U.S. patent application number 11/972786 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-16 for spice packaging system.
Invention is credited to Sara Engram, KATIE LUBER.
Application Number | 20090181133 11/972786 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40850851 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090181133 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LUBER; KATIE ; et
al. |
July 16, 2009 |
SPICE PACKAGING SYSTEM
Abstract
A spice packaging system is provided that includes a plurality
of packets for one or more spices, herbs or spice blends. Each
packet includes a flexible packaging material that is impervious to
light, gas and moisture. The packet has an exterior and a single or
segmented enclosed and sealed interior space. A known volume of a
single certified organic spice or herb is contained with the
interior space of each packet, and an inert gas surrounds each
known volume of the single certified organic spice or herb within
the interior space.
Inventors: |
LUBER; KATIE; (Baltimore,
MD) ; Engram; Sara; (Baltimore, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GEORGE A. WILLINGHAN, III;AUGUST LAW, LLC
P.O. BOX 19080
BALTIMORE
MD
21284-9080
US
|
Family ID: |
40850851 |
Appl. No.: |
11/972786 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
426/108 ;
206/216 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 75/527 20130101;
B65D 75/42 20130101; B65D 81/3266 20130101; B65D 77/06 20130101;
B65D 75/40 20130101; B65D 75/5811 20130101; B65D 75/5816 20130101;
B65D 81/2084 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/108 ;
206/216 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. A spice packaging system comprising: a plurality of packets,
each packet comprising: a flexible packaging material impervious to
light, gas and moisture; an exterior; and an enclosed and sealed
interior space; a known volume of a single certified organic spice
contained with the interior space of each packet; and an inert gas
surrounding each known volume of the single certified organic spice
with the interior space.
2. The spice packaging system of claim 1, wherein the interior
space comprises: two opposing sides; two opposing ends; and a seal
on one of the ends capable of being opened to access the interior
space and subsequently closed to seal the interior space from
light, gas and moisture intrusion.
3. The spice packaging system of claim 1, wherein the interior
space comprises: two opposing sides; two opposing ends; a primary
seal on one of the ends capable of being opened to access the
interior space and sealing the interior space from light, gas and
moisture intrusion; and a secondary seal spanning across the
interior space from one side to the other and disposed between the
two ends, the secondary seal dividing the interior space into two
chambers such that an equal portion of the known volume of spice is
disposed in each chamber, the secondary seal capable of being
selectively ruptured to reunite the two chambers without rupturing
the primary seal.
4. The spice packaging system of claim 3, wherein: the known volume
comprises about 1 tablespoon; and the interior space further
comprises two secondary seals dividing the interior space into
three chambers, each chamber comprising about 1 teaspoon of the
spice.
5. The spice packaging system of claim 1, wherein the known volume
of spice comprises about 1 teaspoon.
6. The spice packaging system of claim 1, wherein the flexible
packaging comprises polyethylene terephthalate.
7. The spice packaging system of claim 1, wherein the inert gas
comprises nitrogen.
8. The spice packaging system of claim 1, wherein the known volume
of a single organic certified spice comprises a known volume of the
whole spice.
9. The spice packaging system of claim 1, wherein the known volume
of a single organic certified spice comprises a known volume of
ground spice having a grind size from about 1 mm to about 1.5
mm.
10. The spice packaging system of claim 1, further comprising a
grinder capable of grinding the spice and of holding an amount of
spice to be ground substantially equivalent to the known volume of
spice.
11. The spice packaging system of claim 1, wherein the flexible
packaging comprises biodegradable packaging.
12. A method for packaging spices, the method comprising: forming a
sheet of flexible packaging material into a tube; sealing a first
end of the tube; measuring a desired quantity of a single certified
organic spice volumetrically; introducing the desired measured
volume of spice into the tube; directing a short burst of inert gas
into the tube following the introduced volume of spice, the short
burst of inert gas comprising a pressure, flow and duration
sufficient to ensure that the entire introduced volume of spice
passes into the tube; and sealing a second end of the tube opposite
the first end, the end seals and flexible material impervious to
light, gas and moisture.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the desired measured volume
comprises about 1 teaspoon.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the measured volume of spice or
herb comprises whole spice.
15. The method of claim 12, further comprising grinding the spice
to a grind size of about 1 to about 1.5 mm.
16. The method of claim 12, wherein the inert gas comprises
nitrogen.
17. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of introducing the
desired measured volume further comprises introducing separately
each one of a plurality of discrete portions of the desired
measured volume, the step of directing a short burst of inert gas
into the tube further comprises directing the short burst of inert
gas into the tube following the introduction of each one of the
discrete portions of the desired measured volume, and the method
further comprises establishing secondary seals in the tube between
any two portions of the spice in the tube.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the desired measured volume
comprises about 1 tablespoon and the plurality of discrete portions
comprises three discreet portions each comprising about 1
teaspoon.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein each secondary seal is capable
of being selectively ruptured to combine two adjacent portions
without rupturing the seals located at the end of the tube.
20. The method of claim 12, further comprising at least one of
vibrating the tube and adjusting the electrostatic properties of
the tube or the desired measured volume of spice to facilitate
introduction of the desired measured volume into the tube.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to flexible packaging and in
particular to flexible packaging of known volumes of herbs, spices
and other seasonings.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Spices, both whole and ground spices and herbs, are provided
in relatively large containers. These containers can be used
multiple times and include a volume of spice or spice blend that is
suitable for such a large number of recipes that the container
would last for years. These containers, however, are not made of
materials that are light, air and moisture resistant and do not
contain seals that are capable of maintaining these spices in a
fresh state for extended periods of time. This results in a
substantial degradation in the flavor and aroma of these spices.
Typically, a bulk spice in a large container will lose 10% of the
aromatic oils per month. Ultimately, the spice will be discarded
even after using only a small portion of the total volume in the
container. In addition, it may be desired to purchase or carry only
enough spice for a single use or two, for example when camping or
on vacation. Currently, even the smallest available volumes of
spices are not suitable for these uses.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention is directed to a spice packaging
system in which each spice is provided in multiple small packets,
preferably single-use packets of 1-teaspoon size. Each packet keeps
the spice fresh and protects the spice from light, air and
moisture.
[0004] In one embodiment, a spice packaging system is provided that
includes a plurality of packets such that each packet includes a
flexible packaging material impervious to light, gas and moisture,
an exterior surface, and an enclosed and sealed interior space. The
flexible packaging material can include polyethylene terephthalate
or can be a biodegradable material. A known volume of a single
certified organic spice, for example one teaspoon or one
tablespoon, is contained with the interior space of each packet.
This spice can be whole or ground, for example to a grind size of
about 1 mm to about 1.5 mm. In addition, an inert gas surrounds
each known volume of the single certified organic spice with the
interior space. This inert gas is preferably nitrogen. In one
embodiment, the interior space includes two opposing sides, two
opposing ends spanning between the sides, and a seal on one of the
ends that is capable of being opened to access the interior space
and subsequently closed to seal the interior space from light, gas
and moisture intrusion.
[0005] In one embodiment, the interior space includes two opposing
sides, two opposing ends, a primary seal on one of the ends capable
of being opened to access the interior space and sealing the
interior space from light, gas and moisture intrusion, and a
secondary seal spanning across the interior space from one side to
the other and disposed between the two ends, the secondary seal
dividing the interior space into two chambers such that an equal
portion of the known volume of spice is disposed in each chamber,
the secondary seal capable of being selectively ruptured to reunite
the two chambers without rupturing the primary seal. In one
embodiment, the known volume is about 1 tablespoon, and the
interior space further includes two secondary seals dividing the
interior space into three chambers, each chamber comprising about 1
teaspoon of the spice. If desired, a grinder capable of grinding
the spice and of holding an amount of spice to be ground
substantially equivalent to the known volume of spice can be
provided in the packaging system.
[0006] The packaging system also includes a method for packaging
spices. This method includes, forming a sheet of flexible packaging
material into a tube or any other desired shape. In one embodiment,
a first end of the tube is sealed, and a desired quantity, e.g.,
one teaspoon, of a single certified organic spice is measured
volumetrically. The desired measured volume of spice is introduced
into the tube, and a short burst of inert gas is introduced into
the tube following the introduced volume of spice. The short burst
of inert gas has a pressure, flow and duration sufficient to ensure
that the entire introduced volume of spice passes into the tube.
The second end of the tube opposite the first end is then sealed.
The end seals and flexible material are impervious to light, gas
and moisture.
[0007] The measured volume of spice or herb can be a whole spice or
a ground spice having a grind size of about 1 to about 1.5 mm.
