Abstract: Beverage packaging and container arrangements are shown and described. In one embodiment, the device comprises a container body, hollow rod, and removable cap to provide an assembled consumable beverage arrangement. The disclosure also includes a variety of fittings and removable caps to mate with beverage containers that are useful in both storage and operating positions.

Abstract: A drinking straw comprising an elongate tubular body of an insoluble material having an internal coating comprising a matrix containing an active agent dispersed within the matrix, the body sized to allow a carrier liquid to be drawn therethrough such that passage of the carrier liquid causes the matrix to release the active agent into the carrier liquid to be consumed by a drinker. The matrix comprises partially hydrolysed guar gum, possibly in combination with an acid and/or modified cellulose. The active agent includes sweetener, flavour, a nutrient and/or a pharmaceutical and optionally colour. The coating is prepared by mixing the matrix with water to form a paste or syrup and is then used to coat the inside surface of a drinking straw to a thickness of less than 1 mm. Liquid drawn through the straw dissolves or breaks down the coating, releasing the active agent into the liquid for consumption.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in the preparation of beverages and, in particular, to an improved cartridge for preparing beverages in brewing machines. The cartridges can also be used for preparing liquid food products. The cartridge comprises a continuous elongate tubular chamber containing the at least one ingredient providing a fluid flow path linking an inlet for the introduction of the liquid at one end of the chamber to an outlet for discharge of the beverage or food product at an opposite end of the chamber. The chamber has an internal width to length ratio in the range of 1:4 to 1:200.

Abstract: A beverage flavoring apparatus comprising of an elongated tubular body, having at least three elongated hollow sections and a container for holding liquid flavor. The top hollow section is for suction and at least one of the hollow sections is adapted to receive liquid flavor and it has a smaller cross sectional area and shorter length which enables the flavoring liquid to be introduced into the beverage stream in minute quantity. The other hollow section is adapted to receive beverage. The container is mounted or loaded on the elongated tubular body so that the section adapted to receive liquid flavor is immersed in the liquid flavor while the other hollow section is dipped in a beverage. As oral suction is being applied, both the liquid flavor and the beverage are drawn up the tubular body and mixes at the hollow suction end before ingestion.

Abstract: A drinking straw for progressively adding an active ingredient to a carrier liquid as the liquid is drawn through the straw. The straw includes a generally elongate tubular body having an internal bore and a sidewall. The tube includes first and second filters and disposed at respective first and second ends and, of the tube. Together, the first and second filters retain a predetermined measure of soluble active ingredients within the bore of the tube, while allowing a carrier liquid to be drawn through the straw, by oral suction. The active ingredient, takes the form of a plurality of solid pellets. Each filter is formed by blocking, closing or constricting the tube at or adjacent the corresponding end and providing at least one aperture sized to be sufficiently small to retain the pellets within the tube whilst sufficiently large to allow passage of liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a receptacle which comprises a generally elongate tubular body, a plurality of pellets of a predetermined size and shape containing a predetermined measure of active ingredient and filtration means disposed at or adjacent each end of the tubular body to retain the pellets substantially within the body. The receptacle is sized to allow a carrier liquid to be drawn through it. The passage of the carrier liquid through the receptacle causes the pellets to progressively dissolve, thereby releasing the active ingredient into the beverage upon consumption.

Abstract: A drinking straw that can be used to dispense a substance such as vitamins, pharmaceuticals, or diet supplements that is stored inside of the straw body. The straw includes a one-way liquid flow valve at one end of straw that prevents drawn liquid and any of the dissolved materials from returning to the initial liquid source that is drawn through the straw when the straw is not in use. The straw may include a one-way valve or crimp for acting as a one-way valve.

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: Timed release capsules administered in beverage preparations may be used for delayed release of flavor or color enhancements, and pharmaceuticals. A composite timed release capsule includes: a first layer, including a first material; a second layer, including a second material, such that the second material further includes inner bodies; and an inner layer, which includes a third material. A composite straw includes: a standard straw; a snap-off cap; an upper stop; a lower stop; timed release capsules, retained in position between the snap-off cap and the upper stop; composite timed release capsules, retained in position between the upper stop and the lower stop. A user can remove the snap-off cap to pour the timed release capsules into a drinking container, insert the composite straw into the drinking container, where the composite timed release capsules dissolve, and embedded inner bodies fall into the beverage.

