# US 5,705,242 A · Coated food beverage containers made from inorganic aggregates and polysaccharide, protein, or synthetic organic binders

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- Number: US 5,705,242 A
- Document ID: US5705242A
- Status: Granted
- Kind: A
- Application number: 08/476,424
- Filed: 1995-06-07
- Granted: 1998-01-06
- Earliest claimed: 1992-08-11
- Assignees: E. Khashoggi Industries
- Inventors: Per Just Andersen; Simon K. Hodson
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5705242A

## CPC

- B32B 37/144: {using layers with different mechanical or chemical conditions or properties, e.g. layers with different thermal shrinkage, layers under tension during bonding (constructional features for tensioning B32B38/1825)}
- B01F 23/511: {characterised by the composition of the liquids or solids}
- B28B 1/00: Producing shaped {prefabricated} articles from the material (using presses B28B3/00; shaping on moving conveyors B28B5/00; producing tubular articles B28B21/00 {; producing articles with embedded elements B28B23/00})
- B28B 1/52: specially adapted for producing articles from mixtures containing fibres, {e.g. asbestos cement}(by wrapping on to mandrels B28B1/42)
- B28B 3/00: Producing shaped articles from the material by using presses (shaping on moving conveyors B28B5/00); Presses specially adapted therefor (presses in general B30B)
- B28B 3/02: wherein a ram exerts pressure on the material in a moulding space; Ram heads of special form
- B28B 3/126: {on material passing directly between the co-operating rollers}
- B28B 3/20: wherein the material is extruded {(extrusion moulding of plastics B29C48/00)}
- B28B 7/42: for heating or cooling, e.g. steam jackets {, by means of treating agents acting directly on the moulding material}
- B28B 11/00: Apparatus or processes for treating or working the shaped {or preshaped} articles (specially adapted for tubular articles B28B21/92; decoration or surface treatment in general B05, B44; compacting concrete in situ in connection with building E04G21/06; drying F26)
- B28B 11/003: {the shaping of preshaped articles, e.g. by bending (B28B11/08 takes precedence)}
- B28B 11/008: {Blow moulding, e.g. with or without the use of a membrane}
- B28B 13/021: {by fluid pressure acting directly on the material, e.g. using vacuum, air pressure}
- B28B 13/06: Removing the shaped articles from moulds (by means incorporated in, or carried by, the moulds B28B7/10)
- B28B 23/00: Arrangements specially adapted for the production of shaped articles with elements wholly or partly embedded in the moulding material; {Production of reinforced objects}(B28B21/00 takes precedence; in units for prefabricated buildings B28B7/22)
- B28B 23/0081: {Embedding aggregates to obtain particular properties}
- B28B 23/0087: {Lightweight aggregates for making lightweight articles}
- B28C 7/02: Controlling the operation of the mixing
- B29C 43/003: {characterised by the choice of material}
- B29C 43/02: of articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles {(B29C35/0227 takes precedence)}
- B29C 43/22: of articles of indefinite length
- B29C 43/222: {characterised by the shape of the surface}
- B29C 43/24: Calendering
- B29C 43/36: Moulds for making articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
- B29C 43/46: Rollers
- B29C 45/0013: {using fillers dispersed in the moulding material, e.g. metal particles}
- B29C 49/0005: {characterised by the material}
- B29C 49/0411: {Means for defining the wall or layer thickness}
- B29C 51/002: {characterised by the choice of material}
- B29C 51/04: Combined thermoforming and prestretching, e.g. biaxial stretching
- B29C 51/10: Forming by pressure difference, e.g. vacuum
- B29C 53/063: {combined with folding}
- B29C 55/18: by squeezing between surfaces, e.g. rollers
- B29C 67/24: characterised by the choice of material
- B29C 67/242: {Moulding mineral aggregates bonded with resin, e.g. resin concrete (shaping ceramic compositions without binder or water-setting cementitious material B28B; compositions per se C04B)}
- B29C 67/243: {for making articles of definite length}
- B29C 70/50: for producing articles of indefinite length, e.g. prepregs, sheet moulding compounds [SMC] or cross moulding compounds [XMC]
- B29C 71/0009: {using liquids, e.g. solvents, swelling agents (spectacle cases, e.g. for cleaning contact lenses A45C11/04; disinfecting or sterilising contact lenses A61L12/00, using liquid substances A61L2/20; cleaning involving the use of liquid in general B08B3/00; for hydrating contact lenses B29D11/00067)}
- B31D 1/005: {making bottoms or caps}
