A container suitable for hot foods includes a base having a wall that is slanted or curved outward from its bottom, and a lid having a rim attachable to the base, an intermediate region that rises upward, and an inner region that does not rise as high, such that when an identical container is stacked thereupon, the upper base is entirely supported by the lower lid intermediate region, forming a gap space between the lower lid inner region and the upper base. One or more ventilation holes in the lid inner region, together with channels in the base wall and/or intermediate region, allow vapor from the lower container to escape from the stack through the ventilation holes, gap space, and channels. The intermediate region can be shaped to support an upper container mainly by compressive forces, further enhancing stacking tolerance to weight and heat.
A food carrying system comprises a plurality of food service items including at least one container and optionally one or more plates, drink carriers, and/or trays. At least one of the food service items includes opposing strap openings formed in an edge, encircling flange, or opposed flange handles thereof. A support band encircles the stack, passing through the strap openings, and ends thereof are affixed together to stabilize the stack and in embodiments providing a hand-hold for carrying the stack. The band can further extend through a strap opening provided in a separate handle, so that the stack can be carried using the handle. Strap openings can be provided on lids and/or bases of the containers. Strap openings can be closed ovals, or can be C-shaped, having open outer edges. Band ends can be joined by adhesive, hook-and-loop, knot tying, stapling, snaps, buttons, etc.
A cutlery dispensing system includes a base having a plurality of base compartments with identical retaining features and a plurality of dispensers having compatible retaining features allowing them to be installed in the base in any desired order and combination. In embodiments, individual dispensers remain vertically supported when they are horizontally slid part-way out of the base to access side features that enable cutlery refilling. The base can comprise a plurality of interlocking compartment base units, each of which having one or more base compartments, to allow flexible configuration and expansion of the base. End caps can be used to terminate the sides of the base. Compartment base units with only one base compartment can be less than six inches wide.
A47F 1/10 - Containers with arrangements for dispensing articles dispensing from bottom having mechanical dispensing means
A47F 10/06 - Furniture or installations specially adapted to particular types of service systems, not otherwise provided for for restaurant service systems
11.
RECLOSABLE PLASTIC CONTAINER WITH READILY APPARENT TAMPER EVIDENT FEATURE
A container includes a lid and base having flanges that are initially attached to each other by engagement of attachment regions of fixed and frangible engagement mechanisms provided in the flanges. Each of the frangible engagement mechanisms is frangibly detachable from its flange, and includes at least one wing extending from its attachment region. During a first opening of the container, the attachment regions initially remain fixed together, while the wings are bent at an oblique angle from the plane of the flanges. Upon reclosure of the container, the wings remain obliquely bent, and provide a readily apparent tamper indication. Wing hinges can be included between the wings and attachment regions to enhance the wing bending during initial opening. The lid and base can be separate, or can be attached to each other by a hinge, such as a living hinge or a scored hinge.
A container includes a lid and base having flanges that are initially attached to each other by engagement of attachment regions of fixed and frangible engagement mechanisms provided in the flanges. Each of the frangible engagement mechanisms is frangibly detachable from its flange, and includes at least one wing extending from its attachment region. During a first opening of the container, the attachment regions initially remain fixed together, while the wings are bent at an oblique angle from the plane of the flanges. Upon reclosure of the container, the wings remain obliquely bent, and provide a readily apparent tamper indication. Wing hinges can be included between the wings and attachment regions to enhance the wing bending during initial opening. The lid and base can be separate, or can be attached to each other by a hinge, such as a living hinge or a scored hinge.
A container includes a lid and base having flanges that are initially attached to each other by engagement of attachment regions of fixed and frangible engagement mechanisms provided in the flanges. Each of the frangible engagement mechanisms is frangibly detachable from its flange, and includes at least one wing extending from its attachment region. During a first opening of the container, the attachment regions initially remain fixed together, while the wings are bent at an oblique angle from the plane of the flanges. Upon reclosure of the container, the wings remain obliquely bent, and provide a readily apparent tamper indication. Wing hinges can be included between the wings and attachment regions to enhance the wing bending during initial opening. The lid and base can be separate, or can be attached to each other by a hinge, such as a living hinge or a scored hinge.
A container suitable for hot foods includes a base having a wall that is slanted or curved outward from its bottom, and a lid having a rim attachable to the base, an intermediate region that rises upward, and an inner region that does not rise as high, such that when an identical container is stacked thereupon, the upper base is entirely supported by the lower lid intermediate region, forming a gap space between the lower lid inner region and the upper base. One or more ventilation holes in the lid inner region, together with channels in the base wall and/or intermediate region, allow vapor from the lower container to escape from the stack through the ventilation holes, gap space, and channels. The intermediate region can be shaped to support an upper container mainly by compressive forces, further enhancing stacking tolerance to weight and heat.
A container suitable for hot foods includes a base having a wall that is slanted or curved outward from its bottom, and a lid having a rim attachable to the base, an intermediate region that rises upward, and an inner region that does not rise as high, such that when an identical container is stacked thereupon, the upper base is entirely supported by the lower lid intermediate region, forming a gap space between the lower lid inner region and the upper base. One or more ventilation holes in the lid inner region, together with channels in the base wall and/or intermediate region, allow vapor from the lower container to escape from the stack through the ventilation holes, gap space, and channels. The intermediate region can be shaped to support an upper container mainly by compressive forces, further enhancing stacking tolerance to weight and heat.
A beverage container lid includes a round rim and a flange extending beyond the rim. The rim and flange form an outer perimeter having a plurality of local maxima, at least one of which is proximal to a spout, such that the container, when tipped over with the spout oriented downward, will gravitationally roll until the rim rests on one of a plurality of local minima, which in embodiments requires rolling through an angle of no less than 30 degree and/or no more than 90. The local maxima can be equally spaced about the center of the lid and equidistant from the lid center. Between each adjacent pair of local maxima, the perimeter of the lid can be shaped substantially as an arc of a circle, where the circles can have equal radii. In some embodiments the flange extends beyond the rim everywhere.
An escapement mechanism of a cutlery dispenser causes a cutlery article to fall from a vertical stack onto a slide track that guides it to a dispensing position. A slide channel and head channel of the slide track can laterally confine the cutlery article. A dampening surface can reduce cutlery bouncing and skewing. The escapement mechanism can include at least three pivots and/or a coil return spring. Dispensers can be installed in a base in any desired combination and retained therein by compatible features such as flanges and slots that prevent dispenser tipping. In embodiments, individual dispensers can be horizontally slid part-way out of the base to access side features that would otherwise be obscured by a neighboring dispenser. A cutlery quantity indicator can laterally contact the cutlery stack and can pivot to display a low-cutlery signal when the cutlery stack falls below an indicator height.
A47F 1/10 - Containers with arrangements for dispensing articles dispensing from bottom having mechanical dispensing means
A47F 10/06 - Furniture or installations specially adapted to particular types of service systems, not otherwise provided for for restaurant service systems
An escapement mechanism of a cutlery dispenser causes a cutlery article to fall from a vertical stack onto a slide track that guides it to a dispensing position. A slide channel and head channel of the slide track can laterally confine the cutlery article. A dampening surface can reduce cutlery bouncing and skewing. The escapement mechanism can include at least three pivots and/or a coil return spring. Dispensers can be installed in a base in any desired combination and retained therein by compatible features such as flanges and slots that prevent dispenser tipping. In embodiments, individual dispensers can be horizontally slid part-way out of the base to access side features that would otherwise be obscured by a neighboring dispenser. A cutlery quantity indicator can laterally contact the cutlery stack and can pivot to display a low-cutlery signal when the cutlery stack falls below an indicator height.
