Patent Application
20160023835
The present disclosure relates to a packaging for edible products. In particular, the disclosure pertains to an expandable packaging for heating an edible product within a pouch.
In the interest of convenience, a wide variety of edible products are pre-packaged in pouches. Generally, the contents of the pouch are emptied into an eating vessel, e.g., a bowl or a plate, prior to consumption. Under circumstances such as when a eating vessel is not available or for the sake of convenience, such as not having to clean the vessels, it is desirable to provide a pouch pre-package with items that can be consumed directly from the pouch. However, pouches typically used for edible products are cumbersome to handle, unstable when placed on a flat surface, and generally unwieldy. In particular, pouches containing an edible product that is warmed or heated before being consumed can be difficult to handle because the surface of the pouch is essentially at the same temperature as its content.
Accordingly, there exists a need for a package that overcomes the short-comings of prior art packages.
A method for heating an edible product enclosed within a pouch includes providing one or more pouches having an enclosed space containing the edible product. The pouch includes one or more tear notches and one or more tear lines extending from the one or more notches and along at least a portion of a surface of the pouch. The pouch also includes one or more sealed vents defining at least a portion of a flow path between the enclosed space and an external environment surrounding the pouch. The method also includes providing a sleeve having a first and a second end and a wall having an internal and an external surface and extending between the first and the second ends. The first end of the sleeve is open and the second end of the sleeve includes a sleeve gusset. The sleeve also includes one or more thumb holes in the wall. In some embodiments, the method includes inserting at least a portion of the pouch through the first end of the sleeve and placing it within the sleeve. Heating the edible product within the pouch will cause the pouch to bulge due to an increase in a pressure within the enclosed space. This, in turn, causes the sleeve to bulge and un-fold the sleeve gusset at the second end. During heating, at least one of the sealed vents may be forced open by the pressure built up within the enclosed space. The pouch may be torn open along the one or more tear lines, thereby providing access to the edible product contained therein.
In some embodiments, the pouch initially placed within the sleeve is removed and replaced by another pouch containing an edible product. Accordingly, the sleeve and two or more pouches are provided as a kit wherein the sleeve is reusable. In certain embodiments, at least one of the one or more sealed vents is forced open (or unsealed) when the pressure within the enclosed space is greater than a predefined value. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the edible product includes a moisture content of at least 15 percent. Accordingly, steam is generated within the enclosed space when the edible product is heated. In some such embodiments, the steam unseals at least one the one or more sealed vents in the pouch. In certain embodiments, the one or more pouches are retort pouches having pouch gussets. In such embodiments, the pouch gusset is positioned proximate the second end of the sleeve, i.e., proximate the sleeve gusset.
In some embodiments, the sleeve and at least one pouch are provided as a package wherein the sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the pouch. The pouch includes an enclosed space defined at least partially by opposed first and second panels scaled one to another along one or more edges, and includes one or more tear notches on an exterior section thereof. At least one or more tear lines on an external surface of the pouch extends from at least one tear notch and partition the pouch into a top section and a bottom section. The top and bottom sections are thus separable for accessing an item contained in the enclosed space of the pouch. The sleeve includes a space defined by a peripheral wall and opposed first and second ends. The first end of the sleeve is open and configured for receiving at least a portion of the pouch there within. In some embodiments, at least a portion of an external surface of the pouch is adhered to at least a portion of an internal surface of the peripheral wall of the sleeve. The second end of the sleeve is at least partially closed by a sleeve gusset configured for being placed in any one or more positions between a collapsed or folded state and a partially un-folded state and/or an expanded or fully un-folded state.
In certain embodiments, when the package is warmed or heated in a heating device, the pouch bulges and exerts pressure on the peripheral wall of the sleeve, causing the sleeve to bulge and moving the peripheral wall. This movement of the peripheral wall transitions the sleeve gusset from the collapsed or folded state to the partially un-folded state and/or the expanded or fully un-folded state. The pouch is opened and the content accessed by tearing the external surface of the pouch along the one or more tear lines. In some embodiments, the pouch includes a vent providing fluid communication between the enclosed space of the pouch and the external environment surrounding the pouch.
