Abstract: Anti-freeze protein which can be derived from Lichen, said protein having an apparent molecular weight of from 20 to 28 kDa and having an N-terminal amino acid sequence which shows at least 80% overlap with: A-P-A-V-V-M-G-D-A-E-S-F-G-A-I-A-H-G-G-L and modified versions and isoforms of this protein.

Abstract: The invention relates mainly to an element suitable for being ingested, the element including at least one air-passing channel making it possible to avoid choking in the event of being swallowed the wrong way. The present invention applies to the food industry and also to the pharmaceuticals industry.

Abstract: An edible pet toy. The pet toy is used for introducing a nutrient, treatment, and/or supplement component that benefits the health of the pet. The toy is manufactured entirely from a compressed substance or with a shell and at least one inner material. The toy can be either totally edible or includes a shell that is inedible yet expels one or more inner materials while the pet compresses the toy in its mouth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the ingredients for nontoxic bubble liquid that mainly contains pure water, blowing agent, thickener, sweetener, seasoning and enhancer. Besides blowing bubbles with the stick soaked with the edible bubble liquid, users can also blow bubbles from their mouth. Such unique bubble liquid not only draws people's attention, but eliminates harm to human bodies. Moreover, the sweetness and fragrance of the bubble liquid makes it more tasty.

Abstract: High resolution ink-jet printing on edible substrates is disclosed in which fat or wax-based edible inks, which contain a colorant, a fat or wax dispersible carrier, and a fat or wax base, are used to produce high resolution images on edibles. The methods utilize a piezoelectric printhead; and the edible products include confectionery pieces having non-planar, hydrophobic surfaces, such as wax-polished sugar shell surfaces, with a printed image thereon having a resolution greater than 100 dpi, preferably greater than 300 dpi.

Abstract: Liquid candy is molded into a body of hard candy HC with a tubular portion 24 of a holder 22, 24 anchored therein. The tubular portion 22 extends into close proximity to an outer surface of the hardened candy HC. A cup-shaped portion 22 of the holder is snapped onto a reservoir cap 70. The holder 22, 24 is snapped into a fully engaged position. When a consumer wishes to consume the candy product, the consumer pulls up on the holder 22, 24 to move it upwardly relative to the reservoir cap into a second engaged position. A break-away portion 74 of the cap 70 breaks away to open fluid communication between the reservoir 62 and a passageway 36 through the holder 22, 24.

Abstract: A produce snack kit includes a plurality of shaped produce pieces which are shaped to allow arrangement into one or more predetermined arrangement goals, and a goal indication means for indicating the one or more predetermined arrangement goals. A user arranges the plurality shaped produce pieces into the one or more predetermined arrangement goals with the aid of the goal indication means. The invention may be embodied as methods or apparatus.

Abstract: A device for transferring an image to a tongue includes a sheet of saliva-dissolvable material, and an image pattern formed on the sheet. The image pattern includes a coloration material, which interacts with saliva for leaving an image on the tongue.

Abstract: Novelty Date Package with a series of stepped platforms forming a base for a package, each the platform having a plurality of recesses capable of removably retaining the lower portion of a date, a date retaining member for preventing the side to side motion of the dates on each platform, a laminated plastic and paper sleeve that surrounds the front and side portions of each date, each the sleeve having a printed image of a person, each the sleeve partially covering the front each date so that the sides and top of each date are visible, a removable and replaceable clear cover that slips over said stepped platform base that helps protect and retain said dates, and a graphic card member that covers a portion of the top, bottom and sides of said date package.

Abstract: An edible, nutrient-rich drinking straw for use in consuming beverages. Preferably, the drinking straw is formed from one or more compressed fruit powders, natural flavor, natural color and humectant that is extruded to assume the drinking straw shape. Thereafter a sealing coating, such as wax, is applied to the straw. The straw of the present invention may be formulated to have a desired rate at which it dissolves into a beverage, and may further be formed to have any of a variety of alternative configurations, such as other types of utensils for consuming food and beverages.

Abstract: A display assembly for edible and non-edible objects comprises a container having an interior bottom surface, at least one tubular holder mounted to the interior bottom surface for receiving a support member, the holder having walls extending substantially perpendicularly to the bottom surface and defining an area on the bottom surface having a minor dimension substantially less than a major dimension, and disposed along the major dimension of the holder at least two internal constrictions of the walls, the constrictions adapted so that the support member is movable between a first, second and third position to change the orientation of the support member out of the vertical.