- B32B 5/02: characterised by structural features of a {fibrous or filamentary} layer {(layer formed of metallic wires B32B15/02; layer formed of natural mineral fibres B32B19/02; layer formed of wood fibres B32B21/02)}
- B32B 13/02: with fibres or particles {being present as additives in the layer}
- B32B 27/04: as impregnant, bonding, or embedding substance {(not used)}
- B32B 27/20: using fillers, pigments, thixotroping agents
- B32B 37/00: Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
- B65D 43/162: {the container, the lid and the hinge being made of one piece (B65D43/161 takes precedence)}
- B65D 65/38: Packaging materials of special type or form
- B65D 65/466: {Bio- or photodegradable packaging materials}
- C04B 14/064: {Silica aerogel}
- C04B 16/02: Cellulosic materials (cellulosic waste materials, e.g. sawdust, rice husks, C04B18/24)
- C04B 20/002: {Hollow or porous granular materials}
- C04B 20/0048: {Fibrous materials}
- C04B 22/04: Metals, e.g. aluminium used as blowing agent
- C04B 24/00: Use of organic materials as active ingredients for mortars, concrete or artificial stone, e.g. plasticisers
- C04B 24/14: Peptides; Proteins; Derivatives thereof
- C04B 24/38: Polysaccharides or derivatives thereof {(C04B24/243 takes precedence)}
- C04B 26/00: Compositions of mortars, concrete or artificial stone, containing only organic binders {, e.g. polymer or resin concrete (mechanical aspects of moulding polymer or resin concrete B29C67/242)}
- C04B 26/02: Macromolecular compounds
- C04B 26/026: {Proteins or derivatives thereof}
- C04B 26/28: Polysaccharides or derivatives thereof
- C04B 26/285: {Cellulose or derivatives thereof (C04B26/24 takes precedence)}
- C04B 28/00: Compositions of mortars, concrete or artificial stone, containing inorganic binders or the reaction product of an inorganic and an organic binder, e.g. polycarboxylate cements
- C04B 28/02: containing hydraulic cements other than calcium sulfates
- C04B 38/0006: {Honeycomb structures (from one or more corrugated sheets by winding or stacking C04B38/0083)}
- C04B 40/00: Processes, in general, for influencing or modifying the properties of mortars, concrete or artificial stone compositions, e.g. their setting or hardening ability (active ingredients C04B22/00 - C04B24/00; hardening of a well-defined composition C04B26/00 - C04B28/00; making porous, cellular or lightening C04B38/00; mechanical aspects B28, e.g. conditioning the materials prior to shaping B28B17/02)
- C04B 40/006: {involving the elimination of excess water from the mixture}
- C08L 1/28: Alkyl ethers
- C08L 1/286: {substituted with acid radicals, e.g. carboxymethyl cellulose [CMC] (C08L1/282 takes precedence)}
- C08L 3/00: Compositions of starch, amylose or amylopectin or of their derivatives or degradation products
- C08L 3/02: Starch; Degradation products thereof, e.g. dextrin
- C08L 5/02: Dextran; Derivatives thereof
- C08L 5/12: {Agar or} agar-agar {, i.e. mixture of agarose and agaropectin}; Derivatives thereof
- C08L 5/14: Hemicellulose; Derivatives thereof
- C08L 89/06: derived from leather or skin {, e.g. gelatin}
- C08L 97/02: Lignocellulosic material, e.g. wood, straw or bagasse {(manufacture of articles made from lignocellulosic material by dry processes B27N)}
- E05D 1/02: made of one piece
- B01F 23/56: {by introducing solids in liquids, e.g. dispersing or dissolving}
- B05C 1/0826: {the work being a web or sheets (B05C1/0804, B05C1/0808, B05C1/0813, B05C1/0817, B05C1/0821, B05C1/10, B05C1/12 take precedence)}
- B05C 1/0834: {the coating roller co-operating with other rollers, e.g. dosing, transfer rollers}
- B05C 3/18: only one side of the work coming into contact with the liquid or other fluent material (B05C3/02 takes precedence)
- B05C 5/0245: {for applying liquid or other fluent material to a moving work of indefinite length, e.g. to a moving web (B05C5/0241, B05C5/0254, B05C5/027, B05C5/0283 take precedence)}
- B29C 43/08: with circular movement {, e.g. mounted on rolls, turntables}
- B29C 49/06: Injection blow-moulding
- B29C 49/0691: {using sheet like material, e.g. sheet blow-moulding from joined sheets}
- B29C 51/08: Deep drawing or matched-mould forming, i.e. using mechanical means only
- B29C 51/082: {by shaping between complementary mould parts}
- B29C 2043/3621: {a plurality of individual elements acting on the material in the same or diferent directions, e.g. making tubular T-joints, profiles}
- B29C 2043/3623: {coupled on a support, e.g. plate}
- B29C 2043/3689: {on a support table, e.g. flat disk-like tables having moulds on the periphery}
- B29C 2049/4608: {Nitrogen}
