Abstract: A beverage cartridge includes a bottom wall and at least one sidewall forming a chamber in which a beverage can be prepared from a stored beverage product. The sidewall includes one or more pre-formed openings or openable portions. Openable portions may be scored lines or reduced-thickness lines or regions, which open to form exit paths for a prepared beverage when a compressive force is applied to the sidewall, such as by moving a portion of the bottom wall toward an upper end portion of the cartridge to deform the sidewall and open the openable portions. Where the sidewall instead includes pre-formed openings, these may be initially covered or sealed and provide existing exit paths for prepared beverage upon removal of the cover. Optionally, a filter element is provided inside the cartridge for retaining a used beverage product inside the cartridge as a prepared beverage exits from the cartridge.

Abstract: A system for preparing a predetermined amount of beverage suitable for consumption, provided with an exchangeable holder (102), and an apparatus provided with a fluid dispensing device which is detachably connected to the holder for dispensing a first fluid under pressure to a first mixing chamber (110) of the exchangeable holder. The exchangeable holder is provided with a storage space (108) which is filled with a second fluid and a fluid communication (114) between the storage space and the first mixing chamber for dispensing the second fluid to the first mixing chamber. The holder further comprises a fluid communication seal (138) for bringing the fluid communication into operation through removal of the sealing action of the fluid communication. The fluid communication is a channel having a first curvature (171) in longitudinal direction of the channel.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.

Abstract: A package assembly encloses a plurality of individual elongate consumable products. The package assembly includes a plurality of products aligned in a side-by-side array. The package housing enclosed the array of product. The package housing has front and back walls for supporting the products therebetween and a closeable cover for closing a product dispensing opening. The package housing further includes a frictional product retention member insertably supported within the package for frictionally retaining the array of product within the package.

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.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.

Abstract: The present invention provides a package assembly for enclosing and dispensing a plurality of consumable products. The package assembly includes a package housing defining a pair of product pockets each having an open end for removably accommodating a plurality of products in an aligned array. The open ends of the pockets are in facing orientation. The package housing includes a fold line between the open ends of the pocket for folding the housing thereat and placing the pockets in an angled orientation for dispensing of product. The housing further defines at least one openable flap for overlying and enclosing the pockets.

Abstract: The barrel includes a bag, a container and a lid that are equipped with rigid mating elements with sealing; a cap that includes a body that supports elements for closing and elements for drafting-off; a part that forms the neck, structurally separate from the lid; the outside lateral surface of the part that forms the neck and the inside lateral surface of the orifice of the lid are equipped with rigid mating elements with sealing; the bag is mated to the part that forms the neck toward its inside end; at least one hole on the container and/or the lid makes it possible to inject a positively pressurized gas inside the barrel and outside of the bag so as to compress the bag; airtight sealing elements are able to seal or open the hole, and when they seal the hole, to maintain the positive pressure that prevails inside the barrel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system, method and capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product. The system comprises an exchangeable capsule, and an apparatus comprising a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, and a fluid dispensing device for supplying a fluid to the exchangeable capsule. The capsule comprises an exit area to allow draining from the prepared beverage from the capsule there through, wherein the exit area comprises a filter layer. The filter layer comprises a layer of non-woven and/or woven fibrous material with at least one first region where the non-woven and/or woven material has been sealed to prevent egress of liquid there through and at least one second region where the non-woven and/or woven material has not been sealed to allow egress of liquid there through.

Abstract: A dispensing container (400) for storing and dispensing liquid and/or semi-solid foods that has a hollow body (3), a base (4), a piston (405) with a passage (6) through it and a tube (52). The tube (52) is releasably secured to the piston (405) for movement with it and in fluid communication with the passage (6). The piston (405) is slidably received within the body (3) and movable along it toward the base (4) to dispense through the tube (52) a liquid and/or semi-solid food from the container (400).

