Abstract: Salmon or trout ovary is processed into food to make a mouthful of salmon or trout roe. The ovary is taken out of a salmon or trout by incising the salmon or trout abdomen, divided into small ovary pieces of a mouthful size, immersed in saturated salt water, drained to be deprived of salt water, and stored for a prescribed period of time in packing cases having perforated sheet separators.

Abstract: Method for the improved packing of stemmed produce in produce containers, and apparatus to perform the method. The present invention teaches a methodology based on the use of a packaging adaptor for insertion into a produce container, such as a berry basket. The adapter is formed as a substantially hollow, box-like structure having at least one and preferably a plurality of apertures defined in an upper surface thereof. The adapter, inserted into the container defines a first, lower compartment and a second, upper compartment. The adapter is inserted in the container, and the stem of the fruit, for instance a strawberry, is inserted therein. The stems are retained in the first compartment and the body of the fruit in the second compartment. In this manner, the relatively soft body of the fruit is precluded from contact with, and damage from, the relatively tough, woody stem portion of fruit.

Abstract: A container assembly for keeping food stored therein fresh. The container assembly includes a plurality of nested members each having a bowl-shaped configuration comprising exterior and interior surfaces, a base and a perimeter side wall extending upwardly around the base. The perimeter side wall terminating at an upper edge. The nested members include an outer bowl, a filter, and an inner bowl. The filter is rested inside the outer bowl. The inner bowl is rested inside the filter such that the filter is interposed between the inner and outer bowls. The inner bowl having a plurality of spaced apart holes therethrough. A lid assembly is provided for substantially covering upper opening of the outer bowl.

Abstract: Enhancing the foam head on a bottled beverage where a pressurized container is housed within the neck of the bottle and above the level of the liquid and so arranged that upon opening of the bottle the pressurized container also opens to release the liquid stream therefrom initially to float on the top surface of the beverage in the bottle.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a system for collecting and segregating particulate food debris from the whole pieces in a packaged food product, and a system to facilitate and ease the opening of the sealed plastic/cellophane/other packaging material within an outer cardboard food box, including: an inner bag; a system of small filter holes perforating the bottom of the inner bag; an outer bag adhered thereon; a system where the composite inner and outer bags are adhered to the inside and toward the top of the cardboard box, in order to maintain a food debris collection pocket at the base of the two-bag system; two gripping devices, of a style/type to include but not limited to, a pull-ring or pull-tab; and a system for affixing the gripping devices directly opposite one another on the outside and at the top of the sealed composite double-bag packaging material, to facilitate breaking the plastic packaging system's hermetic seal.

Abstract: A food package including a tray and a sleeve surrounding the tray where the sleeve includes at least one end flap extending therefrom and mechanically secured to the tray. In this way, the tray may be effectively retained within the sleeve. The at least one end flap also provides for increased structural integrity of the sleeve.

Abstract: An ice keeps the temperature of foodstuff at the freezing point, inhibits the propagation of bacteria or germ, and suppresses the number of bacteria or germs as low as possible. The ice of the present invention comprises a frozen mixture of water and finely divided particles of metal element or metal oxide having sterilizing power.

Abstract: A package is provided for cushioning a crushable article having a rounded edge. The package includes an outer wrapper structurally supported from the inside by inflated or inflatable cushions and by articles packaged in the package. The package tightly conforms to the shape of the article or stack of articles packaged therein thus minimizing space requirements. The inflated or inflatable cushions may be disposed along the inside of the outer wrap to support at least one face, and side edges of the package. The positioning of the cushions and the outer shape of the package are such that the package can be laid flat on a face thereof, stacked one on top of another, stood up on a side edge thereof, or stood up on an end thereof.

Abstract: A modified atmosphere packaging method creates a modified atmosphere in a package including an inner package and an outer package. The inner package is composed at least partially of a polymeric material substantially permeable to oxygen, while the outer package is composed of a polymeric material substantially impermeable to oxygen. After a food product such as raw meat is placed within the inner package, the inner package is flushed with a desired mixture of gases to substantially remove oxygen from the inner package. The flushed inner package is then sealed and inserted into the outer package without sealing the outer package. Next, the outer package is flushed with the desired mixture of gases to substantially remove oxygen from the outer package. After flushing the outer package, the outer package is sealed. An oxygen scavenger is provided in the package to substantially absorb any residual oxygen within the package.

