AU2015204353A1 - Sealed pack of ingredients for an individual smoothie, and associated methods and apparatuses - Google Patents
Sealed pack of ingredients for an individual smoothie, and associated methods and apparatuses Download PDFInfo
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- AU2015204353A1 AU2015204353A1 AU2015204353A AU2015204353A AU2015204353A1 AU 2015204353 A1 AU2015204353 A1 AU 2015204353A1 AU 2015204353 A AU2015204353 A AU 2015204353A AU 2015204353 A AU2015204353 A AU 2015204353A AU 2015204353 A1 AU2015204353 A1 AU 2015204353A1
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- smoothie
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- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 108
- 235000013570 smoothie Nutrition 0.000 title claims abstract description 90
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 50
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 67
- 235000013399 edible fruits Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 31
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- 235000019634 flavors Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- 235000016213 coffee Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 235000013353 coffee beverage Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 235000013618 yogurt Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 235000013336 milk Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 239000008267 milk Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 210000004080 milk Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 244000269722 Thea sinensis Species 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 235000015203 fruit juice Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 235000015243 ice cream Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 240000006766 Cornus mas Species 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 235000003363 Cornus mas Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 235000013616 tea Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 claims description 22
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 7
- 235000004936 Bromus mango Nutrition 0.000 abstract description 5
- 235000014826 Mangifera indica Nutrition 0.000 abstract description 5
- 235000009184 Spondias indica Nutrition 0.000 abstract description 5
- 240000009088 Fragaria x ananassa Species 0.000 abstract description 4
- 240000007228 Mangifera indica Species 0.000 abstract description 4
- 244000235659 Rubus idaeus Species 0.000 abstract description 4
- 235000021013 raspberries Nutrition 0.000 abstract description 4
- 235000021012 strawberries Nutrition 0.000 abstract description 4
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 28
- 235000011389 fruit/vegetable juice Nutrition 0.000 description 20
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 12
- 230000008014 freezing Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000007710 freezing Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 6
- 235000013601 eggs Nutrition 0.000 description 5
- 235000021022 fresh fruits Nutrition 0.000 description 5
- 235000020351 fruit smoothie Nutrition 0.000 description 5
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 5
- 108090000623 proteins and genes Proteins 0.000 description 5
- 102000004169 proteins and genes Human genes 0.000 description 5
- 239000013589 supplement Substances 0.000 description 5
- LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethanol Chemical compound CCO LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 235000019219 chocolate Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 235000019441 ethanol Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 3
- UHZZMRAGKVHANO-UHFFFAOYSA-M chlormequat chloride Chemical compound [Cl-].C[N+](C)(C)CCCl UHZZMRAGKVHANO-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 3
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 235000015197 apple juice Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000012141 concentrate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000013365 dairy product Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000020393 mango nectar Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 108010053481 Antifreeze Proteins Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 241001093152 Mangifera Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002528 anti-freeze Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000021028 berry Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000008021 deposition Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004851 dishwashing Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 235000013402 health food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
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- Confectionery (AREA)
- Packging For Living Organisms, Food Or Medicinal Products That Are Sensitive To Environmental Conditiond (AREA)
Abstract
SEALED PACK OF INGREDIENTS FOR AN INDIVIDUAL SMOOTHIE, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS AND APPARATUSES Abstract A sealed pack (440) contains quantities of ingredients to make an individual smoothie portion. The ingredients comprise a flavour ingredient (410) such as pieces of fruit (strawberries, raspberries, mango), -a frozen portion of liquid (420) such as water, fruit juice, milk, coffee or tea; and a consistency ingredient (430) such as ice cream, sorbet and yoghurt. The pack may be subjected to a temperature sufficiently low to maintain the frozen state of some of the ingredients in the pack (440). Also disclosed are a method for storing the ingredients into the pack, a method for preparing an individual smoothie using the sealed pack wherein the ingredients are blended with additional liquid, and an apparatus that uses the sealed pack for automatically vending an individual smoothie portion.