In some embodiments, the package includes a susceptor or a shielding or some combination thereof for regulating the heating and/or conditioning of the content of the pouch.
In certain embodiments, pressure applied on opposed sides of an external surface of the peripheral wall causes the sleeve to bulge and separate the panels of the pouch apart from one another. As the sleeve bulges, movement of the peripheral wall transitions the sleeve gusset from the collapsed or folded state to the partially un-folded state and/or the expanded or fully un-folded state. In one such embodiment, it is not necessary to wait until the sleeve gusset is in the expanded or fully un-folded state before opening the pouch by tearing the external surface of the pouch along the one or more tear lines.
While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments may become apparent to one skilled in the art. The following detailed description describes only some non-limiting exemplary embodiments. It should be clearly understood that there is no intent, implied or otherwise, to limit the embodiments in any form or manner to those described herein. As such, all alternative embodiments are considered as falling within the spirit, scope and intent of the disclosure. The metes and bounds of the disclosure are defined by the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.
In some embodiments, pouch 12 includes one or more tear notches 28 and one or more tear lines 30, illustrated as a broken line, extending from at least one tear notch 28. While pouch 12 of
In
One or more tear notches 28 and one or more tear lines 30 are a means for opening pouch 12, and gaining access to the contents stored within enclosed space 16 of pouch 12. Pouch 12 is opened by gripping opposing sides of one tear notch 28 and pulling the gripped sides in opposing directions. Such pulling action causes a tear in first and/or second pouch panels 18 and 20 along one or more tear lines 30 on their respective external surfaces 32 and 34. In certain embodiments, tear notches 28 and/or tear lines 30 assist and/or guide cutting open pouch 12 using a cutting device, e.g., a scissor, a knife, a blade, etc. for cutting the first and/or second pouch panels 18 and 20. In other embodiments, pouch 12 does not include tear notches 28 and/or tear lines 30 and is cut open using the afore-described cutting devices. Yet other embodiments incorporate alternate devices, means and/or methods for opening pouch 12, e.g., a zipper, a slider, Ziplock™, a mechanical score, a laser score, etc. Hereinafter, the section of pouch 12 above one or more tear lines 30 is referred to as top section 36, and the section of pouch 12 below one or more tear lines 30 is referred to as bottom section 38. From the foregoing, it should be apparent that top section 36 can be partially or completely separated and/or detached from bottom section 38.
In accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, pouch 12 is configured for housing an edible product within enclosed space 16. In some embodiments, first and second pouch panels 18 and 20 may be formed of one or more layers such as in a laminated panel, as are well known in the art, suitable for housing edible products. Accordingly, at least internal surfaces 40 and 42 of respective first and second pouch panels 18 and 20 that are in contact with the edible product within enclosed space 16 of pouch 12, are of a material known to be suitable for use with edible products.
Pouch 12, in some embodiments, contains an edible product that is to be warmed or heated before being consumed. Accordingly, un-opened pouch 12 is first placed and then heated in a heating device, e.g., a microwave or a conventional oven. It should be apparent that, upon heating, fluids, e.g., moisture, contained within the edible product will be released as vapor. Also, any air in enclosed space 16 will be heated. The vapor and/or heated air within pouch 12 will expand and pressurize the interior of pouch 12, and cause pouch 12 to bulge as illustrated in
In some embodiments, pouch 12 includes a susceptor or a shielding or some combination thereof for regulating or facilitating the heating and/or conditioning (e.g., browning) of the edible product there within. The use of susceptors and/or shielding for such purposes is well known in the art. For instance, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, susceptors and/or shielding are used as one or more layers forming at least a portion of a laminate used in the manufacture of pouch 12, i.e., the laminate used for either one or both first and second pouch panels 18 and 20.
