System and method for identifying, measuring and analyzing food nutritional values and consumer eating behaviors is disclosed. A food container, having weight sensors and food identification sensors, identifies weight, type, and preparation status of the food item being consumed by the user from the food container. Based on the identified information, the nutritional value of the food item is determined and observed. The food container in communication with the system components may provide the user a recommended meal plan to improve the user's health condition. In addition, the food container issues an alert to the user when the user puts too much, too less, or the right amount of food items in the food container or eats the food items too fast.

The present invention relates to a method for decorating a drinking or eating vessel, the method comprising: a. providing: i. a drinking or eating vessel, wherein the vessel comprises an inner surface that defines a volume for receiving a liquid or a solid food and an outer surface comprising a polymeric coating; and ii. a transfer sheet, wherein the transfer sheet comprises a printed decoration; and iii. a supporting means comprising a recess for receiving the vessel; and b. arranging the vessel within the recess of the supporting means thereby defining a lower portion of the outer surface of the vessel occluded from contact with the transfer sheet and an upper portion of the outer surface of the vessel for contacting the transfer sheet; and contacting the upper portion of the outer surface of the vessel and the supporting means with the transfer sheet under at least a partial vacuum, wherein the printed decoration is transferred from the transfer sheet to the upper portion of the outer surface of the vessel, and wherein the supporting means reduces stretching of the transfer sheet from the upper portion of the outer surface of the vessel to the lower portion of the outer surface of the vessel. Also described are associated uses, an apparatus, and drinking or eating vessels obtainable by the methods of the invention.

According to the invention there is provided a method of connecting a crockery item to a contactless readable electronic information carrier comprising the steps: providing the crockery item, the crockery item comprising a material selected from a group consisting of glass, ceramic and plastic or a combination thereof, applying a carrier layer to a surface of the crockery item, applying the information carrier to a surface of the carrier layer, that is remote from the surface of the crockery item, wherein a base surface of the information carrier is smaller than a surface of the carrier layer, and applying a cover layer of printing ink in such a way that the cover layer at least portion-wise covers a surface of the information carrier, that is remote from the carrier layer, and the surface of the carrier layer, wherein the carrier layer includes a plastically deformable material, wherein application of the information carrier to the carrier layer includes impressing the information carrier into the carrier layer.

An active foodware system includes a visual-stimulating component for displaying information related to a plurality of sensing components, such as load cells, sensing weight of food on respective dining surfaces of supporting dining plates. A mechanical structure supports and positions the dining plates in a constrained relationship to each other, and cavities in the mechanical structure may unattachedly mate with the dining plates. A wireless communication component wirelessly sends weight data to the visual-stimulating component, such as a mobile phone or tablet computer. The system is configured to determine calories of the food, and the system may include a camera for sensing the food or a diner. The visual-stimulating component may display information other than information provided by a scale, and auditory and haptic stimuli may also be provided.

A dishware system may include a dishware item comprising a top and bottom surfaces and used in conjunction with a decorative inlay adhered to a bottom surface of the dishware item that upon use reveals a decorative pattern which can be seen though a top surface of the dishware item. By virtue of applying removable and interchangeable inlays, allows the user to transform the decorative appearance of dishware items.

An active foodware system includes a mechanical structure supporting a food surface recessed in relation to an area surrounding the food surface; a heating component for heating food received by the food surface; a sensing component for maintaining the heating component at a desired temperature; a wireless communication component; and a visual stimulating component responsive to data from the sensing component or the wireless communication component.

A sound emitting bowl assembly capable of holding liquid or solid food where a plurality of light emitting photo diodes and photo sensors are aimed at each other across the top plane of the bowl so that when a spoon breaks the plane of light, a message or melody, that has been pre-recorded and stored below the base of the bowl, automatically plays. Additionally, LED lights located on the outside of the bowl become illuminated as the message or melody is played. The photo diodes, photo sensors and LEDs are mounted on a separate bowl retaining assembly so that the bowl may be removed from the bowl retaining assembly for cleaning purposes and then replaced into the bowl retaining assembly for further use.

A multi-chamber container with an educational function. The multi-chamber container is designed to provide a housing, with a sidewall extending between a bottom wall and a top wall, that can store food or beverage substances therein. The housing includes a primary chamber and at least one secondary chamber. The primary chamber is accessible via a primary opening, while each secondary chamber is individually accessible via a secondary opening. The container provides an educational function in that the primary chamber stores a desired liquid or solid material and the secondary chamber is empty. The primary and secondary openings are Indistinguishable to the consumer until opened from a closed state. The selection of the primary opening corresponds to a correct answer to a question displayed on, or associated with, the container.

A container for storing, displaying, and serving fresh produce that extends the shelf life without refrigeration. The container includes a bottom tray, a slotted tray, a vertical extending wall, a cover, and a light source. The slotted tray sits above and nests within the bottom tray. The vertical wall removably extends from the bottom tray to form a compartment defined by the vertical wall and the bottom and slotted trays for fresh produce. The cover sits on the vertical wall enclosing the compartment. The light source shines light into the compartment.

This invention expands and improves upon the existing art by providing numerous new vehicles whereby decorative inserts are received on or in different surfaces to enhance visual effects. Embodiments of the invention specify one or more regions associated with an article wherein a decorative insert may be interchanged. The region may be a cavity to receive the insert, after which the cavity may be protected with a transparent or translucent cover that may involve a frictional fit, form part of a hinged door, and so forth. Alternatively, if the insert is a fabric or textile containing embroidery, needlepoint of the like, the region may comprise an area with a perimeter conducive to sewing or stitching. Again, the region may or not be protected with a cover of some kind. Specific embodiments include see-through bowls that accept flexible, elongated inserts for side viewing, and wreath holders with multiple degrees of interchangeability.