Having Consumer Oriented Diverse Utility Patents (Class 426/112)
  • Patent number: 8512776
    Abstract: A capsule (1) contains beverage ingredients such as ground coffee, tea or other ingredients and is configured for insertion in a beverage production device (2) in order to have a liquid under pressure have enter the capsule (1) and to interact with the ingredients (3) in the capsule (11). The capsule (1) has a base body (4) and a foil member (5) closing the base body (4) by being attached to a flange-like rim (6) extending from the side wall (7) of the base body (4) of the capsule (1). The base body (4) of the capsule (1) comprises a resilient sealing member (8), the sealing member (8) being designed to be in sealing engagement with a bell member (9) of the beverage production device (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Alfred Yoakim, Gilles Gavillet, Jean-Paul Denisart
  • Patent number: 8511465
    Abstract: The closure includes a rotary dispenser cap (1), and is used for metering of a component in the content of a so-equipped mixing vessel (17) before use. It contains a separately filled folding container (3) which is held on its lower side by resilient spacer elements (7) over stationary piercing teeth (8) and which is pusable downword by means of rotating the rotary dispenser cap (1) which will screw down the press ring (2) and press the container (3) over the piercing teeth (8). The folding container (3) is thereby torn open. By further screwing down of the pressing ring (2), the folding container (3) is being squeezed and pressed out, so that its contents are mixed in the underlying container (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Belcap Switzerland AG
    Inventor: Fritz Seelhofer
  • Patent number: 8496983
    Abstract: A combined particulate solid and liquid container includes a base for holding a particulate solid; and a top removably attached to the base. The top includes a reservoir for holding a liquid and has an opening defined by a lower part projecting downwardly from the reservoir. The top also includes a port door removably attached to the opening and having a thermally-conductive insert projecting upwardly from the port door and into the reservoir when the port door covers the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Guateplast S.A.
    Inventors: Susan Rybar Michaeli, Roberto Tomas Rybar
  • Publication number: 20130180406
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein provide a method for producing primary roasted coffee beans where green coffee beans are roasted only until the point where the beans have reached the end of the primary roasting phase, where the beans are then quenched to stop the roasting process. In some embodiments, the end of the primary roasting phase is marked by the beans reaching the first crack stage. A disposable package containing primary roasted beans is also disclosed. A device for roasting and brewing ground coffee beans is also disclosed, the device having a porous container which accepts the ground coffee beans; a roasting container which accepts the porous container and has a sidewall containing an aperture; a fan and heating element positioned to force hot air through the aperture; a water containment vessel and heating subassembly positioned above the roasting container; and a water release valve assembly positioned between the water containment vessel and the roasting container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventors: Ranald Joseph Hay, Kate Brooks Hay
  • Patent number: 8475856
    Abstract: A multi-beverage container and mixing system to increase the convenience of mixing and transporting a variety of powder-based beverages in a single unit. The multi-beverage container employs a lid equipped with compartments designed to house multiple powder drink mixes and a container housing designed to accommodate water for mixing. At user activation, powder drink mix is released from a compartment and is mixed with the water to create the desired beverage for instant consumption by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Andrew Sheehan
  • Publication number: 20130149417
    Abstract: A container system is described. In one or more implementations, the container system comprises a lower container for receiving a first food component (or components) and an upper container assembly for receiving a second food component (or components) so that the second food component is separated from the first food component. The upper container assembly is configured for engagement with the lower container and is operable to be at least partially opened while the upper container assembly is engaged with the lower container to introduce the second food component into the lower container with the first food component. In one or more embodiments, a pull tab is coupled to the upper container assembly. The pull tab is configured to be pulled while the upper container assembly is engaged with the lower container to at least partially open the upper container assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: CONAGRA FOODS RDM, INC.
