U.S. patent application number 11/450799 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-13 for effective aging tag for wine.
Invention is credited to William J. Dunnigan.
Application Number | 20070284333 11/450799 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38820839 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070284333 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dunnigan; William J. |
December 13, 2007 |
Effective aging tag for wine
Abstract
A tag is configured to irreversibly indicate an effective
maturity of a wine. For example, a tag may include a substrate, an
indicator attached to the substrate, and a decal associated with
the indicator to indicate an effective maturity of a wine. The
indicator may be configured to irreversibly indicate a temperature
history.
Inventors: |
Dunnigan; William J.;
(Austin, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LARSON NEWMAN ABEL POLANSKY & WHITE, LLP
5914 WEST COURTYARD DRIVE, SUITE 200
AUSTIN
TX
78730
US
|
Family ID: |
38820839 |
Appl. No.: |
11/450799 |
Filed: |
June 9, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
215/386 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 79/02 20130101;
G09F 3/0288 20130101; C12H 1/22 20130101; B65D 2203/02 20130101;
G09F 2003/0273 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/386 |
International
Class: |
B65D 23/12 20060101
B65D023/12 |
Claims
1. A tag configured to irreversibly, indicate an effective maturity
of a wine.
2. The tag of claim 1, the tag comprising: a substrate; an
indicator at the substrate, the indicator operable to irreversibly
indicate a temperature history; and a decal associated with the
indicator to indicate the effective maturity of a wine.
3. The tag of claim 2, wherein the decal indicates a measurement of
the effective maturity based on the irreversibly indicated
temperature history.
4. The tag of claim 2, further comprising a second indicator
attached to the substrate.
5. The tag of claim 4, wherein the second indicator is operable to
irreversibly indicate the temperature history.
6. The tag of claim 4, wherein the second indicator is operable to
irreversibly indicate exceeding a threshold indicator.
7. The tag of claim 2, wherein the indicator includes a
chromophoric agent.
8. The tag of claim 2, wherein the indicator is configured to
change appearance in accordance with an Arrhenius reaction.
9. The tag of claim 8, wherein the Arrhenius reaction is operable
to effect a chromatic agent after a period of time representing an
effective maturity of at least about 5 years.
10. The tag of claim 2, wherein the effective maturity is
associated with a preferred maturation profile.
11. The tag of claim 2, further comprising an adhesive layer
underlying the substrate.
12. The tag of claim 11, wherein the adhesive layer is configured
to permanently attach the tag to a bottle.
13. The tag of claim 2, further comprising a backing layer attached
to the substrate.
14. The tag of claim 13, wherein the backing layer includes a foam
material.
15. The tag of claim 13, wherein the backing layer is adapted to
conform to the punt of a wine bottle.
16. The tag of claim 2, further comprising a printable surface
layer.
17. The tag of claim 2, further comprising a date indicator
associated with the approximate time of tag attachment.
18. The tag of claim 2, wherein the tag is configured to fit within
a punt of a wine bottle.
19. The tag of claim 2, wherein the tag is configured to fit on a
side surface of a wine bottle.
20. The tag of claim 2, wherein the tag is circular, triangular, or
rectangular.
21. The tag of claim 2, wherein the tag has a tab.
22. The tag of claim 2, wherein the decal includes a first region
and a second region, wherein the first region is associated with a
first effective maturation and wherein the second region is
associated with a second effective maturation.
23. The tag of claim 22, further comprising a third region
associated with a third effective maturation.
24. The tag of claim 22, wherein the first region has a first color
and wherein the second region has a second color.
25. A wine bottle comprising: an outer surface; and a tag
configured to indicate an effective age of a wine.
26. A method of determining a maturity of wine, the method
comprising: applying a tag to a container storing the wine, the tag
comprising: a substrate; an indicator attached to the substrate,
the indicator configured to irreversibly indicate a temperature
history; and a decal associated with the indicator to indicate an
effective age of a wine.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] This disclosure generally relates to wine labels.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The fine wine market represents a growing consumer market.
In 2001, the United States produced approximately 2.2 billion
liters of wine, while the worldwide production was over 25 billion
liters. In addition to the primary market, many bottles are
purchased by collectors and sold in secondary auction markets. Many
fine wines sell for $25 to $200 at retail and thousands of dollars
at auction if the wine is considered of high quality, is rare or in
short supply, and has good "provenance."
