U.S. patent application number 10/782711 was filed with the patent office on 2004-08-26 for strung popcorn seeds and method concerning same.
Invention is credited to Johnson, Stephen D..
Application Number | 20040166251 10/782711 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32908637 |
Filed Date | 2004-08-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040166251 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnson, Stephen D. |
August 26, 2004 |
Strung popcorn seeds and method concerning same
Abstract
The invention provides a method for creating a garland of popped
seeds, a method for creating a string of unpopped seeds, and a
method of manufacturing such a string. The method includes
stringing a plurality of unpopped seeds and applying energy to the
plurality of unpopped seeds. Another embodiment is directed to
stringing a plurality of unpopped seeds on a string and organizing
the seeds on the string to enable popping of the unpopped seeds by
applying energy. The seeds can be popcorn seeds or any other seed
that is capable of popping.
Inventors: |
Johnson, Stephen D.;
(Sheridan, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LEYDIG VOIT & MAYER, LTD
6815 WEAVER ROAD
ROCKFORD
IL
61114-8018
US
|
Family ID: |
32908637 |
Appl. No.: |
10/782711 |
Filed: |
February 19, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60448730 |
Feb 20, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
428/10 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41G 1/04 20130101; A47G
33/0863 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/010 |
International
Class: |
A47G 033/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for creating a string of popped seeds, comprising a
plurality of unpopped seeds strung on a string.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the seeds comprise a plurality
of corn seeds.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the plurality corn seeds are
spaced at least about {fraction (1/8)} inch apart on the
string.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the corn seeds are spaced no
greater than about 11/4 inches apart on the string.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a microwavable
package containing the string and the seeds.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising grease arranged in
the microwavable package for facilitating popping of seeds.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the seeds comprise a plurality
of corn seeds, and wherein the string is arranged in a
predetermined organized manner.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising at least one
retainer securing the string and the corn seeds to the microwavable
package.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprises a sealant
encapsulating the seeds and the string to prevent loss of moisture
from the seeds.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the sealant comprises a
wax.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of seeds have a
predetermined water content suitable to facilitate popping, such
that when heat is applied to the plurality of seeds, the seeds pop
and form popped kernels.
12. A method for making a string of seeds capable of popping,
comprising: stringing a plurality of unpopped seeds on a string;
and spacing the seeds on the string to enable popping of the
unpopped seeds.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the stringing is done through a
germ portion of the seeds.
14. The method of claim 12 wherein the seeds are corn seeds.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein the spacing comprises separating
the seeds between about {fraction (1/8)} inch and about 1/4 inch
apart on the string.
16. The method of claim 12, further comprising packaging the seeds
in a microwavable package with grease arranged therein suitable for
facilitating popping of the seeds when heated.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising retaining the string
to the package at selected locations to facilitate contact between
the grease and the seeds when heat is applied and seeds start to
pop in random manner.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising retaining the string
to the package in an organized manner such that when the seeds are
popped due to heat application, the popped seeds are organized for
a predetermined removal from the package.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein the seeds are corn seeds,
further comprising maintaining the moisture content of the corn
seeds at or near optimal popping moisture content to facilitate
later popping of substantially all of the corn seeds when heat is
applied.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising arranging a
plurality of unstrung corn seeds in the microwavable package in
addition to the strung corn seeds.
21. The method of claim 12, wherein said stringing includes forming
a hole in the seeds, further comprising sealing the hole in the
seeds to prevent moisture loss from the seeds.
22. The method of claim 12, further comprising soaking the seeds
with a liquid to soften the seeds prior to the stringing step.
23. The method of claim 19, further comprising drying the seeds to
a predetermined average moisture content in the seeds suitable for
enabling popping of the seeds.
24. The method of claim 12 wherein the stringing comprises piercing
through a corn seed with need having the string attached
thereto.
25. A method for creating a string of popped seeds, the method
comprising: placing a plurality of seeds strung on a string into a
heating device; and heating the plurality of seeds strung on a
string to pop the seeds with the heating device.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein said heat comprises microwaving
a package having a susceptor foil for converting microwave energy
into heat.
27. The method of claim 26, further comprising removing the string
of seeds from the package by breaking a plurality of retainers
securing the string to the package.