A47F 1/10 - Containers with arrangements for dispensing articles dispensing from bottom having mechanical dispensing means
A47F 10/06 - Furniture or installations specially adapted to particular types of service systems, not otherwise provided for for restaurant service systems
A face shield and straps are constructed as a single die-cut from a single plastic sheet. The straps can be die-cut in the sheet parallel to a bi-lateral symmetry axis of the face shield, and can be distinct from and attachable to the face shield, or integral with and extending from sides of the face shield. In embodiments, the face shield can be folded about first and second arcuate score lines to induce curvature in the face shield and provide a forehead-contacting region. Embodiments can be prepared for wearing by folding along the first and second score lines and orienting the straps for mutual engagement. Barb shaped terminations included in a distal end of one strap can be configured for interlocking with a cooperative opening provided in the other strap.
A recyclable and dispensable hygienic cutlery utensil comprises a handle portion and head portion. The handle portion provides suitable area for gripping and includes a chamfer on its proximal end that creates handle gaps between adjacent proximal handle ends in a vertical stack, thereby facilitating a predictable release from a utensil dispenser. The handle further includes nesting features that nest with adjacent cutlery articles in a stack, and planar surfaces that are in mutual contact with the adjacent cutlery articles in the stack. The head portion is formed into the shape of a common cutlery utensil such as: knife with large radius, tapered knife with large radius, spoon, set of tines (fork), and spoon-fork combination, to name a few. Typically, in use, a set of identical utensils is stacked and then inserted into an automated dispensing system.
A system for easily refilling cutlery dispensers and other devices includes a stack of identical cutlery items maintained by a retaining structure that can be removed either before, during, or after installation, depending on the dispenser configuration. In a first aspect, the cutlery handles are nested and the retaining structure includes a single adhesive strip applied to only one side of the stack. In a second aspect, the retaining structure includes separate adhesive strips applied to each side of the stack. In a third aspect, the retaining structure comprises a band extending around the stack, removal of the band from the stack being facilitated by breaking of a frangible section of the band. In all aspects a pull-tab or other graspable element can be provided to facilitate removal of the support structure. The stacked cutlery may also be loaded into a caddy or into a tray.
B65D 71/00 - Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottlesBales of material
A47G 21/06 - Combined or separable sets of table-service utensilsOyster knives with openersFish servers with means for removing bones
A47G 21/02 - ForksForks with ejectorsCombined forks and spoonsSalad servers
A47F 1/06 - Containers with arrangements for dispensing articles dispensing from top
A47F 1/10 - Containers with arrangements for dispensing articles dispensing from bottom having mechanical dispensing means
Recyclable and dispensable hygienic cutlery utensil. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a handle portion and head portion. The handle portion provides suitable area for gripping and includes a chamfer on its outer edge for facilitating a predictable release from a utensil dispenser. The head portion is formed into the shape of a common cutlery utensil such as: knife with large radius, tapered knife with large radius, spoon, set of tines (fork), and spoon-fork combination, to name a few. The head portion also includes an escapement feature in its outer edge for facilitating controlled release from the bottom of a stack of utensils. The escapement feature can include a notch or predetermined release radius. Typically in use, a set of utensils is stacked, forming a cartridge which is then inserted into an automated dispensing system.
A container lid and base assembly includes lid and base stacking features, as well as base chamfers that align with vents provided in the lid. When a plurality of the container assemblies is stacked, the lid and base stacking features nest with each other, while the chamfers align with corresponding vents in the stacked assemblies so that none of the vents is blocked by a next-higher container assembly. The stacking features can be centrally located, and the vents can be peripherally located. A plurality of the container assemblies can have differing sizes and/or shapes, while including mutually compatible stacking features, thereby enabling container assemblies of differing sizes to be stacked without blocking any of the vents thereof. The vents can be holes or “C” vents. The lid and/or base can be manufacturable by thermoforming. The lid and base can be separate, or joined by a hinge.
A food carrying system comprises a plurality of food service items including at least one container and optionally one or more plates, drink carriers, and/or trays. At least one of the food service items includes opposing strap openings formed in an edge, encircling flange, or opposed flange handles thereof. A support band encircles the stack, passing through the strap openings, and ends thereof are affixed together to stabilize the stack and in embodiments providing a hand-hold for carrying the stack. The band can further extend through a strap opening provided in a separate handle, so that the stack can be carried using the handle. Strap openings can be provided on lids and/or bases of the containers. Strap openings can be closed ovals, or can be C-shaped, having open outer edges. Band ends can be joined by adhesive, hook-and-loop, knot tying, stapling, snaps, buttons, etc.
B65D 21/036 - Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together for stacking containers one upon another in the upright or upside down position, e.g. with vertically projecting elements or recesses having closure means specially adapted for facilitating stacking
05 - Pharmaceutical, veterinary and sanitary products
06 - Common metals and ores; objects made of metal
07 - Machines and machine tools
08 - Hand tools and implements
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
10 - Medical apparatus and instruments
11 - Environmental control apparatus
16 - Paper, cardboard and goods made from these materials
20 - Furniture and decorative products
21 - HouseHold or kitchen utensils, containers and materials; glassware; porcelain; earthenware
24 - Textiles and textile goods
29 - Meat, dairy products, prepared or preserved foods
30 - Basic staples, tea, coffee, baked goods and confectionery
40 - Treatment of materials; recycling, air and water treatment,
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
(1) Plastic cutlery, namely, forks, knives, spoons, and sporks; Biodegradable cutlery, namely, forks, knives, spoons, and sporks; Compostable cutlery, namely, forks, knives, spoons, and sporks; plastic tableware, namely, forks, knives, spoons, and sporks; disposable tableware, namely, forks, knives, spoons, and sporks; metallized disposable plastic tableware, namely, forks, knives, spoons, and sporks; place settings, namely, disposable place setting kits comprised of cutlery and also including napkins; cutlery rolls, primarily consisting of a combination of any of a fork, knife, and spoon and including a napkin; cutlery kits primarily consisting of any combination of forks, knives, spoons, and sporks and also containing any combination of disposable napkins and salt and pepper packets; cake cutters; spreaders for butter, cheese, or jelly; cocktail forks; shellfish openers; wrapped cutlery, namely, forks, knives, spoons, sporks, wrapped individually or in combinations in a plastic film; cutlery bundles, namely, an identical stack of any of forks, knives, or spoons configured in the form of refills for loading into a cutlery dispenser.