Therefore, the method can also include grinding the spice to the
desired grind size prior to measuring and introduction into the
packet. In one embodiment, introduction of the spice into the
packet includes introducing separately each one of a plurality of
discrete portions of the desired measured volume, and the short
burst of inert gas is directed into the tube following the
introduction of each one of the discrete portions of the desired
measured volume. Secondary seals are established in the tube
between any two portions of the spice in the tube. In one
embodiment, the desired measured volume is about 1 tablespoon, and
the plurality of discrete portions includes three discreet portions
each comprising about 1 teaspoon. In one embodiment, each secondary
seal is capable of being selectively ruptured to combine two
adjacent portions without rupturing the seals located at the end of
the tube. In one embodiment, the tube or other filling components
can be vibrated or the electrostatic properties of the tube, the
filling components or the desired measured volume of spice can be
adjusted to facilitate introduction of the desired measured volume
into the tube.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a first side of an embodiment of a
spice packet for use in accordance with the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a second side of the spice packet
of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a first side of another embodiment
of a spice packet in accordance with the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a view through line 4-4 of FIG. 3;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a plan view of one embodiment of multiple spice
packets;
[0013] FIG. 6 is view through line 6-6 of FIG. 1; and
[0014] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a
method for filling a spice packet in accordance with the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The present invention is directed to systems and methods for
packaging spices, spice blends, herbs and seasonings. Any type of
spice used as a flavor enhancer or garnish for food can be used in
this system. Suitable spices include, but are not limited to,
basil, dill, oregano, tarragon, salt, pepper, sugar, thyme,
marjoram, mint, sage, lemon zest, orange zest, chile pepper,
coriander, cumin, fennel seed, ginger, turmeric, all spice, anise
seed, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ancho chile pepper, bay
leaves, peppercorns true cinnamon, cocoa, vanilla and blends of
these herbs and spices. These spices can be processed and packaged
as whole, i.e., uncut, spices or can be ground or chopped. For
example, the spices can be subjected to a "tea bag" grind, having a
ground size of about 1 mm to about 1.5 mm. This size is
particularly advantageous for the processing and packaging of
spices that are sticky or tacky. The spices can be processed and
packaged as single spices or as spice blends. Examples of blends
include cinnamon sugar and cinnamon cocoa. In addition to dry
spices, packaging systems and methods in accordance with exemplary
embodiments of the present invention are used to package wet or
liquid substances including oils, flavor infused oils, vinegar and
personal hygiene items such as mouthwash and toothpaste.
[0016] In general, all of the spices processed and packaged in
accordance with the present invention are certified organic. As
used herein, a certified organic spice is a spice that meets the
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requirements for an
organic spice as defined in the appropriate rules and regulations
and as certified by a competent federal or state level enforcement
agency. Organic certification also includes any applicable foreign
or international certification. The spices are certified organic
from the beginning of the process through the final packaging.
Therefore, no foreign substances, additives or preservatives are
used, including anti-caking agents and flow agents that would
enhance the processing of the spices. In addition, the spices are
not irradiated.
[0017] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary
embodiment of a spice packaging system 100 in accordance with the
present invention is illustrated. The system includes a plurality
of packets containing the desired spice or spices. One such packet
is illustrated. As illustrated, the packet is generally rectangular
or elongated in appearance and has a length from about 3'' to about
5'' and a width up to about 1''. Since the package is made of
flexible material, the elongated shape can be formed into a
generally tubular or cylindrical shape for the purposes of filling
the packet with a single spice, a spice blend or a liquid. Other
suitable shapes for the packet include spherical shapes, conical or
circular shaped and rectangular box shapes.
[0018] Each packet in the plurality of packets is formed from a
flexible packaging material impervious to light, gas and moisture.
Therefore, spices contained within the package will have a long
shelf life of up to ten years or more. Suitable flexible packaging
materials include single layer materials and laminates of multiple
materials such that each layer in the laminate provides a given
type of protection to the contents in the packet. In addition, the
layers can be either partially or completely transparent or
translucent. Suitable materials for the flexible packaging include,
but are not limited to, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl
chloride, polyamides, polycarbonates, cellulose acetate, coated
cellophane, rubber hydrochloride, paper and metal foils such as
aluminum foil. In one embodiment, the flexible packaging material
includes polyethylene terephthalate. For example, the flexible
packaging can have an inner layer of polyethylene terephthalate
(PET) that is in direct contact with the spices and an outer layer
of PET or of a material such as cellulose acetate or another layer
of polyethylene terephthalate. In addition, an intermediate metal
foil layer is disposed between the inner and outer layer.