    Inventor: ConAgra Foods RDM, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130142914
    Abstract: The invention concerns a new food product (1) in the form of a meal comprising food (4) and a sauce (5), intended to be mixed for consumption of the meal, in closed packaging (1) comprising a container (2) in which the food (4) is placed and a lid (3) in which the sauce (5) is placed, the sauce being separated from the food by a seal (7) which closes off the part of the lid (3) facing the food (4) characterized in that the container (2) comprises a mechanism (11) to tear the seal (7) when the lid (3) is turned concurrently to the container (2) between a pretearing position of the seal (7) and a tearing position of the seal (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventor: Claude Sebban
  • Publication number: 20130136828
    Abstract: A capsule has been realised for preparing beverages, in particular coffee, in which a filter container exhibits a base and a lateral wall that define a housing cavity for the foodstuff substance (15). A tubular support (2) is defined between an upper opening (17) and a lower opening (18), and houses the filter container internally thereof. A predetermined quantity of the substance (15) is housed internally of the housing compartment (16) and the housing compartment (16) is hermetically closed by a closing film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: NOVACART S.P.A.
    Inventor: NOVACART S.P.A.
  • Patent number: 8409643
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Group Brands LLC
    Inventors: Anilkumar Ganapati Gaonkar, Cathy Jean Ludwig, Neil Edward Darin, Robert Jones
  • Publication number: 20130078340
    Abstract: A sealed capsule for use in apparatus including a capsule receiving station and a water delivery system for brewing a hot beverage in which a hot liquid under pressure infuses a material. A capsule base has a concave bottom floor with angularly spaced structural ribs that form channels for directing brewed beverage to a sharpened spout. A collar surrounds the dispensing spout. A foil attaches to the collar to overlie the spout. A filter lies on the structural ribs. Infusible material lies on the filter. A water distribution plate overlies the infusible material. A cover closes the base unit and includes a water inlet. As the capsule seats in the capsule receiving station, the foil seal is forced over the sharpened spout to rupture and enable brewed beverage to be dispersed. A probe of the water delivery system also penetrates the cover to direct water into the capsule without contacting the infusible material or the brewed beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: BREW1 TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventor: BREW1 TECHNOLOGIES INC.
  • Publication number: 20130068109
    Abstract: There is provided a single serve beverage capsule. The capsule includes a capsule housing, an inlet, a mixing chamber disposed in the capsule housing in fluid communication with the inlet, an outlet reservoir disposed in the capsule housing in fluid communication with the mixing chamber, an outlet disposed in the fluid communication with the outlet reservoir, and beverage media disposed within the mixing chamber. The beverage media is substantially dissolvable in an aqueous based liquid. The inlet, the mixing chamber, outlet reservoir, and the outlet sequentially defines an unfiltered fluid path with respect to the dissolvable beverage media after having been immersed in an ambient temperature fluid. In another embodiment the mixing chamber is sized and configured to create wave-like mixing of a single serve amount of liquid. A beverage dispensing system is also provided that includes the capsule and a beverage dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Christopher C. Pribus, John J. Fong, Brett D. Freeman
  • Patent number: 8399035
    Abstract: A pod for mixing an amount of a dispersible material with water. The pod may include a pod body having a lower aperture and a poppet positioned within the aperture. The poppet may be sized so as to seal the lower aperture until a predetermined pressure is reached within the pod body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Kirschner, Carter Crittenden Bennett
  • Publication number: 20130064936
    Abstract: There is disclosed a capsule for the preparation of a beverage using an extractable and/or dissolvable product and a quantity of hot and/or pressurized liquid. The capsule comprises a circumferential wall having on one end a bottom adapted to allow entrance of the liquid, and on an opposite end a lid closing said end of the circumferential wall. The circumferential wall, bottom and lid enclosing an inner space containing the product. At least one of the lid and/or bottom comprises at least one first portion and at least one second portion separated by at least one slit and having different moving mechanics when under pressure. At least a layer of tearable material covers said slit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Ahold Coffee Company B.V.
