WO2006042393A1

WO2006042393A1 - Method and apparatus for stuffing sandwich buns

Info

Publication number: WO2006042393A1
Application number: PCT/CA2005/001444
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Sylvestre; David Sylvestre; Richard Lachance; Anthony Yaroshak
Original assignee: Stuffers, Inc.
Priority date: 2004-10-22
Filing date: 2005-09-22
Publication date: 2006-04-27
Also published as: CA2484765A1

Abstract

A method for inserting one foodstuff, such as sandwich fixings, into a second foodstuff, such as a bread bun, which includes forming a cavity in the second foodstuff. The first foodstuff is inserted into the cavity by placing the first foodstuff into a resilient sleeve, and inserting the sleeve into the cavity of the second foodstuff. The sleeve is withdrawn while preventing the first foodstuff from exiting the cavity. The sleeve is formed of a curled, flexible sheet of resilient material. For loading, the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet forming the sleeve are held apart and the first foodstuff is placed on a top surface of the sheet. The sheet is then allowed to revert to its relaxed configuration in which longitudinal sections of opposite surfaces of the sheet overlap in abutting relation or longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet abut each other. The resulting foodstuff, such as a sandwich, has a substantially continuous wall of bread maintaining the first foodstuff within the second foodstuff.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STUFFING SANDWICH BUNS

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a method for stuffing a first, filler- type foodstuff into a second, shell-type foodstuff. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for making a sandwich by inserting sandwich fixings such as meat, vegetables, condiments and the like without first slicing open the bun.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Sandwiches such as those made in submarine buns are subject to several annoying characteristics. Typically such buns are elongate and typically are sliced lengthwise and arranged open-faced to insert the various fillings. The bun is either sliced therethrough resulting in two halves or the bun is sliced nearly through leaving a small "hinge" of bread extending lengthwise along one side.

[0003] The insertion of fillings is time consuming and the aesthetics of the results are dependent on the sandwich maker's skill; characteristics include uneven and protruding fillings. Once made, the sandwiches are prone to loss of unstable fillings which fall out or are squeezed out the bun. The patron consuming the sandwich typically must use two hands to control the extrusion of sandwich fillings therefrom. Sauces are particularly prone to dripping out the sandwich, further aggravating the discomfort and inconvenience to the patron.

[0004] For many or all of the above reasons, applicant is not aware of the application of submarine sandwiches in drive-through food service scenarios, due to time required to prepare the sandwich arid also because the patron would need to have a table or other eating area at which to consume such an unpredictable and messy product.

[0005] It appears there is still a need for an improvement to the age-old tradition of sandwich-making.

[0006] U.S. Patent No. 6,599,545 describes a method of stuffing sandwich fixings into a hollowed-out bread bun, which involves placing a plurality of layers of sandwich fixings onto a flexible sheet, manually rolling the flexible sheet into a sleeve with the plurality of layers of sandwich fixings therein, the sleeve having a first and a second open end, inserting the sleeve with the fixings into the cavity of the hollowed- out bread bun, and withdrawing the flexible sheet from the bread bun while preventing the sandwich fixings from exiting the bun.

[0007] U.S. Patent No. 4,703,688 discloses an apparatus for placing a flowable filling material into a bread bun, comprising a tube having a longitudinal slot, an open, pointed front end, a rear end, and a piston normally plugging the rear end of the tube, the piston having a pushing element projecting radially from the tube through the longitudinal slot and being displaceable through the slot. The tube of the apparatus is filled with the filling material and inserted through an opening in an end of the bread bun and into a cavity present in the bread bun, and the pushing element is pressed against the end of the bread bun having the opening as the tube is withdrawn from the bread bun, thereby preventing the filling material from leaving the bread bun.

[0008] No mention is made, however, in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,599,545 and 4,703,688 of using a resilient tube having a pair of longitudinally extending edges, which is formed of a curled, flexible sheet of material that can self-roll into a relaxed, closed configuration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention relates generally to a method for stuffing a first, filler- type foodstuff into a second, shell-type foodstuff. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for making a sandwich by inserting sandwich fixings such as meat, vegetables, condiments and the like without first slicing open the bun.

[0010] The present invention provides a method for stuffing buns, such as submarine buns with sandwich fixings without a need to slice open the bun. The method involves using a flexible, resilient sleeve having a first and a second end, such as a resilient extrusion tube, into which the sandwich fixings have been placed, to insert the sandwich fixings into a hallowed out bun, and subsequently removing the sleeve while preventing the sandwich fixings from exiting the interior of the bun.

[0011] The sleeve may be generally cylindrical in form, is typically formed of a food- grade plastic, and has a flexible wall and a bore. The wall of the sleeve has a longitudinal split along its entire length forming a pair of longitudinally extending wall edges. The wall of the sleeve can close edge to edge at the split wherein the wall extends circumferentially about 360 degrees or so with little or no overlap. Alternatively, the wall of the sleeve may extend circumferentially to greater than 360 degrees so that opposite surfaces of longitudinal sections of the sleeve overlap in abutting relation to permit better retention of the sandwich fillings within the sleeve, and also allow the wall of the sleeve to distend in a radial manner so that the sleeve can accommodate a greater capacity of sandwich fixings when necessary.

[0012] The longitudinal split in the wall of the sleeve permits the tube to be rolled out in an open or in a flat position to expose the bore of the sleeve for filling with the sandwich material. The sleeve may be maintained in an open position by tensionally restraining the longitudinally extending edges of the sleeve in some manner, for example, using a component having oppositely disposed channels for engaging the longitudinal edges of the sleeve. One, or more than one layer of the sandwich fixings are applied in the usual manner for making a sandwich except that the fixings are applied to the opened bore of the sleeve. After the bore of the sleeve has been loaded with the sandwich fixings, the longitudinal edges of the sleeve are released, and the sleeve then allowed to self-roll back into its relaxed, closed form in which the longitudinal edges of the wall of the sleeve abut or face each other or opposite surfaces of longitudinal sections of the tube overlap, thereby producing a sleeve containing the sandwich fixings. A closure is then inserted into the first end of the sleeve to form a filled, sealed sleeve. Alternatively, the closure may be inserted into the bore of the resilient sleeve together with the sandwich fixings, when the sleeve is held in a tensioned, open configuration.

[0013] The filled, sealed sleeve is then gripped at its first end, and the second end of the sleeve is inserted into an opening in a first end of a bun. The second end or discharge end of the sleeve may be tapered, for example, conically-shaped to help guide the insertion of the bun through the opening and into the cavity of the hollo wed- out bun. The bread bun may have a substantially continuous wall forming a unitary, integral shell, and an exterior crust. The cavity may be formed in the bread bun without an interior crust. The opening of the bun may lead to an axial, longitudinally extending, and a typically concentric cavity formed in the bun. Typically, the cavity in the bun extends substantially to the closed second end of the bun so that the tube may be inserted through the bun opening and completely along the bun cavity to the closed second end of the bun.

[0014] The sandwich fixings are extruded into the bun cavity by withdrawing the tube from the bun while restraining movement of the fixings and the bun, leaving the fixings within the cavity of the bun. The final product is a stuffed bun, having only a first opening. The only point of egress for fixings disposed within the bun is through the open end of the bun. Ideally the patron is able to grasp the bun about its girth and consume the filled bun from the first end, top-down, thereby conveniently retaining the filling and sauces within the bun.

[0015] The method of the present invention is therefore advantageous in that it eliminates much of the messiness produced in preparing or consuming sandwiches using the traditional approach of slicing out a bun, and adding sandwich fixings to a top surface of one half of the sliced bun. For example, the fixings in sandwiches prepared using the traditional route can easily slide out the sandwiches and sauces or other oily or sticky condiments may drip on the consumers hands. [0016] In addition, the fixings inserted into a bun according to the method of the present invention may advantageously be arranged in arcuate layers within the cavity of the bun. In particular, the sandwich fixings can have a layered configuration in the cavity of the bread bun that is substantially the same as a layered configuration within the resilient sleeve prior to insertion into the cavity of the bread bun.

[0017] The present application, therefore, relates to a method for making a sandwich, comprising: a) providing a pre-baked bread bun having a first end, a second end and an exterior crust; b) forming an opening in the exterior crust of the bread bun, the opening being at the first end of the bread bun, and a cavity in the bread bun, the opening extending to the cavity; c) providing a resilient sleeve having a lumen and a first and a second open end, the resilient sleeve comprising a curled, flexible sheet of resilient material, the curled, flexible sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface, first and second longitudinal edges, and first and second lateral end edges joining the first and second longitudinal edges; d) enclosing one, or more than one sandwich fixing and a closure within the resilient sleeve, the closure being positioned adjacent the first end of the sleeve, to produce a sealed sleeve containing the one, or more than one sandwich fixing and having a closed, first end and an open, second end; e) inserting the sealed sleeve containing the one, or more than one sandwich fixing into the cavity of the bread bun, the sealed sleeve being oriented so that the open, second end of the sleeve is disposed within the cavity and adjacent the second end of the bread bun and the closed,' first end of the sealed sleeve is adjacent to the opening in the bun, and f) withdrawing the sealed sleeve from the bread bun while preventing the one, or more than one sandwich fixing from exiting the bun.

[0018] Li another aspect, the present invention provides a method for making a sandwich, comprising: a) providing i) a pre-baked bread bun having a first end, a second end, an exterior crust having an opening, and a cavity, the opening extending to the cavity and disposed at the first end of the bread bun, and ii) a resilient sleeve having a lumen and a first and a second open end, the resilient sleeve comprising a curled, flexible sheet of resilient material, the curled flexible sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface, first and second longitudinal edges, and first and second lateral end edges joining the first and second longitudinal edges; b) enclosing one, or more than one sandwich fixing and a closure within the sleeve, the closure being positioned adjacent the first end of the sleeve; to produce a sealed sleeve containing the one, or more than one sandwich fixing and having a closed, first end and an open, second end; c) inserting the sealed sleeve containing the one, or more than one sandwich fixing into the cavity of the bread bun, the sealed sleeve being oriented so that the second open end of the sleeve is disposed within the cavity and adjacent the second end of the bread bun and the first, closed end of the sealed sleeve is adjacent to the opening in the bread bun; and d) withdrawing the sealed sleeve from the bread bun while preventing the one, or more than one sandwich fixing from exiting the bun.

