WO2007096716A1

WO2007096716A1 - A package of grape berries

Info

Publication number: WO2007096716A1
Application number: PCT/IB2007/000135
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fritz Roth Vorster
Original assignee: Fritz Roth Vorster
Priority date: 2006-02-23
Filing date: 2007-01-19
Publication date: 2007-08-30
Also published as: EP1993367A1; ZA200807512B

Abstract

A grape berry (1) is provided that is attached to its stalk (3) and wherein the stalk has been separated from its original associated supporting stem to thereby leave a severed stalk end (5). The exposed severed stalk end and a part of the stalk adjacent thereto are covered by means of a layer (4, 9) of a non-toxic opaque material. The length of stalk protruding from the berry surface to the severed stalk end is preferably from about 6 to about 10 millimetres and a major part of the severed stalk is preferably covered by means of the layer of non-toxic opaque material. The non-toxic opaque material is preferably at least somewhat waterproof to inhibit dehydration of the stalk. The non-toxic opaque material is conveniently in the form of a label (4) that may be double over the severed stalk end. Such grapes are particularly suitable for packaging in small punnets (8) and individual grapes can be selected so that a uniform size range is packaged together.

Description

A PACKAGE OF GRAPE BERRIES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a package of edible grape berries. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a package of individual grape berries which have been removed from their original bunches, in particular, but not exclusively, in order to facilitate packaging in portion or serving quantities for convenient purchase by a consumer, for example, as a snack food or as an ingredient of a combination culinary preparation such as a salad or fruit salad.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Various packages of edible grapes, generally termed table grapes, are available for purchase by a consumer.

Most commonly, either an entire bunch, or parts of a bunch of grapes are packaged in plastic or other containers of various sizes and, particularly, a size commensurate with handy "ready to eat" snack portions that are typically made available at supermarkets and other retail outlets. These grapes therefore remain attached to other grapes of the bunch or part of a bunch by way of their stalks that, in turn, attach them to a common stem arrangement to form the bunch of grapes. Clearly, removal of the grape berries from their stalks would result in an opening in the skin where the stalk is removed with the possible result of an additional tear in the skin of the fruit, thereby exposing the flesh of the fruit to oxygen and expediting degradation of the fruit. Accordingly, applicant believes that it is undesirable to package individual grape berries that have been removed from their associated stalks. Furthermore, if the grapes are removed from the bunch by severing the stalks from the stem, or simply cutting the stalks leaving the attachment between the grape berry and its stalk intact, the stalks become brown and dehydrated nevertheless giving the fruit the appearance of a much older fruit and thereby shortening its effective shelf life by diminishing the appeal.

In spite of that it is desirable to package table grapes in small quantities such as may be intended for use as convenience snacks. It is quite apparent that there are generally too many grape berries on a bunch for the purpose of a small snack and the consumer is otherwise faced with either eating more than the desired quantity in order to finish a pack or alternatively finding cold storage space for the remaining grapes until they are required for consumption. This may present a difficulty for those consumers who do not have cold storage space immediately available to them such as in the workplace or the like.

A further difficulty is that each bundle of grapes has berries that differ in size and even quality. Furthermore, the dimensions of the containers in which bunches of grapes are packaged are often unsuitable for storage in a briefcase or handbag.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is, accordingly, an object of this invention to provide grape berries and a package thereof that overcome, at least to some extent, the disadvantages indicated above as well as a method of preparing such grape berries for packaging. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provided a grape berry that is attached to its stalk and wherein the stalk has been separated from its original associated supporting stem to thereby leave a severed stalk end, the grape being characterised in that at least the exposed severed stalk end and a part of the stalk adjacent thereto are covered by means of a layer of a non-toxic opaque material.

Further features of this aspect of the invention provide for the length of stalk protruding from the berry surface to the severed stalk end to be approximately 6 to 10 millimetres; for at least a major part, and preferably most of the length of the severed stalk to be covered by means of the layer of non-toxic opaque material; for the non-toxic opaque material to be at least somewhat waterproof to inhibit dehydration of the stalk; for the non-toxic opaque material to be a label, most conveniently a self-adhesive label, adapted to adhere adequately to the stalk with the label preferably being folded double over the severed stalk end; for the label to be configured to act as a finger grip; for the label to bear promotional, advertising or other branding data, colour identification, or the like; and, in the alternative, for the non-toxic opaque material to be a coating that is preferably adequately adhesive towards the stalk and that may be a non-toxic, optionally edible substance, such as a suitable wax compound;.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention is provided a package of grapes comprising a container in which multiple grapes as defined above are packaged for the purpose of marketing.

A further feature of this aspect of the invention provides for the container to be of the general nature of the punnet having at least a translucent, preferably colourless, lid and typically having a bottom and a lid, that are optionally integral with each other, and are translucent and preferably colourless.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of packaging grape berries comprising the steps of severing stalks that connect individual grape berries to supporting stems of a bunch of grapes between the grape berry and stem; washing the berries with their severed stalks attached with an appropriate disinfectant to render them suitable for human consumption; applying to at least the exposed severed stalk end and a part of the stalk adjacent thereto a layer of a non-toxic opaque material; and packing a required quantity of berries in an appropriate container.