    Inventors: Laurentius Gerardus MEELKER, Erwin BARTELDS, Jozef Henricus POLLMANN, Freerk VAN OUDHEUSDEN, Marlies VAN DULLEMEN
  • Publication number: 20130064937
    Abstract: Capsule for the preparation of a beverage comprising a container and a beverage ingredient contained therein, wherein the container comprises a code (65) adapted for being identified or read by external reading means (62), wherein the code is arranged on the container to be read while the capsule is rotated around an axis of rotation traversing the capsule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Christian Jarisch, Alexandre Perentes, Stefan Kaeser, Carlo Magri, Arnaud Gerbaulet, Thomas Kaeser, Daniel Abegglen
  • Publication number: 20130055903
    Abstract: A coffee capsule is provided, the outer dimensions of which are matched to the size of a filtered-coffee capsule, but which has a separating element that separates an empty area from an extraction-material area. Furthermore, at least one liquid channel is provided, which passes through the empty area for example. The liquid channel or liquid channels and the extraction-material area are designed in such a way that water introduced into the capsule at an injection location or a beverage produced in the capsule substantially does not enter the empty area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: LUNA TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS LTS GMBH
    Inventor: Louis Deuber
  • Patent number: 8389034
    Abstract: Provided is a disintegrable or non-disintegrable oral flavor delivery product. The product includes a disintegrable or non-disintegrable chewable pouch with a plurality of perforations. The pouch encloses a non-tobacco flavor product that can be in a gel, semi-liquid, and/or liquid form. A user chews, sucks, and/or manipulates the pouch to cause the enclosed flavor product to leach out of the perforations into the user's mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Shalva Gedevanishvili, Dennis Geib, Bruce Waymack, William R. Sweeney, Cindy Hayes, Danielle R. Crawford
  • Publication number: 20120315361
    Abstract: A Dual use food container has two sets of holding surfaces, one positions food items such as taco shells for storage and transport and the other set of surfaces position the taco shell in a position for assembly so the cook can add ingredients like meat, cheese and sauce to the shell without it tipping over. The formed surfaces that enable one position exist substantially without interference with the surfaces that enable the alternative position. A thin film can be applied to the top of the container to seal the food within when positioned for storage and transport and can be adopted to fit snugly in a box further protecting the food. Thin formable materials can be used in making the container. Versions of this material can allow food to be safely warmed in an oven within the container. Methods for preparing food within the container are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Stephen Crowell Lyon
  • Publication number: 20120308688
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming beverages using a beverage cartridge and sonic energy. A cartridge may include a sonic receiver, such as a feature that extends into an interior space of the cartridge and is arranged to receive a sonic emitter that introduces sonic energy into the interior space. The sonic receiver may be excited by sonic energy, which causes the sonic receiver to itself introduce sonic energy into the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Peterson, Ross Peter Jones, Miles William Noel Hember, Javier Gonzalez-Zugasti
  • Publication number: 20120301581
    Abstract: A capsule designed for insertion in a centrifugal beverage production device for preparing a beverage from a substance contained in the capsule by introducing liquid in the capsule and passing liquid through the substance using centrifugal forces. The capsule has a body with bottom and open ends that are spaced apart in the axial direction, an upper wall for covering the body at its open end along a direction transverse to the axial direction, and an enclosure between the body and upper wall containing a predetermined amount of beverage substance. The capsule also includes an annular pressure-setting ring configured for adjusting the backpressure in the beverage production device. The pressure-setting ring provides improved quality of in-cup coffee. Also, a set of capsules having pressure-setting rings of different dimensions is provided for setting different backpressure when the capsules are engaged in a centrifuging beverage production device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Daniel Abegglen, Alexandre Perentes, Carlo Magri, Arnaud Gerbaulet
  • Patent number: 8304006
    Abstract: A method for producing a beverage from an ingredient-containing capsule by inserting a sealed capsule into a capsule enclosure space of a beverage production device, enclosing the capsule by a relative displacement of at least two enclosing members which define the capsule enclosure space, and opening an inlet face of the capsule and injecting a fluid under pressure into the capsule in order to open an outlet face of the capsule. The capsule is provided at its outer surface with sealing material which is exposed to the fluid pressure in the capsule enclosure space. After enclosing the capsule, the fluid pressure in the capsule at least partially acts on the sealing material, such that in turn the sealing material is pressed against one of the enclosing members thus constituting a flow resistance that is sufficient to guarantee a pressure build-up inside the capsule sufficient for the pressure-assisted opening of the outlet face of the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Alfred Yoakim, Gilles Gavillet, Jean-Paul Denisart, Alexandre Kollep