28. The method of claim 25, further comprising arranging the string
of seed after popping on a Christmas tree.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/448,730, filed Feb. 20, 2003,
the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention pertains to the field of seeds and the like,
and particularly to popcorn and the formation of popcorn
garlands.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Since the advent of microwave cooking, there has been an
interest in popped corn. One use of popped corn, typically during
the Christmas season, is to string popped corn to form a garland.
Throughout history, and prior to the advent of the microwave, part
of the preparation for holidays has included the ritual of
stringing popped popcorn seeds. The ritual of stringing popcorn is
tedious and can, in some cases can be impossible for individuals
with handicaps or with little time. Moreover, a garland must be
long enough for a given Christmas tree or whatever purpose for
which the garland is created.
[0004] The invention provides such an efficient system and method
for creating such strung garlands made of seeds. These and other
advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive
features, will be apparent from the description of the invention
provided herein.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention is directed broadly to methods and
apparatus for creating a popcorn garland in which the seeds are
strung on a string in an unpopped rather than a popped state. One
aspect of the invention is therefore directed toward an apparatus
for creating a string of popped seeds which comprises a plurality
of unpopped seeds strung on a string.
[0006] Another aspect of the present invention is directed toward a
method for making a string of seeds capable of popping that
comprises string, a plurality of unpopped seeds on a string, and
then spacing the seeds on the string to enable popping of the
unpopped seeds.
[0007] A further aspect of the present invention is directed toward
a method for creating a string of popped seeds that comprises
placing a plurality of seeds strung on a string into a heating
device and then applying heat to the plurality of seeds that are
strung on this string to pop the seeds utilizing the heating
device.
[0008] Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention
will become more apparent from the following detailed description
when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates unpopped seeds strung on a string
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a string of popped seeds after applying
heat to the string of unpopped seeds.
[0011] FIG. 3 is an illustration of an optional soak step for the
seeds to facilitate easier piercing of popcorn seeds when stringing
the seeds during manufacture.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective illustration of the step of
stringing popcorn seeds onto a string.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a step for sealing
seeds on a string with grease to prevent moisture loss.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective schematic illustration of a way to
arrange seeds strung on a string into a microwavable bag.
[0015] FIGS. 7-9 are perspective illustrations of different type of
retainer mechanisms which may be used to secure a string of popcorn
seeds to the inside of a microwavable bag.
[0016] FIG. 10 is a perspective illustration of how grease and
unstrung seeds may be added to the microwavable bag prior to
enclosing the bag.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] There are many types of seeds that are capable of popping.
Most of the types that "pop" are those that have an endosperm.
Non-endospermic seeds digest an endosperm as it matures. As is
known, the differences in seed morphology are often described in
terms of the size of the seed embryo in relation to the seed's
endosperm. It is also known that seeds generally develop through
three stages prior to an optimal time appropriate for "popping".
Specifically, a first stage is referred to as
histo-differentiation. In this stage, an embryo forms. A second
stage is referred to as a cell expansion stage. During this stage,
food reserves are produced, such as in the endosperm. The third
stage is referred to as a maturation stage, which typically is
referred to as a drying stage.
[0018] One type of seed that includes a popping endosperm is a corn
kernel such as the popcorn seeds 10 as shown. A corn kernel
includes an endosperm 12 that typically takes up about 82% of a
kernel's dry weight and contains starch for germinating the seed. A
corn kernel further includes a germ 14, which is located near the
tip 16 of a kernel, where the attachment point of the kernel to the
cob is located. The germ 14 contains enzymes, vitamins and mineral
and approximately 25% of the germ is corn oil.
[0019] Referring now to FIG. 1, a string 18 of unpopped seeds 10 is
illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. According to the embodiment, a plurality of seeds 10 is
strung prior to popping. The string 18 can be of any length,
depending on the size of the heating vessel, desired length and
requirements thereof. As shown in FIG. 1, the seeds can be popcorn
seeds. However, as discussed above, any type of seed capable of
popping is within the scope of the present invention. For example,
endospermic seeds are within the scope of the invention.
