A retention device for a low-structure food item and method of operation for holding a low-structure food, such as a bun-less sandwich, during preparation, holding, and consumption. The retention device comprises a pair of flat panels having spikes arranged on one side. The panels sandwich the food item above and below to provide a border that supports the food item while held and consumed. The panels have spikes on one side that orient towards the food item to penetrate the food item. The spikes maintain lateral stability of the food item during consumption. In operation, the panels press down on the food item from opposing sides, causing the spikes to penetrate the food item.

A system and method for forming reinforced packages. The method can comprise forming an attached web by adhering a construct to a web of material, and moving the attached web in a downstream direction through at least a web edge forming assembly. The moving the attached web can comprise moving the construct with the web of material. The method further can include at least partially forming a folded web by folding at least a portion of the web of material as the attached web moves through the web folding assembly and forming a reinforced package comprising a liner and the construct by separating the liner from a remainder of the folded web. The construct is adhered to the liner.

A system and method for forming reinforced packages. The method can comprise forming an attached web by adhering a construct to a web of material, and moving the attached web in a downstream direction through at least a web edge forming assembly. The moving the attached web can comprise moving the construct with the web of material. The method further can include at least partially forming a folded web by folding at least a portion of the web of material as the attached web moves through the web folding assembly and forming a reinforced package comprising a liner and the construct by separating the liner from a remainder of the folded web. The construct is adhered to the liner.

The application provides a blank for forming a handheld tool. The blank includes an elongated sheet that includes a top surface and a bottom surface, a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, a first side end and a second side end, and a circumferential edge. The circumferential edge includes a rear edge, a front edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge. The elongated sheet also includes at least one upward bending line extending, and a second upward bending segment, and a connecting segment. The elongated sheet also includes a first downward bending line and a second downward bending line.

A biodegradable food service item is disclosed, which includes a biodegradable substrate having at least one food contact surface. This substrate is made of cellulosic fibers. The food service item also includes a coating applied over the at least one food contact surface. This coating is made up of from about 25 to about 60 weight percent of at least one biodegradable polymer, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates. A method for making the biodegradable food service item is also disclosed.

A biodegradable food service item is disclosed, which includes a biodegradable substrate having at least one food contact surface. This substrate is made of cellulosic fibers. The food service item also includes a coating applied over the at least one food contact surface. This coating is made up of from about 25 to about 60 weight percent of at least one biodegradable polymer, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates. A method for making the biodegradable food service item is also disclosed.

A novel food dispensing device is described which includes a tubular container for holding the food to be consumed, a pushing apparatus which fits inside of the container like a piston in a cylinder and is moved upward to push the food out of an opening in the container. This will allow handicapped persons, or other users that only have one free hand to feed themselves, since it only requires a single hand to operate. In alternate embodiments, there is also a beverage container and a tube ending near the container opening, allowing one to drink the beverage from the tube by only having to move his/her head and without the user to physically change positions. Another embodiment, employs multiple dispensers for feeing several people simultaneously.

A roller spreading device for spreading a butter substance over a food product is provided. The device includes a basin structure and a roller member. The basin structure is sized to hold the butter substance for melting therein, the basin structure including a lower floor surface extending with an arcuate structure. The roller member includes a cylindrical outer surface with multiple recesses therein sized to capture the butter substance along the multiple recesses. The roller member, suspended within the basin structure, rotates about an axis such that the roller member rotates through the butter substance pooled along the arcuate structure.

Edible tableware made from a baked dough capable of holding warm liquids for an extended period of time without leakage and a method of making the same. Edible tableware has recently become an area of interest due to a desire to provide more environmentally friendly options for disposable tableware. In disposable tableware, when using paper instead of plastic, the paper that is used to make the disposable tableware is liquid resistant due to a wax or plastic coating. Existing edible tableware has taken a similar approach and uses a heavy sugar glaze as a way of keeping liquids from penetrating into the baked part of the tableware. The use of a sugar glaze is not ideal because an imperfect glazing or too light of a glazing can result in liquid penetrating the baked portion and causing leakage and/or structural failure. Further, the extra sugar contained in the glazing may be undesirable to the consumer. Accordingly, there is a need for edible tableware that does not require a separate glaze for liquid resistance.