Abstract:
An apparatus for marinating foods; the flavor dispensing system is used to improve the ease, convenience and reliability of dispensing flavorings into comestibles. The device is a flexible container with marinade or other fluid stored within the flexible container, and a dispensing needle suitable for injection dispensing. The container assembly serves to safely store the dispensing needle within the confines of the flexible container during non-use periods. The flexible container is able to be sealed to promote content longevity in store-shelf life.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/955,799, filed Mar. 20, 2014 which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0002]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d). 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
       1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention relates generally to the field of dispensing containers and more specifically relates to flavor dispensing systems. 
       2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
       [0005]    Marination is the process of soaking comestibles in a seasoned, often acidic, liquid before cooking. Marination originally alluded to the use of brine in the pickling process, which led to the technique of adding flavor by immersion in liquid. The liquid in question, the ‘marinade’, can be either acidic (made with ingredients such as vinegar, lemon juice, or wine) or enzymatic (made with ingredients such as pineapple, papaya or kiwifruit). In addition to these ingredients, a marinade often contains oils, herbs, and spices to further flavor the food items. Marination is commonly used to flavor foods and to tenderize tougher cuts of meat and to add ‘juiciness’ to lean cuts of meat; lean cuts are desirable in that they are healthier to consume. The process may last seconds or days. Different marinades are used in different cuisines. Flavorful and juicy foods are desirable to eat. 
         [0006]    Raw red meat, fish, and chicken however may contain harmful bacteria which may contaminate the marinade if soaked therein. Marinating may be done in the refrigerator to inhibit bacterial growth; this may clutter refrigerators or create cross-contamination. The container used for marinating should be glass or food safe plastic. Metal, including pottery glazes which can contain lead, reacts with the acid in the marinade and should be avoided. To avoid these above-mentioned problems some individuals may use syringes to inject marinade into the flesh of the meat to obtain better results. This may be inconvenient and messy since the marinade is not easily poured into the syringe. A neat and efficient means for marinating is desirable; one that does not introduce bacteria to the comestible and is readily sellable to the public at large. 
         [0007]    Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,368, U.S. Design Pat. No. D470,755; and U.S. Pub. No. 2007/0029334. This art is representative of dispensing containers. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. 
         [0008]    Ideally, a flavor dispensing system should provide convenient dispensing means and, yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable flavor dispensing system to avoid the above-mentioned problems. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known dispensing container art, the present invention provides a novel flavor dispensing system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide a user-friendly and safe means for dispensing liquid products for flavoring into comestibles. 
         [0010]    A flavor dispensing system is disclosed herein, in a preferred embodiment, comprising: a container assembly having a flexible container having a front sidewall, a rear sidewall (both joined about an edge), a bottom end (with a bottom edge), a top end (with a top edge), an inner volume, and a spout assembly; a protective tube insert (having a first end with a first aperture, a second end, and an interior volume); a dispensing needle (having a distal end, a proximate end, a length, and at least one flow-aperture); and a cap with a top-hole; wherein the flavor dispensing system comprises the container assembly. Ingredients lists and products logos may be printed or otherwise affixed to the front sidewall and rear sidewall. 
         [0011]    The container assembly comprises in functional combination the flexible container, the protective tube insert, the dispensing needle, and the cap with the top-hole. The flexible container is defined by the front sidewall, the rear sidewall, the bottom end and the top end, enclosing the inner volume suitable for holding a viscous fluid such as marinade. A seam (formed during manufacturing through heat or adhesion processes) causes the front sidewall, the rear sidewall, the bottom end, the top end to form the flexible container in a cost-effective manner of manufacture and permits easy filling of contents along the product filling line. The flexible container comprises a pillow-profile in this particular embodiment preferably with a heat-seamed periphery edge that is efficient to ship, store and display. 
         [0012]    For one mode of display the bottom end of the flexible container comprises a hanging aperture for display-hanging of the container assemblies; a sombrero-hole (or round hole) suitable for a hook-hanger to pass therethrough such as those used on aisle-ends in supermarkets. The present invention is also designed such that multiple bags can be sequentially stacked vertically in a row in a box that may be opened and set on a store shelf. 
         [0013]    Referring now again to the flexible container for use; the inner volume of the flexible container is accessible via the spout assembly for filling; the cap is removably coupleable to the spout assembly after the protective tube insert and dispensing needle have been inserted into the spout assembly. The container assembly, as such, is sealed after filling ready to be shipped. 