Description
SEALED PACK OF INGREDIENTS FOR AN INDIVIDUAL SMOOTIE, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS AND APPARATUSES. Field of the Invention 5 The present invention relates to packaging of ingredients for preparing compositions and methods for preparing compositions using pre-packed ingredients. Background Five years ago, juice bars were the domain of grocers disposing of excess fruit, or 10 health-food stores. However, juice bars have more recently become a significant part of the fast-food market and have begun to proliferate as franchises or independent enterprises. A key product of juice bars is the smoothie, which is a thick, smooth (in texture) drink generally comprising fruit pieces pureed or blended with ice-cream, sorbet or yoghurt and/or milk or juice. Non-fruit smoothies include alternative flavour 15 ingredients to fruit such as chocolate, coffee, alcohol, etc. Other items may also be added such as energy-boosting supplements, muesli, proteins, raw eggs, etc. Fig. 1 is a plan view of a layout of a conventional juice bar. Display counter 110 enables display of fresh fruit that is used in the preparation of smoothies and other juice bar products. A sink 120 is used to prepare the fresh fruit, which may be processed in the 20 juicers 130. A freezer 140 is used to stord items such as ice, ice-cream and yoghurt. A chiller/dispenser 150 is used to refrigerate liquid ingredients of smoothies and/or other juice bar products. A row of blenders 160 are used to blend the ingredients of smoothies and/or other juice bar products, which are subsequently dispensed into cups for delivery to customers. The customers pay at the till 170. Used blending containers are cleaned for 25 reuse at the sink 180. Automatic dishwashing equipment may also be used, which may be installed under counter. A juice bar such as that shown in Fig. 1 is typically operated by three to six operators. Preparation of a smoothie typically entails the steps of retrieving a clean container for blending, obtaining appropriate quantitieS of ingredients such as fruit, 30 yoghurt and ice from respective storage areas in the juice bar, blending the smoothie, dispensing the smoothie into a cup and handing the smoothie to the respective customer. In preparing a smoothie, an operator is thus required to move around the juice bar. Although juice bars are generally laid out in accordance with workflow requirements, a substantial amount of movement by operators is unavoidable. This consumes time and -2 limits the number of operators that can simultaneously prepare products such as smoothies. A need thus exists for improved methods of supplying and preparing compositions such as smoothies. 5 Summ Aspects of the present invention provide apparatuses, methods and packaging for preparing compositions. According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for 10 packaging ingredients for preparing an individual portion of a composition. The method comprises the steps of storing at least one ingredient for the composition in a first container and storing the remaining ingredients for the composition in a second container. One or more of the remaining ingredients are frozen. The contents of the first container preferably remain unfrozen, even when the first and second containers are simultaneously 1s subjected to a temperature sufficiently low to freeze the content of the second container. The contents of the first container may comprise a liquid base for the composition and may further comprise an agent that prevents freezing of the contents bf the first container. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for packaging ingredients for preparing a composition. The method comprises the steps of 20 storing at least one ingredient for the composition in a first container, storing other ingredients for the composition in a second container and simultaneously subjecting the first and second containers to a temperature sufficiently low to freeze the content of the second container. The composition may comprise a smoothie and the at least one ingredient may comprise a liquid base for the smoothie. 25 According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pre-packed pack containing ingredients for preparing an individual portion of a composition. The pack comprises a plurality of compartments for storing different ones of the ingredients, wherein the content of at least one of the compartments is frozen and the content of at least another one of the compartments remains unfrozen. The pre-packed pack may be 30 subjected to a temperature sufficiently low to freeze the content of at least one of the compartments. The contents of the at least one compartment that remains unfrozen may comprise a liquid base and an agent that prevents freezing of the liquid base.