[0020] Accordingly, a method according to one aspect of the
invention is for creating a garland 20 of popped seeds 22 as shown
in FIG. 2. More particularly, the method includes placing a
plurality of unpopped seeds 10 on the string 18 in a heating device
such as a microwavable bag or other device and applying energy or
heating the plurality of unpopped seeds 10. The energy to apply to
the unpopped seeds 10 can be via a microwave, such as microwave
energy which when used with an appropriate heating vessel creates
heat energy, or can be any other form of heat energy. For example,
the string of unpopped seeds 10 can be placed in a popping
apparatus or heating vessel, such as a pan or the like, or can be
placed in a microwave cooking bag 24.
[0021] Another aspect of the invention is directed to stringing a
plurality of unpopped seeds 10 on a string 18 and organizing the
seeds 10 on the string 18 to enable popping of the unpopped seeds
10 by applying heat. For example, a method can include stringing
unpopped seeds 10, such as popcorn kernels, and organizing the
seeds 10 on the string 18 such that a garland 20 will be produced
when energy is applied to the string of seeds. The organized string
18 of unpopped seeds 10 can then be placed in a microwavable bag
24, tube or appropriate heating vessel for applying energy to the
string of unpopped seeds.
[0022] As will be appreciated to those with the benefit of this
disclosure, the spacing of the seeds, or the organization of the
seeds on the string can be such that each seed is spaced to
generate a garland of popped seeds independent of substantial
visible string. Depending on the type of garland and the type of
seed desired, the spacing can be altered for garland requirements.
For example, for popcorn, in an embodiment, each seed is spaced at
least {fraction (2/8)} inch apart from a next seed. A practical
spacing for unpopped seeds 10 may be anywhere in the range of
between about {fraction (1/8)} inch to about 11/4 inch (measured
between the outer shells of adjacent seeds), although other
appropriate spacing is possible. The plurality of seeds is
organized on the string as a function of the average size of the
unpopped seed and the minimum averaged popped size of the seeds and
the desired resulting spacing of popped popcorn kernels on the
string. For example, a seed with an average size of {fraction
(1/4)} inch that pops to 1/2 inch will be separated on a string to
take into account the 1/2 inch spacing and take into account the
size of the unpopped seed, specifically, the space between each
seed would be 1/4 inch to produce a garland independent of
substantial visible string.
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 2, a garland 20 comprising a string 18
of popped pre-strung kernels 22 is illustrated. The spacing of the
seeds 10 on the string in FIG. 1 results in the desired spacing of
popped kernels 22 illustrated in FIG. 2. To the extent old maids
exist after popping, those may be crushed with a pair of pliers and
adjustments to kernels can be made by manually sliding popped
kernels along the string as desired to cover up gaps or the old
maids also may be left on the string.
[0024] An aspect of the invention is further directed toward
stringing the unpopped seeds via a manufacturing process. It has
been discovered that stringing 18 through the germ 14 of a corn
kernel seed 10 can cause the starch portion of the endosperm 12 to
pop around the string 18. It has further been discovered that
stringing through the endosperm 12 of a corn kernel seed 10 can
result in an appropriately popped kernel 22. Since the germ 14 is
softer and can more easily be pierced by a needle 26, piercing
primarily through the germ 14 is believed to be the preferred
approach. A less preferred method may be to glue the unpopped seeds
on the string to thereby string the seeds in which the seeds may
pop around the string.
[0025] Piercing the seed 10 is the preferred approach to securing
seeds on a string. To facilitate easier piercing by a needle 26, an
optional first step may be to first soften the seed such as by
soaking the seeds in a liquid such as water 28 as is shown for
example in FIG. 3. A relatively short soak time may not appreciably
increase the moisture content of the seed (which is optimally about
13-15% to facilitate popping). For example, a water soak of about
one to eight minutes if the water 28 is lukewarm can appreciably
soften the seed to facilitate easier piercing by a needle 26.
However, the germ is also typically soft enough to allow piercing
without a soaking step as illustrated in FIG. 3 and the seeds 10
can be pierced by a needle 26 without this soaking step.
Alternatively, other forms of stringing may be conducted such as
drilling, gluing seeds or otherwise which may also not benefit from
an initial soaking step.
[0026] Another initial step may be to first seal the string 18 with
a grease such as paraffin, sealant or other wax to seal the string
18 to prevent the string from acting as a wick. This step also
serves to assist in locating and registering seeds 10 at spaced
intervals during stringing and then registering popped seeds on the
garland 20.
