With Eating Aid Patents (Class 220/574.1)
  • Patent number: 11091301
    Abstract: A container is described comprising: a base comprising a mouth, a first edge obtained around the mouth and a second edge connected to the first edge by a lower wall; a cover capable of being closed again on the base, the cover comprising a base wall and an edge connected to the base wall and adapted to be assembled with interference on the first edge of the base; the lower wall further comprising a breaking line along which the separation of the second edge from the first edge and from the base is adapted to occur to allow opening the container providing evidence of the occurred opening, the first upper wall of the first edge having sizes greater than those of the opening of the edge, to assemble with interference the first edge of the base inside the edge of the cover when the cover is closed on the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Inventor: Roberto Fretta
  • Patent number: 10674847
    Abstract: A wall of material around the rim of a dinner plate, bowl, or drinking glass. A light emitter and battery are removably or integrally attached to the wall. The light emitter may emit different colored lighting from different circumferential sections of the wall toward food or drink in the dinnerware. A removable version of the wall may be C-shaped, with a circumferential groove on an inner surface of the wall that receives the rim of the dinnerware. Mirrors on the wall may reflect the light inward toward food in the dinnerware, and may direct some of the light across the gap in a C-shaped wall. The wall may be translucent or transparent, with the emitter and battery attached to an outer surface of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Inventor: Maryann Lytle
  • Patent number: 9204743
    Abstract: A reversible food plate, which is molded from plastic, such as polypropylene, and comprises a first surface and a second surface, each of which has a slope, and an edge, wherein the bottom of the slope of the first surface is on the opposite end of the plate from the bottom of the slope of the second surface, wherein the edge forms a first rim and a second rim, which together form a side wall, which is over-molded with a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and has an external surface, which is perpendicular to a flat or substantially flat surface on which the plate is placed, wherein, when pressure is applied to an upwardly facing surface of a plate resting on a flat or substantially flat surface, suction is created between the side wall of the food plate and the surface; and a method of making the reversible food plate comprising molding the food plate from plastic, such as polypropylene, and over-molding the side wall with TPE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Inventors: Seth Sirota, Michele Sirota
  • Publication number: 20150136794
    Abstract: A food container includes a base and a lid, and the lid may have a recess configured to receive a second container. The base may comprise a formed cavity that provides a bowl into which food or other items may be placed. The recess in the lid may receive a cup containing another item, such as a condiment or topping. The cup with the condiment or topping may be inserted into the recess, and removed from the recess, without removing the lid from the base. The lid and/or the base may be formed from any suitable materials, such as a transparent or non-transparent plastic material, and/or a compostable material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: LUKE VERNON, WENDELL SIMONSON, GABRIEL COLLINS
  • Patent number: 9016510
    Abstract: A drinking glass holding apparatus for holding a glass relative to a plate includes a body member having opposed first and second ends. A first clamping assembly is operatively coupled to the body member first end and includes an upper plate pivotally coupled to a lower plate and movable between a closed configuration at which distal ends thereof bear against one another and an open configuration at which the distal ends thereof are displaced from one another. A second clamping assembly is operatively coupled to the second end of the body member and includes a first portion pivotally coupled to a second portion and movable between a closed configuration at which distal ends thereof are proximate one another and an open configuration at which the distal ends are displaced from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Carolina Edwards
  • Publication number: 20150083732
    Abstract: A device for retaining solid portions of a food product that contains solid and liquid components. The device comprises an opening, angled side walls, and an angled bottom surface that acts as a bottom surface. The device fits into a liquid container, such as a soup cup. The angled sidewalk cause a wedging effect that keeps the invention from dropping down to the bottom of the liquid container. The bottom surface contains a perforated region that allows the liquid element of the food product to flow through to the bottom of the liquid container, but retaining the solid portions. By retaining the solid portions of the food product proximate the mouth of the liquid container, the user is able to consume the solid portions of the food product without a utensil. In addition, the design of the invention forces the solid elements into the user's mouth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Jeff Phipps
  • Patent number: 8985382