Abstract: This invention is a method for manufacturing candy using a first and second mold, which comprises the steps of filling a measured amount of the first mixture comprising raw materials for candy and additives into the first mold, partially cooling said mixture, printing a desired picture onto the partially cooled mixture by using one or more compositions selected among red, blue, and yellow edible ink compositions, filling a measured amount of the second mixture comprising raw materials for candy and additives into the second mold, partially cooling the first arid second mixture, joining the first mold and the second mold to combine the first mixture and the second mixture by pressing the joint pin, and hardening the mixture of the mold to form the candy product from the mold.

Abstract: A candy product comprises a plastic housing which defines upper and lower chambers. A candy holder retains a piece of hard candy and can be placed in the lower chamber of the housing to close the chamber. A compressible bottle is retained within the upper chamber and is accessible to a user through openings in the side walls. The bottle includes a nipple which extends through the top of the housing. In use, the candy is removed from the lower chamber, the housing is inverted, and pressure is applied to the bottle to expel the flavored liquid onto the candy.

Abstract: A shaped hot dog is formed by providing a wiener with cuts extending longitudinally from each end a distance selected to maintain a cylindrical middle portion intact. The cuts form distal portions which extend away from each side of the middle portion. The distal portions curl outwardly on cooking, and the resulting shaped hot dog has an appealing shape which in a preferred embodiment resembles a spider.

Abstract: An edible utensil for winding up elongated pasta having projections extending radially from the surface of the utensil. The utensil is made of a food product such as bread that is reasonably rigid to hold bundles of elongated pasta. In operation, the utensil is placed against a plate containing a type of elongated pasta while the utensil is grasped. The utensil is substantially vertically positioned with respect to the plate. The user then rotates the utensil so that the strands of pasta wind up onto the tines of the utensil. The pasta and the portion of the utensil surrounded by the pasta are then consumed in the ordinary manner.

Abstract: A candy toy holder device which provides fun and visual pleasure for the consumer as well as providing a candy treat. The device includes an upper housing and a main housing which provides a support for a lollipop via a rotatable support holder operative by a motor and gearing in the main housing. The upper housing has one or more movable parts that perform a variety of movements. It may be constructed so that the movements include appendages moving around, up, down, in or out and the candy is designed to rotate whether or not the motion parts are active or inactive. The movements are activated by the use of a motor on a gearing device, a switching device and a power source. The power source is self-contained within the main housing and the housing is designed in a manner that allows the battery to be replaceable as well as the candy. Use of one or more gears and/or gearing systems allows the movements of parts.

Abstract: A candy magnifier includes a convex magnifying lens formed of a crystallized flavored mixture. The magnifying lens is edible, and functions to enlarge the appearance of an object viewed through the lens.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a ready-for-use frozen or refrigerated sweet dough which is prepared from flour, sugar, a leavening agent and fat, and which is provided in a form that includes grooves, score lines, or a combination thereof, to facilitate separation of the dough into pieces that can be baked into individual bakery products such as cookies, muffins, brownies, or other pastries. The invention also relates to a method for providing individually baked products comprising the steps of providing an uncooked dough sheet or block which has separable portions of predefined shape, separating one or more portions from the sheet or block and then baking the portions to obtain individually baked products. The shapes of the portions are defined by grooves, score lines or combinations thereof and the portions are separated from the sheet by breaking them along the grooves or score lines.

Abstract: An edible film and method of making and using same for decorating foodstuffs, in particular baked goods, wherein anyone can easily, inexpensively and artistically decorate foodstuffs. The edible film according to the present invention is composed of an edible polymer film which is preferably releasably mounted upon a flexible substrate to provide a reinforced edible film. The edible film is peelably released from the substrate to provide decorations for the foodstuff. The edible film may be decoratively prepared into predetermined decorations prior to distribution, which may include being pre-printed, pre-cut, colored, or being of pre-selected opacity and sheen. Alternatively, the edible film may be distributed in a not yet finalized decoration form, wherein finalization is left up to the user.

Abstract: Puzzle candy pieces, that may assembled in a consumer's mouth to form structures of increased complexity, by manipulation of the pieces using the tongue, in combination with the walls and roof of the mouth, may take numerous different shapes. One type includes an annular piece and either a ball or plug insertable through the annular piece. Another includes candy bolts and nuts. The nut is manipulated and rotated in order to engage the bolt. Another includes a sardine-can-shaped base member into which a pair of plugs may be inserted. Yet another includes a female piece having a cross-shaped receptacle and a cross-shaped male piece which assemble to form a cubic shape. Still another is a dumbbell assembly formed from two identical end pieces which mate to a shaft piece. Finally, another includes a candy spring and candy doughnut which can be threaded onto the spring.