  • Publication number: 20120276255
    Abstract: A package for a portion of liquid foodstuff dilutable with a diluent includes a reservoir for containing a portion of liquid foodstuff dilutable with a diluent, a reservoir seal for closing the reservoir, a mixing element for mixing the dilutable liquid foodstuff with the diluent. The mixing element includes a mixing chamber having an outflow aperture for dispensing liquid foodstuff diluted with the diluent, a liquid passage for feeding dilutable liquid foodstuff from the reservoir to the mixing chamber, and a feed channel for feeding diluent to the mixing chamber. The feed channel has a first portion and a second portion, the cross section of the second portion being smaller than the cross section of the first portion and be so configured that when diluent is fed to the mixing chamber, a venturi effect occurs in the mixing chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Roland Waldemar VERBEEK
  • Publication number: 20120251678
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing an extract of green coffee wherein green coffee beans are subjected to a heat treatment and extracted without being roasted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Valerie Martine Jeanine Leloup, Yves Allenbach, Johanna Hendrika Schoonman
  • Publication number: 20120251672
    Abstract: An exchangeable capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption is disclosed. The exchangeable capsule comprises a circumferential wall, a bottom, closing the circumferential wall at a first end, and a lid closing the circumferential wall at a second end opposite the bottom. The wall, the bottom and the lid enclose an inner space comprising beverage ingredient for preparing the beverage. The bottom comprises an entrance area for supplying fluid to the ingredient, wherein the lid comprises an exit area for draining beverage from the capsule. The beverage ingredient comprises at least a soluble substance. The exit area comprises an exit filter that is adapted to substantially prevent non-dissolved soluble substance from leaving the capsule. A system for preparing a beverage comprising such a capsule and a method for preparing a beverage is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Ralf Kamerbeek, Cornelis van Bergen, Hendrik Cornelis Koeling, Angenita Dorothea Post van Loon
  • Publication number: 20120251677
    Abstract: A capsule system for preparing beverages by centrifugation of a capsule in a centrifuging brewing device comprising: a set of different capsules (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E), each of the capsules for selectively delivering a beverage, each capsule (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E) containing at least one beverage substance, each capsule of the set comprising a body (2) having an enclosure (6) containing the beverage substance, an upper wall (4) for closing the body (2) and optionally a flange-like rim (3), wherein the capsule is designed to form, alone or in cooperation with the centrifuging brewing device, a restriction or restriction valve of the centrifuged liquid, wherein the back pressure of the restriction or restriction valve differs for at least two capsules of the set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2010
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Alfred Yoakim, Alexandre Perentes, Christian Jarisch
  • Patent number: 8268376
    Abstract: A method is provided for storing a cooked food in a flexible-walled container having an opening. The method includes placing a quantity of food in a flexible-walled container and submerging at least a portion of the container in a liquid with the opening being located so that liquid does not enter the opening. At least the lower portion of the container is maintained in the liquid and the food is maintained in the container below the surface of the liquid. The liquid collapses the container to seal the container. The temperature of the liquid may be maintained at a non-ambient temperature to heat or cool the food as it is stored. The method may also include storing the food adjacent a work surface, or at a remote main vat and transporting the rack to the work surface at which a serving that includes the food is prepared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Restaurant Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald A. Sus, Henry T. Ewald, Paul G. Simmons, Glenn Schackmuth, John J. Mazurkiewicz, William J. Reimann
  • Publication number: 20120231126
    Abstract: The present invention relates to dispensing of a substance from a container by means of a dispensing apparatus. Specifically, the exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to (1) a container and (2) the automated method for opening such container and (3) the automated method of dispensing of the contents from such container into a customer receptacle or glass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: La-Vit Technology LLC
    Inventors: Gian Matteo Lo Faro, John R. Laverack, Yuanli Shentu, Kurt R. Weseman, George E. Riehm, Greg G. Weaver
  • Publication number: 20120231123
