Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02618009 2008-01-11
SPICE PACKAGING SYSTEM
FIELD OF TI{E INVENTION
100011 The present invention relates to tlexible packaging and in particular
to flexible
packaging of known volumes of herbs, spices and other seasonings.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[00021 Spices, both whole and ground spices and herbs, are provided in
relatively large
containers. These containers can be used multiple tinles and include a volume
of spice or
spice blend that is suitable for such a large number of recipes that the
container would
last for years. These containers, however, are not made of materials that are
light, air and
moisture resistant and do not contain seals that are capable of maintaining
these spices in
a fresh state for extended periods of time. This results in a substantial
degradation in the
flavor and aroma of these spices. Typically, a bulk spice in a large container
will lose
10% of the aromatic oils per month. Ultimately, the spice will be discarded
even after
using only a small portion of the total volume in the container. In addition,
it may be
desired to purchase or carry only enough spice for a single use or two, for
example when
camping or on vacation. Currently, even the smallest available volumes of
spices are not
suitable for these uses.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[00031 The present invention is directed to a spice packaging system in which
each
spice is provided in multiple small packets, preferably single-use packets of
1-teaspoon
size. Each packet keeps the spice fresh and protects the spice from light, air
and moisture.
100041 In one embodinient, a spice packaging system is provided that includes
a
plurality ofpackets such that each packet includes a tlexible packaging
material
imper-XIous to liglit, gas and moistUu-e, an extei-ior sLn-face, and an
enclosed and sealed
interior space. The 17exible packaging matcrial can include polyethylene
terephthalate or
can be a biodegradable material. A knoNvn N-olume of a single certified
organic spice, for
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CA 02618009 2008-01-11
example one teaspoon or one tablespoon, is contained with the intei-ior space
of each
packet. This spice can be whole or ground, for example to a grind size of
about 1 mm to
about 1.5nini. In addition, an inert gas surrounds each known ~'olume of the
single
certitied organic spice with the interior space. This inert gas is preferably
nitrogen. In one
embodinlent, the interior space includes two opposing sides, two opposing ends
spanning
between the sides, and a seal on one of the ends that is capable of being
opened to access
the interior space and subsequently closed to seal the interior space from
light, gas and
moisture intrusion.
[00051 In one embodiment, the interior space includes two opposing sides, two
opposing ends, a primary seal on one of the ends capable of being opened to
access the
interior space and sealing the interior space from light, gas and moisture
intrusion, and a
secondary seal spanning across the interior space from one side to the other
and disposed
between the two ends, the secondary seal dividing the interior space into two
chambers
such that an equal portion of the known volume of spice is disposed in each
chamber, the
secondary seal capable of being selectively ruptured to reunite the two
chambers without
rupturing the primary seal. In one embodiment, the known volume is about 1
tablespoon,
and the interior space further includes two secondary seals dividing the
interior space into
three chambers, each chamber comprising about 1 teaspoon of the spice. If
desired, a
grinder capable of grinding the spice and of holding an amount of spice to be
ground
substantially equivalent to the known volume of spice can be provided in the
packaging
system.
[00061 The packaging system also includes a method for packaging spices. This
niethod includes, forniing a sheet of flexible packaging material into a tube
or any other
desired shape. In one embodiment, a first end of the tube is scaled, and a
desired quantity,
e.g., one teaspoon, of a single certihed oi=ganic spice is meastu-ed
volumetrically. The
desii-ed measured N-olume of spice is introduced into the tube, and a short
burst of inel-t
gas is introduced into the tube following the introduced volume of spice. The
short burst
of inert gas has a pressure, flow and duration sufficient to ensure that the
entire
introduced volume of spice passes into the tube. -l'lie second end of the tube
opposite the
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tirst end is then sealed. The c:nd seals and flexible material are inipervious
to light, gas
and nioisture.
