U.S. patent application number 11/426803 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-19 for single serving packaged potato.
This patent application is currently assigned to Paragon Potato Farms, Inc.. Invention is credited to Gary J. Wysocki, Russell M. Wysocki.
Application Number | 20060233928 11/426803 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37108773 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060233928 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wysocki; Gary J. ; et
al. |
October 19, 2006 |
SINGLE SERVING PACKAGED POTATO
Abstract
A prepackaged potato is contained within a serving receptacle
that also includes items for use in consumption of the potato,
which may be in the form of utensils, toppings and the like. The
serving receptacle defines an interior within which the potato and
the items for use in consumption of the potato are contained, and
which is covered by a wrap material, a lid or a cover. The lid or
cover may be formed with a cutout or window, which allows a
consumer to view at least a portion of the contents of the serving
receptacle. The lid or cover includes a label that bears nutrition
information as well as instructions for preparation of the
potato.
Inventors: |
Wysocki; Gary J.; (Bancroft,
WI) ; Wysocki; Russell M.; (Custer, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL BEST & FRIEDRICH, LLP
ONE SOUTH PINCKNEY STREET
P O BOX 1806
MADISON
WI
53701
US
|
Assignee: |
Paragon Potato Farms, Inc.
Bancroft
WI
|
Family ID: |
37108773 |
Appl. No.: |
11/426803 |
Filed: |
June 27, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11153092 |
Jun 15, 2005 |
|
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11426803 |
Jun 27, 2006 |
|
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60580653 |
Jun 17, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
426/392 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2581/3427 20130101;
B65D 75/54 20130101; B65D 81/3453 20130101; B65B 25/02 20130101;
A23L 19/14 20160801; A23L 35/00 20160801 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/392 |
International
Class: |
B65B 25/06 20060101
B65B025/06 |
Claims
1. A packaged potato arrangement, comprising: a container defining
an interior; a potato wrapped with a wrap material, the wrapped
potato being placed within the interior of the container; one or
more items for use in consumption of the potato within the interior
of the container along with the potato; and a cover arrangement
overlying the interior of the container and configured to maintain
the potato and the one or more items within the interior of the
container.
2. The packaged potato arrangement of claim 1, wherein the one or
more items for use in consumption of the potato include a package
containing one or more utensils, in combination with one or more
edible items for consumption along with the potato.
3. The packaged potato arrangement of claim 2, wherein the one or
more edible items are selected from the group consisting of herbs,
spices, dried produce, dried meat, flavored powders, dressings,
sauces, spreads, and condiments.
4. The packaged potato arrangement of claim 1, wherein the cover
arrangement is opaque and includes an opening through which the
potato and the one or more items for use in consumption of the
potato are visible.
5. The packaged potato arrangement of claim 4, wherein the cover
arrangement comprises a sleeve configured to receive the
container.
6. A method of preparing a potato in a packaged potato arrangement
of claim 2, comprising the steps of removing the cover arrangement
from the container, cooking the potato, and using the utensils and
the one or more edible items to prepare the potato for
consumption
7. A method of packaging a potato comprising the steps of: wrapping
a potato with wrap material; placing the wrapped potato in an
individual serving container; placing one or more items for use in
consumption of potato into the individual serving container along
with the potato; and covering the individual serving container.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of placing one or more
items for use in consumption of the potato into the container is
carried out by placing a package containing one or more utensils
into the container, in combination with one or more edible items
for consumption along with the potato.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of placing one or more
edible items for consumption along with the potato into the
container comprises placing one or more of herbs, spices, dried
produce, dried meat, flavored powders, dressings, sauces, spreads,
and condiments into the container.
10. The method of claim 7, wherein the serving container defines an
interior having an open top, and wherein the step of covering the
individual serving container is carried out by placing a cover over
the open top of the serving container.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the cover is generally opaque
and includes an opening to provide visual access to the potato and
the one or more items for use in consumption of the potato.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the cover comprises a sleeve
having an open end, and including the step of inserting the
container and the potato into the open end of the sleeve.
13. A method of preparing a potato comprising the steps of:
providing a container defining an interior in which a wrapped
potato was located, the container including one or more items for
use in consumption of the potato in a cover at least partially
enclosing the interior of the container to hold the wrapped potato
and the one or more items therein; removing the cover from the
container; removing the one or more items from the container;
heating the wrapped potato; and removing the wrapping material from
the potato to provide an unwrapped potato.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the step of heating the wrapped
potato comprises heating the wrapped potato within the
container.
15. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of removing
the wrapped potato from the container prior to heating the wrapped
potato.
16. The method of claim 15 further comprising the step of replacing
the unwrapped potato within the container after heating the
potato.
17. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of using the
one or more items for use in consumption of the potato to consume
potato after heating the potato
Description
CROSS-REFERNCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 11/153,092, filed Jun. 15, 2005 which claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Application 60/580,653 filed Jun. 17, 2004, all of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the packaging of potatoes,
and more particularly relates to packaging of single potatoes for
individual consumption.