         [0014]    The container assembly is disposable in preferred embodiments to promote food safety for consumers (limits multiple uses where the food may become contaminated), and convenience of use; the present invention being recyclable so as not to create a substantial environmental footprint. The flexible container preferably comprises foil laminate (and other recyclable materials) but may comprise other materials as per the relative acidity of contents stored therein. Certain embodiments may comprise insulation means. The flexible container comprises a flat-profile (before liquid is introduced to the inner volume and after the viscous fluid is entirely dispensed therefrom), thus is easy to ship and store. The flexible container may be stored in a flat position or stood vertically when filled. 
         [0015]    The protective tube insert comprises the first end with the first aperture opposing the second end (terminal closed end) thereby defining the interior volume; the interior volume suitably-sized and shaped to receive the dispensing needle to prevent the dispensing needle from puncturing the flexible container. As such, the protective tube insert protects the flexible container from puncture (by the dispensing needle from within) during shipping and storage to minimize liability, injury and loss of product. The protective tube insert preferably comprises a tube-seal for sealing against an inner circumference of the spout assembly to isolate contents of the flexible container from ambient environmental conditions (thereby enabling sealing means). The protective tube insert is removed for marinade dispensing episodes and is able to be placed in again after use for safe disposal. The protective tube insert is designed to have a lip and a stepped profile to promote sealing and seals being mounted thereon. 
         [0016]    Referring now to the dispensing needle; the dispensing needle is defined by the distal end and the proximate end; the length located between the distal end and the proximate end; the at least one flow-aperture located along the length of the dispensing needle such that the viscous fluid can be dispensed therefrom into a comestible, once pierced. Preferably multiple flow-apertures are employed such that the marinade can be evenly dispersed throughout the comestible, not concentrated in one location. The dispensing needle in preferred embodiments comprises an o-ring adjacent the proximate end for sealable coupling to the spout assembly during the marinade dispensing episodes; the spout assembly preferably comprising exterior threads to match interior threads on the cap. Exterior threads and interior threads may be single-, double-, or triple-start threads; other threads or fastening means may be employed. 
         [0017]    The dispensing needle comprises poly-carbonate plastic in preferred embodiments which is sufficiently durable for use and not prone to breakage or splintering in the comestible during piercing and use; plastic dispensing needle is cost-effective and efficient in manufacturing processes. Alternate equivalent materials may be used in the dispensing needle such as ferrous, non-ferrous, alloys, other plastics, composites or the like. Other components may also comprise various materials as per application and contents held within the flexible container. Preferred sizing on dispensing needle is about 3-5 inches in length and less than ¼ inch wide such that the hole is small where piercing occurs and the length such that injection can be done well away from the surface deep into the meat. The dispensing needle may have a stepped proximate end suitable for strength and durability in use and for mounting gaskets/o-rings thereon. The dispensing needle preferably comprises a pierce-end that is solid and pointed for ease of injecting into the comestable. 
         [0018]    The inner volume is structurally functional for preservedly-containing the viscous fluid able to be dispensed from the inner volume of the flexible container via the dispensing needle (through the spout). The inner volume is sealed (using at least two seals) to isolate the viscous fluid from an ambient environment so as to preserve the viscous fluid in a palatable state; wherein the viscous fluid comprises a marinade or the like. 
         [0019]    The spout assembly is structured and arranged such that when the cap is coupled to the spout assembly a ninety degree corner is provided at an intersection of the top end and at least one side-end such that the container assembly is able to be set in a display box for convenient shelf-display in a stable up-right standing position while on display. This feature provides good options for the commercial seller of the product to maximize use of available shelf-space. The flexible container is not intended to be free-standing, but may be vertically stood with confines of a box or tray for display and alternately may be hung freely via a peg or hook, as desired. Other versions may be free-standing. During non-use stored durations the viscous fluid is able to be safely and sealingly stored within the bag container; during use the viscous fluid is able to travel from the inner volume of the bag, through the spout, into the dispensing needle through an aperture-channel running inside and along the length of the dispensing needle (between the distal end and the proximate end); the viscous fluid able to egress from near the distal end into a comestible in such fashion. The distal end is closed to a pierce-point; fluid is not able to travel out the end and meat flesh or vegetable flesh is not able to clog the distal end during piercing and subsequent use. 