[0019] The present invention also relates to the above-defined methods, wherein the resilient sleeve has an open, tensioned configuration in which the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet are held apart and a closed, relaxed configuration in which longitudinal sections of the top and bottom surfaces of the curled, flexible sheet overlap in abutting relation or the first and second longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet abut or face each other.

[0020] The present invention also pertains to the above-defined methods, wherein the step of enclosing comprises: spreading and restraining the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet so that the resilient sleeve assumes the open configuration; positioning a closure on the top surface of the curled, flexible sheet of the resilient sleeve restrained in the open configuration; placing one, or more than one sandwich fixing on the top surface of the curled flexible sheet of the resilient sleeve restrained in the open configuration, and releasing the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet and allowing the curled, flexible sheet to close so that the resilient sleeve assumes the closed configuration and produces the sealed sleeve containing the one, or more than one sandwich fixing and having a closed, first end and an open, second end.

[0021] The present invention also relates to the methods described above, wherein the step of enclosing comprises: spreading and restraining the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet so that the resilient sleeve assumes the open configuration; placing one, or more than one sandwich fixing on the top surface of the curled flexible sheet of the resilient sleeve restrained in the open configuration; releasing the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet and allowing the curled, flexible sheet to close so that the resilient sleeve assumes the closed configuration, the resilient sleeve containing the one, or more than one sandwich fixing, and positioning a closure within the sleeve adjacent the first, open end of the sleeve, to form the sealed sleeve containing the one, or more than one sandwich fixing and having a closed, first end and an open, second end.

[0022] The present invention also pertains to the above-described method, wherein in the step of placing, the one, or more than one sandwich fixing is stacked as one, or more than one layer on the curled, flexible sheet.

[0023] The present invention also relates to the above-defined method, wherein in the step of placing, a plurality of separate layers of sandwich fixings are placed on the curled, flexible sheet, and the sleeve contains a plurality of separate and arcuate layers of sandwich fixings.

[0024] In an example of the methods described above, the step of withdrawing comprises: locating a stopper near the opening in the bread bun and near the first end of the sealed sleeve; grasping the first end of the sleeve and withdrawing the sleeve from the bread bun while maintaining the position of the closure relative to the bread bun, such that the closure abuts the stopper as the sleeve is withdrawn to prevent the one, or more than one sandwich fixing from exiting the bun. The longitudinal axis of the stopper may be substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the sleeve within the bread bun. In addition, the stopper may be of a size and shape that permits axial movement of the stopper through the lumen as the sleeve is withdrawn from the bread bun over the stopper.

[0025] In another example of the methods described above, the first end of the bread bun may be placed on a support or holding enclosure disposed adjacent the stopper, the support having an aperture, and in the step of grasping, the first end of the sleeve is grasped and withdrawn from the bread bun, through the aperture of the support and over the stopper while maintaining the position of the closure relative to the bread bun. The longitudinal axis of the sleeve within the bread bun may be substantially aligned with the center of the aperture of the support or holding enclosure. Furthermore, the aperture of the support may be of a size sufficient to permit axial movement of the sleeve through the aperture. [0026] The present invention also relates to the methods described above, wherein the step of grasping is conducted by securing a gripping mechanism to the sleeve, and displacing one of the stopper or gripping mechanism relative to the other along the longitudinal axis of the stopper to withdraw the sealed sleeve from the bread bun while the stopper abuts the closure within the sealed sleeve. In one example, the stopper is elongate. In another example, the sleeve is tapered at the second end.

[0027] The present invention also pertains to the above-defined method, wherein the closure comprises a pushing element that abuts the first end of the bread bun, the pushing element projecting radially through a longitudinal slot defined by the longitudinal edges of the resilient sleeve, and being displaceable through the slot.

[0028] The present invention also relates to the method defined immediately above, wherein in the step of withdrawing the pushing element is pressed against the first end of bread bun as the resilient sleeve is withdrawn from the bread bun, thereby preventing the one, or more than one sandwich fixings from leaving the bread bun.

[0029] The present invention also pertains to the above-defined methods, wherein the pre-baked bread bun has a substantially continuous wall forming a unitary, integral shell.

[0030] The present invention also elates to the methods described above, wherein the cavity of the bread bun extends substantially along the length of the bread bun.

[0031 ] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of enclosing one, or more than one sandwich fixing within a sleeve, comprising: a) providing a resilient sleeve having a lumen and a first and a second open end, the resilient sleeve comprising a curled, flexible sheet of resilient material, the curled flexible sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface, first and second longitudinal edges, and first and second lateral end edges joining the first and second longitudinal edges, the resilient sleeve having an open, tensioned configuration in which the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet are held apart and a closed, relaxed configuration in which longitudinal sections of the top and bottom surfaces of the curled, flexible sheet overlap in abutting relation or the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet abut or face each other; b) spreading and restraining the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet so that the resilient sleeve assumes the open configuration; c) placing one, or more than one sandwich fixing on the top surface of the curled, flexible sheet of the resilient sleeve restrained in the open configuration, and d) releasing the longitudinal sections of the curled, flexible sheet and allowing the curled flexible sheet to close so that the resilient sleeve assumes the closed configuration, the sleeve containing the one, or more than one sandwich fixing, thereby enclosing the one, or more than one sandwich fixing.

[0032] The present invention also relates to the above-defined enclosing method, wherein prior to the step of releasing a closure is placed on the top surface of the curled, flexible sheet of the resilient sleeve restrained in the open configuration, the closure positioned adjacent a lateral end of the curled, flexible sheet that forms the first open end of the resilient sleeve, such that after the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet are released a sealed sleeve is produced containing the one, or more than one sandwich fixing and having a closed, first end and an open, second end. The second end of the sealed sleeve may be tapered.

[0033] The above-defined enclosing method may further comprise a step of positioning a closure within the sleeve adjacent to the first open end of the sleeve, to form a sealed sleeve having a closed, first end and an open, second end, containing the one, or more than one sandwich fixing. The second end of the sealed sleeve may be tapered.

[0034] In another aspect, the present invention provides an enclosure for one, or more than one layer of sandwich fixing, comprising: a resilient sleeve having a lumen and a first and a second open end, the resilient sleeve comprising a curled, flexible sheet of resilient material, the curled flexible sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface, first and second longitudinal edges, and first and second lateral end edges joining the first and second longitudinal edges, and a closure disposed within the sleeve adjacent to the first open end of the sleeve. The resilient sleeve can have an open, tensioned configuration in which longitudinal sections of the curled, flexible sheet are held apart and a closed, relaxed configuration in which the longitudinal edges of the top and bottom surfaces of the curled, flexible sheet overlap in abutting relation or the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet abut or face each other. In one example, the second end of the resilient sleeve is tapered. In another example, the tapered second end of the resilient sleeve comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending sections. In a further example, the longitudinally extending sections are spreadable.

[0035] In another aspect, the present invention provides a resilient sleeve having a lumen and a first and a second open end, the resilient sleeve comprising a curled, flexible sheet of resilient material, the curled flexible sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface, first and second longitudinal edges, and first and second lateral end edges joining the first and second longitudinal edges, wherein the second end of the resilient sleeve is tapered. The resilient sleeve can have an open, tensioned configuration in which longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet are held apart and a closed, relaxed configuration in which longitudinal sections of the top and bottom surfaces of the curled, flexible sheet overlap in abutting relation or the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet abut or. face each other: The tapered second end of the resilient sleeve may comprise a plurality of longitudinally extending sections, which may be spreadable.

[0036] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a stopper assembly for use in a step of withdrawing a sleeve with sandwich fixings therein from an opening in a bread bun while resisting the sandwich fixings from exiting the bun, the stopper assembly comprising: a support wall having an aperture, and a stopper disposed behind the support wall.

[0037] The present invention also relates to the stopper assembly described above, wherein the longitudinal axis of the stopper is substantially aligned with the center of the aperture of the support wall.

[0038] The present invention also pertains to the above-defined stopper assembly, wherein the support wall and the stopper are directly coupled to each other.

[0039] The present invention also relates to the stopper assembly described above, wherein the stopper assembly further comprises a base plate, the support wall extending from the base plate, and the stopper coupled to the base plate. The support wall may be substantially orthogonal to the base plate.

[0040] The present invention also provides the stopper assembly described above, wherein the sleeve comprises a curled, flexible sheet of resilient material, the curled flexible sheet having longitudinal edges, wherein longitudinal sections of opposite surfaces of the curled, flexible sheet overlap in abutting relation or the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet abut or face each other, and the stopper is coupled to the base plate by a spreading element that functions to move apart the longitudinal edges of the sleeve as the sleeve is withdrawn through the aperture of the support wall and over and past the stopper.

[0041] In another example, the above-defined stopper assembly further comprises a guide wall having an opening, the guide wall disposed behind the front end of the stopper. The center of the opening of the guide wall may be substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the stopper. In one example, the stopper is directly coupled to the support wall and the guide wall. In another example, the stopper assembly further comprises a base plate, the support wall and the guide wall extending from the base plate and the stopper coupled to the base plate. In a further example, the support wall and the guide wall are substantially orthogonal to the base plate. In another example, the sleeve comprises a curled, flexible sheet of resilient material, the curled flexible sheet having longitudinal edges, wherein longitudinal sections of opposite surfaces of the curled, flexible sheet overlap in abutting relation or the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet abut or face each other, and the stopper is coupled to the base plate by a spreading element that functions to move apart the longitudinal edges of the sleeve as the sleeve is withdrawn through the aperture of the support wall and over and past the stopper.

[0042] The present invention also relates to the above-defined stopper assembly, wherein the stopper is of a size and shape that permits axial movement of the stopper through the lumen of the sleeve as the sleeve is withdrawn from the bread bun over the stopper.

[0043] The present invention also pertains to the stopper assembly described above, wherein the stopper assembly further comprises a base plate, wherein the support wall and the stopper are connected to the base plate. In one example, the support wall is substantially parallel to the base plate, and the stopper is elongate. In another example, the stopper assembly further comprises a carriage having a gripping mechanism, the carriage disposed behind the support wall, the gripping mechanism for gripping an end of the sleeve, and the carriage moveable in a direction away from the support wall. The carriage may be slidably coupled to the stopper.

