Abstract: A novelty device formed of the combination of a drinking straw, beverage bottle cap and a lollipop type edible confection to be attached to a beverage bottle allowing the consumer to simultaneously enjoy and taste the flavors of the lollipop confection and a liquid beverage.

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: The present invention provides a porous plastic article for dispensing a soluble or dispersible dispensate into a fluid stream. An inventive article preferably comprise polyethylene or polypropylene and has defined therein a network of passages in fluid communication with pores on the exposed surface of the article, the pores preferably having a diameter of from about 20 microns to about 200 microns. In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention, the dispensing article may be removably attached to a beverage container cap, a bottle neck or a conduit such as, for example, a sports-bottle straw, to introduce the substance into a fluid coming into contact with the article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a closure element for a packing for receiving liquid or paste-like material, in particular for a film bag. For an easy opening and re-closing of a closure element which requires little space and tightly closes a packing microbiologically also after the filling process, the closure element comprises a tiltable spout with a spout channel and a spout opening which is closed by the spout in a first tilt position and communicates in a second tilt position of the spout with the spout channel thereof, the spout being connected in the area of the spout opening to a membrane which closes the spout opening and is torn open upon a tilting movement of the spout.

Abstract: A beverage container is configured from a front surface portion (5), a rear surface portion (6), a base portion, and a pair of gusset portions (7). The gusset portions (7) configure side portions of the container by heat sealed to mutually confronting edge portions of the front surface portion, the rear surface portion, and the base portion. The upper portions of the front surface portion and the rear surface portion configure a neck portion that has a more slender shape than the remainder of the front surface portion and the rear surface portion and that extends in a single direction. A notch (12) is formed in the edge sealed portion of the neck portion. The front surface portion and the rear surface portion are heat sealed directly together at a predetermined region corresponding to the notch without the gusset portions existing therebetween. A straw extends from the neck portion toward the base portion. The upper portion of the straw is positioned within the neck portion.

Abstract: A flavoring receptacle contains a predetermined portion of flavoring agent for sale and use in conjunction with a compatible pre-packaged unflavored beverage of appropriate relative volume. The flavoring receptacle is generally elongate and tubular in shape and contains end caps. The flavoring receptacle is thereby adapted for use as a straw. Passage of the unflavored beverage through the flavoring receptacle provides for mixing with the flavoring agent to produce a flavored beverage.

Abstract: A beverage container and method for forming a beverage container having a straw pierceable portion in a wall. The beverage container has a port formed of a rigid frame having a membrane covering an aperture. The frame member is bonded to a flexible wall of a pouch. The membrane is mounted to the frame member to separate from the frame member when pushed by a straw. The frame guides the straw to the membrane. An alternative embodiment includes a dimple formed under heat and pressure in a mold pierceable by a straw.

Abstract: A container for liquids or fluid products, including viscous ones, made by folding and heat-sealing a single sheet of flexible material. The single sheet is folded so as to form two mutually opposite quadrangular faces directly heat-sealed along two consecutive sides, while the third side of each one of the two faces is connected by an accordion-like portion which forms a substantially triangular base for the container and a fourth side has an additional accordion-like portion which forms a closure wall. The container has a filling opening on one of the two first sides or on the corner where they converge.

Abstract: A pouch of flexible plastic sheet material has an internal chamber holding a liquid. The plastic sheet material above the liquid is in a collapsed position to allow expansion and movement of the liquid in the chamber and permit an elongated tubular extractor located within the chamber to be forced through a portion of the plastic sheet material so that the liquid within the chamber can be withdrawn through the tubular extractor.

Abstract: This leaktight container includes four superimposed sheets (1, 2, 3, 4). The sheet (1) includes a precut tab (5) welded (13) to a portion of the sheet (2). A passage (10) is formed between these sheets (2) and (3) and acts as a valve between the inside and the outside of the leaktight container formed between the sheets (1, 4). A cut (9a) in the sheets (2, 3) allows the passage (10) to be placed in communication with the inside of the container formed between the sheets (1, 4). By pulling the tab (5) the wall of the passage (10) formed by the sheet (2) is torn and this passage is placed in communication with the outside.

Abstract: An agent-delivery system for dispensing active agents of choice into ingestible materials of choice. The agent-delivery system includes a component for retaining the agent, typically in an extract form, which component is directed by the user into contact with an ingestible material. The extract is preferably water-soluble so that it may be dissolved into a fluid, generally a beverage of choice. The agent-retaining component may be a straw, spoon, soluble film, cap interior, or other suitable substrate capable of holding the extract. The extract may be applied to the retaining component in any of a number of ways, including by ink-jet spray equipment, or hand brushing, for example. Barrier sealants may be used to isolate the extract from the beverage until such time as the user wishes to enhance the beverage through agent introduction.

