AU2020201406A1 - Reusable food storage pouch and method of production thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

REUSABLE FOOD STORAGE POUCH AND METHOD OF PRODUCTION THEREOF Abstract The invention relates to a reusable food storage pouch comprising an opening at one end of the pouch for inserting food into and removing food from an interior of the pouch and at least two corners at the other end of the pouch being shaped so as to prevent accumulation of food debris in the interior at the at least two corners and wherein the opening is adapted to at least partially seal the pouch when in use. 1/3 1000 107 101 104 1I 102 104 103 105 1002 Figure 1

Description

1/3

1000 107 101

104 1I

102 104

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105

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Figure 1

REUSABLE FOOD STORAGE POUCH AND METHOD OF PRODUCTION THEREOF

Field of the Invention

[1] The present invention relates to reusable food storage and in particular to reusable food storage for the storage of lunch items such as sandwiches and wraps among other things.

[2] The invention has been developed primarily for use with lunches including inter alia, school, work or university lunches and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Background of the Invention

[3] Presently, the vast majority of food storage is disposable in nature, being single use items with a short life and having a significant negative impact on the environment. Evidently, vast amounts of packaging end up in landfill, the oceans and waterways resulting in adverse effects on aquatic life. This is especially problematic due to the heavy use of plastics in such disposable single use food storage which can take centuries to biodegrade.

[4] As such, there is a need for an ecologically sound food storage means that is manufactured using environmentally friendly materials and may be reused multiple times prior to disposal.

[5] The present invention seeks to provide a food storage means, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[6] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention

[7] In accordance with the present invention, a food storage pouch comprised of a biodegradable material and adapted for repeated use and ease of cleaning is disclosed.

[8] According to a first aspect, the present invention may be said to consist of a reusable food storage pouch comprising: a. an opening at one end of the pouch for inserting food into and removing food from an interior of the pouch; and b. at least two corners at the other end of the pouch being shaped so as to prevent accumulation of food debris in the interior at the at least two corners and wherein the opening is adapted to at least partially seal the pouch when in use.

[9] According to another aspect, the present invention may be said to consist in a reusable food storage pouch comprising:

a. an elongated sheet of food grade material folded about its centre to form a pouch having an interior adapted for storage of food;

b. a seam sewn on an outside of the pouch connecting at least two edges of the pouch to define an opening at one end for inserting food into and removing food from the interior; and

c. at least two corners at the other end of the pouch being shaped so as to prevent accumulation of food debris in the interior at the at least two corners and wherein the opening is adapted to at least partially seal the pouch when in use.

[10] In one embodiment, the sheet of food grade material is cotton.

[11] In one embodiment, the sheet of food grade material further comprises a woven label.

[12] In one embodiment, the cotton is impregnated with a waterproof compound.

[13] In one embodiment, the waterproof compound comprises a wax.

[14] In one embodiment, the waterproof compound further comprises a combination of wax and coconut oil.

[15] In one embodiment, the at least one opening further comprises:

a. a hem adapted for folding to assist closure of the pouch.

[16] In one embodiment, the hem includes a plurality of magnets to further assist in the closure of the pouch.

[17] In one embodiment, the seam is sewn together.

[18] In one embodiment, the at least two corners are curved in shape.

[19] In one embodiment, the at least two corners are substantially semi-circular in shape.

[20] According to a further aspect, the present invention may be said to consist in a method of manufacturing a reusable food storage pouch, the method comprising the steps of:

:3

a. providing a sheet of food grade material;

b. coating the sheet with a water resistant treatment;

c. cutting a sheet of food grade material into an elongated length;

d. folding the material at its centre;

e. cutting the outer edges to shape; and

f. sewing the outer edges together to form a pouch.

[21] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[22] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[23] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, a preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[24] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a food storage pouch in its open configuration in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[25] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the food storage pouch of Fig. 1 in its closed configuration in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[26] Fig. 3 is a view of the food storage pouch in use.

Description of Embodiments

[27] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[28] A reusable food storage pouch according to a first aspect of the invention is generally indicated by the numeral 1000.