Abstract: A package for heating a plurality of substantially upright, in-line food items in a toaster having a trough, handle, and retainer. The trough provides support for bottom end of food items and for catching by-products when the package is used in a toaster. The handle is connected to the trough. The retainer is connected to the handle above the trough. The retainer provides support for upper end of food items. The retainer has an opening through which upper ends of the plurality of food items extend. The retainer and the handle are oriented such that the upright plane of the edges of the retainer and the handle are substantially parallel to the plane of a radiant heat source in the toaster. The retainer and the handle subject to radiant heat from the heat source are thin enough to minimize the amount of radiant heat absorbed by the retainer and the handle while maximizing the percent area of the food items exposed to the radiant heat source.

Abstract: An iron-based oxygen scavenging packet is set forth in which the rate of uptake of oxygen is increased by virtue of the presence of an oxygen uptake accelerator such as water which is introduced into the packet. Methods of increasing the rate of oxygen absorption by the iron-based oxygen scavenging packet are also set forth.

Abstract: Dual state packaging may be implemented with a tray having a peripheral flange adapted to receive a pair of membranes to enclose the tray. The lower membrane is the more permeable of the two. It may be attached to a first surface of the flange. The second membrane is attached to a second outer surface of the flange without direct connection except through the tray to the more permeable membrane. The two connection surfaces may be separated by a depression to facilitate the cutting away of the material forming the more permeable membrane in a continuous manufacturing process. With the less permeable membrane in place, a desired gaseous environment may be maintained within the package. When it is desired to change the gaseous environment, the upper less permeable membrane may be peeled away allowing gaseous communication through the lower more permeable membrane.

Abstract: A package comprising a product support member, an O.sub.2 -permeable film over the product support member, and an O.sub.2 -impermeable film over the O.sub.2 -permeable film and in close proximity to the O.sub.2 -impermeable film, has an O.sub.2 -permeable region between the O.sub.2 -permeable film and the O.sub.2 -impermeable film. The O.sub.2 -impermeable film bounds at least a portion of an confined-O.sub.2 volume within the package. The confined-O.sub.2 volume comprises a gas comprising an amount of gaseous oxygen effective to inhibit discoloration of the product.

Abstract: A food storage and transportation device primarily including a container, a plurality of removable inserts, and a lid is described. The inner surface of the container has a plurality of groove and shelf assemblies. The removable inserts have a plurality of tabs extending radially outward, a set of handles, and a plurality of openings for receiving a plurality of cupcakes. In operation, the cupcakes are placed into the respective openings with the base of the cupcakes extending through the opening, whereas the top of the cupcake is retained above a top surface of the removable insert. The removable inserts and cupcakes are then loaded into the container. At no time does any cupcake come into contact with any other cupcakes. To remove the cupcakes, the removable insert is removed from the container and placed on a flat surface, whereupon the cupcakes are conveniently dislodged from their respective openings.

Abstract: An improved package is described for use in packaging a wide variety of products, and in particular perishable food and horticultural products. The products are placed within a container of the type which establishes a modified atmosphere environment therein and is cooled, as by placing the container in contact with a cooling element partially surrounding the container. The cooling element may hold liquid which is evaporated to enhance the cooling. The container and cooling collar may be subjected to vacuum cooling. The container may include a mechanism to enhance the bulk gas transfer rate during the application of the vacuum while still maintaining the desired atmosphere within the container. The container atmosphere may be precharged with gas of a desired composition. In addition, fumigants may also be included therein.

Abstract: A food package including a tray and a sleeve surrounding the tray. The tray includes a base defining an opening and a sidewall extending from the base which terminates in a free edge. The free edge defines a tray opening. The sleeve includes a top panel positioned adjacent the tray opening, a bottom panel positioned adjacent to the opening in the base and a side panel positioned adjacent to at least a portion of the sidewall.