[0003] Potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and potassium,
and provide a natural source of vitamin B.sub.6 and dietary fiber.
In addition, potatoes are fat-free, cholesterol-free, and
relatively low in calories. Potatoes are an excellent diet food,
since they are remarkably nutritious and filling. However, the
perception of potatoes among consumers has suffered as a result of
the many unhealthy ways in which potatoes are often prepared, e.g.
potato chips, french fries, etc.
[0004] One of the healthiest ways to prepare a potato is to bake it
whole. Yet many consumers, harkening back to the days before
microwave ovens, consider the process of baking a potato to be a
time-consuming chore. Prior art packaging of potatoes does nothing
to combat this misperception. Potatoes are typically packaged in
bulk quantities, such as in 5 lb. or 10 lb. bags. Potatoes are also
sold individually, with the price dependent upon the weight of the
potato. In both cases, the potato must be washed, and in neither
case does the potato come with instructions for easy, healthful
preparation. Furthermore, after preparation of a baked potato, the
consumer will be required to gather a variety of accessories for
eating the potato, including a knife, fork, or spoon and any
flavorings, toppings or condiments he or she wishes to add to the
potato for enhancing the flavor.
[0005] As a result, neither of the prior methods of selling
potatoes helps the consumer to understand the health benefits of
baked potatoes or provides an easy way to transport an individual
potato and prepare it away from home. In addition, neither method
provides convenience with respect to enjoying favorite toppings
with the individually prepared baked potato, especially when the
potato is prepared away from home. In addition, neither method
lends itself to convenience in the retail sale of a single serving
potato to make it easy for a consumer to purchase a potato along
with accessories, flavoring, toppings and/or condiments that are
necessary or desirable for consumption of the potato.
[0006] Therefore, what is needed is a way to package individual
potatoes to attract health-conscious consumers and make an
individual potato easy to sell, transport and prepare. A way to
provide convenient access to baked potato toppings is also
desirable.
[0007] The present invention is directed to a prepackaged potato
that is contained within a serving receptacle that also includes
items for use in consumption of the potato, which may be in the
form of utensils, toppings and the like. The potato and the items
for use in consumption of the potato are preferably contained
within an interior defined by the serving receptacle, which is
preferably covered with a wrap material, a lid or a cover. The
potato may be wrapped with a wrap material, which may be in the
form of a transparent plastic wrap. The lid or cover of the
receptacle may be formed with a cutout or window, which allows a
consumer to view at least a portion of the contents of the serving
receptacle. In a preferred form, the lid or cover includes a label
that bears nutrition information as well as instructions for
preparation of the potato. This feature is especially desirable
when the prepackaged potato is displayed in a retail environment.
With this construction, the consumer is able to open the package by
removing the lid or cover, and to remove the contents of the
receptacle other than the potato. The consumer can then microwave
the potato, either by removing the potato from the receptacle or
leaving the potato in the serving receptacle. The consumer then
removes the wrap material from the potato after the potato is
cooked. The potato can then be placed back into the receptacle for
preparation, or can be prepared in a regular dish supplied by the
consumer. The potato is prepared for consumption using the
toppings, condiments and flavorings supplied in the package, either
using the utensils supplied with the package or using utensils
supplied by the consumer.
[0008] The invention also contemplates a method of packaging a
potato in which the potato is first washed, and then placed in an
individual serving container or receptacle. The potato may be
covered with a wrap material. Various toppings, condiments or
flavorings are placed into the container or receptacle along with
the potato. The container or receptacle may be covered with a cap
or lid, or may be both covered with a film.
[0009] With the present invention, a consumer may purchase a single
serving baked potato, together with desired toppings and necessary
utensils. The consumer is able to conveniently transport the single
serving package, e.g. to work, school, etc., and is provided with
instructions for microwave cooking the potato as well as a
container or receptacle for cooking and eating the potato, along
with utensils.
[0010] Various other features, objects and advantages of the
invention will be made apparent from the following description
taken together with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated
of carrying out the invention.
[0012] In the drawings:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a single serving packaged
potato in accordance with the present invention; and
[0014] FIG. 2 is a top plan view showing the components
incorporated in the single serving packaged potato of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in
FIG. 1. A single serving packaged potato 18 includes a washed
potato 20 wrapped in a film 22 and placed in an individual serving
container 24. Film 22 may be air permeable or air impermeable, and
may be wrapped around potato 20 in any number of suitable ways,
including shrink wrapping, vacuum wrapping, or stretch wrapping.
Alternatively, potato 20 may be left unwrapped for placement in
container 24. Container 24 may be made of any suitable materials,
including plastic, paperboard, or foam, and may be generally
rectilinear, as shown in FIG. 1, or may be circular or oblong to
better simulate a bowl or serving boat. Preferably, container 24 is
disposable and microwave safe.