[00071 The measured volume of spice or lierb can be a whole spice or a ground
spice
having a grind size of about 1 to about 1.5nim. Therefore, the method can also
include
grinding the spice to the desired grind size prior to measuring and
introduction into the
packet. In one embodiment, introduction of the spice into the packet includes
introducing
separately each one of a plurality of discrete portions of the desired
measured volume,
and the short burst of inert gas is directed into the tube following the
introduction of each
one of the discrete portions of the desired measured volume. Secondary seals
are
established in the tube between any two portions of the spice in the tube. In
one
embodiment, the desired measured volume is about 1 tablespoon, and the
plurality of
discrete portions includes three discreet portions each comprising about 1
teaspoon. In
one embodiment, each secondary seal is capable of being selectively ruptured
to combine
two adjacent portions without rupturing the seals located at the end of the
tube. In one
embodiment, the tube or other filling components can be vibrated or the
electrostatic
properties of the tube, the filling components or the desired measured volume
of spice
can be adjusted to facilitate introduction of the desired measured volume into
the tube.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00081 Fig. 1 is a plan view of a first side of an embodiment of a spice
packet for use in
accordance with the present invention;
[0009] Fig. 2 is a plan view of a second side of the spice packet of Fig. 1;
100101 Fig. 3 is a plan view of a first side of another embodiment of a spice
packet in
accordance with the present im-ention;
[00111 Fig. 4 is a vieNv through line 4-4 of Fig. 3;
100121 Fig. 5 is a plan x-iew of one embodiment of multiple spice packets;
[00131 Fig. 6 is view tlirough line 6-6 of Fig. 1; and
100141 Fig. ; is a schematic re;presentation of an embodiment of a method for
filling a
spice packet in accordance xvith the present invention.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
100151 The present invention is directed to systems and metliods for packaging
spices,
spice blends, herbs and seasonings. Any type of spice used as a flavor
enhancer or
garnish for food can be used in this system. Suitable spices include, but are
not limited to,
basil, dill, oregano, tatragon, salt, pepper, sugar, thyme, marjoram, mint,
sage, lemon
zest, orange zest, chile pepper, coriander, cumin, fennel seed, ginger,
turmeric, all spice,
anise seed, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ancho chile pepper, bay
leaves,
peppercorns true cinnamon, cocoa, vanilla and blends of these herbs and
spices. These
spices can be processed and packaged as whole, i.e., uncut, spices or can be
ground or
chopped. For example, the spices can be subjected to a "tea bag" grind, having
a ground
size of about 1 mm to about 1.5mm. This size is particularly advantageous for
the
processing and packaging of spices that are sticky or tacky. The spices can be
processed
and packaged as single spices or as spice blends. Examples of blends include
cinnamon
sugar and cinnamon cocoa. In addition to dry spices, packaging systems and
methods in
accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention are used to
package
wet or liquid substances including oils, flavor infused oils, vinegar and
personal hygiene
items such as mouthwash and toothpaste.
[0016] In general, all of the spices processed and packaged in accordance with
the
present invention are certified organic. As used herein, a certified organic
spice is a spice
that meets the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requirements for
an
organic spice as defined in the appropriate rules and regulations and as
certified by a
competent federal or state level enforcement agency. Organic certification
also includes
any applicable foreign or international certification. The spices are
certified organic from
the beginning of the process through the final packaging. Therefore, no
foreign
substances, additives or preserx atives are used, including anti-caking agents
and flow
agents that NN=ould enhance the processing of the spicc:s. In addition, the
spices are not
it-radiated.
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100171 Referring initially to Figs. 1 and 2, an exeniplaiy embodiment of a
spice
packaging system 100 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated.
'The system
includes a plurality of packets contaiiling the desired spice or spices. One
such packet is
illustrated. As illustrated, the packet is generally rectangular or elongated
in appearance
and has a length from about 3" to about 5" and a width up to about 1". Since
the package
is made of flexible niaterial, the elongated shape can be formed into a
generally tubular
or cylindrical shape for the purposes of filling the packet with a single
spice, a spice
blend or a liquid. Other suitable shapes for the packet include spherical
shapes, conical or
circular shaped and rectangular box shapes.