    Abstract: A capsule for containing beverage ingredients may be designed for insertion in a beverage production device in which a liquid under pressure enters the capsule to drain a beverage from the capsule, wherein the capsule includes a circumferential first wall, a second wall closing the circumferential first wall at a first end, and a third wall closing the circumferential first wall at a second, open, end opposite the second wall, the first, second and third wall enclosing an inner space including the beverage ingredients, wherein the capsule includes a sealing member for achieving a sealing effect between the capsule and the beverage production device, wherein at least one of the first, second and third wall as such is configured to act as the sealing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Ralf Kamerbeek, Hendrik Cornelis Koeling, Arend Cornelis Jacobus Biesheuvel
  • Publication number: 20120231124
    Abstract: A capsule for containing beverage ingredients may be designed for insertion in a beverage production device in which a liquid under pressure enters the capsule (in order to interact with the ingredients in the capsule) to drain a beverage from the capsule, wherein the capsule comprises a circumferential first wall, a second wall closing the circumferential first wall at a first end, and a third wall closing the circumferential first wall at a second, open, end opposite the second wall, the first, second and third wall enclosing an inner space comprising the beverage ingredients, wherein the capsule comprises a sealing member for achieving a sealing effect with a beverage production device, wherein at least an external surface of the sealing member comprises a fibrous and/or paperlike material to achieve the sealing effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Ralf Kamerbeek, Hendrik Cornelis Koeling, Arend Cornelis Jacobus Biesheuvel
  • Publication number: 20120225168
    Abstract: A capsule, system and method are usable for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage using an extractable product. The system includes a capsule comprising a cup having a circumferential wall, a bottom at a first end, and a flange-like rim at a second end. The capsule further includes a lid, in use, connected to the flange-like rim. The wall, bottom and lid, in use, enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product. The cup further includes a plurality of substantially concentric circumferential ridges extending outwardly of the cup, wherein the ridges are made of the same material as the cup. The system further includes a beverage brewing device comprising an enclosing member for enclosing the capsule. In use, at least one of the ridges abuts against at least a portion of the enclosing member, such that a sealing engagement between the capsule and the enclosing member is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Ralf Kamerbeek, John Henri Flamand, Angenita Dorothea Post van Loon, Hendrik Cornelis Koeling, Arend Cornelis Jacobus Biesheuvel
  • Publication number: 20120196008
    Abstract: A cartridge containing one or more ingredients for the preparation of beverages. The cartridge comprises an inlet for the introduction of an aqueous medium into the cartridge, an outlet for a beverage produced from said one or more beverage ingredients, an aperture in a beverage flow path linking the inlet to the outlet which generates, in use, a jet of beverage, and an expansion chamber located downstream of the aperture. The expansion chamber comprises an expansion chamber inlet for receiving the jet of beverage and an expansion chamber outlet; and an air inlet located in the expansion chamber in the vicinity of the expansion chamber inlet. The cross-sectional area of the expansion chamber decreases in a downstream direction from the expansion chamber inlet to the expansion chamber outlet, and the cross-sectional area and profile of the expansion chamber outlet are substantially the same as the cross-sectional area and profile of the beverage stream as it passes through the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Geoffrey York
  • Publication number: 20120183649
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a kit for preparing a chocolate beverage, the kit having a first container containing at least a chocolate beverage ingredient for transferring into a beverage receptacle and a second separate container for use in a beverage preparation machine and containing at least milk solids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Sarah Elizabeth Burkhalter
  • Publication number: 20120180670
    Abstract: A beverage forming system that includes a capsule for containing beverage ingredients and having an outer surface; a capsule-based beverage producing device provided with a member for injecting a liquid under pressure into the capsule, a member for draining a beverage from the capsule, and an enclosing member transferable from an opened state to a defined closed state, in which the enclosing member encloses the outer surface of the capsule; and a sealing member associated with the capsule and which is compressible when engaged by the enclosing member in the closed state, wherein the sealing member is effective to compensate for the clearance between the enclosing member and the capsule which would otherwise exist when the enclosing member is in its defined closed state. Also, a method for producing a beverage using such a system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Alfred YOAKIM, Gilles GAVILLET, Jean-Paul DENISART
  • Publication number: 20120164283