In alternate embodiments, pouch 12 contains an edible product that is served or consumed without being warmed or heated. The consumer, or user, opens pouch 12 as previously described and gains access to the edible product thereof. The contents are consumed directly from the now open pouch 12 either as is or after mixing with one or more other edible products. For example, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, pouch 12 contains a cereal which can be consumed directly from pouch 12, or mixed with milk poured onto the cereal in bottom section 38 of the now open pouch 12. Alternatively, the contents of pouch 12 can be emptied into an eating vessel such as a bowl or a plate.
In view of the foregoing, modifications and/or alternative embodiments of pouch 12 will become apparent upon reading the description. All such modifications and alternatives are considered as being within the scope, intent and spirit of the instant disclosure.
Referring back to
Sleeve gusset 62 includes foldable panel 68 including a plurality of fold lines 70. As such, foldable panel 68 is configured for being folded and un-folded along one or more fold lines 70. This enables sleeve gusset 62 to be placed in any one or more states or positions between a folded or collapsed state, for example as illustrated in
In certain embodiments, peripheral wall 48 and foldable panel 68 are configured such that when sleeve gusset 62 is in state A, pressure applied in the general directions indicated by arrows 74 on internal surfaces 58 and 60 of respective first and second sleeve panels 50 and 52, will start unfolding sleeve gusset 62. With continued application of the pressure, sleeve gusset 62 will un-fold and transition from state A to state B, i.e., sleeve gusset 62 will expand and un-fold. In some embodiments, sleeve gusset 62 will un-fold fully into a locked state.
As previously described, at least a portion of bottom section 38 of pouch 12 is received or housed within space 46 of sleeve 14. Also as previously described, some embodiments of pouch 12 contain an edible product that is warmed or heated before being consumed, and that the warming or heating of the contents will cause pouch 12 to bulge. In view of the foregoing description pertaining to the movement of sleeve gusset 62 from state A to state B, it should be apparent that the bulging of pouch 12, and by extension the bulging of bottom section 38 within sleeve 14, will result in pressure being applied on internal surfaces 58 and 60 of respective first and second sleeve panels 50 and 52 in the general directions indicated by arrows 74. Accordingly, sleeve gusset 62 will start un-folding and transition from the collapsed state (state A) to the fully-unfolded or expanded state (state B) in response to such applied pressure. This is perhaps best seen in
In some embodiments, it may not be necessary and/or desirable to fully un-fold sleeve gusset 62 to state B. For instance, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, it may not be necessary and/or desirable to warm or heat the contents stored within enclosed space 16 of pouch 12. In certain embodiments, it may be necessary and/or desirable to partially warm or heat the contents stored within enclosed space 16 of pouch 12 in a manner which does not fully un-fold sleeve gusset 62 to state B. As such, regardless of whether the contents stored within enclosed space 16 of pouch 12 are warmed/heated or not warmed/heated, the contents may be accessible once the sleeve gusset 62 and/or pouch 12 are at least partially un-folded. In some such embodiments, sleeve gusset 62 may be configured for being locked and/or held in any one or more positions or states between the afore-described folded and un-folded states A and B, respectively. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, sleeve gusset 62 may be configured to be held or locked in a partially un-folded state X between states A and B. In some embodiments, sleeve gusset 62 may be configured for being held or locked in two partially un-folded states X1 and X2 between states A and B. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, sleeve gusset 62 can be configured to be held or locked in a plurality of partially un-folded states between states A and B. In addition to the foregoing and/or in the alternative, sleeve gusset 62 may be configured to lock when it reaches a fully un-folded state, such as state B. As illustrated in
In some embodiments, and as previously described, pouch 12 contains an edible product that is served or consumed without being warmed or heated. Also as previously described, at least a portion of bottom section 38 of pouch 12 is received or housed within space 46 of sleeve 14, and at least a portion of one or both external surfaces 32 and 34 of pouch 12 is adhered to at least a portion of the corresponding one or both adjacent internal surfaces 58 and 60 of peripheral wall 48. Accordingly, when sleeve gusset 62 is in state A, pressure applied in the general directions indicated by arrows 76 on opposing first and second side edges 78 and 80, respectively, of sleeve 14, will push peripheral wall 48 in the general directions indicated by arrows 74. Such movement of peripheral wall 48, and by extension the movement of first and second sleeve panels 50 and 52, will start un-folding sleeve gusset 62 and concurrently move first and second pouch panels 18 and 20 apart from one another. With continued application of the pressure, sleeve gusset 62 will un-fold and transition from state A to state B, i.e., sleeve gusset 62 will expand and un-fold. In some embodiments, pouch 12 may be opened for accessing the contents thereof, as previously described, while sleeve gusset 62 is in state A, or in state B, or in an intermediate state during the transition between states A and B. Of course, sleeve gusset 62 can be configured such that upon removal of the pressure applied in the general direction indicated by arrows 76, sleeve gusset 62 will maintain or can be retained in any partially un-folded state between the fore described states A and B.