Abstract: Microwave popcorn articles which upon microwave heating provide popcorn having enlarged salt particles that provide popped popcorn more reminiscent of at-home, stove-top prepared popped popcorn. The articles comprise any conventional microwave popcorn bag, kernel popcorn, fat and salt. At least 50% of the salt is essentially characterized by an enlarged particle size having a mean particle size of >400 .mu.m. Included are methods of preparing such microwave popcorn articles are disclosed wherein the coarse salt is added in a separate step after the fat and kernel popcorn have been added to the bag.

Abstract: A pizza platform is provided including a platform with a top face, a bottom face, and a periphery formed therebetween. The platform is constructed from metal. A plurality of small cones each have a base integrally coupled to the platform. As such, a pizza is placed atop the top face of the platform and the cones while being stored in a pizza box for preventing moisture from accumulating thereon.

Abstract: A food package including a tray and a sleeve surrounding the tray where the tray includes a rigid cover member secured thereto. The rigid cover member includes a first top surface and a second top surface elevated above the first top surface. The sleeve includes a front panel having an opening formed therein. The front panel of the sleeve is disposed adjacent the first top surface of the rigid cover member and the second top surface is received in the opening formed in the front panel so as to effectively retain the tray within the sleeve.

Abstract: A chewing gum packaging system comprising a container that contains a volatile-flavor adsorber and at least two flavors of chewing gum. The volatile-flavor adsorber prevents the flavors of the gums from cross-contaminating each other by adsorbing the volatile flavor components from each gum while the gum is stored in the package.

Abstract: A multi-ply laminated wall structure, especially for a bag for popping popcorn in a microwave oven, has at least two plies of paper secured together with spaced patches of adhesive to form a unitary laminated structure that has greater flexibility and lower cost than a conventional bag wall. The adhesive covers from about 25% up to about 60% of the confronting area between the plies, and the unsecured areas between the patches of adhesive are in communication with one another. The outer ply is gas permeable so that gas is permitted to escape from between the plies, and any moisture between the plies escapes through the unsecured areas between the patches of adhesive at the ends of the laminated structure.

Abstract: A label assembly is provided allowing the aesthetic packaging of vegetables, other food items, or other products, for point of purchase display in a simple, versatile and effective manner. First and second flexible strips of material (e.g. paper or plastic) have a header formed at one end and are overlapped at the other end to be held together by adhesive. An adhesive pattern of discrete spaced adhesive elements is provided on the inner face of at least one of the strips and engages the container or covering of a product being packaged so that the label assembly does not inadvertently detach from the package. The label assembly is particularly suited for use with a microwavable tray having an open top covered by plastic shrink wrap and containing vegetables (there being no adhesive where the label covers the open top), or for encircling a number of low density polypropylene bags (e.g. containing vegetables) which are held together by the label assembly.

Abstract: Packaging for seafood that may have been coated in sauce or marinated, including the optional use of pallet structure for positioning the product within the packaging to be vacuum sealed and flash frozen before being subsequently microwaved without rupture of the packaging until after microwaving.

Abstract: Packaging for lobster, within which the product may be microwaved, including the use of pallet structure for positioning the lobster within the packaging to avoid penetration of the plastic wrapping film by shell structure. The packaging is vacuum sealed, flash frozen and distributed to be subsequently microwaved without rupture of the packaging until after microwaving.

Abstract: A beverage package and a method of forming such a package defines a primary chamber containing an insert defining a secondary chamber. The insert has a seating in the form of a bore within which is received the lower end of a tube which is fitted to the insert. When the package is charged with beverage such as beer having gas in solution and sealed to form a headspace containing gas at a pressure greater than atmospheric, beer from the primary chamber fills the tube. The secondary chamber contains beverage and gas at a pressure greater than atmospheric and on opening the container the headspace de-pressurises causing beverage and gas from the secondary chamber to be ejected through the tube. A restricted aperture between the bottom end of the tube and an opposing wall of the insert causes froth to be developed in the beverage in the secondary chamber as the beverage flows into the bottom end of the tube. The frothy beverage then flows through the tube into the headspace.