         [0020]    The spout assembly receives (in series modular configuration) the protective tube insert, the dispensing needle, and the cap, respectively. The cap may comprise a grip outer surface, a tamper-indicator-lip and a stick-on cover-seal for closing off the top-hole (until ready for use wherein the dispensing needle is passed through the top-hole of the cap). The protective tube insert is able to be removed from the spout assembly for use, the dispensing needle able to be removed from the protective tube insert and turned (180 degrees) for insertion (pointed distal end first) through the top-hole of the cap; the cap and the dispensing needle in combination able to be reconnected to the spout assembly for piercing the comestible and dispensing the viscous fluid via squeezing the flexible container. As such a user, during an in-use condition, is able to squeeze-dispense the viscous fluid into the comestible to provide user-induced flavoring and moistening therein. 
         [0021]    Certain embodiments may also have an integral bag/spout/needle assembly; wherein the bag may for example have a pull-out spout with a needle that is integral with the bag (pouch). Other variations are envisioned such as those having and bag/spout/needle assembly wherein the spout/needle is folded down adjacent the bag and manipulated accordingly for use. Valves and other sealing means may be used. 
         [0022]    Flexible container may have about 4 oz capacity for use with ribs and chicken, but other flexible containers with larger capacity, 8 oz may be used with larger (and/or tougher/leaner) cuts of meat. The present invention may find use for example with margarita bag injection means, wine injection means, etc. Certain embodiments may have a 2-part bag wherein the inside of the comestible may be flavored and another attached bag that may be used for the favoring and tenderizing of the outside of the comestible. 
         [0023]    The inner volume is structurally functional for preservedly-containing a viscous fluid (as sealed) able to be dispensed from the inner volume of the flexible container via the dispensing tube (when unsealed); wherein the distal end of the dispensing tube preferably comprises a pierce-end (likened to that of a needle/syringe). The dispensing needle preferably may comprise rigid plastic or other suitable equivalent material that is able to not bend significantly when piercing comestibles such as meat or vegetables, fruits, or the like. 
         [0024]    The inner volume is sealed to isolate the viscous fluid (such as marinade or salad dressing mixtures or alcohol) from the ambient environment so as to preserve the viscous fluid in a stable palatable state. The viscous fluid for example may comprise a marinade, as previously mentioned and the comestible may comprise a meat. The comestible is not frozen (when being injected), such that it is semi-porous for fluid to enter therein for flavoring and tenderizing, moistening means. Use of the present invention is user-friendly and does not employ a great deal of time or expertise. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of marinating as described herein, methods and ingredients of marinades will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art. 
         [0025]    The flexible container is able to contain the viscous fluid in a room-temperature environment because the flexible container comprises a vacuum-sealable pouch. This feature provides that the marinade or other contents may not need to have preservatives incorporated into the solution (recipe). The container assembly is recyclable; the flexible container preferably comprises foil laminate; wherein the flexible container comprises a flat-profile when the viscous fluid is entirely dispensed therefrom such that it is convenient and efficient for shipping and storing prior to filling with liquid contents. This profile provides that when being recycled it doesn&#39;t require a large amount of space for storage. 
         [0026]    Medical applications may be envisioned such as for use in insulin dispensing and bee sting kits. Other general medical and non-medical applications are envisioned. Pet injections for medicine may also be performed using the present invention. 
         [0027]    A kit is described for use and sale including: a plurality of the container assemblies each comprising the marinade, and a set of user-preparation instructions. Displaying, and cooking instructions may also be included, as well as safe disposal thereof. Cook books and the like may also be included. Combination flavor packs or the like may be sold. 
         [0028]    A method of using a flavor dispensing system is also disclosed herein comprising the steps of: removing a cap from a coupled relationship with a spout assembly on a flexible container, removing a dispensing needle from a protective tube insert, removing the protective tube insert from the spout assembly, inserting the dispensing needle through a top-hole in the cap, coupling the dispensing needle and the cap in combination to the spout assembly, piercing a comestible with a distal end of the dispensing needle, and squeeze-dispensing a viscous fluid (marinade or the like) through the dispensing needle into the comestible. The method may further comprise the step of removing a stick-on cover-seal from over the top-hole in the cap (used for sealing). The method may further comprise the step of rolling the flexible container sequentially as the marinade is dispersed into the comestible (to allow complete evacuation). 
         [0029]    When injecting, the user should be patient. The mix (viscous fluid) should be injected slowly and evenly. The goal being to push the marinade into the muscle fibers of the meat. The meat must be allowed sufficient time to absorb the mixture, and use of a firm, even pressure is desirable. Dispensing needle (injector) may be plastic, stainless steel or may comprise other materials. The dispensing tube may be side-mounted in alternate embodiments; the dispensing tube because of its length is able to penetrate deep into the meat and when removed the hole (because of the small diameter of the needle of less than ¼ inch) folds in again to retain the flavoring within, especially as the meat cooks; the hole is quickly resealed because of its small diameter. 