[0044] In another aspect, the present invention provides a spreader for spreading and retaining longitudinal edges of a flexible sheet, comprising: a base wall having first and second longitudinal edges and first and second transverse end edges; first and second side walls coupled, respectively, to the first and second longitudinal edges of the base wall, the base wall and the first and second side walls defining a channel; first and second side wall portions coupled, respectively, to the first and second side walls and spaced apart from the base wall, the first side wall portion and the first side wall defining a first conduit and the second side wall portion and the second side wall defining a second conduit, the first and second conduits disposed within the channel, the first and second conduits for holding the longitudinal edges of the flexible sheet, the first and second conduits increasing in width toward one of the first and second transverse end edges of the base wall.

[0045] In another aspect, the present invention provides a spreader for spreading and retaining longitudinal edges of a flexible sheet, comprising: a base wall having first and second longitudinal edges and first and second transverse end edges; first and second side walls coupled, respectively, to the first and second longitudinal edges of the base wall, the basp wall and the first and second side walls defining a channel; first and second side wall portions coupled, respectively, to the first and second side walls and spaced apart from the base wall, the first side wall portion and the first side wall defining a first conduit and the second side wall portion and the second side wall defining a second conduit, the first and second conduits each comprising i) a base section comprising opposed outer and inner longitudinal edges and a first and a second transverse end edge joining the longitudinal edges of the base section, the first transverse end edge of the base section of each conduit being relatively wider than the second transverse end edge of the base section of each conduit, and ii) a flange extending from the inner longitudinal edge of the base section of each conduit in the direction of the base wall, the flange having an end edge joining the first transverse end edge of the base section of each conduit, the first and second conduits disposed within the channel, the first and second conduits for holding the longitudinal edges of the flexible sheet, wherein the first and second conduits increase in width toward one of the first and second transverse end edges of the base wall.

[0046] In another aspect, the present invention provides a spreader for spreading and retaining longitudinal edges of a flexible sheet, comprising: abase wall having first and second longitudinal edges and first and second transverse end edges; first and second side walls coupled, respectively, to the first and second longitudinal edges of the base wall, the base wall and the first and second side walls defining a channel; first and second side wall portions coupled, respectively, to the first and second side walls and spaced apart from the base wall, the first side wall portion and the first side wall defining a first conduit and the second side wall portion and the second side wall defining a second conduit, the first and second conduits each comprising i) a base section comprising opposed outer and inner longitudinal edges and a first and a second transverse end edge joining the opposed longitudinal edges of the base section, the first transverse end edge of the base section of each conduit being relatively wider than the second transverse end edge of the base section of each conduit, and ii) a flange extending from the inner longitudinal edge of the base section of each conduit in the direction of the base wall, the flange having an end edge joining the first transverse end edge of the base section of each conduit, the first and second conduits disposed within the channel, the first and second conduits for holding the longitudinal edges of the flexible sheet, wherein the inner longitudinal edges of the base plates of the first and the second conduits together define an opening that tapers toward the first transverse end edges of the first and the second conduits.

[0047] The present invention also pertains to the above-defined spreader, wherein the first and second conduits begin from a point along the first and second longitudinal edges, respectively, of the base wall, that is adjacent to the first transverse end edge of the base wall, and wherein the first and second conduits each have a width that is substantially constant along a section of the first and second longitudinal edges, respectively, of the base wall, and then gradually increase in width toward the second transverse end edge of the base wall.

[0048] The present invention also relates to the above-defined spreader, wherein the first and second conduits each have a width that is substantially constant from the first transverse end edge of the base wall and along a section of the first and second longitudinal edges, respectively, of the base wall, and then gradually increase in width toward the second transverse end edge of the base wall.

[0049] In one example of the spreader defined above, the first and second conduits have a semicircular transverse cross-section, hi another example, the first and second conduits have a U-shaped transverse cross-section, hi a further example, the first and second conduits have a V-shaped transverse cross-section.

[0050] In another aspect, the present invention provides a spreader for spreading and restraining the longitudinal edges of a resilient sleeve comprising a curled, flexible sheet of resilient material, comprising: a base plate; a pair of opposed gripping members coupled to the base plate; and an actuating mechanism coupled to one or both of the gripping members for moving the gripping members apart or together.

[0051] The present invention also relates to the spreader immediately defined above, wherein the gripping members comprise a pair of panels having a first and a second longitudinal edge, the first longitudinal edge of each panel being hingedly coupled to the base plate. In addition, each panel may comprise a flange extending from its second longitudinal edge in the direction of the base plate. Furthermore, one or both panels may be coupled to the base plate through a pair of hinges disposed on their first longitudinal edge, which slidably engage a pair of longitudinal slots formed in the base plate.

[0052] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a system for stuffing a bread bun with one, or more than one sandwich fixing, comprising: a) one, or more than one elongate element for forming a cavity in the bread bun or for use in a step of withdrawing a sleeve containing the one, or more than one sandwich fixing from an opening in the bread bun while resisting the one, or more than one sandwich fixing from exiting the bun; b) the resilient sleeve as defined above; c) a closure for insertion within the lumen of the resilient sleeve, and d) a spreading element for spreading and retaining the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet of the resilient sleeve. The above-defined system may also comprise the stopper assembly defined above.

[0053] The present invention also pertains to the system described above, wherein the spreading element is the above-defined spreader or a spreader comprising: a base wall having first and second longitudinal edges and first and second transverse end edges; first and second side walls coupled, respectively, to the first and second longitudinal edges of the base wall, the base wall and the first and second side walls defining a channel; first and second side wall portions coupled, respectively, to the first and second side walls and spaced apart from the base wall, the first side wall portion and the first side wall defining a first conduit and the second side wall portion and the second side wall defining a second conduit, the first and second conduits disposed within the channel, the first and second conduits for holding the longitudinal edges of the flexible sheet of the resilient sleeve. The first and second conduits of the spreader may have a semicircular, U-shaped or V-shaped transverse cross-section.

[0054] The present invention also relates to a method for withdrawing a resilient sleeve containing one, or more sandwich fixing therein from an opening in a bread bun having a first and second end, while resisting the one, or more than one sandwich fixing from exiting the bun, the method comprising: a) providing the bread bun, the bread bun having a cavity, the opening of the bread bun in fluid communication with the cavity, the bread bun having the resilient sleeve disposed within the cavity, the resilient sleeve having a lumen and a first and a second open end, the resilient sleeve comprising a curled, flexible sheet of resilient material, the curled flexible sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface, first and second longitudinal edges, and first and second lateral end edges joining the first and second longitudinal edges, the first end of the sleeve being sealed with a closure and the second end of the sleeve being open, the sleeve being oriented within the cavity so that the second open end of the sleeve is adjacent to the second end of the bread bun and the first, sealed end of the sleeve is adjacent to the opening in the bread bun; b) locating a stopper near the opening in the bread bun and near the first end of the sealed sleeve, and c) grasping the first end of the sleeve and withdrawing the sleeve from the bread bun and over the stopper while maintaining the position of the closure relative to the bread bun, such that the closure abuts the stopper as the sleeve is withdrawn to prevent the one, or more than one sandwich fixing from exiting the bun.

[0055] The present invention also relates to the above-defined withdrawing method, wherein the resilient sleeve has an open, tensioned configuration in which the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet are held apart and a closed, relaxed configuration in which longitudinal sections of the top and bottom surfaces of the curled, flexible sheet overlap in abutting relation or the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet abut or face each other.

[0056] The present invention also pertains to the above-defined withdrawing method, wherein the longitudinal axis of the stopper is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the sleeve within the bread bun.

[0057] The present invention also relates to the withdrawing method described above, wherein the stopper is of a size and shape that permits axial movement of the stopper through the lumen of the sleeve as the sleeve is withdrawn from the bread bun over the stopper.

[0058] In another example, the withdrawing method described above further comprises placing the first end of the bread bun on a support or holding enclosure disposed adjacent the stopper, the support having an aperture, wherein in the step of grasping, the first end of the sleeve is grasped and withdrawn from the bread bun, through the aperture of the support and over the stopper while maintaining the position of the closure relative to the bread bun. The longitudinal axis of the sleeve within the bread bun may be substantially aligned with the center of the aperture of the support or holding enclosure. In addition, the aperture of the support is of a size sufficient to permit axial movement of the sleeve through the aperture.

[0059] The present invention also relates to the withdrawing method described above, wherein the step of grasping is conducted by securing a gripping mechanism to the sleeve, and displacing one of the stopper or gripping mechanism relative to the other along the longitudinal axis of the stopper to withdraw the sealed sleeve from the bread bun while the stopper abuts the closure within the sealed sleeve.

[0060] The present invention also pertains to the above-described withdrawing method, wherein the stopper is elongate.

[0061] The present invention also relates to the withdrawing method described above, wherein the sleeve is tapered at the second end.

[0062] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a resilient sleeve for use in the above-defined methods, the resilient sleeve having a lumen and a first and a second open end, the resilient sleeve comprising a curled, flexible sheet of resilient material, the curled flexible sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface, first and second longitudinal edges, and first and second lateral end edges joining the first and second longitudinal edges.

[0063] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a resilient sleeve for use in stuffing a hollowed-out sandwich with one, or more than one sandwich fixing, the resilient sleeve having a lumen and a first and a second open end, the resilient sleeve comprising a curled, flexible sheet of resilient material, the curled flexible sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface, first and second longitudinal edges, and first and second lateral end edges joining the first and second longitudinal edges.

[0064] The present invention also relates to the resilient sleeve defined above, wherein the resilient sleeve has an open, tensioned configuration in which longitudinal sections of the curled, flexible sheet are held apart and a closed, relaxed configuration in which the longitudinal edges of the top and bottom surfaces of the curled, flexible sheet overlap in abutting relation or the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet abut or face each other.

[0065] A portion of the first or second lateral side of the curled, flexible sheet of the resilient sleeve defined above may be formed in a manner that results in the first or second end of the resilient sleeve having a tapered shape when the resilient tube is present in the closed configuration.