Abstract: A drinking straw comprises a thermoplastic tube and an active ingredient in the tube, releasable in a liquid drawn through the tube. The active ingredient is held in place between branched portions of the straw defined by neighbouring recesses formed in the tube and an inner seam connecting the neighbouring recesses. The branched portions are spaced from the ends of the straw. A device and method for making the drinking straw are disclosed as well.

Abstract: Plastic drinking straws formed by extrusion from a multi-head extruder have at least partial layers of plastic on their outer and/or inner diameters, with the layers formed of scented and/or flavored plastics. These straws are generally used by children and the scents or flavors add to their novelty. They may be imprinted with spiral patterns produced by rotating the extruding straws and passing them against a rotating print wheel having its rotational axis inclined to the path of the straws.

Abstract: An extensible straw for incorporation as an integral component of a disposable or collapsible beverage container has telescoping tubes extensible from the container, a screw cap and multiple seals preventing inadvertent leakage from the container whether the container is maintained upright or not.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drinking straw comprising: a thermoplastic wall having an elongate container portion; liquid permeable closures closing off the container portion; at least one effervescent tablet disposed within the container portion such that a clearance is left between the inner side of the wall and the at least one tablet; a hygroscopic filler disposed at both sides of the at least one tablet within the container portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a receptacle which comprises a generally elongate tubular body, a plurality of pellets of a predetermined size and shape containing a predetermined measure of active ingredient and filtration means disposed at or adjacent each end of the tubular body to retain the pellets substantially within the body. The receptacle is sized to allow a carrier liquid to be drawn through it. The passage of the carrier liquid through the receptacle causes the pellets to progressively dissolve, thereby releasing the active ingredient into the beverage upon consumption.

Abstract: A beverage flavoring apparatus comprising of an elongated tubular body, having at least three elongated hollow sections and a container for holding liquid flavor. The top hollow section is for suction and at least one of the hollow sections is adapted to receive liquid flavor and it has a smaller cross sectional area and shorter length which enables the flavoring liquid to be introduced into the beverage stream in minute quantity. The other hollow section is adapted to receive beverage. The container is mounted or loaded on the elongated tubular body so that the section adapted to receive liquid flavor is immersed in the liquid flavor while the other hollow section is dipped in a beverage. As oral suction is being applied, both the liquid flavor and the beverage are drawn up the tubular body and mixes at the hollow suction end before ingestion.

Abstract: A device and method for creating fruit juice utilizing a flexible bag having an upper fruit receiving portion for receiving a piece of fruit therein and a lower juice receiving portion, such portions separated by a mesh screen. There is a resealable closure member at the top of the fruit receiving portion. The flexible bag with fruit therein is then frozen and later thawed. The fruit receiving portion with fruit therein is squeezed to release juice from the fruit which passes through the mesh screen into the juice receiving portion which is accessible through a channel defined in the fruit receiving portion and mesh screen through which a straw can be passed into the juice receiving portion for drinking the juice.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to edible and biodegradable eating utensils and edible and biodegradable containers. In one aspect a method of making and preserving an edible and biodegradable utensil or container is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of coating the interior surface of a hollow tubular structure, in particular a drinking device, and more particularly a drinking straw, with an edible composition to impart a desirable modification to a beverage that is drunk through the straw. The edible composition comprises an adhering agent and a powdered ingredient coated to the interior surface. Suitable adhering agents include lipids (e.g., soybean oil, corn oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, peanut oil, and mixtures thereof), medium chain triglycerides oils, emulsifiers, and mixtures thereof. Suitable powdered ingredients include edible acids, edible bases, sweeteners, flavorings, vitamins, minerals, colorants, sensate agents, carotenoids, antioxidants, polyphenols, phytonutrients, and mixtures thereof. The adhering agent is applied to the interior surface of the straw by any one of a number of methods followed by incorporating the powdered ingredient into the adhering agent layer.