Abstract: A packaging pouch (10) with an integral drinking straw or pouring spout (38,42) and an easy-to-open protective region providing access to the drinking straw or pouring spout, features a first compartment (32) to accommodate the contents e.g. a drink and—separated in a fluid-tight manner—a second compartment (34) to accommodate a tube part (42). The tube (38, 42) leads from the first compartment (32) to the second compartment (34) and is joined in the transition region to the pouch (10) in a fluid-tight manner and features a valve element for opening and closing a through-flow channel (37). At the end projecting into the second compartment the tube features a closure (44,46) which is closed in a fluid-tight manner when the pouch is in the unopened state and contains a valve element (58, 56) which, under the action of pressure from the side, frees a through-flow channel (37) and which closes automatically.

Abstract: A dispensing tube containing a selected material, such as bacterial cells or other additive, on the inside of the tube. The tube is wrapped and sealed in an outer watertight envelope until time for usage. At the time of usage the outer envelope is taken away and when the tubular device penetrates a solution container such as a beverage or an enteral solution, the selected material is added to the solution while the solution flows through the tube.

Abstract: A plastic film liquid pouch is formed from impermeable film sheet material and has opposed side walls with sealed circumferencial edges to form an enclosed chamber. A liquid product is provided in the chamber and a space is also provided to permit expansion of the liquid. An internal straw restraining passage is formed by seals between the opposed side walls. The straw restraining passage communicates with the liquid chamber and a straw is held loosely captive inside the passage and axially displaceable therein.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing packages (1) for liquid food products, includes a step in which a flexible sheet material member (2) is folded into a tubular shape so that longitudinal strips (6) extends outwardly, and are joined to each other. Along the joined longitudinal strips (6), suitable welding lines (7, 8) are made so as to form a portion (9) in the form of a channel compartment (10) that is closed at one end, and having its other end in communication with an inside of the package. A a longitudinal breaking line (12) is made in the strips to allow the portion (9) to be partially detached from the package. In the strips (6) a notch (13) is made which allows the detachable portion (9) to be opened at the end opposite to the one in communication with the inside of the package (1).

Abstract: A combination drinking straw and edible plug, the edible plug includes a body formed of a fondant mixture containing water, glucose and sucrose. There is not less than 30 parts of glucose and not more than 220 parts of glucose for every 100 parts of sucrose. The body has not less than 2% water and not more than 6% water by weight.

Abstract: To provide a therapeutic dose of an aqueous slurry of activated charcoal to a poisoning victim, an opaque straw is coated internally with a viscous flavoring solution and the slurry is sucked up from an opaque container using the straw. The use of natural and/or artificial sweeteners in the slurry masks the gritty particles and improves the taste.

Abstract: A beadlet suitable for flavoring a beverage comprising a shell material and core composition suitable for ingesting comprising: (a) from about 0.1 mg to about 400 mg of a flavor component; and (b) from about 0.02 mg to about 450 mg of a sweetener component comprising: (1) acetosulfame; and (2) a second artificial sweetener selected from the class of the aspartyl peptide esters, the sulfamate sweeteners, the sulfimide sweeteners, the dihydrochalcone sweeteners and the ammoniated glycyrrhizins and mixtures thereof; wherein the ratio by weight of (1) to (2) is from about 1:15 to about 15:1; and wherein the beadlet core contains from about 15 mg to about 2,000 mg of material.

Abstract: Thiosulfate in anhydrous form is added in minute quantities to beverages such as soft drinks, coffee and tea, or food mixes wherein tap water is added in quantities not greater than about two quarts and preferably not greater than about one quart, to neutralize or destroy chlorines or chloramines in the water, such neutralization or destruction taking place almost instantaneously and, in any event, in a length of time not greater than about twenty seconds or, for most beverages, not greater than about three seconds, depending upon the pH of the beverage or food. The thiosulfate may be added directly to the beverage or to the water by metering apparatus or may have been previously applied in metered quantities to filters for the beverages including tea bags or may be mixed with syrup, powder mix, instant coffees or teas, coffee grounds or tea leaves, or may be encapsulated with a food grade material which is readily dissolvable in water.

Abstract: The combined cup of the present invention for soft drinks is constituted with an upper cup body and a lower cup body jointed together by a connecting body; and in the center of the connecting body, there is formed a nozzle sticking upward to be received into the nozzle sleeve formed on the upper cup body so as to keep both cup bodies firmly connected. The lower cup body is used to contain soft drink while the upper cup body is used to contain solid snacks. By applying such combined cup, the user can therefore enjoy the fun of eating and drinking with one hand holding the combined cup containing both snacks and drink and one hand free.

Abstract: A drinking straw arrangement including a drinking tube containing a powdered flavoring laminated to an interior surface of the drinking tube for dissolving upon contact with a fluid directed through the tube, with end caps removably mounted relative to the tube for preserving freshness of the flavoring therewithin. A modification of the invention includes spaced inserts, wherein the inserts define metering chambers therebetween as the inserts maintain fluid about the inserts for enhancing dissolving of flavoring contained within the inserts. The inserts are formed of a honeycomb structure defined by conduits surrounded by columns of powdered flavoring, such as chocolate. Alternative inserts may be utilized into woven strands of flavoring to enhance surface area contact of the flavoring with a fluid directed therethrough.