[0003] The value of a bottle is typically driven by expert
evaluations. Wine tasting experts often judge the quality of a wine
and provide subjective ratings for consumers. In addition, such
tasting experts and many wineries provide recommended aging or
cellaring durations for wines. Generally, this information can be
found in various trade journals. In providing the recommendation,
such experts and wineries assume that the wine has predominantly
experienced preferred temperatures during its life.
[0004] When wines receive high ratings and are in high demand and
short supply, they often appreciate in price. The secondary auction
market is sizable (e.g., $166 M in 2004). Collectors, brokers and
auction houses take extreme care to determine the provenance, or
detailed history of a wine, in particular, with regard to transport
and storage conditions.
[0005] In addition, consumers that purchase fine wines prefer to
drink them at their "peak," or highest quality. Wine is unique from
perishable food in that a fine wine generally improves with a
particular amount of aging. Such an aging period may be from a
couple of years to 20 years or more when the wine has predominantly
been exposed to preferred conditions. High-quality, fine wine
generally improves at a slow rate. Based on historical experiences
and inputs from wineries and industry experts, the aging rate is
determined at a stable temperature of approximately 55.degree. F.
Unfortunately, aging characteristics can be altered or negatively
impacted by temperature increases and fluctuations. This
degradation has an exponential effect and may have several response
conditions. It is generally agreed that even fluctuations of
18.degree. F. over a single day may cause harm. In addition, if
temperatures are stable, aging can be "accelerated" by 2 times to
100 times or more, depending on the temperature. Moreover, wine may
not only age faster but, the type of aging (that is, how compounds
change over time) may be undesirable and may alter the taste or
characteristics of the wine. Therefore, wines that have experienced
high temperatures may have a drinking window that occurs before
expected and further, may have lost their ability to age.
[0006] Unfortunately, a consumer often has no idea what temperature
history a fine bottle of wine may have experienced. Temperatures
higher than preferred can accelerate the aging and maturation
process of wine, making it unlikely that the wine has aged as
assumed by the experts.
[0007] As such, the most common question facing the fine wine
consumer is "when should I drink this wine to experience its
preferred flavor characteristics?" However, the answer is
complicated by many factors. The wine may have been stored in a
location having inconsistent temperature controls. Typically,
temperatures are not tracked during shipment (e.g., in trucks,
ships, planes, or on docks) or in storage, especially at the
bottle-level. Today, wine is shipped all over the world and may go
through several couriers before finally reaching the consumer. In
addition, there are often inconsistencies when stored at the retail
level, such as in liquor stores, wine shops, or restaurants. Often,
wines are incorrectly stored at room temperature. Moreover, home
cellaring temperatures are generally not consistent. Consumers may
have temperature-controlled units, have underground cellars, or
simply store wine in a closet or under the stairs.
[0008] To subjectively determine whether a wine has been exposed to
very high temperatures or fluctuations in temperature, the industry
uses visual clues, such as ullage, pushed cork, discoloring or
seepage. Such methods show indications that are generally more
representative of a catastrophic event. In particular, many wines
may degrade or age faster without such symptoms.
[0009] Even if wine has seen non-ideal temperatures, it may be sold
to unsuspecting consumers. As such, consumers relying on the
tasting experts rating systems and recommended "drinking windows"
may be encouraged to drink a wine too late. Moreover, such rating
systems can affect wine pricing and a purchaser relying on a rating
system absent knowledge of the temperature history of the wine may
be overpaying.
[0010] Several cellar software systems are available to consumers
to help consumers track inventory and manage drinking windows of
the wine. However, today there is no solution that can help
consumers understand the degradation or accelerated aging that has
taken place so that they can adjust the drinking window or the
price of the bottle of wine.
SUMMARY
[0011] In a particular embodiment, a tag is configured to
irreversibly indicate an effective maturity of a wine.
[0012] In another exemplary embodiment, a tag includes a substrate,
an indicator at the substrate, and a decal associated with the
indicator to indicate an effective maturity of a wine. The
indicator is configured to irreversibly indicate a temperature
history.
[0013] In a further exemplary embodiment, a wine bottle includes an
outer surface and a tag attached to the outer surface. The tag
includes a substrate, an indicator at the substrate, and a decal
associated with the indicator to indicate an effective maturity of
a wine. The indicator is configured to irreversibly indicate a
temperature history.