Further features of this aspect of the invention provide for the method of packing to include polishing and sizing the berries by hand or machine; and, for the berries to be packed according to generally uniform size and luster ranges or other predetermined selection criteria.

In order that the above and other features of the invention may be more fully understood a description of two different embodiments of the invention follow with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:-

Figure 1 illustrates a bunch of grapes from which individual grapes are removed in terms of this invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a single grape berry attached to its stalk that has been severed from the bunch; Figure 3 illustrates a part of a strip of labels used for covering the severed end and part of the stalk of individual grape berries;

Figure 4 illustrates an individual grape berry bearing an adhesive label on its stalk in accordance with the invention;

Figure 5 is an isometric view of multiple grapes packaged in a punnet that is illustrated in the open position;

Figure 6 is an isometric view thereof with the punnet in the closed position; and

Figure 7 illustrates a single grape berry having its protruding stalk covered in an alternative embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE DRAWINGS

In the exercise of the invention in that is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, individual grape berries (1) are severed from their originating bunch (2) so as to be a protruding stalk (3) attached to each individual grape.

The length of the protruding stalk is preferably between about six and 10 millimetres. The grapes with their severed stalks attached of then washed in a suitable food grade of disinfectant to remove, at least to acceptable extent, excess spores or bacteria.

The protruding stalks are then covered by means of a suitable opaque label (4), typically by folding label double over the severed end (5) the stalk. The labels are conveniently circular In shape and carry an adhesive surface (6) of a suitably non-toxic material. The label's are preferably made of a suitable waterproof sheet material so as to retain, as much as possible, moisture within the stalk. The labels are conveniently supplied in a continuous roll form on a strip (7) of suitable release paper. Clearly, the exposed faces of the labels can be provided with any required printed material, in particular, product identification information and branding material, and the labels groove also be colour coded by calorie them in a desired corporate colour.

The grape berries prepared as described above may then be subjected to a selection process whereby berries of a particular size range, lustre, or having any other particular properties are grouped together and multiple berries are packed in colourless, transparent punnets (8), as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6.

It will be understood that grapes versus then packaged as described above are particularly suitable for packaging and sale in portion or serving quantities suitable for use or consumption as a snack food or for other culinary purposes in which small quantities of grapes are required. The waterproof nature of the labels inhibits, at least to some extent, degradation of the stalk with accompanying loss of appeal to a consumer whilst the opaque nature of the labels obscures any such degradation, in any event. Also, the label itself and its as a finger grip whereby an individual berry can be lifted in order for it to be eaten.

As an alternative, and as illustrated in Figure 7, the severed end and adjacent part of the stalk of a grape can be covered by alternative materials such as a suitable opaque wax material (9).

The invention thus overcomes difficulties with prior art methods of packaging grapes in relatively small portions for the convenience of consumers and enables multiples of grapes to be packaged in much smaller punnets than has heretofore been practical. Such punnets can be dimensioned so as to be suitable for carrying in a briefcase or handbag and the contents can comfortably be consumed at one sitting as a small snack. It will be understood that the invention provides an extremely simple yet highly effective method of packaging grape berries that has wide application potential depending on requirements. Also, numerous variations may be made to the embodiment of the invention described above without departing from the scope hereof.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A grape berry (1) that is attached to its stalk (3) and wherein the stalk has been separated from its original associated supporting stem to 5 thereby leave a severed stalk end (5), the grape being characterised in that at least the exposed severed stalk end and a part of the stalk adjacent thereto are covered by means of a layer (4, 9) of a non-toxic opaque material.

io 2. A grape berry as claimed in claim 1 in which the length of stalk protruding from the berry surface to the severed stalk end is from about 6 to about 10 millimetres.

3. A grape berry as claimed in either one of claims 1 or 2 in which a /5 major part of the severed stalk is covered by means of the layer of non-toxic opaque material.

4. A grape berry as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the non-toxic opaque material is at least somewhat waterproof to

20 inhibit dehydration of the stalk.

5. A grape berry as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the non-toxic opaque material is a label (4).

25 6. A grape berry as claimed in claim 5 in which the label is a self- adhesive (6) label.

7. A grape berry as claimed in either one of claims 5 or 6 in which the label is folded double over the severed stalk end.

30

8. A package of grapes comprising a container (8) in which multiple grapes as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 are packaged for the purpose of marketing.

9. A package of grapes as claimed in claim 8 in which the grapes are of generally uniform size or conform generally to any other predetermined selection criteria.

10. A package of grapes as claimed in either one of claims 8 or 9 in which the container is a punnet having at least a translucent, colourless lid.

11. A method of packaging grape berries (1) comprising the steps of severing stalks (3) that connect individual grape berries to supporting stems of a bunch (2) of grapes between the grape berry and stem; washing the berries with their severed stalks attached with an appropriate disinfectant to render them suitable for human consumption; applying to at least the exposed severed stalk end and a part of the stalk adjacent thereto a layer (4, 9) of a non-toxic opaque material; and packing a required quantity of berries in an appropriate container (8).