         [0030]    The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a flavor dispensing system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0031]    The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, flavor dispensing systems, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view illustrating a flavor dispensing system in an in-use condition marinating a comestible according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 2A  is a front view illustrating a container assembly of the flavor dispensing system with marinade packaged therein according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 2B  is a front view illustrating the container assembly of the flavor dispensing system ready for use in dispensing of the marinade packaged therein according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1 and 2A . 
           [0035]      FIG. 3A  is an exploded view illustrating the container assembly (as would be assembled after being filled with the marinade) according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 3B  is an exploded view illustrating the container assembly (as to be assembled ready for dispensing marinade) according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 4A  is a front view illustrating the container assembly as boxed for display according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective view illustrating the container assembly as hung on a peg for display according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a method of use for the flavor dispensing system according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4B . 
       
    
    
       [0040]    The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0041]    As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a dispensing means and more particularly to a flavor dispensing system as used to improve the ease and reliability of dispensing flavorings into comestibles. 
         [0042]    Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in  FIGS. 1-4B , flavor dispensing system  100  comprising: container assembly  110  (having flexible container  120  having front sidewall  122 , rear sidewall  124 , bottom end  126 , top end  128 , inner volume  130 , and spout assembly  140 ); protective tube insert  150  (having first end  152  with first aperture  154 , second end  156 , and interior volume  158 ); dispensing needle  160  (having distal end  162 , proximate end  164 , length  166 , and at least one flow-aperture  168 ); and cap  170  with top-hole  172 ; wherein flavor dispensing system  100  comprises container assembly  110 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 2A  is a front view illustrating container assembly  110  of flavor dispensing system  100  with marinade (viscous fluid  104 ) packaged therein according to an embodiment of the present invention. Container assembly  110  comprises in functional combination flexible container  120 , protective tube insert  150 , dispensing needle  160 , and cap  170  with top-hole  172 ; wherein flexible container  120  is defined by front sidewall  122 , rear sidewall  124 , bottom end  126  and top end  128 , enclosing inner volume  130  suitable for holding a viscous fluid  104 . Flexible container  120  of flavor dispensing system  100  comprises a pillow-profile with a heat-seamed periphery edge. Flexible container  120  comprises foil laminate in preferred embodiments; flexible container  120  comprises a flat-profile when viscous fluid  104  is entirely dispensed therefrom. 
         [0044]    Seam  132  causes front sidewall  122 , rear sidewall  124 , bottom end  126 , top end  128  to form flexible container  120 ; wherein inner volume  130  of flexible container  120  is accessible via spout assembly  140 ; cap  170  removably coupleable to spout assembly  140 . Protective tube insert  150  comprises first end  152  with first aperture  154  opposing second end  156  defining interior volume  158 ; interior volume  158  suitably-sized to receive dispensing needle  160  to prevent dispensing needle  160  from puncturing flexible container  120 . Protective tube insert  150  preferably comprises tube-seal  148  for sealing against inner circumference  142  of spout assembly  140  to isolate contents (viscous fluid  104 ) of flexible container  120  from ambient environmental conditions. Protective tube insert  150  protects flexible container  120  from puncture by dispensing needle  160  during shipping and storage; protective tube insert  150  is removed for the marinade dispensing episodes. Those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that upon reading this specification and by their understanding the art of sealing as described herein, methods of sealing via gaskets or the like will be understood by those knowledgeable in such art. 
         [0045]    Dispensing needle  160  is defined by distal end  162  and proximate end  164 ; length  166  located between distal end  162  and proximate end  164 , the at least one flow-aperture  168  located along length  166  of dispensing needle  160  such that viscous fluid  104  can be dispensed therefrom into at least one comestible  106 . Dispensing needle  160  comprises poly-carbonate plastic in preferred embodiments. Other embodiments may comprise other materials. Dispensing needle  160  preferably comprises o-ring  163  (or other suitably equivalent sealing means) adjacent proximate end  164  for sealable coupling to spout assembly  140  during marinade dispensing episodes, as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0046]    Inner volume  130  is structurally functional for preservedly-storing viscous fluid  104  (organic or other) able to be dispensed from inner volume  130  of flexible container  120  via dispensing needle  160 ; wherein inner volume  130  is sealed to isolate viscous fluid  104  from an ambient environment so as to preserve viscous fluid  104  in a palatable state safe for consumption. Viscous fluid  104  is able to travel as a liquid through aperture-channel  167  running inside and along length  166  of dispensing needle  160  between distal end  162  and proximate end  164 ; viscous fluid  104  able to egress from flow-aperture(s)  168  located near distal end  162  into comestible  106 .  FIG. 2B  shows a front view illustrating container assembly  110  of flavor dispensing systems  100  ready for use in dispensing of the marinade packaged therein according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1 and 2A . 
