Abstract: A portable, single-use container for separately containing a first and second consumable products. The container includes a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment tapers at an upper portion thereof to form a spout. The spout facilitates dispensing of a contained first consumable product from the first compartment. The second compartment, in turn, tapers at an upper portion thereof to form a mouth. The mouth facilitates dispensing of a second consumable product from the second compartment. The first and second compartments are assembled to one another in a side-by-side fashion such that the spout abuts the mouth. With this configuration, during use, a first consumable product and a second consumable product can be dispensed from the container in close proximity to one another for convenient consumption. In one preferred embodiment, the first compartment contains a volume of milk and the second compartment contains a quantity of cereal.

Abstract: A sealed beverage package including a container with a beverage and an insert sealed therein. The insert holds a gas that upon opening the container interacts with the beverage to produce a froth in the beverage. The insert is designed to float in the beverage and is sized relative to the container such that it cannot rotate end-over-end therein. The insert includes a body with at least one fin extending therefrom. The at least one fin may have the dual functions of securing the insert in the container above the beverage to facilitate charging the insert with gas, as well as preventing the insert from exiting the container, once the container is opened.

Abstract: A circular tray has a sloping surface extending upwardly from a central base to form a circular support ridge. A retaining ridge concentrically surrounds the support ridge. The support ridge is configured to support a plurality of shrimp arranged to form a nearly arched-shaped ring. A sauce cup is removably disposed on the central base adjacent to tails of the arranged shrimp. An outer ridge concentrically surrounds the retaining ridge. A groove formed between the outer and retaining ridges is sized and configured so as to hold a plurality of pieces of surimi.

Abstract: A scoopable dough can be used to prepare cut biscuits, drop biscuits, dumplings, flat bread, crackers, pizza dough, doughnuts, fritters, hushpuppies, muffins, pastry crusts, coffee cake, quick bread, scones, cobbler-type crust, and the like. A scoopable dough can be formed into various shapes and thereafter stored at temperatures suitable for freezing and at temperatures suitable for refrigeration that includes flour, water, a protein supplement, a shortening, a humectant, and a leavening system encapsulated, and the scoopable dough has desirable viscoelastic properties. The various shapes of the scoopable dough can be in the form of individual single-serve units of dough that can be placed in an oven and baked without an intermediate thawing or proofing step.

Abstract: A disposable, aseptic package for storage and serving of perishable beverages, such as human breast milk. The package is generally cylindrical in shape, the top of which is provided with a circular flange about the circumference of the package, such that the filled package can be dropped down into a cylindrical outer holder. The package is held with its top surface near the top of a holder by the flange. A dispensing assembly, such as a nipple assembly or straw assembly, is mounted atop the holder. As the dispensing assembly is mounted on the holder, a penetrating conduit engages the top surface of the package and punctures it, thereby providing a via for the beverage to flow freely from the package to the dispensing assembly, such as through a nipple or through a straw.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vending food products from a roller-type grilling machine includes a packaging system that extends the product life on the grilling machine by keeping the food product from directly contacting the grilling machine. By packaging the product in accordance with the principles of the present invention, the food product is kept in a controlled environment until it is opened by the ultimate consumer after being heated by the grilling machine. The packaging is comprised of a cylindrical tube having a diameter that is sufficient to contain the desired food product and that will properly rotate on a roller-type grilling apparatus. Such packaging may comprise an elongate tube formed from heat tolerant plastic, cardboard-type paper lined with metal foil, or other materials known in the art. End caps are attached to the ends of the elongate tube and sealed relative thereto.

Abstract: This invention concerns an infusion bag, especially for tea, which has a top part with folded down corners and a middle part folded over it, to which a string with two free ends is attached that goes from one side of the top part through a hole in the folded down parts forming a loop on the other side of the top part and comes back, whereby the two free ends are drawn up through the loop laid over the top edge of the infusion bag and pulled to form a knot. The solution in the invention is characterized by the fact that two holes are made in the top part at a lateral distance next to one another, on the left and right of the longitudinal axis of the bag; each hole goes through a folded down corner and the middle of the top part; by the fact that the string forms a loop and one end goes through one hole and the other end through the second hole; by the fact that the loop is laid over the top edge of the infusion bag, and both ends of the string go up through the loop to form a double knot.

