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AssigneeE. Khashoggi Industries
InventorsPer J. Andersen, Simon K. Hodson
Estimating the term…
Containers incorporating a hydraulically settable structural matrix including a hydraulically settable binder such as cement for use in the storing, dispensing, and/or packaging of food and beverage products are disclosed. The disposable and nondisposable food and beverage articles of manufacture have high tensile, compressive, and flexural strengths, and are lightweight, insulative (if desired), inexpensive, and more environmentally compatible than those currently used. These disposable containers and cups are particularly useful for dispensing hot and cold food and beverages in the fast food restaurant environment. The structural matrix of the food and beverage containers includes a hydraulic cement paste (formed from the reaction of water with, e.g., a portland-type cement) preferably in combination with a rheology-modifying plasticizer, such as methylhydroxyethylcellulose, various aggregate materials, and fibrous materials, which provide desired properties at a cost which is economical.
An article of manufacture comprising a food or beverage container formed from a hydraulically settable matrix, said matrix including the chemical reaction products of a hydraulically settable mixture comprising water, a rheology-modifying agent, and a hydraulically settable binder selected from the group consisting of portland cement, slag cement, calcium aluminate cement, silicate cement, phosphate cement, high-alumina cement, and magnesium oxychloride cement, the hydraulically settable mixture having a rheology and early green strength during formation of the food or beverage container such that the hydraulically settable mixture is form stable through the removal of water within a period of time less than about 10 minutes after being positioned into a desired shape of the food or beverage container, the hydraulically settable matrix having a density less than about 1.6 g/cm.sup.3, a thickness less than about 5 mm, and a coating on at least a portion thereof.
An article of manufacture as defined in claim, 1, wherein the hydraulically settable matrix of the container is form stable in a period of time less than about one minute after being positioned into the desired shape.
An article of manufacture comprising a food or beverage container formed from a hydraulically settable mixture comprising a hydraulically settable binder, water, and a rheology-modifying agent, the hydraulically settable mixture having a rheology and early green strength during formation of the food or beverage container such that the hydraulically settable mixture is form stable through the removal of water from the hydraulically settable mixture within a period of time less than about 10 minutes after being positioned into a desired shape of the food or beverage container, the hydraulically settable matrix having a density less than about 1.6 g/cm.sup.3, a thickness less than about 5 mm, and a coating on at least a portion thereof, the article being in the shape of a box that includes a plurality of walls defining an interior and an opening which permits access to the interior, the box including at least one enclosure that is hingedly attached to a wall and selectively able to at least partially cover the opening.
An article of manufacture comprising a food or beverage container at least a portion formed from a hydraulically settable sheet having a coating thereon, the sheet formed from a hydraulically settable mixture including a hydraulically settable binder, water, fibers, and a rheology-modifying agent, wherein the hydraulically settable sheet is characterized in that it may be bent, folded or rolled with significant mechanical deformation after the sheet has been substantially dried without complete rupture of the sheet, said hydraulically settable sheet having a maximum thickness of about 5 mm.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.