Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
USER-CONFIGURABLE FLAVORING SYSTEM
Field of the Invention
[1] The present invention relates generally to user-configurable flavoring
systems for
foodstuffs. More specifically, the present invention relates to user-
configurable
flavoring systems for nutritional supplements for customizing the flavor of a
nutritional supplement and containers for such supplements and systems.
Background of the Invention
[2] Flavoring is an important aspect of consumed products such as food,
beverages,
and nutritional supplements. Nutritional supplements such as protein powders
are often used to supplement the diet of an individual and are provided in one
of
several flavors. If there is no opportunity to sample or taste the nutritional
supplement, there is a risk of purchasing an unpleasant or undesirable tasting
product, often in a large amount. Often, individuals will add additional
foodstuffs
and ingredients to a nutritional supplement to change the macro- and micro-
nutrient profile of the nutritional supplement and/or to change or enhance the
flavor. However, it is often undesirable to change the macro- and micro-
nutrient
profile of a nutritional supplement, while the need for preferred taste/flavor
is still
important.
Summary of the Invention
[3] A system of customizable flavoring of a foodstuff is provided by providing
a
plurality of segmented flavor compositions. The plurality of segmented flavor
compositions may be used to vary the flavoring of portions of the foodstuff.
[4] In an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a multi-flavoring
module
comprising a closure such as a lid and a main compartment, the main
compartment configured to house a plurality of individual flavor compositions
for
flavoring, on a per-serving basis, a desired foodstuff and the closure or lid
configured to allow repeated access to the main compartment. In some aspects,
the multi-flavoring module contains a plurality of individual flavor
compositions
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each in a separate sub-container. In other aspects, the multi-flavoring module
contains a plurality of individual flavor compositions each in a separate
subsection.
[5] In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a customizable
multi-
flavoring system comprising a foodstuff to be flavored provided in a base
container and a multi-flavoring module comprising a lid and a main
compartment,
the main compartment configured to house a plurality of individual flavor
compositions for flavoring, on a per-serving basis, the foodstuff.
[6] In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of
customizable flavoring of a serving of a foodstuff by providing the foodstuff
with a
plurality of individual flavor compositions, allowing the user to change the
flavor,
on a per-serving basis.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[7] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference
to
the attached Figures, wherein:
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a multi-flavoring module having a
closed lid according to one embodiment.
Figure 2 shows the multi-flavoring module of Figure 1, absent the lid.
Detailed Description of the Embodiments
[8] The above-described embodiments are intended to be examples of the present
invention and alterations and modifications may be effected thereto, by those
of
skill in the art. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the
preferred
embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest
interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.
[9] The present invention provides, in one aspect, a multi-flavoring module
having a
main compartment for containing a plurality of individual flavor compositions.
The
multi-flavoring module may be provided independently for use with any desired
foodstuff, preferably a nutritional supplement. In another aspect, the present
invention provides a flavoring system having two main components: 1) an
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unflavored, neutral, or natural flavored foodstuff, preferably a nutritional
supplement base component, provided in a base container, and 2) a multi-
flavoring composition component provided in a multi-flavoring module having a
main compartment for containing a plurality of individual flavor compositions.
The
neutral or natural flavored foodstuff or nutritional supplement base may be
any
foodstuff or nutritional supplement composition that preferably has a low
flavor
profile and the multi-flavoring module contains a plurality of flavor
compositions
and is used to flavor the foodstuff or nutritional supplement, preferably on a
per
serving basis.
[10] The preferred foodstuff is a nutritional supplement in the form of a
nutritional supplement base. The nutritional supplement base may be any
nutritional supplement that, preferably, has a low flavor profile and may be
unflavored, natural flavored, or neutral flavored. Suitable nutritional
supplements
for the nutritional supplement base include but are not limited to proteins or
protein blend supplements, pre-workout supplements, post-workout
supplements, and weight loss/management supplements. The preferred
nutritional supplement base is a protein supplement. Such protein supplements
may contain a single protein type such as whey protein, casein, soy, or rice
protein. Such protein supplements may also contain blends or mixtures of two
or
more protein types. The nutritional supplement base may be a powder or a
liquid
but is preferably a powder.