[0014] In an additional embodiment, a method of determining a
maturity of wine includes applying a tag to a container storing the
wine. The tag includes a substrate, an indicator at the substrate,
and a decal associated with the indicator to indicate an effective
maturity of a wine. The indicator is configured to irreversibly
indicate a temperature history.
[0015] In another exemplary embodiment, a tag includes a substrate
adapted to attach in the punt of a wine bottle and includes a
visual indicator at the substrate and adapted to indicate an
effective age of a wine stored in the wine bottle.
[0016] In a further exemplary embodiment, a tag includes a
substrate and an indicator configured to provide a visual
indication that a wine is at least an effective age.
[0017] In an additional embodiment, a tag includes a substrate, an
indicator attached to the substrate and configured to irreversibly
indicate a temperature history, and a visual decal associate with
the indicator. The visual decal includes a first region and a
second region. The first region is adapted to indicate a first
maturity and the second region is adapted to indicate a second
maturity.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The present disclosure may be better understood, and its
numerous features and advantages made apparent to those skilled in
the art by referencing the accompanying drawings.
[0019] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 include illustrations of exemplary wine
bottles to which an exemplary tag is attached.
[0020] FIG. 3 includes a graphical illustration of wine aging.
[0021] FIG. 4 includes an example of rating and recommended
drinking information.
[0022] FIG. 5 includes an example of a typical temperature history
as a wine travels from winery to the consumer.
[0023] FIG. 6 includes a proposed wine maturation curve
illustrating several temperature zones and related aging or
maturation effects that wine may experience.
[0024] FIGS. 7A through 7D include potential aging or maturation
effects for each zone illustrated in, for example, FIG. 6.
[0025] FIG. 8 includes an illustration of an exemplary tag.
[0026] FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, FIG. 12A, and FIG. 12B include
illustrations of exemplary tag designs.
[0027] FIG. 13 includes a cross-sectional view illustration of an
exemplary tag.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0028] In a particular embodiment, a wine bottle includes an outer
surface and a tag attached to the outer surface. The tag includes a
substrate, an indicator attached to the substrate, and a decal
associated with the indicator to indicate an effective maturity of
a wine. The indicator is configured to irreversibly indicate a
temperature history.
[0029] In another embodiment, a method of determining a maturity of
wine includes applying a tag to a container storing the wine. The
tag includes a substrate, an indicator attached to the substrate,
and a decal associated with the indicator to indicate an effective
maturity of a wine. The indicator is configured to irreversibly
indicate a temperature history.
[0030] In particular, a tag attached to the outer surface of a wine
bottle may indicate the effective maturity of the wine. The rate of
maturation is influenced by temperature and other environmental
factors in addition to the type wine in the bottle. An indicator
that responds to environmental conditions in a manner indicative of
the response of the wine to those conditions may be used to
indicate an effective maturity of the wine.
[0031] FIG. 1 includes an illustration of an exemplary wine bottle
100. Alternatively, the bottle 100 may be a champagne bottle, a
port bottle, a whiskey bottle, or a liquor bottle. The wine bottle
100 may include a label 106 and a tag, such as tag 104 or a tag
102. For example, the label 106 may include a visual display of
information, such as a winery name, a vintage year, a grape
varietal, other descriptions of the wine, or any combination
thereof. In particular, the label 106 may provide an aesthetic
marketing message to encourage purchase of the wine. In an
exemplary embodiment, the tag, such as tag 102 or 104, may include
a visual indication of an effective age or maturity of a wine
stored in the wine bottle 100.
[0032] Typically, the tag 102 or 104 and the label 106 are
permanently adhered to the wine bottle 100. In an example, the tag
102 or the tag 104 is attached to an outer surface of the wine
bottle 100. For example, the tag 102 may be attached to the outer
surface of the main body of the wine bottle 100, such as proximate
to the wine label 106. In an example, the tag 102 may be separated
from the label 106 or may at least partially overlap with the label
106. Alternatively, the tag 102 may form part of the label 106. In
another example, the tag 104 may be attached to the neck of the
wine bottle 100. Alternatively, a tag, such as tag 204, may be
adapted to fit within the punt 202 of a wine bottle 200, as
illustrated in FIG. 2. Generally, the punt 202 is concave in
nature. In particular, locating the tag 204 in the punt 202 may be
advantageous as it may be more aesthetically pleasing,
inconspicuous, less prone to damage and mechanical stress, and less
prone to touching by the human hand that may influence the
temperature history illustrated by the tag 204. Although primarily
targeted for the bottle, the tag 204 alternatively may be placed on
the case of wine to provide a quick check prior to opening the
case.