Abstract: A device for delivering an agent into breast milk while breastfeeding. In one embodiment, the device includes a breast shield modified to engage a non-woven material which has been impregnated with a milk soluble active agent such as sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). A lactating animal, e.g. a woman, uses this agent-delivering breast shield during breastfeeding to administer prophylactic or therapeutic agents to a suckling infant. The inventions are particularly well suited to preventing transmission of HIV virus from mother to child. Alternatively, the agent-laden material could be used with a baby bottle nipple or pacifier.

Abstract: A device for drinking and adding a substance to a beverage has a tubular section having a first open end and a second open end. An additive is placed in an interior of the tubular section. A device is used for sealing the first open end and the second open end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a receptacle which comprises a generally elongate tubular body, a plurality of pellets of a predetermined size and shape containing a predetermined measure of active ingredient and filtration means disposed at or adjacent each end of the tubular body to retain the pellets substantially within the body. The receptacle is sized to allow a carrier liquid to be drawn through it. The passage of the carrier liquid through the receptacle causes the pellets to progressively dissolve, thereby releasing the active ingredient into the beverage upon consumption.

Abstract: A drink flavoring straw which is characterized by containing dissimilar substance(s) formed in solid pellets which are soluble in the flow of drink, and the solution can be sucked up by the user leaving the pellets in a storage space formed in the straw, where they have been contained, and the said straw is characterized by being formed with one or more figure members on one or more parts.

Abstract: A metallic foil pouch whose body has a contour of convex and concave curvatures and lacks right-angled edges. The body has one side transparent or translucent and an opposite side of metallic foil. The contents of the body include an alcoholic beverage. A straw is secured to the body, which has a portion that is penetrable by manual force for insertion of the straw.

Abstract: Disclosed is a straw that consists of a fluid tube including a upstanding continuous sidewall having a proximal end forming an outlet, and an opposing distal end forming an inlet. The outlet and the inlet allow liquids to be drawn through the fluid tube from the distal end to the proximal end under suction pressure. A port extends through the continuous sidewall adjacent the proximal end thereof. The outlet defines a first size, the inlet defines a second size, and the port defines a third size. The second size is at least one of equal to and greater than the first size, and the third size is at least one of equal to and greater than the first size.

Abstract: A portion-controlled dispensing straw assembly includes inner and outer telescoping tubes. The outer tube has an upper edge and a lower edge, and the inner tube has an upper edge, a lower edge and an interior chamber for receiving a substance to be dispensed. A seal is disposed within and attached to the outer tube, below the inner tube, for preventing the substance from exiting the interior chamber in a substance-retaining condition. A cap has a lower edge resting on the upper edge of the inner tube in the substance-retaining condition. The cap, upon being depressed, pushes the inner tube within the outer tube to break the seal and allow the substance received in the interior chamber to fall out of the tubes in a substance-releasing condition. The cap, upon being removed, also opens a passage allowing the tubes to be used as a straw.

Abstract: Snacks comprising an organic sugar alcohol and methods for administering servings of fruits and vegetables are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a snack comprising an elongated container containing a composition including an organic sugar alcohol, and a powder such as, for example, a fruit powder, a vegetable powder, an energy powder or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A combination of a container in which is disposed a liquid composition in the form of a beverage or liquid food and a drinking straw comprises a hollow elongate tube through which liquid may be drawn by suction. The tube has an outer surface and an inner surface. The combination includes an iron component and an oxidisable oil. The iron component is disposed inside the drinking straw and the oxidisable oil is in the liquid composition. The straw alone is also an aspect of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a frozen beverage by arranging a frozen confection in a container with the frozen confection having a three-dimensional shape with a surface area to volume ratio higher than the same volume of frozen confection which assumes the shape of the container and being arranged in the container to provide one or more open spaces or cavities including at least one extending through or around the frozen confection to the bottom of the container. The open spaces or cavities allow liquid to penetrate and enter into the frozen confection to facilitate mixing of the liquid and the frozen confection to form the frozen beverage upon demand.

Abstract: A consumable liquid is orally drawn into a food product and absorbed by an internal structure of the product, before the product is consumed. The product includes a substantially non-porous coating covering its outer surface. In one embodiment, a channel with a porous filling therein provides fluid communication so that when one opening is immersed in a liquid and a reduced pressure is orally applied to the other opening, the liquid is drawn into the filling and absorbed by the internal structure.