[11] The nutritional supplement base is provided in a base container and
may
be a conventional container suitable for the particular supplement
composition.
For example, most powdered nutritional supplements are provided in plastic
tubs
of suitable size to contain the nutritional supplement base along with a
dispensing device, typically a plastic scoop, to facilitate dispensing a
measured
amount of the nutritional supplement base. Such conventional containers are
typically sealed with a screw top. Alternatively, the nutritional supplement
base
container may be structurally modified in a way to facilitate attachment of,
or
association with, the multi-flavoring module, such as having a portion
modified to
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match and associate with a complementary modified portion of the multi-
flavoring
module such as mating ridges and recesses.
[12] The multi-flavoring module may be sold separately for use with any
foodstuff or nutritional supplement base but is, preferably, sold as part of a
kit
containing both the foodstuff or nutritional supplement base and the multi-
flavoring module. As a kit, the components may packaged in a common
box/carton, or the multi-flavoring module may be affixed to the foodstuff or
nutritional supplement base container by, for example, shrink wrapping,
preferably on top and flush with the lid of the nutritional supplement base
container.
[13] The multi-flavoring module contains the multi-flavoring composition as
multiple individual flavoring compositions that can be used to flavor the
foodstuff
or nutritional supplement base, on a per serving basis, with individual
flavors in
desired amounts for the desired flavor and flavor intensity. Alternatively,
two or
more flavors can be mixed in desired relative amounts to produce many
different
flavors at the desired intensity. Advantageously, this allows the user, or
purchaser, of the foodstuff or nutritional supplement base (contained in the
base
container) and the multi-flavoring composition (contained in the multi-
flavoring
module) to frequently change or alter the flavor of the foodstuff or
nutritional
supplement base composition on a per serving basis. The flavors may include
any flavors, sweet or savory, particularly those known and common in the art
and
suitable for the specific foodstuff or nutritional supplement base. Examples
of
such flavors, particularly for nutritional supplements, include: vanilla,
chocolate,
milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, fudge, mocha, coffee,
cappuccino, malt, mint, peppermint, cinnamon, caramel, toffee, cheesecake,
brownie, rocky road, s'mores, marshmallow, cookies & cream, cookie dough,
shortbread, granola, peanut butter, pretzel, graham cracker, blueberry,
banana,
strawberry, grape, lemon, lime, orange, apple, green apple, pineapple,
coconut,
peach, and fruit-punch, or combinations/variations thereof.
[14] The multi-flavoring module may contain any number of individual flavor
components. Preferred numbers of individual flavor components include any
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number of flavors from four to ten, which is a commercially practical number
that
allows for a great deal of flexibility and variety in flavoring options when
used
individually and in combination. Larger numbers of individual flavoring
components may be used in the multi-flavoring module; however this may
=
potentially increase the production and shipping costs as well as increase
potential waste from unused flavor components.
[15] The multi-flavoring module may be of any suitable size and shape
to
accommodate the desired number of individual flavor components, each in the
desired amounts, and to facilitate being supplied with the foodstuff or
nutritional
supplement base container. Each individual flavor component may be provided in
a separate sub-container within the main compartment or may be provided in a
separate subsection, or sub-compartment, of the multi-flavoring module main
compartment. Preferably, each individual sub-container or subsection should
hold about 20 g to 30 g; however each individual sub-container or subsection
may hold any amount necessary depending on the concentration of the flavor
compositions and the amount of the nutritional supplement base. The multi-
flavoring module may be sealed by means known in the art such as a screw top
lid or a flip top lid. In the case of a flip top, the top may be configured as
a single
piece allowing simultaneous access to all subsections. Alternatively, the top
may
be configured as a flip top allowing each individual subsection to be opened
individually. In a preferred embodiment, the top comprises a single sub-top or
sub-lid, which can be rotated or otherwise manipulated to allow access to a
single individual sub-compartment or subsection, while all other sub-
compartments or subsections remain sealed. In this embodiment, the sub-top or
sub-lid may open in any manner to allow access to one individual sub-
compartment or subsection. For example, the sub-top or sub-lid may preferably
comprise a pourable spout/nozzle or may open as flip top or screw top. In
another preferred embodiment, the top comprises a plurality of sub-tops or sub-
lids, each of which can be opened individually to allow access to an
individual
sub-compartment or subsection, while all other sub-compartments or subsections
remain sealed. In this embodiment, each individual sub-top or sub-lid may open
CA 2976159 2017-08-14
in any manner to allow access to one individual sub-compartment or subsection.