    Abstract: A food container includes a base and a lid, and the lid may have a recess configured to receive a second container. The base may comprise a formed cavity that provides a bowl into which food or other items may be placed. The recess in the lid may receive a cup containing another item, such as a condiment or topping. The cup with the condiment or topping may be inserted into the recess, and removed from the recess, without removing the lid from the base. The lid and/or the base may be formed from any suitable materials, such as a transparent or non-transparent plastic material, and/or a compostable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Eco-Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Vernon, Wendell Simonson, Gabriel Collins
  • Publication number: 20150060469
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a retainer arrangement for arranging a serving utensil to a top edge protruding from a wall of a serving dish. This type of retainer arrangement comprises, in particular, a support surface, at least two holding means, at least one locking means, and at least one set of fastening elements for receiving a serving utensil to be set in the retainer arrangement. The retainer arrangement is positioned against a top surface on the top edge of the serving dish with said holding means in such a manner that the fastening elements are arranged to protrude in relation to the top edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Tapani RENKOLA
  • Patent number: 8899436
    Abstract: The packaging for a food product is provided with a container having an opening delimited by a frame, the frame having a radially inner side wall, and a lid. The lid can move between an open position and a closed position in which it closes off the opening. A measuring utensil with a bowl can be positioned in the plane of the frame. The inner side wall of the frame is provided with a retaining member which has a base extending from the frame towards the central axis of the container and that is extended by a tab extending upwards some distance from the inner side wall. The retaining member delimits, with the inner side wall, a slot-like housing capable with a small amount of clearance of accommodating a wall portion of the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Compagnie Gervais Danone
    Inventors: Patrick VanDamme, Frédéric Bourdin, Francis Lovell
  • Publication number: 20140339238
    Abstract: A system of place-setting components used to facilitate serving and eating healthy food portions. The place-setting system comprising: a plate and a nestable set of two or more serving spoons. The plate includes one or more serving areas corresponding to a portion size for one or more food components of a meal. Each of the serving spoons in the nestable set includes a bowl-shaped cup and a handle. The handle of the serving spoons comprising: a first segment, extending distally from the proximal end of the handle, with a portion of a distal-most section of the first segment extending upward; a second segment connected to the first segment, with the second segment extending downward; a third segment connected to the second segment, with the third segment extending generally upward; and a fourth segment connected to the third segment, with the fourth segment extending generally distally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: Sheila Kemper Dietrich
  • Publication number: 20140332539
    Abstract: A system and method for co-packaging constructible utensil assemblies with a food container including a utensil layer and a protective laminate layer. The utensil is disposed in the assembly to be easily removed while concurrently being peeled from the protective laminate layer that helps to ensure the cleanliness and sanitary portions of portions of the utensil to contact the foodstuff.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: EcoTensil Inc.
    Inventors: Peggy V. K. Cross, Debora Levy
  • Publication number: 20140326736
    Abstract: Upper and lower slits are formed on an upper part of a food container main body. The tip end portion of a skewer or simplified fork is inserted through the upper slit from inside the container main body and further inserted through the lower slit, and the tip end portion is pressed inside. As a result, the skewer or simplified fork can be held in the container main body by the both slits. A portion between the upper and lower slits functions as a flexible holding piece, and the skewer is held by a recovering force of this holding piece so that the skewer or simplified fork can be tilted by an arbitrary angle or the skewer or simplified fork can be held at an arbitrary position in the vertical direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: AD BANK LIMITED COMPANY
    Inventor: Kazumi Miyawaki
  • Publication number: 20140299608
    Abstract: A highchair system enables removable attachment of objects to a tray of the highchair and protects the highchair from food and liquid spills. A flexible slipcover is removably attachable to the highchair tray so as to extend over at least an upper surface thereof. A permanent magnet or a ferromagnetic material is associated with the slipcover. Objects, such as a dish or a toy, are held in place on the highchair tray by magnetic attraction forces. Tethered utensils may be removably attachable to the dish.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Kelly Ann Melo
  • Publication number: 20140291333
    Abstract: A system and method for associating a constructible utensil with a container. The system may use a thin-walled plastic cup container with a stiffer paperboard overwrap. A constructible utensil is integrated into this overwrap. A free end of the wrap overlaps and covers the utensil-end of the overwrap, so that the utensil is protected. The overwrap is sealed at the free end with an easy to release adhesive, so that the consumer would pull back the overwrap to expose the utensil. The utensil would be perforated on the overwrap, so the consumer could easily remove it for use. There is an option for more copy under the overwrap as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: ECOTENSIL INC.