Abstract: A disposable cartridge (1) for use in a beverage maker comprises a container (10) for containing at least one beverage ingredient and a connector (20) for establishing a connection between the cartridge (1) and a beverage maker. The connector (20) comprises a hollow needle member (22) having a blunt end (23) for piercing a portion (11) of a wall (12) of the container (10), wherein the needle member (22) extends inside a dome-shaped portion (13) of the container wall (12). Furthermore, the connector (20) is movably arranged with respect to the container (10). During operation, an impacting force is exerted on the needle member (22), as a result of which the connector (20) is moved with respect to the container (10), in a direction towards the container (10), and the pierceable portion (11) of the container wall (12) is pierced by the end (23) of the needle member (22). After the piercing process has taken place, the content of the container (10) is retrievable through the needle member (22).

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging comprising: a rigid shell that can be deformed by having a user apply pressure, said shell forming a storage space (1) containing a liquid or pasty substance; a breakage area (6) for releasing an applicator (3) for ejecting the liquid or pasty substance from said packaging; and a gripping area (5) including an escape path (7) for said liquid or pasty substance, the escape path being naturally closed when the user applies no pressure such that the liquid or pasty substance is prevented from being discharged after opening the packaging.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container for a pressurized beverage, in particular beer, comprising a casing of a thermoplastic material, a valve part for dispensing the beverage from the container, and an expandable device holding a compressed gas or a gas generating system for expanding the device during or after filling the container to compensate for an increase in the volume of the container resulting from creep in the thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A plastic bottle is provided with a mouth, a main unit, for example, a flexible, cylindrical main unit, connecting the interior of the bottle with the mouth, a base structured to close the bottom portion of the main unit and have a greater rigidity compared to the main unit. The main unit includes a lower body section extending upward from the base, a central body section extending upward from the lower body section, and a crease between the lower and central body sections. The central body section can be configured to deform into a substantially flat shape through the action of external force F so as to bend outward.

Abstract: A drink enhancer system. A squeezable housing has two curved opposing sides and contains a drink enhancer configured to be mixed with a drink to create an enhanced drink. A dispensing cap removably couples to the squeezable housing and includes a valve which includes two intersecting linear slits in a flexible polymer member. The valve is exposed when the dispensing cap is in an open position and concealed when the dispensing cap is in a closed position. A flip-top portion of the dispensing cap is coupled to a base of the dispensing cap through a living hinge. The drink enhancer system dispenses a predetermined quantity of drink enhancer into a quantity of drink, in response to a squeeze of the squeezable housing, with sufficient velocity to agitate the quantity of drink sufficiently that the predetermined quantity of drink enhancer and quantity of drink sufficiently mix for drinking without further mixing.

Abstract: A cartridge for use in a beverage preparation machine, the cartridge containing one or more beverage ingredients and being formed from substantially air- and water-impermeable materials, the cartridge comprising an inlet for the introduction of an aqueous medium into the cartridge and an outlet for discharge of a beverage produced from the one or more beverage ingredients, wherein the one or more beverage ingredients is a liquid chocolate ingredient.

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.

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.

Abstract: Cans, bottles and/or other containers used to hold a carbonated beverage can include internal features to promote and/or control bubble formation.

Abstract: An improved ice cream cone holder includes a conical portion with an open end and a closed end and at least one de-nesting formation about the open end to inhibit vacuum formation in stacks of the holders. Additionally, embodiments comprise at least one drainage formation at the open end to allow melt to enter the conical portion rather than to overflow a rim of a disc portion formed about the open end. Embodiments contemplate varying a distribution pattern of the drainage formations, the de-nesting formations, or both from holder to holder.

Abstract: A packaged bottled beverage has a base component of the beverage in a container under vacuum separate from an additive in a sealed compartment of an ingredient release closure. Upon opening the sealed compartment, suction is created forcing the additive to quickly and thoroughly exit the ingredient release closure, a region of relatively higher pressure, and flow into the base component in the container, a region of relatively lower pressure.

