GB2437546A - Food container with visual and physical spoilage indicator - Google Patents

Abstract

A food container containing an indicator sensitive to aromatic volatiles (off-gases) wherein the indicator both expands upto 300% in volume and changes colour upon sensing said volatiles to indicate decay/deterioration of the food. The device provides a simple and adaptable multi-sensory graphic solution using a unique polymer compound that is stimulated when food deteriorates and aromatic volatiles are given-off, the resulting reaction causing the change in colour and swelling to 300% it original size. The container uses the very substance of the synthetic packaging material to track the onset of food deterioration, alerting consumers as the product approaches its 'use-by' date.

Description

<p>Description</p>

<p>The proportion of elderly people in the UK population will increase over the next decade and beyond. If the older or disabled members of our society are to enjoy active or independent lives, we must do everything we can to ensure their health and safety. A demographic trend towards a more elderly population and an increasing concern for the inclusion of disabled persons within our society must be reflected in product design. Currently the blind or partially sighted consumer is poorly served. Packaging must do more than merely protect, preserve, and contain a product and the graphics must be more than a marketing tool. By emphasising legible labelling, graphics can make an inclusive design' a reality. We believe there is an opportunity to bring inclusive design' to the market.</p>

<p>Touch by Date' is a tactile medium to inform the blind or partially sighted consumer -redesigning the physical means by which use-by' dates are displayed. The consumer would literally feel their way' to an improved diet, greater independence and reduced risk of food poisoning. Using milk as a flagship for our concept, our design would use the very substance of the synthetic packaging material to track the onset of decay alerting consumers as the product approached its use-by'date. As the product aged, so the polymer tracer would change colour, expand, and reveal a simple and adaptable multi-sensory graphics solution' in a predominantly sensory deprived society.</p>

<p>Touch by Date will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 a. shows a single monomer b. shows Cross-Link bonds that join the monomer together. When the tracer is triggered these expand to help build the 300% solid growth c. A polymer is created when two or more monomers join together d. A tracer is added to the compound that is sensative to specific aromatic volatiles (off gases) produced by the food as it deteriorates * Figure 2 S..</p>

<p>a. shows the touch zone positioned on the general ergonomic grip area * and most obvious surface area for sensual receptiveness *SS b. shows the approximate size of the device in proportion to the food packaging c. shows how the device changes colour as the combined compound of polymer and tracer detect the aromatic volatiles produced by the deteriorating food.</p>

<p>d. shows the semi-porous layer found underneath the device which enables osmosis to occur. Aromatic volatiles from inside the packaging pass through, reaching the device and activating the polymer/tracer thereby stimulating the colour change and expansion.</p>

<p>The device also acts as a seal, preventing any further release of the interior gases into the atmosphere. 2.</p>

<p>Description</p>

<p>Figure 3 3a. Inital state of device -transparent 3b. First sign of food deterioration with a segment of the device turning blue and expanding to 300% 3c. The device has fully expanded and changed colour clearly denoting complete food deterioration Figure 4 shows examples of other food packages the device could be adhered to Figures shows development of the semi-permiable layer as a self adhesive to be adhered to storage material by individual consumers in the domestic environment S. * S *S.. S... * S...</p>

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Claims (1)

1. <p>och by Dtt9 Claims Product will swell to a maximum of 300% its original

   size once triggered by the tracers The devices colour will changed from transparent to blue as it detects the aromatic volatiles The device sits on top of a semi-permiable layer allowing the aromatic vola-tiles of the deteriorating food to pass through the main food packaging layer triggering the polymer compound to react and swell * *a *::1e device is made from all FTA approved materials for health and safety easons S * 1he polymer compound will be programmed' by the use of tracers to detect *the aromatic volatiles (off-gases) of the three main catagories; dairy, meat :fld fish * *SSUI d *</p>