         [0047]    Referring now to  FIG. 3A , an exploded view illustrating container assembly  110  (as would be assembled after being filled with the marinade) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Spout assembly  140 , as designed, receives in series protective tube insert  150 , dispensing needle  160 , and cap  170 . Protective tube insert  150  is able to be removed from spout assembly  140 ; dispensing needle  160  able to be removed from protective tube insert  150  and turned for insertion through top-hole  172  of cap  170 ; cap  170  and dispensing needle  160  in combination able to be reconnected (threadingly coupled) to spout assembly  140  for piercing comestible  106  and dispensing viscous fluid  104  via squeezing flexible container  120 , as shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 1  shows a user, during an in-use condition being able to squeeze-dispense viscous fluid  104  into comestible  106  to provide user-induced flavoring therein. 
         [0048]      FIG. 3B  shows an exploded view illustrating container assembly  110  (as to be assembled ready for dispensing marinade) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Cap  170  may comprise grip outer surface  174 , tamper-indicator-lip  176  and stick-on cover-seal  178  for closing off top-hole  172  until ready for use wherein dispensing needle  160  is passed through top-hole  172  of cap  170 . 
         [0049]    Referring now again to spout assembly  140 ;  FIG. 4A  shows a front view illustrating container assembly  110  as boxed for display according to an embodiment of the present invention. Spout assembly  140  is structured and arranged such that when cap  170  is coupled to spout assembly  140  a ninety degree corner is provided at an intersection of top end  128  and a side-end such that container assembly  110  is able to be set in display box  180  for shelf-display in an up-right standing position (top-edge down, as shown) while on display. It should be understood that viscous fluid  104  as disclosed herein may comprise a marinade or other liquid or semi-liquid product. Container assembly  110  is disposable in preferred embodiments; alternate embodiments may be suitable for re-use. 
         [0050]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective view illustrating container assembly  110  as hung on peg  190  for display according to an embodiment of the present invention. Bottom end  126  of flexible container  120  comprises hanging aperture  134  for display-hanging of the container assemblies  110 . Hanging aperture  134  in preferred embodiments may comprise sombrero-hole  136  suitable for hook-hanger  192  to pass therethrough. Hanging aperture  134  may comprise a round-hole (not shown) suitable for a hook-hanger  192  to pass therethrough in alternate embodiments. 
         [0051]    A kit for sale may include: a plurality of the container assemblies  110  each comprising the marinade, and a set of user-preparation (pre-cooking) instructions. Cook books and the like may also be included. Displaying, and cooking instructions may also be included, as well as safe disposal thereof. The kit has instructions such that functional relationships are detailed in relation to the structure of the invention (such that the invention can be used, maintained, or the like in a preferred manner). Flavor dispensing system  100  may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different color combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0052]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart  550  illustrating method of use  500  for flavor dispensing system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4B . 
         [0053]    A method of using (method of use  500 ) for flavor dispensing system  100  comprises the steps of: step one  501  removing cap  170  from a coupled relationship with spout assembly  140  on flexible container  120 , step two  502  removing dispensing needle  160  from protective tube insert  150 , step three  503  removing protective tube insert  150  from spout assembly  140 , step four  504  inserting dispensing needle  160  through top-hole  172  in cap  170 , step five  505  coupling dispensing needle  160  and cap  170  in combination to spout assembly  140 , step six  506  piercing comestible  106  with distal end  162  of dispensing needle  160 , step seven  507  and squeeze-dispensing viscous fluid  104  (marinade or the like) through dispensing needle  160  into comestible  106  from inner volume  130  of flexible container  120 . The method  500  may further comprise the step eight  508  of removing stick-on cover-seal  178  from over top-hole  172  in cap  170  (used for sealing) before step four  504 . The method  500  may further comprise the step nine  509  of rolling flexible container  120  sequentially as the marinade (viscous fluid  104 ) is dispersed into comestible  106  (to allow complete evacuation). 
         [0054]    It should be noted that step  509  is an optional step and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method  500  are illustrated using dotted lines in  FIG. 5  so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method  500 . 
         [0055]    It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶ 6. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0056]    The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.