Abstract: A system for dosing coffee beans, comprising a coffee bean package provided with walls enclosing an inner space for coffee beans, a coffee bean outlet for delivering coffee beans, and a coupling part for coupling and uncoupling the coffee bean package with an apparatus that is provided with a coffee bean grinder, and an at least partly movably arranged coffee bean receiving device for supplying coffee beans from the coffee bean package to the grinder, which coffee bean receiving device is provided with a dosing space for being capable of containing a predetermined dose of coffee beans, wherein the coffee bean package prior to use in itself is closed off such that exposure of the coffee beans to ambient air is prevented, and the coffee bean receiving device is arranged to be guided through the coffee bean outlet into the inner space of the coffee bean package for letting coffee beans from the coffee bean package into the dosing space, and to guide the dosing space through the coffee bean outlet out of the inne

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles of manufacture for the packaging of brittle, elongated, and/or asymmetrically-shaped retail items for retail display to consumers. In some embodiments, the article of manufacture serves to protect the retail items from breakage during display or transit while allowing ready visual inspection by the consumer. In a preferred embodiment, the retail items are candy canes.

Abstract: The invention discloses a system comprising at least one package for one or more candy bars or other similar products, and a holder for said package comprising at least one flap for engaging the package in a holding position. A holder comprising a flat surface, at least one flap for engaging a packaged product in a holding position, and at least one flap for supporting a tubular envelope of the packaged product in the holding position, and a method for holding together for transport, storage and/or displaying at a retail outlet are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.

Abstract: A self regulating and constant pressure maintaining beverage dispenser assembly comprises a dispensing device and a beverage container defining an inner space constituting a beverage space filled with carbonated beverage and communicating with the dispensing device for allowing dispensation of the carbonated beverage, and a head space communicating with the beverage space and filled with CO2 having an initial pressure of 0.1-3 bar above the atmospheric pressure when subjected to a specific temperature of 2° C.-50° C. preferably 3° C.-25° C. and more preferably 5° C.-15° C. The beverage dispenser assembly further comprises at least one carbonisation canister communicating with the head space via a hydrophobic labyrinth and comprising a particular amount of adsorption material having adsorbed a specific amount of CO2.

Abstract: A system for facilitating a user's intake of edible substances. The system may include a first portion, a second portion, and a partition unit disposed between the first portion and the second portion. A first space may be located between the first portion and the partition unit for containing a first edible substance. A second space may be located between the second portion and the partition unit for containing a second edible substance. The system may also include a tube for causing a change at the partition unit to open an opening between the first space and the second space, and for transmitting a portion of an edible mixture to the mouth of the user. The edible mixture may include part of the first edible substance provided from the first space and part of the second edible substance provided from the second space.

Abstract: A dessert and method of making same is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the method includes stuffing a first layer of dessert material into a bottom of a container, adding a first layer of filling or icing on top of the first layer of dessert material, stuffing a second layer of dessert material on top of the first layer of filling or icing, and adding a second layer of filing or icing on top of the second layer of dessert material, where the container is adapted to push the dessert out of a top end of the container to sequentially reveal each layer of dessert material and layer of filling or icing for consumption. Each layer of dessert material may be formed to approximately a same width as the container before stuffing into the container.

Abstract: A coffee bean packaging cartridge for holding and supplying multiple servings of coffee beans can be connected to a coffee beverage system. The cartridge includes a container having an outer wall defining an interior volume and an opening at one end thereof. A permanent, preferably non-removable closure member is fitted to the one end of the container and substantially covers the opening. An exit passage in the closure member, defines a coffee bean outlet, for transferring coffee beans from the interior volume. The closure member further has relatively movable closing means for selectively closing the exit passage to reduce exposure of the coffee bean contents to surrounding air. The cartridge further includes connecting means for connecting the cartridge to a coffee beverage system. There is also provided a coffee beverage system that includes the coffee bean packaging cartridge as defined above and at least a dosing device and a grinding mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for preparing liquid egg products, for example pure egg whites, whole eggs and egg products either alone or mixed with spices, vegetables or other ingredients, in a microwave oven. The container for preparing the liquid egg products is relatively inexpensive and disposable. In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for preparing liquid egg products in a disposable, microwavable container in which the liquid egg product expands while cooking and partially removes the lid of the container to create a delicious meal of properly cooked, fresh egg product, that are ready 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: To provide a packaged coffee beverage, which contains chlorogenic acids at high concentration, has good flavor and taste, and is suppressed in the occurrence of sediment during long-term storage. A packaged coffee beverage subjected to heat sterilization treatment, the beverage comprising (A) monocaffeoylquinic acid, (B) feruloylquinic acid and (C) dicaffeoylquinic acid, wherein (a) a total content of the ingredients (A), (B) and (C) contained in dissolved states in the beverage is from 0.14 to 4% by weight based on the beverage, and the beverage comprises (b) 80% by weight or more of water, (c) magnesium and sodium at a Mg/Na weight ratio of from 0.04 to 1, (d) a coffee extract obtained from roasted coffee beans having an L value of form 16 to 25, and (e) from 0.0024 to 0.0122% by weight of brown color in terms of Food Yellow No. 4.