[0016] In addition to potato 20, container 24 may hold utensils 26
and toppings 28. Utensils 26 may include a fork, knife, spoon, or a
combination fork-and-spoon, sometimes known as a "spork." A common
foodservice assemblage including a napkin, fork, salt sachet, and
pepper sachet, all packaged together in clear plastic wrap, is used
in the illustrated embodiment. In this manner, the utensils 26 are
maintained separate from the potato 20, as are any other items
packaged along with utensils 26.
[0017] Toppings 28 may include any number of individually packaged
containers of salt, pepper, herbs, spices, dried produce, dried
meat, flavored powders, dressings, sauces, spreads, or condiments.
As noted, in the illustrated embodiment, salt and pepper packages
are included with utensils 26. In addition, toppings 28 may
include: bacon bits; salsa; dried chives, onion, and/or parsley;
garlic or seasoned salt or powder; ranch, thousand island, French,
Italian, or other flavored dressings; sour cream; butter; and
cheese, cheese powder, or cheese sauce. It should be noted that
toppings 28 are not limited to the items recited above, and may
include any other flavor enhancing items or combination of items.
Furthermore, of the toppings listed, any number of suitable
replacements may be made without departing from the scope of the
invention. For example, the bacon bits may be imitation bacon bits,
the dressings may be fat-free or reduced calorie, and the butter
may be a butter substitute. Substitutes will be particularly
important when the desired topping 28 does not have a shelf life
matching the shelf life of potato 20. Toppings 28 may include dairy
items such as cheese, sour cream, and butter, which may require
refrigeration. Alternative non-perishable substitutes for such
toppings may be provided.
[0018] Container 24 may be enclosed using a lid or cover 30.
Alternatively, container 24 may be covered using another layer of
film, or a combination of both a lid or cover and a layer of film.
As with film 22 for wrapping potato 20, the additional layer of
film may be air permeable or air impermeable, and may be wrapped
around container 24 in any number of suitable ways, including
shrink wrapping, vacuum wrapping, or stretch wrapping. Lid or cover
30 may be constructed of a paperboard material, which includes a
top panel that overlies the upwardly facing interior of container
24, and a series of depending side panels that extend downwardly
from the edges of the top panel for securement to the side walls of
container 24. Alternatively, and in a preferred embodiment, cover
30 may be in the form of a sleeve that defines a passage into which
container 24 is inserted. The cover 30 may be formed of paperboard
or a semi-rigid plastic or other satisfactory material, and is
constructed so as to be easily removed from container 24. In this
manner, the user can easily remove the lid or cover 30 to access
the interior of container 24 and the items contained within the
container interior.
[0019] Lid or cover 30 preferably includes a cutout or window 31,
which enables a potential consumer to view the contents of the
container 24. In this manner, the consumer can visually verify the
size and appearance of the potato, and can ascertain that various
items such as utensils, toppings, flavorings and condiments are
packaged within the container 24 along with the potato. Again, if
desired, an overwrap layer of plastic film may be placed about the
lid or cover 30, to seal the interior of container 24.
[0020] Lid or cover 30 bears a various information pertaining the
potato 20, including trademarks, nutrition information, cooking
instructions and other preparation information, etc. The
information may be printed directly onto the outer surfaces of lid
or cover 30, or may be in the form of stickers or the like. In
addition, a label 34 may be applied to the wrap material within
which potato 20 is contained. It can be appreciated that any number
of known methods of marking may be used.
[0021] In use, the consumer purchases the single serving packaged
potato 18, which includes utensils 26 and toppings 28 at his or her
local market and transports it to his or her home, work, or another
location where he or she has access to a microwave oven. When
desired, the consumer opens single serving packaged potato 18 by
removing lid or cover 30, outer film 32, or both if both are
present. The consumer removes utensils 26 and toppings 28 from
container 24 and places potato 20 in the microwave oven. If potato
20 is wrapped with film 22, the film 22 is left intact around
potato 20 while being cooked. If potato 20 is unwrapped, it may be
cooked alone or inside container 24. If cooked inside container 24,
and a wrap material is provided, potato 20 may be covered with the
wrap material.
[0022] After cooking, potato 20 is replaced within container 24 and
opened with one of utensils 26. Alternatively, the consumer may
place potato 20 in a conventional glass or ceramic dish, and may
use conventional metal utensils. Film 22 may be discarded. The
consumer adds toppings 28 and eats baked potato 20 with utensils
26.
[0023] It can thus be appreciated that the present invention
enables a consumer to purchase a single serving baked potato,
complete with desired toppings and necessary utensils. The consumer
is able to conveniently transport the single serving package, e.g.
to work, school, etc., and is provided with instructions for
microwave cooking the potato as well as a container or receptacle
for cooking and eating the potato, along with utensils.
[0024] Various alternatives and embodiments are contemplated as
being within the scope of the following claims particularly
pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as
the invention.
* * * * *