(2) Face shields; workmen's protective face shields; protective face shields for the prevention of accident or injury; protective industrial face shields; protective face shields for retail, commercial, or industrial use
(3) Face shields; human face protectors, namely, transparent face shields for use in the medical and dental fields; face shields for dental use; face shields for medical use; personal protective equipment (PPE), namely, face shields for use in the medical and dental fields; face coverings being sanitary face shields for protection against exposure to liquids or viral infections
(4) Drinking straws; plastic packaging and containers with or without covers for retail, commercial, or industrial use; tamper- evident plastic containers with or without covers for retail, commercial, or industrial use; plastic packaging and containers with or without covers, namely, for display, storage, and/or sale of ready-to-eat food products of others; plastic packaging and containers with or without covers for the display, storage, and/or sale of food, beverages, and other products in grocery stores, delicatessens, retail stores, and restaurants and for use in the catering and food service industries; plastic packaging and containers with or without covers for the display, storage, and/or sale of food products of others, namely, baked goods, delicatessen food products, restaurant food products, take-out or to-go foods, candy, gum, confectionery, vegetables, meats, cereals, dried fruits, nuts, salads and desserts; packaging with or without a cover; containers with attached or unattached covers; bowls with attached and unattached covers; display packs; trays with or without covers; platters with or without covers; tamper- evident containers with attached and unattached covers; tamper- evident bowls with attached and unattached covers; tamper- evident display packs
(5) Disposable plastic tableware, namely, plates, bowls, cups, mugs, and serving trays; servingware for serving food and drinks; tableware and servingware for use in the foodservice industry; plates; bowls; serving trays; catering trays; serving bowls; platters; dome lids for serving trays and platters; plastic lids for serving trays and platters; cake bases, dome lids for cake bases; parfait cups; dessert cups; lids for dessert cups; lunchboxes; drinkware, with or without lids; lids for drinkware, namely, sip-through lids, slotted lids, and non-slotted lids; glasses; cups; tumblers; mugs; tea cups; stemware; shot glasses; carafes; cruets; serving pitchers; wrapped drinkware, namely, cups, glasses, tumblers, mugs, and drinkware lids wrapped individually in a plastic film; beverage stirrers; cocktail stirrers; cocktail picks; swizzle sticks; coffee stirrers; pitcher stirrers; cocktail sticks; bar toothpicks; sandwich toothpicks; tooth picks; mixing spoons; chopsticks; serving forks; serving spoons; seafood utensils; serving tongs; salad tongs; cake servers; pie servers; serving ladles; serving scoops; spatulas; Steak markers in the nature of cooking skewers to indicate doneness of a piece of meat; muddlers; wrapped barware, namely, stirrers, picks, swizzle sticks; spoons, toothpicks, chopsticks, wrapped individually or in any combination in a plastic film; wrapped serving utensils, namely, serving forks, serving spoons, tongs, ladles, cake servers, scoops, spatulas, wrapped individually or in any combination in a plastic film; disposable entertaining kits comprising plates and cups; drinkware kits comprising cups or mugs and swizzle sticks; disposable cocktail party kits comprised of one or more of a combination of glasses, swizzle sticks, and napkins; plastic food containers for use in the food packing and food service industry; disposable plastic food containers; containers with or without lids for food or beverages; insulated containers with or without lids for food or beverages; plastic to- go containers with or without lids for food or beverages; Non- metal dispensers specially adapted for dispensing cutlery in the nature of knives, forks, spoons, and sporks for commercial or industrial use; components for cutlery dispensing systems, namely, bases and mounts to secure cutlery dispensers, and fitted films, knowns as skins, to customize cutlery dispensers
(6) Disposable meal kits consisting of one or more packets containing individual servings of foods, spices, and flavoring materials, namely, salt, pepper, sugar, dairy creamer, non-dairy creamer, salt substitute, and sugar substitute in combination with one or more food service utensils, namely, forks, knives, spoons, sporks, napkins, toothpicks, beverage stirrer sticks, and straws, all wrapped in a plastic film; sugar substitute packets; sugar packets (1) Packaging design services; container design services; advisory and consultancy services in relation to the design and manufacture of packaging and containers; custom designing of plastic products, packaging, and containers for foods and beverages; custom printing of plastic dinnerware, servingware, packaging, containers, and personal protective equipment; custom printing of plates, bowls, cups, glasses, serving trays, serving forks, spoons, tongs, ladles, stirrers, picks, food markers, meal kits, face shields, cutlery dispensers, cutlery dispenser parts, and fitted films, known as skins, for customizing cutlery dispensers and dispenser parts
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
10 - Medical apparatus and instruments
20 - Furniture and decorative products
21 - HouseHold or kitchen utensils, containers and materials; glassware; porcelain; earthenware
40 - Treatment of materials; recycling, air and water treatment,
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Plastic cutlery, namely, forks, knives, spoons, and sporks; Biodegradable cutlery, namely, forks, knives, spoons, and sporks; Compostable cutlery, namely, forks, knives, spoons, and sporks; plastic tableware, namely, forks, knives, spoons, and sporks; disposable tableware, namely, forks, knives, spoons, and sporks; metallized disposable plastic tableware, namely, forks, knives, spoons, and sporks; place settings, namely, disposable place setting kits comprised of cutlery and also including napkins; cutlery rolls, primarily consisting of a combination of any of a fork, knife, and spoon and including a napkin; cutlery kits primarily consisting of any combination of forks, knives, spoons, and sporks and also containing any combination of disposable napkins and salt and pepper packets; cake cutters; spreaders for butter, cheese, or jelly; cocktail forks; shellfish openers; wrapped cutlery, namely, forks, knives, spoons, sporks, wrapped individually or in combinations in a plastic film; cutlery bundles, namely, an identical stack of any of forks, knives, or spoons configured in the form of refills for loading into a cutlery dispenser. Face shields; workmen's protective face shields; protective face shields for the prevention of accident or injury; protective industrial face shields; protective face shields for retail, commercial, or industrial use. Face shields; human face protectors, namely, transparent face shields for use in the medical and dental fields; face shields for dental use; face shields for medical use; personal protective equipment (PPE), namely, face shields for use in the medical and dental fields; face coverings being sanitary face shields for protection against exposure to liquids or viral infections. Plastic packaging and containers with or without covers for retail, commercial, or industrial use; tamper-evident plastic containers with or without covers for retail, commercial, or industrial use; plastic packaging and containers with or without covers, namely, for display, storage, and/or sale of ready-to-eat food products of others; plastic packaging and containers with or without covers for the display, storage, and/or sale of food, beverages, and other products in grocery stores, delicatessens, retail stores, and restaurants and for use in the catering and food service industries; plastic packaging and containers with or without covers for the display, storage, and/or sale of food products of others, namely, baked goods, delicatessen food products, restaurant food products, take-out or to-go foods, candy, gum, confectionery, vegetables, meats, cereals, dried fruits, nuts, salads and desserts; containers with attached or unattached covers; bowls with attached and unattached covers; trays with or without covers; tamper-evident containers with attached and unattached covers; tamper-evident bowls with attached and unattached covers. Disposable plastic tableware, namely, plates, bowls, cups, mugs, and serving trays; servingware for serving food and drinks; tableware and servingware for use in the foodservice industry; plates; bowls; serving trays; catering trays; serving bowls; platters; dome lids for serving trays and