    Inventor: Peggy V. K. Cross
  • Patent number: 8833584
    Abstract: The disclosed aspects relate to a dispensing closure that comprises a utensil retention mechanism. The utensil retention mechanism can comprise at least two outward extending tabs that can be located on a lid portion of the dispensing closure. The at least two outward extending tabs can be positioned on the lid portion such that a section of a utensil can be securely engaged and retained by the at least two outward extending tabs. The dispensing closure can comprise a stay open mechanism, in an aspect. In another aspect, the dispensing closure can comprise a sift-resistance feature. In a further aspect, the dispensing closure can comprise a flex-lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Weatherchem Corporation
    Inventor: Brian David Groubert
  • Patent number: 8833595
    Abstract: A package for food products, including a cup (2) adapted to contain a food substance and a sealing member (6) applied to the mouth profile of the cup and in combination a take-up member (12) for taking up the food substance, such as a spatula or the like. The base wall (8) of the cup (2) has a depression (10) wherein the eating member (12) is housed and wherein the package includes a laminar member (14) applied to cover the depression (10) and the eating member (12); preferably, the laminar member (14) has on its face facing toward the eating member (12) a peripheral region (20) having an adhesive, which allows its fastening by adhesion to at least a portion of the wall of the cup (2) adjacent to the depression (10) and an internal non-adhesive region (16) overlying the eating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Soremartec S.A.
    Inventor: Mauro Raballo
  • Publication number: 20140246443
    Abstract: A food storage system including a secondary bowl that is adapted to be positioned at least partially on and/or in a main lid. The secondary bowl is adapted to be detachable from the main lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: COOL GEAR INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Donna Roth, Henry Roth
  • Patent number: 8763845
    Abstract: A system of place-setting components used to facilitate serving and eating healthy food portions. The place-setting system comprising: a plate and a nestable set of two or more serving spoons. The plate includes one or more serving areas corresponding to a portion size for one or more food components of a meal. Each of the serving spoons in the nestable set includes a bowl-shaped cup and a handle. The handle of the serving spoons comprising: a first segment, extending distally from the proximal end of the handle, with a portion of a distal-most section of the first segment extending upward; a second segment connected to the first segment, with the second segment extending downward; a third segment connected to the second segment, with the third segment extending generally upward; and a fourth segment connected to the third segment, with the fourth segment extending generally distally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: VisualQs, LLC
    Inventor: Sheila Kemper Dietrich
  • Patent number: 8746497
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a kitchen device, namely a cooking vessel to be used with a cooking utensil. The cooking vessel is adapted to hold the utensil by the stem in order to suspend the cooking implement of the utensil above the container of the cooking vessel. More particularly, the cooking vessel comprises a container having a bottom surface, and a handle extending from the container. The handle has an opening for receiving the stem of the utensil, the opening having a predetermined shape for cooperating with the stem to temporarily hold the stem so that the cooking implement of the utensil hangs above the bottom surface of the container. There is also provided a cooking assembly comprising the cooking vessel and the utensil. There is also provided a handle to be joined to a cooking vessel, as well as a utensil to be used with the cooking vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Atlantic Promotions Inc.