[0019] In one embodiment, a poly/foil/poly laminate is used with
the specification "48 Ga PET/0.00035. Therefore, an intermediate
foil layer having a thickness of 0.00035 is sandwiched between two
PET layers. The inner PET layer can be transparent, and the outer
PET layer can be opaque and can include colors or other graphics.
If desired, the inner PET layer can be omitted. The thickness of
the foil layer is the minimum thickness necessary to provide the
desired level of protection to the spice contents from air, light
or moisture. In another embodiment, the packaging material is paper
coated, i.e., has an exterior paper mat finish. A suitable
specification for this embodiment is
25#paper/9#PI/0.00035Foil/0.00015CoexLDPE, which is a 25# paper
exterior outer wrap surrounding a 9# PI layer and a 0.00015 thick
coextruded low density polyethylene interior layer with the 0.00035
foil layer sandwiched between the inner and outer layers. In
another embodiment, the packaging material is a brown plastic film
laminate with the specification
48gaugePET/10#tan/0.00035Foil/0.0002 metalycine. A 48 gauge PET,
tan, outer layer and a 0.0002 outer metalycine inner layer, which
is similar to surlyn, surround the 0.00035 foil intermediate layer.
A paper layer can also be included to give the packaging a mat
appearance and to facilitate the addition of printing or graphics.
In one embodiment, the packaging material includes a biodegradable
material such as a corn starch based polymer. The overall thickness
of the packaging material is up to about 100 .mu.m and preferably
from about 20 .mu.m to about 50 .mu.m.
[0020] As is best shown in FIG. 6, the packet 102 includes an
exterior 602 and an enclosed and sealed interior space 604. A known
volume of a single certified organic spice 606 is contained with
the interior space of each packet. The spice volume can completely
or partially fill the interior space of the packet. In order to
preserve the freshness of the spices, any voids between the spice
granules as well as any interior space not filled with spice is
filled with an inert gas. Therefore, the inert gas surrounds each
known volume of the single certified organic spice with the
interior space. Preferably, this inert gas is nitrogen.
[0021] Although the packet, being made of flexible packaging, can
be shaped into a generally cylindrical tube, the packet once filled
with spice has a generally rectangular appearance. In this
appearance, the packet and therefore the interior space or pocket,
defined by the packet, includes two opposing sides 104 running the
length of the interior space. These sides can be formed from bends,
folds or creases in the flexile material or from heat seals or
adhesive bonds. In one embodiment, the flexible packaging material
is a single sheet of material that is formed into a tubular shape.
A lengthwise bond 108, for example a heat seal, adhesive bond or
physical fold or crimp bond, is provided to form the tube. In
general, suitable methods and materials for bonding the flexible
material are known and available in the art. The interior space
also includes two opposing ends 106. These ends can be formed from
folds in the material. In addition, one or both ends are initially
open, for example to permit filling of the interior space with the
single spice or spices and are subsequently sealed using any
suitable sealing process. In one embodiment, a seal 110 is provided
on at least one of the ends. Suitable seals protect the enclosed
spices from light, gas and moisture that can degrade the enclosed
spices. A wide variety of seals are available in the art. As
illustrated, a seal is provided on both ends of the interior space
or packet. In one embodiment, the seal is re-sealable in that the
seal is capable of being opened to access the interior space and
subsequently closed to seal the interior space from light, gas and
moisture intrusion. Suitable reclosable seals include a
semi-adhesive pressure seal or a "zip-lock" type seal.
[0022] In one embodiment, the end seals include mechanisms to
facilitate the opening of the ends to expose the interior space and
to access the spice. For example, each seal can contain a
perforated line 112 running generally parallel to the end to
facilitate tearing off a portion of the end to expose the interior
space. Alternatively, each end can include a plurality of notches
114 that are used to start a tear in a direction generally parallel
to the sides of the packet, exposing the interior space. Other
methods to facilitate tearing the packet open are known and
available in the art. In one embodiment, the packet includes
different seals and tear mechanisms on either end to provide a
different type of dispensing, either controlled or bulk.
Alternatively, both ends of the packet have the same or similar
seals and tearing mechanisms. In one embodiment, a spout 116 is
provided at one of the ends in communication with the interior
space. The tearing mechanism opens the spout, which provides flow
control when emptying the contents of the interior space. Each
packet can also contain markings including a volume marking 118 to
indicate the volume of the spices or contents of the interior
space, a identification 120 of the contents of the interior space,
e.g., the name of the spice or spice blend, and organic
certifications 122 among other markings.