Abstract: The meal kit container of the present invention contains a disposable package which an animal can be feed by using a complete ready-to-use animal meal kit that can be disposed of after use. The invention comprises a meal kit whose components consist of a heat sealed locking closure pouch sufficient to store dry animal food, a locking closure pouch sufficient to hold water and a heat sealed pouch sufficient to hold an edible animal cookie or similar animal treat.

Abstract: A pre-loadable cartridge for retaining and dispensing of ingredients of a meal to be subsequently cooked, the cartridge including an ingredient separating portion of at least two compartments, one for solid ingredient and one for liquid ingredient. Also includes is a base portion that together with the ingredient separating portion defines a receptacle for retaining said ingredients in each compartment. The ingredient separating portion and base portion are moveable relative to each other. Each compartment includes a first aperture, and the base portion includes at least one second aperture, such that in use, the ingredient separating portion is able to be moved relative to the base portion to allow the first aperture of each compartment to be moved into operable communication with at least one second aperture to provide an outlet passage for ingredient in each compartment from the cartridge through the base portion.

Abstract: A sealed package for pourable food products includes a removable portion and a closable opening device. The opening device has a frame defining a pour opening and fixed to the package about the removable portion, and a cap fitted to the frame to close the pour opening and movable to free the pour opening. A pull-off opening device is housed in the frame and has a rigid plane integral with the removable portion and extractable from the frame, by pulling action, together with part of the removable portion. A pull tab of sheet material is interposed between the removable portion and the plate and attached to both.

Abstract: Capsule for the preparation of a beverage in beverage preparation device comprising: a cup-shaped body (12) comprising a cavity containing a beverage ingredient and a flange-like rim extending outwardly from the base of said body, a delivery wall (13) connected to the flange-like rim, characterized in that the flange-like rim is formed of is a polymer material chosen in grade having a Vicat softening point (ISO 10350) between about 30 and 100° C., preferably between 40 and 90° C. or apolymer chosen in grade comprising a glass transition temperature (Tg) between 30 and 80° C., preferably between 40 and 60° C.

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: A method including the steps of: providing an electric coffee brewing machine; providing a single-use, disposable brew basket, inserting the disposable brew basket into the electric coffee brewing machine; brewing a single cup of coffee with the electric coffee brewing machine; and discarding the disposable brew basket after the single cup of coffee has been brewed. The electric coffee brewing machine has a cold water reservoir, an electric heating element for heating the water, and a basket receiving recess. The disposable brew basket has a bottom wall and at least one side wall extending generally upwardly from the bottom wall to define a brewing reservoir for receiving heated water from the electric coffee brewing machine. The bottom wall of the basket has at least one port located in a central portion thereof to permit brewed coffee to flow from the disposable brew basket. The disposable brew basket is inserted into the basket receiving recess of the electric coffee brewing machine before brewing.

Abstract: A product and method that enable the convenient addition of an unbuffered concentrated caffeine aqueous solution to beverages prior to consumption, without significantly affecting the volume of the beverage or the taste of the beverage beyond the taste of the caffeine itself.

