Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging unit (2) for a moulded pulp material and a manufacturing process therefore. The packaging unit according to the invention comprises a product receiving or carrying compartment having a product contact surface, wherein the product contact surface comprises a peelable laminate layer (10). In a presently preferred embodiment the moulded pulp material comprises an amount of a bio-degradable aliphatic polyester.

Abstract: An additive applicator system allows for a substance such as salt, flavor enhancement or similar things. The additive is placed in a carrier that is shaped to sit in the top ring of a common aluminum can. The carrier has an opening or spout that allows for the additive to be transferred to the interior of the can.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pizza product that is prepared separately utilizing two types of doughs that are combined after heating. The doughs have different characteristics and are heated in combination with different ingredients. The heating process for both doughs is performed under different humidity conditions and may be performed simply with a conventional microwave oven. The present invention also includes an apparatus and method for the preparation of such pizzas, as well as an innovative delivery process, which allows delivery of the pizzas from a central delivery station—without the need of having one or more processing locations (e.g., a chain of physical stores) to prepare and/or cook the pizza product.

Abstract: A food delivery system includes a wrapper, a top bun, a beef patty, a slice of cheese, and a bottom bun. The beef patty has a bottom surface that is adjacent to a bottom portion of an internal surface of the wrapper. The slice of cheese is melted between a bottom surface of the top bun and a top surface of the beef patty. The bottom bun has a bottom surface that is adjacent to a top surface of the top bun and a top surface that is adjacent to a top portion of the internal surface of the wrapper. The wrapper is wrapped to form an enclosed package containing in sequential order the bottom bun, the top bun, the slice of cheese, and the beef patty.

Abstract: An individually-packaged shelf-stable snack-sized pet food mix. The pet food mix includes at least two visually identifiable dried ingredients, wherein a total amount of about 5 grams to about 25 grams of the pet food mix is contained within the individual package and provides less than about 25% of the daily calories of the pet.

Abstract: A food container system for a take-out main course food item includes a plastic lid adapted for sealing arrangement with a plastic base and one or more securable inner vessels adapted to hold an accessory food item. The floor of the base includes one or more first vessel-receiving mechanisms designed to locate and receive the bottom of a securable inner vessel. The lid includes one or more second vessel-receiving mechanisms, each designed to receive and engage the top rim of a securable inner vessel when such vessel is received by a first vessel-receiving mechanism and the lid and base are in the sealed arrangement. The engagement of the top rim of a vessel by a second vessel-receiving mechanism of the lid results in a leak resistant seal between the vessel and the lid.

Abstract: A food and condiment container having a first storage space for a food item and a second storage space for a condiment. The container includes a paperboard carton and an appliqué fold-out pocket affixed thereto and moveable between open and closed positions for receiving a condiment The pocket includes a front panel, a back panel, and first and second side panels extending therebetween. The back panel is joined to the carton, and the front panel is joined to the back panel along a portion thereof to hinge forward from the back panel. The side panels are connected between the front and back panels and are collapsible along a crease extending the vertical length of the side panels. Prior to use, the appliqué pocket remains flush with the carton and is opened along a perforation line to form a storage space for a condiment.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a two component beverage using a container having two compartments, an upper compartment and a lower compartment, each containing a beverage ingredient, The upper compartment contains a first beverage ingredient, such as powdered milk, and the lower compartment 8 contains a second beverage ingredient, such as instant coffee. The upper compartment can be stacked above the lower compartment such that access to the lower compartment is through the upper compartment.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus to ease the consumption of drink and food including a sleeve of flexible material, a perforation formed in one end of the sleeve configured to be removed and form an opening in communication with a chamber formed in the sleeve. The apparatus also includes a straw with a first end to be inserted into the chamber through the sleeve, and a second end with at least one prong to be inserted into the chamber and the food. The second end may be inserted through the opening. The invention also provides a method of consuming food and drink from an apparatus. The invention further provides a method of assembling a snack apparatus.