    Abstract: A lid is provided that includes an access opening in a top wall thereof selectively coverable by a pivotable cover. The lid attaches to a foodstuff container and provides access to an interior of the container. The lid achieves this without requiring removal of the lid while also providing an impeded foodstuff dispense path having greater control. The cover pivots between open and closed positions, and in one form, can be secured in one or both positions. This can be achieved by releasably securing the cover to the top wall to hold the cover in the closed position and/or capturing a tab of the cover within a depression in an edge portion of the lid to hold the cover in the open position. The cover can further be integrally attached to the lid so that the cover is generally coplanar with the top wall when in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: KRAFT FOODS GLOBAL BRANDS LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Robert KISSNER, Abby Rose Herstich, Michele Marie Dziaba, Takeisa R. Sledge
  • Publication number: 20120141638
    Abstract: A condiment packet having a spreading apparatus, and a method of use thereof. The condiment packet includes a substantially flat, sealed pouch containing a condiment. The condiment packet further includes a spreading apparatus being within the sealed pouch. The spreading apparatus may be used to spread the condiment over a food substance once the condiment is squeezed onto the food substance and once a portion of the spreading apparatus is exposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Crucs Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin M. Crucs
  • Publication number: 20120141639
    Abstract: A coffee-holding funnel for moka-type coffee machines and a moka-type coffee machine utilizing such funnel are described. The funnel and the moka are adapted to be used with single-use capsules containing ground coffee.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Massimo Crescenzi
  • Publication number: 20120128834
    Abstract: Product for the preparation of a milkshake, covering a substantially liquid tight closable container for the containment of a to be prepared milkshake, a multiplicity of units of ice put into the tool, and in the container present fractionating mean for the division of units of ice into small parts, whereby the fractionating means are arranged in the container in such a way that the units of ice can be divided into small parts by shaking the container with the present units of ice and a by the consumer added liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Dairy Innovations B.V.
    Inventors: Michael Jurjen Westdijk, Jan Gerhard Land
  • Publication number: 20120096876
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container (20) designed for being inserted into a device (1) for preparing a frozen confection (52), said container (20) comprising at least one scraper (24) movable within the container (20) and said container (20) containing ingredients (23) for producing a frozen confection (52) when being cooled and moved. The present invention further relates to a container holder (15) adapted to receive a container (20) said container holder (15) having a heat exchange surface being in tight contact with the container (20) and comprising channels (45) allowing a cooling agent to run along the heat exchange surface. The present invention additionally relates to a device (1) for preparing a frozen confection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Sejal Jayantilal Ravji, Bruno Sadi Henri Delande
  • Publication number: 20120096875
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container (20) designed for being inserted into a device (1) for preparing a frozen confection (17), said container (20) comprising a sealed flexible casing (25) and said container (20) containing ingredients (15) for producing a frozen confection (17) when being cooled and mechanically forced. The present invention further relates to a device (1) for preparing a frozen confection (17) from a container (20) inserted into the device (1). The present invention further relates to a method for preparing a frozen confection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Sejal Jayantilal Ravji, Thomas Koob, Sven Zwicker
  • Patent number: 8161866
    Abstract: A method for producing a capsule containing beverage ingredients designed for insertion in a beverage production device in which a liquid under pressure enters the capsule in order to interact with the ingredients in the capsule and to form beverage. The method includes preforming the capsule body and at least a portion of said flange-like rim, placing a premade sealing member on the flange-like rim, crimping a portion of the flange-like rim on a portion of the sealing member so resulting in the sealing member becoming attached to the flange-like rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Alexandre Kollep, Daniel Abegglen, Thomas Kaeser, Heinz Leuthold, Reinhard Lutz
  • Patent number: 8161868
    Abstract: A rigid filter for capsules suitable for extracting beverages, comprising a flat body having a plurality of through filtering holes, which are sized so as to block the passage of solid particles and allow passage of brewed water or beverage, wherein the holes have a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to the middle plane of the flat body, so that the filter can be inserted into a capsule without taking care of the orientation of such holes with respect to the powdered substance within the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Illycaffe' S.p.A.