For example, each sub-top or sub-lid may preferably comprise a pourable
spout/nozzle or may open as flip top or screw top.
[16] The top and/or the sub-tops or sub-lids may be labeled or may be
transparent in order to allow the user to select the desired flavor sub-
compartment or subsection, and to allow the user to determine when a sub-
compartment or subsection needs to be refilled.
[17] In one embodiment, the multi-flavoring module may be a container
comprising a main compartment of any desired shape that houses the individual
flavor components, each in their own sub-container such as, for example, a
pod.
The individual sub-containers may be of any shape and is preferably shaped to
efficiently fit with the multi-flavoring module and be easily removed and
returned.
Each individual sub-container is provided with a means of opening the sub-
container (i.e., a sub-top or sub-lid), removing a desired amount of flavoring
composition, for example, by scooping or by pouring, and closing the sub-
container. For example, the multi-flavoring module may be a tube or sleeve
that
houses a row of multiple pods, each pod containing a different flavor
composition
and being labeled or colored to facilitate identification. In this example the
tube or
sleeve may open in any suitable way, such as opening at one or both ends, or
it
may have a hinged opening along its length. Alternatively, the multi-flavoring
module may contain subdivisions, providing, i.e., subsections or sub-
containers
for housing individual flavor components. In one such embodiment, the multi-
flavoring module main compartment may be a disc-shaped or pie-shaped
container subdivided into pie sections, each subsection containing a different
individual flavor composition. The subdivisions may be structural elements
contiguous with the main compartment or may be distinct structural elements
configured to fit to prevent or minimize cross-contamination of flavoring
compositions among subsections.
[18] The multi-flavoring module may include a small scoop to facilitate
dispensing to flavorings. The module may be configured to store the scoop in
one of the plurality of subsections or may have a distinct compartment
configured
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to store the scoop. Alternatively, the multi-flavoring module may be
configured to
selectably pour desired flavorings from specific subsections. In such
configurations, the multi-flavoring module lid may be configured with a
rotatable
lid portion having a sealable pour spout/nozzle configured to be dialed to a
specific subsection. In the case of sub-containers, each sub-container may be
configured to open for pouring or scooping the flavoring.
[19] Regardless of the configuration of the multi-flavoring module, it is
desirable to minimize cross-contamination between flavors. In the case of
separate sub-containers the risk of cross-contamination is minimal. However,
in
the case of a module with subsections, additional structural features may be
included to reduce cross-contamination. In general, for a multi-flavoring
module
with subsections, a flip top presents less risk of cross-contamination than a
screw
top, particularly if each subsection is configured with its own flip top
section.
Structural elements may be included on the underside of the lid to cooperate
with
included structural elements of the module main compartment to minimize cross-
contamination.
[20] Now with reference to the Figures, a multi-flavoring module according
to
one embodiment will be described. Figure 1 shows multi-flavoring module 1
having main compartment 10 and lid 11. Lid 11 has ten individually openable
sections, or sub-lids 11a, each corresponding to a module subsection 10a (not
shown in Figure 1 but shown in Figure 2). Each lid section 11a has a tab 11 b
which may be configured to releasably secure section 11 a to main compartment
of module 1. Each lid section 11a has a hinged section 11c to allow opening
of individual sections 11 a while remaining attached to lid 11. Lid section
lid
covers subsection 10d which is configured differently than subsections 10a and
may be used to store a scoop.