[0066] In another aspect, the present invention provides a spreader for use in the above-defined method for making a sandwich and withdrawing method, comprising: a base wall having first and second longitudinal edges and first and second transverse end edges; first and second side walls coupled, respectively, to the first and second longitudinal edges of the base wall, the base wall and the first and second side walls defining a channel; first and second side wall portions coupled, respectively, to the first and second side walls and spaced apart from the base wall, the first side wall portion and the first side wall defining a first conduit and the second side wall portion and the second side wall defining a second conduit, the first and second conduits disposed within the channel, the first and second conduits for holding the longitudinal edges of the flexible sheet. The first and second conduits may have a semicircular, U- shaped or V-shaped transverse cross-section.

[0067] The methods of the present invention are advantageous in that they make use of the resilient sleeve described above, which allows for easy loading and enclosing of one, or more than one sandwich fixing. For loading, the longitudinal edges of the resilient sleeve are drawn apart and restrained using a restraining element, such as the spreader described above, and the one, or more than one sandwich fixing applied to the interior bore of the sleeve. After loading has been completed, the loaded, resilient sleeve is released from the restraining element, and conveniently allowed to self-roll into a closed configuration. Consequently, unlike the methods described in U.S.

Patent No. 6,599,545, no arduous or time consuming rolling steps are required in the methods of the present invention, which make use of the resilient sleeve defined above.

[0068] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate by way of example, the features of the invention.

[0069] This summary of the invention does not necessarily describe all features of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0070] These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein:

[0071] FIGS. IA-E illustrate an example of a method of making a stuffed sandwich according to the present invention. The illustrated method involves inserting a resilient tubing containing first, filler-type foodstuff (e.g. sandwich fixings) into a second, shell-type foodstuff (e.g., a bread bun).

[0072] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an example of a resilient sleeve according to the present invention, which is present in its relaxed, closed configuration.

[0073] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the resilient sleeve of FIG. 2 in a partially opened configuration.

[0074] FIG. 4 shows a top plan view of the resilient sleeve of FIG. 2 in its tensioned, open configuration.

[0075] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the resilient sleeve of FIG. 2, showing a longitudinal slit extending the length of the sleeve.

[0076] FIG. 6 shows a top plan view of another example of a resilient sleeve according to the present invention, which has overlapping longitudinal sections.

[0077] FIGS. 7A-C illustrate an example of a spreader according to the present invention, for use in spreading and restraining the longitudinal edges of the resilient sleeve according to the present invention. FIG 7A shows a perspective view of an example of a spreader of the present invention. FIG. 7B shows a top plan view of the ^•spreader of FIG. 7 A. FIG. 7C shows a front end view of the spreader of FIG. 7A.

[0078] FIGS. 8A-B illustrate the manner in which an example of a resilient sleeve according to the present invention is spread using the spreader of FIGS. 7A-C.

[0079] FIGS. 8C-E illustrates an example of a resilient sleeve according to the present invention, which is restrained in the spreader of FIGS. 7A-C so that it assumes a tensioned, open configuration. The longitudinal edges of the resilient sleeve are restrained in conduits formed on either side of the spreader. FIG. 8D shows the restrained, resilient sleeve of FIG. 8C with a plug placed adjacent one of lateral ends. FIG. 8E shows the restrained, resilient sleeve of FIG. 8D with layers of sandwich fixings placed on its inner surface.

[0080] FIG. 8F shows the resilient sleeve of FIG. 8E being removed from the spreader.

[0081] FIG. 8G shows the resilient sleeve of FIG. 8E being completely removed from the spreader and assuming its relaxed, closed configuration.

[0082] FIGS. 9-10 illustrate another example of a spreader according to the present invention.

[0083] FIG. HA shows a perspective view of an example of a stopper assembly according to the present invention for use in a step of withdrawing a resilient sleeve with sandwich fixings therein from an opening in a bread bun, while resisting the sandwich fixings from exiting the bread bun.

[0084] FIG. HB is a side elevational view of the stopper assembly of FIG. HA.

[0085] FIG. HC is a top plan view of the stopper assembly of FIG. HA.

[0086] FIG. 12A shows a perspective view of another example of a stopper assembly according to the present invention.

[0087] FIG. 12B is an elevational view of the back end of the stopper assembly of FIG. 12A.

[0088] FIG. 12C is a top plan view of the stopper assembly of FIG. 12 A.

[0089] FIG. 12D is a side elevational view of the stopper assembly of FIG. 12 A.

[0090] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an apparatus for withdrawing a sleeve with sandwich fixings therein from an opening in a bread bun while resisting the sandwich fixings from exiting the bread bun.

[0091] FIGS. 14A-C are longitudinal cross-sectional views illustrating the steps of withdrawing a resilient sleeve containing sandwich fixings from an opening in a bread bun while preventing the sandwich fixings from leaving the opening in the bun, using the stopper assembly of FIGS. 11A-C.

[0092] FIG. 15A illustrates a side elevational view of a further example of a stopper assembly according to the present invention.

[0093] FIGS. 15B-D are longitudinal cross-sectional views illustrating the steps of withdrawing a resilient sleeve containing sandwich fixings from an opening in a bread bun while preventing the sandwich fixings from leaving the opening in the bun, using the stopper assembly of FIG. 15A.

[0094] FIG. 16 A shows an end elevational view of another example of a stopper assembly according to the present invention.

[0095] FIG. 16B shows an end elevational view of the stopper assembly of FIG. 16A sliding between overlapping longitudinal sections of a resilient sleeve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0096] The present invention relates generally to a method for stuffing a first, filler- type foodstuff into a second, shell-type foodstuff. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for making a sandwich by inserting sandwich fixings such as meat, vegetables, condiments and the like without first slicing open the bun.

[0097] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

[0098] A method is illustrated in Figures IA-E for inserting a filler material into a shell, in accordance with the present invention. The term "filler material" is used broadly herein to refer to any type of substance that may be disposed in a shell, including, for example, sandwich fixings, such as meat, cheese, fruits, vegetables, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, condiments, etc., while the term "shell" is used broadly herein to refer to any type of substance, for example, an edible substance, which can encompass another, including, for example, bread, buns, etc.

[0099] The method of the present invention will be described with particular reference to making a sandwich, indicated as 10 in FIG. IE, where the filler material is one or more sandwich fixings, indicated as 30 in FIGS. IC-E, and the shell is a bread bun, indicated as 20 in FIGS. IA-E. The term "bread bun" is used broadly herein to refer to any type of bun or bread, including, for example, a submarine bun.

[00100] The term "sandwich fixings" is used broadly herein to refer to any type of sandwich ingredient or component, including sliced meat, sliced cheese, sliced tomatoes, sliced onions, shredded lettuce, etc.

[00101] Referring to FIG. IA, a bread bun 20 is provided, which may be an elongated, submarine-type bun, as shown, with a longitudinal axis 40. The bread bun 20 may be pre-baked to have an exterior crust 50 and a substantially filled, fleshy interior, which is relatively softer than the crust.

[00102] Referring to FIG. IB, a cavity 60 is formed in the bread bun 20, and an opening 70 is formed through the crust 50, which extends to the cavity 60. The cavity 60 may be elongated and extend substantially the length of the bread bun 20. The surface of the cavity 60 may be formed with or without a crust.

[00103] The cavity within the bread bun may be formed by a cavity-forming element, such as an elongated spike having flat inclined sides that converge to define an angular edge, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 1,842,576, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference; the generally cylindrically-shaped spikes (340, 350) shown in FIGS. 8A-G, or a device for removing a section of the doughy interior of a bread bun or roll, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,963,377 and 6,599,545, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. The elongated spikes of U.S. Patent No. 1,842,576 and of FIGS. 8A-G function by first forming an opening at one end of a bread bund and then producing a cavity within the bread bun by being gradually advanced within the interior and along the length of the bread bun up until a point before the other end of the bread bun so that the dough of the bread bun is displaced outwardly into the body of the bread bun to form a pocket. Alternatively, the cavity 60 may be pre-formed in the bread-bun 20, for example, by being baked in so that the interior surface of the bun has a crust. The hollowed bread bun may have substantially continuous, longitudinal walls, which prevent the contents of the cavity 60 of the bread bun from escaping.

[00104] Referring to FIG. IB, the sandwich fixings 30 are inserted through the opening 70 in the exterior crust 50 and into the cavity 60 of the bread bun 20 using a resilient sleeve 90 to form the sandwich 10. The resilient sleeve maintains the sandwich fixings 30 together and provides a structure that advantageously facilitates insertion of the fixings 30 into the cavity 60 of the bread bun. The sandwich 10 is typically prepared immediately prior to consumption to prevent the interior of the bread bun 20 from becoming overly moist from the fixings 30.

[00105] Referring to FIGS. 2-6, there are shown examples of a resilient sleeve for use in the method of the present invention. The resilient sleeve is formed of a curled, flexible sheet 95, which has a top surface 92 and a bottom surface 94, a pair of longitudinal edges (160, 170), and a pair of lateral end edges joining the longitudinal edges (160, 170). The curled, flexible sheet is capable of assuming an open configuration in which longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet are restrained or tensioned apart (FIG. 4) or a relaxed, closed configuration in which longitudinal sections of opposite surfaces of the curled, flexible sheet overlap in abutting relation (FIG. 6) or the longitudinal edges of the resilient sleeve abut (FIGS. 2 and 5), to form a substantially cylindrical, tubular sleeve having a lumen and two open ends.

[00106] A portion of the first or second lateral side of the curled, flexible sheet 95 may be cut or formed in a manner that results in a tapered, for example, a conical or frustoconical shape, being produced at one of the ends of the resilent when it is present in the closed configuration. Having a tapered end at one of the ends of the resilient sleeve is advantageous in that it facilitates insertion of the sleeve within the cavity of the bread bun. FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a resilient sleeve according to the present invention rolled-out into an open sheet form (the open configuration), which has a lateral end that is formed with or cut into a set of triangular-shaped portions 180. Each triangular-shaped portion 180 is bent inwardly in the direction of the lumen of the resilient sleeve so that when the resilient sleeve is allowed to assume its relaxed, closed configuration, the triangular-shaped portions form a substantially conically-shaped portion 140 at the second, open end of the resilient sleeve.