(00181 Each packet in the plurality of packets is formed from a flexible
packaging
material impervious to light, gas and moisture. Therefore, spices contained
within the
package will have a long shelf life of up to ten years or more. Suitable
flexible packaging
materials include single layer materials and laminates of multiple materials
such that each
layer in the laminate provides a given type of protection to the contents in
the packet. In
addition, the layers can be either partially or completely transparent or
translucent.
Suitable materials for the flexible packaging include, but are not limited to,
polyethylene,
polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamides, polycarbonates, cellulose
acetate, coated
cellophane, rubber hydrochloride, paper and metal foils such as aluminum foil.
In one
embodiment, the flexible packaging material includes polyethylene
terephthalate. For
example, the flexible packaging can have an inner layer of polyethylene
terephthalate
(PET) that is in direct contact with the spices and an outer layer of PET or
of a material
such as cellulose acetate or another layer of polyethylene terephthalate. In
addition, an
intermediate metal foil layer is disposed between the inner and outer layer.
100191 In one embodinient, a polyi foil, poly laminate is used with the
specification "48
Ga PET,'.00035. Therefore, an intermediate foil layer having a thickness of
.00035 is
sandwiched bet -cen two PET layers. The inner PET layer can be transparent,
and the
outer PET layer can be opaque and can include colors or other graphics. If
desired, the
inner PET layer can be omitted. The thickness of the foil layer is the minimum
thickness
nccessary to proN ide the desired le%,el of protection to the spice contents
fi=om air, light or
CA 02618009 2008-01-11
Inolsture. In allother enlbodllllellt, the packaglllg illaterlal is papt:r
coated, l.e., llas an
exterior paper nlat tinisll. A suitable specification for tllis enlbodiment is
25#paper; 9#PI;.00035Foil;.00015CoexLDPE, which is a 25# paper exterior outer
wrap
surrounding a 9# PI layer and a.00015 tliick coextruded low density
polyethylene
interior layer witll the .00035 foil layer sandw-iched between the inner and
outer layers. In
another embodiment, the packaging material is a brown plastic film laminate
with the
specification 48gaugePET/10#tan,i.00035Foi1%.0002 metalycine. A 48 gauge PET,
tan,
outer layer and a .0002 outer metalycine inner layer, which is similar to
surlyn, surround
the .00035 foil intermediate layer. A paper layer can also be included to give
the
packaging a mat appearance and to facilitate the addition of printing or
graphics. In one
embodiment, the packaging material includes a biodegradable material such as a
corn
starch based polymer. The overall thickness of the packaging material is up to
about
100 m and preferably from about 20 m to about 50 m.
[00201 As is best shown in Fig. 6, the packet 102 includes an exterior 602 and
an
enclosed and sealed interior space 604. A known volume of a single certified
organic
spice 606 is contained with the interior space of each packet. The spice
volume can
completely or partially fill the interior space of the packet. In order to
preserve the
freshness of the spices, any voids between the spice granules as well as any
interior space
not filled with spice is filled with an inert gas. Therefore, the inert gas
surrounds each
known volume of the single certified organic spice with the interior space.
Preferably,
this inert gas is nitrogen.
[00211 Although the packet, being made of flexible packaging, can be shaped
into a
generally cylindrical tube, the packet once filled with spice ]las a generally
rectangular
appearance. In this appearance, the packet and therefore the interior space or
pocket,
detined by the packet, includes two opposing sides 104 running the length of
the interior
space. These sides can be formed from bends, folds or creases in the flexile
material or
fronl heat seals or adhesive bonds. In one embodinlent, the flexible packaging
material is
a single sheet of nlatcrial that is foi-nled into a tubular shape. A
lengthwise bond 108, for
exanlple a heat seal, adhesive bond or physical fold or crinip bond, is
provided to forln
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CA 02618009 2008-01-11
the tube. In general, suitable nlethods and materials for bonding the flexible
material are
knowrn and available in the art. The interior space also includes two opposing
ends 106.