In view of the foregoing, it will be apparent that in some non-limiting exemplary embodiments, one or more tear notches 28 and/or one or more tear lines 30 on pouch 12 will be proximate an edge of open first end 54 of sleeve 14. In some embodiments, pouch 12 is configured such that upon opening, at least a portion of an edge of bottom section 38 extends away and outwardly from the edge of first end 54 of sleeve 14.
Package 10, in accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, includes one or more thumb holes 82 in peripheral wall 48 of sleeve 14. In some embodiments, one or more thumb holes 82 allow for holding package 10 between one or more fingers or between a thumb and one or more fingers. In other embodiments, one or more thumb holes 82 is used for holding package 10 and applying pressure in the general directions indicated by arrows 76 for un-folding sleeve gusset 62 in state B. While thumb holes 82 are illustrated as being positioned along or on first and second side edges 78 and 80 of sleeve 14, this does not always have to be the case. For instance, in some non-limiting exemplary embodiments of sleeve 14, one or more thumb holes 82 are positioned anywhere on peripheral wall 48. However, in some embodiments, it may be beneficial or preferential to position one or more thumb holes 82 on first and second side edges 78 and 80 of sleeve 14 for providing at least some isolation or separation from a hot or cold peripheral wall 48. For instance, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, when pouch 12 bulges upon being heated or warmed in a heating device, external surfaces 32 and 34 of respective first and second pouch panels 18 and 20 will be in close proximity of, or even in contact with, internal surfaces 58 and 60 of sleeve 14. As such, the temperature of peripheral wall 48 may be approximately equal to that of the contents of pouch 12, and one or more thumb holes 82 in first and second side edges 78 and 80 of sleeve 14 could provide a location whereat internal surfaces 58 and 60 of peripheral wall 48 are not in contact with external surfaces 32 and 34 of pouch 12.
In view of the foregoing, some embodiments of sleeve 14 include a material that is a thermal insulator. In other embodiments, sleeve 14 is made of one or more material selected from the group consisting of paperboard, corrugated paper, corrugated fiberboard, and polymer (polymeric sheet). In yet other embodiments, sleeve 14 is a laminate and, as such, may or may not include a thermal insulator.
Sleeve 14, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, includes a susceptor or a shielding or some combination thereof for regulating or facilitating the heating and/or conditioning (e.g., browning) of the edible product within pouch 12. The use of susceptors and/or shielding for such purposes is well known in the art. The susceptor and/or shielding may be placed on internal surfaces 58 and/or 60 of peripheral wall 48 and/or within peripheral wall 48. In some embodiments, a susceptor or a shielding or some combination thereof is placed between at least that portion of pouch 12 received within space 46 and peripheral wall 48.