Abstract: A handheld sandwich package is provided. The handheld sandwich package includes a packaging structure having a cavity occupied by an associated sandwich. The associated sandwich is contained within the cavity when the packaging structure is intact. A first section of the packaging structure defines a first portion of the cavity. The first section is appropriately sized to be graspable by an individual. A second section of the packaging structure defines a second portion of the cavity and is removable from the first section to reveal the associated sandwich. An opening is defined by the first section when the second section is removed therefrom. The opening is connected to the first portion of the cavity. The associated sandwich is seated in the first portion of the cavity and extends through the opening and when the second section is removed the associated sandwich is capable of being held in the first portion of the cavity by exertion of a force on at least one compressible wall of the first section.

Abstract: An infusion bag for preparing tea including a suspension unit having a grasping area and at least two chambers for containing an amount of a substance, the chambers each having a top side and being connected to one another at respective top sides to form a common edge. The chambers are connected to the suspension unit at the common edge and are turned away from the grasping area. The suspension unit is preferably longer than the chambers.

Abstract: The invention relates to high-strength polyethylene fibers of mainly ethylene component having an intrinsic viscosity [&eegr;], when fibrous, of no less than 5, and having a strength of no less than 20 g/d and an elasticity modulus of no less than 500 g/d, and, in the measurement of the temperature variance of the dynamic viscoelasticity of the fibers, the &ggr; dispersion loss modulus peak temperature is no greater than −110° C. and the loss tangent (tan &dgr;) is no greater than 0.03.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method and an apparatus for a food container which includes an inner member (which can be a cup or a bottle) for holding a particulate food; an outer member (which can be a second cup or a second bottle) adapted to receive the inner member, with a space between the inner and the outer members, for a liquid food; where the inner member interlocks with the outer member and openings are provided for the discharge of the liquid food; and the particulate food and the liquid food can be consumed simultaneously by tilting the container towards the mouth of the user to discharge or withdraw particulate food from the inner member and liquid food from the outer member through the aperture.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and delivering a powdered nutritional supplement comprises: a) an elongated tube; and b) a volume of powdered nutritional supplement contained within the tube. The ends of the tube may be sealed to retain the powdered supplement within the tube, and at least one end may be opened to deliver the powdered supplement from the tube. A method for storing a powdered nutritional supplement comprises the steps of: a) filling an elongated tube with the powdered supplement; and b) sealing the ends of the tube, thereby retaining the powdered supplement within the tube for storage. A method for delivering a powdered nutritional supplement comprises the steps of a) providing a container filled with a volume of the powdered supplement corresponding to a single dose; b) opening the container; and c) allowing the powdered supplement to leave the container for delivery directly into the mouth.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-layered plastic container (10) that substantially enhances product drainage and reduces product residual levels trapped in the container, especially for viscous liquid products, including oil-in-water emulsions, water-in-oil emulsions, polymeric gels, foams, surfactant mixtures, dispersions, colloidal dispersions, suspensions, polymer solutions, polymer melts, and products like catsup, mustard, syrup, etc. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the plastic container is made by blow-molding an extruded parison having an outer polyolefin layer (14), an intermediate adhesive layer (18), and an inner product-contacting layer (16) of a polyester material such as glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a two-compartment container for receiving a flavour for the mixture thereof with a main beverage liquid in a beverage container immediately after opening the beverage container, one compartment of which comprises a small orifice for merely slow equilibration of pressure between the inside thereof and the outside of the two-compartment container, characterized in that the two compartments are separated by an interior wall which does not allow exchange of gas or liquid between the two compartments. It is intended that one of the compartments is completely filled with the flavour, e.g. a liquid or a granulate, while the other one mainly or merely contains gas.