Abstract: A storage bag with soaker pad, and a material and method for making same. The bag of the invention includes a bag having a front and rear panel of a plastic film, the front and rear panels being closed at one end to form a bottom of the bag, the bag being open at the opposite end for receipt of goods to be stored in the bag, a fluid absorbing pad located inside the bag, and an enclosure connected to the inside of the bag for containing the fluid absorbing pad. The material of the invention comprises a bag film connected to a perforated enclosure material with a plurality of soaker pads sandwiched between the two layers. The width of the perforated enclosure material is substantially less than the width of the bag film whereby the soaker pads are continued to a limited space near the center of the material that creates the bottom fold of the resulting bags formed from the material. The method of making the bag of the invention includes a continuous supply of bag film be fed forwardly towards a bag machine.

Abstract: A process and packaging for shrimp, bacon wrapped, and coated in sauce, in which the product is vacuum sealed within packaging before being flash frozen for shipping and storage.

Abstract: A storage bag with soaker pad, and a material and method for making same. The bag of the invention includes a bag having a front and rear panel of a plastic film, the front and rear panels being closed at one end to form a bottom of the bag, the bag being open at the opposite end for receipt of goods to be stored in the bag, a fluid absorbing pad located inside the bag, and an enclosure connected to the inside of the bag for containing the fluid absorbing pad. The material of the invention comprises a bag film connected to a perforated enclosure material with a plurality of soaker pads sandwiched between the two layers. The width of the perforated enclosure material is substantially less than the width of the bag film whereby the soaker pads are continued to a limited space near the center of the material that creates the bottom fold of the resulting bags formed from the material. The method of making the bag of the invention includes a continuous supply of bag film be fed forwardly towards a bag machine.

Abstract: A construction for heating food in a microwave oven is provided. The construction includes an outer receptacle and a moisture barrier closure enclosed within the outer receptacle. Food material to be heated is enclosed within the moisture barrier closure, during storage. Preferred arrangements include an outer receptacle which is expandable to accommodate expansion of the food material, preferably popcorn, upon heating. In a preferred construction shown, a microwave susceptor construction is positioned within the moisture barrier closure.

Abstract: A sheet of expanded plastics material with absorbent properties towards aqueous liquids has a structure with intercommunicating cells and comprises at least one surfactant and at least one lubricating agent. The invention also relates to a tray (1) of plastics material for foods which may release liquids, comprising a base (2) and side walls (3), wherein the base (2) has holes (4) of 0.1-1.5 mm diameter in the surface (4) which is intended to contact the food, and is produced from a sheet as described above. Methods of producing the sheet and the tray are also described.

Abstract: An insert is provided containing gas under pressure for insertion in a carbonated beverage can to nucleate release of gas from solution when the can is opened. The insert has a jetting orifice closed by a burstable seal which is held closed by a sealing member until the can is opened. The sealing member may be made of moisture sensitive material which weakens in the can and ruptures on opening the can. The insert may be weighted to float in a given orientation with the jetting orifice submerged.

Abstract: Packaging for shellfish and other seafood in which the product may be microwaved, including the use of pallet structure for positioning the product within the packaging to avoid penetration by shells, fish bones or fins of the plastic wrapping film to enable the product to be preserved by flat packing and vacuum sealing to be subsequently microwaved without rupture of the packaging until intentionally done at the completion of microwaving.

Abstract: A process and packaging for shellfish and other seafood, including the use of pallet structure for positioning the product within the packaging to avoid penetration by shells, fish bones or fins of the plastic wrapping film to enable the product to be preserved by flat packing and vacuum sealing and then placed within an outer package designed to promote a pleasing appearance of the product within.