A method for heating an edible product enclosed within a pouch includes providing one or more pouches 12 having enclosed space 16 containing the edible product. Pouch 12 includes one or more tear notches 28 and one or more tear lines 30 extending from one or more notches 28 along at least a portion of one or more external surfaces 32, 34 of pouch 12. Pouch 12 also includes one or more sealed vents 44 defining at least a portion of a flow path between enclosed space 16 and an external environment surrounding pouch 12. The method also includes providing sleeve 14 having opposed first and a second ends 54, 56 and wall 48 having internal and external surfaces 58, 60 and extending between first and second ends 54, 56. First end 54 of sleeve 14 is open and second end 56 of sleeve 14 includes sleeve gusset 62. Sleeve 14 also includes one or more thumb holes 82 in wall 48. In some embodiments, the method includes inserting at least a portion of pouch 12 through first end 54 of sleeve 14 and placing it therewithin. Heating the edible product within pouch 12 will cause bulging of pouch 12 due to an increase in a pressure within enclosed space 16. This, in turn, will cause sleeve 14 to bulge and spread or un-fold sleeve gusset 62 at second end 56. Pouch 12 may be torn open along one or more tear lines 30, thereby providing access to the edible product contained therein.
In some embodiments, pouch 12 initially placed within sleeve 14 is removed and replaced by another pouch 12 containing the same or different edible product. Accordingly, sleeve 14 and two or more pouches 12 are provided as a kit wherein sleeve 14 is reusable. In certain embodiment the kit is provided with at least the initial pouch 12 placed within sleeve 14 and one or more additional pouches 12 for placement within reusable sleeve 14.
In alternate embodiments, each pouch 12 includes at least one sleeve 14. In other words, the method includes providing each pouch 12 preassembled with one sleeve 14.
In certain embodiments, prior to heating the edible product within replacement pouch 12, sleeve gusset 62 may be collapsed from a partially un-folded state or a fully un-folded state to a different partially un-folded state or a fully folded state. Such collapsing or partial folding of sleeve gusset 62 can be performed after initial pouch 12 is emptied and removed from sleeve gusset 62 and before placing replacement pouch 12 within sleeve gusset 62 prior to heating the edible product within replacement pouch 12. Of course, sleeve gusset 62 may be collapsed or partially folded prior to removing initial pouch 12. In alternate embodiments, it may not be necessary to collapse or partially fold sleeve gusset 62 prior to replacing initial pouch 12 with replacement pouch 12.
In alternate embodiments, the method includes providing sleeve 14 in a bulged state either with or without one or more pouches 12. For example, in a non-limiting embodiment, the bulging sleeve 14 is provided with one or more pouches 12 pre-placed therewithin. In one such embodiment, all but one pouch 12 is removed from the bulging sleeve 14 prior to heating the edible product within the one pouch 12 that has not been removed therefrom. In certain embodiments, sleeve 14 when provided in an initially bulged state may or may not be collapsible into an un-bulged state. For example, in a non-limiting embodiment, the initially bulging sleeve 14 is collapsed into an un-bulging state after removing all but one pouch 12 therefrom and prior to heating the edible product with pouch 12 still remaining within sleeve 14.
In alternate embodiments, one or more pouches 12 are provided separately from one or more sleeve 14. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment the one or more pouches 12 are pre-packaged together with one or more sleeves 14. As in other embodiments, the one or more sleeves 14 may be provided either in the bulged state or in the collapsed (or un-bulged) state.
As can be seen, several packaging options are available including those described herein and alternate embodiments as will be apparent to one skilled in the art. All such alternate embodiments are considered as falling within the metes and bounds of the claimed subject matter.
During heating, at least one of sealed vents 44 may be forced open due to an expansion of the contents of enclosed space 16. In certain embodiments, at least one sealed vent 44 is unsealed when the pressure within enclosed space 16 is greater than a predefined value. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the increase in pressure within pouch 12 may be due to an expansion of air and/or other fluid within enclosed space 16. In another non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the edible product includes a moisture content of at least 15 percent. Accordingly, steam may be generated within enclosed space 16 when the edible product is heated. In some embodiments, wherein a moisture sensitive compound (e.g., a moisture sensitive adhesive) is used in sealing one or more vents 44, the water vapor in the steam generated from heating the edible product will unseal at least one sealed vent 44 in pouch 12. In other embodiments, the pressure of the steam unseals at least one sealed vent 44. In yet other embodiments, a combination of the moisture content and the pressure of the steam unseals at least one or more sealed vents 44.