Abstract: A portable container for storing an edible liquid separate from an edible dry component is disclosed. The container permits a user to easily mix the edible liquid with the dry component in a readily transportable container without spilling the contents. A portable container includes an outer vessel having a least one internal projection and an inner vessel received within the outer vessel. The inner vessel is rotatable within the outer vessel and includes a removable top and at least one opening covered by a frangible membrane. A sealing member seals the outer vessel to the inner vessel. When the inner vessel is rotated within the outer vessel the at least one internal projections ruptures the frangible membrane and provides communication between the inner vessel and the outer vessel. An edible liquid is stored within an inner space defined between the inner vessel and the outer vessel and a dry component is stored within the inner vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is a container for dispensing two foods simultaneously, such as for example a beverage, such as milk, and a particulate food, such as cereal. The container has an outer cup, an inner cup that fits in the outer cup forming a space between the two and a lid to close the outer cup and hold the inner cup in the outer cup. The outer cup is adapted to hold a beverage in the space between the outer cup and the inner cup. The inner cup is adapted to hold a food product. The outer cup is ergonomically shaped to fit well in a user's hands. The inner cup has a plurality of walls to facilitate the flow of food from the inner cup. The walls define a cavity that is generally v-shaped having a discharge side which is narrower than the opposite side of the cavity. The lid of the preferred embodiment has a raised rim with a small discharge opening in fluid communication with the space between the inner and outer cups. The raised rim has a slope with the highest point being at the discharge opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plated frozen meal comprising a plate, a first group of individually frozen predominantly meat-based ingredients positioned on the plate, a second group of individually frozen predominantly carbohydrate-based or predominantly vegetable-based ingredients positioned on the plate, and at least one pellet of frozen sauce. The at least one pellet of frozen sauce is positioned such that when it thaws it facilitates the thawing or heating of at least one of the first or second groups of ingredients. This invention is also directed to a method of increasing the rate of thawing or heating of a frozen plated meal.

Abstract: Food packaging for packaging a food item in separate layers. The package includes a retaining member with openings to receive separating sheets between layers of food Separating sheets are removed while retaining layers of the food item from moving, just prior to consumption. The food is retained in layers in a box like enclosure integrally including the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly including a pouch, a product filled in the pouch, and a fitment that is applied to the pouch through the method of ultrasonic sealing. The pouch may be produced without any fitment or opening device and completely sealed after the filling. The fitment may be applied through the method of ultrasonic sealing after the filling and sealing of the pouch. The pouch may include a film material specially treated on the inside surface through the addition of a special lacquer or film layer to avoid a sealing at this position. The fitment includes one or more of any thermoplastic polymer, or a special blended polymer, such as metallocene.

Abstract: A plastic container has a base and a lid hinged together by a hinge. The hinge has a series of relatively thick sections joined together by a series of relatively thin sections. The thin sections are sufficiently thin to be severed upon an initial folding of the hinge. The thick sections are sufficiently thick to remain at least partially intact during the initial folding. The container may be filled with product and closed with the hinge becoming partially severed and weakened and may be later opened with the hinge becoming completely severed to separate the base and the lid.

Abstract: A method and package for packing food products with a calorie-division indicating function is disclosed. In the method, a food product is preliminarily sectioned into a plurality of portions while indicating calorie content on each of the portions prior to packing the product with a package. Thus, people are allowable to consume one or more measured portions containing a desired number of calories. On the other hand, a package for food products are sectioned into a plurality of segments while indicating calories on each of sectioned portions of a packed food product. In the above package, the calorie content is expressed separately on each of the sectioned portions while indicating the calorie content of each portion or total calorie content of partially divided portions. The invention also provides a container for food products, having a calorie scale on its sidewall. In such a case, the calorie scale indicates calorie content of portions of a food product within the container.