[0023] The known volume contained within the interior space is
chosen in accordance with the contents and the uses to which those
contents are put. These volumes can be in English or Metric, i.e.,
SI, units, including liters, milliliters, cups, cubic centimeters
(cc's), tablespoons, teaspoons and fraction thereof. These
measurements are provided, however, in volumes as opposed to
weights, as that is how the contents, for example spices, are used
in recipes. Although larger volumes are possible, the packaging
system of the present invention is particularly well suited for use
with smaller volumes, for example fractions of a tablespoon,
teaspoons and fractions of a teaspoon. A preferred volume is one
teaspoon, as this is a convenient and common volume used in
cooking. In addition, this is a small size that minimizes waste.
Freshness is preserved since only one packet has to be opened for
each teaspoon required. Therefore, other teaspoon packets are not
opened, retaining freshness. Freshness contributes to enhanced
spice flavor and aroma, improving the quality and taste of the
foods prepared using these spices.
[0024] In order to provide for larger overall quantities of spices,
multiple packets are provided. For example, a plurality of single
packets, e.g., three one-teaspoon packets for a total of one
tablespoon, are provided in a large package such as a box or
carton. These multiple packets can be separate and grouped together
or can be joined together as shown, for example, in FIG. 5. When
joined together, the plurality of packets can be used together or
can be separately, for example by tearing perforations located at
different points or along the entire length of two adjacent
packets. These packets can be joined along the sides or along the
ends. Although illustrated as three packets groups together along
the sides, a larger number of packets can also be grouped together.
In addition, the grouping of packets, since the packaging material
is flexible, can be formed into a roll, and can be placed in a
dispenser that allows one packet to be dispensed at a time. In one
embodiment, a plurality of one-teaspoon packets is provided in a
box or metal tin, appropriately labeled. The metal tins are
stackable and provide additional light and moisture protection for
the spices contained in the packets. Each grouping of a plurality
of packets can contain the same spice or spice blend. Therefore,
different groupings of packets are provided, for example each in
its own tin, each having a given spice. Therefore, an assortment of
different spices is provided, and any given spice is available in a
packet of a given small size, for example one teaspoon.
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in one embodiment, the packet is
a segmented package 300. In one embodiment, the materials and
general shape of the segmented packet is the same as for the packet
containing a single interior space. The segmented packet and,
therefore, the interior space of the segmented packet include two
opposing sides 302 and two opposing ends 304. At least one of the
ends, and preferably both ends, includes a seal 306. In one
embodiment, each end seal is a primary seal that is capable of
being opened to access the interior space and sealing the interior
space from light, gas and moisture intrusion. The primary seals can
be re-sealable. In one embodiment, at least one secondary seal 308
is provided that crosses the packet and the interior space between
the ends. The secondary seal spans across the interior space from
one side to the other and is disposed between the two ends. In one
embodiment, a single secondary seal is provided to divide the
interior space into two chambers such that an equal portion of the
known volume of spice is disposed in each chamber. Alternatively, a
plurality of secondary seals 308 are provided that divide the
interior space into a plurality of chambers 310 each containing an
equal portion or fraction of the spice contained in the interior
space. As illustrated, the segmented packet includes two secondary
seals 308 that divide the interior space into three chambers. In
this embodiment, for example, the known volume is one tablespoon,
and each chamber includes one teaspoon of spice. Volume markings
312 are provided to show the overall volume and chamber volume.
[0026] In one embodiment, each secondary seal is capable of being
selectively ruptured to reunite the two chambers adjacent that
secondary seal without rupturing either primary seal, which would
expose the spices contained within the interior space. Rupture of
the secondary seals can be accomplished, for example, by applying
pressure, i.e. squeezing, one or both of the chambers adjacent the
secondary seal. Alternatively stretching force can be applied to
the packet in the area of the secondary seal either parallel or
perpendicular to the length of the seal. Rupturing of one of the
secondary seals results in a reunited chamber 402 (FIG. 4), and,
therefore, a combining of the volume of spice contained in both
chambers. The contents and spice volume of the reunited chamber are
obtained by tearing the appropriate primary seal. Therefore, 2
teaspoons can be obtained or fractions, e.g., 1/3, of a teaspoon
can be obtained from a single tablespoon or teaspoon without
exposing the balance of the tablespoon or teaspoon to light or air
that would degrade the spice. The balance of the spice is thus
preserved for future use. The secondary seals can be the same type
of seal as the primary seal but in a weaker, i.e., thinner
configuration. Alternatively, the secondary seals can be different
types of seals than the primary seals that are selected based upon
relative rupture strength.