    Inventors: Claudio Bolzicco, Luca Mastropasqua, Frans Van Eeden, Bruno Dellapietra
  • Patent number: 8147886
    Abstract: The invention relates to a form-retaining pad, an assembly and a method for preparing a beverage suitable for consumption. For this purpose, the pad is provided with a covering, in which a water-soluble substance, such as milk powder/creamer and sugar, is included. The covering includes a top sheet and a bottom sheet. The pad is further provided with a form-providing stiffening body, placed between the top sheet and the bottom sheet, with the top sheet and the bottom sheet extending at least partly substantially parallel to each other and to a surface. The stiffening body has a top side adjacent to the top sheet and a bottom side adjacent to the bottom sheet, and, by providing a compartmenting wall configuration therein, has a grid structure transmissive to liquid, in which structure at least a part of the soluble substance is accommodated and each compartment formed by the wall configuration is surrounded by that wall configuration, the top sheet and the bottom sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Sara Lee/ DE N.V.
    Inventors: Vincent Jan Steenhof, Bernardus Henricus Kok, Joseph Theodoor Knitel
  • Publication number: 20120052163
    Abstract: Capsule for the preparation of a nutritional product in a device adapted to supply liquid in the capsule, said capsule comprising: at least one compartment (13) containing nutritional ingredients for the preparation of the nutritional product in combination with the supplied liquid, a filter (18) adapted for removing contaminants contained in the liquid, wherein the filter (18, 20) has a filtering surface (F) smaller than the cross section (C) of the compartment and at least a part of its filtering surface (F) is preferably offset relative to the cross section (C) of the compartment when viewed in the axial projection of the capsule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Frederic Doleac, Sophie Abraham, Yasmine Doudin, Yann Epars, Thierry Jean Robert Fabozzi, Heinz Wyss, Nicolas Bezet, Lucio Scorrano, Nihan Dogan, Alain Meier
  • Publication number: 20120052164
    Abstract: Capsule and filter unit for the preparation of a nutritional product in a device adapted to supply liquid in the capsule. The capsule is constructed to have at least one compartment containing nutritional ingredients for the preparation of the nutritional product in combination with the supplied liquid, and a filter adapted for removing contaminants contained in the liquid. The filter is formed as a relatively rigid filter unit that includes a filter membrane and an outlet wall for supporting the filter membrane. The outlet wall has at least one liquid outlet communicating with the compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Frédéric Doleac, Sophie Abraham, Yasmine Doudin, Yann Epars, Thierry Jean Robert Fabozzi, Heinz Wyss, Nicolas Bezet, Lucio Scorrano, Nihan Dogan, Alain ` Meier
  • Patent number: 8124202
    Abstract: A multilayer container having enhanced gas barrier properties comprises at least two outer layers comprising a polymer matrix, and at least one barrier layer disposed between the at least two outer layers. The at least one barrier layer comprises a first polymer composition comprising a polymer matrix and a low molecular weight additive. In a particular embodiment, the low molecular weight additive comprises a purine derivative, such as caffeine, and is present in the multilayer container in an amount in the range of about 0.2 to about 10 weight percent of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Yu Shi, Xiaoyan Huang, Mikell Schultheis, Robert Kriegel, Francis M. Schloss
  • Patent number: 8110232
    Abstract: Packaging of bananas in containers having designed permeabilities to oxygen, carbon dioxide, and ethylene. The containers preferably include a gas-permeable membrane comprising (1) a microporous film, and (2) a polymeric coating on the microporous film. The containers enable storage and/or ripening of bananas under controlled conditions. Using the new containers, bananas can be ripened while they are being transported, or in conventional ripening rooms without opening the bags in which they have been transported. In addition, bananas can be preserved in a satisfactory ripened state for longer periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: Raymond Clarke