platters; plastic lids for serving trays and platters; cake bases, dome lids for cake bases; parfait cups; dessert cups; lids for dessert cups; lunchboxes; drinkware, with or without lids; lids for drinkware, namely, sip-through lids, slotted lids, and non-slotted lids; glasses; cups; tumblers; mugs; tea cups; stemware; shot glasses; carafes; cruets; serving pitchers; wrapped drinkware, namely, cups, glasses, tumblers, mugs, and drinkware lids wrapped individually in a plastic film; beverage stirrers; cocktail stirrers; cocktail picks; swizzle sticks; coffee stirrers; pitcher stirrers; cocktail sticks; bar toothpicks; sandwich toothpicks; tooth picks; mixing spoons; chopsticks; serving forks; serving spoons; seafood utensils made of plastic; serving tongs; salad tongs; cake servers; pie servers; serving ladles; serving scoops; spatulas; Steak markers in the nature of cooking skewers to indicate doneness of a piece of meat; muddlers; wrapped barware, namely, stirrers, picks, swizzle sticks; serving spoons, toothpicks, chopsticks, wrapped individually or in any combination in a plastic film; wrapped serving utensils, namely, serving forks, serving spoons, tongs, ladles, cake servers, scoops, spatulas, wrapped individually or in any combination in a plastic film; disposable entertaining kits comprising plates and cups; drinkware kits comprising cups or mugs and swizzle sticks; disposable cocktail party kits comprised of one or more of a combination of glasses, swizzle sticks, and napkins; plastic food containers for use in the food packing and food service industry; disposable plastic food containers; containers with or without lids for food or beverages; insulated containers with or without lids for food or beverages; plastic to-go containers with or without lids for food or beverages; Non-metal dispensers specially adapted for dispensing cutlery in the nature of knives, forks, spoons, and sporks for commercial or industrial use; components for cutlery dispensing systems, namely, bases and mounts to secure cutlery dispensers, and fitted films, knowns as skins, to customize cutlery dispensers; drinking straws; platters with or without covers. Advisory and consultancy services in relation to manufacture of packaging and containers; custom printing of plastic dinnerware, servingware, packaging, containers, and personal protective equipment; custom printing of plates, bowls, cups, glasses, serving trays, serving forks, spoons, tongs, ladles, stirrers, picks, food markers, meal kits, face shields, cutlery dispensers, cutlery dispenser parts, and fitted films, known as skins, for customizing cutlery dispensers and dispenser parts. Packaging design services; container design services; advisory and consultancy services in relation to the design of packaging and containers; techical advisory and consultancy services in relation to the design and manufacture of packaging and containers; custom designing of plastic products, packaging, and containers for foods and beverages.
An escapement mechanism of a cutlery dispenser causes a cutlery article to fall from a vertical stack onto a slide track that guides it to a dispensing position. A slide channel and head channel of the slide track can laterally confine the cutlery article. A dampening surface can reduce cutlery bouncing and skewing. The escapement mechanism can include at least three pivots and/or a coil return spring. Dispensers can be installed in a base in any desired combination and retained therein by compatible features such as flanges and slots that prevent dispenser tipping. In embodiments, individual dispensers can be horizontally slid part-way out of the base to access side features that would otherwise be obscured by a neighboring dispenser. A cutlery quantity indicator can laterally contact the cutlery stack and can pivot to display a low-cutlery signal when the cutlery stack falls below an indicator height.
An escapement mechanism of a cutlery dispenser causes a cutlery article to fall from a vertical stack onto a slide track that guides it to a dispensing position. A slide channel and head channel of the slide track can laterally confine the cutlery article. A dampening surface can reduce cutlery bouncing and skewing. The escapement mechanism can include at least three pivots and/or a coil return spring. Dispensers can be installed in a base in any desired combination and retained therein by compatible features such as flanges and slots that prevent dispenser tipping. In embodiments, individual dispensers can be horizontally slid part-way out of the base to access side features that would otherwise be obscured by a neighboring dispenser. A cutlery quantity indicator can laterally contact the cutlery stack and can pivot to display a low-cutlery signal when the cutlery stack falls below an indicator height.
A47F 1/10 - Containers with arrangements for dispensing articles dispensing from bottom having mechanical dispensing means
A47F 10/06 - Furniture or installations specially adapted to particular types of service systems, not otherwise provided for for restaurant service systems
An escapement mechanism of a cutlery dispenser causes a cutlery article to fall from a vertical stack onto a slide track that guides it to a dispensing position. A slide channel and head channel of the slide track can laterally confine the cutlery article. A dampening surface can reduce cutlery bouncing and skewing. The escapement mechanism can include at least three pivots and/or a coil return spring. Dispensers can be installed in a base in any desired combination and retained therein by compatible features such as flanges and slots that prevent dispenser tipping. In embodiments, individual dispensers can be horizontally slid part-way out of the base to access side features that would otherwise be obscured by a neighboring dispenser. A cutlery quantity indicator can laterally contact the cutlery stack and can pivot to display a low-cutlery signal when the cutlery stack falls below an indicator height.
21 - HouseHold or kitchen utensils, containers and materials; glassware; porcelain; earthenware
40 - Treatment of materials; recycling, air and water treatment,
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Plastic cutlery, namely, forks, knives, spoons, and sporks; biodegradable cutlery, namely, forks, knives, spoons, and sporks; compostable cutlery, namely, forks, knives, spoons, and sporks; plastic tableware, namely, forks, knives, spoons, and sporks; disposable tableware, namely, forks, knives, spoons, and sporks; metallized disposable plastic tableware, namely, forks, knives, spoons, and sporks; place settings, namely, disposable place setting kits comprised of table cutlery and also including napkins; cutlery rolls, primarily consisting of a combination of any of a fork, knife, and spoon being tableware and including a napkin; cutlery kits primarily consisting of any combination of forks, knives, spoons, and sporks being tableware and also containing any combination of disposable napkins and salt and pepper packets; cake cutters; spreaders in the nature of a small knife for butter, cheese, or jelly; cocktail forks being tableware; wrapped table cutlery, namely, forks, knives, spoons, and sporks, wrapped individually or in combinations in a plastic film; cutlery bundles, namely, an identical stack of any of forks, knives, or spoons being tableware configured in the form of refills for loading into a cutlery dispenser; Non-metal dispensers specially adapted for dispensing table cutlery in the nature of knives, forks, spoons, and sporks for commercial or industrial use Drinking straws; bowls with attached and unattached covers; serving platters with or without covers; disposable plastic tableware, namely, plates, bowls, cups, mugs, and serving trays; servingware for serving food and drinks; tableware and servingware for use in the foodservice industry, namely, services in the nature of tableware and servingware for serving food and drinks; plates; bowls; serving trays; catering trays being serving trays; serving bowls; serving platters; dome lids for serving trays and platters; plastic lids for serving trays and platters; cake supports, namely, cake bases, dome lids for cake bases, being cake supports; parfait cups; dessert cups; lids for dessert cups; lunchboxes; drinkware, with or without lids; lids for drinkware, namely, sip-through lids, slotted lids, and non-slotted lids; drinking glasses; cups; tumblers for use as drinking mugs; mugs; tea cups; stemware; shot glasses; carafes; cruets; serving pitchers; wrapped drinkware, namely, cups, glasses, tumblers for use as drinking glasses, mugs, and drinkware lids wrapped individually in a plastic film; beverage stirrers; cocktail stirrers; cocktail picks; swizzle sticks being beverage stirrers; coffee stirrers; pitcher stirrers; cocktail sticks; bar toothpicks; sandwich toothpicks; tooth