    Inventors: Nicolas Bourbeau, Thao Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8720734
    Abstract: A food serving plate with features that cooperatively interact with utensils to provide fun assistance to children with their effort to load food onto their utensils. The features on the plate include either or both of: a vertically slotted ramp that accepts the tines of an eating utensil, such as a fork, which allows a person to load food onto the utensil by pushing the food up the ramp and then sliding the utensil under the food when it has reached sufficient height; and a ramp with a nested depression that accepts the leading perimeter contours of a utensil with a food-receiving bowl, such as a spoon, which allows a person to load food onto the utensil by positioning the utensil within the nested depression and by pushing the food up the ramp and over the nested depression with a second utensil with a blunt profile, such as a pusher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventors: Carter T. Malcolm, Jacqueline K. Malcolm
  • Patent number: 8695838
    Abstract: In an example embodiment, a container is provided that includes a circular rim having a recess, where the container has a depth defined by a sidewall and an inner bottom surface. The container also includes a clasp configured to extend across the recess in order to inhibit movement of an object that rests on a surface of the recess. In other example implementations, the clasp operates in a first configuration when a downward force is applied to the clasp and against the circular rim such that the object is secured within the recess. In addition, the clasp can operate in a second configuration when a downward force is applied to the clasp and against the circular rim such that the clasp is secured in a groove of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Seana L. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 8690002
    Abstract: A bowl includes an upstanding continuous sidewall having opposed upper and lower ends, opposed outer and inner surfaces extending between the opposed upper and lower ends, a bottom formed at the lower end of the continuous sidewall cooperating with the inner surface of the continuous sidewall forming a fluid impervious vessel, and a peripheral upper edge formed at the upper end of the continuous sidewall bounding an opening into the fluid impervious vessel. An up-angled, broad, spill-catching body is affixed to a length of the peripheral upper edge of the continuous sidewall, which catches and directing spills into the fluid impervious vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: BKD Acquisition, Inc.
    Inventor: Rebecca M. Finell
  • Publication number: 20140027460
    Abstract: A food container (14) that is mountable on a cup (12), includes a container bottom recess (30) that receives the top (22) of the cup. Walls of the recess form a groove (44) that extends around the container axis (26) and snaps onto a bead (24) at the top of the cup to hold the container securely to the cup. The groove (44) lies at the top of a lead-in wall (42) that extends at an inward and upward incline, so the lead-in wall is deflected by the cup bead until the bead snaps into the groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Terry Vovan
  • Publication number: 20140021206
    Abstract: A food container includes a base and a lid, and the lid may have a recess configured to receive a second container. The base may comprise a formed cavity that provides a bowl into which food or other items may be placed. The recess in the lid may receive a cup containing another item, such as a condiment or topping. The cup with the condiment or topping may be inserted into the recess, and removed from the recess, without removing the lid from the base. The lid and/or the base may be formed from any suitable materials, such as a transparent or non-transparent plastic material, and/or a compostable material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: ECO-PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: LUKE VERNON, WENDELL SIMONSON, GABRIEL COLLINS
  • Publication number: 20130313265
    Abstract: A food plate comprising a first surface, a second surface, and an edge, wherein at least the first surface or each of the first surface and the second surface has a slope, which optionally comprises at least one depression at the bottom of the slope and adjacent to the edge, wherein (i) at least each portion of the edge that is adjacent to the bottom of the slope forms a rim or (ii) substantially all or all of the edge forms a rim and at least each portion of the rim that is adjacent to the bottom of the slope is pronounced or more pronounced than a portion of the rim that is not adjacent to the bottom of the slope; an adapter for a conventional food plate comprising a graduated, optionally flexible, rim, which, upon attachment to the food plate, causes the food-bearing side of the food plate to have a slope; a method of making a food plate; and a method of making an adapter for a conventional food plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: Seth Sirota, Michele Sirota
  • Publication number: 20130306648
    Abstract: A system of place-setting components used to facilitate serving and eating healthy food portions. The place-setting system comprising: a plate and a nestable set of two or more serving spoons. The plate includes one or more serving areas corresponding to a portion size for one or more food components of a meal. Each of the serving spoons in the nestable set includes a bowl-shaped cup and a handle. The handle of the serving spoons comprising: a first segment, extending distally from the proximal end of the handle, with a portion of a distal-most section of the first segment extending upward; a second segment connected to the first segment, with the second segment extending downward; a third segment connected to the second segment, with the third segment extending generally upward; and a fourth segment connected to the third segment, with the fourth segment extending generally distally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: VisualQs, LLC