[21] Figure 2 shows multi-flavoring module 1 having main compartment 10
without lid 11. Main compartment 10 is shown having ten pie-shaped module
subsections 10a separated by walls 10f which may be contiguous with main
compartment 10 or may be separate, fitted structures to prevent cross-
contamination between adjacent subsections. Cross-contamination between
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subjections may also be minimized via structures configured on the underside
of
lid 11 that engage or cooperate with structures of main compartment 10 to seal
subjections when lid 11 is engaged with main compartment 10. In the center of
module main compartment 10 may be a distinct additional subsection 10d which
may be used to store a scoop. Alternatively, walls 10f may extend inward to
meet
in the center of main compartment 10, eliminating subsection 10d. In such an
embodiment a scoop may be stored in any subsection 10a or may be stored
externally.
[22] Example 1
[23] A 2 lb. tub of unflavored whey protein powder is provided with a multi-
flavor module shrink-wrapped on top of the protein powder container lid. The
multi-flavor module is a circular plastic disc sub-divided into 10 pie-shaped
subsections, each subsection being able to hold about 30g of powdered flavor
composition, the flavors being chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, cookies &
cream,
peanut butter, pretzel, cheesecake, caramel, banana, and mocha. The module
center interior has an 1 1 th subsection that is circular and is formed to
house a
plastic scoop for use with the flavor compositions. The module lid is a flip
top,
allowing simultaneous access to all subsections.
[24] In use, after purchase, the shrink wrap is removed allowing separation
of
the protein powder container and the multi-flavor module. A serving of protein
powder may be dispensed to a mixing container (e.g. a shaker cup, a blender,
drinking glass) using the large scoop provided in the protein powder tub. The
module flip top is opened, the small scoop is removed from the central
subsection, and a desired amount of the desired flavor or flavors from the
module
subsections is added to the protein powder. The desired liquid (e.g. water,
milk)
is then added for mixing and the protein powder, flavoring(s), and liquid are
mixed as desired (e.g. shaking, blending, spoon agitation) for immediate
consumption or for subsequent consumption e.g. after transporting to the gym.
Advantageously, with these components, the flavor of the mixture can be
adjusted after tasting to achieve the desired taste as well as changing the
flavor
of subsequent servings.
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[25] Example 2
[26] A 4 lb. tub of unflavored whey protein powder is provided with a multi-
flavor module shrink-wrapped on top of the protein powder lid. The multi-
flavor
module is a circular plastic disc sub-divided into 10 pie-shaped subsections,
each
subsection being able to hold about 30g of powdered flavor composition, the
flavors being chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, cookies & cream, peanut butter,
pretzel, cheesecake, caramel, banana, and mocha. The module lid has a
closable pour spout/nozzle and is configured to rotate about the subsections
to
allowing pouring flavor from a desired subsection.
[27] Example 3
[28] A 1.8 lb tub of unflavored whey protein isolate powder is provided
with a
multi-flavor module shrink-wrapped on top of the protein powder lid. The multi-
flavor module is a circular plastic disc sub-divided into 10 pie-shaped
subsections, each subsection being able to hold about 30g of powdered flavor
composition, the flavors being chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, cookies &
cream,
peanut butter, pretzel, cheesecake, caramel, banana, and mocha. The module
center interior has an 11th subsection that is circular and is formed to house
a
plastic scoop for use with the flavor compositions. The module lid is a
sectional
flip top with access to individual subsections via separate top sections.
[29] In use, after purchase, the shrink wrap is removed allowing separation
of
the protein powder container and the multi-flavor module. A serving of protein
powder may be dispensed to a mixing container (e.g. a shaker cup, a blender,
drinking glass) using the large scoop provided in the protein powder tub. The
module flip top is opened, the small scoop is removed from the central
subsection, and a desired amount of the desired flavor or flavors from the
module
subsections is added to the protein powder. The desired liquid (e.g. water,
milk)
is then added for mixing and the protein powder, flavoring(s), and liquid are
mixed as desired (e.g. shaking, blending, spoon agitation) for immediate
consumption or for subsequent consumption e.g. after transporting to the gym.
Advantageously, with these components, the flavor of the mixture can be
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adjusted after tasting to achieve the desired taste as well as changing the
flavor
of subsequent servings.
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