picks; mixing spoons; chopsticks; serving forks; serving spoons; serving tongs; salad tongs; cake servers; pie servers; serving ladles; serving scoops; spatulas for kitchen use; Steak markers in the nature of cooking skewers to indicate doneness of a piece of meat; muddlers; wrapped barware, namely, cocktail stirrers, cocktail picks, swizzle sticks being cocktail stirrers; serving spoons, toothpicks, chopsticks, wrapped individually or in any combination in a plastic film; wrapped serving utensils, namely, serving forks, serving spoons, serving tongs, serving ladles, cake servers, serving scoops, spatulas being household utensils, wrapped individually or in any combination in a plastic film; disposable entertaining kits comprising plates and cups; drinkware kits comprising cups or mugs and swizzle sticks being beverage stirrers; disposable cocktail party kits comprised of one or more of a combination of drinking glasses or swizzle sticks being beverage stirrers, and also containing paper napkins; disposable plastic food containers for household use; containers with or without lids for food or beverages, namely, insulated containers for food or beverages; insulated containers with or without lids for food or beverages; components specially adapted for table cutlery dispensing systems, namely, bases and mounts to secure cutlery dispensers, and fitted films, known as skins, to customize cutlery dispensers Advisory and consultancy services in relation to the custom manufacture of packaging and containers; custom printing for plastic dinnerware, servingware, packaging, containers, and personal protective equipment; custom printing for plates, bowls, cups, glasses, serving trays, serving forks, spoons, tongs, ladles, stirrers, picks, food markers, meal kits, face shields, cutlery dispensers, cutlery dispenser parts, and fitted films, known as skins, for customizing cutlery dispensers and dispenser parts Packaging design services; container design services; advisory and consultancy services in relation to the design and manufacture of packaging and containers; custom designing of plastic products, packaging, and containers for foods and beverages
21 - HouseHold or kitchen utensils, containers and materials; glassware; porcelain; earthenware
30 - Basic staples, tea, coffee, baked goods and confectionery
Goods & Services
Plastic cutlery, namely, forks, knives, and spoons; plastic tableware, namely, forks, knives, and spoons; disposable tableware, namely, forks, knives, and spoons; metallized disposable plastic tableware, namely, forks, knives, and spoons; place settings, namely, disposable place setting kits comprised of table cutlery and also including napkins; cutlery rolls, primarily consisting of a combination of any of a fork, knife, and spoon being tableware and including a napkin; cutlery kits primarily consisting of any combination of forks, knives, spoons, and sporks being tableware and also containing any combination of disposable napkins and salt and pepper packets; cake cutters; cocktail forks being tableware; wrapped table cutlery, namely, forks, knives, spoons, and sporks, wrapped individually or in combinations in a plastic film; cutlery bundles, namely, an identical stack of any of forks, knives, or spoons being tableware configured in the form of refills for loading into a cutlery dispenser; Non-metal dispensers specially adapted for dispensing table cutlery in the nature of knives, forks, spoons, and sporks for commercial or industrial use Packaging containers of plastic with or without covers for retail, commercial, or industrial use; plastic packaging and containers with or without covers, namely, packaging and storage containers of plastic for commercial or industrial use for use in the display, storage, and/or sale of ready-to-eat food products of others; plastic packaging and containers with or without covers, namely, packaging and storage containers of plastic for commercial or industrial use for the display, storage, and/or sale of food, beverages, and other products in grocery stores, delicatessens, retail stores, and restaurants and for use in the catering and food service industries; plastic packaging and containers with or without covers, namely, packaging and storage containers of plastic for commercial or industrial use for the display, storage, and/or sale of food products of others, namely, baked goods, delicatessen food products, restaurant food products, take-out or to-go foods, candy, gum, confectionery, vegetables, meats, cereals, dried fruits, nuts, salads and desserts; packaging with or without a cover, namely, packaging containers of plastic; containers with attached or unattached covers, namely, packaging containers of plastic; plastic packaging containers intended as display packs for foodstuffs; plastic trays with or without covers for foodstuff packaging; plastic food containers for use in the food packing and food service industry; plastic to-go containers with or without lids for food or beverages for the food industry Drinking straws; serving platters with or without covers; disposable plastic tableware, namely, plates, bowls, cups, and serving trays; servingware for serving food and drinks; tableware and servingware for use in the foodservice industry, namely, services in the nature of tableware and servingware for serving food and drinks; plates; bowls; serving trays; catering trays being serving trays; serving bowls; serving platters; dome lids for serving trays and platters; plastic lids for serving trays and platters; cake supports, namely, cake bases, dome lids for cake bases, being cake supports; parfait cups; dessert cups; lids for dessert cups; drinkware, with or without lids; drinking glasses; cups; tumblers for use as drinking mugs; stemware; serving tongs; salad tongs; cake servers; disposable plastic food containers for household use Disposable meal kits consisting primarily of one or more packets containing individual servings of foods, spices, and flavoring materials, namely, salt, pepper, sugar, salt substitute, and sugar substitute and also containing one or more food service utensils, namely, forks, knives, spoons, sporks, napkins, toothpicks, beverage stirrer sticks, and drinking straws, all wrapped in a plastic film
A beverage container lid includes a round rim and a flange extending beyond the rim at least proximal to a spout, such that the container, when tipped over with the spout oriented downward, will gravitationally roll until a height of the container's center of mass reaches any of a plurality of local minima. The lid can be configured such that rolling through an angle of no less than 30 degree and/or no more than 90 degrees is required. In some embodiments the flange extends beyond the rim only proximal to the spout, such that the rim contacts an underlying table over a continuous angular range beyond the flange. In other embodiments, the flange extends beyond the rim everywhere, and has a plurality of maximum radii with a plurality of minimum radii interspersed therebetween. In some of these embodiments the flange includes at least one flat, straight line segment.
A beverage container lid includes a round rim and a flange extending beyond the rim at least proximal to a spout, such that the container, when tipped over with the spout oriented downward, will gravitationally roll until a height of the container's center of mass reaches any of a plurality of local minima. The lid can be configured such that rolling through an angle of no less than 30 degree and/or no more than 90 degrees is required. In some embodiments the flange extends beyond the rim only proximal to the spout, such that the rim contacts an underlying table over a continuous angular range beyond the flange. In other embodiments, the flange extends beyond the rim everywhere, and has a plurality of maximum radii with a plurality of minimum radii interspersed therebetween. In some of these embodiments the flange includes at least one flat, straight line segment.
A food carrying system comprises a plurality of food service items including at least one container and optionally one or more plates, drink carriers, and/or trays. At least one of the food service items includes opposing strap openings formed in an edge, encircling flange, or opposed flange handles thereof. A support band encircles the stack, passing through the strap openings, and ends thereof are affixed together to stabilize the stack and in embodiments providing a hand-hold for carrying the stack. The band can further extend through a strap opening provided in a separate handle, so that the stack can be carried using the handle. Strap openings can be provided on lids and/or bases of the containers. Strap openings can be closed ovals, or can be C-shaped, having open outer edges. Band ends can be joined by adhesive, hook-and-loop, knot tying, stapling, snaps, buttons, etc.