    Inventor: Sheila Kemper Dietrich
  • Publication number: 20130306647
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an attachable utensil that removably attaches to a flexible pouch containing edible material in order to facilitate convenient feeding from the pouch. The utensil contains a fitment end for attaching to a valve of the pouch, a neck portion that connects the fitment end to a serving end, and a serving end that receives the edible material and allows the user to eat or feed the edible material in a convenient and comfortable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventor: Aviruth Sachdev
  • Patent number: 8567629
    Abstract: The packaging for a food product is provided with a container having an upper opening. An annular frame that is mounted as a close fit on the container has an upper face provided with an annular projection extending in the continuation of the interior face of the frame. A lid mounted articulated with respect to the frame is adapted to close off the opening, the lid having a top wall, a side wall and an interior skirt, a continuous groove being defined between the side wall and the interior skirt. A measuring utensil with a bowl is stored between the opening of the container and the lid in the closed position. The annular projection is inserted into the continuous groove and the interior skirt presses at least partially against said interior face of the frame in the closed position of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Compagnie Gervais Danone
    Inventors: Patrick VanDamme, Frederic Bourdin, Francis Lovell
  • Patent number: 8550281
    Abstract: A safety dish forms a secure food container and has a dish for holding food, a cover for enclosing the dish and food, and a lock mechanism for securing the cover to the dish to prevent unauthorized access to the food and/or tampering with the food. A key or correct input of a combination is required to access the food contents of the container. The safety dish and locking mechanism is preferably formed from dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Nelson, Khalil & Kayden Corporation
    Inventor: Nelson Todd Williamson
  • Publication number: 20130233864
    Abstract: A system comprising a tray, utensils, and utensil adapters is disclosed. The tray features a plurality of holes into which customized utensils may be placed vertically, or into which standard utensils fitted to appropriate adapters may be placed vertically. In addition, the tray features one or more recesses, which may contain a sauce or dip, or may contain a serving utensil (itself too large to be placed vertically in a hole while maintaining stability). The system allows the user to serve utensils needed to consume an appetizer course or other food serving in an elegant and efficient manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Jennifer Kilpatrick
  • Patent number: 8490823
    Abstract: A reversible food plate comprising a first surface, a second surface, and an edge, wherein each of the first surface and the second surface has a slope, which optionally comprises at least one depression at the bottom of the slope and adjacent to the edge, wherein (i) at least each portion of the edge that is adjacent to the bottom of the slope forms a rim or (ii) substantially all or all of the edge forms a rim and at least each portion of the rim that is adjacent to the bottom of the slope is pronounced or more pronounced than a portion of the rim that is not adjacent to the bottom of the slope, and wherein the bottom of the slope of the first surface is on the opposite end of the plate from the bottom of the slope of the second surface; and a method of making a reversible food plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventors: Seth Sirota, Michele Sirota
  • Patent number: 8313001
    Abstract: A container with a granulated or powdered product stores a scoop in or on a threaded closure for the container, in such a way that the scoop will not sink down into the product. Several embodiments are disclosed, including different ways for retaining the scoop on the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Innovative Molding
    Inventors: Grahame W. Reid, Donald Waring, David Lloyd
  • Publication number: 20120258213
    Abstract: A multicompartment cup may include an upper compartment with a conical cross-section and a lower compartment with a rectangular cross-section. The upper compartment may include a main food product such as cereal, oatmeal, grits, any milled grain product, yogurt, etc. and the lower compartment may include toppings and other enhancements for the main food product. The two compartments may be separated by a divider and a seal may cover the top of the upper compartment. In addition, a foldable eating utensil may be affixed to the multicompartment cup so that a user may eat the food products inside the multicompartment cup anywhere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: QUAKER OATS COMPANY
    Inventor: Neeraj Sharma
  • Publication number: 20120248124
    Abstract: A food-holding plate or bowl may include a central area and a rim surrounding the central area. At least one utensil-holding strap is formed integrally with the rim. The rim may be provided with cuts and rim material between the cuts may be displaced from a plane of the rim thereby resulting in formation of the strap. The rim may be provided with a cut-out into which a tine portion of the fork or a bowl portion of the spoon may be positioned, so that one of the assemblies may be stacked onto another one of the assemblies in a nested relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: LOUIS JOHN MITRI, Regina Francia Mitri
  • Publication number: 20120111873