[0033] Generally, consumers prefer to drink a wine when the wine is
in a mature state, often referred to as "at its peak," prior to its
natural decline or even, souring or spoiling of the wine. Fine
wines are unique in that they may improve with age and transition
through a time-dependant quality curve or profile 300 as
represented in FIG. 3. The length and height of the curve 300
illustrated in FIG. 3 represents a preferred maturation profile of
the wine while the wine is in the bottle. Generally, the curve 300
is influenced by factors, such as the grape varietal, growing
conditions of the grape, and fermenting conditions. In addition,
the curve 300 also may be influenced by the conditions to which the
wine is exposed after bottling. A preferred maturation curve is
based on storage of wine in an environment where the temperature
and other variables, such as humidity, light, and vibration are a
preferred value (i.e., 55.degree. F.). Also, the curve may be
unique for each type of wine with respect to the aging capability
of the wine.
[0034] The industry typically represents the maturation of the wine
with the three primary phases of the time-dependant quality curve,
as represented by this example of a typical time-dependant quality
curve 300. For example, the phases include a "hold" period 302
where the taste quality of wine is improving; a "desirable or
preferred drinking window" phase 304, where the wine may be at or
near its' best; and a declining phase 306 where the wine may be
drinkable but, the quality may be declining. Wine may be drunk in
any of these phases, but some consumers prefer waiting until the
"desirable drinking window" has transpired. Generally, the
appearance of these phases at times indicated by a preferred
quality curve 300 may depend primarily upon proper storage at
preferred temperature, for example, about 53.degree. F. to about
59.degree. F., such as about 55.degree. F. However, if the wine is
exposed to higher temperatures during storage or transport, the
maturation may change and either the duration (time) or quality may
be reduced. In a particular example, an "effective age" may be used
to identify where the actual maturity of the wine is relative to a
preferred maturation profile.
[0035] In a particular embodiment, a tag configured to display a
temperature history may assist a consumer by illustrating an
effective age of the wine and thus, a consumer may decide to drink
the wine when the effective age indicates desired maturity, before
the wine prematurely ages. Since many wines are taken out of their
cases and sold individually, such a tag placed on the bottle may be
helpful to purchasers of individual bottles.
[0036] Often, industry publications, such as "Wine Spectator" or
"The Wine Enthusiast," and "wine experts" that sample or taste many
wines throughout their maturation may provide a rating of the wine.
These experts generally publish "ratings," such as the example in
FIG. 4, and make drinking recommendations to the consumer, for
example, hold or drink. In an exemplary rating system 400, a
quality rating 402 may be provided and a recommended drinking
status 404 may be provided. For example, the quality rating 402 may
be a 92 out of 100 points and given the current date, may be
recommended to drink at this time or to hold for further quality
improvement or to drink because the wine may be in a natural
declining phase.
[0037] However, such expert ratings often assume preferred storage
conditions, such as preferred storage temperatures. Unfortunately,
wine may not be stored under preferred storage conditions at all
times. For example, a wine may be loaded on a truck, put on a ship,
temporarily stored in a warehouse, or may possibly sit out on a
dock, before being sent on another truck to a distributor's
warehouse. Further, the wine may stay in the distributor's
warehouse for several months prior to being shipped by truck to a
retail location. A retail location, such as a retail store or a
restaurant, may keep a bottle for several years before it is sold
to a consumer. Once sold, a consumer may drink the wine.
Alternatively, the consumer may cellar the wine for several more
years before drinking or re-selling the wine in an aftermarket.
Throughout this process, there are many situations in which the
wine may be exposed to non-ideal temperatures, as shown in a
graphical representation of temperature history 500 in FIG. 5. In
particular, potential temperature excursions 502 beyond preferred
temperatures may occur at various locations 504 over a time period.
Such temperature excursions may accelerate aging or may cause the
quality of a wine to degrade prematurely.