These ends can be fomied from folds in the material. In addition, one or both
ends are
initially open, for exaniple to permit filling of the interior space with the
single spice or
spices and are subsequently sealed using any suitable sealing process. In one
enlbodiment, a seal 110 is provided on at least one of the ends. Suitable
seals protect the
enclosed spices from light, gas and moisture that can degrade the enclosed
spices. A
wide variety of seals are available in the art. As illustrated, a seal is
provided on both
ends of the interior space or packet. In one embodiment, the seal is re-
sealable in that the
seal is capable of being opened to access the interior space and subsequently
closed to
seal the interior space from light, gas and moisture intnision. Suitable
reclosable seals
include a semi-adhesive pressure seal or a "zip-lock" type seal.
[00221 In one embodiment, the end seals include mechanisms to facilitate the
opening
of the ends to expose the interior space and to access the spice. For example,
each seal
can contain a perforated line 112 running generally parallel to the end to
facilitate tearing
off a portion of the end to expose the interior space. Alternatively, each end
can include a
plurality of notches 114 that are used to start a tear in a direction
generally parallel to the
sides of the packet, exposing the interior space. Other methods to facilitate
tearing the
packet open are known and available in the art. In one embodiment, the packet
includes
different seals and tear mechanisms on either end to provide a different type
of
dispensing, either controlled or bulk. Alternatively, both ends of the packet
have the same
or similar seals and tearing mechanisnis. In one embodiment, a spout 116 is
provided at
one of the ends in communication with the intcrior space. The tearing
mechanism opens
the spout, which provides flow control when emptying the contents of the
interior space.
Each packet can also contain markings including aN-olume niarking 118 to
indicate the
Volume of the spices or contents of the interior space, a identihcation 120 of
the contents
of the interior space, e.g., the name of the spice or spice blend, and organic
cei-tifications
122 among other niai-kings.
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100231 1'he known volume contained within the interior space is chosen in
accordance
Nvith the contents and the uses to which those contents are put. These volumes
can be in
English or Metric, i.e., SI, Unlts, including liters, milliliters, cups, cubic
centinleters
(cc's), tablespoons, teaspoons and fraction thereof. These measurements are
provided,
however, in volumes as opposed to weights, as that is how the contents, for
example
spices, are used in recipes. Although larger volumes are possible, the
packaging system
of the present invention is particularly well suited for use with smaller
volumes, for
example fractions of a tablespoon, teaspoons and fractions of a teaspoon. A
preferred
volume is one teaspoon, as this is a convenient and common volume used in
cooking. In
addition, this is a small size that minimizes waste. Freshness is preserved
since only one
packet has to be opened for each teaspoon required. Therefore, other teaspoon
packets are
not opened, retaining freshness. Freshness contributes to enhanced spice
flavor and
aroma, improving the quality and taste of the foods prepared using these
spices.
100241 In order to provide for larger overall quantities of spices, multiple
packets are
provided. For example, a plurality of single packets, e.g., three one-teaspoon
packets for
a total of one tablespoon, are provided in a large package such as a box or
carton. These
multiple packets can be separate and grouped together or can be joined
together as
shown, for example, in Fig. 5. When joined together, the plurality of packets
can be used
together or can be separately, for example by tearing perforations located at
different
points or along the entire length of two adjacent packets. These packets can
be joined
along the sides or along the ends. Although illustrated as three packets
groups together
along the sides, a larger nunlber of packets can also be grouped together. In
addition, the
grouping of packets, since the packaging material is flexible, can be formed
into a roll,
and can be placed in a dispenser that allows one packet to be dispensed at a
tinle. In one
embodinicnt, a plurality of one-teaspoon packets is provided in a box or
nietal tin,
appropriatelv labeled. The metal tins are stackable and provide additional
light and
moisture protection for the spices contained in the packets. Each grouping of
a plurality
of packets can contain the same spice or spice blend. Therefore, different
groupings of
packets are provided, for example each in its own tin, each having a given
spice.