-3 According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for preparing a composition comprising the steps of transferring contents of a pre-packed pack to a container and blending the contents in the container. The pack comprises a plurality of compartments containing different ingredients of the composition. The 5 contents of at least one of the compartments are frozen and the contents of at least another one of the compartments are unfrozen. The contents of the at least one compartment that remains unfrozen may comprise an agent that prevents freezing of the contents of the at least one compartment. The content of the at least one compartment that remains unfrozen may comprise a liquid base for preparing the composition. The composition may io comprise a smoothie and the pack may comprise ingredients for preparing a single smoothie portion. Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for storing ingredients for preparing an individual portion of a smoothie. The method comprises the steps of placing a flavour ingredient into a pack, placing into the pack a frozen portion of liquid, is placing into the pack at least one additional consistency ingredient and subjecting the pack to a temperature sufficiently low to maintain the frozen state of at least certain of the ingredients of the pack. The quantities of the ingredients in the sealed pack are based on a target quantity of an individual smoothie portion. Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a sealed pack containing 20 ingredients for preparing an individual portion of a smoothie. The pack comprises a flavour ingredient, a frozen portion of liquid and at least one additional consistency ingredient. The quantities of the ingredients in the sealed pack are determined based on a target quantity of an individual smoothie portion. Still another aspect of the present invention provides a method for preparing an 25 individual portion of a smoothie comprising the steps of transferring contents of a sealed pack to a container, adding a portion of liquid to the container and blending the contents of the container. The contents of the sealed pack comprise a flavour ingredient, a frozen portion of liquid and at least one additional consistency ingredient. The quantities of the contents of the sealed pack are based on a target quantity of an individual smoothie 30 portion. Another aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for automatically vending individual smoothie portions. The apparatus comprises first dispensing means for -4 dispensing the contents of a sealed pack into a container, second dispensing means for dispensing a portion of liquid into the container, blending means for blending the contents of the container and vending means for vending the contents of the container as an individual smoothie portion. The contents of the sealed pack comprise a flavour 5 ingredient, a frozen portion of liquid and at least one additional consistency ingredient. The quantities of the contents of the sealed pack are based on a target quantity of an individual smoothie portion. Still another aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for automatically vending individual smoothie portions. The apparatus comprises first dispensing means for 10 dispensing ingredients for a smoothie into a container, second dispensing means for dispensing a portion of liquid into the container, blending means for blending the contents of the container and vending means for vending a portion of the contents of the container as an individual smoothie portion. The ingredients comprise a flavour ingredient, a frozen portion of liquid and at least one additional consistency ingredient. 15 Brief Description of the Drawings A small number of embodiments are described hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a plan view of a layout of a conventional juice bar; 20. Fig. 2 shows a flow diagram of a method for packaging ingredients for preparing a composition such as a smoothie; Fig. 3 shows a pre-mix pack for preparing an individual portion of a composition such as a smoothie; Fig. 4 shows a flow diagram of a method for storing ingredients for preparing an 25 individual portion of a smoothie; Fig. 5 shows a sealed pack of ingredients for preparing an individual portion of a smoothie; and Fig, 6 shows a flow diagram of a method for preparing an individual portion of a smoothie. ~30 Detailed Description Embodiments of methods and packaging for preparing compositions are described hereinafter. Although the embodiments are particularly described with reference to smoothies, it is not intended that the present invention be restricted in this way. 5 Specifically, the present invention has application to other types of compositions and particularly to other compositions for human consumption; such as soups. Use of the term 'smoothie' in the present document is intended to include fruit based smoothies and non-fruit-based smoothies, which may include flavour ingredients such as coffee, chocolate and alcohol. Furthermore, smoothies may be dairy-based or 1o non-dairy-based. Use of the term 'unfrozen' in the present document is intended to mean 'not completely frozen' and to include 'partially frozen', 'slushy' and 'icy' within the scope of the intended meaning. Use of the term 'partially frozen' in the present document is intended to mean 'not completely frozen' and to include 'slushy' and 'icy' within the is scope of the intended meaning. Use of the phrase 'an individual portion', in the present document is intended to mean a portion suitable for consumption by one person or individual. However, such portions may vary in size or volume to cater for different individuals (e.g., adults and children or small, medium and large). 