[0038] Based on inputs from many industry sources (wineries,
publications, wine experts, research, collectors), fine wine will
typically follow the time-dependant quality curve illustrated in
FIG. 3 when stored under preferred conditions. However, when
preferred conditions are not met, the wine's maturation process may
change. For example, as temperature increases, the aging
characteristics may accelerate or decline, effectively maturing the
wine faster. Sub-freezing temperatures may have similar effects. A
representation of the possible effects of temperature on the
maturation of wine is depicted in FIG. 6 where the estimated
maturity rate curve 600 shows a typical degradation of quality for
different temperatures. The exemplary curve 600 represents a wine
that theoretically improves and has high quality for 20 years when
maintained at preferred temperatures. However, the wine may undergo
substantial maturation changes at higher temperatures, thereby
reducing its effective lifetime. The y-axis of the graph represents
effective lifetime in days using a log scale and the x-axis
represents temperature exposure in degrees Fahrenheit. As a result
of the chemistry of a wine, there may be different acceleration
factors in each zone, as depicted by the arrows 612 and 616 showing
different slopes. Some of these slopes may follow an Arrhenius
reaction while others may not. In particular, each of these slopes
may represent a different set of chemical reactions that occur
within the wine and that either improve the flavor of the wine or
cause a decline in flavor. The graphed curve 600 has been denoted
by five zones to characterize this maturity curve: [0039] A. the
preferred temperature zone 602; [0040] B. the moderate aging zone
604; [0041] C. the fast aging zone 606 (may also have a quality
impact); [0042] D. the extremely hot zone 608 (may also have a
quality impact); and [0043] E. the extremely cold zone 610 (may
also have a quality impact).
[0044] As described below, these five zones (A, B, C, D and E) are
used to represent a continuum of changing maturity profiles. In
particular, the zones illustrate an estimate of the relative
maturation life or effective aging life of wine. Based on the time
and temperature exposure, an expected 5 to 20 year aging life may
be reduced to a few years, months, weeks, days, or even hours. The
relative effective life is illustrated above curve 600 with these
descriptive durations 614. It should be noted that the exact
temperatures delineating each zone are estimates and may change by
several degrees.
[0045] As such, a tag configured to indicate an effective age or
maturity may assist consumers by monitoring the temperature and
maintaining a temperature history. In a particular example, the tag
may include indicators that respond in accordance with the slopes,
such as indicated by arrow 612, of one or more of these zones. For
example, a tag may include a first indicator which approximates the
maturation profile of zones A or B, while a second indicator
attached to the substrate may be configured to irreversibly
indicate a temperature history in zone C and a third indicator may
be configured to irreversibly indicate exceeding a threshold
temperature (cold or hot) as depicted in zones D or E. In
particular, an indicator that responds to temperature in accordance
with the slope 612 may not indicate an accurate change at high
temperatures, indicating, for example, a maturation lifetime on the
order of 100 days. In contrast, an indicator configured to respond
to temperature in accordance with slope 616 may accurately depict
maturation lifetime at high temperatures yet, may fail to indicate
maturity at lower temperatures. Alternatively, one or more
indicators may be configured to indicate that the effective age is
at least a value following maturation resulting from exposure to
environments represented by one or more zones (A, B, C, D, or
E).
[0046] FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D include illustrations of exemplary
time-dependant quality curves based on exposure to temperatures in
the different zones as described in FIG.6. Each zone may have
different acceleration factors and may impact the ageability,
quality, or any combination thereof. FIG.7A is a representation of
a preferred time-dependant quality curve 700, which illustrates the
early improvement phase 702, followed by a preferred drinking
window phase 703 and a declining phase 705.
[0047] FIG. 7B represents a zone B time-dependant quality curve 706
relative to a preferred time-dependant quality curve 704. Zone B
represents a moderately increased aging rate relative to preferred
temperatures. The time-dependant quality curve 706 shows the
accelerated aging of wine by the shorter time period between the
start of the improvement phase and the end of the declining phase.
Therefore, the "effective age" of the wine may be older than the
chronological age of the wine because of the accelerated aging
rate, which speeds up the maturation process.
[0048] FIG. 7C represents a zone C time-dependant quality curve 709
relative to a preferred time-dependant quality curve 708. Zone C
represents a much faster maturation process that accelerates the
aging, thus reducing the total time 710 and may reduce the quality
of wine as represented by a shorter and lower peak quality 712.