[0027] In one embodiment, the spice packaging system includes a
grinder capable of grinding the spice contained in the packet. The
grinder holds an amount of spice to be ground substantially
equivalent to the known volume of spice. In one embodiment, the
grinder has a one teaspoon capacity. This grinder can be metal, for
example stainless steel, plastic, ceramic or combinations thereof.
The grinder is useful when whole spices are contained in the packet
or when a finer grind is required than the grind size of the spice
contained in the packet.
[0028] The present invention is also directed to a method for
packaging spices. Referring to FIG. 7, a sheet of flexible
packaging material is formed into a tube 702, and a first end 706
of the tube is sealed 704. Suitable methods for forming the tube
and sealing an end are available and known in the art. A desired
quantity of a single certified organic spice 708 is measured
volumetrically. In one embodiment a ring or dish 710 having the
desired volume is used and filled with the spice. In one
embodiment, this volume is one teaspoon. Since a teaspoon can vary
slightly in volume, preferably the teaspoon is about 5 ml. The
desired volume of spice is changed by changing the dish. In
addition, segmented dishes can be used, for example to fill
segmented packets. The desired volume of spice is passed through a
funnel and introduced into the interior space 710 of the tube 702.
A passage between the dish and funnel is selectively opened and
closed. For example, the top of the funnel can include a plurality
of holes, and the bottom of the dish can include a single hole. The
dish rotates relative to the funnel, and the single hole in the
bottom of the dish moves sequentially in and out of alignment with
the holes in the funnel to provide for introduction of the spices
into the packet. The dish is filled when the holes are not aligned,
providing a continuous filling mechanism.
[0029] The present invention utilizes smaller volumes of spice,
e.g., 1 teaspoon, and leafy or tacky spices prevent flow problems
for the introduction of the spices into the tube. In addition, the
certified organic nature of the spices does not permit the
introduction of flow aids. Therefore, a short burst of inert gas
712 is directed into the tube following the introduced volume of
spice. Preferably, this gas is nitrogen. The short burst of inert
gas has a pressure, flow and duration sufficient to ensure that the
entire introduced volume of spice passes into the tube. In
addition, the volume of inert gas can be sufficient to
substantially fill and inflate the interior space of the packet,
providing a cushion-type protection for the spices contained in the
packet. The second end 714 of the tube opposite the first end is
then sealed (not shown) using any suitable sealing process. The
first and second ends seals and the flexible material are
impervious to light, gas and moisture, as described above.
[0030] The measured volume of spices can be whole spices or ground
spices. In one embodiment, the spices are ground to a grind size of
about 1 to about 1.5 mm. In addition to filling a single volume of
spice within the tube, multiple portions of the desired volume of
spice can be filled into the tube. This yields the segment packet
or tube embodiment as described above. In one embodiment,
introduction of the measured volume of spice of spice blend into
the tube includes introducing separately each one of a plurality of
discrete portions of the desired measured volume, for example using
the segmented dish. Suitable methods for introducing a portion of a
measured volume are known and available in the art. A short burst
of inert gas is directed into the tube following the introduction
of each one of the discrete portions of the desired measured
volume. After each short burst and before the introduction of the
next portion of the spice, a secondary seal is introduced in the
tube between any two portions of the spice in the tube. Each
secondary seal is capable of being selectively ruptured to combine
two adjacent portions without rupturing the seals located at the
end of the tube. Alternatively, the seals between the portions of
the measured volume can be the same as the seals on the ends of the
tubes. In one embodiment, the desired measured volume is about 1
tablespoon, and the plurality of discrete portions is three
discreet portions each comprising about 1 teaspoon.
[0031] In addition to using the inert gas burst, other steps can be
used to facilitate the introduction of the entire measured volume
of spice into the tube. In one embodiment, the tube and filling
equipment, e.g., dish and funnel, are vibrated. In addition, the
electrostatic properties of the tube, the desired measured volume
of spice and the filling equipment are adjusted to facilitate
introduction of the desired measured volume into the tube.
[0032] While it is apparent that the illustrative embodiments of
the invention disclosed herein fulfill the objectives of the
present invention, it is appreciated that numerous modifications
and other embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art.
Additionally, feature(s) and/or element(s) from any embodiment may
be used singly or in combination with other embodiment(s) and steps
or elements from methods in accordance with the present invention
can be executed or performed in any suitable order. Therefore, it
will be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover
all such modifications and embodiments, which would come within the
spirit and scope of the present invention.
* * * * *