20 Fig. 2 shows a flow diagram of a method for packaging ingredients for preparing a composition such as a smoothie. At step 210, at least one ingredient for the composition is stored in a first container. At step 220, remaining ingredients for preparing the composition are stored in a second container. One or more of the remaining ingredients in 25 the second container may be frozen at step 230. In some cases, already frozen ingredients are stored in the second container and step 230 may serve to maintain such in a frozen state. For making a smoothie, the contents of the first container comprise a liquid base 30 such as apple juice concentrate or mango nectar, which is maintained in an unfrozen state. Prevention of freezing of the liquid base advantageously yields an improved texture of the prepared smoothie in comparison to use of a frozen base. If two smoothies with identical -6 ingredients, apart from the one smoothie's juice base being liquid and the other smoothie's juice base being frozen, are blended in identical blenders, the smoothie with the liquid base will have a smoother or more liquid texture than the smoothie with the frozen base. The contents of the second container comprise the remaining ingredients for 5 preparing the smoothie such as frozen yoghurt, individually quick frozen (IQF) fruit and ice flakes. The IQF fruit may, for example, comprise whole strawberries, raspberries, boysenberries and mango chunks. In one embodiment, the first and second containers comprise separate 10 compartments of a single package containing ingredients for preparing a single portion of a smoothie. In this instance, the entire package is subjected to a sufficiently low temperature to ensure that the contents of the second compartment are frozen. However, the liquid contents of the first compartment are prevented from freezing. One method used to prevent freezing is the addition of an 'anti-freeze' additive to the liquid base 1s content. Another method of preventing freezing is use of a thermally insulating material for the first compartment. The methods may be employed separately or in combination. In an alternative embodiment, the first and second containers comprise separate packs. Accordingly, a number of first containers may be packed in a larger container (for 20 example, plastic bottles in a cardboard box or plastic crate) for ease of handling and delivery to juice bars. A number of the second containers may similarly be consolidated in a larger container, with the larger container being subjected to sufficiently low temperatures to freeze the contents of the number of second containers. 25 Three examples of ingredient lists for fruit smoothies that may be packaged and/or prepared according to the methods described herein are provided hereinafter: MIXED BERRY FRUIT SMOOTHIE 1. Apple juice concentrate (liquid form): 200ml 30 2. Strawberry-flavoured frozen yoghurt: 180ml 3. Strawberries (IQF): 2 whole berries @ 11 g each = 22g 4. Raspberries (IQF): 2 whole berries @ 2g each= 4g -7 5. Ice flakes: 0.75 cup MANGO FRUIT SMOOTHIE 1. Mango nectar (liquid form): 150mi S2. Mango pieces (frozen): 3 pieces @ 6g each 18g 3. Mango-flavoured frozen yoghurt: 180ml 4. Ice flakes: Q.75 cup TROPICAL FRUIT SMOOTHIE 10 1. Tropical juice (liquid form): 200ml 2. Mango-flavoured frozen yoghurt: 180mn 3. Mango pieces (frozen): 1 piece @ 6g each 6g 4. Strawberries (IQF): 1 whole berry @ 11 g each 1 Ig 5. Raspberries (IQF): 2 whole berries @ 2g each 4g 6. Ice flakes:0.5 cup Individually frozen fruit avoids the need for pre-blended fruit mix, which contributes to the texture and freshness of the smoothies. 20 Fig. 3 shows a pre-mix pack for preparing an individual smoothie. The pack 310 comprises two separate compartments 320 and 330 for storing frozen and non-frozen, ingredients, respectively. The pre-mix pack may be constructed from flexible plastic material. Thenral insulation may be provided by a metallic deposition on the plastic material. 25 Fig. 4 shows a flow diagram of a method for storing ingredients for preparing an individual portion of a smoothie. At step 410, a flavour ingredient is placed in a pack. The flavour ingredient may, for example, comprise fruit, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, etc. For the case of fruit, individually frozen pieces of fruit may be used for ease of preparing the 30 pack and/or to assist later blending of the contents of the pack. However, a portion of fruit in another form such as pur6e may alternatively be used. Fresh fruit may also be used, although thids would disadvantageously have a. relatively shorter lifespan. At step 420, a -8 frozen portion of liquid is placed in the pack. The frozen liquid portion may, for example, comprise multiple, small, individually frozen portions of water (ice), fruit juice, milk, tea and/or coffee. This contributes to improved consistency and texture of