As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, a fluidic flow path extending between enclosed space 16 and the external environment surrounding pouch 12 is necessary for relieving the increase in pressure within enclosed space 16 when the edible product is heated. If one or more such flow paths are not provided, then the pressure within enclosed space 16 may increase to a level at which pouch 12 is burst open. Accordingly, in some embodiments, at least one of the one or more sealed vents 44 is opened (or unsealed) before heating the contents of pouch 12. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the unsealing is accomplished by a tear or a cut in the one or more sealed vents 44. In alternate embodiments, pouch 12 may not include any sealed vents 44. As such, at least a portion of pouch 12 may be torn or cut open prior to heating the edible product therewithin. In other embodiments with or without one or more sealed vents 44, the edible product within pouch 12 may be heated only to a level that causes pouch 12 to bulge without bursting open. As such, it may not be necessary to provide a fluidic flow path extending between enclosed space 16 and the external environment surrounding pouch 12.
In certain embodiments, pouch 12 is a retort pouch having a pouch gusset. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the pouch gusset of the retort pouch is placed within sleeve 14 and positioned proximate second end 56 of sleeve 14, i.e., proximate sleeve gusset 62.
In some embodiments, pouch 12 is a heat-in packaging including a doneness indicator as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/773,210 filed May 4, 2010, titled “Doneness Indicator for Heat-In Packaging and Method of Making Same”, which is assigned to the assignee of the instant application and incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, pouch 12 is defined at least in part by the heat-in packaging wherein the “doneness” indicator, at least in part, corresponds to a state or level of “doneness” of the contents of pouch 12. In certain embodiments, the state of “doneness” corresponds to an indication of whether or not the food is ready for consumption. For instance, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the state of “doneness” may be indicative of whether the content of pouch 12, for example an edible product, is fully cooked or partially cooked or not cooked. In some embodiments, the “doneness” indicator may indicate that the contents of pouch 12 have reached a predetermined condition. In some embodiments, the predetermined condition may be an intermediate state at which the user and/or consumer is required to take or proceed to the next step in the warming, heating or cooking stage. For instance, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the predetermined condition indicated by the “doneness” indicator may be that at which the process (e.g., warming, heating or cooking) should be terminated. In some embodiments, the predetermined condition indicated by the “doneness” indicator may be that at which an intensity of heating should be changed. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the intensity of heating that may be changed may include one or more of a temperature, a power level in a microwave oven, a firing rate of a burner in a conventional oven, electrical power supplied to an electrical resistance heater in a conventional oven, etc. In certain embodiments, the “doneness” indicator may indicate that the contents and/or enclosed space 16 within pouch 12 has reached or attained a predetermined temperature, pressure, or other condition. All additional and/or alternative embodiments of a “doneness” indicator, as may become apparent, are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure
Non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the edible product contained within enclosed space 16 include one or more of or a combination of any of the following: a pasteurized product, a refrigerated product, a thermally processed product, a shelf-stable product, a product enclosing a filling therewithin, a hot filled product, a frozen product, etc. Further non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the edible product contained within enclosed space 16 include one or more of or a combination of any of the following: edible products containing grains, rice, pasta, protein, beans, vegetable, sauce, seasoning, spice, legumes, tofu, meat, meat alternatives, mashed potatoes, potato pieces, soup, chili, stew, fruit, puree, sugar, sweetener, granola, nut, yogurt, juice, dairy ingredient, coffee, tea,
Various modifications and additions may be made to the non-limiting exemplary embodiments disclosed hereinabove without departing from the spirit, scope and intent of the present disclosure. While the described embodiments refer to particular features, the instant disclosure is considered to also include embodiments having combinations of features different from and/or in addition to those described herein. Accordingly, the scope and intent of the disclosed embodiments is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations as may become apparent to one skilled in the art and/or upon reading the described embodiments. The metes and bounds of the disclosure are defined by the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29447235 | Mar 2013 | US | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US13/42564 | 5/24/2013 | WO | 00 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61771325 | Mar 2013 | US |
