Edible, biodegradable food and beverage container

Abstract

An edible, biodegradable container that includes an edible or biodegradable sealant preventing liquids or moisture from foods or beverages stored therein from being absorbed into the container is disclosed. The sealant allows the edible container to contain liquids, even when the liquids are stored for extended periods of time within the container. The sealant may be applied to the interior of the container only, or may be applied to the entire container. The edible container may be configured in any size and shape to hold a plurality of different foods or beverages such as cups, mugs, shot glasses, bowls, or bottles. The edible container may be formed with high side walls, allowing it to hold a beverage and used like a traditional drinking cup or mug. The edible container is configured to be eaten during or after consumption of the food or liquid stored therein.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 708,676, filed on Oct. 2, 2012, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present application relates to an edible container, and more particularly to an edible, biodegradable container configured to hold both food and beverages.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Edible servers for foods are well known in the prior art. These typically comprise a dough based composition that is baked or otherwise cooked to form a hardened shell. Most often, solid foods or pastes are then placed into the edible shell for consumption. For example, ice cream cones have been made of pretzel or dough materials, and pastries have been filled with chocolate. However, these containers can often become soggy or break apart when filled with a liquid for more than a brief period of time. This problem can also occur not just with liquids, but with other foods that introduce moisture...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]The present application is directed to an edible, biodegradable container that includes an edible or biodegradable sealant preventing liquids or moisture from foods or beverages stored therein from being absorbed into the container, even when stored for extended periods of time. The sealant may be applied to the interior of the container only, or may be applied to the entire container. The edible container may be configured in any size and shape to hold a plurality of different foods or beverages such as cups, mugs, shot glasses, bowls, or bottles. The top of the edible container may remain open, or a lid of edible material may be included. The edible container is configured to be eaten during or after consumption of the food or liquid stored therein. In some embodiments, a portion of the food or beverage may be allowed to soak into the edible container over time, adding to the flavor. Seasonings may be used in or on the edible material of the container to enhance flavor as well.

[0009]Using edible, biodegradable materials for food and beverage containers has the added benefit of reducing the amount of plastics used and sent to landfills. In addition, users can enjoy the novelty of drinking or eating out of a container made of edible material, such as a cup made of pretzel.

[0010]The edible, biodegradable container is designed to contain a beverage or food substance and also be eaten, during or after consumption of the food or beverage therein. The container eliminates plastic used for typical beverage containers, and allows for consumption of food in a novel way while drinking.

Problems solved by technology

However, these containers can often become soggy or break apart when filled with a liquid for more than a brief period of time.

This problem can also occur not just with liquids, but with other foods that introduce moisture into the edible container, such as yogurts, jams, and certain cheeses.

Additionally, these prior edible servers typically contain low walls that limit their use.

Because these prior art containers become soggy after absorbing liquid or moisture, they begin to lose their shape and integrity.

Thus, these prior art edible containers are not typically high-walled containers that could be used to hold a beverage.

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