the smoothie and assists in preventing damage to or reducing wear of the blender while blending the s contents of the pack. In certain embodiments, the frozen liquid portion comprises multiple hollow frozen portions (e.g., hollow ice cubes). If not hollow, it is preferable that the frozen liquid portions are of a smaller size to assist in preventing damage to the blender. At step 430, at least one additional consistency ingredient is placed in the pack. The at least one additional consistency ingredient contributes to the texture or runniness of the 10 smoothie and may, for example, comprise ice-cream, sorbet and/or yoghurt. The quantities of the ingredients in the sealed pack are determined based on a target quantity of an individual smoothie portion. The pack is subjected to a temperature that is sufficiently low to maintain the frozen state of at least certain of the contents of the pack, at step 440. Other ingredients such as energy-boosting supplements, muesli, proteins, raw 15 eggs, etc., may also be added to the smoothie. Fig. 5 shows a sealed pack of ingredients for preparing an individual portion of a smoothie. The sealed pack 510 comprises portions of fruit 512, frozen portions of liquid 514 and at least one additional consistency ingredient 516. Individually frozen pieces of 20 fruit may be used to assist later blending of the contents of the pack. However, a portion of fruit in another form such as pure may alternatively be used. Fresh fruit may also be used, although this would disadvantageously have a relatively shorter lifespan. Other flavour ingredients such as coffee, chocolate, alcohol, etc. may alternatively be used in place of fruit. The frozen liquid portions 514 preferably comprise multiple, small, 25 individually frozen portions of water (ice), fruit juice, milk, tea and/or coffee. This contributes to improved consistency and texture of the smoothie and assists in preventing damage while blending the contents of the pack. In certain embodiments, the multiple frozen liquid portions 514 are hollow (e.g., hollow ice cubes). If not hollow, it is preferable that the frozen liquid portions 514 are of a smaller size to assist in preventing 30 damage to or reducing wear of the blender. The at least one additional consistency ingredient 516 contributes to the texture or runniness of the smoothie and may, for example, comprise ice-cream, sorbet and/or yoghurt. The quantities of the ingredients in -9 the sealed pack are typically determined based on a target quantity of an individual smoothie portion. The pack 510 typically comprises a salable or re-sealable disposable container such as a plastic bag or a plastic cup. Other ingredients such as energy-boosting supplements, muesli, proteins, raw eggs, etc., may also be added to the smoothie. Fig. 6 shows a flow diagram of a method for preparing an individual portion of a smoothie. At step 610, the contents of a sealed pack are transferred to a container for blending. Contents of the pack comprise a flavour ingredient, a frozen portion of liquid and at least one additional consistency ingredient, which contributes to the texture or 10 rnniness of the smoothie and may, for example, comprise ice-cream, sorbet and/or yoghurt. The flavour ingredient may comprise a portion of fruit in the case of a fruit smoothie. The frozen liquid portions preferably comprise multiple, small, individually frozen portions of water (ice), fruit juice, milk, coffee and/or tea. This contributes to improved consistency and texture of the smoothie and assists in preventing damage while 15 blending the contents of the pack. In certain embodiments, the multiple frozen liquid portions are hollow (e.g., hollow ice cubes). If not hollow, it is preferable that the frozen liquid portions are of a smaller size to assist in preventing damage to or reducing wear of the blender. Individually frozen pieces of fruit are preferably used to assist later blending of the contents of the pack. However, a portion of fruit in another form such as pure may 20 alternatively be used. Fresh fruit may also be used, although this would disadvantageously have a relatively shorter [useful] lifespan. The quantities of the contents in the sealed pack are typically determined based on a target quantity of an individual smoothie portion. A portion of liquid is added to the container at step 620 and the contents of the container are blended at step 630. Presence of liquid is necessary for 25 the blending process. The liquid may, for example, comprise water, fruit juice, milk, tea and/or coffee. Other ingredients such as energy-boosting supplements, muesli, proteins, raw eggs, etc., may also be added to the smoothie. In certain embodiments, a vending machine is used to blend and vend single portions of smoothies, as described hereinbefore. Certain or all of the ingredients may be 30 stored or pre-packed in individual portions or serves in the vending machine as described hereinbefore. Alternatively, certain or all of the ingredients may be stored in bulk in the vending machine and be dispensed in appropriate quantities for preparing single smoothie -10 portions. For example, a vending machine may store packs such as those described in relation to and shown in Fig. 5 for blending with an amount of liquid dispensed fror a bulk tank, which may be located