  • Patent number: 8070007
    Abstract: Described is a herb keeper comprising a body having a closed end and an open end defining a cavity therebetween, and a removable tray portion sized to be slidingly received within the cavity of the body, at least one flexible projection extending from the body toward the tray portion, wherein the tray portion is held in a rest position by the at least one flexible projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Browne & Co.
    Inventors: Neal Ho, David Chan
  • Publication number: 20110262600
    Abstract: A frozen or semi-frozen ingredient is pre-packed in a drinks vessel at a packing location. The pre-packed drinks vessel is then transported to a dispensing location remote from said packing location. Liquid is poured into the drinks vessel at said dispensing location and blended with the frozen or semi-frozen ingredient. The drinks vessel defines a chamber in which the frozen or semi-frozen ingredient is packed at the packing location, the chamber having a base and a side wall extending up from the base. The frozen or semi-frozen ingredient is packed in said chamber in such a manner as to define a spacing between said frozen or semi-frozen ingredient and said side wall, into which the liquid ingredient may flow when added at the dispensing location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Shane Robert McGill
  • Publication number: 20110256272
    Abstract: Disclosed are nutritional compositions comprising a peroxide-treated aseptic package and a nutritional liquid contained therein, wherein the nutritional liquid comprises beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) and at least one of fat, carbohydrate, and protein. The HMB provides a buffering effect in the nutritional liquid to thus minimize an acidic pH shift that is prevalent in aseptically sterilized packages, and thus helps maintain product stability over time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Paul W. Johns, Ann M. Kensler
  • Publication number: 20110256273
    Abstract: A system for preparing a coffee beverage, provided with a coffee making apparatus comprising a grinder for grinding coffee beans to obtain ground coffee, a coffee beverage preparation device arranged for, with supply of water to the ground coffee, preparing the coffee beverage, and a coffee outlet for dispensing the coffee beverage, a separate coffee bean package with an inner space which at least before use is filled with the coffee beans, wherein the coffee bean package before use is closed off in itself such that the exposure of the coffee beans to ambient air is prevented, a coffee bean inlet for supply of coffee beans from the coffee bean package to the grinder, and a connecting device for connecting the coffee bean package to the coffee making apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Gerbrand Kristiaan de Graaff, Gustaaf Frans Brouwer, Philippe Jacques van Camp, Ivo van Os
  • Publication number: 20110244071
    Abstract: Disclosed is describes a method of increasing bone strength and/or increasing bone resistance to bending and/or improving bone architecture and/or maintaining bone status in a human, comprising administering to said human a composition comprising a fat source, wherein said fat source is a triglyceride fat source comprising triglycerides with 15-55% palmitic acid moieties out of the total fatty acids, and wherein the level of palmitic acid moieties at the sn-2 position of the glycerol backbone is at least 30% (w/w) of total palmitic acid. Said method is particularly intended for subjects at risk of impaired bone strength. Further disclosed is said fat source, as well as food articles and a commercial package comprising the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Fabiana Bar-Yoseph, Dori Pelled, Yael Lifshitz