Abstract: A drinking straw including an elongated hollow consumable candy shell made from glassified sugar, said candy shell having a cylindrical shape through which liquid is transportable by applying a suction pressure to an end of the candy shell is disclosed herein.

Abstract: A drinking straw (1) for progressively adding an active ingredient to a carrier liquid as the liquid is drawn through the straw. The straw (1) includes a generally elongate tubular body (2) having an internal bore (3) and a sidewall (4). The tube (2) includes first and second filters (5) and (6) disposed at respective first and second ends (7) and (8), of the tube. Together, the first and second filters retain a predetermined measure of soluble active ingredients within the bore of the tube (2), while allowing a carrier liquid to be drawn through the straw, by oral suction. The active ingredient, takes the form of a plurality of solid pellets (9). Each filter is formed by blocking, closing or constricting the tube at or adjacent the corresponding end and providing at least one aperture sized to be sufficiently small to retain the pellets within the tube whilst sufficiently large to allow passage of liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an instant food package, and an instant food package is provided which includes an instant food cooked by hot liquid, a heat-resistant container holding the instant food inside and having an opening on one side, and a stopper coupled to the opening and configured to allow the opening and closing of the opening, where the instant food moves in correlation with the flow of the liquid and is consumed while poured out through the opening in an opened state, and the liquid is prevented by the stop-per in a closed state from spilling out of the container when it is turned or shaken. Turning or shaking the container may facilitate the heat transfer by convention between the instant food and the hot liquid, to reduce the cooking time.

Abstract: An article (1) for moving a substance to be consumed (7) in a substance holder (6), which article (1) preferably has a substantially elongated form, which article (1) comprises and/or forms a container which is at least partly filled with a substance (5) other than air to be mixed with said substance for consumption (7). This article (1) can for instance serve as a container and as stirrer.

Abstract: A fluid container and method for inhibiting the growth of microbes in liquid nutrient in a container, the container having an interior surface having a metal-ion sequestering agent and antimicrobial agent for inhibiting growth of microbes in the liquid nutrient.

Abstract: A drinking straw that can be used to dispense a substance such as vitamins, pharmaceuticals, or diet supplements that is stored inside of the straw body. The straw includes a one-way liquid flow valve at one end of straw that prevents drawn liquid and any of the dissolved materials from returning to the initial liquid source that is drawn through the straw when the straw is not in use. The straw may include a one-way valve or crimp for acting as a one-way valve.

Abstract: A fluid container and method for inhibiting the growth of microbes in liquid nutrient in a container, the container having an interior surface having a metal-ion sequestering agent for removing a designated metal ion from the liquid nutrient for inhibiting growth of microbes in the liquid nutrient.

Abstract: A fluid container and method for inhibiting the growth of microbes in liquid nutrient in a container, the container having an interior surface having a metal-ion sequestering agent for removing a designated metal ion from the liquid nutrient for inhibiting growth of microbes in the liquid nutrient.

Abstract: A fluid container and method for inhibiting the growth of microbes in liquid nutrient in a container, the container having an interior surface having a metal-ion sequestering agent for removing a designated metal ion from the liquid nutrient for inhibiting growth of microbes in the liquid nutrient.

Abstract: A plug for sucking a beverage from a bottle or the like includes a housing and supporting means for housing and supporting a dissolvable food praline, the beverage being delivered through the plug through a window formed between the outer contour of the praline and the praline housing chamber and/or through at least a praline throughgoing hole. With a “teat” configuration of the plug top portion a sucking, in any desired dissolving degrees, of the praline, depending on the rubbing of a user's tongue on the praline and on the beverage suction, is thereby facilitated.

Abstract: A container for bulk items of food, particularly hot dogs, comprising a box with a bottom side mountable on the top of a standard cup/can holding a beverage. A drinking straw is inserted through a side sleeve in the container and an opening in the top of the cup/can into the beverage. A lid is provided which, in one version, is attached along one edge to an edge of the tray. In one position, the lid covers the contents in the tray and in another position, the lid is laid open so that sauces are available for dipping an end of the hot dog in the sauce.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drinking straw that diverts the flow of liquid away from the upper palate, thereby avoiding discomfort or pain in the upper palate and posterior pharyngeal wall of the mouth. The drinking straw includes an elongate tubular body having a first side surface and a second side surface. At one end of elongate body is an opening defining an intake or suction spout that is to be placed within a beverage container. At the opposite end, an output spout is designed to allow for redirection of a fluid downward and away from the upper palate.