internally or externally to the vending machine. The liquid may, for example, comprise water, fruit juice, milk, tea and/or coffee. Other 5 ingredients such as energy-boosting supplements, muesli, proteins, raw eggs, etc., may also be added to the smoothies. The vending machine thus provides automatic blending and dispensing of individual smoothie portions. Methods and packaging for smoothies and other compositions have been described 10 hereinbefore. Such methods and packaging are advantageous in that they can ensure exact portioning and thus provide improved consistency and quality control at the point of manufacture and sale. Pre-packed ingredients for producing individual smoothie portions are designed to suitably fill standard cup sizes used by a juice bar or vendor and wastage can thus be reduced or eliminated. Packaging of individual smoothie portions also 15 advantageously results in less labour and real estate being required at the point of manufacture and sale. This translates to less staff and smaller juice bars and, consequently, lower operating costs. Moreover, purchase of all or most of the ingredients in a single package will likely result in savings throughout the entire supply chain. Packaging of individual smoothie portions also advantageously enables . quicker 20 preparation of smoothies, thus permitting increased productivity and increased customer satisfaction. The foregoing detailed description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configurations of the invention, Rather, 25 the description of the exemplary embodiments provides those skilled in the art with enabling descriptions for implementing an embodiment of the invention. Various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims hereinafter. 30 Where specific features, elements and steps referred to herein have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. Furthermore, features, elements and steps referred to in respect of particular embodiments may optionally fonn part of any of the other embodiments unless stated to the contrary. Embodiments of the invention have application beyond juice bars. For example, 5 methods and packaging for preparing compositions described hereinbefore may be used" in various retail outlets such as supermarkets, various food providers such as restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops and private homes. In the context of this specification, the word "comprising" means "including 10 principally but not necessarily solely" or "having" or "including", and not "consisting only of". Variations of the word "comprising", such as "comprise" and "comprises" have correspondingly varied meanings.
Claims (26)
1. A method for storing ingredients for preparing an individual portion of a smoothie, said method comprising the steps of: placing a flavour ingredient into a pack; placing into said pack a frozen portion of liquid; placing into said pack at least one additional consistency ingredient; and subjecting said pack to a temperature sufficiently low to maintain a frozen state of at least certain of the ingredients in said pack; wherein the quantities of said ingredients in said pack are based on a target quantity of an individual smoothie portion.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said frozen portion of liquid comprises a plurality of frozen portions of at least one liquid selected from the group of liquids consisting of water, fruit juice, milk, coffee and tea.
3. A method according to claim 1, wherein said frozen portion of liquid comprises a plurality of hollow frozen portions of liquid.
4. A method according to claim 1, wherein said flavour ingredient comprises a portion of fruit.
S. A method according to claim 4, wherein said portion of fruit comprises a plurality of individually frozen pieces of fr-uit.
6. A method according to claim 1, wherein said at least one additional consistency ingredient is. selected fr-om the group of ingredients consisting of ice-cream, sorbet and yoghiurt.
7. A sealed pack containing ingr-edients for pr-epaing an individual portion of a smnoothie, said pack comprising: a flavour ingredient; -13 a frozen portion of liquid; and at least one additional consistency ingredient; wherein the quantities of said ingredients in said sealed pack are based on a target quantity of an individual smoothie portion. 5
8. A sealed pack according to claim 7, wherein said frozen portion of liquid comprises a plurality of frozen portions of at least one liquid selected from the group of liquids consisting of water, fruit juice, milk, coffee and tea. 10
9. A sealed pack according to claim 7, wherein said frozen portion of liquid comprises a plurality of hollow frozen portions of liquid.
10. A sealed pack according to claim 7, wherein said flavour ingredient comprises a portion of fruit. 15
11. A sealed pack according to claim 10, wherein said portion of fruit comprises a plurality of individually frozen pieces of fruit.
12. A sealed pack according to claim 7, wherein said sealed pack comprises a 20 disposable container selected from the group of containers consisting of a plastic bag and a plastic cup.
13. A sealed pack according to claim 7, wherein said at least one additional consistency ingredient is selected from the group of ingredients consisting of ice-cream, sorbet and 25 yoghurt.