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CA 02618009 2008-01-11
Therefore, an assortment of different spices is provided, and any given spice
is available
in a packet of a given small size, for example one teaspoon.
100251 Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, in one embodiment, the packet is a
segmented
package 300. In one enibodinient, the niaterials and general shape of the
segmented
packet is the same as for the packet containing a single interior space. The
segmented
packet and, therefore, the interior space of the segmented packet include two
opposing
sides 302 and two opposing ends 304. At least one of the ends, and preferably
both ends,
includes a seal 306. In one embodiment, each end seal is a primary seal that
is capable of
being opened to access the interior space and sealing the interior space from
light, gas
and moisture intrusion. The primary seals can be re-sealable. In one
embodiment, at least
one secondary seal 308 is provided that crosses the packet and the interior
space between
the ends. The secondary seal spans across the interior space from one side to
the other
and is disposed between the two ends. In one embodiment, a single secondary
seal is
provided to divide the interior space into two chambers such that an equal
portion of the
known volume of spice is disposed in each chamber. Alternatively, a plurality
of
secondary seals 308 are provided that divide the interior space into a
plurality of
chambers 310 each containing an equal portion or fraction of the spice
contained in the
interior space. As illustrated, the segmented packet includes two secondary
seals 308 that
divide the interior space into three chambers. In this embodiment, for
example, the
known volume is one tablespoon, and each chamber includes one teaspoon of
spice.
Volume markings 312 are provided to show the overall volume and chamber
volume.
[0026J In one embodiment, each secondary seal is capable of being selectively
ruptured
to reunite the two chambers adjacent that secondary seal without rupturing
either primary
seal, which would expose the spices contained within the intei-ior space.
Rupture of the
secondary seals can be accomplished, for example, by applying pressure, i.e.
squeezing,
one or both of the chambers adjacent the secondary seal. Alternatively
stretching foree
can be applied to the packet in the area of the secondary seal either parallel
or
perpendicular to the length of the seal. Rupturing of one of the secondary
seals results in
a i-cunited chaniber 402 (Fig. 4), and, therefore, a conibining of the volume
of spice
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contained in both cliambers. The contents and spice volume of the reunited
cllamber are
obtained by tearing the appropriate priniary seal. Therefore, 2 teaspoons can
be obtained
or fractions, e.g., 1i3, of a teaspoon can be obtained from a single
tablespoon or teaspoon
without exposing the balance of the tablespoon or teaspoon to light or air
that would
degrade the spice. The balance of the spice is thus preserved for future use.
The
secondaiy seals can be the same type of seal as the primary seal but in a
weaker, i.e.,
thinner configuration. Alternatively, the secondary seals can be different
types of seals
than the primaiy seals that are selected based upon relative rupture strength.
[00271 In one embodiment, the spice packaging system includes a grinder
capable of
grinding the spice contained in the packet. The grinder holds an amount of
spice to be
ground substantially equivalent to the known volume of spice. In one
embodiment, the
grinder has a one teaspoon capacity. This grinder can be metal, for example
stainless
steel, plastic, ceramic or combinations thereof. The grinder is useful when
whole spices
are contained in the packet or when a finer grind is required than the grind
size of the
spice contained in the packet.
100281 The present invention is also directed to a method for packaging
spices.