Abstract: A baking system that allows the user to create a three-dimensional cake having the form of a bride and groom, or man and woman. The substantial part of the human forms is accomplished by a molding process using cake, candy or chocolate. Utilizing 2 piece pans; having a removable outer rim with spring action hinges, locking spring action clasps, and corresponding pan insets to complete the process. The pan insets are specifically designed to become the interior support system for the cake structure. The entire cake is molded, baked, poured, and stacked prior the removal of the outer rims of the pans. Fitted, plastic snap-on storage lids are included, enabling the user to bake the cakes in advance, and keep them fresh until ready to assemble and decorate. The system offers the flexibility of easy creation, easy storage, easy assembly, and easy transportation of the completed assembly.

Abstract: An animated or non-animated body candy pop device comprising a main housing or body including a pliable material with a wire or stiffener in the body so that the body can be shaped into different shapes. The main housing can be solid or hollow and made with an expandable sleeve in the body for receiving an end of a candy stick on which a pop is secured. The pop can be formed directly on one or more appendages of the body instead of using the stick holder. The candy can be replaced with any type of lollipop. The device can be made in different body styles such as animals, fish, and insects, etc., to provide fun and entertainment for children of all ages.

Abstract: A treat for a dog made from pig skin taken from the body of the pig. The skin is cut to a desired shape, folded or rolled and pressed between two dies to form a shaped member which may be a replica or representation of a pig's ear, rib, or a pork chop. The pressed member is heated, smoked, and sterilized.

Abstract: A treat for a dog made from pig skin taken from the body of the pig. The skin is cut to a desired shape, folded and pressed between two dies to form a replica of a pig's ear. The replica then is heated, smoked, and sterilized.

Abstract: A soft candy unit comprises two half shells of dimensionally stable plastic material, which combine to constitute a closed mold. They rest tightly on one another on a parting plane by rims which are at least partially linked to one another. The soft foamed sugar body rests planely on the inside of the half shells. This can give an impression of a toy article, for example in the shape of an eyeball with an iris and a pupil.

Abstract: An edible sugar candy makeup composition made in various flavors, colors and configurations either a homogeneous body or coated with either edible colored lipstick, colored lip balm, and the like for application initially for the lips or the body. The candy can include vitamins, breath fresheners, chocolate, fruit and berry flavors, etc.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a three dimensional confectionery of frozen confectionery which can be easily handled and consumed, consists of a frozen confectionery body and a handling member for holding it. The handling member passes through the body and projects from the ends of the body, so that the confectionery can be consumed while being held by the two ends with both hands. The invention is also directed to a process for making and a mold and production line apparatus for making the confectionery.

Abstract: A candy magnifier includes a convex magnifying lens formed of a crystallized flavored mixture. The magnifying lens is edible, and functions to enlarge the appearance of an object viewed through the lens.

Abstract: An improved animal chew toy and process for forming such chew toy including the molding of the chew toy in the form of an identifiable food product with a realistic appearance that is suggested by an olfactory attractant, a flavorant, or a major ingredient included in the chew toy. The chew toy is preferably made from ingredients that can be ingested by the animal.

Abstract: A frozen dessert product that includes as gel providing ingredients an anionic gelling hydrocolloid and a gelation controller or inhibitor, the ingredients providing or forming a gel having a hardness of between about 25 and 150 g and an adhesiveness of less than 5 g.s. Also, composite frozen confections containing such a gel and methods for making the gel and products containing the gel.

Abstract: Processes are for the co-deposition of a two component fruit snack confection including a fruit snack material jacket and a distinct center filling and the resulting products. In at least one embodiment, the center filling is jam like and is jelled in part by the action of pectin in the presence of food grade acid. The process utilized incorporates mass flow meters to monitor the specific gravities of the jacket and center filling to keep for the specific gravities of the center material and the jacket substantially the same and the creation of the multicomponent fruit snack.

Abstract: Greeting cards and other items to be enjoyed by animals and pets combine an article composed of a non-toxic material which is typically chewable or fully consumable and digestible, in conjunction with a greeting that may include a graphical image (i.e., of an animal, pet, and/or pet owner), a textual message, or both. An edible greeting card embodiment assumes the form of a panel having a thickness, a perimeter, and front and back surfaces and at least one message on one or both of the front and back surfaces using and edible colorant or other medium. In embodiments utilizing two or more such panels or construction elements, joining means are provided in the form of a flexible strip threaded through holes, an edible adhesive or flexible edible hinge. Alternate embodiments may be suspended from a cage rail by a hook, wire.

Abstract: A gum product comprises a soft gum core having a plurality of regions of different colors visible on an outer surface of the core, and a crunchy edible coating covering the outer surface of the core, the coating being substantially transparent such that the core regions of different colors are visible through the coating. The regions of different colors can also have different flavors. The coating preferably is formed of sorbitol and is free of any whitening agents that would make the coating opaque.