Abstract: A drinking cup defining a cup-shaped base, including an upper terminal end securably mounting a lid thereon, wherein the lid includes a guide bore directed coaxially of the lid and aligned with an axis defined by the cup. A drinking tube is slidably directed through the bore, with the drinking tube including an abutment formed about the tube below the bore. A modification of the invention includes the abutment formed of an upper and lower cup-shaped disk member defining a cavity therebetween, wherein the cavity is arranged to receive a fluid soluble food component therewithin for enhancing flavor of fluid directed through the tube.

Abstract: A dispensing stick is provided for selectively dispensing stick contained substance or substances into liquid in a container, the container having a dispensing lid through which the stick extends.

Abstract: A dispensing device for a soluble or dispersible material is disclosed, which device comprises a tube formed of a liquid-impermeable material and of unitary construction, the tube being closed at both ends and having perforations along a portion of its length at or close to one end, and containing a soluble granular material. Preferably the lower end of the tube has a flattened, paddle-like portion, and the perforations are arranged linearly along opposite sides of the tube aligned with the edges of the flattened portion. The tube is advantageously divided into two compartments by a temporary seal; in this way, the material can be kept in one compartment which is free from perforations until the device is to be used.

Abstract: A device for sipping and consuming pasta products such as spaghetti is made possible by the inclusion of a pawl on the pathway of the pasta from the container to the consumer of the pasta.

Abstract: A straw assembly for imparting flavor to otherwise neutral liquids such as milk or water includes a first section of straw for immersion in the neutral liquid and a second section of straw for placing in the user's mouth. Intermediate the two sections of straw is a chamber, which may be an intermediate section of the straw, for containing flavor imparting material, with the surface area of the flavor imparting material having an area greater than the chamber within which it is enclosed.

Abstract: A device for sipping and consuming pasta products such as spaghetti is made possible by the inclusion of a pawl on the pathway of the pasta from the container to the consumer of the pasta.

Abstract: A dispensing device for a soluble granular material is disclosed, which device comprises a tube formed of a liquid-impermeable material and of unitary construction, the tube being closed at both ends and having perforations along a portion of its length at or close to one end, and containing a soluble granular material. Preferably the lower end of the tube has a flattened, paddle-like portion, and the perforations are arranged linearly along opposite sides of the tube aligned with the edges of this flattened portion.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a device for dispensing a comestible product into a liquid. In particular, the device is capable of dispensing unit dose amounts of a comestible product into a liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to the freezing of biological products contained in straws and more particularly to the initiation of the crystallization phase. A series of straws is disposed in such manner that the straws are arranged in parallel side-by-side relation and a crystallization bar (10) is mounted by springs (20) on two arms (11 and 12) connected to a rotary shaft (13). The arms shift the bar between a waiting position in a receiver-cradle (16) which is deeply cooled by a pipe (17-18) and an operative position in which is bears against the straws. Application in the freezing of blood cells, human and animal sperm, fragments of biological tissues and embryos, etc.

Abstract: A lollipop is made by providing an elongated rigid stick member having an enlarged hollow end portion. Candy material is then formed on the outside of the hollow enlarged end portion of the stick member. A liquid comestible flavoring material is then caused to flow through the open end of the stick member and into the interior of the enlarged end portion. The open end of the stick member is then sealed. In use, as the candy material is consumed, an opening in the enlarged end portion is gradually exposed, the opening either being an existing opening or one formed by biting into and thus rupturing the hollow enlarged end portion. The flavoring material is thus permitted to flow from the hollow stick member for consumption purposes.

Abstract: A combination straw and stirrer having an enlarged central section. The hollow structure is sealed by plugs at both ends to form a drink stirrer. When the plugs are removed the structure functions as a straw and the hollow structure may also be filled with water or other liquid and frozen to form a self-contained ice cooler.

Abstract: The beverage cooling device includes a semi-flexible plastic container and a liquid foodstuff which is totally enclosed within the container. The container and its contents are adapted to be frozen and utilized as a beverage cooling device. While the liquid foodstuff is in the frozen state within the container, the container may be broken open to remove the frozen liquid to permit the same to be used simultaneously as a coolant and as a flavoring for the beverage. Alternatively, the frozen foodstuff can be consumed directly. On the other hand the device can be allowed to cool within a drinking vessel to cool a liquid or beverage therein and then refrozen for reuse.

Abstract: A drinking cup that has a hollow or false bottom that includes a quantity of medicine or comestible thereon, the bottom adapted to be broken to release the same for introduction into the drinking cup for subsequent mixing with water, a drinking straw forms a part of the rupturable bottom of the cup.

Abstract: A novelty drinking straw has a layer of liquid crystalline material disposed thereon. As liquid is drawn through the straw, the color of said liquid crystalline material changes.