[0049] FIG. 7D represents a zone D or zone E time-dependant quality
curve 715 relative to a preferred time-dependant quality curve 714.
Zones D & E represent extreme heat (D) and extreme cold (E)
exposure which accelerates the aging, thus reducing the total time
716 and likely reducing the peak quality of wine 718.
[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, a tag, which is permanently
attached to the bottle of wine, may provide a temperature history
of the wine and provide information to the consumer that may assist
the consumer in determining whether the wine has typically been
exposed to preferred temperatures or temperatures in one of the
other temperature zones. By having this information, a consumer may
make more informed decisions, for example, estimating the
"effective aging" of the wine, and therefore, may choose to drink
the wine earlier. In another example, a consumer may choose to
store his wine in a home cellar with temperatures regulated in zone
B. If the consumer typically consumes a wine after 10 years of
aging, an exemplary tag may indicate the effective aging of 10
years based on the temperature exposure and therefore, if the
temperature exposure was higher than preferred (e.g., zone B), 10
years of "effective aging" may occur in a shorter time period, for
example, after only 5 years. In another example, if an exemplary
tag is used with an indicator to represent zone D, whereby the
indicator is configured to irreversibly indicate an exceeded
threshold temperature, then the consumer may choose to not purchase
this wine or if already purchased, may choose to drink the wine
very soon.
[0051] FIG. 8 includes an illustration of an exemplary wine
aging/maturity tag 800 configured to irreversibly indicate a
temperature history and a descriptor or decal associated with the
indicator to represent the "effective aging/maturing" of a wine.
The tag 800 may include exemplary temperature indicator 802
representing zone A maturation, indicator 804 representing zone E
maturation, indicator 806 representing zone D maturation, indicator
808 representing zone C maturation and indicator 809 representing
zone B maturation. Alternatively, one or more of the indicators may
respond to conditions of a zone, such as responding in accordance
with the slope indicated in zone A, but, mature at a different
time, such as at 5 years, 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, or any
combination thereof. In a further exemplary embodiment, the
indicator may respond to a temperature history to which the wine is
exposed, including conditions equivalent to zones A, B, C, D, or E,
or any combination thereof, and indicate an effective maturity
based on the temperature history, such as at least a particular
number of years effective maturity (e.g., 5, 10, 15, or 20). In
particular, the tag 800 may include a combination of such
indicators.
[0052] The indicator (802, 804, 806, 808, or 809) may include a
chromophoric agent or other type of chemical temperature-reactant
and may be configured to change to a color in accordance with an
Arrhenius reaction. The Arrhenius reaction may be configured to
effect a chromatic change after a period of time under preferred
conditions or a different period of time under non-ideal
conditions, representing the effective aging/maturation extending
at least about 5 years (relative to preferred conditions), for
example. In particular, the indicator (e.g., 802, 804, 806, 808,
and 809) may be configured to effect a change in a chromatic agent
in accordance with the slope of a zone. Further, the indicator
(e.g., 802, 804, 806, 808, and 809) may irreversibly change in
response to the temperature history, such as undergoing an
immediate irreversible change in appearance or undergoing a gradual
change in appearance, such as a change in hue or lightness, that
does not revert to a previous appearance in response to the
temperature history.
[0053] The tag 800 may include, for example, 1 to 5 different
indicators (e.g., 802, 804, 806, 808, and 809) and a time stamp 812
that can be used to compare the effective aging/maturation against
the chronological age. In addition, each indicator, descriptor, or
decal area may have a background color 810, such as yellow, red,
green or blue to represent each maturation zone. For example, zones
A and B may have a green background color to represent preferred or
moderate aging, zone C may have a yellow background to represent
fast aging, zone D may have a red background to represent extreme
heat, and zone E may have a blue background to represent extreme
cold. Alternatively, the colors may indicate a recommended drinking
or storage decision, such as a drinking window, a continue storing
window, or an in decline window. In another example, other colors
may be used to represent particular zones.
[0054] FIG. 9 includes an illustration of an exemplary circular tag
900 that may include optional tabs 902. The optional tabs 902 may
be used for additional printed information or for additional
surface area to adhere or conform to the bottle. The tag 900 shows
an example of a latent image number "5" 904 used as a descriptor to
represent the effective aging of the wine, such as 5 years. In
another example, the descriptor may be inside the indicator, such
as a latent image 904, or a printed image 906 near the indicator,
such as the number "20" to represent an effective aging of 20
years. As an alternative, for the fast aging and extreme aging
zones, a color code 908 may be used whereby, for example, the color
red may represent zone D and the color blue may represent zone
E.