Abstract: A method of packaging a beverage having gas in solution and a beverage package has a container 10 containing the beverage 6 to form a headspace 15. Floating on the beverage 6 is a hollow spherical capsule having a restricted aperture 7. During sealing of the container 10 by a top 20 the headspace 15 is pressurised (by a nitrogen dose 16) and during such pressurisation the insert 1 is raised relative to its natural floating position on the beverage 6 to ensure that the aperture 7 communicates with the headspace 15 to pressurise the chamber of that insert. The aforementioned raising of the insert 1 is preferably achieved by subjecting the insert to a centrifugal force during rotation of the container in seaming the top 20 thereto or by magnetic attraction. Following pressurisation of the headspace 15 the insert is lowered to float naturally on the beverage 6 with its aperture 7 submerged. During pressurisation the insert 1 may take in a minimal volume of beverage from the container.

Abstract: A meatloaf pan with removable, hinged pan insert is disclosed, comprising an elongated, rectangular meatloaf pan and an elongated, rectangular pan insert. The pan insert has two insert side panels that are hinged at their bottom edges to the longitudinal edges of the bottom of the pan insert. The hinges allow the insert side walls to support the meatloaf, bread or other product during baking, and fold downward to allow access to the product for cutting and serving purposes. As such, the present invention can be used as a serving tray. Removal of the pan insert is facilitated in one of three ways. First, built-in hand grips in the flanges located on the pan insert. Second, a set of handles that connect to the flanges located on the pan insert. Third, a sliding unit that slidably inserts into the cavity formed by the rolled edges of the flanges on the pan insert.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method and an apparatus for a food container which includes an inner member (which can be a cup or a bottle) for holding a particulate food; an outer member (which can be a second cup or a second bottle) adapted to receive the inner member, with a space between the inner and the outer members, for a liquid food; where the inner member interlocks with the outer member and openings are provided for the discharge of the liquid food; and the particulate food and the liquid food can be consumed simultaneously by tilting the container towards the mouth of the user to discharge or withdraw particulate food from the inner member and liquid food from the outer member through the aperture.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method and an apparatus for a food container which includes an inner member (which can be a cup or a bottle) for holding a particulate food; an outer member (which can be a second cup or a second bottle) adapted to receive the inner member, with a space between the inner and the outer members, for a liquid food; where the inner member interlocks with the outer member and openings are provided for the discharge of the liquid food; and the particulate food and the liquid food can be consumed simultaneously by tilting the container towards the mouth of the user to discharge or withdraw particulate food from the inner member and liquid food from the outer member through the aperture.

Abstract: The method relates to a disposable device for the application of a coating (2) on a tablet, a capsule or a pill. The coating (2) is applied enclosing the tablet, capsule or pill (3) during its passage through a bowl formation (4) with a coating mass (5) and through an elastic diaphragm (12) located in the bottom (11) and provided with a centrally disposed, conveniently penetrable opening (13). During the passage of the tablet, capsule of pill (3) the opening (13) encloses the tablet, capsule or pill and simultaneously shapes a film of coating mass (5) thereon.

Abstract: A shrimp and tray combination includes a shrimp tray having an outer retaining ridge and an inner support ridge. A groove is formed between the inner and outer ridges. A plurality of shrimp is arranged radially on the tray with head ends of the shrimp lying in and supported in the groove and convex sides of the shrimp bodies supported on the inner support ridge. A cup and cover contain sauce for the shrimp. The cup and cover are located in a depression formed in the center of the tray with the tail ends of the shrimp bodies held in place by the side of the cup. The combination including the shrimp tray, the shrimp bodies, the cup, the cover, and the sauce may be tightly enclosed in a plastic film material as by shrink wrapping and frozen together for storage and shipment.

Abstract: A frozen food product which includes a raw protein portion, a raw or an only partially cooked or blanched vegetable portion and a sauce, contained in a sealed cooking pouch made primarily of paper and a susceptor layer, preferably aluminum, which may be placed in an oven or microwave oven so as to cook the contents of the cooking pouch. The raw protein product is preferably one of fish, beef, poultry, pork or veal. The vegetables are raw or blanched vegetables such as julienne peppers, celery, carrots, onions, zucchini or broccoli. The blanched vegetables are only partially cooked so that the time remaining to complete cooking of the vegetables is approximately the same as the time required to cook the raw protein portion.