[00107] The curled, flexible sheet 95 may have a length, L, substantially equal to or greater than the length of the cavity 60 or bread bun 20, and a width, W, equal to, or greater than, the circumference of the opening 70 in the bread bun 20. Typically, the curled, flexible sheet 70 is made of a food grade plastic, which is flexible enough to be bent. The top surface 92 of the curled, flexible sheet 95 may have low frictional characteristics to facilitate sliding the fixings 30 out of the resilient sleeve 90 and into the cavity 60. The sandwich fixings 30are typically applied to a central portion 165 of the top surface 92 of the curled, flexible sheet of the resilient sleeve.

[00108] The curled, flexible sheet 95 may be formed of an involutely heat- recoverable material. The involutely heat-recoverable material may comprise a laminate having first and second layers, the first layer being made of an expanded, heat-recoverable material (such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene, a copolymer of ethylene, propylene and butene), a polyvinyl halide (for example, polyvinyl chhloride), a polyvinylidene halide (for example polyvinylidene fluoride and chloride), a polyacrylate, a polyamide (for example, nylon 6 or nylon 66), a polyester (for example polyethylene terephthalate), a fluorocarbon polymer (for example polytetrafluoroethylene and vinylidene fluoride hexafluoropropene copolymers), ionomers, polyurethanes ), and the second layer comprising a material that tends to restrain the tendency of the first layer to recover to its original state upon the application of heat, as disclosed in Canadian Patent No. 962,575, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the involutely heat- recoverable material may comprise a unitary molecularly oriented polymeric layer (such as a polyolefm (polyethylene, or polypropylene), an olefin copolymer (e.g., ethylene-ethacrylate copolymer); a polyamide; a polyvinylchloride; or a polyester (e.g., polyethylene-terephthalate)), which has been differentially annealed while restrained against dimensional change, as described in U.S. Patent No. 3,847,721, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. By heat-recoverable it is meant that a layer after being expanded will shrink to a smaller form upon the application of heat. By involutely heat-recoverable, it is meant that the curled, flexible sheet is formed of a material that, upon the application of heat, assumes a generally cylindrical configuration in which there may be partial overlap of opposite surfaces of the material.

[00109] The following description relates to a method for stuffing a bread bun with sandwich fixings using a resilient sleeve having a conical or frustoconical shaped, second end. It is to be appreciated, however, that the method of the present application is not limited in any way to the use of such a resilient sleeve, and that other types of resilient sleeves can be used in the method of the present invention, for example, and without limitation to resilient sleeves having blunt ends, i.e. resilient sleeves having openings at either end with a circumference substantially equivalent to that of the sleeve in lateral cross-section, or sleeves having one hemispherical- or frustoconical-shaped end and one blunt end.

[00110] _. To load the sandwich fixings into the resilient sleeve 90, the longitudinal edges (160, 170) of the resilient sleeve are restrained so that the resilient sleeve assumes the open configuration illustrated in FIG. 4. The sandwich fixings 30 can then be placed onto the top surface 165 of the curled, flexible sheet 95 of the resilient sleeve. The fixings 30 may be arranged on the sheet 150 in a similar fashion as they might be placed onto a traditional sandwich. Thus, the fixings 30 may be arranged in layers on the curled, flexible sheet 95. Many types of fixings 30, such as sliced meat and cheese, can be flexible, and can form arcuate layers within the sleeve 90.

[00111] After the sandwich fixings have been placed on the top surface of the curled, flexible sheet 95 of the resilient sleeve, the longitudinal edges (160, 170) of the curled, flexible sheet are released and the curled, flexible sheet is allowed to self-roll and fonn the relaxed, closed configuration of the resilient sleeve with the one, or more than one sandwich fixing contained therein. The curled, flexible sheet may form a substantially cylindrical, tubular sleeve with a cross-sectional diameter equal to, or less than, a diameter of the opening 70 in the bread bun 20. Although the curled, flexible sheet 95 is flexible, when it is in the form of the sleeve it is advantageously sufficiently rigid to permit insertion of the sandwich fixings into the cavity of the bread bun.

[00112] The curled, flexible sheet may be restrained in the open configuration using the spreader 200 shown in FIGS. 7A-C. The spreader 200 has a base plate 210, a pair of side walls (220, 230), and a pair of side wall portions (240, 250). The side walls (220, 230) and side wall portions (240, 250) define a pair of opposed conduits (320, 330). Each conduit has a base section (246, 256) having a pair of opposed outer and inner longitudinal edges [(242, 244); (252, 254)], and a first transverse end edge (280, 290) and a second transverse end edge (285, 295) joining the pair of longitudinal edges, the first transverse end edge (280, 290) being relatively wider than the second transverse end edge (285, 295). A flange (249, 259) extends from the inner longitudinal edge (244, 254) of the base section of each conduit and has an end edge (300, 310) joining the first transverse end edge (280, 290) of the base section (246, 256) of each conduit. The conduits (320, 330) are used for restraining the longitudinal edges (160, 170) of the curled, flexible sheet 95 so that the sheet can be tensioned and held in an open configuration.

[00113] Each conduit has a substantially constant transverse width from the second transverse end edge (285, 295) of the base section (246, 256) of each conduit along a major part of the length of the spreader until a point along the outer longitudinal edge (242, 252) of the base section close to the first transverse end edge (280, 290) of each conduit, (248, 258), where the width of each conduit gradually increases toward the first transverse end edge to form a generally triangular or wedge-shaped portion (260, 270). The first transverse end edges (280, 290) of the base section of each conduit and the end edge (300, 310) of each flange (249, 259) of each conduit are advantageously used to spread apart the longitudinal edges (160, 170) of a resilient sleeve that is inserted in the direction of the arrow 331 shown in FIG. 7 A. The spreader may be formed of stainless steel or the like, or a food grade plastic.

[00114] FIGS. 8A-C illustrate how the first transverse end edge (280, 290) of the base section of each conduit and the end edge (300, 310) of each flange (249, 259) of each conduit cooperate to separate the longitudinal edges of a resilient sleeve that is introduced into the spreader until the longitudinal edges of the resilient sleeve are completely separated along the entire length of the resilient sleeve.

[00115] It is to be appreciated, however, that if the resilient sleeve is manually spread apart then the spreader need not include a triangular-shaped portion disposed near the second transverse end of each conduit, and the width of each conduit of the spreader may be substantially constant along the entire length of the spreader, so that the spreader functions exclusively as an apparatus for restraining the longitudinal edges of the resilient sleeve apart.

[00116] Once the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet are restrained, a plug 100 may be placed adjacent a transverse end edge of the sheet, which forms the non-tapered end of the resilient sleeve, and one, or more than one layer of the sandwich fixing can be applied to the top surface of the curled, flexible sheet, as illustrated in FIGS. 8D-E. After all of the desired sandwich fixings have been applied to the top surface of the sheet, the sheet together with the fixings can be easily slid out of the spreader, and the curled, flexible sheet allowed to curl into a sleeve, as shown in FIGS. 8F-G. The sleeve with the sandwich fixings is then ready for insertion into the cavity 60 of the bread bun 20.

[00117] FIGS. 10-11 illustrate another example of a spreader according to the present invention. Spreader 400 comprises a base frame 430 and a pair of opposed, longitudinally extending panels (410, 420) having a flange (415, 425) disposed on their respective inside longitudinal edges. The flanges (415, 425) of the panels (410, 420) engage the longitudinal edges (160,170) of the curled, flexible sheet 95 of the resilient sleeve 90 and are moveable laterally to spread the longitudinal edges (160,170) and thereby roll out the resilient sleeve 90 into its open configuration. The , panels (410, 420) are hingedly coupled to the base frame 430 along an outside longitudinal edge to enable adjustment to differently sized resilient sleeves and for cleaning access. Panel 410 is coupled to the base frame by hinges (440, 450), which slidably engage a pair of longitudinal slots (460, 470) formed in the base frame 430. The hinges (440, 450) are coupled to an underlying actuating mechanism for moving the panels together to spread the resilient sleeve into its open configuration. The actuating mechanism may comprise a T-bar (not shown) coupled to the hinges (440, 450) of the panel 410 and a push bar 480 connected to the T-bar. FIG. 10 illustrates a circumferential catch 490 about the push bar 480, which latches with a side wall of the base frame during filling to maintain tension in the panels and restrain the resilient sleeve in its open configuration.

[00118] FIG. 11 illustrates the resilient sleeve 90 rolled out into its tensioned, open configuration by the spreader 400 and ready for filling. At this stage, one, or more than one layer of sandwich fixing 30 maybe applied to the central portion 165 of the top surface 92 of the curled, flexible sheet (inner surface of resilient sleeve), and a plug placed at a position adjacent the transverse end edge of the curled, flexible sheet which forms the first end of the resilient sleeve. After the top surface of the curled, flexible sleeve has been loaded with sandwich fixings and the plug, the two panels (410, 420) are raised and the curled, flexible sheet is permitted to self-roll into the closed, relaxed configuration of the resilient sleeve.

[00119] Referring to FIG. 1C, the sleeve 90, with the sandwich fixings 30 therein, can be inserted through the opening 70 of the bread bun 20, and into the cavity 60. Preferably, the sleeve 200 is inserted the entire length of the cavity 60.

[00120] Referring to FIG. ID, the sleeve 90 is next withdrawn from the cavity 60, while leaving the fixings 30 within the cavity 60 to form the sandwich 20. This step may be conducted by locating a stopping element, such as the cylindrical spike 340 shown in FIGS. 8A-G, adjacent the plug 100, grasping the exposed end of the sleeve and withdrawing the sleeve from the bread bun while maintaining the position of the plug relative to the bread bun using the cylindrical spike.

[00121] Referring to FIGS 1 IA-C, a stopper assembly 500 is shown for use in withdrawing the resilient sleeve 90, which has longitudinal edges that abut or face each other, from the cavity 60 of the bread bun 20 while preventing the fixings 30 from exiting the cavity 60. The stopper assembly 500 includes a base plate 540, a support wall 510 connected and substantially orthogonal to the base plate 540, and a stopper 530 disposed behind the support wall 510 and connected to the base plate 540 by a vertically extending rib or spoke 550. The rib 550 projects radially from the resilient sleeve through a longitudinal slot defined by the longitudinal edges (160,

170) of the resilient sleeve, and is displaceable through the slot. The support wall 510 has an aperture 520, which is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the stopper 530. The support wall 510 may include one or more side walls (not shown) extending from the support wall 510 to form an enclosure or partial enclosure for holding the bread bun 20. The stopper assembly 500 may also include a handle (not shown), which is coupled to the underside of the base plate 540. The stopper assembly 500 may optionally include a guide wall 560 connected to the base plate 540, which is disposed behind the front end of stopper 530. The guide wall 610 has an opening 570, which is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the stopper 530 and the center of the aperture 520 defined by the support wall 510. The guide wall is used to facilitate removal of the sleeve from the bread bun 20 by maintaining the center of the sleeve 90 aligned with the longitudinal axis of the stopper 530.