A food carrying system comprises a plurality of food service items including at least one container and optionally one or more plates, drink carriers, and/or trays. At least one of the food service items includes opposing strap openings formed in an edge, encircling flange, or opposed flange handles thereof. A support band encircles the stack, passing through the strap openings, and ends thereof are affixed together to stabilize the stack and in embodiments providing a hand-hold for carrying the stack. The band can further extend through a strap opening provided in a separate handle, so that the stack can be carried using the handle. Strap openings can be provided on lids and/or bases of the containers. Strap openings can be closed ovals, or can be C-shaped, having open outer edges. Band ends can be joined by adhesive, hook-and-loop, knot tying, stapling, snaps, buttons, etc.
A container lid and base assembly includes lid and base stacking features, as well as base chamfers that align with vents provided in the lid. When a plurality of the container assemblies is stacked, the lid and base stacking features nest with each other, while the chamfers align with corresponding vents in the stacked assemblies so that none of the vents is blocked by a next-higher container assembly. The stacking features can be centrally located, and the vents can be peripherally located. A plurality of the container assemblies can have differing sizes and/or shapes, while including mutually compatible stacking features, thereby enabling container assemblies of differing sizes to be stacked without blocking any of the vents thereof. The vents can be holes or “C” vents. The lid and/or base can be manufacturable by thermoforming. The lid and base can be separate, or joined by a hinge.
A container lid and base assembly includes lid and base stacking features, as well as base chamfers that align with vents provided in the lid. When a plurality of the container assemblies is stacked, the lid and base stacking features nest with each other, while the chamfers align with corresponding vents in the stacked assemblies so that none of the vents is blocked by a next-higher container assembly. The stacking features can be centrally located, and the vents can be peripherally located. A plurality of the container assemblies can have differing sizes and/or shapes, while including mutually compatible stacking features, thereby enabling container assemblies of differing sizes to be stacked without blocking any of the vents thereof. The vents can be holes or "C" vents. The lid and/or base can be manufacturable by thermoforming. The lid and base can be separate, or joined by a hinge.
B65D 81/34 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging foodstuffs intended to be cooked or heated within the package
B65D 21/036 - Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together for stacking containers one upon another in the upright or upside down position, e.g. with vertically projecting elements or recesses having closure means specially adapted for facilitating stacking
A container lid and base assembly includes a lid peripheral edge that blocks access to the base peripheral edge. A lid tab secured to the lid peripheral edge by a frangible line further blocks access to an underlying base tab, rendering the container difficult to open without separating the frangible line and lifting the lid tab away from the base tab. In embodiments, after the lid is reattached to the base, a hinge depression or projection, or a separate tensioning button, prevents the lid tab from returning to an adjacent relationship with the base tab, thereby providing a clear indication of previous opening and/or tampering. Strengthening ribs along a peripheral seal can provide support against flexing around the container periphery. An outer edge of the lid tab can extend downward beyond the outer edge of the base tab. The container can include a plurality of tab pairs.
Table cutlery; Plastic cutlery, namely, knives, forks, spoons, and sporks; Biodegradable cutlery, namely, knives, forks, spoons, and sporks; Compostable cutlery, namely, knives, forks, spoons, and sporks; Compostable and biodegradable cutlery, namely, knives, forks, spoons, and sporks; Non-metal dispensers specially adapted for cutlery in the nature of knives, forks, spoons, and sporks for commercial or industrial use.
A system for easily refilling cutlery dispensers or other devices includes a stack of identical cutlery items maintained by a retaining structure that can be removable either before, during, or after installation, depending on the configuration of the dispenser. In a first aspect, the retaining structure includes nested cutlery handles and a single adhesive strip applied to one side of the stack. In a second aspect, the retaining structure includes separate adhesive strips applied to each side of the stack. In a third aspect, the retaining structure is a band extending entirely around the stack and equipped with a pull-tab for opening and removing the retaining structure. In all aspects a pull-tab or other graspable element can be provided to facilitate removal of the support structure. The stacked cutlery may also be loaded into a caddy or into a tray.
B65D 71/00 - Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottlesBales of material
A47G 21/06 - Combined or separable sets of table-service utensilsOyster knives with openersFish servers with means for removing bones
A47G 21/02 - ForksForks with ejectorsCombined forks and spoonsSalad servers
A47F 1/06 - Containers with arrangements for dispensing articles dispensing from top
A47F 1/10 - Containers with arrangements for dispensing articles dispensing from bottom having mechanical dispensing means
(1) Table cutlery; Plastic cutlery, namely, knives, forks, spoons, and sporks; Biodegradable cutlery, namely, knives, forks, spoons, and sporks; Compostable cutlery, namely, knives, forks, spoons, and sporks; Compostable and biodegradable cutlery, namely, knives, forks, spoons, and sporks; Non-metal dispensers specially adapted for cutlery in the nature of knives, forks, spoons, and sporks for commercial or industrial use
Table cutlery; Plastic cutlery, namely, knives, forks, spoons, and sporks; Biodegradable cutlery, namely, knives, forks, spoons, and sporks; Compostable cutlery, namely, knives, forks, spoons, and sporks; Compostable and biodegradable cutlery, namely, knives, forks, spoons, and sporks; Non-metal dispensers for cutlery in the nature of knives, forks, spoons, and sporks for commercial or industrial use.
(1) Table cutlery; Plastic cutlery, namely, knives, forks, spoons, and sporks; Biodegradable cutlery, namely, knives, forks, spoons, and sporks; Compostable cutlery, namely, knives, forks, spoons, and sporks; Compostable and biodegradable cutlery, namely, knives, forks, spoons, and sporks; Non-metal dispensers for cutlery in the nature of knives, forks, spoons, and sporks for commercial or industrial use
A device for dispensing cutlery utensils individually, having a housing containing a quantity of utensils with the housing having sides and product guides within. The front wall contains an opposing leaf escapement mechanism connected to it, to hold and singulate the utensils such that they dispense seriatim, without a user being required to physically touch or interface with any part of dispenser other than the actual desired utensil.
A food container includes a base having one or more cavities therein configured to accept food items, each cavity including one or more retaining features that maintain the food item within the cavity when the container is tipped or overturned. The retaining feature can include one or more undercuts that engage with the food item or a wrapper or liner thereof. Or the undercuts can entrap the food item within the cavity by overhanging or overlying a surface of the food item or associated wrapper or liner. Embodiments include a plurality of opposing and/or equally spaced retaining features positioned proximal to the cavity rim. Embodiments include base supporting posts that are deformable to temporarily disengage the retaining feature, thereby allowing easy removal of the food item. The base supporting posts can engage with corresponding lid supporting posts to avoid crushing of the closed container.