Abstract: A coffee filter pack apparatus has a coffee filter bag formed with a plurality of coffee filter sheets attached together to form a plurality of enclosed spaced therein, each enclosed spaced having a plurality of measured amounts of predetermined ground coffee. One of the coffee filter sheets has indicia thereon to indicate the direction of flow of heated water through the coffee bag during brewing of the coffee. A method of making a coffee filter bag includes the steps of selecting predetermined amounts of first and second ground coffee, closing each into attached first and second coffee filter bags, and labeling the combined coffee filter bags to indicate the direction of flow of heated water therethrough.

Abstract: A preferred storage container includes a base that defines an interior, and a lid that defines a reservoir. The lid is configured to engage the base so that food products placed within the interior may be retained therein. An absorbent material is arranged within the reservoir of the lid and is retained therein by a cover formed of liquid permeable material. The cover permits liquid exuded from the food products to enter the reservoir so that the absorbent material may absorb the liquid, such as when the storage container is inverted. Methods also are provided.

Abstract: Instant menu pack having a substantially tray-like base part, whose circumferential side wall diverges outwards from a substantially flat bottom towards the upper edge thereof and passes there into an outwardly projecting, substantially flat, bottom-parallel, circumferential marginal flange, an instant menu filled into the base part having at least two components with a different consistency, which is preferably pre-cooked and deep-freezable after filling into the base part, and a sealing foil sealed onto the marginal flange after filling the instant menu, characterized in that the base part is made from a material permeable to microwave energy and which can absorb water at least in its surface layer facing the instant menu and whose thermal expansion coefficient in the temperature range between −20° C.

Abstract: The frozen dessert products of the present invention preferably comprise a base mixture of, on a percent solids (dry) basis, about 1% to about 12% high fructose corn syrup, about 5% to about 20% corn syrup having a DE of about 36, about 2% to about 22% sucrose, about 2% to about 6% maltodextrin, about 0.2% to about 5% egg white, about 1% to about 9% FRUITRIM® blend (comprising fruit juices and natural grain dextrins), about 0.2% to about 1.5% stabilizer, about 0% to about 0.12% emulsifier, about 0% to about 1.5% modified food starch, about 0% to about 5% milk fat, about 0% to about 10% milk solids non-fat (MSNF) with the balance being water, and on a volume basis, from about 20% to about 90% fruit puree. Flavor ingredients may be added. The method of production for the frozen dessert products comprises the steps of blending the above ingredients to form a base mixture, pasteurizing and homogenizing the base mixture, adding fruit puree to form a final mixture, extruding to a final density of about 4.

Abstract: The invention provides two-component shelf-stable packaged food products, especially packaged sauce products. The products comprise a container, a first food component filling a first region of the container, and a second food component filling a second region of the container, wherein the second food component either directly contacts the first food component or is separated therefrom by an edible interfacial layer. The second food component can be decanted off the first food component, and the second and first food components are adapted for use in combination in sequential food preparation steps. Preferably, the first food component is a thick sauce concentrate and the second food component is a vegetable oil containing chopped vegetable pieces. The vegetable oil and vegetable pieces are decanted and fried, prior to addition of the sauce concentrate, thereby achieving improved organoleptic properties.

Abstract: Described is a method for recovering aroma concentrate from a caffeine- or theobromine-comprising food base material, such as coffee or tea, and in particular cocoa, at least comprising the steps of:

Abstract: An individual portion size food container system and method is provided that is easy for the consumer to handle, facilitates a uniform dispersion of an edible liquid, such as salad dressing, on the food and can be suitable for use in a standard automobile cup holder. The salad container system permits a quantity of an edible liquid, such as salad dressing, to be added thereto and rapidly and easily substantially uniformly dispersed within the quantity of food contained therein prior to consumption.