Abstract: A confectionary device for relaying dynamic messages, the device having a first edible member having a substantially rigid nature, and the first member being in the form of a tablet. A plurality of edible indicia being received on the first member and retained thereon in a secure manner such that the indicia is viewable by an intended recipient and consumable thereby. An attaching means for attaching the indicia to the first member, whereby a desired arrangement of indicia are easily applicable onto the first member to relay a desired message to an intended recipient.

Abstract: A combination lollipop holder and stand having a unitary body forming a character and an elongate torso providing a handle portion, two arm parts outstanding laterally from an upper end of the torso, providing a finger guarding portion and a leg part diverging from opposite sides of a lower end of the body to a flat, foot part, providing a base portion. A bore extends from a neck region between the arms parts vertically into the torso and is provided with a constriction for gripping an inserted lollipop stick which forms an extended neck and consumable head of the character. Engagement of the arm and leg parts above and below a hand enclosing the torso prevents inadvertent dislodgement of the lollipop from the hand. The foot supports the body in stable position standing on a flat surface with the lollipop remote from the surface.

Abstract: A frozen ice confection of fixed shape is described which has its opacity controlled in relation of the temperature of the confection. The confection may also have an imbedded indicia which becomes view able as the transparency of this frozen confection increases.

Abstract: A confectionery set comprising a coatable utensil, a container, and a flowable confectionery that cooperatively provide play value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for preparing a candy having a stereoscopic picture therein comprising the step of pouring a measured amount of the first mixture, prepared by dissolving and concentrating the raw materials, for candy into a mold, while a temperature of the mixture is maintained at of about 130 to 150° C.; partially cooling the first mixture at about 30 to 45° C. of its surface temperature; printing desired pictures by using a pad printing method with one or more of black, yellow, red, and blue edible ink compositions onto the mixture at a temperature of about 15 to 25° C. and a relative humidity of 40 to 60%, and then drying the mixture; pouring a measured amount of the second mixture, prepared by dissolving and concentrating the raw materials, for candy into the mold atop the first mixture, while a temperature of the second mixture is maintained at about 120 to 135° C.; and cooling the resulting mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an edible thermoplastic made from about 30 to 50 wt. % protein comprising a mixture of plant and animal derived protein, about 20 to 50 wt. % starch about 10 to 20 wt. % water, about 1 to 10 wt. % edible fiber, and about 0.5 to 3 wt. % metallic salt hydrate. When molded, the thermoplastic has good strength and stiffness and other physical properties. The edible thermoplastic may be molded in a variety of shapes including a segmented nutritional pet chew with a plurality of segments separated by a plurality of scores. The scores serve to structurally weaken the pet chew so that it may be broken into smaller pieces. When molded the edible thermoplastic has a density of about 1.2 to 1.5 g/cubic centimeters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for printing indicia on confectionery products such as chewing gum. A mass of confectionery product is formed into a thin, flat sheet. The sheet may be divided into individual sheets for cooling. Next, the sheet or sheets of confectionery are passed through the printing machine to print indicia thereon. Printed confectionery products and packages thereof are also provided.

Abstract: A process for making an aerated, confectionery product of multiple colors includes, as a first step, preparing a slurry of water, sugar, and gelatin. The slurry is divided into at least first and second portions or batches having a defined color to provide a second color. A dye or colorant of a color is added to the second portion or batch to provide a second color. Each of the first and second batches are then individually aerated to form first and second aerated streams of first and second colors of substantially identical density and rheological properties. After aeration of the first and second portions, the first and second colored streams are fed to an extrusion die manifold, where they are extruded in disproportionate amounts to form a multicolored a rope having the first and second colors of unequal proportion. A starch anti-sticking agent is applied, and the rope is cut into individual pieces. The individual pieces are then dried to a 1 to 5% moisture content.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a coated frozen confectionery product whereby an aqueous solution in the supercooled state is caused to freeze while applied on at least part of the surface of a pre-frozen element of the product.

Abstract: An edible cake decoration comprising a sugarpaste formulation including at least one humectant. A method of forming the decoration is also disclosed which includes exposing the sugarpaste to a humid environment. An apparatus for use in the method is also disclosed which comprises a blister (6) having a profiled surface and a plurality of ventilation holes (8) therein, which blister (6) forms a template for use in the vacuum forming of the wet sugarpaste to provide a 3-D shape to the decoration, the sugarpaste being dried after vacuum forming.

Abstract: The present invention includes an edible container that can hold and contain medium and low viscosity liquids for extended periods of time. One embodiment of the present invention comprises an edible dehydrated food sheet formed into a vessel capable of holding liquid for extended periods of time without leakage and capable of being hand-held, an opening in said container for receiving liquids, and a flat base capable of stabilizing said container in an independent upright position. The dehydrated food sheet may be formed from dehydrated fruit or dehydrated vegetable material.