[00122] Referring to FIGS 12A-D, another example of a stopper assembly 600 is shown for use in withdrawing the resilient sleeve 90, which has overlapping longitudinal sections (as shown n FIG. 4), from the cavity 60 of the bread bun 20 while preventing the fixings 30 from exiting the cavity 60. The stopper assembly 600 includes a base plate 640, a support wall 610 connected and substantially orthogonal to the base plate 640, and a stopper 630 disposed behind the support wall 610 and connected to the base plate 640 by a Z-shaped connection or bent rib 650. Bent rib 650 projects radially from the sleeve through the overlapping longitudinal sections of the sleeve and is displaceable through the slot . The support wall 610 has an aperture 620, which is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the stopper 630. The support wall 610 may include one or more side walls (not shown) extending from the support wall 610 to form an enclosure or partial enclosure for holding the bread bun 20. The stopper assembly 600 may also include a handle (not shown), which is coupled to the underside of the base plate 640. The stopper assembly 600 may optionally include a guide wall 660 connected to the base plate 640, which is disposed behind the front end of stopper 630. The guide wall 660 has an opening 670, which is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the stopper 630 and the center of the aperture 620 defined by the support wall 610. The guide wall is used to facilitate removal of the sleeve from the bread bun 20 by maintaining the center of the sleeve 90 aligned with the longitudinal axis of the stopper 630.

[00123] The support wall of the stopper assemblies described above generally has an aperture of a size sufficient to permit axial movement of the sleeve through the aperture when the first end of the bread bun containing the sleeve is in abutting relation with the support wall and the longitudinal axis of the sleeve is substantially aligned with the center of the aperture of the support wall. Furthermore, the stopper may generally be of a size and shape that permits axial movement of the stopper through the lumen of the sleeve as the sealed sleeve is withdrawn from the bread bun and moved over the stopper. The stopper of the stopper assemblies described above maintains the position of the closure relative to the bread bun by abuttingly engaging the closure as the sleeve is withdrawn from the bread bun through the aperture of the support wall and moved over the stopper, thereby preventing the one, or more than one sandwich fixing from exiting the bun.

[00124] Referring to FIG. 13, there is illustrated a stopper assembly 700 having a base plate 780, a support wall 710 connected and substantially parallel to the base plate 780, and an elongate stopper 730, similar to the cylindrical spike 340 shown in FIGS. 8A-G, disposed behind the support wall 710 and connected to the base plate 780. The support wall 710 has an aperture 720, which is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the stopper 730. The support wall 710 may include one or more side walls (not shown) extending from the support wall 710 and forming an enclosure for accommodating the bread bun 20. The stopper assembly 700 also includes a carriage 770 disposed behind the support wall 710, which has a gripping mechanism 750 with a hingedly coupled, resilient, arc-shaped retaining clip 760 for gripping an exposed end of the resilient sleeve 90 diposed within a bread bun. The stopper assembly 700 includes a handle 790 coupled to the carriage 770 for moving the carriage along the elongated stopper 730.

[00125] In use, the first end of the resilient sleeve containing sandwich fixings and a plug 100, which is disposed within a bun, is clipped to the gripping mechanism 750 and the carriage 770 is moved away from the support wall 710, thereby withdrawing the sleeve 90 from the bread bun 20, while the stopper 730 abuts the plug and prevents the sandwich fixings from exiting the bun.

[00126] Referring to FIGS. 14A-C, there is illustrated the manner in which the stopper assembly 500 is used in the process of withdrawing the resilient sleeve 90 containing fixings 30 from the bread bun 20, while preventing the fixings 30 from exiting the bun. First, the bread bun 20 containing the sleeve with the sandwich fixings 30 is placed on top of the support wall 510 of the stopper assembly 500, the exposed end of the sleeve 90 is grasped, and the sleeve 90 is withdrawn from the bread bun 20, through the aperture 520 of the support wall and over the stopper 530 so that the plug 100 abuts the stopper 530 as the sleeve 90 is withdrawn, thereby preventing the sandwich fixings from exiting the bread bun. The vertically extending rib 550 projects radially from the sleeve through a longitudinal slot defined by the longitudinal edges (160, 170) of the resilient sleeve and is displaced through the longitudinal slot as the sleeve is withdrawn from the bread bun and over the stopper.

[00127] As indicated above, the stopper assembly 500 is generally used in the cases where the longitudinal edges (160, 170) of the curled, flexible sheet 95 abut or face each other, with substantially little or no overlap, and the stopper assembly 600 generally used in instances where opposite surfaces of longitudinal sections of the curled, flexible sheet of the resilient sleeve have a substantial degree of overlap. The elongate spike 340 shown in FIGS. 8A-G, or the stopper assembly 700 shown in FIG. 13 may also be used in instances where opposite surfaces of longitudinal sections of the curled, flexible sheet of the resilient sleeve have a substantial degree of overlap, or the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet abut or face each other.

Furthermore, the stopper assembly 600 may also be used with resilient sleeves comprising a curled, flexible sheet having longitudinal edges that abut or face each other.

[00128] Referring to FIGS 15A-D and 16A-B, there are shown alternative stopper assemblies 800 and 805 for use in the step of extracting a resilient tube from a bread bun according to the method of the present invention. Stopper assembly 800 comprises a stopper 810 and a pushing element 820, the stopper 810 coupled to the pushing element 820 by a vertically extending section 815. In stopper assembly 805, stopper 810 is coupled to pushing element 820 by a Z-shaped connection or bent rib 815. Stopper assemblies 800 and 805 obviate the need for a separate plug to be inserted in the resilient tubing, as stopper 810 serves as both a plug and stopping element. Stopper assembly 800 is for positioning within a resilient sleeve having abutting or facing longitudinal edges, at a location adjacent the first, open end of the sleeve, such that pushing element 820 projects radially from the resilient sleeve through a longitudinal slot defined by the longitudinal edges (160, 170) of the resilient sleeve, and is displaceable through the slot. Stopper assembly 805 is for positioning within a resilient sleeve having overlapping longitudinal sections (830, 840), at a position adjacent to the first, open end of the sleeve, such that the pushing element 820 projects radially from the sleeve through the overlapping longitudinal sections (830, 840) of the sleeve. As shown in Figures 15B-D, the pushing element 820 is pressed against the first end of bread bun 20 as the resilient sleeve 90 is withdrawn from the bread bun, thereby preventing the sandwich fixings from leaving the bread bun. Stopper assemblies 800 and 805 may be fabricated from a food grade plastic, or a metal, such as stainless steel.

[00129] It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims.

[00130] AU citations are hereby incorporated by reference.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method for making a sandwich, comprising:

a) providing a pre-baked bread bun having a first end, a second end and an exterior crust;

b) forming an opening in the exterior crust of the bread bun, the opening being at the first end of the bread bun, and a cavity in the bread bun, the opening extending to the cavity;

c) providing a resilient sleeve having a lumen and a first and a second open end, the resilient sleeve comprising a curled, flexible sheet of resilient material, the curled, flexible sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface, first and second " longitudinal edges, and first and second lateral end edges joining the first and second longitudinal edges;

d) enclosing one, or more than one sandwich fixing and a closure within the resilient sleeve, the closure being positioned adjacent the first end of the sleeve, to produce a sealed sleeve containing the one, or more than one sandwich fixing and having a closed, first end and an open, second end;

e) inserting the sealed sleeve containing the one, or more than one sandwich fixing into the cavity of the bread bun, the sealed sleeve being oriented so that the open, second end of the sleeve is disposed within the cavity and adjacent the second end of the bread bun and the closed, first end of the sealed sleeve is adjacent to the opening in the bun, and

f) withdrawing the sealed sleeve from the bread bun while preventing the one, or more than one sandwich fixing from exiting the bun.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, the resilient sleeve has an open, tensioned configuration in which the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet are held apart and a closed, relaxed configuration in which longitudinal sections of the ■ top and bottom surfaces of the curled, flexible sheet overlap in abutting relation or the first and second longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet abut or face each other.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the step of enclosing comprises:

spreading and restraining the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet so that the resilient sleeve assumes the open configuration;

positioning a closure on the top surface of the curled, flexible sheet of the resilient sleeve restrained in the open configuration;

placing one, or more than one sandwich fixing on the top surface of the curled flexible sheet of the resilient sleeve restrained in the open configuration, and

releasing the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet and allowing the curled, flexible sheet to close so that the resilient sleeve assumes the closed configuration and produces the sealed sleeve containing the one, or more than one sandwich fixing and having a closed, first end and an open, second end.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein the step of enclosing comprises:

placing one, or more than one sandwich fixing on the top surface of the curled flexible sheet of the resilient sleeve restrained in the open configuration;

releasing the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet and allowing the curled, flexible sheet to close so that the resilient sleeve assumes the closed configuration, the resilient sleeve containing the one, or more than one sandwich fixing, and positioning a closure within the sleeve adjacent the first, open end of the sleeve, to form the sealed sleeve containing the one, or more than one sandwich fixing and having a closed, first end and an open, second end.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein in the step of placing, the one, or more than one sandwich fixing is stacked as one, or more than one layer on the curled, flexible sheet.

6. The method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein in the step of placing, a plurality of separate layers of sandwich fixings are placed on the curled, flexible sheet, and the sleeve contains a plurality of separate and arcuate layers of sandwich fixings.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the step of withdrawing comprises: ,

locating a stopper near the opening in the bread bun and near the first end of the sealed sleeve;

grasping the first end of the sleeve and withdrawing the sleeve from the bread bun while maintaining the position of the closure relative to the bread bun, such that the closure abuts the stopper as the sleeve is withdrawn to prevent the one, or more than one sandwich fixing from exiting the bun.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the longitudinal axis of the stopper is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the sleeve within the bread bun.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the stopper is of a size and shape that permits axial movement of the stopper through the lumen of the sleeve as the sleeve is withdrawn from the bread bun over the stopper.

