An illuminated eating utensil and container system includes a plurality of utensils. Each of the utensils includes a handle that is translucent. A head is attached to a first end of the handle. A light emitter is mounted at a juncture of the head and the handle and is directed towards a second end of the handle. The light emitter illuminates the handle when the light emitter is turned on. A battery is mounted in the head and is electrically coupled to the light emitter.

Trays for food are disclosed. A tray includes a plurality of receptacles, or compartments, for different courses of a meal (e.g., the entre, a vegetable, a fruit, a starch, a dessert, a drink, etc.). Compartments for relatively unhealthful items may be configured to make the portion sizes of those items appear to be larger than they are, while compartments for healthful items may be configured to make the portion sizes of those items appear to be smaller than they are. The tray may also be configured to ensure that healthful items are positioned closest to an individual who is eating from the tray. Methods for presenting food to an individual are also disclosed.

The present disclosure provides a system and method for determining a nutritional value of a food item. The system and method utilizes a food container as a model to adjust various types of distortions that exists in an instant image of the food container that retains the food item. The instant image may be compared to the model image of the food container to correct any distortions. The food container includes a boundary which has a predetermined color. The predetermined color of the boundary can be used to adjust the color configuration of the instant image, thereby increasing the accuracy of the food identification.

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.

There is provided a drinking or eating vessel comprising an inner surface that defines a volume for receiving liquid or solid food and an outer surface that supports a polymeric coating and a decorative layer, wherein the polymeric coating comprises a polymer formed by curing a coating mixture on the outer surface of the drinking or eating vessel, said coating mixture comprising a matting agent, wherein the polymeric coating has an inner surface in contact with the drinking or eating vessel and an outer surface in contact with the decorative layer, and wherein the decorative layer comprises a dry toner image applied to the outer surface of the polymeric coating. Also provided is a corresponding process for producing the drinking or eating vessel.

A serving board is disclosed for supporting an edible product. The serving board comprises a first board defining a lower surface, an upper surface and a first edge. A second board defines a lower surface, an upper surface and a second edge. A spacing layer extends between the lower surface of the first board and the upper surface of the second board. The spacing layer distances the first board from the second board for defining a chamber. An integrated circuit is positioned in the chamber. An electrical power source is positioned in the chamber and electrically coupled to the integrated circuit. An output device electrically is coupled to the integrated circuit for producing a sensatory output. The first board, the second board and the spacing layer are constructed from a biodegradable material.

This product, Edu-Plate, is a paper (or plastic) disposable plate on which a child will eat his/her meal.

It will have a stimulating, and/or historical, or a topical question on the top side, and the answer to the question will be fun, and informative, and will appear on the bottom of the plate.

Edu-Plate is an innovative product geared toward children who are interested in learning interesting new (to them) ideas and facts designed to inspire them, and to open up their imaginations to new concepts to help expand their learning horizons.

An active foodware system senses food characteristics, such as weight, calories, and other nutrition. Dining dishes are removably mated with dish holders supported by a mechanical structure having visual stimulating, sensing, and wireless communication components. A visual stimulating component emits light from a dining dish. The mechanical structure protects the components and circuitry from liquid. The system may include a camera. Other components may provide data processing, auditory and haptic stimuli, wireless power, temperature sensing, and heating of food. Data related to the food is displayed on a visual stimulating component of a computer or mobile communication device, such as a mobile phone or tablet computer. The data may also be sent to the internet. Computer software displays nutrition information on the visual stimulating component, which may be displayed before, during, and/or after dining. Computer software may also provide visual and auditory encouragement for children to eat.

A recycling system for recycling reusable objects comprises one or more separating and receiving apparatuses and at least one recyclable object. The separating and receiving apparatus for separating reusable objects and residual waste comprises: a first receiving container for receiving residual waste; a second receiving container for receiving labeled objects; and a sorting device. The sorting device is designed to detect labeled objects, transfer detected objects to the second receiving container, and transfer other objects to the first receiving container.

A motivational messaging system designed for use with tableware. The system is designed to constantly remind the user at the time of eating to eat less food, eat healthy foods, Push the Plate, and leave some food on the plate. Over time, the constant reminders become habit forming, thereby helping the user achieve their weight loss goal. The system comprises a food plate and at least one motivational image. The at least one motivational image is imprinted on a top surface of the plate, surrounding the food items. One of the motivational images comprises a first message and a direction symbol. Together, the first message and the direction symbol instruct the user to push the plate away in order to avoid overeating. Thus, the motivational messaging system is designed to remind the user to eat slightly less foods and eat nutritious foods by leaving some food on the plate.