Abstract: A canister for containing a particulate-type product. The canister includes opposing face panels, opposing side panels, a top closure and a bottom closure. The opposing side panels are connected to the opposing face panels to define an upper opening and a lower opening. Further, at least one of the opposing side panels or the opposing face panels includes a first paper-based layer, a second paper-based layer and an adhesive. Each of the first and second layers has an inner surface and an outer surface. The adhesive bonds the inner surface of the first layer to the outer surface of the second layer. The top closure is connected to the opposing face panels and the opposing side panels so as to encompass the upper opening. Finally, the bottom closure is connected to the opposing face and the opposing side panels so as to encompass the lower opening. Upon final assembly, the panels combine to define an internal storage region for containing the particulate-type product.

Abstract: Disclosed are microwave shelf stable popcorn articles that contain real butter. The articles comprise any conventional microwave popcorn bag and an improved popcorn/fat charge. In addition to kernel popcorn and fat, the charge further essentially includes about 1% to 8% of a high fat butter constituent. By virtue of selecting a particularly defined high fat butter ingredient, microwave popcorn articles can be prepared that are shelf stable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container for packaging solid food that is stored in the container in a liquid environment, such as tuna fish. One end of the container has a foraminous drain lid for draining the liquid from the container. The drain lid may have a rim to prevent a user from being splashed while draining the contents of the container. The container is sealed to prevent contamination of the contents of the container. The container may be made of a flexible material so that the user may squeeze the container to facilitate draining the liquid from the container. Once the liquid has been drained from the container, the drain lid is removed to allow extraction of the solid food from the container.

Abstract: This pizza server(10) along with it's outer sleeve(22), provide a neater and more comfortable means of enjoying this fun food, as well as for it to stay warmer longer thanks to the outer sleeve(22) that slips on and off very easily. The absorbent liner(20) both in the sleeve(22) and on the pizza server(10) absorb the excess grease. Thanks to the flap(12), you can handle the slice of pizza without touching it, and thanks to the crease(14) you can fold it so it won't flop. During consumption, the pizza server(10) peels back from underneath the pizza, thanks to the crease(14) which seperates by use of a pull string or perforation(16) and tin strips(18) embedded in the plate(10)which help keep the plate folded away. An alternative peel-away method uses cross-wise perforations (24) about every two inches. This pizza-server (10) will make a great advertising and promotion tool, by imprinting information on them and then handing them out to generate good-will.

Abstract: A process for sequentially filling a container with layers of dry food ingredients in reverse order relative to a desired order of removal for the preparation of a final food product. A first dry food ingredient is deposited into a container. A disk-like divider is positioned atop the deposited food ingredient and depressed such that a flat and level surface is formed atop the food ingredient and the periphery of the divider frictionally adheres to the side wall of the container to seal the food ingredient from a next food ingredient. A next food ingredient is then deposited into the container atop the previously positioned divider. A divider is positioned atop the next food ingredient, and so on until all of the dry ingredients according to a recipe have been introduced into the container. The food ingredients are removed in the reverse order in which they were deposited and selectively combined with wet ingredients according to a recipe for preparation of a final food product.

Abstract: An aromatized food package is provided by providing a package body member part which defines a first and second cavity, inserting a food product into the first cavity, dosing a liquid mixture of food-acceptable aroma and a carrier consisting essentially of low boiling point solvent, into the second cavity, pulling a vacuum within at least the second cavity to cause the solvent in the second cavity to substantially evaporate while leaving aroma composition within the cavity, and sealing the cavities with a cover so that the cavities are separated one from the other and which, when removed, opens both cavities.

Abstract: A method of packaging a perishable material is disclosed, comprising sealing the heated material in a container and allowing the heated material to induce a pressure change in the container. The container then undergoes a volume change to induce a further temperature rise as a result of Boyle's law. The further temperature rise combats the viability of microorganisms in the material.