Abstract: A liquid-absorbent sheet containing a liquid-absorbing material capable of absorbing drips of food, wherein a part of the outer surface of the liquid-absorbent sheet is composed of a liquid-permeable film, a part of other outer surface thereof is composed of a liquid-semipermeable film, the liquid-semipermeable film is a liquid-impermeable film having formed therein pores, the diameter of the pore is in the range of from 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm, and the porosity of the pores is in the range of from 0.01% to 0.4%. The liquid-absorbent sheet effectively absorbs drips oozing from a drippy food to prevent deterioration in qualities of the food for a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: A carbonated beverage container (10, 35, 40) including a hollow insert (1, 20). The insert (1, 20) has one one-way valve (7, 29, 31, 32) and one orifice (6, 28, 33, 34), one of which is arranged to allow gas from a headspace above beverage (11) to enter the insert (1, 20), and the other is arranged to jet gas from inside the insert (1, 20) into the beverage (11) upon opening the container (10, 35, 40). The 20 gas jetting into the beverage (11) causes nucleation of fine bubbles in the beverage (11) which separate out to form a close-knit creamy head.

Abstract: A container for Kimchi includes a receptacle body and a detachable cap for the body. An underside of the cap carries a filter for removing Kimchi odors, an air vent extending from the filter to the exterior of the cap, and a microporous membrane extending across an outlet of the vent.

Abstract: A tabless container closure for a compartmentalized container with a cover and a base. The cover includes a sidewall and a rim coupled thereto. The rim has a depression that fits within an opening in a sidewall of the base. The rim depression and opening provide a snap-fit closure to releasably connect the cover and base. In a second aspect, the compartments of the container are closed off from one another such that the contents of a given compartment substantially remain therein, even after a perturbation of the container. In a third aspect, a divider separating the compartments is bowed to enhance the structural integrity of the base.

Abstract: A conventional golf tee comprising a circular member connected along the cylindrical region of the golf tee used to support the lid of a cardboard box such as a pizza box. The tee and circular member are inserted into a hole in the lid of a pizza box so that the point of the tee is placed downward and the lid of the box rests on the circular member. This arrangement is used in a pizza box, with the point of the tee placed in the pizza, and the circular member used to prevent the pizza box lid from sagging onto the pizza's surface. Furthermore, after use as a support piece for the pizza box, the tee may be used as a normal golf tee or as a spinning toy.

Abstract: A package that provides for the control of the atmosphere wherein its hermetically sealed walls, allowing fresh meat and poultry products to be held first in an atmosphere that retards the growth of bacteria until it is placed for sale in a retail display case. The package provides a dual layer lidding film with the inner layer being oxygen permeable and the outer layer being oxygen impermeable. At the time of display, the outer layer is removed so that oxygen can enter the package to activate the myoglobin in the meat to cause the meat to bloom to its usual red color. The lidding in part is formed by facing layers of easy peel polyethylene, LDPE treated with polybutylene.

Abstract: An improved package is described for use in packaging a wide variety of products, and in particular perishable food and horticultural products. The products are placed within a container of the type which establishes a modified atmosphere environment therein and is cooled, as by evaporation of liquid from a cooling collar partially surrounding the container. The container and cooling collar may be subjected to vacuum cooling. The container may include a mechanism to enhance the bulk gas transfer rate during the application of the vacuum while still maintaining the desired atmosphere within the container. The container atmosphere may be precharged with gas of a desired composition. In addition, fumigants may also be included therein. The package is suitable for field packing applications in which the product, such as strawberries, is picked directly into the container surrounded by the cooling collar with the container and cooling collars being placed in an outer box or other receptacle.

Abstract: A baked pizza crust is provided having a water activity in the range of about 0.6-0.85, the baked crust being suitable for use in a refrigerated, ready-to-eat pizza kit. Also provided is a kit for preparing ready-to-eat pizza, the kit including pizza crust, pizza sauce and one or a plurality of pizza toppings which are hermetically sealed from the external atmosphere in a package having a base tray and a top fitted and sealed to the base tray. Preferably, each food item is in a separate compartment sealed from the other food items to substantially retard or prevent flavor, moisture and microbial migration from one food item to another.

Abstract: An effective oxygen barrier which can substantially extend the shelf life of oxygen sensitive products comprising at least outer and inner plies of a polymeric material and a substantially anaerobic space between the two or more plies.