- B29C 2791/006: Using vacuum
- B29C 2795/007: after shaping
- B29C 2949/0715: the preform having one end closed
- B29K 2001/00: Use of cellulose, modified cellulose or cellulose derivatives, e.g. viscose, as moulding material
- B29K 2003/00: Use of starch or derivatives as moulding material
- B29K 2005/00: Use of polysaccharides or derivatives as moulding material
- B29K 2089/00: Use of proteins, e.g. casein, gelatine or derivatives thereof, as moulding material
- B29K 2105/12: of short lengths, e.g. chopped filaments, staple fibres or bristles
- B29K 2105/16: Fillers
- B29L 2024/00: Articles with hollow walls
- B29L 2031/7132: {Bowls, Cups, Glasses}
- B31B 50/32: in circular paths
- B31B 2105/0022: {Making boxes from tubular webs or blanks, e.g. with separate bottoms, including tube or bottom forming operations}
- B65D 2301/20: made of plastic material
- B65D 2565/385: especially suited for or with means facilitating recycling
- C04B 2111/00129: {Extrudable mixtures}
- C04B 2111/00948: {for the fabrication of containers}
- E05Y 2999/00: Subject-matter not otherwise provided for in this subclass
- Y10T 428/1314: Contains fabric, fiber particle, or filament made of glass, ceramic, or sintered, fused, fired, or calcined metal oxide, or metal carbide or other inorganic compound [e.g., fiber glass, mineral fiber, sand, etc.]
- Y10T 428/1372: Randomly noninterengaged or randomly contacting fibers, filaments, particles, or flakes
- Y10T 428/1376: Foam or porous material containing
- Y10T 428/1379: Contains vapor or gas barrier, polymer derived from vinyl chloride or vinylidene chloride, or polymer containing a vinyl alcohol unit
- Y10T 428/1386: Natural or synthetic rubber or rubber-like compound containing
- Y10T 428/1397: Single layer [continuous layer]
- Y10T 428/249924: Noninterengaged fiber-containing paper-free web or sheet which is not of specified porosity
- Y10T 428/249986: Void-containing component contains also a solid fiber or solid particle
- Y10T 428/269: including synthetic resin or polymer layer or component
- Y10T 428/31971: Of carbohydrate
- B32B: LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B01F: MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING (mixing paints B44D3/06)
- B28B: SHAPING CLAY OR OTHER CERAMIC COMPOSITIONS; SHAPING SLAG; SHAPING MIXTURES CONTAINING CEMENTITIOUS MATERIAL, e.g. PLASTER (foundry moulding B22C; working stone or stone-like material B28D; shaping of substances in a plastic state, in general B29C; making layered products not composed wholly of these substances B32B)
- B28C: PREPARING CLAY; PRODUCING MIXTURES CONTAINING CLAY OR CEMENTITIOUS MATERIAL, e.g. PLASTER (preparing material for foundry moulds B22C5/00)
- B29C: SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING (making preforms B29B11/00; making laminated products by combining previously unconnected layers which become one product whose layers will remain together B32B37/00 - B32B41/00)
- B31D: MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN SUBCLASSES B31B OR B31C (manufacture by dry processes of articles made from particles or fibres consisting of wood or other lignocellulosic or like organic material B27N; making layered products not composed wholly of paper or cardboard B32B; making articles from cellulosic fibrous suspensions, e.g. wood pulp, D21J)
- B65D: CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- C04B: LIME, MAGNESIA; SLAG; CEMENTS; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF, e.g. MORTARS, CONCRETE OR LIKE BUILDING MATERIALS; ARTIFICIAL STONE {(roofing granules E04D7/005)}; CERAMICS (devitrified glass-ceramics C03C10/00); REFRACTORIES; TREATMENT OF NATURAL STONE
- C08L: COMPOSITIONS OF MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS (compositions based on polymerisable monomers C08F, C08G; artificial filaments or fibres D01F; textile treating compositions D06)
- E05D: HINGES OR SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS (pivotal connections in general F16C11/00)
- B05C: APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL (spraying apparatus, atomising apparatus, nozzles B05B; plant for applying liquids or other fluent materials to objects by electrostatic spraying B05B5/08)
- B29K: INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR {MOULDS, } REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29L: INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B31B: MAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER (making wound articles, e.g. wound tubes, B31C; combined making and filling B65B)
- E05Y: INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION

## Abstract

Containers use in the storing, dispensing, packaging, and/or portioning of food and beverage products are disclosed. The disposable and nondisposable food and beverage containers are manufactured from aggregates held together by organic binders in order to be lightweight, insulative, inexpensive, and more environmentally compatible than those currently used for storing, dispensing, packaging, or portioning such products. The food and beverage containers of the present invention are particularly useful for dispensing hot and cold food and beverages in the fast food restaurant environment.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging, or portioning food or beverage products having a structural matrix comprising a substantially homogeneous mixture of aggregate and organic binder reinforced with a fibrous material, the structural matrix formed by removing a substantial quantity of water by evaporation from a hydrated mixture comprising an organic binder selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides, proteins, and mixtures or derivatives thereof, water, a fibrous material, and an inert inorganic aggregate material, wherein after removing a substantial quantity of the water from the hydrated mixture the inorganic aggregate has a concentration of at least about 40% by weight of the structural matrix, wherein the structural matrix of the article of manufacture is in the shape of a container suitable for use with food or beverage products, has a thickness less than about 1 cm, and has a density less than about 1.5 g/cm.sup.3, wherein at least a portion of the surface of the structural matrix includes a coating thereon and wherein the coating renders the structural matrix substantially nonporous.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging, or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 1, wherein the coating on at least a portion of the surface of the article prevents leaching of any material into or out of the structural matrix.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging, or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 1, wherein the coating on at least a portion of the surface of the article renders that portion waterproof.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging, or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 1, wherein the coating is safe for use with food or beverages.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging, or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 1, wherein the coating comprises a material selected from the group consisting of prolamine, melamine, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, sodium silicate, calcium carbonate, polyacrylate, and ceramic.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 1, wherein the organic binder comprises a polysaccharide organic binder comprising a cellulosic material, or a derivative thereof.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 6, wherein the cellulosic material is selected from the group consisting of methylhydroxyethylcelllulose, hydroxyethylmethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxyethyllcellulose, carboxymethylcelllulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylpropylcellulose, and mixtures of derivatives thereof.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 1, wherein the organic binder comprises a polysaccharide organic binder comprising a starch-based material or a derivative thereof.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 8, wherein the starch-based material is selected from the group consisting of an amylopectin, amylose, sea-gel, starch acetates, starch hydroxyethyl ethers, ionic starches, long-chain alkyl starches, dextrins, amine starches, phosphate starches, dialdehyde starches, and mixtures or derivatives thereof.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 1, wherein the organic binder comprises a polysaccharide organic binder selected from the group consisting of alginic acid, phycocolloids, agar, gum arabic, guar gum, locust bean gum, gum karaya, gum tragacanth, and mixtures or derivatives thereof.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 1, wherein the organic binder comprises a protein organic binder selected from the group consisting of prolamine, gelatin, glue, casein, and mixtures or derivatives thereof.