B65D 85/36 - Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure for bakery products, e.g. biscuits
B65D 1/24 - Boxes or like containers with side walls of substantial depth for enclosing contents with moulded compartments or partitions
B65D 1/36 - Trays or like shallow containers with moulded compartments or partitions
B65D 43/16 - Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement
B65D 25/10 - Devices to locate articles in containers
B65D 77/02 - Wrapped articles enclosed in rigid or semi-rigid containers
B65D 81/05 - Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents
Table cutlery; Plastic cutlery, namely, knives, forks, spoons, and sporks; Biodegradable cutlery, namely, knives, forks, spoons, and sporks; Compostable cutlery, namely, knives, forks, spoons, and sporks; Compostable and biodegradable cutlery, namely, knives, forks, spoons, and sporks; Non-metal dispensers specially adapted for cutlery in the nature of knives, forks, spoons, and sporks for commercial or industrial use
Table cutlery; plastic cutlery, namely, knives, forks, spoons, and sporks; biodegradable cutlery, namely, knives, forks, spoons, and sporks; compostable cutlery, namely, knives, forks, spoons, and sporks; compostable and biodegradable cutlery, namely, knives, forks, spoons, and sporks; non-metal dispensers specially adapted for cutlery in the nature of knives, forks, spoons, and sporks for commercial or industrial use
A system for easily refilling cutlery dispensers or other devices includes a stack of identical cutlery items maintained by a retaining structure that can be removable either before, during, or after installation, depending on the configuration of the dispenser. In a first aspect, the retaining structure includes nested cutlery handles and a single adhesive strip applied to one side of the stack. In a second aspect, the retaining structure includes separate adhesive strips applied to each side of the stack. In a third aspect, the retaining structure is a band extending entirely around the stack and equipped with a pull-tab for opening and removing the retaining structure. In all aspects a pull-tab or other graspable element can be provided to facilitate removal of the support structure. The stacked cutlery may also be loaded into a caddy or into a tray.
A system for easily refilling cutlery dispensers or other devices includes a stack of identical cutlery items maintained by a retaining structure that can be removable either before, during, or after installation, depending on the configuration of the dispenser. In a first aspect, the retaining structure includes nested cutlery handles and a single adhesive strip applied to one side of the stack. In a second aspect, the retaining structure includes separate adhesive strips applied to each side of the stack. In a third aspect, the retaining structure is a band extending entirely around the stack and equipped with a pull-tab for opening and removing the retaining structure. In all aspects a pull-tab or other graspable element can be provided to facilitate removal of the support structure. The stacked cutlery may also be loaded into a caddy or into a tray.
A lid and tray assembly includes at least two lift tabs and/or indentations at separated but not directly opposing locations about the lid periphery that can be actuated simultaneously or sequentially to provide two distinct locations from which initial disengagements can extend and merge to enable easy removal of the entire lid. Embodiments further include locations that can be pressed while corresponding tabs are lifted. Some embodiments include a peripheral skirt that is short enough to allow a user's fingers to pass beneath and support the tray sidewalls when lifting the tray-lid assembly from a horizontal surface, avoiding any need for the lid engagement to bear the weight of the tray and its contents. Lid-tray engagement can be by means of inserting a lid peripheral rim into a tray lip groove, or by engaging a lid rim undercut with a tray lip undercut.
A lid for a drinking cup enables drinking while inhibiting splashing and spilling. The lid features a drinking spout having an outer wall, an inner wall and a top wall. A dispensing well formed in the spout includes a bottom wall, two end walls, and at least two opposed sidewall openings. Nearly all vertical beverage splashes impinge upon the underside of the bottom wall, while the opposed openings allow splashes entering the dispensing well to be drained through the opposite opening. A plurality of vent holes can be provided to allow air to enter the cup as beverage is consumed. Vent holes near the dispensing well can be blocked during drinking, when the cup is full and the beverage is hot, but unblocked as the beverage cools and is consumed. Interior baffle walls around the dispensing well can inhibit swirling or laterally-splashing beverage from entering the dispensing well.
B65D 47/06 - Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubesClosures with discharging devices other than pumps with discharge nozzles or passages
B65D 47/32 - Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with means for venting
67.
TWO-PIECE SPLASH AND SPILL RESISTANT LID ASSEMBLY AND METHOD THEREFOR
A 2-piece disposable lid assembly for a drinking cup enables unhindered drinking while inhibiting splashing and spilling. The assembly includes a dispensing well formed in a drinking spout, and a flat insert supported by a plurality of baffles within the spout so as to form a horizontal channel through which beverage flows in a circuitous path around the baffles and into the dispensing well. A plurality of vent holes can allow air to enter the cup as beverage is consumed. Vent holes located near the dispensing well can be blocked during drinking when the cup is full and the beverage is hot, but unblocked as the beverage cools and is consumed. Embodiments of the lid can also be used separately as a low-cost, 1-piece lid that reduces splashing. The flat insert is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and installation of the insert in the lid can be automated.
B65D 47/06 - Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubesClosures with discharging devices other than pumps with discharge nozzles or passages
B65D 47/32 - Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with means for venting
68.
Lid featuring improved splash and spill resistance and ease of flow
A lid for a drinking cup enables drinking while inhibiting splashing and spilling. The lid features a drinking spout having an outer wall, an inner wall and a top wall. A dispensing well formed in the spout includes a bottom wall, two end walls, and at least two opposed sidewall openings. Nearly all vertical beverage splashes impinge upon the underside of the bottom wall, while the opposed openings allow splashes entering the dispensing well to be drained through the opposite opening. A plurality of vent holes can be provided to allow air to enter the cup as beverage is consumed. Vent holes near the dispensing well can be blocked during drinking, when the cup is full and the beverage is hot, but unblocked as the beverage cools and is consumed. Interior baffle walls around the dispensing well can inhibit swirling or laterally-splashing beverage from entering the dispensing well.
21 - HouseHold or kitchen utensils, containers and materials; glassware; porcelain; earthenware
Goods & Services
(1) Spoons; forks; cutlery, namely, spoons and forks; tableware, namely, spoons and forks; cake cutters; spreader in the nature of a small knife for butter or cheese; muddlers; cocktail forks; shellfish openers;
(2) Beverage stirrers; Cocktail stirrers; Cocktail picks; coffee stirrers; pitcher stirrers; cocktail picks; bar toothpicks; sandwich toothpicks; tooth picks; mixing spoons; chopsticks; utensils, namely, seafood utensils, serving tongs, and salad tongs; cake servers; pie servers; Steak markers in the nature of cooking skewers to indicate doneness of a piece of meat
21 - HouseHold or kitchen utensils, containers and materials; glassware; porcelain; earthenware
Goods & Services
Spoons; forks; cutlery, namely, spoons and forks; tableware, namely, spoons and forks; cake cutters; spreader in the nature of a small knife for butter or cheese; muddlers; cocktail forks; shellfish openers Beverage stirrers; Cocktail stirrers; Cocktail picks; coffee stirrers; pitcher stirrers; cocktail picks; bar toothpicks; sandwich toothpicks; tooth picks; mixing spoons; chopsticks; utensils, namely, seafood utensils, serving tongs, and salad tongs; cake servers; pie servers; Steak markers in the nature of cooking skewers to indicate doneness of a piece of meat
16 - Paper, cardboard and goods made from these materials
21 - HouseHold or kitchen utensils, containers and materials; glassware; porcelain; earthenware
Goods & Services
Plastic cutlery; plastic tableware, namely, knives, forks and spoons; place setting, namely, disposable place setting kits comprised of flatware and also including napkins Paper napkins; air-laid paper napkins Disposable plastic dinnerware, namely, disposable plastic cups, mugs, swizzle sticks, faux stemware and tumblers for use as drinkware; disposable plastic cups; disposable plastic drinkware; disposable plastic serving trays; disposable plastic servingware, namely, serving trays, serving forks, serving spoons and serving tongs; Dinnerware kits, namely, disposable drink kits comprising cups or mugs and swizzle sticks; cocktail sets namely, disposable cocktail party kits comprised of cups and swizzle sticks; cocktail sets, namely, disposable cocktail party kits comprised of cups and swizzle sticks and also including napkins; disposable plastic cups, namely, disposable plastic champagne flutes, stemless flutes, stemless glasses, wine glasses and tumblers
A lid for a drinking cup enables drinking while inhibiting splashing and spilling. The lid features a dispensing well formed in a drinking spout. The dispensing well includes a plurality of openings in a sidewall proximate a spout front wall. All direct liquid paths out of the cup are substantially blocked. A plurality of baffles around the openings direct beverage flow in a plurality of channels before the beverage reaches the dispensing well. Beverage splashes larger than the channels are deflected or broken up, before passing through. The placement of the openings directs splashed liquid away from the user. A plurality of vent holes is provided to allow air to enter the cup as beverage is consumed. Vent holes located near the dispensing well can be blocked during drinking when the cup is full and the beverage is hot, but unblocked as the beverage cools and is consumed.