[0055] Based on the information from the tag, a consumer may make
decisions on whether to adjust the "drinking window", typically to
drink much sooner. In addition, when one of the indicators has
changed, a consumer or collector may choose not to purchase a
bottle from a retail store or may pay a lower price. Conversely, if
all indicators are good, then a collector may pay more money, for
example, at an auction. Further, a time stamp may assist the
consumer in determining the risk associated with purchasing or
storing the bottle or case.
[0056] FIG. 10 includes an illustration of an exemplary tag 1000
that may have different display options. A latent image 1002 may
display a "5 y" to represent 5 effective years of aging or a
printed image 1004 may display a "10 y" to represent 10 effective
years of aging. Each indicator also may have a background color,
such as red 1006 to represent each of the zones. Alternative
displays may show more detail, such as a latent or printed image
1008 that may display 90 2 H, representing a minimum exposure of
90.degree. F. for 2 hours or more, represented by zone D. Another
display may show a latent or printed image 1010 that may display 80
2 W, representing a minimum exposure of 80.degree. F. for 2 weeks
or more. Another example may include a latent or printed image 1012
that may display 32 2 H to represent exposure of 32.degree. F. or
colder for 2 hours or more. In particular, a tag may be adapted to
illustrate the desired aging/maturation responses associated with
the particular wine to which the tag is attached.
[0057] In particular, a tag may be circular in shape to fit into
the punt of a wine bottle. However, the tab may be formed in
various shapes, such as rectangular or triangular, with or without
tabs, or any combination thereof. FIG. 11 includes illustrations of
two exemplary rectangular tags 1100 and 1102. The tag 1100 includes
5 indicators and the tag 1102 includes 6 indicators. As illustrated
in the tag 1100, multiple indicators may represent different zones
or, as illustrated in the tag 1102, multiple indicators may
represent the same zone and different effective time periods. A
time stamp 1104 may provide an absolute time to the customer to
which other indicators are relative, i.e., 5 years effective
maturity relative to the time stamp 1104.
[0058] In a particular example, a tag may be adapted to the
expected aging/maturation responses, as shown on the indicator 1106
representing 20 years of effective aging, indicator 1108
representing 90.degree. F. for 8 hours, indicator 1110 representing
80.degree. F. for 1 week and indicator 1112 representing 32.degree.
F. for 8 hours. Alternatively, printed images 1114 may be placed
outside of the indicator such as 26/8 h representing 26.degree. F.
for 8 hours.
[0059] FIGS. 12A and 12B include illustrations of two exemplary
tags, a square tag 1200 and a triangular tag 1204. Such tags may
include a second indicator 1202 that may represent the same zone or
a different zone than the other indicators on the tag.
[0060] FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary tag
1300. The tag 1300 may include a top surface layer 1302, an
indicator 1304 associated with the top surface layer 1302, and a
substrate 1306 supporting the top surface layer 1302 and the
indicator 1304. In addition, the tag 1300 may include backing 1308
coupled to the substrate 1306 and adhesive 1310.
[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, the tag 1300 includes a top
surface layer 1302 that may have printable information or
color-coding. In particular, the top surface layer 1302 may form a
decal to represent the effective aging/maturing of a wine. For
example, the effective aging or maturity of a wine may be indicated
by associating a number or a color with a chromatic change in the
indicator 1304. In a particular example, a number 5 may be
associated with an indicator, such as indicator 1304, that is
configured to change color after 5 years effective maturity. The
actual time the indicator 1304 changes color depends on the
temperature history experienced by the indicator 1304 and thus, the
bottle to which the tag is attached. While represented as a single
layer, the top surface layer 1302 may be formed from multiple
layers. In addition, the top surface layer 1302 may include a date
stamp or date indicator that is placed at the approximate time of
attachment. While not illustrated, additional layers may overlay
the top surface layer 1302, such as protective polymer films
including additives to improve weatherability of the tag 1300, such
as UV absorber additives.