14. A method for preparing an individual portion of a smoothie, said method comprising the steps of: transferring contents of a sealed pack to a container; 30 adding a portion of liquid to said container; and blending the contents of said container; -14 wherein the contents of said sealed pack comprise a flavour ingredient, a frozen portion of liquid and at least one additional consistency ingredient; and wherein the quantities of the contents of said sealed pack are based on a target quantity of an individual smoothie portion. 5
15. A method according to claim 14, wherein said frozen portion of liquid comprises a plurality of frozen portions of at least one liquid selected from the group of liquids consisting of water, fruit juice, milk, coffee and tea. to
16. A method according to claim 14, wherein said frozen portion of liquid comprises a plurality of hollow frozen portions of liquid.
17. A method according to claim 14, wherein said added portion of liquid comprises at least one liquid selected from the group of liquids consisting of water, fruit juice, milk, 1s coffee and tea.
18. A method according to claim 14, wherein said at least one additional consistency ingredient is selected from the group of ingredients consisting of ice-cream, sorbet and yoghurt. 20
19. A method according to claim 14, wherein said flavour ingredient comprises a portion of fruit.
20. A method according to claim 14, wherein said portion of fruit comprises a plurality 25 of individually frozen pieces of fruit.
21. An apparatus for automatically vending individual smoothie portions, said apparatus comprising: first dispensing means for dispensing the contents of a sealed pack into a container; 30 second dispensing means for dispensing a portion of liquid into said container; blending means for blending the contents of said container; and - 15 vending means for vending the contents of said container as an individual smoothie portion; wherein the contents of said sealed pack comprise a flavour ingredient, a frozen portion of liquid and at least one additional consistency ingredient; and 5 wherein the quantities of the contents of said sealed pack are based on a target quantity of an individual smoothie portion.
22. An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said at least one additional consistency ingredient is selected from the group of ingredients consisting of ice-cream, 10 sorbet and yoghurt.
23. An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein said flavour ingredient comprises a portion of fruit. 15
24. A method for storing ingredients for preparing an individual portion of a smoothie, said method substantially as herein described with reference to an embodiment as shown in one or more of the accompanying drawings.
25. A sealed pack containing ingredients for preparing an individual portion 20 of a smoothie, said pack substantially as herein described with reference to an embodiment as shown in one or more of the accompanying drawings.
26. A method for preparing an individual portion of a smoothie, said method substantially as herein described with reference to an embodiment as shown in - 16 one or more of the accompanying drawings. Barfresh Inc. Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person SPRUSON & FERGUSON
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2015204353A AU2015204353B2 (en) | 2004-08-17 | 2015-07-16 | Sealed pack of ingredients for an individual smoothie, and associated methods and apparatuses |
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2004904676 | 2004-08-17 | ||
| AU2005902204 | 2005-02-16 | ||
| AU2005201557 | 2005-04-13 | ||
| AU2012254903A AU2012254903A1 (en) | 2004-08-17 | 2012-11-15 | Sealed pack of ingredients for an individual smoothie, and associated methods and apparatuses |
| AU2015204353A AU2015204353B2 (en) | 2004-08-17 | 2015-07-16 | Sealed pack of ingredients for an individual smoothie, and associated methods and apparatuses |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2012254903A Division AU2012254903A1 (en) | 2004-08-17 | 2012-11-15 | Sealed pack of ingredients for an individual smoothie, and associated methods and apparatuses |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU2015204353A1 true AU2015204353A1 (en) | 2015-08-06 |
| AU2015204353B2 AU2015204353B2 (en) | 2017-02-02 |
Family
ID=53761669
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2015204353A Ceased AU2015204353B2 (en) | 2004-08-17 | 2015-07-16 | Sealed pack of ingredients for an individual smoothie, and associated methods and apparatuses |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU2015204353B2 (en) |
Family Cites Families (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2381517A (en) * | 2001-11-01 | 2003-05-07 | Patisserie One Ltd | Edible jelly product and its manufacture |
-
2015
- 2015-07-16 AU AU2015204353A patent/AU2015204353B2/en not_active Ceased
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU2015204353B2 (en) | 2017-02-02 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| DA3 | Amendments made section 104 |
Free format text: THE NATURE OF THE AMENDMENT IS: AMEND THE NAME OF THE INVENTOR TO READ DELLE COSTE, RICCARDO DARIO |
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| FGA | Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent) | ||
| MK14 | Patent ceased section 143(a) (annual fees not paid) or expired |