    Abstract: A dish and utensil retainer corresponding to the dish, wherein the utensil retainer is sized and shaped to selectively receive and retain a utensil on the dish.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Robyn Gabriel
  • Patent number: 8146766
    Abstract: A container of sheet plastic reveals when it has been opened after a clerk loaded it with food. The container has a base (12) and lid (14) that remain latched together until they are separated at an initial opening region (40) where the lid has a radially-outward projecting lid tab (44) and the base has a tear-away part (52) with a blocker (60) that blocks access to the lid tab. The blocker surrounds the radially outward edge and opposite sides of the tab. The blocker prevents access to the lid tab to lift it to open the container until the tear-away part (52) is torn along a tear line (81). The fact that the tear-away part is torn away, reveals that the container has been tampered with.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: PWP Industries
    Inventors: Terry Vovan, Jimmy Pho, Lauren Yee, Leon D. Rosen
  • Patent number: 8087535
    Abstract: A serving receptacle dispenses food therefrom onto a diner's plate while overcoming the problem of food being dropped onto the table during dispensing. At least one dispensing ramp is coextensive with the serving dish upper surface and extends upward and horizontally over the edge of a diner's plate. Each ramp has two opposed side edges that extend upwardly from the ramp surface to reduce the chances of food or fluid dropping off the ramp during dispensing. The food is moved onto the ramp and then past the leading edge of the ramp, where it will then fall onto the diner's plate. There may be two opposed ramps that also serve as handles. The ramps have an upper surface that is slightly sloped upwardly as it approaches the outer edge of the ramp. This enables liquids to flow back into the dish instead of dripping over the edge. A drip projection under the free edge of the ramp causes liquid at the edge to drip down onto the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventor: Alvin S. Blum
  • Publication number: 20110284554
    Abstract: A container assembly has three portions, namely a bowl, a tray, and a cover. The tray has a sealable mounting on the bowl, and spaced peripheral clasps for engaging a flange of the bowl to make the seal seat tightly. The tray doubles both as a sealing lid and a carrying frame for auxiliary containers such as for salad dressing, condiments or the like. The tray is symmetrically arranged such that two side accommodations bracket a third, central accommodation for utensils. The two side accommodations are deeper than the central accommodation. The cover encloses all of the items carried in the tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Rachael Ray, Michael Ramundi, Christopher Edwards
  • Patent number: 8042704
    Abstract: A container for holding a product including a holding means for removably holding a product measuring device adjacent the upper end of the container. The holding means is connected to the container and the measuring device may be replaced in the holding means to secure the measuring device therein during use of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Plastipak Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew E. Borowski, Greg N. Dean, Christopher T. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 8002140
    Abstract: A bowl includes non-slip means and spoon-assisted food conglomeration means. In a preferred embodiment, the bowl is transparent. Non-slip means may include a weight structure, a non-slip material affixed to the bowl bottom either substantially continuously covering the bottom or substantially discontinuously covering the bottom. Spoon-assisted food conglomeration means may include a sloped bottom, a substantially spoon-shaped locus, a steep rim, or an inward-curving rim. The bowl may further include spillage reduction means. Spillage reduction means may include an abrupt taper terminus, a steep rim, an inward-curving rim, or a chamfered or rounded bowl vertex. Alternatively the bowl may comprise a sloped bottom terminating in a substantially spoon-shaped locus and further comprise non-slip means. In alternate embodiments the bowl may further comprise spillage reduction means or be characterized by a substantial transparent region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Baby Dipper LLC
    Inventors: Barbara McNew Schantz, Hans Gregory Schantz, Patrick Allan McNew
  • Publication number: 20110192851
    Abstract: A food plate comprising a first surface, a second surface, and an edge, wherein at least the first surface or each of the first surface and the second surface has a slope, which optionally comprises at least one depression at the bottom of the slope and adjacent to the edge, wherein (i) at least each portion of the edge that is adjacent to the bottom of the slope forms a rim or (ii) substantially all or all of the edge forms a rim and at least each portion of the rim that is adjacent to the bottom of the slope is pronounced or more pronounced than a portion of the rim that is not adjacent to the bottom of the slope; an adapter for a conventional food plate comprising a graduated, optionally flexible, rim, which, upon attachment to the food plate, causes the food-bearing side of the food plate to have a slope; a method of making a food plate; and a method of making an adapter for a conventional food plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Seth Sirota, Michele Sirota
  • Patent number: 7971747
    Abstract: A closure has a body and a lid is molded with the body. A utensil, such as a scoop or spear, is integrally formed with the closure body, and connected to the closure body via frangible connections. The lid includes a utensil-receiving structure for releasably holding the utensil, once it is initially broken away from the closure body, such that the utensil can be attached to the closure lid for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures L.L.C.