Abstract: A package includes a protective band having a cavity for receiving a fragile food product unit. A wrap material is tightly secured around the food product unit and the protective band to form a package. The protective band may have alternating narrow segments and wide segments to ensure that the wrap material keeps the top and bottom extremities of the food product unit inside the protective band and spaced from the upper and lower edges of the wide segments of the protective band.

Abstract: A new structure for packaging foods and the method of preparing foods using the structure which consists of a food receptacle, its cover and a thin partition layer(s) for separating different food components of an entree during the manufacturing as well as during the heating of an entree. As the result of utilizing the present invention, the said entree can be manufactured more economically, also it can be heated and served easier by the end users without mixing the food components before heating, thus yielding a better quality hot food.

Abstract: A container for heating frozen French fries in a toaster. The frozen French fries preferably have a moisture content by weight ranging from 35% to 55% prior to heating in the toaster. The container comprises an upright structure adapted to removably fit into a vertical slot of a conventional toaster and be supported by the toaster during a toaster heating cycle. The upright structure has a front and back connected to a closed bottom. The front and back have side edges and apertures through the front and back for passing heat from the toaster to frozen French fries located inside the container and for passing steam from heated French fries to outside of the container. The container has an openable end to permit removal of the French fries after heating. The closed bottom forms a drip trough for collecting drippings from the French fries.

Abstract: A beverage container assembly (28) comprising a container body defining a beverage chamber for containing a beverage, and a gas reservoir unit (1) adapted to be housed substantially within the container body (22). The gas reservoir unit (1) is adapted to be charged with a gas under super-atmospheric pressure whilst the reservoir unit (1) is outside of the container (22), and to retain the gas prior to insertion of the unit into the container body. A gas reservoir unit containing one or more chambers is also described.

Abstract: An oxygen absorber comprising an active carbon material layer and an oxygen absorbing layer comprising 15-80% by weight of a thermoplastic resin and 85-20% by weight of an oxygen absorbing agent, wherein the amount of the active carbon material is 0.2-15% by weight based on the oxygen absorbing agent. The oxygen absorber is easy to handle and excellent in oxygen absorbing performance, and does not deteriorate the flavor of foods and the like.

Abstract: In a package for food products having a tendency to exude liquids, an absorbent pad underlying the food product in a tray is made up of an absorbent layer underneath a layer of polyethylene film having an array of elongated, thermoformed apertures. These apertures efficiently transport liquid into the absorbent layer and resist reverse flow when pressure is applied to the absorbent pad, thereby making it possible to utilize a paperboard tray. The absorbent layer and apertured polyethylene film can be laminated together with a paperboard base layer, and the laminate can then be die cut and folded to form a tray made up entirely of the laminate and having its bottom and side walls lined with the absorbent material and apertured film.

Abstract: A food package that includes a concealed eating utensil is provided. The package comprises a can body containing a quantity of food with a cover removably secured to the can to enclose one end of the can and to provide a storage compartment between the end of the can and the cover. A folded eating utensil is contained in the storage compartment. The utensil has two portions: a functional end portion (spoon, fork or knife) and a handle portion with a joint between them for enabling the utensil to be folded for storage in the compartment. The term "joint" is used broadly herein to include any form of connection, e.g., a hinge or complete separation of the handle from the functional end portion of the utensil with a socket connection therebetween. Utensil retaining members can be provided inside the cover for engaging portions of the utensil to hold it in place.

Abstract: A carbonated beverage container (10, 35, 40) including a hollow insert (1, 20) which floats in the beverage (11). the insert (1, 20) has two one-way valves (6, 7, 28, 29), one (6, 28) of which allows gas from a headspace above the beverage (11) to enter the insert (1, 20), the other (7, 29) allowing gas from the insert (1, 20) to be jetted into the beverage (11) upon opening the container (10, 35, 40). This jet of gas into the beverage (11) causes shear, and the liberation of gas bubbles which form a close-knit creamy head on the beverage (11) once dispensed.