A lid for a drinking cup enables drinking while inhibiting splashing and spilling. The lid features a dispensing well formed in a drinking spout. The dispensing well includes a plurality of openings in a sidewall proximate a spout front wall. All direct liquid paths out of the cup are substantially blocked. A plurality of baffles around the openings direct beverage flow in a plurality of channels before the beverage reaches the dispensing well. Beverage splashes larger than the channels are deflected or broken up, before passing through. The placement of the openings directs splashed liquid away from the user. A plurality of vent holes is provided to allow air to enter the cup as beverage is consumed. Vent holes located near the dispensing well can be blocked during drinking when the cup is full and the beverage is hot, but unblocked as the beverage cools and is consumed.
B65D 47/06 - Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubesClosures with discharging devices other than pumps with discharge nozzles or passages
B65D 51/16 - Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas
A lid for a drinking cup enables drinking while inhibiting splashing and spilling. The lid features a dispensing well formed in a drinking spout. The dispensing well includes a plurality of openings in a sidewall proximate a spout front wall. All direct liquid paths out of the cup are substantially blocked. A plurality of baffles around the openings direct beverage flow in a plurality of channels before the beverage reaches the dispensing well. Beverage splashes larger than the channels are deflected or broken up, before passing through. The placement of the openings directs splashed liquid away from the user. A plurality of vent holes is provided to allow air to enter the cup as beverage is consumed. Vent holes located near the dispensing well can be blocked during drinking when the cup is full and the beverage is hot, but unblocked as the beverage cools and is consumed.
B65D 47/06 - Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubesClosures with discharging devices other than pumps with discharge nozzles or passages
B65D 51/16 - Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas
A plastic food service article bearing a decorative mark or image and method therefor is disclosed. The method includes providing an article made from a colored plastic such as polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, PET, PLA, ABS, etc., that discolors when irradiated with a laser beam; applying a laser beam to cause localized surface discoloration; and controlling the deflection and amplitude of the beam to form a surface decoration and/or image. In embodiments, the laser is a YAG or Fiber laser, the markings emulate silver or gold or pewter without applying metals, inks, or coatings to the plastic articles. The markings are clearly visible against both light and dark backgrounds, and can be placed in food-contact areas of the articles. The technique can be used for marking customized and personalized designs, images, and photographs on food service articles. Embodiments can be used to decorate plates and/or cutlery.
The present invention provides a method for a customer to interact with a computer system over a computer network for specifying custom decoration of a plastic food service article. A computer-assisted decorating machine then processes the customer input and customizes the food service article according to the customer input. Thereafter, the customized article is delivered to the customer. Creation of customized and/or personalized designs is rendered feasible by providing readymade templates for a variety of events and occasions. In embodiments, the computer-assisted decorating machine is a laser marking system, and the food service articles are made from a plastic material that discolors when irradiated with a laser beam. The markings can emulate silver, gold, or pewter without applying metals, inks, or coatings to the plastic articles, and laser marked plate products can resemble decorated china plates or other permanent ware articles.
A device for dispensing cutlery utensils individually, having a housing containing a quantity of utensils with the housing having sides and product guides within. The front wall contains an opposing leaf escapement mechanism connected to it, to hold and singulate the utensils such that they dispense seriatim, without a user being required to physically touch or interface with any part of dispenser other than the actual desired utensil.
A lid is reliably engagable with a tray while being easily releasable without disturbing tray contents and without undue lid stress. At least two lift tabs or indentations are provided at separated locations about the lid periphery, thereby providing two distinct initial disengagement locations and overcoming any tendency of the elastic lid to reactively grip the tray when disengagement is initiated. Initial disengagement at the two locations thereby enables easy removal of the entire lid. Lid release can require simultaneous and/or sequential actuation of tabs and/or indentations. Embodiments further include locations that can be pressed while corresponding tabs are lifted. Some embodiments include a peripheral skirt that is short enough to allow a user's fingers to pass beneath and support the tray sidewalls when lifting the tray-lid assembly from a horizontal surface, avoiding any need for the lid engagement to bear the weight of the tray and its contents.
A one-piece disposable cup lid enables drinking while inhibiting splashing and spilling by blocking straight-line paths through the lid and dispensing beverage through a well. A drinking spout can include a well having a sidewall, a bottom and a penetration into the cup, or a sloping lid section can intersect a raised rim to create a well therebetween, with a penetration in the sloping section or the rim configured to block straight-line paths, for example by upwardly hinging of a flap or depressing half of a split, convex bubble. Embodiments include baffles that force a beverage to flow through a convoluted path and/or through chambers before being consumed. Baffles can be formed in place, or by hinged movement of flaps after forming. Textures and/or protruding structures can intercept, direct, and/or influence surface tension as beverage flows across surfaces. Vent hole sizes and locations can further limit flow and spilling.
Food service tongs and a mold and method for making them, the tongs having first and second arms connected to a fulcrum end, and first and second grasping ends on the arms disposed in a mutually opposing and spaced-apart relationship and moveable in a common plane to a closed position for grasping food there between, and a transverse bridge disposed proximate to the fulcrum end and extending from the first arm to the second arm, with a longitudinal rib extending from the transverse bridge to the fulcrum end, the flow path through the longitudinal rib section of the mold resulting in reduction or displacement of fault lines caused by abutting flow fronts during mold filling. Articles of the invention can be coated with a thin metallic layer to impart a metal-like appearance to these articles.
A lid having a reclosable spout for providing a reclosable drink-through opening therewithin, for use with disposable drinking cups. The lid comprises a reclosable tab, an integral hinge and a sealing edge wherein the reclosable tab may be moved about the integral hinge to an open position by pulling the reclosable tab away from the sealing edge; or to a closed position by pushing the reclosable tab against the sealing edge. The reclosable tab, in its open position, defines a drink-through opening in the lid through which a user can consume a beverage from the drinking-cup without removing the lid. In its closed position, the reclosable tab is adapted to close the drink-through opening in a leak-resistant manner. The reclosable spout of the present invention can be employed on a variety of lids and containers for facilitating drinking, dispensing, or pouring therefrom.