Abstract: A collapsible drinking cup assembly having a plurality of annular ring segments each flexibly coupled together, end-to-end. An upper drinking lip segment of the ring segments includes an interior and exterior sidewall such that the drinking lip segment tapers inwardly from a lower base portion to an annular upper distal edge thereof. A support floor of the cup apparatus includes an annular bottom flange extending radially beyond an exterior wall of the bottom ring segment. Atop lid member extends over an opening into the cup apparatus, and includes a pair of opposed, inner and outer contact walls that collectively define an annular receiving groove therebetween. The cup apparatus can be expanded from a collapsed position to an expanded position when both the annular bottom flange and the lid member are radially gripped and axially pulled apart longitudinally thereof before separation of the lid member from the drinking lip segment.

Abstract: A packaged food product and a method for assembling a packaged food product that includes an edible sheet-like layer enclosing edible contents as a roll, the edible sheet-like layer and the edible contents separated from each other by a removable vapor barrier for maintaining freshness of the edible sheet-like layer until the food product is ready to be consumed, the removable vapor barrier being graspable by the user for removing it from the rest of the assembled product.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a multi-state or multi-component comestible, comprising a sealed pouch or tube containing one component of the comestible which surrounds, either fully or on multiple sides, one or more other components, housed in one or more separated tubes or compartments. The apparatus' unique delivery, wherein one component surrounds the other component(s) as it is expulsed into the consumer's mouth, greatly enhances the consumer's organoleptic experience. The consumer's organoleptic experience may be further enhanced by the shape and/or location of the tubes/pouches of the apparatus, which, based on the specific comestible being delivered, can be modified to speed up or slow down delivery of individual comestible components into the consumer's mouth, and to provide greater control over the outflow of individual components of the multi-component comestible.

Abstract: Describe are food packages having features such as multiple containers in a single package and multiple pieces for a package; the packages can contain multiple food products including (for example) cereal and milk, for consumption together in a convenient manner.

Abstract: A carton (10) is formed from a unitary blank of material folded to produce a hollow walled structure for encircling a main product (11). The blank is also folded to produce at least one internal divider (35) which forms a support for holding the main product (11) in position in the structure and to define within the hollow walled structure an internal volume (36) for retaining a secondary item (37). The internal divider (35) may extend transversely or longitudinally. Where the internal divider is aligned longitudinally of the housing, it may be parallel to a side wall of the carton or it may extend across a corner between two side walls. The internal divider may be provided by a pair of kick-ins. The carton (10) may be an Easter egg carton. Methods of forming and filling the carton are also described.

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 pre-tearing position of the seal (7) and a tearing position of the seal (7).

Abstract: An assembly and method are provided for storing and dispensing a soluble substance, such as a flavoring, into a liquid. A useful application of the subject invention includes the case where lime-flavored liquid is contained in a foam artificial lime stored in the neck of a beer bottle, attached to a beer bottle or can, or attached to the 6-pack or 12-pack carton. The artificial lime may be retrieved from the neck or a protective covering and acted upon so it diffuses the lime-flavored liquid into the beer when it is inserted into the beer bottle. Alternately, juice from the artificial lime may be squeezed into the beer, or the artificial lime may be simply retrieved and discarded. Rather than needing to buy a natural lime, cut it up and push a wedge into a beer bottle, an artificial lime, or a packaged natural lime, may be stored directly in or with the beer bottle and placed in functional contact with the beer at time of consumption.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is shown 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: The self-making bread method includes: weighing a certain amount of ingredients according to a bread recipe and placing them in a bread ingredient box; putting the bread ingredient box into the corresponding containing region of the top portion of the bread machine; using the jagged ring of the bottom portion of said containing region to open the thin film of the bottom portion of the bread ingredient box, so the ingredients will fall into the mixing container in the bread machine; controlling the water delivering mechanism inside the bread machine to deliver a certain amount of water into said mixing container; starting the mixing device inside the bread machine, which mixes the ingredients into an appropriate dough; turning off the mixing device; energizing the electric heating tube in the bread machine, to bake the dough inside the mixing container into bread.

Abstract: A sterilized ready-meal food package comprising: a main container, defining a main volume and having a first opening at the upper part; a main food product held inside at least part of such main volume; at least one secondary container defining a secondary volume and having a second opening at the upper part; at least one secondary food product held inside at least part of the secondary volume; removable covering means arranged to occlude the first and the second opening. The main and secondary food products occupy at least 80% of the free volume available therefor; furthermore, the secondary container is associated in a removable manner inside the main container, in such a manner to occupy part of the main volume and reduce the free volume available for the main food product to a portion of the main volume. The finding also comprises a method for preparing the ready-meal food package.