10. The method according to claims 7, 8 or 9, further comprising placing the first end of the bread bun on a support or holding enclosure disposed adjacent the stopper, the support having an aperture, wherein in the step of grasping, the first end of the ^■ sleeve is grasped and withdrawn from the bread bun, through the aperture of the support and over the stopper while maintaining the position of the closure relative to the bread bun.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the longitudinal axis of the sleeve within the bread bun is substantially aligned with the center of the aperture of the support or holding enclosure.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the aperture of the support is of a size sufficient to permit axial movement of the sleeve through the aperture.

13. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the step of grasping is conducted by securing a gripping mechanism to the sleeve, and displacing one of the stopper or gripping mechanism relative to the other along the longitudinal axis of the stopper to withdraw the sealed sleeve from the bread bun while the stopper abuts the closure within the sealed sleeve.

14. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the stopper is elongate.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the sleeve is tapered at the second end.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the closure comprises a pushing element that abuts the first end of the bread bun, the pushing element projecting radially through a longitudinal slot defined by the longitudinal edges of the resilient sleeve, and being displaceable through the slot.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein in the step of withdrawing the pushing element is pressed against the first end of bread bun as the resilient sleeve is withdrawn from the bread bun, thereby preventing the one, or more than one sandwich fixings from leaving the bread bun.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the pre-baked bread bun has a substantially continuous wall forming a unitary, integral shell.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the cavity extends substantially along the length of the bread bun.

20. A method of enclosing one, or more than one sandwich fixing within a sleeve, comprising:

a) providing a resilient sleeve having a lumen and a first and a second open end, the resilient sleeve comprising a curled, flexible sheet of resilient material, the curled flexible sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface, first and second longitudinal edges, and first and second lateral end edges joining the first and second longitudinal edges, the resilient sleeve having an open, tensioned configuration in which the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet are held apart and a closed, relaxed configuration in which longitudinal sections of the top and bottom surfaces of the curled, flexible sheet overlap in abutting relation or the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet abut or face each other;

b) spreading and restraining the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet so that the resilient sleeve assumes the open configuration;

c) placing one, or more than one sandwich fixing on the top surface of the curled, flexible sheet of the resilient sleeve restrained in the open configuration, and

d) releasing the longitudinal sections of the curled, flexible sheet and allowing the curled flexible sheet to close so that the resilient sleeve assumes the closed configuration, the sleeve containing the one, or more than one sandwich fixing, thereby enclosing the one, or more than one sandwich fixing.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein prior to the step of releasing a closure is placed on the top surface of the curled, flexible sheet of the resilient sleeve restrained in the open configuration, the closure positioned adjacent a lateral end of the curled, flexible sheet that forms the first open end of the resilient sleeve, such that after the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet are released a sealed sleeve is produced containing the one, or more than one sandwich fixing and having a closed, first end and an open, second end.

22. The method according to claim 20, further comprising positioning a closure within the sleeve adjacent to the first open end of the sleeve, to form a sealed sleeve having a closed, first end, an open, second end, and containing the one, or more than one sandwich fixing.

23. The method according to claim 20, 21 or 22, wherein the sleeve is tapered at the second end.

24. An enclosure for one, or more than one layer of sandwich fixing, comprising:

a resilient sleeve having a lumen and a first and a second open end, the resilient sleeve comprising a curled, flexible sheet of resilient material, the curled flexible sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface, first and second longitudinal edges, and first and second lateral end edges joining the first and second longitudinal edges, and

a closure disposed within the sleeve adjacent to the first open end of the sleeve.

25. The enclosure according to claim 24, wherein the resilient sleeve has an open, tensioned configuration in which the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet are held apart and a closed, relaxed configuration in which longitudinal sections of the top and bottom surfaces of the curled, flexible sheet overlap in abutting relation or the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet abut or face each other.

26. The enclosure according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the second end of the resilient sleeve is tapered.

27. The enclosure according to claim 24, 25 or 26, wherein the tapered second end of the resilient sleeve comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending sections.

28. The enclosure according to claim 27, wherein the longitudinally extending sections are spreadable.

29. A resilient sleeve having a lumen and a first and a second open end, the resilient sleeve comprising a curled, flexible sheet of resilient material, the curled flexible sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface, first and second longitudinal edges, and first and second lateral end edges joining the first and second longitudinal edges, wherein the second end of the resilient sleeve is tapered.

30. The resilient sleeve according to claim 29, wherein the resilient sleeve has an open, tensioned configuration in which longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet are held apart and a closed, relaxed configuration in which longitudinal sections of the top and bottom surfaces of the curled, flexible sheet overlap in abutting relation or the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet abut or face each other.

31. The resilient sleeve according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the tapered, second end of the resilient sleeve comprises a plurality of longitudinally extending sections.

32. The resilient sleeve according to claim 31 , wherein the longitudinally extending sections are spreadable.

33. A stopper assembly for use in a step of withdrawing a sleeve with sandwich fixings therein from an opening in a bread bun while resisting the sandwich fixings from exiting the bun, the stopper assembly comprising: a support wall having an aperture, and a stopper disposed behind the support wall.

34. The stopper assembly according to claim 33, wherein the longitudinal axis of the stopper is substantially aligned with the center of the aperture of the support wall.

35. The stopper assembly according to claim 33 or 34, wherein the support wall and the stopper are directly coupled to each other.

36. The stopper assembly according to claim 33 or 34, further comprising a base plate, the support wall extending from the base plate, and the stopper coupled to the base plate.

37. The stopper assembly according to claim 36, wherein the support wall is substantially orthogonal to the base plate.

38. The stopper assembly according to claim 36 or 37, wherein the sleeve comprises a curled, flexible sheet of resilient material, the curled flexible sheet having longitudinal edges, wherein longitudinal sections of opposite surfaces of the curled, flexible sheet overlap in abutting relation or the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet abut or face each other, and the stopper is coupled to the base plate by a spreading element that functions to move apart the longitudinal edges of the sleeve as the sleeve is withdrawn through the aperture of the support wall and over and past the stopper.

39. The stopper assembly according to claim 33 or 34, further comprising a guide wall having an opening, the guide wall disposed behind the front end of the stopper.

40. The stopper assembly according to claim 39, wherein the center of the opening of the guide wall is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the stopper.

41. The stopper assembly according to claim 39 or 40, wherein the stopper is directly coupled to the support wall and the guide wall.

42. The stopper assembly according to claim 39 or 40, further comprising a base plate, the support wall and the guide wall extending from the base plate and the stopper coupled to the base plate.

43. The stopper assembly according to claim 42, wherein the support wall and the guide wall are substantially orthogonal to the base plate.

44. The stopper assembly according to claim 42 or 43, wherein the sleeve comprises a curled, flexible sheet of resilient material, the curled flexible sheet having longitudinal edges, wherein longitudinal sections of opposite surfaces of the curled, flexible sheet overlap in abutting relation or the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet abut or face each other, and the stopper is coupled to the base plate by a spreading element that functions to move apart the longitudinal edges of the sleeve as the sleeve is withdrawn through the aperture of the support wall and over and past the stopper.

45. The stopper assembly according to any one of claims 33 to 44, wherein the stopper is of a size and shape that permits axial movement of the stopper through the lumen of the sleeve as the sleeve is withdrawn from the bread bun over the stopper.

46. The stopper assembly according to claim 33 or 34, further comprising a base plate, wherein the support wall and the stopper are connected to the base plate.

47. The stopper assembly according to claim 46, wherein the support wall is substantially parallel to the base plate, and the stopper is elongate.

48. The stopper assembly according to claim 47, further comprising a carriage comprising a gripping mechanism, the carriage disposed behind the support wall, the gripping mechanism for gripping an end of the sleeve, and the carriage moveable away from the support wall.

49. The stopper assembly according to claim 48, wherein the carriage is slidably coupled to the elongate stopper.

50. A spreader for spreading and retaining longitudinal edges of a flexible sheet, comprising:

a base wall having first and second longitudinal edges and first and second transverse end edges;

first and second side walls coupled, respectively, to the first and second longitudinal edges of the base wall, the base wall and the first and second side walls defining a channel; first and second side wall portions coupled, respectively, to the first and second side walls and spaced apart from the base wall, the first side wall portion and the first side wall defining a first conduit and the second side wall portion and the second side wall defining a second conduit, the first and second conduits disposed within the channel, the first and second conduits for holding the longitudinal edges of the flexible sheet, the first and second conduits increasing in width toward one of the first and second transverse end edges of the base wall.

51. The spreader according to claim 50, wherein the first and second conduits begin from a point along the first and second longitudinal edges, respectively, of the base wall, that is adjacent to the first transverse end edge of the base wall, and wherein the first and second conduits each have a width that is substantially constant along a section of the first and second longitudinal edges, respectively, of the base wall, and then gradually increase in width toward the second transverse end edge of the base wall.

52. The spreader according to claim 50, wherein the first and second conduits each have a width that is substantially constant from the first transverse end edge of the base wall and along a section of the first and second longitudinal edges, respectively, of the base wall, and then gradually increase in width toward the second transverse end edge of the base wall.

53. The spreader according to claim 50, 51 or 52, wherein the first and second conduits have a semicircular transverse cross-section.

54. The spreader according to claim 50, 51 or 52, wherein the first and second conduits have a U-shaped transverse cross-section.

55. A system for stuffing a bread bun with one, or more than one sandwich fixing, comprising: a) one, or more than one elongate element for forming a cavity in the bread bun or for use in a step of withdrawing a sleeve containing the one, or more than one sandwich fixing from an opening in the bread bun while resisting the one, or more than one sandwich fixing from exiting the bun; b) the resilient sleeve as defined in any one of claims 29 to 32; c) a closure for insertion within the lumen of the resilient sleeve, and d) a spreading element for spreading and restraining the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet of the resilient sleeve.