[0027] Turning to FIG. 4, the seeds 10 whether first soaked or
unsoaked, can be strung onto the string 18 utilizing a needle 26
having the string 18 attached thereto. Preferably, the needle 26 is
directed through the germ 14 of the popcorn seeds 10 as that is the
softest part of the seeds 10. As the piercing can be done at an
angle as shown for example in FIG. 4 such that substantially all of
the needle 26 goes through the germ 14 and little or none of the
endosperm 12. It is also possible to pierce the seeds through the
endosperm.
[0028] The stringing step as shown in FIG. 4 can either be done
manually or preferably through an automated process such as by
organizing the seeds in a line on a belt, vibration table, sticky
surface or otherwise, in which the relative advancement between the
needle 26 and the seeds 10 occurs automatically. After the seeds 10
are strung on the string 18, if necessary (for example if the seeds
are soaked in liquid as shown in FIG. 3), the moisture content of
the seeds may be adjusted to be at or near the optimal range
suitable to facilitate popping of the popcorn seeds 10. As evident
from the above, if no soaking or little soaking is done, then no
drying step or moisture adjustment may be necessary. In either
event, it is then preferable to seal coat the seeds as
schematically shown in FIG. 5 in which a sealant such as grease
(e.g. grease is meant to be broad and includes vegetable oil,
animal fat, paraffin, other waxes, or other types of grease or
other such sealant that prevents water release) can be coated over
the seeds and preferably the string 18 (which may act as a wick if
made of cotton or other wick like material). The grease
encapsulates the seeds 10 and string 18 to prevent moisture loss
and also extends shelf life. The sealant may be applied such as by
dipping the string 18 of seeds 10 in a vat of the grease 30 as is
shown, or may be done by spray on, brushed on or other appropriate
techniques.
[0029] Once the string 18 of popcorn seeds 10 is sealed with an
appropriate grease 30 or other appropriate sealant, the string 18
of popcorn seeds 10 can then be arranged in an organized manner in
a suitable package such as a microwavable bag 32 as shown. A
microwavable bag may include a susceptor foil (not shown), which
more quickly converts microwave energy into heat energy and more
evenly disperses the heat to the grease and the seeds.
[0030] After the seeds 10 and string 18 are placed into the bag,
the seeds 10 may be attached to the microwavable bag 32 by any
suitable retainer such as an overlay 34 as shown in FIG. 7, staples
35 as shown in FIG. 8, glue beads 37 or other such suitable
retainer structure. The retainers secure the string to the bag at
spaced intervals (e.g. preferably every 1-5 seeds) at strategic
locations in order to ensure that when kernels pop during
subsequent microwaving operations that a popped kernel does not
pull other seeds out of contact with the receptor foil or heated
grease and thereby cause excessive production of old maids. In
addition, the retainers assist in preventing tangling of the string
since there is no way to predict which seed will pop first since
popping of seeds is a random occurrence. The retainer such as the
paper overlay 34 can be overcome with manual force such as by
breaking the web with the string 18 to allow easy pull out of the
string 18 from the bag after popping is conducted and facilitates
removal of the string 18 from the microwavable bag 32 in an
organized manner.
[0031] Further steps according to the invention may include
applying additional grease 36 into the microwavable bag to
facilitate popping of the popcorn seeds 10. The sealant and
applying grease steps may also be combined into a single step if
desired. Optionally, some unstrung seeds 38 may be provided among
the grease 36 such that when the product is used, there will not
only be strung popcorn kernels but also popcorn for eating as well.
The microwavable bag 12 is then sealed up in a conventional manner
to enclose the string of popcorn seeds and the unstrung seeds if
any for end user use.
[0032] The string used to string the seed can be configured to be
energy resistant for the type of energy to be applied to the
unpopped seeds. For example, a microwave resistant string includes
cotton string or other appropriate string material.
[0033] Hooks or other attachment means may be provided integral
with the string or provided with the popcorn packaging to
facilitate attachment of adjacent strings and/or to attach to
objects around the house.
[0034] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising,"
"having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as
open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are
merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring
individually to each separate value falling within the range,
unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is
incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not
pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise
claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as
indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of
the invention.
[0035] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying
out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading
the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for
the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
any combination of the above-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
* * * * *