Abstract: A condiment package for storing and supplying condiments comprising: a first packet, where the first packet stores a first condiment; a second packet, where the second packet stores a second condiment; a removable foil cover, where the cover seals the first packet and the second packet; and a removable divider, where the divider separates the first packet and the second packet. The removable foil and removable divider may be made of plastic. The first condiment or the second condiment may be selected from the group consisting of honey, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise and soy sauce.

Abstract: A beverage supplement and method for making the same is disclosed. In some embodiments the beverage supplement is comprised of a first frozen composition made from at least one additive mixed with at least one liquid and a second frozen composition made from at least one additive mixed with at least one liquid, wherein the resulting frozen compositions may have different/varying surface areas, shapes, volumes, flavors, and concentrations. Varying the combination of surface areas, shapes, volumes, formulas, flavors, and concentrations of frozen compositions influences the duration of complete liquefaction and the release of additives, allowing a user to create an iced beverage with greater flavor control.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus facilitates cooking with a heated/boiling liquid of a food item by utilizing a cooking bag, a cooking tray, and/or a cooking film. A food product that utilizes the cooking apparatus and food items produces cooked food that may be plateable.

Abstract: A natto (fermented soybeans) container 11 is made of a resin-foam sheet of a structure of which a lid body, having a natto-holding recess, is connected by a hinge part to, and covering the opening of the container body. A seasoning-holding recess is provided adjacent to the inner-lid surface of the lid body. A pre-defined folding line L1 is described on the outer-lid surface of the lid body, along which the lid body folds upward into a valley shape. A splittable groove, provided on the lid body, communicates with the natto seasoning-holding recesses and crosses the pre-defined folding line L1. A sealant material is provided on the outer-lid surface, covering and sealing the seasoning holding recess. Hence, the lid body folds into a valley-shape along the pre-defined folding-line crossing, thus breaking the splittable groove.

Abstract: Cup lid with integrated container(s) that couples with the top of a cup. The cup and cup lid form at least two containment volumes, Embodiments enable easy containment, inclusion of fresh food, transportation and access of solid or liquid in the container and cup without disengagement of the cup lid from the cup. Coupling elements that couple the cup lid to the cup, or that couple containers to the lid cavity may be non-permanent, semi-permanent or permanent. Simplifies eating and drinking from one container and cup in a theater or stadium having seats for example that provide one cup-holder per seat. Provides one free hand to hold a child's hand for safety while in stadiums and amusement parks.

Abstract: A pouch, designed to be attached, either directly or indirectly, to a container, is provided with two end portions, each of which is formed with an elongated slit. When the pouch is directly attached atop a container, the end portions are pulled over the lid and catch a rim portion of the container. When the pouch is placed upon a lid covered container, the end portions of the pouch can catch or engage the lid. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a pair of spaced slits extends from each elongated slit, thereby creating a tab or flap in each end portion. The flap is configured to either directly catch a rim of the container or be tucked under the lid, i.e., between the lid and the container, to attach the pouch to the lid and, indirectly, the container.

Abstract: Combination beverage containers and storage vessels. Various embodiments are configured to store a consumable beverage or otherwise consumable liquid as well as at least one second item which may comprise an edible foodstuff, toy, novelty, etc. all in one convenient container. In some embodiments, the second items may be stored directly in the vessel separated from the liquid or the second items may be stored in a second container that may be removably seated in a portion of the vessel. The vessels may or may not be hand-held.

Abstract: A packaging system and method for selling and preparing a food product that is a combination of two or more food items. The system comprises a first container having a first food item therein, a second container having a second food item therein and a mechanism for disconnectedly joining the first container and the second container together. In use, the containers are separated, the food items are separately prepared and at least one of the food items is removed from its container and combined with the other food item to form the desired food product. The joining mechanism can comprise pull-tab devices, threaded connections, slot and pin connections, hook-and-loop connections and the like. A discharging mechanism can assist with discharging a food item from its container. One or more of the containers can be converted into a bowl-like or plate-like receptacle for preparing or consuming the food product.