Abstract: Provided is a packaged beverage which can be discharged from the beverage container uniformly because precipitates containing effective components derived from vegetables or fruits can be dispersed quickly by mild shaking, though the formation of precipitates during long-term storage is allowed from the viewpoint of incorporating the effective components in the beverage without damaging them; is excellent in desorption and re-dispersibility of the precipitates; and is easy to drink. A packaged beverage contains a vegetable juice and/or a fruit juice, which contains the following components (A) to (D): (A) from 0.5 to 12 wt. % of polydextrose, (B) from 0.5 to 12 wt. % of (b1) indigestible dextrose or (b2) a degraded guar gum, (C) from 2 to 30 vol. % of an insoluble solid, and (D) 50 wt. % or greater of water; and satisfying the following conditions: (1) ((A)+(b1))/(C)?8 (wt. %/vol. %) or ((A)+(b2))/(C)?3.4 (wt. %/vol.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for consuming a wrapped food item in a non-dining or informal dining environment. The method comprises placing the wrapped food item into an upright food holder, removing one or more portions of the upright food holder during a process of consuming the to wrapped food item, wherein the wrapped food item comprises a substantially cylindrical shape. In one embodiment, the upright food holder comprises a tapered cup designed such that portions of the tapered cup are removed during a process of consuming the wrapped food item. Methods for removing portions of the upright food holder comprise string, tape, and perforations. The wrapped food items may be burritos, wraps, shawarmas, gyros, falafels, and special shaped sandwiches.

Abstract: An infant feeding system includes a spoon assembly with a scoop and a mount attached to and extending away from the mount. The mount has a distal end with respect to the scoop. An aperture extends into the distal end and into the scoop so that fluid flowing into the aperture is captured by the scoop. A tube has a nozzle thereon extendable in and fluidly couplable with the aperture. The tube has food therein so that food from the tube is ejected onto the scoop when the tube is squeezed.

Abstract: A package assembly includes individual elongate consumable products. The package assembly includes a plurality of products arranged in a side-by-side array. The package housing supports the array of products. The package housing includes a back wall and a foldable front wall. The front wall includes an adhesive location therealong for releaseably adhesively retaining the array of products in the package housing.

Abstract: A beverage can having a primary fluid volume and a segregated secondary container. The secondary container could contain a liquid or a granulated solid. The two containers are separated by a barrier which can be opened. The beverage can has a lid with a conventional pull-tab and downward-opening hatch. However, the hatch is equipped with a piercer extending down into the can. When the pull-tab is actuated, the piercer breaches the barrier separating the secondary container from the primary fluid volume. The contents of the secondary container can then be mixed with the primary fluid.

Abstract: The invention concerns an element including: 1 sheet (1) including an intermediate zone (29) located between two zones designed to form side walls (9, 11), the intermediate zone (29) being designed to form a flap folded along the tip against one first (9) of the side walls, and elements (51a, 51b) for guiding tears in the sheet (1) the elements forming a single pull tab (58) to cause tears, the pull tab (58) being, in the intermediate zone, spaced apart from the media axis (A) of the zone designed to form the base (3). The invention is, for example, applicable to packaging of melted cheese.

Abstract: The use of an additive is described, to reduce disproportionation in a gassed beverage so as to produce a) enhanced retention of the gas in the beverage and b) a desired foaming profile selected from a quick-breaking form and a persistent foam.

Abstract: Closure for a container for keeping pressurized or carbonated beverage, comprising means for dispensing the beverage from the container so that dispensation of gas not being dissolved in the beverage is prevented or reduced until all beverage has been dispensed, and being provided with means for permitting, preventing and optionally regulating dispensation of the beverage. Set comprising a container for keeping pressurized or carbonated beverage and a closure as disclosed above. Preferably the container is a standardized PET bottle. Preferably the beverage is a carbonated beverage, such as mineral water or soda or beer or sparkling wine or champagne.

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

Abstract: A sanitary single-use container for both food (e.g., an individual portion of bread) and drink (e.g., an individual portion of wine or grape juice) is designed to be placed over the mouth of a chalice, as may used in a communion service. The container is compatible with any chalice having a diameter and a wall thickness lying within conventional ranges of values. The container has a skirt portion that, in use, extends far enough down over a side wall of the chalice that someone drinking from the container does not touch the chalice with his or her lip. A sealed, but easily opened, food packet is attached to the skirt.

Abstract: A one-piece draw tube container offering a user the ability to expel its medium to high viscosity product contents by sucking up the product through a top opening of the tube container. A base plug at the tube's bottom end includes an aperture through which ambient air is sucked from an outside environment to drive a gasket in the tube forwardly against the product to be sucked up.