meat to a large beef rib bone. The beef rib bone may be made to resemble a rib from a prehistoric animal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to frozen confectionery products having at least one ingredient which is dispersed in said frozen confectionery in a non-homogeneous fashion. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such frozen confectionery products.

Abstract: Elongated container for consumables (FIGS. 1, 2 and 3) including a consumption article similar in size and shape to a cigarette, which is used by absorbing the product it contains, after applying it to the lips of the person who wants to taste it, such that it is manufactured, preferably, with multilayer sheets of cellulose, aluminium and polyethylene, although sheets with one, two or more layers can be used, including a cylindrically shaped, hollow, elongated body (1), plugged at both ends thereof with absorption mouthpieces (2) and seals (3) intended to conserve consumable (4). Several variations are offered with liquid, gaseous and solid consumables, capillary take-up wicks (5), aroma emitters (6), stoppers (8) and air inlet valves (7). The container is also provided, in that the consumable, in compliance with health and legal regulations, covers the whole range of products including preventive and curative medicinal products.

Abstract: Composite food products comprising a first soft plastic nonfrangible major portion having a water activity of 0.5 or less and about 1% to 15% % of a second food portion of small direct expanded puffed particulates fabricated from a cooked cereal dough. The puffed pieces are formed by direct puffing or expansion into individual pieces rather than by grinding or size reducing larger cereal pieces. The puffed cereal particulates thus have a continuous unbroken skin or surface surrounding the particulates as a result of the direct expansion formation. The particulates have a size ranging from about 0.5 to 2 mm, a moisture content of less than 6%, and, a bulk density ranging from about 0.15 to 0.25 g/cc. The cooked cereal dough from which the particulates are fabricated comprises at least 45% rice flour. The products exhibit a crispy texture notwithstanding the softer texture of the major phase.