Abstract: An exemplary device for semi-solid foods includes a separator for insertion in a food container having an optional lid. The separator provides an upper compartment for solid foods and a lower compartment for liquids. The separator has a base, and a ramp extending upwards therefrom. The separator preferably provides a barrier such that liquid in the container does not traverse the intersection between the separator and the container sidewall inner surface. When the container is tilted to dispense the food therein, liquid in the lower compartment flows out through a ramp opening (such as an aperture in the ramp or a separation between the ramp and the container sidewall), without flowing through a base aperture. When the container is returned to a level position, any fluid in the upper compartment may return to the lower compartment via an optional fluid channel in the ramp and through the base aperture.

Abstract: A food package for segregating ingredients of a multi-component food product, such as the multiple components of a sandwich, the package comprising an outer container to house a first food component and at least one flexible envelope or barrier film layer that encloses at least one intermediate food component allowing for separation of the intermediate food component during extended periods of storage and prior to opening the product. A method for opening the package comprises applying a pulling force to an externally located protruding end portion of the envelope, such that the envelope peels apart and separates into ruptured layers that are pulled out of the food product and out of the outer container by the continual pulling force from the protruding end portion. Another method for opening comprises heating the container such that the barrier film layer ruptures upon heating, thus providing for components of the food product to combine.

Abstract: A food package for segregating ingredients of a multi-component food product, such as the multiple components of a sandwich, the package comprising an outer container to house a first food component and at least one flexible envelope or barrier film layer that encloses at least one intermediate food component allowing for separation of the intermediate food component during extended periods of storage and prior to opening the product. A method for opening the package comprises applying a pulling force to an externally located protruding end portion of the envelope, such that the envelope peels apart and separates into ruptured layers that are pulled out of the food product and out of the outer container by the continual pulling force from the protruding end portion.

Abstract: A packaged bottle beverage has a base component of the beverage in a container wider 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: Dual chamber apparatuses and systems are provided having food and beverage portions forming a single housing that can be controlled by a single user. The systems and apparatuses include multiple receptacles, one for food such as popcorn, and the other for beverages, such as soda.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides multi-component food products having a wet food component and a dry food component. The multi-component food product is shelf-stable and does not include any artificial preservatives. Methods for providing a shelf-stable multi-component food product having a wet food component and a dry food component without artificial preservatives to a consumer are also provided, as are methods for marketing such a shelf-stable multi-component food product.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a two component beverage using a container having two compartments, an upper compartment and a lower compartment, each containing a beverage ingredient. The upper compartment contains a first beverage ingredient, such as powdered milk, and the lower compartment 8 contains a second beverage ingredient, such as instant coffee. The upper compartment can be stacked above the lower compartment such that access to the lower compartment is through the upper compartment.

Abstract: A food package for segregating ingredients of a multi-component food product, such as the multiple components of a sandwich, the package comprising an outer container to house a first food component and at least one flexible envelope or barrier film layer that encloses at least one intermediate food component allowing for separation of the intermediate food component during extended periods of storage and prior to opening the product. A method for opening the package comprises applying a pulling force to an externally located protruding end portion of the envelope, such that the envelope peels apart and separates into ruptured layers that are pulled out of the food product and out of the outer container by the continual pulling force from the protruding end portion.

Abstract: This invention relates to containers that include at least one sub-container and to methods and/or systems for mixing first and second substances responsive to opening of the containers and the at least one sub-container that is included therein. The invention advantageously provides methods, systems, containers, sub-containers, seals and/or tethers that may be used in storing first and second substances in an unmixed state, until it is desired to mix the first and second substances just before utilization thereof.

Abstract: A cheese product, suitable for use as a cheese snack and/or food topping includes packaging in which moist cheese components of the snack or topping are separately sealed within a secondary package, prior to both the moist cheese and dry components of the snack or topping being sealed within a common primary container. At the time of use, a consumer opens both the primary container and the secondary package, and mixes the moist and dry components within the primary container. Following mixing, the resultant mixture of moist and dry components may be consumed directly from the primary container, or be poured out of or otherwise removed from the primary container for use as a food topping on foods such as salads, pizza, or baked potatoes. The secondary package is formed from a material and sealed in a manner that effectively precludes moisture migration between the moist and dry products during storage of the unmixed snack or topping, to thereby provide a longer shelf life.