[0062] In a further embodiment, the tag 1300 may include one or
more indicators 1304 that include a chromophoric agent or other
type of chemical reactant. Exemplary indicators 1304 may respond in
accordance with the expected aging or maturation responses of a
wine to which the tag 1300 is to be attached. For example, an
indicator 1304 may respond to conditions, such as conditions
represented in zones A, B, C, D, E, or any combination thereof.
Such an indicator 1304 may change appearance, such as color or
color saturations, after a reaction performed therein reaches an
anticipate point, effectively illustrating an effective age or
maturity. Alternatively, the indicator 1304 may gradually change in
appearance in response to environmental conditions. In another
example, the indicator 1304 may respond when a temperature
threshold is passed, such as an upper threshold (e.g., 80.degree.
F. or 90.degree. F.) or a lower threshold (e.g., 32.degree. F. or
26.degree. F.). In a further example, conditions associated with a
zone (e.g., A, B, C, D, or E) may influence a particular set of
reactions within the chemical system in wine. As such, an indicator
1304 may respond to conditions within a zone and represent the set
of reactions effected by conditions within that zone. In
particular, a set of indicators, including indicator 1304, may
represent a desired maturity of a wine by representing that a set
of desirable reactions have progressed and a set of undesirable
reactions have not progressed.
[0063] Exemplary indicators are formed of a set of reactants
included in a multilayer containment structure. While indicator
1304 is illustrated as a single layer, the indicator 1304 may have
multiple layers. For example, the indicator 1304 may have one or
more reactant containing layers and one or more layers to
encapsulate or surround the one or more reactant containing layers.
An exemplary indicator may be commercially available or available
by customer order from 3M, St. Paul, Minn. or TempTime of Morris
Plains, N.J.
[0064] The substrate 1306 may be formed of a polymer film, fibrous
material, or a metal foil. In particular, the substrate 1306 may
formed of a fibrous material, such as paper. In another example,
the substrate 1306 may be formed of a polymer film.
[0065] In an example, the tag 1300 may include an optional backing
layer 1308 attached to the substrate 1306. In particular, the
backing layer 1308 may be adapted to conform to the punt of a wine,
champagne, or port bottle. For example, the backing layer 1308 may
include a foam material that conforms to the punt of a bottle.
[0066] In a further example, the tag 1300 may include an adhesive
1310. In an example, the adhesive 1310 is directly applied to the
substrate 1306. In another example, the adhesive 1310 is applied to
the optional backing layer 1308. Generally, the adhesive 1310 may
be configured to adhere the tag 1300 to a bottle. In particular,
the adhesive 1310 may be configured to bind to a bottle with
greater strength than other label materials. As such, when
overlapping such labels, the tag 1300 may damage such labels if an
attempt is made to remove the tag 1300 from the bottle.
[0067] Further, the tag 1300 optionally may include tabs 1312 that
can be used to display printed information or used as additional
adhesive surface. In particular, the tabs 1312 may bend to conform
to the punt of a bottle.
[0068] In a particular embodiment, the tag 1300 includes more than
one indicator 1304. At least one indicator 1304 may be configured
to respond to conditions in accordance with the slope representing
one or more of zones A, B, C, or any combination thereof. In
addition, the tag 1300 may include an indicator that response to
conditions in accordance with one or more of zones D, E, or any
combination thereof. A consumer may read the tag to determine a
course of action (e.g., buy, sell, drink, hold, etc.). For example,
when an indicator that responds in concert with zones A or B
indicates maturity and an indicator associated with zones D or E
does not indicate decline, the consumer may decide to purchase and
drink the wine. Alternatively, when an indicator associated with
zones D or E or associated with high temperature excursions
indicates a decline, the consumer may decide not to buy whether an
indicator that responds in concert with zone A or B maturation
shows maturity or not.
[0069] While embodiments of a tag configured to indicate effective
maturity are described with respect to wine, other products may
characteristically improve with age and thus, may benefit from a
tag configured to indicate effective maturity. In particular, fine
quality wine, champagne, liquor, port, vinegar, cheese, or any
combination thereof, may exhibit a maturation profile that is
dependent on storage conditions. As such, a tag indicating
effective maturity may beneficially be applied to such
products.
[0070] The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered
illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are
intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other
embodiments, which fall within the true scope of the present
invention. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of
the present invention is to be determined by the broadest
permissible interpretation of the following claims and their
equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the
foregoing detailed description.
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