    Inventors: Corinne M. Blomdahl, Timothy M. Mazurkiewicz, John M. Wisniewski
  • Publication number: 20100252561
    Abstract: An article including a food plate including a plurality of slender elements spanning over a surface for placing food thereon, wherein ends of the slender elements are supported in a frame and wherein adjacent slender elements are movable laterally with respect to one another so as to accommodate various fork tine spacings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventor: Moshe Ein-Gal
  • Publication number: 20100206885
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a handle, wherein the handle comprises a stem portion, a u-shaped-fork at one end and a lip support attached at the u-shaped fork; and a pouch, wherein the pouch is attached about the handle at the stem, u-shaped fork and the lip support. This invention is further directed to a pouch for use in an eating utensil, wherein the pouch has means for attaching about an eating utensil, wherein the pouch is made of a material capable of absorbing energy associated with a hand or arm tremor and wherein the pouch has a bowl-like shape to store food contents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: James R. Bowden, Richard A. Lucarotti
  • Publication number: 20100189847
    Abstract: A two part container adapted to separately hold consumable foodstuffs. The two part container provides a convenient device for transporting different foodstuffs in a separated fashion using a single container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Donna Roth, Henry Roth
  • Patent number: 7637388
    Abstract: A bowl includes non-slip means and spoon-assisted food conglomeration means. In a preferred embodiment, the bowl is transparent. Non-slip means may include a weight structure, a non-slip material affixed to the bowl bottom either substantially continuously covering the bottom or substantially discontinuously covering the bottom. Spoon-assisted food conglomeration means may include a sloped bottom, a substantially spoon-shaped locus, a steep rim, or an inward-curving rim. The bowl may further include spillage reduction means. Spillage reduction means may include an abrupt taper terminus, a steep rim, an inward-curving rim, or a chamfered or rounded bowl vertex. Alternatively the bowl may comprise a sloped bottom terminating in a substantially spoon-shaped locus and further comprise non-slip means. In alternate embodiments the bowl may further comprise spillage reduction means or be characterized by a substantial transparent region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Baby Dipper LLC
    Inventors: Barbara McNew Schantz, Hans Gregory Schantz, Patrick Allan McNew
  • Publication number: 20090294454
    Abstract: A spoon or utensil shaped food and or liquid chamber or container that may be designed to contain or store a foodstuff and or liquid or other contents, and may be attached to or part of or within one or more chambers or container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2005
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Edward James Harding
  • Publication number: 20090289070
    Abstract: A container comprises a receptacle having a base portion, a lateral containment surface, and at least one drawing utensil for food. The drawing utensil has an elongated handgrip element and at least one movable working portion connected to one end of the handgrip element. The handgrip element faces a respective portion of the lateral containment surface. The base portion further comprises a substantially pocket-shaped housing for at least a partial insertion therein of the movable working portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: Alessio COSTA
  • Publication number: 20090250474
    Abstract: A food serving plate with features that cooperatively interact with utensils to provide fun assistance to young children with their effort to load food onto their utensils. The features on the food serving plate include either or both of: a slotted ramp that accepts the tines of an eating utensil, such as a fork, which allows a person to load food onto the utensil by pushing the food up the ramp and then sliding the utensil under the food when it has reached sufficient height; and a ramp with a nested depression that accepts the leading perimeter contours of a utensil with a food-receiving bowl, such as a spoon, which allows a person to load food onto the utensil by positioning the utensil within the nested depression and by pushing the food up the ramp with a second utensil with a blunt profile, such as a pusher, and over the nested depression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Carter T. Malcolm, Jacqueline K. Malcolm
  • Publication number: 20090242573
    Abstract: An article including a food plate including a surface for placing food thereon, the surface including an orderly series of protrusions spaced from one another, wherein a spacing between adjacent protrusions equals a distance between tines of a fork.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Moshe Ein-Gal