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: The packaging system includes a first food product sealed within an inner wrapper, a second food product positioned within a tray and spacing the first food product from the tray, and an outer wrapper sealing the first food product, sealed within the inner wrapper, the second food product and the tray therein. A shield is disposed on the tray and is in contact with more than one surface of the second food product. Prior to microwave heating, the inner and outer wrapper are removed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing a food product having a liquid component and an insoluble component, such as soups or stews. A food product assembly may include a cartridge containing a liquid component medium that is usable by a beverage forming machine to produce a liquid component of the food product. A second container, to which the cartridge may be removably attached, may contain the insoluble component of the food product, and may receive the liquid component so as to hold both the insoluble component and liquid component together, e.g., for consumption by a user.

Abstract: A device for selective attachment to a conventional aluminum beverage can with internal liquid-holding pouch. A flavoring, alcohol based, energy drink, a medication, etc. can be contained in the device and mixed with the liquid contained in beverage cans. With the device atop a can and the device and can opened, tilting and pouring the liquid of the can causes liquid within the device to be dispensed and entrained into the stream of the liquid exiting the beverage can. A mixed drink can be provided comprised of the first liquid of the device and the second liquid provided by the can. Substantially uniform concentration of the two liquids is maintained from start to finish. Mixing occurs on an incremental basis and there is no substantial mixing of liquid from the device within the chamber of the can or from the liquid of the can within the cavity/pouch of the device.

Abstract: A multicompartment cup may include an upper compartment with a conical cross-section and a lower compartment with a rectangular cross-section. The upper compartment may include a main food product such as cereal, oatmeal, grits, any milled grain product, yogurt, etc. and the lower compartment may include toppings and other enhancements for the main food product. The two compartments may be separated by a divider and a seal may cover the top of the upper compartment. In addition, a foldable eating utensil may be affixed to the multicompartment cup so that a user may eat the food products inside the multicompartment cup anywhere.

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

Abstract: A composition for improving the flavor and juiciness of marinated meats and inhibiting growth of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms and a process for making the composition are described. Lemon juice and vinegar are neutralized, concentrated and blended with non-neutralized lemon juice and non-neutralized vinegar in appropriate proportions to achieve the desired water binding and antimicrobial effects.

Abstract: A solid and liquid separating device includes an inner container and an outer container. The outer container is sized to receive the inner container. The inner container retains solids. The inner container includes an open bottom that is covered by liquid permeable membrane. The liquid permeable membrane is preferably stretchable. The outer container is filled with a liquid. The inner container floats on a top of the liquid in the outer container. A utensil (such as a spoon) is inserted into the solids and pressed into a portion of the liquid permeable membrane. The liquid permeable membrane stretches and allows liquid to enter the inner container. The liquid combines with the solids in the inner container. When the utensil is withdrawn from the liquid permeable membrane, the liquid no longer enters the inner container. The inner container now floats on the liquid in the outer container.

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 convenience food product is described having a configuration optimized for rapid microwave heating and providing an integrated storage area for complementary consumables.

Abstract: The packaging system includes a first food product sealed within an inner wrapper, a second food product positioned within a tray and spacing the first food product from the tray, and an outer wrapper sealing the first food product, sealed within the inner wrapper, the second food product and the tray therein. A shield is disposed on the tray and is in contact with more than one surface of the second food product. Prior to microwave heating, the inner and outer wrapper are removed.

Abstract: A sealed storage bag of multiple compartment structure, wherein a separated condition of compartments is needed until just before the use, such as an infusion bag of a mixing type of two kinds of liquid or a bag for cooked storage food with flavoring materials. A sealed storage bag comprises a flexible outer bag; an inner bag as a rectangular small compartment having an inner storage space, which is separated, by a film member, from an outer storage space in the outer bag; a filling port for filling contents; and a discharge port for discharging the contents.

Abstract: Customized children's feeding systems and methods of using the customized children's feeding systems are provided, in a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a packaged food product (10) including a tray (12) defining at least three compartments (20,22,24) and an individual food cartridge located in each of the compartments. Each food cartridge and compartment can be associated with a corresponding color, shape or symbol that is representative of a food category.