Combination condiment packet and stirrer
An apparatus and method for a combination condiment packet and stirrer. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an extendable stirrer is disposed within a sealed condiment packet, the stirrer being detachably affixed to the packet.
Nowadays, in order to make life easier for beverage consumers, numerous single-serving packets have appeared on the market. Most of these single-serving packets contain powder or granules which must be mixed with some type of liquid in order to be consumed. Single-serving packets are used for condiments (e.g., sweeteners, creamer), instant beverages (e.g., coffee, tea, etc.), medications, vitamins, exercise supplements, etc. There is no doubt that the single-serving packet saves time and adds convenience to the daily life of the consumer. It also provides unparalleled portability.
Every time one uses a powdered or granulated mixture, one needs some way of mixing it. Most people use either a wooden or plastic stirrer or straw, or a spoon when available. Without a stirrer, one lacks the necessary means of blending the mixture together with the liquid. Thus, the stirrer is indispensable to the single serving packet.
The problem with wooden or plastic stirrers is that they must be supplied separately from single-serving packets. Thus, if they are not adequately supplied or timely replenished, then a customer may be inconvenienced by having to find one or make do with an alternative. Furthermore, current stirrers are generally not individually wrapped, making it impossible to tell if the stirrer one is about to put into one's beverage has been manipulated by others or contaminated with germs, dust, or insects. Because such stirrers are unprotected from external contamination, they are also not conducive to transport
An improved single use packet would include a stirrer which is sturdy, disposable, long enough for a larger mixing container, yet compact enough to fit in a single use packet without impeding the packet's portability. The disposable stirrer must be wrapped in order to protect it from harmful microorganisms, and ensure its hygienic integrity.
SUMMARY OF INVENTIONThe object of the invention is to provide a clean, convenient stirrer inside a single-use condiment packet, thereby eliminating the need to find another means of stirring. This invention will provide a cost effective solution that is uncomplicated to manufacture and simple to use. The rectangular packet is made of tearable material that facilitates opening the packet by hand, yet is also strong enough to protect the product
The product and the stirrer are packaged in the same single serving packet, thus providing hygienic protection. This provides the consumer peace of mind that the stirrer is hygienically sound.
The stirrer is detachably affixed to one end of the packet by means common in the art, allowing the contents to be emptied without the stirrer falling out Once the packet is empty, the stirrer can be extended to almost twice its length, then freed from the packet by a simple snap.
The invention has unequaled portability benefits for the “on the go” consumer by providing an “all in one” packet. It has the hygienic integrity necessary for use in the hospital setting and provides time saving benefits by eliminating the need to find an alternative method of mixing.
In alternative embodiments of the invention, the packet can be any shape capable of housing the stirrer and condiment, e.g., rectangular or rounded. Furthermore, the packet may be sealed in any manner sufficient for containment of the contents of the packet and for ensuring the hygienic purity of the interior of the packet.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the end of rectangular tube 9 opposite slot 6 is attached to the sealed packet and contains means for detachment such as an indented or perforated snap line. Thus, in this embodiment, the process of opening the packet also automatically extends the stirrer.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that alternative embodiments of the present invention may be applied without departing from the essence of the present invention. For instance, application of a non-extendable stir stick is contemplated within the scope of the present invention. Naturally, alternative systems of extendable stir sticks may be applied, such as a stir stick comprising a series of two or more telescoping tubes, or a foldable strip. Alternative means for locking the stir stick in an extended position may also be applied. For example, a series of telescoping tubes might be formed to provide interference fit when extended.
Claims
1. A combination condiment packet and stirrer comprising:
- a sealed packet in which a stirrer and condiment are stored;
- said stirrer being detachably affixed to the sealed packet
2. The combination condiment packet and stirrer of claim 1, wherein said stirrer is extendable.
3. The combination condiment packet and stirrer of claim 2, wherein:
- said stirrer comprises a strip slidably disposed within a tube;
- one end of said strip being detachably affixed to the sealed packet.
4. The combination condiment packet and stirrer of claim 3, wherein:
- the non-attached end of said strip has a protuberance; and
- said tube contains a slot for interlocking with said protuberance when the strip is extended, thereby locking the stirrer in the extended position.
5. A method of packaging condiment and a stirrer comprising the steps of:
- 1) storing condiment and a stirrer in a sealed packet
- 2) detachably affixing said stirrer to said packet.
6. The method of claim 5, further including the step of extending the length of the stirrer beyond the length of the packet.
7. The method of claim 6, further including the steps of
- disposing a strip within a tube to provide a stirrer;
- detachably affixing one end of said strip to the sealed packet.
8. The method of claim 7, further including the steps of:
- forming a protuberance on the non-attached end of said strip; and
- forming a slot in said tube for interlocking with said protuberance when said strip is extended, thereby locking the stirrer in the extended position.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 14, 2010
Publication Date: Jun 14, 2012
Inventor: Fabrice Laurent Rondia (Monterey, CA)
Application Number: 12/928,505
International Classification: B65D 85/00 (20060101); B65B 1/00 (20060101);