Referring to Fig. 7, a sheet of flexible packaging material is formed into a
tube 702, and a
first end 706 of the tube is sealed 704. Suitable methods for forming the tube
and sealing
an end are available and known in the art. A desired quantity of a single
certified organic
spice 708 is measured volumetrically. In one embodiment a ring or dish 710
having the
desired volume is used and filled with the spice. In one embodiment, this
volume is one
teaspoon. Since a teaspoon can vary slightly in volume, preferably the
teaspoon is about
5ml. The desired volume of spice is changed by changing the dish. In addition,
segniented dishes can be used, for exaniple to fill segmented packets. The
desired volume
of spice is passed through a ti-nnel and introduced into the interior space
710 of the tube
702. A passage betNt,een the dish and funnel is selectively opened and closed.
For
example, the top of the funnel can include a plurality of holes, and the
bottom of the dish
can include a single hole. The dish rotates relative to the fimnel, and the
single hole in the
bottom of the dish moves sequentially in and out ot'alignnlent with the holes
in the 10
CA 02618009 2008-01-11
fuunel to provide foi- introduction of the spices into the packet. The dish is
tilled when
the holes are not aligned, providing a continuous tilling niecllanism.
100291 The present invention utilizes snlaller volumes of spice, e.g., 1
teaspoon, and
leafy or tacky spices prevent flow problenls for the introduction of the
spices into the
tube. In addition, the certified organic nature of the spices does not permit
the
introduction of flow aids. Therefore, a sliort burst of inert gas 712 is
directed into the tube
following the introduced volume of spice. Preferably, this gas is nitrogen.
The short burst
of inert gas has a pressure, flow and duration sufficient to ensure that the
entire
introduced volume of spice passes into the tube. In addition, the volume of
inert gas can
be sufficient to substantially fill and inflate the interior space of the
packet, providing a
cushion-type protection for the spices contained in the packet. The second end
714 of the
tube opposite the first end is then sealed (not shown) using any suitable
sealing process.
The first and second ends seals and the flexible material are impervious to
light, gas and
moisture, as described above.
100301 The measured volume of spices can be whole spices or ground spices. In
one
embodiment, the spices are ground to a grind size of about 1 to about 1.5mm.
In addition
to filling a single volume of spice within the tube, multiple portions of the
desired
volume of spice can be filled into the tube. This yields the segment packet or
tube
embodiment as described above. In one embodiment, introduction of the measured
volume of spice of spice blend into the tube includes introducing separately
each one of a
plurality of discrete portions of the desired nieasured volume, for example
using the
segmented dish. Suitable methods for introducing a portion of a measured
volume are
known and available in the art. A short burst of inert gas is directed into
the tube
following the introduction of eacll one of the discrete portions of the
desired measured
Volume. After each short burst and before the introduction of the next portion
of the
spice, a secondary seal is introduced in the tube betriveen any two poi-tions
of the spice in
the tube. Each secondary seal is capable of being selectively ruptured to
conlbine two
adjacent por-tions -ithout rupturing the scals located at the end of the
tube. Alternatively,
the seals beriveen the portions of the mcasured ~ olume can be the same as the
seals on
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CA 02618009 2008-01-11
the ends of the tubes. In one embodiment, the desired measured volume is about
I
tablespoon, and the plurality of discrete portions is three discreet portions
each
comprising about 1 teaspoon.
100311 In addition to using the inert gas burst, other steps can be used to
facilitate the
introduction of the entire measured volume of spice into the tube. In one
enibodiment, the
tube and filling equipment, e.g., dish and funnel, are vibrated. In addition,
the
electrostatic properties of the tube, the desired measured volume of spice and
the filling
equipment are adjusted to facilitate introduction of the desired measured
volume into the
tube.
100321 While it is apparent that the illustrative enlbodiments of the
invention disclosed
herein fulfill the objectives of the present invention, it is appreciated that
numerous
modifications and other embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the
art.
Additionally, feature(s) and/or element(s) from any embodiment may be used
singly or in
combination with other embodiment(s) and steps or elements from methods in
accordance with the present invention can be executed or performed in any
suitable order.
Therefore, it will be understood that the appended claims are intended to
cover all such
modifications and embodiments, which would come within the spirit and scope of
the
present invention.
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