[29] In one embodiment now described, the food storage pouch 1000 is comprised of an elongated sheet of food grade material 109 which is folded about its centre 1002 to form a pouch 1000. The pouch 1000 is created through the attachment of at least two edges 104 of the elongated sheet of food grade material 109, with each of the at least two edges 104 comprising a seam 102. The pouch 1000 has at least one opening 107 (as shown in Figure 3). The opening 107 being adapted for the insertion and removal of food from the food storage pouch 1000.

[30] The pouch 1000 has at least two corners 103 opposite the opening 107. The at least two corners 103 are shaped to prevent the collection of food debris when in use, easing cleaning and aiding in the repeated reuse of the reusable food storage pouch 1000 through its ability to be easily cleaned after use.

[31] There are a variety of suitable shapes that the at least two corners 103 may take. In one embodiment, the shape may be semi-circular or more generally curved. The shape of the corners 103 are to be designed such that sharp corners are eliminated, as sharp corners have been shown to collect crumbs and other food debris while being difficult to clean.

[32] In another embodiment, the corners 103 may be cut at an angle to the pouch eliminating any 90 degree edges that would be present in the corners 103 if the food grade material 109 was folded and not cut to an appropriate shape.

[33] As was previously discussed, the at least two edges 104 are joined to form a seam 102 which is sewn together to form the pouch 1000. In the embodiment shown, the seam 102 is positioned on the outside of the pouch 1000 to provide for a convenient means of sewing the seam 102 and providing for a seamless join in the interior of the pouch 1000, reducing the ability for food debris to collect had the seam been located inside the pouch 1000.

[34] In one embodiment, the food grade material 109 is manufactured from a biodegradable material such as cotton, which furthermore has the desirable properties of being suitable for repeated re-use and robustness. Other suitable materials may include fabrics such as TenceTM (also known as Lyocell T M ), hemp or jute as some examples.

[35] In a preferred embodiment, the food grade material 109 such as cotton is treated with a wax, such as beeswax or a wax combination such as wax combined with coconut oil. The wax provides a food safe barrier between the cotton and the food being stored. In other embodiments, the wax compound is more specifically beeswax and the coconut oil could take the form of readily available organic coconut oil.

[36] In other embodiments, the treatment of the food grade material may include inter alia, a combination of damar tree resin, coconut oil or jojoba oil.

[37] In the embodiments shown, the food storage pouch 1000 comprises a hem 101 which is comprised of a fold of the food grade material 109 at the opening 107 of the food storage pouch 1000 which provides for an opening 107 that is less susceptible to the collection of food 3000 upon insertion into the pouch 1000. As the hem 101 provides a smoother edge to the opening 107 of the pouch 1000 it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that such an opening 107 will be easier to keep clean which is of importance given the application of the pouch 1000 for reusable food storage.

[38] Furthermore, the hem 101 provides an opening 107 with greater rigidity which may aid in the foldable closure of the opening 107 once an item of food 3000 has been inserted into the food storage pouch 1000. It has been found that that the hem 101 may be closed be squeezing each side of the hem 101 together rather than folding the hem 101.

[39] In another embodiment (not shown), the hem 101 may comprise a plurality of magnets to assist with the closure of the pouch 1000 which is especially useful during transit such as when the pouch 1000 is stored in a schoolbag or briefcase as a couple of examples. It is envisaged that the magnets (not shown) would be sewn into the hem 101 to provide for a releasable means of closure of the opening 107.

[40] In the embodiment shown, a woven label 105 is provided which can be used to apply the owners name and can be further used to provide a means of hanging the food storage pouch 1000 up when not in use or after cleaning to dry.

[41] The means of construction of the food storage pouch 1000 may comprise a number of steps including the treatment of the food grade material 109 which in one embodiment is cotton with a food safe substance such as wax or a combination of wax, tree resin and oils being applied to the cotton. In one embodiment it is envisaged that the oil used would be jojoba and coconut oil (preferably organic), providing for a food safe and moisture proof coating which is easy to clean and contains minimised levels of harmful chemicals.

[42] It will be desirable that such oils are resistant to going rancid and exhibit stability under various atmospheric conditions including humid environments while being resistant to the growth of mould and other organisms.

[43] Once the food grade material 109 has been treated as was previously discussed, it can then be cut to an appropriate elongated shape for folding. Once folded about its centre the outer edges of the pouch may be cut to size after which the edges may be sewn together to complete the pouch. The hem 101 may be sewn prior to the folding of the pouch 1000 so as to provide a semi rigid opening 107 which may be folded for closure.