### Claim 12 (depends on 1)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 1, wherein the hydrated mixture further includes a synthetic organic material selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinylmethylether, polyacrylic acids, polyacrylic acid salts, polyvinylacrylic acids, polyvinylacrylic acids, polyvinylacrylic acid salts, polyacrylimides, ethyline oxide polymers, latex and mixtures or derivatives thereof.

### Claim 13 (depends on 1)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 1, wherein the water has a concentration in a range from about 10% to about 80% by volume of the hydrated mixture.

### Claim 14 (depends on 1)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 1, wherein the aggregate material is selected from the group consisting of perlite, vermiculite, exfolliated rock, pumice, lightweight concrete, expanded clay, hollow glass spheres, aerogel, and mixtures thereof.

### Claim 15 (depends on 1)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 1, wherein the structural matrix further includes an elastomeric material which imparts flexibility to the structural matrix.

### Claim 16 (depends on 1)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 1, wherein the aggregate material is selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate, gypsum, sand, gravel, limestone, sandstone, concrete, clay, ceramic, alumina, and mixtures thereof.

### Claim 17 (depends on 1)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 1, wherein the hydrated mixture further includes an organic aggregate material selected from the group consisting of seeds, cork, starch granules, solid gelatin materials, solid agar materials, and mixtures or derivatives thereof.

### Claim 18 (depends on 1)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 1, wherein the aggregate material has a concentration in a range from about 40% to about 75% by weight of the hydrated mixture.

### Claim 19 (depends on 1)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 1, wherein the aggregate material has a concentration in a range from about 45% to about 65% by weight of the hydrated mixture.

### Claim 20 (depends on 1)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 1, wherein the fibrous material includes individual fibers having an aspect ratio greater than about 10:1.

### Claim 21 (depends on 1)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 1, wherein the fibrous material includes individual fibers having an aspect ratio of at least about 100:1.

### Claim 22 (depends on 1)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 1, wherein the fibrous material has a concentration less than about 20% by volume of the hydrated mixture.

### Claim 23 (depends on 1)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 1, wherein the fibrous material has a concentration in a range from about 0.5% to about 10% by volume of the hydrated mixture.

### Claim 24 (depends on 1)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 1, wherein the fibrous material has a concentration in a range from about 1% to about 6% by volume of the hydrated mixture.

### Claim 25 (depends on 1)

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1, wherein the fibrous material is substantially homogeneously dispersed throughout the structural matrix of aggregate and organic binder.

### Claim 26 (depends on 1)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture comprises a cup.

### Claim 27 (depends on 26)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 26, wherein the cup is manufactured for a single-service use.

### Claim 28 (depends on 1)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture comprises a clam-shell container.

### Claim 29 (depends on 28)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 28, wherein the clam-shell container is manufactured for a single-service use.

### Claim 30 (depends on 1)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture comprises a box.

### Claim 31 (depends on 1)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture comprises a plate.

### Claim 32 (depends on 31)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 31, wherein the plate is manufactured for a single-service use.

### Claim 33 (depends on 1)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 1, wherein the article of manufacture comprises a bowl.

### Claim 34 (depends on 1)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 1, wherein the organic binder has a concentration in a range from about 0.25% to about 20% by weight of the hydrated mixture.

