An automated system and method for manufacturing a cone-shaped food product holder requires the coordinated use of a forming unit, a conveyor unit and a control unit. In their combination, the forming unit rotates a conically-shaped bake form at a constant angular velocity . Simultaneously, the conveyor unit advances a bread dough strip on a conveyor belt at a constant linear velocity v, for deposit of the bread dough strip onto the bake form. In order to account for the conical configuration of the bake form, the actions of the forming unit and the conveyor unit are coordinated by the control unit. Specifically, the control unit moves the conveyor unit with a predetermined rotation relative to the forming unit to form the food product holder on the forming unit for subsequent baking.

An automated system and method for manufacturing a cone-shaped food product holder requires the coordinated use of a forming unit, a conveyor unit and a control unit. In their combination, the forming unit rotates a conically-shaped bake form at a constant angular velocity . Simultaneously, the conveyor unit advances a bread dough strip on a conveyor belt at a constant linear velocity v, for deposit of the bread dough strip onto the bake form. In order to account for the conical configuration of the bake form, the actions of the forming unit and the conveyor unit are coordinated by the control unit. Specifically, the control unit moves the conveyor unit with a predetermined rotation relative to the forming unit to form the food product holder on the forming unit for subsequent baking.

Food service equipment for effectively making a hollowed-out dough product from bread or another dough product is disclosed wherein the hollowed-out dough product can then be used in connection with the housing or containment of salads, soups, hamburgers, sandwiches, desserts, or the like. The hollowed-out dough products are formed from bread or other dough products as a result of being placed atop and compressed downwardly upon a pair of platens. Concomitantly with the formation of the bread or dough products into the desired hollowed-out dough products, the interior portions of the hollowed-out dough products are also toasted by means of the platens which are heated internally. Still further, two hollowed-out dough products are formed at the same time such that, for example, they can be utilized in connection with the serving of hamburgers or sandwiches, which require top and bottom hollowed-out dough products, or alternatively, the two hollowed-out dough products can be utilized to serve a diner a pair of open-face sandwiches, or still further, the serving of multiple salads, soups, desserts, or other foods to multiple diners.

Food service equipment for effectively making a hollowed-out dough product from bread or another dough product is disclosed wherein the hollowed-out dough product can then be used in connection with the housing or containment of salads, soups, hamburgers, sandwiches, desserts, or the like. The hollowed-out dough products are formed from bread or other dough products as a result of being placed atop and compressed downwardly upon a pair of platens. Concomitantly with the formation of the bread or dough products into the desired hollowed-out dough products, the interior portions of the hollowed-out dough products are also toasted by means of the platens which are heated internally. Still further, two hollowed-out dough products are formed at the same time such that, for example, they can be utilized in connection with the serving of hamburgers or sandwiches, which require top and bottom hollowed-out dough products, or alternatively, the two hollowed-out dough products can be utilized to serve a diner a pair of open-face sandwiches, or still further, the serving of multiple salads, soups, desserts, or other foods to multiple diners.

The invention relates to a forming socket of a forming and baking machine for manufacturing of edible, biodegradable containers for hot and cold beverages and food. The forming socket (1) of the forming and baking machine, includes a body (2), in which a mold (3) is mounted, whereby a punch (4) is movably positioned in the mold (3). Between the punch (4) and the mold (3) are installed one or more forming elements, above and/or on the sides of which a production waste area (16) is formed. The forming element (15) is an integral or consisting of two arcs, conical or cylindrical ring.

The invention relates to a forming socket of a forming and baking machine for manufacturing of edible, biodegradable containers for hot and cold beverages and food. The forming socket (1) of the forming and baking machine, includes a body (2), in which a mold (3) is mounted, whereby a punch (4) is movably positioned in the mold (3). Between the punch (4) and the mold (3) are installed one or more forming elements, above and/or on the sides of which a production waste area (16) is formed. The forming element (15) is an integral or consisting of two arcs, conical or cylindrical ring.

A taco shell is produced by applying a plasticizing agent to a base or spine portion of a hard taco shell, such as by targeted spraying, rolling, brushing or dipping of the taco shells, thereby softening the base or spine portion, preferably across a strip width between 4 mm-20 mm. As a result, when the taco shell is bitten, the softened base portion has some hinging flexibility or pliability which reduces the potential for any crack propagation. Therefore, the structural integrity of the hard taco shell can be better maintained while be eaten, resulting in retention of the fillings and less mess. If desired, an anti-migration agent can also be applied to assure containment of the plasticizing agent in the targeted region.

A producing method for a dough for food in which a filling is wrapped with a dough sheet. The producing method includes the steps of: a) thinly extending and baking a dough liquid so as to prepare a thin baked dough; b) winding the thin baked dough around a mold member narrowed toward a tip; c) freezing the thin baked dough wound around the mold member so as to prepare a three-dimensional dough hardened in a manner wound around the mold member; and d) detaching the mold member from the three-dimensional dough. The method can speedily provide food in which a filling is wrapped with a dough sheet such as a crepe.

A producing method for a dough for food in which a filling is wrapped with a dough sheet. The producing method includes the steps of: a) thinly extending and baking a dough liquid so as to prepare a thin baked dough; b) winding the thin baked dough around a mold member narrowed toward a tip; c) freezing the thin baked dough wound around the mold member so as to prepare a three-dimensional dough hardened in a manner wound around the mold member; and d) detaching the mold member from the three-dimensional dough. The method can speedily provide food in which a filling is wrapped with a dough sheet such as a crepe.

The present invention encompasses edible carriers for foods that are soft but still hold a preformed shape. Specifically encompassed are soft shaped tortilla products that can be used to hold food fillings. Exemplary shapes and sizes are provided for the products. Also encompassed are methods of making, packaging, and using the products.