[44] In an alternate method of construction the food grade material 109 may be treated after being cut to its appropriate shape.

[45] In another embodiment, a further step may include the insertion of magnets into the hem 101 prior to sewing the hem 101 closed, encapsulating the magnets. The magnets may then be used to assist in keeping the opening 107 closed when the hem 101 is folded.

Interpretation

Markush Groups

[46] In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognise that the invention is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

Chronological sequence

[47] For the purpose of this specification, where method steps are described in sequence, the sequence does not necessarily mean that the steps are to be carried out in chronological order in that sequence, unless there is no other logical manner of interpreting the sequence.

Embodiments:

[48] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[49] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[50] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Different Instances of Objects

[51] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Specific Details

[52] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Terminology

[53] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[54] For the purposes of this specification, the term "plastic" shall be construed to mean a general term for a wide range of synthetic or semisynthetic polymerization products, and generally consisting of a hydrocarbon-based polymer.

[55] As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both.

[56] As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

Comprising and Including

[57] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[58] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention

[59] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[60] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Industrial Applicability

[61] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the food storage industries.

Claims (21)

Claims The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A reusable food storage pouch comprising:

a. an opening at one end of the pouch for inserting food into and removing food from an interior of the pouch; and

b. at least two corners at the other end of the pouch being shaped so as to prevent accumulation of food debris in the interior at the at least two corners and wherein the opening is adapted to at least partially seal the pouch when in use.

2. The reusable food storage pouch of claim 1, wherein the at least two corners are curved in shape.

3. The reusable food storage pouch of claim 1, wherein the at least two corners are substantially semi-circular in shape.

4. The reusable food storage pouch of claim 1, wherein the at least two corners are substantially non square.

5. The reusable food storage pouch of claim 1, wherein the pouch is comprised of a food grade material.

6. The reusable food storage pouch of claim 5, wherein the food grade material is cotton.

7. The reusable food storage pouch of claim 5, wherein the food grade material is impregnated with a waterproof compound, further aiding in the partial seal of the pouch when in use.

8. The reusable food storage pouch of claim 7, wherein the waterproof compound comprises a wax.

9. The reusable food storage pouch of claim 7, wherein the waterproof compound further comprises a combination of wax and coconut oil.

10. The reusable food storage pouch of claim 1, wherein the opening further comprises:

a. a hem adapted for folding to assist closure of the pouch.

11. The reusable food storage pouch of claim 10, wherein the hem includes a plurality of magnets to further assist in the closure of the pouch.

12. A reusable food storage pouch comprising:

a. an elongated sheet of food grade material folded about its centre to form a pouch having an interior adapted for storage of food; b. a seam sewn on an outside of the pouch connecting at least two edges of the pouch to define an opening at one end for inserting food into and removing food from the interior; and c. at least two corners at the other end of the pouch being shaped so as to prevent accumulation of food debris in the interior at the at least two corners and wherein the opening is adapted to at least partially seal the pouch when in use.

13. The reusable food storage pouch of claim 12, wherein the sheet of food grade material is cotton.

14. The reusable food storage pouch of claim 13, wherein the cotton is impregnated with a waterproof compound, further aiding in the partial seal of the pouch when in use.

15. The reusable food storage pouch of claim 14, wherein the waterproof compound comprises a wax.

16. The reusable food storage pouch of claim 15, wherein the waterproof compound further comprises a combination of wax and coconut oil.

17. The reusable food storage pouch of claim 12, wherein the opening further comprises:

a. a hem adapted for folding to assist closure of the pouch.

18. The reusable food storage pouch of claim 17, wherein the hem includes a plurality of magnets to further assist in the closure of the pouch.

19. The reusable food storage pouch of claim 12, wherein the at least two corners are curved in shape.

20. The reusable food storage pouch of claim 12, wherein the at least two corners are substantially semi-circular in shape.

21. A method of manufacturing a reusable food storage pouch, the method comprising the steps of:

a. providing a sheet of food grade material;

b. coating the sheet with a water resistant treatment;

c. cutting a sheet of food grade material into an elongated length;

d. folding the material at its centre;

e. cutting the outer edges to shape; and

f. sewing the outer edges together to form a pouch.