### Claim 35 (depends on 1)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 1, wherein the structural matrix has a density less than about 1 g/cm.sup.3.

### Claim 36

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products comprising a structural matrix reinforced with fibers, the structural matrix comprising a substantially homogenous mixture of aggregate and organic binder, the structural matrix formed by removing a substantial quantity of water by evaporation from a hydrated mixture comprising an organic binder selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides, proteins, and mixtures or derivatives thereof, water, an inert inorganic aggregate material, and fibers, wherein after removing a substantial quantity of the water from the hydrated mixture the inorganic aggregate has a concentration greater than about 40% by weight of the structural matrix, wherein the fibers are substantially homogeneously dispersed throughout the structural matrix of aggregate and organic binder, wherein the structural matrix of the article of manufacture is in the shape of a container suitable for use with food or beverage products, has a density of less than about 1.5 g/cm.sup.3, degrades after prolonged exposure to water, and has a thickness less than about 1 cm, wherein at least a portion of the surface of the structural matrix includes a coating thereon.

### Claim 37 (depends on 36)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 36, wherein the hydrated mixture further includes an organic aggregate material selected from the group consisting of seeds, cork, starch granules, solid gelatin material, solid agar-type materials, and mixtures or derivatives thereof.

### Claim 38 (depends on 36)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 36, wherein the fibers have a concentration up to about 20% by volume of the hydrated mixture.

### Claim 39 (depends on 36)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 36, wherein the structural matrix includes a discontinuous-nonagglomerated phase comprising air voids.

### Claim 40 (depends on 36)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 36, wherein the article of manufacture comprises a cup.

### Claim 41 (depends on 36)

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging or portioning food or beverage products as defined in claim 36, wherein the article of manufacture comprises a sandwich container.

### Claim 42

A food or beverage container having a structural matrix comprising a substantially homogeneous mixture of aggregate and organic binder formed by removing a substantial quantity of water by evaporation from a hydrated mixture including water, an organic binder selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides, proteins and mixtures or derivatives thereof, a fibrous material, and an inert inorganic aggregate having a concentration in a range from about 15% to about 70% by weight of the hydrated mixture, wherein the structural matrix of the food or beverage container is suitable for use with food or beverage products, has a density of less than about 1.5 g/cm.sup.3, degrades after prolonged exposure to water, and has a thickness less than about 1 cm, wherein at least a portion of the structural matrix includes a coating.

### Claim 43 (depends on 42)

A food or beverage container as defined in claim 42, wherein the hydrated mixture further includes an organic aggregate material selected from the group consisting of seeds, cork, starch granules, solid gelatin material, solid agar materials, and mixtures or derivatives thereof.

### Claim 44 (depends on 43)

A food or beverage container as defined in claim 43, wherein the organic aggregate material comprises starch granules in the hydrated mixture, and wherein the starch granules are substantially dispersed throughout the structural matrix of aggregate and organic binder in a substantially gelatinized state.

### Claim 45 (depends on 42)

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 42, wherein the structural matrix is substantially porous.

### Claim 46 (depends on 42)

An article of manufacture as defined in claim 42, wherein the structural matrix is substantially nonporous.

### Claim 47

An article of manufacture for storing, dispensing, packaging, or portioning food or beverage products having a structural matrix comprising a substantially homogeneous mixture of aggregate and organic binder, the structural matrix formed by removing a substantial quantity of water by evaporation from a hydrated mixture comprising an organic binder selected from the group consisting of polysaccharide gums, proteins, cellulose-based materials, nonionic starches, and mixtures or derivatives thereof, water, fibers, and an inert inorganic aggregate material, the inorganic aggregate having a concentration in a range from about 15% to about 70% by weight of the hydrated mixture, wherein the structural matrix of the article of manufacture is in the shape of a container suitable for use with food or beverage products, has a thickness less than about 1 cm and has a density less than about 1.5 g/cm.sup.3, and wherein at least a portion of the surface of the structural matrix includes a coating thereon .