56. The system according to claim 55, further comprising the stopper assembly defined in any one of claims 33 to 49.

57. The system according to claim 55 or 56, wherein the spreading element is a separator comprising:

first and second side walls coupled, respectively, to the first and second longitudinal edges of the base wall, the base wall and the first and second side walls defining a channel;

first and second side wall portions coupled, respectively, to the first and second side walls and spaced apart from the base wall, the first side wall portion and the first side wall defining a first conduit and the second side wall portion and the second side wall defining a second conduit, the first and second conduits disposed within the channel, the first and second conduits for holding the longitudinal edges of the flexible sheet of the resilient sleeve.

58. The system according to claim 57, wherein the first and second conduits have a semicircular transverse cross-section.

59 The system according to claim 57, wherein the first and second conduits have a U-shaped transverse cross-section.

60. The system according to claim 55 or 56, wherein the spreading element is the spreader defined in any one of claims 50 to 54.

61. A method for withdrawing a resilient sleeve containing, one, or more sandwich fixing therein from an opening in a bread bun having a first and second end, while resisting the one, or more than one sandwich fixing from exiting the bun, the method comprising: a) providing the bread bun, the bread bun having a cavity, the opening of the bread bun in fluid communication with the cavity, the bread bun having the resilient sleeve disposed within the cavity, the resilient sleeve having a lumen and a first and a second open end, the resilient sleeve comprising a curled, flexible sheet of resilient material, the curled flexible sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface, first and second longitudinal edges, and first and second lateral end edges joining the first and second longitudinal edges, the first end of the sleeve being sealed with a closure and the second end of the sleeve being open, the sleeve being oriented within the cavity so that the second open end of the sleeve is adjacent to the second end of the bread bun and the first, sealed end of the sleeve is adjacent to the opening in the bread bun,

b) locating a stopper near the opening in the bread bun and near the first end of the sealed sleeve, and

^' c) grasping the first end of the sleeve and withdrawing the sleeve from the bread bun while maintaining the position of the closure relative to the bread bun, such that the closure abuts the stopper as the sleeve is withdrawn to prevent the one, or more than one sandwich fixing from exiting the bun.

62. The method according to claim 61, wherein the resilient sleeve has an open, tensioned configuration in which the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet are held apart and a closed, relaxed configuration in which longitudinal sections of the top and bottom surfaces of the curled, flexible sheet overlap in abutting relation or the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet abut or face each other.

63. The method according to claim 61 or 62, wherein the longitudinal axis of the stopper is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the sleeve within the bread bun.

64. The method according to claim 61 , 62 or 63, wherein the stopper is of a size and shape that permits axial movement of the stopper through the lumen of the sleeve as the sleeve is withdrawn from the bread bun over the stopper.

65. The method according to any one of claims 61 to 64, further comprising placing the first end of the bread bun on a support or holding enclosure disposed adjacent the stopper, the support having an aperture, wherein in the step of grasping (step c)), the first end of the sleeve is grasped and withdrawn from the bread bun, through the aperture of the support and over the stopper while maintaining the position of the closure relative to the bread bun.

66. The method according to claim 65, wherein the longitudinal axis of the sleeve within the bread bun is substantially aligned with the center of the aperture of the support or holding enclosure.

67. The method according to claim 65 or 66, wherein the aperture of the support is of a size sufficient to permit axial movement of the sleeve through the aperture.

68. The method according to any one of claims 61 to 67, wherein the step of grasping is conducted by securing a gripping mechanism to the sleeve; and displacing one of the stopper or gripping mechanism relative to the other along the longitudinal axis of the stopper to withdraw the sealed sleeve from the bread bun while the stopper abuts the closure within the sealed sleeve.

69. The method according to any one of claims 61 to 68, wherein the stopper is elongate.

70. The method according to any one of claims 61 to 69, wherein the sleeve is tapered at the second end.

71. A resilient sleeve for use in the method of any one of claims 1 to 23 and 61 to 70, the resilient sleeve having a lumen and a first and a second open end, the resilient sleeve comprising a curled, flexible sheet of resilient material, the curled flexible sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface, first and second longitudinal edges, and first and second lateral end edges joining the first and second longitudinal edges.

72. The resilient sleeve according to claim 71, wherein the resilient sleeve has an open, tensioned configuration in which the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet are held apart and a closed, relaxed configuration in which longitudinal sections of the top and bottom surfaces of the curled, flexible sheet overlap in abutting relation or the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet abut or face each other.

73. A resilient sleeve for use in stuffing a hollowed-out sandwich with one, or more than one sandwich fixing, the resilient sleeve having a lumen and a first and a second open end, the resilient sleeve comprising a curled, flexible sheet of resilient material, the curled flexible sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface, first and second longitudinal edges, and first and second lateral end edges joining the first and second longitudinal edges.

74. The resilient sleeve according to claim 73, wherein the resilient sleeve has an open, tensioned configuration in which the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet are held apart and a closed, relaxed configuration in which longitudinal sections of the top and bottom surfaces of the curled, flexible sheet overlap in abutting relation or the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet abut each other.

75. The resilient sleeve according to claim 72 or 74, wherein a portion of the first or second lateral side of the curled, flexible sheet is formed in a manner that results in the first or second end of the resilient sleeve having a tapered shape when the resilient tube is present in the closed configuration.

76. A spreader for use in the method of any one of claims 1 to 23, comprising:

a base wall having first and second longitudinal edges and first and second transverse end edges; first and second side walls coupled, respectively, to the first and second longitudinal edges of the base wall, the base wall and the first and second side walls defining a channel; first and second side wall portions coupled, respectively, to the first and second side walls and spaced apart from the base wall, the first side wall portion and the first side wall defining a first conduit and the second side wall portion and the second side wall defining a second conduit, the first and second conduits disposed within the channel, the first and second conduits for holding the longitudinal edges of the flexible sheet.

77. The spreader according to claim 76, wherein the first and second conduits have a semicircular transverse cross-section.

78. The spreader according to claim 76, wherein the first and second conduits have a U-shaped transverse cross-section.

79. A method for making a sandwich, comprising:

a) providing i) a pre-baked bread bun having a first end, a second end, an exterior crust having an opening, and a cavity, the opening extending to the cavity and disposed at the first end of the bread bun, and ii) a resilient sleeve having a lumen and a first and a second open end, the resilient sleeve comprising a curled, flexible sheet of resilient material, the curled flexible sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface, first and second longitudinal edges, and first and second lateral end edges joining the first and second longitudinal edges;

b) enclosing one, or more than one sandwich fixing and a closure within the sleeve, the closure being positioned adjacent the first end of the sleeve; to produce a sealed sleeve containing the one, or more than one sandwich fixing and having a closed, first end and an open, second end;

c) inserting the sealed sleeve containing the one, or more than one sandwich fixing into the cavity of the bread bun, the sealed sleeve being oriented so that the second open end of the sleeve is disposed within the cavity and adjacent the second end of the bread bun and the first, closed end of the sealed sleeve is adjacent to the opening in the bread bun; and

d) withdrawing the sealed sleeve from the bread bun while preventing the one, or more than one sandwich fixing from exiting the bun.

80. The method according to claim 79, wherein the resilient sleeve has an open, tensioned configuration in which the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet are held apart and a closed, relaxed configuration in which longitudinal sections of the top and bottom surfaces of the curled, flexible sheet overlap in abutting relation or the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet abut each other

81. The method according to claim 80, wherein the step of enclosing comprises:

82. The method according to claim 80, wherein the step of enclosing comprises:

placing one, or more than one sandwich fixing on the top surface of the curled flexible sheet of the resilient sleeve restrained in the open configuration; releasing the longitudinal edges of the curled, flexible sheet and allowing the curled, flexible sheet to close so that the resilient sleeve assumes the closed configuration, the resilient sleeve containing the one, or more than one sandwich fixing, and

positioning a closure within the sleeve adjacent the first, open end of the sleeve, to form the sealed sleeve containing the one, or more than one sandwich fixing and having a closed, first end and an open, second end.

83. The method according to claim 81 or 82, wherein in the step of placing, the one, or more than one sandwich fixing is stacked as one, or more than one layer on the curled, flexible sheet.

84. The method according to claim 81 or 82, wherein in the step of placing, a plurality of separate layers of sandwich fixings are placed on the curled, flexible sheet, and the sleeve contains a plurality of separate and arcuate layers of sandwich fixings.

85. The method according to any one of claims 79 to 84, wherein the step of withdrawing comprises:

86. The method according to claim 85, wherein the longitudinal axis of the stopper is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the sleeve within the bread bun.

87. The method according to claim 85 or 86, wherein the stopper is of a size and shape that permits axial movement of the stopper through the lumen of the sleeve as the sleeve is withdrawn from the bread bun over the stopper.

88. The method according to claims 85, 86 or 87, further comprising placing the first end of the bread bun on a support or holding enclosure disposed adjacent the stopper, the support having an aperture, wherein in the step of grasping, the first end of the sleeve is grasped and withdrawn from the bread bun, through the aperture of the support and over the stopper while maintaining the position of the closure relative to the bread bun.

89. The method according to claim 88, wherein the longitudinal axis of the sleeve within the bread bun is substantially aligned with the center of the aperture of the support or holding enclosure.

90. The method according to claim 88 or 89, wherein the aperture of the support is of a size sufficient to permit axial movement of the sleeve through the aperture.

91. The method according to any one of claims 85 to 90, wherein the step of grasping is conducted by securing a gripping mechanism to the sleeve, and displacing one of the stopper or gripping mechanism relative to the other along the longitudinal axis of the stopper to withdraw the sealed sleeve from the bread bun while the stopper abuts the closure within the sealed sleeve.

92. The method according to any one of claims 85 to 91, wherein the stopper is elongate.

93. The method according to any one of claims 79 to 92, wherein the sleeve is tapered at the second end.

94. The method according to any one of claims 79 to 84, wherein the closure comprises a pushing element that abuts the first end of the bread bun, the pushing element projecting radially through a longitudinal slot defined by the longitudinal edges of the resilient sleeve, and being displaceable through the slot.

95. The method according to claim 94, wherein in the step of withdrawing the pushing element is pressed against the first end of bread bun as the resilient sleeve is withdrawn from the bread bun, thereby preventing the one, or more than one sandwich fixings from leaving the bread bun.

96. The method according to any one of claims 79 to 95, wherein the pre-baked bread bun has a substantially continuous wall forming a unitary, integral shell.

97. The method according to any one of claims 79 to 96, wherein the cavity extends substantially along the length of the bread bun.