Abstract: A beverage infusion device comprises a handle and a support member extending from the handle having a pair of flat legs spaced apart by a predetermined width. Attached to each side of the flat legs is a flexible porous member, for example, a pouch of filter material having an unfolded width greater than the width of the support legs. Each porous member contains an infusible beverage preparation and is supported by the support legs in a folded position wherein, upon immersion of the porous members in a liquid, the porous members expand and become spaced to facilitate infusion of a beverage preparation therein into the liquid. In the folded position, the porous members may have a plurality of folds across its width, for example, folds adjacent the first and second ends and an unfolded portion therebetween. The first and second ends of the porous member are preferably heat bonded to the support legs.

Abstract: A marketing pouch is provided having an interior pocket region surrounded by a sealed peripheral edge and having an attachment member extending from the marketing pouch. Examples of possible attachment members include an integral portion of the pouch itself, adhesive tape bonded to the pouch, and string-like material affixed to the pouch. The pocket region contains marketing material, such as a roasting bag, coupons, recipes, and/or spice mixes. The attachment member has a sufficient length to facilitate attachment of the marketing pouch to meat or poultry package clips.

Abstract: A hand-held food package is provided which enables heterogeneous foods, such as filled pastas, burritos, and the like, to be shipped, stored and heated in the same disposable package from which they are extruded for direct consumption by the consumer without utensils.

Abstract: A cover 20 is hermetically sealed to the lip 18 of a container 12. A stirring shaft 26 extends between a bottom end 28 disposed in the container 12 and a top end 30 disposed outside of and above the cover 20. The container 12 includes a shaft support 32 for supporting and radially centering the bottom end 28 of the stirring shaft 26. A sanitary seal 34 hermetically seals the cover 20 about the stirring shaft 26. A plurality of mixing blades 38 extending radially from the shaft 26 in the container 12. The top end 30 of the shaft 26 includes a driving connection or coupling for receiving a rotating device for rotating the stirring shaft 26 and the mixing blades 38 for mixing the contents of the container 12. The bottom 14 of the container 12 includes an annular leg 40 for supporting the bottom 14 above the central portion 24 of a cover 20 and over the top end 30 of a stirring shaft 26 of a like container 12 assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plated frozen meal comprising a plate, a first group of individually frozen predominantly meat-based ingredients positioned on the plate, a second group of individually frozen predominantly carbohydrate-based or predominantly vegetable-based ingredients positioned on the plate, and at least one pellet of frozen sauce. The at least one pellet of frozen sauce is positioned such that when it thaws it facilitates the thawing or heating of at least one of the first or second groups of ingredients. This invention is also directed to a method of increasing the rate of thawing or heating of a frozen plated meal.

Abstract: According to the invention, the pressing of juice out of bulbs, for example garlic, can be effected in a garlic presser (4), where the bulb (3) is packaged in a bag (1).

Abstract: A “push-up” type package for a frozen confection includes a cylindrical tube, and a plunger member slidably positionable within the tube for pushing a frozen confection product from within the tube. The plunger member includes a piston-like pushing portion, and a generally elongated handle portion extending therefrom. The pushing portion of the plunger member includes a surface which defines printing indicia, such as a character, letter, number, etc., which permits the plunger member to be used as an ink stamp after consumption of the frozen confection. The configuration of the plunger member, including an elongated handle, permits it to function naturally as an ink stamp, so that ink can be applied to the printing indicia, and thereafter, inked impressions of the printing indicia applied to suitable paper or other surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an impervious inner jacket 16 which may contain an inner edible foodstuff 14 which is encircled by an outer foodstuff 12. The inner jacket 16 has one end which may be equipped with a tear stripe 20 or tie member 28 which provides a means for removing the inner foodstuff 14 from the outerjacket 12. The jacket 16 has a tab 18 on one end which can be grasped by the fingers 38 of the user to help remove the jacket 16 from inside the outer foodstuff 12.