Abstract: A beverage container configured from a front and a rear surface portion, a base portion, and a pair of gusset portions. The gusset portions configure side portions of the container by being sealed to mutually confronting edge portions of the front and rear surface portions and the base portion. The upper portions of the front and rear surface portions configure a neck portion that has a more slender shape than the remainder of the front and rear surface portions and that extends in a single direction. A notch is formed in the edge sealed portion of the neck portion. The front and rear surface portions are sealed directly together at a predetermined region corresponding to the notch without the gusset portions existing therebetween. A straw extends from and is positioned within the neck portion. The neck portion can be opened from the notch.

Abstract: A device for dispensing into a liquid at least one hydrophilic substance deposited thereon including a body having at least one surface area enhancer and at least one hydrophilic substance deposited on the at least one surface area enhancer, to form a coated surface enhancer, and the body. The hydrophilic substance deposited includes a high intensity sweetener, a nutritive sweetener, a flavoring agent, a drug substance, a vitamin, a mineral, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A feed additive for equines, comprising dried glutamic acid fermentation solubles, dried corn fermentation solubles, or a mixture of dried glutamic acid fermentation solubles and dried corn fermentation solubles, wherein said dried solubles have been dried to a total moisture content of less than 30% by weight at a temperature not less than about 80° F. and not more than about 900.

Abstract: A pouch is provided with a straw hole based on a structure that does not cause problems when the contents is filled therein and which does not generate any pin holes in the side seal section. A structure is also provided that does not cause any trouble when used in an automatic filling machine and a method is provided for manufacturing the same. The pouch has a straw hole (2) for a straw to be inserted therein with the straw hole (2) back-sealed with a seal material (3) from the inside thereof. The seal material (3) covers the straw hole (2), and a portion of the seal material (2) is cut off from the seal material (2) with the size sufficient for heat-sealing a periphery of the straw hole (2). The method of manufacturing the pouch is such that after the straw hole (2) is punched out on a front-side film thereof, a seal tape (6) temporally punched is fed to the rear side of the front-side film. The seal tape (6) is pulled off to leave only the temporally sealed section there.

Abstract: A snack food container for containing a snack food product. The snack food container includes a side wall, a bottom wall and a flange body. The side wall forms an upper opening. The bottom wall is connected to the side wall opposite the upper opening. The flange body extends downwardly from the bottom wall and defines an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface is configured for selective attachment to a separate beverage container. Finally, the snack food container defines an internal storage region for containing a snack food product. During use, the snack food container is assembled to a separate beverage container via the inner surface of the flange body. With this configuration, the snack food container can be used in conjunction with a beverage container for “on-the-go” storage and consumption.

Abstract: An insert for use with a drinking conduit. The insert may include a filter material for positioning within the drinking conduit and an encapsulated flavor delivery system accompanying the filter material.

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: A container that includes a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel sealed together to form a pouch having a first and second side, a gusseted bottom, and a compartment. At one point of the container the seal that seals the panels together forms a channel. The channel leads towards the interior compartment of the pouch and has one or more frangible piercing points that act as a barrier between the compartment and the exterior of the pouch. The frangible piercing point at the end of the column is punctured to remove the materials from the pouch. The present invention pouch further comprises a straw to effectuate piercing the piercing opening to discharge the material.

Abstract: A flexible pouch is provided that includes a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel. The first, second, and third panels are sealed together to form the pouch which includes a first and second side. Each panel is made of a laminate material that can be heat sealed or sonic welded together to form the flexible pouch. One panel further comprises a frangible piercing point designed to be pierced by a straw. The frangible piercing point is made by applying laser energy in a desired pattern to vaporize the outer polyester portion of the laminate material of the pouch. Only laminate material from the outside of the selected panel is removed using the laser to create the frangible piercing point.